Aira Villegas, Albert Ian delos Santos PH flag bearers in Asian Games

Sunrisers Leeds produced one of the most breathtaking batting displays in the history of The Hundred, smashing multiple tournament records in a dominant 37-run victory over London Spirit at Headingley to keep their playoff hopes alive. The home side unleashed an extraordinary batting performance, piling up 241-2, the highest team total ever recorded in The Hundred. Their relentless assault left London Spirit’s bowlers with no answers and thrilled the Headingley crowd with a spectacular display of power-hitting. The foundation for the record-breaking total was laid by openers Ryan Rickelton and Mitchell Marsh, who stitched together a stunning 148-run opening partnership—the highest first-wicket stand in the tournament’s history. Rickelton anchored the innings with a magnificent unbeaten 94 off 42 balls, combining elegant stroke play with aggressive intent. Marsh provided the perfect support, blasting 76 from just 37 deliveries as the pair dominated from the outset and set the tone for an unforgettable innings. If the opening partnership put Sunrisers Leeds in command, Harry Brook ensured the match entered the record books. The England star produced a breathtaking cameo, racing to the fastest half-century in The Hundred history. Brook reached his fifty in only 15 balls before finishing with a blistering 55 from 18 deliveries, an innings decorated with five fours and five towering sixes. His fearless stroke play electrified the crowd and pushed Sunrisers Leeds beyond the 240-run mark, establishing a new benchmark for batting excellence in the competition. Faced with a daunting target, London Spirit fought hard but never seriously threatened to chase down the mammoth total. Sunrisers Leeds maintained control throughout the contest to secure a convincing 37-run victory, earning two crucial points in the race for the knockout stage. The result keeps Sunrisers Leeds firmly in playoff contention, while London Spirit remain seventh in the standings with their qualification hopes becoming increasingly difficult. The match will be remembered as one of the greatest batting performances in The Hundred’s short history. Between Rickelton’s classy unbeaten knock, Marsh’s explosive support and Brook’s record-shattering fireworks, Sunrisers Leeds delivered a performance that showcased the entertainment and attacking spirit of the competition. With the business end of the tournament approaching, the record-breaking victory could prove to be the momentum boost Sunrisers Leeds need in their pursuit of the championship.

England have unveiled their 16-member squad for the first two Tests of their three-match series against Pakistan, with Joe Root set to lead the side after Ben Stokes’ retirement. The first Test will begin on August 19 at Headingley in Leeds, marking the start of what promises to be a closely watched series between the two sides. Root has been handed the captaincy once again following Stokes’ retirement, placing the experienced batter at the centre of England’s plans against Pakistan. England have also welcomed back several familiar faces. Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse and Sam Cook have returned to the squad, adding experience and depth to the team. However, England will be without Jacob Bethell, who has been ruled out of the Pakistan series because of a right knee injury. With Root back in charge and several key players returning, England will look to make a strong start at Leeds before the teams move on to the second Test. Pakistan will be hoping to challenge England’s home advantage and seize an early lead in the three-match contest. England Squad Joe Root (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has withdrawn its previous support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding to growing pressure on the football governing body’s leadership. The FAI confirmed the decision after a board meeting and said it had formally written to FIFA to explain why it was rescinding a letter of support issued earlier this year. The association cited concerns over governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation. The decision comes amid a widening dispute over FIFA’s leadership and a controversial proposal involving the commercial rights of the World Cup. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have criticised Infantino’s handling of the issue, accusing FIFA of a serious breakdown in trust. Ireland’s move represents another setback for Infantino as he seeks another term in office at the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. New Zealand has also withdrawn its backing, while several European associations have publicly opposed Infantino’s leadership. Northern Ireland’s football association, meanwhile, has backed UEFA’s position and said it would continue engaging on issues related to football governance. The contrasting positions on the island underline the wider divisions emerging within international football. Despite the growing opposition, Infantino retains support from several influential football bodies, including the African confederation and a number of Arab football associations. The FIFA presidency therefore remains a closely contested political battle rather than a settled outcome. With more national associations reassessing their positions, the dispute is expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 FIFA election. Ireland’s decision further highlights the mounting calls for greater transparency, consultation and accountability in the governance of world football.

