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FUNCHAL: Hundreds of Cristiano Ronaldo fans reportedly gathered outside a historic cathedral in Portugal over the weekend, hoping to catch a glimpse of the football superstar on his wedding day — only to discover that they had arrived for someone else’s ceremony. Rumors circulating on social media and in media reports claimed that Ronaldo was set to marry his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, on Saturday in Funchal, the capital of Portugal’s Madeira island. Although Ronaldo’s family reportedly denied the claims, the speculation was enough to send scores of excited fans and journalists to the city’s historic Sé Cathedral. Many waited outside for hours, holding mobile phones and cameras in anticipation of the arrival of the Al Nassr star and Rodriguez. But the expected celebrity wedding never happened. Instead, the cathedral was preparing to host the wedding of a local couple, Nicole and Fabio. Fabio had already arrived at the church, while Nicole faced an unexpected challenge: getting through the crowd that had gathered outside believing Ronaldo would soon appear. The unusual situation created confusion around the cathedral, with tourists, fans and members of the media filling the surrounding streets. The Sé Cathedral administration later addressed the incident on its official Facebook page, congratulating the newly married couple while explaining that the large number of journalists and tourists had caused considerable confusion. The church eventually had to be closed while the wedding ceremony took place. In another post, the cathedral described the scene outside as something it had never experienced before, noting that the bride had difficulty entering the church because of the crowd. The guests also appeared to find the situation amusing. One guest joked to local media that they suddenly felt like celebrities themselves. Another questioned how anyone could have believed Ronaldo would arrive for a wedding without significant security arrangements. Ronaldo himself appeared to see the funny side of the episode. The footballer reportedly reacted to an Instagram post about the confusion with laughing-with-tears emojis, giving fans a glimpse of his reaction without directly confirming or denying any future wedding plans. Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been together for years and became engaged last year. Reports have previously claimed that Ronaldo presented Rodriguez with an expensive engagement ring featuring a large diamond. Despite the latest frenzy in Madeira, the couple has not announced a wedding date. For now, fans hoping to witness Ronaldo walk down the aisle will have to wait — and perhaps check the guest list before heading to the church.

NEW DELHI: India have turned to middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan as their injury problems continue to pile up ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, bringing the right-hander into the squad as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Sudharsan has been ruled out after suffering a stress reaction in his right foot. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has reportedly shown significant improvement. Sarfaraz’s inclusion gives India another experienced domestic performer as the team prepares for an important World Test Championship assignment. The 28-year-old made his Test debut in 2024 and has so far played six Tests, scoring 371 runs at international level. His record includes one century and three half-centuries, highlighting his ability to make an impact when given opportunities in the longer format. Sarfaraz has also remained a prolific performer in India’s domestic cricket. During the 2025 Ranji Trophy season, he represented Mumbai in seven matches and accumulated 429 runs, strengthening his case for another opportunity at Test level. His return comes at a challenging time for India, who are dealing with injuries to several important players. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Washington Sundar are also among the players whose fitness has become a concern ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. The changes have added uncertainty to India’s final combination, particularly in the batting and bowling departments. Sarfaraz’s selection could provide the team with additional depth in the middle order as the management assesses its options. India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play the opening Test in Galle on August 15, followed by the second Test at the SSC Ground in Colombo from August 23. The two-match series carries added significance because it forms part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Both sides will therefore be looking to begin the campaign strongly and collect valuable points. For Sarfaraz, the opportunity arrives at a crucial moment. After producing strong numbers in domestic cricket and making a promising start to his international career, his inclusion gives him another chance to establish himself in India’s Test middle order. With injuries already forcing India to rethink their plans, Sarfaraz could now find himself at the centre of attention when the first Test begins in Galle.

