Ronaldo’s Instagram ‘Like’ sparks fresh FIFA bias debate

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. According to reports, the BCCI’s medical team advised him to take extra time to recover from a left knee issue. Bumrah will not travel with the squad for the series, which begins on August 15 in Galle. The decision reflects India’s cautious approach, as the team looks to avoid rushing its premier fast bowler back too soon. So far, the BCCI has not named a replacement for the 31-year-old. Bumrah last bowled during the second ODI against England in Cardiff on July 16. He was ruled out of the series finale at Lord’s shortly after, following an impact injury sustained while fielding. At the time, the BCCI cited that injury as the reason for his absence. Following the England series, Bumrah received an injection for his knee as part of a recovery plan designed by the BCCI medical staff. He then travelled to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a round of fitness testing. Reports suggest the medical team feared that a premature return to bowling could risk a much longer setback, with concerns that the injury might worsen without proper rest. While the exact nature of Bumrah’s injury remains undisclosed, he has been closely monitored since recovering from a lengthy layoff last year. He had also visited the Centre of Excellence in March for conditioning work ahead of the IPL season. During that tournament, Bumrah featured in 13 matches for Mumbai Indians, sitting out only their final fixture. His workload has continued to be managed carefully, given his ongoing injury history. India’s bowling attack has faced several setbacks ahead of the tour. Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are both sidelined with hamstring and quadriceps injuries respectively. Washington Sundar has also been ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring issue, while Akash Deep remains unavailable as he continues recovering from stress reactions in his back. Speaking after India’s ODI series loss in England, captain Shubman Gill raised concerns over the team’s repeated injury troubles. He warned that these frequent absences could become a significant challenge as India heads toward the demanding 2027 World Cup cycle. Ahead of the Test series, India will play a three-day practice match in Colombo starting August 7. The tour marks India’s first assignment in the new World Test Championship cycle, following a 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa last November.

West Indies have come under scrutiny after employing an unusual fielding tactic against Pakistan during the first Test, sparking widespread debate among cricket fans and experts. The incident occurred on the final delivery of an over when Pakistan batter Babar Azam played the ball into the field and attempted to take a single. Instead of collecting the ball immediately and throwing it back, West Indies fast bowler and fielder Shamar Joseph deliberately allowed it to continue rolling toward the boundary. Joseph waited until the ball reached the boundary rope, conceding four runs instead of preventing the boundary. The apparent objective was to ensure Babar remained at the non-striker’s end, preventing him from facing the first delivery of the next over. The move effectively sacrificed three additional runs in exchange for denying Pakistan’s star batter more time at the crease. At the time, Babar appeared to be batting confidently and had shown encouraging signs of returning to his best form, prompting the West Indies to adopt a tactical approach aimed at limiting his influence. The moment was captured on camera and quickly spread across social media, where it generated mixed reactions from fans and former players alike. Many questioned whether the decision reflected the spirit of the game, arguing that intentionally allowing a boundary to avoid bowling to a particular batter was against the traditions of Test cricket. Critics described the tactic as unsporting, saying teams should focus on dismissing batters through skill rather than manipulating the strike in such an unconventional manner. Some supporters of Pakistan also expressed frustration, claiming the strategy highlighted the respect and concern the West Indies had for Babar’s batting ability. However, others defended the decision, pointing out that Test cricket has always involved strategic planning and field placements designed to gain an advantage. They argued that if a team believes facing a certain batter poses a greater threat, using legal methods to keep that player off strike is simply part of the tactical battle that defines the longest format of the game. Supporters of the move also noted that the Laws of Cricket do not prohibit a fielder from allowing the ball to reach the boundary intentionally. As long as no law is breached, they believe captains and players are free to make calculated decisions that improve their chances of success. The incident has reignited discussions about the balance between gamesmanship and sportsmanship in modern cricket. While innovative tactics have become increasingly common across all formats, opinions remain divided over where teams should draw the line between strategic thinking and preserving the spirit of the game. Regardless of the differing viewpoints, the episode has become one of the most talked-about moments of the opening Test, with Babar Azam once again finding himself at the center of attention. Whether viewed as clever strategy or controversial gamesmanship, the West Indies’ decision has added another fascinating chapter to the ongoing contest between the two sides.

