Category: Sports

  • WI loss: Shan Masood loses cool at reporter over captaincy question

    WI loss: Shan Masood loses cool at reporter over captaincy question

    Pakistan’s Test cricket captain, Shan Masood, snapped at a reporter when asked about his captaincy during a press conference following a 120-run defeat to the West Indies in the second Test.

    A journalist asked, “Will you make your own decision, or will the Pakistan Cricket Board decide?”

    Shan initially refused to reply, saying, “Next question,” but later responded, “I won’t answer about what happened in the past. I am addressing what’s happening now. If you want to discuss facts, feel free to do so, but your information is completely incorrect.”

    The 35-year-old captain urged the media to respect players, saying, “You should also give respect to your players. It’s the PCB’s job to make decisions. Whatever decisions are made, we, as players, including myself, accept them. We belong to this country, this institution, and we are also your people.”

    Expressing his frustration with the journalist’s tone, Shan said, “No one will tolerate being insulted like this. Your question was full of disrespect. In trying to ask one question, you attempted to undermine another person. We play for Pakistan, and we give our best efforts to deliver results.”

    Shan also defended the team’s performance, saying, “In these conditions, we’ve won three out of four matches and lost only one. In this match, we made mistakes on the first day. Please do your research before asking questions and then share your opinions.”

    West Indies won the second and final Test of the two-match series, defeating Pakistan on their home ground after 35 years by 120 runs on the third day, levelling the series 1-1.

  • Afghanistan women’s cricket team returns to action after three years

    Afghanistan women’s cricket team returns to action after three years

    The Afghanistan women’s cricket team will be back in action on Thursday at Junction Oval in Melbourne after a three-year break.

    The team will play a T20 exhibition match against the Cricket Without Borders XI just before the day-and-night Women’s Ashes Test between Australia and England at the MCG.

    This is the first time since the Taliban took over that the Afghan women’s team has reunited as a group after leaving their country. Half of the players are based in Canberra, while the rest are refugees in Melbourne.

    Before the match in Melbourne, Nahida Khan and Feroza Amiri spoke to the media and said, “This is really important for us, especially for Afghan women, as this is a historic moment for all Afghan women.”

    They added, “We have high hopes for this match as it could open doors for Afghan women in education, sports, and their future. We don’t want this to be our first and last match; we want more matches.”

    The players also mentioned they were representing millions of Afghan women who are deprived of their rights in Afghanistan. “It’s very special for us to come together again after three years,” they said.

    Currently, Australia does not play bilateral matches against Afghanistan, only facing them in ICC events. However, next month, both teams will be in the same group for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE.

    Cricket Australia’s CEO, Nick Hockley, described the exhibition match as the first step toward the Afghanistan Women’s Team playing international cricket again and a ray of hope for the team.

  • Ahmed Shehzad lashes out at Pakistan’s poor batting against West Indies

    Ahmed Shehzad lashes out at Pakistan’s poor batting against West Indies

    Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has expressed severe disappointment over Pakistan’s poor batting performance and serious mistakes in the second Test match against West Indies in Multan. 

    While talking about the Test against the West Indies on his YouTube channel, the 33-year-old cricketer said, “Even West Indian players, whose names are not well-known, were playing well and scoring centuries on Pakistan’s home ground.”

    “Players like Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Kamran Ghulam repeated their mistakes and got out once again. It was the pitch’s fault for their poor performance,” he said.

    Ahmed Shehzad further stated, “The team needs to accept that they are not capable of playing Test cricket at the moment, and this format may not suit them. If the players can’t perform well even on home ground with a pitch suited to their advantage, it might be better to stop playing Test matches altogether.”

    West Indies won the second and final Test of the two-match series, defeating Pakistan on their home ground after 35 years by 120 runs on the third day to level the series 1-1.

  • ‘Best bowler in the world’: Coldplay’s tribute to Bumrah goes viral

    ‘Best bowler in the world’: Coldplay’s tribute to Bumrah goes viral

    Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah made a surprise appearance at Coldplay’s final Indian concert in Ahmedabad on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

    The crowd went wild when Bumrah appeared on the big screen, and lead singer Chris Martin even improvised a song for the star bowler.

