Category: Sports

Popular Australian YouTube channel The Grade Cricketer has been told by Indian cricket authorities to take down all videos related to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

As per the details, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL officials have sent a legal notice to the one-million-subscribers-strong channel featuring podcasts hosted by Sam Perry and Ian Higgins.

Indian cricketing authorities have warned them against using IPL photos and logos for “commercial purposes” and making money off of content featuring official images.

To avoid getting banned or suspended from platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X, the hosts quickly removed all IPL-related videos, reports said, adding that their daily IPL show, The Big IPL Breakfast, might also need a name change to stay safe legally.

It may be noted that the issue started because The Grade Cricketer used still images from IPL matches in their videos, which brands also sponsored. BCCI allows the use of match photos for news and reporting (editorial purposes) but not when money is being made from them (commercial use).

Despite the takedown, the podcast will continue talking about the IPL without using official pictures or team names. The hosts also plan to organise live shows in India during the tournament.

Pakistani anchor Zainab Abbas made a funny mistake while interviewing West Indian fast bowler Alzarri Joseph after the Peshawar Zalmi vs. Quetta Gladiators match on April 27. 

Joseph, who is playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing PSL 2025, performed well with the ball, taking three wickets for 33 runs in 4 overs.

Joseph’s key wickets included Finn Allen, Kusal Mendis, and Faheem Ashraf. After the match, Zainab Abbas interviewed him but made a blunder when she asked him about dismissing Saim Ayub, forgetting that they are teammates at Peshawar Zalmi.

She asked, “Do you have any specific plan for somebody like Saim Ayub? You got all the important wickets. He has struggled in the PSL, but he’s always a crucial wicket because he can sort of take the game away.”

Joseph was surprised and responded, “Excuse me, who’s that?”

Zainab, not realizing her mistake, tried again and said, “Saim Ayub.”

Joseph, politely reminding her, replied, “That’s my teammate.”

Zainab then realized her blunder and quickly corrected herself, saying, “I’m saying, sorry, what I’m trying to ask is that, you know, you’ve been facing him in the net.”

Unfortunately for Joseph, his efforts with the ball were not enough to help Peshawar Zalmi, as they lost to Quetta Gladiators by 64 runs. The Gladiators batted first, scoring 178/7 in 20 overs, with no batter scoring fifty but three players crossing the 30-run mark.

In reply, Zalmi were all out for just 114 runs. Hussain Talat was the only notable performer with the bat, scoring 39. Faheem Ashraf took five wickets for the Gladiators, leading them to victory.

Pakistani Tekken legend Arslan Ash has won the Tekken 8 title at LVL UP EXPO 2025 in Las Vegas with an exciting 3-2 victory over South Korea’s Rangchu in the grand final, once again proving why he’s considered one of the best players in fighting game history.

Already known for his multiple EVO and international championship wins, Arslan Ash showed his top form throughout the event. His precise gameplay and calm under pressure allowed him to dominate tough competition featuring some of the best players from the United States, South Korea, and other countries.

Representing Twisted Minds, Arslan played as Nina and Lars during his matches. He easily made it to the semifinals with a 2-0 win over American player Pling. This set up a Winner’s Final match against Rangchu. Despite a strong challenge from Rangchu, Arslan won 3-1 and moved on to the Grand Final from the winners’ side.

On the other hand, KingReyJr made a strong comeback, defeating well-known players like ELNegro and Shadow 20z. However, his run ended when Rangchu defeated him 3-0 in the Losers Final, setting up a rematch against Arslan.

In the Grand Final, Rangchu gave Arslan a tough fight, but the Pakistani champion showed his ability to adapt and make smart decisions under pressure. Arslan won the final 3-2 to claim yet another major title.

This victory at LVL UP EXPO adds to Arslan Ash’s already impressive list of international achievements. Despite facing ongoing visa issues that have made it harder for him to travel, Arslan continues to dominate the global Tekken scene.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the rescheduling of two matches of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

According to an official statement, a match initially scheduled to be played in  Multan on May 1 has been shifted to Lahore. The Sultans will face Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, with the match set to begin at 3 PM. Originally, the match was to be held during the day at Multan Cricket Stadium. Now, Gaddafi Stadium will host a doubleheader on May 1, as Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators will also play later in the evening.

Additionally, the match between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators, initially planned for May 10 in Multan, has been rescheduled to May 11 at the same venue. PCB stated that these changes were made after several rounds of consultations, keeping operational ease and the ongoing heatwave in mind.

As part of the adjustments, tickets for the May 1 match in Multan will be refunded. Ticket holders in Lahore will now get to enjoy two matches on the same day. Tickets purchased for the May 10 match in Multan will be valid for the rescheduled fixture on May 11.

