Young Skaters from Chiang Rai Win Silver at the 2026 Thailand Inline Skating Championships

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has shared how a call from West Indies great Sunil Narine helped him push through one of the toughest stretches of his career, as questions swirled around the legality of his bowling action. Tariq broke into international cricket last year, earning his debut against South Africa after a string of impressive performances for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. Since then, his unconventional action has become a talking point almost every time he takes the ball. The 28-year-old has repeatedly had to defend himself, after both England batter Tom Banton and Australian all-rounder Cameron Green appeared to signal suspicion over a possible throw during separate matches. ICC regulations allow bowlers to straighten their arm by up to 15 degrees mid-delivery, and Tariq maintains he stays well within that limit. He puts the unusual look of his action down to the natural structure of his elbow rather than anything illegal. He made a similar point earlier this year while playing in the ILT20, explaining that his elbow simply does not allow him to straighten his arm fully, regardless of how his action might appear from the outside. The debate resurfaced ahead of Pakistan’s blockbuster clash with India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, when parts of the Indian media suggested he was being held back from earlier games purely to keep him fresh for that one fixture. The theory did not hold up for long, since Tariq had already featured in Pakistan’s second T20I against Australia before the tournament, and he went on to play his part throughout the World Cup. Speaking with former Pakistan batter Fawad Alam, Tariq revealed that Narine had called him directly during the most intense period of criticism. According to Tariq, the two spoke for close to 30 minutes, with Narine telling him to tune out the noise, stay consistent with his cricket, and remember that critics were only targeting him because they struggled to counter his bowling. Tariq’s action has been reported twice across his career, and both times he was cleared after review. The most recent clearance followed testing at an ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory, where he bowled 24 deliveries for analysis before being given the green light to continue.

The International Cricket Council has announced the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month award for July 2026. West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves, England captain Harry Brook and Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan have been shortlisted for the award. All three players produced strong performances for their teams during the month. However, they made their mark in different formats and under different circumstances. Greaves was one of the standout all-rounders in Test cricket. He impressed during West Indies’ series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The right-handed batter made a major contribution against Sri Lanka. He scored 180 runs in the opening Test. West Indies eventually won the two-match series 1-0. The second Test ended in a draw. Greaves then carried his form into the series against Pakistan. The two-Test series ended in a 1-1 draw. He delivered an excellent performance with the ball in the opening Test. He claimed five wickets for 27 runs in the first innings. His overall figures for July were equally impressive. Greaves scored 215 runs in two Tests. He finished with a batting average of 71.66. He also took eight wickets. His bowling average was an outstanding 10.25. His ability to contribute in both departments made him a key player for West Indies. Brook earned his nomination after producing an exceptional performance in the T20I series against India. The England captain had a difficult ODI campaign. He scored only 31 runs across three matches. He quickly turned things around in the T20I format. Brook scored 229 runs in five matches. He averaged an impressive 114.50. His strike rate was even more remarkable. He scored at 214.01. His performances helped England and earned him the Player of the Series award. Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan is the third player on the shortlist. The left-handed batter was in excellent form during Bangladesh’s white-ball tour of Zimbabwe. He finished as the leading run-scorer across the ODI and T20I series. Tanzid scored 159 runs in three ODIs. He averaged 53.00. He also maintained a strike rate of 89.83. His form continued in the T20I series. Tanzid added another 140 runs in the T20Is. He averaged 70.00 and struck at 127.27. He finished the entire white-ball tour as the highest run-scorer. The three nominees have entered the award race with impressive records. Greaves’ nomination is based on his strong all-round performances in Test cricket. Brook’s case is built around his remarkable T20I form against India. Tanzid has been recognised for his consistency across both ODI and T20I cricket. The final award will recognise the player who made the biggest impact during July.

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has revealed that one of Wasim Akram’s greatest World Cup performances is motivating him as the Proteas prepare for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup on home soil. Rabada, speaking at the official World Cup 2027 venue and brand announcement event in Johannesburg, acknowledged that hosting cricket’s biggest tournament brings an added sense of responsibility. However, the experienced pacer said he prefers to view home advantage as an opportunity rather than a burden. “I think there’s a lot more to it at the moment with us hosting it,” Rabada said. Rather than feeling pressured to deliver a title in front of home supporters, the 31-year-old wants South Africa to embrace the occasion and protect what he described as their “fortress”. “For me, it’s about representing the badge,” Rabada said, stressing the pride that comes with playing a World Cup in front of South African fans. The fast bowler also looked back at the 1992 World Cup final, identifying Pakistan great Wasim Akram’s devastating spell against England as one of the tournament moments he remembers most vividly. Akram changed the final with two remarkable deliveries that removed Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis in successive balls, helping Pakistan seize control before eventually lifting the trophy. For Rabada, the performance represented everything he admires about fast bowling: pace, skill, intensity and the ability to rise to the biggest occasion. “He was fast, had so much skill, and just had this presence, this heightened energy about him,” Rabada recalled. The South African pacer hopes his team can create a similarly memorable moment in 2027. South Africa have repeatedly shown the ability to reach the latter stages of major ICC tournaments but have struggled to convert those appearances into a world title. Rabada believes that barrier is no longer psychological. “We’ve shown that we can go and play in finals and in the semi-finals,” he said. The remaining challenge, he added, is taking that final step. With the 2027 World Cup set to be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Rabada and his teammates will have a major opportunity to write their own chapter in cricket history. And if Rabada can channel even a little of Akram’s 1992 magic, South African fans may have plenty to celebrate.