Category Archives: international

Daren Sammy highlights decline of West Indies’ Test side

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**By Parth Dhall | Oct 08, 2025 | 05:05 PM**

### The Story: Daren Sammy Compares West Indies Cricket Decline to “Cancer”

Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy has drawn a stark and powerful comparison between the decline of his Test side and a “cancer” that has been developing over a long period.

Speaking ahead of the second Test match against India in Delhi, Sammy acknowledged that role models in the shortest formats of the game are readily available for younger players. However, he also emphasized that these players can only work with the resources currently at their disposal.

### Candid Remarks on Deep-Rooted Issues

West Indies suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test of the two-match series against India, losing by an innings and 140 runs. Ahead of the second Test, Sammy did not shy away from addressing the struggles faced by West Indies cricket — particularly in the Test format.

“I know now I’m under the microscope. I’m in the middle, and we’re open to criticism,” Sammy said. But he was quick to point out that the problems the team faces didn’t begin just two years ago; rather, they are deeply rooted in the system.

### The Cancer Analogy: A Metaphor for West Indies Cricket Struggles

Sammy used a powerful metaphor to describe the ongoing challenges: he likened the issues plaguing West Indies cricket to “cancer that’s already in the system.”

He explained, “If you don’t get cancer, you know what happens. Our problems don’t lie on the surface. It’s rooted deep into our system.”

He also highlighted the financial difficulties that have plagued the West Indies cricket board for years. “The difference between the top 3-4 teams in the world versus the bottom four is huge. We’ve been struggling with finances for a long time,” Sammy added.

### Missed Commercial Opportunities and Financial Struggles

Sammy expressed regret over missed commercial opportunities during the era when West Indies cricket was at its peak.

“We’re playing five Test matches, four months in one place, entertaining the world,” he said, reflecting on cricket’s global appeal. Yet, he pointed out that due to mismanagement and other setbacks over the years, the West Indies are now in dire need of financial resources to enable growth and development.

### Woeful Numbers Reflect Current Struggles

Statistics highlight the Windies’ ongoing challenges in the longest format. According to ESPNcricinfo, West Indies have recorded 13 sub-200 totals in their last 15 Test innings. Moreover, in those 15 innings, the team has failed to bat out 90 overs or even a full day.

Notably, since the start of this century, the Windies have won only two Tests against India — with their last victory dating back to 2002. They have lost six of their last seven Tests overall, underscoring the difficult times faced by Caribbean cricket.

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Daren Sammy’s candid remarks serve as a grim reminder of the deep-seated issues that require urgent attention if West Indies cricket is to regain its former stature.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/daren-sammy-highlights-decline-of-west-indies-in-test-cricket/story

Daren Sammy highlights decline of West Indies’ Test side

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**By Parth Dhall | Oct 08, 2025 | 05:05 pm**

**What’s the story?**

Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy has drawn a stark comparison between the decline of his Test side and a “cancer” that has been developing over a long period.

Speaking ahead of the second Test against India in Delhi, Sammy acknowledged that role models in the shorter formats of the game are readily available for younger players. However, he emphasized that they can only work with the resources currently at their disposal.

—

**Candid remarks on deep-rooted issues in West Indies cricket**

West Indies recently lost the first match of the two-Test series in India by an innings and 140 runs. Ahead of the second Test, Sammy did not shy away from addressing the struggles facing West Indies cricket, particularly in the Test format.

He said, *“I know now I’m under the microscope. I’m in the middle, and we’re open to criticism.”* But Sammy also stressed that these problems are not new — they run deep within the system.

—

**Metaphorical comparison: Cancer analogy for West Indies cricket struggles**

Sammy likened the many challenges plaguing West Indies cricket to *“cancer that’s already in the system.”* He explained, *“If you don’t get cancer, you know what happens. Our problems don’t lie on the surface. It’s rooted deep into our system.”*

He further highlighted the financial difficulties facing West Indies cricket. *“The difference between the different teams, the top 3-4 teams in the world versus the bottom four. We’ve been struggling with finances for a long time,”* Sammy said.

