Author: News Desk

Former Pakistani pacer and cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar has claimed that the Indian cricket team and Virat Kohli were eager to play in Pakistan, but their government was not allowing them to come to the country for Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking to a digital media outlet, Akhtar said that Indians wanted to come and play in Pakistan more than Pakistanis themselves.

“They are dying to play in Pakistan… Virat Kohli might also be dying to play in Pakistan,” he said, adding that he had worked with the Board of Cricket Control India (BCCI), and knew that Indians in Pakistan would get the opportunity to earn a lot more in terms of TV rights and sponsorships.

To a question by former skipper Mohammad Hafeez regarding India’s hesitation, Akhtar said their government did not want the national team to travel across the border.

The Indian government and the BCCI have decided not to send the Indian cricket team for Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year. Amid negotiations led by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan has also opposed a proposed hybrid model enabling India to play its matches at a neutral venue.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that nothing comes before the country’s “honour” and if India cannot play cricket in Pakistan, Greenshirts won’t go play any matches or tournaments across the border either.

Under PCB’s “new formula” for the upcoming tournament, both teams will play ICC event matches at neutral venues for three years.

With both countries at loggerheads, the ICC Board is likely to meet on the issue this evening (Thursday), for which PCB chief Naqvi has also reached Dubai.

According to reports, a major decision regarding the holding of the Champions Trophy is likely to be made in said meeting.

Meanwhile, a reception is being hosted in honour of India’s Jay Shah, who has assumed the post of ICC chief. A meeting with ICC broadcasters is also underway ahead of the board meeting.

The PCB chief maintains that he is sticking to his stance, and if the new formula is rejected, the PCB can take “strict action”. Pakistan is also reportedly considering legal options to resolve the dispute.

Afghan cricket team captain Rashid Khan has raised his voice against the Taliban government’s decision to ban women from medical education.

After imposing several restrictions on women in Afghanistan, the Taliban government has now also banned them from pursuing medical education, prompting the Afghan Cricketer to raise his voice against the Draconian decision. Rashid has called the ban “regrettable” and has appealed to the government to reconsider. 

He issued a statement on Instagram, speaking out for  Afghan women.

He wrote, “Learning knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman. I am saddened and disappointed by the news about the closure of education and medical departments in front of the sisters. It’s very painful to see pictures of sisters and mothers on social media and depression. Just as the foundation of a country’s development begins with education, our sisters also have the right to educate and be able to serve their community in every field except the medical sector. I hope that this decision will be reviewed and our sisters will be provided with education according to the principles of the holy religion.”

“Education holds a central place in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women. The Quran highlights the importance of learning and acknowledges the equal spiritual worth of both genders. It is with deep sadness and disappointment that I reflect on the recent closures of educational and medical institutions for the sisters and mothers of Afghanistan. This decision has profoundly affected not only their future but also the broader fabric of our society. The pain and sorrow they express through social media serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles they face,” he added.

The Cricketer wrote, “Afghanistan, our beloved homeland, stands at a critical juncture. The country desperately needs professionals in every field, especially in the medical sector. The acute shortage of female doctors and nurses is particularly concerning, as it directly impacts the healthcare and dignity of women. It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs.”

He further wrote, “I sincerely appeal for the reconsideration of this decision so that Afghan girls may reclaim their right to education and contribute to the nation’s development. Providing education to all is not just a societal responsibility but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values.”

Afghanistan, where many restrictions have been imposed on women after the Taliban government came to power, has now issued a new order banning women from pursuing health education in the country.

Former Saudi football franchise Al-Nasr goalkeeper Walid Abdullah has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to convert to Islam.

News about Ronaldo’s interest in converting to Islam is often circulating on social media. Now, Walid Abdullah has claimed in an interview that Cristiano Ronaldo really wants to convert to Islam.

“I once spoke to Cristiano Ronaldo about converting to Islam, and he expressed interest. He has even prostrated himself on the field after scoring a goal and always encourages Muslim players to pray and follow other Islamic teachings. As soon as the call to prayer is heard during a training session, Cristiano asks to stop the training session out of respect for the call to prayer,” he said 

Waleed stated that he was close to Ronaldo in the beginning because he was not familiar with the culture, club or other aspects of the country. “So he often asked me for details. Whether he converts to Islam or not, he has reached this point because of the humility and discipline in his personality. Everyone who meets Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia admires him.”

In January last year, Al-Nasr signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Ronaldo for $213 million.

Cristiano Ronaldo shares his retirement plans

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement plans.

Portugal booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League with a 5-1 win over Poland on Friday. Ronaldo secured his 132nd international win by surpassing former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos, who had 131 wins for Spain.

The 39-year-old spoke about his retirement plans while addressing the media after the match.

“I just want to enjoy,” he said, adding that his retirement could be in “a year or two.” He continued, “I don’t know; I’m going to be 40 soon.”

“As long as I enjoy it with passion, I will continue playing. The day I realise that I no longer had the passion, I would retire,” he said.

Ronaldo also revealed that he has “no plans to go into the coaching field” and that he may consider other matters after retirement.

“I do not see myself becoming a manager of any team, it is not in my plans; my future is in other fields outside of football. Time will tell what happens.”

Earlier, in an interview in August, Ronaldo indicated that he was considering retiring early despite his contract with the Saudi club Al-Nasr expiring after this season.

He recently also became the first man to score 900 goals in official matches and is also a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.