Gilas Pilipinas suffers back-to-back blowouts to Korea ahead of Asian Games

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.

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.

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.