bbc-north.co.uk – Daily Features & Must-Read News

Pakistan's Saim Ayub Ascends to No. 1 T20I All-Rounder Despite Asia Cup Batting Woes

Saim Ayub has risen to the top of the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings. His bowling form shines, but his batting slump raises concerns about his future role.

World Cup Winner Madan Lal Slams PCB Chief Naqvi, Citing Lack of Cricket Knowledge After Asia Cup Trophy Snub

Former India cricketer Madan Lal has slammed Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi for his antics in the Asia Cup final. The player has said that Mohsin Naqvi has no knowledge of the sport.

Gill Keeps Cards Close to Chest on Bumrah's Role in West Indies Test Series

India captain Shubman Gill has refused to reveal Jasprit Bumrah's exact role in the upcoming Test series against West Indies, stressing that the pacer's workload will be managed on a match-to-match basis.

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Afridi Calls for PCB Chief Naqvi's Resignation After Asia Cup Fiasco

Shahid Afridi has called on Mohsin Naqvi to step down as PCB chairman following the Asia Cup debacle. Afridi highlighted growing concerns over Naqvi's ability to manage cricket alongside his ministerial duties.

Soumya Sarkar's Visa Delay Casts Doubt on Participation in Afghanistan Series Opener

The left-hander returned to the T20I set up as a replacement for the injured Litton Das but his UAE arrival has been delayed

Ashwin to be Star Attraction at Inaugural ILT20 Auction

About 300 players, including 5 Indians, will go under the hammer for the Dec 2-Jan 4 league

Tamim Iqbal Bows Out: Withdraws Nomination from BCB Elections

The former captain had previous alleged government interference in the elections

Rachin Ravindra Out of Australia T20I Series Due to Facial Injury; Neesham Called Up

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Australia after sustaining a facial injury during a training session, requiring stitches. Experienced all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been called up as his replacement. The team hopes Ravindra will recover in time for the England series in two weeks.

Sumit Antil Shatters Record, Claims Gold at Para Athletics Worlds; Neeraj Chopra Inspired

India's top javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was in attendance as Sumit Antil broke the meet record to clinch World Para Athletics gold on Tuesday, September 30. After the event, Neeraj said that he would have loved to compete on the Mondo track in Delhi.

Asia Cup Final: India Unfazed by Pakistan Threat, Says Former England Cricketer Bopara

Former England batter Ravi Bopara stated that the skill and mindset gap between India and Pakistan has become too wide, with India no longer viewing Pakistan as a major threat. He observed India's focus on burying opponents versus Pakistan's reliance on individual brilliance, attributing Pakistan's struggles to a prolonged transition and lack of consistent collective strategy.

Siraj and Krishna Unleash Pace in Ahmedabad Nets; Sundar Injury Concerns Emerge

Indian cricketers held an energetic practice session in Ahmedabad, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowling intensely to top-order batters. While key players like Bumrah took an optional day off, strength coach Adrian Le Roux put others through rigorous drills. A concerning development was Washington Sundar's apparent finger injury, which limited his participation.

BCCI Confronts ACC President Over Asia Cup Trophy Incident; Naqvi Faces Scrutiny

BCCI strongly objected to ACC President Mohsin Naqvi taking the Asia Cup trophy and medals after India's win. At the ACC AGM, BCCI representatives cornered Naqvi, refusing his offer for Suryakumar Yadav to collect them due to Naqvi's anti-India posts. The issue is now deferred for mediation, with India threatening an ICC complaint.

Mbappé's Hat-Trick Fuels Real Madrid's Champions League Rout; Bayern, Atlético, Chelsea Secure Wins

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich secured dominant Champions League victories, with Kylian Mbappé's hat trick leading Madrid and Harry Kane scoring twice for Bayern. Tottenham salvaged a late draw against Bodø/Glimt, while Liverpool suffered a controversial defeat. Atlético Madrid also impressed with a big win, as other European giants claimed crucial points.

Deepti Sharma Shines as India Women Secure Opening ODI World Cup Victory Over Sri Lanka

India clinched a 59-run victory against Sri Lanka in their 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup opener, powered by Deepti Sharma's exceptional all-round display. Sharma (53 runs, 3/54) and Amanjot Kaur (57 runs) rebuilt India's innings after a collapse, setting a 271-run target. Indian bowlers then restricted Sri Lanka to 211, securing a crucial win despite earlier rain delays.

Kuldeep Yadav's Dominance Over Pakistan Fueled by Intense Rivalry, Reveals Coach

Kuldeep Yadav shone with four wickets against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 final. His childhood coach credits fierce rivalry and discipline for his outstanding performance.

Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from Shanghai Masters Citing Physical Strain After Japan Open Victory

World number one Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters due to "physical issues," shortly after clinching the Japan Open title. The 22-year-old Spaniard played through an ankle injury to secure his eighth trophy of the season. Alcaraz announced his decision on Instagram, prioritizing rest and recovery after a grueling schedule, expressing disappointment at missing Chinese fans.

China Open: Sinner Advances to Final, Set to Face Teen Sensation Tien

Jannik Sinner reached his third straight China Open final, beating Alex de Minaur in three sets to set up a title clash with 19-year-old American Learner Tien, who advanced after Daniil Medvedev retired injured. In the women’s draw, defending champion Coco Gauff battled past Belinda Bencic to secure a quarter-final spot and qualify for the WTA Finals.

India Gears Up for West Indies Test Series; Key Players Rested After Asia Cup Triumph

India's Test squad trained for the West Indies series just days after the Asia Cup, with player workload a key concern as three seniors rested. Captain Shubman Gill faced a tough net session, while others like Jaiswal and Padikkal looked fluent. The team's core is settled, with an extra batter slot being the main selection dilemma.

BCCI Presses for Asia Cup Trophy as ACC Meeting Turns Tense; Chair Naqvi Accused of Dodging Issue

During an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dubai, attended by BCCI representatives Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar, ACC chair Mohsin Naqvi avoided committing to handing over the Asia Cup trophy to India. This indicates an unresolved matter concerning the trophy's presentation to the Indian team.

Pakistan Announces Test Squad: Afridi, Nazir, and Akram Earn Uncapped Call-Ups for South Africa Series

Pakistan's squad for the Test series against South Africa features as many as five spinners