Category: Sports

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi earned a huge payday during his three-day visit to India.

Tour organiser Satadru Dutta revealed that Messi earned approximately INR900 million (PKR2.835 billion) for the tour, which kicked off with a disastrous reception in Kolkata.

Indian media has reported, citing sources, that Messi received INR890 million (PKR2.8035 billion) for the tour, while the Indian government collected INR11 million (PKR34.65 million) in taxes. Organisers spent at least INR100 million (PKR315 million) on arrangements, with sponsors covering 30 percent of the costs.

Dutta admitted that despite the hefty fee, Messi appeared unhappy throughout the tour. Organisers failed to keep spectators at a safe distance from the athlete, which frustrated the Argentine superstar.

The revelation comes as authorities investigate disruptions at Messi’s appearance at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. Spectators threw chairs and vandalised the venue during the event.

Reports revealed that Messi grew “unhappy with being touched or hugged” by spectators who breached security protocols. The football legend’s discomfort stemmed from organisers’ inability to control the crowds.

The inquiry also uncovered that West Bengal’s sports minister used his influence to grant his relatives and personal acquaintances access to Messi.

Authorities have frozen INR20 million (PKR63 million) in Satadru’s account. 

He claims the amount came from ticket sales for Messi’s events in Kolkata and Hyderabad, along with sponsor contributions.

Pakistan’s emphatic victory over India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final yesterday sparked celebrations across the country, but it was a background comment from team mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed that truly set social media buzzing.

As Pakistan moved closer to sealing the title during the tense moments of the final, a voice from Sarfaraz’s microphone was clearly heard guiding the young players. He said in Urdu, “Tameez ke dairay mein, jahilon ki tarah jahil nahi hona [Stay within the limits of decency, do not behave like ill-mannered people].”

This line from Sarfraz Ahmed should go into the hall of fame.

“Tameez ka dairay mein, jahilon(Indians) ki tarah jahil nai hona” pic.twitter.com/DxidZehorm

— Hassan (@Gotoxytop2) December 21, 2025

Fans quickly clipped the moment and shared it across social media platforms.

Many fans believed Sarfaraz was reacting to the aggressive body language and gestures shown by Indian players during the match. 

Indian bowlers were seen displaying visible aggression while bowling, while similar behavior followed during dismissals as well.

When pacer Ali Raza dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the moment escalated into a verbal exchange. Later, when Mohammad Sayyam removed Vedant Trivedi, another heated exchange followed, with both batters appearing involved in verbal confrontations with Pakistani players.

Supporters online felt Sarfaraz’s words were meant to calm his players and urge them not to respond in the same manner, despite the provocation.

The internet reacted instantly.

One user wrote, “Best way to address our neighbors .”

Another user commented, “This line from Sarfaraz Ahmed should go into the hall of fame.”

One fan joked, “I know who he called jahil, I just can’t prove it.”

Another wrote, “They will remember these lines.”

One user simply asked, “India ko keh raha hai?”

Some users also linked Sarfaraz’s remark to an earlier incident involving the Indian men’s team in the Asia Cup 2025, where Indian players had refused post-match handshakes with Pakistan and shut their dressing room doors to avoid greetings after their win.

One user reminded, writing, “Saifi bhai keh rahe hain, chalo haath mila lena.”

Pakistan, meanwhile, had earlier produced a dominant all-round performance to thrash arch-rivals India by a massive margin in the final at the ICC Academy Ground.

Asked to bat first, Pakistan piled up 347 for 8, powered by a sensational knock from opener Sameer Minhas, who smashed a record-breaking 172 off 113 balls, including 17 fours and nine sixes. 

It was the highest individual score in a U-19 Asia Cup final. Usman Khan scored 35, while Ahmed Hussain added 56. For India, Deepesh Devendran claimed 3 for 83, and Khilan Patel finished with 2 for 44.

In reply, India’s batting line-up collapsed for 156 in 26.2 overs. Ali Raza led the bowling attack with figures of 4 for 42, while Abdul Subhan took 2 for 29 and Huzaifa Ahsan picked up 2 for 12. Mohammad Sayyam also chipped in with 2 for 38. Deepesh Devendran top-scored for India with a quick 36 off 16 balls.

Pakistan sealed a 191-run victory, the biggest winning margin in a U-19 Asia Cup final, and lifted the trophy in dominant fashion.

Man of the Match Sameer Minhas was hoisted onto his teammates’ shoulders as Pakistan celebrated the title.

