Category: Sports

Shehr Bano, the daughter of a security guard from Lodhran, Punjab, Pakistan, has become an international cricketer. She made her debut for the national team against Nepal in the Women’s Under-19 T20 Asia Cup in Malaysia.

The 15-year-old is currently a seventh-grade student.

Mohsin Kamal, the head coach of the national Under-19 team, presented the debut cap to Shehr Bano, a left-arm fast bowler. The team management and players congratulated her on her international debut and wished her the best for her career.

Athlete Khurram Khan is the first Pakistani to have competed in the Ironman World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand.

Khurram, who hails from Karachi, is the only Pakistani to raise the green crescent flag at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

“It is an honour to hoist the Pakistani flag for the first time at the Ironman World Championship, and he will represent the country in future international competitions as well,” he said in a video message on his Instagram.

A total of 6,000 athletes from 119 countries participated in the triathlon-style event, with the Pakistani athlete qualifying independently on his own expenses. The championship featured a 1.9-kilometre swim, a 90-kilometre bike ride, and a 21.1-kilometre run.

Khurram completed the entire circuit in five hours, 32 minutes, and 52 seconds.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the richest cricket board in the world, pays less pension to a famous former cricketer than that of Pakistani former cricketer Shahid Afridi.

Former Pakistan cricket team captain and renowned superstar Shahid Khan Afridi represented Pakistan in over 500 matches, achieving numerous successes in his cricketing career. Even after retiring from cricket, Shahid Afridi receives a decent pension from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

On the other hand, former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli, who played a major role in Indian cricket in the 1990s, receives a monthly pension of only Rs 30,000 (about 98 thousand Pakistani rupees) from BCCI. This amount is much less than Shahid Afridi’s pension. 

This difference in pension scales raises questions about the attitude of both the cricket boards towards their retired players. The PCB has provided better facilities for its players after retirement, especially for players who have played cricket for a long period. On the other hand, the richest cricket board in world cricket, the BCCI, is not so generous. 

Afridi’s high pension and Kambli’s low pension are proof of how the decisions of cricket boards affect different players and their lives after retirement. While Pakistan provides more benefits to its cricketers, retired players in India do not get much financial security.

A few months back, a video showing Kambli went viral on social media in which he was seen staggering on a road, drunk, after which social media users requested the Indian government and the cricket board for financial help and treatment, but the Indian government and the BCCI did not listen to them. 

Users also appealed to former player Sachin Tendulkar to come forward to help his long-time partner.

The difference not only reflects the policies of the cricket boards but also highlights how players are treated in different countries.

 

How does the PCB pay retired players?

The PCB has divided its retired players into three different categories, based on which their pension amount is decided.

Players who have played 10 or fewer Test matches get 142,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 43,000 Indian rupees) per month.

Players who have played 11 to 20 Test matches get 148,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 45,000 Indian rupees) per month.

Players who have played 21 or more Test matches get a monthly pension of 154,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 47,000 Indian rupees).

According to the formula set by the PCB for the pension of former players, Shahid Afridi represented Pakistan in 27 Test matches, as a result of which he receives a monthly pension of 154,000 Pakistani rupees (47,000 Indian rupees), which reflects his outstanding performance and successful career in cricket.

Former head coach of the Pakistan Red Ball team, Jason Gillespie, has revealed why he resigned as a coach.

In an interview with Australian media, he explained that poor communication within the team and not being informed about important decisions prompted him to step back.

“The lack of information about the high-performance coach Tim Nelson’s issue caused resentment. I was completely unaware of the decision not to keep Tim Nelson. After the Nelson issue, I felt that my job had become difficult. Not keeping the head coach informed about an important decision forced me to think like this.”

“After a few past incidents, this issue forced me to think whether I was needed or not. My goal of coaching Pakistan was fading away. My only job was to get the players to practice catching on the morning of the match. The head coach must have full contact with everyone, including the selectors. For planning, I must be informed about the squad at least a day in advance. In the absence of all these matters, it becomes difficult to work”, he added.

