Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
Arsenal Women Complete Signing of France Defender Elisa De Almeida From PSG
Arsenal Women have completed the signing of France international defender Elisa De Almeida from Paris Saint-Germain on a permanent deal, adding much-needed depth to their backline before the women's transfer window closed. "I'm so excited to join Arsenal. This is a very big club and I can't wait to get started," De Almeida said following the move. "I grew up watching Arsenal and seeing French players wear this jersey, so I'm proud to take this step." The 28-year-old made 154 appearances and scored three goals across five years at PSG, and can operate at both centre-back and right-back. The move addresses a pressing need for Arsenal, who had only three fit senior centre-backs available with Katie Reid still working her way back from an ACL injury not expected to return before November. De Almeida brings significant experience at the highest level, having reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2023-24 and featured at the 2023 World Cup and 2025 European Championships for France, for whom she has won 52 caps. "She's a highly experienced and versatile centre-back who will strengthen our backline and add further depth ahead of an exciting season," said Arsenal's Director of Women's Football, Clare Wheatley, with head coach Renee Slegers also welcoming the composure and mobility De Almeida brings to the squad.
India Face Pakistan in Asia Cup Blockbuster, Already Through to Semi-Finals
India face bitter rivals Pakistan in the marquee group-stage fixture of the Women's Asia Cup on Saturday, with the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side already through to the semi-finals. India secured their spot in the last four with a dominant 137-run win over Hong Kong , built around Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking 124, which took her past two centuries at this year's tournament and made her the leading century-maker in women's international cricket history. Having also beaten Thailand in their opening match, India go into the Pakistan clash unbeaten and already qualified, giving them the freedom to fine-tune combinations ahead of the knockout stage. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be looking to boost their own semi-final chances and end a run without a Women's Asia Cup title, having finished runners-up on previous occasions. The India-Pakistan rivalry remains one of the biggest draws in women's cricket, with this fixture expected to be among the most-watched matches of the tournament regardless of the standings. The match takes place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 5, with the semi-finals following on September 10 and 11 and the final on September 13.
Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando Ruled Out of England Tour, Asalanka to Captain
Sri Lanka have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their three-match T20I series in England, with captain Kusal Mendis and pacer Binura Fernando both ruled out, forcing Charith Asalanka into the captaincy. Both players picked up their injuries during the Lanka Premier League 2026: Mendis is still undergoing rehabilitation for a right hamstring problem, while Fernando is recovering from a back injury. Neither is expected to be fit in time for the tour, which begins September 15. Sri Lanka Cricket has responded by naming Pavan Rathnayake as Mendis' replacement and Dilshan Madushanka in for Fernando. With Mendis unavailable, Asalanka , who had been serving as vice-captain for the tour, steps up to lead the side across all three T20Is, scheduled for Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester. Mendis remains in contention to return for the subsequent ODI leg of the tour, which runs from September 22 to 27. Dasun Shanaka, who led Sri Lanka at this year's T20 World Cup, has also been recalled to the ODI squad for the first time since January 2024.
Issy Wong's Maiden Five-For Seals England Women's ODI Series Win Over Ireland
England Women sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead in their ODI series against Ireland with a comfortable six-wicket win in Derby, built around Issy Wong's maiden international five-wicket haul. Wong, playing just her sixth ODI, produced career-best figures of 5 for 33 , dismissing Ireland captain Gaby Lewis by knocking over her leg stump before running through the lower order. Ireland, who had posted 281 in the series opener, collapsed to 165 all out after losing their last six wickets for just 25 runs. Mady Villiers and Tilly Corteen-Coleman chipped in with two wickets apiece as the home attack delivered a far sharper performance than in the first match. England's chase was never seriously threatened, reaching 166 for 4 in 23 overs with 27 overs to spare. Maia Bouchier, fresh off a century in the opener, again set the tone with 45 off 31 balls, before Dani Gibson finished unbeaten on 36 to seal victory with a six. "I had a really good chat with our media man, Dean, who helped flip my mindset," Wong said afterward, crediting a shift toward bowling inswingers for her breakthrough performance. The result gives England an unassailable series lead with one match remaining, at Worcester on Sunday, as they look to complete a clean sweep of the three-match series.
