English cricket administrator and former England captain
Kevin Pietersen has been appointed as a specialist mentor for England’s ODI and T20 teams ahead of next year’s World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. He joins Brendon McCullum’s white-ball setup after a controversial exit in 2014. Steve Root praises KP’s knowledge and energy; Vaughan questions the spotlight on the coaching team amid a busy calendar.
England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has retired from international cricket after a dramatic Trent Bridge finish. The Guardian reports a verdict on Brendon McCullum’s leadership remains contested as England’s form wanes and a new era looms.
Harry Brook has expressed willingness to become England’s Test captain following Ben Stokes’s retirement; he would also captain England across all formats if offered, after prioritising England cricket and forgoing most overseas franchise leagues.
Former captains from around the world have urged Pakistan’s government to permit an independent health assessment of Imran Khan, reinstate weekly family visits, and ensure timely medical treatment following a Supreme Court order transferring him to a private hospital. The move follows concerns over his health and treatment since his imprisonment.
Twenty-one former international cricket captains have appealed to Pakistan’s leadership to ensure an independent medical assessment for Imran Khan, allow weekly family visits, and provide treatment as ordered by the Supreme Court. The calls come after Khan’s brief hospital visit and ongoing questions about his health while in custody.
Kemi Badenoch is alleged to have discussed removing Rishi Sunak in 2023, prompting questions about cabinet loyalty as the party faced an election defeat. The claims hinge on Anthony Seldon’s forthcoming book, which is serialised in The Independent, The Guardian reports.