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BECKENHAM: England have received a timely boost ahead of their Test series against Pakistan, with opener Emilio Gay included in the Professional County Club Select XI squad for a three-day warm-up match. Gay’s participation is encouraging news after the left-handed batter suffered a right shoulder injury while representing Durham against Middlesex in the One-Day Cup last week. He experienced discomfort early in his innings before aggravating the problem while playing a straight drive against Toby Roland-Jones. The 26-year-old was forced to leave the field after scoring nine runs from 17 deliveries, raising concerns over his availability for England’s upcoming Test assignment. However, medical scans reportedly showed no serious damage, allowing Gay to return to competitive action as England assess his fitness. The warm-up fixture at Beckenham was initially scheduled for four days but has been shortened to three following an agreement between the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Gay will feature alongside England Test squad members Shoaib Bashir and Matthew Fisher in the PCC Select XI. The match could provide England with an important opportunity to monitor Gay’s shoulder before the first Test. Gay earned his place in England’s Test plans after an impressive run of form and made his international debut earlier this summer. His availability is particularly significant as England reshape their batting line-up following Ben Stokes’ retirement. Bashir, meanwhile, remains highly regarded by England’s selectors despite limited recent county appearances. The young spinner may not feature in the Test XI, with England considering a four-seamer attack and relying on Dan Lawrence and Joe Root for occasional off-spin. The PCC Select XI will be coached by England Under-19 head coach Mike Yardy, with the England Lions head-coach position currently vacant. For England, Gay’s return offers a welcome sense of relief — but the warm-up match will reveal whether the opener is truly ready for the pressure of Test cricket against Pakistan. PCC Select XI squad Tom Haines (c), Shoaib Bashir, Luc Benkenstein, Caleb Falconer, Matt Fisher, Emilio Gay, Nathan Gilchrist, Josh Hull, Manny Lumsden, James Rew, James Sales, Charlie Tear, Noah Thain, Saif Zaib.

BECKENHAM: England Test captain Joe Root has removed the midnight curfew previously imposed on the team, signalling a shift towards greater personal responsibility ahead of the three-match Test series against Pakistan. Root, speaking to Sky Sports, said he did not believe strict curfews were necessary and instead wanted England players to behave like adults and take responsibility for their actions both on and off the field. “There’s not going to be a curfew. I don’t think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest,” Root said. The experienced batter explained that players needed the freedom to make sensible decisions without constant supervision. In his view, responsibility away from the cricket field should go hand in hand with the standards expected from players representing England. Root said the team would focus on managing itself effectively, with players expected to “self-police” and look after one another. He also stressed that everyone in the squad understood the responsibilities that come with playing international cricket. The decision marks a notable change from the approach taken under former captain Ben Stokes, when a midnight curfew was introduced as part of the team’s discipline and culture. For Root, however, the priority is creating a strong environment rather than enforcing rigid rules. He said England should be remembered for their performances on the field rather than stories about incidents away from cricket. The captain also acknowledged that players should be able to celebrate victories, enjoy themselves and have a drink when appropriate, provided they understand their responsibilities. “Let’s be adults. Look after yourselves, look after each other,” Root said, emphasising the importance of a healthy team culture. England are now preparing for a challenging Test series against Pakistan, with Root and head coach Stephen Fleming expected to establish clear standards for the squad. The message from Root is straightforward: England’s players will have more freedom, but with that freedom comes accountability. The captain hopes the approach will strengthen team unity while keeping attention firmly on cricket.