FIFA Reports Record $9.89bn in Men's International Transfer Spending
FIFA has confirmed that global clubs spent a record $9.89 billion on men's international transfer fees during the 2026 mid-year window, the highest figure ever recorded for the period, with more than 12,500 international transfers completed worldwide, itself a new high. The spending surge was fuelled in part by this summer's World Cup, with clubs racing to secure players who had raised their profile on the biggest stage. England's Premier League once again led global spending, continuing a trend that has seen the English top flight dominate the international transfer market year after year. The figures represent a further escalation from FIFA's most recent full-year report, which recorded $8.59 billion in international spending across all of 2024. Women's football also posted record numbers within the same report, continuing the rapid financial growth the women's game has experienced in recent transfer windows as more clubs invest seriously in their squads. FIFA's snapshot lands just days after a frenetic deadline day across Europe that saw British transfer records fall, marquee moves completed for Enzo Fernandez, Bradley Barcola and Gabriel Jesus among others, and several clubs setting individual outgoing or incoming records of their own, underlining just how much of this year's spending was concentrated in the window's final hours.
Argentina to Pause All Domestic Matches at 10th Minute in Tribute to Messi
Argentina will pause every domestic football match this weekend at the 10th minute for a minute of applause in tribute to Lionel Messi , following his retirement from the national team. "For the upcoming matchday across all men's and women's divisions and disciplines, matches will be paused in the 10th minute of the first half for a minute of applause in recognition of Lionel Messi's career with the Argentina national team," the Argentine Football Association announced. The tribute spans men's and women's 11-a-side football, futsal and beach soccer, with the 10th-minute timing a direct nod to the number 10 shirt Messi wore for almost his entire international career. Stadiums equipped with video boards have also been directed to play a tribute video before kickoff. Messi confirmed his retirement earlier this week, revealing he had written the decision down back on July 21, just two days after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, but held off announcing it, later citing the death of his father Jorge as further reason to step away. He leaves as Argentina's record appearance-maker with 207 caps and all-time leading scorer with 125 goals , having played a record six World Cups and made a record 34 World Cup appearances across his 21-year international career. Liga Profesional action resumes with Sarmiento hosting Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto on Friday, before ten top-flight matches follow across the weekend, including Newell's Old Boys, Messi's boyhood club, hosting Central in Rosario, the city where he was born.
Dasun Shanaka Smashes Fastest Century in CPL History, Finishes 121* Off 43 Balls
Dasun Shanaka smashed the fastest century in Caribbean Premier League history, reaching three figures off just 39 balls for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots against St Lucia Kings at Warner Park. Promoted to bat at No. 3 on the advice of captain Jason Holder and the coaching staff, the Sri Lankan all-rounder walked in with the Patriots on 89 for 2 in the 10th over and proceeded to demolish the Kings' bowling attack, reaching his century with back-to-back sixes off the first two balls of the final over. He finished unbeaten on 121 off 43 deliveries , striking 12 sixes and eight fours at a strike rate of 281.40, breaking the previous CPL record of a 40-ball century jointly held by Andre Russell, Tim Seifert and Shimron Hetmyer. The innings propelled the Patriots to 235 for 4, a total the Kings never threatened as they were bowled out for just 98 in 13.5 overs, handing St Kitts a commanding 137-run victory . "This thing was due for a long time, and really happy, you know, it came out from me today," Shanaka said afterward, revealing he had been working on his basics in the nets despite a modest run in the tournament coming into the innings. The knock continues a red-hot CPL 2026 for the 34-year-old, who has now amassed 255 runs at a strike rate of nearly 230 across seven outings, cementing his place as one of the tournament's standout overseas performers this season.
