The Shillong Times

Will Ireland T20s hold key to India’s England success?

Agencies — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:12:47 +0000

New Delhi, June 15: India’s upcoming two-match T20I series against Ireland may appear insignificant on paper, but the short tour could prove pivotal in shaping the national team’s future in the shortest format and setting the tone for the challenging white-ball assignments that lie ahead.
While the Belfast series has little direct bearing on India’s subsequent ODI engagements against England or its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, it is nevertheless being viewed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a strategic launching pad for a new era in T20 cricket.
The tour assumes even greater significance as it marks the beginning of a fresh leadership cycle, with Shreyas Iyer set to lead the national side in T20 Internationals.
The series offers India’s think tank an opportunity to test combinations, integrate emerging talent and build momentum ahead of a five-match T20I series against England.
New leadership, new direction
The Ireland assignment will serve as the first major test for Iyer as India’s new T20I captain following the selectors’ decision to usher in a fresh leadership group. Alongside vice-captain Tilak Varma, Iyer is expected to spearhead India’s preparations for the next T20 World Cup cycle and potentially the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket is set to return.The BCCI has made it clear that the team management’s focus is now on developing a young, fearless and aggressive T20 unit capable of sustaining success over the long term.
The two matches in Belfast therefore provide an ideal platform for the new leadership group to experiment with tactics, assess player roles and establish a clear identity for the side.
Opportunity knocks for the youngsters
The tour also presents a golden opportunity for several young cricketers to stake their claim for a permanent place in the national setup.
Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has impressed at the domestic level, is among the players expected to receive valuable exposure.
The selectors have indicated that performances in domestic cricket have earned him a deserved chance to rub shoulders with senior international players.
Promising talents such as Prince Yadav and other emerging stars will also view the series as an opportunity to make an immediate impact.
Given the relatively low-pressure nature of the Ireland assignment, the team management can afford to experiment and provide opportunities to players who may not otherwise feature regularly in India’s first-choice XI.
Although the Ireland series is not directly linked to India’s ODI plans, it serves as an important dress rehearsal for the subsequent T20I series against England.
The BCCI has retained largely the same squad for both assignments, meaning the conditions in Ireland will help players acclimatise to the cool weather, seam movement and windy conditions that are characteristic of the British Isles.
Facing Ireland in Belfast will allow India’s batters and bowlers to fine-tune their skills before coming up against a far stronger England side later in the month.
The experience of playing in swinging conditions could prove invaluable for younger players who have had limited exposure to overseas cricket.
Little relevance to England ODIs
Despite the strategic importance of the Ireland tour in the T20 context, experts believe it will have minimal direct impact on India’s five-match ODI series against England.
The reasons are straightforward.
T20 cricket and One-Day Internationals demand vastly different skill sets and tactical approaches. In Ireland, players will be tested on explosive batting, innovative stroke-play and death-overs execution. The England ODIs, on the other hand, will require batters to construct longer innings, build partnerships and adapt to the nuances of the 50-over format.
Similarly, bowlers in ODIs are expected to manage their spells differently, with middle-over control and sustained pressure often proving decisive.
Furthermore, the squads for the two formats are unlikely to be identical.
The BCCI has increasingly prioritised workload management, especially for multi-format players and frontline pacers.
Several senior players are expected to be rested between T20I and ODI assignments to ensure they remain fit for more demanding international commitments.
As a result, the side that takes the field in Belfast could look significantly different from the one that eventually faces England in the ODI series.
No bearing on 2027 World Cup plans
Cricket observers have also stressed that the Ireland tour has virtually no direct relevance to India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The BCCI is operating on two separate strategic tracks.
While the Ireland series is aimed at building a new T20 core and identifying players for future global events, the ODI setup is being managed independently with a specific focus on the next 50-over World Cup. India’s premier ODI assets, particularly the leading pace bowlers, are being carefully protected from unnecessary bilateral commitments in the shortest format.
The board’s decision in recent months to manage the workload of key players underlines its long-term planning and emphasis on preserving its core group for major tournaments.
The real road to the 2027 World Cup
India’s genuine preparations for the next ODI World Cup will gather momentum through an expanded 50-over calendar over the next year.
An away ODI series against England in July 2026 will test India’s adaptability on swing-friendly pitches and high-scoring venues.
This will be followed by a home series against the West Indies in September and October, providing the team management with an opportunity to stabilise combinations in subcontinental conditions.
Tours of New Zealand later in the year are expected to simulate overseas pressure situations and provide opportunities to assess backup options, particularly among the fast bowlers.
Finally, home assignments against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe between December 2026 and January 2027 are likely to play a crucial role in finalising India’s World Cup squad.(Agencies)

