Category: Sports

Pakistan cricket team’s star batsman Babar Azam has requested fans to stop referring to him as “King.”

Following Pakistan’s victory against South Africa in the tri-series, Babar spoke about his performance and mindset while batting. “Whenever I go out to bat, my focus is always on scoring well. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to finish games,” he admitted. “Today, Rizwan and Salman played really well, and such performances boost the team’s confidence.”

Babar also addressed the “King” title given to him by fans, saying, “Please stop calling me ‘King.’ I am not a king yet. We will see when I leave the game.”

Speaking about his role as an opener, Babar explained that he was given a new responsibility based on the team’s requirements. “When you build an innings, you get a better idea of the game and the pitch. I always try to play well, but I haven’t been able to convert my starts into big innings.”

The former captain also revealed how he mentally approaches his performances. “I often talk to myself about how to overcome such situations. Whatever I have done in the past is history. If I stay stuck in my previous performances, I won’t be able to perform in the future,” he said. “Every day brings a new plan and a new mindset. Successfully chasing a big total gives confidence, and I try to take that forward,” he added.

Pakistan defeated South Africa in the third ODI of the tri-nation series at the National Stadium, Karachi, on Wednesday with a stunning performance. 

Playing first, South Africa scored 352 runs, losing five wickets.

In response, Pakistan chased down the target in the 49th over, losing just four wickets. 

Captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha played outstanding unbeaten centuries, guiding their team to a remarkable win.

This was Pakistan’s highest run chase in ODIs.

Pakistan defeated South Africa in the third ODI of the tri-nation series at the National Stadium, Karachi with a stunning performance. 

Playing first, South Africa scored 352 runs, losing five wickets.

In response, Pakistan chased down the target in the 49th over, losing just four wickets. 

After losing three wickets for just 91 runs, South Africa had the upper hand. However, captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha turned the game around. Both players scored centuries, leading Pakistan to a comfortable victory over the Proteas.

The win not only surprised Pakistani fans but also left Indian fans shocked by the Green Shirts’ performance.

Here’s how Indians are reacting to arch-rivals Pakistan’s victory:

Pakistan secured a spot in the final of the tri-nation series with a dominant six-wicket victory over South Africa. 

Captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha played outstanding unbeaten centuries, guiding their team to a remarkable win.

Batting first, South Africa out up a challenging target of 353 runs after winning the toss. Their innings started well, but Pakistani bowlers managed to take crucial wickets at important moments. Tony de Zorzi was the first to depart after scoring 22 runs, caught by Agha Salman off Shaheen Shah Afridi. 

Temba Bavuma looked strong with 82 runs but was run out by Saud Shakeel. Matthew Breetzke contributed 83 runs before being caught by Agha Salman off Khushdil Shah’s bowling. Wiaan Mulder could only manage two runs before falling to Shaheen Afridi, while Heinrich Klaasen played a brilliant knock of 87 before being caught by Shaheen off Naseem Shah. Kyle Verreynne remained unbeaten on 44, while Corbin Bosch finished with 15 not out.

In response, Pakistan chased the target in the 49th over, losing just four wickets. 

Pakistan is now set to face New Zealand in the final of the tri-nation tournament on Friday.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led the national team to its first-ever Champions Trophy victory in 2017, has been appointed as an ambassador for the upcoming 2025 version of the mega event.

As per the details, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced Sarfaraz as one of the ambassadors for the tournament to be hosted by Pakistan from Feb 19.

Alongside Sarfaraz, former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Australia’s Shane Watson have also been given ambassadorial roles.

It merits a mention that Sarfaraz holds a unique record of leading Pakistan to two ICC trophies – the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2006 U-19 World Cup.

While Sarfaraz’s leadership and contributions to Pakistan cricket have earned him this prestigious role for the upcoming tournament, fans cannot keep calm as the country gears up to host the first global cricketing event since 1996.

The opening match of the Champions Trophy is scheduled for the National Stadium in Karachi where defending champions Pakistan will face New Zealand.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed dissatisfaction with the Indian team management and the selection for the Champions Trophy 2025. He advised the management not to drop Kuldeep Yadav in favour of Varun Chakravarthy.

India finalised their squad for the tournament on February 11, adding Varun Chakravarthy in place of Yashasvi Jaiswal. With this change, India now has five spinners in their squad for the tournament, which will be held in Dubai. Varun had previously replaced Kuldeep in the second ODI in Cuttack.

After the squad announcement, Chopra shared his concerns on X, saying, “India has picked five spinners for the Champions Trophy. FIVE. Sharjah would be an ideal venue for this squad. Spin To Win. Dubai?? Not so sure. That surface hasn’t helped spinners as much…ever. Also, I really hope that Kuldeep isn’t benched for Varun. Play both if you must…but Kuldeep has to be India’s premier spinner.”

