Category: Sports

Renowned Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has arrived in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, marking his first visit in nearly two decades.  

In a viral video featuring Gupta alongside Pakistani sports journalist Sanaullah at Liberty Chowk in Lahore, he shares his thoughts on returning to Pakistan after so many years.

During their conversation, Sanaullah asked, “Gupta Bhai, you’re seeing Liberty Chowk after so many years. How does it feel?”

Gupta replied, “Yes, I remember when the 2004 and 2006 series took place, we used to pass through this very road. Some things have changed, but the beauty of big cities is that their character remains the same. The vibe here still feels the same.”

Sanaullah then asked, “Have you noticed any development?”

Gupta responded, “Well, we haven’t explored much yet. We just came from the hotel to Liberty Chowk. There’s still a lot of Lahore to see.”

Talking about his previous visits, Sanaullah asked, “Is the area where you’re staying now different from where you used to stay before?”

Gupta reflected on his memories, recalling, “Yes, it is. Back then, we used to stay on the other side of the city. I still remember it. Once we go there, I’ll see how much it has changed. From here, I can even see the stadium. As we get closer, I remember the hockey stadium, NCA, and the cricket stadium. There was a big parking area in front of it and even a football ground. Let’s go and check it out.”

The conversation then shifted to Pakistani cuisine, as Sanaullah curiously asked, “How did you find the food? You had daal (lentils) today.”

Gupta enthusiastically responded, “Yes, I had daal, and it was amazing! I also had parathas with pickles.”

Sanaullah, surprised, added, “Pickle parathas! That’s interesting because I’ve been eating here for six years, and I never had a pickle paratha before. And you got it on your first day!”

Gupta laughed and said, “Well, Paji made sure I had it. And it was fantastic!”

Speaking about the hospitality he received, Gupta expressed his gratitude, saying, “The respect I have received here is overwhelming.” He also praised the local food, adding, “Pakistan’s cuisine is absolutely amazing. The flavours are just incredible!”

The Indian team is playing their matches in the Champions Trophy in Dubai using a hybrid model.

Pakistan cricket team’s head coach Aqib Javed has come forward in support of the players amid raging criticism over their performance in Champions Trophy 2025. 

Speaking at a press conference in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, he said, “Pakistan selected the best available team, but the performances did not meet expectations, which is a fact.”

He further clarified, “There are no excuses in cricket. Before every match, the team remains hopeful, and we support them. The players themselves are disappointed with their performance. The nation should believe that the team put in its best effort. The emotions in a Pakistan vs India match are always different.”

Commenting on the Pakistan-India match, Aqib Javed said, “Had Pakistan managed to score around 300, it could have been a good contest. When there isn’t a strong total on the board, the bowlers have to be more aggressive, and that’s what happened with us.”

He also highlighted the absence of key players, saying, “Impact players are crucial in big matches. The absence of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman made a difference because both of them had the ability to change the game. Sufiyan Muqeem and Irfan Niazi didn’t have enough exposure in ODI cricket, which added to the pressure.”

Explaining the selection strategy, Aqib Javed said, “In ODIs, a combination of seven batters and four bowlers is usually played. Since Saim Ayub could contribute with a few overs as well, Khushdil Shah was included in the squad as an alternative.”

Defending the fast bowlers, Aqib Javed said, “A bowling attack, consisting of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf is among the best. You won’t find such an attack in any team around the world.”

However, he also acknowledged the challenges they faced, stating, “When scores of 350 are being made in almost every match, these same bowlers are bound to concede runs.”

The head coach stated, “Not too long ago, this very team defeated Australia in a series, but as soon as we lost to India, criticism began, which is unfair.”

He further added, “If you look at the records of the players in the team, they clearly show that there is plenty of talent. However, I do admit that in the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy, we couldn’t play the kind of cricket that was needed.”

Addressing criticism over Sufiyan Muqeem’s exclusion, he said, “People are asking why Sufiyan Muqeem wasn’t included, but the reality is that the boy has no first-class career. We gave him a chance, and he played just one match, yet now it is being said that if he had played, we would have won.”

Pakistan is out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after suffering 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.

An internal power struggle between skipper Mohammad Rizwan and head coach Aqib Javed overshadowed the team’s performance, ultimately leading to the national cricket team’s humiliation in the Champions Trophy, a private media outlet has claimed.

According to reports, Rizwan was visibly frustrated over not being consulted on key decisions. While he pushed for Khushdil Shah’s inclusion to the squad, Aqib insisted on adding Faheem Ashraf. The selectors and Rizwan were also not on the same page, further complicating matters, reports said.

