Category: Sports

Australian captain Pat Cummins and his wife, Becky, have welcomed their second child, a baby girl named Edi. 

The couple shared the news on Instagram on Saturday, expressing their immense joy. Cummins had skipped Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka to be with his family for the birth.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Rebecca Jane Cummins (@becky_cummins)

Meanwhile, Australia is facing a growing injury crisis ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out of the Sri Lanka series after ankle and hip injuries, adding to the team’s woes after Mitchell Marsh’s withdrawal and Marcus Stoinis’ surprise retirement. 

These setbacks leave Australia searching for four replacements, including two all-rounders, to maintain balance in the squad.

Cummins’ injury stems from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he bowled the most overs and took 25 wickets. Hazlewood has been dealing with multiple injuries, including side and calf strains. Both pacers require a long rehabilitation period, casting doubt over their availability for the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well.

Australia’s final Champions Trophy squad will be announced after the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Their next major international assignment will be the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.

The highly anticipated tri-series between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa is set to begin today in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, with the opening match featuring Pakistan and New Zealand.

Pakistan’s Probable Playing XI

According to media sources, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are likely to open the innings for Pakistan. The middle order is expected to feature Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, and Khushdil Shah.

In the bowling department, Pakistan is likely to go with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed, forming a strong attack.

Pakistan’s 15-member squad also includes Usman Khan, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Hasnain, and Faheem Ashraf, who might get opportunities in later matches.

Schedule for Tri-Nation Series:

Pakistan vs New Zealand- February 8
New Zealand vs South Africa- February 10
Pakistan vs South Africa- February 12
Final- February 14

Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has defended the decision to include only one spinner in the squad, speaking at a pre-series media conference on Friday.

“We opted for a single spinner due to the foggy conditions in Lahore. We are focused on our preparation and giving our best in every match. We trust in our abilities, and we believe that the right combination will help us perform at our best,” he said.

“Everyone in the squad is highly motivated, and we are all working towards the same goal. We support each other, and that camaraderie helps us stay strong, no matter the challenges. The team dynamics are very positive, and we know that every player has a key role to play. Whether in the middle or at the end, we believe in our collective strength,” he added.

Talking about unity in the team, Rizwan said, “In cricket, it’s not just about individual brilliance; it’s about playing together as a team and supporting each other in every situation. We have a great mix of experience and youth in the squad. This balance is essential for a successful team, and we are confident in our strategy moving forward.”

On the other hand, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed concerns regarding changes in the national squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

During a visit to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi said, “The selection committee is currently reviewing the squad. They have the right to make adjustments if needed. Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah were included in good faith.”

Speaking about infrastructure development, the PCB chairman announced, “The renovation of the new five-star hotel at Gaddafi Stadium will be completed within a year. We also plan to redesign the National Cricket Academy (NCA). After the Champions Trophy, we will demolish and rebuild the NCA to modernise its facilities.”

He also mentioned, “The NCA training ground will be expanded, and VIP boxes in the stadium will be rented out for six years. Each box will be priced at PKR 100 million, with some available for rent on a series-to-series basis.”

Naqvi also said, “A deal has been finalised with the ICC regarding match passes. Visa issues for Dubai have been resolved. Anyone holding a match ticket or pass will be eligible for a visa.”

The official ICC opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy will be held on February 16. The ICC has invited representatives from various countries to the event.

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

Romanian tennis star and former world number one Simona Halep has announced her retirement from professional tennis.

The two-time Grand Slam champion made the announcement after losing in the first round of a tournament in her hometown, she suffered a heavy defeat against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, losing 1-6, 1-6.

Speaking about her retirement, Halep expressed mixed emotions. “I don’t know if I’m announcing this with happiness or sadness. Maybe both. I have always been realistic with myself,” she said.

She further stated, “My body no longer allows me to reach the level I once played at. But I won’t cry because I was world number one, I won two Grand Slam titles, and I have achieved everything I wanted.”

The 33-year-old had previously faced a doping ban during her career, which affected her playing time and rankings.

With cricketing fans rushing to secure tickets for the upcoming tri-nation series as well as Champions Trophy, Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah’s response to those asking for match tickets has gone viral over the internet.

“Brothers! We get only 3 or 4 tickets… and there are hundreds of people asking for them. Please don’t be upset with us. Sometimes, we even have to refuse our family members,” Shah said on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast Friday.

He added it was a tough spot they were in and couldn’t make everyone happy. “So please, don’t ask for tickets.”

During the podcast, the star fast bowler also shared a personal anecdote from his tween years. Shah recalled that when he was 12 or 13 and playing cricket in Lahore, a man watching him bowl said he could play first-class cricket at that age.

“My father allowed me to play for a month or so, saying that if it worked out, great, but if not, I would return to school.”

Shah also shared how first-class cricketer Salman Qadir predicted his future success, which motivated him to work hard. “I reached here after a lot of hard work,” Shah said, adding that coming back from rehab was also very challenging for any player.

On pressure of bowling with a new ball, he said, “It is crucial to take wickets with the new ball. I strive to bowl with discipline in One-Day cricket.”

About tailenders, Shah said it could be frustrating for bowlers when tailenders build partnerships. “I try to focus on building partnerships as well when I am batting.”

The 21-year-old pacer also revealed that he was working on his batting at the club level, aiming to improve and avoid getting out quickly. “I have been playing as an opener in club matches to prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy.”

It may be noted that Shah is a part of the 15-member squad announced by the PCB for both the upcoming tri-nation series between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa, and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The tri-nation series will be played in Lahore and Karachi from Feb 8 to Feb 14, whereas the mega ICC tournament is to be hosted by the country from Feb 19 till Mar 9.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provided an important update regarding the injury of Saim Ayub.

