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    Casemiro joins Inter Miami as MLS launches transfer probe

    Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has completed his move to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami after leaving Manchester United as a free agent. The experienced midfielder has signed with the American club, where he will play alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi and several other international stars. The 34-year-old midfielder brings a wealth of experience to Inter Miami. During his career, he won five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid and established himself as one of the world’s top defensive midfielders. He also represented Manchester United for four seasons after joining the English club from Real Madrid. Manchester United decided not to extend Casemiro’s contract at the end of the season, allowing him to leave as a free agent. Inter Miami quickly secured his signature as part of its strategy to strengthen the squad with experienced international players. Club officials welcomed Casemiro’s arrival and described the signing as another important step in their long-term project. They said the Brazilian’s leadership, experience, and winning mentality would help the team compete for more trophies in the coming seasons. After completing the move, Casemiro said the club’s ambition and future plans convinced him to join Inter Miami. He said he remains determined to win titles and contribute to the club’s continued growth. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also welcomed the midfielder. He praised Casemiro’s successful career and said the Brazilian’s achievements at both club and international level would add valuable experience to the team. However, shortly after the transfer was announced, Major League Soccer confirmed it had opened an investigation into Inter Miami over allegations related to the signing. According to league officials, the investigation concerns the MLS “discovery rights” system. Under league rules, clubs must secure discovery rights before negotiating with certain high-profile players. Reports indicate that LA Galaxy previously held Casemiro’s discovery rights before Inter Miami completed the transfer. League officials said they are collecting all relevant information before deciding whether any rules were violated. They added that no further comments would be made until the investigation is complete. Reports also suggest that Inter Miami and LA Galaxy reached an agreement regarding Casemiro’s discovery rights. However, the financial details of that arrangement will only be made public after the investigation concludes. The latest inquiry is not the first involving Inter Miami’s transfer activities. In previous years, the club faced league sanctions following investigations into player registration and salary cap compliance. Casemiro’s arrival further strengthens an already star-studded Inter Miami squad featuring Lionel Messi and several internationally recognised players. Football analysts believe his experience, leadership, and defensive abilities could play a key role as the club aims to compete for more domestic and international honours.

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    Babar, Shaheen climb in latest ICC ODI rankings

    Several Pakistan cricketers have improved their positions in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, with former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi making notable gains following recent international matches. Babar Azam climbed one place in the ODI batting rankings and is now sixth with 689 rating points. The experienced batter continues to be Pakistan’s highest-ranked player among ODI batters and remains among the world’s leading performers in the format. Pakistan’s ODI captain Salman Ali Agha also registered progress in the latest rankings. He moved up two places to 16th after consistent performances, taking his rating to 630 points and strengthening his position among the world’s top batters. Former captain and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan retained his 31st position with 560 rating points, while opening batter Fakhar Zaman slipped one place to 37th. Young opener Saim Ayub remained unchanged in 44th position. New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell continues to lead the ICC ODI batting rankings. India captain Shubman Gill occupies second place, while veteran batter Virat Kohli remains third. In the bowling rankings, Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi climbed two places to seventh with 604 rating points after his recent performances. Fast bowler Haris Rauf also improved his standing, moving up two positions to 20th with 556 points. On the other hand, pacer Naseem Shah dropped two places and is now ranked 49th with 477 points. Mohammad Wasim Jr gained one position to move up to 70th, while spinner Mohammad Nawaz retained his place in the rankings. Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan continues to hold the number one position in the ICC ODI bowling rankings. Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed remains second, maintaining pressure on the Afghan star. England fast bowler Jofra Archer moved into third place after improving his ranking.

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    Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark lands historic NB…

    Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has achieved another landmark moment in her basketball career after being named a cover athlete for NBA 2K27, becoming the first WNBA player to headline her own standalone global cover for the flagship video game franchise. ​Publisher 2K Sports and developer Visual Concepts officially unveiled the cover lineup, revealing that Clark will feature on the NBA 2K27 Deluxe Edition. The global release strategy splits cover honors across three prominent figures: San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama headlines the Standard Edition, Clark leads the Deluxe Edition, and former NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose stars on the limited-time Ultra Edition. ​The announcement highlights Clark’s growing influence on both the WNBA and global sports culture since entering the professional ranks. Game developers launched the announcement across social media platforms accompanied by the tag “Obsessed with the work,” celebrating Clark’s dedication and rapid impact on the sport. ​Speaking about the milestone, the Indiana Fever guard described the experience as a dream realization, noting the importance of representation for women’s basketball on a global platform: ​”Being on the cover of NBA 2K27 is special because this game reaches fans all over the world. To be the first WNBA player on her own global cover means women’s basketball gets to show up on that stage too, and I am proud to be part of that. As a kid growing up, you’re always watching to see who’s gonna be on the next cover of 2K. Hopefully young kids love it, and hopefully it can show a lot of young girls what they can achieve one day.” ​The recognition comes amid another strong competitive run for Clark in the WNBA. Since making her debut, the guard has drawn record-breaking television audiences, expanded attendance numbers, and elevated interest across the women’s game. ​Industry observers view her selection as a significant marker for women’s sports marketing, reflecting how female athletes are increasingly securing top-tier gaming partnerships and mainstream visibility. ​NBA 2K27 is scheduled for global release on September 4, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with early access beginning August 28 for Deluxe and Ultra Edition pre-orders.

