Current Final

Category: Sports

  • ‘I’m the same guy under whom India won Champions Trophy, Asia Cup,’ says Gautam Gambhir after Test whitewash

    ‘I’m the same guy under whom India won Champions Trophy, Asia Cup,’ says Gautam Gambhir after Test whitewash

    With India suffering a historic 2-0 home Test series defeat against South Africa, head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended his record and hit back at critics, reminding them he is the same guy under whom the team won Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.

    Temba Bavuma-led Proteas on Wednesday stunned India on their home turf, defeating the hosts by 408 runs in the second Test in Guwahati to complete a clean sweep.

    With the match marking South Africa’s first series win in the country in 25 years, India, once considered nearly unbeatable in Tests at home, ended up losing five home Tests in the 2024-25 period, same as the total number of home defeats in 11 years – from 2012-23.

    After the crushing defeat, Gambhir faced the media to answer questions about his future and the team’s performance. 

    When asked whether he is still the right man to continue as India’s head coach in Test cricket, he said, “There is… to be honest, there is no hindsight to sport. Whatever decision we’ve taken, we’ve taken for the best interest of the team and we absolutely believe that those were the right decisions that could get the job done for the country and for the team.”

    “And the second question, it is up to BCCI to decide. I’ve said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach… Indian cricket is important, I’m not important. And I sit here and say exactly the same thing.”

    Gambhir also reminded reporters of India’s successes under his leadership, citing victories in England, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the Asia Cup 2025. 

    “And yes, people can keep forgetting about it. I’m the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I’m sure you guys will forget very soon because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand,” he added.

    “Yes, this is a team that has less experience. And I’ve said it before as well, that they need to keep learning and they’re putting everything possible to turn the tide.”

  • TW VIDEO: Indian national basketball player dies after pole falls during practice in Haryana

    TW VIDEO: Indian national basketball player dies after pole falls during practice in Haryana

    A 16-year-old Indian national-level basketball player, Hardik, died in an accident in Rohtak, Haryana, after a basketball pole fell on him during practice.

    According to Indian media reports, Hardik was practising at a court in Lakhan Majra when the pole, apparently not planted firmly, toppled forward and crushed him. His friends rushed to help, but the teen could not be saved.

    Chilling CCTV footage shows Hardik practising alone. He runs from the three-point line and jumps to touch the basket, a common drill to improve scoring skills. 

    On his first attempt, he completes the move successfully. On the second attempt, he clutches the basket rim, and the pole uproots, falling on his chest. Friends lifted the pole immediately, but Hardik died soon after.

    Neighbours said Hardik had been selected for the national team and had recently returned from a training camp. 

    His father, Sandeep Rathi, had enrolled Hardik and his younger brother at a sports club near their home to train. Police recovered the body and handed it over to the family after the post-mortem. A case has been registered.

    Shockingly, a few days ago, a similar incident occurred in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, where 15-year-old Aman died after a basketball pole fell on him during practice. 

    Aman suffered internal injuries and passed away at Rohtak’s Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences. His family has accused doctors at PGIMS of failing to provide proper care. Aman was a Class 10 student who recently won a medal in his school’s annual sports event.

    Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini said that he would, “inquire and take action accordingly.” 

    Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar called the incident “unfortunate” and said a detailed investigation would be conducted. He added, “I will write to all District Education Officers and the Education Minister. I will seek information in detail.”

  • South Africa thrash India by 408 runs at home to win Test series after 25 years

    South Africa thrash India by 408 runs at home to win Test series after 25 years

    South Africa defeated India by a massive 408 runs in the second Test in Guwahati, sealing a historic series sweep and handing the hosts their heaviest home defeat by runs.

    The victory marks South Africa’s first Test series win on Indian soil since 2000, ending a 25-year wait.

    The visiting team won the toss and chose to bat first, scoring 489 runs in their opening innings. India struggled in response, managing only 201 runs and falling behind by 288 runs.

    South Africa started their second innings with a commanding lead and scored 260 for the loss of five wickets before declaring. India, set a target of 549 runs, collapsed for 140 runs in their second innings, with only Ravindra Jadeja offering meaningful resistance, scoring 54.

