Sibol nails maiden Asian Games esports medal with Pokemon Unite bronze

MILAN: Inter Milan have added another English name to their squad, with Curtis Jones completing a move from Liverpool to the Italian champions and becoming the third Englishman to join the club this summer. The 25-year-old midfielder has signed a contract running until 2031, bringing an end to a 16-year association with Liverpool, where he progressed through the academy before establishing himself in the first team. Inter confirmed the transfer on Friday, describing Jones’ arrival as the start of a “new, incredible adventure” and noting that he becomes the sixth Englishman in the club’s history. According to Italian media reports, Inter will pay around €35 million ($40.8 million) for the Liverpool academy graduate. Jones leaves Anfield with an emotional farewell message to the club that shaped his career. “After 16 years, it’s time to say goodbye,” Jones wrote on Instagram. The midfielder said he had joined Liverpool as a child with the dream of playing for the club and felt fortunate to have lived that dream. “Liverpool will be a massive part of me,” he added. Jones now begins a completely different chapter in Serie A, joining an Inter squad that has already welcomed two other English players this summer. Right-back Djed Spence and centre-back John Stones have also completed moves to San Siro, both signing contracts through 2031. Stones joined Inter after his Manchester City contract expired, while Spence has also made the switch to Italy. Jones’ transfer underlines Inter’s growing interest in English talent as the club prepares for another demanding domestic and European campaign. For the midfielder, the move represents an opportunity to experience football outside England for the first time and compete in one of Europe’s most tactical leagues. Inter will begin their Serie A campaign against Monza on Saturday, giving Jones the chance to make an immediate impression with his new club. After spending virtually his entire professional life at Liverpool, the midfielder now faces the challenge of adapting to a new country, language and style of football. But with a long-term contract and the backing of the Italian champions, Jones will hope his move to Milan becomes the next defining chapter of his career.

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.

MELBOURNE: Australia have made a change to their squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, dropping opener Jake Weatherald and recalling Matt Renshaw after a shock nine-wicket defeat in Darwin. Weatherald’s removal is the only change to Australia’s 13-man squad, but it could have wider implications for the team’s batting order. The 30-year-old struggled in the opening Test, scoring 23 in the first innings before being dismissed for a duck in the second. His difficult start has added to concerns over his Test credentials. Weatherald has now played six Tests and has managed 224 runs at an average of 20.36, leaving selectors with little choice but to make a change as Australia look to level the two-match series. Renshaw, meanwhile, returns to the Test setup after an absence of more than three years. The left-hander last played a Test for Australia in 2023 and has earned his recall after an impressive Sheffield Shield campaign. The Queensland batter scored 499 runs in six Sheffield Shield matches last season at an average of 49.90, including three centuries. His domestic form had already put him firmly in contention for a return to the national red-ball side, and the latest selection gives him another chance to revive his Test career. Renshaw’s return could also add experience and stability to an Australian batting line-up that was exposed by Bangladesh in Darwin. Australia were beaten by nine wickets in the first Test, suffering a result that put Bangladesh 1-0 ahead in the series. Travis Head is expected to continue opening the innings, while Renshaw is in line to partner him at the top of the order. The combination will be closely watched as Australia attempt to respond to their unexpected home defeat. Attention will also remain on Marnus Labuschagne, who is under pressure to produce a substantial score. Labuschagne managed only 32 runs across the first Test, and his place is increasingly being discussed amid competition for batting positions. Australia will need a much stronger collective performance in the second Test. Bangladesh demonstrated in Darwin that they can challenge the hosts in their own conditions, making the upcoming contest an important test of Australia’s ability to recover quickly. The second Test is scheduled to begin in Mackay on Saturday, with Australia aiming to draw the series and Bangladesh seeking another historic result. The changes ensure the second Test will carry significant pressure for Australia’s top order. Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

