The Pakistan Super League (PSL) could be brought forward to January next year, a move that would put the tournament in direct competition with the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia and South Africa’s SA20 for the availability of international players. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and owners of the eight PSL franchises discussed the possibility of shifting the tournament from its current April-May window to January at the league’s governing council meeting held in London on September 1. The proposal was reportedly raised by Walee Technologies, the PSL’s media rights holder in Pakistan. The company believes that the April-May window offers limited advertising potential because it comes after Ramadan, when many companies have already exhausted a significant portion of their marketing and television advertising budgets. However, franchise owners have expressed concerns over the financial implications of the proposed change. Under the existing agreement, the eight franchises receive 95% of the broadcast revenue from the PSL’s central revenue pool, while their payments remain fixed regardless of when the tournament is played. The PSL was traditionally held between February and March from its inaugural season in 2016 through 2024. The tournament was moved to April-May for the past two editions because of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and the T20 World Cup this year. One advantage of the current April-May schedule has been the uninterrupted availability of international players. A move to January, however, could once again create player-availability problems, with the PSL competing directly with the BBL and SA20, both of which attract several overseas stars. Weather Could Pose Another Challenge A January-February PSL would also present logistical challenges for the PCB, particularly in Punjab. Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, three of the league's traditional venues, experience cold weather and heavy fog during the winter months. Temperatures can fall into the early single digits after sunset, while poor visibility caused by fog could affect match schedules and travel. One proposal discussed was to begin the tournament in Karachi, where winter conditions are comparatively moderate, before moving the competition to Punjab and Peshawar as the weather improves later in the season. Pakistan currently has a clear international window from mid-November through March. The national team is scheduled to host Sri Lanka and England in October and November before New Zealand arrive for two Test matches in March. PSL Could Expand Beyond Cricket The governing council also discussed ways to increase the PSL's commercial footprint beyond the traditional cricket season. One of the proposals involves entering the Esports market, which has been growing in popularity among younger audiences in Pakistan. Franchise owners are reportedly concerned about declining interest in the PSL following Pakistan's inconsistent performances across formats. Officials believe Esports could help the league attract a younger generation of fans and create additional commercial opportunities. The governing council also considered staging a mid-year tournament under the existing rights agreement with the franchises and broadcaster. The PCB reportedly put forward the idea as another potential revenue stream for both the teams and the broadcaster. Walee Technologies currently holds the PSL's broadcast and digital rights in Pakistan until 2029 and also held the international media rights for the 2026 season. The company is additionally the owner of Rawalpindiz, one of the two new franchises introduced to the league this year. No final decision has yet been made on shifting the PSL to January, but the discussions indicate that the PCB and franchise owners are exploring significant changes to the league's calendar and commercial structure.

Matt Critchley’s determined 96 was not enough to save Essex as Sussex completed a 47-run victory in a tense Rothesay County Championship Division One clash. Sussex needed just over an hour to claim the final three Essex wickets on the fourth day, with the hosts eventually bowled out for 281 while chasing a daunting target of 329. The victory lifts Sussex further away from the threat of relegation and into mid-table, while Essex are left increasingly concerned about their Division One status with three matches remaining in the season. Critchley provided Essex with their biggest obstacle to victory, batting for three-and-a-half hours and facing 132 deliveries. He was eventually dismissed for 96 when he edged James Coles to slip, falling just four runs short of a century. The allrounder’s innings included eight fours and two sixes and marked the third time this season he has been dismissed in the nineties. Critchley has now accumulated 838 Championship runs this season. Essex began the final day needing 132 more runs for an unlikely victory, with plenty of time available. Critchley and Mitch Killeen initially adopted a cautious approach, looking to accumulate runs through singles. Critchley broke the routine with a firm drive through midwicket for four off Ari Karvelas, while Killeen also found the boundary against the Sussex seamer. Karvelas, however, eventually ended Killeen’s resistance. After facing 34 balls, Killeen edged a rising delivery through to the wicketkeeper. The eighth-wicket partnership had added 31 runs from 11 overs. With Essex still needing almost 100 runs, Shane Snater brought aggression