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  • Rizwan asks tough questions from PCB after refusing to sign central contract

    Rizwan asks tough questions from PCB after refusing to sign central contract

    Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has not signed a central contract and has raised serious concerns with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    According to reports, the PCB had offered central contracts to 30 national players. Rizwan, along with ten others, was placed in the B category, while no player was included in the A category this time.

    Reports said Rizwan expressed concern over his downgrade from the A to B category and raised several questions before the board.

    Rizwan asked the PCB why he was demoted in the first place, on what criteria the central contracts were designed, and whether his demotion was based on performance. 

    He also questioned the transparency of the entire process, seeking clarity on how the categories were determined.

    The wicketkeeper-batter has not yet signed the central contract, while all other players have already done so.

    Reports further said the PCB has not yet responded to Rizwan’s queries, and there is no confirmation about when the issue will be resolved.

  • South Africa defeat Pakistan by 55 runs in first T20

    South Africa defeat Pakistan by 55 runs in first T20

    South Africa on Tuesday night defeated Pakistan by 55 runs in the first T20 of the three-match series.

    Batting first at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, South Africa scored 194-9 in 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks led the innings with 60 runs while George Linde added 36 and Tony de Zorzi scored 33. Quinton de Kock, returning from retirement, scored 23 runs.

    Captain Donovan Ferreira scored 10, Dewald Brevis 9, Corbin Bosch 7, Lizaad Williams 3 and Matthew Breetzke 1.

    For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz took three wickets, Saim Ayub picked up two while Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah claimed one wicket each.

    During the second innings, Pakistan were bowled out for 139 in 18.1 overs. Saim Ayub top-scored with 37 runs followed by Mohammad Nawaz with 36 and Sahibzada Farhan with 24. Usman Khan scored 12, Naseem Shah 9, Shaheen Shah Afridi 4, Hasan Nawaz 3, captain Agha Salman 2 and Faheem Ashraf 1.

    Babar Azam, making his comeback, was dismissed for none.

    Corbin Bosch led South Africa’s bowling attack with four wickets while George Linde claimed three. Lizaad Williams grabbed two wickets and Lungi Ngidi clinched one to complete a dominant win for the visitors.

    The remaining two T20Is will be played in Lahore on October 31 and November 1.

     
  • Multan Sultans submit detailed reforms proposal for PSL amid Tareen-PCB tussle

    Multan Sultans submit detailed reforms proposal for PSL amid Tareen-PCB tussle

    Multan Sultans have officially proposed in detail a set of reforms to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging structural changes to make the Pakistan Super League (PSL) more professional, inclusive and globally competitive.

    In a letter addressed to the PCB chairman, the franchise said it was the right time to strengthen the league’s foundation, restore trust and build a professional system that allows the PSL to reach its full potential.

    The proposed reforms include representation of franchises on PSL committees and working groups so policies reflect the league’s collective experience across scheduling, recruitment, ticketing, marketing and match-day operations, the establishment of a structured way for franchises to add value to each part of the PSL’s planning and implementation, and structured hiring for key PSL roles that would include vetting of candidates and input prior to selection for merit-based recruitment and professional standards.

    Among other proposed reforms are a professional management structure with defined departments for operations, marketing, fan engagement, player affairs and finance, led by a qualified executive team, regular reporting to franchises with monthly meetings on fixed dates with agendas circulated in advance, minutes recorded and shared, and action points tracked across finances, operations, marketing, ticketing, player affairs and fan engagement.

    This, Sultans said, would increase accountability and collaboration as the proposal emphasises partnership over control and aligns all stakeholders around the shared goal of building a globally respected league for Pakistan and its fans.

    It may be noted that the proposal comes days after a heated controversy between Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen and the PCB. A viral video statement showed Tareen publicly tearing up a legal notice sent by the board, accusing him of damaging the PSL’s reputation through interviews and social media remarks.

