Category: Sports

A major twist has emerged in the fate of the next Asia Cup, as Indian media reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to withdraw from the upcoming tournament. 

Held every two years, the Asia Cup is known as a prestigious tournament, especially with the highly anticipated encounters between arch-rivals Pakistan and India.

According to Express Sports, India is unlikely to take part in the event due to the country’s strained relationship with Pakistan.

Tensions between the two nations recently escalated after India carried out airstrikes under peration Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam incident on April 22. 

In retaliation, Pakistan responded with full force with the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets.

Pakistan’s military operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos was launched in the early hours of May 10, striking several Indian military installations. By the time of Fajr, Pakistan had destroyed a BrahMos missile storage site in Beas, an air base in Adampur, and an airfield in Pathankot. Later, Pakistani drones flew over New Delhi. Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets destroyed India’s $1.5 billion S-400 missile defence system in Adampur.

The BCCI is also reportedly unhappy with the fact that Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, is currently serving as the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which organises the tournament. This has reportedly played a role in their decision to withdraw.

“The Indian team can’t play in a tournament that is organised by the ACC, the chief of which is a Pakistani minister. That’s the sentiment of the nation. We have verbally communicated to ACC about our withdrawal from the upcoming Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, and our future participation in their events, too, is on hold. We are in constant touch with the Indian government,” Express Sports quoted a source as saying.

The Asia Cup has been one of the most respected cricket tournaments in the region. But with India pulling out and the absence of the high-voltage Pakistan vs India clash, the tournament may lose much of its charm.

Since many of the event’s sponsors are from India, there is also a possibility that the Asian Cricket Council may cancel or delay the tournament. As of now, the future of the Asia Cup remains uncertain, and all eyes are on what happens next.

The playoff stage of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 has been finalized after Lahore Qalandars defeated Peshawar Zalmi in the 29th match of the tournament on Sunday.

The match, played in Rawalpindi, was delayed due to strong winds and rain and was reduced to 13 overs per side. Peshawar Zalmi won the toss and opted to field first.

Batting first, Lahore Qalandars posted a competitive total of 149 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 13 overs.

In reply, Peshawar Zalmi could only manage 123 runs for eight wickets, falling short by 26 runs. With this victory, Lahore Qalandars secured the last remaining spot in the playoffs. Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, and Quetta Gladiators have already qualified for the next stage.

Following the loss, Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi bowed out of the tournament. This marks the first time in PSL history that Zalmi has failed to qualify for the playoffs. Multan Sultans had already been eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the tournament.

Quetta Gladiators currently lead the points table with 15 points from their 10 matches. Karachi Kings follow in second place with 12 points from 9 games. Lahore Qalandars, after completing all 10 of their league matches, hold the third spot with 11 points.

Islamabad United sit in fourth place with 10 points from 9 matches. Peshawar Zalmi also finished with 10 points but missed out on qualification due to net run rate. Multan Sultans had a disappointing season, earning just 2 points from 10 matches and finishing at the bottom.

The final league match between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United will be played on Monday, and the final playoff match-ups will be determined based on the teams’ positions on the table.

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi met Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

Afridi shared photos from the meeting on his social media and wrote, “Today, I had the honour of meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.”

“On the occasion of Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day), I extend heartfelt congratulations to him and our brave armed forces on the remarkable success of Operation Baniyan Al-Marsous.”

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz presented a shield to Afridi. Federal Minister for Information, Atta Tarar, was also present on the occasion.

PAK-INDIA WAR

The situation escalated following the Pahalgam incident in Indian illegally occupied Kashmir on April 22. After this, in the early hours of Wednesday (May 7), India launched airstrikes across several areas in Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. At least 30 civilians were reportedly martyred, with over 40 others injured.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets. This marked the first time in history that a Rafale jet was brought down in combat.

A day later, on Thursday, Pakistan also shot down more than 30 Indian drones in various regions of the country.

However, on Friday night, India launched unprovoked missile attacks on Pakistani airbases.

After this, the Pakistan army launched “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos” on the time of Fajr on May 10 and hit several Indian military sites, security sources said.

According to state-run PTV News, the operation began at 4:38 am, and by 5:52 am, Pakistan had destroyed a BrahMos missile storage site in Beas, as well as an air base in Adampur and an airfield in Pathankot.

At 6:29 am, PTV reported that Pakistani drones were flying over New Delhi, and by 7:13 am, PAF’s JF-17 Thunder jets had destroyed India’s S-400 missile defence system in Adampur, worth approximately $1.5 billion.

However, after three days of the conflict, both India and Pakistan announced that a ceasefire was agreed, effective from 5:00 pm IST/04:30 pm PKT (11:30 UTC) on 10 May, with talks set for 12 May.

