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India batter Smriti Mandhana has confirmed that her wedding has been “called off”. She and music composer Palash Muchhal were scheduled to marry on November 23, but it was initially postponed after Mandhana’s father was hospitalised.

Mandhana appealed for privacy in her statement on Instagram.

“Over the past few weeks there has been plenty of speculation around my life and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time,” she wrote in her post.

“I am a very private person and I would like to keep it that way but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off.

“I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. I request you to please respect the privacy of both families at this time and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace.

“I believe there is a higher purpose driving us all and for me that has always been representing my country at the highest level,” she wrote. “I hope to continue to play and win trophies for India for as long as possible and that is where my focus will forever be.”

She concluded her statement by saying, “It’s time to move forward.”

Mandhana was the second-highest run-scorer during India’s successful campaign in the recent women’s ODI World Cup, with 434 runs at an average of 54.25.

Her next assignment is the five-T20I series against Sri Lanka at home from December 21 to 30, after which she will lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2026 WPL from January 9. RCB play the opening game of the season against Mumbai Indians in Navi Mumbai. (ESPNcricinfo)

 

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Police are investigating the murder of a 48-year-old Cuban national who was found dead with multiple suspected stab wounds on Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, on Saturday afternoon.

The victim, identified as Ariel Betancourt Ramiel, was discovered lying motionless on an access road around 14:00 hrs. A doctor from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation examined Ramiel at the scene and pronounced him dead.

Ranks subsequently recovered a knife believed to have been used in the attack. The weapon was found in a nearby drain and has been lodged as part of the investigation.

The body was later transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death.

Police have secured CCTV footage from the area, which is currently under review. Investigators say they are pursuing several leads, but no arrests have been made at this time. The investigation continues.

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Police in Region Seven have seized a suspected firearm, ammunition and cannabis following an intelligence-led riverine patrol in the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers on Saturday.

The operation, conducted around 08:45 hrs near Bamford Point, Essequibo River, resulted in the interception of a wooden vessel. A search of the boat uncovered a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis, along with two magazines containing eleven .45 calibre live rounds and five 12-gauge cartridges.

The operator of the vessel, a 35-year-old gold miner from Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested. He and the seized items were taken to the Bartica Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence, amounting to 28.90 grammes. The narcotics and ammunition were lodged as police continued their investigation.

Later on Saturday, police escorted the suspect to his mining camp at Ramsheep Backdam, Mazaruni River. A search was carried out, during which ranks recovered a suspected Glock 9mm pistol fitted with a magazine.

The suspected firearm and magazine were lodged, and the miner remains in custody as investigations continue.

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Construction on the US$192 million East Coast Demerara Road Widening and Improvement Project is progressing steadily, with overall works now 84 per cent complete.

This is according to the Ministry of Public Works, which said that significant strides have been made along the Railway Embankment corridor between Sheriff Street and the Ogle Roundabout, where the asphalt surface has been fully paved.

Ongoing construction on the East Coast Demerara road expansion project

The ministry said the newly laid roadway will offer commuters a smoother and more durable driving experience.

The next phase of work in this section includes road markings, the installation of traffic lights and signs, and new lighting for the four-lane carriageway.

These final works will prepare the corridor for full use as construction continues eastward.

Beyond the paved sections, reconstruction is ongoing on several key bridges at Plaisance, Success, La Bonne Intention (LBI), Mon Repos and Foulis.

The bridge at Foulis is already “substantially complete”, with only approach and railing works outstanding.

Bridge works began in November and are scheduled for completion by January 2026.

The China Railway First Group Company Limited is executing the project. It involves expanding the Railway Embankment road into a four-lane highway from Sheriff Street to Enmore.

The project will also see the construction of a new four-lane road from Enmore to Orange Nassau, Mahaica.

It encompasses a comprehensive reconstruction of the entire Railway Embankment alignment, which includes the construction of 42 new bridges and 77 culverts, of which 29 bridges and 70 culverts have been completed.

Once completed, the project will significantly enhance connectivity along the stretch. It will also facilitate easing the traffic congestion, promoting easier commuting and investments through improved accessibility.  [DPI]

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The government has commissioned a new 3-megawatt peak (MWp) solar farm at Prospect Berbice in Region Six.

The farm adds another tranche of renewable energy to Guyana’s grid, helping to stabilise electricity supply in the region.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips led the commissioning on Saturday, describing the project as both a technical milestone and a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.

“Every renewable project that we commission is another step toward an energy system that is modern, affordable and resilient, and by extension will lead to a brighter future for Guyana, he said.

Beyond that, each project reflects the values of our government that is committed to lifting the quality of life for every Guyanese in every community throughout the length and breadth of Guyana,“ Prime Minister Phillips said.

Residents in Berbice welcomed the solar farm, saying it brings the region closer to reliable and more affordable power.

