Category: Sports

Former national cricket team captain Shahid Afridi has given advice to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), saying, “If the Indian team does not come and play here, then Pakistan should not go to India and play.”

Shahid participated as a special guest in Geo News’ first podcast on Friday. He also made interesting revelations in the podcast, discussing unique aspects of life.

He also gave important advice to the PCB on the ongoing dispute on Champions Trophy between India and Pakistan.

He said, “If the Indian team does not come and play here, then Pakistan should not go to India and play.”

Indian media has claimed that the Indian Cricket Board has accepted the demands of the Pakistan Cricket Board on Champions Trophy and that matters have been settled. Indian media claims that the Champions Trophy will be structured on a hybrid model. India will play its matches in Dubai.

Indian media says that Pakistan and India will not play in each other’s country for three years. However, PCB sources have denied the claims.

Leaked letter by Indian broadcasters asks ICC to favour India

A letter written by an Indian broadcaster to the International Cricket Council (ICC) has come to light.

According to Express News, while the fate of the Champions Trophy hangs in the balance, a letter written by broadcaster Star India to the ICC a few months ago has come to light. The letter states that the popularity of the Indian cricket team among cricket fans is very high stressing that it provides the ICC with the highest revenue.

The Indian board, taking advantage of its money and the ICC’s Indian sponsors, refused to send its team to Pakistan, presenting instead the option of a hybrid model.  In response, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has taken a strong stand, sticking to his guns. However, now the letter has revealed that if the Indian team backs off from the tournament, they will suffer financial losses, while the tournament will have to suffer less if Pakistan leaves.

Questions are being raised about the leaked letter as soon as the ICC Chairman Jay Shah received it. The letter states that the total value of the media rights of the Champions Trophy is $750 million. If India is out of the event, the ICC will have to bear a loss of 90 per cent of the 750 million US dollars.

The other scenario is that this loss will be only 10 per cent due to Pakistan’s absence from the event.

PCB and BCCI have reached an agreement on a hybrid model, under which the Pakistan and Indian teams will play their matches in Dubai in both men’s and women’s competitions in all events until 2027.

An ICC board meeting will now be held on December 7, and the future of the Champions Trophy is likely to be decided in the meeting.

A letter written by an Indian broadcaster to the International Cricket Council (ICC) has come to light.

According to Express News, while the fate of the Champions Trophy hangs in the balance, a letter written by broadcaster Star India to the ICC a few months ago has come to light. The letter states that the popularity of the Indian cricket team among cricket fans is very high stressing that it provides the ICC with the highest revenue.

The Indian board, taking advantage of its money and the ICC’s Indian sponsors, refused to send its team to Pakistan, presenting instead the option of a hybrid model.  In response, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has taken a strong stand, sticking to his guns. However, now the letter has revealed that if the Indian team backs off from the tournament, they will suffer financial losses, while the tournament will have to suffer less if Pakistan leaves.

Questions are being raised about the leaked letter as soon as the ICC Chairman Jay Shah received it. The letter states that the total value of the media rights of the Champions Trophy is $750 million. If India is out of the event, the ICC will have to bear a loss of 90 per cent of the 750 million US dollars.

The other scenario is that this loss will be only 10 per cent due to Pakistan’s absence from the event.

PCB and BCCI have reached an agreement on a hybrid model, under which the Pakistan and Indian teams will play their matches in Dubai in both men’s and women’s competitions in all events until 2027.

An ICC board meeting will now be held on December 7, and the future of the Champions Trophy is likely to be decided in the meeting.

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.

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 Pakistani pacer and cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar has claimed that the Indian cricket team and Virat Kohli were eager to play in Pakistan, but their government was not allowing them to come to the country for Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking to a digital media outlet, Akhtar said that Indians wanted to come and play in Pakistan more than Pakistanis themselves.

“They are dying to play in Pakistan… Virat Kohli might also be dying to play in Pakistan,” he said, adding that he had worked with the Board of Cricket Control India (BCCI), and knew that Indians in Pakistan would get the opportunity to earn a lot more in terms of TV rights and sponsorships.

To a question by former skipper Mohammad Hafeez regarding India’s hesitation, Akhtar said their government did not want the national team to travel across the border.

The Indian government and the BCCI have decided not to send the Indian cricket team for Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year. Amid negotiations led by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan has also opposed a proposed hybrid model enabling India to play its matches at a neutral venue.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that nothing comes before the country’s “honour” and if India cannot play cricket in Pakistan, Greenshirts won’t go play any matches or tournaments across the border either.