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**Missed commercial opportunities for West Indies**

Reflecting on the past, Sammy lamented how West Indies failed to capitalize commercially during their glory days as the world’s best side — unlike India, which has successfully leveraged its cricketing success.

*“We’re playing five Test matches, four months in one place, entertaining the world,”* Sammy noted. But due to mismanagement and other factors over the years, the team now finds itself in dire need of financial resources to help foster growth and development.

—

**Woeful numbers paint a grim picture**

According to ESPNcricinfo, West Indies have recorded 13 sub-200 totals in their last 15 Test innings. In those innings, they failed to bat out even 90 overs or complete a full day.

Notably, since the start of this century, the Windies have won only two Tests against India — the last victory coming back in 2002. Overall, they have lost six of their last seven Test matches.

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Daren Sammy’s candid remarks shine a light on the deep-rooted challenges facing West Indies cricket, calling for urgent action to revive the pride and performance of the once-dominant Test side.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/daren-sammy-highlights-decline-of-west-indies-in-test-cricket/story

BTS’s Taehyung sends ‘Hirono’ doll keychain flying off shelves

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**BTS’s Taehyung Sends ‘Hirono’ Doll Keychain Flying Off Shelves**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | October 8, 2025, 4:04 PM*

BTS member Kim Taehyung, popularly known as V, has once again demonstrated his massive global influence. On October 4, Taehyung was spotted at Incheon International Airport, en route to Paris Fashion Week. While his fashion ensemble caught many eyes, it was the Hirono doll keychain hanging from his Celine bag that truly stole the spotlight—sparking an immediate sell-out of the collectible.

**The Instant Sell-Out Phenomenon**

The plush toy, officially named the *Hirono Living Wild Fight For Joy* edition, is a collaboration between Chinese artist Lang and the well-known designer toy brand Pop Mart. Within just 24 hours of Taehyung being seen with it, more than 500 units flew off the shelves from Pop Mart’s official stores in China, marking a record-breaking sell-out.

The adorable character is dressed in a brown suede bear suit paired with denim overalls, holding a small torch symbolizing courage and hope—a design that resonates with fans worldwide.

**Collector Trends and Fan Reactions**

Prior to Taehyung’s airport appearance, the Hirono doll was already gaining traction among art toy collectors. However, the BTS star’s endorsement propelled it to global sensation status overnight. Fans quickly dubbed Hirono “the new Labubu,” referencing Pop Mart’s previous viral toy line.

On social media, admirers shared their excitement with remarks like, “Labubu walked so Hirono could run,” while others praised Taehyung’s trendsetting influence as “Taehyung’s Midas touch in action!”

As always, Taehyung proves that his unique style and choices have the power to shape trends and captivate fans around the globe—turning simple collectibles into coveted must-haves almost instantly.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/bts-s-v-ignites-worldwide-craze-for-hirono-doll/story

Daren Sammy highlights decline of West Indies’ Test side

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By Parth Dhall | Oct 08, 2025 | 05:05 pm

**The Story**

Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy has drawn a stark comparison between the decline of his Test side and a “cancer” that has been developing over a long period.

Speaking ahead of the second Test against India in Delhi, Sammy acknowledged that role models in the shorter formats of the game are readily available for younger players. However, he emphasized that they can only work with the resources currently at their disposal.

**Candid Remarks: Deep-rooted Issues in West Indies Cricket**

West Indies lost the first Test of the two-match series in India by an innings and 140 runs. Ahead of the second Test, Sammy did not shy away from addressing the ongoing struggles of West Indies cricket, particularly in the Test format.

“I know now I’m under the microscope. I’m in the middle, and we’re open to criticism,” he said. Yet, Sammy stressed that these problems did not emerge overnight; they are deeply embedded within the system.

