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  • Orange Cap in IPL 2025: Who’s Leading the Race After Latest Matches?

    Orange Cap in IPL 2025: Who’s Leading the Race After Latest Matches?

    The race for the Orange Cap in IPL 2025 is heating up, and after the latest round of matches, the leaderboard has seen some exciting changes. The Orange Cap is awarded to the player who scores the most runs in the tournament. It’s a prestigious honor, and every match brings new contenders to the top.

     

    The Latest Standings

    After the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC), RCB’s Virat Kohli has surged to the top of the Orange Cap leaderboard. Kohli’s brilliant performance, scoring 51 runs off 47 balls, pushed him to 443 runs. This victory moved RCB to the number one spot on the points table, and Kohli’s consistent form has placed him at the forefront of the race for the Orange Cap in IPL 2025.

     

    Suryakumar Yadav’s Short Reign

    Suryakumar Yadav was the previous leader in the race for the Orange Cap. Before yesterday’s match, he had scored a total of 427 runs, holding the top spot. However, after Kohli’s stellar innings, Suryakumar’s position was overtaken, and he now finds himself in second place with 427 runs. Despite the loss, Suryakumar has been in excellent form and continues to be a key player for the Mumbai Indians (MI).

     

    Sai Sudharsan’s Consistency

    Gujarat Titans’ (GT) Sai Sudharsan is another strong contender for the Orange Cap in IPL 2025. With 417 runs, he is currently in third place on the leaderboard. Sudharsan has been one of the most consistent batters in the tournament, and with a few more solid performances, he could climb further up the ranks. His elegant strokeplay and ability to anchor the innings have made him one of the key players for GT.

     

    Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh

    LSG’s Nicholas Pooran is sitting comfortably in the fourth position with 404 runs. Pooran has shown incredible power-hitting abilities and has been a major contributor to LSG’s success this season. Right behind him is his teammate Mitchell Marsh, who is in the fifth spot with 378 runs. Both players have been crucial in LSG’s middle order, and they will look to push forward and challenge for the Orange Cap as the season progresses.

     

    Other Challengers for the Orange Cap

    Several other players are also in the hunt for the Orange Cap in IPL 2025. These include big hitters like Shubman Gill, David Warner, and KL Rahul, all of whom have been consistent run-scorers for their respective teams. As the tournament progresses, the competition for the top spot in the batting standings is expected to intensify, and these players will aim to make a mark with big scores.

     

    Impact of RCB’s Victory

    RCB’s impressive win against DC has given Virat Kohli the edge in the Orange Cap race. RCB’s rise to the top of the points table is not just about their team’s success; it’s also a testament to Kohli’s brilliance. His leadership and batting performance are central to RCB’s success this season, and Kohli will look to continue his charge for the Orange Cap in IPL 2025.

     

    Who Else Is Close Behind?

    While Kohli currently holds the top spot, the competition is far from over. With several games left in the season, the leaderboard could change at any time. Players like Suryakumar Yadav and Sai Sudharsan are just a few runs behind, and any big knock could put them back in the race for the Orange Cap.

    As the tournament progresses, fans can expect a tight battle for the top spot. Players will strive to make the most of their opportunities and deliver standout performances. The Orange Cap is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of a player’s contribution to their team’s success.

     

    What’s Next in the Race for the Orange Cap in IPL 2025?

    The competition for the Orange Cap in IPL 2025 is set to intensify with each passing match. Players like Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Sai Sudharsan, and Nicholas Pooran will continue to battle for the coveted cap. The next few matches will be crucial in determining who will hold the top spot in the run-scoring race.

    For now, Virat Kohli is the man to watch. But with several in-form players close behind, the race for the Orange Cap is far from decided. The IPL is renowned for its unpredictability, and a single match can alter everything. Fans will be eagerly watching to see who can keep up their run-scoring form and claim the prestigious Orange Cap at the end of the season.

