Category: Sports

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the names included in the 16-member national squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

Several senior players, including Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, have been left out of the squad.

All matches of the series will be played at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The official schedule is expected to be released soon.

All-rounder Agha Salman has been appointed as the captain of the national team, while experienced spinner Shadab Khan will serve as the vice-captain.

The squad features a balanced mix of youth and experience, reflecting PCB’s strategy of preparing for future international assignments while maintaining competitive performance in the present.

Pakistan T20I Squad includes Agha Salman (Captain), Shadab Khan (Vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Haris (Wicketkeeper), Muhammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (Wicketkeeper) and Saim Ayub.

The inclusion of several promising young players in the squad is a step towards providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent on the international stage. According to PCB, this selection is part of broader preparations for upcoming global events.

The entire series will be hosted in Pakistan, with Gaddafi Stadium set to host all three matches. Further details, including the complete schedule, are expected to be announced soon.

Pakistani students have secured first place at the prestigious Teknofest 2025 competition held in Northern Cyprus. The event, regarded as one of the world’s largest and most respected technology, aerospace, and engineering festivals, featured over 50,000 participants from 22 countries.

Pakistani students Asma Fatima and Anaya Khan impressed the judges by developing a device capable of detecting human emotions. Their innovative project stood out among thousands and was declared the best by the competition’s jury.

The award was presented by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who presented the winning students with a trophy, a shield, and a special cash prize of 60,000 Turkish Lira in recognition of their achievement.

The competition took place during the first week of May, and the project by the Pakistani students was one of the event’s highlights. Their success was also acknowledged by the President of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, who praised the students and personally congratulated them.

Speaking after their win, both Asma Fatima and Anaya Khan expressed their joy and pride in representing Pakistan on such a large global platform. They said they were honoured to raise the Pakistani flag high and bring pride to their country through their hard work and innovation.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially begun the search for new coaches to join the national team. The board is inviting applications for four key roles: batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, and strength and conditioning coach.

This move is in line with the PCB’s aim to strengthen the team’s support system and improve player performance through expert guidance. With the T20 Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 coming up, appointing the right people at the right time is crucial.

The PCB has opened these positions to both local and international candidates and is expected to select professionals with significant experience in top-level cricket. Some former players have already expressed interest in applying.

According to media reports, the appointed coaches may work across all formats of the game. While the board is also considering separate head coaches for red-ball and white-ball formats, these specialist coaches are still likely to play a key role in developing both the senior squad and emerging talent.

With recent changes in strategy and team management, Pakistan cricket is aiming to adopt a more modern and competitive approach, both in playing style and preparation.

Former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria, known for his anti-Pakistan remarks and open support for India, has been snubbed by the very country he frequently praises. Despite his pro-India stance, authorities in Jaipur have removed his photograph from the gallery of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

According to media reports, following Pakistan’s strong response to recent Indian aggression, the Modi government has come under global criticism. As diplomatic tensions rise between the two countries, symbolic actions are being taken on both sides, including the quiet removal of Kaneria’s image from the stadium’s gallery.

The move followed protests by right-wing Hindu groups against the presence of Kaneria’s photo in the gallery. Although stadium officials had initially defended the image, stating it was part of a tribute to notable cricketers, pressure from extremist groups ultimately led to its removal.

The decision has surprised many, as Kaneria has repeatedly voiced support for India and criticised Pakistan on various platforms. Despite his clear alignment, his image could not withstand the climate of rising nationalism and political pressure.

Danish Kaneria, a Hindu and only the second to represent Pakistan after Anil Dalpat, played for the national team from 2000 to 2012. He featured in 61 Test matches and 18 ODIs, taking 261 Test wickets. His performances against India were particularly impressive, claiming 44 wickets in 11 Tests and two ODIs against the arch-rivals.

However, Kaneria’s career ended in controversy after he was handed a lifetime ban in 2012 by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for his involvement in a spot-fixing scandal during his time with Essex County.

Australian cricket star and Karachi Kings captain David Warner has taken to social media to make an unusual request ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 playoffs; not for team strategy tips, but for a round of golf.

In a light-hearted post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Warner tagged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Karachi Kings while asking, “Anyone got a contact for Raya in Lahore for golf, please? We’ve heard amazing things about it. Thank you! Been trying for weeks to play there.”