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of France international left-back Lucas Digne from Aston Villa, bringing the experienced defender back to the club more than a decade after his first spell in Paris. The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the French champions. PSG activated Digne’s release clause, with reports putting the transfer fee at around £8.5 million ($11.5m). Digne’s return marks an intriguing new chapter in a career that has taken him across some of Europe’s biggest clubs. He initially joined PSG in 2013 and made 44 appearances before moving on. He subsequently spent time at Roma, Barcelona and Everton before establishing himself as an important figure at Aston Villa. His spell in England ended on a high note. Digne played a significant role in Villa’s successful 2025-26 campaign, helping the club lift the Europa League under manager Unai Emery. The move also comes after an impressive international period. Digne earned his place as France’s preferred left-back during the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup and now arrives in Paris with 64 international caps to his name. For Digne, the transfer is more than simply another move. Returning to his hometown club gives him an opportunity to finish another chapter of his career at a club that has transformed dramatically since his first departure. “I am very honoured to be returning to Paris Saint-Germain,” Digne said, adding that he was impressed by the club’s development and eager to bring his experience to the team. At PSG, Digne is expected to provide experienced competition and cover for first-choice left-back Nuno Mendes. His versatility, international experience and familiarity with the club could make him a valuable squad player. The storyline could become even more compelling this week, with PSG scheduled to face Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup on August 12. Digne could potentially make his PSG return against his former side. The reunion promises an unusual twist: Digne could soon find himself lining up against the club he has only just left.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open after failing to recover fully from a right knee injury, raising fresh questions over the Italian star’s fitness ahead of the US Open. Sinner confirmed his decision on Sunday after consulting his doctors and medical team. The 24-year-old said his knee had continued to bother him despite treatment and that he was not yet ready to return to competitive action. “After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw,” Sinner said in a statement published by the ATP. The decision comes just days after Sinner also pulled out of the Masters 1000 event in Montreal. He has now missed both major North American hard-court tournaments that traditionally serve as important preparations for the US Open. Sinner’s withdrawal is particularly significant given his recent form. The Italian arrived at the North American swing on a six-tournament winning streak at Masters 1000 level and has not played since successfully defending his Wimbledon title last month. The Cincinnati setback also means Sinner will enter the final Grand Slam of the season without a competitive match on the North American hard courts. The US Open main draw begins in New York on August 30, leaving him with limited time to regain full fitness. Adding to the uncertainty, world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz is also expected to miss Cincinnati while dealing with a wrist injury. The two young stars have become the central figures of men’s tennis and contested last year’s US Open final, with Alcaraz winning in four sets. Sinner’s priority now is clear: recovery rather than rushing back. His decision reflects the importance of arriving in New York healthy, particularly with another Grand Slam title within reach. For Cincinnati, however, the absence of both Sinner and Alcaraz is a major blow. For tennis fans, the bigger question is whether the sport’s two leading stars will be fully fit when the US Open begins.

Defending champion Ben Shelton continued his impressive run at the ATP Montreal Masters, defeating Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in straight sets to book his place in the quarter-finals. The 23-year-old American, seeded 10th, produced a composed performance to win 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) on Sunday. Shelton has now reached the last eight without dropping a set and extended his winning streak in Canada to nine matches. The victory, however, was anything but routine. Strong evening winds made conditions difficult, forcing both players to adjust their games. Shelton relied on his powerful left-handed serve and aggressive baseline play while trying to keep his composure during the second-set battle. “It was tough today, not easy conditions,” Shelton said. “It all came down to grit. The tennis was not clean.” Fonseca, regarded as one of the most promising young players in men’s tennis, had opportunities to change the momentum. The Brazilian led 3-1 and 40-30 in the second set when he landed awkwardly after attempting a smash, appearing to hurt his ankle. The 18-year-old continued, but his performance became increasingly erratic. He finished with 32 unforced errors, allowing Shelton to stay in control. The American eventually sealed victory on his second of four match points when Fonseca sent a return into the net. Shelton will next face 13th-seeded Czech Jakub Mensik, who advanced by beating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5. Mensik overturned a second-set deficit by winning 12 of the final 14 points, including a memorable winning lob. Elsewhere, Spain’s Daniel Merida continued his remarkable hard-court breakthrough by defeating Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 6-1 in just 69 minutes. The 63rd-ranked Spaniard had never won a tour-level hard-court match before arriving in Montreal. He has now won four consecutive matches on the surface and secured a first Masters quarter-final, guaranteeing a rise into the world’s top 50. Merida will face American 12th seed Learner Tien, who defeated Argentina’s Thiago Tirante 6-4, 6-4. “This is a dream come true,” Merida said after the victory, underlining the confidence behind his breakthrough season. With Shelton chasing another Montreal title and Merida enjoying a stunning rise, the tournament is shaping up for an exciting finish.

