Wednesday, May 13
Amidst speculation about India's next ODI captain, Aakash Chopra has dismissed rumors linking Shreyas Iyer to the role. Chopra asserts that Shubman Gill is the likely successor to Rohit Sharma, already holding vice-captaincy in ODIs and leading in Tests. Gill's rise has also shifted Axar Patel from T20 vice-captaincy, solidifying Gill's position as the heir apparent for India's white-ball leadership.
India and Pakistan are set to clash in the Asia Cup and Women's ODI World Cup. Mohsin Naqvi advocates for equal footing in negotiations with India. Despite reservations in India, engagement is expected in multi-nation tournaments. Earlier agreement involved neutral venues. Pakistan secured concessions, including hosting rights for a future ICC Women's tournament.
Viktor Gyokeres shone with two goals on his Arsenal debut in a dominant 5-0 victory against Leeds. However, injuries to key players Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard cast a shadow over the win, raising concerns before their crucial match against Liverpool. Arsenal's impressive performance propelled them to the top of the Premier League, tied with Tottenham.
Cheteshwar Pujara has retired from Indian cricket. He made this decision after careful consideration. Pujara consulted his family before retiring. He played 103 Test matches for India, and scored 7,195 runs with 19 centuries in the process. Pujara considers India's Test series wins in Australia as career highlights. He was a key player in those victories.
Sachin Tendulkar led tributes to Cheteshwar Pujara, praising his calm, courage, and love for Test cricket upon his retirement. Tendulkar highlighted Pujara's pivotal role in India's 2018-19 Australia series win, acknowledging his resilience and match-winning contributions. Pujara, who played 103 Tests, amassed 7,195 runs, leaving a legacy of steadfast resistance and crucial overseas triumphs.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its squad for the upcoming UAE tri-series and Asia Cup 2025, surprisingly omitting Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated the decision was made by selectors based on merit, emphasizing a focus on power-hitters and a long-term vision to introduce new talent. Salman Ali Agha will captain the team.
Barcelona mounted a stunning comeback against Levante, securing a 3-2 victory after trailing by two goals. Pedri and Ferran Torres scored in the second half, while a late own goal sealed the win. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid continued to struggle, drawing 1-1 with Elche, and Mallorca's match against Celta Vigo also ended in a 1-1 draw.
Cheteshwar Pujara's quiet retirement highlights a common trend in cricket, where legends like MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag also missed grand farewells. Many Indian cricket stars, including Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan, exited without fanfare due to form, injuries, or team decisions. The future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remains uncertain, raising concerns about potential unceremonious departures.
Cooper Connolly's record-breaking five-wicket haul propelled Australia to a dominant 276-run victory over South Africa in the third ODI at Mackay. The 22-year-old's stellar performance, where he took 5 for 22, made him the youngest Australian to achieve an ODI five-for. Earlier, Australia amassed a massive 431/2, highlighted by centuries from Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green.
The US Open never had a Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal meeting but they would hope the newest rivalry in men's tennis - Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner - dubbed "Sincaraz" - would fare differently. On the women's side, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka targets her first major this year, with Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff two of her biggest rivals.