Early on Monday, the team received a hero’s welcome at the airport, with a massive crowd turning up to greet the young champions.

The federal capital is finally getting its own international cricket stadium with construction set to begin early next year at a rather scenic location.

According to reports, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to break ground on the stadium near Islamabad’s D-12 sector in January or February 2026. 

The site sits at the foothills of the Margalla Hills, offering a picturesque backdrop for what will become the capital’s first purpose-built cricketing venue.

“It’s basically a very beautiful site and it’s at the foothills of the Margalla Hills with the view of the Margalla… the crown of Islamabad… behind the cricket stadium,” CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa told a media outlet.

The project comes after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, during a panel discussion at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) roadshow in New York, announced plans to bring international cricket infrastructure to Islamabad.

The venue is expected to match the capacity of Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium with around 34,000 spectators and will meet international standards for hosting foreign teams.

Officials chose the D-12 location strategically to address traffic problems that have plagued cricket matches in neighbouring Rawalpindi. The stadium will connect directly to Iran Avenue, the motorway and Islamabad airport, which Randhawa said will resolve traffic congestion during matches.

The project marks a significant addition to Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure as the country continues hosting international teams after a 6-year-long hiatus due to the 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.

The first match to mark the return of international cricket to Pakistan was played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe in 2015.

Pakistan’s national hockey players continue to struggle financially despite the launch of the Pro Hockey League, with many forced to borrow money to meet their daily expenses as the federation fails to clear pending allowances, media reports have stated. 

Media reports reveal that several players have taken loans to manage their routine costs while waiting for payments stuck for months.

The affected players express frustration over unfulfilled promises made by the Pakistan Hockey Federation. “We were told that the Pro Hockey League would resolve all payment issues,” one player reportedly said. “The federation claimed the government was providing enough funds to ensure no delays.”

National team players say they have not received domestic allowances for the November Bangladesh tour camp and international daily allowances for the tour itself. 

The financial crisis persists even as Pakistan participates in the Pro Hockey League 2025. The national team finished at the bottom of the standings without securing any victories.

Argentine football star Lionel Messi concluded his India tour with a ultra-luxury watch gifted by billionaire heir Anant Ambani, which costs just slightly less than his $1.7 million monthly salary at Inter Miami.

Anant, who founded the Vantara wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centre, hosted Messi at the facility and gave him a tour showcasing the organisation’s animal welfare initiatives. The footballer also met a lion cub named “Lionel” in his honour and played football with Maniklal, a baby elephant, in a moment that went viral on social media.

Eagle-eyed social media users quickly noticed that Messi arrived at the centre without a watch but later appeared sporting a rare Richard Mille timepiece.

Indian media reported that Anant gifted Messi the watch during the visit, identifying it as the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon “Asia Edition” – one of only 12 pieces made globally.

The gift’s value represents a significant sum, though it falls short of Messi’s monthly earnings. Data released by the MLS Players Association shows the Inter Miami forward takes home a total of $20.45 million per year, or approximately $1.7 million per month.

Earlier, Messi’s three-day GOAT India Tour took him across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, marking his first trip to the country in 14 years. He travelled with Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.

The tour began chaotically at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Dec 13 when fans threw objects, ripped up seats and invaded the pitch. Enraged supporters vandalised the stadium after the Argentine soccer great made only a brief appearance at a ticketed event. Tickets ranged from around $38.65 to $130, with the lower prices exceeding half of the average weekly income in India.

In Hyderabad, Messi participated in an exhibition football match featuring the state’s chief minister, Revanth Reddy, and met Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Messi shared a special moment with Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, presenting him with a signed Argentina jersey. 

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar presented Messi with a Team India jersey during the event.

His final appearance at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium went smoothly as he greeted chanting supporters. During the Delhi visit, ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented Messi and his teammates with Indian cricket team jerseys and tickets to the upcoming T20 World Cup India-USA match.

Oussama Tannane produced a moment of magic that sent social media into meltdown as Morocco claimed their second FIFA Arab Cup title with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan in Doha.

The Qatar-based midfielder on Thursday stunned a packed Lusail Stadium in the fourth minute when he spotted Jordanian goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila off his line and unleashed an audacious strike from 59 meters. 

The ball sailed over the backpedaling keeper, who desperately scrambled back and collided with the post in a failed attempt to keep it out.

The collision forced a four-minute stoppage as medical staff attended to Abulaila before he received clearance to continue.

Football fans worldwide flooded social media with praise for the spectacular opener. 