    Simon Harmer ran through India’s batting lineup on the final day, taking 6 wickets for 37 runs. This marked his first five-wicket haul in India after falling just short on four previous attempts, finishing with 16 wickets in the series. Harmer struck early, removing Kuldeep Yadav and Dhruv Jurel in the same over to reduce India to 42 for 4. Rishabh Pant was dismissed when a defensive push off Harmer kicked up from the rough and looped to slip fielder Aiden Markram.

    Sai Sudharsan fought hard, facing 139 balls, but fell to Senuran Muthusamy, caught by Markram, giving him the most catches (surpassing Ajinkya Rahane) in a Test match. Harmer added one more wicket before Nitish Reddy gloved an attempted reverse sweep, while Keshav Maharaj closed out the innings with the final two dismissals. Player of the Match Marco Jansen capped off the series with a sensational running catch from mid-on.

    South Africa’s dominance in the series comes after their earlier World Test Championship win this year and extends India’s recent poor home form, leaving them with five defeats in their last seven home Tests after going unbeaten in 12 series over 12 years.

    Brief scores: South Africa 489 & 260/5 decl. defeated India 201 & 140 (Ravindra Jadeja 54; Simon Harmer 6-37) by 408 runs.

    Earlier, in the first Test at Eden Gardens, South Africa had won by a narrow 30 runs on the third day.

  • Indians unhappy with South Africa coach for saying they wanted India to ‘grovel’

    Indians unhappy with South Africa coach for saying they wanted India to ‘grovel’

    Indian cricket fans and former players had strong reactions after South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said he wanted to make India “grovel” following the fourth day of the second Test in Guwahati.

    Conrad passed the remarks at the post-play press conference when asked why South Africa batted for nearly 80 overs despite having a sizeable lead. 

    He said, “We wanted India to spend as much time on their feet out in the field. We wanted them to really grovel, to steal a phrase, bat them completely out of the game and then say to them, we’ll come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening.”

    The word “grovel,” which historically carries strong connotations, drew backlash. 

    Conrad noted that he was “stealing a phrase” from a famous comment by late England captain Tony Greig before the 1976 series against Clive Lloyd’s West Indies. Greig had used the term in reference to the Caribbean players, linking it to the painful history of slavery and apartheid.

    Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel criticized Conrad, saying, “Maybe the South African coach does not know the weight of the word. But I don’t think so. There was a smirk on his face when he said it. There is no doubt that it was disrespectful. As the Indian team, all you do is tell them they played well, but there was no need to use such words. I think we will see an apology from Conrad.”

    Indian cricket commentator Akash Chopra also weighed in, tweeting, “‘We wanted to make India grovel’. South African coach after Day 4. I hope everyone in the Indian dressing room has been made to understand the meaning and history of this phrase in cricket.”

    Senior sports journalist Vikrant Gupta added, “South Africa, the land of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, suffered so much due to apartheid. A South African should be the last one to say, ‘We wanted them to grovel.’ Maybe Mr Conrad did not intend the racial undertone, but it is surprising.”

    South Africa has defeated India by a massive 408 runs in the second Test in Guwahati, handing the hosts a heavy defeat on the fifth day of the match.

    Earlier, in the first Test played at Eden Gardens, South Africa had secured a narrow 30-run win on the third day.

  • ICC announces T20 World Cup 2026 schedule

    ICC announces T20 World Cup 2026 schedule

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the schedule for the T20 World Cup 2026, as per which, the tournament will start on February 7 and end on March 8.

    The schedule for the tournament — to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka — was revealed during a ceremony held in Mumbai.

    Among the seven venues in both countries are Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Colombo and Kandy.

    The tournament will feature 20 teams placed in four groups. As in the previous format, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 8 stage.

    In the Super 8 round, the eight teams will play in two groups. The top two teams from each group will then move into the semi finals.

    Group A includes Pakistan, India, United States, Netherlands and Namibia. Group B features Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman. Group C has England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal and Italy while Group D includes New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada and the UAE.

