Baird, a former NSW premier who became Cricket Australia chair in 2023, will leave the position at the governing body’s annual general meeting next month. Boon will take over on an interim basis while Cricket Australia searches for a permanent chair.

The departure comes just weeks after Cricket Australia announced it would push ahead with bringing private investment into the BBL, beginning with the Melbourne Renegades, despite deep divisions among state cricket associations over the future ownership and financial structure of the competition.

Baird’s position became increasingly difficult after Cricket NSW withdrew its support for him to continue as its nominated director for another three-year term.

Despite Baird’s previous links with Cricket NSW, the state association has been among the strongest opponents of Cricket Australia’s approach to BBL privatisation. Queensland has also expressed opposition to elements of the plan.

The dispute centres on Cricket Australia’s push to introduce private capital into the Big Bash as Australian cricket attempts to compete with increasingly wealthy Twenty20 competitions around the world.

Earlier this month, Cricket Australia confirmed the Melbourne Renegades would be the first BBL franchise taken to market.

The governing body wants the Renegades operating under private ownership from the 2027-28 season. Depending on the outcome of that process, other state associations could then decide whether to seek private investment in their own teams.

That represents a shift from earlier discussions about a more uniform league-wide privatisation model.

In June, Cricket Australia and the six state associations reached in-principle support for a “self-determination model”, allowing individual states to decide whether private investment was appropriate for their clubs.

But NSW, Queensland and South Australia had raised concerns about the financial and governance implications, while Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia were more receptive to private capital.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association has also been involved in negotiations, with player approval required for elements of the proposed restructuring.

Cricket Victoria has been one of the strongest advocates for change.

In June, it announced plans to sell the Renegades licence and restructure its remaining Melbourne BBL operation. Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins said at the time there had been interest from potential investors in Australia, India, Europe and the United States.

The proposal has raised broader questions about how much control private investors could eventually exercise over BBL clubs, including branding, commercial operations and the relationship between franchises and their state associations.

Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has argued private investment is increasingly necessary for the BBL to compete in an international T20 market that includes the Indian Premier League, South Africa’s SA20, Major League Cricket in the United States and England’s Hundred.

Baird’s resignation is the most substantial leadership consequence so far from those disagreements.

Fox Sports reported that Cricket NSW, chaired by John Knox, informed Baird last week that it would not support his nomination for another three-year term.

David Boon takes the reins

Boon’s elevation puts one of Australian cricket’s most recognisable former players in charge during a particularly sensitive period for the game’s administration.

The Tasmanian played 107 Tests and 181 one-day internationals for Australia, scoring more than 13,000 international runs.

Since retiring as a player, Boon has held several senior roles in cricket, including serving as an International Cricket Council match referee.

He spent nine years as a director of Cricket Tasmania, including three years as its chair, before joining the Cricket Australia board last year.

His immediate challenge will be helping manage relations between Cricket Australia, state associations and players as negotiations over the future structure of the BBL continue.

The debate has implications beyond the ownership of individual franchises.

The states and Cricket Australia must also resolve questions about BBL governance and how revenue and funding will be distributed across Australian cricket under a model in which some franchises could have private investors while others remain controlled by state associations.

For the Melbourne Renegades, the process is already moving ahead.

Cricket Australia says the result of that sale will help determine whether other BBL clubs are subsequently taken to market.

Baird’s departure means that process will now continue under new leadership — with Boon temporarily at the helm as Australian cricket navigates one of the biggest structural changes in the Big Bash’s history.

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Originally from Jalandhar, India, Singh began competing in natural bodybuilding in 2025 and has also won the Mr Tasmania title.

Singh’s latest performance adds to his growing competitive record as he continues to focus on drug-tested natural bodybuilding, fitness and healthy living.

He is also passionate about encouraging greater participation in fitness and bodybuilding within the Australian Indian and Sikh community, particularly among younger people.

The WHPF — Work Hard Play Hard Natural Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation — was established in 2022 and has expanded its natural bodybuilding competitions across Victoria.

The federation says its aim is to make natural bodybuilding more accessible while creating an engaging experience for both athletes and audiences.

Singh is now preparing for the Natural Bodybuilding Australia Nationals in Melbourne in October 2026, where he is scheduled to compete against athletes from across Australia.

His four-medal haul in Melbourne marks another milestone in his bodybuilding journey, which began just last year, as he prepares to take on the national stage.

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Under Victoria’s Major Events Act 2009, tickets to declared major events cannot be advertised for resale or resold for more than 10 per cent above their original price.

Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines said the laws were designed to protect fans from ticket scalpers seeking to profit from Grand Final demand.

“Our message to scalpers is simple – don’t rip off footy fans because you will be caught and fined.”

Resale advertisements must include the ticket’s original price, resale price and seating location, where available.

Ticket resellers who breach the laws can face penalties ranging from $1,018 to $610,530, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

The Victorian Government is also warning fans about scams and unofficial ticket sellers, noting that buyers may have fewer protections even when a resale ticket is legitimate.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Tim Richardson urged Victorians to remain vigilant when purchasing resale tickets.

“Grand Final fever creates a perfect opportunity for scammers to target excited footy fans, and we’re urging Victorians to stay alert when buying resale tickets.”

Consumers can report suspected ticket scalping or ticket scams to Consumer Affairs Victoria.

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The post “Don’t rip off footy fans”: Victoria declares war on AFL Grand Final ticket scalpers first appeared on The Australia Today.

The landmark KFC BBL|16 opener will be played at Chennai’s iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, 12 December, putting Australian cricket and Western Australia in front of a huge international audience.

The match was promoted during a Western Australian showcase in Mumbai, where Premier Roger Cook announced a new partnership between the Perth Scorchers and the Cook Labor Government’s global State of Energy campaign.

Cook said the historic fixture represented an opportunity for both Western Australia and Chennai.

“Having the Big Bash League hold its first ever international match with the Perth Scorchers is both an enormous opportunity for WA and for our fantastic host city Chennai,” Cook said.

He said the popularity of cricket in India had been evident during his trade and investment mission and highlighted the importance of strengthening economic relationships with countries in Australia’s time zone.

“India is one of Western Australia’s largest trading partners and missions such as this provide invaluable face-to-face opportunities which grow relationships and showcase what our great State has to offer on an international stage,” Cook said.

The campaign promotes Western Australia’s industries, investment opportunities and strengths to international audiences.

Cook was also presented with a signature Scorchers jersey during the Mumbai event, which showcased WA’s investment, tourism and creative industries to international stakeholders.

The Scorchers-Renegades clash is expected to attract significant attention in India, with live coverage across the Seven Network and Fox Cricket in Australia and JioStar in India.

The match will allow the Scorchers to showcase the club and Western Australia to an international cricket audience while strengthening sporting and cultural links between Australia and India.

The Perth Scorchers enter the 2026 BBL season with six KFC BBL titles, making them the competition’s most successful franchise.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti said cricket provided an opportunity to deepen the longstanding relationship between Australia and India.

“Taking the Scorchers to Chennai is a great opportunity to strengthen those connections and bring Western Australia even closer to one of the world’s great cricketing nations,” Saffioti said.

The Scorchers’ historic Chennai fixture forms part of a broader WA Government trade and investment push through India and Vietnam, focused on energy transition, tourism, aviation, primary industries, skills and training.

Cook said the government was seeking to use stronger international trade and investment relationships to support local employment and economic opportunities in Western Australia.

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The Cricket Victoria Board elected both Richardson and Cleghorn at its September meeting, with the appointments taking effect immediately.

Richardson succeeds Ross Hepburn, who concluded his six-year tenure as a Cricket Victoria Director, including four years as Chair, at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on August 31.

Richardson has served on the Cricket Victoria Board since 2021 and brings more than two decades of experience in banking and finance, business and sport. He is currently a Business Banking Executive at NAB.

His connection with Victorian cricket stretches from his First XI playing days with St Kilda and Dandenong Cricket Clubs to administrative roles with Caulfield Cricket Club and the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.

Richardson said he was honoured to take on the leadership role and highlighted the contribution of generations of players, volunteers, administrators, clubs and associations to Victorian cricket.

