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COLOMBO: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has reportedly withdrawn from the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, bringing an early end to a turbulent campaign that was overshadowed by an administrative mix-up and below-par performances. According to media reports, the 26-year-old informed his franchise, Kandy Royals, that he was leaving the tournament for personal reasons. Neither Afridi nor the franchise has disclosed further details, while Kandy Royals are yet to announce a replacement. Afridi’s departure comes just days after he was at the centre of an unusual selection controversy. Reports claimed he had initially been listed as the team’s Impact Player for a match against Colombo Capitals, but was unable to feature after an administrative error left his name off the official team sheet. The mistake reportedly occurred after Kandy Royals elected to bat first, with team officials later informing Afridi that an analyst had accidentally omitted his name from the final squad submitted before the match. The incident prompted the Pakistan pacer to raise the issue with an official from the tournament’s Anti-Corruption Unit, after which the matter was referred to the match referee for review. Franchise officials and tournament organisers later apologised to Afridi for the error. Reports suggested the left-arm fast bowler had briefly considered leaving the competition immediately after the incident but decided to stay with the squad following the apology. Despite remaining in the tournament, Afridi struggled to make his usual impact with the ball. He claimed seven wickets in six matches, averaging 32.00, while conceding runs at an economy rate of 10.18, figures well below the standards expected from one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers. Meanwhile, the LPL continues to see changes in team combinations, with two more Pakistani cricketers joining the competition as replacement signings. Young batter Khawaja Nafay has been drafted by Jaffna Kings to replace Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran, while experienced all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has signed with Dambulla Sixers as a replacement for Afghanistan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi. Shaheen’s reported withdrawal marks another twist in an eventful LPL campaign and is likely to spark further discussion about player management and tournament administration as the competition heads toward its decisive stages.

LAHORE: Pakistan are reportedly close to appointing Mike Smith as the batting coach of the national Test team, with the experienced South African expected to take charge ahead of this month’s crucial three-match Test series against England. According to sources, Smith is the leading candidate for the role and could officially join the team before the England tour begins. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to make a formal announcement regarding the appointment. Smith is a Level 4-qualified coach and a former South African first-class cricketer. He is also familiar with Pakistan cricket, having previously worked with Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he earned praise for his coaching methods and player development. If appointed, Smith will replace the interim coaching arrangement currently being handled by former Pakistan batter Asad Shafiq, who has been serving as the team’s temporary batting coach. The PCB began its search for a permanent batting coach in May, inviting applications from qualified candidates. The deadline for submissions was June 7, after which the board evaluated potential applicants before shortlisting candidates for the position. Pakistan’s move to strengthen its coaching staff comes at an important time, with the national team preparing for a challenging Test assignment in England. The series is expected to be a significant test for Pakistan’s batting unit, which has faced criticism for inconsistent performances in recent overseas matches. Adding an experienced batting specialist is seen as part of the PCB’s broader strategy to improve the team’s red-ball performances and provide greater technical support to the players. Smith’s previous experience in franchise cricket and his reputation for working closely with batters could make him a valuable addition to Pakistan’s coaching setup. Although an official confirmation is still awaited, reports suggest the appointment process is in its final stages. With the England Test series approaching rapidly, the PCB is expected to finalize the coaching staff soon as Pakistan aims to build a stronger batting lineup capable of delivering consistent performances in challenging overseas conditions.

MONACO: Cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar is set to return to the Vuelta a España for the first time since 2019, as the Slovenian aims to capture the only Grand Tour title missing from his glittering career. His team, UAE Team Emirates, confirmed on Monday that the reigning Tour de France champion will compete in this year’s Vuelta, which begins on August 22. The announcement has immediately made the 27-year-old the overwhelming favourite for the prestigious 21-stage race, as he looks to add another milestone to an already remarkable career. Pogacar last competed in the Vuelta in 2019, where he finished an impressive third overall and claimed three stage victories, performances that introduced him to the global cycling stage. “I’m excited to say I’m going back to La Vuelta,” Pogacar said in a statement released by his team. “It was my first-ever Grand Tour back in 2019 and an amazing experience. Spain is a country I love to visit and race in, and I think the time is right to go back.” The Slovenian added that his motivation remains high following another successful Tour de France campaign and described the Vuelta as one of his biggest goals for the remainder of the season. Pogacar heads into the race with history within reach. Having already won the Tour de France this year and previously claimed the Giro d’Italia in 2024, victory in Spain would complete his collection of all three Grand Tours. He could also become only the fourth cyclist in history to win both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in the same season. With UAE Team Emirates expected to field a strong supporting squad, Pogacar will be determined to end the year on another high and further strengthen his reputation as one of cycling’s greatest riders of the modern era. The Vuelta is expected to feature many of the sport’s leading names, but all eyes will be on Pogacar as he chases another historic achievement and bids to complete one of cycling’s rarest career accomplishments.

