Former Pakistan women’s cricket team captain Sana Mir has announced that she has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a tweet, Mir shared that she only has mild symptoms for now and has isolated herself.
Thank you for all your wishes and prayers for my birthday and recovery. I have tested positive and only have mild symptoms for now. Informed the people who were in close contact, all are negative till now Alhamdulillah. Keep wearing the mask, the act may protect you and others.
Meanwhile, ESPN Cricinfo has reported that Mir was part of the commentary panel for the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and after testing positive for coronavirus she was removed from the panel and is currently isolating at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi.
Her fellow commentators, including Bazid Khan, Tariq Saeed, Ali Younis, Sikandar Bakhat and presenter Sawera Pasha also underwent coronavirus tests. A decision to isolate them will be made after their results will come.
As per the report, Sana started showing symptoms on the day three of the final of Quaid-e-Azam trophy which started on Friday.
Sana, who announced retirement from international cricket in April 2020, is also celebrating her birthday today. The cricketer has played 226 international matches for Pakistan, including 137 as captain from 2009 to 2017.
Juventus star forward Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved an impressive milestone outside the football field, becoming the first person in the world to hit the 250 (251 now) million mark on Instagram.
With 19.7 million likes, Ronaldo also managed to hold the record of the most-liked post of 2020. The Portuguese star’s post mourning the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona got the most number of likes on Instagram last year.
Ronaldo himself follows only 458 people on Instagram.
The five-time Ballon d’Or enjoys a great fan-following across the globe and is one of the most prominent sportspersons in the world.
The second most followed sportsperson on Instagram is Ronaldo’s arch-nemesis, Lionel Messi, with 175 million followers. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Neymar has 144 million followers.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Ronaldo wrote: “What an incredible number! Thank you all, you’re part of this journey.”
According to Forbes, Ronaldo earns nearly USD 1 million per sponsored post on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande is the second most-followed individual and most-followed woman on Instagram, with over 214 million followers. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is the third most followed person with over 210 million followers.
Five members of the touring Indian team in Australia could be part of an investigation after being involved in a potential bio-bubble breach reportedly while interacting with a fan at a Melbourne restaurant on January 1.
Cricket Australia issued a statement saying that “they were alerted to a video post” of five players – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep Saini eating at an indoor venue, and that they are investigating the incident along with BCCI to determine a potential breach. In the meantime, as a precautionary measure, the players have been placed under isolation.
On Friday, tweets by a fan went viral on social media, where he posted a video of the players enjoying a meal in Melbourne. Subsequent tweets by the individual mentioned that he had paid the bill on behalf of the players, following which Sharma interacted with him and Pant “hugged” him, and the team members posed for a photograph.
While the fan earned plenty of support for his gesture on Twitter, and the story earned considerable traction on Indian media, there were concerns surrounding the safety of the players at a time when the teams have been placed in strict bio-secure bubbles due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
When they got know that i have paid the bill.. Rohit sharma said bhaji pese lelo yaar acha nai lagta.. i said no sir its on me. Pant hugged me and said photo tabhi hogi jab pese loge wapis. I said no bro not happening. Finally sabane photo khichwai 🙂 mja aa gya yaar #blessed
Soon after reports of the possible breach came to light, the fan seemingly issued a clarification on social media, stating that Pant had not hugged him as tweeted earlier “as it was all said in excitement”, and insisted that there was “social distance maintained all through”.
Clarification – Pant never hugged me it was all said in excitement we maintained social distance all thru:) Apologies for miscommunication @BCCI@CricketAus@dailytelegraph
Concerns around player safety are serious particularly in Sydney, the venue of the third Test of the ongoing series. With the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in Sydney, there were reports that Melbourne, the venue of the second Test, could host the third Test as well. However, after negotiations between Cricket Australia and authorities in Queensland and New South Wales, Sydney Cricket Ground was retained as the venue for the third game of the series, currently tied 1-1.
Meanwhile, according to Indian media, the Indian team management believes that the five players were indeed sitting outdoors as is allowed by protocols. They moved indoors only after there was a drizzle. The board is clear that the players did not do any activity that breaches the bio-secure bubble protocols.
