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Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan says he turned down citizenship offer from India  Afghanistan’s talismanic leg-spinner Rashid Khan was informally sounded out by not one but two countries, including India, with offers of citizenship and an opportunity to represent them, but the star cricketer declined, choosing instead to stay loyal to his homeland, a new book has revealed.In “Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom”, scheduled to release on Monday, the all-rounder tells author Mohammad Haand Jafar that both India and Australia extended such offers, which he declined.“I received such offers (citizenship and playing) from both Australia and India. But I told them, ‘If I don’t play for my country, I won’t play for any other country either,” Rashid is quoted as saying in the book.ALSO READ | Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test series: Sarfaraz named head coach; four uncapped players included in squadWhile he does not elaborate on the Australian offer, the 27-year-old cricketer recounts the Indian offer in detail from the 2023 Indian Premier League season.Rashid, currently playing in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, recalls being informed by his team official that a “high-ranking official from the Indian Cricket Board” wanted to meet him.“I went over and greeted him. We started talking, and he said: ‘The situation in your country (Afghanistan) is very bad. Come stay in India. We will give you Indian documents, live here, play cricket here’, “ Rashid said, narrating the instance in the book.“I was surprised by what he was saying and didn’t know how to respond. But I smiled and said, ‘Thank you very much. I am playing for my country, Afghanistan’,” he added.Published on Apr 19, 2026  #Afghanistans #Rashid #Khan #turned #citizenship #offer #India

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan says he turned down citizenship offer from India

Afghanistan’s talismanic leg-spinner Rashid Khan was informally sounded out by not one but two countries, including India, with offers of citizenship and an opportunity to represent them, but the star cricketer declined, choosing instead to stay loyal to his homeland, a new book has revealed.

In “Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom”, scheduled to release on Monday, the all-rounder tells author Mohammad Haand Jafar that both India and Australia extended such offers, which he declined.

“I received such offers (citizenship and playing) from both Australia and India. But I told them, ‘If I don’t play for my country, I won’t play for any other country either,” Rashid is quoted as saying in the book.

ALSO READ | Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test series: Sarfaraz named head coach; four uncapped players included in squad

While he does not elaborate on the Australian offer, the 27-year-old cricketer recounts the Indian offer in detail from the 2023 Indian Premier League season.

Rashid, currently playing in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, recalls being informed by his team official that a “high-ranking official from the Indian Cricket Board” wanted to meet him.

“I went over and greeted him. We started talking, and he said: ‘The situation in your country (Afghanistan) is very bad. Come stay in India. We will give you Indian documents, live here, play cricket here’, “ Rashid said, narrating the instance in the book.

“I was surprised by what he was saying and didn’t know how to respond. But I smiled and said, ‘Thank you very much. I am playing for my country, Afghanistan’,” he added.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#Afghanistans #Rashid #Khan #turned #citizenship #offer #India

Afghanistan’s talismanic leg-spinner Rashid Khan was informally sounded out by not one but two countries, including India, with offers of citizenship and an opportunity to represent them, but the star cricketer declined, choosing instead to stay loyal to his homeland, a new book has revealed.

In “Rashid Khan: From Streets to Stardom”, scheduled to release on Monday, the all-rounder tells author Mohammad Haand Jafar that both India and Australia extended such offers, which he declined.

“I received such offers (citizenship and playing) from both Australia and India. But I told them, ‘If I don’t play for my country, I won’t play for any other country either,” Rashid is quoted as saying in the book.

ALSO READ | Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test series: Sarfaraz named head coach; four uncapped players included in squad

While he does not elaborate on the Australian offer, the 27-year-old cricketer recounts the Indian offer in detail from the 2023 Indian Premier League season.

Rashid, currently playing in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, recalls being informed by his team official that a “high-ranking official from the Indian Cricket Board” wanted to meet him.

“I went over and greeted him. We started talking, and he said: ‘The situation in your country (Afghanistan) is very bad. Come stay in India. We will give you Indian documents, live here, play cricket here’, “ Rashid said, narrating the instance in the book.

