Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, island nation in South Asia
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as India’s captain across all formats after a decade at the helm. Smriti Mandhana is set to take over, with Kaur continuing as a player. The move follows India’s recent successes and internal reviews, and comes amid debate over leadership as the team faces growing global competition.
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have faced renewed attacks, with multiple incidents reported near Madinat ash Shamal and Limah. UKMTO says ships have been struck by projectiles; several vessels remain under threat as regional tensions keep shipping routes volatile. Exports through the strait have shown resilience, with data suggesting near pre-war levels.
England has abolished the midnight curfew for both Test and white-ball squads as a new leadership era under Joe Root and Stephen Fleming begins. The move aims to foster adult responsibility and a cohesive culture ahead of a three-Test series against Pakistan at Headingley.
A cluster of reports flag growing climate risks, highlighting El Niño-driven rainfall shifts, aid cuts, and innovative water solutions. Pakistan and Somalia face stressed water systems and rising malnutrition as drought and floods intensify, while Rwanda advances climate-health warning systems.
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.
Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan remains in prison on corruption charges. His sons Suleiman and Kasim Khan have voiced concerns about his treatment and security in prison during media interviews broadcast during a Pakistan-England Test, while officials weigh potential tensions over the tour.
A glacial collapse on 26 August has produced torrent floods that have killed more than 1,395 people and left over 5,600 missing across Nepal and Tibet. Rescue teams have been recovering bodies, searching buried hydropower tunnels and remote villages, and racing to control newly formed barrier lakes that are threatening further flooding and hampering access.
This week has seen several medical research and regulatory developments. Insilico Medicine has reported that its experimental drug rentosertib changed blood‑protein patterns that aging clocks read as three to four years younger in a small trial. Stanford teams have published studies showing they can grow hindbrain neurons separately and implant human cortical organoids into mice. The US health department has appointed permanent directors for three FDA centers.
England completes a 3-0 series win after a dramatic third Test at Edgbaston as Pakistan replaces head coach and drops seven players amid off-field turmoil. England’s pace attack dominates, with Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer leading a mouthwatering display; Pakistan’s squad reshuffle signals a turbulent phase.
Smriti Mandhana has become the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket after a 124-run century for India against Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup, lifting India to 193-5 before dismissing Hong Kong for 56 and sealing a 137-run victory. Raj calls her a legend and role model; Mandhana’s 18th international century surpasses Meg Lanning’s 17.
Pakistan has replaced its head coach and seven players after heavy defeats to England, with Mike Hesson taking charge for the third Test at Edgbaston. The changes aim to restore balance and inject new talent as the tour nears its close.
A UK study involving nearly a million adults finds that drinking beverages at very hot temperatures increases the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The risk rises with frequency, with six or more hot drinks daily, though overall risk remains small. Researchers urge cooling beverages before drinking.
Nats has said a millisecond software defect in its flight‑data system has caused the outage that cancelled more than 2,000 flights and disrupted hundreds of thousands of travellers. CEO Martin Rolfe has apologised; Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has ordered an independent Civil Aviation Authority review and has asked Nats to report within a week.
Gloucestershire and Forestry England are surveying for a potential beaver reintroduction in the Severn Vale. Defra says beaver reintroduction could boost nature recovery, with beavers already in Greathough Brook since 2018. A licence would be required, and consultations with landowners are underway.
Amnesty International has found that migrants from Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka and South Africa were lured by fake civilian jobs to Russia and then conscripted into the Russian army. The group says coercion, passport seizure and false promises amount to trafficking in many cases. Ukraine and Russia have long recruited foreigners for their wars, with thousands serving on both sides.
England has completed a 3-0 Rothesay Series clean sweep after defeating Pakistan by eight wickets at Edgbaston. Root and Cox secure a calm chase of 130, following Razaullah’s fearless 81 from 63 and Abbas’s 4-42 in Pakistan’s first innings. The result caps a turbulent tour for Pakistan and a triumphant turnaround for England.
England’s white-ball unit dominates Sri Lanka at Southampton, with Baker claiming three wickets and Brook blasting 114 to propel a 254-run total; the hosts surge toward victory in Southampton, while the Sri Lankans bowled out for 135.
In a five-over first official, India has defeated Japan by two runs after a controversial wide was overturned by umpires in the final over. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have led India with key contributions, while Japan's chase ends at 30-3.
