LONDON (BN24) — Football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have once again been named among the world’s elite as FIFPro on Monday released the 26-man shortlist for the 2025 Men’s World XI.
The announcement, made via FIFPro’s official X account, unveiled the names of the players competing for a place in the final team, which honors the best footballers in the world as voted by their professional peers.
FIFPro’s annual World XI award remains one of football’s most prestigious recognitions, reflecting the opinions of players from every continent and celebrating the standout performances across global competitions.
The shortlist spans football’s biggest leagues and showcases a blend of experience and youth.
In the goalkeeping category, nominees include Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), and Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), three consistent performers for club and country.
The defensive lineup features Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), and William Saliba (Arsenal).
In midfield, the list includes Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Joao Neves (Benfica), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Pedri (Barcelona), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), and Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain) a collection of world-class playmakers combining creativity, vision, and consistency.
The forward selection features football’s most recognizable names: Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Raphinha (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).
Fans and analysts have already begun debating who will make the final XI, with attention centered on how seasoned icons like Ronaldo and Messi will fare against emerging stars such as Cubarsi, Yamal, and Neves.
The inclusion of these young players signals a generational shift in world football, as a new wave of talent continues to challenge the dominance of established legends. This dynamic highlights the sport’s evolution, a fusion of experience, creativity, and youthful brilliance shaping the modern game.
The final FIFPro Men’s World XI will be revealed on Monday, November 3, 2025, during the official FIFA awards ceremony.
With some of the sport’s most celebrated names competing for recognition, the announcement promises to ignite further debate and anticipation among fans worldwide.
This year’s shortlist underscores not only the enduring excellence of football’s greatest stars but also the rise of a new generation determined to leave its mark on the global stage.
MADRID (BN24) — Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr is reportedly “seriously considering” leaving the club after escalating tensions with coach Xabi Alonso, Spanish media reported Monday.
The 25-year-old Brazilian has been a pivotal figure at the Bernabeu since arriving in 2018, helping Madrid win 14 major trophies, including three La Liga titles. His skill, pace, and creativity have made him one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents, but a growing rift with Alonso has brought his future into question.
The situation reportedly reached a tipping point during Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clásico at the weekend. Vinicius had been left on the bench for the previous league fixture against Getafe, and he was substituted on in the 72nd minute against Barcelona as Madrid sought to secure the win.
Eyewitnesses report that Vinicius stormed down the tunnel after being substituted, shouting at Alonso: “Me? Me? Mister, mister! Me?” as the fourth official held up his number seven on the board. Sources claim he then approached the bench, saying, “Always me! I’m leaving the team! I’m leaving, I’d better go!” before heading directly to the home dressing room.
According to AS, the Spanish sports newspaper, Vinicius feels that his status at the club is not respected by Alonso. The 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up reportedly believes that Alonso “doesn’t like him,” and this perception has fueled a growing sense of dissatisfaction.
The tension has become a “massive problem” within the squad, according to reports, as Vinicius contemplates whether remaining at the club is in his best interest. The winger’s frustration comes despite his on-field contributions and consistent performances, raising concerns about the relationship between Madrid’s coach and one of its brightest stars.
Real Madrid’s hierarchy is reportedly backing Alonso in the dispute, indicating that they fully support the coach’s decisions regarding Vinicius. While the club remains confident in Alonso’s management, the growing strain between player and manager has become a focal point of discussion among fans and media.
Vinicius’s potential departure could have major ramifications for Madrid’s attacking lineup, particularly given his role in the club’s recent success and his influence in high-profile matches like El Clásico. Analysts suggest that resolving the conflict or finding a compromise will be crucial for the club as they approach key fixtures in the La Liga and Champions League campaigns.
The situation highlights the delicate balance of managing star players in elite European football and raises questions about whether Vinicius will continue to don the Real Madrid shirt beyond the 2025 season.
Israeli forces shot and killed three Palestinian militants during an exchange of fire in the occupied West Bank, officials confirmed Tuesday, marking the latest incident in a deadly cycle of violence gripping the region for more than a year.
The Israeli military said the clash occurred near the Jit junction west of Nablus when Palestinian gunmen opened fire on troops stationed in the area. Soldiers from the elite Golani reconnaissance unit returned fire, killing the attackers on the spot. No Israeli soldiers were injured.
“Three armed gunmen were neutralized during the exchange of fire and an additional armed gunman surrendered himself to the forces,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. The military said its troops seized three M-16 rifles and a pistol used by the assailants.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the dead as Jihad Mohammed al-Shami, 24, Uday Othman al-Shami, 22, and Mohammed Raed Dabeek, 18. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, an armed faction affiliated with President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah movement, later claimed the men as members.