Under PCB’s “new formula” for the upcoming tournament, both teams will play ICC event matches at neutral venues for three years.

With both countries at loggerheads, the ICC Board is likely to meet on the issue this evening (Thursday), for which PCB chief Naqvi has also reached Dubai.

According to reports, a major decision regarding the holding of the Champions Trophy is likely to be made in said meeting.

Meanwhile, a reception is being hosted in honour of India’s Jay Shah, who has assumed the post of ICC chief. A meeting with ICC broadcasters is also underway ahead of the board meeting.

The PCB chief maintains that he is sticking to his stance, and if the new formula is rejected, the PCB can take “strict action”. Pakistan is also reportedly considering legal options to resolve the dispute.

Afghan cricket team captain Rashid Khan has raised his voice against the Taliban government’s decision to ban women from medical education.

After imposing several restrictions on women in Afghanistan, the Taliban government has now also banned them from pursuing medical education, prompting the Afghan Cricketer to raise his voice against the Draconian decision. Rashid has called the ban “regrettable” and has appealed to the government to reconsider. 

He issued a statement on Instagram, speaking out for  Afghan women.

He wrote, “Learning knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman. I am saddened and disappointed by the news about the closure of education and medical departments in front of the sisters. It’s very painful to see pictures of sisters and mothers on social media and depression. Just as the foundation of a country’s development begins with education, our sisters also have the right to educate and be able to serve their community in every field except the medical sector. I hope that this decision will be reviewed and our sisters will be provided with education according to the principles of the holy religion.”

“Education holds a central place in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women. The Quran highlights the importance of learning and acknowledges the equal spiritual worth of both genders. It is with deep sadness and disappointment that I reflect on the recent closures of educational and medical institutions for the sisters and mothers of Afghanistan. This decision has profoundly affected not only their future but also the broader fabric of our society. The pain and sorrow they express through social media serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles they face,” he added.

The Cricketer wrote, “Afghanistan, our beloved homeland, stands at a critical juncture. The country desperately needs professionals in every field, especially in the medical sector. The acute shortage of female doctors and nurses is particularly concerning, as it directly impacts the healthcare and dignity of women. It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs.”

He further wrote, “I sincerely appeal for the reconsideration of this decision so that Afghan girls may reclaim their right to education and contribute to the nation’s development. Providing education to all is not just a societal responsibility but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values.”

Afghanistan, where many restrictions have been imposed on women after the Taliban government came to power, has now issued a new order banning women from pursuing health education in the country.

Former Saudi football franchise Al-Nasr goalkeeper Walid Abdullah has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to convert to Islam.

News about Ronaldo’s interest in converting to Islam is often circulating on social media. Now, Walid Abdullah has claimed in an interview that Cristiano Ronaldo really wants to convert to Islam.

“I once spoke to Cristiano Ronaldo about converting to Islam, and he expressed interest. He has even prostrated himself on the field after scoring a goal and always encourages Muslim players to pray and follow other Islamic teachings. As soon as the call to prayer is heard during a training session, Cristiano asks to stop the training session out of respect for the call to prayer,” he said 

Waleed stated that he was close to Ronaldo in the beginning because he was not familiar with the culture, club or other aspects of the country. “So he often asked me for details. Whether he converts to Islam or not, he has reached this point because of the humility and discipline in his personality. Everyone who meets Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia admires him.”

In January last year, Al-Nasr signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Ronaldo for $213 million.

Cristiano Ronaldo shares his retirement plans

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement plans.

Portugal booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League with a 5-1 win over Poland on Friday. Ronaldo secured his 132nd international win by surpassing former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos, who had 131 wins for Spain.

The 39-year-old spoke about his retirement plans while addressing the media after the match.

“I just want to enjoy,” he said, adding that his retirement could be in “a year or two.” He continued, “I don’t know; I’m going to be 40 soon.”

“As long as I enjoy it with passion, I will continue playing. The day I realise that I no longer had the passion, I would retire,” he said.

Ronaldo also revealed that he has “no plans to go into the coaching field” and that he may consider other matters after retirement.

“I do not see myself becoming a manager of any team, it is not in my plans; my future is in other fields outside of football. Time will tell what happens.”

Earlier, in an interview in August, Ronaldo indicated that he was considering retiring early despite his contract with the Saudi club Al-Nasr expiring after this season.