“Cricket has been a significant part of my life, and it is an enormous privilege to be appointed Chair of Cricket Victoria.”

He also acknowledged outgoing Chair Ross Hepburn for his leadership and contribution to Victorian cricket.

Richardson said he and Cleghorn, alongside the Board, would focus on strengthening the game from grassroots cricket through to the elite level.

Cleghorn has served as a Cricket Victoria Director since 2020. The Deputy Chair position was recently reinstated in Cricket Victoria’s Constitution following an amendment passed at the organisation’s latest AGM.

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins welcomed the appointments, saying both Richardson and Cleghorn had developed a strong understanding of the organisation and Victorian cricket landscape during their time on the Board.

“They are taking on these positions at an important time for Cricket Victoria and Australian cricket more broadly,” Cummins said.

“We have a clear strategy and an experienced Board and Executive team, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”

The Cricket Victoria Board now comprises Shaun Richardson (Chair), Penelope Cleghorn (Deputy Chair), Chris Bulford, Lydia Dowse, Debra Loughnan, Bryce McGain, Joan Norton, Harish Rao and Paul Sealey.

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Harmanpreet Kaur’s side produced a dominant all-round display at Dubai International Stadium, posting 183 for five before dismissing Sri Lanka for 111 on the final ball of the innings. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana laid the foundation with a record 129-run opening partnership before Sree Charani and Deepti Sharma dismantled Sri Lanka’s chase.

The victory gave India their eighth Women’s Asia Cup crown overall and their fourth in the T20 format, restoring their place at the top of Asian women’s cricket after Sri Lanka beat them in the 2024 final.

India won the toss and elected to bat, with Shafali immediately setting an aggressive tone.

The 22-year-old blasted 68 from 39 balls, striking nine fours and two sixes, while Mandhana compiled 59 from 39 deliveries.

Shafali reached her half-century from just 24 balls, setting a new record for the fastest fifty in Women’s Asia Cup history and breaking Mandhana’s previous mark of 25 balls against Sri Lanka in 2022.

The opening pair added 129 in 12.5 overs, establishing the highest partnership for any wicket in Women’s Asia Cup history.

Their stand also became the highest partnership in the final of a women’s T20 international tournament, surpassing the 120-run partnership between Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor during the 2016 Women’s T20 World Cup final.

India raced to 57 without loss at the end of the powerplay and reached 98 after 10 overs as Shafali repeatedly attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers.

The breakthrough finally came when Shafali was caught off Chamudi Praboda. Mandhana followed soon afterwards after being run out following a mix-up with Harmanpreet.

India were 140 for two after 15 overs, but Sri Lanka managed to slow the scoring rate during the closing stages.

Harmanpreet made 14 and Richa Ghosh added 17 from 13 balls before a late five-ball 15 helped India reach 183 for five from their 20 overs.

Despite conceding a formidable target, Sri Lanka had managed to restrict India to 43 runs from the final five overs, giving the defending champions some hope heading into the chase.

That hope quickly began to fade.

Sri Lanka lost Imesha Dulani in the opening over before captain Chamari Athapaththu attempted to rebuild alongside Vishmi Gunaratne.

Athapaththu attacked during the powerplay and took Sri Lanka to 38 for one after six overs, but India’s spinners took control once the field restrictions were lifted.

Deepti delivered the decisive blow in the 10th over.

Athapaththu, who top-scored with 36 from 32 balls, was beaten in flight and stumped by Richa Ghosh before Gunaratne was bowled three deliveries later.

Sri Lanka slumped to 63 for three at the halfway mark with the required rate climbing beyond 12 runs an over.

From there, Sree Charani took over.

The left-arm spinner worked through Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order to finish with outstanding figures of four for 20 from her four overs.

Deepti returned three for 19 as India steadily dismantled the defending champions.

Sri Lanka eventually finished 111 all out from 20 overs, 72 runs short of the target.

The performance capped a strong tournament for Shafali, who finished with three scores of 50 or more and produced her biggest innings in the match that mattered most.

Her partnership with Mandhana also reinforced the pair’s standing as one of the most productive opening combinations in women’s T20 international cricket.

But India’s victory was followed by another extraordinary Asia Cup trophy presentation controversy involving Asian Cricket Council president and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

India did not accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi following the match.

Sri Lanka’s players went on stage to receive their runners-up medals and captain Chamari Athapaththu took part in the presentation, but India’s players were absent when the winning trophy was due to be presented. The broadcast subsequently returned to its post-match coverage without the usual footage of the champions lifting the trophy.

India head coach Amol Muzumdar later confirmed that the position had been taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and that the team stood behind it.

Muzumdar said India regarded the tournament as finished and were satisfied with being officially recognised as champions, before turning their focus towards the Asian Games.

The episode mirrored the controversy surrounding the 2025 men’s Asia Cup final.

After India defeated Pakistan in that final, the Indian men’s team refused to accept the trophy from Naqvi amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military confrontation.

The presentation was delayed and India eventually celebrated without the physical trophy. The BCCI later accused Naqvi of leaving with the trophy and said it would raise the matter with the International Cricket Council.

The unresolved men’s trophy dispute meant Naqvi’s planned attendance at the Women’s Asia Cup final had already generated considerable attention before Sunday’s match.

That tension ultimately carried into the women’s competition, despite the final itself being between India and Sri Lanka.

For India, however, the cricket was decisive.

Mandhana and Shafali produced a record-breaking start, Charani delivered the standout bowling spell of the final, and Deepti provided the experience needed to shut down Sri Lanka’s chase.

India may have left the presentation without physically lifting the trophy, but on the scoreboard there was no ambiguity.

A 72-run victory had made them Asian champions for the eighth time.

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The post India thrash Sri Lanka by 72 runs to win eighth Women’s Asia Cup title, trophy presentation sparks fresh controversy first appeared on The Australia Today.

Nanrey, from Brampton, Ontario, won both the prestigious Governor General’s Prize and the Canadian Gold Cross Grand Aggregate at the 142nd Canadian Fullbore National Championship, becoming only the second Canadian to win both titles at the same competition.

He recorded a score of 691.65 in the Grand Aggregate and produced an exceptional performance in the Governor General’s Prize, dropping just one point.

Nanrey also claimed the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Prize at the Ontario championship, completing a remarkable run across the two competitions.

The achievement adds to an already strong record for Nanrey in Canadian target shooting.

Results published by the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association show him among the leading competitors at previous national fullbore championships, including a second-place finish in the 2025 DCRA Target Rifle National Championship.

The international team matches at this year’s championship were dominated by the Great Britain Rifle Team, which completed a clean sweep of the America Team Match, Commonwealth Team Match and Canada Match.

The Dominion of Canada Rifle Association, founded in 1868, described Nanrey’s achievement as another remarkable chapter in Canada’s long sporting tradition.

The championship was held at Canadian Forces Base Borden from August 18 to 23, following the Ontario Provincial Rifle Championship from August 15 to 17.

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The post Indian-origin Avtar Nanrey makes Canadian rifle shooting history with double national championship win first appeared on The Australia Today.

As per Daily Mail report, the 25-year-old, daughter of former India cricketer and national batting coach Sanjay Bangar, received confirmation from Cricket Australia under its Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy.

The decision allows Bangar to play women’s community and Premier Cricket in Australia immediately, while her eligibility for elite women’s cricket will take effect from March 2027, subject to the policy’s ongoing requirements.

Bangar has stressed that the decision does not guarantee her a WBBL contract. Instead, it gives her a pathway to compete, rebuild her form and fitness and ultimately earn an opportunity through performance.

“I am preparing to return to women’s cricket in Australia with the aim of pursuing elite cricket from March 2027,” Bangar said.

She described the development as deeply emotional, saying there had been a point when she believed she might never play cricket again.

“Cricket Australia has given me a pathway, which does not mean that I have been given a place in a team. I still have to train, compete, perform and earn that opportunity.”

Bangar previously played in Mumbai’s competitive youth cricket system, including at Under-19 level, developing as a top-order batter and all-rounder. She trained alongside players who went on to play at the highest levels of Indian cricket.

Following her transition, Bangar said she was uncertain whether she would be able to continue her cricket career. She approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last year seeking clarity about the eligibility of transgender women in domestic women’s cricket but said she did not receive a response.

