The independent Cricket Regulator has taken no action against Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson over the nightclub incident which led to them missing last week’s Test against New Zealand, finding “insufficient evidence” against the pair.

The ruling, which effectively clears the England captain and his team-mate, comes after the duo were recalled for Thursday’s Rothesay Series decider against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

A parallel investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board also absolved Stokes and Atkinson of any wrongdoing in an altercation involving Saracens rugby union player Totoa Auvaa, though they were issued with written conduct warnings for contravening “specific contractual obligations”.

The regulator, which does not cover team protocols in its remit, said in a statement: “The Cricket Regulator’s role is to determine whether any participant or player has breached any applicable ECB Cricket Regulations. The investigation followed multiple lines of enquiry to gather and assess evidence in relation to the events in question.

“Having carefully reviewed all currently available information, the Cricket Regulator has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish that any regulatory breach occurred. Accordingly, no further action will be taken against either player.

“The Cricket Regulator would like to thank all those involved for their cooperation throughout the investigation.”

Serena Williams of the U.S. returns the ball as she and Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova play during their round of 16 doubles match against New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe and Mexico’s Giuliana Olmo during the WTA 500 Berlin Open tennis tournament at Steffi Graf Stadium, in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

It’s been talked about ever since Serena Williams announced nearly three weeks ago that she was returning to professional tennis after almost four years away from the sport.

Still, seeing the single-sentence announcement from The All England Club that the 23-time Grand Slam champion will play singles at Wimbledon was stunning nonetheless.

“Serena Williams (USA) receives the final ladies’ singles wild card,” read the key line in Sunday’s announcement, which was issued eight days before the grass-court Grand Slam begins.

READ: Serena Williams defeated in Berlin Open ahead of Wimbledon return

This is not a drill.@serenawilliams will compete in the 2026 ladies’ singles at #Wimbledon as a wild card. pic.twitter.com/1vHnDEQ4xm

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 21, 2026

At age 44, Williams will actually play both singles and doubles at Wimbledon after already accepting a wild card for the doubles competition with older sister Venus.

“This is not a drill,” Wimbledon said on its social media accounts Sunday.

Commented the WTA Tour, “Name a more iconic return…we’ll wait.”

Wimbledon held open the eighth and final women’s singles wild card spot until Williams made up her mind. As recently as earlier this week after losing a doubles match in Berlin, she appeared to be waffling over the decision.

“Oh my gosh, there are some left?” she replied when she was told there was still a wild card spot open. Wild cards are special invitations handed out by tournament organizers, which allow former champions and others access to the main draw without the necessary entry qualifications. But then she mused about her readiness for it.

READ: Serena Williams makes winning comeback at Queen’s Club

“Do you think I’m ready for singles?” she asked a reporter and then turned to doubles partner Karolina Muchova to ask what she thought.

“I think I would be interested in it,” the Czech player responded.

“That’s the question of the hour, right?” Williams said. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I wonder why there’s — I don’t know.”

Well, now that Williams has made up her mind, the big remaining question is how she can physically handle singles play after so long.

Serena’s most recent singles match was a loss to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 U.S. Open. At the time, she said she didn’t want to use the word “retiring” and instead declared that she was “evolving” away from tennis. Her second daughter was born in 2023.

“Just finished a mean game of duck duck goose,” Williams said on X after the wild card announcement.

READ: Serena Williams returning to tennis at 44

Of Williams’ 23 Grand Slam titles in singles, seven have come at Wimbledon: in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016. She’s also won 14 Grand Slams in doubles, all with Venus, and six of them at Wimbledon.

Serena also swept the singles and doubles (with Venus) titles at the 2012 London Olympics, when the tennis competition was held on the hallowed grass of the All England Club.

At her last Wimbledon appearance in 2022, Serena was beaten in the opening round by 115th-ranked Harmony Tan in her first match since having to stop less than a set into her opening contest at the All England Club because of an injury the year before.

Serena won a doubles match with partner Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club last week but then the pair had to withdraw after Mboko injured her knee in a singles match.

In another doubles match at the Berlin Open on Tuesday, Serena and Muchova were beaten by Giuliana Olmos and Erin Routliffe.

As of Sunday, Serena had not entered the singles draws of any grass-court tuneup tournaments before Wimbledon.

She will learn who her first-round opponent is on Friday when the singles draws for Wimbledon are held.

While she’s No. 593 in the doubles rankings courtesy of her victory last week, Serena has no singles ranking after being away for so long.

Iga Swiatek is the defending Wimbledon champion, while Aryna Sabalenka is ranked No. 1.

Because Serena has no ranking, she could potentially face Swiatek, Sabalenka, or any other top-ranked player in the opening rounds.

David Benavidez has ruled out one fight in particular, despite Turki Alalshikh attempting to persuade him with a major opportunity.

