AFGHANISTAN cricket chiefs are still awaiting instructions from the country's new Taliban government on the future of the women's game and are not anticipating a decision any time soon, a top cricket official told Reuters.
The Taliban named a new government on Tuesday (7), three weeks after sweeping to power when the Western-backed government collapsed in the wake of the withdrawal of US-led foreign forces.
When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education.
"So far, we don't have any news from the government," Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chief executive Hamid Shinwari said in a telephone interview.
"Its future will be decided by the new government.
"We are still in an emergency state in the country. Whenever we get to a normal state, that decision will be made."
The Afghan women's squad was quietly disbanded amid safety concerns a few years after it was formed in 2010 but the ACB revived the team last year and gave contracts to 25 players.
The ACB's popular programme for girls has already been paused, Shinwari said, but men's cricket has been allowed to continue as before.
"So far, whatever message we've received is of support for the game," he added. "(For the) past two weeks, I've been trying to convey our mission to the authorities and government officials - how this game can contribute - and that has paid off.
"We haven't experienced any impediments so far."
Cricket's popularity has soared in Afghanistan and players like spinner Rashid Khan have become marquee names in Twenty20 leagues across the cricketing world.
"Sports, particularly cricket, can significantly boost revenue in the country, spread positivity and even create qualified workforce," Shinwari said.
"It's important the new government understands cricket's importance."
The men's team will compete in the Twenty20 World Cup, scheduled in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman in October-November, before touring Australia for a one-off Test.
The ACB is also looking to stage a T20 tri-series, involving Australia and West Indies, prior to the World Cup.
"They (Australia and West Indies) want it in the UAE to help their World Cup preparations. But the UAE is also hosting the Indian Premier League. We're trying to finalise the venue," Shinwari said.
The ACB wants to hold its pre-World Cup training camp either in the UAE or in Qatar, so that head coach Lance Klusener and bowling coach Shaun Tait can join the squad.
The team have played their 'home' games primarily in India and UAE in recent years, but if the Taliban recognise the game's potential, Shinwari is hopeful they will be able to host international matches in Afghanistan.
"We are thankful to those countries but at times, we face challenges in hosting them outside," he added.
"We want to invite international teams to play in Afghanistan which will significantly boost our economy.
"We have very good stadiums in three regions - Kandahar, Nangarhar and Kabul. Alu Khel (near Kabul) could be the first to host international cricket in the country."
Models depicting migrants wearing life jackets in a small boat alongside two banners reading 'Stop the boats' and 'Veterans before refugees' are displayed on top a bonfire in Moygashel, Northern Ireland, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by PETER MURPHY/AFP via Getty Images)
POLICE in Northern Ireland have launched a hate crime investigation after a bonfire topped with effigies of migrants in a boat was set alight in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone.
The incident, which took place on Thursday (10) night, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, church officials, and human rights groups.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed they had received several complaints about the display and were treating it as a hate incident.
In a statement, the PSNI said, “Police have received a number of reports regarding the bonfire in Moygashel and the material that has been placed upon it. Police are investigating this hate incident.
"Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe. We do this by working with local communities, partners, elected representatives and other stakeholders to deliver local solutions to local problems, building confidence in policing and supporting a safe environment for people to live, work, visit and invest in Northern Ireland, but we can only do so within the legislative framework that exists."
The model at the centre of the controversy showed 12 dummies dressed in life jackets inside a dinghy placed on top of the bonfire, with a banner reading “Stop the Boats.”
An Irish tricolour flag and a separate sign reading “Veterans before Refugees,” alongside images of two guns, were also attached to the structure.
The bonfire was part of the annual July 11 and 12 celebrations held by loyalist communities to mark the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
Despite calls for its removal, the bonfire was set alight around 11pm, with a large crowd watching and filming on their phones. A pipe band played music and fireworks were set off before the fire was lit.
The display comes just weeks after attacks on migrants’ homes in nearby Ballymena, where masked rioters targeted police, homes, and cars.
Condemnation came from across the political spectrum. Sinn Féin assembly member Colm Gildernew called the act “vile and deplorable” and said it was “clearly a hate crime.”
Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell described the effigy as “racist, threatening and offensive,” calling it “inhuman and deeply sub-Christian.”