He recently also became the first man to score 900 goals in official matches and is also a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Indian superstars Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni are considered among the richest cricketers in the world with an estimated wealth of hundreds of millions in dollars. But there is a cricketer who has left these star players behind, and you might not even know him.

Here’s a list of top five richest cricketers in the world.

5. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian cricket captain, has a net worth of USD 70 million (PKR 1,750 crores).

Ponting led Australia to back-to-back World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007. He is the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket and has played a pivotal role in shaping Australian cricket.

After retiring from international cricket, Ponting has been involved in commentary and coaching, further solidifying his influence in the sport. His strategic insights and cricketing prowess has made him a respected figure in cricketing circles.

4. Virat Kohli 

Virat Kohli is one of the most successful and popular cricketers of the modern era. His net worth stands at a whopping USD 92 million (PKR 2,310 crores).

Kohli is known for his aggressive batting style, exceptional fitness and leadership qualities. He has broken numerous records, becoming the fastest to reach 10,000 and 12,000 runs in ODIs.

Off the field, Kohli is a highly sought-after brand ambassador, endorsing a wide range of products from sports gear to luxury items. 

3. MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, known as Captain Cool, has a net worth of USD 111 million (PKR 2,775 crore). Dhoni led the Indian cricket team to numerous victories, including the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.

His calm demeanor and strategic mind has earned him respect around the globe. Post-retirement, Dhoni has ventured into various business initiatives, including owning a stake in Chennai Super Kings and launching his own clothing line. 

2. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport. He has a staggering net worth of USD 170 million (PKR 4,125 crores).

Tendulkar’s career spanned over two decades, during which he set numerous records, including being the highest run-scorer in both Test and ODI cricket.

Even after his retirement, he remains a prominent figure in cricket, and is involved in various charitable activities through the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation. He continues to endorse numerous global brands.

1. Aryaman Birla

Aryaman Birla, is a domestic cricketer from Indian. He is the son of Indian billionaire businessman Kumar Mangalam Birla, and is the director of Aditya Birla Group’s Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited.

His total wealth is currently estimated at 70,000 Indian crores, which is much more than the wealth of any cricketing legends. Such an amount makes him the richest cricketer in the world despite the fact that he has never even participated in the Indian Premier League which is known for being one of the richest modern cricketing leagues.

During his cricketing career, Birla opened for Odisha in the Ranji Trophy in November 2017. In addition to this, he scored a brilliant century against Bengal at Eden Gardens, scoring 103 runs.

Birla was made a part of the Rajasthan Royals team in the 2018 IPL auction, but was unable to play any match.

He announced his retirement from cricket in 2019 and joined his family business.

The Indian cricket team has been banned from open training sessions for the entire series in Australia.

More than 5,000 fans had come to watch a training session in Adelaide before the second Test match. A large number of fans kept shouting out to their favourite stars.

Indian players felt uncomfortable during the open training session, and cricketers were also disturbed by attempts to take selfies during this time.

Training is open with the nets being out at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) while the arrival of fans during training sessions is also a tradition in Australia.

A Cricket Australia spokesperson has said, “India has given its preference not to keep its remaining training sessions open; India has asked not to hold open sessions due to noise and distractions from the players’ training.”

Only media coverage will be allowed during the Indian team’s training sessions.

On the issue of open training sessions, Indian batsman KL Rahul has said, “This is different; we are not used to this thing; practice in the presence of the public at home grounds has been done mostly in T20 and ODI cricket.”

India has a 1-0 lead in the 5-match Test series between India and Australia.

India won the first match by 295 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Match Summary

India triumphed over Australia by a massive 295-run margin in the first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 series. Led by Jasprit Bumrah, India dominated the match, showcasing exceptional performance in both batting and bowling departments.

Day 1: India won the toss and chose to bat first. However, they were all out for 150 runs, with Rishabh Pant (37) and Nitish Reddy (41) showing some resilience. Australia managed to restrict India to 150 in their first innings.

Day 2: Australia’s first innings saw them all out for 104, with Mitchell Starc top-scoring with 26 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler, taking a five-wicket haul, while Mohammad Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana also contributed significantly to Australia’s collapse.

Day 3: India declared their second innings at 487/6, leading by 333 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and KL Rahul (77) built a strong partnership, adding 200+ runs and putting Australia under pressure.

Day 4: Australia faced a daunting target of 534 runs but were all out for 238. Travis Head top-scored with 89, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat. Bumrah and Siraj bowled fiery spells, ensuring a clear victory for India.

