Category: Sports

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has unexpectedly left the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and returned to his home country.

Rabada, who was representing Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025, played only two matches before making an abrupt departure. The franchise had secured his services for INR 10.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

On Thursday, Gujarat Titans officially announced Rabada’s departure from the tournament.

“Kagiso Rabada has left IPL 2025 and returned to South Africa to attend to an important personal matter. He was featured in the first two matches for the Gujarat Titans but will no longer be available for the season,” the franchise said in a statement.

According to Indian media reports, the franchise stated that Rabada had returned to South Africa due to personal reasons.

However, Gujarat Titans did not disclose further details about Rabada’s sudden departure or provide any information regarding his potential return.

Rabada made his IPL 2025 debut for Gujarat Titans against Punjab Kings, where he bowled four overs, conceding 41 runs and taking one wicket. In his second match against Mumbai Indians, he picked up one wicket while conceding 42 runs.

The South African pacer made his IPL debut in 2017 and has previously played for Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. Over his IPL career, he has played 82 matches and taken 119 wickets.

With Rabada’s sudden exit, Gujarat Titans now face a challenge in finding a suitable replacement for the remainder of the season.

Rohit Sharma finds himself under immense pressure as he struggles to find form in IPL 2025. The former Mumbai Indians (MI) captain has had a tough start to the season, managing scores of 0, 8, and 13 in his first three matches.

His inability to start strong has directly impacted MI’s performance, with the team securing just one win in three games. They currently sit in sixth place on the points table, having lost their first two matches before registering a victory at their home ground, Wankhede Stadium.

As MI prepares to take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Friday, a conversation between Rohit Sharma and LSG mentor Zaheer Khan has taken social media by storm.

In the viral clip, Rohit is heard saying, “Jo jab karna tha, maine kiya barabar se, ab mereko kuch karne ki zarurat nahi hai” (Whatever had to be done, I did it properly, now I don’t need to do anything). The interaction, followed by Rishabh Pant playfully hugging Rohit from behind, has led to widespread speculation about its context.

Rohit Sharma’s form in the IPL has been a cause for concern for some time. So far, in IPL 2025, he has accumulated just 21 runs in three innings at an average of 7.00 and a strike rate of 105.00, with his highest score being 13. A closer look at his performances over the years reveals an inconsistent record.

Since 2017, he has crossed the 400-run mark in a season only twice—405 runs in 2019 and 417 runs in 2024.

Among the 15 players who have scored at least 2,500 IPL runs since 2017, Rohit has the lowest strike rate of 130.09. In 118 matches during this period, he has scored 2,775 runs at an average of 25.00, with one century and 14 half-centuries.

Historically, Lucknow Super Giants have not been Rohit’s most favourable opponents. In six innings against LSG, he has scored 165 runs at an average of 27.50 and a strike rate of 142.24. His highest score against them is 68, and he has managed just one half-century.

With both MI and LSG struggling for consistency in IPL 2025—each having won just one of their three matches—Friday’s clash will be crucial. As MI look to turn their campaign around, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma, hoping he can rediscover his touch and lead his team to victory.

Barcelona narrowly edged past Atletico Madrid on aggregate to set up a meeting with Real Madrid in the final of the Copa del Rey.

It will be the eighth time there has been an El Clasico in the Spanish Cup final, with the nation’s two most successful club sides set to meet on April 26 in Seville.

Ferran Torres’ first-half effort proved decisive for Barcelona at Metropolitano Stadium, with the Spain forward poking the ball past Argentine goalkeeper Juan Musso after Lamine Yamal’s superb pass had split the home defence.

It was no more than the visitors deserved, with 17-year-old Yamal a constant source of danger and Raphinha also twice threatening to extend Barca’s lead.

Unlike the thrilling first-leg tie in February, when Diego Simeone’s side twice scored late on in a dramatic 4-4 draw, this was a tighter and more tense affair without the grandstand finish from Atletico.

