Category: Sports

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already appointed a new white-ball head coach and is now turning its attention to finding a head coach for the red-ball (Test) format. According to reports, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq is among the leading contenders for the role.

Misbah previously served as Pakistan’s head coach and chief selector from 2019 to 2021. With the PCB currently reviewing its Test cricket strategy ahead of the next World Test Championship, Misbah has re-emerged as a strong candidate.

However, he is not the only name under consideration. The PCB is reportedly exploring a range of options, including several former cricketers from both Pakistan and overseas, as part of its plan to maintain separate coaching setups for Test and limited-overs cricket.

Mike Hesson, recently appointed as the white-ball coach, is already overseeing the shorter formats.

While no official announcement has been made, sources indicate that internal discussions at the PCB have intensified in recent days.

A potential return for Misbah would mark a significant development, particularly given the criticism surrounding his previous tenure, which was marred by the team’s inconsistent performances. Nevertheless, his composed leadership, extensive Test experience, and emphasis on discipline are said to be traits valued by the current PCB management.

Misbah had also been serving as a mentor for domestic teams before the PCB recently dissolved those roles.

A final decision is expected in the coming weeks, with an official announcement likely ahead of Pakistan’s next Test series.

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has strongly criticised the Indian media for spreading false news about his retirement from Test cricket.

A news platform recently claimed that Shami, who represents Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is preparing to follow in the footsteps of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli by retiring from the longest format of the game. The report also stated that selectors might drop Shami from the upcoming five-match Test series against England due to fitness concerns.

However, Shami responded firmly to the report through an Instagram story, calling it completely false. In the story, he wrote: “Very well done, Maharaj. Start counting your remaining job days; there’s a lot of goodbyes coming your way. Later, you’ll see what happens. People like you have ruined the future. At least sometimes, say something nice. This is today’s worst story; sorry.”

Shami has played 64 Tests for India so far, taking 229 wickets at an average of 27.71. His last appearance in a Test match was during the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval in June 2023.

Earlier, Indian media faced widespread criticism from the public for spreading fake news during the recent Pakistan-India tensions.

Lahore Qalandars have suffered another setback in their difficult Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza will miss the rest of PSL X due to international duty.

The PSL will resume on May 17 after a short break, but many teams are expected to look different. For Lahore Qalandars, it’s not about security concerns; Raza is unavailable because he is in Zimbabwe to prepare for their upcoming Test series, which starts on May 22. This series is special for Zimbabwe, as they return to red-ball cricket, and Raza is an important part of the squad.

The 38-year-old has been one of the few bright spots for Lahore this season. He performed well with both bat and ball. In 9 matches, he scored 228 runs with an impressive strike rate of 162.85 and also took eight wickets in 8 innings. His all-round skills played a key role in keeping Qalandars in the race for the playoffs, where they are competing closely with Peshawar Zalmi.

Raza’s absence will probably hurt Lahore’s chances, especially in the middle order and their overall team balance. With the playoffs just around the corner and the final scheduled for May 25 in Lahore, the Qalandars now have to adjust quickly.

There may be more bad news for Lahore fans. The team is also unsure about the availability of Sam Billings and Daryl Mitchell for the final stage of the tournament. Their status will become clear in the coming days.

With their dream of a third PSL title still alive, Lahore Qalandars must now consider replacements and regroup fast to finish the season strong.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to part ways with five former cricketers who were serving as mentors in domestic cricket.

According to reports, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, and Saqlain Mushtaq have been relieved of their mentoring duties following a performance review.

The decision comes as part of the PCB’s broader efforts to overhaul its cricketing structure. Reports indicate that while these former stars will no longer serve as domestic team mentors, discussions are underway to assign important roles to former captains Sarfaraz Ahmed and Misbah-ul-Haq within the PCB.

However, no official announcement has yet been made regarding their new positions.

This move coincides with other significant developments at the board. The Chairman of the PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, has confirmed Mike Hesson as the new white-ball head coach of the national side, while former fast bowler Aqib Javed has been appointed Director of High Performance.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi stated, “I’m pleased to announce that former New Zealand cricketer and seasoned coach Mike Hesson will be joining the Pakistan Cricket Team as White Ball Head Coach starting May 26.”

In a follow-up tweet, he added, “To strengthen our cricket infrastructure, Aqib Javed joins us as Director of High Performance, complementing Mike Hesson’s appointment as White-ball Head Coach. Together, they will play a pivotal role in the evolution and success of Pakistan Cricket.”

Hesson, known for his calm leadership and sharp tactical mind, was chosen after evaluating multiple applications. His experience, including coaching New Zealand and, most recently, leading Islamabad United to the PSL 9 title, made him the top choice to guide Pakistan’s limited-overs sides.

On the other hand, Aqib Javed, who served briefly as interim coach after Gary Kirsten’s resignation, reportedly showed no interest in extending his coaching role. His new position will focus on strengthening domestic cricket and player development.

