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Category: Sports

  • Babar Azam, Pakistani cricketers celebrate Quaid’s 146th birthday

    Babar Azam, Pakistani cricketers celebrate Quaid’s 146th birthday

    The nation is celebrating 146th birthday of Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah today (Saturday). Skipper of the national cricket team Babar Azam and other Pakistani cricketers also took to their social media accounts to pen heartfelt notes.

    “Visionary leader, ambassador of humanity, equality and tolerance. May all of us try to fulfill our obligations for our courageous country. Happy Birthday to our Quaid,” wrote Babar on Twitter.

    Taking to Twitter, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi thanked Quaid for this nation saying: “Let’s celebrate our founding Father by taking an oath to make Pakistan great, happy & prosperous by ensuring the well being of the masses & the poor. Join me by doing your part in actualizing Quaid’s vision of unity & equality.”

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1474601970287665152?t=zDsR3IyEVUPe8MYEyfxP1Q&s=19

    Similarly, Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, Imam-ul-Haq, Ahmad Shahzad and Wahab Riaz took to their respective social media accounts to write a few words to thank the Father of the Nation.

    Pakistani woman cricketer Sidra Amin also shared Quaid’s quote.

    Former cricketer and current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja also thanked Quaid for this beautiful country.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message on the occasion of birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, has emphasised upon the youth to adopt Quaid’s attributes of honesty, hard work, perseverance and dedication.

    He said we as a nation need to adopt these attributes to realize Quaid’s vision of a developed, progressive and tolerant Pakistan.

    The Prime Minister said Muhammad Ali Jinnah realised the importance of a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent where all citizens could enjoy freedom of faith, occupation and equal opportunities.

  • Video: Waqar Younis grooves on Indian song with wife

    Video: Waqar Younis grooves on Indian song with wife

    Former Pakistan coach Waqar Younis’s video clip, where he can be seen dancing and enjoying his brother-in-law’s wedding, has gone viral on social media.

    The wedding event was held in Karachi on Thursday.

    The former Pakistani cricketer’s wife, Dr Faryal, can also be seen in the video, dancing her heart out at the function.

    The couple can be seen dancing in joy to the tune of a song in the middle of the dance floor as others look on.

    The former fast bowler graced the dance floor on popular Bollywood dance number ‘Dilli Wali Girlfriend’, which went viral on social media.

    Waqar’s brother-in-law got married in Karachi on Thursday.

    At the function, the former coach can be seen wearing a black sherwani.

    Earlier, a video of former Pakistan captain and ex-wicketkeeper Moin Khan shaking a leg on his son’s wedding with actor Ali Ansari was doing the rounds on social media.

    Veteran cricketer Wasim Akram and his wife Shaniera Akram swayed at the wedding.

  • Spinning maestro Harbhajan Singh retires from cricket

    Spinning maestro Harbhajan Singh retires from cricket

    Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has retired from all formats of cricket. The cricketer announced the news on Twitter.

    Taking to Twitter, Harbhajan wrote: “All good things come to an end and today as I bid adieu to the game that has given me everything in life, I would like to thank everyone who made this 23-year-long journey beautiful and memorable.”

    The cricketer also thanked everyone saying that he is “grateful”.

    In a video message, the 41-year-old said that “in many ways, I had already retired”, but because of his commitments with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, he was forced to delay the announcement.

    “There comes a time in your life when you must take some tough decisions and move ahead. I have been meaning to make this announcement for the last few years, but I was waiting for the right moment to share it with all of you: today, I am retiring from all formats of cricket,” he said. “In many ways, I had already retired as a cricketer, but hadn’t been able to make a formal announcement.”

    “I haven’t been an active cricketer for a while. But I had a commitment to Kolkata Knight Riders, and wanted to spend the (2021) IPL season with them. But during the season itself, I had made up my mind to retire.”

    Harbhajan last played for India in March 2016, in a T20I against the UAE in Dhaka in that year’s Asia Cup.

    The former cricketer concluded by saying: “Now I begin a new chapter in my life, which starts with its own challenges. Believe me, your Turbanator is ready for the examination! Just keep showering your love on me.”

  • ‘It will generate revenue’: Ravi Shastri calls for legalisation of sports betting in India

    ‘It will generate revenue’: Ravi Shastri calls for legalisation of sports betting in India

    Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri has said that he is all for legalising sports betting in India and it is time that the country catches up to an excellent way of generating revenue, which will only help the authorities to keep a control on it in official ways.