Social Democratic and Labour party councillor Malachy Quinn told The Irish News, “Those responsible for this hateful display claim to be celebrating British culture. Let’s be clear – racism and intimidation are not culture. This isn’t pride – it’s poison.”
Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan called the act “vile” and “dehumanising,” warning it fuelled hatred and racism.
Ulster Unionist party leader and Northern Ireland health minister Mike Nesbitt also condemned the display “without reservation,” calling the image “sickening” and “entirely out of step with what is supposed to be a cultural celebration.”
The Democratic Unionist party, Northern Ireland’s largest unionist party, issued a statement opposing the use of effigies or provocative symbols on bonfires, saying such acts “are not part of the cultural tradition.” The party added: “These should be positive cultural celebrations and we support those within our community who wish to celebrate their culture peacefully.”
However, prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson defended the bonfire display, arguing it was a form of political protest. He cited a European Court of Human Rights ruling that burning effigies could be considered “legitimate political expression.”
Bryson accused critics of hypocrisy, comparing the display to recent defences of performances by pro-unity rap group Kneecap.
In a social media post, the Moygashel Bonfire Association rejected claims of racism, saying the display was meant to protest illegal immigration. “This year’s bonfire ‘topper’ should not be seen as racist, threatening or offensive,” the group wrote. “We believe this unfettered invasion is the biggest threat to the UK since Adolf Hitler.”
This is not the first time Moygashel’s bonfires have drawn controversy. In 2024, a mock police car was burned on the same site, raising concerns in a region where police officers have historically been frequent targets.
Separately, the PSNI refused to help remove another bonfire in south Belfast earlier this week, despite safety concerns about asbestos and its proximity to an electricity substation that powers two hospitals. The police said after reviewing the risks, they decided not to intervene.
The July 12 bonfire tradition continues to be a flashpoint in Northern Ireland’s divided society, even decades after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement brought an end to most sectarian violence.
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Root, in his 156th Test, again played a crucial role after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat on a sunny day at Lord's. (Photo: Getty Images)
JOE ROOT finished unbeaten on 99 as England reached 251-4 at stumps on the opening day of the third Test against India at Lord's on Thursday.
England were struggling at 44-2 after Indian pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy struck twice in his opening over, removing openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. Root came in and steadied the innings, building partnerships and keeping the scoreboard moving at just over three an over, slower than England’s usual 'Bazball' tempo.
Root, in his 156th Test, again played a crucial role after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat on a sunny day at Lord's. Stokes was 39 not out at the close, having added an unbroken 79-run partnership with Root for the fifth wicket.
Stokes appeared to tweak his groin towards the end of the day, raising concerns for England, especially as fast bowler Jofra Archer was recalled to the side after a long injury break.
Earlier, Root had shared a 109-run stand with Ollie Pope. The partnership, built over 35 overs, helped England recover after the early wickets. Pope scored 44 after surviving a close chance on his first ball.
"It's not always been the way we've gone about our cricket, but I think long term in the game hopefully that will reward us if we can kick on tomorrow," Pope told Sky Sports.
Before the match, much of the focus was on the return of Jasprit Bumrah, the top-ranked Test bowler, after he was rested in India’s 336-run win at Edgbaston that levelled the five-match series at 1-1.
However, it was Reddy who made the biggest early impact. Bowling from the Nursery End, the 22-year-old took two wickets in four balls on his debut at Lord’s, ending the day with 2-46 in 14 overs.
His third delivery dismissed Duckett (23), caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant off a gloved pull. With the last ball of the same over, Reddy bowled a full-length delivery that swung late and took Crawley’s outside edge, with Pant taking the catch. Crawley made 18.
"I feel great bowling from that (Nursery) end," Reddy said after stumps. "I don't know much about the slope, but from that end when I bowled it's been moving a lot, and after pitching also it's going good."
Root masterclass
Root reached his half-century with a glance through fine leg off Reddy, his seventh four, coming off 102 balls. He remained steady throughout the day.
Pope was dismissed to the first ball after tea, edging Ravindra Jadeja to substitute wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who was fielding after Pant suffered a finger injury.
Harry Brook followed soon after, bowled by Bumrah between bat and pad for 11. Bumrah ended with 1-35 from 18 overs.
