Category: Sports

Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, is finding that life after retirement is a new challenge. The 39-year-old Jamaican, who retired in 2017, recently revealed in an interview that he now struggles to climb stairs.

Bolt admitted that he gets out of breath when going up stairs, saying, “Climbing stairs has become a challenge.” The eight-time Olympic gold medalist shared details about his post-retirement life, which now focuses on his family.

He said he spends most of his time with his children. “I usually get up before they go to school and watch them leave. After that, what I do for the rest of the day depends on my mood.”

Bolt said that if he has no specific plans, he just relaxes at home. “I stay home and watch movies and series,” he said. “I also enjoy Lego, so I build Lego sets. I hang out with the kids until they start bothering me.”

When asked about his fitness, Bolt emphasized the importance of exercise and acknowledged his need to get back in shape. “I need to start exercising regularly again,” he said. “I don’t like going to the gym, but I’ve been away from running for a long time, so I think I really need to start running again.”

Bolt announced his retirement in 2017. He holds multiple world records, including for 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay races.

The recent controversy surrounding International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Andy Pycroft’s alleged instructions to the Pakistani captain to forgo a handshake with his Indian counterpart at the Asia Cup toss has brought to the surface the rather contentious history between the Zimbabwean official and Pakistan cricket.

According to reports, Pycroft’s name has long been associated with disciplinary actions against key Pakistani players, particularly concerning suspect bowling actions, igniting questions about a potential pattern of scrutiny.

Pycroft’s most prominent confrontations with Pakistani cricketers date back to 2014, a year that saw two of Pakistan’s frontline bowlers reported under his watch. The first major incident involved star off-spinner Saeed Ajmal. Following the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in August 2014, Pycroft, acting as the match referee, officially reported Ajmal for a suspected illegal bowling action.

This report initiated a formal ICC review, which ultimately led to Ajmal’s suspension from international cricket, a career-altering blow for the spinner who was at the peak of his powers.

Just months later, in November 2014, Pycroft was once again at the center of attention involving another Pakistani all-rounder, Mohammad Hafeez. During the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, Hafeez’s bowling action was also reported by Pycroft. This report triggered another independent assessment, culminating in Hafeez’s suspension from bowling in international matches.

While Hafeez would later remodel his action and return to bowling, the incident marked a significant disruption to his career, and it was Pycroft who initiated the official proceedings.

These past run-ins with Pakistan cricket have resurfaced amid the current handshake controversy, adding more weight to the PCB’s demand for Pycroft’s removal from the Asia Cup.

The PCB has officially threatened to boycott the tournament if their demand is not met. So far, no official confirmation has come regarding a withdrawal, and the team is scheduled to play its final group stage match against the UAE today.

All eyes are now on Pakistan to see if they will continue playing or pull out of the tournament. A boycott would automatically eliminate them from the competition and open the door for the UAE to qualify for the Super Four stage.

Lewis Hamilton, the biggest star of the F1, has announced that he has donated to three organisations helping people in Gaza as the Israeli genocide worsens.

The seven-time Formula One world champion shared a Save the Children UK reel on Instagram before posting his own statement about the genocide in Gaza.

“The situation in Gaza is getting worse by the day,” Hamilton wrote. “In the past two years, more than 10% of the population has been killed or wounded, including tens of thousands of children, and that number only continues to rise.

“The latest incursion on Gaza City has forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, with hospitals across the strip already overwhelmed with those suffering from famine, and casualties of the bombing that never seems to end.

“Today, a UN commission of enquiry described what is happening in Gaza as a genocide. As human beings, we cannot stand by and let this continue to happen.”

Hamilton thanked those who could support the cause and revealed he donated to three charities: Palestine Red Crescent, Doctors Without Borders, and Save the Children UK.

“It’s hard not to feel powerless in the face of so much tragedy, but we can’t stand by and do nothing,” he added. “There are some incredible organisations doing great work to help the people of Palestine, and they need funds to be able to do so.

“I have donated to three organisations that are working tirelessly to help those who need it,” he stated before listing the three groups. “If you feel you have anything to spare, I would be grateful if you could join me.”

The Israeli genocide in Gaza continues to escalate as Zionist forces intensify their attacks. More than 64,000 innocent Palestinians have been killed so far, while children are dying due to devastation.

Ending the possibility of another Pak-India clash, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and India’s Neeraj Chopra have been placed in different groups for the javelin throw qualifying round of the World Athletics Championship.

As per the details, Nadeem has been drawn in Group B, with his throws scheduled to begin at 4:45 pm Pakistan time. His group also includes two Indian throwers, Rohit Yadav and Yashvir Singh, along with World No 3 Anderson Peters, Julius Yego and Luis Mauricio da Silva.

According to the qualification criteria, any thrower who crosses 84.50 meters will qualify directly for the final. Overall, the top 12 throwers across both groups will progress to the final round scheduled for Thursday.

