EJ Obiena back to golden ways with victory in Germany

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has weighed in on national team selections. He believes players should not be picked based on just one or two standout PSL performances. According to him, there is a significant gap between franchise cricket and the international game. The 35-year-old pointed out a growing trend. Several young players have made it into the national side after impressing in only a few PSL matches. He said that if a youngster is truly good enough to take his spot in the white-ball team, they should get that chance without hesitation. However, he added an important condition. Such players still need to prove their quality and consistency over time, not just deliver one strong performance. Fakhar also spoke about the gap between league and international cricket. He explained that many domestic performers only understand this difference once they step onto the international stage themselves. He suggested that regular development camps could help close this gap. At the same time, he cautioned against calling any player extraordinary after just one or two good PSL games. League cricket, he stressed, is simply not the same as international cricket. Turning to team matters, Fakhar revealed that batting order discussions have already taken place with the management. He was careful to note that not every detail from those conversations can be shared publicly. His personal approach, he said, has always been to prioritize what the team needs. He acknowledged that individual players naturally have their own preferences. Still, he pointed out that not everything can be aired through the media. What matters most, according to him, is that the entire squad stays united and aligned moving forward. Looking ahead, Fakhar also shared some thoughts on his history in South Africa. He said he has fond memories of playing there in the past. He credited the pace and bounce of South African pitches for suiting his natural batting style. He added that his current preparation is already focused on the 2027 World Cup. As selection debates continue to swirl around PSL performances, Fakhar’s comments offer a timely reminder. Consistency, not a single flash of brilliance, remains the real benchmark for making it at the international level, a point he seems keen on reinforcing as competition for spots heats up.

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.

GALLE: Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to India’s Test side in spectacular fashion, scoring an unbeaten century as India finished the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at 288-2 on Saturday. The left-handed batter, recalled as a late replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan, remained unbeaten on 131 from 178 balls, striking 12 fours and a six. His composed innings put India firmly in control on a rain-affected day at the Galle International Stadium. Padikkal’s century was the first of his Test career and strengthened his case for a permanent place at No. 3. The 26-year-old had last played a Test in November 2024 but entered the match with confidence after scoring a hundred in India’s warm-up game in Colombo. He joined KL Rahul after opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out for 32 following a mix-up. The pair then produced a commanding 150-run partnership that shifted the momentum decisively towards India. Padikkal reached his half-century from 81 deliveries, while Rahul took 127 balls to register his 21st Test fifty. Rahul eventually retired hurt on 77 after suffering cramps but is expected to continue his innings on the second day. India captain Shubman Gill also fell for 16, attempting to clear mid-off against spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Rishabh Pant, however, remained unbeaten alongside Padikkal on 27, leaving India with a strong platform for a big first-innings total. Sri Lanka’s fielding coach Jordon Gregory admitted his side had missed opportunities, while praising Padikkal’s discipline and temperament. Rain restricted the day to just 73 overs from the scheduled 90, prompting officials to bring Sunday’s play forward by 15 minutes. The Test is particularly significant as it marks India’s return to Sri Lanka for Test cricket after several years, with valuable World Test Championship points at stake. India have also maintained an unbeaten Test record against Sri Lanka since 2015. With Padikkal settled at the crease and Pant providing support, India will enter the second day with the clear opportunity to build a massive total and put Sri Lanka under early pressure. Still to bat: D. Jurel, R. Jadeja, M. Suthar, K. Yadav, M. Siraj, P. Krishna Fall of wickets: 47 (Jaiswal), 236 (Gill) Sri Lanka Bowling A. Fernando: 10-1-28-0 (1nb) L. Kumara: 10-1-51-0 K. Nuwantha: 21-0-98-0 (2nb) P. Jayasuriya: 24-4-77-1 D. de Silva: 4-0-15-0 S. Dinusha: 4-0-17-0 India lead the opening day at 288-2, with Padikkal unbeaten on 131.

KABUL: Afghanistan have handed top-order batter Darwish Rasooli the captaincy for their 2026 Asian Games campaign, naming a largely inexperienced 15-member squad for the tournament in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The squad reflects Afghanistan’s desire to give emerging players a bigger stage, with six players yet to make their international debuts. Five other members have played fewer than 10 international matches. The Asian Games will take place from September 24 to October 3, with Afghanistan choosing to rest several of their biggest names. Regular captain Rashid Khan has been left out, along with explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Their absence creates an opportunity for younger players to step into important roles. Afghanistan have, however, retained some experience. Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat are included and are expected to provide leadership and stability around the younger members of the squad. Much of the selection was influenced by performances in the recently completed 11th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League. Several players impressed enough in the domestic tournament to earn their opportunity on the Asian stage. Top-order batter Mohammad Akram was among the leading performers, scoring 339 runs in eight innings, including one century and two half-centuries. All-rounder Ismat Alam also caught the selectors’ attention. He scored 294 runs and took nine wickets, earning the Shpageeza Cricket League’s best-player award. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal and Imran Mir are among the other promising youngsters selected. Rasooli will now face the challenge of guiding a relatively inexperienced group through a major multi-sport event. His leadership could prove crucial as Afghanistan look to turn their emerging talent into international performers. The Asian Games assignment comes soon after Afghanistan’s scheduled three-match T20I series against India in Delhi. The series is expected to be played in the week leading into the continental competition, giving several players valuable preparation before they travel to Japan. Afghanistan Asian Games squad: Darwish Rasooli (c), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Imran Mir, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Najibullah Zadran, Farmanullah Safi, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Arab Gul Momand, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai.