Australia gamble on no warm-up games ahead of five-Test BGT

Australia will not engage in practice matches leading up to the 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, opting instead for a comprehensive training camp in India. This preparation phase will kick off following their concluding home series against New Zealand. Depending on local conditions, squad choices for the Indian tour might change. Fans can mark their calendars—the five-Test series launches in Nagpur on January 21, 2027.

Returning Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam couldn’t break his nearly 4-year drought of not scoring a century in the longest format as West Indies’ Brandon King produced a sensational fielding effort to run-out the Pakistani skipper for 88 in the on-going 2nd Test match at the Queen’s Park Oval. The visiting side is currently trailing 1-0 in the series. freshyourfeel.com

The dismissal came against the run of play. Babar pushed the ball into the leg side and called for a quick single. Brandon King charged in from the deep, collected the ball cleanly and produced a direct hit at the striker’s end. Babar, despite putting in a full-length dive, was found just short of his crease. The third umpire confirmed the run-out, ending a superb innings on 88. The West Indies players celebrated wildly, knowing they had removed Pakistan’s biggest hope of a match-changing score.

The right-hander had looked in complete control throughout his stay at the crease. He handled both pace and spin confidently and stitched together important partnerships to keep Pakistan in the contest. However, the run-out meant his wait for a Test hundred stretched further.

Babar has now gone nearly four years without a Test century. His last hundred in the longest format came against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022. Since then, he has crossed fifty on several occasions but has failed to convert those starts into three figures. The innings against West Indies was also his 29th consecutive Test innings without a century, highlighting a rare lean patch for one of Pakistan’s finest batters.

Despite losing Babar, Pakistan remained in the fight in the second Test. The visitors are looking to level the two-match series after suffering a disappointing defeat in the opener. Every run in the second Test has become crucial as Pakistan aim to avoid another series loss in the Caribbean.

Runout of Babar Azam pic.twitter.com/CagsCM171P

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“Their success will motivate youngsters”: PM Modi hosts India’s…

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In the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, West Indies defeated Pakistan by 90 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Chasing 211 in the fourth innings, Pakistan collapsed for just 120 despite a fighting effort from Babar. Jayden Seales starred with a five-wicket haul, while Justin Greaves also played a key role with both bat and ball. Pakistan’s batting struggled under pressure, and the defeat put them on the back foot in the series.

New Delhi [India], August 5 (ANI): Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has entered franchise ownership in Sri Lankan cricket after Stockholm-based sports ownership group Anchor Sports AB, which he co-owns with businessman Nagendra Siddoutam, acquired Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings.

Following the acquisition, the franchise will be rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, marking a new chapter for the most successful team in LPL history after its previous ownership was terminated last month, as per Cricinfo.

The takeover comes just weeks after the franchise was placed under the emergency regulatory control of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and LPL rights holders Innovation Production Group (IPG) following the termination of the previous ownership on July 23.

The acquisition also brings Jaffna Kings into Anchor Sports AB’s expanding global multi-club network.

According to an IPG media release, Anchor Sports AB’s international portfolio already includes the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League in Belgium and the Vancouver Anchors men’s and women’s teams competing in Canada’s Super60 league.

Expressing his excitement over the acquisition, Zaheer said he was looking forward to becoming part of Sri Lankan cricket in a new role.

“I’ve always admired the calibre, innovation and variety of bowling talent that comes out of Sri Lanka – it’s a country I’ve visited, competed in, and hold very fond memories of. To now be part of Sri Lankan cricket as an owner is something I’m genuinely thrilled about, and I can’t wait to get started with the Anchor Jaffna Kings," Zaheer said.

Anchor Sports AB co-founder Nagendra Siddoutam said the franchise aligns with the group’s long-term vision of building a connected global sporting network while retaining strong local identities.

“This is a significant step for us. Sri Lanka has a rich cricketing heritage, and the LPL has established itself as a well-run, highly competitive league in a short span of time. The Anchor Jaffna Kings will be a natural extension of what we’re building globally – franchises that are rooted in their local communities while being part of a connected, international Anchor network. We’re looking forward to investing in the Anchor Jaffna Kings and contributing to the league’s continued growth," he said.

The franchise has undergone multiple ownership changes since the inception of the LPL. Most recently, it was owned by Sports Commune, co-owned by former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra and entrepreneur Mayank Goel. That ownership ended after Kalra was arrested on alleged match-fixing charges in July, while Goel’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Before Sports Commune, the franchise was owned by the Lyca Group from 2021 to 2025, while a consortium led by Arnold Anandan and Rahul Sood controlled the team during the inaugural LPL season. Each ownership tenure ended due to financial issues, prompting SLC and IPG to step in and manage the franchise during the ongoing season.

Despite the off-field uncertainty, Jaffna Kings have remained the benchmark of success in the Lanka Premier League, winning four of the five completed editions and once again topping the league standings this season to qualify for the playoffs.

LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela welcomed the new ownership, saying Zaheer’s involvement would be a major positive for Sri Lankan cricket.

“Having an owner of Zaheer Khan’s calibre involved with the Anchor Jaffna Kings is a real boost for the league. The mentorship and direction he can offer our young Sri Lankan players will be enormous, and we’re excited to see that experience passed on both on and off the field," Dodanwela said.

Jaffna Kings Squad: Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Kamil Mishara (wk), Nuwanidu Fernando, David Wiese, Dunith Wellalage, Piyush Chawla, Dilshan Madushanka, Lizaad Williams, Traveen Mathew, Shakib Al Hasan, Mohamed Shiraz, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kugathas Mathulan, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nishan Madushka, Dipendra Singh Airee, Praveen Maneesha. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Neeraj Chopra secured the silver medal with a best throw of 85.83m, while debutant Yashvir Singh won bronze as India celebrated two medals in the event. Chopra's final attempt ended in a foul, but his earlier effort was enough to seal second place in his second Commonwealth Games appearance. The Indian javelin star said the last 10 months were extremely difficult and thanked everyone who helped him during his recovery.