“OUT OF THIS WORLD,” one user wrote, while another declared it “Goal of the season.” One viewer demanded, “Give him Puskas award right now,” referring to FIFA’s annual award for the best goal.

However, not everyone shared the enthusiasm. “The keeper was totally complicit there,” one skeptical user commented, suggesting Abulaila’s positioning made the goal possible.

Despite Tannane’s remarkable start, the final transformed into a rollercoaster affair. 

Jordan, runners-up at the 2025 AFC Asian Cup, fought back when Ali Oliwan headed home from close range three minutes into the second half following a well-worked corner.

Oliwan then converted a penalty in the 68th minute after Mahmoud Almardi’s shot struck Achraf El Mahdioui’s raised hand inside the box, giving Jordan the lead for the first time.

Morocco substitute Abderrazak Hamdallah salvaged extra time by tapping in from the goal line in the 88th minute after a scramble from a corner. Oliwan nearly sealed victory and his hat-trick with virtually the final kick of regulation, but the keeper denied his one-on-one chance.

Extra time brought more controversy when Video Assistant Referee (VAR) disallowed Mohannad Abutaha’s spectacular left-footed volley for handball. 

Hamdallah then scored the winner, tapping in his second after Marwane Saadane’s bicycle kick from set piece fell into his path.

Morocco previously won the Arab Cup in 2012 with a final victory over Libya in Saudi Arabia.

India has topped the global rankings for doping violations in sports for the third year running, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) annual report, released on Tuesday has shown. 

India’s National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) collected 7,113 urine and blood samples in 2024, with 260 testing positive, WADA reported. 

The findings deliver a significant setback to India as it prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and pursues its ambition to host the 2036 Olympics.

Athletics recorded the highest number of violations with 76 cases, followed by weightlifting with 43 and wrestling with 29. Among those suspended was under-23 wrestling champion and Paris Olympics quarter-finalist Reetika Hooda, who tested positive in July.

At India’s University Games earlier this month, only one athlete appeared for some track and field events after others reportedly fled when anti-doping officials arrived.

With a population of 1.4 billion, India has held the unwanted distinction of leading global doping statistics since 2022. 

France recorded the second-highest number of positive cases in 2024 with 91, followed by Italy with 85. Russia and the United States each reported 76 cases, while Germany had 54 and China had 43.

NADA defended its anti-doping efforts following the report’s release. “In recent years, India has witnessed a significant strengthening of its anti-doping framework,” the agency said in a Wednesday statement. 

“To tackle the menace of doping in sports, NADA India has not only increased the number of tests but also increased the emphasis on education and awareness.”

The agency added that it had conducted 7,068 tests through December 16 this year, resulting in 110 positive cases.

The WADA report arrives months after the International Olympic Committee raised concerns about widespread performance-enhancing drug use in India and called on the country to address the problem. 

The Indian Olympic Association responded in August by forming a new anti-doping panel.

Indian government has also passed new national anti-doping legislation in August this year, to strengthen enforcement, expand testing facilities and ensure the highest standards of integrity in sports.

Ali Tareen has emerged as a surprise contender in the bidding war to establish a new football league in Pakistan, entering the race against two franchise league merchants who have long attempted to launch such an event.

The former owner of Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket franchise Multan Sultans confirmed on Wednesday, the deadline for submissions, that he had sent a proposal to the Pakistan Football Federation.

Last month, the PFF invited expressions of interest from individuals and companies looking to organize a league in a bid to revive the domestic structure of football in the country.

“I have proposed a season (six-month) long league for Pakistan football, not a flashy, one-month cash-grab tournament,” Ali wrote on X.

Pakistan has not hosted a functioning football league since the last edition of the Pakistan Premier Football League in 2019. That competition featured a mix of departmental teams and a handful of clubs.

Two other proposals have come from entities seeking to launch franchise football leagues in Pakistan on similar lines to the PSL.

Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) held a launch event for its proposed Pakistan Football League in Lahore in June last year, featuring England striker Michael Owen. The company claims it has already sold five of its eight franchises and stands ready to launch.

The third expression of interest comes from Zabe Khan, who formerly worked with GSV as K-Electric sports head but left the company following the launch event amid claims that GSV had not honored its contracts. Khan proposes a franchise league that will run for about a month to 45 days. 

Sources indicate that another entity with long-standing ambitions of setting up a franchise league backs his proposal.

The three bidders will give detailed presentations to the Mohsen Gilani-led PFF on December 29, after which the country’s football governing body will make a formal decision on which entity to partner with.

