Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first against England in the second ODI at Headingley, Leeds, as the visitors look to bounce back after suffering a heavy defeat in the series opener. England dominated the first ODI, securing an 89-run victory on a tacky surface. However, conditions at Headingley are expected to be different, with a quicker pitch and greater assistance for the seam bowlers. Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis said his side needed to improve with the bat after their disappointing performance in the opening match. "We bowled really well, and the fielding was very good. Today, we have to bat a little bit better compared to the last match. It looks like a very good wicket. We have to put a very big score on the board," Mendis said at the toss. England captain Harry Brook said his side would also have preferred to bowl first and was pleased with the opportunity to chase under favourable conditions. "We would have had a bowl, so we're pretty pleased with that," Brook said. "I like batting here. I like playing here in front of my home crowd." Brook also highlighted the difficulty of defending totals at Headingley, pointing to the quick outfield and good batting surface. "It looks like a good wicket, hence why we wanted to chase. It's a tough ground to defend, quick outfield, good pitch. Hopefully we can restrict them to a low score." England have a relatively even record at Headingley but have lost their last two matches at the venue. Sri Lanka also have fond memories of the ground, having defeated England there during the 2019 World Cup. Sri Lanka have made one change to their playing XI, with fast bowler Eshan Malinga coming into the side in place of Dushmantha Chameera. Legspinner Sachindu Colombage retains his place after an impressive ODI debut in the first match, where he claimed three wickets for 44 runs. Sri Lanka have also confirmed that allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the remainder of the series after aggravating a hamstring injury. He is set to return to Sri Lanka for further treatment and recovery. England, meanwhile, have named an unchanged XI as they look to take a 2-0 lead in the series. England XI Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue. Sri Lanka XI Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (captain/wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan is confident that the relative inexperience of the squad will not prove to be a hurdle as the team prepares for the men's T20 competition at the Asian Games. Pakistan have used their four-day pre-departure camp in Karachi to prepare specifically for the conditions they expect to encounter at the Kōrogi Sports Park in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Head coach Mike Hesson's reconnaissance visit to the venue provided the team with valuable information, which has been incorporated into their preparations. The team has worked on pitches designed to replicate the expected playing conditions in Japan, while the players have also focused on expanding their range of shots and improving their ability to handle spin. Farhan, who will captain Pakistan for the first time, said the camp had provided the team with an opportunity to prepare for the challenges ahead. "We have tried to replicate the conditions which we expect to encounter in the Asian Games and played spin more. We have had two scenario matches as well and the players are looking in good shape," Farhan said. The 15-member squad includes a mix of senior players and members of the Pakistan Shaheens setup. Four players — Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood — are yet to make their international debuts. However, Farhan does not believe the squad lacks experience, pointing to the players' domestic and Pakistan Super League backgrounds. "It is not like the players who have been selected for the Asian Games are inexperienced. They have all played international cricket or come into the team after proving themselves in domestic cricket and the PSL. I have a lot of confidence in these players," he said. Several members of the squad also arrive in Japan with recent competitive experience from the Caribbean Premier League. Sufyan Moqim produced a Player of the Final performance after taking 4 for 14 for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, while Maaz Sadaqat scored his second century of the playoffs for Kingsmen Jamaica. Saim Ayub had also registered a century during the league stage, with wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan also featuring for Kingsmen. Farhan's own captaincy experience in T20 cricket is limited, having led Peshawar in three matches during the Super Eight stage of the National T20 Cup in December 2023. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old is embracing the opportunity to lead Pakistan and hopes to set an example with his aggressive batting. "It is quite a proud moment to be leading Pakistan," Farhan said. "There is no pressure on me whether I play as a captain or a player and I will continue to bat how I do, in an aggressive manner." He added that players often take cues from their captain's approach and stressed the importance of leading from the front. Pakistan are among the four seeded teams at the Asian Games and will enter the men's T20 competition at the quarter-final stage on September 28. They will face the runners-up from Group B, which features Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman. With limited preparation time expected after arriving in Japan, Pakistan will hope their intensive pre-departure camp and the experience gained by several players in recent T20 competitions will help them make a strong start to their Asian Games campaign.