The Pakistan Cricket team, who will play its second and final game of the two-match Test series against New Zealand at Hagley Oval (Christchurch) on Sunday, took some time out from their busy practise schedule to pay a visit to the families of the victims of Christchurch Mosque attack.
In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the cricketers can be seen interacting with the families and spending time with them.
Talking to the families of victims, batting coach Younis Khan said: “We can feel your pain and we are with you in your grief.”
Pakistan Test team spent Saturday afternoon with the families of Christchurch mosque attack victims at the Hagley Oval. pic.twitter.com/VbIGS1hb2L
In March 2019, a mass killer attacked two mosques in Christchurch. 51 people were killed and many were injured during the shooting. The killer was later sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings has appointed Herschelle Gibbs as the new head coach for the 2021 edition.
The former South Africa opening batsman Gibbs has replaced Dean Jones who passed away earlier this year due to cardiac arrest.
He changed the way the game was played with his aggression & passion and taking it into his coaching as well. A great believer in the strength of teamwork & discipline, the #karachikings are proud to announce our new Head Coach @hershybru . Welcome to the family, Gibbsy!#PSLpic.twitter.com/K4JiGDs7nN
46-year-old Gibbs has represented South Africa in 90 Tests, 248 ODIs and 23 T20Is where he collectively managed to score 14,661 runs, which included 35 centuries and 66 half-centuries.
Meanwhile, Kings emerged the winners of the fifth edition of the PSL after beating arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the final.
The player draft for the sixth edition of the PSL is expected to take place in Lahore on January 9 and the tournament is set to begin from February 20. It is likely to be played in Karachi and Lahore only due to coronavirus pandemic. It has also been reported that spectators will not be allowed in the stadiums due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the winners of its awards for the year 2020. From Most Valuable Player of the Year award to Spirit of the Cricket award, PCB revealed the complete winners’ list on social media. The winners have been decided by an independent jury.
PCB also live streamed the award announcement on its official YouTube channel. The event was hosted by Zainab Abbas.
Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year – Rohail Nazir
(Players born on or after August 1, 1999 who are yet to make international debut for Pakistan. Period under consideration September 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020)
According to a press release, the PCB Awards 2020 are recognition and appreciation of the players and match officials for their achievements, as well as their contributions and sacrifices, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“All cricket in Pakistan was planned, executed and played under strict COVID-19 protocols. This meant Pakistan’s leading cricketers, player support personnel and match officials spent a large chunk of the year under tight restrictions, away from their families and friends,” added the statement.
Winners will be presented specially designed trophies during the home series against South Africa, scheduled to take place later this month.
Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi congratulated the winners and advised them “to build on this so that the country and the fans are proud of you in 2021 and beyond”.
Congrats to the #PCBAwards2020 winners. Well done also to all those who were nominated, which itself is an achievement of their performances. Try to build on this so that the country and the fans are proud of you in 2021 and beyond https://t.co/gCe8Nqzota
2020 has been a very strange year for sporting events around the globe due to the coronavirus pandemic. Stadiums, courts and all other sporting activities were suspended as people practised social distancing and stayed away from each other. The Olympics, scheduled to be held in Japan were also cancelled along with a plethora of other events and those which did take place happened behind closed doors in biosecure bubbles. Nonetheless, some major sporting events and incidents took place in Pakistan and here is a round-up of those.
2020 Kabbadi World Cup – February 2020
The 2020 Kabaddi World Cup was the seventh edition of the Kabaddi World Cup (Circle style), held from February 9 to February 16, 2020, with the Opening Ceremony on February 9, 2020, at the Punjab Stadium, Lahore.
This was the first time the Kabaddi World Cup was held in Pakistan. All of the previous six circle-style kabaddi world cups have been hosted by India with the most recent event taking place in 2016. The tournament was eight-day long with matches in Lahore, Faisalabad, Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib.
Other than India, teams from Iran, Canada, Australia, United States, Sierra Leone and Kenya also participated in the event.
Pakistan emerged victorious from a close contest against India in the final of the Kabaddi World Cup in Lahore’s Punjab Stadium. The hosts won 43-41 to become Kabaddi world champions for the first time.
2020 Pakistan Super League – February 2020
The fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League started on February 20, 2020. This was the first time the league was held entirely in Pakistan. A total 34 matches were played in four venues: Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Multan.
