Afghanistan v Pakistan is perhaps the World Cup match that cricket fans in the war-weary nation will be watching most intensely.
It is a complicated relationship. Many Afghanistan players learned the game growing up as refugees in Pakistan but lots of Afghans also accuse their powerful neighbour of supporting Taliban militants.
With years of distrust and blame between the two countries, a high-stakes victory over Pakistan in the sport it loves best on Saturday would taste especially sweet to Afghans.
There is also intrigue on the pitch at Headingley, in the northern English city of Leeds.
Pakistan cannot afford any more slip-ups, needing to win their final two matches to retain a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals after a slow start to the tournament.
Afghanistan, appearing in just their second World Cup since their debut in 2015, are playing for pride after losing all seven of their matches so far.
Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib played down the political tensions between the two nations at his pre-match press conference on Friday, saying he hoped cricket could build bridges.
"If you look at our cricket, we learnt a lot of cricket in Pakistan and we also played cricket in Pakistan," Naib said.
"We are also hoping cricket is one thing that can keep a good relationship for anyone, any other country. So I am hoping that not only with Pakistan, but with India, Sri Lanka and other countries."
- Refugee camps -
Cricket became popular in Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion of 1979, with young people learning the sport in refugee camps on the Pakistan border.
All-rounder Mohammad Nabi and leg-spinner Rashid Khan started playing the game in Peshawar while the Pakistan Cricket Board helped Afghanistan cricket by providing equipment and playing opportunities.
Two former Pakistan internationals -- Kabir Khan and Rashid Latif -- have played key roles in the development of Afghanistan as coaches over the past decade.
But the lingering tensions mean that Afghan players are reluctant to draw attention to their association with Pakistan and often show more of an affiliation with Pakistan's arch rivals, India.
On the pitch, Afghanistan beat their formidable rivals in a pre-World Cup warm-up match, but they have lost all three official one-day internationals between the two sides.
Despite this winning record, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed warned his players not to take Afghanistan lightly.
"We know they have quality spinners in their team," said Sarfaraz, referring to Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. "We can't take them lightly because a team such as Afghanistan can be dangerous."
"We have staged a comeback with a strong belief that we can win and then our way to the semi-final is paved, but at the moment we have only Saturday's game on our minds," he added.
Pakistan's last match of the round-robin phase is against Bangladesh, which could turn into another virtual quarter-final at Lord's on July 5 as they target the semi-finals and dream of a second World Cup triumph.
Afghanistan's sights are set lower but they have a long-term dream.
Naib said he hoped playing at tournaments such as the World Cup would boost the standard of the game in Afghanistan.
"We want more matches to build our cricket so it's really good for us to play a lot of cricket with them (major nations)," said the Afghan skipper.
Shubman Gill reacts to reaching his double hundred on day two of the second cricket test match against England at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, central England on July 3, 2025. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
SHUBMAN GILL etched his name in cricket history on Thursday (3), becoming the first Indian and Asian captain to score a double-century in a Test match on English soil as he powered India to a commanding position at Edgbaston.
The 25-year-old skipper scored 269 on the second day of the second Test, having shattered multiple records in a masterful innings that has put England to the sword.
Gill not only achieved a career-best knock but also posted the highest ever individual score by an Indian captain in Test cricket, surpassing the great Sunil Gavaskar's 221 at the Oval in 1979.
He reached his first Test double-hundred and walked off unbeaten on 265 at the tea, having taken 311 deliveries to reach the 200-run milestone. His innings, decorated with 30 fours and three sixes, saw him join an elite group of Indian captains alongside MAK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni who have scored double-hundreds whilst leading the side.
The Punjab batsman's achievement is particularly significant as he becomes only the third Indian batter to score a double-century in England, following in the footsteps of legends Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid.
Previously, Mohammed Azharuddin's 179 in Manchester in 1990 was the highest score by an Indian captain in England, while his 192 against New Zealand in Auckland the same year held the record for the highest score by an Indian skipper in a SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) country.
Gill's innings has been marked by near-flawless execution. After resuming on 114 not out, the skipper continued his assault on England's bowling attack with clinical precision. He was particularly harsh on off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, whom he cover-drove for four and lofted for six.
The India captain also struck two fours in three balls off fast bowler Josh Tongue, showcasing his range with an on-drive followed by a flick off the hip that left fielders Joe Root and Zak Crawley scrambling unsuccessfully to prevent the boundary.
When England desperately introduced part-time medium-pacer Harry Brook in a bid to buy a wicket, Gill responded by striking him for three successive fours, the best being a textbook straight drive that underlined his technical excellence.
This remarkable innings comes just a week after Gill scored 147 in his debut as Test captain at Headingley, where India suffered a five-wicket defeat to trail 1-0 in the five-match series. His consistency at the top level has been extraordinary, with the double-century marking his seventh Test hundred in just 34 matches.
