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Shane Burger also joins new coaching set-up at the Utilita Bowl

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2025Russell Domingo, the former South Africa and Bangladesh coach, has been named Hampshire men’s head coach on a two-year contract. He will be joined in the club’s new coaching set-up by another South African, Shane Burger, who previously coached Scotland before moving on to Somerset.Domingo was in charge of South Africa between 2012 and 2017, followed by a three-year stint with Bangladesh. He has been head coach of Johannesburg-based Lions since 2023, and has also worked in the PSL. ESPNcricinfo understands Domingo will continue in his Lions role, splitting his time between the UK and South Africa.He succeeds his countryman Adrian Birrell at Hampshire, with Birrell stepping down at the end of the 2025 summer after seven seasons on the south coast.Burger joins as assistant coach (bowling), while former Hampshire captain Jimmy Adams will continue in his role as assistant coach (batting).Related

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“I’m thrilled to be joining Hampshire Cricket,” Domingo said. “This is a club with incredible history, outstanding facilities at Utilita Bowl, and a clear vision for success both on and off the field.”I’ve been genuinely impressed by the ambition here and the strong cultural values that underpin everything Hampshire does. The combination of developing young talent whilst competing for trophies is exactly the challenge I’m looking for, and I can’t wait to get started.”I’m looking forward to working alongside Jimmy and Shane and getting to know the players as we prepare for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.”Burger said: “I’m really excited to be joining Hampshire Cricket. The quality of young bowlers coming through here is exceptional, Sonny Baker, Eddie Jack and Scott Currie have already earned England recognition, and I’m looking forward to helping them continue that development.”I love the ambition and vision of the club and the future seems bright. I’m excited to be part of that journey alongside Russell and Jimmy and I can’t wait to get started.”Hampshire endured a turbulent finish to last season, losing in both the final of the Vitality T20 Blast and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. They appeared destined for relegation to Division Two of the County Championship, after suffering a points deduction for a substandard pitch, before being reprieved on the final day by Durham’s collapse against Yorkshire.Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, added: “We’re delighted to announce our coaching team for next summer. Russell Domingo will serve as head coach, with Jimmy Adams and Shane Burger joining him as assistant coaches. Together, they form a strong and experienced unit that will continue to champion the cultural framework that has underpinned Hampshire cricket over the years.”We exist to win and to develop, and I’m confident this team will continue to drive that ethos as we move into an exciting future. It’s a fantastic place to be at this moment in time, and the season ahead promises great opportunities.”

Bruno Fernandes has been warned off a move to Barcelona that would see him link up with Lamine Yamal and Pedri. The Manchester United captain continues to see a transfer in 2026 speculated on, with leading teams in Europe and Saudi Arabia said to be monitoring his situation. Pedro Mendes has told his fellow Portuguese why a switch to Camp Nou would be the wrong choice.

• Fernandes contract: When Man Utd deal expires

  Fernandes remains a talismanic presence at Old Trafford, with three more goal contributions being delivered during a 4-1 victory at Wolves. He is, however, 31 years of age and will see his current contract expire in 2027 – with United holding the option for a further 12-month extension.

  It has been suggested that the right offer could lure him away from Manchester after next summer’s World Cup – when he will be chasing down global glory alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Fernandes has not entirely ruled out a fresh start being sought.

  Saudi Pro League sides are considered to be leading the chase, given the riches on offer in the Middle East, but a new challenge in European football may yet be found. Barcelona, who once prised Ilkay Gundogan away from Manchester City after seeing him pass the age of 30, are said to be one of Fernandes’ many suitors.

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  Barcelona transfer: Fernandes warned off move to Camp Nou

  Mendes – speaking with Boyle Sports, who offer the latest Football Betting – has said when asked if Fernandes should leave United and where his next landing spot could be: “I don't know, it's up to him, but I think Bruno at the moment is the key figure for Manchester United, right? So what else can you want? As a player at a team like United, if you are the main guy, why would you change just for a new challenge or a new chapter in your career? Fair enough, that's understandable.

  “But, he won't have at Barcelona what he has at United at the moment. In Barcelona he can be a top player, for sure, 100%. But in Barcelona they have Pedri, they have players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Bruno won't be the top name at Barcelona. And at United, I think Bruno is that guy. He might be up for a new challenge, but what more can you ask for if you are the main guy at United.

