Category: Sports

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has credited Imran Khan for convincing him to continue playing, which eventually helped him reach the milestone of 10,000 Test runs.

While speaking on the DP World Dressing Room show with Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Fakhare Alam, Nikhil Chopra and Ajey Jadeja, Gavaskar revealed that he had planned to retire after India’s tour of England in 1986, but a conversation with Imran Khan changed his mind.

Gavaskar recalled the conversation, saying, “I got the opportunity to do so (reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket) only because of one Imran Khan. A year before that, in England, after the first Test was won, Imran and I went with a friend to an Italian restaurant for lunch in London. I told him that this is my last series, I will quit after this series.”

“He was like ‘You can’t do that’. I said, ‘What do you mean I can’t do that? It’s my choice’. He said, ‘No, no, Pakistan is coming to India, and I want to beat India with you playing in it. I don’t want to beat India without you; it won’t be the same.’ I said, ‘Pakistan is not coming’. He said, ‘ICC meeting is happening, and you will hear the announcement next week’,” Gavaskar said.

“I said, ‘If that announcement happens, then I will carry on, but if the announcement doesn’t come, I will finish after the next Test’. Sure enough, the announcement came through, so I carried on. If I had retired at that time, I would have been at 9200-9300 runs. But because Pakistan came and there were two other series in India before that, I got close to 10,000 runs,” he further added.

Thanks to Imran Khan’s advice, Gavaskar continued playing and achieved the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket. He completed this feat during the fourth Test against Pakistan in Ahmedabad.

After playing the five-match home series against Pakistan, Gavaskar retired from Test cricket. He ended his career with 10,122 runs in 125 matches, at an impressive average of 51.12, including 34 centuries, which was a record at the time.

Real Madrid secured a tight 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinal, with Brazilian forward Endrick scoring the only goal of the match on Thursday.

Playing at the Reale Arena, Sociedad created more chances, but Madrid’s efficiency proved decisive. Endrick found the net in the first half after a quick counterattack, beating goalkeeper Alex Remiro. Despite Sociedad’s efforts, they couldn’t find an equalizer.

Real Madrid will now take their slim advantage into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

In the other semifinal, FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid played out a thrilling 4-4 draw.

Endrick Reflects on His Performance

After the match, Endrick shared his excitement about scoring the winning goal but also felt he could have done more.

“I scored with the outside of the boot; it was a great goal for me. I like scoring goals; I want to help the team. I’m a bit angry, I could have scored another goal, but by missing it, I’ll learn even more,” he said via Madrid Xtra’s X handle.

The 18-year-old forward played 72 minutes and delivered a strong performance. He not only scored but also hit the woodwork once and had two shots in total. He also maintained an 89% passing accuracy (completing eight out of nine passes), as per FotMob.

So far this season, Endrick has scored six goals in 25 matches across all competitions. He will be looking to make an impact again in the second leg.

After their Copa del Rey win, Real Madrid will now focus on La Liga, where they will face Real Betis away on Saturday, March 1.

Ancelotti’s side is currently second in the league, level on points with Barcelona, who are ahead on goal difference. A win against Real Betis could take Real Madrid to the top of the table, as Barcelona won’t play until Sunday, March 2.

Following the Betis match, Real Madrid will prepare for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 clash against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, March 4.

The ICC Champions Trophy match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled to be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, has been cancelled.

The toss was set to take place at 1:30 PM (Pakistan time) but did not as intermittent rain lashed the twin cities. 

Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have been awarded one point each.

The two countries are out of the tournament, as India and New Zealand from Group A have already qualified for the tournament semifinals.

Pakistan suffered a six-wicket loss to arch-rivals India in Dubai, following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi on February 19.

New Zealand routs Pakistan by 60 runs in Champions Trophy opener

New Zealand started their ICC Champions Trophy campaign with a commanding 60-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the tournament at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19.

Chasing a target of 321 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered predictably, with the team getting bowled out for 260 runs. Khushdil Shah was the top scorer with 69 runs, while Babar Azam contributed 64 runs. 