At 172-4, Stokes came in to join Root. Stokes, who last scored a Test hundred during the Ashes two years ago at Lord's, was on 27 when Reddy’s lbw appeal was turned down on umpire’s call.
Root went past 80 with an on-driven boundary off Reddy, and play was briefly halted due to a ladybird interruption at the ground.
In the final moments, Stokes defended Akash Deep’s last two deliveries of the day, unable to rotate the strike, leaving Root one run short of his 37th Test century and eighth at Lord’s.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Justin Bieber returns with Swag album exploring marriage struggles and mental health
Justin Bieber surprise-released his seventh studio album, Swag, on Friday, 11 July.
The 21-track album explores themes of family, faith, and mental health.
Collaborations include Gunna, Sexyy Red, Cash Cobain, and Eddie Benjamin.
Album includes viral quote, “I’m standing on business,” from recent paparazzi incident.
Justin Bieber has stunned fans by releasing a surprise new album titled Swag, marking his return to music after four years. Released on Friday (11 July), the 21-track album signals a clear shift in tone for the pop star, who has drawn inspiration from his roles as a husband and father, as well as his spiritual beliefs.
The album comes shortly after a string of cryptic social media posts and fan speculation about Bieber’s mental health, triggered in part by a viral video of him confronting paparazzi on Father’s Day. The now-infamous line from the clip, “I’m standing on business,” has become a catchphrase among fans and is directly used in the track Butterflies.
Justin Bieber breaks silence with surprise album Swag amid fan concern over mental healthGetty Images
Swag marks Justin Bieber’s seventh studio album
Swag is Bieber’s first full-length release since Justice (2021), which topped charts globally. The new record presents a rawer and more introspective voice, according to sources close to the singer, and signals a move away from the polished pop of his previous albums.
The project includes collaborations with a diverse lineup of artists, including Gunna, Cash Cobain, Sexyy Red, Eddie Benjamin, and Marvin Winans. Tracks such as Therapy Session, Dadz Love, and Forgiveness explore intimate personal experiences, while others like Daisies hint at marital ups and downs.
A source told People magazine that the album is “darker, more vulnerable, and less polished” than Bieber’s past work, though not depressive. “It’s much deeper. Fans will notice the genre shift immediately.”
Several tracks on Swag appear to reflect Bieber’s personal struggles. In Daisies, he sings, “Falling petals, do you love me or not?”, a line many fans believe hints at tensions in his marriage to Hailey Bieber.
The couple’s relationship has drawn intense public attention in recent months. Justin previously shared a post celebrating Hailey’s Vogue cover while candidly admitting they had argued that day, which led to renewed media speculation.
Despite this, the album’s tone remains centred around commitment and faith. Songs like Devotion and Soulful reveal a continued emphasis on Bieber’s Christian beliefs, which have been central to his recent music and public image.
The phrase, “I’m standing on business,” which Bieber said while confronting a photographer, has been embraced by fans online and repurposed for Swag’s rollout.
Billboards teasing the album popped up in New York’s Times Square, Los Angeles, and even Reykjavík in the days leading up to the surprise drop, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation. Bieber also posted an Instagram Reel revealing the track list on a massive screen in NYC.
Many fans believe this subtle, meme-driven marketing campaign was intentional. One wrote on X: “We called him unemployed and with nothing to do, and now he’s feeding us like this? Thank you, Justin.”
Fans and fellow artists react to Bieber’s musical return
The response to Swag has been overwhelmingly positive online. Listeners have praised both the emotional depth and sonic variety of the album. “SWAG isn’t just a title, it’s a mission statement,” one fan tweeted. Others commented on its therapeutic quality, with tracks like Therapy Session and Forgiveness resonating especially strongly.
US rapper Big Sean joined in the celebrations, commenting, “Yes!!!!” on Bieber’s Instagram post announcing the album. With streaming now live on Spotify and Apple Music, Swag is set to make a major impact.
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The handbag is now the most valuable ever sold at auction
The original Hermes Birkin bag sold for £7.4m at Sotheby’s Paris.
It belonged to British actress and singer Jane Birkin.
The handbag is now the most valuable ever sold at auction.
It ranks as the second most expensive fashion item sold globally.
A record-breaking sale
The original Hermes Birkin handbag, once owned by British actress and singer Jane Birkin, has been sold for £7.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris, setting a new world record for the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction.