Pakistan squad has been finalized for the South Africa tour but Fakhar Zaman has not been included in any of the squads.

The Pakistan team will play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests from December 10 to January 7.

Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has returned to the Test squad. He last played in Jamaica in August 2021. He has taken 90 wickets in 25 Tests and 31 wickets in the current Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been included in the white-ball squad, keeping workload management in mind. 

The series begins with the first T20I in Durban on December 10, while the first ODI will start in Paarl on December 17, and the Test matches will commence in Centurion and Cape Town on December 26 and January 3, respectively.

Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has also been included in the Test team after Pakistan Shaheens took 15 wickets against Sri Lanka A last month.

Mir Hamza is the fourth fast bowler in the 15-member Test squad and is currently playing for Peshawar against Lahore Whites in Abbottabad.

Off-spinner Sajid Khan, who took 19 wickets in the Test series against England, is not part of the team. Considering the conditions at Centurion and Newlands, as well as South Africa as a competitor, the selectors have chosen only one specialist spinner, Noman Ali, who took 20 wickets in the Test series against England and has taken 67 wickets in 17 Tests.

Left-arm spinner Sufyan Muqeem has managed to gain the selectors’ trust for the first time in ODIs, taking eight wickets in 2 T20 Internationals against Zimbabwe.

Pakistan Test Squad:

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Abbas, Muhammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha.

One-day squad:

Muhammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Muqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).

T20 squad:

Muhammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jehandad Khan, Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Umair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Muqeem Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).

Member Selection Committee and Interim White Ball Head Coach Aqib Javed said, “We have adopted a policy of selecting the players required for the format to ensure that the three squads are well-balanced and able to perform strongly in South Africa.”

Tour schedule:

December 10: First T20 International. Durban
December 13: Second T20 International. Centurion
December 14: Third T20 International. Johannesburg
December 17: First ODI. Pearl
December 19: Second ODI, Cape Town
December 22: Third ODI, Johannesburg
December 26-30: First Test, Centurion
January 3-7: Second Test, Cape Town

Former Australian legendary cricketer Sir Don Bradman’s nearly 80-year-old Test ‘Baggy Green Cap’ has been auctioned for crores of rupees.

The Cap was auctioned for 390,000 Australian dollars at a local auction house in Sydney on December 3. This amount is more than 70 million rupees in Pakistani currency.

He wore this test cap during his last test series against India in Australia in 1947-48.

Bradman performed brilliantly, and scored his 100th first-class century. The right-handed batsman scored 715 runs in 6 innings, including 3 centuries and one double-century.

The Bradman cap that was auctioned is the only Baggy Green Cap that has survived till now. 

Sir Bradman gifted the Cap to the then-manager of the Indian team, Pankaj Kumar Gupta. Later, a collector bought this Cap and donated it to the Bradman Museum, after which it was auctioned.

Sir Bradman is considered the greatest batsman in the history of cricket. He scored 6996 runs in 52 Test matches at an average of 99.94, including 29 centuries and 13 half-centuries. He also holds the record for the most double centuries (12) in the longest format.

Sir Don Bradman died in 2001 at the age of 92.

The baggy green Cap is a unique and famous cap of the Australian cricket team. It is a loose green cap that is given only to players who represent Australia in Test cricket.

This Cap is symbolic for Australian players, and the baggy green Cap not only holds a unique place in cricket history but is also considered a symbol of pride and honour for the players.

Earlier, Legendary Australian batsman Greg Chappell had lost his only baggy green cap, leaving the former captain very sad.

Greg revealed the disappearance of the baggy green cap in an interview.

He said, “We had stored the equipment in one place for 10 years, and it had this cap; when we moved to Adelaide, we noticed that the cap was not in the luggage. I don’t know what happened, but I’m very sad; it’s a souvenir for me that I don’t have anymore.”

He received more than one baggy green cap during his career. He gifted one to Jeffrey Boycott; it was later auctioned for $15,000. Greg had only one baggy cap left.

He scored 24 centuries in 87 Test matches in the 70s and 80s, making him one of Australia’s greatest batters.

Former Australian cricketer David Warner also lost his green cap last year when he was playing his last test match, but later he got his green cap back.

The Baggy Green Cap is a green loose-fitting cap that has been given to Australian Test cricketers as a tradition since the 20th century and is held in high regard by Australian cricketers.