Khephren Thuram Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery, Faces Months on Sidelines
Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram has successfully undergone knee surgery in Lyon, with the club confirming he will be sidelined for several months as he battles a persistent cartilage issue. Thuram underwent a chondroplasty procedure to treat chondropathy of the patella in his right knee, performed by Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet at the Hopital Prive Jean Mermoz, with Juventus describing the operation as "a complete success." He begins his rehabilitation programme immediately, with Italian media reporting a return is targeted for early 2027, at least four months away. The 25-year-old had not featured in any of Juventus' pre-season friendlies and was left off the club's UEFA squad list for the Europa League league phase, having struggled with the knee issue since the end of last season. Juventus also confirmed a separate fresh injury to defender Juan Cabal , who has sustained a mild strain to his left thigh's semimembranosus muscle. To cover Thuram's extended absence, the club moved to sign Pape Matar Sarr on loan from Tottenham on transfer deadline day, with an option to make the move permanent. Thuram, the son of former France defender Lilian Thuram and brother of Inter Milan's Marcus, has scored six goals in 70 Serie A appearances since joining from Nice in 2024.
Vivianne Miedema Could Miss Remainder of 2026 With Fresh Knee Injury
Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema faces an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a fresh knee injury in training, casting doubt over her availability for the rest of 2026. The club confirmed the Dutch international "sustained a knee injury and will miss the start of the Barclays Women's Super League season," stressing the issue is separate from the recurring knee problems that have plagued her since an ACL rupture back in December 2022. While not an ACL tear, the injury is understood to be serious enough that City fear she may not feature again before the New Year. Miedema was a key figure in City's 2025-26 double-winning campaign, contributing 19 goal involvements in 25 appearances , and had returned for pre-season aiming for a fully fit year after undergoing knee surgery over the summer. Her absence leaves Gareth Taylor's side light in attack just as the newly expanded 14-team WSL season gets under way, with the club now exploring reinforcements including Jennifer Echegini and Ornella Vignola. The Netherlands international, the WSL and her country's record scorer, has endured a torrid run of injuries in recent seasons, having previously spoken out about the toll of the packed women's football calendar on player welfare.
Marcos Llorente Retires From Spain Duty Weeks After World Cup Triumph
Marcos Llorente has announced his retirement from international football with Spain , just weeks after helping the national team lift the 2026 World Cup, in a decision that caught supporters and teammates by surprise. "After spending a lot of time thinking it over, I have decided to close my chapter with the National Team," the 31-year-old Atletico Madrid star wrote in an emotional Instagram post. "I know that many of you won't understand it, and, surely, I wouldn't have understood it either from the outside. But it is a personal decision, deeply considered and, above all, deeply felt." He was clear the decision predated the tournament, adding: "Regardless of whether I had gone to the World Cup or not, or whether we had won or not, I had already made this decision." Llorente made his Spain debut in November 2020 and finishes with 27 caps , having featured at Euro 2021, the 2022 World Cup and this summer's triumphant 2026 campaign, where he backed up Pedro Porro at right-back. He started two group games but played just six minutes across the rest of the knockout rounds, though he insisted his limited World Cup involvement did not influence the decision. The Atletico Madrid star continues his club career, where his honours include two Champions League titles and a La Liga crown, having previously played for city rivals Real Madrid before switching sides in 2019.
