Hamas accepts breakthrough disarmament framework as US announces Gaza peace deal

COLOMBO: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has reportedly withdrawn from the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026, bringing an early end to a turbulent campaign that was overshadowed by an administrative mix-up and below-par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.

MIAMI: Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after becoming involved in a heated late-game confrontation with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia. The MLS Disciplinary Committee announced the punishment on Friday, saying Messi had violated the league’s policy concerning players putting their hands to the face, head or neck of an opponent. The amount of the fine was not disclosed. Inter Miami teammate Ian Fray was also fined an undisclosed amount for the same violation, adding another disciplinary twist to an already tense encounter. The incident occurred deep into stoppage time on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Subaru Park. With the ball being played elsewhere, Messi approached Sullivan near the centre circle following an exchange between the players. Messi then made contact with Sullivan around the head and neck area. Sullivan responded by confronting the Argentine star, leading to a tense face-to-face exchange before officials intervened. Referee Filip Dujic had initially not seen the incident because his back was turned. He arrived shortly afterwards to separate the players but did not issue either Messi or Quinn Sullivan a card for the confrontation. The match later descended into further chaos in stoppage time. Quinn Sullivan became involved in another altercation with Inter Miami’s Ian Fray, while Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan and Miami midfielder Yannick Bright were also involved in the ensuing scuffle. Cavan Sullivan and Bright were both sent off, turning an already dramatic finish into a disciplinary flashpoint. Cavan Sullivan’s red-card suspension was later overturned on appeal, making him available for Philadelphia’s next match. Despite the controversy, Messi had a major influence on the match itself. He provided an assist before scoring Inter Miami’s second goal in the 26th minute, curling a left-footed effort into the corner. The goal was particularly emotional for the 39-year-old Argentine, as it was his first since returning to action following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Philadelphia eventually fought back to earn a 2-2 draw, with Neil Pierre scoring in the second half to level the contest. For Messi, the match therefore ended on two very different notes: a memorable goal and assist on the field, followed by an unexpected disciplinary sanction. The MLS fine does not carry a suspension, but it serves as a reminder that even one of football’s biggest stars remains subject to the league’s conduct rules. With the regular season intensifying, both Messi and Inter Miami will now hope the incident remains a footnote rather than becoming a distraction from their push for success.