Saqlain Mushtaq, one of those released from mentoring duties, is now expected to return to the national setup, this time as the bowling coach. His reappointment reflects the PCB’s strategy of bringing experienced names back into more specialised roles.

Former WWE and hardcore wrestling legend Sabu has passed away at the age of 60.

According to media reports, the American wrestler, whose real name was Terrence Brunk, died on May 11, 2025. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Sabu was renowned for his fearless, high-risk wrestling style, earning a lasting legacy as one of the pioneers of hardcore wrestling. He officially retired just last month, with his final match taking place on April 18 2025.

Over the course of his career, Sabu competed in several major wrestling promotions, including WWE in 1993, the United States Wrestling Association, New Japan Pro Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, and others.

His passing marks a significant loss for the wrestling community, with fans and fellow wrestlers mourning the death of a true icon of the sport.

Sabu’s death adds to a list of heartbreaking losses the wrestling community has suffered in recent years. In August 2023, Bray Wyatt (real name Windham Rotunda), a creative mind and fan-favorite in WWE, died unexpectedly at just 36 due to heart complications, leaving the industry in shock.

Jay Briscoe, one half of the legendary Briscoe Brothers tag team in Ring of Honor, tragically lost his life in a car accident in January 2023 at the age of 38, just days after winning the tag team titles with his brother. Shad Gaspard, known for his time in WWE as part of the Cryme Tyme duo, drowned in 2020 while saving his son from a strong current at a beach in California—his final act remembered as one of heroism.

Sara Lee, the winner of WWE’s reality competition Tough Enough in 2015, passed away suddenly in 2022 at the age of 30, leaving behind three young children. And Darren Drozdov, who had been paralyzed from an in-ring accident in 1999, passed away in June 2023 at 54, remembered for his resilience and positive spirit despite his life-changing injury.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 is officially set to resume on May 17 after being temporarily suspended due to rising tensions between Pakistan and India.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the news on Tuesday, confirming that eight matches will be played starting May 17, with the final scheduled for May 25.

The league’s restart was made possible after a ceasefire agreement between the two countries helped bring calm to the region.

In a statement shared on social media, Naqvi said, “PSL X picks up from where it left off! Six teams, zero fear. Let the aura take over as we unite and celebrate the spirit of cricket.”

All six PSL teams will return to finish the tournament, and fans across the country are thrilled. Preparations are underway to ensure proper security and smooth operations at the venues.

The league was suspended last week after a deadly border clash that led to the loss of 51 Pakistani lives, including 40 civilians and 11 security personnel. The tragic incident prompted the PCB to pause the tournament out of respect and safety concerns.

The PSL was officially postponed on May 8, just before the 27th match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi. On the same day, an Indian drone reportedly crashed near the stadium, raising security fears.

At first, the PCB considered moving the remaining matches to Dubai. However, that plan was dropped after government advisories, and the tournament was placed on indefinite hold.

Now, with the situation easing and the ceasefire holding, the PSL is ready to continue and conclude its 10th season on Pakistani soil.

Star Australian opener David Warner has confirmed he will play in the remaining matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10.

His return comes at a crucial moment, as the league continues its efforts to recover from a mid-season suspension following rising security concerns amid the recent Pakistan-India military standoff.

Warner’s confirmation is seen as a positive sign for the PSL and its fans. The tournament was halted after regional tensions escalated, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to evacuate overseas players for their safety. Since then, the PCB has been working behind the scenes to ensure a secure environment for the league’s resumption.

Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League (IPL) also faces uncertainty regarding the return of Australian players. Cricket Australia (CA) recently issued a statement saying it will support players’ individual decisions on whether or not to return to India for the IPL, which is scheduled to resume on May 17, with the final on June 3.

CA also stated that team management will closely monitor the fitness and preparations of players for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, set to begin on June 11. Players choosing to return to the IPL will have their readiness for the WTC final assessed accordingly.

Regarding player safety, CA confirmed that the Australian government remains in contact with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to evaluate and ensure appropriate security arrangements.

It is worth noting that the IPL was suspended on May 9 following the Pakistan-India standoff, prompting several Australian cricketers to fly back home. While Warner has committed to the PSL, it remains uncertain how many of his compatriots will opt to return to the IPL ahead of the WTC final.

The future of PSL Season 10 is expected to become clearer soon, as the PCB finalises plans to resume the tournament in Pakistan.

Australia has announced its squad for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, which is set to be played next month at Lord’s in England.

Key players Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Cameron Green have returned to the team, having been absent from Test cricket for various reasons.

Cummins and Hazlewood missed the recent Test series against Sri Lanka due to injuries, while Cameron Green had been out of action for the past year following back surgery.

Other players included in the squad are Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann, Sam Constance, Beau Webster, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis.

The final between Australia and South Africa is expected to be a crucial contest and is scheduled to take place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in England.