The reports come days after defending champions and hosts Pakistan lost two of their three Champions Trophy fixtures and were knocked out of the tournament. 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.

Earlier, it was reported that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had prior to the tournament suggested two squad revisions, but his advice was ignored. Although he had the authority to enforce changes, he chose not to intervene directly.

Following Pakistan’s disappointing exit, PCB will review the team’s performance and hold discussions with the management to identify mistakes. Aqib, who was given the interim coaching role, does not intend to resign but will not continue as head coach. However, he is expected to retain an unofficial role in selection matters.

With public criticism mounting, PCB may be forced to make tough decisions, possibly dissolving the selection committee as well.

Another major concern for the board is Babar Azam’s prolonged dip in form, as he has failed to deliver impactful performances for over a year. Despite the selectors defending their squad choices, glaring flaws in team composition—especially in the opening, spin bowling, and all-rounder slots—have been exposed.

Pakistan will be hosting the 14th South Asian Games from January 23 to January 31, 2026, with competitions scheduled to take place across Lahore, Faisalabad, and Islamabad.

The South Asian Olympic Executive Committee made this decision during a meeting in Lahore, chaired by Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Saeed.

During the meeting, discussions also highlighted the anticipated achievements of Pakistani and Indian javelin stars Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Officials praised both athletes for bringing global recognition to South Asia, inspiring youth across the subcontinent, and showcasing sports as a means of promoting peace.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s Secretary of Sports reaffirmed the province’s readiness to host the Games, emphasising the event’s significance in promoting sports in the region. DG Sports Punjab, Khizar Afzal, also noted that Pakistan is currently hosting multiple international events successfully, demonstrating its capability to organize major sporting competitions.

Former Pakistan cricket captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram recently became the victim of false information when a cricket page on social media included his name in a list titled “Divorce XI,” featuring cricketers who have gone through divorces. 

The list, which included players from different countries, caught the attention of Akram’s wife, Shaniera Akram, who expressed her frustration over the misleading post.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shaniera slammed the cricket page for spreading inaccurate information. Sharing the post, she wrote, “You people take everything out of context. Not only that, but you also lack accurate and reliable information.” She further urged social media users to verify facts before sharing such claims.

While Wasim Akram was previously married to Huma Mufti, who tragically passed away in 2009, he has never been divorced. In 2013, he married Australian-born Shaniera Akram, and the couple has a daughter, Aiyla.

The social media post also wrongly included former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble, who has been married to Chetana Ramatheertha since 1999. While Chetana was previously divorced, Kumble himself has never been through a divorce.

Pakistan suffered a crucial defeat against India in the Champions Trophy match on Sunday, losing by six wickets, as Virat Kohli’s century led his team to victory. However, an unusual mistake by the former Indian captain in the 21st over, known as obstructing the field, presented an opportunity for Pakistan to dismiss him early, but they failed to capitalise on it.

The missed opportunity is said to be the result of a lack of awareness of ICC rules, allowing Kohli to continue his innings and ultimately score a match-winning century.

It was during India’s 21st over when Virat Kohli attempted a quick single off Haris Rauf’s delivery. As he reached the crease, he unexpectedly bent down and tried to stop an incoming throw with his hand. Surprisingly, there was no Pakistani fielder positioned behind him to collect the ball, making his action unnecessary and highly questionable.

The moment caught the attention of the commentators, particularly former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, who expressed his disappointment. He pointed out that Kohli was extremely fortunate that none of the Pakistani players appealed.

Gavaskar suggested that Kohli could have been given out for “obstructing the field,” a dismissal under ICC rules when a batter deliberately interferes with the ball. However, since Kohli had already reached his crease before stopping the throw, there was no direct appeal from the fielding side.

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, who was commentating alongside Gavaskar, was left astonished. Just moments earlier, he had praised Kohli’s game awareness, only to witness such an avoidable mistake.

Raja humorously remarked, “I was just talking about his awareness, and now he does this!” He also stated that had the Pakistani players been more alert and appealed, the match could have taken a completely different turn.

This moment highlighted a critical flaw in Pakistan’s approach—their lack of awareness of cricket laws. Had they appealed, Kohli might have been sent back to the pavilion, significantly changing the outcome of the match.

What is the ‘Obstructing the Field’ rule in cricket?