**Metaphorical Comparison: Cancer Analogy for West Indies Cricket Struggles**

Sammy likened the chronic issues affecting West Indies cricket to “a cancer that’s already in the system.” He elaborated, “If you don’t get cancer, you know what happens. Our problems don’t lie on the surface. It’s rooted deep into our system.”

He also highlighted the financial challenges faced by West Indies cricket, noting, “The difference between the top 3-4 teams in the world versus the bottom four is huge. We’ve been struggling with finances for a long time.”

**Missed Chances: Commercial Opportunities Slip Away**

Reflecting on missed commercial opportunities, Sammy lamented that when West Indies was once the best side in the world, they failed to capitalize on commercial benefits in the way nations like India did.

“We’re playing five Test matches, four months in one place, entertaining the world,” he remarked. He added that due to lack of management and other factors over the years, West Indies now find themselves in dire need of financial resources to help the game grow within the region.

**Woeful Numbers for West Indies**

According to ESPNcricinfo, West Indies have recorded 13 sub-200 totals in their last 15 Test innings. In those innings, they consistently failed to bat out 90 overs or a full day.

Notably, since the start of this century, the Windies have won only two Tests against India, the last victory coming in 2002. Overall, they have lost six of their last seven Tests.

—

The road ahead is challenging for West Indies cricket, but addressing the deep-rooted issues highlighted by Sammy is crucial for rebuilding the once-dominant Test side.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/daren-sammy-highlights-decline-of-west-indies-in-test-cricket/story

Video of Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi to be released Wednesday evening, family confirms

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**Video of Nepali Hostage Bipin Joshi to Be Released Wednesday Evening, Family Confirms**

Israeli intelligence has obtained new footage of Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi, who was abducted from Kibbutz Alumim on October 7. The video is scheduled to be released on Wednesday evening, according to an announcement from the Hostage Family Forum.

The Hostage Family Forum confirmed earlier on Wednesday that Israeli intelligence units have acquired the video of Bipin Joshi. This new development brings hope to the family and those following the situation closely.

Further updates are expected following the video’s release later this evening.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869776

‘Deposit ₹60 crore’: Bombay High Court tells Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra amid plea seeking permission to travel abroad

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**Bombay High Court Demands ₹60 Crore Deposit to Consider Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s Plea to Travel Abroad**

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday demanded a ₹60 crore deposit to consider the plea filed by actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra seeking permission to travel abroad, according to reports by news agencies.

This order comes after the couple approached the High Court to quash a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them in connection with an FIR relating to an alleged ₹60 crore fraud case.

**Details of the Fraud Case Against Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty**

The case originates from a complaint filed by businessman Deepak Kothari, who accused Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra of inducing him to invest ₹60 crore in their now-defunct venture, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, between 2015 and 2023. Kothari alleged that the funds were later diverted for personal use.

Raj Kundra has already been questioned by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police. The LOC against the couple was issued at the request of the EOW.

On Tuesday, Shilpa Shetty was questioned by EOW officials for approximately four and a half hours in connection with the ₹60 crore fraud case.

**What Was the Couple’s Plea?**

In their petition, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra claimed that Shilpa resigned from the company in 2016. They emphasized the need to travel abroad for professional commitments and argued that denying them this opportunity would amount to a violation of their fundamental rights.

The Bombay High Court’s demand for a ₹60 crore deposit highlights the seriousness of the case as it continues to unfold.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/deposit-rs-60-crore-bombay-high-court-tells-shilpa-shetty-raj-kundra-amid-plea-seeking-permission-to-travel-abroad-11759913314874.html

WTO says AI-related buying binge, spike in US imports spur unexpected rise in goods trade

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GENEVA (AP) — The World Trade Organization is sharply raising its forecast for trade growth in goods this year after an unexpectedly strong first half. This growth has been driven by rising AI-related purchases, front-loaded imports in the U.S. over tariff fears, and robust developing-world trade.