Cricket fans in Multan are set for an exciting week of domestic action, with the Pakistan Cricket Board announcing free entry for spectators at the National Champions Cup 2026, which begins on August 11 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The tournament will run until August 18 and will feature seven day-night matches, giving local supporters a chance to watch some of Pakistan’s leading domestic and international stars without paying an entry fee. Matches are scheduled to begin at 3pm local time. The new 50-over List-A competition will officially open Pakistan’s 2026-27 domestic cricket season. Four teams—Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold—will compete in a single round-robin league. At the end of the league stage, the two highest-ranked teams will qualify for the final, setting up a potentially decisive finish in Multan. The PCB has also confirmed the playing XIs for all four sides, along with a 13-player reserve pool. Reserve players will remain with their respective squads during training and match days and can be brought into the team if a player suffers an injury or concussion after the playing XI has been announced. The tournament features several prominent names. Fast-bowling star Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain Pakistan Gold, while all-rounder Shadab Khan will lead Pakistan Greens. Meanwhile, Pakistan Whites will be captained by Saim Ayub, with Sahibzada Farhan taking charge of Pakistan Blues. The leadership choices provide an interesting mix of international experience and emerging talent. Beyond the trophy itself, the competition carries added importance because the PCB is using the tournament as part of its wider preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. A 44-player pool has been assembled, supported by reserve players, giving selectors an opportunity to assess form, fitness and combinations ahead of future international assignments. For Multan’s cricket followers, the combination of free admission, day-night matches and a strong field makes the Champions Cup an appealing mid-August sporting attraction. With Shaheen and Shadab leading rival teams and several players competing for national recognition, the tournament could offer plenty of drama from the opening match to the final.

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has revealed that one of Wasim Akram’s greatest World Cup performances is motivating him as the Proteas prepare for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup on home soil. Rabada, speaking at the official World Cup 2027 venue and brand announcement event in Johannesburg, acknowledged that hosting cricket’s biggest tournament brings an added sense of responsibility. However, the experienced pacer said he prefers to view home advantage as an opportunity rather than a burden. “I think there’s a lot more to it at the moment with us hosting it,” Rabada said. Rather than feeling pressured to deliver a title in front of home supporters, the 31-year-old wants South Africa to embrace the occasion and protect what he described as their “fortress”. “For me, it’s about representing the badge,” Rabada said, stressing the pride that comes with playing a World Cup in front of South African fans. The fast bowler also looked back at the 1992 World Cup final, identifying Pakistan great Wasim Akram’s devastating spell against England as one of the tournament moments he remembers most vividly. Akram changed the final with two remarkable deliveries that removed Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis in successive balls, helping Pakistan seize control before eventually lifting the trophy. For Rabada, the performance represented everything he admires about fast bowling: pace, skill, intensity and the ability to rise to the biggest occasion. “He was fast, had so much skill, and just had this presence, this heightened energy about him,” Rabada recalled. The South African pacer hopes his team can create a similarly memorable moment in 2027. South Africa have repeatedly shown the ability to reach the latter stages of major ICC tournaments but have struggled to convert those appearances into a world title. Rabada believes that barrier is no longer psychological. “We’ve shown that we can go and play in finals and in the semi-finals,” he said. The remaining challenge, he added, is taking that final step. With the 2027 World Cup set to be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Rabada and his teammates will have a major opportunity to write their own chapter in cricket history. And if Rabada can channel even a little of Akram’s 1992 magic, South African fans may have plenty to celebrate.

Pakistan has once again stamped its authority on the international youth Scrabble scene, winning the World Youth Scrabble Championship team title for a record seventh time after an impressive campaign. The 21st edition of the championship featured 183 players from 11 countries, with Pakistani youngsters producing a series of standout performances across different age categories. Pakistan finished first in the team competition, while Australia’s Dineth Fernando claimed the overall individual world title. Three Pakistani players also secured places among the top 10 in the individual standings. The country’s success extended across several age groups. Ahmed Salman captured the Under-16 world title, while Ahad Sault Fatimi emerged champion in the Under-14 category. Pakistan also celebrated success in the Under-12 competition, where Mustafa Farhan finished as runner-up. One of the most remarkable performances came from Pakistan’s youngest competitor, Taimur Wasim, who won the Under-10 world title. Taimur’s latest triumph adds another chapter to his rapidly growing Scrabble record. The young player had already impressed last year by winning the Under-8 world championship, and he has now moved up an age group while continuing his winning run. The results underline the depth of young Scrabble talent in Pakistan, with players competing successfully against strong international opposition. Winning the team championship for the seventh time is particularly significant, reinforcing Pakistan’s reputation as one of the leading nations in youth Scrabble. The strong showing across multiple age categories also suggests a promising future for the country’s Scrabble programme, as a new generation of players continues to make its mark on the global stage.