Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan tweeted he will donate all his match fees from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 to help victims of the devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake that killed over 2000 people in Afghanistan. He wrote: "I learned with great sadness about the tragic consequences of the earthquake...I am donating all of my #CWC23 match fees to help the affected people. Soon, we will be launching a fundraising campaign." Rashid added: "I cannot do all great things, but I can do small things with great love and inspiration. The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." His @RashidKhanFund will support Afghan children's education, orphans, and healthcare.

The cricket carnival begins as hosts and favorites India start their World Cup campaign against 5-time champions Australia at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai today. The venue has witnessed many classics and this epic rivalry's fresh chapter promises excitement, weather permitting. Indian fans dressed in blue have created a buzz since early morning at Chepuk. India will likely be without Shubman Gill who is down with dengue, with Ishan Kishan expected to open. Jasprit Bumrah's swing, KL Rahul's form, and Kuldeep Yadav's confidence boost India. But Australia found rhythm in their last ODI win despite injuries. Adam Zampa's leg-spin poses a threat but no Travis Head and maybe no Marcus Stoinis hampers Australia. The high-stakes battle between heavyweights at the historic ground promises a thriller.

Bangladesh started their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign with a convincing 6-wicket win over Afghanistan. Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh restricted Afghanistan to 156 runs in 37.2 overs, with Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking three wickets each. In reply, Bangladesh chased down the target in 34.4 overs, thanks to Mehidy Hasan Miraz's 57 and Najmul Hossain Shanto's 59. This win marked Bangladesh's third consecutive opening match victory in World Cup campaigns. With this triumph, Bangladesh secured a significant victory in their World Cup opener against Afghanistan. (Image Courtesy: ICC on X)

India showcased unparalleled prowess at the Asian Games, securing gold in Men's Kabaddi and Cricket. The Kabaddi final against Iran faced suspension due to rule change confusion, leading to India's 103rd medal. Indian men's cricket team scripted history, winning gold on their debut as the final was washed out, besting Afghanistan with a higher seeding. Deepak Punia wins silver in Men's Freestyle 86kg Wrestling. Additionally, the Indian Women's Hockey team secured bronze.  Earlier, Badminton saw Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy clinch India's first-ever gold at the Asian Games. Jyothi Surekha Vennam excelled in Women's Compound individual Archery, while Ojas Deotale's victory in the Men's event completed India's 1-2 finish. The medal tally stands at 105 with 28 gold, 36 silver, and 41 bronze medals. More medals to come for India on Day 14.

In a historic achievement, India's badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty clinched the country's first-ever Asian Games gold medal in badminton, defeating South Korea's Solgyu Choi and Wonho Kim in straight games (21-18, 21-16). This victory marks India's maiden gold in badminton at the Asian Games, setting a remarkable milestone. Meanwhile, in wrestling, Deepak Punia advanced to the men's freestyle 86kg final by defeating Uzbekistan's Javrail Shapiev. India's overall medal tally stands at 26 gold, 35 silver, and 40 bronze medals at the event. Men's cricket team finals are on against Afghanistan. India is set for additional medals in Men's and Women's hockey, Men's kabaddi, and chess later today.

On Day 14 of the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, India's medal tally reached 100. The archery contingent secured two gold medals with Jyothi Surekha and Ojas Pravin Deotale winning in women's and men's compound events, respectively. Abhishek Verma won silver, and Aditi Gopichand claimed bronze in archery. The women's kabaddi team won gold by defeating Chinese Taipei in the final. Wrestling competitions were intense, featuring athletes Yash, Deepak Punia, Vicky, and Sumit. Indian cricket fans awaited the men's final against Afghanistan. Badminton duo Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy aimed for a historic gold. India's total medals: 25 gold, 35 silver, and 40 bronze.

India is sure to cross the 100-medal mark for the first time ever at the Asian Games, hitting an unprecedented tally at Hangzhou, China. India has won 95 medals currently and is set to get more medals in compound archery (3), kabaddi (2), badminton (1), and men's Cricket (1). India also broke records with over 20 golds so far, surpassing the previous best. Cricket made its debut with women taking gold and men in the finals. Athletics and Shooting drove the haul with 29 and 22 medals respectively. Other firsts were equestrian gold after 42 years and medals in sailing and rowing. In badminton, the men's team claimed a historic silver. On October 7, India can add to the record medal count before the closing ceremony on October 8. India so far has 22 gold, 34 silver, and 39 bronze medals in the bag.

India secures a triumphant gold in men's hockey at the Asian Games, defeating Japan 5-1 in the final and earning a spot at the Paris Olympics. The victory marks India's 7th consecutive win in hockey, showcasing their dominance. Aman Sehrawat achieves an excellent bronze in a stellar Asian Games campaign. Sonam and Kiran secure bronze in Women's 62kg Freestyle wrestling, while the women's Sepaktakraw team grabs a historic bronze. India is guaranteed two more silver medals with men's and women's kabaddi teams reaching the final. In archery, the men's recurve team wins silver, and the women's team clinches bronze. The men's cricket team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, advances to the final, ensuring at least a silver; they face Afghanistan for the gold. India has bagged 95 medals till now including 22 gold, 34 silver, and 39 bronze medals.

At the Asian Games, India hammered Pakistan 61-14 in the men's Kabaddi semi-final. They will face the winner of the other semifinal between Iran and Chinese Taipei. India's Women's Regu trio makes history, clinching the nation's first medal (bronze) in the Women's division of Sepaktakraw. HS Prannoy broke a 40-year medal drought by winning Bronze in Men’s Singles Badminton, becoming the 2nd Indian to achieve this feat. This marks his 2nd medal in the event, following a silver win in the Men’s Team Event. The Indian women's kabaddi team has already booked themselves a spot in the final, beating Nepal 61-17 in the semis. Veteran wrestler Bajrang Punia will fight for bronze in Men's Freestyle 65kg. Earlier In archery, the women's recurve team secured bronze against Vietnam, while the men's recurve team advanced by defeating Mongolia. The men's cricket team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, entered the final, guaranteeing at least a silver medal. India's current medal tally stands at 88 medals with 21 gold, 32 silver, and 35 bronze medals.

Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been granted a divorce by a Delhi Court, citing 'cruelty' and 'mental agony' inflicted by his estranged wife Aesha Mukerji. The court ruled in Dhawan's favor, stating that his wife caused 'mental agony' by separating him from their son for years. Despite not contesting the allegations, no order was given regarding permanent custody of their child. Dhawan was granted the right to visit his son, including overnight stays, and interact with him over video calls. Although not selected for India's World Cup 2023 squad, Dhawan continues to play in franchise-based cricket for Punjab Kings, leading the team in IPL 2023.