to the chase. He cut Coles for four before launching the spinner over cow corner for six. Critchley joined in, hitting Jack Carson for a maximum, before Snater cleared the ropes again four balls later with a straight six. Sussex immediately responded by bringing back Henry Crocombe, and the move paid off almost instantly. With his third delivery, Crocombe forced Snater to steer the ball high towards second slip, where the chance was taken. Critchley followed soon afterwards, ending Essex’s hopes of pulling off a remarkable chase. Crocombe’s spell proves decisive The match had effectively been shaped by a remarkable spell on the second evening, when Essex collapsed from 171 for 3 to 177 all out, losing seven wickets in just 26 balls. Crocombe claimed his second hat-trick in eight days during the extraordinary collapse, leaving Essex with a 98-run first-innings deficit. Sussex then strengthened their position in the second innings, with James Coles contributing a valuable 79. Essex were ultimately set 329 runs for victory from a theoretical 153 overs, a target that always appeared beyond their reach. Sussex’s first innings total of 275 had been built around 60 from Harry Leaning, while Matt Porter claimed four wickets for Essex. In the second innings, Coles’ 79 and contributions from the Sussex batting order set up the imposing target. For Essex, Critchley’s 96 was the standout effort in the second innings, while Coles finished with four wickets for 98 runs. The result was particularly significant in a tightly packed Division One table. Essex and Sussex were separated by just one point at the start of the match, but Sussex’s win moves them towards the safety of mid-table, while Essex remain under pressure in the relegation battle. Both teams have three matches remaining to secure their Division One status and improve their league positions. Injury and replacement issues dominate four days The match was also notable for the number of replacements required by both teams because of injuries and international commitments. Essex lost seamer Charlie Bennett to a recurring shin problem on the opening morning, with Matt Porter replacing him. Sam Cook subsequently left the squad for England duty and was replaced by Mitch Killeen, who returned from a loan spell at Gloucestershire. Wicketkeeper Michael Pepper was also forced out after suffering a thumb injury, with Lancashire’s George Bell joining Essex on an emergency loan. Sussex suffered their own setbacks, losing Australian opener Dan Hughes to a side strain. Oli Carter stepped in as his injury substitute. Allrounder Tom Clark was also ruled out of bowling in the fourth innings because of a knee injury. Sussex will face further selection challenges during the remainder of the Championship campaign, with Crocombe and Coles set to join England’s white-ball squads for much of the run-in. Despite those disruptions, Sussex held their nerve to complete a valuable away victory, while Essex were left to rue their dramatic second-innings collapse and Critchley’s agonising near-century.

Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma have acknowledged that the short turnaround between the Duleep Trophy final and India’s upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan will be “slightly challenging,” but both players remain confident about adapting quickly to the demands of white-ball cricket. The Duleep Trophy final between East Zone and South Zone begins on Sunday at Chennai’s Chepauk, with Kishan leading East Zone and Tilak Varma captaining South Zone. Following the five-day domestic fixture, the players will travel to Delhi for the Afghanistan T20I series. East Zone vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will also face a tight schedule, with only three days between the Duleep Trophy final and the T20I series. Kishan said switching between formats can be demanding, particularly when players have to move from the mindset required for a long-format game to the aggressive approach needed in T20 cricket. “It is just about knowing what format you are playing,” Kishan said ahead of the Duleep Trophy final. “Sometimes it gets difficult when you are playing a Test match and suddenly you have to go and start hitting from ball one and then go back to your domestic team and play a completely different role.” However, the wicketkeeper-batter stressed that adapting to changing formats is part of a professional cricketer’s responsibility. “As professionals, it is our job to adapt. We cannot be coming up with excuses after knowing this is our routine for the next few days,” he said. Kishan also pointed out that the players will have two days of practice before the opening Afghanistan T20I, which he believes should be sufficient to make the transition. “I will be playing T20 after this, so my job will be different in T20Is. But we are getting two days of practice before the first Afghanistan game, so it will be more than enough,” he added. Tilak Varma echoed Kishan’s assessment, saying the demanding schedule would test the players but that their experience of playing across formats and conditions should help them adjust. “We have played enough domestic games and in every condition, so we can adjust to the conditions,” Tilak said. “But it will be slightly challenging playing five days here and again joining the T20I team.” The all-round batter added that the break between the Duleep final and the first T20I would give the players an opportunity to recover and prepare mentally and physically. “We are going to Delhi, there