In a separate incident Tuesday, Israeli police reported that forces in the Jenin refugee camp also killed three suspected militants in an operation targeting planned attacks. Hamas confirmed that two of those killed were its members. The Israeli military said troops engaged the militants in a firefight before carrying out airstrikes on their positions.
The Jenin camp, a longtime stronghold of Palestinian militant groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, has been the focus of intensified Israeli raids since January. Large sections of the camp have been reduced to rubble as the Israeli military continues what it describes as an effort to dismantle terrorist networks operating from the area.
The latest clashes come amid surging tensions across the occupied West Bank. According to Palestinian officials, Israeli forces have killed more than 200 Palestinians this year, including both civilians and militants. Over the same period, more than 40 Israelis and foreign nationals have died in attacks by Palestinians.
Recent weeks have seen a rise in deadly confrontations. On Friday, an Israeli settler shot and killed a Palestinian man near an illegal settlement in the northern West Bank. A day earlier, a Hamas gunman opened fire in Tel Aviv, injuring three people before being killed by Israeli security personnel. Hamas said that attack was retaliation for an Israeli raid that left three of its fighters dead earlier in the week.
The escalation follows months of unrest since Israel’s far-right government took power, with settler groups emboldened to carry out violent attacks against Palestinians. In February, settlers rampaged through the town of Huwara, torching homes and vehicles in an assault Israeli officials later described as a “pogrom.”
Israel’s expanding settlements in the West Bank—home to between 600,000 and 750,000 Israelis—remain a key source of tension. The United Nations and most of the international community consider the settlements illegal under international law. Palestinians claim the territory, along with East Jerusalem, as part of a future independent state.
During a recent visit to Israel, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed Washington’s “iron-clad” commitment to Israel’s security but expressed deep concern about rising settler violence against Palestinians. He warned that such actions could “trigger more insecurity” and further destabilize the region.
Kwale (BN24) – A small plane carrying 12 people, including foreign tourists, crashed early Tuesday morning in Kenya’s coastal Kwale County shortly after taking off from Diani Airstrip, with all on board feared dead, officials confirmed.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the Cessna Caravan aircraft, registered as 5Y-CCA, departed from Diani for Kichwa Tembo near the Maasai Mara National Reserve but went down minutes later in Tsimba, a hilly and densely forested area about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the airstrip.
“The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority wishes to confirm that an aircraft registration number 5Y-CCA, on its way from Diani to Kichwa Tembo, crashed at 0530Z,” the agency stated. “Government agencies are already on site to establish the cause of the accident and its impact.”
Officials said the plane burst into flames after impact, leaving a charred wreckage scattered across the crash site. Footage shared by local media showed the aircraft engulfed in flames as first responders arrived to conduct rescue operations. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion before discovering debris and human remains at the scene.
Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde told the Associated Press that all those on board were believed to be foreign tourists, although their nationalities have not yet been confirmed. The number of crew members was also not immediately disclosed.
Kwale police commander Abdillahi Alio said the crash occurred just moments after takeoff in an area known for its thick forest and rough terrain. He confirmed that local police and rescue teams were working alongside aviation officials to secure the area and gather evidence.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, but preliminary reports suggest poor visibility and unfavorable weather conditions may have played a role. The Kenya Meteorological Department had issued warnings days earlier, urging coastal residents to brace for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds linked to tropical storm Chenge.
According to the weather agency, the storm was located about 500 kilometers north of Madagascar on Sunday and was moving westward toward the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania, bringing the risk of high waves and extreme weather. On the morning of the crash, Diani experienced rain, high winds, and thunder, prompting speculation about whether conditions were safe for flight.
The aircraft was operated by Mombasa Air Safari, a charter company known for connecting coastal towns to major safari destinations. The airline said it was cooperating fully with investigators and would release additional information through the civil aviation authority.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, the plane’s destination, is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries, drawing thousands of international tourists each year to witness the great wildebeest migration from Tanzania’s Serengeti.
The Kwale crash marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Kenya in recent years and has reignited concerns about flight safety during extreme weather conditions.
Lionel Messi is hopeful he will be playing for Argentina to help defend its World Cup title when soccer’s biggest event comes to North America next summer, though the Inter Miami captain acknowledged his age will be a significant factor in the decision.