    Pakistan and India will play each other on Feb 15 in Colombo.

    Ahmedabad will host the final, but Colombo will take over if Pakistan reaches the title match.

    Mumbai and Kolkata have been selected for the semi finals, but Pakistan’s qualification will shift its semi-final to Colombo.

    Here is the complete schedule…

    
  
    
    
      Date
      Time
      Team 1
      Team 2
      Venue
    
    
      
  
    
    07 Feb 202611:00 AMPAKNEDSSC, Colombo
    
    
    07 Feb 20263:00 PMWIBANKolkata
    
    
    07 Feb 20267:00 PMINDUSAMumbai
    
    
    08 Feb 202611:00 AMNZAFGChennai
    
    
    08 Feb 20263:00 PMENGNEPMumbai
    
    
    08 Feb 20267:00 PMSLIREPremadasa, Colombo
    
    
    09 Feb 202611:00 AMBANITAKolkata
    
    
    09 Feb 20263:00 PMZIMOMASSC, Colombo
    
    
    09 Feb 20267:00 PMSACANAhmedabad
    
    
    10 Feb 202611:00 AMNEDNAMDelhi
    
    
    10 Feb 20263:00 PMNZUAEChennai
    
    
    10 Feb 20267:00 PMPAKUSASSC, Colombo
    
    
    11 Feb 202611:00 AMSAAFGAhmedabad
    
    
    11 Feb 20263:00 PMAUSIREPremadasa, Colombo
    
    
    11 Feb 20267:00 PMENGWIMumbai
    
    
    12 Feb 202611:00 AMSLOMAKandy
    
    
    12 Feb 20263:00 PMNEPITAMumbai
    
    
    12 Feb 20267:00 PMINDNAMDelhi
    
    
    13 Feb 202611:00 AMAUSZIMPremadasa, Colombo
    
    
    13 Feb 20263:00 PMCANUAEDelhi
    
    
    13 Feb 20267:00 PMUSANEDChennai
    
    
    14 Feb 202611:00 AMIREOMASSC, Colombo
    
    
    14 Feb 20263:00 PMENGBANKolkata
    
    
    14 Feb 20267:00 PMNZSAAhmedabad
    
    
    15 Feb 202611:00 AMWINEPMumbai
    
    
    15 Feb 20263:00 PMUSANAMChennai
    
    
    15 Feb 20267:00 PMINDPAKPremadasa, Colombo
    
    
    16 Feb 202611:00 AMAFGUAEDelhi
    
    
    16 Feb 20263:00 PMENGITAKolkata
    
    
    16 Feb 20267:00 PMAUSSLKandy
    
    
    17 Feb 202611:00 AMNZCANChennai
    
    
    17 Feb 20263:00 PMIREZIMKandy
    
    
    17 Feb 20267:00 PMBANNEPMumbai
    
    
    18 Feb 202611:00 AMSAUAEDelhi
    
    
    18 Feb 20263:00 PMPAKNAMSSC, Colombo
    
    
    18 Feb 20267:00 PMINDNEDAhmedabad
    
    
    19 Feb 202611:00 AMWIITAKolkata
    
    
    19 Feb 20263:00 PMSLZIMPremadasa, Colombo
    
    
    19 Feb 20267:00 PMAFGCANChennai
    
    
    20 Feb 20267:00 PMAUSOMAKandy
    
    
    22 Feb 20263:00 PMY1Y4Kandy
    
    
    22 Feb 20267:00 PMX1X4Ahmedabad
    
    
    23 Feb 20267:00 PMX2X3Mumbai
    
    
    24 Feb 20267:00 PMY1Y3Kandy
    
    
    25 Feb 20267:00 PMY2Y4Premadasa, Colombo
    
    
    26 Feb 20263:00 PMX3X4Ahmedabad
    
    
    26 Feb 20267:00 PMX1X2Chennai
    
    
    27 Feb 20267:00 PMY1Y2Premadasa, Colombo
    
    
    28 Feb 20267:00 PMY3Y4Kandy
    
    
    01 Mar 20263:00 PMX2X4Delhi
    
    
    01 Mar 20267:00 PMX1X3Kolkata
    
    
    04 Mar 20267:00 PMSF1KOKolkata / Premadasa, Colombo
    
    
    05 Mar 20267:00 PMSF2KOMumbai
    
    
    08 Mar 20267:00 PMFINALKOAhmedabad / Premadasa, Colombo
  • ‘And so this is goodbye’: Ali Tareen says he would rather lose Multan Sultans than run it on his knees

