Remy Martin still clinging to Gilas Pilipinas dream

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has completed his move to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami after leaving Manchester United as a free agent. The experienced midfielder has signed with the American club, where he will play alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi and several other international stars. The 34-year-old midfielder brings a wealth of experience to Inter Miami. During his career, he won five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid and established himself as one of the world’s top defensive midfielders. He also represented Manchester United for four seasons after joining the English club from Real Madrid. Manchester United decided not to extend Casemiro’s contract at the end of the season, allowing him to leave as a free agent. Inter Miami quickly secured his signature as part of its strategy to strengthen the squad with experienced international players. Club officials welcomed Casemiro’s arrival and described the signing as another important step in their long-term project. They said the Brazilian’s leadership, experience, and winning mentality would help the team compete for more trophies in the coming seasons. After completing the move, Casemiro said the club’s ambition and future plans convinced him to join Inter Miami. He said he remains determined to win titles and contribute to the club’s continued growth. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also welcomed the midfielder. He praised Casemiro’s successful career and said the Brazilian’s achievements at both club and international level would add valuable experience to the team. However, shortly after the transfer was announced, Major League Soccer confirmed it had opened an investigation into Inter Miami over allegations related to the signing. According to league officials, the investigation concerns the MLS “discovery rights” system. Under league rules, clubs must secure discovery rights before negotiating with certain high-profile players. Reports indicate that LA Galaxy previously held Casemiro’s discovery rights before Inter Miami completed the transfer. League officials said they are collecting all relevant information before deciding whether any rules were violated. They added that no further comments would be made until the investigation is complete. Reports also suggest that Inter Miami and LA Galaxy reached an agreement regarding Casemiro’s discovery rights. However, the financial details of that arrangement will only be made public after the investigation concludes. The latest inquiry is not the first involving Inter Miami’s transfer activities. In previous years, the club faced league sanctions following investigations into player registration and salary cap compliance. Casemiro’s arrival further strengthens an already star-studded Inter Miami squad featuring Lionel Messi and several internationally recognised players. Football analysts believe his experience, leadership, and defensive abilities could play a key role as the club aims to compete for more domestic and international honours.

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.

BECKENHAM: Pakistan batter Shan Masood has taken another important step towards returning to Test cricket, resuming batting practice with the national squad ahead of the three-match series against England. Masood, 36, suffered a fractured index finger during the opening Test against the West Indies in Tarouba, despite scoring a century in the first innings. The injury forced him to miss the second Test, but the former Pakistan captain remained with the squad to continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now confirmed that Masood participated in a training session at Kent County Cricket Club in Beckenham, where Pakistan players worked through batting and bowling drills. “Under the supervision of the medical team, he carried out batting practice,” the PCB said in an update. Masood’s progress will be closely monitored as Pakistan prepare for a demanding series against England. His availability for the first Test will depend on his recovery and clinical assessment. The opening Test is scheduled to begin at Headingley on August 19, leaving Masood only a limited window to prove he is fit enough for the challenge. Before the series begins, Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up match against PCC Select XI starting Wednesday. The fixture will provide the squad with valuable preparation in English conditions. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27, followed by the final match at Edgbaston from September 9. For Pakistan, Masood’s return could provide a significant boost to the batting line-up. His century in the Caribbean showed his ability to make an impact, and his recovery now gives the team hope that the experienced left-hander could be back when the England challenge begins. Pakistan squad Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafique, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

AMSTELVEEN: England produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat India 4-2 in a thrilling Pool D encounter at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Stadium on Monday. India appeared to be in control for much of the opening half and went into the interval with a 2-1 advantage. However, England completely changed the momentum after the break, scoring three unanswered goals across the third and fourth quarters to secure a memorable victory. The result extended England’s perfect start to the tournament. They now have two wins from two matches and sit at the top of Pool D, strengthening their position as one of the teams to watch in the competition. For India, the defeat continued a long wait for a World Cup victory against England. Their last win over the English side at the global tournament came back in 1994. India had started their campaign confidently, beating Wales 3-1. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners, while Sanjay added another goal from a set-piece to give his side an encouraging opening victory. England, meanwhile, began the World Cup with an impressive 4-1 victory over Pakistan before carrying that momentum into Monday’s clash. India remain second in Pool D with three points. Their next match will be a highly anticipated encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan, while England will meet Wales in their next group fixture. India’s hockey team are still searching for a second World Cup title, having last lifted the trophy in 1975. They endured a disappointing campaign in the 2023 edition on home soil, finishing ninth. Elsewhere, France and Malaysia played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in Pool B. France’s Timothée Clement scored late in the final quarter to rescue a point. In the women’s tournament, Argentina defeated Germany 3-2, while the Netherlands beat Australia 4-2.

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of France international left-back Lucas Digne from Aston Villa, bringing the experienced defender back to the club more than a decade after his first spell in Paris. The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the French champions. PSG activated Digne’s release clause, with reports putting the transfer fee at around £8.5 million ($11.5m). Digne’s return marks an intriguing new chapter in a career that has taken him across some of Europe’s biggest clubs. He initially joined PSG in 2013 and made 44 appearances before moving on. He subsequently spent time at Roma, Barcelona and Everton before establishing himself as an important figure at Aston Villa. His spell in England ended on a high note. Digne played a significant role in Villa’s successful 2025-26 campaign, helping the club lift the Europa League under manager Unai Emery. The move also comes after an impressive international period. Digne earned his place as France’s preferred left-back during the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup and now arrives in Paris with 64 international caps to his name. For Digne, the transfer is more than simply another move. Returning to his hometown club gives him an opportunity to finish another chapter of his career at a club that has transformed dramatically since his first departure. “I am very honoured to be returning to Paris Saint-Germain,” Digne said, adding that he was impressed by the club’s development and eager to bring his experience to the team. At PSG, Digne is expected to provide experienced competition and cover for first-choice left-back Nuno Mendes. His versatility, international experience and familiarity with the club could make him a valuable squad player. The storyline could become even more compelling this week, with PSG scheduled to face Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup on August 12. Digne could potentially make his PSG return against his former side. The reunion promises an unusual twist: Digne could soon find himself lining up against the club he has only just left.