Speaking with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, Messi said he will see how his body feels next year before choosing whether to play. “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi said, though he admitted his age, he will be thirty-nine next June, is a factor.
“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there,” Messi added. “And I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision. Obviously, I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions.”
Messi has been playing professionally since 2004. He debuted in La Liga with Barcelona in October of that year at only seventeen years old, becoming at the time the youngest player to play for the Spanish club.
In 2021, Messi left Barcelona in the wake of the club’s financial issues, moving to France to play for Paris Saint-Germain. After two years with PSG, Messi brought his talents to the United States in July 2023, signing with MLS’ Inter Miami.
“The truth is that I like everything about living here,” Messi told Llamas in an interview that aired on “Nightly News” about his life in Miami. “I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city, where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot. But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, that allows us to enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day.”
While he enjoyed a decorated individual and club career, international success eluded Messi until the 2022 World Cup, when Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties to win the final. Messi won his second Golden Ball and was voted the tournament’s best player.
The World Cup victory was Argentina’s first since 1986. Messi has appeared in one hundred ninety-five matches for his country since 2005, scoring one hundred fourteen goals.
“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said of the win in 2022. “It was also true that it was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had been lucky enough to have achieved everything at an individual level, at a team level with Barcelona, and I think that’s every player’s dream.”
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will be held across three nations. The expanded format will feature forty-eight teams, up from thirty-two in previous editions.
Messi’s potential participation would make the 2026 tournament his sixth World Cup appearance, having previously played in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. He has scored thirteen goals across those tournaments, establishing himself as one of the competition’s all-time great performers.
The question of whether Messi will play at thirty-nine reflects both his enduring quality and the physical demands of elite soccer. Few players have maintained world-class performance into their late thirties, though Messi’s exceptional career suggests he could remain competitive if his body cooperates.
His performance in MLS has demonstrated continued excellence. Messi recently won the 2025 Golden Boot after recording twenty-nine goals in just twenty-eight games for Inter Miami. He also won the 2024 MLS MVP award and is nominated for the 2025 edition, potentially becoming the first player to win the honor in consecutive seasons.
Inter Miami announced Thursday that Messi has signed a contract extension through the end of the 2028 MLS season, securing his services for three additional years. The extension includes plans for him to inaugurate the team’s new Miami Freedom Park stadium in 2026.
Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as defending champion, having captured the title in Qatar. The team’s core remains largely intact, though several key players will also be in their late thirties by the tournament.
Messi’s decision will likely influence Argentina’s preparations and expectations. As captain and the team’s most decorated player, his presence would provide leadership and attacking threat even if his role becomes more limited than in previous tournaments.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has revolutionized soccer during his two-decade career. His move to MLS has elevated the league’s profile internationally and driven record attendance and merchandise sales.
His life in Miami has provided stability for his family while allowing him to continue competing at a high level. The combination of professional success and personal satisfaction makes his current situation ideal as he contemplates one final World Cup appearance.
The preseason assessment he mentioned will be crucial. Messi’s approach reflects mature understanding of his body’s capabilities and limitations. Rather than committing prematurely, he plans to evaluate his fitness and determine whether he can contribute meaningfully to Argentina’s title defense.
If Messi does participate in 2026, it would cap a remarkable international career that includes Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 in addition to the 2022 World Cup triumph. His legacy as one of soccer’s greatest players is already secure, but defending the World Cup on North American soil would provide a fitting conclusion to his international career.
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry has warned that citizens are being deceived by fraudulent agents into traveling to Russia under the guise of legitimate job offers, only to find themselves conscripted into Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Kenyans preparing to leave for Russia to fight as hired soldiers
In a statement released Monday, Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi said that Kenyan nationals “have been lured by corrupt and ruthless agents to travel to Russia and unknowingly find themselves in the Russian military operation.” The ministry said many of those deceived are now detained in Russian military camps, though it did not specify how many Kenyans are affected.
Mudavadi confirmed that Kenyan and Russian officials held a “crucial meeting” last month in an effort to secure the release and repatriation of those detained. “The system has been made complicated by agents masquerading as working with the Russian government,” the ministry said, accusing the traffickers of using “unscrupulous methods, including falsified information, to lure innocent Kenyans into the battlefield.”
The warning comes amid growing concerns that Russia has been recruiting citizens from impoverished nations by exploiting economic hardship. Many are allegedly tricked into signing contracts written in Russian, which they cannot read or understand.
