Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) has secured the exclusive media rights to broadcast the fifth season of the International League T20 (ILT20) across Afghanistan on television and digital platforms.

The acquisition will give cricket fans across the country access to the DP World ILT20, the United Arab Emirates’ professional franchise-based Twenty20 cricket league, which features international stars and players from several cricketing nations.

Season 5 is scheduled to run from November 21 to December 20, 2026, with 34 matches planned across three venues: Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The tournament features six franchises: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz. The competition comprises 30 group-stage matches followed by four playoff matches, including the final.

ILT20 has established itself as a platform for international cricket talent, bringing together leading overseas players and emerging cricketers from the UAE and the wider region. The league also has a strong connection with Afghanistan cricket, with Afghan internationals featuring among its players.

Afghanistan stars, including Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mohammad Nabi, are among the players associated with franchises competing in the league, adding further interest for Afghan audiences.

The tournament’s fast-paced T20 format, with each team facing a maximum of 20 overs, has helped make it a popular option for cricket broadcasting, offering action-packed matches suited to television and digital audiences.

The exclusive agreement strengthens ATN’s sports broadcasting offering and provides Afghan cricket fans with access to another major international competition featuring some of the game’s recognised players.

Further details on match-by-match coverage, broadcast schedules and digital viewing options will be communicated in the coming days. Fans are however encouraged to follow ATN’s social media platforms for updates.

Lionel Messi has brought his 21-year international career with Argentina to an emotional end, scoring in a 3-0 victory over Benin in front of a packed Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

The 39-year-old, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, made his record-extending 208th appearance for Argentina and scored his 126th international goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.

Messi also provided the assist for Nicolás Otamendi to open the scoring, before Nico Paz added a third as Argentina secured a comfortable victory.

But the result was secondary to the emotional farewell for Messi, who received a huge ovation from around 85,000 supporters.

The Argentina captain was visibly emotional even before the match, wiping away tears as the team bus travelled through crowds of supporters on its way to the stadium.

Messi entered the pitch alongside his three children, while his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and mother, Celia Cuccittini, watched from the VIP area.

A giant Argentina shirt displaying the word “Gracias” above Messi’s famous No. 10 was placed on the pitch before kick-off.

The emotion continued during the national anthem, with Messi appearing tearful as Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sang alongside a banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine.”

The match was stopped in the 10th minute in honour of Messi’s iconic shirt number, with the entire stadium joining in a minute-long ovation.

Messi then produced the moment fans had hoped for, converting a penalty in the 71st minute to cap his final appearance on home soil.

‘I gave it my all’

After the final whistle, a spectacular drone show illuminated the sky above the Monumental, displaying Messi’s image and paying tribute to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi’s international farewell comes just over two months after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey.

Following that defeat, Messi said: “I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Messi was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires during a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association headquarters.

Fans also gathered outside the AFA headquarters, unfurling a huge Argentine flag featuring Messi alongside the words “The joy of my life.”

Former Barcelona teammate Neymar paid tribute to Messi, saying the world should thank him for everything he had done for football.

Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although he has previously indicated that he could retire from football sooner than expected.

His Argentina career included the 2022 World Cup triumph, ending the country’s 36-year wait for a third world title, as well as Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024.

Argentina also finished runners-up at the 2014 and 2026 World Cups.

After more than two decades representing the national team, Messi’s final night in Buenos Aires provided an emotional farewell to one of the defining figures in Argentina’s football history.

India have won the men’s T20 cricket gold medal at the Asian Games, beating Pakistan by 19 runs in the final in Japan.

India posted an imposing 211-6 from 20 overs, with Abhishek Sharma leading the charge with a blistering 61 off 28 balls.

Abhishek struck seven sixes and three fours, while Tilak Varma added an unbeaten 51 from just 22 deliveries. Shivam Dube also contributed 27 off 15 balls as India finished strongly.

Pakistan struggled early in their chase, falling to 39-3, before Hasan Nawaz launched a counterattack with 96 from 51 balls.

However, Pakistan could only reach 192-6, leaving India to secure a 19-run victory and another Asian Games gold medal.

The result marked India’s seventh consecutive T20 victory over Pakistan, extending their dominance in the format. India have now won 14 of the 18 T20 meetings between the two sides.

India had previously won gold when cricket returned to the Asian Games in China in 2022, making this their second consecutive men’s T20 gold medal.

The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, conclude on Sunday, October 4, bringing 16 days of competition to a close.

The Games officially ran from September 19 to October 4, with the closing ceremony taking place in Nagoya on the final day.

The next edition of the Asian Games is scheduled to be held in Qatar in 2030.