However, the rescheduling decision has not gone down well with the Multan Sultans management. Reports claim that PCB decided to move the May 1 home game against Karachi Kings without consulting the franchise.

Franchise sources expressed disappointment, noting that while Multan was set to host three home matches (on May 1, 5, and 6), moving one to Lahore is unfair. 

They further stated that the change could negatively impact the team’s push to secure a playoff spot.

Liverpool secured the Premier League title in style, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 in their 34th match of the season.

The Reds dominated from the very beginning, scoring three goals in the first half through Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cody Gakpo. Tottenham managed to pull one back, with Dejan Kulusevski scoring their only goal of the match in the first half.

The team continued dominating the game in the second half as Mohamed Salah added the fourth goal, and the fifth came via an own goal from Tottenham defender Udogie, who accidentally sent the ball into his own net.

With this emphatic win, Liverpool’s points tally reached 82, while second-placed Arsenal remained on 67 points. Although both teams have four matches left to play, Liverpool have already secured the title.

This marks Liverpool’s first Premier League title in five years and their 20th English top-flight title overall.

Meanwhile, in the FA Cup, Manchester City booked their place in the final for the third consecutive year after defeating Nottingham Forest 2-0. 

The FA Cup final is scheduled for May 17, where Manchester City will face Crystal Palace.

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra-time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final on Saturday in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid.

The Catalans, aiming for a quadruple this season, won the first major trophy of Hansi Flick’s reign as coach and a record-extending 32nd Spanish cup in dramatic fashion.

Three Real Madrid players were sent off during and after a fiery conclusion to the game, including England international Jude Bellingham.

Pedri sent Barcelona ahead at La Cartuja but two Real Madrid goals in seven second-half minutes, from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, pulled the Spanish and European champions level.

However, Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to take the game to extra-time and Kounde drilled home to win it for the La Liga leaders.

“Madrid pushed us to our limits but we showed great character and pride,” said Kounde.

Barca host Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.

“They can make a party — for today, it’s OK,” a delighted Flick, who has won all seven finals he has coached in his career, told Movistar.

Substituted Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was sent off in the final seconds for “throwing an object” onto the pitch towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, according to the official’s report, and Lucas Vazquez, also replaced, was dismissed for further protest as Madrid unravelled.

Bellingham was sent off after the final whistle for showing an “aggressive attitude” towards the referee, who wrote that the midfielder “had to be restrained by his team-mates”.

“I don’t want to talk about the referee,” said stone-faced Madrid coach Ancelotti.

“I don’t know what happened at the end.”

Madrid had issued furious statements about the refereeing team on Friday after they criticised the club’s television channel for attacking Spanish officials this season, casting a shadow over the game.

Controversy aside, the football was enthralling.

Madrid started with top scorer Mbappe on the bench after an ankle injury and lost Ferland Mendy early on with a thigh issue.

Barcelona dazzling winger Lamine Yamal, 17, dyed his hair blond for the game and led the assault on Thibaut Courtois’ goal.

The Catalans, who also won the first two Clasicos this season in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, scoring nine goals in the process, controlled the ball.

They took the lead after 28 minutes, Pedri placing the ball into the top corner with precision and power from the edge of the box, a sensational goal set up by Yamal.

Barcelona’s opener brought Madrid out of their shell — and also Mbappe off the bench to warm up.

Bellingham netted but was offside. Vinicius Junior would have won a penalty when hacked down but had also strayed off in the build-up.

Barcelona could have doubled their lead, with Dani Olmo’s corner hitting the post and Cubarsi unable to turn home as Dani Ceballos held him back.

The referee was lenient with some heated Madrid tackles, perhaps cowed by Friday’s drama as the Spanish champions seethed at his pre-match comments.

Madrid sent Mbappe on for Rodrygo Goes at half-time and soon he and Vinicius began to work Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

End to end 

Mbappe pulled Madrid level almost on his own in the 70th minute, brought down after surging forward and firing home the free-kick off the post.

Seven minutes later Madrid took the lead, Tchouameni heading in Arda Guler’s corner.

Barcelona responded when Yamal played a delicious pass over the top for Torres, which drew both Rudiger and Courtois, but the Spaniard beat both and rolled home.

Controversy unsurprisingly reared its head before the match headed to extra-time.

Barcelona clamoured for a penalty when Rudiger tripped Torres, and then were awarded one deep in stoppage time as Raphinha tumbled under pressure — but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

In extra-time Barcelona were ascendent.

They found their winner when Kounde intercepted an uncharacteristically loose Luka Modric pass and beat Courtois from range, sparking wild celebrations.