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed an eight-year ban on USA off-spinner B Akhilesh Reddy after he was found guilty of multiple breaches of the governing body’s Anti-Corruption Code linked to the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament. The 26-year-old cricketer, who represented Aspin Stallions during the competition, was charged following an investigation into alleged corrupt activities during the tournament. He had been provisionally suspended in November 2025 while the inquiry was underway. After a formal hearing, the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Tribunal concluded that Reddy had committed several serious offences under the Anti-Corruption Code. According to the ICC, Reddy was found guilty of attempting to improperly influence the outcome, progress or conduct of matches during the Abu Dhabi T10. He was also found to have encouraged another participant to engage in corrupt activities related to match-fixing. In addition, the tribunal ruled that the spinner obstructed the investigation by deleting data and messages from his mobile phone that could have been relevant to the anti-corruption inquiry. As a result of the findings, the ICC banned Reddy from all cricket-related activities for eight years. The sanction has been backdated to November 21, 2025, the date on which his provisional suspension first came into effect. Reddy made his international debut for the United States in April 2025 and went on to play four Twenty20 Internationals for the national team before his career was derailed by the corruption investigation. The case highlights the ICC’s continued efforts to protect the integrity of the sport through strict enforcement of its anti-corruption regulations. The governing body has repeatedly warned players at all levels that any involvement in match manipulation or attempts to obstruct investigations will result in severe penalties. The lengthy suspension effectively sidelines one of USA cricket’s emerging players for the remainder of the decade and serves as a strong reminder of cricket’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption. The ICC has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the game’s credibility by taking firm action against anyone found guilty of breaching its anti-corruption code.

Kevin Owens made an unforgettable return to WWE after spending more than a year away from in-ring competition, defeating Sami Zayn, Finn Bálor and Gunther in a thrilling Fatal Four-Way match at SummerSlam 2026 Night Two. The victory marked a major milestone for the former Universal Champion, who had been sidelined since April 2025 due to a severe neck injury. The injury forced Owens to pull out of a scheduled WrestleMania showdown against Randy Orton and raised concerns about his wrestling future. After undergoing successful neck fusion surgery in July 2025, Owens spent over a year recovering and rehabilitating before finally receiving medical clearance to return to action. His comeback at Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium was kept completely under wraps, making it one of the biggest surprises of WWE’s biggest event of the summer. The match was originally announced as a one-on-one number-one contender’s contest between longtime rivals Sami Zayn and Finn Bálor. However, moments before the bout began, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis appeared on stage and announced that Gunther would also be entering the match, turning it into a Triple Threat contest. Just when fans thought the surprises were over, Kevin Owens’ entrance music suddenly blasted through the arena. The packed crowd erupted with excitement as Aldis revealed Owens as the fourth competitor, officially transforming the contest into a Fatal Four-Way match. The encounter quickly developed into one of the most exciting matches of the night. Each competitor had moments of dominance, delivering hard-hitting offense and producing several dramatic near falls that kept the audience guessing until the very end. Gunther looked poised to secure the victory after delivering a thunderous powerbomb to Finn Bálor. Before he could capitalize, Sami Zayn fought back with a trademark Exploder Suplex into the corner, shifting the momentum once again and bringing himself back into contention. Owens patiently waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. As the action reached its climax, he stunned Gunther with his signature Stunner before immediately turning his attention to Zayn, his longtime friend and former tag-team partner. Owens delivered another devastating Stunner, leaving Zayn unable to recover. Without hesitation, Owens covered Zayn for the decisive three-count, completing a remarkable comeback in his very first match after returning from injury. The emotional victory not only showcased Owens’ resilience but also proved that he remains a top contender despite his lengthy absence from WWE programming. Fans celebrated his successful return, with many calling it one of the most memorable moments of SummerSlam 2026. By winning the Fatal Four-Way contest, Owens also secured a guaranteed future WWE Championship opportunity against reigning champion CM Punk. The result immediately sets up a highly anticipated title clash between two of WWE’s biggest stars, adding another blockbuster rivalry to the company’s championship picture. After overcoming a career-threatening injury and an extended recovery period, Kevin Owens has officially announced his return to the top of WWE, and his impressive SummerSlam performance suggests that his journey back to championship gold may only be beginning.