The 29-year-old entered his first outing at 200lbs last month, becoming a three-weight world champion by dethroning Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO and WBA titles.

But while his emphatic sixth-round finish would suggest he is a natural cruiserweight, Benavidez clearly feels as though he could benefit from more experience at the weight.

As such, it is hardly surprising that he successfully lobbied the WBC to install him as the mandatory challenger at 200lbs, hoping to secure a three-belt unification match with fellow champion Noel Mikaelian.

The pair are now reportedly in deep negotiations to collide later this year, potentially leaving Zuffa champion Jai Opetaia without an opponent for his next outing.

Whatever the case, though, it certainly appears that Benavidez is eager to remain at cruiserweight, rather than challenge unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Despite coming off a sub-par performance against Rico Verhoeven, who he stopped in round 11 last month, Usyk is still widely considered the top dog of his division.

Reluctant to take a gamble against the Ukrainian, Benavidez has told Luis Parra that not even powerbroker Alalshikh can convince him otherwise.

“[Alalshikh] didn’t talk to me directly, [but] he was talking to the people around me and said he wanted to make that fight. But honestly, I have a lot of respect for Usyk, and I’m not ready for that right now.

“If he came down to cruiserweight then yeah, we could fight at cruiserweight. But I’m not moving up.”

Having been ordered to defend his WBC title against ‘interim’ champion Agit Kabayel, Usyk must now decide whether to pursue their mandated fight or vacate the belt.

To ensure a safe and sustainable return to cricket for women players post-pregnancy, the ICC on Monday announced guidelines to cover their early recovery after birth, structured training, and conditioning during a 16-week window before the comeback. The ‘Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines’ for female cricketers, outline a six ‘R’s framework: Ready, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine. “The approach covers early recovery after birth, medical and wellbeing reviews, gradual return to structured training, cricket-specific conditioning, return to play and ongoing monitoring once a player is back in the cricket environment,” the ICC stated in a press release.

The document speaks about having a dedicated ‘Case Manager’ for the players returning to competitive cricket post pregnancy.

The Case Officer should be either a doctor or a physiotherapist.

The early review would include comprise focus on psychological support in the players’ adjustment to life as a mother, followed by graded reintroduction of strength-based training. After eight weeks of these assessments, the player will return to running in collaboration with a doctor and physio.

A thorough monitoring of any symptoms including musculoskeletal and pelvic floor issues is done before the player is given the go ahead to return to action.

“No player should have to choose between motherhood and representing her country at the highest level. The ICC’s Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines are an important step in creating a more supportive and informed environment across the game,” ICC Chairman Jay Shah said.

“As women’s cricket continues to grow globally, it is essential that we protect player welfare, retain talented athletes and strengthen pathways for current and future generations. These Guidelines reflect our commitment to building a game where women can thrive, both on and off the field,” he added.

The ICC said its Guidelines are designed to be in line with local legislation, while supporting player welfare through “practical, physical and psychological guidance.” India’s labour laws allow a six month paid maternity leave for women.

The drafting of the Guidelines was led by ICC Medical Advisory Committee member, and Australia Team Doctor, Dr. Philippa Inge.

Dr Inge’s recommendations include flexible training environments, continued access to facilities and services, childcare advice, suitable spaces for feeding or caring for babies at playing venues, and travel support, where possible.

“The ICC’s Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines are designed to show players that having a baby doesn’t need to be the end of their career, and what we’re aiming to do with this policy is allow Member nations to facilitate the return to cricket for their players,” she said.

The West Indies’ Afy Fletcher, who is competing at the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup after giving birth to her son in 2021, believes these Guidelines will lead to more players being in a position to return to cricket after pregnancy.

“It gives you a chance to have your family and then return, so I think that’s one of the best things they could have done for women’s cricket,” she said.

Of her own return to cricket, Fletcher said: “Physical recovery was challenging but, more than that, I struggled to leave my child and miss creating precious moments.

“That’s why every moment I play on the field is driven by him. Every player’s journey is different, but you have to have strong support, get healthy and trust the process.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker will wear the number 15 beginning next NBA season.–Photo from Phoenix Suns’ X account

PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns’ five-time All-Star guard Devin Booker has changed his jersey number to No. 15 from No. 1 in honor of his dad Melvin Booker, who played professionally in the NBA and overseas.

The Suns released a video of Melvin and Devin Booker talking about the change on Sunday, which is Father’s Day.

READ: NBA: Devin Booker becomes Phoenix Suns’ all-time leading scorer

“I’ve been chasing 15 my whole career,” Booker said. “It’s always been a family number. Obviously (my dad) wore it and I looked at (him) as the blueprint for success.”

Booker has worn the No. 1 for his entire NBA career, but previously wore No. 15 while playing for the United States and winning two gold medals at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. He’s the Suns’ all-time leading scorer with 19,520 points in the regular season and playoffs over 11 NBA seasons.