Aubameyang Retires From Gabon Duty, Citing "Humiliation" Over AFCON Fallout
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his retirement from international football with Gabon , saying he felt "humiliated" by the treatment he received from the country's government following a disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. "They humiliated and smeared me even though I played at the AFCON while injured. This is the last straw, and I'd rather stop here," the 37-year-old said in a television interview. Gabon crashed out of the tournament in the group stage after three straight defeats, prompting the government to fire the coaching staff, suspend the squad, and single out Aubameyang and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga for exclusion, despite both later being reinstated. Aubameyang leaves as Gabon's all-time leading scorer , with 40 international goals and more than 80 caps across six AFCON tournaments. New head coach Sebastien Migne must now prepare for AFCON qualifiers against Morocco, Niger and Lesotho without his country's most decorated forward. The announcement comes in the same week as retirements from Lionel Messi, Antonio Rudiger and Marcos Llorente, capping an unusually eventful few days for international football farewells. Aubameyang will continue his club career with Deportivo La Coruna , whom he joined from Marseille in July.
Tottenham Axe Richarlison From Premier League Squad Amid Trabzonspor Pursuit
Tottenham have omitted Richarlison from their 25-man Premier League squad for the season, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirming the Brazilian had "asked too many times to leave" the club. The decision follows a collapsed deadline-day move that would have seen Richarlison return to former club Everton as part of a swap involving Iliman Ndiaye heading to Tottenham. When Richarlison rejected the personal terms on offer, the deal fell through entirely, with Ndiaye instead joining Manchester City. Richarlison responded with a fiery Instagram statement declaring "never again will anyone decide my future for me." With the Premier League window shut, his most realistic exit route now runs through Turkey, where Trabzonspor are pushing hard to complete a deal before their transfer deadline on September 4. Reports suggest Richarlison has already agreed personal terms on a contract that would roughly triple his current wages, though Tottenham had rejected opening bids of £15m and £20m and are believed to be holding out for closer to their £35m valuation. The 29-year-old finished as Tottenham's top Premier League scorer last season with 11 goals despite the club narrowly avoiding relegation, and leaves the club without a recognised senior option beyond Dominic Solanke and loan signing Omar Marmoush.
Gabriel Martinelli Completes Arsenal-Record £60m Move to Al-Hilal
Gabriel Martinelli has completed his move from Arsenal to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for a guaranteed £60 million , becoming a record outgoing transfer for the north London club. The fee, which also includes a sell-on clause, surpasses the £40m Arsenal received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's move to Liverpool in 2017. Martinelli has signed a four-year contract with Al-Hilal, who sit top of the Saudi Pro League with a perfect record after four games. "Proud to be blue, proud to be Al-Hilal," the Brazilian said following his unveiling. The 25-year-old leaves after seven years in north London, having joined as an 18-year-old from Ituano in 2019 and gone on to score 62 goals in 278 appearances , winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield along the way. He was left out of Arsenal's opening two matchday squads this season after being informed his opportunities would be limited, a decision that drew criticism from club legend Ian Wright, who said the treatment "made me feel uncomfortable." Martinelli becomes the third former Premier League player to join Al-Hilal during the Saudi window, following Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa and Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, with Arsenal's summer player sales now exceeding £120m.
Bradley Barcola Available and in Line for Liverpool Debut Against Ipswich
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed Bradley Barcola is available and in line to make his debut against Ipswich Town on Friday night, just days after completing his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain. "We are very happy with Bradley. It was our priority, let's say, to sign a very, very good player in that position," Iraola said in his pre-match press conference. "I've liked from him that he wanted Liverpool a lot. He just wanted to come here and I think that's a good first sign." Asked whether the France international is ready to start, Iraola added: "I see him in a good place. He has trained with us in three trainings. It's true that he hasn't had minutes in pre-season, but he has been training normal with the group." Barcola has not featured competitively since France's World Cup third-place playoff against England on July 18, having been frozen out of PSG's matchday squads following his push for a move. That lack of match sharpness will factor into whether he starts or is introduced from the bench, with Iraola confirming he can operate on either flank, though he began his career playing predominantly on the right at Lyon. His potential involvement comes with Liverpool still searching for a first league win of the season, and Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni all remaining sidelined through injury.
