Sibol nails maiden Asian Games esports medal with Pokemon Unite bronze

France have appointed former midfielder and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane as their new head coach, beginning a new era for the national team. The French Football Federation confirmed the appointment on Tuesday. The 54-year-old succeeds Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years in charge. Deschamps guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2020-21 Nations League trophy. He also led the team to the Euro 2016 and 2022 World Cup finals. Zidane now returns to the national setup more than two decades after helping France win the 1998 World Cup on home soil. He played a key role in that historic campaign and won the Ballon d’Or the same year. The appointment brings together Zidane’s successful playing career and an impressive managerial record. As Real Madrid coach, he won three consecutive Champions League titles and established himself as one of Europe’s most successful managers. Zidane’s first major challenge will be to build on France’s strong squad and prepare the team for the next international cycle. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh tactical approach while maintaining France’s status as one of the world’s leading football nations. His tenure is set to run through the 2030 World Cup. The new France boss is expected to begin his international campaign with a Nations League match away to Turkey. France will then host Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.

Pakistan international cricketers Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem have officially signed contracts to participate in the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), marking another significant milestone in their professional careers. The two players will represent the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, one of the league’s competitive franchises, during the tournament. According to the announcement, Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shadab Khan and talented left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem have reached an agreement with the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and are set to feature for the team in the highly anticipated T20 competition. Both players will be available for seven matches each, providing the franchise with valuable experience and skill during the tournament. Shadab Khan is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most accomplished white-ball cricketers. Renowned for his leg-spin bowling, explosive lower-order batting, and exceptional fielding abilities, he has represented Pakistan in all three formats of international cricket. Over the years, he has also become a sought-after player in franchise leagues around the world, thanks to his versatility and leadership qualities. His participation in the Caribbean Premier League is expected to strengthen the Falcons’ squad, particularly in the middle overs where his spin bowling and ability to accelerate the scoring rate can prove decisive. Sufiyan Muqeem, on the other hand, is one of Pakistan’s emerging spin talents. The young left-arm spinner has impressed cricket fans and selectors alike with his control, variations, and ability to take wickets in crucial situations. His inclusion in the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons squad highlights the growing recognition of his abilities on the international franchise circuit. Playing in a prestigious tournament such as the CPL will provide him with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience, compete against some of the world’s finest T20 players, and further develop his game. The Caribbean Premier League is widely regarded as one of the most exciting T20 tournaments in the world. It attracts top cricketers from various countries and offers a competitive platform where experienced international stars and emerging talents perform alongside one another. Participation in such leagues not only enhances players’ exposure but also contributes to their overall development by allowing them to adapt to different playing conditions, strategies, and team environments. For the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, the addition of Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem is expected to strengthen their bowling attack significantly. Shadab’s experience and all-round capabilities, combined with Muqeem’s promising left-arm spin, provide the team with greater balance and tactical flexibility. Their availability for seven matches each is expected to play an important role in the franchise’s campaign as they aim to achieve strong results during the tournament. The signing of these two Pakistani cricketers also reflects the increasing demand for Pakistan’s talented players in global T20 leagues. Their selection demonstrates the confidence international franchises have in Pakistan’s cricketing talent and provides both players with another opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage. Fans will be eager to see how Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem perform for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons as they look to make a strong impact in this season’s Caribbean Premier League.

ZURICH: A major controversy has emerged within FIFA after senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest over a proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup, warning that the move could damage the long-term future of global football. According to international media reports, Cordeiro stepped down from his role as senior adviser to FIFA President Gianni Infantino after voicing strong opposition to the plan. He described the proposal as being against the interests of football and FIFA’s 211 member associations. The controversial proposal involves the creation of a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, reportedly valued at around $20 billion. Under the plan, the company would manage the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments, with up to 20% of its shares potentially being sold to outside investors. Cordeiro stressed that he had no role in developing the proposal and made it clear that he strongly opposed it. He argued that FIFA is already in a strong financial position, holding billions of dollars in reserves and carrying no debt. He questioned the logic of selling a permanent stake in one of football’s most valuable assets for an estimated $4.2 billion, saying such a decision could have lasting consequences for the sport. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by FIFA’s 211 member associations, which have until September 19 to decide whether to support the plan. Cordeiro also warned that introducing external investors into the commercial structure of the World Cup could weaken FIFA’s long-term control over its flagship tournament and create challenges for future generations of the game. The resignation has intensified debate over the future management of football’s biggest global event, with critics urging FIFA to protect the World Cup’s commercial independence while supporters argue that new investment could unlock fresh opportunities for the sport. The outcome of the upcoming vote is expected to shape the future financial direction of world football.

Former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has praised Pakistan captain Babar Azam for his outstanding leadership, describing his captaincy as a tactical masterclass during the ongoing Test against the Caribbean side. Speaking during his analysis of the match, Brathwaite highlighted Babar’s calm decision-making and ability to read the game under pressure. He said the Pakistan skipper showed excellent awareness by slowing the pace of play at key moments and making smart field changes that unsettled the West Indies batters. According to Brathwaite, one of Babar’s best tactical moves was the field placement against experienced batter Roston Chase. The carefully designed field forced Chase to rethink his natural game and prevented him from scoring freely. “Babar’s field settings kept Roston Chase under constant pressure,” Brathwaite noted. “He had to keep adjusting his approach, and eventually that pressure led to a mistake.” The former all-rounder added that Babar’s leadership reflected a high standard of captaincy, saying every move appeared to be planned according to the match situation rather than following a fixed strategy. Brathwaite believes the Pakistan captain demonstrated maturity, patience and tactical intelligence, qualities that helped his team remain competitive during crucial stages of the contest. Meanwhile, the Test match remains finely balanced. West Indies reached 103-6 in their second innings and currently hold a lead of 60 runs, setting up an intriguing finish over the remaining sessions. Pakistan will now look to capitalize on any opportunity to wrap up the innings quickly, while the West Indies hope to extend their advantage with the lower order. Brathwaite’s glowing assessment has once again placed the spotlight on Babar Azam’s leadership, with many cricket fans praising the Pakistan captain for his strategic approach and composure in high-pressure situations.