Conflict between BCCI and Ajit Agarkar over selection of India captain

Orlando Pirates coach Abdelslam Waddu expressed his dissatisfaction after a match in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League when his players displayed excessive showmanship. He stated that his main goal is to win trophies, not to entertain the spectators.

Last week, Waddu had already criticized his players for attempting unnecessary tricks during the victory over La Couture Waves in the CAF Champions League. The Moroccan coach warned that he would rather forgo playing than allow the team to prioritize showmanship over efficiency and winning in football.

These statements drew a reaction from some former Pirates stars who questioned Waddu's right to dictate the club's playing style. The Pirates coach, whose position was clarified after the team's victory over Marumo Gallants on Sunday, did not approve of this criticism.

The Coach's Stance

Waddu quoted remarks from former Pirates coaches, calling them 'legends' who claimed that coach Waddu had no right to train the team. However, Waddu emphasized his humility and respect for South Africa's culture and country. Nevertheless, he noted that his mission is to achieve results, provide the best for his team, and win matches.

He clearly distinguished between skills, the ability to play offensively, score goals, and be effective, contrasting this with entertainment. Waddu stated: 'Entertainment is not for me. If some people want to watch the Harlem Globetrotters, I am not here to put on a show. Pirates are here to win matches, shine on the continent, and win cups.'

Waddu's comments reflect the standards he intends to set during his tenure at the club, drawing a clear line between individual skill and what he considers unjustified spectacle. Former Pirates players who reacted to his initial remarks based their arguments on their own experience at the club, but Waddu insists that his responsibility lies with the current squad and the tasks set before him.

These tasks include competing for domestic titles as well as influencing at the African level, as Pirates currently participate in both the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League campaign. For Waddu, the message to his players remains simple: elegance is welcome if it contributes to achieving team goals, but victory must be the priority.

Significant changes have occurred in the Australian national team ahead of the three-match ODI series between Australia and South Africa, which kicks off on September 24th. The team suffered a major blow as fast bowler Billy Stanlake was excluded from the series due to injury.

All-rounder Jack Edwards has been included to replace Stanlake and will get the opportunity to make his ODI debut. Previously, Jack Edwards had only played one T20I match against Pakistan this year. At the time of the call-up announcement, he was in India with the Australia-A team, preparing for a four-day match against India-A in Puducherry. He was suddenly called up for the series against South Africa and will travel directly from India to Durban.

Billy Stanlake sustained a side strain during the second ODI against Zimbabwe, leaving the field in the fifth over. Following this, he was dropped from the series; he will undergo examination after returning to Australia. His absence has forced a change in the fast bowling tactics of the Australian team. Nevertheless, the team has backup options such as Pat Cummins, Michelle Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, and Javier Bartolet.

Furthermore, left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson has also been released from the Australian squad for the series against South Africa. Notably, Johnson is not injured. He participated in two matches of the three-match series against Zimbabwe and returned to the ODI squad approximately eighteen months later. On Sunday, Spencer Johnson helped Australia secure a tight victory over Zimbabwe by taking two wickets. Moreover, he partnered with Nathan Ellis for a 27-run partnership for the last wicket, securing the win.

Despite his contribution, the team management deemed him unnecessary for the series against South Africa. Next month, Johnson will play in a 50-over match for the Australia-A team in Puducherry. Pat Cummins and Michelle Starc will feature in the Australian fast bowling attack in Durban. Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, and Javier Bartolet will also be included in the squad. The first ODI between South Africa and Australia will take place on September 24th in Durban, the second on September 27th in Johannesburg, and the third on September 30th in Port Elizabeth.

The Uzbekistan women's football team defeated Hong Kong with a score of 2:1 in the third round of the group stage of the 2026 Asian Games, thereby securing a spot in the tournament playoffs.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

The goal was opened by Diyorahon Khabibullayeva in the 35th minute of the match. In the second half, Uzbekistan increased its advantage when Maftuna Shoymova converted a penalty.

Despite Hong Kong managing to equalize thanks to a goal from Chan Chun in the 55th minute, the team could not make a comeback, and Uzbekistan maintained the 2:1 victory.

Thanks to this win, Uzbekistan earned five points in Group G, having one victory, two draws, and no losses. The team finished second behind China and guaranteed its participation in the next stage of the competition.