Malaysia produced a dominant bowling display before completing a comfortable run chase to defeat Hong Kong by eight wickets in their Group B clash at the Asian Games men's cricket competition. Left-arm spinners Pavandeep Singh and Muhammad Amir were the architects of Malaysia's victory, sharing six wickets between them to keep Hong Kong's batting lineup under constant pressure. Hong Kong endured a disastrous start after Anshy Rath and Babar Hayat were dismissed for ducks. Their troubles deepened in the sixth over when Pavandeep struck three times in six deliveries, removing captain Yasim Murtaza and wicketkeeper Shahid Wasif without allowing either batter to score. With four of their top six batters failing to get off the mark, Hong Kong struggled to build any momentum. Mathur's 29 provided some resistance, but the team could manage only 81 for 9 from their allotted 20 overs. Pavandeep finished with excellent figures of 3 for 11, while Amir claimed 3 for 12. Malaysia also lost both openers early in their chase, with Hong Kong bowler Nasrullah Rana striking twice in the second over. However, Muhamad Syahadat and Virandeep Singh steadied the innings with an unbeaten 70-run partnership. The pair attacked the Hong Kong bowling with confidence, hitting five fours and four sixes between them. Syahadat remained unbeaten on 36, while Virandeep, who is Pavandeep's brother, finished on 32 not out. Malaysia reached 84 for 2 in just 12 overs, completing an eight-wicket victory with eight overs to spare. The emphatic win also gave Malaysia a significant boost to their net run rate, a factor that could prove important as the teams compete for places in the quarter-finals.

Essex cricketer Robin Das has been charged with two counts of rape following an investigation into reports of an alleged rape in Brixton in March 2024. Das, 24, was charged on July 23, 2026, and is due to appear at Inner London Crown Court on October 9. According to the Metropolitan Police, he was arrested on August 27, 2025, following reports concerning an incident involving a woman in Brixton on March 30, 2024. The Metropolitan Police said the woman continues to receive support from specialist officers. Das's charge came two days after he made his only first-team appearance of the 2026 season, featuring for Essex against Middlesex in the One-Day Cup. Essex has since confirmed that the player has been suspended. In a statement, Essex County Cricket Club said a male member of its playing staff, who remains under contract, had recently appeared in court in connection with an incident that took place outside club activities. The club said it had remained in contact with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), the Cricket Regulator and the player throughout the matter. Essex added that an "immediate and ongoing suspension" had been put in place and said it would continue to follow the appropriate legal processes and guidance. "All employees of Essex County Cricket Club are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct at all times," the club said, adding that it could not comment further while legal proceedings were ongoing. Das made his Essex debut in 2020 and has played nine first-class matches for the county. He scored his maiden first-class century against touring Ireland in 2023. Later that season, he was part of the Essex squad that reached the T20 Blast final at Edgbaston, where they were defeated by Somerset. The allegations against Das remain subject to legal proceedings, and the charges are not findings of guilt.

Afghanistan opened their Asian Games men’s cricket campaign with a convincing victory over Japan, defending a modest total of 129 as their spinners dismantled the hosts’ batting lineup in the Group A opener. Right-arm wristspinner Arab Gul made an immediate impact on his T20I debut, claiming four wickets for just eight runs, while left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote contributed three for 19 as Afghanistan bowled Japan out for 81 in 19.3 overs. Japan had made a promising start to the chase, reaching 53 for 2 in the eighth over. However, their innings quickly fell apart once Afghanistan’s spinners took control. Gul produced the decisive spell, claiming two wickets in both the 12th and 14th overs. Japan slumped from 60 for 4 to 63 for 8 as the wristspinner ripped through the middle order. Abdollah Ahmadzai and Kharote then wrapped up the innings to secure Afghanistan a two-point start to their campaign. Earlier, Afghanistan posted 129 for 6 after being asked to bat first. Mohammad Akram top-scored with 34, while captain Darwish Rasooli made 29 and Karim Janat added 21. Japan’s bowlers had kept Afghanistan under control for much of the innings, restricting them to less than six runs an over during the first 15 overs. Right-arm seamer Shoma Sugaya-Slater and offspinner Ibrahim Takahashi claimed two wickets each. Mohammad Ishaq, however, provided the late acceleration Afghanistan needed. Coming in at No. 6, he remained unbeaten on 25 from just 17 deliveries to lift Afghanistan to a defendable total. The defeat came just two days after Japan had narrowly missed out on a potential upset against India in a rain-affected match in Sano. Against Afghanistan, however, the hosts were unable to replicate that performance as the Afghan spin attack proved too strong. Afghanistan and Japan will both face Nepal in their remaining Group A fixtures. The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals.

