Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at fans accusing that India 'tried to lose' against Sri Lanka to eliminate Pakistan in the Asia Cup match yesterday. Akhtar said India was not trying to lose deliberately after being bowled out for 213, praising Sri Lanka's bowling effort. He questioned why India would want to lose and not confirm a place in the final. Akhtar slammed fans messaging him that India fixed the game, calling it nonsense. He praised India spinner Kuldeep Yadav's 4-wicket haul that helped spin the match in India's favor. Akhtar lauded Sri Lanka's fight and 20-year-old Dunith Wellalage's all-round show in the match. CLICK on the window to watch Akhtar's video message.

Indian men's football team coach Igor Stimac has hinted at major revelations amid the ongoing controversy over his alleged correspondence with an astrologer during the Asian Cup qualifiers. Stimac posted on social media that the time has come to put all cards on the table and see who truly cares about Indian football's betterment. This comes after reports that the AIFF hired an astrologer to advise Stimac on team selection for Rs 16 lakh during the qualifiers. Stimac reiterated his dream of transforming India into a footballing nation and thanked supporters amidst calls for his sacking over the astrologer scandal that has cast a shadow on Indian football.

Indian wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav continues to make waves, becoming the fastest Indian spinner to 150 ODI wickets in just 88 matches. His sensational 4/43 against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Four match on Tuesday helped India win by 41 runs. Overall, Kuldeep is the fourth fastest spinner to 150 ODI wickets after Saqlain, Rashid and Mendis. He overcame a knee injury to return last year and is now a regular in the Indian XI, taking 31 wickets in 2022 - most by any Indian bowler. With the World Cup coming up, 28-year-old Kuldeep remains a pivotal bowler for India.

After India's Super 4 victory over Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2022, BCCI shared an interview of Kuldeep Yadav and Suryakumar Yadav. One of the players who has won hearts is Kuldeep Yadav. The bowler picked five wickets in today's game for 25 runs. Kuldeep said, "I am enjoying my bowling, I have worked hard on my bowling." The duo shed light on the secrets behind their brilliant performances. They credited team environment, practice and self-belief. The insights reflect their hard work and talent driving India's success. Young Kuldeep and Surya promise more stellar shows as they continue their journey with the team.

A shocking report alleges that Indian football head coach Igor Stimac selected the national team squad based on an “astrologer's advice”. Stimac allegedly shared players' data with an astrologer recommended by AIFF general secretary Kushal Das, who was “worried” about India’s Asian Cup qualification. The astrologer supposedly responded with inputs on which players to pick or avoid each day. Per the report, Stimac exchanged around 100 messages with the astrologer during May-June 2022 discussing selection, injuries, and tactics. Das admitted facilitating the arrangement and said the astrologer was paid ₹12-15 lakh in two months. The report raises serious concerns about the selection process and propriety. Sharing confidential team information with an outsider also jeopardizes integrity and risks misuse of vital data.

India defeated Sri Lanka by 41 runs in a tense low-scoring Asia Cup encounter at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium. With a target of 214 to win, Sri Lanka was restricted to 172 as Kuldeep Yadav (4/43) shone with the ball. Earlier, Dunith Wellalage (5/40) and Charith Asalanka (4/18) skittled India for 213 after Rohit Sharma opted to bat. Rohit top-scored with 53 but no other batsman made a significant contribution on the spin-friendly pitch. During the chase, Kuldeep (4/43), Bumrah (2/30), and Ravindra Jadeja (2/33) negated Sri Lanka's batsmen to seal a thrilling victory. Despite a modest total, tight bowling ensured India prevailed in the low-scoring contest to move into the finals on Sunday. [Photo: BCCI]

Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka starred as Sri Lanka bundled out India for just 213 runs. Wellalage claimed an impressive 5 wicket haul (5 for 40) while Asalanka snapped up 4 for 18. Rohit Sharma top-scored for India with 53 but despite an 80-run opening stand with Shubman Gill, the visitors failed to build momentum. After winning the toss and electing to bat, India were undone by the Sri Lankan bowling attack. With such a low total, India now faces an uphill task to make it to the finals in the Asia Cup today. [pic courtesy: BCCI]

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah expressed being "overwhelmed" by a heartwarming gesture from Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi after their Asia Cup match. Afridi gave Bumrah a gift to congratulate him on becoming a father, showcasing excellent sportsman spirit. The gift exchange happened after rain interrupted the India-Pakistan Super 4 contest. Afridi presented a special gift box to Bumrah, who recently welcomed his first child with wife Sanjana Ganesan. Bumrah thanked Afridi, saying his family was touched by the love and good wishes. The moment, captured in a video posted by Pakistan Cricket Board, highlighted the respect between the star pacers despite their on-field rivalry. It was a display of humanity that transcended boundaries.

Rain has stopped play in the Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Sri Lanka with India at 197 for 9 in 47 overs. India won the toss and batted first as Rohit Sharma became the second fastest to 10,000 ODI runs before being dismissed by Dunith Wellalage, who also got the wickets of Gill and Kohli. Rahul and Kishan steadied the innings before Wellalage struck again, dismissing Rahul for 39. India has had a hectic schedule, playing Pakistan just 16 hours earlier in a record win. With the match interrupted by rain, India will hope to avoid defeat as that would send Sri Lanka into the final. [photo courtesy: BCCI X handle]

17-year-old chess grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa received a grand welcome at his school on Monday. In a video posted by ANI, Praggnanandhaa was seen sitting on a chariot as drumbeats in the background matched the felicitation. A huge garland was also laid on Praggnanandhaa, who was accompanied by his mother, as the chariot moved forward. Earlier at the Chennai airport, he was greeted by throngs of supporters and presented with flowers and shawls in celebration of his World Cup success. Praggnanandhaa made history as the world number two, capping his remarkable journey in Azerbaijan.