Sports Bulletin: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's omission from India's first T20I against Afghanistan has sparked a debate over the team's selection strategy, with former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif questioning the decision to leave out the teenage sensation. While India comfortably won the match, the choice of opening combination remains a talking point.
From cricket, attention has now shifted to football, where Neymar's international career has reportedly come to an end. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the forward's decision to retire from international duty, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 16-year journey with the national team.
Meanwhile, the sporting spotlight also falls on tennis after Alexander Zverev secured his maiden US
Open crown. The German defeated Ben Shelton in four sets to claim his second Grand Slam title of the season and finally erase the disappointment of his 2020 final defeat.
Here are your daily updates from the world of sports in the Sports Bulletin for September 15.
Pakistan Penalised By ICC After England Series
Following a 3-0 Test series whitewash against England, Pakistan was hit with an 11-point World Test Championship (WTC) deduction and a 50% match-fee fine for being 11 overs short of the required rate in the third Test at Edgbaston.
The penalty drops Pakistan's points percentage to 4.63, anchoring them at the bottom of the WTC table. The sanction caps a chaotic tour that also saw the PCB release seven players and replace their coaching staff.
IND vs AFG: Ex-India Player Questions Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Omission
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticized the selection panel for dropping 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in favor of Sanju Samson for the first T20I against Afghanistan. Despite Sooryavanshi winning Player of the Series in Zimbabwe, Samson was picked without playing any intervening competitive cricket. Kaif argued this reflects confusion over India's ideal opening pair. Nevertheless, India secured a seven-wicket victory, driven by Abhishek Sharma's explosive 82 off 32 balls while chasing a 157-run target.
Neymar's Brazil Era Ends
Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar's retirement from international football, marking the end of a remarkable 16-year career. Neymar steps down as Brazil's all-time leading scorer, leaving with 80 goals in 130 appearances across four World Cups.
Ancelotti emphasized that the decision was entirely Neymar's. Following Brazil's 2026 World Cup exit against Norway, the manager is shifting focus toward a youthful rebuild, prioritizing collective teamwork over individual star power for the future.
Punjab FC to Play ISL Home Matches at Delhi's JLN Stadium
Punjab FC will continue playing their Indian Super League (ISL) home matches at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the 2026-27 season, starting October 10. While owner RoundGlass Sports invests in grassroots infrastructure in Punjab, their proposed complex remains early in development. Playing in Delhi grants access to a major metropolitan crowd. Meanwhile, newly appointed Greek head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis is leading pre-season preparations in Mohali to build a strong team identity.
Visa Delay Leaves Asian Games-Bound Indian Athletes In Limbo
Eight Indian track and field athletes and two coaches are stranded in New Delhi due to visa delays ahead of the Asian Games in Japan.
Late inclusions like national record-holder Sindhushree G and high jumper Supriya B face pending accreditations after making the squad during June trials. The delay prevents them from joining a prep camp at Tsukuba University for climate acclimatization before the September 19 Games begin in Aichi-Nagoya. The Indian Olympic Association is working to resolve the issue promptly.
Alexander Zverev Wins US Open 2026
Top seed Alexander Zverev captured his maiden US Open title and second Grand Slam of the season by defeating American eighth seed Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Zverev's powerful serve controlled the match as the German took a two-set lead before Shelton rallied to win the third. Zverev quickly regained dominance to seal the fourth set, overcoming his 2020 final loss. Meanwhile, Shelton made history as the first Black American man to reach a final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