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has joined Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) for the ongoing domestic season and will be available for the team from the third round of the President’s Trophy, beginning Thursday. An SNGPL official confirmed that Naseem will remain available for the team for the remainder of the tournament. The fast bowler was not included in any of the eight departmental squads when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially announced the teams. Naseem will be joined at SNGPL by Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique and Pakistan Under-19 captain Farhan Yousaf, who have also linked up with the team ahead of their third-round fixture against Markhor IT Solutions in Peshawar. The participation of several Pakistan internationals in the President’s Trophy comes after the introduction of new central contracts, which make domestic first-class cricket mandatory for centrally contracted players. Under the new requirements, players in Category A, comprising Test specialists, must play at least six domestic first-class matches in a season. Players in Category AB, covering Test and ODI specialists, are required to feature in at least four matches, while those in Category BC, which includes white-ball specialists, must play a minimum of two first-class games. Naseem’s last Test appearance came in December 2024, when Pakistan suffered a two-wicket defeat against South Africa in Centurion. He missed the second Test after developing chest congestion and was subsequently left out of the squad for Pakistan’s home Test series against the West Indies, as the team opted for a spin-heavy combination. Since then, Naseem has played only one domestic first-class match. He represented Lahore Region Whites against Islamabad Region in last year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, while his involvement in Pakistan’s home T20I and ODI series against South Africa limited his opportunities in domestic cricket. His return to first-class cricket could provide Naseem with an opportunity to build match fitness and strengthen his case for selection for Pakistan’s upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka in November, as well as the limited-overs matches scheduled before the Tests. Pakistan’s fast-bowling stocks have come under scrutiny in recent months, particularly over pace and the ability to generate consistent movement with both the new and old ball. Naseem had established himself as an important part of Pakistan’s pace attack after making his international debut, with his pace and ability to extract movement making him a key option across formats. SNGPL, runners-up in the previous edition of the President’s Trophy, are currently at the bottom of the points table after two rounds. They have collected one point from a draw and suffered one defeat.

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has joined Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) for the ongoing domestic season and will be available for the team’s third-round fixture in the President’s Trophy, beginning Thursday. An SNGPL official confirmed that Naseem will remain available for the rest of the tournament. The fast bowler was not included in any of the eight departmental squads when the Pakistan Cricket Board initially announced the teams. Naseem will be joined at SNGPL by Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique and Pakistan Under-19 captain Farhan Yousaf, who have also linked up with the side ahead of their match against Markhor IT Solutions in Peshawar. Central contracts lead to increased domestic participation A number of Pakistan’s international players have featured in the President’s Trophy this season following the introduction of new central-contract requirements. Under the revised contracts, players in Category A, which primarily consists of Test specialists, are required to play at least six domestic first-class matches during a season. Players in Category AB, comprising Test and ODI specialists, must play at least four, while those in Category BC, which covers white-ball specialists, are required to appear in a minimum of two first-class matches. The changes are designed to ensure Pakistan’s centrally contracted players remain involved in domestic cricket and gain regular first-class experience. Naseem looking to return to Test contention Naseem’s most recent Test appearance came in December 2024, when Pakistan suffered a two-wicket defeat to South Africa in Centurion. He missed the second Test after developing chest congestion and was subsequently left out of the squad for Pakistan’s home Test series against West Indies, as the selectors opted for a spin-heavy combination. Since then, Naseem has played only one domestic first-class match. He represented Lahore Region Whites against Islamabad Region in last year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, while his involvement in Pakistan’s home T20I and ODI series against South Africa restricted his opportunities in domestic cricket. The President’s Trophy provides Naseem with an opportunity to build his match fitness and push for a return to Pakistan’s Test squad. Pakistan