Remarkably, Gill has now scored centuries in each of his first two Tests as captain, joining an exclusive club of just seven players to achieve this feat.
India, who were sent in to bat by England captain Ben Stokes, had resumed Thursday's play on 310-5 after an excellent first day. They were eventually bowled out for 587.
Gill received excellent support from Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 89 in an outstanding sixth-wicket partnership of 203 runs. When Jadeja was dismissed by Josh Tongue, recalled all-rounder Washington Sundar stepped up to provide further assistance to his captain.
The massive total represents a significant improvement from India's collapses of 7-41 and 6-31 that cost them dearly in the first Test at Headingley, demonstrating the team's determination to level the series.
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Jota scored nine goals in all competitions last season as Liverpool won their 20th Premier League title. (Photo: Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain early on Thursday, police said. The crash occurred weeks after the Portugal international got married.
The Civil Guard confirmed that a vehicle veered off a motorway and caught fire shortly after midnight in Cernadilla, in the northwestern Zamora province. The crash resulted in the deaths of Jota, 28, and his brother.
"Everything points to the blowout of a tyre while it (the vehicle) was overtaking," the Civil Guard said in a statement, adding that the bodies had been taken to a morgue.
Local media shared footage showing debris and the charred remains of what they said was Jota's Lamborghini by the roadside.
Tributes pour in from players and officials
Cristiano Ronaldo posted a tribute on X, saying Jota’s death “makes no sense” just weeks after his wedding and their UEFA Nations League title win.
“We will all miss you,” Ronaldo wrote.
Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese football federation, said he was “devastated”, calling Jota “an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents, someone blessed with an infectious joy and a reference for his own community”.
“We have lost two champions. The death of Diogo and Andre Silva are irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything possible to honour their legacy every day,” he said on social media.
Proenca added that UEFA had been asked to hold a minute's silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euro 2025 match against Spain in Switzerland on Thursday.
Liverpool said it was “devastated” by the “unimaginable loss” and would make no further comment out of respect for the family, friends, teammates and staff.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support,” the club said.
British media reported that fans had started placing flowers, scarves and tributes outside Anfield.
Jota remembered by clubs and teammates
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Jota was “an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name”, calling it a “sad day for football and for national and international sports”.
Jota’s former clubs Porto, Atletico Madrid and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as the Premier League, the English FA and Prime Minister Keir Starmer also shared condolences.
Porto president Andre Villas-Boas said both brothers “will be commemorated not only for their footballing talent, but also for their personal and human qualities... football has lost two great men”.
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him... the memories he created will never be forgotten,” Wolves said.
“They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”, said Jota’s international teammate Ruben Neves in an Instagram story.
Career and personal life
Jota had married Rute Cardoso on 22 June. He posted a wedding video on Instagram just hours before the crash. The couple had three children.
He scored nine goals in all competitions last season as Liverpool won their 20th Premier League title.
Jota was capped 49 times for Portugal. He moved to England in 2017 to join Wolves and signed for Liverpool in 2020 for £45 million. He scored 65 goals during his five seasons with the club and won the League Cup and FA Cup in the 2021/22 season.
His younger brother Andre Silva played as a midfielder for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The confirmation from Alalshikh suggests Fury has reconsidered his stance
Tyson Fury to return to the boxing ring during Riyadh Season in 2026.
Confirmation comes from Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
Fury has been retired since his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
Opponent not yet confirmed, though speculation hints at a third bout with Usyk.
Fury to fight again in 2026
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is set to make his return to boxing in 2026, according to Saudi boxing figurehead Turki Alalshikh. The announcement comes despite Fury repeatedly stating that he had no intention of stepping back into the ring after his consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Alalshikh confirmed that Fury had given his word to participate in a future event during the Riyadh Season in 2026. “I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026. We have a rabbit to hunt,” he said, referring cryptically to Fury’s prospective opponent.
Opponent yet to be named
Although Alalshikh declined to name the opponent, speculation has grown that the third fight could be against Usyk, whom Fury famously nicknamed an “ugly rabbit”. The pair faced off twice, with the Ukrainian emerging victorious on both occasions. However, with declining fan interest in a trilogy, it remains unclear whether Fury’s comeback will be against Usyk or a new challenger.
Fury’s long-teased British super fight against Anthony Joshua also appears unlikely at present, particularly after Joshua’s knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last year. That defeat ended hopes of a major domestic clash between Joshua and Fury.
Recent public comments and activities
Fury had recently dismissed any return to boxing, stating in May during a trip to Lake Como, Italy, that he was content with his retirement. “I hear a lot of talk of ‘The Gypsy King’ returning to boxing and I ask the question: for what? More boxing belts? I’ve won 22 of them,” he said at the time.