England international John Stones has completed a free transfer to Italian champions Inter Milan after leaving Manchester City at the end of his contract. The experienced centre-back signed a two-year deal with the Serie A giants, bringing an end to a successful decade-long spell at the Etihad Stadium, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s top defenders. Stones departed Manchester City after his contract expired at the end of June. His move to Inter Milan comes shortly after representing England at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the Three Lions secured a third-place finish. The defender featured in five matches during the tournament and earned his 94th international cap in England’s semi-final defeat. Following the announcement of his transfer, Stones shared his excitement about beginning a new chapter in Italy. “I’m excited to be here, thank you so much. I’ll see you soon, ciao,” he said in his first message to Inter supporters. The 32-year-old arrives in Milan with a wealth of experience at both club and international level. Since joining Manchester City in 2016, Stones played a crucial role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. His composure on the ball, tactical intelligence and ability to play out from the back made him a key figure in City’s defensive setup. During his time in Manchester, Stones helped the club win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and the UEFA Champions League, adding several other domestic and international honours to his impressive collection. He was widely praised for his partnership with fellow defenders and his contribution to City’s possession-based style of football. Despite his success, the latter stages of his City career were disrupted by recurring injury problems. Fitness issues limited his appearances over the past few seasons, and he made only nine Premier League appearances during the previous campaign. As a result, his departure marked the end of an era for both the player and the club. Inter Milan will hope the experienced defender can strengthen their backline as they prepare to defend the Serie A title. The club sees Stones as an important addition, bringing leadership, experience and a winning mentality to the squad. Moving to Italy also presents a fresh challenge for the England international, who will experience Serie A for the first time in his career. The switch offers him the opportunity to revive his club career while continuing to compete at the highest level in European football. Stones is expected to integrate quickly into Inter’s squad ahead of the new season. If selected, he could make his competitive debut when Inter begin the defence of their Serie A crown against Monza at the San Siro on August 22. With a decorated career already behind him and plenty of experience on the international stage, Stones now begins a new journey in Italy, aiming to add further silverware to his impressive list of achievements while helping Inter remain among Europe’s elite clubs.

DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket star and former lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan has said he is prepared to return home from exile, face ongoing court proceedings and play a farewell series if the government guarantees his safety. Shakib, 39, has been living in the United States since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government following a deadly student-led uprising in August 2024. The former Bangladesh captain remains politically linked to Hasina’s Awami League, having previously served as a lawmaker from the party. He is currently facing criminal cases in Bangladesh, including one related to the alleged killing of a protester and another involving anti-corruption authorities. Speaking to Reuters from Sri Lanka, where he is playing franchise cricket, Shakib said he wanted to return and was willing to appear before the courts. He said he would go back if the government formally assured him that adequate security would be provided. Shakib maintained that he had not committed any wrongdoing and described the murder case against him as baseless. He said the case was filed on a day in August 2024 when he was playing a match in Toronto. The cricketer also said he had previously attempted to return to Bangladesh. In late 2024, he boarded a flight after receiving assurances that he would be protected, but was reportedly instructed to turn back while the journey was underway. He eventually landed in Dubai before returning to the United States. Shakib said another planned return was blocked after he posted a birthday message for Hasina. He questioned why such a social media post should prevent him from entering his own country. The former captain also rejected suggestions that he should distance himself from Hasina or the Awami League to facilitate his return. Shakib recently appeared virtually at a press conference in Delhi alongside Hasina. Following the event, his vacant home in Bangladesh was reportedly attacked. He defended his participation, saying his message was focused on peace and Bangladesh’s progress. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Shakib must face the legal process like any other accused person and surrender before Bangladeshi courts. Meanwhile, Shakib said he still hopes to represent Bangladesh in a farewell series and possibly play at the 2027 ODI World Cup. He acknowledged that retirement was approaching but said he remained physically fit and continued to enjoy playing cricket. The cricketer also revealed that his bank accounts had been frozen for around 18 months during investigations. He said he had not seen his parents in Bangladesh for nearly two years.

LEEDS: England strengthened their position in the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley on Thursday, reaching 409 runs in their first innings to secure a substantial 238-run lead after Pakistan were bowled out for 171. Pakistan’s bowlers managed to break through England’s batting line-up on the third morning, but the home side’s tailenders added valuable runs to push the total beyond the 400-run mark. England resumed the day on 366-8, with Jofra Archer and the lower order looking to extend their advantage. Archer remained unbeaten on 23, while Jamie Smith contributed 25 before being dismissed. Josh Tong was also removed after scoring eight. Earlier, England’s top and middle order had laid the foundation for the imposing total. Harry Brook missed out on a century but made a valuable 91, while Jordan Cox scored 73. Captain Joe Root continued his dependable form with 66, and Dan Lawrence added 51. The combined efforts of England’s senior batters ensured that Pakistan faced a demanding bowling assignment and left their opponents with a sizeable deficit to overcome. For Pakistan, Ali Usman emerged as the standout bowler. The spinner claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket, providing a major highlight for the visitors despite England’s strong batting performance. Khurram Shahzad supported him with three wickets, while Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali took one wicket each. Pakistan’s first innings had lasted only long enough to produce 171 runs, leaving their bowlers with the difficult task of restricting England and preventing the hosts from building an overwhelming advantage. England’s ability to extend their innings through the lower order proved particularly costly for Pakistan. Archer’s unbeaten 23 ensured that the hosts crossed the 400 mark, while the additional runs from Smith and Tong further increased the pressure on the visitors. With England now holding a 238-run lead, Pakistan face a challenging second innings. Their batters will need to produce a vastly improved performance if they are to prevent England from taking control of the Test. The Headingley contest has already produced a contrasting display from the two sides: England’s batting depth has stood out, while Pakistan’s Ali Usman has provided a significant individual breakthrough with his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The match remains a stern test of Pakistan’s resilience as they look to recover from their modest first-innings total and keep their hopes alive in the opening Test.