Mumbai: Punjab Kings' vice-captain and prominent IPL batter Shashank Singh has decided to move from Chhattisgarh to Pondicherry for the 2026-27 season."Shashank Singh and Prasad Pawar (Mumbais wicketkeeper-batsman) will be Pondicherrys guest players in the upcoming domestic season. We will finalise a third guest player in a couple of weeks," Cricket Association of Pondicherry's former president P Damodaran told TOI on Sunday.Yes, Im quitting Chhattisgarh. Ive taken the NOC from CSCS and am moving to Pondicherry from the 2026-27 season. I suffered serious shoulder and finger injuries (fracture on the right finger) last season, but the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh didnt support me at all in this phase. Post the season, they didnt put my name in the list of players for the Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League 2026, and my name was also missing in the Chhattisgarh squad which travelled to Bengaluru (Alur) for a pre-season camp. I asked why they didn't put my name. There was no response, Shashank told TOI on Sunday.I was told that I only want to play in the IPL, and not for Chhattisgarh in domestic cricket. The reality is that just last year (in Feb 2025), I was adjudged as India's best all-rounder in the white-ball circuit by the BCCI, when I was named as the recipient of the prestigious Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All-Rounder in Domestic Limited Overs Competitions for the 2023-24 season, Shashank said.The 34-year-old all-rounder had struck 450 runs and taken 11 wickets in seven matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and scored 188 runs in seven games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in the 2024-25 season.Shashank is now focusing on becoming a proper white-ball all-rounder this season. My body is still fresh. This is why I am focusing more on white-ball cricket, and taking a break from red-ball cricket for this season. I am a proper all-rounder. Im focusing on bowling my full quota of four overs in T20 cricket, for both Pondicherry and for Punjab Kings in the IPL, Shashank said.The veteran player was in the news for the wrong reasons recently after he and his father, Shailesh Singh, a retired Special Director General of Police, faced an FIR for alleged assault and verbal abuse of their cook named Vipendra Singh. Shashank has, though, denied the allegations. Ive been cleared of all the allegations, he stressed.Shashank had played a key role in Punjab Kings' run to the IPL-2025 final, scoring 350 runs at a strike rate of 153.51, including an unbeaten 61 off just 30 balls in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Having moved from Bhilai to Mumbai at the age of 16, Shashank played for the DY Patil team in Mumbai's local tournaments. The all-rounder made his Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy debuts for Mumbai in 2015. However, he played just three List A games for Mumbai, whom he represented till 2018. At the age of 27, he switched back to Chhattisgarh.From 2019 onwards, Shashank was a regular in the Chhattisgarh side across formats. In 24 first-class games for the state, he has scored 905 runs at an average of 29.9 and taken 16 wickets at 47.87 with his medium pace. In List A cricket, he has better numbers: 1,054 runs in 35 matches at 40.53 and 37 wickets, while in T20s he averages 25.55 with the bat. In the 2023-24 season, he became the first Indian to score 150-plus runs and take five wickets in the same List A game, a feat he achieved against Manipur.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 30: Luis Garca Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals reacts with third base coach Victor Estevez #7 as he rounds third base after hitting a solo homer in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesWith the trade deadline just a day away, I wanted to make a few final predictions on what the Nats will do. I think this series pretty much sealed the Nats fate as sellers. However, I do still think they could look for some controllable bullpen help. Here is a look at what the Nats will do, as well as what they wont do.My first prediction is that the Nats will trade Luis Garcia Jr. to the Diamondbacks. There has been a lot of smoke around that fit for a while now. Bob Nightengale put out that the D-Backs would love to have Garcia. The fit just makes too much sense. Arizona badly needs a first baseman, and they have some solid prospects to offer.Trade deadline notes, per @BNightengale: Dbacks would love to acquire Luis Gracia Jr. and Casey Mize Astros had jumped into Tarik Skubal sweepstakes; more realistically would be pleased to get Robbie Ray Red Sox expected to trade Jarren Duran this winter Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 2, 2026In a Garcia to the D-Backs deal, I think the return will be pitching based. The two key pieces in my mock trade are Patrick Forbes and Brian Curley. Both are 2025 draft picks with big upside. Forbes was the 29th pick in the 2025 draft who possesses a big fastball/slider combination. He has prototypical size, and while he has spent much of this season injured, he is healthy now. Forbes has mid-rotation upside.Curley is a unique pitching prospect thanks to his 510 size. Despite his short frame, Curley can run his heater into the upper 90s and can even top out at 100. This season he has 102 strikeouts to just 23 walks in 84.2 innings. However, he has been shockingly hittable with a .292 average against. This is still an intriguing arm who could be an exciting bullpen piece or a back end starter.My second prediction is that Foster Griffin will also be on the move to the Rays. In my mock