India vs Pakistan (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Ahmed Shehzad has sparked controversy by accusing the Board of Control for Cricket in India of not allowing the International Cricket Council to directly conduct doping tests on Indian players. His comments came during the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, after India national cricket team had reached the semi-finals.Speaking on a Pakistani channel, Shehzad claimed that India handles its own anti-doping checks instead of relying on the ICC’s testing system.

He alleged that the Indian board prefers to conduct the tests itself because it does not trust outside technology. “ICC does the dope tests [sic] for the entire world except India. Their own board does it for them. Sir, they don’t give it to the ICC; they say we have our own board, which would determine. The Indians have said that we don’t trust any technology outside, we have good technology, so we would do the dope test for our own players,” Shehzad said.However, international cricket follows strict anti-doping rules based on the standards of the World Anti-Doping Agency. The ICC has been a signatory to the WADA Code since 2006, meaning players across the world are subject to strict testing rules.The ICC conducts both in-competition and out-of-competition tests, often without prior notice. Specially trained officers collect blood or urine samples, which are split into two parts called “A” and “B” samples and tested at WADA-accredited laboratories. If the first sample shows a banned substance, the player is provisionally suspended and can request the second sample to be tested. If the result is confirmed, the player can face a long ban from cricket.Meanwhile, the BCCI’s anti-doping system works under National Anti-Doping Agency, which the board joined in 2019. Since NADA also follows WADA rules, Indian players are still tested under the same global anti-doping standards used in international sport.

The Minnesota Vikings will reportedly release Aaron Jones next week if it cannot find a trade partner — it probably won’t find a trade partner — meaning the 31-year-old will need a new employer. According to Bleacher Report, that team should be the Washington Commanders.

Washington’s depth chart, Dan Quinn’s style, and Jones’ skill set line up if Minnesota indeed chooses a clean break this offseason.

The Commanders have Jacory Croskey-Merritt tentatively on deck for RB1, but Jones would provide solid depth.

Washington’s Backfield Could Open the Cleanest Lane for Jones

Jones is on the cusp of finding his third NFL squad.

BR: Best Fit for Jones Is WAS

Jones will be a salary cap casualty for the Vikings, and BR’s Alex Kay sized up the best landing spots for those style players in free agency.

On Jones, Kay explained the Washington fit, “Jones would fit well with the Washington Commanders as an early-down, tone-setting rusher who can identify holes and hit them with power, generating consistent offense and moving the chains.”

“The Commanders may have Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the mix, but the breakout rookie is best deployed as a dynamic change-of-pace option who can provide the lightning to Jones’ thunder in a backfield platoon.”

Another Vikings personality recently joined the Commanders: coach Daronte Jones, who got his first crack at an NFL defensive coordinator job this season in the nation’s capital.

Kay added about Jones, “Washington was missing a competent running mate for Croskey-Merritt last year, having traded Brian Robinson Jr. before the 2025 season kicked off and subsequently losing Austin Ekeler to a season-ending injury in Week 2. Jones would be an ideal starter who could handle approximately 10 touches a game to keep defenses honest and set the table for Croskey-Merritt home runs.”

A Signing Fitting Washington’s M.O.

In 2024, Washington — out of nowhere — raced to the NFC Championship, led by rookie passer Jayden Daniels. How’d they do it? Well, Daniels’s efficiency paved the way, but after him, the heavy-hitters were largely older veterans.

The Commanders have a knack for acquiring older players — they’re not afraid of it — evidenced by Bobby Wagner, Austin Ekeler, Frankie Luvu, and Marshon Lattimore, to name a few. This is what Washington does when it needs roster depth.

Crosky-Merritt is, of course, still quite young, but as a stabilizer, Jones would do the trick, as he’ll turn 32 in December.

Other Fits?

Considering his history and current roster situations, several teams could be potential destinations for Aaron Jones.

Pittsburgh seems like a natural fit. The Steelers are now led by Mike McCarthy, Jones’s former head coach in Green Bay. Adding to the familiarity, the new PIT offensive coordinator, Brian Angelichio, previously coached tight ends for the Vikings, and Frank Cignetti Jr., a senior offensive assistant for the Steelers, once served as the Packers’ quarterbacks coach in 2018, working with Aaron Rodgers, who is also a former teammate of Jones and may be the Steelers’ QB1 again in 2026.

Furthermore, with running back Kenneth Gainwell entering free agency, Pittsburgh has an opening for a veteran presence in its backfield. The Steelers’ existing familiarity with Jones could facilitate a smooth transition.