    “We do not enjoy… watching you destroy England, with wicket after wicket,” Chris sang, referring to Bumrah’s brilliant performances against England. 

    Calling Bumrah his “beautiful brother,” Chris also declared him the “best bowler in the whole of cricket.”

    The band also celebrated India’s Republic Day during their final show in Ahmedabad. Chris Martin greeted the crowd with “Happy Republic Day, India!” and even sang “Vande Mataram,” delighting fans.

    This wasn’t the first time Coldplay had honoured Bumrah. At their concert in Mumbai, Chris paused while performing “A Sky Full of Stars” to joke about Bumrah wanting to play backstage and bowl to him. 

    Chris also shared a clip of Bumrah’s famous yorker, which helped India defeat England during their 2024 Test series, drawing cheers from the audience.

    Bumrah reacted to the tribute on social media, saying, “This made me smile! Incredible vibe at the Coldplay concert in Mumbai (from what I’ve seen here) and even more special to be mentioned.”

    Coldplay’s 2025 India tour marked their return to the country after nine years. They performed five shows, starting at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and ending with an electrifying finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 26.

  • West Indies defeat Pakistan at home after 35 years

    West Indies defeat Pakistan at home after 35 years

    The West Indies won the second and final Test of the two-match series, defeating Pakistan on their home ground after 35 years by 120 runs on the third day.

    West Indies set a target of 245 runs for Pakistan, but the home team was bowled out for just 133 runs. This victory marks West Indies’Indies’ first Test win in Pakistan since 1990.

    On the third day, Saud Shakeel (13) and night-watchman Kashif Ali (1) were dismissed early. Salman Ali Agha scored 15 runs, while Sajid Khan (7), Nauman Ali (6), and Mohammad Rizwan (25) couldn’t make significant contributions either.

    Earlier, at the end of the second day, Pakistan was struggling at 76-4 while chasing a target of 254 runs. Captain Shan Masood and Mohammad Huraira both got out for two runs, Kamran Ghulam made 19, and Babar Azam managed 31.

    West Indies began their second innings with a 9-run lead. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and McKenny Clarke put up a 50-run partnership before Clarke was dismissed for seven runs. Ameer Jangu added crucial runs alongside Brathwaite, who scored 52 before being dismissed by Nauman Ali. Runs came steadily, but wickets kept falling, with Emalch scoring 35 and Sinclair adding 28. West Indies were eventually bowled out for 244, leaving Pakistan a target of 254.

    Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan each took four wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Kashif Ali picked one wicket each.

    In the first innings, West Indies scored 163, which Pakistan replied to with 154 runs. Earlier in the series, Pakistan won the first Test.

  • Six foreign players, including two Pakistanis, refuse to play BPL

    Six foreign players, including two Pakistanis, refuse to play BPL

    Six foreign players, including Pakistan’s Mohammad Haris and Aftab Alam, have refused to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after failing to receive their due salaries.

    According to Bangladeshi media, players from the BPL team Durbar Rajshahi decided to boycott after facing delays in salary payments twice this season.

    Other players who joined the boycott include Lahiru, McCauley Cummins, Mark Deyal, and Ryan Burl.

    With the absence of foreign players, Durbar Rajshahi had to field an all-local team in their match against Rangpur Riders today.

  • PCB to hold PSL matches in the US: report

    PCB to hold PSL matches in the US: report

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host some future Pakistan Super League (PSL) games in the United States (US) to attract potential foreign franchise owners.

    According to reports, the PCB, ahead of the upcoming 10th edition of the league, has already started working towards expanding it by adding two new teams to the 2026 season.

    Two Pakistani individuals active in American cricket have shown interest in buying the new franchises, and discussions in this regard are ongoing.

    While PSL head Salman Naseer is also currently on a trip to the US, among those rumoured to buy the new teams is a key cricket stakeholder in Pakistan, reports said.

    Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while attending the inauguration ceremony of US President Donald Trump, met with two Pakistani officials involved in American cricket.

    Most team owners and cricket officials in US cricket are Indians, making it challenging for Pakistan to establish a foothold. However, the PCB believes they cannot leave such a big market solely to India and so they are exploring various opportunities.

    Two new teams to join PSL

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has revealed exciting news about the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying, “We will auction two new teams for the next PSL season.”

    During a ceremony in Sialkot on Sunday, Naqvi said, “We have decided to introduce two new teams in the next PSL season, and we think that one team will belong to Sialkot. The auction process will be transparent, and we are confident this will make the league more competitive and entertaining.”

    “We are committed to upgrading cricket venues across the country to ensure they meet international standards,” Naqvi added.

    The current PSL format features six teams, including Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. 

    With the addition of new teams next season, the league is set to grow, promising even more excitement and opportunities for players and fans alike.

  • Bowlers rule Multan pitch as Pakistan is bowled out for 154

    Bowlers rule Multan pitch as Pakistan is bowled out for 154

    The second Test match between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan has turned into a feast of wickets for bowlers. West Indies batted first but got all out for 163 runs. In response, the Pakistani batting lineup crumbled at 154 at the end of day one.

    West Indies struggled in their first innings, losing wickets quickly. Spinner Nauman Ali was the star for Pakistan, taking six wickets, including a brilliant hat-trick. Sajid Khan took two wickets, while Kashif Ali and Abrar Ahmed got one wicket each.

    For West Indies, Gudakesh Motie scored 55 runs, Jomel Warrican made 36, and Kemar Roach added 25 runs.

    West Indies lost their first wicket at a score of 8 when opener McKenny Lewis was out for 0. Soon after, Ameer Jango was also dismissed, making just four runs.

    Nauman Ali completed a hat-trick by dismissing Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair.


    Partnerships: Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty tried to stabilize the innings, but their partnership ended quickly as Brathwaite was out for nine runs.


    Pakistan and West Indies Playing XIs

    Pakistan XI: 

    Shan Masood (C), Mohammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, Kashif Ali, Abrar Ahmed

    West Indies XI: 

    Kraigg Brathwaite (C), McKenny Lewis, Ameer Jango, Keacy Carty, Alec Athanaze, Jomel Warrican, Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Kemar Roach

    Pakistan leads the two-match Test series 1-0. In the first Test match, also played in Multan, Pakistan defeated West Indies by 127 runs. Sajid Khan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance in that game.

  • VIDEO: Hub rally cancelled after deadly accident kills marshal

    VIDEO: Hub rally cancelled after deadly accident kills marshal

    Hub Auto Cross Rally 2025 was on Saturday cancelled after a tragic accident claimed the life of one of the motorsport marshals.

    According to reports, Danish was severely injured after racer Tariq Khan’s vehicle lost control and hit the former who was standing close to the rally track.

    Danish was rushed to the hospital for treatment but unfortunately passed away during treatment.

    Rally organisers immediately cancelled the event following the tragic incident.

    Meanwhile, drivers and rally management have pledged full support to Danish’s family during this difficult time.

    In recent years, car culture in Pakistan has grown significantly, attracting a passionate community of automobile enthusiasts. 

    One of the most popular aspects of car culture is off-road rallies. Events like the Cholistan Desert Rally, Gwadar Rally, and Jhal Magsi Rally have gained recognition nationally and internationally. 

    Car rallies not only promote motorsports but also boost tourism in the regions where they are held. Thousands of spectators gather to witness these thrilling races, bringing economic activity to remote areas. 

  • Babar Azam secures spot on ICC Men’s T20 Team of the Year

    Babar Azam secures spot on ICC Men’s T20 Team of the Year

    Pakistan’s star batsman and former captain Babar Azam has secured a place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 Team of the Year 2024.

    India’s Rohit Sharma has been selected as the captain of the team.

    The team features four players from India, while one player each is included from Australia, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and the West Indies.

    The full team includes Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Travis Head, Phil Salt, Nicholas Pooran, Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.