  “Bruno Fernandes needs the Premier League trophy to be among the greatest ever. Bruno Fernandes has been unbelievable for the past three or four seasons. But you just need the Premier League trophy, that will put him among the greatest ever in the league.”

• Man Utd arrivals: Palhinha billed as a good fit

  With questions being asked of Fernandes’ future, and Casemiro seemingly ready to leave Old Trafford in 2026, Mendes – who represented Portsmouth and Tottenham in his playing days – added on who United could look to draft into their midfield engine room: “Joao Palhinha is the typical Premier League number six, that defensive midfielder who just sweeps up everything in front of the defenders. If you have a team that has a lot of possession, he's a little bit out of his game, from my point of view.

  “The players around him will shine more than him because, as you said, he just wins the ball, passes it away, tackles the ball, passes it. He's fantastic at doing that role. He was fantastic at Fulham.

  “In Bayern Munich, when you have 70% or 60% of ball possession most of the games, and you don't need to do that kind of job, because normally teams play counter-attack or don't have that type of possession against you, his strength is a little bit forgotten.

  “He has more of the ball and he needs to be more involved in the game, and to be fair, it's not his main strength. So probably that's why he struggled at Bayern and at Spurs at the moment. I like what I saw in some games this year from him, but it's different from Fulham.

  “Palhinha at Man Utd? Well, why not? But to be fair, I think Manuel Ugarte is more or less the same type of player as Palhinha. Palhinha is an option if they want to replace him. But why not? We are not sure what is going to happen to Casemiro, so I think it could work.”

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  Trading places: Could Palhinha arrive as Fernandes leaves?

  Palhinha is currently taking in a season-long loan at Tottenham from Bundesliga champions Bayern. A permanent move somewhere may be made next summer, with it possible that he could cross paths with Fernandes as a Portugal international colleague bids farewell to English football.

MatériaMais Notícias

A candidatura do Brasil para sediar a Copa do Mundo Feminina de 2027 definiu 10 estádios para realizar o torneio. Embora a Fifa ainda possa alterar essa programação, o país conta com arenas modernas por conta do Mundial Masculino realizado em 2014.

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➡ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

De acordo com a apuração do “ge”, o Maracanã receberia os confrontos de abertura e a grande decisão do torneio. Dos estádios da Copa de 2014, a Arena da Baixada, em Curitiba, e a Arena das Dunas, em Natal, seriam os únicos locais sem receber jogos.

MARACANÃ

O mítico estádio que recebeu as decisões das Copas de 1950 e 2014 deve receber sete partidas do Mundial Feminino, sendo quatro da fase de grupos, um das oitavas de final, um das quartas de final, além do último jogo.

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NEO QUÍMICA ARENA

O estádio do Corinthians deve receber sete confrontos, sendo cinco da fase de grupos, um das oitavas de final e um da semifinal.

MANÉ GARRINCHA

O estádio de Brasília será um dos que receberá a maior quantidade de jogos do torneio. A arena será palco de cinco partidas da fase de grupos, um das oitavas de final, um das quartas de final e a outra semifinal.

MINEIRÃO

Assim como o Mané Garrincha, o estádio de Belo Horizonte também receberá oito duelos, sendo cinco pela fase de grupos, um pelas oitavas de final, um pelas quartas de final, além da disputa de terceiro lugar.

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ARENA PERNAMBUCO

O estádio no Recife receberá cinco partidas da fase de grupos, uma das oitavas de final e uma das quartas de final.

FONTE NOVA

A arena de Salvador receberá cinco jogos da fase de grupos e um das oitavas de final.

BEIRA-RIO

Assim como a Fonte Nova, o Beira-Rio receberá cinco partidas da fase de grupos e uma das oitavas de final.

CASTELÃO

O estádio localizado em Fortaleza receberá cinco confrontos da fase de grupos e um duelo das oitavas de final.

ARENA DA AMAZÔNIA

O estádio da região norte receberá quatro jogos da fase de grupos.

ARENA PANTANAL

Assim como a Arena Amazônia, o estádio de Cuiabá receberá quatro partidas da fase de grupos.

Tudo sobre

Copa do Mundo femininaMaracanã

Global superstar Dua Lipa brought star power to Argentina's biggest footballing rivalry as she watched Boca Juniors defeat River Plate 2-0 in the Superclasico at La Bombonera. The 30-year-old singer, in Buenos Aires for her Radical Optimism world tour, turned heads in Argentina's iconic blue and white-striped national team jersey — the colours synonymous with Lionel Messi.