Salman Agha added 42, Fakhar Zaman scored 24, and Haris Rauf chipped in with 19 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi added 14, Naseem Shah 13, Saud Shakeel 6, Captain Mohammad Rizwan 3 and Tayyab Tahir scored one run.

New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke and captain Mitchell Santner took three wickets each. Matt Henry claimed two wickets, while Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith picked up one wicket each.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand posted a solid total of 320/5 in their 50 overs after being invited to bat first. However, their innings did not begin smoothly, as they lost three wickets for just 73 runs. Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell were dismissed for 10 runs each, while captain Kane Williamson fell for just one run.

New Zealand stabilized their innings with a crucial 118-run partnership between Will Young and Tom Latham. Young played a brilliant knock of 107 runs before getting out.

Following Young’s dismissal, Latham and Glenn Phillips added another 125 runs to strengthen New Zealand’s total. Phillips was dismissed in the 49.4th over after scoring 61 runs, while Latham remained unbeaten on 118.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah took two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed claimed one.

Pakistan squad

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand squad

Mitchell Santner, featuring Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Will O’Rourke.

Kohli steers India to comfortable win over Pakistan in Champions Trophy

India on Sunday defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the high-tension ICC Champions Trophy fixture as Virat Kohli steered his team to victory with a decisive century.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first but failed to play the full 50 overs, getting bowled out for 241 runs in 49.4 overs.

Pakistan lost its first wicket at 41 runs when Babar Azam returned to the pavillion after scoring 23 runs. Shortly after, Imam Ul Haq was run out for just 10 runs.

The third wicket fell at a total of 151 when captain Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for 46 runs off 77 balls. Saud Shakeel followed soon after, scoring 62 runs.

Pakistan suffered another blow at 165 runs when Tayyab Tahir departed after scoring only four runs. The team’s struggles continued as vice-captain Salman Ali Agha was dismissed for 19 runs followed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who returned to the pavilion without scoring any runs.

The lower order couldn’t contribute much with Naseem Shah scoring 14, Haris Rauf 8 and Khushdil Shah 38 runs.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling attack, taking three wickets. Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets, while Ajay Jadeja, Harshit Rana and Axar Patel claimed one wicket each.

The Indian team comfortably chased the target, reaching 242 runs for the loss of four wickets. The highlight of the chase was Kohli’s masterclass.

The star Indian batter scored 100 runs off 111 balls. His knock cemented India’s win, sending hosts and defending champions Pakistan virtually out of the tournament.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif is expected to take notice of the country’s cricket team’s disappointing performance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as criticism continues over the team’s early exit from the tournament.

Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political and Public Affairs, hinted at a possible review of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stating that the issue would be raised in both the Cabinet and Parliament.

Speaking to a private TV channel, Sanaullah said, “The Prime Minister will personally take notice, and we will ask him to bring these cricket-related issues to the Cabinet and Parliament.”

Sanaullah strongly criticized PCB, stating that the board has been operating without proper oversight for years.

“This is not just about appointing a Chairman. Look at the last five to ten years and see what has been happening,” he said.

He also expressed concerns about financial mismanagement and a lack of accountability within the board, emphasizing that spending on professional-level cricket should be made public.

“The condition of cricket at the college and district levels is terrible, yet patrons are being paid Rs. 5 million while openly admitting on television that they are unaware of their responsibilities,” he remarked.

“You will be shocked to hear about the perks and privileges of PCB officials. It will leave you wondering whether they work for a Pakistani institution or a developed country,” he added.

Sanaullah further stressed the need for structural reforms within the PCB, advocating for the introduction of a permanent system to ensure smooth operations.

“These issues have persisted for years. People take charge of the cricket board through power and then do whatever they want, leading to the current state of affairs,” he said.

His remarks come after Pakistan’s consecutive defeats to New Zealand and arch-rivals India, which led to the team’s elimination from the tournament. 

Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, the Green Shirts were defending their title in the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades.

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi today (Thursday), but the match has become a dead rubber as both teams have already been knocked out.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s availability for the final group match of the Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand has become uncertain.

