October 2 Evening Brief: Today's Top news and headlines from cricket world

1. World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli opts out due to personal reasons as Team India travel to Thiruvananthapuram for 2nd Warm-up fixture

A reliable source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Kohli's departure for personal reasons, assuring fans that he will return to the team shortly. (READ MORE)

2. Rashid Khan lashes out at former ACB CEO Shafiq Stanikzai, receives long explanation in return

The 25-year-old took to 'X' and lambasted former Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) Chief Executive Officer Shafiq Stanikzai for allegedly "spreading false information" about the Afghanistan team. (READ MORE)

3. ODI World Cup 2023: Ranveer Singh, Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal amongst stars to perform in opening ceremony

Cricket fans and enthusiasts can expect a star-studded opening ceremony, planned jointly by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), scheduled for October 4. (READ MORE)

4. We are not chokers, the tag has never bothered me: David Miller

South Africa have got the tag of "chokers" in world cricket. However, flamboyant batter David Miller does not agree with that and feels that the chokers tag does not define the Proteas. (READ MORE)

5. Learnt a lot from MS Dhoni but I have my own leadership style: Ruturaj Gaikwad

Gaikwad acknowledges the invaluable lessons he's imbibed from the legendary MS Dhoni. However, he is determined to carve out his own unique path at the helm. (READ MORE)

6. 'Felt like he knew exactly where the ball was going to hit his bat' - Haris Rauf recalls bowling to Virat Kohli in the nets

Back in 2018-19, India traveled to Australia to play a multi-format series. Rauf, who is one of the fastest seamers in world cricket at the moment, joined the Indian team as a net bowler and got the opportunity to bowl to the legendary Kohli. (READ MORE)

7. Lockie Ferguson delivers famous dialogue from Bollywood movie Lagaan

The right-arm pacer, known for his express pace and fiery spells on the field, recently showcased a different side of himself in a viral video shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday, October 2. (READ MORE)

8. Shakib Al Hasan fit to play Bangladesh's World Cup opener: Najmul Hossain Shanto

Bangladesh can breathe a sigh of relief as star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to play their opening match in the ODI World Cup against Afghanistan on October 7 as confirmed by Najmul Hossain Shanto. (READ MORE)

9. Irani Cup 2023, Day 2 Review: Vidhwath Kaverappa, Saurabh Kumar rattle Saurashtra’s batting unit, Arpit Vasavada keeps Ranji Champions alive

Day 2 of the ongoing Irani Cup started with Saurashtra picking up the remaining two wickets of the Rest of India as the visiting team bundled out for 308 runs (READ MORE)

10. Afghanistan A to tour Oman for seven white-ball games in October

Afghanistan Cricket Board has confirmed that the Afghanistan A Team will tour Oman for a two-match One Day and a five-match T20I Series from October 12 to 23 in Muscat, Oman. (READ MORE)