• Dua Lipa watches Superclasico clash at La Bombonera

  The pop sensation added football fever to her South American tour by attending one of the most intense derbies anywhere in the world – the Superclasico in Buenos Aires. Dua Lipa, fresh off two sold-out concerts at River Plate's Estadio Monumental, made the short trip across the city to La Bombonera on Sunday to witness Boca Juniors' 2-0 win over their fiercest rivals. Goals from Exequiel Zeballos and Miguel Merentiel sealed victory for the home side in a charged atmosphere that left the singer visibly captivated.

  Staying true to her global fanbase, the London-born star chose neutrality on the day, wearing the Argentina national team shirt rather than either club's colours. Her decision drew admiration from fans, who praised her for embracing the spirit of the event without taking sides. Despite the neutral attire, Lipa was seen cheering enthusiastically as Boca players celebrated their goals, soaking up the unique emotion of South America's most famous fixture.

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• Dua Lipa refuses to choose between River Plate and Boca Juniors

  After the game, Lipa shared a warm moment with Boca Juniors legend Juan Roman Riquelme, who gifted her a personalised Boca shirt emblazoned with her name and the iconic number 10. The club's official X account posted the photo with the caption: "Dua Lipa alongside Roman, fascinated with these colours." River Plate also took the opportunity to showcase their global reach by presenting Lipa with their jerseys.

• Dua Lipa and her relationship with football

  Lipa's Argentine adventure was part of her Radical Optimism world tour, which has already captivated audiences across Europe and the Americas. Her decision to attend the Superclasico came just days after performing two sold-out shows at River Plate's stadium – a fitting coincidence given the rivalry's cultural weight. Despite performing at River's home ground, she made sure to show respect to both clubs, balancing her allegiances with charm and diplomacy.

  It wasn't the first time Lipa has displayed her passion for football. Over the years, the singer has been linked to both Arsenal and Liverpool, two of England's most storied clubs. She famously performed before the 2018 Champions League final in Kyiv – a match that featured Liverpool – and later described herself as an "honourary Liverpool supporter", though she admitted her father and brother's Arsenal loyalty made things complicated at home.

  Her genuine appreciation for the sport has earned her credibility among fans worldwide, who appreciate her enthusiasm without viewing it as opportunistic. Whether attending a Champions League final or an Argentine derby, Lipa consistently embraces the occasion with authenticity.

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  Dua Lipa continues her South American tour

  Lipa will continue her Radical Optimism tour across Latin America, with scheduled stops stiill to come in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico before wrapping up in December. After captivating Argentina both on stage and in the stands, her next shows are expected to draw similar excitement, particularly among her growing fanbase across the region.

  For Boca Juniors, the derby win represents a major boost ahead of the final stretch of the Clausura competition, as they continue to chase top spot behind Rosario Central. River Plate, on the other hand, face mounting pressure to turn their form around after another frustrating result.

The €197 million sale of the iconic San Siro Stadium to Inter and AC Milan has been overshadowed by a shock probe into alleged bid-rigging. Just an hour after the deed was signed, prosecutors launched an investigation, drawing outrage from Inter president Beppe Marotta and Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala, who condemned the “worrying timing” of the inquiry.

San Siro's historic deal under scrutiny

Milan and Inter completed the €197 million (£165m/$215m) purchase of the San Siro Stadium and surrounding land from the Municipality of Milan, ending 77 years of municipal ownership. The deal is a historic milestone allowing both Serie A clubs to move ahead with plans for a new, modern arena designed by Foster + Partners and MANICA Architecture. Foster + Partners are the same company that are working on the new Manchester United stadium, which is being touted to become the largest football stadium in UK.

But celebrations were quickly clouded by controversy. Just one hour after the deed was signed, the Milan prosecutor’s office announced an investigation into alleged bid-rigging during the sale process. Inter president Marotta voiced his frustration at the Football Business Forum, saying: “The deed was signed at noon, and an hour later, the investigation opened. This is Italy.”

Calling the deal “a historic event” and “a step towards financial self-sufficiency,” Marotta criticised the timing of the probe as symbolic of Italy’s slow-moving bureaucracy compared to Europe’s efficiency.

AdvertisementAFPOfficials push back against prosecutors

Marotta wasn’t alone in his criticism. Milan’s mayor, returning from Brazil, addressed the investigation for the first time, defending the city’s role in the transaction. "We did everything right, respecting the rules. Once we received the expression of interest, we kept the tender open for the necessary time," Sala said during the Lombardy at the Heart of the Olympic Challenge event.

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi also echoed their concerns, emphasising that Italy’s ongoing infrastructure projects, including the San Siro redevelopment and preparations for Euro 2032, were being conducted transparently and in the public interest.

"Suddenly, something is happening that hasn't happened for 30 years, and it doesn't just concern Euro 2032: in Italy we have a dozen open construction sites that we will manage with the extraordinary commissioner Sessa, and I think this is an extraordinary result. What has been done in Milan has significant value, beyond its economic dimension, because it seeks to improve the city and the nation, unlike someone who, on a political or judicial level, attempts to question a path that is in everyone's interest."

The investigation centres on whether alternative bidders, including promoter Claudio Trotta of the Si Meazza Committee, were unfairly excluded from participating due to an unusually short tender window. Trotta alleged that “other consortiums were never given a fair chance,” prompting prosecutors to open formal inquiries.

City symbol enters Inter & Milan hands

The San Siro sale marks the end of 77 years of municipal control and the beginning of a new era of private ownership in Italian football. Built in 1926 and expanded over the decades, the San Siro, officially known as the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, has hosted World Cups, Champions League finals, and countless derbies, becoming a symbol of Milanese identity.

Under the terms of the sale, both clubs will continue to share the existing stadium until the new 71,500-seat arena is completed, expected before Euro 2032. The redevelopment includes green spaces, retail areas, and leisure facilities, turning the site into a modern entertainment hub.

Both Milan and Inter see the move as vital for reviving Serie A’s global competitiveness. Their joint statement called the acquisition “a new chapter for the city of Milan and Italian football.” For fans, however, it’s bittersweet, progress at the cost of nostalgia.

Still, club leaders argue that the new stadium is essential contending that it would allow them to make it a much bigger source of earnings, which is required today with how mordernised the sports has become in recent times. Milan president Paolo Scaroni acknowledged the emotional resistance, saying: “It was a difficult process, not only because of the bureaucracy but also because people didn't want a new stadium out of nostalgia. But today, if someone wants to go to San Siro, it's almost scary, when there's no match, it's almost deserted. And instead, we want a stadium that can host something every day.”

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Getty Images SportThe road ahead for Serie A clubs

While the investigation looms, both clubs are pressing forward. The new stadium project, estimated at €1.2-1.5 billion, aims to meet UEFA’s highest standards, generate year-round revenue, and reflect sustainability goals. Designed by world-renowned architects, the arena will retain tributes to the old San Siro’s legacy while embracing a futuristic, fan-focused model.

Despite the optimism, challenges persist. Demolishing an iconic landmark has drawn public resistance, while legal uncertainty could delay construction. The compressed bidding timeline, which lasted just over a month, remains at the centre of the probe. Still, city officials maintain the process was “transparent and compliant with all legal and procedural requirements.”

Bangladesh’s tour of India to play a series of three ODIs and three T20Is in December has been “postponed”.A BCB spokesperson confirmed the news to ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday, saying that the board has received a letter from the BCCI saying that the white-ball series will be scheduled at a later date.No specific reason has been given for the postponement but it is understood that the prevailing political tensions between India and Bangladesh was a key factor.The series, a part of the ICC’s future tours programme, was meant to be India’s last set of games before the start of the next edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and the only series between their triumphant ODI World Cup campaign and the WPL. The matches were expected to be played in Kolkata and Cuttack, with the ODIs kicking off the new cycle of the Women’s ODI Championship for both sides.Earlier this year, India men’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh, originally slotted for August 2025, was pushed to September 2026.”This decision has been reached following discussions between the two boards, taking into account the international cricketing commitments and scheduling convenience of both teams,” the BCCI had said in a statement at the time. “The BCB looks forward to welcoming India in September 2026 for this eagerly anticipated series. Revised dates and fixtures for the tour will be announced in due course.”