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    Pak boxing team ready for Commonwealth Games

    A five-member Pakistan boxing squad has arrived in Glasgow to participate in the Commonwealth Games, with national sports officials expressing confidence in the athletes’ preparation following months of intense training. ​The national contingent, accompanied by team officials and Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Secretary General Haji Khalid Mahmood Chaudhry, will represent the country across five distinct weight divisions. The squad features three male and two female boxers who have earned their selection through top domestic performances. ​In the men’s categories, Samama Rehman will enter the ring in the 55kg division, Qudrat Ullah will compete in the 60kg event, and Afzal Khan Pathan will feature in the 65kg division. The women’s squad features Malaika Zahid in the 54kg category and Fatima Zahra representing the nation in the 60kg division. ​Maj. Irfan Younis has been appointed as team manager, while Muhammad Nisar Khan of the Pakistan Army will serve as head coach for the tournament. Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) President Col. (R) Nasir Ijaz Tung highlighted the extensive preparation undergone by the athletes, voicing optimistic expectations for the squad: ​”Our boxers have undergone comprehensive training and preparation leading up to this major competition. We are confident that they possess the skill and determination to deliver strong performances and make the nation proud on the international stage.” ​The boxing events are scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2, drawing top talent from across participating Commonwealth nations. Pakistan holds a proud competitive tradition in international boxing, and team officials believe the mix of emerging talent and dedicated coaching will yield positive results despite stiff international competition.

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    Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in CAVA opener

    Hosts Pakistan will launch their campaign against Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Men’s Volleyball Championship at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, following India’s last-minute withdrawal from the tournament. ​The regional showpiece brings together teams from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. The tournament schedule features three matches on the opening day: host nation Pakistan takes on Sri Lanka in the curtain-raiser, followed by Kazakhstan facing Nepal, and Uzbekistan taking on Bangladesh. ​Addressing the media following the championship’s official trophy unveiling ceremony, Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) Chairman Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob expressed disappointment over India’s decision to pull out of the competition at the eleventh hour. He explained that the PVF, in coordination with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), had completed all required documentation, secured necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and guaranteed comprehensive security measures specifically requested by the Indian delegation. ​Highlighting the tournament’s significance despite the withdrawal, Yaqoob emphasized that the event remains one of the largest international volleyball spectacles hosted in the country, demonstrating Pakistan’s growing capacity to stage high-profile sports competitions safely and efficiently: ​”We are surprised by India’s withdrawal after all necessary arrangements had been completed. At their request, the federation secured all required NOCs and comprehensive security guarantees to ensure the Indian team’s safe participation. Despite their absence, this championship remains a major international event that showcases Pakistan’s readiness to host world-class sports.” ​Pakistan enters the championship with strong momentum following encouraging performances in recent international competitions. Team officials and coaches believe the players are well-prepared to make full use of home-court advantage and familiar conditions as they pursue the regional title. ​The PVF extended a warm welcome to all visiting athletes, delegates, and officials, reassuring them that thorough arrangements have been implemented to guarantee a smooth and memorable tournament. Running through July 29, the championship aims to foster regional sportsmanship, elevate competitive standards, and provide local fans with top-tier international volleyball action.

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    Pakistan hockey revival needs patience, says PHF Selection Chief

    Pakistan’s dream of restoring its former hockey glory will not become a reality overnight, according to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Selection Committee Chairman Samiullah Khan, who believes the revival process requires at least two to three years of consistent effort. Speaking about the federation’s ongoing reforms, the legendary Olympian urged hockey fans and the media to remain patient and judge the progress through long-term development rather than immediate results. Samiullah praised the current PHF administration, led by President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, for taking practical steps aimed at rebuilding the country’s national sport. He said the federation has restarted Under-18, Under-21 and senior national squads, creating fresh opportunities for talented young players to progress into the international arena. He revealed that both the men’s and women’s national teams are receiving equal attention, including structured training camps, improved financial support and enhanced welfare facilities. The federation has also introduced modern sports science tools, including GPS-based performance tracking, to monitor players’ fitness and match readiness while benefiting from the expertise of international-standard coaches. According to Samiullah, significant improvements have also been made in players’ accommodation, logistics and overall training environment, reflecting the federation’s commitment to building a professional system capable of competing at the highest level. Despite the encouraging developments, the former hockey star stressed that Pakistan’s decline occurred over many years and cannot be reversed instantly. “Hockey’s revival is a long-term process,” he said, adding that expecting quick victories would be unrealistic. Instead, he urged stakeholders to focus on the quality of the rebuilding process, expressing confidence that the federation is moving in the right direction. Samiullah also appealed to supporters, former players and the media to stand behind the national teams and the PHF management. He said continued backing would help ensure that the investment being made at the grassroots level eventually translates into strong international performances and a return to Pakistan’s historic status as one of world hockey’s leading nations.