“I was surprised by what he was saying and didn’t know how to respond. But I smiled and said, ‘Thank you very much. I am playing for my country, Afghanistan’,” he added.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

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#Afghanistans #Rashid #Khan #turned #citizenship #offer #India

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Best Value Betting Picks Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776630744438" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776630744438" alt="Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>It’s hard to believe that the 2026 NFL Draft is already almost here. It’s the perfect time to cash in on some draft betting picks.</p><p>Over the last few months, countless <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/seven-round-2026-nfl-mock-draft-round-one" target="_blank">NFL mock drafters</a> have taken stabs at where these top prospects could be selected.</p><p>In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best value on the board, utilizing FanDuel Sportsbook odds. Remember, this doesn’t mean that we’re predicting these players will be drafted in these spots.</p><p>Rather, we’re going to try to cash in on some valuable plus money opportunities for the NFL Draft, an event that is always capable of a few surprises.</p><p><strong>No. 3 Overall: Francis Mauigoa (+650)</strong></p><p>The Arizona Cardinals have the No. 3 overall pick – and they have needs all over their roster.</p><p>David Bailey (+110) and Arvell Reese (+260) are the betting favorite to come off of the board in this spot. But what if the Cardinals want to hook up new offensive minded head coach Mike LaFleur with a player to help fix his offense?</p><p>That could lead the Cardinals to Mauigoa, who was a standout right tackle for the Miami Hurricanes. 31-year-old veteran Elijah Wilkinson is expected to start at right tackle for the Cardinals.</p><p>They’ll probably take an edge rusher. But if they don’t Mauigoa would be the play at +650.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p><br/><section id="section-3"> <p><strong>No. 6 Overall: Caleb Downs (+1200)</strong></p><p>The <a href="https://deadspin.com/cleveland-browns-need-to-move-on-from-deshaun-watson-era/" target="_blank">Cleveland Browns don’t need a defensive player</a>. But Browns general manager Andrew Berry continues to float the idea of the team trading down. It’s a safe bet to expect the Browns to try and trade back.</p><p>Who would be worth another organization deciding to trade up for? Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs, who should still be on the board if the New York Giants select his Buckeyes teammate, Sonny Styles, at No. 5 overall.</p><p>Obviously, a lot has to go right for this selection to cash. But Downs is one of the best players in the draft. If he’s still available outside of the top five selections, he won’t last much longer.</p> </section> <p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p><section id="section-5"> <p><strong>No. 10 Overall: Jordyn Tyson (+440)</strong></p><p>Tyson is the one player in this class that could cause a major shakeup inside the top 10 picks.</p><p>According to reports, 20 teams attended the Arizona State star’s private workout, where the consensus seemed that most teams were comfortable with his medical situation.</p><p>The Giants just acquired the No. 10 selection from the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Giants GM Joe Schoen had dinner with Tyson the night before the private workout.</p><p>If Tyson is still available at No. 10 overall, the Giants could load up on offense <a href="https://deadspin.com/jaxson-dart-shows-flashes-of-the-future-as-new-york-giants-turn-the-page/" target="_blank">for Jaxson Dart.</a></p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p> </div> #Betting #Picks #Ahead #NFL #Draft #Deadspin.com

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Deadspin | Curtis Mead, Keibert Ruiz help Nationals tame Giants <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28767432.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28767432.jpg" alt="MLB: San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Curtis Mead (45) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Curtis Mead hit a two-run homer, Keibert Ruiz had two hits and the Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 3-0 in Washington on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Andrew Alvarez (1-0), called up earlier in the day from Triple-A Rochester, pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings for the win, allowing three hits and striking out five without a walk.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>PJ Poulin opened for Washington and was replaced by Miles Mikolas with two outs and two on in the first. Mikolas, who began the day with an 11.49 ERA, pitched four scoreless innings while allowing four hits in his best outing of the young season.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Rafael Devers and Drew Gilbert had two hits each for the Giants, who had won three straight, but went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>San Francisco’s Robbie Ray (2-3) gave up three runs on seven hits over six innings. He struck out seven and walked one.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>The Giants put runner on first and second with two outs in each of the first two innings but did not score.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Nationals got an infield single and a walk to open the third inning but couldn’t cash in. Curtis Mead hit a blooper to shallow left field that dropped, but Keibert Ruiz briefly broke back towards second and was thrown out at third. Brady House flied to the warning track in center and CJ Abrams flied out.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Washington took a 3-0 lead in the fifth. Nasim Nunez reached on a bunt single and stole second. Ruiz hit shot to left center and Heliot Ramas made a diving effort but couldn’t come up with it. Nunez scored and Mead lined the first pitch he saw from Ray out to left for a two-run homer.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The first two Giants reached base in the eighth inning on an error and a single, but Casey Schmitt grounded into a double play and pinch hitter Jerar Encarnacion struck out.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Curtis #Mead #Keibert #Ruiz #Nationals #tame #Giants

