Category: Sports

Following Kamran Akmal’s controversial remarks suggesting that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan should only play Test cricket in the future, Babar’s father Muhammad Azam Siddiqui has responded with a fiery Instagram post aimed at the former cricketer.

During a recent podcast, Kamran Akmal said that it was “absolutely the right decision” to permanently drop Babar and Rizwan from the T20I side. “These players are more suited for the longer format of the game. In my opinion, they should now be kept on only for Test matches. Maybe after another six months, they should only be considered for Test cricket”. 

Akmal didn’t stop there; he even questioned their place in the ODI setup. “After another six months, they should be sidelined from ODIs, too, because Pakistan hardly plays Test matches these days. No one is even talking about Test cricket. But if any real players are made, they are made through playing Test cricket,” he added.

He emphasized that players who excel in red-ball cricket have the foundation to succeed in all formats. “You can’t just play T20 and expect to be great at Test cricket too. If someone plays Test matches, they can handle ODIs and T20s as well,” he opined. 

In response, sharing an old photo of himself with Babar and Kamran Akmal, Siddiqui penned a strong caption indirectly addressing Akmal’s recent comments. He reminded Kamran Akmal of the past, stating, “This child (Babar) never played under your captaincy, but you did play under his captaincy and got out on zero while he scored a century that day. Talking behind the backs of successful people is a compulsion of those who have failed.”

He also referred to a Turkish proverb, writing: “If someone says they are your brother, they should also clarify whether they are like Habil or Qabil (a reference to the story of Abel and Cain).”

Earlier, Kamran Akmal had also criticised Babar Azam’s father for speaking up on dropping Babar Azam, saying that families should avoid making public statements about a player’s career.

“I faced tough times too but told my father and brothers not to speak; it was my matter,” he said. “It’s not appropriate to speak against the institution either,” he added, referring to criticism of the PCB.

Pakistan has qualified for the final of the South Asian Under-12 Tennis Championship after a dominating win over India in the semi-final.

Pakistani players Shayan Afridi and Rashid Ali delivered brilliant performances to outclass their Indian opponents.

Rashid Ali defeated Thanush Shekhar of India with a score of 2-6, 3-6, while Shayan Afridi crushed Khatri Nayan 0-6, 1-6.

Earlier in the group stage, Pakistan had secured wins over the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Pakistan will now face hosts Sri Lanka in the final.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has come out in support of the decision to drop Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s T20I setup, stating that the duo is more suited for the longer formats of the game.

Speaking on the ARY Podcast, Akmal responded to the host’s question regarding reports that Babar and Rizwan are being permanently dropped from the T20I side. 

“That’s absolutely the right decision,” Akmal said. “I believe this should happen because these players are more suited for the longer format of the game. In my opinion, they should now be kept on only for Test matches. Maybe after another six months, they should only be considered for Test cricket, both Babar and Rizwan.”

He went a step further, suggesting that even One Day Internationals might not be the right format for the two senior players in the near future.  “After another six months, they should be sidelined from ODIs, too, because Pakistan hardly plays Test matches these days. No one is even talking about Test cricket. But if any real players are made, they are made through playing Test cricket,” Akmal added.

He emphasized that mastering the red-ball format gives players a solid foundation for all formats. “You can’t just play T20 and expect to be great at Test cricket too. If someone plays Test matches, they can handle ODIs and T20s as well,” he said.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were both left out of the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh. Earlier, Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach, Mike Hesson, made it clear that selections will be based on form and performance, not on experience or past reputation.

Pakistan’s 65-year-old weightlifter Maqsood Amjad Rathore has won a gold medal in the Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship, bringing pride to the country in the senior category.

Rathore competed in the 96kg weight class for the 65+ age group and delivered a solid performance by lifting a total of 125 kilograms. He successfully lifted 55kg in the snatch and 70kg in the clean and jerk, showcasing impressive strength and skill at his age.

The championship is currently being held in Doha, Qatar, and features veteran athletes from across Asia. Rathore’s win highlights not just his personal dedication but also Pakistan’s presence in international senior weightlifting competitions.