The PCB confirmed that the batsman will be sidelined for 10 weeks after sustaining an injury while fielding during the Test match against South Africa on January 3.

According to the PCB statement, medical experts conducted MRI scans, X-rays, and other tests, advising him to rest for the next 10 weeks.

While Ayub is feeling better, his availability for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of New Zealand will depend on his recovery. The PCB also mentioned that he will continue his rehabilitation in England.

Pakistan is set to play a white-ball series against New Zealand from March 16 to April 5, and Ayub’s participation will depend on his fitness progress.

Additionally, Ayub will miss the Champions Trophy, which is set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE.

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has predicted that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma no longer be part of the Indian cricket team in the near future. 

Speaking before the first ODI between India and England at Nagpur, he said, “I mentioned in my media interaction yesterday that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are human—they can fail too.”

“These two are modern-day greats, but the time will come when there will be no Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in the Indian team. That will be a sad day for Indian cricket, so fans should enjoy their presence in the game while it lasts,” Pietersen added.

Earlier, former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh also commented on Kohli and Rohit’s future, stating, “You can never be bigger than the game. Not Sir Vivian Richards, not even Sir Don Bradman—no player has ever been bigger than cricket, and no one ever will be.”

The batsmen, two of India’s biggest cricketing superstars, who were once the backbone of the team, may not have much time left in international cricket. Both players are struggling with form and are also nearing the latter stages of their careers—Kohli is now 36, while Rohit is 37.

Recent poor performances have led many cricket experts and fans to speculate that their retirement may not be far away. 

Rohit managed to score only two runs in the first ODI against England on Thursday, while Kohli missed the game due to fitness concerns.

Pakistan’s aggressive opening batter Fakhar Zaman has opened up about his illness, time away from the team, and preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

Speaking on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Podcast with Salman Butt on Friday, Fakhar revealed that he was not injured but had fallen ill. “I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which caused me to lose 10 kilograms and weakened my muscles,” he said.

“There was no other reason. I am now fully fit. The first four to five domestic matches were tough, and I felt like I had forgotten how to play. But gradually, I improved and performed well. Now, I am completely healthy,” he added.

Fakhar became excited while discussing the upcoming Champions Trophy. “It’s a major event, and we are thrilled because it’s happening in Pakistan,” he said.

When asked about Babar Azam’s batting order change and his potential role as an opener, Fakhar backed his captain. “For a batter of Babar Azam’s class, position doesn’t matter. I believe he will do well as an opener and make things easier for me,” he remarked.

Fakhar also reflected on his breakthrough in the 2017 Champions Trophy. “That tournament was the start of my career. I will try to make this edition even more memorable for myself and the team. As for playing against India, I approach that match with the same mindset as I do against any other team,” he concluded.

In October 2024, Babar Azam was dropped from the last two Test matches against England, leading to Fakhar tweeting in his favour. 

Fakhar wrote on X: “It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively.”

“If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team. There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them,” he wrote.

After his tweet, PCB issued him a show-cause notice.

 He responded to the notice, saying, ‘I am under the PCB, and I must accept the decisions; writing about Babar Azam was not meant to criticize or hurt anyone. PCB’s central contract is of the opinion; I spoke as a fellow player; my only aim was for Babar Azam to have a chance in difficult times. PCB is our institution; we will continue to respect it.’

Later, he was dropped from the South Africa and Australia tour.

It merits mention that he has also not been included in the PCB central contract for 2024-25.

Former Brazil and Real Madrid captain Marcelo has officially announced his retirement from football.

The 36-year-old defender played for Real Madrid from 2007 to 2022, making 546 appearances and winning 25 trophies, including six La Liga titles.

He played a key role in Real Madrid’s historic “La Décima” triumph, scoring in the 2014 Champions League final to help secure the club’s long-awaited 10th European crown. Following that victory, Real Madrid won five more Champions League titles.

He was also part of the squad that won three consecutive Champions League titles between the 2015-16 and 2017-18 seasons.

In a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, Marcelo said, “My journey as a player ends here, but I still have a lot to give to football.”

During his time at Real Madrid, Marcelo also won two Copa del Rey titles, five Spanish Super Cups, four Club World Cups, and three UEFA Super Cups, captaining the team in his final years at the club.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez praised Marcelo in a statement, saying, “He is one of the greatest left-backs in the history of Real Madrid and world football, and we had the honour of watching him for so many years.”

“He is one of our great legends, and Real Madrid will always be his home.”

Marcelo last played for Brazilian Serie A side Fluminense. On the international stage, he represented Brazil in 58 matches, winning the 2013 Confederations Cup and earning a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, as well as a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics.

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has once again suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), citing failure to implement necessary constitutional amendments.

According to FIFA’s official statement, the PFF’s membership was immediately suspended as it did not incorporate amendments that would ensure transparent and democratic elections while aligning with FIFA’s normalization process.

The statement further clarified that the suspension will remain in place until the PFF Congress approves the constitutional amendments proposed by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Earlier, both FIFA and AFC had recommended that the PFF amend its constitution, particularly regarding the electoral process. However, the elected PFF Congress rejected these amendments, leading to the suspension.

This is not the first time PFF has faced suspension. In April 2021, FIFA suspended Pakistan due to a takeover of the PFF headquarters by the Ashfaq Hussain group. That ban was lifted in June 2022.

Following FIFA’s decision, Pakistan’s national and club teams will be barred from participating in any international competitions. Additionally, all financial and technical support from FIFA will remain suspended.