Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Bestway Wholesale recently hosted a special celebration at its Abbey Road depot in partnership with Guinness, as part of the company’s ongoing 50th anniversary festivities. The event featured an exclusive appearance of the Premier League trophy, providing an exciting experience for Bestway’s retailers, colleagues, and football fans alike.
The appearance of the iconic silverware was organised by Guinness to mark the first year of its four-year partnership with the Premier League. The visit offered attendees a unique opportunity to see and photograph the trophy up close, adding a memorable touch to Bestway’s milestone year.
The event featured a lively and engaging atmosphere, with a number of football-themed activities and giveaways. A penalty shootout challenge gave guests the chance to win prizes such as Premier League match tickets, complimentary Guinness stock (6x4x440ml), and Amazon vouchers. Each visitor also received a limited-edition Guinness football glass to commemorate the occasion.
The success of the Abbey Road event reflects Bestway’s ongoing strategy to enrich the customer experience The Word Consultancy
In addition to the on-site celebrations, Guinness used the event to launch its national Gift With Purchase campaign. The promotion offers 85,000 limited-edition Guinness glasses to customers who purchase Guinness packs in convenience stores across the UK. This initiative is part of the brand’s wider commitment to supporting the convenience retail sector and helping retailers tap into match-day sales opportunities.
Kenton Burchell, Group Trading Director at Bestway Wholesale, highlighted the significance of the event and the value of such brand collaborations. “We take great pride in delivering innovative and exciting brand activations for our customers, and our collaboration with Guinness and hosting the Premier League trophy was a real highlight,” he said. “Events like these bring energy and enjoyment to our depots and strengthen the connection between our customers and the brands they love.”
As Bestway continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary throughout the year, more customer-focused events and pop-up activations are expected at depots across the UK. The success of the Abbey Road event reflects Bestway’s ongoing strategy to enrich the customer experience through impactful partnerships with major global brands.
Afghanistan, who have not played a T20 international in 2025, will face Pakistan in the opening match of the tri-series on Friday. (Photo: Getty Images)
AFGHANISTAN on Sunday named a spin-heavy squad led by Rashid Khan for the upcoming T20 tri-series in Sharjah and the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The squad includes spinners Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar and Mohammad Nabi alongside captain Rashid Khan.
Nineteen-year-old Ghazanfar has yet to play a T20I but has featured in domestic cricket and one-day internationals.
Fazlhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib are the pace options.
Afghanistan, who have not played a T20 international in 2025, will face Pakistan in the opening match of the tri-series on Friday.
The six-team Asia Cup begins on September 9, where Afghanistan are in Group B with Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. They will face Hong Kong in their first match in Abu Dhabi.
Defending champions India, Oman, Pakistan and the UAE are in Group A. After the Asia Cup, Afghanistan will play three ODIs and three T20Is against Bangladesh in the UAE in October.
Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Bangladesh also announced their 16-member squad for the Asia Cup, leaving out Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Allrounder Saif Hassan and wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan have been picked. The squad will be led by Litton Das.
Mehidy, who was appointed Bangladesh’s ODI captain in June, and opener Saif Hassan were both part of the team that defeated Pakistan 2-1 last month but did not retain their spots for the Asia Cup.
Bangladesh will play three T20 internationals against the Netherlands before opening their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi on September 11.
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Pujara made his Test debut in 2010 and went on to score 7,195 runs in the format at an average of 43.60. (Photo: Getty Images)
CHETESHWAR PUJARA on Sunday (August 24) announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, bringing to a close an international career that lasted more than a decade.
Pujara played 103 Test matches and five One Day Internationals for India. His last appearance came in the World Test Championship final against Australia in 2023.
He made his Test debut in 2010 and went on to score 7,195 runs in the format at an average of 43.60.
The 37-year-old said it was time to end his playing career. "Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field -- it's impossible to put into words what it truly meant," Pujara said in a post on social media.
"But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude, I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket."