Smriti Mandhana's Record 124 Makes Her Leading Century-Maker in Women's International Cricket
Smriti Mandhana smashed a scintillating 124 off 64 balls against Hong Kong-China in Dubai, rewriting several pages of the record books in a single innings at the Women's T20 Asia Cup. The knock, laced with 14 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 193.75, is now the highest individual score in Women's T20 Asia Cup history , surpassing Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu's unbeaten 119 against Malaysia in 2024. It also stands as the highest score by any Indian batter in Women's T20Is, and made Mandhana the first Indian woman to score two centuries in the format. The innings carried even greater significance in the context of her career: it was Mandhana's 18th international century , moving her past Australia's Meg Lanning to become the outright leading century-maker in women's international cricket history . In the same innings, she also passed Mithali Raj's tally of 10,868 international runs to become India's all-time leading run-scorer in women's cricket. Opening alongside Shafali Verma, who made 28, Mandhana anchored India to 193 for 5, a total Hong Kong never threatened as India bowled them out for 56 to win by 137 runs and seal their place in the semi-finals. True to form, the India vice-captain remained grounded afterward. "I didn't know all of this happened," she said. "It's really hard for me to play slower bowlers, but credit to them. They were really disciplined in the powerplay."
Smriti Mandhana's 124 Powers India to 137-Run Win Over Hong Kong, Seals Knockout Spot
Smriti Mandhana produced a career-defining innings as India Women thrashed Hong Kong, China Women by a massive 137 runs in Dubai, sealing India's place in the knockouts with a game to spare. Sent in to bat, India were given a blistering platform by Mandhana, who smashed 124 off just 64 balls studded with 14 fours and 7 sixes — her highest T20I score. The knock also carried huge statistical weight: Mandhana became India's all-time leading run-scorer in women's international cricket , surpassing Mithali Raj's tally of 10,868, and now has the most sixes for India Women in the format , going past Harmanpreet Kaur. Shafali Verma supported with a quickfire 28, as India posted a daunting 193/5 . Hong Kong's chase never got going. India's bowlers ran through the top order, with Deepti Sharma — playing her 150th T20I earlier in the tournament — picking up 3/9, while Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani and Prema Rawat claimed two wickets apiece. Hong Kong lost their last six wickets for just four runs, folding for 56 in 16.2 overs . This is now India Women's second-biggest win by runs margin in T20I history. Mandhana was named Player of the Match, and India move top of Group A with two wins from two.
Expanded 14-Team Women's Super League Kicks Off, Man City Begin Title Defence
The Women's Super League kicks off its 2026-27 season this weekend in its newly expanded 14-team format , with defending champions Manchester City looking to build on a domestic double that ended Chelsea's six-year stranglehold on the title. The league has grown from 12 to 14 clubs for the first time, with Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic all securing promotion from WSL 2. Under a revamped format, the top three finishers now qualify directly for the Champions League, the bottom club is relegated outright, and the 13th-placed side faces a play-off against the WSL 2 runner-up. London City Lionesses , who signed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas over the summer, open the campaign on Friday, September 4 hosting Manchester United, live on Sky Sports. Manchester City begin their title defence at home to newcomers Birmingham City on Sunday, part of a bumper five-match slate that also sees last season's runners-up Arsenal travel to Brighton, Tottenham host West Ham in a London derby, and both promoted sides Charlton and Crystal Palace welcome Liverpool and Everton respectively. Eight-time champions Chelsea host Aston Villa on Saturday as they look to reclaim top spot after being dethroned last season. Notably, Manchester City will not compete in the League Cup this season for the first time since 2014, owing to format changes and their Champions League commitments, as the club balances a heavier fixture list in pursuit of a domestic and European double.
