Sports News from Friday, July 17th, 2026

Formula One leader Kimi Antonelli was fastest for Mercedes in practice for the Belgian Grand Prix on Friday with Pierre Gasly bringing a halt to the second session with a crash that left debris strewn across the track.

Mohammad Nawaz has been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after testing positive for a prohibited substance, the governing body said on Friday, with the Pakistan all-rounder being handed a three-month ban that can be reduced upon completion of a rehabilitation programme.

West Indies cricket great Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as the sport's greatest all-rounder, has died at the age of 89.

The winners of Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will receive championship rings in addition to the trophy and gold medals, FIFA said.

India team management has thrown its weight behind struggling opener Rohit Sharma amid speculation back home that Sunday's third one-day international against England at Lord's could be his last.

The shirt worn by Brazil great Pele when he scored twice in the 1958 World Cup final has sold for $4.9 million at auction, becoming the most valuable piece of memorabilia linked to the football legend, Sotheby's said on Thursday.

Joe Root has steered England to a four-wicket win over India in Cardiff to level the one-day series and set up a decider at Lord’s on Sunday.

Debutant Jackson Suber has led the British Open with a stunning five-under opening round of 65 on Thursday as fellow Americans, reigning champion Scottie Scheffler and big-hitting Bryson DeChambeau, made their mark.