She subsequently approached Cricket Australia, which reviewed her medical records, blood tests and other documentation before making its eligibility determination.

Bangar underwent gender-affirming surgery in Thailand in March 2026.

Under Cricket Australia’s current policy, transgender women seeking to compete in the female category of elite cricket must maintain a serum testosterone concentration below 10 nanomoles per litre for at least 12 continuous months. Bangar’s elite eligibility is therefore subject to a further assessment in March 2027.

If she satisfies the applicable requirements, Bangar will be able to pursue elite domestic women’s cricket, including a potential opportunity in the WBBL. However, eligibility alone does not guarantee selection.

Bangar has acknowledged that she will need to find an Australian club, regain competitive match fitness and demonstrate that she can perform at the required level before a WBBL franchise considers her.

“The next challenge is to get myself into the best possible physical and competitive shape and put myself in a position to be considered by a WBBL franchise.”

She has also emphasised that she does not expect her identity or personal history to secure a place in a team.

“I don’t expect my history or my identity to earn me a place on a cricket team. I want my cricket to earn me a place on a cricket team.”

Cricket Australia’s domestic policy differs from the International Cricket Council’s rules governing international women’s cricket.

The ICC introduced a policy in 2023 under which transgender women who have experienced male puberty are not eligible to compete in international women’s matches, regardless of whether they have undergone surgery or testosterone suppression.

Cricket Australia’s decision therefore provides Bangar with a possible route into Australian domestic cricket, rather than international women’s cricket.

For now, her immediate focus is expected to be on returning to competitive cricket through Australia’s community and Premier Cricket system.

The March 2027 assessment will be the next major milestone in her attempt to return to elite competition.

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The contrast between the two sides was visible not just in their cricket but on the team sheet.

Australia fielded its oldest Test XI this century, with the starting side averaging almost 34 years of age. Bangladesh’s XI averaged about 31.4 years, a gap of roughly two-and-a-half years per player. Cricket Australia had itself described the Darwin line-up before the match as the oldest Australian XI fielded in a century.

Australia’s top seven batting order told the story:

Jake Weatherald – 31
Travis Head – 32
Marnus Labuschagne – 32
Steve Smith – 37
Cameron Green – 27
Alex Carey – 34
Beau Webster – 32

Green was the only Australian player in the entire XI aged under 30. The ages of Australia’s senior bowling attack were even more striking: Mitchell Starc was 36, captain Pat Cummins 33, Josh Hazlewood 35 and Nathan Lyon 38.

By contrast, much of the damage was inflicted by Bangladesh’s younger generation.

Century-maker Tanzid Hasan was 25, player of the match Hasan Mahmud was 26, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was 27 and all-round match-winner Mehidy Hasan Miraz was 28.

Bangladesh were not entirely a young team — their XI also contained veterans such as Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque — but it was their younger core that repeatedly ran harder, bowled with greater intensity and seized the biggest moments of the Test. Cricket Australia noted during the match that Australia had selected its oldest side since the pre-Bradman era while being troubled by the “sprightliest” members of the Bangladesh team.

By the time Mominul Haque struck the winning runs at Marrara Stadium on Sunday, the Tigers had not simply pulled off an upset. They had comprehensively outplayed Australia.

Bangladesh chased a target of 57 in just 14.2 overs, finishing at 57 for one to seal a nine-wicket victory inside four days.

It was Bangladesh’s first Test victory on Australian soil and only its second Test victory against Australia anywhere in the world.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto described it as his country’s biggest victory across any format.

That assessment was understandable.

Australia entered the match as the world’s top-ranked Test team, playing at home with Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon together in a formidable bowling attack.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, had been bowled out for just 54 by a Cricket Australia XI in its warm-up match days earlier.

Few expected what followed.

Cummins won the toss and chose to bat, but Australia was dismissed for just 198.

Steve Smith’s 71 provided the only substantial resistance as Bangladesh’s fast bowlers repeatedly found ways through an experienced Australian batting order.

Hasan Mahmud, just 26, ripped through the hosts with 6-55, producing the best performance of his young Test career and immediately putting Australia under pressure.

Bangladesh then did what Australia could not: it batted for long periods.

Tanzid Hasan produced a superb 101, becoming the first Bangladeshi player to score a Test century in Australia.

Mominul Haque made 49, Shanto struck 84, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz added a crucial 65 as Bangladesh compiled 426, taking a massive 228-run first-innings lead.

The image was difficult to ignore.

Australia’s veteran bowling attack spent session after session labouring in Darwin’s heat as Bangladesh’s batters absorbed the pressure, rotated the strike and forced their hosts to keep returning for another spell.

Australia used eight bowlers during Bangladesh’s innings.

The famous quartet of Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon has more than 1,600 Test wickets between them and has underpinned one of Australia’s most successful eras.

But in Darwin, experience was not enough.

Cricket Australia had noted before the match that the four had first played together almost nine years ago and that age had become an unavoidable subject around the team.

Australia’s second innings briefly threatened to produce another humiliation before Cameron Green — appropriately, the youngest member of the Australian XI — provided the one major sign of life.

The 27-year-old fought his way to 104, his third Test century and his first hundred on Australian soil.

But when Green was eventually removed, Australia’s resistance faded.

The hosts were dismissed for 284, leaving Bangladesh only 57 runs to create history.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz had already ensured there would be no dramatic Australian escape.

The 28-year-old took 5-66 in the second innings after scoring 65 with the bat, removing Smith, Carey, Webster, Cummins and Lyon.

Hasan Mahmud finished with nine wickets for the match and was named player of the match.

Bangladesh then knocked off the target with barely a scare.

After losing Tanzid early, Shadman Islam and Mominul calmly completed the chase as celebrations erupted among Bangladesh supporters in Darwin.

For Australia, the consequences go far beyond one bad Test.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting labelled the defeat “embarrassing” and questioned why selectors had not used the Bangladesh series as an opportunity to begin regenerating an ageing side.

Ponting pointed directly to the age profile, with Green the only player under 30, while Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne now face serious questions about their positions.

Weatherald managed 23 and zero, while Labuschagne scored one and 31.

Cummins conceded after the defeat that Australia’s batting was “not quite functioning as well as we’d like” and indicated changes could be considered before the second Test.

The captain did not hide behind preparation or conditions.

Bangladesh, he acknowledged, had outplayed Australia across the match.

That is perhaps the most damaging conclusion for the hosts.

This was not a freak defeat caused by rain, a wildly unpredictable pitch or one extraordinary hour of cricket.

Bangladesh bowled Australia out twice, scored 426 against one of the most experienced bowling attacks in world cricket and then completed the chase with nine wickets remaining.

The Tigers were better with bat, ball and in the field.

They were also hungrier.

Bangladesh had waited 23 years to play another Test in Australia. When the opportunity finally arrived, a new generation treated it as something to seize rather than merely survive.

Australia’s veterans have earned enormous respect. Smith, Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon have won World Cups, the World Test Championship, Ashes series and countless Tests together.

But Darwin has brought a question Australian cricket can no longer avoid:

How long can experience keep being preferred over regeneration?

An Australian side averaging almost 34 now faces a demanding period of Test cricket, including major assignments against South Africa, New Zealand, India and England. Cricket Australia had already described the coming 12 months as potentially legacy-defining for this generation.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, takes a 1-0 series lead into the second and final Test in Mackay beginning on August 22, with an opportunity to secure an extraordinary first Test series victory in Australia.

Darwin was expected to provide Australia’s decorated veterans with a comfortable beginning to that journey.

Instead, the old guard looked tired, the younger Tigers looked fearless — and Bangladesh roared loudest.

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Dineth Fernando defeated more than 130 competitors from 15 countries during the three-day championship, becoming only the fourth Australian representative to win the prestigious youth title.

English is Dineth’s second language, but he says his intensive preparation helped him overcome the challenge.

“It took a lot of stress and effort to navigate through the days,” Dineth told The Guardian.

“But I just needed to concentrate on the game, nothing else.”

Dineth began playing Scrabble at the age of eight after joining a school club in Sri Lanka. He later competed in national championships and worked with a private coach.