will be two days of break, so we can practise there and we have enough time as well. We know how to change our mindsets and maintain our bodies with good fluids and everything,” he said. Tilak, who has featured across formats in recent months, believes that experience will be useful in handling the transition. “We have played back-to-back games before in domestic cricket as well as international cricket, so we are quite used to it,” he said. Kishan praises Shami's hunger ahead of 100th first-class game Meanwhile, Kishan has praised Mohammed Shami’s intensity and determination as the veteran fast bowler prepares to play his 100th first-class match in the Duleep Trophy final. Shami, who last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, has continued to feature in domestic cricket despite currently not being considered fit enough for Test cricket. Kishan believes Shami’s age is irrelevant as long as the fast bowler continues to maintain his hunger and work ethic. “I feel age is just a number. If he is working hard, it doesn’t matter. He has been doing so well,” Kishan said. The East Zone captain also highlighted the confidence Shami brings to the team, particularly with his ability to produce important wickets. “Having him in our team gives us a bit more confidence. When you have such bowlers in your team who can get you wickets, it makes a difference. Especially looking at Shami bhai this season, his intensity and energy have been very different,” he said. Kishan pointed to Shami’s motivation despite being away from regular international cricket. The fast bowler was a key performer during India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, but has since faced periods away from the national side. “It has been three years since that 2023 World Cup when he was in excellent form. It is hard when you are not regularly playing for the Indian team and to again have that same kind of motivation for domestic games,” Kishan said. “But I see that hunger in him. He wants to make that comeback and wants to be part of the Indian squad again.” Kishan also revealed that Shami has been actively involved in helping him with captaincy during the Duleep Trophy campaign. “You can see it in him. When he is trying to help me while I’m leading the side, he comes to me and gives me options about what we can do right now,” Kishan said. For Kishan, Shami’s attitude is a reflection of his determination to return to the highest level, with his 100th first-class appearance offering another opportunity to demonstrate his enduring quality.

Ollie Price produced a career-best bowling performance to put Gloucestershire firmly back in contention against Derbyshire on the third day of their Rothesay County Championship Second Division clash at the Seat Unique Stadium. Price claimed an impressive 6 for 45 from 21.4 overs, using his off-spin to dismantle Derbyshire's batting order after the visitors had appeared comfortably placed earlier in the day. Derbyshire, who resumed on 162 for 2, were eventually bowled out for 278, securing a first-innings lead of 41. Matt Montgomery led Derbyshire's early progress, scoring a fluent 65 with seven fours. He added 43 for the third wicket with nightwatchman Jack Morley before Gloucestershire staged a decisive fightback. Montgomery's innings ended when he top-edged a Matt Taylor bouncer to Sai Kishore at deep fine leg, triggering a collapse. Price then struck twice in consecutive overs, dismissing Wayne Madsen and Martin Andersson to reduce Derbyshire to 211 for 5. Madsen edged forward to Price and was caught by Cameron Bancroft at slip, while Andersson was beaten by one that straightened and was dismissed for a 10-ball duck. Morley and Aneurin Donald briefly steadied Derbyshire's innings, taking the visitors to lunch at 253 for 5. Morley eventually made a career-best 41 from 140 balls, but Derbyshire's lower order could not withstand Gloucestershire's spinners. Sai Kishore bowled Donald for 26 before Price removed Brooke Guest to surpass his previous best first-class bowling figures of 3 for 40. After taking the new ball, Price dismissed Morley and completed his maiden five-wicket haul by bowling Brett Randell with a quicker delivery. He then completed a memorable spell by having Ben Aitchison caught brilliantly at short square leg by Tommy Boorman, wrapping up Derbyshire's innings inside 90 overs. Gloucestershire's second innings got off to a difficult start when Shoaib Bashir dismissed Cameron Bancroft with his first delivery, the Australian driving outside the line and edging behind. However, Joe Phillips and Price steadied the innings, taking Gloucestershire into a first-innings lead at 48 for 1 by tea. Their partnership was broken when Price, having contributed with both bat and ball, flashed at a Randell delivery outside off stump and was caught by Madsen at slip for 21. Phillips continued to anchor the innings, reaching a patient 64 from 94 balls before Bashir dismissed him shortly before the close. Miles Hammond remained unbeaten on 46, providing Gloucestershire with a solid platform alongside James Bracey, who will resume on the fourth morning as the hosts look to extend their advantage. At stumps, Gloucestershire were 149 for 3, leading Derbyshire by 108 runs. With Bashir already having taken 2 for 59, Derbyshire will hope the England spinner can exploit the surface on the final morning. Gloucestershire, meanwhile, will aim to build a substantial fourth-innings target and press for victory after Price's outstanding intervention with the ball.