Days before the season was to conclude, the league was postponed over coronavirus fears.
The playoffs and the final later took place in Karachi in November 2020 with Karachi Kings taking home the trophy for the first time. It was also the first time Lahore Qalandars made it to the final.
Sami Aslam quits Pakistan cricket – December 2020
On December 3, Pakistani test cricketer Sami Aslam announced that he is quitting Pakistan cricket and joining hands with USA Cricket. According to reports, Aslam struck a deal with USA Cricket that will see him spend two years and 10 months playing league cricket in the States and eventually represent the US.
The Lahore-born cricketer was disgruntled after not being selected in the 35-member squad for the New Zealand tour despite his string of solid domestic performances in the previous campaigns.
Mohammad Amir announces retirement – December 2020
Perhaps the most shocking news from the year. Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket on December 17 while he was in Sri Lanka, playing the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
Speaking to journalist Shoaib Jatt, Amir said that he cannot continue playing for the country under the current management. Amir said that he will continue to play franchise cricket but has made up his mind not to carry on playing for Pakistan, adding that he has been “mentally tortured”.
Amir had retired from Test cricket last year citing workload issues.
Aaron Summers to play Pakistan domestic cricket
Fast bowler Aaron Summers is set to make history by becoming the first Australian to take part in domestic cricket in Pakistan. The 24-year old will play for Southern Punjab in the 2021 One-Day Cup, which is scheduled to begin on January 8 and will run until the end of the month.
The deal is understood to be in its final stages, with official confirmation from the PCB imminent. While Australia’s borders are currently closed to both departures and arrivals due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Summers has received a travel exemption from the Australian government, clearing the path for him to come to Pakistan.
Summers reached Pakistan on December 28 and is currently in Lahore and has joined the Southern Punjab squad.
Pakistan former captain Azhar Ali has likened Karachi batsman Fawad Alam to Turkish legend Ertuğrul.
Sharing a collage of Fawad’s century celebration and Ertuğrul Ghazi ready for battle in a still from the popular Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Azhar said the batsman has a “heart of a lion.”
“What a knock from Fawad Alam!,” said the former skipper. “A lot of courage and character and determination.”
Eleven years, five months and 16 days from the day he scored his first Test hundred, Fawad pulled Wagner behind square – that shot had served him well both in defence and attack – past a diving deep fielder to bring up a second Test hundred.
The last one he scored was way back in 2009 when he hit 168 on Test debut against Sri Lanka while opening the innings. Since then Alam has played just six Tests having made a comeback in 2020.
Babar Azam’s injury gave him another go and yet he proved to be an ace for the team.
In a post-match video, Fawad credited Ali for the celebration.
“During a four-day game, Azhar Ali and I had a discussion. He told me if I get a century, this is how I should celebrate it,” said Fawad. “Maybe God granted his wish. And I remembered what he had told me. So, this celebration was for him.”
Former Pakistan right-hand fast bowler Muhammad Asif has levelled serious allegations against Senator Faisal Javed Khan and accused him of meddling in the affairs of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In a recent interview with former Test Cricketers Shahid Nazeer and Shahnawaz Khan, Asif blasted the board for not doing enough for the promotion of cricket.
Asif also claimed that under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the Pakistan cricket team is selected by Senator Faisal Javed Khan, adding that Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younus Khan were pathetic coaches.
“This team is not picked by Waqar, Younus or Misbah, it is selected by Faisal Javed Khan,” said the former pacer, adding: “As players, Misbah, Waqar and Younus were good but they are pathetic as coaches.”
“They do not have any dignity or ego, they only know to say ‘Yes Sir’. Team will fail under their coaching,” said Asif further.
Asif was banned for five years for his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal that left the cricketing world in shock. He hasn’t played for Pakistan since then. While he made his domestic comeback, he wasn’t given a second chance like left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir.
Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to The Current, Senator Faisal Javed rubbished the claims and said that he has no idea why Asif is levelling such allegations.
“These allegations are absolutely baseless,” said Senator Faisal. “I have no interaction with Misbah or any other official of the board. Whatever decision they take is their own and they are responsible for it. Our government has empowered the board completely and do not meddle in their business.”