A total of 10 athletes from Pakistan are taking part in the event, scheduled to continue till May 31. The Asian Masters Championship offers a platform for experienced lifters to display their lasting fitness, discipline, and love for the sport.

Cricket fans in Pakistan have been questioning the lack of the Decision Review System (DRS) during the 10th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh in Lahore. However, possible reasons behind it have now been revealed.

According to journalist Qadir Khawaja, Hawk-Eye, the company providing technology used for DRS, it did not send its technical team to Pakistan, reportedly citing “security concerns.” This is despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) offering full assurances regarding safety.

Exclusive

Do not blame PCB and Broadcasters on DRS issue

Fakhta told me that Jay Shah Behind Absence of DRS Technology in PSL and Pak Bangladesh Series.Despite the ceasefire, Hawk-Eye company informed the PCB that they would not come to Pakistan.
PCB Chairman, COO, and the… pic.twitter.com/0lnsvtERvM

— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) May 28, 2025

Khawaja also claimed that Jay Shah, the Chairman of the ICC and a key figure in the Indian cricket board (BCCI), may have influenced the decision. Many suspect that the pressure was exerted to block the use of DRS in Pakistan’s crucial matches, both in the PSL and during this international series.

If true, these claims raise serious concerns about fairness in global cricket. DRS is no longer just an option; it is considered essential in modern-day matches. Whether it’s a close LBW or a faint edge behind the stumps, DRS minimises umpires’ errors and ensures credible on-field decisions.

Matches can be affected without it, and hurt the trust of fans and players in the fairness of the match.

So far, neither Hawk-Eye nor the ICC has issued a response or clarified whether DRS will be reinstated for future matches in Pakistan. The PCB is expected to formally raise the issue after the Bangladesh series wraps up.

This controversy comes at a time when cricketing relations between Pakistan and India remain tense.

The mother of Pakistan fast bowler and Karachi Kings’ vice-captain Hasan Ali was robbed by unidentified men in Gujranwala during the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

According to media reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday in the Ladhaywala Warraich area of Gujranwala. Hasan Ali’s mother was on her way to a local market for shopping when motorcycle-riding robbers targeted her.

Local police stated that the robbers stopped her and forcibly snatched her purse before fleeing the scene. The stolen purse reportedly contained valuables worth Rs 2.3 million.

Hasan Ali’s brother confirmed the incident, adding that their mother was shaken but unharmed.

Police officials said they are awaiting a formal complaint from the family. An FIR will be registered, and investigations are already underway. Authorities said that the culprits will be arrested soon.

Hasan Ali is currently part of the national squad for the series against Bangladesh while also representing Karachi Kings in the PSL.

Pakistan’s fast bowler Hasan Ali is very happy at the reunion of the “roti gang” during a recent T20 match against Bangladesh, saying that it brought back many memories.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Hasan opened up about his return to the national team, and future goals. He said the past few months had been particularly challenging, but delivering a strong performance for Pakistan brought him great happiness.

He credited his success to the hard work and training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). “Even top players in the world go through ups and downs in form, but if you believe in yourself and keep working hard, your performance will eventually improve,” he observed.

Hasan Ali shared happiness about reuniting on the field with his old teammates Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman. “After six years, the ‘roti gang’ is playing together again. We really missed each other,” he said with a smile.

Talking about the upcoming T20 World Cup, he said, “I will be available for the team whenever needed, and my goal will be to contribute through my performance.” He also made it clear that he does not want to be limited to just one format. “I want to play for Pakistan in all three formats,” he added.

When asked about the new bowling coach, Ashley Hasan said they are getting along well. “We share good conversations, and the learning process is going on.”

To his fans, Hasan said, “Fans are like family to me. Their support gives me strength. I feel happy when they call me ‘generator’.”

He dedicated his recent strong performance to his wife and children, saying, “This day is special for them.”

Hasan Ali also stressed that if Pakistan wants to win major tournaments, they must adopt a modern approach to the game, similar to how top international teams are playing today.

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 37 runs in the first T20 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with Hasan Ali taking five wickets in the match.