Archive October 1, 2025

There is no guarantee that India and Pakistan players will kiss each other when they play in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday, according to Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The teams played three games, including the recently concluded men’s Asia Cup final, against each other three times.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson claimed India refused to shake hands during their first game, which was their first since the conflict between the countries earlier this year.

The conflict persisted throughout, culminating in India refusing to accept Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and president of the Asian Cricket Council, the winners’ trophy.

Saikia told BBC Stumped, “I can’t say much, but our relationship with that particular hostile nation is the same, and nothing has changed in the last week.”

“All cricket protocols will be followed when India plays that game against Pakistan in Colombo.” I can only confirm that whatever is written in the MCC’s cricket regulations will be done.

I can’t promise you of anything at this time, “I’m not sure whether there will be handshakes or hugging.”

Since the teams will only face off in regional competitions and against each other throughout the World Cup, Pakistan are based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for the duration of the tournament.

This policy existed prior to the four-day conflict in April, which came after a deadly militant attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir.

In Colombo, Pakistan will also play their games if they advance to the semi-final or final.

Women’s Champions League broadcasting from this season will be a five-year contract with BBC Sport.

Up to seven live games, including the final, will be available to watch each season on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app under the terms of the contract, which runs until 2030.

One semi-final and four matches from earlier will be played in addition to the other matches.

The best moments from other games will also be accessible on BBC Sport’s social media and digital platforms.

The first match of the BBC’s coverage of Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League game against Paris St-Germain will be on November 12, followed by Chelsea’s encounter with Barcelona on November 20.

Throughout the season, BBC Radio 5 Live will continue to provide live commentary on the biggest games.

This is a fantastic time for BBC Sport and women’s football, according to BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski.

Our digital offering is what truly transforms the Uefa Women’s Champions League, though it is huge to bring it to a free-to-air audience.

Fans will experience the best moments, goals, highlights across our website, app, and social media platforms while benefiting from our multi-platform strategy, according to “our multi-platform strategy.”

The Warriors have informed Wigan that Leigh Leopards “do not intend to fulfill” Friday’s Super League play-off semi-final.

Leigh chairman Derek Beaumont wrote to Wigan on Tuesday to say that his side won’t play because he thinks the ticket allocation is “unacceptable” and that he had written to them.

At 20:00 BST, Wigan will host their regional rivals for a spot in the Grand Final.

Following Wigan’s statement, Leigh published a post on X with the hashtag “Two days until the semi-final.”

According to Wigan, Leigh Leopards’ Derek Beaumont wrote to our club at 10.37pm on Tuesday, September 30 to inform them that they do not intend to play in Friday’s semi-final game.

Leigh Leopards had the option of choosing 4, 600 seats with no reservation or 5, 400 seats with reserved seats in the North Stand, according to “we can confirm.”

Following consultation with the police, Wigan claimed that the independent Safety Advisory Group and the club’s Ground Safety Officer had decided the allocation.

They claimed that Super League “required separate safety advice” and “completely supported this approach.”

Wigan added that the amount offered was almost twice the minimum of 10% for away supporters.

Our club is legally and professionally bound to follow the instructions of our Ground Safety Officer and the terms of our Ground Safety Certificate, Wigan continued.

All supporters’ safety and welfare must come first, they say. This is the basis for every decision we make, and it is not open to negotiation.

As the situation develops, we will keep providing more details about Friday’s semi-final.

Napheesa Collier, a five-time All-Star, has accused the WNBA of “self-sabotage” and failing to prioritize the players’ well-being.

The Minnesota Lynx guard claimed that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert displayed “the worst leadership in the world” and that the league had exhibited “lack of accountability.”

Engelbert expressed her “utmost respect” for Collier and pledges to “ensuring a bright future” for the players and the WNBA.

Collier’s frustrations come after a mistake occurred in the Lynx’s 84-76 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Friday in the third game of their play-off semi-final series.

The 29-year-old collided with Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas in the final seconds, but no foul was awarded.

Collier was dismissed for contesting the decision, and Cheryl Reeve, the team’s coach, was given a one-game ban for vile remarks made after the game.

The Lynx were eliminated on Monday after losing game four without Collier.

Collier stated in a press conference, “I want to make it clear that this conversation is not about winning or losing.”

It’s about a much bigger issue. Money is not the real threat to our league. It isn’t physical play, missed calls, or even ratings. The league office doesn’t have any accountability, either.

You’ve heard the concerns about officiating since I’ve been in the league, which has now hampered our sport and undermined the integrity of its operations.

It’s true self-sabotage to not care about the product we put on the floor, but the league cares about the health of our players is one thing.

Collier claimed that Engelbert should be “grateful” for what they earn in a conversation about pay in February with star players like Caitlin Clark of Indian Fever and Angel Reese of Chicago Sky.

The current collective bargaining agreement, which expires at the end of this month, is being discussed by the league and the WNBA Players Association.

Napheesa Collier, a five-time MVP, has accused the WNBA of “self-sabotage” and failing to prioritize the interests of players.

The Minnesota Lynx guard claimed that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert displayed “the worst leadership in the world” and that the league had exhibited “lack of accountability.”

Engelbert expressed her “utmost respect” for Collier and pledges to “ensuring a bright future” for the players and the WNBA.

Collier’s frustrations come after a mistake occurred in the Lynx’s 84-76 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Friday in the third game of their play-off semi-final series.

The 29-year-old collided with Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas in the final seconds, but no foul was awarded.

Collier was dismissed for contesting the decision, and Cheryl Reeve, the team’s coach, was given a one-game ban for vile remarks made after the game.

The Lynx were eliminated on Monday after losing game four without Collier.

Collier stated in a press conference, “I want to make it clear that this conversation is not about winning or losing.”

It’s about a much bigger issue. Money is not the real threat to our league. It isn’t physical play, missed calls, or even ratings. The league office doesn’t have any accountability, either.

You’ve heard the concerns about officiating since I’ve been in the league, which has now hampered our sport and undermined the integrity of its operations.

It’s true self-sabotage to not care about the product we put on the floor, but the league cares about the health of our players is one thing.

Collier claimed that Engelbert should be “grateful” for what they earn in a conversation about pay in February with star players like Caitlin Clark of Indian Fever and Angel Reese of Chicago Sky.

The current collective bargaining agreement, which expires at the end of this month, is being discussed by the league and the WNBA Players Association.