Category: Sports

FC Barcelona have won its 28th La Liga title in style, finishing a strong season under new coach Hansi Flick.

A 2–0 victory over their city rivals Espanyol claimed the title with two games still to play. The win put Barcelona seven points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, ending a close race for the top spot.

The two needed points were secured with a brilliant goal from young star Lamine Yamal, followed by another from Fermín López, sealing the team’s win and the championship.

But this title was about more than just the points. It was about how the team transformed. After a disappointing season last year, Hansi Flick took over from Xavi Hernández and brought fresh energy and ideas. He turned a young and inconsistent squad into a strong and exciting team. Flick’s attacking and high-pressing style helped Barcelona win 11 of their first 12 league matches. One of the biggest highlights of the season was a 4–0 win over Real Madrid in October.

There was a tough period during mid-season when Barcelona fell behind both Madrid clubs. However, the team came back strong in 2025 and went on an unbeaten run in the league, which played a major role in securing the title.

Barcelona’s attacking game under Flick visibly improved this season, scoring four or more goals in 13 league games, something fans hadn’t seen since the Messi era. Key players this season included Lamine Yamal, who had a breakout year; Raphinha, who enjoyed his best goal-scoring season; and Robert Lewandowski, who remained consistent up front. Pedri also played an important role in midfield. The team’s 4–3 win over Madrid in El Clásico last weekend was their fourth victory over their rivals this season, but it all confirmed the title.

Flick also led Barcelona to victories in the Supercopa and Copa del Rey, both times beating Madrid in the finals. With these three trophies, he has completed a domestic treble in his first season as manager.

Even though the team were knocked out in the Champions League semi-final by Inter Milan, their performance in Spain has shown that Barcelona are back and ready for more success in the future.

“This is a family,” Flick said after sealing the title. “Everyone plays their part. And that’s what makes champions.”

Barcelona still has two games left to play, against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, but the title has already been secured.

India is reportedly preparing to exclude Pakistan from the upcoming Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, during August and September this year. The tournament also serves as a key qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

According to media reports, diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have increased following the Pahalgam incident. As a result, India had previously refused to issue visas to the Pakistani hockey team and is now expected to prevent their participation in the tournament altogether.

While the Asian Hockey Federation has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, Indian authorities are said to be firm in their stance against allowing Pakistan’s presence in the tournament.

On the other hand, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has not commented on the situation so far. There has also been no official announcement from the Indian government specifically regarding Pakistan’s participation.

Pakistan has a proud history in the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup, having won the title three times. The national team has participated in 11 out of 12 editions of the tournament, more than any other team, making the possible exclusion both politically and sportingly significant.

Pakistan may have finished at the bottom of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 rankings, but it will still receive a share of the tournament’s prize money.

Despite a poor run of performances, the Pakistan team will receive USD 480,000 as part of the WTC’s record prize pool of $5.76 million. This is the highest prize money ever announced in the history of the tournament. The final of the third WTC cycle will take place between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11 to 15, 2025.

While Pakistan ended up ninth on the table and received the smallest share, the amount is still a satisfactory financial reward in what was otherwise a disappointing campaign.

ICC World Test Championship Prize Money Breakdown:

1st: Australia or South Africa – $3,600,000
2nd: Australia or South Africa – $2,160,000
3rd: India – $1,440,000
4th: New Zealand – $1,200,000
5th: England – $960,000
6th: Sri Lanka – $840,000
7th: Bangladesh – $720,000
8th: West Indies – $600,000
9th: Pakistan – $480,000

This year’s prize pool is more than double that of previous editions. In 2021 and 2023, WTC winners earned only $1.6 million. In contrast, the 2025 champions will walk away with $3.6 million, while the runners-up will take home $2.16 million.

This increase in prize money is part of the ICC’s plan to boost the importance of Test cricket, especially at a time when limited-overs formats are receiving more attention and financial backing.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly set to bring former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed into the national selection committee, with a strong chance that he will be appointed as the new chief selector, a private media outlet has claimed.

While there is no official confirmation as of yet, reports said that a formal announcement could come in the next few days. 

The 37-year-old last played for Pakistan in a Test match in 2023 and has served the country in all three formats, leading the team to their memorable Champions Trophy win in 2017. 

Sarfaraz had briefly taken on a mentorship role, which was recently discontinued, but PCB officials now believe his close understanding of current players, many of whom he has played alongside, could make him an asset in selecting the right squads and identifying emerging talent.

With new captains, coaching appointments and a fresh approach on the horizon, the PCB is looking to build a system that focuses on modern tactics, player management and long-term planning. Sarfaraz’s likely appointment as chief selector would be a key part of that process.

Separately, reports said that former Pakistan captain Misbah Ul Haq is likely to be appointed as the head coach for Test.

Misbah, who previously served as head coach and chief selector from 2019 to 2021, is being considered for the red-ball slot as the PCB plans to strengthen its Test team.

While an official statement is awaited, there have also been reports that Saud Shakeel is set to replace Shan Masood as the new Test captain. The 29-year-old vice-captain has shown strong and consistent performances, making him a top candidate for the leadership role. 

As part of the revamp plans, Mike Hesson has been appointed as the white-ball head coach and Aqib Javed has been told to lead the national side’s high-performance setup.

The Pakistan cricket team is undergoing major changes both on and off the field, with one of the most significant updates being the reported appointment of Saud Shakeel as the new Test captain. The potential move is part of a broader plan to rebuild the team.