“Misbah is the most empowered PCB official and he is the one responsible for the selection and everything that follows,” added Senator Faisal.
Talking further, Senator Faisal said that he offers his suggestions and advice to the board on social media and radio just like any other cricket aficionado.
“I have been doing cricket commentary for 15 years now and often give my suggestions on social media or in talk shows,” said the senior leader. “Aur mazay ki baat yeh hai that the board always does the opposite of what I suggest. So I don’t know why Asif made such a shocking comment.”
When asked about his thoughts on Pakistan’s performance in New Zealand, Senator Faisal said that “major improvements are needed”.
“The team was not prepared and the team combinations were bad,” said the Senator. “I don’t understand why they did not take Shoaib Malik. He’s is in excellent form for T20.”
“I understand they wanted to give younger players a chance, but it is always better to have a mix of both.”
Senator Faisal also lauded Fawad Alam for his performance, saying that he should have been brought on the field earlier.
Well played @iamfawadalam25 Brilliant Knock!!!! Not only justifying his inclusion but also raising questions why he has been out of the test team for so long despite superb performance in domestic cricket. A great come back and hope he remains consistent. Keep Rocking!!!
Fawad Alam’s heroic ton went in vain as the home team won the first Test by 101 runs in Tauranga’s Mount Maunganui stadium on Wednesday.
Eleven years, five months and 16 days on from that other lifetime when he scored his first Test hundred, Fawad pulled Wagner behind square – that shot had served him well both in defence and attack – past a diving deep fielder to bring up a second Test hundred.
The last one he scored was way back in 2009 when he hit 168 on Test debut against Sri Lanka while opening the innings. Since then Alam has played just six Tests having made a comeback in 2020.
Fawad Alam:
1st Test hundred 👉 13 July, 2009 2nd Test hundred 👉 30 December, 2020
Babar Azam’s injury gave him another go and yet he proved to be an ace for the team.
The Green Caps began the final day’s play at 71-3 in chase of 373-run target with Azhar Ali and Fawad batting at 34 and 21 respectively.
He put on a 165-run partnership with captain Mohammad Rizwan who scored a gritty half-century as well. 380 balls faced by Alam and Rizwan during their partnership – the second-longest stand for Pakistan in Tests.
New Zealand bowlers hand their side a memorable 101-run win despite fighting knocks from Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan.#NZvPAK REPORT 👇
The wicketkeeper-batsman’s dismissal sparked a collapse as he was trapped leg-before by Kyle Jamieson for 60 while Fawad, who hit 14 boundaries in his 102-run knock, was caught behind on the bowling of Neil Wagner.
The tail-end pair of pacemen Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah provided resistance to salvage a draw but it wasn’t to be as the latter was caught and bowled by Santner for one with just four more overs to go.
The moment New Zealand became the No. 1 Test team for the very first time!
Good fight from Pakistan but NZ are too good and too strong at home. Good game.pic.twitter.com/WkiNIsc6NY
Fawad Alam’s hard work, patience and determination has proved that those who ignored him for 11 years were wrong. Fawad has also showed after being grilled in domestic cricket your confidence goes high. Well done @iamfawadalam25#PAKvNZ
Just want to ask those who ignored Fawad Alam for eleven years. Isn’t it a shame? It’s not the hundred, just see the meaning, the purpose behind it. Guts, self belief & commitment reflected. Not replying but still Fawad is asking a question. Why was he ignored?
Just imagine if Fawad Alam was playing between 2009-2019, he would’ve been in the next level by now. Sadly there’s no accountability; someone should’ve questioned the selectors. All I can say is “Aaj Sharam to Aati hogi”
Fawad Alam is a genuine middle-order batsman. They made him open on Test debut in SL and he scored a 100. In next series, they put him at 3 in NZ cos seniors Yousuf & Malik didn't want to move up. Fawad failed and dropped for 10 years. He's playing this Test cos Babar is injured.
when Fawad Alam was dropped from the XI Salman Butt had never been captain of Pakistan, Spain had never won a World Cup, Lebron didn't have ring & Djokovic had won one Slam.
It's so long back that Bin Laden was still alive in Abbottabad probably thinking k Fadi k sath ziadti hui
