Category: 6. Sports

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Thursday announced a 16-member squad for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28 in T20I format.

Left-handed batter Charith Asalanka will lead Sri Lanka, who lifted the trophy in 2022 and finished as runners-up in 2023.

The major talking point is the return of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. The leg-spinner had been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury during the T20I series against Bangladesh in July and was left out of the squads for the ongoing ODI and upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. However, selectors are hopeful he will regain full fitness ahead of the Asia Cup.

Hasaranga replaces all-rounder Dushan Hemantha in the squad for the continental tournament, while uncapped batter Vishen Halambage also misses out. 

Compared to the team that recently lost to Bangladesh at home, there are four notable changes, with Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Eshan Malinga left out. In their place, batters Nuwanidu Fernando and Kamil Mishara, along with fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, have been included.

The squad features good balance, with three frontline spinners in Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage. Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne strengthen the seam-bowling all-rounder department, while pace options include Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, and Matheesha Pathirana.

Sri Lanka are placed in Group B and will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on September 13 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. They will then face Hong Kong on September 15 and Afghanistan on September 18 in their remaining group matches.

Sri Lanka squad for Asia Cup 2025: Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana.

A new-look England take the field against Samoa, with head coach John Mitchell making 13 changes to the side that powered to that 69-7 win over USA. With injured captain Zoe Aldcroft a confirmed absentee until the knockout stages, all eyes will be on veteran flanker Marlie Packer, who takes on the armband. Versatile back Helena Rowland will also want to make a statement, starting at fly-half. 

For Samoa, the first stated first priority is to get to grips with the massive expected crowd before attempting to match England’s physicality. A throw back to a past era, with the team full of semi-professionals, Samoa do boast a thrilling offload game, if they can get an early foothold in the match. 

Kick-off: 17:00 BST, Saturday, 30 August

Venue: Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton

For all those going to the game, check out Northampton Saints and England legend Phil Dowson’s top tips on where to eat and what to do pre and post-match.

How to watch: Head here to get last-minute tickets.

Or check out our Global Guide to the TV options in your area. 

England team 

England’s key player: In a much-changed line-up, Megan Jones offers fans some reassuring stability. The classy outside-centre played all 80 minutes against USA, making 10 tackles, completing 16 passes and making a mighty impressive 52m. Similar and more will be expected from Jones, who links up with new midfield partner, Jade Shekells – part of the all-conquering club side Gloucester-Hartpury. 

Samoa team 

Samoa’s key player: Number eight Nina Foaese is a powerhouse of Samoan women’s rugby. Aged 36, she has played in six Oceania Championships and two WXV tournaments. Now in her first RWC, Foaese will be keen to live up to her nickname, Xena Warrior Princess, as she takes the battle to England’s famed pack. 

Head-to-head: 

England and Samoa have met just once, back at RWC 2014 when England won 65-3 in the pool stage. 

What they said: 

England head coach John Mitchell: 

“Firstly, we’re not going to get bored around being consistent and as much as we got the right result last week, we have standards to uphold, so the girls get challenged occasionally on standards because we’ve got to keep growing.

“Ultimately, I think the biggest challenge for the girls on the weekend will be we’re going to get space, we’re going to find it, we’re going to attack it, but we’re going to have to be patient with our execution in that space because we might get a little bit more space than normal. Sometimes you can fall into the trap of fool’s gold, and try and get too loose too early, so that’ll be the biggest challenge with this combination.

“In a world where listening and understanding is difficult in the way that we live life, I think I learned the other day that listening’s dropped by about 20 per cent in the last 15 years. On average people listen for 8.25 seconds, so I think we’d rather focus on us trying to understand what we’re doing and making sure that lands in the week.”

England captain Marlie Packer: 

“Me and Meg Jones have massively stepped up this week. We’ve just been there to support Zoe (Aldcroft – the injured squad captain) in whatever she needs, but she’s also been doing the same for us in training today. Me, her and Meg caught up after the session today, just talking about a couple of little bits we want to work on as a group in how we want to be perceived, so we’re still just doing our roles as normal.

“I was fortunate enough to be water girl (in the opening match v USA). It was a very special occasion and one that I know will live with us for ever. We’re now just looking forward to taking the field this week.”

Samoa defence coach Fuimaono Bella Milo: 

“We had a pretty brutal review on Sunday (after losing 73-0 to Australia) and think the girls really took that in. They were upset about the way they performed, so we had a lot of honest conversations about the way we prepared and the way we turned up. We thought we had a lot better second half, so we’re trying to take the positives out of that and move it into this week’s game.

“When you’ve got 32 players that have never played in a World Cup, going out in the front of a crowd of 10,000, that’s something we haven’t experienced. Playing England at home is going to be huge, and I hear there’s going to be a big crowd. 

“We’re really looking to focus on our defence, trying to stop their first-phase attack then getting our systems round the corner. In terms of attack, we’re just working on hold onto the ball. If we can onto the ball, our big ball carriers can get into the game.”