Nadeem arrives at the championship in top form. He made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning gold in the men’s javelin throw with a record-breaking effort of 92.97 meters, giving Pakistan its first-ever Olympic gold in athletics.

Before that, he won a historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, where he set a Games record of 90.18 meters. Most recently, Nadeem secured another gold with a massive throw of 87.17 meters at the Asian Athletics Championship 2025.

Ahead of the Tokyo event, Nadeem has sent a message to his supporters, urging the nation to keep him in their prayers and recalling the overwhelming encouragement during Paris Olympics.

“I have worked hard and will give my best effort to make Pakistan proud once again,” he said.

Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf has stirred controversy by referring to Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav as ‘Suar Kumar [Swine Kumar]’ over his attitude towards the Pakistani side before and after the Asia Cup clash.

The comment was made by Yousuf while appearing on a private media outlet and the host quickly intervened to correct him, but the former batter repeated the same name again.

“They’re always living in a movie… that Suar Kumar and look at India… they should be ashamed the way they’re trying to win by involving umpires… using referees,” he said in reference to the repeatedly overturned decisions of the umpire against Pakistani batters, and the handshake controversy involving the match referee.

Yousaf’s fiery remarks went viral on social media and sparked a storm of reactions. Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani shared the clip and wrote, “This is absolutely shameful by Mohammad Yousaf. A former cricketer shouldn’t behave like a social media troll while sitting live on TV. Totally unacceptable.”

Fans, however, were split in their views. One user wrote, “I absolutely agree with Yousaf bhai.” Another commented, “Very shameful Yousaf bhai. Please don’t do it again.”

Some defended him strongly. One said, “There is nothing wrong in it. Even if it was not a slip of tongue, he said it right. They deserved this.” Another wrote, “This is totally justified. Just don’t lecture us after what they did.”

But many condemned the language, urging more responsibility. “No Pakistani should be encouraging such language,” one user posted.

Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 journey could be coming to an abrupt end as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the tournament, further intensifying tensions.

According to media reports, the ICC has informed the PCB through an official letter that Pycroft would continue his role despite the PCB accusing Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket during Pakistan’s group-stage clash against India on September 14.

While the ICC has confirmed that Pycroft will officiate Pakistan’s next game against the UAE, it stressed that match officials were appointed jointly with the ACC, and Pycroft’s position was not under review.

Earlier, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), had publicly demanded Pycroft’s removal.

An official letter on Monday had also made it clear that Pakistan would not play its remaining matches at the Asia Cup if the match referee was not removed for his biased conduct – telling Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to not shake hands with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

While reports had quoted sources as saying Pycroft was acting on instructions from the Indian government, the ICC had clarified that he was only following ACC instructions against handshake at the toss.

Situation worsened after India’s victory when cricketers Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off without greeting Pakistan players. Pakistan’s captain Agha and coach Mike Hesson later went to India’s dressing room, but the Indian side kept the door shut.

If Pakistan sticks to its decision of boycotting the tournament, the UAE will progress from Group A as both teams are currently tied on two points after table-topper India.

Meanwhile, the PCB has also acted beyond the Asia Cup. On While the board has written to the ICC requesting that Pycroft not be assigned to Pakistan’s home series against South Africa in October, the Ministry of Interior has also banned Pycroft from entering Pakistan, strengthening the PCB’s case for his replacement in the series.

Pakistan and India are set for another high-profile clash, but this time it will be javelin stars Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra, who will go head-to-head at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo.

Germany’s Julian Weber and other leading throwers will also compete in the event scheduled for Wednesday (Sept 17). The men’s javelin throw qualifying round will take place at 4:45 pm Pakistan time.

The top eight throwers from the round will qualify for the final scheduled for Thursday.

Arshad Nadeem arrives at the championship in top form. He made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning gold in the men’s javelin throw with a record-breaking effort of 92.97 meters, giving Pakistan its first-ever Olympic gold in athletics.

Before that, he won a historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, where he set a Games record of 90.18 meters. Most recently, Nadeem secured another gold at the Asian Athletics Championship 2025, further proving his dominance on the continental stage.

The 27-year-old has established himself as Pakistan’s biggest athletics star and a consistent rival to India’s Neeraj Chopra. Their face-offs have now become must-watch events for fans across South Asia.

Ahead of the Tokyo showdown, Nadeem sent a message to his supporters. He urged the nation to keep him in their prayers and recalled the overwhelming encouragement during the Paris Olympics.

“I have worked hard and will give my best effort to make Pakistan proud once again,” he said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended International Cricket Director Usman Wahla for delaying the country’s complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) against the conduct of the Indian team and match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup clash between Pakistan and India.

According to reports, the suspension came after Wahla failed to act promptly when instructed to write a letter to the ICC over the controversy that unfolded during the high-profile match.

