Category: Sports

Players of Pakistan’s national hockey team have strongly criticized the proposal of a Rs400 daily allowance, calling it humiliating and unacceptable, media reports said on Thursday.

“It feels like rubbing salt on our wounds,” the players said, pointing out that Rs400 is not even equivalent to a laborer’s daily wage. “They are calling it our daily allowance. This is an insult. What could be a bigger devaluation than this?”

Frustrated team members added that employment opportunities are scarce, allowances are often delayed, and the Rs400 figure has left them disheartened. “If things continue like this, we will be forced to leave hockey. The country has given us everything, but hearing Rs400 really hurt,” they stated.

The players also revealed that their households are suffering due to irregular allowances. “Our stoves are going cold at home, and yet everyone has issues with our daily allowance,” they said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Rana Mujahid clarified that the Rs400 figure was suggested by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), not the federation. “The hockey federation pays 100 dollars per day as allowance. If the players are not satisfied with 100 dollars, how can they play for Rs400,” Mujahid remarked.

According to media reports, each player is owed around Rs500,000 for recent international and domestic assignments, including unpaid allowances from the FIH Nations Cup and two training camps in Islamabad. Currently, players are entitled to Rs30,000 per day for international events and Rs3,000 per day for domestic camps. With no central contracts or fixed salaries, these allowances remain their main income source. Players have accused the PHF of indifference and poor communication, saying officials have stopped responding to their queries.

Despite these financial troubles, Pakistan has secured a historic opportunity. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed that Pakistan will participate in the 2025-26 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League for the first time. Pakistan earned the slot after finishing as runners-up in the Nations Cup, with New Zealand declining the invitation.

To support the team’s participation, the federal government has approved a Rs25 crore grant. Officials told the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination that the remaining Rs10 crore needed will be raised through sponsorships.

While players welcomed the Pro League chance, they stressed that financial uncertainty continues to hurt them. “The development of hockey should not rely solely on government funds. The federation must take practical steps to generate its own resources,” senior player Imad Butt said.

Tournament schedules and venues will be announced later, FIH confirmed.

Pakistan’s boxing community has been thrown into a fresh controversy after the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) and the Pakistan Pro-Green Boxing Federation (PGBF) questioned the legitimacy of Usman Wazeer’s recent title win.

The Gilgit-born boxer made headlines on August 30 when he knocked out 44-year-old Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus in Bangkok to secure the WBC OPBF Silver welterweight belt, becoming the first Pakistani to do so. With 17 wins from 17 professional fights, Wazeer has been celebrated as one of the country’s brightest boxing stars.

But officials from the PBF and PGBF have dismissed his achievements, describing him as a “manufactured champion” whose career has been built on weak opponents and questionable legitimacy.

In a strongly worded statement, the PGBF alleged that Wazeer’s perfect record was maintained through arranged bouts, purchased outcomes, and inflated publicity. The federation claimed more than PKR 45 million had been spent on building his image, with rival boxers reportedly paid between $1,500 and $5,000 to deliberately lose, while referees and judges were also influenced.

“Usman Wazeer is not a genuine world-class athlete but a manufactured product of weak opponents and fake titles,” the PGBF said. “Labeling him as Pakistan’s hero is misleading for the youth and damaging for the sport.”

The Pakistan Boxing Federation echoed this stance on its official platforms, stating: “The Pakistan Boxing Federation wholeheartedly supports the Pro-Green Boxing Federation’s stance on transparency and fairness in boxing. Their concerns about Usman Wazeer’s legitimacy are valid and warrant thorough investigation. We believe in promoting genuine talent and earned recognition in the sport, ensuring a level playing field for all boxers.”

PBF also released a detailed analysis of the Bangkok bout, pointing out that Ferdinandus, officially listed as “inactive” on BoxRec, is now more active as a boxing judge than a professional fighter. “This was a clear mismatch,” the federation argued, “designed to keep Wazeer’s undefeated record intact without facing serious challenges.”

While Wazeer’s camp has yet to respond, the allegations have sparked heated debate over the credibility of boxing in Pakistan.

Manchester police have dropped the rape case filed against Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali on Wednesday, citing lack of evidence.

According to media reports, Haider will receive his passport back within the next few hours, which will allow him to travel freely to and from the United Kingdom.

Investigators extended the inquiry period and reviewed the evidence in detail, but they did not find enough proof to move forward with charges against the cricketer.

Police had earlier arrested Haider two weeks after a woman filed a rape complaint against him. The arrest led to an official investigation, during which authorities questioned the cricketer and withheld his travel documents.

The case first came to light on August 7, when Greater Manchester Police arrested Haider during Pakistan Shaheens’ tour of England. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) provisionally suspended him at the time and confirmed he was under investigation, stressing that his legal rights would be protected. The board also noted it would review the matter once legal proceedings were complete.