Chelsea have continued their active summer transfer business by completing the signing of Argentine defender and midfielder Valentin Barco on a seven-year contract. The 22-year-old becomes the club’s seventh signing of the current transfer window, further highlighting Chelsea’s determination to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season under head coach Xabi Alonso. Barco arrives from French side Strasbourg, becoming the second player to make the move from the Ligue 1 club to Stamford Bridge this summer after striker Emmanuel Emegha. The transfer also adds to the growing number of deals completed between Chelsea and Strasbourg since both clubs came under the same ownership group. Since the beginning of last season, the two clubs have conducted several player transfers as part of their long-term sporting strategy. Known for his versatility, Barco is capable of playing as a left-back, wing-back or central midfielder. His technical ability, attacking mindset and composure on the ball have made him one of Argentina’s promising young talents. Chelsea believe his flexibility will provide valuable options across multiple positions during the upcoming campaign. Barco is no stranger to English football. He previously joined Brighton & Hove Albion but struggled to establish himself in the Premier League. Seeking regular first-team football, he moved to Strasbourg on loan in 2024 before making the switch permanent the following year. His performances in France helped Strasbourg secure qualification for the UEFA Conference League, with Barco becoming one of the team’s standout performers. His consistent displays earned praise for his defensive work, creativity and ability to contribute in attack. On the international stage, Barco has also continued to build his reputation. He was part of Argentina’s squad that reached the FIFA World Cup final, gaining valuable experience alongside some of the country’s biggest stars. During the tournament, he attracted attention after an emotional exchange with England midfielder Jude Bellingham following Argentina’s passionate celebrations in front of England’s players after the semi-final victory. Chelsea’s latest signing reflects the club’s continued focus on recruiting young players with significant long-term potential. The Blues have invested heavily in emerging talent in recent transfer windows, aiming to build a squad capable of competing for major honours over the coming years. Barco joins a growing list of new arrivals at Stamford Bridge this summer. Chelsea recently confirmed the signing of experienced striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton, adding leadership and attacking depth to the squad. The club have also strengthened their defence with the arrival of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, while Morgan Rogers has joined from Aston Villa to boost the attacking midfield options. In addition to those signings, Chelsea have secured the services of Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda as part of their extensive recruitment drive. With pre-season preparations continuing, Chelsea hope the arrival of Barco and several other new faces will help the team adapt quickly to Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach. Expectations are high as the Blues look to challenge strongly in domestic competitions while returning to the top level of European football. Barco’s versatility, energy and international experience are expected to make him an important addition as Chelsea prepare for the new season.

Borussia Dortmund have officially confirmed the signing of Konstantinos Karetsas. The young Greek forward joins from Belgian side Genk. He has put pen to paper on a five-year contract. The transfer news broke on Monday. Reports peg the fee at around 30 million euros. That translates to roughly $34 million. Additional bonuses are also included in the package. Karetsas is only 18 years old. But his numbers already speak volumes. He has scored three goals in ten appearances for Greece’s national team. His club form last season was just as impressive. He delivered 11 assists in the Belgian top flight. Dortmund had a clear gap to fill. The club recently lost Julian Brandt. The experienced playmaker left on a free transfer after years of service. His departure left a creative void in midfield. Karetsas now steps in as the man tasked with filling it. The teenager didn’t hold back his excitement after signing. He called Borussia Dortmund a special club. He said he feels proud to wear the black and yellow jersey. Club officials are equally thrilled. Dortmund’s sporting director praised the young forward’s game. He highlighted Karetsas’s technical skill and sharp footballing brain. According to him, the youngster has a real talent for finding quick solutions under pressure. That skill becomes especially valuable in tight spaces near goal. This transfer likely won’t be Dortmund’s last this summer. The club has also shown interest in another rising star. Cologne’s young German international, Said El Mala, is reportedly on their radar too. Context matters here. Dortmund finished last season as runners-up. Bayern Munich once again claimed the title. That gap is clearly on the club’s mind this transfer window. Signing proven young talent like Karetsas suggests a plan to close it. For Karetsas, this move marks a major step in his career. Moving from Belgian football to one of Europe’s most storied clubs is no small leap. Expectations will be high given his price tag and reputation. Dortmund fans will now watch closely to see how quickly he adapts. If his club and international form are any indication, he could become a key piece in Dortmund’s push to reclaim the title next season.