Gillespie further revealed, “After the first match against England,  I received the news of the selection committee through a text message on the group. I was not even discussed with the selection committee, while the decision to drop Babar Azam was also the decision of the new selection committee.”

Gillespie recently resigned as Pakistan’s Test team head coach.

Aaqib Javed, a former Pakistan paceman, has been appointed as the interim head coach for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

Jason Gillespie resigned after pay demands not accepted

Pakistan’s national cricket team’s red ball head coach Jason Gillespie has resigned from his post on Thursday. 

Details about why he resigned have also emerged.

After Gillespie’s resignation,  the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Aqib Javed as the interim head coach of the red ball (Test Format). Aqib Javed is also the interim head coach of white ball (ODI and T20).

According to Geo, Gillespie was unhappy with the board for not retaining his part of the selection committee and later decided to resign when his demands were not accepted.

Jason Gillespie wanted to become the head coach of both formats after his part of the selection committee had not been retained. Along with becoming the coach of both formats, he also demanded more compensation.

Sources said that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi refused to accept Jason Gillespie’s demand for an increase in compensation.

The PCB asked Jason Gillespie to stay in Pakistan longer, which he did not agree to. Gary Kirsten also refused to stay in Pakistan except for the series. Gary and Gillespie also demanded support staff of their choice.

Gary Kirsten also resigned before the tour of Australia, while Jason Gillespie resigned before the Test series against South Africa.

Jason Gillespie was supposed to arrive in South Africa today and supervise the pre-Test series camp.

The Pakistan team is currently playing a three-match T20 series in South Africa, after which a three-match ODI series will be played.

Former British cricketer Isa Guha has apologized on air to Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah for using inappropriate words during commentary.

Isa had praised Bumrah during commentary on Sunday during the third Test match between India and Australia, calling him the “most valuable primate”. 

The usage of primate, the scientific word for apes and monkeys, left Indian fans furious. 

Later, the female commentator said, “I had used the wrong word while praising Bumrah, and I apologize for my mistake.”

Guha’s comments during the live broadcast created a storm on social media, as she compared the 31-year-old and number one-ranked Test bowler to a primate.

IND vs AUS 3rd Test

Australia took the upper hand in the ongoing third Test at the Gabba with a commanding performance in their first innings. After winning the toss and batting first, they posted a formidable total of 445 runs. Travis Head was the standout performer, smashing 152 runs off 196 balls, supported by Steve Smith, who ended his century drought with a gritty 106. India’s bowlers worked hard, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge, claiming an impressive 6-wicket haul for 97 runs. Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with two wickets, but Australia’s batting depth proved too strong.

In response, India’s batting lineup faltered under the relentless pressure from Australia’s pacers. By Tea on Day 3, India had slumped to 48/4 in just 14.1 overs. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were lethal, dismissing Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane cheaply. The top-order collapse left India staring at a massive deficit and fighting to avoid the follow-on.

With the pitch offering bounce and movement, Australia has firmly established control over the match. India’s lower order will need to mount a significant recovery to keep the game alive. As the series stands level at 1-1, this match could prove pivotal in determining the eventual winner of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Days after star paceman Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim announced their retirement from international cricket, fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has also announced his decision to quit.

“I have decided to retire from international cricket. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my teammates and coaches; thank you for the love, the cheers, and the unforgettable memories,” Irfan wrote in a social media post that came after his years-long absence from the national squad.

The left-arm pacer further said he would continue to support and celebrate the game that has given him everything.

Irfan, who was known for troubling batters with his pace and height, represented Pakistan in 4 Tests, 60 ODIs and 22 T20I matches.

He was seen as a prominent figure in the 2012 series win against India, emerging as the wild card that propelled Pakistan to victory. In this series his bowling speeds reached a blazing 145 km/h. At 7 ft 1 in and bowling at brisk pace, he brought a new dimension to the Pakistan bowling attack.

His retirement is the third to be announced over the past week.