     

    Conclusion

    The Orange Cap in IPL 2025 is a tightly contested race. After the latest round of matches, Virat Kohli leads the charge with 443 runs, followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Sai Sudharsan, and Nicholas Pooran. However, with so many players in form, the battle for the top spot is sure to go down to the wire. Fans will be on the edge of their seats as the season progresses and the race for the Orange Cap intensifies.

    Related Read: For a bit of off-the-field action, check out this news about two arrested for selling fake PSL tickets in Lahore: Read more here.

  • Mayank Yadav Delivers Heat on Return: Speed Breakdown vs MI

    Mayank Yadav Delivers Heat on Return: Speed Breakdown vs MI

    Mayank Yadav returned to the IPL after six long months away from competitive cricket. The young Indian pacer made his much-anticipated comeback in Match 45 of IPL 2025. Lucknow Super Giants faced Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 27. All eyes were on Mayank Yadav as he marked his return to the field after recovering from a back injury.

    Mayank Yadav burst onto the scene in IPL 2024. His express pace and aggressive bowling style grabbed everyone’s attention. He consistently bowled above 150 kph and even touched 156 kph in one match. However, an injury forced him out of the tournament midway. Despite the setback, he made his T20I debut for India later that year. He played three games against Bangladesh before the injury returned.

    That last appearance came on October 12, 2024. Since then, Mayank Yadav has been out of action due to a lumbar stress injury. Lucknow Super Giants showed faith in him and retained him for IPL 2025. On Sunday, April 27, Mayank Yadav finally returned to action against the Mumbai Indians.

    Let’s take a detailed look at Mayank Yadav’s bowling spell in his comeback match.

     

    Over-by-Over Breakdown: Mayank Yadav vs MI

     

    Over 1: Cautious Start

    Mayank Yadav opened the bowling for LSG. He looked careful but composed. His first delivery clocked 140.9 kph. The fastest ball in this over was 142.7 kph. He mainly hovered in the high 130s and low 140s. It was clear he was testing his rhythm. The average speed for the over was 139.3 kph.

    Fastest delivery: 142.7 kph
    Slowest delivery: 134.5 kph
    Average speed: 139.3 kph

     

    Over 2: Mixed Results, Smart Wicket

    In his second over, Mayank Yadav gave away 13 runs but took a key wicket. Rohit Sharma hit him for back-to-back sixes. The speeds for those balls were all around 140 to 141 kph. But Mayank showed his bright side. He took pace off the penultimate delivery. That slower ball, at just 112.2 kph, got Rohit out at short third.

    Fastest delivery: 141.6 kph
    Slowest delivery: 112.2 kph
    Average speed: 135.2 kph

     

    Over 3: Change-Ups Galore

    Mayank Yadav returned in the 10th over. This was his most expensive over, conceding 16 runs. He tried multiple slower balls. Four deliveries were under 120 kph. The other two were 135 kph and 138.7 kph. He wanted to use variation. However, his top speed still did not cross 140 kph.

    Fastest delivery: 138.7 kph
    Slowest delivery: 107.8 kph
    Average speed: 120.0 kph

     

    Over 4: Strong Finish

    Despite earlier struggles, Mayank Yadav ended on a strong note. He bowled a tight final over and picked up another wicket. He cleaned up Hardik Pandya with a 134 kph delivery. Later, he delivered a ball at 141.4 kph, his second-fastest of the match. He also bowled a couple of cutters at 111 kph and 109.4 kph to keep the batters guessing.

    Fastest delivery: 141.4 kph
    Slowest delivery: 109.4 kph
    Average speed: 128.6 kph

     

    Overall Spell Summary

    Mayank Yadav bowled four overs and took two wickets for 35 runs. More importantly, he showed reasonable control. While his express pace from last year was missing, he showed smart variation. He used slower balls and cutters to deceive batters. His top speed in the match was 142.7 kph.

    This match was a good sign for Lucknow Super Giants. Mayank Yadav is not yet back to his fastest best, but he is on the right path. His line, length, and ability to adapt stood out.