Jacksonville also presents an appealing option. With Travis Etienne, their current RB1, likely seeking a new contract elsewhere, the Jaguars might elevate Bhayshul Tuten after his promising rookie season in 2025. Behind Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr. lacks significant experience, leaving the offense in need of a proven veteran like Jones. Grant Udinski, Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator, previously worked with Jones as Minnesota’s assistant quarterbacks coach in 2024. Jacksonville’s need for a reliable runner and the potential for available touches alongside Tuten make it an attractive destination for Jones.

Finally, a return to Green Bay remains a possibility. After seven seasons with the Packers, Jones has a strong connection with the fans. Should he seek a new team, the Packers could bring him back as the RB2 behind Josh Jacobs. The familiarity between Jones and the organization would make this reunion a straightforward move.

The Vikings’ Plan without Jones

Jordan Mason is tentatively in line to assume RB1 duties for the 2026 Vikings, but it’s early in the process. From free agency, Minnesota could ink the aforementioned Etienne, Kenneth Walker III, or Rico Dowdle — the big-name options.

In the draft, assuming Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love flies off the board before pick No. 18 — he probably will — men like Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Emmett Johnson (Nebraska), Jonah Coleman (Washington), Nick Singleton (Penn State), and Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas) will be available between Round 2 and 4.

In all likelihood, Minnesota will grab a rookie runner this go-round. They haven’t drafted a productive one since the days of Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, and that was in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

The Vikings will face the Commanders at U.S. Bank Stadium in 2026.

The Minnesota Vikings do not have a pressing urge to trade outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, and he may stay put when it’s all said and done. That’s the word from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday after news broke that Greenard could be shipped elsewhere this offseason.

Greenard’s pressure rates stayed strong in 2025, and the Vikings now weigh extension cost against possible draft-pick value.

Greenard’s guaranteed money ran out in 2025, and, in theory, the Vikings could trade him for a handsome draft pick if they don’t have the cash in the budget for a long-term extension.

Greenard’s Market Value vs. Minnesota’s Cap Situation

More context on the new Greenard rumor mill.

Schefter: Vikings Don’t Want to Trade Greenard but It May End That Way

Foremost, “half the league” is reportedly interested in Greenard, as NFL teams are always in the market for top-tier pass rushers, especially those that also defend against the run. That’s Greenard.

Schefter also said about the Greenard trade sweepstakes on The Pat McAfee Show Thursday, “I think that there’s a case where I don’t think the Vikings really want to deal him, but it’s one of those cases where, if there’s a team that offers enough to go get him, and I think it would be a Day Two pick, so a second or a third, I think Minnesota, because of the financial questions and issues there, is gonna have to consider.”

“My guess is, in the end, when these things usually happen, when you hear about a player that a team is open to trading, when there have been discussions, when that happens like usually a trade happens, so I would say it’s probably more likely than not, but Minnesota knows how good he is, and I can tell you, isn’t going to be thrilled about giving him up.”

The verdict: Minnesota doesn’t want to lose Greenard but might have to because of the financial crunch created by former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

The Compensation

The translation of Schefter’s comments — a Day Two pick — means the Vikings want nothing less than a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick for Greenard. The Chicago Bears just shipped 28-year-old wide receiver D.J. Moore and a 5th-Round pick to the Buffalo Bills for a 2nd-Rounder. Anything is possible in the current climate.

What Greenard won’t fetch? A 1st-Rounder. He’ll turn 29 this year, and an EDGE rusher who just logged 3 sacks in 12 games is not worth 1st-Round capital in the eyes of general managers.

However, in theory, Minnesota could send Greenard and its 18th overall pick to a team with a Top 10 draft pick, and boom, the Vikings could select a blue-chip player. That’s on the table.

Two months ago, Greenard was whispered as a theoretical trade piece in a deal for Joe Burrow, though that was just fan fiction. Perhaps if Burrow personally requested a trade in the coming days or weeks, the Vikings could send multiple 1st-Rounders and Greenard to Cincinnati for Burrow.

Overall, expect something in the ballpark of a 3rd-Rounder if Minnesota is forced to trade Greenard.

Greenard’s Body of Work in MIN

In 2025, Greenard earned a 74.2 Pro Football Focus grade, a respectable mark for an EDGE defender. Despite missing five games, he ranked 17th in quarterback hurries and 31st in total pressures, demonstrating his ability to consistently disrupt the pocket.

However, his sack production presented a different picture. Greenard recorded the aforementioned 3 sacks in 12 games, a pace of just four over a full season. This represented a significant drop-off for a starting EDGE rusher, particularly one coming off a Pro Bowl season. Vikings fans often noted Greenard’s near misses, observing that he often beat blockers and forced errant throws but struggled to finish plays.

Now, the Vikings’ front office faces a crucial question: was 2025 an outlier, or a sign of declining performance? If Greenard rebounds and returns to double-digit sack production, a contract extension would be warranted, as a pass rusher with his disruptive capabilities is a valuable asset to any defense.

