Cricket

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — England test captain Ben Stokes said he opted out of the bidding in the Indian Premier League to prioritize playing international cricket in what he described as the “back end” of his career.

NEW DELHI, India (AP) — A 13-year-old cricketer from India’s northern state of Bihar could become the sport's latest Twenty20 batting sensation.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The Indian Premier League is the most popular and richest domestic Twenty20 cricket competition in the world. Stadiums are heaving. Millions more are watching. Team owners are celebrities.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League after the wicketkeeper-batter was sold for $3.2 million to Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday.

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Rain ruined New Zealand hopes of a consolation win against Sri Lanka after washing out the third and final one-day international on Tuesday.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A top Pakistan Cricket Board official is ready to talk to India to ease concerns about playing in the 2025 Champions Trophy, saying there is no “reason for them not to visit.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The International Cricket Council informed Pakistan that India has declined to play any Champions Trophy games in the country next year, a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson confirmed on Sunday.

SYDNEY (AP) — England cricketing great Ian Botham was saved by his former Ashes rival Merv Hughes after a fall into crocodile-infested waters while on a fishing trip in northern Australia.

SYDNEY (AP) — England cricketing great Ian Botham was saved by his former Ashes rival Merv Hughes after a fall into crocodile-infested waters while on a fishing trip in northern Australia.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP) — Phil Salt raced to a century from 53 balls as England completed a record run chase Saturday to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the first Twenty20 international.