West Indies reached 49-1 at lunch on day one of the second Test against Pakistan. The opening session was cut short by rain at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Sunday. Having won the toss and opted to bat first, the home side made steady progress through the morning. They moved to 49-1 in just 9.5 overs before rain forced an early break in proceedings. Brandon King was the standout batter during the shortened session. He remained unbeaten on 33 runs from 27 deliveries at the interval, having struck four boundaries along the way. His innings gave West Indies a solid platform, despite the disrupted playing conditions. Pakistan’s lone success with the ball came through pacer Mohammad Ali. He dismissed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 15 runs, drawing an edge that was well taken by Sajid Khan at deep fine leg. Chanderpaul had faced 32 deliveries before departing. Throughout the session, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained discipline with the new ball. They created a handful of half-chances during the opening spells, testing the West Indies top order on a surface that offered some early assistance. However, a largely defensive approach from the batting side meant Pakistan weren’t able to build further pressure or add to their solitary wicket. With rain interrupting play so early into the Test, both teams will now be keeping a close eye on the weather as the match unfolds. Given how tightly poised this series already is, any lost playing time could have a real bearing on how the remaining days shape up. West Indies fielded a settled lineup for this Test, featuring Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope as wicketkeeper, Amir Jangoo, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase as captain, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, and Jayden Seales. Pakistan named Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam as captain, Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps, Salman Ali Agha, Awais Zafar, Ali Usman, Sajid Khan, Mohammad Ali, and Ubaid Shah in their playing eleven for the contest. As the two sides look to make up for lost time, the coming sessions could prove crucial in determining which team gains the early advantage in this pivotal second Test.

MARSEILLE: Amine Gouiri made a flying start to Marseille’s new Ligue 1 campaign, scoring twice in the second half as his side swept aside Strasbourg 4-0 on Friday in the opening match of the French top-flight season. The Algeria international was at the heart of Marseille’s attacking display, breaking the deadlock shortly after half-time before converting a penalty to put the hosts firmly in control. Gouiri’s performance gave Marseille exactly the kind of opening they wanted in front of their home supporters, while also extending their remarkable unbeaten league run against Strasbourg, which now stretches back to 1997. “It’s a joy,” Gouiri told Ligue 1+, reflecting on a perfect start. “We really wanted to start well in front of our supporters, and it’s job done.” Marseille had to wait until the second half to unlock the visitors’ defence. Gouiri struck just a minute after the restart, meeting the ball with a low first-time finish that finally gave the hosts the breakthrough. Strasbourg’s hopes of recovering quickly suffered another blow shortly before the hour mark when Samir El Mourabet was shown a red card for violent conduct after kicking Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. With Strasbourg down to 10 men, Marseille seized control. Gouiri stepped up to take the resulting penalty and made no mistake, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete his brace and double Marseille’s advantage. The hosts continued to push forward and eventually turned a comfortable victory into a statement result. Young substitute Keyliane Abdallah added a third before Hojbjerg put the finishing touch on the night, scoring late to complete the 4-0 rout. For coach Bruno Genesio, the result provides an ideal beginning despite Marseille’s limited activity in the summer transfer market. The manager has acknowledged that the club must reduce its wage bill before it can make major additions to the squad. “We have to drop our salary spend,” Genesio said. “Until that’s done, we won’t be able to recruit.” Gouiri, who joined Marseille from Rennes in January 2025, will be encouraged by his explosive start. He also scored once for Algeria during four matches at this year’s World Cup. The opening weekend continues on Saturday, with last season’s runners-up Lens hosting Auxerre, while newly promoted Le Mans face Brest in their first top-flight match since 2010. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain begin their title defence away to Rennes on Sunday as they chase a record-extending 14th Ligue 1 crown.