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  • Ramiz Raja, Shoaib Akhtar lash out at Pakistan’s performance after another loss to England

    Ramiz Raja, Shoaib Akhtar lash out at Pakistan’s performance after another loss to England

    The Pakistan cricket team lost the second One-Day International (ODI) to a ‘second string’ England team. It has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. Shoaib Akhtar and Ramiz Raja lashed out at the selectors after the loss.

    After a decent bowling performance, Pakistan still lost the second ODI against England by 47 runs. With this loss, Pakistan has also lost the three-match ODI series.

    Former players like Akhtar and Raja have come out in the open to express their disappointment with the team.

    After three players and four management team members from England’s ODI squad contracted coronavirus, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a completely new team to play ODI and T20I series against Pakistan. Nine out of the 18 team members are uncapped players, which means that they have never played an international game before. Thus, it was being speculated that Pakistan might have a good chance to win the series with newer players in the England team.

    The English youngsters have turned that speculation around by winning the first two ODIs with ease. Now a single ODI and a three-match T20I series remain for Pakistan to salvage something from the tour.

    “So on a Richter scale, this defeat would be 15,” wrote the former captain while sharing his thoughts on Twitter.

    England scored 247 runs in the first innings in the second ODI but the batsmen could not stand the bowling from English pacers. Raja said he was shocked to see Pakistan go on the way they did.

    “If you map this series defeat on the Richter scale, the value of shock will clock fifteen. It’s a massive blow and I don’t understand how one can defend it. It’s England’s No.2 team, in terms of talent,” Raja said in his latest YouTube video.

    “We are talking about a glorified county team that has beaten Pakistan. People underestimated them and hoped for an ODI series whitewash in England. But look how the tables have turned that now Pakistan are under the threat of a whitewash,” he continued.

    On the other hand, Shoaib said that Pakistan’s team is a T20I side and they play accordingly. “No one enjoys criticising anyone. But tell me, which kid will start playing cricket after watching this team? The PCB’s plan is that no one should watch or follow cricket and they don’t have to spend anything,” Akhtar explained. “What was there in the wicket, first tell me that. Pakistan is only a T20 team. They play like T20 and get out like that. They lose five wickets in twenty overs. In T20s also, they score 150-175 and exactly the same in ODIs.”

    While talking to Geo News, the former speedster said that at present, there is not a single player in the Pakistan team whom the spectators came to the stadium by spending money to watch.

    “Cricket is not just about sixes and fours, batsmen should also take singles. Except for Hassan Ali, no bowler knows how to take a wicket, looking at the Pakistan team, it looks like a club-level team is playing a match,” said Akhtar.

    Meanwhile, today Babar Azam-led Pakistan will face the Ben Stokes-captained team England at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham for the third and final ODI of the series.

  • Twitter removes tweets, suspends accounts after fans racially abuse England players post-Euro2020 final

    Twitter removes tweets, suspends accounts after fans racially abuse England players post-Euro2020 final

    Twitter has removed over 1,000 tweets and permanently suspended a number of accounts after they were found engaging in racial abuse of England players after England lost the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

    Italy ended England’s dream to win the Euro 2020 at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Azzurri defeated England 3-2 on penalties after the normal 90-minute action had finished at 1-1 and even extra time was not able to break the deadlock.

    Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka all missed the chance to net goals in the penalty shootouts. The English players were then abused on social media.

    “The abhorrent racist abuse directed at England players last night has absolutely no place on Twitter. In the past 24 hours, through a combination of machine learning-based automation and human review, we have swiftly removed over 1,000 tweets and permanently suspended a number of accounts for violating our rules — the vast majority of which we detected ourselves proactively using technology. We will continue to take action when we identify any Tweets or accounts that violate our policies,” reported Newsweek.

    “We have proactively engaged and continue to collaborate with our partners across the football community to identify ways to tackle this issue collectively and will continue to play our part in curbing this unacceptable behaviour — both online and offline,” said the statement.

    British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also condemned the “appalling” racial abuse of players on social media following the Three Lions’ loss in the Euro Cup final against Italy.

    The British Prime Minister said England players “deserve” to be lauded for their heroics and shouldn’t be “racially abused” on social media.

    “This England team deserves to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media. Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves,” Boris Johnson tweeted.

    Prince William said he was “sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match”.

    England’s Football Association in the early hours of Monday morning also condemned racist abuse of players. “The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media,” an official statement read.

    “We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible,” it added.

    https://twitter.com/kylejglen/status/1414294866704617486?s=21

    Meanwhile, riot police broke through crowds outside the stadium when fans left the game, with some throwing bottles and chanting anti-Italian slogans after England lost on penalties.