According to media reports, Sharma, who sustained an injury during the match against Pakistan, did not participate in a practice session before the crucial game against New Zealand, raising concerns about his fitness and availability for the match.

Reports suggest that Rohit experienced discomfort in his hamstring during the game against Pakistan. However, he assured the management that he was fine and there was nothing to worry about.

During the practice session, the Indian skipper only participated in batting drills and engaged in light running, avoiding any intense physical activity.

The Indian team management and medical staff are closely monitoring Rohit’s condition. A final decision on his participation will be made after assessing his fitness before the match.

India and New Zealand are will face off on March 2 in Dubai. However, both teams have already secured their spots in the semi-finals.

Pakistan are set to take on Bangladesh in the 9th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Match Details

Fixture: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Match 9, Champions Trophy 2025
Date & Time: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 2:00 PM (PST), 2:30 PM (IST)
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Teams Overview

Pakistan, the defending champions, has endured a disappointing campaign, suffering defeats against New Zealand and India. Despite their strong squad and home advantage, Mohammad Rizwan’s side has struggled to find its rhythm with both bat and ball. They will look to end their tournament on a high note in front of the home crowd.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, has also had a tough run, showing glimpses of promise but failing to convert performances into victories. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led team will aim to sign off with a win after pushing both India and New Zealand in their previous matches.

Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

Total Matches Played: 39
Pakistan Won: 34
Bangladesh Won: 5

Probable Playing XI

Pakistan is likely to field Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. 

Bangladesh’s expected lineup includes Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Mustafizur Rahman.

Pitch Report

The Rawalpindi surface has been challenging for batters early on, offering movement and bounce to the pacers. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to settle, making stroke play easier. Teams winning the toss might prefer to bowl first, considering the conditions that favor seamers in the initial overs.

TV Broadcast & Live Streaming

Pakistan – TV: PTV Sports, Ten Sports | Live Streaming: Myco, Tamasha
India – TV: Star Sports, Sports18 | Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Bangladesh – TV: Nagorik TV, T Sports | Live Streaming: Toffee
UAE – TV: CricLife MAX, CricLife MAX2 | Live Streaming: STARZPLAY
UK – TV: Sky Sports | Live Streaming: SkyGo Now, Sky Sports App
USA & Canada – TV: Willow TV
Australia – TV: Amazon
New Zealand – TV: Sky Sport NZ
Sri Lanka – TV: Maharaja TV | Live Streaming: Sirasa
Caribbean – TV: ESPN Caribbean | Live Streaming: ESPN Play

Pakistan’s renowned spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has accused former captains Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis of harassment, stating in a video message that they ruined his career.

He announced that he would take legal action against them, sending a defamation notice of PKR 200 million and PKR 150 million to Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, respectively. He declared, “Now, we will meet in court.”

A video message was aired during a cricket show on a private TV channel. Before playing the clip, host Fakhre Alam informed Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis that they might be facing trouble. Both former cricketers appeared visibly surprised by the statement.

In the video, Mushtaq Ahmed accused his former teammates of mocking him on the show and criticizing his role as a coach. He said, “My lawyer will soon be sending legal notices to both of them.” He also added in Punjabi, “Tell Waqar Younis that fights are not won with height. Don’t judge me by my height; I know how to fight.”

Mushtaq further alleged, “Wasim Akram used to take me for practice and bowl bouncers at me, which shattered my confidence. I lost all belief in myself because of it. Otherwise, I could have been one of Pakistan’s greatest all-rounders.”

Responding to the video, Wasim Akram sarcastically remarked, “You were never meant to be a night watchman. Every time you were sent in, you ended up with a duck. So, I’ll see you in court.”

On the other hand, Waqar Younis immediately apologised, saying, “I don’t have PKR 200 million, so I sincerely apologise to my brother.”

Waqar further urged Mushtaq to forgive them, saying, “I hope you clear your heart and forgive us. If not, we have other ways to deal with you!” His response left the studio audience in laughter.

Meanwhile, netizens are speculating if there is any truth to the reports or if it is a publicity stunt.

Champions Trophy 2025, currently being played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, has set a new record for the most centuries in a single edition of the tournament.