With the case now closed, Haider stands cleared of the allegations and can resume his professional and personal commitments without restrictions.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has launched a blistering attack on wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris following Pakistan’s defeat to Afghanistan in the Tri-Nation Series taking place in UAE, accusing him of playing “senseless cricket” and losing the trust of the team’s management.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit said Haris keeps repeating the same mistakes and once again played an irresponsible shot to give his wicket away to Mohammad Nabi.

“Haris got out to Nabi. My question is, Nabi was brought on specifically to bowl to a left-handed batter, but instead, you get out to him. This shows you have no cricketing sense. You’re playing senseless cricket, just swinging for a six to look like a hero,” Basit said.

He further criticised Haris’s approach, stressing that even the coach does not appear to back him anymore, pointing to his continually declining batting position.

“Heroes aren’t born overnight; they are made through hard work. Haris has been handed everything on a platter. When the pitch is tough, the openers step up, but look at what’s happening against Bangladesh, he was batting at six or seven, and the same thing happened here.

“When a player slips from number six to number seven, it’s clear the coach doesn’t trust him either,” Basit explained.

In the match, Afghanistan opted to bat first and posted 169/5 in 20 overs, powered by a 113-run stand between Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal. Zadran made 54 off 39, while Atal scored 64 off 45.

Faheem Ashraf starred with the ball for Pakistan, grabbing career-best figures of 4/27, while Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket. Pakistan, however, faltered in the chase and finished on 151/9.

Haris Rauf offered late resistance with an unbeaten 34 off 16, smashing four sixes. Fakhar Zaman (25), Agha Salman (20), and Sahibzada Farhan (18) also contributed but could not anchor the innings.

Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad taking two wickets each.

Despite the result, Pakistan stayed on top of the table with four points, while Afghanistan moved into second place. Hosts UAE remained winless at the bottom.

Pakistan will next face UAE at the same venue on Thursday.

Legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi could be heading for the final chapter of his international career, with reports suggesting his last home match might take place on September 4. Argentina’s football manager, Lionel Scaloni, has also hinted at the possibility.

The idea of Messi stepping away from international football remains almost unthinkable for fans, especially in Argentina.

According to international media, the upcoming Argentina vs Venezuela match could be Messi’s last World Cup qualifying home game for the 2026 World Cup, making it potentially his final major tournament appearance for the national team. Many fans believe this could mark the end of Messi’s international career.

In an interview, Scaloni hinted at Messi’s decision but clarified, “There has been no official announcement yet. Until he is with us, we should enjoy him. What will happen, will happen.”

He added, “Messi has achieved everything in his life. He has the right to decide when to stop playing. This is not an easy decision, just like it wasn’t easy for me to retire. We must give him freedom because it is his right.”

Messi himself recently said that the match against Venezuela will be “very special” for him, as it could mark a historic farewell on home soil.

Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting confirmation, hoping to witness one last masterpiece from one of football’s greatest icons.

Irish professional wrestler Becky Lynch slapped American wrestler and actor CM Punk on World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Raw after stepping in to defend her husband Seth Rollins.

On Monday, Punk called out Rollins after The Visionary retained his World Heavyweight Championship at Clash in Paris with help from Lynch. 

Rollins defended his title in a Fatal-4 Way match against Punk, LA Knight and Jey Uso. Lynch entered the ring during the match and hit Punk below the belt, allowing Rollins to secure the win.

Punk demanded Rollins face him on Raw, but Lynch walked out instead to her husband’s music. She even mocked Rollins’ signature entrance before stepping into the ring.

Lynch told Punk to step aside, claiming that her and Rollins’ vision for wrestling was taking over. She also reminded Punk how his WWE departure in 2014 distracted fans from her matches, as crowds kept chanting his name.

Punk fired back and called Rollins a coward for hiding behind his wife. Rollins briefly appeared on the entrance ramp and dared Punk to fight him, but Lynch blocked the path.

The confrontation heated up when Lynch slapped Punk across the face. She struck him multiple times and pushed him while daring him to make a move.

“I’m going to make Seth Rollins regret ever cashing in on me and you’re going to regret putting your hands on me,” Punk said before leaving the ring.

Punk may have also hinted at his wife AJ Lee, a former three-time Divas Champion, who left WWE in 2015, making an appearance.

Pakistan has lifted the team trophy at the 20th World Youth Scrabble Championship in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, with seven-year-old Taimoor Wasim stealing the spotlight by winning the U-8 world title.

This marked Pakistan’s sixth team trophy in the tournament’s history. More than 200 players from 20 countries took part, making it the biggest youth scrabble championship to date.