    Tareen hit back saying he would not stay silent in the face of threats and only wanted transparency and professionalism in the league’s management. He went on to sarcastically “apologise” for “demanding capable people in PSL management, better training facilities and fair drafting procedures”.

  • Mohammad Rizwan refuses to sign central contract, puts demands before PCB

    Mohammad Rizwan refuses to sign central contract, puts demands before PCB

    Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has refused to sign a central contract and placed several demands before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    According to reports, the board offered central contracts to 30 national players, with Rizwan included in the B category along with nine others. Interestingly, no player was placed in the A category this time.

    While all other cricketers have signed their contracts, Rizwan has held back, making specific demands that the board has reportedly rejected.

    Reports added that the PCB has no plans to accept Rizwan’s conditions at the moment.

  • Indian athlete Rohini Kalam found dead at home

    Indian athlete Rohini Kalam found dead at home

    Indian jujutsu athlete Rohini Kalam, 35, who represented India at Asian Games in 2022, was found dead at her home in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. 

    Rohini’s body was discovered inside her room on Sunday morning. Her younger sister, Roshni, told police that Rohini worked as a martial arts coach at a private school in Ashta.

    “She came to Dewas on Saturday to visit the family. On Sunday morning, she had breakfast as usual, then went to her room while talking on the phone and locked the door. Later, we found her hanging inside the room,” Roshni said. “We rushed her to a nearby hospital where doctors declared her dead.”

    Family members said Rohini had been under stress with her job and repeated rejections of marriage proposals. They also claimed that before her death, she got disturbed during a phone conversation and may have been harassed by the school principal.

    Police said that initial investigations suggest suicide. At the time of the incident, only Rohini and her sister were present at home.

    Rohini Kalam had won a bronze medal for India at the 8th Asian Jujutsu Championship held in Abu Dhabi.

  • ‘I was told to go easy’; Former match referee makes shocking claims about India

    ‘I was told to go easy’; Former match referee makes shocking claims about India

    Former International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad has revealed that he was once instructed to “go easy” on India during a match to save the team from an over-rate penalty.

    Broad, who officiated in 622 international matches across formats, made the shocking revelation in an interview with The Telegraph. 

    He said the incident highlighted India’s growing influence in world cricket.

    Broad did not name the match but said India were four overs behind schedule and facing a fine. “I received a call telling me to show leniency, to find some time, because it’s India,” Broad recalled. “After that call, we managed to bring the over rate within the limit to avoid the penalty.”

    He added that the same thing happened in the very next match. “Sourav Ganguly didn’t listen to anyone that time. When I called again, they said, now take action,” Broad said.

    Broad, who served as an ICC match referee until February 2024, said he wanted to continue but his contract was not renewed. “I would have been happy to keep working, but for 20 years I tried to stay away from political and practical pressure,” he said. “Looking back, 20 years was a long time.”

    According to Broad, India’s influence grew even more after former South African cricketer Vince van der Bijl left his position as ICC umpires manager. “During Vince’s time, we had professional support because he had a cricketing background. But after he left, management became weak,” Broad said. “Now India controls most of the funds and holds a dominant position in the ICC.”

    “I’m glad I’m no longer part of that system,” Broad concluded. “The job has become far more political than ever before.”

  • BJP minister blames Australian women cricketers for getting harassed in India

    BJP minister blames Australian women cricketers for getting harassed in India

    Madhya Pradesh Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kailash Vijayvargiya has blamed Australian women cricketers themselves for the recent harassment incident in Indore.

    Two days ago, two Australian women cricketers were harassed when a man on a motorcycle allegedly touched one of them inappropriately while they were walking from their hotel to a café. Police later arrested a suspect. 

    However, instead of condemning the act, Kailash Vijayvargiya, who is a member of the ruling right-wing BJP, said that the players were at fault for going out without informing the authorities.

    The BJP minister said, “It was their mistake to go out without informing anyone. They will learn a lesson from this incident and will be more careful in the future.”