The hosts did have opportunities.

Substitute Alexander Sorloth elected to shoot instead of squaring the ball to Antoine Griezmann for a tap-in, while the Norway forward was also ruled offside after rattling in what he thought was an equaliser.

However, in truth, Atletico were second best to Hansi Flick’s side for long periods, with the record 31-time winners always appearing relatively comfortable as they extended their unbeaten run to 21 games across all competitions.

The Catalan club remain the only side in Europe’s top-five leagues yet to lose in 2025 and remain on course for a potential quadruple.

Barca, who have already won the Spanish Super Cup this term, lead the La Liga table by three points from Real Madrid.

They also host Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 9.

Meanwhile, the final against Carlo Ancelotti’s team in Seville will come just over two weeks before a potentially pivotal fixture between the clubs in the Spanish top flight.

Cricketing fans across the globe were on Tuesday left in a whirlwind of emotions as reports of former Indian skipper MS Dhoni’s retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) spread like wildfire.

A viral social media post claimed that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend had announced his departure from the league, sparking widespread speculation.

Reports gained traction after Dhoni was spotted in Chennai wearing a black t-shirt featuring a cryptic Morse code message. Fans decoded the message as “ONE LAST TIME”, fueling speculation that this could be his farewell season.

While it all turned out to be an elaborate April Fools’ prank with no official word on Dhoni’s involvement himself, his recent performances in IPL 2025 have raised concerns about the future of the 43-year-old.

Although he remains sharp behind the stumps, his batting form has been inconsistent, with limited mobility following knee surgery.

The former CSK captain has hinted at playing for as long as he enjoys the game, but experts suggest, maintaining peak fitness has become increasingly challenging for the star cricketer.

Star Kiwi batter Mark Chapman was ruled out of the second ODI against Pakistan after suffering a hamstring injury.

According to reports, Tim Seifert was inducted into the Black Caps squad in place of injured Chapman.

Champan had challenged Pakistan bowlers in the first ODI at the Mclean Park in Naiper and went on to score his career best 132, helping the Kiwis put Pakistan on the backfoot after early dominance.

The left-hander showcased his dedication and put in all the hard work to frustrate the Pakistani bowlers.

Chapman’s masterclass allowed other players to further treat the Pakistani bowlers with utter contempt, as the debutant, Muhammad Abbas, did by notching the fastest 50.

Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the second ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton tomorrow (Wednesday).

Kraigg Brathwaite quit as West Indies Test captain on Monday after four years in charge while ODI skipper Shai Hope was handed leadership of the T20 team, officials said.

The 32-year-old Brathwaite, who is two matches shy of reaching the 100-Test mark, led the team to a first Test victory in Australia in 27 years with an eight-run win in Brisbane last year.

Earlier this season, he was in charge when the West Indies won a Test match in Pakistan for the first time in nearly 35 years.

A dogged and disciplined opening batsman, Brathwaite has accumulated 5,935 runs in Tests with 12 centuries and 31 fifties but at an average of just over 33.

He is also renowned for feats of patience, batting for the best part of 16 hours over two innings to secure a draw with England at Barbados in 2022.

“Kraigg Brathwaite has been an outstanding leader for our Test team, guiding the squad with discipline, resilience, and a deep understanding of the game,” said West Indies director of cricket, Miles Bascombe.

“His contributions have been invaluable, and under his leadership, we have witnessed historic moments that will be remembered for years to come.”

Meanwhile, Hope replaces Rovman Powell, in charge since 2023, as T20 captain.

Hope, 31, has played 133 ODIs and 39 T20 internationals, scoring more than 6,000 runs over both formats.

He has 17 centuries in ODI cricket.

“Shai Hope’s appointment signals a progressive shift for West Indies cricket,” said head coach Darren Sammy.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has sacked national team head coach Dorival Júnior following a humiliating defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

According to media reports, the decision was made just three days after the loss, following Brazil’s overall poor performance in the 2026 campaign.