PFF president Mohsen Gilani told reporters at a Lahore event last week that the federation received an encouraging number of proposals from groups determined to deliver a new and improved league system.

He stressed that the fresh leadership aims to build something stronger and more sustainable, and the league will not be rushed but will be done the right way.

Tareen’s football league proposal comes just weeks after he announced his departure from Multan Sultans on November 25, 2025. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board did not extend him a renewal offer while all five other PSL franchises renewed their agreements for the next 10 years. 

Tareen had been locked in a year-long dispute with the PCB over governance and transparency issues, which escalated after he publicly criticised the league’s management. 

The PCB sent him a legal notice demanding a retraction and public apology, to which Tareen responded with a sarcastic video where he tore up the notice. 

In his farewell message, Tareen said he would “rather lose the team standing on my feet than run it from my knees,” marking an end to his seven-year association with one of the PSL’s most successful franchises.

Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath delivered a hilarious reaction during commentary when spinner Nathan Lyon surpassed his wicket tally on day two of the third Ashes Test on Thursday.

Cricket Australia shared a video of McGrath’s theatrical response, showing him pretending to pick up a chair as if about to throw it on the floor the moment Lyon broke his record. 

Glenn McGrath’s reaction to Nathan Lyon passing him on the all-time Test wickets list was absolutely hilarious #Ashes pic.twitter.com/1jTM06M8me

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2025

The clip quickly went viral across social media platforms.

Cricket fans flooded social media with reactions to McGrath’s antics. 

“Sachin would have broken the chair when Root breaks his record,” one user wrote.

“Haha this was a good one,” another user commented.

“Lmao it’s the funniest thing I have seen on internet today,” a third user added.

Lyon moved past McGrath to claim second place on Australia’s all-time wicket-takers list during the Adelaide Test. The veteran spinner now has 564 Test wickets, while McGrath finished his career with 563 wickets.

Lyon now sits behind only the late Shane Warne in Australian bowling history. Warne leads the list with 708 Test wickets.

In the overall rankings of Test cricket’s highest wicket-takers, Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan tops the chart with 800 wickets. England’s James Anderson follows with 704 wickets, Anil Kumble claimed 619, and Stuart Broad took 604 wickets during his career.

Lyon’s achievement moves him to sixth place on the global list of all-time leading wicket-takers in Test cricket.

Despite Cricket Australia’s insistence, Pakistani cricketers are considering to leave the Big Bash League (BBL) early to join the national side for the Sri Lanka series.

According to reports, some Pakistani players have contacted the national think tank expressing their desire to participate in the Sri Lanka series, citing the significant difference between Australian and Sri Lankan pitch conditions. 

The players fear that going directly from Australia to the World Cup without adequate preparation on Sri Lankan pitches could negatively impact their performance.

Pakistan will play three T20I matches against Sri Lanka on January 7, 10 and 11, in Dambulla. The same Sri Lankan grounds will host Pakistan’s World Cup matches starting February 7.

The players are also concerned that if they perform poorly in the mega event, they will face accusations of prioritising money and leagues over insufficient preparation, reports quoted sources as saying.

The BBL contracts were signed before Pakistan scheduled the Sri Lanka series, creating the current conflict.

Earlier, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg told reporters at the Adelaide Oval that the board has received assurances about player availability.

“We’ve been told that if they’ve been signed by the BBL, they’ll play [the whole BBL],” Greenberg said.

However, reports indicate selectors want to test new cricketers in the Sri Lanka series and are considering not calling back the senior players from Australia. 

If any player returns voluntarily, they could face heavy financial penalties for breaching their contracts. The situation would differ if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially summons players for national duty, as every contract includes provisions for such circumstances.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani cricketers are off to a difficult start at BBL.

Shaheen Afridi had a nightmare debut when umpires stopped him from bowling after he delivered two beamers in his third over. The left-arm pacer conceded 43 runs in just 2.4 overs without taking a wicket for Brisbane Heat.

Mohammad Rizwan managed only 4 runs off 10 balls for Melbourne Renegades in his debut while Babar Azam scored just 2 runs off 5 balls against Brisbane Heat in his opening match. Babar’s struggles also continued in the second match where he only made 9 runs off 10 balls for Sydney Sixers.

Seven Pakistani players feature in this year’s BBL season. Alongside Mohammad Rizwan, Babar and Shaheen are Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars), Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers) and Usama Mir (Melbourne Renegades).

The tournament, which began on December 15, 2024, will conclude with the final on January 27, 2025.