Obstructing the Field is a rare mode of dismissal in cricket under Law 37, where a batter is given out if they deliberately use their bat, hand, or body to stop a fielder’s throw or interfere with play. However, if the batter instinctively protects themselves or is inside their crease without intentional obstruction, they are not out. Notable instances include Inzamam-ul-Haq (2006) and Ben Stokes (2015), both dismissed for deliberately stopping the ball.

Afghanistan’s cricket team is set to play England in the eighth match of the Champions Trophy at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Wednesday

Match Details

Match: Afghanistan vs England, Match 8, Champions Trophy 2025
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2:00 PM (PST) 2:30 PM (IST)

Teams Overview

Afghanistan

Afghanistan will look to bounce back after their defeat against South Africa, where they struggled in both batting and bowling. However, Rahmat Shah’s fighting 90-run knock was a positive takeaway. Their bowling unit, led by Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi, will need to step up against England’s strong batting lineup.

England

England’s batting was in top form in their previous game against Australia, posting over 350 runs. Ben Duckett’s record-breaking 165 was the highlight of their innings. However, their bowlers failed to defend the massive total. Against Afghanistan, they will aim to improve their bowling performance and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

Total Matches Played: 3
Afghanistan Won: 1
England Won: 2

Probable Playing XIs

Afghanistan (AFG) Probable Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad.

England (ENG) Probable Playing XI: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

Pitch Report

The Gaddafi Stadium pitch has been a paradise for batters, as seen in the previous game, where over 700 runs were scored. The surface remains consistent throughout the match, making it ideal for batting. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, considering the conditions. Another high-scoring encounter is expected today.

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

Legendary cricketer and former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has reacted to the national team’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

According to media reports, Imran Khan spent most of his time discussing cricket during a meeting with Aleema khan at Adiala Jail. The 1992 World Cup-winning captain had watched the Pakistan vs India match on PTV and was reportedly furious over the team’s poor performance.

While speaking to journalists at Adiala Jail on Tuesday, Imran Khan criticized what he termed the selection of individuals based on favouritism, stating that it was ruining Pakistan cricket. “When you appoint people based on connections rather than merit, the result is destruction,” he said.

He also lashed out at Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s current Interior Minister and PCB chairman. “First, he was appointed Punjab’s Chief Minister, where he caused havoc. Then, he became the Interior Minister and did the same. Any honourable person would have resigned after such failures, but Mohsin Naqvi will not,” an irate Imran commented. 

The 72-year-old former cricketer questioned Naqvi’s credentials in sports administration. “What experience does he have in cricket? If someone treats the nation’s passion for cricket as a joke, they are insulting the people. In just two years, they have turned Pakistan cricket into a laughing stock,” he opined. 

“If you give control of cricket to favourites instead of professionals, this is what happens,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan, the host nation and defending champions, were knocked out of the tournament after consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India.

The team is set to play its final group match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi. From Group A, India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the semi-finals.

The Champions Trophy match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi has been cancelled amid persistent rain.

The crucial Group B encounter was initially delayed as light rain continued to disrupt the schedule. The toss was set for 1:30 p.m., and the match was expected to begin at 2:00 p.m., but the weather conditions prevented even the toss from taking place.

As a result of the washout, both teams have been awarded one point each. Match officials confirmed that the ground remained too wet for play, making it impossible to proceed with the game.

With this outcome, both Australia and South Africa now have three points each, placing them in first and second positions, respectively, in Group B.

The continuous rain in Rawalpindi has raised concerns over the Champions Trophy schedule, as further disruptions could impact upcoming matches. Meanwhile, amid the wet conditions, Pakistan’s scheduled practice session for the evening was also cancelled.

The backlash from Pakistan’s poor performance in the Champions Trophy, including the humiliating defeat against arch-rivals India, has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider a complete overhaul of the team’s support staff, including interim head coach Aaqib Javed, reports have claimed.

“Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly set to sack the interim men’s cricket head coach Aaqib Javed and his support staff after the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy,” journalist Saj Sadiq said in a post on X.

The post comes days after Pakistan suffered a six-wicket loss to India in Dubai, following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi on February 19.

While the board is yet to make an official announcement, it merits a mention that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi had appointed Aaqib as the interim head coach for the white-ball team after Gary Kirsten’s resignation late last year.

Aaqib was later also given charge of the red-ball squad, following Jason Gillespie’s departure.

With Pakistan set to tour New Zealand from March 16 to April 5 for five T20Is and three ODIs, the PCB is now focused on appointing a new permanent coaching staff.