Youdhisthir Persaud said the project will benefit communities across Canje.

“The government is doing a wonderful job for the people of this country, and we must thank them for what they are doing. I love the project; it will support the people in this area,” Persaud said, adding that, “as a senior citizen, I am so jealous to know that the young generation will enjoy such a wonderful thing.”

Another resident, Frank John, noted that the transition away from fossil fuels was long overdue.

“I think it is an excellent idea to have solar panels to supplement our electricity generation. For too long, the country has relied totally on fossil fuels.”

Sean Smith said the investment will have far-reaching benefits for Guyanese.

“This is a massive project, the entire East Canje will benefit, and soon all Guyanese will benefit, the country at large, but what is more impressive, is how it will contribute to the mitigation of fossil fuel and how easier and accessible energy will be for us in Region Six. I think this is great planning from the government,” Smith said.

The Prospect solar farm is the latest in a series of renewable energy projects across Guyana.

Earlier this year, a 750-kilowatt solar installation was commissioned in Wakenaam.

Additionally, in Region Two, sustainable energy efforts advanced significantly with the opening of the US$10.4 million, 5MWp Onderneeming solar farm, the country’s largest hybrid solar-plus-storage facility.

Construction of another solar farm at Charity, Essequibo Coast, is nearing completion.

Prime Minister Phillips said these projects form part of the government’s long-term strategy to strengthen energy security, reduce fuel costs and transition Guyana toward a low-carbon electricity system. [DPI]

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Santa Rosa Primary were crowned the MVP Sports Girls’ Under-11 Pee Wee Football champions, winning a sensational all-Region One final 3-2 against rivals Waramuri Primary at the Ministry of Education Ground on Saturday.

Santa Rosa, maintaining their unbeaten record throughout the tournament, took the lead in the 12th minute through their talisman, Rovena Johnson.

Waramuri, however, rallied before half-time. Atia Marks scored a spectacular equaliser in the 23rd minute.

Santa Rosa regained their composure quickly after the restart as Naomi Henry restored the lead to 2-1 in the 28th minute.

Waramuri’s Marks completed her brace in the 39th minute to pull the score level once more at 2-2, setting up a potentially dramatic penalty shoot-out.

However, Santa Rosa and Johnson had other plans. Just one minute later, Johnson struck again, netting her second goal of the final, which held until the final whistle.

Santa Rosa earned a champion’s haul of a trophy, medals, and G$100,000 towards a school project. Waramuri took home G$75,000 for their initiative.

The individual honours were dominated by the final’s hero, Rovena Johnson, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the tournament’s Highest Goal Scorer after bagging an astonishing 19 goals.

In the third-place playoff, Marian Academy secured the bronze medals with a 1-0 victory over St John the Baptist, thanks to a 21st-minute goal from Haley Haberkorn.

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England’s Ashes hopes are all but over in fewer than six days of cricket after an eight-wicket defeat by Australia in the second Test at the Gabba.

England finally showed some application with the bat on the fourth day of the pink-ball match in Brisbane, yet still succumbed to their second crushing defeat of the tour following a two-day loss in the first Test in Perth.

Perhaps determined to set an example to his team-mates after their dismal display on Saturday, captain Ben Stokes dug in for a watchful 50 off 152 balls.

Stokes and Will Jacks, who made 41 from 92, added 96 for the seventh wicket in 36.4 overs – England’s longest partnership of the series.

They were together until an hour into the middle session, when Jacks was sensationally caught by Australia captain Steve Smith at first slip.

It was the beginning of England losing their final four wickets for 17 runs to be all out for 241.

Stokes nicked Neser, Gus Atkinson was bounced out by Brendan Doggett and Brydon Carse edged to slip to give Neser his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Australia were given a meagre target of 65. Though Atkinson had Travis Head chop on and produced a lifter to remove Marnus Labuschagne, victory was completed in 10 overs.

It leaves Stokes’ team 2-0 down and in need of winning all three of the remaining Tests to regain the Ashes. England have never come from 2-0 behind to win a series against Australia.

On the most eagerly anticipated Ashes tour for a generation and in what was supposed to be a golden opportunity to win the urn for the first time since 2015, Stokes’ men are threatening to return the worst performance by an England team in Australia in modern times.

Questions about England’s attitude will again arise as the tourists plan to follow this defeat with a holiday on the Sunshine Coast.

Regardless of how England spend their time between now and the third Test on 17 December (23:30 16 December GMT), they must somehow improve immeasurably for the contest in Adelaide.

As Ashes holders, Australia will only need a draw to retain the urn at the earliest opportunity and before thousands of England fans travel over Christmas for the Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.

The hosts will do so with the boost of captain Pat Cummins set to return from injury and off-spinner Nathan Lyon primed for a recall.

Australian absences at the beginning of the series presented England with a huge chance they have blown. Now, they must face the consequences. (BBC) 

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