IVORY COAST STEAL IT AT THE DEATH

Agencies — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:09:15 +0000

Philadelphia, June 15: Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to lift Ivory Coast to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in its first World Cup appearance in a dozen years.
The teams combined to hit the crossbar three times before the Manchester United winger – who entered as a substitute in the 56th minute – broke through with a left-footed shot from just inside the penalty area that beat diving goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. Wilfried Singo set up the goal with a strong run down the right side.
Making its fourth appearance in the World Cup and first since 2014, Ivory Coast took a step toward reaching the knockout stage for the first time. Ecuador saw its 19-game unbeaten streak end with its first loss since a 1-0 decision against Brazil on Sept. 6, 2024.
Elye Wahi hit the crossbar in the 52nd minute for Ivory Coast after Ecuador’s John Yeboah and Nilson Angulo did the same in the opening half.
Ecuador, making its fifth World Cup appearance and looking to reach the knockout round for the second time, was playing a virtual home game at Lincoln Financial Field, with most of the capacity crowd of 68,274 wearing the yellow jerseys of La Tri.
Ecuador looked strong before Diallo’s goal. Its best chance after halftime came in the 68th minute on Gonzalo Plata’s hard shot from about 25 yards out that was parried away by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.Ivory Coast was bolstered by the forward play of Yan Diomande. The Leipzig attacker created several scoring chances, particularly down the right side. That included Wahi’s near goal on a flick following Diomande’s hard cross.Ivory Coast, which did not concede a goal while going 8-0-2 in 10 qualifying matches, will next face four-time World Cup champion Germany, which defeated Curacao 7-1 earlier Sunday in Group E. Ecuador will meet Curacao. Both matches will be played June 20.Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie set the tone for the physical play of Les Elephant with a hard foul in the fourth minute. Kessie went on to pick up one of three yellow cards for his side, all for reckless challenges, in the opening 45 minutes. Jackson Porozo of Ecuador was cautioned in the 73rd minute. (AP)

MESSI’S MEN CHASE HISTORY

Agencies — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:03:56 +0000

Kansas City, June 15: Defending champions Argentina will begin their quest for a second successive FIFA World Cup title when they take on Algeria in their Group J opener on Wednesday.
Only Italy and Brazil have successfully retained the World Cup, and Lionel Scaloni’s side are aiming to join that elite company by lifting the trophy again in North America next month.Argentina enter the tournament in impressive form after topping the South American qualifying standings for the first time since 2014. Their campaign was highlighted by a memorable 4-1 victory over Brazil in Buenos Aires as they amassed 38 points from 18 matches.Captain Lionel Messi once again proved to be the driving force behind La Albiceleste, finishing as the top scorer in qualifying with eight goals.
, Scaloni’s men will be wary of underestimating their opponents, having famously lost to Saudi Arabia in their opening game at the 2022 World Cup before going on to win the title.Argentina and Algeria have met only once before, in a friendly at Camp Nou in June 2007, when Argentina prevailed 4-3 with Messi scoring his first international brace. (Agencies)