• Aston Martin Vantage S, the most performance-focused Vantage ever, is perfectly equipped for the role as an Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1^®
• Vantage S debuts at this weekend’s FORMULA 1^® HEINEKEN DUTCH GRAND PRIX at the Zandvoort Circuit in the Netherlands
• Aston Martin DBX707 continues as an Official FIA Medical Car of Formula 1^®

Friday 29 August 2025, Gaydon, UK: Aston Martin is increasing the intensity at the front of the F1^® grid as the new Vantage S becomes an Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1^®. This latest addition to Aston Martin’s legendary bloodline of high-performance ‘S’ models is the most performance-focused Vantage ever created and will make its Formula 1^® debut at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend.

With its hand-built 4.0-litre Twin-Turbo V8 producing 680PS and 800Nm of torque, this specially-equipped Vantage S delivers blistering pace – 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202mph – ensuring it is more than capable of leading the world’s fastest racing cars under safety car conditions. Additional aerodynamic upgrades, including a new rear deck spoiler and the regular additions such as the FIA lightbar have been engineered for optimum stability and visibility during deployment.

Alex Long, Global Marketing Director at Aston Martin, said: “Vantage S represents the peak of performance for the model that is the beating heart of the Aston Martin brand. With increased power and even greater dynamic prowess, this car was destined to take on the prestigious role as an F1^® Safety Car and it will be a source of great pride for our colleagues and our customers to see it leading the pack whenever it is called upon. In terms of brand awareness, nothing can compete with Formula 1^® and we are proud to play our part in what we believe is the greatest show on earth.”

The Aston Martin Vantage S embodies the brand’s passion for driving intensity. Visually, F1^® fans will see new centrally-mounted bonnet blades to optimise the extraction of hot air from the ‘hot-V’ configured V8 engine, and a full width decklid spoiler, which increases rear downforce and helps to keep the overall balance of downforce biased to the front. This gives Official Safety Car driver Bernd Mayländer exceptional turn-in response and a high level of cornering grip, essential when being followed by arguably the world’s best racing drivers and machines.

Bernd Mayländer, FIA Safety Car Driver, said: “The introduction of the Vantage S as the Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1^® represents yet another clear step forward in the Vantage’s performance capability, exhibiting capabilities that further allow me to effectively respond quickly and safely when we receive the call for on-track deployment. I’m delighted to be one of the very first to drive the Vantage S and look forward to experiencing the world’s greatest circuits in the most performance focused Vantage to date.”

The Aston Martin Vantage S – painted in the same Podium Green as the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One^® Team cars – is set to become a thrilling new addition to Formula 1^®, alongside the Aston Martin DBX707, which continues as an Official FIA Medical of Formula 1^®.

Safety has never looked – or sounded – so exhilarating.

-ENDS-

Pakistani all‑rounder Aamer Jamal has stirred debate in cricketing circles once again after opening up about the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) alleged double standards in favoring certain players.

In an interview with the renowned PakPassion platform, the Pakistan international discussed the struggles he faced while recovering from injury in England, revealing that he had to pay for his medical care out of pocket at the same time the PCB was covering costs for Saim Ayub’s rehab from an ankle fracture.

Despite being a centrally contracted player, Aamer Jamal said that during his rehabilitation in the UK, he received no financial support from the PCB.

“Saim Ayub and I were both in England, but I was on my own expenses,” Jamal said. “I spent every single penny myself—whether it was for scans, doctor’s fees, or training sessions. Everything came from my own pocket.”

Aamer reportedly suffered a back injury during his stint with Warwickshire. After being advised to undergo conventional rehab, he informed the PCB of his decision to travel to England for further treatment. But despite receiving the board’s blessing, he says he received no financial support in overcoming his injury.

A veteran of 17 international matches, he has not been a part of the international team since suffering the ailment.

This isn’t the first time Aamer Jamal has aired grievances with the PCB publicly. After being left out of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad, he uploaded a cryptic story hinting at unfair treatment.

The 29‑year‑old enjoyed a brilliant start to his international career and was once seen as a player capable of building a lasting legacy. Handy with both ball and bat, Jamal was considered by many to be a regular in Pakistan’s lineup, but those days seem to be in the past.

Aamer Jamal’s revelations are likely to reignite debate over how the PCB handles player welfare, even for contracted players who can still find themselves bearing the financial and emotional toll of injuries.

For a cricketer trying to cement his place in the national side, the experience was not just about fitness; it was about survival.

Only time will tell whether Aamer Jamal finds a place in the national team once more or is relegated to the margins like countless before him.

When a senior BCCI official was asked whether any of the standby players would travel with the squad as net bowlers or for backup purposes, the official told PTI, “No, the standby players will not be travelling with the main squad to Dubai.”

The decision underscores the team management’s preference for a lean travelling group, with potential replacements likely to be flown in only if necessary.

India already have Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson who can open the batting. Yashasvi Jaiswal will only be required if there is an injury to anyone among them. The same goes for Prasidh, who may come into the picture if something happens to Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana.