Warner’s post quickly gained attention from fans, many of whom praised his interest in exploring Lahore beyond the cricket field. The Australian opener is known for his off-field charisma, and his attempt to fit in a round of golf has only added to his popularity among PSL followers.

Anyone got a contact for Raya in Lahore for golf please, we’ve heard amazing things about it. Thanks you! Been trying for weeks to play there. @TheRealPCB @KarachiKingsARY

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) May 20, 2025

Karachi Kings recently suffered a tough loss against Islamabad United in a high-scoring encounter during the group stage of PSL 10. Chasing a mammoth 252-run target, Karachi were bowled out for 172 in 18.2 overs.

Warner led from the front with a solid knock of 43 off 28 balls, hitting two sixes and four boundaries. However, the rest of the batting line-up couldn’t keep up with the required run rate. Islamabad’s captain, Shadab Khan, was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets.

Alex Hales was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings of 88 off just 35 balls, which featured eight sixes and six fours. His knock helped Islamabad climb to second place on the points table, tying with Karachi Kings on 12 points but ahead on Net Run Rate (NRR).

Despite the defeat, Karachi Kings have qualified for the playoffs and are set to face arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the eliminator on May 22 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Warner remained optimistic and called for a reset ahead of the knockout stage.

“We can let this one go and focus on winning the remaining three games to secure the silverware. We have a couple of days to regroup, and we must bounce back stronger,” he said during the post-match presentation.

He also broke down what went wrong during the game: “The target was big, but we were confident about chasing it. We aimed to show intent in the first six overs, and our priority was to win the game. We did well until around the 8th or 9th over, but then it slipped out of our hands. Our performance fell short in all three departments: batting, fielding, and bowling.”

With the eliminator just days away, Warner will be hoping his team regroups and regains its momentum. And who knows, a peaceful round of golf at Raya could be just what the skipper needs to clear his mind before the high-pressure knockout.

Gary Lineker is set to step away from the BBC amid controversy, after hosting Match of the Day for 25 years.

This development follows the 64-year-old sharing an online post in support of Palestine, which included an image of a rat. The photo was viewed by many as having anti-Semitic connotations because of its historical context.

While Lineker deleted the post and apologised, stating it was unintentional, the BBC is reportedly under significant pressure.

According to media reports, senior officials argued that Lineker had breached the corporation’s impartiality rules, even though the content was shared via his personal social media account.

The former England footballer is now expected to leave after the Premier League season ends on Sunday.

He had previously planned to remain with the broadcaster until the 2026 World Cup, but the current controversy has altered the circumstances of his departure.

Many believe he is being penalised for expressing support for Palestinian rights. Similar cases have emerged in other countries, where individuals have lost jobs or faced backlash for speaking out in favour of Palestine.

Lineker has long been praised for making football shows relatable and engaging, but his sudden departure has upset many.

Support for him is growing online. Fans, former players, and journalists have used hashtags like #IStandWithLineker and #LetLinekerSpeak to express solidarity and condemn what is being perceived as a crackdown on free expression.

As PSL X heads into the playoffs after an exciting group stage, fans and experts are raising concerns over the absence of the Decision Review System (DRS). The technology, which helps ensure fair and accurate decisions in cricket, has not been available since the league resumed and is not expected to return for the remaining matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn’t officially explained the reason, but many believe the recent Pakistan-India tensions may have affected the broadcast crew. Likely, the team responsible for operating DRS didn’t travel to Pakistan when the tournament restarted.

This is a major blow for a league that was once known for leading in innovation. PSL became the first T20 franchise league to introduce DRS in the 2017 playoffs, even before the Indian Premier League adopted it in 2018.

With teams scoring high and matches being decided by very small margins, not having DRS could lead to costly umpiring errors. The lack of technology puts extra pressure on umpires and could affect match outcomes.

As the playoffs approach, players, fans, and experts are urging the PCB to find a last-minute fix. Otherwise, match results will depend entirely on human judgment, which DRS was designed to support and improve.

The issue adds unnecessary tension to an already high-stakes tournament and leaves many hoping for a quick solution.

Rumours began circulating earlier on Monday, May 19, that India might skip this year’s Asia Cup, reportedly after recent tensions with Pakistan, potentially resulting in the tournament’s cancellation.