ROSARIO: Lionel Messi has cast fresh doubt over his football future following the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, saying he is unsure whether he can continue playing for “much longer.” The Argentina superstar, 39, shared an emotional message after returning to the United States following his father’s funeral, describing Jorge as a central figure in both his personal life and extraordinary football career. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote, admitting that he now has “serious doubts” about continuing his career. Jorge Messi died last week at the age of 68. His absence was particularly painful for Lionel because his father had repeatedly encouraged him to compete at another World Cup. The pair had hoped Jorge would watch Messi play in the tournament, but his health deteriorated shortly before the competition began. Messi said he kept believing Argentina could reach the final and hoped his father would eventually be able to travel and watch him. Argentina did reach the final, but Messi’s team lost 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey. Messi scored eight goals during the tournament and was once again at the centre of his country’s campaign. Yet the tournament was overshadowed by his father’s declining health. “Every time a match ended I waited for and missed your message,” Messi recalled, explaining how he gradually realised how serious the situation had become. After the final, Messi returned to Rosario to spend time with his family. He said his father initially believed Argentina had lost the final on penalties and was unable to fully experience the tournament because of his condition. Despite the heartbreak, Messi remembered how much his father had contributed to his career. Jorge was not only his agent but also his first coach and one of his strongest supporters. When Barcelona invited the 13-year-old Messi to Spain in 2000, Jorge left Argentina and moved with his son, helping him pursue his football dream. He later managed Messi’s career through major moves involving Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. “You were a father, a friend, and an agent,” Messi wrote. For now, Messi’s future remains uncertain. His contract with Inter Miami reportedly runs through the end of the 2028 season, but his emotional message suggests that personal loss may force the football icon to reconsider how long he wants to remain on the pitch. For a player who has achieved almost everything in football, the next decision may be his most personal one yet.

MULTAN: Sahibzada Farhan produced a composed century as Pakistan Blues chased down 213 with ease, defeating Pakistan Gold by six wickets in the second match of the National Champions Cup 2026 at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Farhan’s unbeaten-looking control throughout the chase proved decisive as Pakistan Blues reached their target in just 41 overs, losing only four wickets and underlining their dominance with both bat and ball. Opening with Maaz Sadaqat, Farhan helped Blues make a steady start, adding 30 runs for the first wicket inside five overs. Maaz contributed nine before departing, but Farhan quickly found another reliable partner in Mohammad Faiq. The pair added 55 runs for the second wicket, taking Blues to 85 in 16 overs. Faiq struck four boundaries during his 35-ball 30 before leaving the crease. Tayyab Tahir then joined Farhan and the two maintained the pressure on Pakistan Gold’s bowlers. Their 64-run partnership took Blues close to the finishing line, with Tahir scoring 35 from 41 balls, including three fours. At 149-3 after 29.1 overs, Farhan reached his ninth List-A century, providing the highlight of a commanding individual performance. The right-hander eventually made 102 from 101 deliveries, smashing nine fours and two sixes. Rohail Nazir and Irfan Khan then completed the job, remaining unbeaten on 21 and nine respectively. Mohammad Imran was Pakistan Gold’s most successful bowler, taking two wickets. Earlier, Pakistan Gold struggled after captain Shaheen Afridi elected to bat first. Hasan Ali and Sufyan Moqim led a powerful Blues bowling effort, sharing eight wickets between them. Pakistan Gold began positively through Shamyl Hussain and Saad Khan, but Saad fell for nine. Shamyl then combined with Kamran Ghulam for a 75-run partnership before Moqim ended the stand by removing Shamyl for a well-made 50 off 47 balls. Kamran continued to fight, adding 36 with Haider Ali. He top-scored with 63 from 84 deliveries, while Haider struck 44 from 53 balls. However, Pakistan Gold collapsed from 136-3 to 174-6 in just 3.2 overs as Hasan and Moqim tore through the middle order. The Gold innings eventually ended at 212 in 45.3 overs. Moqim and Hasan claimed four wickets apiece, while Arafat Minhas added two. With Farhan’s century completing a convincing chase, Pakistan Blues have made an emphatic statement in the early stages of the Champions Cup.