Pujara recalled his early journey in the game. "As a little boy from the small town of Rajkot, along with my parents, I set out to aim for the stars; and dreamt to be a part of the Indian cricket team," he wrote.
"Little did I know then that this game would give me so much -- invaluable opportunities, experiences, purpose, love, and above all a chance to represent my state and this great nation."
Known for his Test match focus in an era dominated by T20 cricket, Pujara had often spoken about the routines that helped him sustain his career.
"I have certain routines, fitness, little bit of meditation, yoga and pranayama (a breathing technique) because it is necessary to shut the outside noise, even if it is positive," he told reporters in 2023.
"We play nine Tests on an average, and when you go back home, unless you have domestic cricket, you are not in touch with the game. Keep challenging yourself, keep training, looking forward."
(With inputs from agencies)
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The tournament begins on September 30 and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host up to five fixtures - including the tournament opener, a semifinal and potentially the final on November 2. (Photo: Getty Images)
MUMBAI will host next month’s Women's ODI World Cup, instead of Bengaluru, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Friday (22), citing "unforeseen circumstances".
Eleven people died on June 4 at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory celebrations in the Indian Premier League.
"While unforeseen circumstances required us to adjust the schedule and replace a venue, we are pleased to now have a line-up of five world-class venues that will showcase the very best of the women's game," ICC chairman Jay Shah said in a statement.
"The stage is set, and I am confident this tournament will capture imaginations and inspire a new generation of fans," he added.
The tournament begins on September 30 and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host up to five fixtures - including the tournament opener, a semifinal and potentially the final on November 2.
Though no reason was cited, the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru failed to secure the required administrative and security clearances.
The ICC Women's ODI World Cup returns to India after a 12-year hiatus.
Shah noted Navi Mumbai's reputation as a hub for women's cricket.
"Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women's cricket in recent years. The support it has received during international fixtures and the Women's Premier League has been remarkable, creating an atmosphere that elevates the players and inspires fans.
"I am certain that the same energy will define the big matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it returns to India after 12 years," Shah said.
The other confirmed venues for the eight-team tournament include Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Colombo.
Colombo is a neutral venue to host the India-Pakistan clash.
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Harry Brook leads his team off the field during the 2nd ODI between England and the West Indies at Sophia Gardens on June 01, 2025 in Cardiff. (Photo: Getty Images)
ENGLAND on Wednesday confirmed the dates for their white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January and February next year, which will form part of their build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Harry Brook’s side will begin the tour with the first of three one-day internationals on January 22, two weeks after the scheduled fifth day of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. Brook, who is now England’s white-ball captain, is expected to feature in that match.
The ODI series will conclude on January 27, followed by three T20 internationals starting on January 30 and finishing on February 3.
Sri Lanka Cricket is yet to confirm the venues for the fixtures.
The T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March.
ASHVIR SINGH JOHAL has been named manager of Morecambe, becoming the first Sikh to take charge of a professional football club in Britain.
At 30, Johal is also now the youngest manager in England’s top five divisions. He takes over following the club’s recent takeover by the Panjab Warriors consortium and the departure of former boss Derek Adams.
Johal experience from roles at Leicester City’s academy, Wigan Athletic, and Italian side Como. He worked under Kolo Touré at Wigan and assisted Cesc Fàbregas with Como’s youth team.
He recently completed his UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification, and has spent over a decade in player development.
In a previous interview with the BBC, Johal said: "I have been fortunate to work with and learn from some incredible people, and I'm especially grateful to Kolo and Cesc. I know what world-class standards look like, how to lead with clarity, and how to develop a team with a real identity.
"We will create an environment that brings the best out of people, that people want to be part of, and that drives people to improve every day."
His appointment follows a difficult period for Morecambe. The National League suspended the club over non-compliance with league rules, leading to postponed fixtures. The team is due to play Altrincham on Saturday (23), but as of Tuesday (19), they had only five contracted players and were not insured to train, making another delay likely.
Johal said his first focus will be to “identify the players as we need to perform well in the National League.”