On Wednesday, England’s star batter Joe Root scored a century off 98 balls against Afghanistan, marking the 11th century of the ongoing tournament. The achievement surpassed the previous record of 10 centuries in a single edition, which was set during the 2002 Champions Trophy and matched in the 2017 tournament. 

So far, eight matches have been played in current Champions Trophy, with several batters showcasing exceptional performances. The list of centurions includes Will Young, Tom Latham, Towhid Hridoy, Shubman Gill, Ryan Rickelton, Ben Duckett, Josh Inglis, Virat Kohli, Rachin Ravindra, Ibrahim Zadran, and Joe Root.

The tournament consists of a total of 15 matches, and with more games yet to be played, this record could extend further.

Afghanistan knocked England out of the Champions Trophy after a thrilling contest in the eighth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and elected to bat first. The Afghan team posted a competitive total of 325 runs in their allotted 50 overs. In response, England’s entire team hung on almost till the end, getting bowled out for 317 runs in 49.5 overs.

Afghanistan’s batting lineup faced early trouble, losing two wickets for just 15 runs. However, Ibrahim Zadran steadied the innings after coming to the crease, helping Afghanistan reach 325/7 in 50 overs.

Ibrahim Zadran played a phenomenal knock of 177 runs of 146, hitting six sixes and 12 fours.

For England, Jofra Archer took three wickets, while Liam Livingstone claimed two, and Adil Rashid picked up one.

Chasing the target, England’s team was bowled out for 317 runs. While wickets kept falling at one end, Joe Root played a brilliant innings of 120 runs on 111 balls and built partnerships with other players.

Azmatullah Omarzai took five wickets for Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s opener, Fakhar Zaman, has recently shared his thoughts on his Champions Trophy experience, injury setbacks, and his role in the national team. 

In a recent interview with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he reflected on his 2017 Champions Trophy triumph and the heartbreak of missing key matches in the latest edition. 

He spoke candidly about his emotions and aspirations. 

“When I got injured, I immediately realized that my Champions Trophy was over. The pain made it clear to me. I had worked hard, recovered from thyroid issues, and trained extensively for this event. So, the emotions got the better of me in the dressing room,” he said.

He also recalled his son questioning his visible pain, saying, “My son asked me, ‘What was hurting you so much?’ Players often play through pain, and I have played with a fracture before, but this situation was different.”

Fakhar was asked whether he believed Pakistan could have had a better start if he had opened the innings, to which he replied, “I strongly believe that if I had opened, the situation might have been different. A long chase requires a strong start, and openers play a key role. I even approached the umpire to see if there was any way I could open despite my injury, but the rules didn’t allow it.”

He revealed that he fielded for 22 overs despite his pain, hoping to contribute with the bat, but unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.

Providing an update on his injury, Fakhar shared that his recovery is progressing well. “There has been significant improvement in a week. The doctor has advised that I can start training in three weeks, and within a month, I should be back in action.”

When asked if his presence in the Pakistan vs India match could have changed the outcome, Fakhar remained diplomatic. He said, “Cricket is an unpredictable game. Sometimes, expectations are low, and you perform beyond imagination. Other times, the opposite happens. We lost, and I can’t say whether my presence would have made a difference. I could have scored 200, but that’s just speculation.”

Fakhar addressed concerns about his limited presence in Test cricket, clarifying that he had focused on red-ball Cricket, but the coaches didn’t consider him a priority. “I still want to play Test cricket, but the captain and coaches have their plans. I also believe there are better Test players in Pakistan.”

On Pakistan’s struggles with strike rotation and strike rate, he emphasised its importance, particularly in modern-day Cricket. “The game has evolved. If you’re chasing 350, you need to play aggressive Cricket. Fast-paced play and taking risks are essential.”

Fakhar humorously claimed that he considers himself a better bowler than a batsman. “All bowlers think they’re good batsmen. I believe I am a better bowler! Shadab Khan is my favourite bowler in ODIs, and he has even told me that if he ever becomes captain, I’ll definitely bowl five overs in ODIs and two in T20s.”

Earlier, there were reports that Fakahr is taking retirement from ODI cricket.