Currently, Brazil sits in fourth place in the South American qualifying standings, trailing their arch-rivals Argentina by 10 points.

Dorival Júnior was appointed as Brazil’s head coach in January 2024. However, under his leadership, the team failed to impress. Brazil was knocked out of the Copa América in the quarterfinals after losing to Uruguay on penalties. In the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, the team has managed only two wins in six matches, raising serious concerns about their form and prospects.

The CBF is now expected to begin the search for a new head coach to guide Brazil through the remaining qualifiers and prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup.

New Zealand has secured a convincing 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of the three-match series, taking a 1-0 lead. 

Batting first at McLean Park, Napier, New Zealand posted a strong total of 344/9 in their 50 overs. The hosts had an early setback, losing three wickets for just 50 runs. Will Young 1 (6), Nick Kelly 15 (12), and Henry Nicholls 11 (19) were dismissed cheaply.

However, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman steadied the innings with an outstanding 199-run partnership. Chapman played a sensational knock of 132 (110), hitting 13 fours and six sixes, while Mitchell contributed 76 (85) before getting out.

Debutant Muhammad Abbas provided a late boost to the innings, smashing a quickfire 52 (26) with three sixes and three fours.

For Pakistan, Irfan Khan was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets. Haris Rauf and Akif Javed grabbed two wickets each, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali picked up one each.

Chasing 345, Pakistan started well, with Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan building a solid opening stand. The duo took the score to 83 before the first wicket fell, with Usman Khan scoring 39 (41). Shortly after, Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for 36 (45) at 88/2 in 12.4 overs.

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam then formed a steady partnership, taking the total to 164 by the 28.4-over mark. However, Rizwan was dismissed for 30 (35) immediately after that. 

Babar Azam continued to anchor the innings, reaching his 36th ODI half-century off 65 balls, including two sixes and two fours. He was eventually dismissed for 78 (92) at 249/4 in 38.4 overs.

Agha Salman tried to hold one end but kept losing partners. Pakistan suffered a collapse in the 40th over, losing Tayyab Tahir 1 (3) and Irfan Khan 0 (2) at 253.

Agha Salman fought back, scoring a 40-ball fifty with two sixes and four fours. However, the wickets kept tumbling. Naseem Shah 0 (4) fell at 267, followed by Haris Rauf 1 (5) at 269. Agha Salman was the last recognized batter to fall, scoring 58 (45) before being caught at 271/9 in 43.4 overs. Akif Javed 1 (3) was dismissed soon after, as Pakistan was bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.

For New Zealand, Nathan Smith was the standout performer, taking four wickets to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Pakistan introduced three debutants in this match: Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali, and Usman Khan. 

The second match of the series will be played on April 2.

In-form domestic cricketer Sahibzada Farhan has been selected for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 after a fiery performance in the National T20 Cup.

The PSL franchise Islamabad United has included Sahibzada Farhan in their squad as the 20th player for PSL 10.

Farhan’s PSL journey began in 2018 with Islamabad United, where he joined as an emerging player and played a crucial role in the team’s second PSL title victory.

Islamabad United’s head coach, Mike Hesson, expressed confidence in Farhan’s abilities, stating that “an experienced and in-form player like him can become a part of the playing XI at any time.”

He further emphasised that “Islamabad United has always provided opportunities to domestic talent, and Farhan’s inclusion aligns with this policy.”

On the other hand, Sahibzada Farhan expressed his excitement about rejoining Islamabad United, stating that it is “an honour to reconnect with my first PSL franchise.”

He acknowledged that Islamabad United had introduced him to the PSL and said he “will always be grateful to the team.”

Farhan recently set a new national record in the National T20 Cup, scoring the most runs in a single edition of the tournament.

The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League is set to commence on 11 April, with matches being held in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi until 18 May.