trade, the package will be centered around Michael Forret and Andreimi Antunez. We talked about Forret the other day in our Griffin trade package piece. His deep mix and feel for pitching makes him a safe bet to be a number 4 starter.Foster Griffin, K'ing the Side in the 1stand Sword pic.twitter.com/O2RTedhIx1 Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 5, 2026Antunez is a young infielder who is more of a lottery ticket. The 19 year old had an .829 OPS with more walks than strikeouts in the FCL. He just got promoted to Low-A, and seems like a prospect with plenty of helium. Antunez is a well rounded profile who can do a bit of everything, which the Nats seem to like. Overall, I think this is a fair return for Griffin, who is a rental.One player who I do not think is going anywhere is CJ Abrams. Toboni will listen to offers, but in the end, I do not think he will pull the trigger. Boston may come close, but in the end, it just will not happen. Abrams just means too much to this team and this city. Unless the offer is just too good to refuse, a trade is not happening. In the end, I do not think Toboni gets that godfather offer he is looking for.A trade could happen in the offseason, but I hope the two sides have real dialogue on an extension. With changes to the CBA coming, there is a chance extensions could be easier for teams to pull off in the new baseball world. For that reason, and the fact the Nats are not years away, I think they hold off on an Abrams trade.Despite the losing lately, I still think the Nats pull off one buying move for a reliever. I am not that confident in this prediction, but I think the Nats land Sam Bachman of the Angels for Luke Dickerson and Yeremy Cabrera.Bachman has not put everything together yet, but he has shown flashes of being a late inning weapon. The former top 10 pick has a 99 MPH sinker, but throws his filthy slider even more. He finishes off his arsenal with a changeup that gets a lot of whiffs against left handed pitching.IF the Padres go looking for bullpen help, Sam Bachman from the Angels would be an interesting add. 4.5 years of team control, 3.94 xFIP & 3.95 ERA this season. A hard fastball-changeup-slider combo to fill the middle innings? Possibly. pic.twitter.com/6UQ6eEcYj9 Diego Garcia (@StatNerd_Base) July 26, 2026He is not a finished product yet, but Bachman has the potential to be a high leverage arm, and he has 4.5 years of control. Dickerson and Cabrera are two prospects with plenty of upside, but are still far from the majors. Cabrera was a smaller piece in the MacKenzie Gore trade. While the 21 year old had a ton of success in Low-A, High-A has been more of a challenge for him. Dickerson has big time offensive upside, but has been moving slowly since getting a monster bonus in the second round.Cabrera is also Rule 5 eligible this offseason. It is a package that should intrigue the Angels for a reliever with promise but inconsistencies. This is also not really a package the Nats would feel much. Maybe it is a little bit too rich, but I am not the highest on either of those two prospects.This should be a fun deadline with plenty of action. With Skubal going to LA last night, the floodgates have really opened. We are in for a big finish to the trade season. Let me know what you think will happen in the final hours before the trade deadline in the comments below.

Barcelona will not pursue move for world-class striker available for 75 millionVictor Osimhen is a hot prospect in the market this summer as he is set to leave Galatasaray after a fallout.The Nigerian international is regarded as one of the top strikers in Europe, with a proven goal-scoring record at every club he has been in.Naturally, he has become a target for many clubs, as they look to snap him up this summer.Barcelona not interested in OsimhenOsimhen is set to leave Galatasaray. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)As reported by Diario SPORT, Barcelona have been seeking information about Osimhen for weeks given his current situation at Galatasaray.However, the report adds that Barcelona are no longer interested in the former Napoli striker despite his solid track record and the clubs desperate need for a new number nine.As a result, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as one of the strongest suitors for Osimhen, who could leave Galatasaray for a fee of around 75 million.The Lilywhites are in desperate need for a new frontman as they look to recover after a poor campaign that almost culminated into a relegation.Why are Barcelona not going after Osimhen?All eyes on Osimhens future this summer. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)Aged just 27, Osimhen netted 59 goals in 74 matches at Galatasaray while at Napoli, he scored 76 goals in 133 matches. His age-profile and track record make him an ideal signing for Barcelona.But there are certain problems. For one, the Nigerian international has a lofty salary expectations of 15 million per season, which is way above Barcelonas budget.Not to mention, Osimhen has not shown any desire to lower his salary demands and will only sign for a club that meets his demands.Another key issue surrounding Osimhem is the negative attitude he brings to the table. He is seen as someone who can disrupt the harmony of a dressing room and that is something Barcelona simply cannot afford right now.As such, the Catalans are not even considering a move for Osimhen this summer, as the Nigerian looks to take next step in his career. One option Barcelona do have is Dusan Vlahovic, who is more than willing to wait out for a potential move to Catalonia, despite receiving a lucrative offer from Besiktas.

