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Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler will miss England’s one-day international series in Pakistan after suffering a hamstring injury.Buttler was forced to retire hurt during a one-day international against Sri Lanka at Headingley last week before returning to bat in pain later in the match.The 36-year-old sat out England’s 223-run win over Sri Lanka at the Oval on Sunday and will not be fit in time for the tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in October.Buttler this month became the first England batsman to score 10,000 runs in international white-ball cricket, including both 50-over ODIs and T20 matches.”Jos won’t be in Pakistan,” said England limited-overs coach Brendon McCullum.”We know he’s an incredible athlete, we know he’s supremely fit and an ultra professional, so he’ll do everything he can to get back as soon as possible but it’s hard to judge how long that will be.”It’s disappointing not to have Jos but it will be good for us to see where we’re at.”England are due to play two matches against Pakistan and two against Sri Lanka before a potential final appearance.Buttler’s injury is likely to give Jordan Cox another chance to impress as England’s wicketkeeper-batsman.Cox scored 76 from 52 balls against Sri Lanka at the Oval on his return to England’s ODI side for the first time since 2024. Related Story Source link
Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the development of football in Guyana. The MoU will see developments in the youth teams, grassroots football programmes and the exchange of technical and coaching expertise, while also exploring new opportunities for commercial partnerships. The MoU was signed at AZF headquarters in Doha by Mr. Abdulla Nasser Al-Naimi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Aspire Zone Foundation, and Mr. Wayne Forde, President of the Guyana Football Federation. Under the MoU, Aspire will support Guyana’s Under 14 and Under 17 teams through technical and coaching support, player development and performance assessment. The two parties will also explore the possibility of hosting training camps for both teams at Aspire in Doha, in line with the agreed programmes and subject to facility availability. In this context, Abdulla Nasser Al Naemi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Aspire Zone Foundation, highlighted the importance of the agreement, saying:“Aspire Zone Foundation is committed to playing an active role in supporting our partners in their pursuit of sporting excellence. We are delighted to collaborate with the Guyana Football Federation to help advance the game, exchange knowledge and expertise, identify emerging talent, and support the development of everyone involved in Guyana’s football ecosystem.” “At Aspire, we take pride in helping shape high performance standards, ensuring they are sustained over time, as we support our partners in reaching new levels of excellence,” he added. Wayne Forde, President of the Guyana Football Federation, stated: “Youth development is at the heart of the Guyana Football Federation’s mission, and following the historic success of our Under-14 Boys in the CFU Challenge Series, we are eager to work with Aspire Zone Foundation to ensure these young players continue to develop and gain exposure to professional football development programmes. We are deeply grateful for the friendship and goodwill we have developed with our colleagues at Aspire, and we look forward to working closely together to advance the spirit of this partnership and create meaningful pathways for the next generation of Guyanese footballers.” As part of the MoU, Kotinos (Aspire Sports Consulting and Management) will lead the advisory services, including an assessment of Guyana’s football ecosystem, the identification of development opportunities and the preparation of a roadmap to support the agreed areas of cooperation. The MoU reflects the shared commitment of Aspire Zone Foundation and the Guyana Football Federation to the continued development of football in Guyana, to strengthening the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and to building opportunities for lasting collaboration. Related Story Source link
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada South Africa have named a preliminary squad of 18 players for the three-match home Test series against Australia that starts next month and have included fast bowler Kagiso Rabada despite the fact he is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury.But there is no place for fellow seamers Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi, all ruled out with hamstring problems.Seamers Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje and Dane Paterson have all been recalled to the squad for a series to be played at three coastal venues that should suit the bowlers.Batter Marques Ackerman is the only uncapped player selected. The 30-year-old has amassed more than 1,000 runs in his last 10 red-ball appearances for South Africa “A” at an average of 82.92.Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy provide the specialist spin options, along with part-timer Aiden Markram.”We’ve selected a preliminary squad because we have an extended build-up to the first Test, with the group getting together in Durban on October 1,” coach Shukri Conrad said.The first Test will be played in Durban from October 9 to 13, with further fixtures in Gqeberha (October 18 to 22) and Cape Town (October 27 to 31). Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne. Related Story Source link