Notably, India named only 15 players in their squad when the Asia Cup provision allowed them to name a squad of 17.

India’s 15-member squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is set to assemble in Dubai on September 4 ahead of the tournament opener on September 9. In a break from the usual practice, players will not first gather in Mumbai. Instead, they will fly directly from their respective cities to Dubai.

“All the players will arrive in Dubai by September 4 evening and the first nets session will be held on September 5 at the ICC Academy,” the official said on condition of anonymity. “Factoring in the logistical convenience, the players will be allowed to fly in to Dubai from their respective cities.”

“Obviously, a few will travel from Mumbai but to ask some of the others to first come to Mumbai and then fly to Dubai doesn’t make sense. In any case, Dubai is a short-duration flight compared to other international flights,” the official added.

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10, followed by high-profile clashes against Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19. The Super Four stage will begin after the group matches.

Among the squad members, pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are currently playing for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal against East Zone, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav is representing Central Zone against North East Zone.

India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

It was in Chicago that Amorim first said Mainoo would be in competition with Fernandes this season.

Although he was also keen to stress both men could play in different positions, Amorim clearly feels the pair are best suited to the advanced midfield role in his system, which for Mainoo is a clear problem.

How realistic is it that he can oust the captain from the United side, at least in the short-term?

In truth, Mainoo is a victim of his own success.

The Stockport-born player emerged so quickly and came into a team struggling so often, he was almost a totem.

Yet the fabulous end to the 2023-24 campaign masked positional deficiencies in Mainoo’s game that were apparent as United’s midfield was routinely overrun. At the Euros, he had Declan Rice covering him.

As last season began Mainoo’s confidence and form dipped, and he was injured when Erik ten Hag was sacked and Amorim took his place.

Mainoo was prominent in Amorim’s starting line-ups from December onwards, but that meant he was involved in a string of damaging defeats.

He was injured again in February and, by the time he returned, Amorim was targeting the Europa League – meaning his only starts to the end of the season were in the Premier League. Three of those games were lost, the other, at Bournemouth, was a draw.

It was against that backdrop Amorim made his summer call on Mainoo.

He feels the competition for places will help his side and the midfielder, who he says boasts quick feet, an excellent passing range and invaluable speed in tight spaces, will benefit.

Evidently, Mainoo feels the evidence of the opening two league games only points to extended spells on the sidelines, frustration and stunted progress.

American third seed Coco Gauff, who has regularly used her platform to speak out against racism, said Ostapenko was wrong to use those words about Townsend.

“I think it was a heat of the moment thing. I think Jelena was probably feeling emotions after she lost,” added 21-year-old Gauff.

“I do think that shouldn’t have been said regardless of how you’re feeling, especially given those were the reasons that she stated.

“Knowing Taylor personally, she’s the opposite of that.”

Ostapenko lost in the women’s doubles on Thursday but did not fulfil her media duties afterwards, with organisers citing illness.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka, speaking after her victory on Wednesday night, said she had spoken to Ostapenko to “help her face it more in a mature way”.

Sabalenka said: “She just sometimes can lose control. She has some things in life to face and some struggles.

“I was just trying to help her to settle down and just was someone she could speak to and just let it go.

“I really hope that one day she will figure herself and she will handle it much better. I’m pretty sure, looking back, she’s not happy with her behaviour.”

Wayne Rooney received a surprising phone call enticing him to join Manchester United when he was a teenager – from Paul Scholes.

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain spoke about the process of joining United, why he nearly went to Newcastle and receiving interest from abroad.

“While I was still at Everton, I was sat at home one night and watching Coronation Street and my house phone rings. So I answered it, it’s Paul Scholes,” he said. “Like, ‘Wazza, it’s Scholesy… are you going to sign for us or what?’ I was just sat there, I was like: What’s going on here?”

Rooney joined Manchester United from Everton in 2004 when he was 18, but he says manager Sir Alex Ferguson would ideally have waited longer to recruit him.

The Red Devils had to move quickly, though, to prevent him joining Newcastle instead.

“I think, if I’m being honest, that Alex Ferguson wanted to wait another year. And then Newcastle kept coming in and I would have gone to Newcastle if United didn’t sign me then,” he said.

“It got to the last day and then [Everton chairman] Bill Kenwright wouldn’t send the forms over. And Bill, God rest him, was very emotional. And I’m a local lad from Liverpool playing for Everton. It was massive. And he actually got on the phone, put his mum on the phone to me when I was at Old Trafford, then he got on the phone and he was crying down the phone.”

Rooney joined United on transfer deadline day, with the deal coming so quickly that he ended up wearing his wife Coleen’s cousin’s jumper when he made the move.

“I was quite chilled and there was a lot of press trying to follow me around and stuff,” Rooney said.

“I was actually staying in Coleen’s uncle’s in Liverpool. And the night before deadline day, we sat in, we had a Chinese, a few glasses of wine and then I actually had no clothes there.

“So, the jumper that I signed for Manchester United in was Coleen’s cousin’s jumper! So yeah, it shows how prepared I was for it.”