Northamptonshire mounted a strong fightback against promotion rivals Durham on an absorbing third day of their County Championship Division Two clash at Wantage Road, with captain Luke Procter producing a crucial late double strike to keep his side firmly in contention. Durham closed the day on 246 for 7, leading Northamptonshire by 188 runs after Northamptonshire had earlier been bowled out for 263. The visitors appeared to be building a commanding position after Alex Lees’ composed 80 and a fifth-wicket partnership of 89 between Ben Stokes and Mayank Agarwal. However, Procter changed the momentum dramatically in the final stages of the day. With only six overs remaining, Procter returned to the attack and trapped Stokes lbw for 37 to claim his 200th first-class wicket. He then dismissed Colin Ackermann with the very next delivery, leaving Durham suddenly under pressure. Agarwal, who had made a valuable 48, followed shortly before the close, adjudged caught at short leg off Calvin Harrison. Replays appeared to suggest the ball may have come off the batter’s pad rather than the bat, but the decision stood. The late collapse meant Durham lost three wickets in quick succession after looking well placed to establish a sizeable lead. Earlier, Northamptonshire had secured a first-innings lead of 58 after being dismissed for 263. Matthew Potts completed an impressive spell by taking the final three wickets to finish with 4 for 49, while Stokes claimed 3 for 58. Resuming at 225 for 7 after rain delayed the start, Northamptonshire soon lost Louis Kimber, who shouldered arms to Potts and was bowled. Lewis McManus and Ben Sanderson then counterattacked, adding 36 for the ninth wicket and securing an important batting bonus point. McManus remained unbeaten on 29, while Sanderson struck a number of attacking shots before Potts wrapped up the innings in the space of two deliveries. Durham’s reply initially progressed steadily. Ben McKinney showed flashes of aggression but struggled against Northamptonshire’s varied attack and was bowled by Harrison from the final ball before lunch. After the interval, Lees and Will Rhodes combined for a patient partnership of 64 from 24 overs as Durham gradually erased the deficit. Lees looked particularly assured, driving through the covers and launching Yuzvendra Chahal for a straight six into the upper tier of the Spencer Pavilion. Rhodes eventually departed for 27 after being run out following sharp work in the field, before Chahal struck again to remove David Bedingham for just five. The Durham batter could add little to his first-innings 81. Chahal then produced another key breakthrough shortly before tea, dismissing Lees for 80 with a delivery that drifted away before turning back sharply enough to hit middle stump. Durham continued to move forward after tea, with Stokes and Agarwal initially resisting Northamptonshire’s attempts to force another collapse. Stokes struck Sanderson for boundaries and reverse-swept Harrison for four, while Agarwal found the gaps through the covers. But Northamptonshire’s experienced bowling attack kept the pressure on. Chahal repeatedly threatened with his leg-spin, while Harrison extracted considerable turn from the surface. The breakthrough eventually came from Procter, whose dismissal of Stokes sparked the late Durham collapse and brought Northamptonshire back into the contest. With Durham still 188 runs ahead, the visitors remain favourites to set a challenging target, but Northamptonshire’s late surge has ensured the match remains finely poised heading into the fourth day.