Kenya, where unemployment remains high, has become one of several African countries targeted by foreign recruitment schemes. Local media, including The Nation newspaper, have reported that Russian-linked recruiters are offering fake job opportunities to young men, often from low-income backgrounds. One former Kenyan soldier interviewed by The Nation admitted to voluntarily joining a Russian mercenary group but said others were coerced or misled.
The situation took a darker turn this week when Kenyan police uncovered a human trafficking network allegedly sending recruits to fight in Ukraine. Following an intelligence-led raid on an apartment complex in Athi River, just outside Nairobi, authorities rescued 22 Kenyans who were “awaiting processing to Russia.” Officers seized fake job offer letters, travel documents, and recruitment materials during the operation.
Kenyan citizenship fighting for Russia, captured by Ukraine
One suspect accused of coordinating the group’s travel to Russia was arrested and remains in custody for 10 days as investigations continue. Police said the victims had been promised jobs in Moscow but were instead destined for Russian-controlled combat zones. Some had paid deposits of up to $1,500 toward supposed travel and accommodation fees, with total commitments reaching $18,000 per person.
Authorities said several Kenyans who had been sent to Russia returned home injured or traumatized, while others remain unaccounted for. Two survivors recently made it back to Kenya—one of whom is currently hospitalized in Nairobi.
A senior official at Kenya’s Foreign Ministry said the government is actively investigating reports of citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. “We are pursuing diplomatic channels to ensure their safety and possible repatriation,” the official said.
Ukraine’s spokesman on prisoner-of-war issues, Petro Yatsenko, told the BBC that nationals from several other countries—including Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, and Sri Lanka—are also among those captured in Ukraine. He added that “most African states show little interest in the return of such citizens and do not wish to take them back.”
Despite the ongoing crisis, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to signing a formal labor agreement with Russia to provide what it called “genuine job opportunities” for Kenyan workers. However, officials warned citizens to remain vigilant and avoid illegal recruitment schemes that could lead them into war zones.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (BN24) — The Federal Bureau of Prisons has officially listed May 8, 2028, as the expected release date for rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, following his 50-month prison sentence handed down earlier this month.
Diddy, 54, has been incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest. He was sentenced on October 3 after being found guilty of prostitution-related offenses during a high-profile federal trial that drew nationwide attention. The case followed a cascade of allegations, beginning with a 2023 sexual assault and abuse lawsuit filed by his former partner, Cassie Ventura.
The Bureau of Prisons clarified that the projected May 2028 release date could change, depending on factors such as earned good behavior credit or early release programs. Reports also suggest the timeline does not account for a potential presidential pardon, despite speculation involving President Donald Trump.
TMZ and The Blast reported that rumors of Trump considering a pardon for Diddy were dismissed by the White House. “The president, not anonymous sources, is the final decider on pardons and commutations,” a spokesperson said, calling the claims “false and baseless.”
Meanwhile, Diddy’s legal team has filed an appeal challenging his conviction and sentence. His attorney, Alexandra A.E. Shapiro, is leading the effort, following statements by defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo, who previously argued that Judge Arun Subramanian’s handling of the case was biased. “We believe there is a strong basis to appeal,” Agnifilo said after sentencing, accusing the judge of acting like a “13th juror.”
Concerns have also surfaced over Diddy’s safety while incarcerated. His longtime friend Charlucci Finney alleged that the rapper recently faced a violent threat inside the detention center when another inmate reportedly held a makeshift knife to his neck. “I don’t know whether he fought him off or the guards came,” Finney said, claiming the incident reflected broader dangers faced by inmates convicted of sex-related crimes.
Diddy’s attorneys have requested a transfer to the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, New Jersey, citing safety concerns and proximity to family. The presiding judge reportedly supported the request.
Despite his appeal and transfer motion, Diddy remains in federal custody, awaiting the next stage of his legal battle. If his appeal is denied and no pardon is granted, the music mogul is expected to complete his sentence and regain his freedom in May 2028.
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (BN24) — Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara was reelected to a fourth term in an election marked by low turnout and empty streets in the economic capital of Abidjan, provisional results showed Monday.
Ouattara, first elected president in the West African nation in 2011, won eighty-nine point seven percent of the vote, Electoral Commission head Ibrahime Kuibiert Coulibaly said Monday. Jean-Louis Billon, a former commerce minister from one of Ivory Coast’s richest families, came in a distant second with three percent of the vote. Simone Gbagbo, a former first lady, came in third with two point four percent under the provisional results.
Final results are expected by November 3, though they could be announced sooner. Some eight point five million people were registered to vote. Voter turnout was around fifty percent.