India’s total of 358 didn’t turn out to be a dew-proof one, with SA going past the target with four balls remaining

Deivarayan Muthu03-Dec-20254:14

Takeaways: Markram and SA’s middle order ace record chase

Virat Kohli eased to his second successive century and Ruturaj Gaikwad hit his first in ODIs as India piled up 358 for 5 in front of 60,000-odd spectators, in the second ODI in Raipur. That total, however, didn’t turn out to be a dew-proof one, with South Africa going past the target to silence the packed crowd and set up a decider in Visakhapatnam.Aiden Markram, who led South Africa’s chase with his first hundred in an ODI chase, Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis upstaged Kohli and Gaikwad, with some help from dewy conditions. It was the joint-highest successful chase against India in men’s ODIs and South Africa’s third-highest overall in the format.When Brevis holed out for 54 off 34 balls, after raising his maiden ODI fifty, South Africa were still ahead, needing 70 off 57 balls with six wickets in hand. The visitors then suddenly fell behind when they lost Breetzke and Marco Jansen in successive overs. By the time Jansen holed out to long-off, South Africa required 37 off 33 balls with four wickets in hand. Tony de Zorzi hobbling off the field with a potential hamstring injury after 45 overs added another twist to the chase. He joined Nandre Burger, who had hurt his own hamstring and left the field earlier in the first innings.Related

• Ruturaj Gaikwad: 'I was pretty much confident' of batting at No. 4

• When South Africa and India went off the scale

• Belief surges for South Africa as Markram makes amends in style

• Rahul: Toss and dew 'making a huge difference'

• Burger and de Zorzi pick up injuries during Raipur ODI

It boiled down to South Africa needing 27 off 30 balls. Corbin Bosch’s attacking enterprise and Keshav Maharaj’s calmness got the job done for them, leaving India wondering what might have been.India had to contend with multiple mishaps in the field, including Yashasvi Jaiwal dropping Markram on 53. Jaiswal got into an awkward side-on position, let the ball slip through his hands and tip over the rope for six. Markram then cranked up the tempo, launching Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja for sixes. He proceeded to bring up his hundred off 88 balls. On a day where three centuries were scored, Markram’s proved to be the match-winning one.India were up against it even before the first ball was bowled. Their wretched luck at the toss continued – they lost their 20th straight toss in ODI cricket – and Rahul made his displeasure known by throwing his head back.Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad thrilled the Raipur crowd•AFP/Getty Images

After they were asked to bat first, India moved to 40 for 0 in the fifth over, with 13 of those runs coming via wides. Burger and Lungi Ngidi, who had replaced Ottniel Baartman, found swing with the new ball, but struggled to control it. Burger, though, tightened up to have Rohit Sharma nicking behind for 14 off eight balls. Then, in the tenth over, Jansen bounced Jaiswal out for 22. Jansen then greeted Gaikwad with a nastier head-high lifter. Gaikwad took his eyes off the ball, threw his hands up in defence, and managed to glove it over the keeper for four.Gaikwad then found his groove with a brace of paddle-sweeps off Maharaj. Kohli was already set at the other end, having opened his account with a pulled six off Ngidi. He then dashed out of the crease and whacked a four straight past Bosch, leaving Gaikwad ducking for cover. When Markram pitched one too full and outside off, Kohli flat-batted him through covers.Gaikwad matched Kohli shot for shot. He pumped Maharaj over his head after stepping out and shovelled Bosch through midwicket, having even Kohli excited at the other end. He zoomed from 50 to 100 in just 25 balls. It was his 18th List A ton and first as a non-opener. Picked ahead of natural middle-order batters like Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma, Gaikwad showcased his versatility.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

After Jansen dismissed Gaikwad for 105, ending a 195-run partnership for the third wicket, Kohli went on to bring up back-to-back hundreds. It was the 11th instance of Kohli achieving the feat, easily the most by any batter in ODIs. Ngidi then stopped Kohli’s innings on 102 in the 40th over. When Washington Sundar was run-out, India slipped to 289 for 5, but Rahul took charge of the innings in the end overs to take India past 350. He combined power with invention to remain unbeaten on 66 off 43 balls. Jadeja wasn’t as fluent, managing an unbeaten 24 off 27 balls.Unlike South Africa’s quicks, India’s were largely on target with the new ball. Arshdeep Singh got one to nip away from Quinton de Kock and had him miscuing a hoick to mid-on in the fifth over for 8 off 11 balls. Harshit Rana threatened both the edges of Markram from various lengths, but the batter managed to see off the new ball and laid a strong foundation for South Africa’s chase. Temba Bavuma kept him good company in a 101-run stand for the second wicket before the South Africa captain was bounced out by Prasidh Krishna.Markram countered India’s spinners, including Kuldeep Yadav, before Rana bested him with a slower offcutter into the pitch. Breetzke and Brevis then forged a powerful partnership, pushing South Africa closer to the target. Breetzke extended his golden run in ODIs, with his seventh 50-plus score in 11 innings. Though both Breetzke and Brevis were part of a late wobble, Bosch stayed cool with Maharaj to seal South Africa’s win with four balls to spare.