India has won the Asia Cup by beating Sri Lanka by 72 runs, marking an eighth title. The post-match ceremony was lengthy and controversial as India's team declined to receive the trophy from ACC chair Naqvi amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. The ceremony ended without the Indian team on stage and without individual awards.
KP has been appointed as a specialist mentor to Englands white-ball teams for the ODI and T20 series against Sri Lanka, and will be involved in winter tours and the 2027 World Cup setup, integrating with Brendon McCullums coaching group.
England has appointed Stephen Fleming as Test coach, while Brendon McCullum remains in charge of limited-overs sides. Fleming will lead England on the South Africa tour this winter, with interim duties and Sky NZ commentary ties shaping his early period.
England back-rower Pollock remains in contract talks with Northampton Saints while weighing overseas opportunities, with a seven-figure potential value cited by promoter Eddie Hearn. Northampton faces salary-cap constraints as negotiations continue ahead of the new season.
Aneurin Donald has opened the batting for England, marking a historic moment as the Glamorgan-born batter debuts at Cardiff after stepping up due to injuries in the squad. England’s white-ball series begins with a strong statement of intent as Donald pairs with Jos Buttler.
NPCI has announced a 0.4% merchant fee on UPI transactions above ₹2,000 to merchants, with caps and exemptions for P2P payments and smaller merchants. The move aims to fund infrastructure and security but sparks debate over the impact on adoption and costs for businesses.
Travel pieces from Business Insider UK and Independent highlight Syros as a less-touristed Greek island with authentic charm, affordable stays, and opportunities for beach-hopping, local dining, and cultural immersion, contrasted with pricier, crowded destinations nearby.
Cricket fast bowler Carse has been arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly after a night out with Durham teammates. The incident led to his removal from England squads; police later announced no further action on the assault investigation, while the Cricket Regulator is now reviewing potential conduct breaches.
In his first press conference, England's new Test coach, Stephen Fleming, has articulated a clear ambition to restore England to No. 1 in Test cricket and improve the World Test Championship standing. He emphasizes discipline, planning, and a balance of flair, while acknowledging ongoing commitments and changes within the squad.
Pakistan has sealed Islamabad with thousands of security personnel, more than 1,000 shipping containers and roadblocks as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) presses for a nationwide march demanding the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Authorities have detained Khan’s three sisters and dozens of PTI leaders; the party has delayed but kept pressure on the government.
Multiple suspects linked to the 2021 assassination of Haiti’s president have been extradited to the United States for trial in Florida, where prosecutors are pursuing conspiracy and murder charges. The move underscores a long-running effort to hold all participants accountable as Haiti grapples with gang violence and political instability.
The High Court has found most of the defendants guilty on multiple charges related to the 2019 Easter bombings that killed 279 people and wounded hundreds. Sentencing will be delivered later; several defendants face long prison terms while others are acquitted. The case has highlighted alleged intelligence failures and potential state links to the attacks.
England have built a commanding 2-1 series lead after a second ODI victory at Leeds, with unchanged squads and key performances shaping the win over Sri Lanka. Rashid’s injury keeps him sidelined as Rehan Ahmed steps in. The series concludes with a decisive final match at The Oval.
Projections show 451,000 additional heat-related deaths globally between June and February 2027, with Nigeria, Sudan, Niger and Chad bearing the heaviest impact. The Climate Impact Lab says emergency actions now can save tens of thousands of lives as El Niño intensifies.
Thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters have begun a long march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa toward Islamabad to demand the release and medical access for jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Authorities have sealed key routes with shipping containers, detained several PTI figures and ruled out allowing protesters to occupy capital roads.
India has secured a commanding path to the final, defeating Sri Lanka, while Pakistan advances through damp conditions and incident-filled semifinals. Saturday’s final in Japan could see a shared gold if rain disrupts play. Viewers can watch via Willow TV in the US or Sony LIV in India, with several free streams available globally.
India has secured a 19-run win over Pakistan to seal the men’s cricket gold at the Asian Games, posting 211-6 and restricting Pakistan to 192-6. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a 61 while Tilak Varma finished with a rapid 51 not out. Hasan Nawaz’s 96 kept Pakistan’ hopes alive, but the chase fell short.
England has named a 16-player ODI squad for the Pakistan tour with Jos Buttler injured, Adil Rashid returning, and Mason Crane earning a debut chance. Jofra Archer is rested. The tri-series in Pakistan runs from Oct. 18 to Oct. 31, with a Lahore final.