are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a Test series in November, with a limited-overs series preceding it. Pakistan’s fast-bowling department has faced increasing scrutiny over recent months, particularly regarding pace and the ability to consistently generate movement with both the new and old ball. Naseem had established himself as one of Pakistan’s leading fast bowlers after making his international debut, and a strong domestic campaign could strengthen his case for a return to the national side. SNGPL seek turnaround SNGPL, runners-up in the previous edition of the President’s Trophy, have endured a difficult start to the current tournament. They are currently at the bottom of the points table after two rounds, having recorded one draw and one defeat. The addition of Naseem, Abdullah Shafique and Farhan Yousaf will provide the side with further international and emerging talent as they look to revive their campaign in the third round.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das is looking forward to making his Asian Games debut as the national team sets its sights on winning a second gold medal in the men’s cricket competition. Bangladesh won the men’s cricket gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, the country’s only gold in the history of the continental event. They later claimed bronze medals in 2014 and 2023. For Litton, who missed Bangladesh’s previous Asian Games appearance in 2023 because it coincided with the 50-over World Cup, the tournament represents a rare opportunity. “I have played for the Bangladesh team for a long time, but it is my first time playing in the Asian Games,” Litton said. “We are always targeting trophies, but this time the big dream is to win the gold medal. All the players are really excited about it.” The Bangladesh captain also believes the tournament could provide valuable experience beyond cricket. He said participating in a multi-sport event would allow the players to interact with athletes from different disciplines and learn from their experiences. Bangladesh are also hoping to reach the final, which could potentially help their ambitions of securing a place in the 2028 Olympics. “Everyone wants to contribute for their country. We are able to do it through cricket,” Litton said. “We will definitely face some challenges, but we are focused on doing well in the matches. We want to reach the Asian Games final, which will give us a shot at a place in the Olympics, which will ultimately help the rest of the sports in this country.” T20I preparation remains a concern Bangladesh’s limited experience in T20 internationals this year remains one of the team’s concerns heading into the competition. They have won three of their eight completed T20Is in 2026, recording bilateral series victories against New Zealand, Australia and Zimbabwe. Their most recent assignment was a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in July, which Bangladesh won 2-1. Litton, however, believes the team’s training camp in Dhaka and two practice matches have helped the players prepare. He also pointed to the growing involvement of Bangladeshi cricketers in franchise T20 leagues around the world as an important development. “I think the more Bangladesh players take part in these leagues, the better it will be for our overall game,” he said. “People used to know about Bangladesh when Shakib bhai or Fizz played in the franchise circuit. There’s always more opportunity for other players when one or two players are playing in the franchise circuit.” Yasir Ali in contention for lower-middle order role Bangladesh will also use the tournament to assess their options in the lower-middle order, with Yasir Ali expected to receive opportunities after returning to the side. Yasir impressed during the recent series against Zimbabwe, and Litton indicated that the team would give him time to establish himself. “We are focused on finding better options in the lower order of our line-up,” Litton said. “At the moment, Rabbi [Yasir] has returned to the side. He has done well in Zimbabwe. Bangladesh generally has three or four options to bat in the lower-middle order. We will look at all our options, and play the most suitable batter.” Saifuddin ruled out Bangladesh have suffered an injury setback ahead of the Asian Games, with allrounder Mohammad Saifuddin ruled out of the tournament because of a hamstring injury. In his place, 29-year-old mystery spinner Aliss Al Islam has received his maiden T20I call-up. Despite the setback, Bangladesh remain focused on their goal of reaching the final and challenging for the gold medal. For Litton, the Asian Games will also be an opportunity to experience the wider sporting culture of the event. Having studied at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the country’s national sports institute, he said he has always been interested in other disciplines. “I think if we get the time, we will definitely catch up on the rest of the games,” Litton said. “There will be a lot to learn from other sports personalities. We can talk to athletes from various countries.” With a gold medal already in their Asian Games history, Bangladesh will now look to add another when their cricket campaign gets underway.