    Sports betting is illegal in India as of now. As per reports, in 2018, the Law Commission of India had recommended the legalisation of regulated betting and gambling activities in sports. It has also been said that the efforts of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are “ineffective and insufficient to tackle the menace of illegal and underground betting”.

    Titled as ‘Legal Framework: Gambling and Sports Betting Including in Cricket in India’, the report stated: “Incapability to enforce a complete ban has resulted in a rampant increase in illegal gambling, resulting in a boom in black-money generation and circulation. Since it is not possible to prevent these activities completely, effectively regulating them remains the only viable option.”

    The Law Commission also recommended classifying gambling into two categories, namely ‘proper gambling’ and ‘small gambling’.

    While in conversation with an Indian media outlet Indian Express, Ravi Shastri was asked whether he will be in favor of or against if sports betting was legalised in India. The former Indian team head coach said that he would be in favour of legalising betting on sports.

    He said that other countries were benefitting from it tax-wise and it would generate tremendous income for the government. He also asserted that the more the authorities tried to curb it or stop it, the more betting will rise through alternate channels, hence it was better to earn from it by legalising it in a proper way.

    “I think it will generate tremendous revenue for the government. Tax-wise, it’s the way of the world at the moment. The more you try to shut it down, the more it will be in your face through alternate channels. I think it’s extremely important that it should be legalised in a proper way and it’s a good platform for things to be done officially and properly,” Shastri stated.

    Meanwhile, he called the BCCI the most efficient cricket board in the world in the last 40 years and lauded the politicians for running the Indian cricket board and doing an excellent job in administering cricket in India.

  • ‘Enjoyed playing in Australia’: Shadab Khan is excited to be part of Sydney Sixers in BBL

    ‘Enjoyed playing in Australia’: Shadab Khan is excited to be part of Sydney Sixers in BBL

    Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan is excited to be a part of defending Big Bash League (BBL) champions Sydney Sixers. He said that he is hopeful to contribute to his team’s success.

    Taking to Twitter, Shadab wrote: “I have always enjoyed playing in Australia and the @BBL , these are different and tough conditions so you get to learn a lot. Really excited to be part of the @SixersBBL. Hopefully I can contribute to my team’s success.”

    Shadab will be playing the remainder of the season in a timely addition for the injury-hit Sixers, who have lost off-spinner Ben Manenti to a season-ending neck injury while Australia’s Steve O’Keefe is currently on the sidelines with a calf strain.

    He has returned to the BBL after a brief three-match stint with Brisbane Heat in the 2017-18 season.

    The 23-year-old cricketer impressed everyone with his performance at the recent T20 World Cup with nine wickets from six games, including 4 for 26 against the winners Australia in the semi-finals. Shadab, however, was wicket-less in his past two T20Is against West Indies earlier this month.

    As the lower-order batter, Shadab averages 18.33 with a strike rate of 136.81 from 64 T20Is and has also scored three half-centuries in his six-Test career.

    Shadab is the fifth Pakistani to sign in this season’s BBL and joins Melbourne Stars’ trio Haris Rauf, Syed Faridoun and Ahmad Daniyal, and Sydney Thunder’s Mohammad Hasnain.

  • Abid Ali undergoes second heart procedure, updates PCB

    Abid Ali undergoes second heart procedure, updates PCB

    Pakistan Test opener Abid Ali has been advised to rest for two months after angioplasty, confirmed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    Abid suffered from Acute Coronary Syndrome. While batting during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match, the cricketer complained of chest pain after which he was taken to the hospital. There he had angioplasty and stents were inserted. The stent was inserted for the second time on Thursday.

    As per details, the doctors have advised him to rest for two months after which he would be re-examined.

    The PCB stated that its medical team is consulting cardiologists abroad. While the board also requested the people to give the player and his family some privacy.

    Taking to Twitter, PCB wrote: “Abid Ali on Thursday commenced his rehabilitation.”

    “As part of his rehabilitation process, he did light walking in the morning without showing any discomfort. He will continue his rehab in the hospital until he is discharged early next week.”

  • ‘Wo bhi Afridi hai’: Shaheen ignores Shahid Afridi’s advice on assuming Qalandars’ captaincy

    ‘Wo bhi Afridi hai’: Shaheen ignores Shahid Afridi’s advice on assuming Qalandars’ captaincy

    Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has said that he asked pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi to not assume the role of a captain for a few years, but the fast-bowler did not pay heed to the cricket great’s advice.

    Shahid Afridi, speaking during a programme on Samaa TV, said: “I had advised Shaheen to wait for a year or two before accepting captaincy so that he can focus more on his bowling. But since he is also an Afridi, he didn’t listen to me.”