CABO VERDE DENY MIGHTY SPAIN

Agencies — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:53:13 +0000

Spain 0 | 0 Cabo Verde

Atlanta, June 15: Tiny Cabo Verde pulled off a stunning result in its World Cup debut, shutting out heavily favoured Spain.
An impressive performance by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha helped Cabo Verde play one of the favorites in the tournament to a 0-0 draw. The final score is the biggest shock of the tournament so far.
Cabo Verde actually had a chance to win the game, but Diney Borges’ late header was saved by Spain keeper Unai Simon.European champion Spain’s roster is filled with superstar players. But they were frustrated by the underdogs from Cabo Verde, with Vozinha pulling off a string of saves before halftime. Barcelona forward Ferran Torres came closest to scoring for Spain, hitting the bar with a shot and later forcing a save from Vozinha on another well-struck ball.
The keeper also denied Pedri and pushed away another potential score late in the half.Cabo Verde a group of islands with around half a million inhabitants – is playing at its first World Cup.
The 2010 champion Spain is aiming to win the World Cup for a second time, but coach Luis de la Fuente warned on Sunday that Cabo Verde could be one of the surprise teams of the tournament. Cabo Verde continued to defend stubbornly in the second half and not even teenage star Lamine Yamal could turn the game Spain’s way after he entered the match.
For Cabo Verde, however, this was about far more than a point earned on the opening day of a World Cup.
A nation of barely half a million people, making its first appearance on football’s grandest stage, stood toe-to-toe with the European champions and emerged unbeaten, producing a performance that will be celebrated for generations across the tiny Atlantic archipelago.
Led by the inspirational 40-year-old Vozinha, whose string of saves turned him into an instant national hero, the Blue Sharks showed that organisation, belief and fearless determination can still bridge the vast gulf in resources and reputation that separates football’s giants from its minnows.
While Spain will be left to ponder missed opportunities and a frustrating start to their campaign, Cabo Verde have already announced themselves as one of the stories of the tournament, proving that the World Cup’s enduring magic lies in its ability to give dreamers a stage and allow the smallest of nations to share the spotlight with the sport’s biggest powers.
With sterner tests to come, the debutants may still have much work ahead of them, but after holding one of the favourites scoreless, they have earned not only a precious point but also the respect and admiration of the footballing world.
For Spain, the stalemate will feel like two points dropped, but for Cabo Verde it will forever be remembered as the day the tiny island nation arrived on football’s biggest stage. In a tournament often dominated by superpowers and star-studded squads, the Blue Sharks reminded the world why the World Cup remains sport’s greatest spectacle.
They may have lacked the pedigree, the glittering names and the weight of history that Spain possess, but they compensated with discipline, courage and an unwavering belief that they belonged among the elite. Indeed, having come within inches of snatching a sensational victory through Diney Borges’ late chance, Cabo Verde will now approach the remainder of the tournament with renewed confidence and the conviction that nothing is impossible.As the celebrations continue back home across the islands, this famous goalless draw could prove to be more than just a memorable result—it could be the moment that inspires a new generation of footballers and signals the emergence of Cabo Verde as the tournament’s most captivating underdog story. For Cabo Verde, this was more than a draw—it was a declaration that the tournament’s smallest nation belongs on football’s grandest stage. (Agencies)

ODI milestones Rohit Sharma could reach in 2026

Agencies — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:52:18 +0000

New Delhi, June 15: As the twilight of his One-Day International career approaches, Indian captain Rohit Sharma still has plenty to play for, with several significant milestones within touching distance in 2026.
At 39, the veteran opener may be nearing the end of an illustrious ODI journey, but his appetite for runs and records remains undiminished. Over the years, Rohit has established himself as one of the finest batters in the format, producing countless match-winning performances and redefining aggressive opening batting.
His three double centuries in ODIs, a feat unmatched in world cricket, remain among the greatest achievements in the history of the format and underline his dominance during his prime years.With India scheduled to play 11 more ODIs in 2026, Rohit has a realistic chance of climbing further up the record books.
The nearest milestone concerns his position among the leading run-scorers in ODI history. Rohit currently has 11,593 runs and needs only another 147 to surpass former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who finished with 11,739 runs in the format.
Given Rohit’s consistency and experience, crossing that landmark appears to be only a matter of time.
Another notable record involves the number of unbeaten innings in ODIs. Rohit has remained not out on 37 occasions, just two short of the tally of 39 shared by former Australia captains Ricky Ponting and Allan Border, as well as former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene.
Three more unbeaten innings would see the Indian opener move ahead of all three legends.
While centuries and strike rates often dominate discussions, unbeaten knocks are equally significant as they reflect a batter’s ability to steer successful chases and guide the team home under pressure. Throughout his career, Rohit has repeatedly demonstrated that quality while maintaining his trademark attacking style.
The Indian captain is also on the verge of another impressive milestone in terms of half-centuries. Rohit has so far registered 61 ODI fifties and requires just four more to move past the tallies of Brian Lara, who scored 63 fifties, and former stars Mohammad Yousuf and Aravinda de Silva, who each amassed 64.
The significance of these milestones is heightened by the uncertainty surrounding Rohit’s future in the 50-over format. Every ODI appearance now carries added importance, with Indian fans aware that opportunities to watch one of the country’s greatest white-ball batters may be limited.
Although he no longer plays as much cricket as he once did, Rohit continues to possess the ability to change the course of a match with a single innings. (Agencies)