Melvin Booker was a star guard in college at Missouri, where he was an All-America selection and Big Eight Player of the Year in 1994.

Spain became the first team in Group H to take control of its World Cup destiny after a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. The result has significantly altered the qualification picture, leaving Spain on four points and placing pressure on the remaining three nations ahead of the final round of fixtures.

With Uruguay playing out a draw vs Cape Verde later in the matchday, every point now carries huge significance in the race for the Round of 32.

Group H Standings

Spain: One Foot in the Knockout Stage

Spain’s emphatic win has placed Luis de la Fuente’s side in a commanding position. La Roja now lead the group with four points and a superior goal difference of +4.

What Spain Need 

• 
  A win against Uruguay guarantees first place in Group H.
• 
  A draw against Uruguay will almost certainly secure qualification.
• 
  Even a defeat may still be enough depending on the Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia result.

The result moves Marcelo Bielsa’s side to two points from two matches, leaving their qualification hopes in their own hands heading into a decisive final group-stage clash against Spain.

A victory over Spain would almost certainly secure qualification and could even open the door to a first-place finish depending on other results. A draw would keep Uruguay in the race but may leave them relying on goal difference or other outcomes elsewhere in the group.

Defeat against Spain, however, would leave Uruguay facing a difficult wait and could bring their World Cup campaign to an early end. With everything still to play for, the final round of Group H fixtures promises to be decisive for La Celeste.

With qualification still within reach, Cape Verde head into the final matchday knowing that a historic knockout-stage appearance remains a realistic possibility.

Saudi Arabia: Facing an Uphill Battle

Saudi Arabia’s heavy defeat to Spain has left them bottom of the group on goal difference.

What Saudi Arabia Need 

• 
  They must avoid defeat against Cape Verde in the final game.
• 
  A win would take them to four points and keep qualification hopes alive.
• 
  A draw may leave them dependent on goal difference and results elsewhere.
• 
  A loss would eliminate them.

The -4 goal difference could become a major obstacle in any tie-breaking situation. 

Qualification Outlook

Spain are overwhelming favourites to progress after their dominant victory. The battle for the second automatic qualification spot appears set to be decided between Uruguay and Cape Verde, while Saudi Arabia now need a strong response in their final fixture to stay alive.

With one round of matches remaining after Uruguay vs Cape Verde, Group H remains open, but Spain have placed themselves firmly in control of the race to the knockout stages.

MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)

As the tennis world gears up for another edition of Wimbledon, India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson drew interesting parallels between some of cricket’s biggest icons and modern tennis stars, while also reflecting on India’s recent World Cup successes and the challenge posed by Australia.Speaking ahead of the grass-court major, Samson was asked which cricketer best resembled tennis legend Roger Federer. The Kerala batter immediately pointed to former India captain MS Dhoni, citing the effortless elegance and composure that defined both sporting greats.“The Roger Federer of cricket? It has to be MS Dhoni. He is very calm and composed in the way he goes about his business. When he performs, it looks effortless yet very powerful,” Samson told JioStar.Samson also saw similarities between Virat Kohli and Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, highlighting the aggressive and dynamic nature of their games.“Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, is very explosive, much like how Virat bhai started. Maybe Virat Kohli can be compared to Alcaraz. He is very aggressive and full of power and explosiveness.”The India batter also looked back on a landmark period for Indian cricket when the women’s team lifted its maiden ODI World Cup before the men’s side followed up with a T20 World Cup triumph on home soil just months later.“We were all watching the final. My family members and everyone else were glued to the TV. It was a special moment for all of us in the country. We had been waiting for it for a long time,” Samson, who was named the Player of the Tournament, said.“We knew we were capable of winning the World Cup, yet while we were so close, we were very far. I was very happy for all the players in the team. There was so much hard work behind it and so many great stories within the squad itself. It was a proud moment for all of us.“I think the standards were set very high for us. They won the World Cup and put us on a stage where we felt that we could do the same in India. It was a great moment that both World Cups happened in India and that we won them. So, yes, that victory definitely played a part.”With the Indian women’s team currently competing in the T20 World Cup in England and preparing to take on six-time champions Australia, Samson acknowledged the legacy of the Australian side while noting how India’s stature has changed over the years.“A lot of respect goes to the Australian team. I think the reason we hold them in such high regard is that they were the most dominant cricketing nation when we were growing up.“Every World Cup seemed to be won by Australia. But now, I think the roles have reversed. We are the champions, and we play and compete with the same attitude. So, yes, there is a lot of respect for them as an opponent.”Former India tennis player Rohan Bopanna also weighed in on Wimbledon, naming defending champion Jannik Sinner as his pick for the men’s singles crown and Elena Rybakina as his favourite for the women’s title.“It’s such a tough question; the field is so open. But I have to go with defending champion Jannik Sinner for the men’s tournament. Among women, I would pick Elena Rybakina,” he said.Bopanna also spoke about the special place Wimbledon holds in his career and memories.“Wimbledon is a magical dream because I grew up watching only that. Back home, we only used to watch Wimbledon. In fact, television only broadcast Wimbledon.“So, for me to go there and not only be present but also play on those courts was absolutely amazing. I also played in an era when the three greatest tennis players of our generation, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, were competing.“Sharing locker rooms with them and simply being there was better than a dream, actually.”