Surrey secured a dramatic one-wicket victory over Yorkshire in a low-scoring County Championship thriller at The Oval, with unlikely hero Josh Blake producing a remarkable unbeaten 43 to guide his side over the line. Surrey, chasing 185 for victory, were reduced to 115 for seven and appeared to be heading for defeat. But Blake, batting for four-and-a-half hours and facing 183 deliveries, held his nerve to steer Surrey to 187 for nine and only their second Championship win of the season. Dan Worrall eventually struck the winning runs, flashing Ben Coad over the off side for four as Surrey completed a remarkable comeback. Blake's innings was the standout performance of the match. The 27-year-old left-hander, who turns 28 later this month, had been given an opportunity because of Surrey's injury and availability problems. Dan Lawrence was away with England, while Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Ryan Patel were unavailable. The opportunity proved to be a defining moment for Blake, who had previously worked as a coach for the Surrey Cricket Foundation and the Chance to Shine charity before earning his first professional contract five seasons ago. Surrey's victory came after an extraordinary second day in which 23 wickets fell, all to seam bowling. Yorkshire were dismissed for 185 in their first innings, with Wharton top-scoring with 45. Tom Lawes took four wickets for Surrey, while Daniel Worrall claimed three for 40. Yorkshire then collapsed to just 82 in their second innings, with Matt Fisher producing outstanding figures of six for 25. Despite needing only 185, Surrey's chase quickly turned into a survival mission. Jack White dismissed Dom Sibley for 3, Rory Burns fell to George Hill, Ollie Pope was trapped lbw by Coad and Ben Foakes was bowled by a superb outswinger from the Yorkshire seamer. With Surrey struggling at 81 for five at lunch, Blake remained focused on survival. George Hill then produced a spectacular one-handed caught-and-bowled to remove Adam Thomas before dismissing Tom Lawes, leaving Surrey seven wickets down. However, Fisher joined Blake and launched a counterattack, helping to add 55 runs for the eighth wicket. Fisher eventually fell to Hill, but Blake remained immovable. Surrey were then given another scare when Indian seamer Auqib Nabi smashed a huge six over midwicket off Coad, leaving his side needing only two runs. Nabi attempted to hit the next delivery back over Coad's head but picked out mid-on. Hill then bowled a maiden over to Blake, repeatedly beating his outside edge, leaving Worrall to face Coad with Surrey still needing two runs. Surrey captain Rory Burns watched anxiously from the dressing-room balcony as Worrall first defended calmly and then produced the decisive shot, slashing an outswinger over point for four. The result lifted Surrey above Yorkshire and into mid-table, easing their relegation concerns with three Championship matches remaining. "We can still win it," Surrey head coach Gareth Batty said afterwards, although he acknowledged that his team would need plenty to go their way. The condition of The Oval pitch could also attract scrutiny after 23 wickets fell on the second day. Batty, however, argued that a poor pitch rating would be unfair. "If the highest score of the game is the last innings, I would suggest it's a brave person that punishes you for that," he said. For Blake, the victory was particularly special. A product of Surrey's age-group system, he played alongside the likes of Jamie Smith and Will Jacks before being released by the club at the age of 15. He rebuilt his career through consistent performances for Sutton Cricket Club and Surrey's second XI and finally earned a professional contract at 23. After receiving a standing ovation from a crowd of almost 3,000, Blake admitted the emotions were still running high. "The heart's still going a little bit," he said. "I've been here for a little while now and watched the group do so well. It's been great to be a part of it, but it's lovely to be out there." Blake is out of contract at the end of the season and remains uncertain about his future. He declined to comment on whether he will remain at Surrey, raising the possibility that this extraordinary innings could eventually be remembered as his farewell performance. For now, however, Blake has given Surrey one of their most memorable victories of the season — and perhaps himself the biggest moment of his career.

The United Arab Emirates kept their semi-final hopes alive in the 2026 Women's T20 Asia Cup with a convincing six-wicket victory over Indonesia, thanks to an impressive bowling display followed by a composed chase. UAE bowled Indonesia out for just 73 before reaching their target in 13.1 overs, securing two valuable points with 41 balls to spare. The hosts must now defeat Bangladesh on September 8 and will also need other results to go in their favour to qualify for the semi-finals. Kotte strikes twice in opening over UAE made the perfect start with the ball as offspinner Suraksha Kotte struck with the first two deliveries of the innings. She dismissed Maria Corazon and Ni Luh Dewi for first-ball ducks, immediately putting Indonesia under severe pressure. Captain Esha Oza then removed opener Rahmawati Pangestuti in the fourth over as Indonesia slipped further behind. Indonesia captain Ni Putu Ayu Nanda Sakarini provided the only significant resistance. She top-scored with 39 from 52 balls, hitting four fours and a six. Her innings accounted for more than half of Indonesia's total, but a lack of support at the other end prevented the visitors from building a competitive score. Kotte finished with excellent figures of 3 for 16, while left-arm spinner Heena Hotchandani claimed 2 for 6. Samaira Dharnidharka added another wicket, and legspinner Vaishnave Mahesh struck twice in the final over to complete Indonesia's innings. Oza leads UAE chase Chasing 74, UAE openers Theertha Satish and Oza put together 17 runs for the first wicket before Satish was dismissed in the fifth over. Oza then took control, finding the boundary twice in both the sixth and eighth overs. Rinitha Rajith also contributed with three fours in the ninth over, helping UAE move rapidly towards victory. However, a brief collapse gave Indonesia some hope. UAE fell from 62 for 1 to 68 for 4, with Oza dismissed for a 29-ball 30 at the start of the 11th over. Sofia Velic then struck twice in the following over. Despite the late wobble, UAE needed only six more runs and completed the chase at the beginning of the 14th over, finishing on 75 for 4. The victory keeps UAE's semi-final ambitions alive, although their qualification remains dependent on both their final group-stage match and other results. For Indonesia, the defeat brought their campaign to an end. They finished the tournament without a win, losing all three of their matches.