A former LSU football defender found a new NFL home last week as Jamal Adams signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Adams played at LSU from 2014-16 and was one of the top safeties in the SEC and among the best DBs in LSU history.Adams was originally drafted by the New York Jets in 2017, but was traded to the Seahawks in 2020. Adams has bounced around the league since leaving Seattle in 2023, spending time with the Titans, Lions, and Raiders. Adams moved to linebacker with the Raiders in 2025 and could take on a similar role with the Vikings. Adams was First-Team All-Pro in 2019 and Second-Team in 2018 and 2020. Adams may not be the caliber of player he used to be, but Minnesota will hope the veteran can provide depth on defense. At LSU, Adams was a First-Team All-American in 2016 and was a key part of Dave Aranda's vaunted defense. Adams earned freshman All-American honors with the Tigers in 2014. Vikings signing LB Jamal Adams. pic.twitter.com/Q8ST5c0MBu NFL (@NFL) July 28, 2026Adams has 546 career tackles and 22.5 sacks. This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Former LSU football safety finds new home in the NFL

Kelsey Plum intends to become a free agent and explore the open market after the 2026 WNBA season following her trade from the Los Angeles Sparks to the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, ESPN's Kendra Andrews reports.Plum, 31, will finish out the one-year deal she originally signed with the Los Angeles Sparks. The five-time All-Star took less money to stay with the Sparks, agreeing to a $999,999 deal to give the team more payroll flexibility to build a roster. Plum still plans on going through the full free agency process in the offseason, but another season in Phoenix isnt automatically off of the table, a source tells ESPN. https://t.co/RajEYmMYNH Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) August 2, 2026However, Plum was eligibile for a $1.4 million supermax deal under the WNBAs new collective bargaining agreement and will likely seek that kind of payday after the Sparks failed to follow through on their playoff aspirations. At 11-18 after Saturdays 94-92 loss to the New York Liberty, Phoenix is currently six games back from the WNBA's final playoff spot and No. 8 seed with 14 games left to play. Re-signing with the Mercury is still an option for Plum, according to Andrews. With Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, the team can build around a star trio for the remainder of this season and years to come. However, Plum has the opportunity to join a championship contender in addition to getting a top-dollar contract.The two-time WNBA champion will also be coming off what could be a career-best season for her. Before suffering the lower-leg injury that has sidelined her since June 24, Plum was averaging 23.9 points, 6.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 12 games. She was shooting 64% from the floor, including 38% on 3-pointers.But for now, Plum will play out the season with the Mercury. The question becomes when she will play her first game with her new team. Phoenixs next game is scheduled for Monday, beginning a three-game road trip at the Chicago Sky. Plum will join the team in Chicago, but its not certain whether or not shell play on Monday, according to ESPNs Alexa Philippou. Prior to being traded, the guard said she intended to play for the Sparks on Sunday in a game scheduled just after the 3 p.m. ET trade deadline. However, even if she played, the plan was for Plum to come off the bench and play on a minutes restriction. Figuring out Plums usage in addition to her cross-country travel are likely factors in whatever decision is made. Plum last played on June 21, missing the Sparks past 11 games. She was averaging 34.5 minutes per contest, the second-highest of her nine WNBA seasons.