    ‘And so this is goodbye’: Ali Tareen says he would rather lose Multan Sultans than run it on his knees

    Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has stepped away from the franchise, saying he cannot continue if it means compromising his principles. 

    “Being part of this team has been one of the greatest honours of my life. I love the fans, I love this team, and I absolutely love being able to represent South Punjab. Something my late uncle Alamgir Tareen was especially proud of,” Tareen wrote in a heartfelt social media note to fans.

    He said he always reminded players and staff that south Punjab represented hard work and resilience. “The fans will forgive you if you lose, but they will never forgive you if you stop fighting.”

    He explained that financial losses never pushed him to quit. “The Sultans have always meant more to me than just numbers. And I have always been willing to go as far as needed to protect it.”

    Tareen added, “I have always spoken my mind. I never learned how to play it safe or just play along. If staying means compromising those principles there is only one choice I can make.”

    His parting words summed up the decision, “I would rather lose this team while standing on my feet than run it from my knees. So, this is goodbye.”

    The last PSL franchise agreements have officially ended after the 10th season, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now renewing contracts for Season 11 with the addition of two new teams.

    Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, and Quetta Gladiators have accepted PCB’s new proposal and will continue with the same owners.

    Multan Sultans, on the other hand, seems to be at loggerheads with the PCB, as the two sides also earlier engaged in a public feud.

  • Naseem Shah’s cute reaction to fan selfie request

    Naseem Shah’s cute reaction to fan selfie request

    Taking selfies with favorite celebrities or athletes is a fan favourite activity, and cricket lovers in Pakistan often consider it an honor to capture moments with their national heroes.

    After a recent tri-series match, cricketer Naseem Shah approached fans near the stands to interact with them. 

    When a fan, who cannot be seen in the video but sounded like a girl, asked for a selfie, Naseem Shah playfully replied, “Yaar ghar se daant paray gi, qasam se sach bata raha hoon, mere abu boht daanttay hain.[My family will scold me, I swear I am telling the truth, my Dad scolds me a lot].” 

    His spontaneous response made everyone around him burst into laughter.

    Fans quickly shared the moment on social media. One wrote, “Awww very innocent.” Another commented, “I hope this conduct stays forever.” A third fan said, “Awwww sadqay.”

    This is not the first time Naseem has shown his candid and humble side. 

    When cricket fans rushed to secure tickets for the upcoming tri-nation series and Champions Trophy 2025, Shah went viral for his honest response on a Pakistan Cricket Board podcast.

    “Brothers! We get only get three or four tickets… and there are hundreds of people asking for them. Please don’t be upset with us. Sometimes, we even have to refuse our family members,” Shah confessed. 

    He added that it was a tough spot and players couldn’t make everyone happy, urging fans not to ask for tickets.

  • Pakistan Sports Board lifts lifetime ban on Arshad Nadeem’s coach

    Pakistan Sports Board lifts lifetime ban on Arshad Nadeem’s coach

    The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has lifted the lifetime ban imposed on coach Salman Butt, who trains javelin gold-medalist Arshad Nadeem. 

    According to reports, the decision came from PSB arbitrator Senator Pervez Rasheed after hearing arguments from both sides.

    The arbitrator declared the ban illegal and also suspended the Athletics Federation of Pakistan’s decision to call elections for the Punjab Athletics Association (PAA).

    In his ruling, the PSB arbitrator stated that the Athletics Federation had not followed legal procedures in taking action against Butt. No charge sheet was provided and he was not given an opportunity to be heard, the arbitrator noted.

    The decision added that the Athletics Federation had damaged Butt’s reputation and that the ban had negatively affected Nadeem’s preparations.

