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After drawing flak, FIFA relaxes water bottle policy for World Cup fans
FIFA announced that it will now allow fans to bring their own water bottles to some stadiums during the World Cup, adjusting a policy that had barred spectators from bringing refillable water bottles into the tournament’s 16 stadiums across North America, including some with limited or no shade from the sun.
FIFA in a social media post said fans will be permitted to bring one, soft, plastic, 20-ounce (590 milliliter), factory-sealed, disposable water bottle into any match taking place in the United States or Canada. truewildgame.com
In a video released by FIFA, Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said fans will still not be permitted to bring in hard sided, reusable water bottles “due to safety and security reasons."
FIFA stated on Friday, “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium."
FIFA’s stadium rules had stated that fans could bring in a transparent, reusable bottle up to one litre, or 33.8 ounces capacity.
On Thursday, the “Stadium Code of Conduct" update was criticised by an English fan group, which argued FIFA had given assurances on carrying empty plastic bottles to fill with freely available water at a tournament where heat and extreme weather are expected to be a factor.
Praggnanandhaa triumphs at Norway Chess in historic first for India
Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa etched his name in the history books as he became the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title with a final-round victory over Germany’s Vincent Keymer here, capping off a brilliant campaign in style.
Praggnanandhaa, who began the final day in third place with 15 points, delivered when it mattered the most, securing a classical win worth three full points to finish on 18 points and clinch one of the most coveted trophies in elite chess.
In doing so, the 20-year-old Chennai player achieved a feat that had eluded even Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand and reigning world champion D Gukesh among others, since the tournament’s inception in 2013.
Competing in Norway Chess for only the second time, Praggnanandhaa endured a slow start in the elite six-player field before gathering momentum in the second half of the event to secure four wins on the trot.
His campaign was highlighted by a remarkable achievement — defeating seven-time Norway Chess champion and World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen twice in classical chess — a rare accomplishment that underlined his determination to bounce back from the disappointment of an underwhelming Candidates Tournament in Paphos earlier this year.
As reigning world champion Gukesh fell out of contention in the closing stages, Praggnanandhaa ensured that India’s challenge remained alive, ultimately carrying it all the way to the title.
The result was made possible after American Grandmaster Wesley So, who led the standings with 15.5 points heading into the final round, was held to a draw in his classical game against Alireza Firouzja, sending their contest into an Armageddon tie-break.
That outcome opened the door for Praggnanandhaa, who knew that a classical victory over Keymer would propel him to the top of the standings and secure a landmark title.
Although Wesley So went on to win the Armageddon tie-break, the victory was worth only 1.5 points, taking his tally to 17 points — one short of Praggnanandhaa’s winning total of 18.
Alireza, who had also entered the final round with title hopes, finished third with 15.5 points.
Meanwhile, Gukesh’s disappointing campaign continued as his third appearance in the tournament ended without the breakthrough he had hoped for in a year when he is set to defend his world title against challenger Javokhir Sindarov.
In the final round, Carlsen, playing with the white pieces, defeated the 20-year-old Indian in a classical game to collect three full points. However, the victory was not enough to propel the Norwegian great into title contention, as he finished fifth in the standings with 13 points.
Shatterday for one, joy for another! BCCI set to announce captaincy change
Less than three months ago, Suryakumar Yadav led India to the T20 World Cup title, beating New Zealand in the final at Ahmedabad in March. However, on Saturday, when chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his selection committee meet to pick India’s T20 squad for the upcoming Ireland and England tours followed by the Asian Games, Suryakumar is all set to not just lose his captaincy but also his place in the squad.
It is learnt that Shreyas Iyer, who led three different franchises (Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings) to IPL finals, winning the trophy once, will take over as India T20I captain from his Mumbai Ranji teammate.
Former national chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar reckoned that a captain should be an automatic choice in the playing XI. “It’s up to the selectors, but a captain should be an automatic choice in the playing XI. First you [selectors] pick the team or XI players and then you select the best from them as a captain,” Vengsarkar told mid-day on Friday, when asked about the possibility of Suryakumar being replaced as captain.
Dilip Vengarkar and MSK Prasad
Another former chief selector MSK Prasad felt that the senior India players should be given a rest for the upcoming series, so there will automatically be a change of guard. “The senior players should be given a break. The World Cup stars didn’t do well at the IPL because the schedule leading into it was hectic. So, players like Surya, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Shivam Dube… all looked tired. A physical and mental break will help them rediscover their form. So, for the next six months, you can always keep trying new players,” Prasad told mid-day from his hometown in Guntur in Andhra Pradesh.
