Team Great Britain and the United States have been confirmed to feature in the men’s Twenty20 cricket tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games following the approval of a new qualification pathway.

The sport is preparing to make a highly anticipated return to the global sporting showcase for the first time since the Paris Games in 1900.

The International Olympic Committee has approved a framework that ensures one team from each of the five continents will secure a spot based on their international rankings at the end of 2026.

Qualification process outlined

Reigning world champions India and South Africa will join the host nation and the British squad in the exclusive six-team men’s competition.

Australia and New Zealand are set to battle for the solitary Oceania berth, while the American side will represent their region provided they maintain a top-15 global ranking.

Because the sport’s governing body does not recognise the West Indies as a single entity, a separate Caribbean regional qualifier will be held to determine which island nation progresses.

That Caribbean winner will subsequently enter a global qualifier against seven other high-ranked international teams to claim the final tournament place.

Women’s tournament takes shape

The women’s T20 event in California will mirror the men’s format with six participating nations.

Australia, Great Britain, South Africa, and India have already guaranteed their spots after being identified as the strongest continental performers during the ongoing World Cup.

Conversely, the American women’s team has been excluded from their home Games because no side from the Americas currently sits inside the top 15 of the world rankings.

Following next year’s Champions Trophy, the fifth Olympic spot will be awarded to the highest-ranked T20 team not yet qualified, before a global qualifier decides the final entrant.

The inclusion of the short-format game ends a 128-year Olympic hiatus, harking back to an era when a British outfit defeated France to claim the only cricketing gold medal in history.

Former England internationals Gary Neville and Ian Wright have raised serious concerns over Bukayo Saka’s fitness during the World Cup following the winger’s subdued performance in a 2-0 victory against Panama.

The Arsenal forward has been managing a persistent Achilles injury since the final weeks of the domestic season.

Consequently, the 24-year-old was restricted to brief substitute appearances during the Three Lions’ opening group stage fixtures against Croatia and Ghana.

Thomas Tuchel finally handed the attacker his first start of the tournament on Saturday evening.

Pundits question premature return

Saka was withdrawn after 63 minutes, shortly after Jude Bellingham had secured the opening goal of the match.

Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Neville suggested the usually vibrant forward is currently lacking his trademark competitive edge.

Bukayo Saka doesn’t look right at all. He’s usually the boy that’s bubbling and smiling, he’s got that competitive edge to him, but he’s not right and that’s a concern to us I think.

Fellow pundit and Arsenal legend Wright echoed these sentiments, questioning whether the medical staff have rushed the player’s recovery.

Only starting when we’re three games in, and still isn’t looking like the Saka that we know – this guy needs a break.

Tuchel faces mounting injury list

The England manager is already navigating a heavily depleted squad in the United States.

Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw before the tournament commenced, while Reece James missed the Panama fixture with a hamstring problem.

Despite these mounting fitness setbacks, the national side successfully topped Group L.

England will now travel to Atlanta to face DR Congo in the round of 32 on Tuesday evening.

A victory would secure a last-16 tie in Mexico City against either Mexico or Ecuador.

Eben Etzebeth has made an immediate return to the South Africa starting XV following suspension, with Manie Libbok trusted at fly-half for Saturday’s Nations Championship opener against England in Johannesburg.

The veteran lock was handed a lengthy ban after being sent off for an eye gouge in his last Test outing against Wales.

He has only featured once for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship since that controversial incident.

Libbok takes the reins as milestones reached

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for Libbok in the number 10 jersey ahead of Handre Pollard, capitalising on the absence of the injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Elsewhere in the backline, flying wing Cheslin Kolbe and dynamic full-back Damian Willemse are set to win their 50th international caps.

World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi leads a highly experienced side at Ellis Park against a visiting squad arriving on the back of four consecutive Six Nations defeats.

Erasmus anticipates bruising physical encounter

The Springboks boss praised the opposition and emphasised the need for a seasoned squad to match the looming challenge.

“England are a quality outfit, and we are expecting them to give everything they have in this match, so it was important to select a squad with experience combined with a few younger players, who have proved that they have what it takes to perform at this level.”

Rassie Erasmus

“England are a settled team, they come off a Six Nations campaign earlier in the season, and, similarly to us, they will also want to have a good start to this exciting new competition, so we are expecting it to be a bruising encounter.”

Lock crisis forces immediate return

The instant reinstatement of the most-capped player in Springbok history is partly necessitated by an escalating injury crisis in the engine room.

Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager are currently sidelined by a niggle and illness respectively, while RG Snyman remains a long-term absentee.

The world champions will also face Wales and Scotland in the coming weeks as they look to build momentum in this newly formed tournament.