    The PSB adjudicator also barred the Athletics Federation from making public statements against Salman Butt, noting that the affairs of the Punjab Athletics Association did not fall directly under the federation’s authority.

    According to the ruling, the PAA elections had taken place under the supervision of the Punjab Sports Board and Punjab Olympics.

    Butt had faced a lifetime ban imposed by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan, which he challenged according to the Pakistan Sports Board’s constitution.

  • Pakistan win World Cup Snooker Team Championship 2025

    Pakistan win World Cup Snooker Team Championship 2025

    Pakistan has lifted the World Cup Snooker Team Championship 2025 trophy after beating Hong Kong 2 to 3 in a nail biting final in Muscat, Oman on Sunday.

    Former world champion and current Masters world champion Mohammad Asif partnered with Asjad Iqbal and delivered an outstanding performance. 

    The Pakistani duo fought hard throughout the match and sealed the title in the deciding frame.

    Pakistan reached the final after defeating arch rivals India 1 to 3 in the semifinal.

    PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated Asif and Iqbal on their remarkable win at the World Team Snooker Championship.

    He said, “Mohammad Asif and Asjad Iqbal have made Pakistan proud by winning the World Championship. They played brilliantly and secured the title with exceptional skill.”

    Naqvi added, “Our players have once again raised the national flag high. Both players and their coach deserve full appreciation. Pakistan is achieving success in every field.”

    Pakistan Snooker and Billiards Association chairman Alamgir Sheikh also congratulated the team on their historic victory.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and several other public figures also praised Asif and Iqbal for bringing the title home.

  • Naqvi, Sethi clash publicly after Rashid Latif’s apology ends PCB standoff

    Naqvi, Sethi clash publicly after Rashid Latif’s apology ends PCB standoff

    A public showdown erupted in Pakistan cricket on Saturday when current PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and former chairman Najam Sethi exchanged sharp words on X (formerly Twitter) moments after Rashid Latif issued an unconditional apology to the board.

    Latif apologised for linking Mohammad Rizwan’s removal as ODI captain with the wicketkeeper batter’s public support for Palestine, a claim that led the PCB to file a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. 

    NCCIA summoned Latif for questioning, after which he approached the Islamabad High Court and challenged the inquiry.

    In his detailed post on X, Latif clarified his stance.

    “My principal contention was related to potential violations of the advisories upon such advertising issued by the Government of Pakistan,” he wrote.

    He added, “At no point, whether inadvertently or deliberately, have I ever sought or intended to implicate any individual including players, board members, or other stakeholders in wrongdoing.”

    Latif admitted his reference to Rizwan’s stance on Palestine was an “unwarranted” and “unfounded” assumption.

    “I deeply regret any distress or offence that my comments may have caused to the general public, or more specifically, to the Pakistan Cricket Board,” he said. “I offer my sincere apologies for any unintended harm arising from my remarks which I withdraw unconditionally.”

    But the apology immediately sparked a confrontation on X. 

    Najam Sethi stepped in to defend Latif and criticised the inquiry. “I am shocked at the trumped up FIA inquiry against ex cricket captain @iRashidLatif68 for his critical comments on social media against PCB policies,” Sethi wrote. “I urge cricket administrators to desist from such repressive tactics and expect the judiciary to protect our freedoms.”

    Mohsin Naqvi fired back within minutes.

    “Your comments are completely misplaced, ill timed, and factually incorrect,” he replied.

    Naqvi said the PCB acted only to counter false allegations.

    “The PCB’s action against Rashid Latif was never about silencing criticism, it was about addressing the deliberate spread of false and defamatory allegations,” he wrote. “We welcome his apology and offer a clean slate.”

    Sethi responded again, refusing to step back.

    “No sir, my concern is not misplaced. I don’t think PCB should use the FIA to silence critics even if their views are misplaced or factually incorrect!”

    The PCB appointed Mohammad Rizwan as ODI captain in October 2024, but replaced him with Shaheen Shah Afridi on October 20, 2025, after internal performance reviews. 

    Shaheen later said Rizwan “decided himself to take a step back,” signalling that the decision was not political.