All-rounder Roston Chase has been named the new captain of the West Indies Test cricket team, replacing Kraigg Brathwaite, who resigned from the role in March 2025, while left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican has been appointed vice-captain.

According to Cricket West Indies (CWI), 33-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Chase was selected following a thorough process that included psychological assessments to evaluate leadership qualities. Other contenders for the role included John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, and Jomel Warrican.

West Indies head coach Darren Sammy backed the decision, saying:  “Our new captain has earned the trust of his teammates. He understands the responsibility and possesses the leadership qualities needed to take this team forward.”

Chase last played a Test match in March 2023. He will begin his captaincy stint in the upcoming three-match home Test series against Australia, starting June 25.

Kraigg Brathwaite, who took over the Test captaincy in March 2021, led the team in 39 matches. Under his leadership, the West Indies secured a historic Test win in Australia in 2024, their first in 27 years, and another landmark victory in Pakistan in 2025. Following his resignation, Shai Hope was appointed captain of the West Indies white-ball teams (ODIs and T20Is).

Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf recently made a surprise appearance at a skincare clinic in Islamabad, but it wasn’t the treatment that went viral. It was his hilariously blank expression while standing next to a Chinese doctor who was enthusiastically speaking in Mandarin.

A video from the visit has surfaced online, showing Haris standing beside Dr Hanfei, a Chinese plastic surgeon and aesthetic specialist currently practising in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The caption read, “Pakistani cricketer Haris Rauf come to my hospital for skin care treatment. Thank you. I am Dr. Hanfei. Currently working in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. I am a plastic surgeon and Aesthetic specialist.”

But what truly caught fans’ attention was Haris’s awkwardly polite nodding and complete lack of blinking as the doctor spoke. The internet wasted no time in turning the clip into a comedy goldmine.

One user joked, “Haris Rauf trauma mein hai,” while another added, “Blink twice if you need help.”

Someone even compared his confusion to “my participation in group presentations,” and another chimed in, “Haris is as confused as the Indian Army and Airforce!”

A fan hilariously summed it up with: “Samajh nahi aaya, per acha laga,” while the most relatable comment of all might be: “Understanding zero, confidence bhi zero.”

Even though no actual treatment was shown in the clip, Haris’s skincare visit turned into an unexpected masterclass on how to stay composed when you have no idea what’s going on.

Forbes has revealed its list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for 2025, and once again, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the No. 1 spot.

According to the magazine, Ronaldo has boosted his estimated total earnings by $15 million, reaching an impressive $275 million. This marks the third straight year the Portuguese star has topped the list. Since joining Saudi club Al Nassr in December 2022, Ronaldo has seen a surge in off-field income thanks to major brand endorsements and sponsorship deals.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry claimed second place with earnings of $156 million. Curry, who recently made history by becoming the first NBA player to hit 4,000 career three-pointers, continues to be one of basketball’s most marketable stars.

British boxing champion Tyson Fury landed in third place with $146 million in earnings, despite suffering a defeat to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk in December.

Ronaldo’s long-time rival Lionel Messi experienced a significant drop in the rankings, falling to fifth place this year with $135 million.

Forbes noted that elite athletes are now earning record-breaking sums. The top 50 highest-paid athletes collectively earned $3.19 billion this year through salaries, bonuses, and prize money — a staggering 67% increase over the past three years.

This surge in earnings is largely driven by the rise of new sports leagues and increased investments in high-profile competitions, particularly in sports like golf and basketball.

Here are the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world in 2025:

Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer, Portugal) – $275 millionStephen Curry (Basketball, United States) – $156 millionTyson Fury (Boxing, United Kingdom) – $146 millionDak Prescott (Football, United States) – $137 millionLionel Messi (Soccer, Argentina) – $135 millionLeBron James (Basketball, United States) – $133.8 millionJuan Soto (Baseball, Dominican Republic) – $114 millionKarim Benzema (Soccer, France) – $104 millionShohei Ohtani (Baseball, Japan) – $102.5 millionKevin Durant (Basketball, United States) – $101.4 million

Accordion body…

Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach, Mike Hesson, is reportedly in favour of bringing back Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to the national T20I squad.

According to ASports, Hesson views both batters as crucial to Pakistan’s plans for the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. This comes after earlier speculation that the two players might be dropped from the T20I setup, raising doubts about their future in the shortest format.

Babar and Rizwan were notably absent from the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year, with selectors opting to test younger talent. Rizwan, who briefly captained the T20I side in two series, was also replaced, with Agha Salman appointed the new skipper.

However, Hesson is now advocating for experience to return with a refreshed approach. According to reports, he recently met with selector Aqib Javed at the PCB headquarters to discuss team composition and the role senior players could play in upcoming tournaments.