    He added that the harassment of the Australian players also showed a failure of local security arrangements.

    Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi’s opposition party Congress strongly condemned the minister’s statement, calling it a reflection of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s mindset.

    Congress leader Arun Yadav said, “The minister’s remarks reflect the disgusting and shameful mentality of the BJP. The entire nation is embarrassed by the incident.”

  • Head coach of women’s team faces removal after poor World Cup performance

    Head coach of women’s team faces removal after poor World Cup performance

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to remove women’s team head coach Mohammad Wasim from his position after a string of disappointing results.

    According to reports, PCB has decided not to renew Mohammad Wasim’s contract, which ends soon. He was appointed as the head coach of the Pakistan women’s team in 2024.

    Reports added that the decision was made after the team’s continuous decline under his coaching. Despite having full support from the board, Wasim failed to deliver results. Pakistan’s women’s team could not win a single match in the recent Women’s World Cup, exposing serious issues in performance and strategy.

    Several players complained that Wasim did not provide proper coaching, reports added. Despite being a former batter himself, the team’s batting unit has become one of the weakest under his tenure. His behavior was also described as harsh, leading to poor relations with the batting and bowling coaches as well as several players.

    Reports added that Wasim had also been part of the selection process for the women’s team and had made key appointments in the support staff, but the overall performance remained disappointing. The bowling department continued to decline, and fielding standards also failed to improve, with numerous dropped catches during the World Cup.

    Reports suggest that the PCB may appoint a new head coach next week.

    Pakistan’s women’s team performed poorly in the ongoing Women’s World Cup held in Sri Lanka and India. The team failed to win any of its seven matches, losing four while three ended without a result due to rain.

  • Pakistan to wear pink-themed kit in first T20I against South Africa for breast cancer awareness

    Pakistan to wear pink-themed kit in first T20I against South Africa for breast cancer awareness

    The Pakistan cricket team will wear a special pink-themed kit in the first T20I against South Africa to support breast cancer awareness.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has joined the Pink Ribbon campaign as part of its efforts to promote awareness about breast cancer.

    PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed Syed said that during the first T20I in Rawalpindi, South African players and match officials will wear pink ribbons to show their support for the cause.

    He added that Pakistan will play the opening match in a special pink-themed kit, while the stumps used in the match will also be pink.

    “Raising public awareness about breast cancer through cricket has always been one of PCB’s key initiatives. During the match, commentators will share awareness messages during the live broadcast,” said Sameer Ahmed Syed.

    He also announced that the Pink Ribbon Hospital in Lahore will offer free screening and check-ups on October 28.

    The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa will be played from October 28 to November 1.

  • Mike Hesson reveals reason behind Babar Azam’s inclusion, Fakhar Zaman’s rest from T20I

    Mike Hesson reveals reason behind Babar Azam’s inclusion, Fakhar Zaman’s rest from T20I

    Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has revealed that star batter Babar Azam has been recalled to the national squad due to tactical considerations rather than his current form. 

    Hesson confirmed that the decision aligns with the team’s strategic plan and player availability.

    “ I endorse Babar Azam’s selection, with Fakhar Zaman sent to first-class cricket. We’ve had a conversation with Fakhar, and he wants to come back into the One-Day setup, so we’ve given him a break from T20Is, ” Hesson told reporters.

    Hesson explained that Fakhar Zaman’s temporary move to the first-class format opened the door for another top-order player, creating “a great chance to get Babar back into the squad.” He expects Babar to bat at number three. “He’s likely to bat at three, and I’m confident he’ll do well in that role,” Hesson added.

    While Babar had not featured in a T20 international since Hesson took charge, the coach says the possibility of his return was always on the table. Under the new arrangement, Babar will anchor the innings at number three, while openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub continue at the top.

    Pakistan will next face South Africa in a home white-ball series, starting with the first T20I on October 28, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by matches at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.