Australia pulls out of Afghanistan cricket series over Taliban’s restrictions on women | CNN

Sydney CNN  —  Australia’s men’s cricket team has withdrawn from a series of upcoming matches against…

Iranian chess referee Shohreh Bayat fears ostracism over her activism as she challenges Russian chief of game’s governing body | CNN

CNN  —  Three years after fleeing Iran, chess referee Shohreh Bayat fears being further ostracized after…

Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia means so much for the Gulf monarchy’s sporting ambitions | CNN

Editor’s Note: A version of this story appears in today’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter,…

Lionel Messi fronts up to defeat as Saudi fans take over Doha after World Cup upset | CNN

Doha, Qatar CNN  —  Argentina’s game against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday was supposed to serve as…

Iran players remain silent during national anthem at World Cup in apparent protest at Iranian regime | CNN

Doha, Qatar CNN  —  Before a ball was even kicked in Iran’s World Cup opener against…