  • Domestic violence surges in England after a football match ends: Study

    The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) UK, which provides a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic abuse, reported that incidents of domestic violence in England increase during major sporting events.

    “Not everyone is looking froward to the match tonight, Instances of domestic abuse increase 26% when England play and 38% if they lose,” the tweet said.

    A study in 2014 by academics at Lancaster University looked at the number of reports of abuse to a police force in the north-west of England during three football World Cups. They found that such reports increased by 26 per cent when the national team won or drew, and by 38 per cent when the team lost (other studies suggest abuse is worse when England wins). A new study, published on July 4, goes much further. Ria Ivandic, Tom Kirchmaier and Neus Torres-Blas of the Centre for Economic Performance (CEP) have analysed 523,546 domestic-abuse incidents reported to the Greater Manchester Police between 2012 and 2019, alongside detailed information on 780 games played by Manchester City and Manchester United in that period. They have been able to disentangle why intimate partner violence increases after games and to create a timeline of when women are most at risk.

    Research from the London School of Economics’ Centre for Economic Performance indicated a match increased the risk of family violence.

    The study suggested that although domestic abuse declined during the two-hour period when a game is played, it started to increase afterwards and peaked between 10 and 12 hours later.

    Meanwhile, a study released in Australia also found out the link between the major sporting events and domestic violence. The study revealed that domestic violence increased 40.7 per cent in New South Wales on State of Origin game days.

    On July 11, England and and Italy faced each other in Euro Cup Final 2020, which was considered as one of the biggest games in the world of sports. Italy defeated England to become champions of Europe again, for the first time since 1968, breaking English hearts in the process at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

  • Italy crowned European champions once again after defeating England

    Italy crowned European champions once again after defeating England

    Italy is champions of Europe again, for the first time since 1968, breaking English hearts in the process at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

    The 120 minutes had been nerve-shredding with England enjoying early elation when Luke Shaw scored his first-ever international goal, a magnificent half-volley with the game’s first move. And then came what felt like the slow and inexorable trudge towards defeat.

    Gareth Southgate’s team had been comfortable in the first half but the final slid away from them thereafter; Italy turning up the temperature, pinning England back.

    Italy got the equaliser that they deserved through Leonardo Bonucci and, during extra time, the specter of penalties hung heavy. When they came, England lost their nerve – missing three of their kicks.

    It was a night when sporting immortality had beckoned for England, a first trophy since the World Cup of 1966. In the end, it would be a depressingly familiar hard-luck story.

    For Italy, it was a second European Championship and glory for Roberto Mancini, whose work since taking over as the manager from Gian Piero Ventura after the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup has been a little short of sensational.

    Italy had the know-how; they have almost forgotten what defeat is. They are unbeaten in 34 matches, a run that spans nearly three years.

  • Djokovic levels Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal with 20th Grand Slam title

    Djokovic levels Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal with 20th Grand Slam title

    Novak Djokovic has beaten Matteo Berrettini in the Wimbledon final to win a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title.

    Djokovic bounced back from a first-set wobble to win 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.

    It was Djokovic’s sixth Wimbledon title and 20th at a major tournament, putting him tied for first on the all-time list with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

    The top-ranked Serb broke for a 4-3 lead in the fourth set when Berrettini double-faulted and earned another break in the final game.

    Djokovic had led 5-2 in the first set. Berrettini was playing in his first Grand Slam final.

    In the post-match ceremony, when asked about his 20th Grand Slam, he said: “I will not stop winning the Grand Slams and I hope they (Federer and Nadal) won’t stop either.

    “They are legends of our sport,” he said. “They are the two most important players that I ever faced in my career. They are the reason I am where I am today. They have helped me realise what I need to do to get stronger, physically, mentally and tactically.”

  • Tom Cruise, Priyanka Chopra and Royals spotted at the star-studded Wimbledon finals

    Tom Cruise, Priyanka Chopra and Royals spotted at the star-studded Wimbledon finals

    The women’s final of Wimbledon for the singles title saw a plethora of famous celebrities and socialites including the members of the royal family as witnesses of a historic win on Saturday. World’s No. 1 Ash Barty became the first Australian woman to win the Wimbledon singles title in 41 years by defeating Czech’s Karolina Pliskova.

    Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, Tom Cruise and Priyanka Chopra graced the biggest sporting event of tennis.

    The actress, who was dressed stylishly for the event, wore a white Fendi flowery dress with wide sleeves and a high bun.

    Pictures of Priyanka Chopra enjoying the game with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton and Prince William, sitting in the front seats have gone viral on social media.

    Hollywood star Tom Cruise was also spotted in the audience accompanied by Hayley Atwell.