The Celebrities Cricket League (CCL) is proud to announce the appointment of renowned content creator and digital entrepreneur Safeer Afridi as the official Brand Ambassador of the league in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The appointment marks a significant milestone as the league continues its preparations for its inaugural edition, reinforcing its commitment to promoting grassroots cricket, youth engagement, and community participation through the power of sport and digital influence. At 26 years of age, Safeer Afridi has established himself as one of Pakistan’s emerging digital creators, with more than eight years of experience in the online industry. Based in Islamabad, he has built a strong reputation by creating educational, informative, and engaging content covering technology, digital opportunities, entrepreneurship, and personal development. With a social media community of more than 100,000 followers across various platforms, Safeer has consistently focused on producing meaningful content that educates and inspires audiences. His expertise in content creation, audience engagement, and digital communication makes him a valuable addition to the Celebrities Cricket League as it seeks to connect with young people across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The league is being spearheaded by entrepreneur and digital creator Muhammad Anas, whose vision is to establish a platform that combines the excitement of cricket with youth empowerment and community development. Through this initiative, CCL aims to create opportunities for aspiring cricketers while bringing together celebrities, influencers, digital creators, and local talent on one stage. Subject to official approvals, the inaugural edition of the Celebrities Cricket League is expected to feature six competitive teams and is proposed to take place at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium around October or November. Beyond providing entertainment, the tournament has been designed to promote grassroots cricket, identify emerging talent, encourage healthy competition, and inspire young people to participate in sports. As Brand Ambassador, Safeer Afridi will play an important role in supporting the league’s awareness campaigns, engaging with audiences through digital platforms, and promoting the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and youth development. His strong connection with younger audiences and his experience in building online communities are expected to contribute significantly to the league’s outreach efforts. Commenting on the appointment, Muhammad Anas, Founder of the Celebrities Cricket League, said: “Safeer Afridi represents the energy, creativity, and positive influence that reflect the vision of the Celebrities Cricket League. His ability to inspire young audiences through meaningful digital content makes him an ideal Brand Ambassador for this initiative. We are delighted to welcome him to the CCL family and look forward to working together to promote grassroots cricket and create new opportunities for aspiring players across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” Expressing his enthusiasm, Safeer Afridi said: “It is an honour to join the Celebrities Cricket League as its Brand Ambassador. Cricket has always brought communities together, and I am excited to support an initiative that focuses on young talent, positive engagement, and the future of grassroots cricket. I look forward to contributing to the league’s vision and encouraging more young people to participate in the sport.” The Celebrities Cricket League believes that meaningful partnerships between sports, entrepreneurship, and digital creators can help inspire the next generation while creating a platform where emerging cricketers receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve. As preparations continue, CCL remains committed to delivering an event that celebrates cricket, encourages community participation, and strengthens grassroots sports development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

MUMBAI: Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for what he described as lenient disciplinary action against Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi following separate incidents involving the young Indian players. Manjrekar expressed his frustration on social media after the ICC sanctioned Jaiswal and Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando following an on-field confrontation during the Galle Test. Jaiswal and Fernando were involved in a heated exchange after the Indian batter was dismissed. The situation escalated when the two players moved towards each other and their heads made contact, prompting teammates and officials to intervene before the confrontation could develop further. The ICC found both players guilty of breaching its code of conduct and imposed a fine of 25 per cent of their match fees, along with one demerit point each. Manjrekar questioned whether the punishment was strong enough given the nature of the incident. He argued that the authorities should have taken a firmer position on conduct that could potentially undermine discipline and sportsmanship in international cricket. The former India international also referred to an earlier incident involving 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, expressing disappointment that the youngster had received only a 50 per cent match-fee fine. His comments have renewed discussion about whether disciplinary measures in cricket are consistent across players and incidents, particularly when young cricketers are involved. The Jaiswal-Fernando confrontation attracted considerable attention because it occurred during a Test match, where players are expected to maintain discipline despite the intense pressure of international competition. The involvement of teammates in separating the two players prevented the incident from becoming more serious. The ICC’s decision means both Jaiswal and Fernando will carry a demerit point on their disciplinary records, although neither player received a suspension. Manjrekar’s criticism adds to the wider debate over how cricket’s governing bodies should respond to confrontations on the field. While fines are intended to punish misconduct, some former players believe stronger sanctions are necessary when physical contact occurs. The controversy also highlights the challenge faced by cricket authorities in balancing firm discipline with proportionate punishment. For now, the ICC decision stands, but Manjrekar’s comments are likely to keep the debate alive over whether international cricket needs tougher penalties for on-field clashes.