Nearly nine million Ivorians were eligible to vote on Saturday in a race that excluded Ouattara’s top rivals. Former President Laurent Gbagbo was barred over a criminal conviction, and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam was disqualified for acquiring French citizenship.
The remaining four candidates were not seen as viable contenders, as they lacked backing from a major political party and significant financial resources.
Billon on Sunday congratulated Ouattara after early partial results showed the latter with a strong lead nationwide, winning upwards of ninety percent of the vote with turnout close to one hundred percent in northern strongholds.
The political veteran was also ahead in traditionally pro-opposition areas in the south and parts of the economic hub Abidjan where turnout was low. In the southern city of Gagnoa, he won ninety-two percent of the vote but with a turnout rate of only twenty percent.
Many abstained amid widespread anger over Ouattara’s decision to run for a fourth consecutive term. Under the constitution, presidents may only serve a maximum of two terms, but the president argued his limit was “reset” by a 2016 constitutional overhaul.
In the weeks leading up to the election, sporadic protests broke out in response to the ban on key contenders from the polls, prompting the government to ban demonstrations and arrest over two hundred people from campaign group the Common Front political movement.
Electoral commission president Ibrahime Coulibaly-Kuibiert earlier put turnout at around fifty percent, a similar level to 2020 when Ouattara won ninety-four percent of the vote in an election boycotted by the main opponents.
The low turnout and overwhelming victory margin reflect the contentious nature of Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term. Critics have accused the president of undermining democratic norms by circumventing constitutional term limits through his interpretation of the 2016 constitutional changes.
Ouattara’s supporters argue the constitutional overhaul legitimately reset presidential term counts, making him eligible for what they characterize as a second two-term cycle. Opposition voices and many constitutional scholars reject this interpretation as contrary to the spirit of term limit protections.
The exclusion of Gbagbo and Thiam removed Ouattara’s most formidable potential challengers from the ballot. Gbagbo, who served as president from 2000 to 2011, was ousted following a disputed election and subsequent civil conflict. His barring based on criminal conviction has been criticized as politically motivated, particularly after his acquittal by the International Criminal Court on related charges.
Thiam’s disqualification for holding dual citizenship prevented a potentially competitive race. The prominent banker and former corporate executive had been viewed as a strong opposition candidate before his exclusion under Ivory Coast’s electoral laws prohibiting dual nationals from seeking the presidency.
The stark contrast between turnout rates in different regions underscores political divisions in Ivory Coast. While Ouattara’s northern strongholds saw near-universal participation and overwhelming support, southern opposition areas showed both lower turnout and reduced enthusiasm, though the president still won majorities even there.
The arrest of more than two hundred opposition activists in the weeks before the election drew criticism from international observers and human rights organizations. The government defended the crackdown as necessary to prevent violence and maintain public order during a tense political period.
Ivory Coast, once considered among West Africa’s more stable democracies, has experienced recurring political crises tied to presidential succession. The country endured a brief civil war following disputed 2010 election results that left thousands dead and deeply scarred the national psyche.
Ouattara has presided over significant economic growth during his tenure, with Ivory Coast becoming one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. The country is the world’s leading cocoa producer and has seen substantial infrastructure development and improved public services under his leadership.
However, critics argue that economic progress has not been accompanied by corresponding political liberalization. The exclusion of major opposition figures, suppression of protests and controversial constitutional interpretation raise concerns about democratic backsliding in one of the region’s largest economies.
The election results, while giving Ouattara an overwhelming victory, occur against a backdrop of questions about the health of Ivorian democracy. The fifty percent turnout represents significant portions of the electorate choosing not to participate, suggesting widespread disillusionment with a political process many view as predetermined.
Regional context for the election includes broader concerns about democratic governance across West Africa. Several countries in the region have experienced military coups or controversial constitutional changes extending presidential tenure in recent years, making Ivory Coast’s situation part of a troubling pattern.
International reaction to the election has been measured, with Western nations and regional bodies offering cautious statements calling for political dialogue and respect for constitutional processes without directly challenging the legitimacy of Ouattara’s victory.
The next five years will test whether Ouattara can address the political divisions his extended tenure has exacerbated while maintaining the economic progress that has characterized his time in office. The combination of low turnout, excluded opposition and widespread protests leaves questions about the mandate he carries into this fourth term.
SYDNEY (BN24)— Indian cricket star Shreyas Iyer, 30, was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after sustaining a serious internal injury during India’s nine-wicket victory over Australia in Sydney, officials said. Doctors described the injury as “potentially fatal” had it not been treated promptly.
