Category: Sports

Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali has been released on bail after his arrest in Manchester over allegations of sexual assault.

According to reports citing England police, the national team batter has been summoned again in two weeks as part of the investigation. He has also been barred from leaving the United Kingdom during this period.

The incident allegedly took place during the recent tour of England by the Pakistan Shaheens cricket team.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provisionally suspended Haider Ali.

In a statement, the PCB confirmed that Haider Ali is under investigation by Manchester Police in a criminal case, which led to his suspension. The Board said legal assistance will be provided to the player to ensure his rights are protected.

Haider Ali will remain suspended until the outcome of the case is known. The PCB added that it will consider disciplinary action after the legal proceedings are completed and will not share further details until then.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provisionally suspended cricketer Haider Ali after it emerged that he is involved in a criminal investigation being conducted by Greater Manchester Police in the United Kingdom.

In a statement released on Thursday, PCB confirmed that Haider is under investigation in connection with an incident that allegedly took place during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali. The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England,” the PCB said.

Board further added that it is committed to ensuring Haider Ali’s legal rights are protected during the process.

“In line with its duty of care and responsibility to ensure the welfare and legal rights of all its players, the PCB has ensured that Haider Ali has received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process,” the statement read.

Acknowledging the sensitivity and seriousness of the matter, the board emphasized its respect for UK legal procedures and said the player will remain suspended until the case reaches its legal conclusion.

“The PCB fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the importance of allowing the investigation to run its due course. Accordingly, the PCB has decided to place Haider Ali under provisional suspension, effective immediately, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation,” the Board stated.

Once the legal proceedings are complete, the board will decide whether any disciplinary action under the PCB Code of Conduct is warranted.

“Once the legal proceedings are concluded and all facts have been duly established, the PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct, if necessary. Until such time as the legal process reaches its conclusion, the PCB will not offer further comment on the matter,” the statement concluded.

Haider Ali will remain suspended during the duration of the legal investigation.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Tariq Bugti has strongly denied Hockey India’s claims that Pakistan has withdrawn from the upcoming Asia Cup.

Speaking to a private media outlet, Bugti said, “How can Hockey India say that we have refused to participate in the Asia Cup? We have not spoken to anyone about such a decision.” He clarified that the PHF has never had direct contact with Hockey India, and all communication regarding the tournament is carried through the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).

“It is not up to us to decide whether to travel to India or not. That decision rests with the Government of Pakistan. We are waiting for the government’s direction and will act according to its decision,” Bugti added.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has also denied receiving any formal invitation to replace Pakistan in the tournament. According to reports citing sources in the Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF), no official letter has been sent by either Hockey India or the AHF.

“Everyone is aware of the situation. Bangladesh is on standby, but forming and preparing a team at such short notice is not easy. We will consider our participation only if we receive an official invitation,” said BHF sources.

Earlier, Indian media had quoted a Hockey India official claiming that Pakistan had declined to participate in the Asia Cup due to security concerns and that Bangladesh had been invited to take their place. 

These claims have now been rejected by both the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the Bangladesh Hockey Federation.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has pushed for Babar Azam’s return to the national T20 squad ahead of the Asia Cup, recommending that the senior batter take the number three spot in the lineup.

He stressed that Pakistan will need experienced players for major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.

Speaking to a private media outlet, Akram said, “If it were up to me, I would definitely include Babar Azam in the T20 team. With the Asia Cup and World Cup coming up, we need senior batters in the squad.”

Akram recalled Babar’s performance in county cricket, saying, “Fans might remember when he represented Somerset in 2019, he scored runs at a strike rate close to 150. He has the ability to adapt according to the situation.”

The legendary all-rounder added, “When we are chasing 140 or 160 runs, especially against stronger teams, we need a player who can take responsibility and lead the other ten players with him. Babar is among the best players in the world.”

He further stated that Babar is capable of adjusting his game according to the format and match situation. “He has done it in the past and can do it again. Babar still has a lot of cricket left in him and can contribute a lot to Pakistan. We all should support him,” Akram said.

When asked about Babar’s batting position, he responded, “He should play wherever the coach feels is best for the team. In my opinion, number three is the ideal position for him, but it also depends on the match situation. If more overs are left, someone else might be sent ahead.”

Babar last played a T20 match for Pakistan in December 2024 against South Africa. He was later dropped from the format due to concerns over his strike rate. However, with Fakhar Zaman currently sidelined due to injury, calls for Babar’s return are growing louder, and Akram has joined that chorus.

The Pakistan hockey team is unlikely to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Rajgir, India, from August 29 to September 7, due to security concerns, according to Indian media reports.

A Hockey India official told an Indian newspaper that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) informed the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) of its decision through an official letter on Wednesday. According to the letter, the team would not be able to travel to India for the tournament, citing security issues.

The official also claimed that the Indian government had agreed to issue visas to the Pakistan team and that visa applications had been submitted at the end of July.