Pakistan’s young players delivered outstanding performances across different categories. Ahzam Siddiqi became the U-16 world champion, while Muhammad Yusuf secured a silver medal in the U-10 age group. Bilal Asher also impressed by finishing second in the U-16 category.

In the individual category, India claimed the overall title for the first time.

The Pakistan team will stay in Kuala Lumpur to participate in the Gateway Masters Cup, scheduled from September 5 to 7.

Afghanistan on Tuesday defeated Pakistan by 18 runs in the fourth match of the T20 Tri-Series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. They scored 169 runs for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs. Ibrahim Zadran played a brilliant innings of 65 runs while Sediqullah added 64 to the board.

For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf impressed with the ball, taking four wickets. Saim Ayub bowled tightly and picked up one wicket for just 18 runs in his four overs.

In response, Pakistan fell short of the target and managed to only score 151 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Haris Rauf top-scored with 34 runs, followed by Fakhar Zaman with 25, Salman Ali Agha with 20 and Sahibzada Farhan with 18.

Afghan bowlers kept Pakistan under pressure. Fazal Haq Farooqi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad took two wickets each to seal the win.

The loss comes days after Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 39 runs in the opening match of the series. 

Pakistan will now face the UAE in their fourth match on September 4 — just days before Asia Cup.

Pakistani all-rounder Aamir Jamal has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its alleged double standards in handling players’ welfare.

In an interview with a YouTube channel, the 29-year-old revealed shocking details about his injury ordeal in England. Jamal said he had to bear all the expenses for his medical treatment despite holding a central contract, while the board fully covered the rehabilitation costs of another injured player, Saim Ayub.

“I was in England at the same time as Saim Ayub, but I had to pay for everything myself,” Jamal said. “I spent every single penny from my pocket, whether it was for scans, doctor fees, or training sessions. PCB did not support me financially in any way.”

Jamal explained that the trouble began after he suffered a back injury during his stint with Warwickshire. “The county wanted me to take an injection to speed up recovery, but I refused without PCB’s approval. I asked PCB for permission because I was a centrally contracted player. They said there was no need for an injection and advised three weeks of rehab. I followed that plan, but the pain returned as soon as I started playing again,” he said.

According to Jamal, repeated complaints about pain went unanswered. Frustrated, he traveled to England to consult top specialists at his own cost. “I had to see multiple doctors, including a spine specialist and radiologists. They found issues that were missed in Pakistan. I informed the selection committee that I would be unavailable before the PSL because I wanted to return fully fit. The only message I received was ‘Good luck,’” he revealed.

Despite recovering and featuring in the Pakistan Super League, Jamal admitted he struggled to regain his old rhythm after months of injury. He also expressed disappointment over being left out of the latest central contracts list. “I was surprised because nobody from the selection committee or international department spoke to me about it. But I believe in hard work and whatever is written for me by fate,” he said.

Jamal, who has played 17 international matches for Pakistan, started his career with promise and was once considered a long-term asset for the national side. However, his recent revelations have reignited concerns about how PCB manages player welfare, even for contracted cricketers.

An old interview of Indian bowler Irfan Pathan, where he took a subtle dig at revered captain MS Dhoni saying he doesn’t believe in pleasing anyone, has gone viral on social media.

When Irfan Pathan made his international debut in 2003, he was considered one of India’s most promising fast bowlers because of his ability to swing the ball both ways. The left-arm pacer impressed early in his career with some outstanding spells including a hat-trick against Pakistan.

However, his rise was short-lived, and his international career ended abruptly despite taking a five-wicket haul in his last ODI against Sri Lanka in 2012. Many believe former India captain MS Dhoni played a role in his exit. Pathan himself revealed details of candid conversations he had with Dhoni about his place in the team.

An old interview of Pathan’s, recorded five years ago with Sports journalist Vikrant Gupta for SportsTak has resurfaced on social media and sparked fresh debate.

“During the 2008 Australia series, Mahi bhai’s statement came out in the media that Irfan wasn’t bowling well. So I thought I had bowled well throughout the series, I went and asked Mahi bhai about this. Sometimes, statements get twisted by the media, so I also wanted to clarify it. So Mahi bhai said, ‘No Irfan, there is nothing like this, everything’s going as per plan.’ When you get a reply like this, then you believe that okay, you do what you can. Also if you keep asking for explanations again and again after that, you hurt your self-respect,” Pathan said in the interview.

Pathan also took a subtle dig at Dhoni, saying he never believed in pleasing anyone.

“I don’t have a habit of setting up hookah in someone’s room or talking about it. Everyone knows. Sometimes if you don’t speak about it, it’s better. A cricketer’s job is to perform on the field and that is what I used to focus on,” he added.

Pathan played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for India. He scored 2,821 runs across formats, including one century and eleven fifties, and picked up 301 wickets.