While Hesson still considers both Babar and Rizwan to be “match-winners,” he has also expressed his expectation from them to adapt a modern T20 approach, including boosting their strike rates and playing with more intent and aggression.

The upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place this month in Faisalabad and Lahore, is expected to feature new faces. However, long-term planning involves a mix of seasoned players and new talent.

Earlier, reports indicated that the PCB was prepared to move on without Babar and Rizwan, with both players likely to be dropped from the T20I setup altogether.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 prepares to resume after a break caused by military tensions between Pakistan and India, former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has issued a serious warning to overseas players.

“If I had to make a call whether to head back to India and finish the tournament, it would be an easy decision. It’s a no from me. Lives and safety are the most important thing, not pay cheques,” He wrote in an opinion piece for The West Australian.

The IPL was halted earlier this month after a military standoff between Pakistan and India. While a diplomatic calm has allowed both the IPL and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to continue, Johnson believes the risk remains and foreign players may feel pressured to return.

He pointed towards reports that the Indian cricket board was quietly pushing to bring back international players, even from teams that have already been knocked out of the tournament. For example, Cummins and Head are expected to rejoin Sunrisers Hyderabad despite their team being out of the playoffs race.

“Cricketers are not just athletes, they are ambassadors,” wrote Johnson, adding that when safety was at stake, no one should be coerced or feel pressured to return even if leagues push hard for it.

South Africa has already taken a strong stance, asking all its players to return home by May 26 regardless of the IPL schedule. Cricket Australia, however, has left the decision up to individual players.

The situation becomes even more difficult with the World Test Championship final set to begin just eight days after the IPL ends on June 3. Players like Cummins, who are expected to play in the final, may face challenges in terms of recovery, preparation and avoiding burnout.

Although Johnson acknowledged the IPL’s role in bringing people together in South Asia, he ended with a clear message. “Cricket is a source of pride and unity for fans. But the well-being of players and spectators must always come first,” he wrote.

As the IPL restarts in a region still dealing with political tensions, Johnson’s words could influence both players and cricket boards. While it is uncertain if his warning will lead to any changes, his message is clear.

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has declined to return to India for the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, citing security concerns and regional tensions.

According to media reports, Starc has officially informed his IPL franchise, Delhi Capitals, of his decision and conveyed his unavailability for the remainder of the season, choosing to prioritise safety.

Starc was present during the blackout incident in Dharamshala on May 8, which led to the suspension of a match. His wife, Australian women’s cricketer Alyssa Healy, was also present at the stadium at the time, and she later spoke candidly about the unsettling experience in an interview. 

Meanwhile, fellow Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is set to return to India despite nursing a shoulder issue. He is expected to rejoin Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the playoffs.

Australian captain Pat Cummins and top-order batter Travis Head are also planning to return to their respective IPL franchises in India.

Cricket Australia is expected to issue an official statement soon regarding the availability of its players for the remainder of the IPL.

It merits mention that the IPL was suspended last Friday amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the region. However, the tournament is now scheduled to resume on May 17.

Pakistan’s top-order batter and former skipper Babar Azam has come out in strong support of his teammate Mohammad Rizwan, who has been trolled online for his popular phrase “win or learn”.

Rizwan introduced the phrase to promote a positive outlook after defeat, but it has since turned into a meme with some mocking his English-speaking skills.

In a podcast on Peshawar Zalmi’s YouTube channel, Babar addressed the trolling campaign and criticised how people “misunderstood” Rizwan’s words. “Who did this? It was our own. It’s always our own who pull each other down,” he said.

Babar praised Rizwan’s strong mindset and said all the trolling over ‘win or learn’ had not affected him the slightest. “He is the kind of person who doesn’t care about what people say and doesn’t pay attention to it.”

“If he [Rizwan] said something and he said it from a different perspective, you can interpret and present it however you want,” he added.

“He is very strong… stronger than all of us and his faith is unshakable. Memes have zero effect on Rizwan. He says people have the right to express their opinions, and he’s not bothered by it,” Babar added.

The former skipper also reflected on how quickly public opinion changes, using Rizwan’s captaincy as an example. “A lot of people used to say ‘if Rizwan becomes captain, this will happen… that will happen’. Now they want him sacked. No one understands this better than I do.”

Babar also talked about the lack of awareness on mental health in Pakistan, especially when it comes to athletes. “In Pakistan, there is no concept of mental health… nothing is being done for it here while foreign players give mental health a lot of importance.”

“Here, if someone is falling, we just keep pushing them down and make memes out of them,” he continued.

Babar Azam is currently leading Peshawar Zalmi in the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Zalmi have won 4 out of 8 matches and must win their remaining games to qualify for the top four.