After his family moved to Melbourne in February, he continued competing, winning the Australian Youth Scrabble Championship before travelling to Kenya for the world title.

His father, Prasanna Fernando, said the victory still felt unreal.

“I sometimes still can’t believe he actually won it because the level of competition was extremely high.”

Dineth reportedly spends more than three hours a day studying Scrabble words and is already looking towards next year’s championship.

His goal is to become the first youth champion to successfully defend the world title.

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For Patel, whose cricketing journey began in the most ordinary of settings, the selection represents another significant step in a rapidly rising career.

His first cricketing memory is not of a cricket ground, but the balcony of his family’s apartment in Australia, where his grandfather would bowl underarm to him while Patel, armed with a plastic foam bat, tried to hit the ball as hard as he could.

There was no talk of technique, roles or long-term plans — just a child, a bat and a ball.

Now, the New South Wales youngster is among 16 of Australia’s brightest emerging cricketers selected for the four-week tour, which will feature three 50-over matches and two four-day matches against India Under-19s in Rajkot and Ahmedabad from September 13 to October 9.

The squad will be coached by experienced mentor Tim Nielsen, with fast bowlers Will Byrom and Kasey Barton among the key players returning from Australia’s Under-19 World Cup campaign earlier this year.

Byrom took 10 wickets at 10.50 during the tournament in Zimbabwe, while Barton claimed four wickets as Australia reached the semi-finals before losing to England by 27 runs.

For Patel, the tour will provide an opportunity to test himself against one of the world’s strongest junior cricket systems in conditions that are very different from those in Australia.

An elegant opening batter who also bowls useful off-spin, Patel has quickly progressed through Australia’s junior cricket pathway thanks to his consistency and maturity at the crease.

Representing the University of New South Wales Cricket Club, Patel made headlines at just 16 by becoming one of the youngest players in Sydney Premier Cricket First Grade history after scoring more than 1,000 runs in a calendar year.

He has since added a maiden first-grade century to his growing list of achievements.

His performances also earned him selection for Cricket Australia’s Under-19 Men’s Talent Camp in Adelaide, where he was identified as one of the country’s leading young prospects.

Patel currently opens the batting for New South Wales at junior level and has developed a reputation for occupying the crease for long periods while continuing to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard moving.

His ability to contribute with off-spin adds another dimension to his game.

Despite his rapid rise, Patel remains focused on the areas of his game he believes need improvement.

Speaking to Cricket Australia, the teenager said he had been working extensively on his back-foot game after receiving advice from his coaches.

“Batting wise, it’s back-foot stuff. I’ve been given advice from my coaches on how to work on that. Then also fielding, and the strength and fitness side of the game.”

One of Patel’s distinctive habits is maintaining a detailed OneNote journal documenting every innings he plays.

After each match, he records what worked well and the areas where he needs to improve.

“I think it’s just to stay on track with what I do and just be accountable. The OneNote keeps track of my performances; what I did well and what I can improve on for every single game, so I’m always learning.”

Away from cricket, Patel enjoys cooking, playing chess with his father and building.

Cricket Australia Head of National Development Sonya Thompson said the tour would provide Australia’s emerging players with valuable experience against high-quality opposition.

“We are really pleased to provide the opportunity to some of Australia’s best young players to continue their development as part of our pathways program,” Thompson said.

“Touring India and playing against high-quality opposition in challenging conditions will be a valuable experience and test the players technically and mentally across formats.”

The tour is part of Cricket Australia’s broader effort to increase opportunities for young players to gain experience in Asian conditions.

A CA Development squad has also travelled to Chennai for the annual MRF Academy Program, while Australia’s A side is scheduled to tour India in September for two first-class matches.

For Patel, however, the Under-19 tour carries an added significance.

Returning to the country of his family’s heritage, the young opener will have the chance to measure his progress against India’s emerging stars — while taking another step towards his ambition of establishing himself in Australian cricket.

Kasey Barton (TAS/Mosman CC), Hayden Barbulovic (SA/Tea Tree Gully DCC), Eli Brain (QLD/Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club), Will Byrom (NSW/Northern District CC), Blake Cattle (NSW/Keira CC, Illawarra), Jack Czosnek (VIC/Richmond CC), Spencer Green (QLD/Toombul District Cricket Club), Connor Gregory (SA/Sturt DCC), Charlie Henderson (QLD/University of Queensland Cricket Club), Zed Hollick (WA/Scarborough CC), Matthew Lough (WA/Claremont Nedlands Cricket Club), Neel Patel (NSW/University of NSW Cricket Club), Jacob Pietz (VIC/Camberwell Magpies CC), Patrick Sullivan (VIC/Geelong CC), Theo Tsingos (QLD/Sandgate Redcliffe District Cricket Club) and Thomas Vaseo (QLD/Redlands Tigers Cricket Club).

Queensland provides the largest representation with five players, while Victoria and New South Wales each have three.

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The event launched the Australia India Sports Bridge to facilitate partnerships across sport, technology, education, investment and community engagement.

Moderated by Grame Barty, the conference featured discussions with representatives from across Australia’s sporting and business landscape. Participants included Dr S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney; Nirav Sutaria, Head of Chancery, Consulate General of India, Sydney; Chris Mooney from the Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC); Ramanpreet Wadhwa, Founder of Sapphire Links Global; Annelise Young from the Centre for India Australia Relations (CAIR); Professor Brian Stoddart, former Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University; Jaldeep Virani from Tata Consultancy Services; Richard Ostroff from Cricket Australia; Sheba Nandkeolyar, Founder and CEO of MultiConnexions; Alex Brown from Rugby Australia; Gabbi Stubbs from Netball Australia; Harshvendra Soin from Tech Mahindra; Anshu Chaudhary from JLL; Darshak Mehta OAM; and Tim Harcourt, among others.

The Australia India Sports Bridge was launched with the support of the India Australia Women in Business Dialogue Forum (IAWBD Forum) and the Australia India Chamber of Commerce. The IAWBD Forum, an initiative of the Consulate General of India, Sydney, is convened by Valarmathy Janakiraman, with Project Director Mansi Bhattacharya and Associate Nidhi Solanki supporting its work.

Ramanpreet Wadhwa, Founder of Sapphire Links Global, outlined the vision of creating stronger connections between governments, sporting bodies, businesses and educational institutions to support new opportunities between Australia and India. The initiative focuses on areas including sports innovation, research, athlete development, sports science and commercial partnerships.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the India–Australia Roadmap for Sports Collaboration, recognising sport as an important area of cooperation within the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Participants highlighted the complementary strengths of both countries, with Australia’s expertise in high-performance sport, governance and major event delivery aligning with India’s expanding sports economy and growing investment in the sector.

Discussions covered athlete welfare, women’s participation, university partnerships, community sport and pathways for emerging athletes. Delegates also highlighted the role of sport in strengthening multicultural communities and building closer people-to-people links between Australia and India.

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Police Scotland confirmed it had received reports of multiple athletes being “unaccounted for” following the conclusion of the Games on Sunday.

Islamic Republic of Pakistan has reported that boxer Qudratullah failed to return home with the national team. Officials reportedly discovered that he had left his room during checks after his absence was noticed.

Ugandan sports outlet NBS Sport also reported that four members of Uganda’s boxing team did not board their scheduled flight home. The missing athletes were identified as Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis and Emily Nakalema.

A team member reportedly told NBS Sport that the athletes had remained in Scotland and intended to seek asylum.

Police Scotland said inquiries were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the missing athletes.

“Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for,” the force said in a statement.

“Inquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office.”

The disappearances have raised comparisons with previous Commonwealth Games, particularly the 2014 Glasgow Games, where several athletes went missing after the event. Some later sought asylum, while others were not located.

In 2014, two Ugandan rugby players disappeared after the Games and were later found playing for a regional team in Scotland. Cameroon weightlifter Cyrille Tchatchet II also disappeared during the same Games and was later granted refugee status. He went on to represent England and won a silver medal at the Glasgow event this year.

Glasgow 2026 organisers said they were working with Police Scotland, Border Force and UK Visas and Immigration to ensure athletes and officials departed safely after the Games.

“Over the last two weeks, we have welcomed 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth to Glasgow,” Games spokesperson Sophie Ashcroft said.