MANCHESTER: Manchester City have brought Argentina international goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli back to the Etihad Stadium, signing the 34-year-old from Marseille on a two-year contract. Rulli will arrive as City’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma, adding experience and international pedigree to Pep Guardiola’s squad. The move is also a return to familiar territory for Rulli, who spent the 2016-17 season with Manchester City. His first spell, however, ended without a senior appearance, making his return a very different opportunity. “This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp,” Rulli said after completing the move. The goalkeeper added that joining City was an opportunity he could not afford to overlook, praising the club’s long-standing success and demanding standards. Rulli has earned eight Argentina caps and was part of the squad that lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa America. He also travelled with Argentina to last month’s World Cup final, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain. His career has taken him across several major European leagues. Before arriving at Marseille, Rulli represented Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Montpellier and Ajax, gaining extensive experience at both domestic and European level. One of the most memorable moments of his career came in the 2021 Europa League final, when Villarreal faced Manchester United. Rulli not only converted his penalty during the dramatic shootout but also saved David de Gea’s effort as Villarreal won 11-10. Now, years later, the Argentine goalkeeper returns to Manchester with a new role and a wealth of experience behind him. The transfer also provides financial relief for Marseille, who are under pressure to balance their books after being fined €10 million for failing to meet UEFA break-even requirements. Marseille’s fifth-place Ligue 1 finish in the 2025-26 campaign also means they will miss out on Champions League revenue, increasing the need for player sales during the summer. Rulli’s departure follows several other exits from the French club. Argentine defender Facundo Medina has moved to Bayer Leverkusen, while high-profile forwards Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have also left. For City, meanwhile, Rulli offers a reliable and experienced option between the posts. For Rulli himself, the move represents a second chance at a club where his first chapter never truly began.

Olympic javelin throw gold medallist Arshad Nadeem has decided to undergo training in South Africa ahead of major international competitions. According to sources, Nadeem will not participate in the Lausanne Diamond League scheduled for August 21. His name had initially been included in the entry list for the event. The Pakistani javelin thrower is now planning to train in South Africa. He has previously completed training camps in the country on two occasions. Sources said Nadeem will travel to South Africa on the first available flight once he receives his visa. He is expected to use the training camp to prepare for his upcoming international assignments. Following his training in South Africa, Nadeem will compete at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. The championship is scheduled to take place in Budapest from September 6 to 14. The event will bring together leading athletes from around the world. Nadeem is also expected to compete at the Asian Games after the World Athletics Ultimate Championship. The decision to skip the Lausanne Diamond League is part of his revised competition and training plan. The focus is now on preparing thoroughly for the major championships ahead. Nadeem has emerged as one of Pakistan’s leading athletics stars. He made history by winning the Olympic javelin throw gold medal, becoming a major figure in Pakistan’s international sporting success. His planned training stint in South Africa is expected to provide him with an opportunity to work on his technique, strength and overall competition preparation before returning to international action.

Pakistan’s young taekwondo athletes delivered a memorable performance in Singapore, returning from the Grand Slam Youth Taekwondo League with an impressive haul of five medals, including three golds. The international youth competition was held in Tampines, Singapore, from July 24 to 26, bringing together talented athletes from more than 13 countries. The event provided young competitors with a valuable platform to test their skills against international opposition. The Singapore edition was also officially listed as the second edition of the Grand Slam Youth League. Pakistan’s Qadeer Khan, Wajahat Ali Khan and Arham Manaf emerged as the standout performers, securing gold medals in their respective categories after impressive displays. Their victories highlighted the growing confidence and ability of Pakistan’s young taekwondo athletes on the international stage. Competing against athletes from a wide range of countries, the Pakistani trio demonstrated determination, speed and technical skill to finish at the top. The country’s medal tally was further strengthened by Ayan Miraj and Syed Ahmed Ayaz, who claimed bronze medals after strong performances. The five-medal haul represents an encouraging development for Pakistan’s youth taekwondo programme. Beyond the medals themselves, the results offer a glimpse of the potential emerging among the country’s younger athletes. The Grand Slam Youth League is designed to give young competitors high-level international experience while allowing them to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment. For Pakistan, the Singapore success could prove an important confidence boost as these young athletes continue their development. Their performances have not only raised the national flag on the international stage but also underlined the depth of talent available in Pakistan’s next generation of taekwondo competitors.