Sports News, February 23: Akash Deep shines on debut, IPL schedule released, WPL season 2 set for kick-off and more; a look at today's top 10 trending sports stories

Young England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed will miss the 5th Test against India in Dharamsala as the 19-year-old will travel home due to personal reasons. Right-arm pacer Akash Deep became the 313th Indian to play Test cricket. Meanwhile, the second edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) will begin on February 23.

Let's have a look at the top 10 trending sports news on February 23's sports roundup:

England elect to bat in Ranchi

England captain Ben Stokes won the all-important toss and elected to bat against India in the 4th Test in Ranchi on February 23 (Friday). England made two changes to their playing XI with Mark Wood and Rehan Ahmed missing out. Ollie Robinson and Shoaib Bashir were included in England's playing XI. For India, Akash Deep replaced Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested for the 4th Test.

Akash Deep makes Test debut for India

Right-arm fast bowler Akash Deep became the 313th Indian to make his Test debut. Akash Deep received his maiden Test cap in the Ranchi Test against England after playing 30 First-Class matches.

Akash Deep tears into England top-order

On his debut, Akash Deep tore into the England top-order and claimed three wickets in his opening spell on the first session of the 4th Test. The right-arm pacer dismissed Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley.

Rehan Ahmed to fly back home

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on February 23 announced that all-rounder Rehan Ahmed will return home and won't take any further part in the ongoing Test series against India. Rehan was not named in England's playing XI for the 4th Test in Ranchi and will now miss the fifth Test in Dharamsala also as the ECB announced that the 19-year-old will not return. Rehan will travel back home due to personal reasons.

IPL 2024 schedule announced

The initial 17-day schedule for the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was released on February 22. Contrary to earlier reports by Sports Tak, the season will kick off on March 22, not with a match between the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the runners-up Gujarat Titans (GT), but rather against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Mohammed Shami ruled out of IPL 2024

Gujarat Titans have suffered a significant setback as Mohammed Shami will miss the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. A source close to the matter informed Sports Tak that Shami is sidelined for the upcoming IPL due to a left ankle injury that necessitates surgery in London.

Rishabh Pant to captain Delhi Capitals but to play as pure batter

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, Delhi Capitals have announced that Rishabh Pant will captain the team but will be stepping back from his wicketkeeping duties for the initial seven games.

WPL season 2 to commence today

The second season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to commence at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on February 22. The opening game, featuring a highly anticipated showdown between the reigning champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and the previous season's finalists Delhi Capitals (DC), is expected to showcase and elevate the profiles of rising domestic talents.

Jamshedpur FC beat East Bengal FC

Jamshedpur FC ascended to the sixth spot in the Indian Super League standings following their 2-1 victory against East Bengal FC on Thursday.

Dani Alves sentenced to 4.5 years in prison

On February 22, the Catalonia Supreme Court found ex-Brazil international footballer Dani Alves guilty of sexual assault, sentencing him to four and a half years in jail. Additionally, the court ordered the 40-year-old to compensate the plaintiff with 150,000 euros ($162,990).

MORE ON SPORTS TAK: 

BIG NEWS: Big blow for England as another player returns home amidst ongoing Test series against India, set to miss Dharamsala Test
Massive update on Rishabh Pant as 26-year-old confirmed to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 but to skip a pivotal part of his game