Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan has maintained his position as the world’s top-ranked bowler in both One Day International (ODI) and T20 International cricket, according to the latest ICC rankings.

Rashid continues to lead the ODI bowling rankings with 705 rating points, while also holding the No. 1 position in T20I bowling with 753 rating points.

The Afghan leg-spinner has remained one of the most consistent performers in international cricket, playing a key role for Afghanistan across formats with his wicket-taking ability and economical bowling.

In the latest ODI rankings, England fast bowler Jofra Archer and South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj follow Rashid in second and third places respectively.

In T20Is, India spinner Varun Chakravarthy and Pakistan bowler Abrar Ahmed are among the closest challengers to the Afghan star.

Rashid’s continued dominance in ICC rankings comes as Afghanistan’s cricket team prepares for upcoming international assignments and major global tournaments.

The Asian football spotlight shifts to Jeddah this week as the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 kicks off on Tuesday May 5, with 16 of the continent’s top youth teams competing for regional glory and qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

All matches will be staged at King Abdullah Sports City, where a centralized tournament model will see four stadiums within a single complex host every fixture — a format designed to streamline operations and enhance the experience for players and fans alike, alongside dedicated fan zones and entertainment activities.

Adding to the tournament’s reach, Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) has confirmed it will broadcast matches live and exclusively on Ariana News for the duration of the tournament, which runs through until May 22.

The tournament features a blend of traditional powerhouses and emerging sides. Hosts Saudi Arabia headline Group A alongside Tajikistan, Thailand and Myanmar, while Group B includes former champions Japan, Indonesia, China and Qatar. In Group C, South Korea face Yemen, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates, while defending champions Uzbekistan lead Group D with Australia, India and North Korea.

Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, with all eight quarter-finalists automatically qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Opening day fixtures will see Saudi Arabia take on Myanmar as the hosts aim to build on last year’s runner-up finish, while Tajikistan face Thailand in the other Group A clash. In Group B, four-time champions Japan meet Qatar, with Indonesia set to play China.

Beyond the competition, the tournament is a key test event for Saudi Arabia ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, offering an opportunity to refine tournament delivery, coordination and infrastructure at scale.

With scouts, fans and broadcasters closely watching, the competition is expected to showcase some of Asia’s brightest young talents — many of whom will be aiming to take their first step onto the global stage.

Fans across Afghanistan are meanwhile encouraged to follow Ariana News and Ariana Television’s social media pages for updated information and broadcast schedules on this tournament.

Afghanistan national football team will compete in a four-nation tournament in the Maldives next month, as part of efforts to boost match readiness and international competitiveness, the Afghanistan Football Federation announced.

The tournament is scheduled to run from early June through June 10 and will feature regional opposition, including Pakistan national football team and the host nation, while Bangladesh national under-23 football team will also take part.

Officials say the competition is designed to provide valuable game time and assess player performance against familiar regional rivals, as Afghanistan continues to rebuild its football program.

In recent years, the team has faced ongoing challenges, including limited training resources and financial constraints. Despite these setbacks, Afghanistan has remained active internationally through tournaments and training camps.

As a member of the Asian Football Confederation, Afghanistan continues to compete in regional events such as Asian Cup qualifiers and the SAFF Championship, aiming to improve both results and rankings.

Participation in multi-nation tournaments like this is considered vital for teams with limited exposure, offering a platform to build cohesion, test tactics and regain match sharpness.

With South Asian football becoming increasingly competitive, the upcoming tournament presents another opportunity for Afghanistan to regain momentum and strengthen its standing in the region.