England hand debuts to Cox and Baker for second Test vs NZ

Agencies — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:51:28 +0000

London, June 15: England have named a refreshed side for the second Test against New Zealand, starting at The Oval on Wednesday, by handing debuts to batter Jordan Cox and fast bowler Sonny Baker. The duo are a part of four changes from the team that won at Lord’s by 115 runs.
Matt Fisher returns for his first Test in more than four years, while Jofra Archer is back to spearhead a four man pace attack. The wholesale forced changes to England’s playing eleven have come after Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were stood down following them breaking the midnight curfew, while Ollie Robinson, who picked seven wickets on return to the Test team at Lord’s, has been ruled out due to a right knee soreness.
Shoaib Bashir also misses out as England opted against a specialist spinner, with Joe Root set to captain in Stokes’ absence. Jamie Smith retains his place behind the stumps, though Somerset’s James Rew has been placed on standby, with the former’s partner due to give birth to their second child.
Cox, 23, comes into the side after hitting a double hundred for Essex in the County Championship. He was previously denied a debut in New Zealand in 2024 after breaking his thumb in practice. Baker, who has played just 12 first class matches, has long been on England’s radar and featured for the Lions in Australia, though he had difficult ODI and T20I debuts.New Zealand are yet to confirm their playing eleven following Kane Williamson’s sudden retirement. Rachin Ravindra is expected to bat at number four, with either Henry Nicholls or Will Young likely to replace Williamson at number three.England playing eleven for second Test: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, and Sonny Baker. (IANS)

No central contracts for Pak cricketers failing to turn up for domestic cricket

Agencies — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:50:46 +0000

Lahore, June 15: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has warned the country’s cricketers that they will not be handed central contracts if they do not play domestic events, as the board unveiled a radical formula for the annual payments, a news report said on Monday.
The new central contract model for 2026 replaced the traditional A, B, C, D categories with five format-based tracks, which the Pakistan Cricket Board claimed was a “world-first” structure in cricket, according to a report in Telecom Asia Sport.
Pakistan’s recent fall in Tests has prompted former players to suggest to the PCB that it make it mandatory for players to participate in domestic cricket, especially the first-class four-day matches, as it will help groom players for international challenges.
Pakistan finished ninth and last in the third cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) and lags eighth in the fourth cycle after a humiliating 2-0 defeat in Bangladesh, followed by a defeat at the same margin to the same team in 2024.
Pakistan’s performances in the International Cricket Council (ICC) events are also poor as they crashed out of the T20I World Cup 2024, ODI World Cup 2023, and the Champions Trophy 2025 in the first round.
Pakistan also failed to qualify for the semi-final of the T20I World Cup this year. “To lift our standards, we want all the top players to compete in domestic cricket, and those who do not feature in first-class events will not get the central contracts,” said Naqvi, according to the report in www.telecomasia.net.
The new formula is also backed by Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who said impactful performances will now be given more weightage. “This is a data-driven formula, and it will give players with impactful performances their rightful value,” said Hesson.
The top format, named Track AB, will be for those who play Tests and ODIs, while Track A will be for dedicated Test-playing cricketers.
“Those who play Tests only will be given added incentives and permission to play overseas first-class cricket to strengthen red-ball development,” said Aqib Javed, the director of High Performance. “The new framework aims to protect Test cricket and bring more transparency and fairness to contract decisions.”
Similarly, Track BC will be for white-ball specialists (ODI & T20I) while Track C will be for T20I & Franchise specialists. (IANS)