The incident occurred during the third One-Day International (ODI) when Iyer, India’s vice-captain, was fielding. In a moment of brilliance, he made a backward-running catch to dismiss Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey. However, as he landed awkwardly on his left rib cage, Iyer immediately clutched his side in visible pain, signaling that the injury was more than a typical strain.
Teammates rushed to his aid while medical staff quickly attended to him on the field. Recognizing the severity of the injury, they helped Iyer off the pitch and transported him directly to a Sydney hospital for urgent evaluation.
Scans revealed internal bleeding and a laceration to the spleen, necessitating emergency intensive care. A hospital insider described the condition as “potentially fatal” if not addressed immediately.
In an official statement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said:
“Shreyas Iyer sustained an impact injury to his left lower rib cage while fielding during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney. He was taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Scans have revealed a laceration injury to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well. The BCCI medical team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, is closely monitoring his injury status. The Indian team doctor will remain in Sydney with Shreyas to evaluate his day-to-day progress.”
A source from the Press Trust of India added details about Iyer’s condition:
“Shreyas has been in the ICU for the past couple of days. Internal bleeding was detected, and he had to be admitted immediately. He will remain under observation for anywhere between two to seven days, depending on recovery, to prevent complications from the bleeding. He’s stable now, but it could have been fatal. He’s a tough lad and should recover soon.”
Medical teams expect Iyer to stay under close supervision for at least a week. Following this, he will require an estimated three or more weeks of recovery before returning to competitive cricket. Doctors remain cautiously optimistic about his progress, emphasizing that full recovery will depend on how quickly his spleen heals and whether any complications from internal bleeding arise.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, with fans and teammates expressing support for the player. His dedication and resilience are widely praised, and the BCCI confirmed that he will receive continuous medical monitoring to ensure a safe return to the field.
BAMAKO, Mali (BN24)—Mali has ordered the suspension of all school and university classes for two weeks, starting Monday, as the country grapples with a severe fuel shortage, officials said late Sunday. The disruption follows a blockade imposed by an al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group, which has targeted fuel supplies since September, worsening the economic and social strain on the West African nation.
The government’s Education Minister, Amadou Sy Savane, stated that the closures, effective until November 9, are necessary because the fuel shortage is hindering the ability of school staff and teachers to commute to their workplaces. “Authorities are doing everything possible to restore normal fuel supplies so that schools can reopen on November 10,” Savane said.
The Interministerial Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management announced that fuel rationing will continue until further notice. Officials said supplies at designated fuel stations will be prioritized for emergency services, public transportation, and humanitarian aid vehicles, reflecting the crisis’s broad impact on daily life.
The fuel shortage is the result of a blockade enforced by Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), an armed group affiliated with al-Qaeda. The group has targeted fuel tankers arriving primarily from Senegal and the Ivory Coast, through which most of Mali’s imported goods transit. JNIM framed the blockade as a response to government restrictions on selling fuel outside official stations in rural areas, measures intended to disrupt the group’s supply chain.
Since the blockade began, Mali’s fragile economy has been squeezed. Commodity prices have surged, and transportation costs have risen sharply. In the capital, Bamako, long lines of vehicles have formed at gas stations, leaving residents facing hours-long waits for limited fuel supplies.
Mali’s security challenges have been compounded by years of insurgency in the Sahel region. Alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, Mali has battled groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as local rebel factions, for more than a decade. Following military coups in the three countries, the ruling authorities expelled French forces and turned to Russian mercenary units for security assistance, though analysts suggest that this has done little to curb attacks or insurgent activity.
The fuel blockade represents a major setback for Mali’s military government, which justified its 2020 coup as a necessary step to address long-standing security crises. Analysts warn that continued disruptions to fuel supplies could further destabilize the economy and public services, particularly education and transportation, which are heavily reliant on fuel imports.
In a bid to address the crisis, Mali has signed an agreement with Russia to secure petroleum products. Officials have said the deal aims to stabilize fuel supplies nationwide, ensuring that schools, businesses, and essential services can resume normal operations. The government’s move also signals an effort to reduce dependency on neighboring countries for fuel imports, though experts caution that logistical challenges may delay immediate relief.
The fuel shortage underscores the wider challenges facing Mali, including economic fragility, insurgent activity, and strained public services. As the school closures take effect, families and educators face uncertainty, while the government works to balance security measures with basic economic and social needs.