“As athletes and support staff leave the city, we continue to work closely with wider partners — including Police Scotland, Border Force and UK Visas and Immigration — to ensure a safe and secure conclusion to the Games.”

The athletes’ current whereabouts remain unknown as investigations continue.

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The Maribyrnong Sports Academy athlete secured her place in the Australian team after winning the Women’s U20 Pole Vault title at the Australian U20 Athletics Championships, clearing an impressive 4.06 metres.

The national title followed another major milestone just three weeks earlier, when Rungi recorded a personal best clearance of 4.17 metres, underlining her rapid progress and consistency heading into international competition.

Over the past three years, Rungi has established herself as one of Australia’s leading under-20 pole vaulters, consistently finishing among the nation’s top two athletes in her age category.

Her selection means she will wear the green and gold at one of the world’s premier junior athletics events, competing against the best emerging athletes from around the globe.

Maribyrnong Sports Academy congratulated Rungi on her selection, describing her achievement as the result of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance.

“Representing Australia in the green and gold is a testament to Khushnoor’s hard work, dedication and perseverance, and everyone at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy is incredibly proud of what she has achieved.”

Among those congratulating the young athlete was former Maribyrnong Mayor and Victoria’s first mayor of Indian heritage, Pradeep Tiwari, who praised her achievement and the academy’s role in developing elite sporting talent.

“Congratulations to Maribyrnong Sports Academy student Khushnoor Rungi on being selected to represent Australia at the World U20 Athletics Championships.”

“What an incredible achievement, and one that makes our entire Maribyrnong community proud. Your dedication, hard work and determination have earned you the opportunity to wear the green and gold on the world stage.”

He also acknowledged the efforts of the academy in nurturing young athletes.

“A huge congratulations as well to everyone at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy for continuing to develop and support such outstanding young athletes.”

“Wishing you every success in Oregon, Khushnoor. We’ll all be cheering you on every step, and every vault, of the way.”

The Australian U20 Athletics Championships serve as the country’s premier junior athletics competition and act as the key selection event for international championships, bringing together Australia’s best emerging track and field athletes.

For Rungi, the opportunity to compete on the world stage represents another significant step in what is shaping up to be a promising athletics career, while also inspiring young Australians from multicultural communities to pursue excellence in sport.

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Malik, Jesse Moore, Benjamin Foster, Tru Hagens and James Hardy combined for a score of 235.650 points to secure Australia’s first Commonwealth Games team medal in gymnastics since the 2010 Delhi Games.

The Australian team finished behind gold medallists Canada (241.400) and silver medallists England (238.250), while defeating host nation Scotland to claim the historic podium finish.

For Malik, the medal marks another milestone in a rapidly rising international career. The 19-year-old gymnast from Blacktown in Sydney’s north-west became the first athlete of Indian heritage to represent Australia in men’s artistic gymnastics at the Commonwealth Games.

Former Chair of Gymnastics Victoria Molina Asthana told The Australia Today that Malik’s achievement was a proud moment for Australia’s multicultural sporting community. “This is a great achievement by the Australian team and comes after a long wait of 16 years. As former chair of Gymnastics Victoria, it is great to see the Australian Men’s Artistic team make this historic debut,” Asthana said.

“I know first-hand the many gruelling hours of practice required for this level of perfection, so it is a remarkable achievement. I am particularly proud to see someone of Indian heritage who has contributed to this medal.”

Asthana added that gymnastics offered an important pathway for young Australians from diverse backgrounds.

“Gymnastics is an amazing foundation sport and well suited for people of Indian heritage who are not inclined towards contact sport.”

Malik delivered one of Australia’s standout performances during the competition, producing a strong high bar routine and scoring 13.450 to qualify for the apparatus final.

He also played a crucial role in the team’s final push on pommel horse, alongside Moore and Hagens, helping Australia hold onto third place after a tense competition.

The event was briefly halted after England gymnast Gabriel Langton suffered a serious fall on high bar, requiring immediate medical attention. During the lengthy delay, Australian gymnast James Hardy helped maintain team morale by bringing out a deck of cards before competition resumed.

The bronze medal was a significant breakthrough for Australian men’s gymnastics, ending a 16-year wait for a Commonwealth Games team medal.

Malik’s journey to the Commonwealth Games stage began at Sydney Hills Gymnastics, where he started training as a child under the guidance of his family and coaches.

His father Rajesh Malik, a former national gymnastics champion in India, introduced him to the sport. His mother Nirja has supported his nutrition, health and training commitments throughout his career.

The young gymnast was named NSW Junior Gymnast of the Year in 2023 and Australian Junior National Gymnast of the Year in 2024. He later joined the Penn State Nittany Lions men’s gymnastics programme in the United States, where he is studying finance.

Malik has trained at an elite level since childhood, averaging more than 20 hours of training each week, increasing to 24–26 hours in preparation for Glasgow.

With ambitions of competing at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, Malik’s Commonwealth Games debut represents a significant step in a career that could inspire a new generation of Australian athletes from diverse backgrounds.

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Malik’s 2026 season proved decisive. He won the All Around title at the Commonwealth Games Selection Trial and finished third at the Continental Championships, securing his place on a team with genuine medal ambitions. Australia’s men have not topped the team podium since Delhi 2010, and this squad is considered a strong contender to end that drought.

Despite his age, Malik brings considerable international experience. He competed at the 2023 Junior World Championships in Antalya and the 2025 Junior World Championships in Manila, testing himself against elite junior talent from across the globe before making the transition to senior competition.

Malik began training at Sydney Hills Gymnastics as a child and continues to work with his original coach whenever he returns to Australia. Recognition came early—he was named NSW Junior Gymnast of the Year in 2023 and Australian Junior National Gymnast of the Year in 2024. Those accolades helped him secure a place on the Penn State Nittany Lions men’s gymnastics roster, where he is a freshman studying finance.

Training demands have been significant throughout his career. Since age ten, Malik has averaged between 20 and 22 hours of weekly training. In the months leading up to Glasgow, that workload has increased to 24–26 hours spread over six days.

Gymnastics runs in the Malik family. His father, Rajesh, was a national gymnastics champion in India and introduced Ritam to the sport when he was young. His mother, Nirja, has overseen nutrition, health, and the day-to-day logistics that come with supporting an elite athlete. He also has a younger brother, Varchas.

Glasgow marks just the beginning. Malik has spoken about his ambition to compete at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, where he would have the opportunity to represent Australia on home soil at the sport’s highest level. With a foundation built on junior international competition, American collegiate training, and a family steeped in the sport, Malik heads to Glasgow as a trailblazer for Australians of Indian heritage with strong prospects for future international success.

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Torres struck in the 106th minute at New York New Jersey Stadium, lifting a left-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and into the roof of the net after pouncing on a bouncing ball inside the penalty area. The victory gave Spain their second men’s World Cup title and their first since 2010.

The decisive moment came after Argentina had been reduced to 10 players during stoppage time at the end of regulation. Midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card following a reckless challenge that sent Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí tumbling through the air.

Spain continued to press throughout extra time before Torres, introduced from the bench during the second half, finally broke Argentina’s resistance.

“It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said after delivering the biggest moment of his international career.

The scoreline suggested an even contest, but Spain controlled possession and created nearly all the opportunities. Luis de la Fuente’s side recorded 20 attempts, including 12 on target, while official statistics credited Argentina with only two attempts and none on target. Argentina became the first team to complete the opening 90 minutes of a men’s World Cup final without registering a shot.

Martínez repeatedly kept Argentina in the match, producing a World Cup final-record 12 saves as Spain struggled to turn their control into goals. His performance pushed the contest towards penalties before Torres found the breakthrough with Spain’s 20th attempt.

Argentina’s defensive approach restricted Spain’s space for much of the match, while Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez struggled to trouble a Spanish defence that had dominated throughout the tournament.

Messi, 39, was playing in his third World Cup final and attempting to lead Argentina to consecutive titles after their triumph in Qatar in 2022. He had indicated that the tournament could be his final World Cup, giving the defeat added weight as he left the field in tears.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said his team accepted the result despite the disappointment.