    “Having said that, I’m happy that he has decided to accept this responsibility and I hope that he proves me wrong,” the former skipper said.

    The star fast bowler was named captain of the Lahore Qalandars earlier this week for the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    Shaheen, during the same show, said he would attempt to do well for his team and also noted that he had experienced players on his side, who would help him during his role as the captain.

    “I will try to do well for my side and maintain a good environment. I have players like [Mohammad Hafeez], Fakhar [Zaman], and Rashid [khan], who have the experience of captaincy, in the team which will help me in the leadership department,” the pacer said.

    The PSL’s latest edition will be played in Karachi from January 27 to February 7 and in Lahore from February 10-27.

    The first match will be staged under the lights of the National Stadium Karachi, where Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans will go head-to-head.

  • India beats Pakistan to win bronze in Asian Champions Trophy

    India beats Pakistan to win bronze in Asian Champions Trophy

    Indian men’s hockey team won the bronze medal at Asian Champions Trophy after beating Pakistan 4-3 in third-place play-off match.

    Earlier, India suffered defeat at the hands of Japan with a 3-5 scoreline in the semifinals the previous day after having topped the round-robin stages with an unbeaten record.

    In the other semifinal, South Korea beat Pakistan 6-5.

    India will be going home with the bronze medal.

    It was India’s second win over Pakistan in the tournament after having beaten the same opponents 3-1 in the round-robin stages.

    “It is disappointing for us because we scored more field goals,” said Pakistan captain Umar Bhutta after the semi-final match, referring to his side’s four field goals while the South Koreans only got one from open play.

    “We played a good match but the two goals we conceded from penalty corners hurt us,” he said.

  • ‘Not good for Pak cricket’: Ramiz Raja after Yasir Shah’s involvement in rape of minor girl

    ‘Not good for Pak cricket’: Ramiz Raja after Yasir Shah’s involvement in rape of minor girl

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja on Wednesday addressed the recent controversy surrounding spinner Yasir Shah and said that it is not good for cricket in the country.

    Shah was booked in a case registered at Islamabad’s Shalimar Police Station for allegedly aiding in the rape and harassment of a 14-year-old girl. In the first information report (FIR) that has been registered, the girl stated that Yasir Shah’s friend Farhan had allegedly raped her at gunpoint and then filmed the act.

    “Yasir Shah is a circuit player and it is a no-brainer on whom players need to hang out with and socialise with, while we train and educate these players, they are in ambassadorial positions and should know with whom and where to socialise,” said Raja while addressing the media on Wednesday.

    “I don’t know what is the truth in this case but it is a fact that such headlines are not good for Pakistan cricket and especially at a time when there is a feel-good factor going through Pakistan cricket now,” he added.

    The girl had further stated that Yasir Shah had warned her of severe consequences if she went to the authorities to tell about the incident.

    “Yasir Shah said that he was a very influential person and that he knew a high-ranking official. Yasir Shah and Farhan make videos and rape underage girls,” she has stated in the FIR.

    Responding to the entire incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had said: “The PCB is presently gathering information at its end and will only offer a comment when in possession of complete facts.”

    Yasir Shah has played 46 Tests for Pakistan, managing to take 235 wickets with his best figures being 8-41.

  • Rizwan chasing number one Babar, succeeds to register name at third position in T20Is

    Rizwan chasing number one Babar, succeeds to register name at third position in T20Is

    Pakistan cricket team skipper Babar Azam is back on number one position in the T20 Internationals but wicket-keeper-batter and Pakistan’s star opener Mohammad Rizwan has secured third position in the ICC T20I Batting Rankings for the first time in his career.

    Babar is on top with 805 points and England’s David Malan is sharing the spot with him with the same points. While Rizwan is chasing the skipper on the points table with 798 rating.

    Azam reclaimed the top spot in the list for batters after just one week of losing it.

    With scores of 0 and 7 in the first two T20Is against the West Indies, Babar dropped two spots to number 3 in last week’s rankings update. He came roaring back and is now tied at the top of the rankings with Dawid Malan after a brilliant 79 in the final T20I that helped Pakistan complete a clean sweep over West Indies.

    However Rizwan, who has had a tremendous 2021, capped the year by climbing to number 3 in T20I batters’ rankings with career-best ratings of 798. Rizwan was the Player of the Match in the final T20I against West Indies, helping Pakistan chase 208 in less than 19 overs with a brilliant 45-ball 87.

    Australian middle-order batter Marnus Labuschagne topped the table of the ICC Test Player Rankings for batters for the very first time after sensational performances in the two matches of the Ashes so far.

    Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi retained his third spot in the Test rankings.