FIFA World Cups are usually remembered for moments that become part of football history, a stunning goal, an unlikely upset or a player who captures the imagination of millions.

But as the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds across North America, two of Africa’s biggest stars find themselves on a different kind of journey.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey arrived at the World Cup as two of the pillars of their respective teams. Yet beyond the pressure of group-stage matches and the dream of a deep run lies another reality.

Both men face legal battles that will continue beyond the World Cup, creating a rare intersection between football’s biggest stage and proceedings that have unfolded over several years. 

Both players deny the allegations against them and remain available for selection.

Two leaders carrying their countries’ hopes

For Morocco, Hakimi is far more than a right-back. The 27-year-old has become one of the faces of the national team since helping the Atlas Lions reach the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago. Now captain, he remains central to Morocco’s ambitions of repeating that success.

Partey occupies a similar place in Ghanaian football. The 33-year-old has been one of the Black Stars’ most influential figures for nearly a decade, and his experience is viewed as crucial in a group containing England, Croatia and Panama.

Their importance to their teams meant Morocco and Ghana stood by their stars despite the legal cases hanging over both players.

Hakimi’s case advances during the tournament

Hakimi’s case dates back to February 2023, when a woman accused the Paris Saint-Germain defender of rape following an alleged incident at his home near Paris. French authorities subsequently opened an investigation and placed the player under formal examination.

Hakimi consistently denied the allegations and maintained that the encounter had been consensual.

The investigation continued while he carried on with his club and international career. Over the next three years, he helped Paris Saint-Germain win domestic honours and led Morocco into another World Cup campaign.

Earlier this year, an investigating judge ordered that the case proceed to trial. Hakimi challenged the decision, but just days before Morocco’s meeting with Scotland at the World Cup, the Versailles appeals court upheld the ruling, confirming that he would stand trial. A date has yet to be fixed.

Partey’s long-running case

The legal process involving Partey stretches back even further. British police began investigating allegations against the midfielder in 2022. For years, the investigation remained largely in the background as Partey continued playing in England and later moved to Spain.

In July 2025, prosecutors charged the former Arsenal midfielder with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty.

Two additional rape charges were added earlier this year, bringing the total number of charges to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Partey has denied all allegations and is expected to stand trial next year.

The proceedings even affected his World Cup preparations. Canadian authorities denied him entry for Ghana’s opening match against Panama, leading him to miss the game.

However, he was granted entry to the United States and is expected to feature during the remainder of the tournament.

Football and the presumption of innocence

The cases have also exposed the absence of any clear football-wide approach.

Unlike doping offences or suspensions for misconduct on the pitch, criminal proceedings do not automatically prevent players from representing their countries. In most cases, the decision is left to national associations, which are often forced to balance sporting considerations with broader ethical questions.

Those who support the continued involvement of players facing charges point to the principle that accusations alone should not amount to punishment. Both Hakimi and Partey have denied the allegations, and neither has been convicted.

Others argue that football has frequently treated elite players differently from other professions, where employees facing allegations of serious misconduct are often suspended pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

They contend that continuing to select such players raises uncomfortable questions about the message sent to victims of sexual violence and whether success on the pitch is being prioritised above all else.

The debate is hardly new, but it has followed the World Cup to North America.

The issue has travelled with the tournament

During Morocco’s group-stage match against Scotland, sections of the Scottish support jeered Hakimi whenever he touched the ball, ensuring events away from football became part of the atmosphere inside the stadium.

Partey’s preparations were affected differently. Canadian authorities denied him entry for Ghana’s opening match against Panama, forcing him to miss the game. However, he was able to enter the United States and is expected to return for the meeting with England.

His availability has prompted discussions in England as well. Thomas Tuchel has stressed the need for his players to focus solely on football, while the Football Association has left any decisions surrounding pre-match handshakes to the players themselves.

Not entirely without precedent

 
Football has witnessed similar situations before, with off-field legal proceedings occasionally unfolding alongside players’ careers.

Yet rarely have two players so central to their national teams arrived at the same World Cup with rape trials still lying ahead.

That coincidence has made Hakimi and Partey’s stories one of the tournament’s more distinctive and uncomfortable threads.