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Nabi claims top spot in ODI rankings

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Shakib Al Hasan’s reign at the top is over after Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi claimed the No.1 spot on the latest ICC Men’s ODI All-Rounder Rankings.

Shakib held the premier position in 50-over cricket for 1,739 days – from 7 May 2019 (when he took over from Rashid Khan) until 9 February 2024 – the longest unbroken stretch anyone has had on top of the ODI all-rounder rankings.

But an ongoing injury concern coupled with some good recent form from Nabi has seen a change at the top.

Men’s ODI All-Rounder Rankings

Nabi reached the No.1 spot on the back of his splendid innings of 136 during the opening match of Afghanistan’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, while the 39-year-old also picked up a wicket in the same contest to gain one place and move to seventh on the latest rankings for ODI bowlers.

Nabi at 39 years and 1 month old has become the oldest player to top the ICC ODI All-rounder table, breaking the record held by Tillakaratne Dilshan, who was 38 years 8 months when he was top in June 2015.

Men’s ODI Bowler Rankings

South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj maintains his lead at the top of that list, while Sri Lanka duo Wanindu Hasaranga (up 14 spots to equal 26th) and Dilshan Madushanka (up four places to 33rd) join Nabi in making some ground on the latest set of rankings.

Babar Azam is well clear in the ODI rankings for batters, with a trio of Sri Lankan players making some ground on the former Pakistan skipper following an impressive start to their series with Afghanistan.

Men’s ODI Batter Rankings

Charith Asalanka jumps five places to 15th overall following his unbeaten 97 in the second match of the series, Pathum Nissanka improves 10 spots to 18th after his double century in the series opener, while Sadeera Samarawickrama climbs six rungs to 41st due to a stylish half-century.

Men’s Test Batting Rankings

There is little to no change at the top of the Test rankings, with Kane Williamson increasing his lead at the top of the list for batters after a pair of centuries in the first Test against South Africa and India quick Jasprit Bumrah still at the head of proceedings for bowlers.

Men’s Test Bowling Rankings

Kiwi pacer Kyle Jamieson did make some ground on Bumrah following six wickets for the match in that Mount Maunganui contest with the Proteas, with the right-armer jumping six places to eighth overall in an impressive performance.

Men’s Test All-Rounder Rankings

Jamieson also moves up two places to 13th on the list for Test all-rounders after a contribution of 8* with the bat against South Africa, with India’s Ravindra Jadeja still leading the way comprehensively in that category.

Men’s T20I Batting Rankings

A host of stars from Australia and the West Indies also made ground on the latest set of T20I rankings following the completion of their series Down Under.

Australia clinched a 2-1 series triumph, with Glenn Maxwell (up 11 spots to 24th), Tim David (up 35 places to 27th) and David Warner (up 19 spots to 36th) all rising the batting rankings following solid contributions during the three matches and West Indies counterparts Rovman Powell (up four rungs to 25th) and Johnson Charles (up 12 spots to equal 38th) doing similar.

Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings

Adam Zampa is the big mover up the T20I bowling charts as the spinner jumps five places to equal 11th behind England’s Adil Rashid, while Australia teammate Marcus Stoinis climbs three spots to second on the list for T20I all-rounders and closes in on Shakib following his efforts against the West Indies.

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Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026

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Japan, Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan have secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after strong performances at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

The three Asian sides join hosts Qatar as confirmed representatives from the Asian Football Confederation for the expanded 48-team tournament later this year.

Japan booked their place after defeating Qatar and then beating China 2-1 in Group B. Anthony Motosuna and Maki Kitahara scored the goals that sealed a second straight victory and guaranteed qualification.

Saudi Arabia also advanced from Group A after a 2-0 win over Thailand. Marwan Al Yami opened the scoring early before Hassan Al Okrush added a late second goal, giving the Saudis six points from two matches following their opening win against Myanmar.

Tajikistan joined them after edging Myanmar 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Asadbek Makhtumov. The victory followed Tajikistan’s opening 2-0 win over Thailand and secured their place in Qatar 2026.

More teams could qualify on Sunday as the second round of matches in Groups C and D continues, with the final group-stage fixtures set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

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Afghan cricket delegation travels to China for technical cooperation

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A delegation from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has traveled to China following an official invitation from the Chinese government, in a move aimed at strengthening sports diplomacy and expanding technical cooperation in cricket between the two countries.

The delegation includes national coach Nawroz Mangal and players Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Faisal Shinozada, and Wahidullah Zadran.

Before their departure, ACB Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan met with the delegation, reaffirming the board’s commitment to developing and globalizing Afghan cricket. He also referenced previous international engagement efforts, including a memorandum of understanding signed with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation focused on cricket development and technical collaboration.

Naseeb Khan highlighted existing economic and industrial ties between Afghanistan and China, expressing optimism that sports cooperation—particularly in cricket—could further strengthen bilateral relations. He emphasized that knowledge-sharing, technical exchange, and joint development initiatives would support the growth of the sport in both countries.

During their visit, the Afghan delegation is expected to hold discussions on cricket development, community engagement, and the role of sport in society. The program also includes participation in workshops, attendance at a cricket match organized by Chinese cricket authorities, and visits to sports technology and innovation exhibitions.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has increasingly pursued regional partnerships in recent years. Last year, it signed a cooperation agreement with the Uzbekistan Cricket Federation covering technical exchange, capacity building, development programs, and educational workshops aimed at expanding cricket infrastructure and expertise in the region.

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Los Angeles to welcome the world with historic FIFA World Cup 2026 opening event

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The United States is set to welcome the world with a major opening ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Los Angeles prepares to host a star-powered celebration marking the start of the tournament across North America.

FIFA announced that global music stars including Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla will headline the ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, June 12.

The event will officially launch what FIFA described as a “historic summer of football” across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Organizers said the ceremony will combine football, music and entertainment in a large-scale production designed to reflect the cultural diversity and global appeal of the tournament.

Gianni Infantino said the ceremony in Los Angeles would showcase the scale and ambition of the 2026 World Cup, adding that the lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the power of music to unite people.

For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three opening ceremonies will take place across the three host nations. Mexico City will host the first ceremony on June 11, followed by celebrations in Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12.

The opening match in the United States will see the U.S. national team face Paraguay. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities, beginning on June 11 in Mexico City and ending with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Football fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow all the action live on the Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), which holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for the tournament in the country. ATN will broadcast matches live on Ariana Television, providing full coverage of the world’s biggest football event for Afghan viewers.

Fans are also encouraged to stay connected with Ariana Television and Ariana News on social media for the latest updates, including match schedules, team news, and other FIFA World Cup 2026 developments as the tournament draws closer.

 
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