The Geneva-based trade body said Tuesday that its economists are increasing their prediction of global trade expansion, reflecting these positive developments.

https://business.inquirer.net/551475/wto-says-ai-related-buying-binge-spike-in-us-imports-spur-unexpected-rise-in-goods-trade

Japan and Indonesia Sign Agreement to Simplify Customs Procedures

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Japan has recently expanded its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification agreement to include Indonesia, marking its 15th such partnership with countries around the world. This strategic arrangement is designed to streamline customs clearance processes and boost logistics and business exchanges between the two nations.

The agreement was officially signed by the Japanese government and Indonesia on October 8th. Under this framework, companies that have demonstrated reliable security and compliance systems will be granted AEO certification. This certification allows eligible companies to benefit from faster and more efficient import and export procedures, reducing delays at customs checkpoints.

Japan has already implemented similar agreements with 14 other countries, and the addition of Indonesia further enhances this network. The Ministry of Finance, which oversees customs operations, emphasized that the new pact will enable cargo inspections during import and export to proceed more promptly, facilitating smoother trade flows.

Both Indonesia and Japan are key trading partners for each other. With this new agreement in place, the governments expect to strengthen bilateral economic ties while supporting seamless logistics and business operations. This move is anticipated to invigorate trade activities and promote greater cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147195.php

To attract more funds, Philippines told to bolster sustainability rules

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines needs to strengthen sustainability standards in major infrastructure projects to attract discerning foreign investors and donors, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said.

In a report released on Tuesday, the OECD noted that the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 had already laid out specific strategies and measurable actions that signal a commitment to sustainable development.

https://business.inquirer.net/551311/to-attract-more-funds-ph-told-to-bolster-sustainability-rules

Listing South African batters with hundreds at Women’s World Cup

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**South African Batters with Hundreds at the Women’s World Cup**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 07, 2025, 03:42 PM*

South Africa recorded a convincing six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup clash at Indore’s Holkar Stadium. The star of the match was Tazmin Brits, who scored a brilliant 101 runs, leading her side to chase down the target of 232 with ease. This remarkable innings made her the first woman cricketer to score five WODI centuries in a single calendar year.

In this article, we take a look at South African batters who have scored hundreds in the Women’s World Cup history.

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### #3 Tazmin Brits – 101 vs New Zealand, 2025

In the crucial chase against New Zealand, Tazmin Brits showcased her class by scoring 101 runs off just 89 balls, including 15 fours and 1 six. She formed a magnificent partnership of 159 runs for the second wicket with Sune Luus, who remained unbeaten on 83. Their combined efforts ensured South Africa crossed the finish line at 234/4 with 9.1 overs to spare, sealing a memorable victory.

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### #2 Marizanne Kapp – 102* vs Pakistan, 2013

Marizanne Kapp delivered a stellar performance against Pakistan during the 2013 Women’s World Cup match in Cuttack, India. Batting on a challenging surface, she arrived at a difficult situation with South Africa struggling at 9/2. Kapp steadied the innings and scored an unbeaten 102 off 150 balls, which included 11 fours. Her invaluable knock helped South Africa post a competitive 207/5 total. She then forged an unbroken 128-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Dane van Niekerk, who scored 55*, steering the team to a comprehensive 126-run victory.

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### #1 Linda Olivier – 101* vs Ireland, 2000

Former opener Linda Olivier holds the distinction of being the first South African woman to score a hundred in a Women’s World Cup. This achievement came during the 2000 tournament in Christchurch, where South Africa was chasing a target of 178 runs against Ireland. Olivier anchored the innings with a strong opening partnership of 117 runs alongside Hanri Strydom, who contributed 46 runs. She finished unbeaten on 101 off 117 balls, smashing 10 fours and leading South Africa to a comfortable nine-wicket win.

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These innings remain significant milestones in South Africa’s Women’s World Cup history, underscoring the talent and resilience of their batters on the global stage.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/south-african-batters-with-hundreds-at-the-women-s-world-cup/story