The action comes after referee Pycroft told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha that there would be no handshake with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the time of the toss. Before that, he also instructed Pakistan’s media manager not to record the moment.

Following the match, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema raised objections with tournament director Andrew Russell. According to reports, Russell first said the instructions came from the Indian board and later claimed they had originated from the Indian government.

With there also being no handshake after the match, Pakistan has taken a firm stand and warned the ICC that the team would not play further matches if Pycroft remains the referee. The PCB has written a letter to the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), accusing Pycroft of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and violating the MCC Spirit of Cricket.

“The referee’s conduct went against the spirit of the game and MCC laws. The PCB believes this is a serious breach,” the letter stated.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has also confirmed that a formal complaint had been filed. “We have lodged a complaint with the ICC over his violation of the ICC Code of Conduct and demanded his immediate removal from the Asia Cup,” he said.

The letter maintained that Pycroft’s actions undermined the Spirit of Cricket and accused him of failing to fulfill his responsibilities as match referee.

Pakistan and India are set to clash in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025–26, with the showdown scheduled for the final week of the tournament in England.

As per the details, the FIH Hockey Pro League has returned with its seventh season, promising 144 thrilling matches across ten nations. Fans can expect high-octane action as the world’s top hockey teams battle for glory and a direct ticket to the LA28 Olympic Games.

The season begins on December 9, 2025, in Ireland and Argentina. Germany will take on Belgium in the opening men’s match in Ireland while defending champions Netherlands will face debutants Pakistan in Argentina. Ireland women will also make their first appearance in the league, joining Belgium and England in the initial block of matches.

Argentina will host its men’s and women’s teams, with the men playing against Netherlands and Pakistan, and the women facing Germany and Netherlands. These opening matches will kick off a highly competitive season.

The league will travel through China, Spain, Australia, India, England, Netherlands, Belgium and Germany before reaching its finale on June 28, 2026. The closing matches will be played simultaneously in Belgium, Germany and England, featuring six men’s and six women’s teams.

While Netherlands men and women teams return as defending champions, aiming to hold their titles against a stronger and more diverse lineup, Pakistan men and Ireland women have earned their spots through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup. The new teams’ arrival brings fresh rivalries and wider global engagement.

Here’s the full list of host nations and match blocks:

December 9–14, 2025 | Ireland
Men: Belgium, England, Germany
Women: Ireland, Belgium, England

December 9–14, 2025 | Argentina
Men: Argentina, Netherlands, Pakistan
Women: Argentina, Germany, Netherlands

February 5–10, 2026 | China
Men: –
Women: China, England, Netherlands

February 5–10, 2026 | Spain
Men: Spain, England, Netherlands
Women: Spain, Belgium, Germany

February 10–15, 2026 | Australia
Men: Australia, Germany, Pakistan
Women: Australia, Argentina, Ireland

February 10–15, 2026 | India
Men: India, Argentina, Belgium
Women: –

February 20–25, 2026 | Australia
Men: Australia, India, Spain
Women: Australia, China, Spain

June 13–21, 2026 | England
Men: England, Argentina, Australia
Women: England, Australia, Germany

June 13–21, 2026 | Netherlands
Men: Netherlands, Germany, India
Women: Netherlands, Ireland, Spain

June 13–21, 2026 | Belgium
Men: Belgium, Pakistan, Spain
Women: Belgium, Argentina, China

June 23–28, 2026 | Belgium
Men: Belgium, Australia, Netherlands
Women: Belgium, Australia, Netherlands

June 23–28, 2026 | Germany
Men: Germany, Argentina, Spain
Women: Germany, China, Ireland

June 23–28, 2026 | England
Men: England, India, Pakistan
Women: England, Argentina, Spain

Pakistan has taken a strong stance over the controversy in their Asia Cup clash against India, warning the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the team will not play further matches if referee Andy Pycroft is not replaced.

As per the details, reports quoted sources as saying that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear to the ICC that it will boycott the tournament unless the referee is changed.

The claim comes hours after it was reported that PCB had written to the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) demanding Pycroft’s removal from Asia Cup 2025.

The board, in its letter, cited violations of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC’s Spirit of Cricket. “The referee’s conduct went against the spirit of the game and MCC laws. The PCB believes this is a serious breach,” the letter read.

Earlier, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also said that the PCB had lodged a complaint with the ICC as the match referee acted against the spirit of cricket. “We have filed a formal complaint over his violation of the ICC Code of Conduct and demanded his immediate removal from the Asia Cup,” he said.

According to reports, the PCB lodged its protest after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and India skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands at the toss and match referee Pycroft’s conduct drew sharp criticism for telling Pakistan that there would be no handshake.

Earlier, he also told Pakistan’s media manager that the moment should not be recorded.

At the end of the match, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema raised concerns with tournament director Andrew Russell.

According to reports, Russell said that the directive had come from the Indian board, and later said the instructions were from the Indian government.