Deadspin | Angels activate OF/DH Jorge Soler from four-game suspension  Apr 7, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; A fight breaks out between Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López (40) and Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jorge Soler (12) during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images   The Los Angeles Angels activated outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler from the suspended list on Sunday and put him in the cleanup spot of the lineup for the series finale against the San Diego Padres.  Soler was given an original seven-game suspension for an on-field fight with former Atlanta Braves teammate Reynaldo Lopez on April 7. Soler appealed the suspension, and it was reduced to four games, while the Angels were in New York last week.  Soler, 34, is batting .231 with five home runs and 18 RBIs in 18 games for the Angels this season.   In 13 major league seasons, Soler is a career .240 hitter with 208 home runs and 568 RBIs over 1,112 games for the Chicago Cubs (2014-16), Kansas City Royals (2017-21), Atlanta Braves (2021, 2024), Miami Marlins (2022-23), San Francisco Giants (2024) and Angels.  Lopez had his own seven-game suspension reduced to five games.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Angels #activate #OFDH #Jorge #Soler #fourgame #suspensionApr 7, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; A fight breaks out between Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López (40) and Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jorge Soler (12) during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Angels activated outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler from the suspended list on Sunday and put him in the cleanup spot of the lineup for the series finale against the San Diego Padres.

Soler was given an original seven-game suspension for an on-field fight with former Atlanta Braves teammate Reynaldo Lopez on April 7. Soler appealed the suspension, and it was reduced to four games, while the Angels were in New York last week.


Soler, 34, is batting .231 with five home runs and 18 RBIs in 18 games for the Angels this season.

In 13 major league seasons, Soler is a career .240 hitter with 208 home runs and 568 RBIs over 1,112 games for the Chicago Cubs (2014-16), Kansas City Royals (2017-21), Atlanta Braves (2021, 2024), Miami Marlins (2022-23), San Francisco Giants (2024) and Angels.

Lopez had his own seven-game suspension reduced to five games.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Angels #activate #OFDH #Jorge #Soler #fourgame #suspension">Deadspin | Angels activate OF/DH Jorge Soler from four-game suspension  Apr 7, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; A fight breaks out between Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López (40) and Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jorge Soler (12) during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images   The Los Angeles Angels activated outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler from the suspended list on Sunday and put him in the cleanup spot of the lineup for the series finale against the San Diego Padres.  Soler was given an original seven-game suspension for an on-field fight with former Atlanta Braves teammate Reynaldo Lopez on April 7. Soler appealed the suspension, and it was reduced to four games, while the Angels were in New York last week.  Soler, 34, is batting .231 with five home runs and 18 RBIs in 18 games for the Angels this season.   In 13 major league seasons, Soler is a career .240 hitter with 208 home runs and 568 RBIs over 1,112 games for the Chicago Cubs (2014-16), Kansas City Royals (2017-21), Atlanta Braves (2021, 2024), Miami Marlins (2022-23), San Francisco Giants (2024) and Angels.  Lopez had his own seven-game suspension reduced to five games.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Angels #activate #OFDH #Jorge #Soler #fourgame #suspension

Athletes aiming to secure a place at next month’s Asian Under-20 Championships in Hong Kong will have to meet the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) qualification standards at the three-day age-group competition in Tumkur, Karnataka, from April 24 to 26.

The AFI announced the selection criteria for the continental meet on Sunday.