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    Pakistan to tour England for five-match ODI series ahead of 2027 World Cup

    Pakistan’s men’s cricket team will tour England in May 2027 for a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series, offering both sides an important opportunity to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup later that year. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially confirmed the tour schedule, with matches set to be played at five different venues across England. The series will begin on 15 May 2027 in Southampton, where the opening ODI will be played. The second match is scheduled for 19 May in Manchester before the teams travel to Leeds for the third ODI on 21 May. Chester-le-Street will host the fourth match on 23 May, while the fifth and final ODI will be played in Cardiff on 26 May, concluding Pakistan’s limited-overs tour. The five-match series is expected to play a significant role in both teams’ preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from 4 October to 21 November. With the tournament only a few months away, the ODI series will provide players with valuable match practice and allow team management to evaluate combinations, strategies, and player form before the global event. Pakistan are currently involved in a two-match Test series against the West Indies. After completing that assignment, the national team will travel to England next month for a three-match Test series scheduled to take place between 19 August and 13 September. The 2027 ODI tour will further strengthen the long-standing cricket rivalry between Pakistan and England and provide another competitive contest between two experienced international sides. According to the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, Pakistan are currently placed fifth, while England occupy seventh position. Both teams have consistently remained among the leading sides in one-day cricket, making the upcoming series an important contest as they build momentum ahead of the World Cup. The last time Pakistan toured England for an ODI series was in 2021, when the two teams played a three-match contest. Although Pakistan did not win the series, then-captain Babar Azam produced an outstanding batting performance. He finished as the leading run-scorer with 177 runs in three innings, including a memorable knock of 158 in the third ODI. His performance was widely praised and remains one of Pakistan’s finest individual displays in England in recent years. Cricket supporters from both countries are expected to eagerly follow the 2027 series, which promises exciting competition at some of England’s most famous cricket venues. Beyond the results, the series will serve as a crucial testing ground for both squads as they prepare for the challenges of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. With experienced players and emerging talent expected to feature, the five-match ODI series is likely to provide high-quality cricket and valuable insights for both teams before they head to the biggest tournament in the one-day format.

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    Pakistan crashes out of World Junior Squash Championship

    Pakistan’s hopes of securing an individual title at the World Junior Squash Championships came to an end after all four of its players were eliminated from the tournament, with Nauman Khan becoming the last Pakistani to exit following a straight-games defeat to Egypt’s top seed and defending champion Mohamed Zakaria. The 12-day championship, currently underway in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, saw Nauman face one of the tournament’s toughest opponents in the pre-quarterfinals. Zakaria displayed his class from the opening game, comfortably defeating the Pakistani youngster 11-4, 11-5, 11-6 to book his place in the quarterfinals. Nauman had carried Pakistan’s final hopes in the individual competition after progressing further than his teammates, but the Egyptian star’s experience and attacking game proved too strong on the day. Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan’s Mohammad Umair Arif, Yahya Khan, and Abdullah Nawaz were all knocked out in the Round of 32, leaving Nauman as the country’s lone remaining contender. His defeat officially ended Pakistan’s campaign in the individual event without a player reaching the medal rounds. Egypt once again underlined its dominance in world junior squash, with defending champion Zakaria continuing his title defense in impressive fashion. The youngster controlled every stage of the match, forcing errors from Nauman and maintaining his unbeaten run in the competition. Although the individual event has ended in disappointment for Pakistan, attention now shifts to the team competition, which is scheduled to begin on July 26. The team event offers Pakistan another opportunity to make an impact on the international stage and restore confidence after a difficult singles campaign. Coaches are expected to regroup the squad and focus on collective performances as the tournament enters its next phase. Pakistan has a proud history in world squash, having produced legendary champions who once dominated the sport. While recent years have brought challenges at the international level, the country’s young players continue to gain valuable exposure by competing against the world’s best juniors. The upcoming team event will provide another chance for Pakistan’s rising talents to test themselves against leading squash nations and finish the championship on a stronger note after an early exit from the individual competition.