“We lost the game, and we accept that,” Scaloni said, while praising the efforts of his players and the achievements of Messi’s generation.

Argentina’s defeat ended its attempt to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to defend the men’s World Cup successfully. Messi’s recent international era included the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.

Spain, by contrast, completed the tournament unbeaten and conceded only one goal across eight matches, setting a record for the fewest goals allowed by a men’s World Cup champion. Goalkeeper Unai Simón kept seven clean sheets and received the Golden Glove.

Spain began their campaign with a goalless draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde before defeating Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 to finish at the top of Group H.

They then defeated Austria 3-0 in the round of 32, edged Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16, beat Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals and overcame France 2-0 in the semi-finals before facing Argentina.

Their ability to control matches without relying on one consistent goalscorer became the defining feature of the campaign.

Captain Rodri directed Spain’s possession from midfield and was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Cubarsí was named the best young player, while France captain Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals.

Mikel Oyarzabal scored five goals for Spain during the tournament, while Lamine Yamal provided creativity from the wing. The 19-year-old Barcelona forward was only three years old when Andrés Iniesta scored Spain’s winning goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 final.

Yamal did not dominate the final as many expected, but Spain’s title reflected the depth of a squad able to find match-winners across midfield, defence and the substitutes’ bench.

Torres entered the match without a goal at the tournament and left as Spain’s World Cup final hero.

Spain coach De la Fuente, who also guided the national side to the UEFA European Championship in 2024, became the oldest coach to win a men’s World Cup at the age of 65.

“I feel pride, to be honest,” De la Fuente said.

He described accompanying the players through the campaign as an honour and praised a generation that had remained committed to Spain’s footballing approach.

Spain are now unbeaten across 38 matches, recording 29 victories and nine draws. The run surpassed Italy’s previous 37-match mark to become the longest unbeaten sequence by a European men’s national team.

The result also made Spain the first country to hold the men’s and women’s World Cup titles at the same time, following the Spanish women’s victory in 2023.

The final became increasingly heated after Fernández’s dismissal, with confrontations involving players from both sides at the final whistle. Spain’s players later formed a guard as the defeated Argentine squad walked towards the presentation stage to receive their runner-up medals.

Rodri then lifted the trophy as Spain returned to the top of world football, combining the world title with the European crown won two years earlier.

For Argentina, the defeat brought an emotional end to a campaign built around the possibility of one final triumph for Messi’s generation.

For Spain, it confirmed the arrival of another title-winning team — one built on control, depth and a defence that allowed only a single goal throughout the largest World Cup ever staged.

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The defeat marked another painful setback for England, coming only eight days after their seven-wicket loss to Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup final. The hosts, chasing a record 457, were bowled out for 186 in their second innings.

England head coach Charlotte Edwards admitted her disappointment but praised India’s performance. “I’m really disappointed. In a historical game, playing nowhere near our best. Credit to India, they played incredibly well,” Edwards said.

“There’s no excuses from our end. It’s the same quick switch after the World Cup from both ends, albeit India probably had a bit more time. Our goal for the summer was the World Cup, a lot of detail had been put into that. It’s disappointing but reflecting as a whole, hugely proud of what the team achieved.”

The defeat also marked the end of international careers for England greats Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, with Edwards paying tribute to their contributions.

“What unbelievable careers they have both had. There’s been tears over the past couple of days. Their contributions have been huge. It’s an opportunity for younger players to stake a claim for their spots.”

India’s young pacer Kranti Gaud was named Player of the Match after dismantling England’s top order in the first innings, finishing with match figures of 7-91, including a sensational five-wicket haul in England’s first innings.

Gaud said she had dreamed of leaving her mark at Lord’s. “I never thought about it but the day the match started, I wanted to get my name written on the honour board,” she added.

“My simple plan was to hit my lines and lengths, focus on what the coaches were telling me, and that is what I tried doing. I feel very proud, as does my family.”

The young bowler added that the souvenir stump she collected would go into a museum room at her home.

“I have a small museum room at my home, and this will go there.”

India laid the foundation for victory after posting 285 in the first innings, led by Smriti Mandhana’s 83, Harmanpreet Kaur’s 58 and Deepti Sharma’s 57.

England struggled in reply, managing only 170, despite Amy Jones’ fighting 52 and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 44. Gaud’s five-wicket haul and disciplined bowling from Sayali Satghare and Sneh Rana gave India a commanding advantage.

India then declared at 341-7 in their second innings, powered by Yastika Bhatia’s brilliant 113, Mandhana’s second-half century contribution with 70, and Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 50.

Chasing 457, England lost wickets regularly. Amy Jones again showed resistance with 54, while Sophie Ecclestone produced a memorable maiden international fifty, scoring 50 before being bowled by Rana.

Rana finished with 4-42 in the second innings, while Deepti Sharma claimed the final wicket as India completed a historic triumph in front of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Despite the defeat, Edwards reiterated her support for the longest format of the women’s game, calling for a more structured approach.

“I think there’s a place for it but maybe it has to be part of a multi-series or a bilateral series.”

“We’ve enjoyed Test cricket but you have to have it constantly, you can’t have it every 18 months. I’m a huge advocate for it. There’s so much you can learn from it.”

Edwards said regular Test cricket would help develop players across all levels.

“I think we need to see it in tier-one cricket, getting that exposure for younger players, older players, it’s so important.”

India’s historic victory at Lord’s not only secured a memorable win but also highlighted the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s cricket on the world stage.

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The historic announcement was made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the two leaders also launched a new Australia–India Roadmap on Sport Cooperation aimed at expanding collaboration in sport, trade, tourism, research and major international events.

The season-opening clash between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers will headline a week-long G’Day Namaste festival across India, showcasing Australian sport, culture and business while promoting the objectives of Australia’s economic engagement strategy with India.

Prime Minister Albanese described sport as one of the strongest foundations of the bilateral relationship. “Australia and India are united by our love and passion for sport,” he said.

“This sports roadmap will focus on practical priority areas such as capability building, technology and research to strengthen this cornerstone of our bilateral relationship.”

Addressing the media alongside Albanese, Prime Minister Modi said cricket had long united the two nations but the new partnership would extend well beyond the game. “Sports are a strong pillar of the India–Australia friendship,” Modi said.

“Through this initiative, we will deepen cooperation not only in cricket, but across a wide range of sports. We will work together in sports training, sports science and sports technology.”

Modi welcomed the decision to bring the Big Bash League to India, saying it would enjoy enormous popularity.

“For any sporting league, staging an event in India guarantees tremendous reach and viewership.”

Indian-origin Australian cricket great Lisa Sthalekar shared a special moment with Modi and Albanese during their Melbourne meeting, as Australia and India unveiled a new roadmap to deepen sports cooperation.

Sharing her experience on social media, Sthalekar said it was a rare opportunity to meet both leaders and revealed she was able to speak some Gujarati — a language taught to her by her father and grandmother.

“It isn’t very often that you get to meet both Prime Ministers,” Sthalekar wrote, adding that she also discovered Prime Minister Modi’s favourite dish is khichuri.

The former Australian captain welcomed the new Australia–India Sports Cooperation Roadmap, saying she was excited to see both countries work together to expand sporting ties.

The new roadmap outlines cooperation in sports science, technology, athlete development, industry partnerships and major event planning as Australia prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and India gears up to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games while pursuing its bid for the 2036 Olympic Games.

Education, research and commercial partnerships are also expected to benefit from the agreement, with the roadmap designed to boost trade, tourism and investment alongside sporting exchanges.

Speaking at the MCG, Albanese highlighted the growing popularity of Australian Rules football in India, noting participation had expanded from around 150 players a few years ago to more than 10,000 across 11 Indian states.

He also praised the increasing exchange of sporting expertise between the two countries, describing the partnership as extending well beyond elite competition.

The Australian Government said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to deepen economic engagement with India by leveraging sport as a platform for business, innovation and people-to-people connections.

The announcement adds another significant milestone to the expanding Australia–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the two countries unveiling a series of agreements during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit covering defence, education, technology, culture and economic cooperation.

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The victory further cements Australia’s position as the most successful team in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup, extending a legacy that has defined the modern era of women’s cricket.