South Africa starting XV to face England

Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Marco van Staden, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Andre Esterhuizen, Canan Moodie.

England equalled the highest successful run chase in Women’s T20 World Cup history to eliminate defending champions New Zealand with a nine-wicket victory at the Kia Oval on Sunday.

The group leaders comfortably overhauled a target of 164 with 16 balls to spare to secure top spot in Group B.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge anchored the spectacular pursuit with an unbeaten 89, marking her third half-century of the tournament.

Sophia Dunkley provided crucial support with 49 not out, sharing an unbroken 128-run partnership in front of a 21,018-strong south London crowd.

Wyatt-Hodge capitalises on crucial lifeline

The explosive opener was given a major reprieve on 13 when wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze failed to gather cleanly following an advancing heave.

That missed stumping proved incredibly costly as the in-form batter proceeded to dismantle the bowling attack with 15 fours and a six.

Standing in for injured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, Dunkley proved to be an excellent foil and staked a strong claim to retain her starting place.

The dynamic duo remained entirely unperturbed by a 20-minute rain delay, seamlessly resuming their onslaught to seal the victory.

End of an era for defending champions

Defeat ensures an early exit for the tournament holders, allowing the West Indies to claim second place in the group standings.

The result also brings the curtain down on the glittering international careers of veteran trio Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu.

The departing stalwarts take a combined 448 international T20 caps with them into retirement.

Despite a brief fightback featuring Devine’s rapid 30 from 14 deliveries, the visitors’ total of 163 for six ultimately proved inadequate.

Unbeaten streak sets up semi-final charge

The commanding performance secures a fifth consecutive tournament win for the squad, extending their overall winning streak in the format to seven matches.

Equalling a chase record previously set against Australia during their triumphant 2009 campaign will undoubtedly boost confidence within the camp.

The victorious side will now return to the Oval for the knockout stages on either Tuesday or Thursday.

Serie A side Como have submitted a £23m bid for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, while Everton and Inter Milan also pursue Premier League talent.

The Italian club have offered a lucrative package deal worth 27m euros for the 26-year-old Englishman.

However, the Blues are reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £30m before sanctioning a departure for their academy graduate.

Everton close in on Delap

Elsewhere in the top flight, Everton have emerged as the clear frontrunners to secure Chelsea striker Liam Delap.

The Merseyside club are actively working to agree personal terms with the 23-year-old forward ahead of a proposed move.

Across Europe, Inter Milan’s pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has stalled over a significant valuation gap.

The Reds are demanding £34.5m for the 25-year-old, whereas the Italian heavyweights are reluctant to exceed £21.5m given his contract expires next summer.

Brighton seek defensive cover

Brighton have tabled a £29m offer for 18-year-old Atalanta prospect Honest Ahanor.

The Seagulls are moving swiftly to fill the void left by Jan Paul van Hecke following the Dutch centre-back’s recent transfer to Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have entered a fiercely contested race to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.

The Spanish giants face stiff competition from both Liverpool and Paris St-Germain for the highly-rated 19-year-old Ivorian.

United plans hit by Ugarte injury

Manchester United’s midfield reinforcement strategy may require a drastic rethink following a concerning injury to Manuel Ugarte.

The 25-year-old Uruguay international was recently taken off on a stretcher during his nation’s World Cup defeat by Spain.

In other news involving the Red Devils, Marcus Rashford remains eager to secure a permanent return to Barcelona.

The 28-year-old forward enjoyed a loan spell with the Catalan side last season, but La Liga officials are prepared to wait until late in the window to conclude a deal.

International and European updates

Mauricio Pochettino has been offered a four-year contract extension to continue his tenure as manager of the United States men’s national team.

The Argentine tactician had recently been strongly linked with a potential return to English football.

In La Liga, Atletico Madrid are struggling to retain World Cup winner Julian Alvarez, who is pushing for a move to rivals Barcelona.

Further north, Newcastle United have cooled their interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha after discovering the Germany international is currently out of their price range.

Finally, Hull City are monitoring Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier, who is set to become a free agent when his Lille contract expires.

Venus and Serena Williams will reunite in the Wimbledon doubles draw after receiving a wild card for the 2026 championships at the All England Club.

The legendary American sisters are bidding to write another chapter in their remarkable history at the grass-court grand slam.

It has been a decade since the iconic duo captured the last of their six doubles titles together in SW19.

The unseeded pairing will face Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra in the first round.

‘Ready to go’ after historic success

Venus, who also boasts five singles triumphs at the tournament between 2000 and 2008, expressed immense excitement about the upcoming campaign.

“It’s very special indeed,” said the 46-year-old.