The trio of dismissals and Madrid’s pre-match histrionics regarding the officials will ensure the repercussions run on.

The teams meet again in La Liga in May in a potential title decider.

Indian star batter Shubman Gill has finally opened up about his relationship status, clearing all the rumours that have been circulating for a long time.

Known for his calm and composed style both on and off the field, Gill shared that he has been single for over three years.

“I’ve been single for over three years. There have been so many speculations and rumours linking me with different people. And sometimes, it’s so ridiculous that I would have never even seen or met that person ever in my life. And I would be hearing rumours that I’m with this person and this person where else I’d be like,” Gill said in an interview.

“I know I’m so focused on what I need to do in my professional career. There is no space in my life to be with someone like 300 days a year. We are on the road travelling somewhere. So there is hardly any time to be able to be with someone or invest, you know, the time to be with someone in a relationship,” he said.

Gill also talked about how he comes into a zone while playing a match for India or GT.

He further said, “I’ve told you this many times, but I don’t know. It’s like an automatic switch. I don’t think any batter can hear those chants. It’s hard for me to explain. But when you’re in the zone, you can’t hear people chanting or anything. You are so focused on the job that is there for you to finish. You’re so focused on, okay, this bowler is bowling at me. This is how much we need to score, or these are the things that I need to do”.

Shubman, who is currently leading Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025, has often been linked with a Bollywood actress and the daughter of a famous cricketer.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has once again brought politics into cricket at the behest of the Indian government, using the Pahalgam incident as a justification.

According to media reports, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has taken a hard stance on the Pahalgam incident, demanding that India sever all cricketing ties with Pakistan.

In an interview with an Indian news agency, Ganguly lashed out against Pakistan, stating, “India should 100 per cent end all cricket relations with Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla expressed solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam incident. “We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam incident. We will do whatever our government instructs us to do,” he said.

He further added, “We will not play any bilateral series with Pakistan, but our team will compete against Pakistan in ICC events.”

Following the BCCI’s statement, questions have arisen about the future of major tournaments, such as the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy.

On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet issued any official statement in response to the BCCI’s unilateral moves.

The last bilateral ODI series between Pakistan and India was played in 2012. Since then, the two teams have only faced each other in ICC tournaments.

The Rajasthan Royals are having a tough time in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). On Thursday, the team lost its fifth match in a row, this time against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in a close and exciting game. With just two wins from nine matches, Rajasthan is stuck in 8th place on the points table.

After the match, a video went viral on social media, showing RR CEO Jake Lush-McCrum walking towards a popular liquor store in Bengaluru. Fans quickly made jokes online, linking the loss to the CEO’s outing.

In the match against RCB, the Rajasthan Royals won the toss and chose to bowl first. RCB scored 205 for five on a good batting pitch. Virat Kohli led the way with a brilliant 70 off 42 balls. He and Phil Salt gave RCB a strong start, putting 59 runs on the board in the first six overs. Salt got out for 26 in the 7th over.

Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal then added 95 runs for the second wicket. Padikkal scored a quick 50 off 27 balls. Late cameos from Tim David (23) and Jitesh Sharma (20*) helped RCB reach a strong total.

In response, Rajasthan got off to a flying start. Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed 49 runs off just 19 balls but was removed by Josh Hazlewood. Vaibhav Suryavanshi fell early too, scoring 16.

Despite good starts from Nitish Rana (28) and captain Riyan Parag (22), both were taken out by spinner Krunal Pandya. Rajasthan still had hope thanks to Dhruv Jurel, who played a fine knock of 47 off 34 balls.

But Hazlewood came back in the 19th over and took two big wickets, first Jurel and then Jofra Archer, which left Rajasthan needing 17 runs from the final over. They couldn’t get there and lost by 11 runs.

Hazlewood ended with figures of four wickets for 33 runs and was the star of the night.

Rajasthan now needs a miracle to make it to the playoffs as their game continues to fall apart.

Former Pakistan women’s cricket team captain and all-rounder Nida Dar has announced a temporary break from cricket, citing mental health concerns.

She shared the news with her fans on social media, explaining the reasons behind her decision. “Over the past few months, a lot has happened in my personal and professional life, which has negatively impacted my mental health,” she wrote.

She added, “That’s why I’ve decided to take some time off from cricket to focus on myself. I kindly request everyone to respect my privacy during this period.”

Nida Dar was recently invited to attend the training camp for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, where she underwent a fitness test. However, she was not selected for the squad due to fitness issues.

The camp was held in Faisalabad, but Nida did not attend. She was later invited to participate in the National T20 Cup, a domestic tournament, but she declined and officially announced her break from the game.