Indian media claimed that, following the escalation of tensions with Pakistan, India had decided to boycott the Asia Cup. Some outlets also reported that India would skip the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup.

However, according to media reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia has since responded, rejecting all such claims. In his statement, Saikia clarified that no decision has been made regarding withdrawal from any Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.

“We are aware of the reports that started this morning, suggesting India has decided not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Asia Cup. But no such discussions have taken place so far,” he said.

He further added, “There is no truth in these reports at this moment. Our full focus right now is on the IPL and the upcoming series against England. These news reports are based on speculation and are imaginary. If any decision is made after discussions on ACC events, the board will make an official announcement.”

Pakistani cricket fans flooded social media, responding to the news, showing little concern about India’s reported exit, saying, ‘We don’t care’. 

One user commented, “Who cares ” while another said, “Nahi ana to na ayen, hum konsa maray ja rahay hain.” A third fan wrote, “Chalo acha hai, sukoon hua,” and another posted, “Asia Cup will happen with or without India.”

For now, with the BCCI denying any such move, the Asia Cup appears to be on track, and fans across the region continue to wait for official updates.

Peshawar Zalmi has failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, which is a tough blow for the team and its fans. Team owner Javed Afridi, however, has promised major changes ahead.

Led by Babar Azam, Zalmi won only four out of ten matches in PSL 10. Their final chance to stay in the tournament ended with a loss to Lahore Qalandars in a rain-affected game in Rawalpindi. They lost by 26 runs, finishing their campaign with just 8 points and a negative net run rate of -0.293.

To our passionate Zalmi fans:
This season’s outcome hurts, but this platform remains a launchpad for national careers. “Major changes” are coming—we’ll rebuild with grit and purpose. InshaAllah.

Request to all Zalmi Fans, as a national product, let’s unite to support all…

— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) May 18, 2025

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Javed Afridi expressed his disappointment but also shared hope for the future. He wrote, “To our passionate Zalmi fans: This season’s outcome hurts, but this platform remains a launchpad for national careers. Major changes are coming. We’ll rebuild with grit and purpose. InshaAllah.”

He also shared plans to connect more with fans in the upcoming seasons. He announced the launch of Fan Parks, a Zalmi fan zone inside stadiums, and exciting new marketing campaigns.

“This is not just a team, it’s a movement,” Afridi added. “As a national product, let’s unite to support all PSL teams in the spirit of cricket.”

Peshawar Zalmi has been one of the most consistent teams in PSL history, having won the title in 2017 and reached the final four times. Missing the playoffs for the first time marks a significant setback, but Afridi believes this is just a phase.

Former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad, who is often seen criticising Babar Azam, surprised many fans by coming out in support of him after Peshawar Zalmi crashed out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Zalmi’s campaign ended after their defeat to Lahore Qalandars in a do-or-die match played in Rawalpindi. This is the first time in PSL history that Peshawar Zalmi have failed to reach the playoffs, leading to widespread criticism, particularly directed at Babar Azam, the team’s captain.

However, instead of joining the critics, Ahmed Shehzad defended Babar in a post on social media, questioning why Babar is always singled out when the team underperforms.

Taking to his X account, he wrote: “Yes, Babar Azam is out of form. Yes, his last 50 was slow. But why is all the pressure always on him? Cricket is a team game. What are the other 10 doing? He was taking risks today, which was the right approach. Where are the rest of the batters when it matters the most? Accountability can’t be selective.”

The match was reduced to 13 overs amid bad weather. Lahore Qalandars batted first and posted 149 for eight, with Fakhar Zaman playing a brilliant knock of 60 from 36 balls. In reply, Zalmi’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure. Babar Azam, playing his 100th PSL match, was dismissed for just 16 runs. Only Daniel Sams (26*) managed to put up some resistance, as Zalmi finished on 123 for eight in their allotted overs.

After the match, Babar attributed the loss to poor fielding and the lack of early partnerships. He mentioned that dropped catches gave Lahore extra runs and praised young players like Ali Raza and Maaz Sadaqat for their efforts.

While Babar faced criticism for not delivering in a high-stakes game, Shehzad’s unexpected support stood out and sparked discussion among fans and cricket experts.