The sale, held on Thursday, saw the iconic fashion item exceed all expectations, with Sotheby’s calling it “a startling demonstration of the power of a legend.” The bag is now also the second most expensive fashion item ever sold at auction, following the £24 million paid for Judy Garland’s ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz in 2024.
The origin of the Birkin
Jane Birkin, a celebrated figure in French and British cinema from the 1960s onwards, inspired the creation of the handbag during a chance encounter in 1981. She was seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then artistic director at Hermes, on an Air France flight. Using a wicker basket as her carry-on, Birkin remarked that handbags at the time were too small for her needs.
In response, Dumas began sketching potential designs with Birkin on the back of an airline sick bag. Hermes introduced a prototype in 1985 and asked for Birkin’s permission to name the new style after her. The design quickly gained traction and evolved into a status symbol within the fashion world.
Cultural significance and celebrity appeal
Since its launch, the Birkin bag has been associated with luxury and exclusivity. It has been carried by global celebrities including Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Khloe Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.
Speaking about the sale, Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, said: “It is a startling demonstration of the power of a legend and its capacity to ignite the passion and desire of collectors seeking exceptional items with unique provenance.”
Previous record and global recognition
Before this auction, the highest-selling handbag was the Hermes white Himalaya niloticus crocodile diamond retourne Kelly 28, which sold for £380,000 in 2021. The sale of the original Birkin now marks a defining moment in both fashion history and the luxury collectibles market.
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Djokovic serves to Italy's Flavio Cobolli during their men's singles quarter-final tennis match on the tenth day of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships on July 9, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
Djokovic to play Sinner in his 14th Wimbledon semi-final
Alcaraz aims for third straight final against American fifth seed Fritz
Sinner leads Djokovic 5-4 in head-to-head, winning last four matches
Fritz seeks to become first American man in Wimbledon final since 2009
NOVAK DJOKOVIC will face world number one Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals on Friday, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz plays Taylor Fritz in the other last-four clash.
Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title and sees the grass courts of the All England Club as his best chance to achieve it. Now 38, he is preparing for what he calls the “biggest challenge” of his campaign.
The Serb, who has not won a Grand Slam since claiming his 24th major at the 2023 US Open, will be playing in his 14th Wimbledon semi-final, with 10 wins from his previous 13 matches at this stage. He has reached every final at Wimbledon since 2018, and his last semi-final loss at the tournament came in 2012 against Roger Federer.
A win on Friday would put Djokovic into his 11th Wimbledon final and 38th Grand Slam final overall. If he progresses, he would equal Federer’s Open era record of seven consecutive Wimbledon men’s finals.
Djokovic beat Sinner in the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2022 and again in the semi-finals in 2023. However, Sinner has had the upper hand in recent meetings, defeating Djokovic at the 2024 Australian Open and again at this year’s French Open. The Italian currently leads their head-to-head 5-4 after nine encounters and has won their last four matches.
“Sinner and Alcaraz are the leaders of tennis today. I couldn't ask for a bigger challenge, for sure. I look forward to it,” Djokovic said.
Sinner, who brushed aside Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, dismissed concerns about an elbow injury. A win for the 22-year-old Australian Open champion would send him into his first Wimbledon final. It would also mark his fourth consecutive Grand Slam final appearance, making him the sixth man to do so in the Open era.
“Me and Novak, we know each other better because we played quite a lot. So we understand what's working and what's not,” Sinner said.
In the other semi-final, Spain’s Alcaraz will be aiming for his third successive Wimbledon final when he takes on American fifth seed Fritz.
Alcaraz, 22, had a slow start to the tournament. He went to five sets against Fabio Fognini in the opening round and dropped sets against Jan-Lennard Struff and Andrey Rublev. But he returned to form with a straight-sets win over Cameron Norrie in the quarter-finals.
The world number two is currently on a 23-match winning streak since losing to Holger Rune in the Barcelona final in April. He has won 34 of his last 37 matches on grass.
“Taylor is playing great. The grass season has been really successful for him so far. I have to be ready for that battle,” Alcaraz said.
Fritz, 27, is looking to reach his second Grand Slam final. He lost his first, against Sinner, at the US Open last year. If he defeats Alcaraz, he will become the first American man to make the Wimbledon final since Andy Roddick in 2009.