Chasing England’s target of 151 before a packed house at Lord’s, Australia’s experienced batting line-up remained composed under pressure. Beth Mooney produced another match-winning innings, while Phoebe Litchfield played a crucial supporting role as the pair built the foundation for a successful chase. Australia crossed the finish line with seven wickets in hand and nearly three overs to spare.

England had earlier posted 150 for 4 after being sent in to bat. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt led the innings with an unbeaten half-century, while Freya Kemp accelerated during the closing overs to help England reach a competitive total. Despite the strong finish, Australia’s disciplined bowling attack ensured England never broke away with a truly imposing score.

Australia’s response reflected the calmness and depth that have become hallmarks of the side. After negotiating the early overs, Mooney controlled the chase with calculated stroke play, while Litchfield’s positive approach kept the required run rate firmly in check. Their century partnership effectively ended England’s hopes before Ellyse Perry helped guide Australia over the line. The victory also established a new record for the highest successful run chase in a Women’s T20 World Cup final, underlining the team’s batting depth and composure under pressure.

The triumph marks Australia’s seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title, adding to previous championships won in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023. It is also the first global title under captain Sophie Molineux, who has overseen a smooth transition into a new era following the retirement of several senior players.

For England, the defeat ends an impressive campaign that saw them reach the final with consistent performances throughout the tournament. However, they were unable to halt an Australian side that once again demonstrated its ability to deliver on cricket’s biggest stage.

Australia’s latest World Cup success reinforces the depth of talent within the women’s cricket system. Combining experienced campaigners with emerging stars, the team has once again shown why it remains the benchmark in international T20 cricket.

Australia’s latest triumph further cements its place among the greatest teams in sporting history, continuing to set the benchmark in women’s cricket through sustained excellence and remarkable consistency.

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For more than 3,000 years, the Pharaohs ruled one of history’s greatest civilisations. In Dallas, Egypt’s modern-day Pharaohs ruled once more, bringing the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign to an end with a disciplined performance and an emphatic penalty shoot-out victory.

Australia coach Tony Popovic kept faith with the side that had performed so effectively in the third group-stage match against Paraguay. This was the first time in the tournament Popovic’s team selection had done something orthodox.

Popovic’s great mentor, former Socceroos coach Eddie Thomson, always claimed, “Never change a winning team”. Perhaps Thomson’s words still echoed in Popovic’s mind. This time, he resisted the temptation to tinker.

The big news for Egypt was that charismatic captain Mohamed Salah, who had been under an injury cloud, started the match. The Pharaohs also had two forced changes; but on paper had a formidable frontline.

Before the match, Australia’s Jackson Irvine pledged to “give the best version of ourselves”, while Popovic thanked the Australian public, declaring, “thank you whole heartedly […] They (the Socceroos) feel the support and they want to do everyone proud.”

The first half

Australia had the first chance in the fourth minute when Cristian Volpato struck the crossbar with a shot from 30 metres out. But disaster struck when there was a lapse in concentration by the Socceroos defence, and Emam Ashour surged into the box to get on the end of a cross from Karim Hafez as they went up 1–0 in the 13th minute.

Australia looked dangerous from set pieces, but Egypt had the majority of possession.

Australia had a lucky run late in the first half but lacked the quality up front. The Uruguayan referee did Australia no favours, the Egyptians guilty of time-wasting and some clear “roughing”, which wasn’t penalised.

At the stroke of half-time, Australian left-back Jordan Bos was carried off after a shocking tackle which wasn’t penalised. At the half-time break assistant coach Paul Okon was seething about the challenge on Bos and lamented a “cheap goal from a set piece”.

The second half

For the second half Kai Trewin came on for Bos, and within seconds of the second half start, Omar Marmoush produced the miss of the tournament by missing the target one-on-one with the keeper metres out. It should have been 2–0 to the Pharaohs and perhaps game over.

Immediately after this miss, the Socceroos moved into a high press, where the team not in possession defends high up the pitch, and this seemed to rattle the Egyptians. In the 54th minute, Australia received a free kick. The ball was whipped in, and Egyptian player Mohamed Hany scored, heading the ball into his own net. It was 1–1 and Australia was level and back in the game.

Up until the second-half hydration break, it was all Australia. After the break, Egypt started building again, so Socceroos Ajdin Hrustić and Mohamed Toure came on and replaced Volpato and Irankunda in the 73rd minute. By bringing on these attackers, Popovic saw an opportunity to take the game.

It was end-to-end play, with both teams threatening, but in the final two minutes of added time the Egyptians created a number of chances after a couple of amazing crosses by Salah.

If Marmoush gave us the miss of the tournament, Patrick Beach gave us the save of the tournament after Rami Rabia’s rocket header. The Socceroos were lucky to survive the Egyptian onslaught in these final few minutes of normal time.

Extra time

The match moved into extra time, and Popovic made further changes, bringing on fresh legs with Paul Okon-Engstler for Aiden O’Neill and Awer Mabil for Connor Metcalfe.

Immediately after the break, Salah missed the kind of chance we have seen him score dozens of times for Liverpool.

The first half of extra time was an open game with desperate tackles. It was even, and both sets of players were finding space in midfield although the defences were stacked.

The second half of extra time produced much of the same, but with fewer opportunities. Although clearly Egypt had the ascendancy with some poorly executed corners by Salah.

In the final minute of extra time Socceroos goalkeeper Beach was replaced by Mathew Ryan, whom Popovic had decided would be the one to face the Egyptian penalty-takers.

Penalty shoot-out

The Socceroos got off to a terrible start when Harry Souttar sent one into the grandstands. Later, Australia’s youngest player Lucas Herrington did the same, sending his shot against the crossbar.

Ryan didn’t save a penalty.

Much of the narrative this World Cup revolved around Popovic’s selections. It worked well for two matches, and poorly for the other two. The big question will be whether Beach should have been given the chance to face the shoot-out penalties.

World Cup hopes dashed – this time

Popovic entered this World Cup campaign with the focus on the block defence, and it worked well (against Turkey and Paraguay). This approach is based on results and not flamboyant football.

Popovic was a different coach to previous coaches Graham Arnold and Ange Postecoglou. By playing this style he was critiqued both inside and outside the Australian soccer tent. When they conceded early goals (as against the United States and Egypt), the plan went out the window. Once the team went down, they found it hard to pull one back.

Even in this match, the equalising goal came from an Egyptian player who seemed to have been concussed ten minutes earlier. The Socceroos needed to show more in attack.

While this is a crushing loss for Australian players and fans, we should be reminded that among Asian nations, Australia was one of only two to make it to the knockout stage, alongside Japan.

And here too, it’s important to note several of our up-and-coming young players announced themselves on the world stage, including Herrington, Beach, and Nestory Irankunda.

This is a reminder this squad will likely peak in four years’ time. So we look forward to the next tournament with great anticipation.

Steve Georgakis, Senior Lecturer of Pedagogy and Sports Studies, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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The post The Pharaohs rule in Dallas as the Socceroos are knocked out first appeared on The Australia Today.

Ilott joins Cricket ACT from Visit Victoria, where he is Director of Strategy and Planning, leading organisational strategy, corporate planning and performance frameworks.

His appointment follows the departure of Olivia Thornton, who left Cricket ACT to take up the role of CEO at Tennis NSW after what the organisation described as a transformative period for the game in the ACT.

Ilott has held senior roles across Visit Victoria, the Victorian Government, Cricket Victoria and Crown Melbourne, with experience spanning strategy, governance, infrastructure, economic recovery programs and stakeholder engagement.

During his time at Cricket Victoria, he worked in government relations and infrastructure engagement, helping build partnerships and support the development of cricket facilities and programs.

Cricket ACT Chair Greg Boorer said Ilott’s experience across sport, government and major organisations made him well-suited to lead the organisation.

“Anthony is a highly accomplished leader with a deep understanding of the intersection between sport, government and community,” Boorer said.

“Anthony has demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver complex strategic outcomes, secure significant investment, and build strong, enduring stakeholder relationships.”

Boorer said Ilott’s direct experience in cricket, combined with his record in organisational transformation, would support Cricket ACT’s next phase of growth.

“This positions Cricket ACT exceptionally well as we continue to expand participation, strengthen pathways, and enhance the role cricket plays across the ACT community,” he said.