Tiafoe overcomes in-form Cobolli

Agencies — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:49:33 +0000

Halle, June 15: American star Frances Tiafoe made a winning debut at the Terra Wortmann Open, overcoming the in-form Flavio Cobolli in style in an absorbing first-round clash in Halle, Germany, on Monday.
Ranked No. 26 in the ATP Rankings, Tiafoe prevailed 6-2, 7-6(4) against Cobolli, the Roland Garros finalist and World No. 10, to improve to 13-0 in opening rounds this season. With his 85-minute triumph against Cobolli, Tiafoe also registered his first Top-10 victory since 2024.
“Obviously, he’s a hell of a player and had a hell of a season,” Tiafoe told ATPTour.com in Halle on Monday. “But I knew he was coming out for his first match [this year] on grass, and you have to find your feet under you, and obviously he’s got to come down to reality after the final. That’s never easy, especially on a whole different surface.
“I tried to just come out there flying and make it super tough for him. Play really fast and make him feel uncomfortable. It was a good day. He’s going to be ready to go for Wimbledon. He’s a Wimbledon quarter-finalist, so he knows how to play on grass.”
Tiafoe broke in Cobolli’s opening two service games and later recovered from an early mini-break deficit to clinch the second-set tie-break and the match.
The 28-year-old won 81 per cent (34/42) of points behind his first serve and did not face a break point, according to Infosys ATP Stats. (IANS)

‘India’s strict import rules complicating exports’

Agencies — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:20:08 +0000

Kathmandu, June 15: More than four dozen orthodox tea producers in Nepal have shut down their factories starting Monday, as India’s stringent quality-testing procedures have disrupted the smooth export of one of Nepal’s key export commodities.
Producers of CTC tea have also announced that they will shut down their factories starting Wednesday for the same reason.
More than 90 per cent of Nepal’s orthodox tea is exported to India, while around 60 per cent of the CTC tea produced in the country is sold in the Indian market, according to associations representing tea factory owners.
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) implemented by the Tea Board of India on May 1 has made quality testing mandatory for every consignment of tea exported from Nepal. Nepal tea factory owners say the new system has significantly increased business risks, as it takes more than two weeks to receive test reports, tea cannot be sold until the reports are issued, and consignments that fail the test must either be destroyed or returned. “Starting Monday, we have shut down our factories,” Dilaram Shrestha, President of the Suryodaya Orthodox Tea Producers’ Association, told.(PTI)
“There are 53 tea factories affiliated with our organisation, and all of them have now been closed.” Most orthodox tea producers in Nepal are members of the association. “Large quantities of processed tea destined for the Indian market have remained unsold. Test samples are being collected, but reports are often delayed for months. As a result, tea entrepreneurs and factories have been severely affected,” the association said in a statement. “We would like to inform all tea farmers and stakeholders of this situation and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that may result from disruptions to tea processing and green-leaf procurement activities.” (IANS)

Rupee rises 60 paise to settle at 94.58 against USD

Agencies — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:18:52 +0000

Mumbai, June 15: The rupee strengthened 60 paise to settle at 94.58 against the US dollar on Monday as global crude oil prices dropped sharply after US President Donald Trump announced that the US and Iran finalised a deal to end the war.
A surge in the domestic equity markets and a weaker US dollar further drove the local unit, forex traders said.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 94.70 against the US dollar and traded in the range of 94.45-94.77. Eventually, it settled at 94.58, up 60 paise from its previous close.
The rupee jumped 67 paise to close at 95.18 against the greenback on Friday.
The US and Iran finalised a deal to end their 107-day war and open the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway used to ferry one-fifth of the global oil supplies. The deal is expected to be signed on Friday in Switzerland.
President Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on Sunday evening, easing pressure on the global energy markets, as officials said the peace agreement would be signed on June 19 in Switzerland.
“The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all,” Trump said, adding that it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US naval blockade on Iranian ports.
“The Indian rupee rose for the second consecutive day on a rise in risk appetite in global markets amid the US-Iran deal. This led to a sharp rally in global risk assets and a fall in global crude oil prices. A decline in the US dollar and US treasury yields, too, favoured the rupee,” Anuj Choudhary, Research Analyst at Mirae Asset ShareKhan, said. (PTI)