Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh reach squash finals at Asian Games

Significant changes have occurred in the men's cricket team of Pakistan ahead of the Asian Games 2026. Fast bowler Salman Mirza was excluded from the squad due to a fracture of his left thumb.

Mohammad Wasim Jr. has been included in the team to replace him. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially announced these changes. According to the PCB, Salman Mirza is undergoing rehabilitation after the injury and, although he is expected to make a full recovery by the first week of October, he will be unable to participate in Pakistan's campaign at the Asian Games due to the finger fracture.

The leadership of the Pakistan team for the Asian Games has been entrusted to Sahibzada Farhan, while Abdul Samad will serve as vice-captain. Players such as Babar Azam, Shakib Al Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah were not included in the squad. The reasons for their absence are either rest or a decision by the selectors, but no clear information has been provided on this matter.

The men's cricket tournament at the Asian Games will begin on September 24. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh advanced directly to the quarterfinals. It should be noted that the Indian and Pakistani teams cannot meet in the semi-finals; their confrontation is only possible in the bronze or gold medal matches. Both teams will play their quarterfinal matches on September 28.

The Pakistan team squad for the Asian Games includes: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Abdul Samad (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raja, Arafat Minhaj, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maj Sadakat, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Saad Masood, Samee Ayub, Sufian Mukeem, and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).

Although the Pakistan team lost to England in a series of three Test matches with a score of 0-3, there is still an atmosphere of celebration among fans. The Pakistani athletes appeared helpless throughout the entire series against England.

However, something happened during the second half of the third Test that instantly made 21-year-old Rajulla famous. Debuting in the match at Edgbaston, Rajulla made a sensation from the very beginning, astonishing experienced players.

When the team arrived at Islamabad airport, sadness over the defeat was visible on the faces of all team members, but fans welcomed Rajulla with great respect, surrounding him with applause and cheers like a true hero.

Rajulla's story resembles a movie script. He hails from the remote village of Bari in Pakistan, where they lived in difficult conditions. They lacked the funds even to pay for training at a cricket academy. In such circumstances, his older brother, who worked as a truck driver, sacrificed his earnings for Rajulla's dreams.

When Rajulla first received his Pakistan Test kit at Edgbaston, he immediately left his mark. On only the fourth ball of his Test career, he dismissed the outstanding English batsman Joe Root. In the first half of the match, he scored 4 runs thanks to his intimidating pace.

In the second half of the match, when the Pakistan team was on the verge of defeat, Rajulla came onto the field as number nine batsman. What happened next was unexpected. He played a brilliant match, scoring 81 runs off just 63 balls. This innings included 9 sixes and 4 fours. He reached a half-century in just 43 balls, which is the fastest half-century in a debut Test for Pakistan. Along with Mohammad Abbas (42 runs), he built a record partnership of 121 runs for the ninth wicket, saving the team from defeat in the innings.

Rajulla's fearless style and pace prompted applause from the English spectators. After the match, the entire stadium at Edgbaston stood up to pay tribute to this young player. Nevertheless, the Pakistan team lost this match by 8 wickets and completely lost the series 0-3.

The composition of the Women's Asia Cup 2026 final has been determined. The final match between the teams of India and Sri Lanka will take place on Sunday, September 13, at the International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. Prior to this, in the semi-final held on Friday, September 11, Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 4 wickets, thereby earning the right to participate in the title match.

Previously, both teams met in a final where Sri Lanka managed to beat India and win the Asia Cup title for the first time.

In the semi-final against Pakistan, Sri Lanka was set a target of 131 runs. The start of the game was extremely unsuccessful for Sri Lanka, which lost four batsmen, scoring only 33 runs in the first 6.2 overs. The situation was saved by Harshita Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari, who built an important partnership of 67 runs for the fifth wicket.

Harshita Samarawickrama contributed to the game by scoring 36 runs off 31 balls, including two fours. Kavisha Dilhari added another 33 runs off 33 balls, using four fours. However, Pakistan's captain, Fatima Sana, managed to dismiss Harshita Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari in one over, once again putting Sri Lanka under pressure. At that time, the team's score was 109/6, and they needed to score 22 runs in the last three overs.

At the decisive moment, Nilashka Silva (not out, 18 runs) and Kaushani Nuthangana (not out, 10 runs) brought the team to the target, leaving 8 balls. Despite Fatima taking four wickets in bowling, her team failed to capitalize on this advantage, and Sri Lanka won the match despite the pressure.

Earlier, when Pakistan came out to bat after losing the toss, the situation was also difficult. In 10 overs, their score was 52/4. After this, captain Fatima Sana took charge, scoring 47 runs off 36 balls not out. During this innings, Fatima hit four fours and two sixes. Thanks to her performance, the Pakistani team managed to reach a score of 130 runs while losing five batsmen.

The clash between India and Sri Lanka in the final will recall the events of the 2024 title match. In that previous edition, Sri Lanka defeated India by 8 wickets, winning the Women's Asia Cup title for the first time. Nevertheless, the Indian team is currently in excellent form, having reached the final by winning four consecutive matches. India finished first in the group stage, winning all three matches, and defeated Bangladesh in the semi-final by 40 runs. Team Harmanpreet Kaur aims to win the eighth Women's Asia Cup title by defeating Sri Lanka. For her part, Sri Lanka intends to defend its title.