Kuldeep Yadav has been a key player for India in recent ICC tournaments. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, he took 15 wickets in 11 matches, making him India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker as the team reached the final.

He performed even better in the 2024 T20 World Cup, picking up 10 wickets in just five matches and finishing as India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker again.

Indian squad includes Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakaravarthy.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9.

India will play all their matches in Dubai and Sharjah.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has awarded Pakistan the hosting rights for another major cricket event.

Pakistan will host the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, with the official schedule to be announced soon, according to the ICC. The tournament will take place from April 4 to April 19, across multiple cities in Pakistan.

Participating teams include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, and Thailand. The top two teams will secure spots in the ICC Women’s World Cup, scheduled for later this year in India.

The ICC is expected to release more details about the tournament in the coming weeks.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a five-year ban on Bangladesh women’s team spinner Shohely Akhter after she was found guilty of match-fixing allegations.

She was penalised for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. As a result, the 36-year-old cricketer has been barred from participating in all formats of the game.

According to the ICC, Shohely admitted to violating five clauses of the anti-corruption code. Her ban officially began on February 10, 2025.

According to reports from 2023, a Dhaka-based news channel released an audio recording allegedly featuring a conversation between two cricketers about match-fixing. The report further claimed that during the Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, Lata Mondal, a Bangladeshi cricketer, had contacted Shohely. However, she initially denied the accusations, calling them a misunderstanding.

Shohely Akhter, an off-spinner, has represented Bangladesh in two ODIs and 13 T20 Internationals.

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam has expressed his disappointment over Karachi’s low turnout for cricket matches.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the newly renovated National Cricket Stadium in Karachi on Tuesday, he urged the city’s residents to show more support by attending games at the stadium.

Babar emphasised the importance of fan support for the team, stating, “The team needs the backing of cricket fans, but I am disappointed that Karachi’s people don’t come to watch matches at the stadium.” He also assured fans that the team would strive to perform well in the upcoming match and the Champions Trophy.

During the ceremony, Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, praised the newly renovated stadium, comparing its beauty to Lahore’s iconic cricket venue. He added, “Now we hope our performances will be just as beautiful.”

Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha noted the large turnout for the stadium’s inauguration, expressing hope that the same enthusiasm would be reflected during the matches to come. “A huge number of fans have gathered for this event, which makes me believe they will also come to watch the matches,” he said.

Fast bowler Naseem Shah acknowledged the strong support Karachi fans have shown in the past and hoped to see a packed stadium for the upcoming match. “Karachi fans have always supported the team, and I hope they will come to the stadium this time as well,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi thanked Karachi’s cricket lovers, reminding them that the team would need the same level of support during the Champions Trophy. “We are grateful for this support, and we will need it again in the Champions Trophy,” he said.

Speedster Haris Rauf also highlighted the impact of fan presence, stating, “When the crowd fills the stadium, we try to entertain them with our performance.”

Opener Fakhar Zaman acknowledged Karachi’s reputation for low stadium attendance but was pleased with the large number of people at the inauguration event. “It is often said that Karachi fans don’t come to the stadium, but seeing this huge turnout today makes me happy,” he expressed.

With Pakistan gearing up for major tournaments, the players have made it clear that fan support plays a crucial role in motivating the team.

The Champions Trophy is set to begin from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE.

Australia’s troubles continue ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 as star fast bowler Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the tournament.

Starc pulled out of the Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan, due to personal reasons. Cricket Australia has expressed full support for his decision, while the pacer has requested privacy and will not be making any further comments on the matter.

Australia has already suffered major setbacks, with captain Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh ruled out with fitness issues. Additionally, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis recently announced that he is retiring from One Day International (ODI) cricket.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has finalized its squad for the Champions Trophy, with experienced batter Steve Smith leading the side.

Australia’s Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy includes:

Captain: Steve Smith

Players: Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, and Adam Zampa.

Chairman of Selectors George Bailey acknowledged that the team had to make several changes with the injuries and retirements plaguing players. He emphasized that the squad was chosen based on performances over the past 12 months.

The Champions Trophy is set to commence in Pakistan on February 19.

Top Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions Trophy due to injury.

The BCCI confirmed that Bumrah, who hurt his lower back during the final Test against Australia in Sydney last month, will be replaced by Harshit Rana in the squad.

Reports said that the star pacer’s recent medical scans showed no serious concerns, but there’s no clear timeline for his return. He is expected to start running in a few weeks and gradually begin bowling again under medical supervision.

Bumrah’s replacement Rana, on the other hand, recently made his Test debut and is in excellent form. He was crucial in India’s T20I series win against England and impressed in the first ODI with a 3-53 spell at a key moment.

Meanwhile, India has also added mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to the squad, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal.