Category: Sports

The first T20 match between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled for today, December 10, 2024, at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. The game will start at 9:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time.

Heinrich Klaasen will lead the Proteas side, as Aiden Markram is being rested to focus on the upcoming Test series. Key players Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Tristan Stubbs are also being rested for the T20 series but will participate in the One-Day Internationals. Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi return to the T20 squad, with George Linde making a comeback after three years.

On the other hand, the Pakistani squad is led by Mohammad Rizwan, with notable players including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf. The team aims to build on recent performances and start the series on a positive note.

Head-to-Head in T20s:

Total Matches: 22
Pakistan won: 12
South Africa won: 10

Pitch Report:

The pitch at Kingsmead in Durban is excellent for batting, with good pace and bounce. Batters can trust the surface and play their shots with confidence. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, making it easier to score runs. This ground has seen some high-scoring games before, and we can expect the same this time.

For bowlers, hitting the right length consistently is key to extracting any help from the pitch. In the final overs, however, they’ll need to vary their deliveries, using different lengths and lines to remain effective.

Probable Playing XI:

Pakistan:
Muhammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafiq, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usman Khan, Salman Ali Aghaz, Abbas Afridi

South Africa:
Heinrich Klaasen (C), Dewald Ferreira, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Hendrik van der Dussen, Matthew Breetzke, Peterson Kruger, OEG Baartman, George Linde, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

T20 Series Schedule:

1st T20I: December 10, Durban
2nd T20I: December 13, Centurion
3rd T20I: December 14, Johannesburg

During the tour of South Africa, Pakistan will play three T20s, three ODIs, and two Test matches.

Indian fast bowler Mohammad Siraj and Australian batsman Travis Head have been fined for violating the code of conduct during the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Australia achieved the required target of 19 runs without losing any wickets on the third day of the second Test played in Adelaide on Sunday. The Indian cricket team was bowled out for 180 runs in their first innings of the match.

Siraj, however, celebrated in a provocative manner and made an inappropriate gesture towards the dressing room after dismissing Australian batsman Travis Head for 140 runs.

In response, Travis Head also behaved inappropriately, leading to an exchange of bitter words between the two players. After the unpleasant incident, Siraj was criticised by former Australian cricketers and commentators.

On Monday, Siraj was fined for violating the code of conduct.

The ICC fined Siraj 20 per cent of his match fee, while both Siraj and Travis Head were given one demerit point each.

The ICC said, “Muhammad Siraj and Travis Head have admitted their mistake.”

India defeated Australia by 295 runs in the first match of the 5-Test series, while in the second match, Australia defeated India by 10 wickets to level the series by 1-1.

India emerged victorious in the opening Test at Perth Stadium, winning by 295 runs. After being bowled out for 150 in their first innings, India made a strong comeback by dismissing Australia for 104. In their second innings, India declared at 487/6, setting Australia a daunting target of 534. The hosts were bowled out for 238, handing India a comprehensive win.

Australia leveled the series with a commanding 10-wicket victory in the second Test at Adelaide Oval. India scored 180 in their first innings, while Australia responded with 337, taking a significant lead. In the second innings, India managed 175, setting Australia a modest target of 19 runs, which they achieved without losing a wicket.

With the series tied at 1-1, the upcoming third Test in Brisbane promises to be a crucial encounter in this closely contested series.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has extended the stay order against the decision to register a case against former national cricket team captain Babar Azam in an alleged harassment case.

Lahore High Court’s Justice Waheed Khan heard a petition against the order to register a case against former national team captain Babar Azam in an alleged harassment case and extended the stay order on Wednesday against the decision to register the case.

Lawyer Barrister Haris Azmat represented petitioner Babar.

The High Court, summoning the woman who had asked for the registration of the case, adjourned further hearing on the petition till December 12.

In January 2021, a Sessions Court in Lahore ordered the police to take action according to law on a petition to register a case of alleged sexual harassment against Babar, which the former captain has challenged in the Lahore High Court.

The harassment case against Babar Azam first came into the public eye in late 2020 when Hamiza Mukhtar, a woman from Lahore, accused him of multiple offences, including sexual harassment, blackmail, and coercion.

Hamiza alleged that she and Babar had been in a relationship since their teenage years. She claimed that Babar had promised to marry her but later backtracked after achieving fame in cricket. According to her, during their relationship, Babar not only exploited her emotionally and financially but also sexually, even forcing her to undergo an abortion under false promises of marriage.

In her legal complaints, she also accused him of blackmailing her with private photos and videos, as well as making threats to keep her from pursuing legal action.

Court Proceedings

The accusations gained significant media attention in late 2020, with Hamiza holding press conferences to share her story. She also filed a petition in a sessions court requesting legal action against Babar Azam.

In March, the Court’s session court in Lahore directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to register a case against Babar Azam. Hamiza had alleged that he continued to harass and threaten her through various means.

Babar’s legal team approached the Babar’se High Court (LHC), challenging the session court’s decision. His counsel argued that the case was being pursued without substantial evidence and that the trial court’s directive was passed without considering Babar’s side of the story.

The Babar temporarily halted the registration of a case against Babar Azam and granted him relief from immediate legal action. This suspension has been extended multiple times as the case has moved through the legal system.

Babar Azam and his legal team have also filed a defamation suit against Hamiza Mukhtar, claiming that her allegations are baseless and intended to tarnish his reputation.

Yes, the tradition of conducting investigations into the backgrounds of prospective grooms and brides is still alive and well. Even a superstar fast bowler like Shaheen Shah Afridi isn’t spared the background check. 

Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi, has confessed that he put Shaheen through the same check. 
“I conducted an inquiry before making Shaheen Afridi my son-in-law,” Boom Boom said. 

During a session of the World Urdu Conference’ titled I am Karachi’, the former captain spoke on many topics.

Talking about the choosing Shaheen Afridi for his daughter Ansha, Shahid Afridi said, “No man gives his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone without thinking about it. Shaheen was well trained. My elders and Shaheen’s elders knew each other well, but when we shifted to Karachi, we did not have much contact with Shaheen’s family. However, all the coaches under whom Shaheen played praised him a lot.’

He continued to say,  “I conducted an inquiry before making Shaheen Afridi my son-in-law. An inquiry is very important at the time of a daughter’s relationship, but also to take any relationship forward. Both the boy and the girl must be good so that a good generation can be prepared for our country.”

When asked about becoming a grandfather, the former captain said, “I do not consider myself a grandfather yet, but when the fifth daughter gets married and has children, then I will consider myself a grandfather.” 

Well, we can’t really blame Shahid Afridi for making sure his daughter is marrying a responsible and good human.  

National cricketer Shaheen Afridi got married to former captain Shahid Afridi’s daughter, Ansha, on February 3, 2023. The two became parents to first son Aliyaar this year.

The Syrian Football Federation has announced a change to the national team’s kit and logo to reflect political changes. 

The national team’s traditional red colour has been replaced by green, a symbol of renewal and progress.

The decision was made after recent major political developments in Syria, when rebels captured the capital, Damascus, while President Bashar al-Assad was forced to flee to Russia at the end of a 13-year civil war.

The Syrian Football Federation shared photos of the national team players wearing the new green kit on Facebook, calling the change “historic.”

The federation said in a statement, “This is the first major change in Syrian sports, free from nepotism, favouritism and corruption.”

Although political instability and a lack of resources have been major challenges for the team, Syrian football achieved several regional successes in the 1980s and 1990s.

Syria is undergoing significant changes as of December 2024. President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled for nearly 25 years, has fled to Russia after rebel forces took control of the capital, Damascus. This marks the end of over 50 years of Assad family rule in Syria.

The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once linked to al-Qaeda, led the offensive that forced Assad to leave. Following his exit, Syrians celebrated by looting his palace, storming foreign embassies, and freeing prisoners from military jails. The rebels also paraded captured government soldiers through the streets.

The international community has shown mixed reactions to these developments. U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the end of Assad’s autocratic rule but cautioned about potential instability. The U.S. has conducted airstrikes to target ISIS factions and prevent them from exploiting the power vacuum. Russia, which has given Assad asylum, has called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting to address the situation.

Neighboring countries like Jordan and Lebanon have closed their borders amid the turmoil, further complicating the region’s stability. Meanwhile, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has expressed optimism for Syria’s future, aiming for international cooperation despite the group’s controversial past.

Syria now faces the enormous task of rebuilding a nation devastated by over a decade of civil war. The new leadership must work towards reconciliation and reconstruction to bring lasting peace and stability. The road ahead is uncertain, but this transition could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Syria.

Former captain of the national cricket team Rashid Latif has said, “The Champions Trophy should not be held in Pakistan now. Before the International Cricket Council (ICC) forbids it, you should refuse it yourself.”

Speaking at an Urdu conference in Karachi on Monday, the former captain said, “The ICC and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are merged; they got the opportunity to play with Pakistan, we should not go so low and host the Champions Trophy now. It is good for us that we are fighting our case, but I am not sure where we will stand if India boycotts the mega event.”

“Stadiums are being built with billions of rupees, billions of rupees need to be spent at the grassroots level, attention also needs to be paid to women’s cricket, it is our tragedy that there is no women’s cricket stadium in Pakistan,” he said.

He further added, “Mushtaq Muhammad was the greatest captain of the Pakistan cricket team; he made captains and players; Javed Miandad is a shadow of Mushtaq Muhammad.”

Rashid Latif stressed the importance of focusing on club cricket. He said, “A player with good experience in club cricket can be a good captain. If you do not invest in grassroots cricket, there will be no benefit. If you do not focus on grassroots cricket, you will not get talent like Wasim Akram and Javed Miandad.”

Earlier,  the overdue International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting regarding the hosting of the Champions Trophy was postponed once again.

The meeting, which was scheduled for today, was to be held between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the ICC, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to decide on matters concerning the hosting of the upcoming tournament and its schedule.

Geo, however, reported that the ICC meeting on the Champions Trophy has been deferred yet again.

The Indian Cricket Board was expected to respond to the ICC after consulting with its government regarding Pakistan’s demands, which included playing in the rival’s country. However, there has been no response from the BCCI.

Pakistan’s conditions concern the Indian board, with Pakistan sticking to its firm stance on hosting all matches in their country, which has left the final plans undecided while the tournament is only two months away. The matters are in the final stages, but the meeting would be pointless without a response to Pakistan’s demands.

The ICC meetings related to the Champions Trophy have now been postponed twice, mainly due to Pakistan’s strong stance on hosting and India’s traditional stubbornness.

About 50 English cricket players have threatened to boycott The Hundred 2025 in protest against the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) new policy of banning them from playing in overseas franchise leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Sports Inside reported.

The ECB has officially banned English players from participating in franchise tournaments worldwide, with the exception of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Last month, the ECB decided not to issue No Objection Letters (NOCs) to national cricketers to participate in overseas franchise leagues that clash with the domestic season in order to maintain the quality and competitiveness of England’s domestic cricket.

A large number of England’s players, however, did not agree with the ECB’s new policy and expressed their disappointment over it.

A group of English players has also decided not to be part of the ongoing negotiations with their respective The Hundred teams about their retention and will refuse to enter the draft until the ECB relaxes its policy on NOCs.

There are also reports that notable county players are considering retiring from red-ball cricket if a lucrative deal is secured for next year’s Pakistan Super League.

The ECB’s new policy will not grant NOCs for England’s domestic competitions, but players on white-ball contracts alone may still be eligible to participate in such tournaments. The players will not be able to participate in more than one league during the same timeframe, according to the board’s decision.

The Hundred is a cricket tournament in the UK, launched in 2021, where each team plays 100 balls. Similar to the PSL and other domestic leagues, it is played between city-based teams with both local and international players. The tournament includes both men’s and women’s competitions, with top players from around the world.

New ECB rules restrict English players from PSL but allow IPL participation

The English Cricket Board (ECB) has banned its players from playing in any franchise league during the English domestic season.

British media say that English cricketers cannot play in several leagues, including PSL, MCL, LPL and CPL. ECB’s decision will also affect the Pakistan Super League (PSL), to be held in April next year. However, ECB has given players an exemption from playing the India Premier League (IPL) in the new policy.

Due to the Champions Trophy, PSL Season 9 window has been kept in April and May. The English county season also takes place in the same months. The ECB’s decision is likely to cause financial loss to players playing franchise cricket, and there is a fear that this decision may cause some players to leave red-ball cricket.

ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould said, “We have to protect the dignity of our game and the strength of our cricket competitions. No player will be given a No Objection Letter (NOC) to participate in any other competitions during the English Vitality Blast and The Hundred League.”

The ECB says that the decision will improve the quality of domestic cricket.

The overdue International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting regarding the hosting of the Champions Trophy has been postponed once again.

The meeting, which was scheduled for today, was to be held between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the ICC, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to decide on matters concerning the hosting of the upcoming tournament and its schedule.

Geo, however, reported that the ICC meeting on the Champions Trophy has been deferred yet again.

The Indian Cricket Board was expected to respond to the ICC after consulting with its government regarding Pakistan’s demands, which included playing in the rival’s country. However, there has been no response from the BCCI.

Pakistan’s conditions concern the Indian board, with Pakistan sticking to its firm stance on hosting all matches in their country, which has left the final plans undecided while the tournament is only two months away. The matters are in the final stages, but the meeting would be pointless without a response to Pakistan’s demands.

The ICC meetings related to the Champions Trophy have now been postponed twice, mainly due to Pakistan’s strong stance on hosting and India’s traditional stubbornness.

ICC meeting on Champions Trophy fate postponed, again

India has once again refused to accept the formula proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding Champions Trophy deadlock, leading to further postponement of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) board meeting scheduled for Thursday.

As per the details, the meeting scheduled for the day in Dubai will now be held on December 7 — only after India responds to Pakistan’s position, and all stakeholders are confident of a solution that could be accepted by both countries.

The PCB has made it clear to the ICC that the meeting should only be called once India has responded, and a decision can be made, reports said.

Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Dubai to attend the meeting scheduled for the evening on Dec 5. A major decision on the Champions Trophy was likely to be made during the same.

Meanwhile, an Indian cricketing website claimed that the Champions Trophy will be held under the hybrid model and “Pakistan has accepted it”.

However, PCB has officially only offered a two-nation formula instead of the hybrid model. Under said arrangement, Pakistan shall also not play any ICC tournaments on Indian soil for at least the next three years.

Among other conditions put forth by Pakistan, a 3-nation series with India should also be played at a neutral venue.

While reports say that India is not likely to accept any demands but a majority of the board members “will agree to hold Champions Trophy under two-nation formula”, PCB has rubbished all claims and reiterated its stance.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who won the Champions Trophy title in 2017, has hinted at his retirement.

Ahmed became emotional during a press conference at the Champions T20 Cup when a journalist asked him about his retirement.

“The announcement that was awaited will be made soon. There is nothing left to say about playing,” he responded.

The former captain led Pakistan to two International Cricket Council (ICC) trophies during his career.

He is most famous for captaining Pakistan to win the Champions Trophy, but one of his victories often goes unnoticed: leading Pakistan’s junior team to the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2006, where they lifted the trophy. The opponent in that crucial match was India.

Pakistan won the ICC Champions Trophy for the second time under his leadership in 2017, claiming the title for the first time. This time, their opponent was also India.

The honour of lifting two ICC trophies as captain was previously achieved by former West Indian captain Clive Lloyd, who led the Caribbean team to world championships in 1975 and 1979. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also achieved this feat in 2003 and 2007.

After that, if we look at the series of ICC trophies, the 1987 World Cup was won by Australia under the captaincy of Allan Border, the 1992 World Cup was won by Pakistan under the leadership of Imran Khan, and Sri Lanka won the 1996 World Cup under the captaincy of Arjuna Ranatunga.

From 1999 to 2007, Australia won three consecutive World Cups, but there were two captains.

Australia won the 1999 World Cup under Steve Smith, while the 2003 and 2007 World Cups were won by Australia under the leadership of Ricky Ponting. India won the 2011 World Cup under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, the 2015 World Cup was won by Australia again, but the leadership was in the hands of Michael Clarke, while England won the 2019 World Cup under the leadership of Eoin Morgan.