Camilo Duran Stars Again as Celtic Beat Aberdeen 3-0 to Stay Perfect
Celtic continued their perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Parkhead, with Camilo Duran once again the standout performer. Duran opened the scoring in the 14th minute with another spectacular strike, collecting a Benjamin Nygren pass before thumping a 20-yard drive in off the crossbar. Benjamin Nygren doubled the lead in the 34th minute, converting after Haissem Hassan's cross deflected into his path off an Aberdeen defender, and Hyun-jun Yang added a third before the break, driving home left-footed after Duran squared the ball across goal. Aberdeen's best chance came when Gavin Molloy headed a corner against the bar moments before Celtic's third goal, prompting manager Stephen Robinson to make four changes at halftime. The result takes Duran's tally to six goals in five matches since his summer move from Qarabag, continuing a remarkable start to life in Scotland for the Colombian forward. "Camilo set the tone for us, I think perhaps maybe all season he's done that. He's a really class player," said manager Martin O'Neill, who may find it difficult to accommodate top scorer Kasper Hogh out wide once he recovers from a thigh injury given Duran's central form. Celtic sit two points clear of second-placed St Mirren at the top of the table after four wins from four to open the campaign.
Hull City Condemn Racist Abuse Aimed at New Signing Robinio Vaz
Hull City have condemned "abhorrent" racist abuse directed at new signing Robinio Vaz after the club's social media post announcing his loan arrival was flooded with discriminatory messages, forcing the post to be deleted. The 19-year-old French striker joined Hull on a season-long loan from Roma on deadline day. "No individual should ever experience discriminatory abuse, and the club will provide Robinio with our full support," Hull said in a statement. "Hull City has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of discrimination, and in the last 24 hours we have been in communication with the Premier League, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out and the relevant social media companies." The club confirmed it is working with Humberside Police and other relevant authorities "to identify the accounts responsible for this disgusting abuse, so that appropriate action can be taken against those individuals," and encouraged supporters to continue reporting any discrimination they encounter. The incident comes at an otherwise positive time for the newly promoted club, who have won both their opening Premier League matches and host Aston Villa this weekend, with Vaz set to add attacking depth to Sergej Jakirovic's squad.
Liverpool Seek First League Win of the Season at Ipswich After Consecutive 2-2 Draws
Liverpool travel to newly promoted Ipswich Town on Friday, September 4, still searching for their first Premier League win of the season after opening with back-to-back 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. Andoni Iraola's side sit 13th on two points, with title rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea already building a four-point cushion after just two rounds. Liverpool have trailed in both games so far this season but fought back each time, with a Dominik Szoboszlai injury-time equaliser at Newcastle and a late Victor Munoz strike salvaging draws, though the Reds are yet to keep a clean sheet under their new manager and have conceded 3.88 xG through two matches. New signing Bradley Barcola is available for the trip, though Liverpool remain without Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Joe Gomez, Jayden Danns and Giovanni Leoni, with Federico Chiesa a doubt through a back issue. Ipswich head into the match having taken three points from their first two games, beating Sunderland 2-1 on the opening day before being thumped 5-2 at home by Manchester United, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a hat-trick. New boss Gary O'Neil, formerly of Liverpool's academy set-up, has seen his side score in every competitive fixture so far this season, with Julio Enciso in particularly bright early-season form, and Ipswich have already spent over £200 million rebuilding their squad this summer. The two sides have met only twice in the last 15 years, with Liverpool winning both, including a 4-1 victory in their most recent meeting.
Edin Dzeko Announces International Retirement, Bosnia's Record Scorer to Bow Out Against Sweden
Edin Dzeko has announced his retirement from international football, revealing that Bosnia and Herzegovina's Nations League match against Sweden on October 2 will be his final appearance for his country. The 40-year-old Schalke forward confirmed the news in an emotional Instagram post. "Sometimes I found myself wondering when this moment would come... but I never imagined how emotional I would feel writing these words," he wrote. "Nothing in my career has ever compared to the pride I have felt every single time I wore that shirt. Nothing." Dzeko retires as Bosnia's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer , with 151 caps and 73 goals since his debut against Turkey in 2007. He helped guide Bosnia to their first-ever World Cup in 2014 and their run to the last 32 at this year's tournament in North America. "I feel that the time has come to step aside now," he said. "If I was able to stay in the national team until the age of 40, it is because I truly gave everything I had. Every time. My all." The announcement comes just a day after Argentina great Lionel Messi confirmed his own international retirement, marking a striking week for farewells at the top of the international game. Dzeko will continue playing club football for Schalke in the Bundesliga.