Meanwhile, teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection seems to be a no-brainer, felt both Vengsarkar and Prasad. “Vaibhav should be picked in India’s T20 team. He performed very well at the IPL [top scorer with 776 runs] and since this is the same white-ball format, I feel the selectors will pick Vaibhav. Vaibhav and Abhuishek [Sharma} can open while Sanju can bat at No. 3,” added Vengsarkar.
MSK also felt Vaibhav will be picked in the squad. “I think Vaibhav should find a place in the 15-member squad and slowly be drafted into the playing XI as that depends on situations, conditions and combinations,” MSK Prasad told mid-day over the phone from his hometown Guntur. India playing two T20Is against Ireland and five T20Is against England.
Skyline looks grey
Suryakumar Yadav’s recent performances
Asia Cup 2025 (Sep): Inngs: 6
Runs: 72
Average: 18.00
Away series vs Aus (Nov):
Innings: 4
Runs: 84
Average: 28.00
Home series vs SA (Dec): Innings: 4
Runs: 34
Average: 8.50
Home series vs NZ (Jan 2026):
Innings: 5
Runs: 242
Average: 80.67
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 (Mar):
Innings: 9
Runs: 242
Average: 30.25
IPL 2026
Innings: 13
Runs: 270
Average: 20.77
WI vs SL 2026 Live Streaming Info, 2nd ODI: When, Where, How to Watch West Indies vs Sri Lanka Live Score, TV Telecast, Mobile App Online
WI vs SL 2026 2nd ODI Live: Former world champions Sri Lanka have the rare opportunity to complete an ODI series win against West Indies when the two sides face off in the second ODI at the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica on Saturday night. If Kusal Mendis-led side can complete a win on Saturday night, it will be their first bilateral series win over West Indies in the last 23 years – the previous one coming in 2003.
Skipper Kusal Mendis led the way with a brilliant 72 in 62 balls with 4 sixes and 4 fours while in-form opener Pathum Nissanka chipped in with 79 in 103 balls with 1 six and 9 fours. Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage added blazing knocks of 45 and 44 not out respectively as the visitors piled on a massive total of 303 for 7 after batting first in the opening one-dayer.
In reply, Shai Hope’s side were never really in the hunt in the match in spite of their captain’s top-score of 56 off 66 balls. All-rounder Justin Greaves opened the batting and slammed 45 in 38 balls but the Windies middle-order was a disappointment including Mumbai Indians batter Sherfane Rutherford.
Sri Lankan pacer Sherfane Rutherford was the pick of the bowlers claiming 4/67 in 10 overs while Maheesh Theekshana scalped 2/26 in 10 overs. The Windies were bundled out for only 262 to lose the opening ODI by 41 runs to give former India head coach Gary Kirsten a winning start in stint with Sri Lanka.
Shai Hope’s team have lost all five of their last 5 ODI matches and will be desperate to end their losing run to keep the three-match series alive against Sri Lanka. The Lankans are likely go in with an unchanged playing 11, although Eshan Malinga – leading wicket-taker with Sunrisers Hyderabad – could get a game in place of Asitha Fernando.
Sri Lanka have a slight edge in head-to-head record in ODI cricket against West Indies with 33 wins as compared to 32 losses in 68 matches so far.
Filed under: Ridiculous catches
Catch all the action from the Sri Lanka Tour of the West Indies LIVE on FanCode #Cricket #WIvSL #ODI #Explore pic.twitter.com/S07weeW11v
— FanCode (@FanCode) June 4, 2026
Here are all the details about West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match…
When is West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match going to take place?
The West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match will take place on Saturday, June 6.
Where is West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match going to take place?
The West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match will be held at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.
What time will West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match start?
The West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match will begin at 1am IST. The toss for the match will be held at 1230am.
Where can I watch West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match on TV in India?
The West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match will not be available LIVE on TV in India.
How can I watch West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match in India?
The West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match will be available for livestreaming on FanCode website and app in India.
West Indies vs Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI match Predicted 11
West Indies: John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (c & wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Milan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando/Eshan Malinga
Pant’s decision to step down from LSG captaincy was not driven by issues within the team, but to focus on batting: Shahbaz Ahmed
Shahbaz Ahmed will be leading Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the ongoing Bengal T20 League. Shahbaz, who did not have a great IPL 2026 season for Lucknow Super Giants, has been recently included in the 30-member probable for the upcoming Asian Games.
The 31-year-old felt that Rishabh Pant’s decision to step down from LSG captaincy was not driven by issues within the team. According to Shahbaz, it was primarily to focus on his batting. In this exclusive chat with Revsportz, Shahbaz opens up on Pant’s captaincy, LSG’s disappointing season, inputs from Bharat Arun, competition with Harsh Dubey, his red-ball performance being underrated, and much more. Here are the excerpts:
What do you think was the reason behind Lucknow Super Giants’ disappointing IPL 2026 season?