“We are focused on ensuring cricket continues to thrive at all levels, from grassroots participation through to high performance, and Anthony’s leadership, vision and collaborative approach will be critical in achieving this.”

Ilott said he was honoured to take on the role and excited to help grow cricket across the region.

“Cricket has a unique ability to bring people together, and I am passionate about building on the strong foundations already in place,” Ilott said.

“My focus will be on strengthening participation across all levels of the game, supporting clubs and volunteers, enhancing pathways for players, and ensuring cricket remains inclusive, accessible and sustainable for future generations.”

He said collaboration with Cricket Australia, local clubs, government and community partners would be central to the organisation’s success.

“I look forward to working with Cricket Australia, local clubs, government and community partners to unlock new opportunities, invest in facilities and programs, and further elevate cricket’s impact across the ACT,” he said.

Cricket ACT said the appointment reflected its focus on governance, strategic growth and delivering better outcomes for players, clubs and the wider community.

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With qualification scenarios finely balanced heading into kickoff, the Socceroos knew that avoiding defeat would guarantee advancement—and that approach ultimately shaped a controlled but conservative performance.

Australia spent much of the match managing possession and maintaining defensive structure rather than committing large numbers forward. While there were moments of attacking intent, particularly through wide play and midfield transitions, neither side was able to break the deadlock. The opposition also showed little urgency in pushing numbers forward, aware that a draw would also be sufficient for their own progression.

Despite the lack of goals, the result proved decisive. The single point earned ensured the Socceroos finished the group stage in a position strong enough to advance under the tournament’s expanded format, which allows multiple third-placed teams and the top two sides from each group to progress.

The draw extends Australia’s World Cup campaign into the knockout rounds, marking another important step in the nation’s recent international form. Attention now turns to the round of 32, where the Socceroos will face a higher-ranked opponent from another group in a win-or-go-home fixture.

While the performance may not have delivered attacking highlights, the outcome reflects the team’s ability to manage high-pressure situations and secure results when qualification is on the line.

As the tournament continues, Australia will look to sharpen its attacking edge and build momentum ahead of a challenging knockout clash, where the stakes will rise significantly.

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The post Socceroos advance to knockout round of 32 at FIFA World Cup after draw with Paraguay first appeared on The Australia Today.

On Friday at midday AEST, the Socceroos will take on Paraguay in their final group stage match at the World Cup.

With a win or draw, Australia would qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament for only the third time in history.

Should they lose, the Socceroos could still sneak through to the next stage, but it will become much harder, coming down to points and the results of other matches.

Die-hard fans probably already booked leave from work to watch this game weeks ago. But for the majority of Australians now tuning in, they won’t have planned so far ahead.

Some will wish they had taken Friday afternoon off – or may even be tempted to call in sick for the day, and hope not to get caught.

What are the legal rules around asking for time off from work, especially this soon before kickoff? Can employers who suspect people of not being sick ask for a medical certificate?

And if Australia makes it through to play on at the World Cup, how far in advance should you be asking for time off – without breaking the rules?

Can I ask for time off at such short notice?

Yes, you can ask for time off at any time. But there’s no obligation on your employer to say yes, if their refusal is reasonable.

There is no national standard around the length of time you need to allow to ask for time off. But you do need to check to make sure if you’ve got any particular notice requirements for requesting leave in your workplace award or agreement.

The length of notice you give is a relevant factor in terms of your employer’s decision on whether to reasonably say yes or no.

Can I call in sick (if I’m not really)?

Before you think about calling in sick, it’s important to distinguish between the different kinds of leave you can ask for, for something like this Socceroos match: annual vs personal leave.

Annual leave: whether it’s watching sport or going to the beach, what you do with your annual leave is entirely up to you, as long as you’re not breaching other rules (such as not working for a competitor).

Personal leave: this is what you take when you’re not fit for work yourself, or you’re providing care or support to immediate family. The most common types of personal leave are sick leave, carer’s leave or compassionate leave.

If you’re planning to call in sick – you really do need to be sick.

Whether your employer can require you to have a medical certificate will depend on where you work, as different workplace awards or agreements can spell out different requirements for this.

But if your employer has a reasonable suspicion that your request for sick leave is questionable, they may ask to see a medical certificate to substantiate it.

How soon should I ask for leave for another match?

I would ask immediately (if the next game falls within your work hours).

It may be that other staff are also requesting leave for an event like the World Cup. Each employer has to determine how many of those requests they can actually approve, based on their operational needs.

Obviously some people may have planned well in advance for the World Cup. If they have already had leave approved, their employer may not have any capacity to grant any more leave requests.

Employers can’t refuse requests for leave unreasonably. But they do need to make sure they can keep running their business properly.

Asking for leave at the last minute will make it harder for them to say yes.

Risks of claiming the wrong leave

If you’re claiming personal leave when you’re not entitled to it, that would be misconduct. And that could lead to a disciplinary proceeding.

The outcome of any such proceeding would depend on what happened in a specific incident and a range of other factors, including whether you’ve had other disciplinary matters before. But dishonesty is not the best approach.

If you would like time off, be honest with your employer and ask what’s possible.

And make sure you ask for the correct type of leave. If you want time off to watch the Socceroos, that would be your annual leave, not personal leave.

After Australia won the America’s Cup in 1983, this was then prime minister Bob Hawke’s advice to employers. But ‘chucking a sickie’ can get you in trouble.

Striking the right balance

I have heard that some employers are planning to let their staff gather to watch the game on Friday lunchtime. In some workplaces, this match will be a chance for a festive, end-of-week get-together with colleagues.

But that’s obviously not going to be possible for many businesses or workplaces, where there are customers to serve or products that have to be made to certain deadlines.

Wherever you work, honesty is always the best policy.

Shae McCrystal, Professor of Labour Law, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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The post Can you take last‑minute sick leave or time off to watch the Socceroos? Here’s what the law says first appeared on The Australia Today.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team on the achievement.

“Indian hockey players bring pride and joy! Congratulations to the women’s team for emerging as winners in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup. The team played exceptionally well throughout the entire tournament. Best wishes to the team. May this win inspire several others to play hockey.”

Played at the North Harbour National Hockey Centre in Auckland on Sunday, India produced a dominant and disciplined performance to complete an unbeaten campaign and lift their second Nations Cup trophy.

Navneet Kaur gave India an early advantage, converting a penalty corner in the fourth minute with a powerful strike. Sunelita Toppo doubled the lead in the 15th minute, deflecting a sharp attempt from Deepika to put India firmly in control.

The Indian defence then produced a remarkable display to hold off New Zealand’s attacks and secure a historic win.

Lalremsiami Hmarzote was named Player of the Match in the final, while Deepika finished as the tournament’s joint top scorer with six goals, sharing the honour with USA’s Ashley Sessa.

The victory marks India’s second FIH Nations Cup title after winning the inaugural edition in 2022 and also earns the team promotion back into the FIH Pro League for the 2026–27 season.

India had been relegated from the Pro League after finishing at the bottom of the 2024–25 season but bounced back in style, winning every match of their Nations Cup campaign.

The team defeated the USA 3-2, Japan 2-1 and Uruguay 3-2 in the pool stages before producing a commanding 6-0 victory over Chile in the semi-final.

In the final, New Zealand enjoyed periods of possession, but India’s defensive structure and counter-attacking intensity proved decisive.

India goalkeeper Savita Punia played a crucial role in protecting the lead, especially after New Zealand earned a penalty corner early in the fourth quarter.

To celebrate the achievement, Hockey India announced cash rewards of INR 3 lakh for each player and INR 1.5 lakh for members of the support staff.

The tournament standings saw India finish first, followed by New Zealand, USA, Chile, Korea, Japan, France and Uruguay.

The individual awards included:

• Player of the Tournament: Ashley Sessa (USA)
• Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Grace O’Hanlon (New Zealand)
• Top Scorer: Deepika (India) and Ashley Sessa (USA)
• Young Player of the Tournament: Riana Pho (New Zealand)

India’s title-winning campaign not only restored their place among the world’s elite hockey nations but also strengthened their pathway towards future international competitions, including qualification opportunities for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

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