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Since joining the Rockets out of LSU ahead of the 2022-23 season, Tari Eason has earned consistent minutes in Houston's rotation due to his impressive perimeter defense and serviceable 3-point shooting.In 60 appearances throughout the 2025-26 campaign, Eason averaged 10.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc, the second-best mark of his career. Unfortunately, Eason's production became a bit stagnant offensively due to his career-low field-goal percentage of 41.6%. However, having freshly signed a five-year contract extension this summer, the 24-year-old will have many more opportunities to impress for head coach Ime Udoka.Here's a look at some of Eason's best plays from the 2025-26 season.This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Tari Eason Houston Rockets 2025-26 regular season highlights

The Los Angeles Sparks traded All-Star guard Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for a first-round pick next year, Monique Akoa Makani and a second-round draft choice in 2028, according to a person familiar with the deal.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because they weren't authorized to speak publicly on the trade.The deal was finalized late Saturday night ahead of Sunday's trade deadline and was first reported by ESPN. It's rare for an All-Star to be traded in the middle of the season, only happening a handful of times before Saturday night.Plum, who is a free agent at the end of this season, has been sidelined since June 21 because of a lower leg injury. She practiced earlier this week and was expected to play Sunday in the Sparks' game against Portland before getting traded. Phoenix's next game is Monday at Chicago.Plum was averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists before getting hurt. Los Angeles has struggled without her, including its last six games.Phoenix is currently sitting at 11-19 and is six games behind the New York Liberty, who sit in eighth place. New York edged Phoenix 94-92 on Saturday.The Mercury are coming off a WNBA Finals appearance last season, but have seldom looked like that team despite returning stars Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper.Akoa Makani is averaging 9.4 points and 2.5 assists this season in 16 games. She was injured earlier in the season with a hamstring issue.Los Angeles acquired Plum before last season in a blockbuster deal that sent the No. 2 pick to Seattle. The Sparks had hoped they could accelerate a rebuilding effort. Seattle used that pick on Dominique Malonga, who was an All-Star this season.___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Girls 6A volleyball at UVU in Orem on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News The high school girls volleyball season begins this week, and there could be a lot of repeat state champions based on the coaches projections.Five of last years six state champs were pegged as the team to beat in their respective classification in the 2026 Deseret News preseason coaches rankings Corner Canyon, Woods Cross, North Sanpete, North Summit and Panguitch.Orem in 4A is the only preseason No. 1 team that isnt a defending state champ. Deseret Hills won last years 4A title.In 6A, Corner Canyon returns the bulk of its starters from a year ago, including returning first team all-state setter Nafanua Alofipo. The Chargers finished second in Region 3 a year ago, but got hot at the perfect time to win their first state title in school history.In 5A, Woods Cross will open the season ranked No. 1 after winning its first state championship in 46 years. It graduated last years Ms. Volleyball winner, Avery Poulton, but several pieces return for the Wildcats, including setter Zamari Christensen.Orems bid for a third-straight 4A title was denied a year ago falling to Desert Hills in the championship match. A year later, 4As coaches believe Orem is still the team to beat as it finished ahead of Desert Hills in the preseason voting. The Tigers graduated some key pieces, but they return all-state outside hitter Haven Michaelis.In 3A, North Sanpete will begin the year ranked No. 1 led by reigning 3A Player of the Year Rylee Stewart. All the other Hawks all-staters from a year ago graduated, but coach Ricki Stewart believes the quality is there to be in the hunt again.In 2A, defending state champ North Summit returns five starters including last years 2A Player of the Year Ellie Stephens as it was voted the runaway favorite to repeat as 2A state champ. Panguitch was tabbed by the coaches as the 1A favorite in 2026 as it narrowly finished ahead of Rich in the coaches voting. The Bobcats return three of their four all-staters from a year ago, while Rich graduated its two first team all-staters.2026 preseason high school girls volleyball rankingsEach year, the Deseret News asks every girls volleyball coach in the state to vote for the top five teams in their classification. The votes are tallied, and five points are assigned for a first-place vote, four for a second-place vote, etc. Coaches arent allowed to vote for their own team. The following are the results from the coaches who elected to participate:Class 6ATeam 2025 recordCorner Canyon (25-6)Lone Peak (19-11)Skyridge (27-3)Mountain Ridge (27-5)Syracuse (21-9)Others receiving multiple votes: Bingham, American Fork.Class 5ATeam 2025 recordWoods Cross (30-1)Skyline (21-7)Bountiful (17-12)Pleasant Grove (20-10)Maple Mountain (22-8)Others receiving multiple votes: Fremont, Payson, Timpview, Box Elder, Brighton, West Field, West.Class 4ATeam 2025 recordOrem (28-4)Desert Hills (23-9)Green Canyon (23-7)Mountain View (21-10)Crimson Cliffs (20-10)Others receiving multiple votes: Ridgeline, Provo, Wasatch, Cedar City, Snow Canyon, Hurricane, Dixie.Class 3ATeam 2025 recordNorth Sanpete (32-0)Delta (24-8)Canyon View (18-9)Morgan (22-6)Union (15-12)Others receiving multiple votes: Grantsville, Richfield.Class 2ATeam 2025 recordNorth Summit (22-4)Enterprise (22-5)San Juan (23-3)Millard (20-9)North Sevier (13-13)Others receiving multiple votes: Kanab, Parowan, Duchesne, Grand.Class 1ATeam 2025 recordPanguitch (22-4)Rich (15-6)Tabiona (17-15)St. Joseph (22-10)Valley (15-12)Others receiving multiple votes: Altamont, Tintic, Piute, Monticello, Manila, Wayne.