By Elham Asaad Buaras.
On February 18, the Dallas Mavericks confirmed that American guard Kyrie Irving will miss the remainder of the 2025–26 season as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL sustained in March 2025 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The nine-time All-Star, 33, will miss a full campaign for the first time in his 15-year career. Irving thanked the Mavericks organisation, teammates and supporters for their backing and said he hopes to return stronger next season.
The injury occurred shortly after Dallas completed a blockbuster trade sending Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, who has also struggled with injuries this season.
With the Mavericks navigating significant roster changes, Irving is expected to mentor top draft prospect Cooper Flagg while remaining closely involved with the team.
Reports on March 2 said negotiations were advancing for a welterweight showdown between American champions Devin Haney and Rolando Romero.
The proposed bout is targeted for May 30 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Haney holds the WBO welterweight title after defeating Brian Norman Jr. in November to become a three-weight world champion, while Romero was elevated to the WBA welterweight title following Jaron Ennis’ decision to vacate the belt.
Both fighters share a rivalry with Ryan Garcia. Romero defeated Garcia in Times Square last year, while Haney’s loss to Garcia was later ruled a no-contest after Garcia failed a drug test.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal delivered a scathing critique of his national side after their 2 1 ODI series loss to the Bangladesh national cricket team on March 15, questioning the direction of Pakistan cricket and sarcastically asking whether they would “steal ICC trophies” if they can’t win on the field.
Bangladesh secured the series by winning the final match at the Sher e Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, defeating Pakistan by 11 runs. The series loss has prompted criticism from former players and fans alike.
Akmal’s remarks highlighted broad dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s recent performances and raised concerns over the team’s competitiveness on the international stage.
Former Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad warned that Pakistan risks “becoming an associate team” after the series, while former all-rounder Shahid Afridi criticised selectors for dropping key players such as Babar Azam, calling the changes “ill advised” in the wake of disappointing results.
Reports published on March 16 by IranWire said Iranian officials are examining the possibility of withdrawing the Iran national football team from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Authorities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have reportedly instructed Iran’s football federation to assess the consequences of a withdrawal in discussions with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.
Federation president Mehdi Taj said the team’s participation was “shrouded in ambiguity” amid geopolitical tensions, while Sports Minister Ahmad Dunyamali cited security concerns surrounding travel to the United States, one of the tournament’s host nations.
On March 14, Adnan Dirjal, president of the Iraqi Football Association, confirmed the Iraq national football team will travel to Mexico for their inter-continental play-off.
Iraq are scheduled to face either the Bolivia national football team or the Suriname national football team in Monterrey on March 31 for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Head coach Graham Arnold had urged FIFA to postpone the match due to regional airspace disruptions following military strikes involving Iran, which complicated travel arrangements for the squad.
Iraq are seeking their first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Reports in February indicated that former France captain Zinedine Zidane has agreed in principle to become manager of the France national football team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Current coach Didier Deschamps is expected to step down once his contract expires following the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Zidane, a former Ballon d’Or winner who led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles as manager, has been out of coaching since leaving the Spanish club in 2021.
Dutch fighter Marwan Rahiki said on March 14 he took no satisfaction from injuring his opponent during his debut victory at UFC Fight Night 269 in Las Vegas.
Rahiki defeated British fighter Harry Hardwick at the UFC Apex, with the bout halted between rounds two and three after Hardwick suffered what appeared to be a broken jaw. The fight earned Fight of the Night honours.
Despite improving to 8-0, Rahiki admitted he was not fully satisfied with his performance after absorbing several punches during the contest.
On March 15, Dana White dismissed reports that Islam Makhachev had been scheduled to face Ilia Topuria at a special Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House.
Instead, Topuria will headline a lightweight title unification bout against Justin Gaethje on June 14 as part of celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. White added that Makhachev is currently observing Ramadan and recovering from hand injuries.