In the same message, he added: “I’m happy, contented with what I’ve done. I’ve got nothing to prove to anybody and nothing to return for.” He described retirement as enjoyable and saw no reason to return to a punishing sport he had already conquered.
Despite these comments, the confirmation from Alalshikh suggests Fury has reconsidered his stance and will make at least one more appearance in the ring.
Fury’s return in 2026 now raises questions about who he will faceGetty Images
Usyk and Dubois set for July clash
In the meantime, Oleksandr Usyk is preparing to face Daniel Dubois in a rematch scheduled for 19 July at Wembley Stadium. The fight could unify titles once again if Usyk claims Dubois’s IBF belt. Dubois, who shocked fans by knocking out Anthony Joshua in September 2024, has emerged as one of the division’s major threats.
Fury was present ringside for that upset, and the result threw a potential Joshua-Fury fight into disarray. Since then, Fury has stayed largely out of the boxing spotlight, making public appearances including managing the England side during the Soccer Aid charity football match at Old Trafford, which ended in a 5-4 loss.
Fury’s return in 2026 now raises questions about who he will face — and whether he will chase one final shot at glory in a shifting heavyweight landscape.
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Gill, 25, who took over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma's retirement, has scored back-to-back centuries since assuming the role. (Photo: Getty Images)
SHUBMAN GILL scored his second hundred in as many matches as India captain to help his side finish the first day of the second Test at Edgbaston on 310-5 against England on Wednesday.
Gill remained unbeaten on 114, while opener Yashasvi Jaiswal made 87. India were briefly under pressure after losing two quick wickets to slip to 211-5, but Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, who was 41 not out, shared an unbroken stand of 99 runs.
In the first Test at Headingley, India had five individual hundreds, including Gill’s 147, but lost the match. Batting collapses of 7-41 and 6-31 had cost them before England successfully chased down 371 to win by five wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Gill, 25, who took over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma's retirement, has scored back-to-back centuries since assuming the role.
'Amazing Gill', says Jaiswal
“I think he has been amazing the way he has been batting,” Jaiswal said after stumps. “It’s just incredible to see him bat and as a captain also, he has been amazing and I think he is very clear in his head what he needs to do with the team and we are very confident in what we are going to do.”
England captain Ben Stokes again chose to field after winning the toss, repeating the decision he made in Leeds. England had chased down 378 at Edgbaston against India three years ago, their highest fourth-innings total.
KL Rahul, who scored a hundred at Headingley, managed just two runs from 26 balls before dragging a Chris Woakes delivery onto his stumps. Woakes took 2-59 in 21 overs, while Brydon Carse returned 1-49 in 16 overs.
England kept things tight early on, restricting India to 37-1 in the first 13 overs, but Josh Tongue conceded 66 runs from 13 wicketless overs. England were also unlucky with a couple of lbw reviews, both going against them on umpire’s call. Karun Nair was reprieved on five before being dismissed for 31.
“A couple of decisions go our way early doors and then all of a sudden they’re 30-3 and we’re looking at a completely different day ahead,” Woakes told Sky Sports.
Jaiswal misses out on hundred, Gill completes his
Jaiswal reached his fifty off 59 balls, with 40 of those runs coming in boundaries. He looked set for another century following his 101 at Headingley but was caught behind after edging a wide delivery from Stokes, leaving India at 161-3.
Rishabh Pant, who scored twin hundreds in Leeds, took 23 balls to score his first boundary – a six off Shoaib Bashir. Bashir got his wicket soon after when Pant (25) holed out to long-on.
India then slipped to 211-5 when Nitesh Kumar Reddy was bowled playing no shot to a Woakes delivery that nipped back in. But Gill remained steady, reaching his century off 199 balls with 11 boundaries. He swept Joe Root for back-to-back fours before reaching the milestone.
India rest Bumrah for second Test
India made three changes to their playing XI, with Jasprit Bumrah rested as part of a pre-announced plan to manage his workload during the five-match series.
Bumrah is expected to play only three Tests as part of fitness management after his recent back injury.
Akash Deep replaced Bumrah in the playing XI. The third Test at Lord’s begins just four days after the scheduled end of the second Test.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The match was completed under the roof on Court Number One
Taylor Fritz beat Gabriel Diallo 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(0), 4-6, 6-3.
The match lasted over three hours.
It was completed under the roof on Court One as other matches were suspended.
Fritz also played a five-setter in the first round.
American fifth seed Taylor Fritz battled past Canadian Gabriel Diallo in a five-set thriller to reach the third round of Wimbledon. Fritz won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(0), 4-6, 6-3 in a contest that lasted over three hours. The match was completed under the roof on Court Number One, with play suspended on other courts for the night. Fritz had also been taken to five sets in the first round and once again showed grit to advance. The late-night win ensures the world number five remains in contention after a tough opening week at the All England Club.