Guyana Amazon Warriors continued their dominant run in the CPL 2026, securing their fifth consecutive victory with a commanding eight-wicket win over Jamaica Kingsmen at Providence. Chasing 160, the defending champions produced a clinical batting performance, reaching 160 for 2 in just 17.2 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with a fluent 54 off 35 balls, while Shai Hope remained unbeaten on 39. Youngster Mavendra Dindyal provided the early momentum with a blistering 33 from 17 deliveries, before Shimron Hetmyer finished the contest in style with an unbeaten 30 off 17 balls. Earlier, Dwaine Pretorius once again made an immediate impact with the ball. The South African all-rounder struck with the final delivery of the opening over, trapping Kirk McKenzie lbw. He returned in his second spell to dismiss Keacy Carty, who was also adjudged lbw, leaving Jamaica Kingsmen struggling during the powerplay. Kingsmen reached only 46 for 2 after six overs and continued to lose wickets through the middle overs. Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat fell to Khary Pierre, while Keemo Paul was run out and captain Rovman Powell was bowled by Mohammad Nabi. At 87 for 6 in the 14th over, Jamaica appeared to be heading for a modest total. However, Hassan Khan produced a remarkable late assault to give his side a competitive score. Hassan, who had made just three runs from his first six balls, exploded in the closing stages. He smashed three consecutive sixes off Imran Tahir in the 19th over before finishing the innings with two fours and a six against Shamar Joseph. His unbeaten 62 came from only 29 balls and helped Kingsmen reach 159 for 7. Pretorius finished with impressive figures of 2 for 20, while Khary Pierre claimed 2 for 21. The Kingsmen briefly appeared to have momentum after Hassan's late onslaught, but Guyana's openers quickly turned the match back in their team's favour. Dindyal attacked from the outset, hitting four sixes in his 17-ball 33, while Gurbaz kept the pressure on the Kingsmen bowlers. The pair powered Amazon Warriors to 65 in the opening six overs. Gurbaz also reached a significant personal milestone during his innings, becoming the youngest player to score 7,000 runs in T20 cricket when he reached 28. He continued confidently before falling for 54, with Guyana already at 114 in the 13th over. From there, Hope and Hetmyer completed the chase without further trouble. Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 39 off 35 balls, while Hetmyer provided the finishing fireworks, smashing 30 from 17 deliveries. He sealed the victory with a boundary off the second ball of the 18th over. The victory maintains Guyana Amazon Warriors' perfect record in CPL 2026. They have now won all five of their matches and remain unbeaten, despite having played fewer games than most of their rivals. Antigua and Barbuda Falcons currently sit above them in the standings, one point ahead after playing four more matches. Jamaica Kingsmen remain third, just one place behind the defending champions. For Guyana, the combination of Pretorius' early breakthroughs and an aggressive top order once again proved decisive as the Amazon Warriors continued their impressive title defence.

Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj have been added to the South Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy final against East Zone, which begins on Sunday, September 6, in Chennai. The duo’s inclusion is part of the Indian team management’s plan to keep Test players match-ready ahead of upcoming international assignments. It is yet to be confirmed which two players they will replace in the South Zone squad. South Zone captain Tilak Varma is also expected to feature in the final despite being part of India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan. East Zone players Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan are likewise expected to play unless the Indian team management makes a late request for them to be rested. The three players are part of India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which begins shortly after the scheduled conclusion of the Duleep Trophy final on September 10. Tilak Keen to Play Final Tilak had expressed his desire to play in the Duleep Trophy final after leading South Zone to victory over North Zone in the semi-final. The left-hander produced an outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 116 in the first innings and an unbeaten 51 in the second to guide his side into the final. “I would love to play the final,” Tilak said after the semi-final. He pointed out that there would be sufficient time between the domestic final and the Afghanistan assignment to join the India squad and train. Padikkal Returns After Strong Sri Lanka Tour Padikkal enters the final on the back of an impressive Test series in Sri Lanka, where he was named Player of the Series after scoring 328 runs in three innings, including two centuries. The Karnataka batter featured at No. 3 and played consecutive Tests for the first time since making his debut in 2024. Padikkal got the opportunity at No. 3 after B Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the Sri Lanka series with a toe injury. Sudharsan will not feature in the Duleep Trophy final but is understood to be nearing full fitness. He is expected to be considered for India A’s upcoming series against Australia, beginning September 22 in Puducherry. Siraj Boosts South Zone Pace Attack Siraj’s addition strengthens South Zone’s bowling attack, particularly after Vidwath Kaverappa picked up a niggle. Kaverappa was South Zone’s standout bowler in the semi-final, and his fitness status could influence the final combination. Siraj, like Padikkal, featured in both Tests during India’s tour of Sri Lanka and finished the series with four wickets. South Zone have also brought in Siraj’s Hyderabad teammate CV Milind as cover. The Duleep Trophy final between South Zone and East Zone will begin on September 6 in Chennai, with several players looking to make an impression ahead of India’s upcoming international commitments.

Sri Lanka have suffered a setback ahead of their upcoming T20I series against England, with captain Kusal Mendis and fast bowler Binura Fernando ruled out of the three-match series due to injuries. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that both players are still undergoing rehabilitation following injuries sustained during the 2026 Lanka Premier League. The announcement came just over a day after Mendis and Fernando were included in Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad for the England tour. Mendis, who was retained as captain of both the T20I and ODI teams, has been sidelined since July 19 with a right hamstring injury. Fernando, meanwhile, has been out of action since August 5 with a back injury. With Mendis unavailable for the T20Is, vice-captain Charith Asalanka will take charge of the side. Mendis has not yet been ruled out of the subsequent ODI series, although Asalanka could also lead the ODI team if the regular captain fails to recover in time. Top-order batter Pavan Rathnayake has been called up to replace Mendis in the T20I squad, while left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka comes into the touring party in place of Fernando. The return of Asalanka to the leadership group marks another change in Sri Lanka's recent captaincy setup. He was removed as ODI captain three months ago and had also been left out of the T20I leadership group six months earlier. Asalanka last represented Sri Lanka in a T20I in February this year. He is currently playing for St Lucia Kings in the 2026 Caribbean Premier League. However, his recent form has been modest, with the batter scoring 93 runs from six innings at a strike rate of 124. Sri Lanka will face England in three T20Is, with the first match scheduled for September 15 in Southampton. The second T20I will be played in Cardiff on September 17, followed by the third match in Manchester on September 19. The three-match ODI series will then begin on September 22 in Chester-le-Street, followed by matches in Leeds on September 24 and at The Oval on September 27. Sri Lanka T20I Squad for England Tour Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Lahiru Udara (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana produced a sensational batting performance against Hong Kong in the Women’s Asia Cup, scoring a blistering 124 off just 64 balls as India secured a place in the semi-finals with a 124-run victory. Mandhana’s innings was significant not only for India’s emphatic win but also for the number of records she broke during the night. With her knock, Mandhana surpassed former India captain Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 international runs to become the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. She now has 10,880 runs across formats. Reflecting on the achievement after the match, Mandhana admitted she was unaware of the record while she was batting. “Till I was batting, I didn't know what record because I didn't know what's the exact runs or all of that,” Mandhana said. “But yeah, looking back, definitely a very good day for Indian cricket.” Mandhana also paid tribute to Mithali Raj, whom she described as a legend and role model. “Mithali di has been such a legend and a role model, and we've all grown up watching her bat, so to go past her in the tally of runs is something I definitely never imagined to do,” she said. “But happy that there are two Indians at the top two.” Mandhana Sets New Century Record The left-hander also created another major milestone, scoring her 18th international century. She moved past Australia’s Meg Lanning and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who have 17 international centuries each. Mandhana now has 14 ODI centuries, just one behind Lanning’s record, along with two centuries each in Tests and T20Is. “Going past the international record of the centuries, I mean, 18 is a good number to go past,” Mandhana said