Alternatively, if the front office believes the decreased sack numbers indicate a deeper issue, trading Greenard for a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick becomes a viable option. This would allow Dallas Turner to step into a larger role, while the team could add a veteran rotational outside linebacker through free agency, potentially targeting players like Arden Key or Von Miller.

Championship-caliber teams typically prioritize accumulating pass rushers rather than shedding them, as pressure on opposing quarterbacks is absolutely essential for defensive success. The Vikings moving on from a proven disruptor would signal a strong belief in the existing talent on the roster: Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel.

Parallels to the Danielle Hunter Situation

About 5-6 years ago, Minnesota encountered this precise situation. Danielle Hunter had signed a sweet extension in 2018, and by 2020, the deal felt outdated. Hunter held out for money, and the Vikings eventually met him halfway by adding more guaranteed cash to his contract.

Greenard’s deal — $19 million per year — was fair in 2024. Now, the best players at Greenard’s position earn $46 million annually. The Vikings must decide if paying Greenard between $27 million and $30 million — his market value — is wise for roster construction when Turner is hungry to start.

And thanks to Schefter, it is known that they prefer not lose Greenard.

Confederation of African Football has said it will reveal the host country for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations within the next 48 hours.

The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty about where the tournament will take place. Morocco was earlier chosen to stage the competition, but reports have suggested the North African country may no longer be fully ready to organise the event.

CAF communications officer Luxolo September shared the update on social media on Wednesday. He explained that the football body has been holding several meetings over the issue.

He wrote that CAF would soon communicate its decision on the situation and added that the matter is receiving urgent attention from the organisation’s leadership.

For more than six weeks, doubts have surrounded the hosting plans for the tournament. Morocco was expected to organise the competition for the third straight time after previously staging the event.

However, fresh speculation started after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. That competition ended with controversy, as some teams raised concerns about officiating decisions during matches involving the host nation.

Although CAF president Patrice Motsepe earlier stated that Morocco would host the 2026 tournament, the absence of a formal confirmation afterwards has increased uncertainty among football stakeholders.

Meanwhile, South Africa has openly said it is ready to step in if Morocco decides to withdraw from hosting duties. The country’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, recently criticised Morocco and accused the country of creating problems for CAF over the tournament.

The delay has also raised concerns among participating teams, including defending champions Nigeria Super Falcons, who are preparing to defend their title after beating Morocco in the last final.

With the planned kick-off in April drawing closer, CAF’s expected announcement is hoped to bring clarity for teams, organisers and broadcasters after weeks of speculation about the tournament’s host.

The Netherlands Women and Ireland Women will battle for three points in a 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier on Saturday (March 7th). The game will be played at Stadion Galgenwaard.

The hosts are coming into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw away to Poland, also in the qualifiers. They went behind to Ewa Pajor’s 24th-minute strike but drew level through Veerie Buurman in the 44th minute. Jill Roord put the Netherlands ahead two minutes into the second half, but Paulina Tomasiak equalized with six minutes left in regulation time.

Ireland, meanwhile, let a lead slip with 19 minutes to go in a 2-1 defeat at home to France. They went into the break in the lead thanks to Katie McCabe’s 12th-minute strike. Melvine Malard equalized in the 71st minute before completing the comeback eight minutes later.

The loss left The Girls in Green at the foot of Group 2 after one game with zero points. The Netherlands are third.

Netherlands Women vs Ireland Women Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

• The Netherlands are unbeaten in three head-to-head games, winning twice.
• This will be their first meeting since April 2018, when the Netherlands claimed a 2-0 away win in a 2019 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
• Ireland’s last six games have produced three goals or more, with each of the last four head-to-head games having witnessed goals at both ends.
• The Netherlands have scored at least two goals in four of their last six games.
• The Netherlands remained in 11th spot in the last FIFA Women’s World rankings. Ireland are 27th.
• Ireland Women form guide: L-W-L-W-L Netherlands Women form guide: D-W-W-W-D

Netherlands Women vs Ireland Women Prediction

The Netherlands did not have the best start to their World Cup qualification charge. But they are the firm favorites to claim maximum points here and rekindle their quest to qualify for a fourth successive World Cup.

The Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, made their World Cup debut at the last tournament in 2023 and will be looking to make it consecutive Mundials. They have alternated between a loss and a victory across their last five games, and fans will hope this trend continues.

We are backing the home side to claim a comfortable victory with goals at both ends.

Prediction: Netherlands Women 3-1 Ireland Women

Netherlands Women vs Ireland Women Betting Tips

Tip 1 -The Netherlands Women to win

Tip 2 – Both teams to score

Tip 3 – Over 2.5 goals