The IPL 2027 mini-auction will be held in Goa in December, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed, marking a return to India after the previous three auctions were staged overseas. Saikia revealed the venue and month on Wednesday while speaking to ANI, saying the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will host the upcoming auction in Goa. “This year, after hosting the IPL auction in three foreign locations — Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Abu Dhabi last year — we are going to host it in Goa in the month of December,” Saikia said. The auction is expected to take place in the second week of December and will be the final mini-auction of the current 2023-27 IPL cycle. The BCCI has not yet announced the exact date of the auction or the deadline for franchises to finalise their player retentions. The retention deadline is generally scheduled towards the end of November. IPL 2027 season expected to begin in March The schedule for the 2027 IPL season has also yet to be officially confirmed. In 2024, the IPL had announced a provisional window of March 14 to May 30 for the 2027 edition. However, following the BCCI Annual General Meeting last week, Saikia indicated that the tournament would begin towards the end of March. The final dates are expected to be announced later. The upcoming auction will take place against the backdrop of several significant changes among IPL franchises. Rishabh Pant has returned to Delhi Capitals, while India spinner Kuldeep Yadav moved from Delhi Capitals to Lucknow Super Giants in a high-profile trade between the two franchises. Chennai Super Kings have also made a major coaching change, appointing former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their head coach. Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, will need to identify a new captain after Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international and Indian cricket. Mumbai Indians have also strengthened their support staff by appointing Zubin Bharucha as their director of performance. Final mini-auction of current cycle With the IPL 2027 auction set to be the final mini-auction of the 2023-27 cycle, franchises will have another opportunity to address gaps in their squads ahead of the new season. The upcoming retention decisions are expected to shape the auction strategy of all ten teams, although the official retention rules and deadline are yet to be announced. Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the 2027 season as the defending champions after winning consecutive IPL titles in 2025 and 2026. The Goa auction will therefore be an important milestone as franchises begin finalising their squads for another season of the world's premier T20 league.

Former Australia allrounder Ashley Noffke is set to leave his role as Pakistan’s bowling coach after the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and will take charge of the Netherlands men’s team as head coach. Noffke, who joined Pakistan’s support staff in May 2025 ahead of their T20I series against Bangladesh, was originally contracted with the Pakistan Cricket Board until June 2027. However, he will now move to the Netherlands, where he has signed a contract running until the end of 2028. He will succeed Ryan Cook, who recently stepped down as Netherlands head coach. Noffke’s appointment comes as the Dutch side prepares for two major ICC targets — qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup. The move represents another change within Pakistan’s coaching and support staff. Fielding coach Shane McDermott left the Pakistan set-up in July to join Afghanistan, while white-ball batting coach Hanif Malik and long-serving physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon departed in May following the ODI series against Australia. Noffke will complete less than 18 months with Pakistan before beginning his new assignment with the Netherlands. Speaking after his appointment, Noffke said he was excited about the opportunity to work with the Dutch team and help build on its recent progress. “I'm looking forward to working with the Dutch men's team, which has become a fixture at the T20 World Cups,” Noffke said in a statement released by the Netherlands board. “This is a talented, motivated group, and my goal is to help continue that development and move the programme forward.” Noffke also outlined his coaching philosophy, adding: “My approach starts with connection, before the tactic or the plan. I can't wait to get started.” The former Australian cricketer brings extensive coaching experience to the Netherlands role. He has worked with successful teams across different competitions, winning titles with Brisbane Heat in the WBBL, London Spirit in The Hundred and Queensland Fire in the WNCL. He has also previously led the Otago men's programme in New Zealand and worked with UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) before joining Pakistan. With a contract running through 2028, Noffke’s immediate focus will be on strengthening the Netherlands side and guiding the team through its qualification campaigns for the next ODI and T20 World Cups.