Kai Sotto inspired in Gilas Pilipinas return with baby on the way

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.

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.

DARWIN: Bangladesh’s stunning nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin has not only delivered a landmark moment for the team but also lifted them above India in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings. Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test victory over Australia, doing so on Australian soil in a result that sent a strong message across the Test cricket world. The win also produced a significant shift in the World Test Championship points table. Australia remain at the top despite suffering their second defeat of the current cycle, holding a points percentage of 77.78. South Africa are second with 75 per cent, while New Zealand sit third on 72.22 per cent. Bangladesh have now climbed to fourth place with an impressive 66.67 per cent, moving ahead of India, who are fifth with 48.15 per cent. The result gives Bangladesh an important boost as they continue their WTC campaign and adds even greater significance to their historic success in Darwin. Sri Lanka occupy sixth position with 41.67 per cent, followed by England on 24.36 per cent. Pakistan are eighth with 22.22 per cent, while the West Indies remain ninth on 20.83 per cent. For Bangladesh, the victory represents more than just two points or a rise in the rankings. It marks their first Test triumph against Australia and could become one of the defining results of their current World Test Championship campaign. WTC Standings Details Bangladesh Position: 4th place Bangladesh Points Percentage: 66.67% (3 wins from 5 matches) India Position: 5th place India Points Percentage: 48.15% (4 wins from 9 Tests) Historic Milestone: Marked Bangladesh’s first Test win on Australian soil.

LAUSANNE: Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Wasim Khan has taken a major step in his international sports administration career after being appointed Executive Director of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). FIBA confirmed that Khan has already joined its headquarters and will officially assume his new role in January 2027. In his position, he will oversee operations across 44 national basketball federations in the region, helping shape the sport’s strategic development, governance, and growth initiatives. Khan is widely regarded as one of the most experienced sports administrators to emerge from Pakistan. During his tenure as PCB Chief Executive, he played a key role in implementing governance reforms, strengthening domestic cricket structures, and supporting the return of international cricket to Pakistan. Following his time at the PCB, Khan joined the International Cricket Council (ICC) as General Manager – Cricket, where he contributed to the global development of the game. Earlier this year, he announced his decision to step down from that position, paving the way for a new chapter in his career. His appointment to FIBA marks a significant crossover from cricket to basketball, reflecting the growing demand for experienced sports executives capable of leading international organizations beyond a single sport. Sports analysts believe Khan’s leadership experience, strategic planning skills, and track record in sports governance make him well-positioned to contribute to FIBA’s long-term objectives, particularly in strengthening basketball development across member federations. The appointment is also being viewed as another milestone for Pakistani professionals in global sports administration, highlighting the increasing recognition of their expertise on the international stage. With his official tenure beginning in January 2027, Wasim Khan is expected to play a central role in advancing basketball programs, enhancing collaboration among national federations, and supporting FIBA’s efforts to expand the sport’s reach across the region.

TRINIDAD: West Indies endured a significant setback on day three of the second Test against Pakistan after opener Brandon King was forced off the field with a painful lower back injury moments after producing a brilliant run-out to dismiss Babar Azam. The dramatic incident unfolded during Pakistan’s first innings when Babar, who resumed play on an overnight score of 84, looked well placed to end his long wait for a Test century. However, a costly mix-up with fellow batter Abdullah Shafique brought his innings to an abrupt end. Attempting a quick single after guiding the ball into the off side, Babar found himself stranded halfway down the pitch as King reacted sharply from cover. The West Indies fielder gathered the ball cleanly and unleashed a direct hit that caught the Pakistan star well short of his crease. While the dismissal gave the hosts a much-needed breakthrough, it came at a heavy price. King appeared to injure his lower back during the throwing action and immediately collapsed to the ground in visible pain. Medical staff rushed onto the field, and after several minutes of treatment, the 31-year-old was taken off on a stretcher, leaving teammates and spectators concerned. Cricket West Indies later confirmed that King had suffered lower back muscle spasms and would take no further part in day three’s play as a precaution. Team officials added that his condition would continue to be monitored by the medical staff before a decision is made on his availability for the remainder of the match. Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed on 266-2, with Babar and Abdullah adopting a cautious approach as the West Indies bowling attack maintained disciplined lines and restricted scoring opportunities. The pressure eventually paid off with Babar’s dismissal in the 75th over after he added just two runs to his overnight total. King’s injury has added fresh concern for the West Indies camp at a crucial stage of the Test, with the hosts now awaiting further medical updates while trying to keep Pakistan’s batting lineup under control. The coming days could prove decisive not only for the outcome of the match but also for King’s immediate cricketing future.