VVS Laxman to Coach India Men's Team at 2026 Asian Games, Gambhir Stays for West Indies Series
VVS Laxman will coach India's men's cricket team at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, stepping in for regular head coach Gautam Gambhir , who stays back to lead the senior side through their home ODI series against the West Indies. The Sports Ministry's official list of coaches and support staff has confirmed Laxman, currently Director of Cricket at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, as the men's head coach for the Games. He will be assisted by Sunil Joshi as bowling coach, Hrishikesh Kanitkar as batting coach, and Subhadeep Ghosh , with Maroof Fajandar named team leader. It is a role Laxman knows well, having previously guided India's men's team to gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games . The arrangement stems from a direct schedule clash: India's cricket competition at the Asian Games runs September 24 to October 3 , while the home ODI series against West Indies begins September 27 , forcing the BCCI into its now-familiar split-coaching model. Gambhir will remain with the senior team for the white-ball series, while Shreyas Iyer leads the Asian Games squad under Laxman. On the women's side, Amol Muzumdar continues as head coach for the Games, assisted by bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi and fielding coach Munish Bali, with Harmanpreet Kaur set to captain that side as India defend both the men's and women's titles won in Hangzhou.
ICC Publishes Full Asian Games 2026 Cricket Guide as India Defend Both Titles
The ICC has published its full guide to cricket at the 2026 Asian Games , confirming the schedule and defending champions ahead of the sport's fourth appearance at the Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The women's tournament runs first, from September 17 to 22 , featuring eight teams, followed by the men's event from September 24 to October 3 with ten sides competing. Both tournaments are played in the T20I format at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture. India head into the Games as defending champions in both competitions, having swept gold in the men's and women's cricket events at Hangzhou 2023. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualified directly for the men's event as Asia's ICC Full Member nations, joined by hosts Japan and four sides who came through qualifiers in Singapore and Malaysia, including debutants Oman. In the women's competition, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualified directly alongside hosts Japan, with Thailand and Malaysia among the sides progressing through the Kuala Lumpur qualifiers. India's men's squad features star quicks Jasprit Bumrah and teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, while the women's squad includes top-10 ranked batters Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, though it will be without Jemimah Rodrigues after she was ruled out with a high-grade hamstring tear. All matchdays will be double-headers, with cricket's return to the programme meaning action begins over a week before the Games' official opening ceremony on September 19.
Joe Willock's Besiktas Move Still Alive Ahead of Turkey's September 3 Deadline
Joe Willock could still leave Newcastle for Besiktas before the transfer saga finally closes, with Turkey's delayed deadline giving the Super Lig side until September 3 to complete a deal despite the Premier League window having already shut. Willock has reportedly agreed personal terms with Besiktas on a contract through 2030, and the Turkish club has offered around €20 million (£17m) to try to prise him away from St James' Park, a figure that matches Newcastle's long-stated valuation after Besiktas' earlier offers fell well short. However, the picture has shifted since new head coach Matthias Jaissle took charge, with Willock scoring on his return to first-team involvement in the 2-2 opening-day draw with Liverpool and starting the following match. Sky Sports has reported that Jaissle sees Willock as a genuine option in the number 10 role and supported Newcastle's decision to knock back Besiktas' interest, while the Daily Mail's Craig Hope has suggested Willock is now more likely to stay and could even be offered a new contract extension, with his current deal set to expire next summer. Besiktas retain a brief final window to change Newcastle's mind before Thursday's deadline, but the Magpies' stance appears to have hardened considerably since Jaissle's arrival.