Smriti Mandhana Named India Women’s Cricket Team Captain
Smriti Mandhana has been appointed captain of India’s women’s cricket team in the white-ball format, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur. The 29-year-old batter brings extensive leadership experience, having captained India in T20Is and ODIs and led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to WPL titles. BCCI officials praised her experience and expressed confidence in her ability to guide the team forward.
Pakistan Withdraw From WCL 2026 After PCB NOC Dispute
Pakistan have withdrawn from the World Championship of Legends 2026 after the Pakistan Cricket Board refused to issue no-objection certificates to its players. Reports said the PCB sought a written apology from Indian players for refusing to face Pakistan last season, along with assurances regarding handshakes. Organisers rejected the demands. India and Pakistan were scheduled to meet on October 10.
Harmanpreet Kaur Steps Down as India Women’s Captain
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of India’s women’s cricket team, describing the decision as difficult and emotional. First appointed captain in 2012, she led India in 211 matches. During her tenure, Harmanpreet guided the team through several major tournaments and captained India to the 2025 Women’s World Cup title with memorable leadership and performances.
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Ahmad Shahzad Criticises Saim Ayub Over 'Baby Cradle' Gesture After Vaibhav Dismissal
Former Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad criticised Saim Ayub’s celebration after he dismissed India’s 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Asian Games 2026 final. Shahzad said Ayub had embarrassed himself before the world, urging him to show greater fight and maturity. He also mocked the batter’s acting and gestures.
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Karthik Rules Out Shami Return for India’s 2027 World Cup Squad
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has ruled out Mohammed Shami’s chances of returning to India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Karthik said India has moved beyond the experienced pacer and should consider other bowling options. While acknowledging Shami’s strong performances, he maintained that there is no point in going back.
Kohli, Rohit Set for India’s Next ODI Assignment Against New Zealand
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, now one-format international players, scored 168 and 225 runs respectively in India’s three-match ODI series against West Indies. India’s next ODI assignment is against New Zealand. The five-match series will begin in Auckland on November 4 and conclude in Mount Maunganui on November 15.
India Finishes Asian Games With 85 Medals, Fourth Overall
India concluded its Asian Games 2026 campaign with 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze, finishing fourth. India retained the men’s hockey title and secured cricket gold. Wrestler Anshu Malik and golfer Pranavi Urs added gold medals, while performances across athletics, shooting and other disciplines strengthened the campaign.
Kris Srikkanth Slams India’s Bowling Ahead of 2027 World Cup
Former chief selector Kris Srikkanth criticised India’s bowling after West Indies chased a 352-run target in the third ODI. He said India have little chance of winning the 2027 ODI World Cup with their current bowling attack, accusing the team of developing inexperienced players such as Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj without plan.
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Antim Panghal Wins Silver, Secures India’s Sixth Wrestling Medal
Indian wrestler Antim Panghal secured silver in women’s 53kg freestyle at Asian Games 2026 on Saturday. She lost 1-9 to Moe Kiyooka of Japan in the gold medal bout. The 22-year-old, who won bronze at Asian Games 2022, claimed India’s sixth wrestling medal at the Games. Her performance adds to India’s medal tally after a strong continental campaign overall.