On Saturday, Amir announced his retirement from international cricket. The announcement from Amir had come a day after all-rounder Wasim announced his decision to retire.

After Imad, Amir also bids farewell to international cricket

Pakistan’s national team fast bowler, Mohammad Amir, has announced his retirement from international cricket, following the same decision made by all-rounder Imad Wasim.

Amir posted on Instagram with a caption stating: “It is an honour to play for Pakistan in all three formats. I know it is a difficult decision, but I feel it is the right time to take on the responsibility for the next generation and take Pakistan cricket to new heights. I want to thank the PCB for always providing much-needed support over the years, and I look forward to seeing the team perform. I would also like to thank the Pakistani fans for always supporting me throughout my career.”

32-year-old Mohammad Amir has played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20 Internationals for Pakistan since making his international debut in June 2009. He has taken 271 international wickets and scored 1,179 runs across all three formats.

Imad Wasim announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on December 13. Both Amir and Imad last represented Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The two players have been key members of the Pakistan cricket team in recent years and also represented the Pakistan Under-19 team at the start of their respective careers.

Amir was part of the victorious 2009 ICC T20 World Cup squad, while both he and Imad were members of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning team.

Imad Wasim bids farewell to international cricket

Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday. 

Imad wrote in a message on Instagram, “To all fans & supporters. After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket. Representing Pakistan on the world stage has been the greatest honour of my life, and every moment wearing the green jersey has been unforgettable.”

He further wrote, “Your unwavering support, love, and passion have always been my biggest strength. From the highs to the lows, your encouragement has pushed me to give my best for our beloved country. While this chapter comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my journey in cricket through domestic and franchise cricket, and I hope to keep entertaining you all in new ways. Thank you for everything. Pakistan Zindabad.”

Imad Wasim had withdrawn his retirement before the T20 World Cup 2024.

Imad has represented Pakistan in 55 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 75 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He has not played any Test matches for the national team.

Imad made his ODI debut on July 19, 2015, against Sri Lanka in Colombo, and his T20I debut on May 24, 2015, against Zimbabwe in Lahore.

Cricket Australia will be facing a huge financial loss in the ongoing third Test against India, reports said Saturday.

The first day of the third Test at the Gabba was rained out with only 13.2 overs played. Australia had scored 28 runs off 80 balls when rain stopped play 60 minutes into the game.

With the match not resuming due to torrential downpour, Australia fell 10 balls short of completing 15 overs, which is the minimum requirement for the board to not be liable for ticket refunds.

Cricket Australia will now have to refund all tickets worth a whopping $1 million, reports said.

First Test Summary (Perth, November 22-26, 2024)

India started the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a strong win in Perth. Batting first, India put up a massive total of 566 runs, thanks to brilliant centuries by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Australia’s bowlers, including Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, struggled to take regular wickets.

When Australia batted, their lineup collapsed under the pressure of India’s bowlers. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja were exceptional, picking up most of the wickets. Australia was bowled out for just 207 runs in their first innings, giving India a huge lead.

In the second innings, India decided to bat again and added another 185 runs before declaring. Australia was left with an impossible target of 545 runs. Despite some resistance from Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, Australia crumbled for 249. Mohammed Shami took crucial wickets in the second innings, leading India to a commanding victory by 295 runs.

Second Test Summary (Adelaide, December 6-8, 2024)

Australia bounced back strongly in the second Test, a day-night match in Adelaide. India batted first, but their innings fell apart quickly. Australia’s pacers, especially Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, were on fire, and India was bowled out for just 156 runs. Only Shubman Gill put up a fight with a half-century.

Australia responded with a solid batting performance, scoring 325 runs in their first innings. Travis Head played a crucial knock, and Alex Carey provided support with a quick fifty. India’s bowlers tried hard, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Siraj picking up wickets, but they couldn’t stop Australia from taking a big lead.