The curtain came down on the first International Islamic Publishing Congress that was convened in Istanbul, Turkiye.The event brought together more than 200 publishers from 67 countries, with the aim of strengthening international cooperation in Islamic publishing as well as in areas such as publishing rights, translation and joint projects.Hosted by Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, the event addressed a variety of publishing sectors across the gamut from publishing rights, translation and distribution, academic publishing and children’s books to digital publishing and international book fairs.The congress featured an international panel titled “Islamic Publishing in a Changing World”, in addition to 12 roundtables addressing issues across the gamut from the future of Islamic publishing, culture and education, and international book fairs to international relations, advertising and promotion, Islamic publishing standards and quality, as well as copyright and translation.In addition, the congress hosted the ordinary General Assembly of the International Islamic Book Publishers Association, whose foundations were laid in 2021, with the aim of building a sustainable international cooperation network for the future of Islamic publishing.This is alongside bolstering international cooperation in publishing, increasing copyright and translation activities, carrying out joint publishing projects, and further beefing up the presence and representation of the Islamic publishing sector globally. Related Story Source link
England’s Tom Banton plays a shot during the third One Day international against Sri Lanka at The Oval in London on September 27, 2026. (AFP) Tom Banton’s maiden England hundred laid the foundations for a series-clinching 223-run win over Sri Lanka in the third one-day international on Sunday.Banton’s commanding 126 was the cornerstone of England’s imposing total of 355-7 at the Oval.It was his first century in 53 limited-overs appearances for England.Together with England captain Harry Brook, who made 77 after being dropped on seven, Banton shared a third-wicket partnership of 150.Sri Lanka never looked like chasing down a target of 356 and were dismissed for 132, with nearly 21 overs to spare.England’s victory, which saw them take the three-match series 2-1, was also their record ODI win against Sri Lanka in terms of runs, surpassing their 128-run win at Perth in 1999.It meant England ended a turbulent home season on a positive note after the international retirement of former Test captain Ben Stokes and the sacking of Brendon McCullum as their red-ball coach earlier in the campaign.Sri Lanka, whitewashed 3-0 in the preceding T20 series, were in trouble from the moment Pathum Nissanka was caught behind off Sonny Baker in the second over.Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis defiantly pulled Gus Atkinson for two sixes in three balls.But Atkinson took two wickets to reduce Sri Lanka to 53-3, with Kamindu Mendis (12) and Kusal (36) both perishing to the pace bowler. SRI LANKA SLUMPED TO 82-6The result was effectively put beyond doubt when Sri Lanka slumped to 82-6.Liam Dawson took 3-26 before fellow spinner and player of the series Will Jacks ended the match by dismissing Eshan Malinga.England had an early let-off in their dominant innings when Brook, who had made just seven, edged Dunith Wellalage to wicketkeeper Kusal, who failed to hold the chance.Brook took full advantage of that escape, going on to complete a 49-ball fifty.Banton, fresh from his 73 on Thursday, went into the 90s with an audacious reverse-swept six off leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage.A glorious drive through extra cover off Wellalage — his 13th four in 95 balls faced — took the Somerset batsman to a hundred.Brook eventually miscued paceman Asitha Fernando to mid-off but his exit left England still well-placed at 218-3 in the 35th over.Banton’s superb 105-ball innings, including 16 fours and five sixes, finally came to an end when he holed out to long-on off Colombage.Jordan Cox kept the runs coming with 76 before he was dismissed off the penultimate ball of the innings. BRIEF SCORESEngland 355 for 7 (Banton 126, Brook 77, Cox 76) beat Sri Lanka 132 (Mendis 35, Dawson 3-26) by 223 runs …
New Delhi will ban construction for six weeks in the country’s capital, as part of a slew of measures announced on Monday to tackle the city’s air pollution.Delhi, a sprawling megacity of 30 million people, is regularly ranked among the world’s most polluted capitals due to a mix of emissions from power plants, heavy traffic, construction activity and the burning of crop stubble. The construction ban will run from December 10 to January 20 as part of a winter action plan which will include restrictions on vehicular traffic aimed at encouraging residents to use public transport.”Early implementation of these stringent measures would help prevent the city’s air from reaching hazardous levels during winter,” Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa told reporters. Air pollution in Delhi regularly reaches dangerous levels during winter months when cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground.A study in The Lancet Planetary Health in 2024 estimated that 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 were linked to air pollution. Levels of cancer-causing PM 2.5 microparticles often hit more than 300 micrograms per cubic metre in the city, 20 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum. Government-led initiatives such as partial restrictions on fossil fuel-powered transport and water trucks spraying mist to clear the air have failed to make a noticeable impact. Under the new plan, Sirsa said “staggered office timings will be implemented from November 1 to February 28 to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion and vehicular emissions”. Parking fees will also be doubled from November 1 to discourage the use of private vehicles.”We hope we will do better than last year and keep on improving the situation from year to year,” Sirsa said. Source link
Iran’s embassy in London said Monday it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns” speculation that Tehran was involved in a bomb scare near a UK military airbase used by the US.In an X post, the embassy criticised “the recent unfounded and malicious speculations published by some British individuals and media outlets attempting to link Iran” to the incident early Sunday near the Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford base.Five men, all British nationals in their mid-20s, have been arrested and UK counter-terrorism police are leading the prob Source link