    Famous footballer and heat-throb David Beckham was seen in a good mood as he was amongst the celebrities that flocked to the Centre Court.

    Wimbledon tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King were seen conversing with Kate Middleton throughout the match, along with a slew of other celebrities.

    Meanwhile, Kate and Tom also appeared at the Men’s Final on Sunday, played between Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini.

  • Umar Akmal gets fans arrested over request for autograph

    Umar Akmal gets fans arrested over request for autograph

    Four fans showed up at Umar Akmal’s residence for autographs late Thursday, only to get arrested later.

    As per reports, the middle-order batsman got into an argument with them, which turned into a brawl outside his house in Lahore’s Defence area, according to the police.

    Police arrived on the spot to arrest the four men on Akmal’s complaint.

    The arrested fans were drunk and alcohol bottles were found in their car, according to SP Cantt.

    Akmal’s fans, one of whom happens to be a British national, have filed a case against the cricketer as well.

    Akmal has represented Pakistan in 16 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 84 T20Is, wherein he managed to score 5,887 runs. These include three centuries and 34 fifties.

  • Ramiz Raja, Michael Vaughan hit out at Pakistan’s ‘pathetic’ performance after England loss

    Ramiz Raja, Michael Vaughan hit out at Pakistan’s ‘pathetic’ performance after England loss

    Former cricketers and commentators Ramiz Raja and Michael Vaughan hit out at the “pathetic” performance of Pakistan cricket team after losing to England by nine wickets in the first One-Day International (ODI) match on Thursday.

    Taking to Twitter, Raja wrote: “#PakvsEng a bit of a disaster this  getting a pasting from an England second XI, losing with 169 balls to spare. Pretty rubbish we were today!”

    In a tweet, Vaughan said, “Love watching Pakistan play Cricket. A team that can beat any team in the world on any given day but also lose to any team on any given day.”

    In another tweet, former England captain wrote: “For England, to rock up only yesterday as a team and perform like they did tells us so much about the culture of the white ball team, very, very impressive. For Pakistan they were PATHETIC. It’s the only way to describe a performance like that.”

    England’s makeshift ODI team put the Covid-19 issues that hit the previous squad behind them to bowl out Pakistan for 141 runs before cruising to a clinical nine-wicket win in the three-match series opener.

    Read More – Nine uncapped players included in England’s revised squad for Pakistan ODIs

    Stand-in skipper Ben Stokes led an entirely fresh England XI, including five debutants, after a Covid-19 outbreak in the squad. All 16 players initially selected for Pakistan series had to self-isolate.

    Chasing 142 for a 1-0 lead in the series, England cruised home in 21.5 overs.

    Meanwhile, Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez tweeted: “Can any one please share the right streaming link to watch live #ENGvPAK ODI match? Regards.”

  • Umar Akmal apologises for not reporting corrupt approaches

    Umar Akmal apologises for not reporting corrupt approaches

    Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal has apologised for not reporting corrupt approaches last year, which led to him being banned for 12 months.

    Akmal, 30, was suspended last year by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not reporting spot-fixing approaches made to him before the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020.

    “Seventeen months ago, I made a mistake which caused damage to my cricket and career,” Akmal said in a video released by PCB on Wednesday as part of his reintegration and rehabilitation process.

    “I learnt a lot during this time and due to that mistake, Pakistan cricket’s reputation suffered badly. I ask for forgiveness from the PCB and from cricket fans around the world.”

    Akmal admitted that the ban has been a “very difficult period for him”.

    “Some people approached me but I was unable to report the same to the anti-corruption unit, due to which I had to face a 12-month ban. I couldn’t play cricket despite being a cricketer.

    “I learned a lot during this time and today I confess before all of you that that mistake brought disrepute to Pakistan cricket.”

  • Shahid Afridi, Babar Azam saddened by the demise of Dilip Kumar

    Shahid Afridi, Babar Azam saddened by the demise of Dilip Kumar

    Pakistani veteran cricketer Shahid Afridi and the current captain of Pakistan’s cricket team Babar Azam are saddened by the demise of the legendary Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar.

    “Indeed to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return. A huge loss for Yousuf Khan sahib’s fans from KPK to Mumbai and across the globe. He lives on in our hearts. Deepest condolences to Saira Banu Sahiba”, wrote Afridi while sharing his thoughts on social media.

    Azam also took to social media and wrote: “A legend who will be remembered forever and will always be an inspirational figure in the world. From Qissa Khawani Bazar Peshawar, Pakistan to Mumbai, India – your fragrance has surrounded everyone. You will be missed, sir. A huge loss indeed.”

    Social media is flooded with tributes from every corner of the subcontinent for the legendary actor’s demise.

    Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez also paid tributes to “the quintessential tragedy king.”