“In response to Pakistan’s withdrawal, we have sent an invitation to Bangladesh to join the tournament,” the Hockey India official said.

There is also uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the Junior Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India later this year between November and December.

Amanullah Baloch, a player for the Muslim Hands Club from Pakistan, has reportedly gone missing in Norway after arriving to participate in the Street Children Football Championship.

Amanullah, who hails from the Sango Lane area of Lyari, was part of the Pakistani squad for the tournament. However, he reportedly left the team and went missing before the event began.

According to reports, Amanullah stepped outside during a reception ceremony in Oslo, held in honour of the team, while talking on the phone and left in a taxi. He has not returned since.

The Norwegian police and Pakistan’s embassy are investigating the matter. The team management confirmed that the case has been handed over to local authorities, and efforts are being made to trace the missing player.

According to reports, attempts to contact Amanullah’s family have been unsuccessful, as they have declined to comment on the incident.

This marks the second such case in the past two months involving Pakistani athletes disappearing abroad. Earlier, two athletes from Punjab went missing in Germany during the World University Games.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced central contracts for 20 women cricketers for the 2025–26 season, introducing a major 50 percent increase in player retainers across all five categories. 

According to reports, the PCB has also introduced a new category labelled the ‘Emerging Category’ featuring young cricketers Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar to encourage emerging talent. Both players are currently part of the squad touring Ireland for a three-match T20I series from August 6 to 10. They also represented Pakistan in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup held in South Africa last year.

Sadia Iqbal, who currently tops the ICC T20I bowling rankings, has been awarded a Category A contract alongside Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin.

Category B includes Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig and Nashra Sundhu, with Diana promoted from Category C. Rameen Shamim has also earned a promotion from Category D to Category C.

Ten players have been placed in Category D, namely Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar. Among them, Natalia Parvaiz, Sidra Nawaz and Waheeda Akhtar are new additions to the contract list.

The PCB confirmed that the central contracts were finalised by the women’s selection committee in consultation with head coach Muhammad Wasim, and are effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Over the next 12 months, the Pakistan women’s team is scheduled to compete in two major ICC events: the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in September–October 2025 and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June 2026.

The team will also play bilateral series both at home and overseas during this period.

German second-division football club Fortuna Düsseldorf has decided not to sign Israeli footballer Shon Weissman, citing his controversial and inflammatory social media posts against Palestinians.

The club issued a brief statement confirming that they will not be proceeding with the deal to sign Weissman. The decision followed an online petition by fans urging the club to reconsider, citing the player’s past comments as harmful to its image and values.

In the petition, fans stated that signing the Israeli footballer would harm the club’s reputation and its relationship with supporters.

According to reports, in October 2023, Weissman allegedly liked and shared posts supporting genocide in Gaza and the removal of Gaza from the map.

He also reportedly commented on a photo of two Palestinian prisoners, questioning why they weren’t shot in the head.

These statements were deemed unacceptable by both the club’s supporters and management, ultimately leading to the decision to drop the signing.

Pakistan’s state broadcaster PTV has acquired media rights for Asian cricket events from 2025 to 2027 for $5.2 million (approximately PKR 1.5 billion), including two men’s Asia Cup tournaments. 

According to reports, Sony India, which originally demanded $12 million for Pakistan territory, remains in talks with other local broadcasters. Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28, with a total of 19 matches. Arch rivals Pakistan and India could face each other three times if both reach the finals. 

Last year, the Asian Cricket Council sold eight-year media rights from 2024 to 2031 to Sony India for $170 million (approximately PKR 47.26 billion). This deal includes four men’s and four women’s Asia Cups, as well as emerging tournaments, totaling 119 matches.

Sony’s $12 million demand for just two Asia Cups in Pakistan proved too high for local broadcasters, who believed the market isn’t large enough to guarantee returns. There were discussions about forming a consortium, but PTV eventually sealed the deal for $5.2 million.

Sony is still negotiating with two private Pakistani broadcasters who may jointly purchase rights. Sony now hopes to recover at least $5 million. Digital rights in Pakistan have already been sold.

Pakistan’s share from ACC media rights is around 25 percent (approximately $42.5 million), while the majority of the revenue- about 65 percent- comes from India.

Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team will no longer visit Kerala for a friendly match this year, leaving millions of fans in India disappointed.

Kerala’s Sports Minister, V. Abdurahiman, confirmed the news on Monday, stating: “Messi and the Argentina team’s visit, scheduled for this year, has been cancelled. The foreign team has informed us that they won’t be able to come to India in October.”

Earlier announcements had created a wave of excitement among fans, as Messi was expected to lead his team in a highly anticipated match in Kerala. The tour had been confirmed and sponsors had already paid the match fees.

“The sponsors made it clear that their interest was only in the October visit. With that, the matter is now closed,” Abdurahiman added.

Previously, the minister had stated that Argentina’s team would be treated as state guests, with the government handling their security, accommodation, and other arrangements.

For now, Indian fans’ dream of watching Messi play live in their country has been postponed.