The Qatar National Chess Team claimed the gold medal in Category E at the 46th World Chess Olympiad, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 15 to 28 September 2026, with the participation of 206 countries. The national team consisted of five players: Hamad Al Kuwari, Irfan Mohammed, Turki Al Kuwari, Khalid Al Jumaat, and Mohammed Jerbi. The Qatari players delivered impressive performances throughout the Olympiad and concluded their campaign by securing first place in their category. Qatar’s participation also witnessed notable individual achievements. National team player Khalid Al Jumaat earned the title of Candidate Master (CM), while Mohammed Jerbi achieved the title of FIDE Master (FM). In addition, the players made significant gains in their international ratings. The Olympiad competition featured five divisions: A, B, C, D, and E. The Uzbekistan national team won the Open section title, followed by India in second place and Germany in third.On the administrative side, Mr. Mohammed Al Mudahka, Deputy President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and President of the Qatar Chess Association, participated in the FIDE General Assembly meetings held on the sidelines of the Olympiad. Several Qatari administrative officials also took part in the event, including Ms. Zhu Chen, FIDE Treasurer, and Mr. Hamad Al Tamimi, Advisor to the FIDE Events Commission and Executive Director of the Qatar Chess Association. Qatari international arbiters Yousef Khalil Al Mohannadi and Sara Al Muhannadi were also among the officiating team responsible for managing the Olympiad competitions.Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Mohammed Al Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Association, expressed his delight with the team’s success in the Samarkand Olympiad, praising the outstanding performances delivered by the players. He highlighted that the squad included a number of promising juniors and young players who succeeded in earning international titles and achieving important gains in the world rankings. Al Mudahka stated that winning the gold medal represents a valuable addition to the accomplishments of Qatari chess and will further strengthen the players’ standings in the FIDE rating list.He emphasized that the Qatar Chess Association will continue its efforts to develop the national teams through comprehensive preparation programs and participation in international tournaments, helping players prepare for future competitions and enhancing Qatar’s presence on the international chess stage. The Qatar National Team concluded its participation in the Samarkand Olympiad with a gold medal in Category E, along with several individual achievements, international titles, and rating gains. The results reflect the continued progress of Qatari chess talent and support the Association’s long-term vision of developing a new generation of players capable of competing successfully at the highest international level. Related Story Source link
A man pulls people on a boat through flood waters in the Bang Kapi district of Bangkok yesterday. (AFP) Deep floodwaters in Bangkok drove thousands of residents into shelters as others scrambled to buy groceries or dry out their homes yesterday after days of heavy rain inundated markets, roads and residences. Pedestrians in plastic rain ponchos waded through murky, knee-deep water in the Thai capital, some floating their belongings in plastic tubs — while others used small boats to traverse submerged city streets.Evacuees meanwhile rested under pop-up mosquito-net tents in a school gymnasium turned temporary refuge. “I came with only one shirt. It would be great if I can get another,” said 46-year-old Sunaporn Thongphajuti who arrived at the school yesterday.“What I am lacking is a blanket to sleep with, but I can survive,” added the grocery store employee. Thailand is used to wet weather and September is the peak of the rainy season, but several Bangkok residents said this year seemed worse than previous ones.More than 330mm (13 inches) of rain fell in some areas of the city between Thursday and Sunday, the weather agency said. Nearly 4,900 people have been evacuated to shelters, with around 52,000 households affected by the floods, which prompted a disaster declaration across the capital, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. In the school turned shelter, teacher Namphet Chanjuingtavorn, 47, said she went to her own workplace after electricity and water were cut off at her flat.Now she is acting as co-ordinator of the makeshift evacuee site where around 100 people have sought food, water and safety. “It’s an emergency and the district officials are doing their best,” she told AFP, noting blankets and mosquito nets were delivered Saturday night.Some stores’ shelves were emptied over the weekend as residents raced to buy essentials, while fresh produce at market stalls were kept dry in polystyrene foam boxes or hanging just above the water level. The prime minister’s office asked the public to avoid panic-buying and warned that price gouging was a criminal offence.Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on social media that water levels in the city’s canals were still high, but authorities were working to speed up drainage. Flooding was also reported yesterday across 25 provinces in Thailand, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.More than 10,000 soldiers were deployed nationwide to aid in flood relief efforts, the defence ministry said.Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan provinces, which border Bangkok, also declared several districts as disaster zones. Source link
South Africa’s David Miller (centre) celebrates with teammate Marco Jansen after reaching his century during the second one-day international against Australia in Johannesburg on September 27,…