According to media reports, 29-year-old middle-order batter Saud Shakeel, who is currently the Test vice-captain, is likely to replace Shan Masood. This move suggests that Shan’s tenure as captain, and possibly as a player in the Test format, may be nearing its end.

While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not officially confirmed the appointment, reports indicate that the decision is almost final. The board is also in the process of selecting a new head coach for the red-ball team, signalling more changes.

Shan Masood was appointed captain in late 2023 but has struggled to produce results, both with the bat and in terms of leadership. After just 12 matches, many within the setup believe he is not the right choice to lead the team forward.

Team officials are now looking for younger, more consistent players to shape the future, and Saud Shakeel fits that profile well.

Since making his Test debut, he has maintained an average of over 50 and has displayed a calm temperament. His leadership as a captain for Quetta Gladiators during Pakistan Super League (PSL) X this year further strengthened his credentials.

Pakistan recently had a disappointing run in the World Test Championship, and now the cricket board is planning a fresh start. In addition to potential changes in leadership, new coaching appointments are expected. Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq is reportedly among those being considered for key roles.

Earlier, the PCB confirmed the appointment of Mike Hesson as the new white-ball head coach, while Aaqib Javed will lead the High Performance setup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shared good news for cricket fans. Tickets bought before the postponement of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season X will still be valid for the upcoming matches starting on May 17.

This announcement brings relief to thousands of fans who had purchased their tickets earlier in the season, only to be left uncertain after the tournament was paused amid Pakistan and India tensions. With matches to resume in Rawalpindi and the final scheduled for May 25 in Lahore, fans can now attend without needing to repurchase or revalidate their tickets.

In addition, the PCB has confirmed that new tickets for the remaining eight matches are now available for purchase via the TCS website and selected express centres.

Islamabad United get a boost as two stars return for PSL X

Islamabad United have received a significant boost ahead of the restart of Pakistan Super League (PSL X), with experienced overseas batters Rassie van der Dussen and Alex Hales set to rejoin the squad at a critical juncture. The team is looking to recover momentum after a disappointing run of four consecutive losses.

According to media reports, both the team members will be playing for the remainder of the tournament, a relief following the struggle with player unavailability in recent weeks. Key figures such as Jason Holder, Colin Munro, Riley Meredith, and Ben Dwarshuis are no longer part of the squad, leaving United’s depth and balance stretched.

The return of Hales and van der Dussen is expected to strengthen the team’s batting lineup as United aim to reach the playoffs.

Van der Dussen, known as one of the most dependable overseas performers in PSL history, was initially drafted but he missed the early stages of the season owing to personal commitments. Meanwhile, Hales, who has been a regular feature for United in previous editions, initially drafted, now rejoins the franchise to bolster their campaign.

Other PSL franchises, however, continue to struggle with key foreign departures. Lahore Qalandars, still in the playoff race, have lost all-rounder Sikandar Raza to Zimbabwe’s Test commitments. Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators are also struggling to replace unavailable foreign players.

Islamabad United have received a significant boost ahead of the restart of Pakistan Super League (PSL X), with experienced overseas batters Rassie van der Dussen and Alex Hales set to rejoin the squad at a critical juncture. The team is looking to recover momentum after a disappointing run of four consecutive losses.

According to media reports, both the team members will be playing for the remainder of the tournament, a relief following the struggle with player unavailability in recent weeks. Key figures such as Jason Holder, Colin Munro, Riley Meredith, and Ben Dwarshuis are no longer part of the squad, leaving United’s depth and balance stretched.

The return of Hales and van der Dussen is expected to strengthen the team’s batting lineup as United aim to reach the playoffs.

Van der Dussen, known as one of the most dependable overseas performers in PSL history, was initially drafted but he missed the early stages of the season owing to personal commitments. Meanwhile, Hales, who has been a regular feature for United in previous editions, initially drafted, now rejoins the franchise to bolster their campaign.

Other PSL franchises, however, continue to struggle with key foreign departures. Lahore Qalandars, still in the playoff race, have lost all-rounder Sikandar Raza to Zimbabwe’s Test commitments. Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators are also struggling to replace unavailable foreign players.

Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, shared a “scary” experience when a security concern forced her to evacuate the stadium with her children during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Dharamsala, India, on May 9, amid heightened Pakistan-India tensions.

Speaking on a podcast, Healy described, “We were sitting in the stadium in Dharamsala watching the match when suddenly the lights went out. Then rumours started spreading that we might need to evacuate the stadium.”

She explained that initially, someone came and advised them to leave immediately. “I thought it might be safer to wait and let the crowd leave first, as there were a lot of people rushing out. But then another person came, grabbed one of my kids, and insisted we leave right away. We had no idea what was going on.”

Healy said they were taken to a room where all the players had gathered. “I asked Mitchell what was happening. He said a missile had hit a city 60 kilometres away, and the area was under complete blackout.”

She added, “We were quickly put into vans and driven back to the hotel. Everyone was getting into the vans in a hurry and leaving as fast as possible.”

A video of a frightened foreign cheerleader from Dharamsala Stadium also went viral. In the video, she is heard expressing fear during the blackout and evacuation amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

“So basically, the whole stadium in the middle of the match was evacuated, and it was very scary. Everyone was screaming, and it was very scary; it’s still very, very scary. We really want to leave Dharamsala, and I hope the IPL people will look after us. So yeah, this is very, very scary. I don’t know why I’m not crying. I think I’m still in shock,” she said.

Reports state that the match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings was called off as authorities evacuated the stadium during the blackout. However, media outlets report that the outage was caused by a technical failure.

Alyssa is an Australian cricketer who plays for and captains the Australian women’s national team