India’s second innings was worse than the first. The Australian bowlers, led by Starc, tore through the lineup. India managed only 113 runs, leaving Australia with a tiny target of 10 runs. Australia chased it down easily, winning the match by 10 wickets and leveling the series 1-1.

The names of Pakistani platinum players for the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have been announced.

An important meeting between the Pakistan Super League management and franchises to finalise player categories concluded on Saturday, with the platinum category selections finalised.

A report by Samaa News reveals that Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf from Lahore Qalandars have been selected for the platinum category, while Babar Azam and Saim Ayub from Peshawar Zalmi have also been included.

From Quetta Gladiators, only Muhammad Amir has been chosen for the platinum category. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, and Imad Wasim from Islamabad United are also through. From Karachi Kings, however, no player has been selected in this category.

For Multan Sultans, Muhammad Rizwan and Usama Mir have been finalised in the platinum category. A decision between Iftikhar Ahmed and Abbas Afridi remains pending and has been referred to the review committee.

The selection panel will review the names and groups of players apart from those in the platinum category, as voting on these names has yet to be completed. The final list is expected to be shared with all franchises by tomorrow.

A rule change has been made for the Emerging category, allowing new players representing Pakistan to be included even if they are 23 years old.

Pakistan’s national team fast bowler, Mohammad Amir, has announced his retirement from international cricket, following the same decision made by all-rounder Imad Wasim.

Amir posted on Instagram with a caption stating: “It is an honour to play for Pakistan in all three formats. I know it is a difficult decision, but I feel it is the right time to take on the responsibility for the next generation and take Pakistan cricket to new heights. I want to thank the PCB for always providing much-needed support over the years, and I look forward to seeing the team perform. I would also like to thank the Pakistani fans for always supporting me throughout my career.”

32-year-old Mohammad Amir has played 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 62 T20 Internationals for Pakistan since making his international debut in June 2009. He has taken 271 international wickets and scored 1,179 runs across all three formats.

Imad Wasim announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on December 13. Both Amir and Imad last represented Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The two players have been key members of the Pakistan cricket team in recent years and also represented the Pakistan Under-19 team at the start of their respective careers.

Amir was part of the victorious 2009 ICC T20 World Cup squad, while both he and Imad were members of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning team.

Imad Wasim bids farewell to international cricket

Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday. 

Imad wrote in a message on Instagram, “To all fans & supporters. After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket. Representing Pakistan on the world stage has been the greatest honour of my life, and every moment wearing the green jersey has been unforgettable.”

He further wrote, “Your unwavering support, love, and passion have always been my biggest strength. From the highs to the lows, your encouragement has pushed me to give my best for our beloved country. While this chapter comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my journey in cricket through domestic and franchise cricket, and I hope to keep entertaining you all in new ways. Thank you for everything. Pakistan Zindabad.”

Imad Wasim had withdrawn his retirement before the T20 World Cup 2024.

Imad has represented Pakistan in 55 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 75 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). He has not played any Test matches for the national team.

Imad made his ODI debut on July 19, 2015, against Sri Lanka in Colombo, and his T20I debut on May 24, 2015, against Zimbabwe in Lahore.

A video of Pakistan’s cricket team’s aggressive batter, Saim Ayub, stopping Abbas Afridi from taking a single has gone viral on social media.

Ayub played a brilliant innings of 98 not out in the second T20 match against South Africa in Centurion on Friday, missing out on his century by just two runs.

Pakistan batted first, scoring 206 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted overs, setting South Africa a target of 207 runs to win.

The young batter played an unbeaten knock of 98 runs off 57 balls, which included 11 fours and five sixes.

Cricket fans have criticised Abbas Afridi and Irfan Khan for missing Saim’s century by two runs, with many suggesting they should have taken a single.

The video of Saim stopping Abbas Afridi from taking a single is now going viral on social media.

In the 19.4th over of Pakistan’s innings, Saim is at the non-striker’s end and tells Abbas, ‘Don’t take a single now.’ Afridi then hits a boundary, leaving Saim two runs short of his T20 hundred.