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Seattle Mariners 6-5 on Tuesday night. Mariners manager Dan Wilson missed most of the game after he was ejected in the top of the third inning, but at least he provided a very enjoyable moment for the broadcasters before he headed for the showers.

Aaron Goldsmith and Angie Mentink were calling the game on Root Sports Northwest when the acoustics in George M. Steinbrenner Field allowed home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez to hear people in the dugout complaining about his strike zone.

After calling a rather high strike on Cole Young he turned to the dugout and tossed Dominic Canzone who he had called a high strike on the previous inning. After Canzone was tossed, manager Dan Wilson jogged out to get an explanation and ended up getting ejected as well.

Goldsmith pointed out that Wilson had been ejected with former Mariners manager Lou Piniella in the stands, which made Mentink laugh. When the broadcast then showed Piniella waving both arms to show his displeasure with the ejection both broadcasters cracked up.

Piniella was ejected 28 times during his 10 seasons as the Mariners manager. He finished his career with 64 ejections which has him tied for 14th all-time. He is 16th all-time with 3,548 games managed. Obviously, he knows a bad call when he sees one.

India are expecting their T20I captain to be back for the Asia Cup in September

Shashank Kishore04-Aug-2025Suryakumar Yadav, the India T20I captain, had his first batting session at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru late last week following a surgery for sports hernia in Germany in July.Suryakumar is currently under the supervision of BCCI’s medical staff as he recovers from surgery on his lower right abdomen. His workload will be increased progressively over the next few weeks and he’s believed to be on track for the Asia Cup beginning on September 9 in UAE.ESPNcricinfo understands his rehabilitation was planned with a likely return for the T20I leg of the Bangladesh tour in late August – a series that was deferred to 2026.Suryakumar’s most recent outing was for Triumph Knights Mumbai North East in the Mumbai T20 League in June, soon after the completion of IPL 2025. He hit 122 runs in four innings. He was also in consideration to be named in the West Zone squad for Duleep Trophy but will probably miss that tournament.India’s squad is likely to fly to the UAE in the first week of September for the Asia Cup, and West Zone don’t play until September 4 after being given a direct entry to the semi-finals. As part of his build-up to the tournament, Suryakumar might play a few practice matches and undergo simulation exercises organised by the CoE in the final week of his rehab.The Asia Cup marks the start of India’s runway to next year’s T20 World Cup, which they co-host with Sri Lanka. If he plays, it will be Suryakumar’s first multi-nation tournament as T20I captain since taking over the leadership in the shortest format from Rohit Sharma following their T20 World Cup win in 2024.

Cal Raleigh is the current home run king of Major League Baseball. He hit 38 home runs before the All-Star break which is more than anyone else in baseball, including Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani and everyone else.

Raleigh then went out and hit 17 home runs in the first round of the Home Run Derby, which was good enough to tie for fourth place with Brent Rooker of the Athletics. Rather than go to a swing-off to determine who would move on, MLB advanced the player with the longer home run.

The only problem is that both guys hit their longest home runs 470 feet.

And the only solution was MLB claiming they knew how far all these home runs traveled down to an insanely precise decimal point.

The official determination was that Raleigh's longest home run traveled .08 feet—or 61/64ths of an inch—further than Rooker's longest dinger.

If that doesn't seem made up enough for you, check out this tweet from MLB where they claim to know the distance of the home runs down to the 10-billionth(?) place(!?). That's how exact we're supposed to believe MLB is measuring these home runs that leave the stadium or land in a mass of fans.

If you have some questions about this, well, you're not alone.

Or, to paraphrase another prodigious power hitter, do you want to know the terrifying truth, or do you want to see Cal Raleigh sock a few dingers?