“We have had quite a history here and it’s nice to be back in 2026, so ready to go.”

“I’m excited we’re playing together and I can’t wait until we hit the courts.”

“As soon as she wanted to play doubles and we were playing doubles, that’s how it works.”

Conquering nerves on the grandest stage

Despite an astonishing combined haul of 23 grand slam titles across singles and doubles, the former world number one acknowledged that pre-match anxiety remains a factor.

“Yeah everyone gets those things,” she added.

“It’s a part of being human and that’s what makes sport so exciting, being able to conquer your own humanity, to get to the next level.”

“That’s why we all watch sport and that’s why we sometimes win or lose.”

Serena prepares for singles comeback

Alongside her doubles commitments, seven-time singles champion Serena is preparing for her first individual appearance in the women’s event in four years.

The 44-year-old has been drawn against Australian world number 53 Maya Joint in her opening match.

When questioned about her younger sibling’s current form, the elder Williams sister remained firmly confident in her abilities.

“Can you walk over to the courts and watch her play? That’s probably your best bet,” she replied.

“There is no doubt that she has nothing to prove, at all.”

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has accused his former agent of exacerbating his ongoing dispute with the franchise in a newly released online video.

The 27-year-old posted a three-and-a-half-minute clip to YouTube on Saturday, detailing a permanent breakdown in relations with the team.

He specifically pointed to his former representative, Ryan Williams, as the root cause of the fractured relationship.

The frustrated playmaker also claimed that general manager John Lynch recently visited his home unannounced to apologise for the actions of head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Offering no evidence for the visit, the pass-catcher stated the situation felt unsafe for him and his wife.

Desire to join Washington Commanders

During the broadcast, the unsettled star deliberately held up a football bearing the Washington Commanders logo.

He has made no secret of his wish to reunite with his former Arizona State college teammate, quarterback Jayden Daniels.

However, Washington cannot publicly express any interest in the player without violating strict NFL tampering regulations.

“We is not cool. We won’t be cool, and I will never be stepping in that building.”

He added that his only planned return to the 49ers facility would be as an opponent when Washington visits California on 19 October.

Contract voided after serious knee injury

The roots of this bitter standoff trace back to a devastating knee injury suffered during the 2024 season.

San Francisco voided the remaining guaranteed money on his four-year, $120m contract last July after he failed to attend mandatory rehabilitation sessions.

The All-Pro target had sustained a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in his right knee, which required extensive medical attention.

Following his refusal to report to the team facility, the NFC West franchise placed him on the reserve list in December.

With veterans scheduled to report to training camp on 25 July, a final resolution to this high-profile standoff appears imminent.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler expects to return to peak form following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery and wants to finish his career with the franchise.

The experienced wing is nearing the four-month mark in his recovery after tearing his right ACL during a January victory over the Miami Heat.

He underwent surgery on 9 February and has confidently predicted a major impact upon his eventual return to the court.

“I’m right back to who I’ve always been. I know I’m still going to be a top player whenever I get back,” Butler told ESPN.

“I have a couple good years left in me, and we’re going to ride it until the wheels fall off.”

Committing to the Warriors

The outspoken star was speaking in San Francisco at a corporate event for the California-based organisation.

During the panel, the 36-year-old expressed a strong desire to permanently remain alongside team-mate Stephen Curry.

“Retire here. This organization is top tier. It’s the best,” he added.

“You’re playing with one of the greatest players ever. I want to be able to do my part, get this organization back on top where we belong.”

Impact and injury timeline

Golden State originally acquired the dynamic scorer at the February 2025 trade deadline.

His arrival immediately sparked a stunning 23-8 run that culminated in a first-round playoff upset over the Houston Rockets.

However, a hamstring injury to Curry derailed their post-season ambitions that year, resulting in a second-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“It just sucks because we ain’t never really been healthy together,” the forward noted.

“Part of winning is being healthy. You ain’t seen us healthy at the end in the playoffs when it matters.”

Disaster struck again the following season just as the newly-acquired star was averaging over 20 points per game on premium efficiency.

His awkward landing in January completely altered the team’s trajectory under head coach Steve Kerr.

Without their prized mid-season acquisition, the squad ultimately tumbled to a 37-45 finish and suffered an early elimination in the NBA play-in tournament.

When will he return?

General manager Mike Dunleavy hopes to welcome the recovering athlete back for a mid-season boost early next year.

The franchise’s director of medicine, Rick Celebrini, traditionally takes a highly cautious approach with older players in the latter stages of rehabilitation.

While team-mate De’Anthony Melton returned from a similar injury at the 12-month mark, the injured star remains optimistic for an earlier comeback.

“I mean, hell, I hope it’s early season,” he concluded.