Shahbaz Ahmed: I think Lucknow Super Giants had a very good squad. In the first half of the tournament, our bowling unit performed really well, but the batting unit struggled to put up big scores. In the second half, our batting improved significantly and we started scoring heavily, but our bowling could not consistently complement it. When batting and bowling do not click together, it becomes difficult to win matches. I do not think there was any major issue within the team. Personally, I did not get many opportunities this season, but I worked hard and gave my best. I believe that effort will pay off somewhere down the line.
Rishabh Pant recently decided to step down from LSG captaincy. Having played under him, how would you assess him as a captain?
Shahbaz Ahmed: Rishabh is a very good friend of mine. We played together in Delhi as well. However, when a team is not performing well, the captain naturally comes under scrutiny. Perhaps he felt that stepping down was the right decision for him. As far as I know, it was a personal decision rather than something driven by issues within the team. From what I have seen on social media, it appears to have been a personal decision, and perhaps he wanted to focus more on his batting.
Was there any frustration due to the lack of opportunities over the last two seasons at LSG?
Shahbaz Ahmed: Yes, over the last two seasons, I have not played much cricket for Lucknow. However, it is important to remember that I did get an opportunity in the first match as an Impact Player. Unfortunately, I could not perform well with either bat or ball. Perhaps after that, the management felt other options would be better for the team. Every player wants to play and contribute, but if you do not perform, there is no guarantee of a place in the playing XI. All 24 players in the squad are talented. I got my opportunity, but I could not make the most of it.
You mentioned the Impact Player rule. As an all-rounder, what is your view on it?
Shahbaz Ahmed: This debate comes up after every IPL season. I agree with what Sachin Tendulkar has said about the rule. Initially, I also felt that Impact Players reduced opportunities for all-rounders. However, when I look around now, India’s best all-rounders—such as Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Harsh Dubey—are playing regularly. What I do feel is that the rule puts additional pressure on bowlers. The extra batter gives batting units greater freedom to attack. As a result, bowlers are often under tremendous pressure, and nobody talks enough about that aspect. The batting side gets an extra cushion, which allows them to play more aggressively.
Last season in the Ranji Trophy, you scored more than 400 runs and took nearly 40 wickets. Do you feel your red-ball performances are underrated?
Shahbaz Ahmed: I have understood one thing about cricket: until your team wins, individual performances do not receive the same value. If Bengal had won the semi-final and then gone on to win the Ranji Trophy last season, those performances would have been appreciated much more. Selectors naturally focus on players who perform in winning teams. Therefore, I do not blame anyone. My aim is to help my team win trophies. If I can do that, recognition will follow automatically.
Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar have been rewarded with opportunities in the one-off test against Afghanistan. Do you ever feel you should have received similar opportunities?
Shahbaz Ahmed: Harsh and Manav have performed exceptionally well. They have done well in domestic cricket, India A cricket, and the IPL. They fully deserve the opportunities they are getting. Ultimately, it is the selectors’ decision. Different formats require different skill sets, and every format now has a slightly different team. There are plenty of opportunities for everyone. My focus is on performing wherever I play and ensuring the selectors continue to notice my performances.
How has your experience been working with Bharat Arun at LSG?
Shahbaz Ahmed: I did not play many matches this season, but after the first game, when I was left out, Bharat Arun Sir and I had several discussions. We spoke about my bowling, technical aspects, planning, and areas where I could improve. I asked him a lot of questions about how I could become a better cricketer and contribute more effectively. He gave me valuable advice. In fact, I learned a lot during the periods when I was not playing. Those conversations were particularly important for my bowling development. The best part was that I could speak openly with him. As an Indian coach with vast experience, he understands what players go through mentally and can guide them accordingly.
You will captain the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the Bengal Pro T20 League. How are you looking at this responsibility?
Shahbaz Ahmed: The last two seasons have not been great for the franchise. Although I played only one match last season, we analysed the shortcomings of the team in detail with the coaches and management. The auction allowed us to rebuild the squad. We have addressed several key areas and assembled a balanced team. Both the management and I are satisfied with the squad we have put together, and we are optimistic about the upcoming season.
Bengal appears to have been placed in a relatively easier group in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. What are your thoughts?
Shahbaz Ahmed: There is no such thing as an easy group or an easy opponent until you actually win the match. Even in the previous season, we had opportunities to progress further but could not capitalise on them. At this stage, we are waiting to see which players are selected, who is available, and how the squad shapes up before the season begins.
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The post Pant’s decision to step down from LSG captaincy was not driven by issues within the team, but to focus on batting: Shahbaz Ahmed appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.