The country’s leading junior athletes are expected to compete at the 24th National Junior Athletics Federation Competition in Tumkur.

The Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships will be held in Hong Kong from May 28 to 31.

Qualification standards for Asian U20 meet:

Men: 100m: 10.46 secs; 200m: 21.28 secs; 400m: 47.53 secs; 800m: 1:49.73 secs; 1500m: 3:51.76 secs; 3000m: 8:33.00 secs; 5,000m: 14:09.63 secs; 110mh: 13.74 secs; 400mh: 52.00 secs; 3000m steeplechase: 9:36.78 secs; high jump: 2.11m; pole vault: 5.10m; long jump: 7.52m; triple jump: 15.62m; shot put: 19.02m; discus throw: 50.41m; hammer throw: 65.97m; javelin throw: 65.32m; 5,000m race walk: 19:53.57 secs; decathlon: 6274 points; 4x100m relay: 40.01 secs; 4x400m 3:09.48 secs; mixed 4x400m relay 3:28.18 secs.

Women: 100m: 11.79 secs; 200m: 24.34 secs; 400m: 55.99 secs; 800m: 2:07.56 secs; 1500m: 4:30.58 secs; 3,000m: 9:38.91 secs; 5,000m: 16:52.54 secs; 100mh: 13.66 secs; 400mh: 59.20 secs; 3,000m steeplechase: 11:31.35 secs; high jump: 1.74m; pole vault: 3.60m; long jump: 6.13m; triple jump: 12.67m; shot put: 15.13m; discus throw: 50.13m; hammer throw: 61.19m; javelin throw: 51.02m; 5,000m race walk: 22:41.50 secs; heptathlon: 5432 points; 4x100m relay: 46.75 secs; 4x400m relay: 3:46.20 secs.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#AFI #announces #qualifying #standards #24th #National #Junior #Athletics #meet #decide #Asian #U20 #entries">AFI announces qualifying standards; 24th National Junior Athletics meet to decide Asian U20 entries  Athletes aiming to secure a place at next month’s Asian Under-20 Championships in Hong Kong will have to meet the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) qualification standards at the three-day age-group competition in Tumkur, Karnataka, from April 24 to 26.The AFI announced the selection criteria for the continental meet on Sunday.The country’s leading junior athletes are expected to compete at the 24th National Junior Athletics Federation Competition in Tumkur.The Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships will be held in Hong Kong from May 28 to 31.
Qualification standards for Asian U20 meet:
Men: 100m: 10.46 secs; 200m: 21.28 secs; 400m: 47.53 secs; 800m: 1:49.73 secs; 1500m: 3:51.76 secs; 3000m: 8:33.00 secs; 5,000m: 14:09.63 secs; 110mh: 13.74 secs; 400mh: 52.00 secs; 3000m steeplechase: 9:36.78 secs; high jump: 2.11m; pole vault: 5.10m; long jump: 7.52m; triple jump: 15.62m; shot put: 19.02m; discus throw: 50.41m; hammer throw: 65.97m; javelin throw: 65.32m; 5,000m race walk: 19:53.57 secs; decathlon: 6274 points; 4x100m relay: 40.01 secs; 4x400m 3:09.48 secs; mixed 4x400m relay 3:28.18 secs.
Women: 100m: 11.79 secs; 200m: 24.34 secs; 400m: 55.99 secs; 800m: 2:07.56 secs; 1500m: 4:30.58 secs; 3,000m: 9:38.91 secs; 5,000m: 16:52.54 secs; 100mh: 13.66 secs; 400mh: 59.20 secs; 3,000m steeplechase: 11:31.35 secs; high jump: 1.74m; pole vault: 3.60m; long jump: 6.13m; triple jump: 12.67m; shot put: 15.13m; discus throw: 50.13m; hammer throw: 61.19m; javelin throw: 51.02m; 5,000m race walk: 22:41.50 secs; heptathlon: 5432 points; 4x100m relay: 46.75 secs; 4x400m relay: 3:46.20 secs.
Published on Apr 19, 2026  #AFI #announces #qualifying #standards #24th #National #Junior #Athletics #meet #decide #Asian #U20 #entries

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