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    Spain’s World Cup stars rewarded with tomatoes

    Football trophies, medals and cash bonuses are common rewards for World Cup champions, but two Spanish stars have received a prize unlike any other. Following Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph, Fabián Ruiz and Gavi were honored in their hometown with fresh tomatoes equal to their body weight, turning a local celebration into a viral moment. The unusual tribute took place in Los Palacios y Villafranca, a town in Spain’s Seville province that is famous for producing high-quality tomatoes. Instead of presenting conventional awards, local authorities chose a gift that reflects the town’s agricultural identity and long-standing tradition. During the ceremony, both midfielders were first weighed before baskets of freshly harvested tomatoes matching their exact weight were presented to them. Fabián Ruiz, who weighs 85 kilograms, received 85 kilograms of tomatoes, while 21-year-old Gavi was awarded 68.5 kilograms of the locally grown produce. The colorful ceremony, held at the town hall, drew applause from residents who gathered to celebrate their hometown heroes. Spain lifted the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 19, sparking celebrations across the country. While players have been receiving congratulations and awards from football organizations and government officials, the tomato-themed tribute quickly stood out for its originality and connection to local culture. Fabián Ruiz played a significant role in Spain’s successful World Cup campaign. The 30-year-old midfielder featured for a total of 366 minutes during the tournament and scored Spain’s opening goal in the quarter-final victory over Belgium. His performances were widely praised as Spain marched to the title. Gavi, despite limited playing time, also contributed to Spain’s championship-winning squad. The young midfielder appeared for 85 minutes during the tournament and remained an important member of the national team throughout the campaign. Local officials also announced another lasting tribute to commemorate the players’ achievements. Two football grounds in Los Palacios y Villafranca will be renamed after Fabián Ruiz and Gavi, ensuring that future generations remember their contribution to Spain’s historic World Cup success. The heartwarming celebration highlighted how communities often honor sporting heroes in ways that reflect their own traditions. For the people of Los Palacios y Villafranca, there could be no better symbol of local pride than the tomatoes that have made their town famous—making the gift just as memorable as Spain’s World Cup victory itself.

  • England and women’s ashes 2027 schedule announced amid debate over northern venues

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially revealed the schedules for the men’s and women’s Ashes series in 2027, with both competitions set to take place in England during the summer. The men’s Ashes series will begin on June 18 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, while the women’s Ashes campaign will start six days later with a one-off Test match at Headingley in Leeds on June 24. The announcement has created controversy because no men’s Ashes Test match has been scheduled in the north of England, despite the region’s long and historic connection with the rivalry. Famous cricket venues such as Headingley and Manchester’s Old Trafford have been excluded from the 2027 men’s series, a decision that has attracted criticism from several figures in English cricket. Both Headingley and Old Trafford have played important roles in Ashes history and have witnessed some of the greatest moments in the sport. Headingley was the stage where Australia’s legendary batter Don Bradman produced two memorable triple centuries during the 1930s. The ground has also hosted some of England’s most iconic performances, including Ian Botham’s remarkable displays during the 1981 Ashes series. More recently, Headingley became famous worldwide after Ben Stokes produced an unforgettable unbeaten century in 2019, guiding England to a dramatic one-wicket victory over Australia. Old Trafford, meanwhile, has also been the setting for many historic Ashes battles and has traditionally been considered one of England’s most important cricket grounds. The absence of northern venues from the 2027 schedule has been criticised by former England captain Michael Atherton. Writing in The Times, Atherton questioned the decision and described it as disappointing that the north had been overlooked. He pointed out the timing of the announcement, coming when greater political attention is being given to expanding opportunities and investment outside London and the south-east. The entire five-Test men’s Ashes series in 2027 will now be played across venues in the Midlands and southern England. Trent Bridge will host the opening Test from June 18, followed by the second Test at Lord’s in London from June 30. The third match will take place at Edgbaston in Birmingham from July 8, while Hampshire’s Rose Bowl near Southampton will host its first-ever Ashes Test from July 21. The series will finish with the fifth Test at The Oval in south London, beginning on July 29. The Rose Bowl will become the 10th venue in the United Kingdom to stage a men’s Ashes Test match. Meanwhile, Headingley and Old Trafford are expected to return to the Ashes schedule in 2031. Australia currently holds the Ashes after securing a dominant 4-1 victory on home soil during the 2025/26 series. The previous Ashes contest in England ended in a closely fought 2-2 draw in 2023. England’s most recent Ashes triumph came in 2015, when they won the home series 3-2. Before the Ashes begins, England are scheduled to face Bangladesh in a one-off Test match at Lord’s starting on May 28. The Oval will also host the 2027 World Test Championship final from June 9, marking the second time the famous ground has staged the event. As part of their preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in southern Africa, England will also play 10 One-Day Internationals, including five matches against New Zealand and five against Pakistan. The busy schedule promises a major summer of international cricket, although the decision to exclude northern England from the men’s Ashes fixtures is likely to remain a subject of debate among fans and former players.