     

    Is the Pace Coming Back?

    Mayank Yadav fans will want to see him hit the 150 kph mark again. But it is essential to be patient. After a long layoff due to injury, it is normal for a pacer to start slow. He will likely build up his pace as the season progresses.

    His confidence, fitness, and recovery rhythm will be key. For now, Mayank Yadav looks fit and ready to make an impact for LSG.

     

    Final Thoughts

    Mayank Yadav’s return to the IPL was a moment many fans were waiting for. While he didn’t reach the express speeds of 2024, he demonstrated enough skill and maturity. His spell against the Mumbai Indians was a mix of pace, control, and brilliant bowling. With more game time, expect him to find top gear soon.

     

    Also Read:

    Multan Sultans were unhappy with the rescheduling of two PSL matches. Stay up-to-date on the latest PSL developments and explore why the Multan Sultans are raising concerns.

  • Shahid Afridi up in arms against Indian army for security failure in held Kashmir

    Shahid Afridi up in arms against Indian army for security failure in held Kashmir

    Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the Indian Army following the tragic Pahalgam attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, questioning their ability to provide security and rejecting allegations of Pakistan’s involvement.

    Speaking on a private channel, Afridi slammed what he called “baseless accusations” and shifted the focus to the shortcomings of the Indian military, as Indian media quickly blamed Pakistan for the attack.

    “A firecracker goes off over there [in Pahalgam], and they [India] say Pakistan did it. You [India] have 800,000 soldiers stationed in Kashmir, and yet this [attack] happened. It means you are incompetent, useless — you couldn’t even provide security to your own people,” Afridi bluntly said.

    He also demanded proof of Pakistan’s alleged involvement and accused India of orchestrating violence against its own people. “India commits acts of terrorism, kills its own citizens, and then places the blame on Pakistan,” he stated, criticising the Indian government and the media’s anti-Pakistan narrative built around the incident.

    Afridi highlighted, “No nation or religion supports terrorism,” reinstating Pakistan’s opposition to terrorism. “We are always in favour of peace. Islam simply teaches us to be peaceful, and Pakistan never condones such behaviour.”

    He also touched upon the broader issue of strained Indo-Pak relations, recalling the atmosphere of hostility during his playing days and making reference to the 2016 T20 World Cup.

    “We got a lot of threats before we went to India. I was the captain at the time, and I wasn’t sure if we would even participate,” he said.

    “Sports diplomacy is also good,” Afridi stated, pointing out the important role sports can play in diplomacy.

    “They are unable to bring their cricket squad here, so they send their kabaddi team. You can either let sport unite people or shut it down entirely if you want to,” he added.

    Tensions between Pakistan and India have intensified after militants opened fire at a well-known tourist site, killing at least 26 individuals and wounding several more.

    The attack happened on April 22 at Pahalgam, a popular destination in Indian-occupied Kashmir that welcomes thousands of tourists each year.

  • Former finance minister warns of unsustainable policies, low growth

    Former finance minister warns of unsustainable policies, low growth

    Former finance minister and economist Dr Hafeez Pasha described the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange interventions as unsustainable in an interview on private television. He explained that the SBP purchases dollars entering the system through informal money transfer systems to ensure that the rupee does not depreciate too much against the dollar, while also building foreign reserves.

    Currently, the rupee operates under a managed float regime relative to the  dollar, effectively trading within a range of Rs278 to Rs280 per dollar. For reference, a managed float regime is a system in which a currency’s value is loosely pegged to another currency, allowing it to fluctuate within set limits.

    However, Pasha has outlined how this will serve to the detriment of domestic exports as artificially inflating the value of the rupee reduces export competitiveness. If the SBP moves from a managed float regime to a purely floating system, the rupee may depreciate significantly. Experts, on the other hand, believe that it could cause export growth to skyrocket.

    He further critiqued the policy against exporters, highlighting how they now face a 29 percent income tax, which sat at just one percent prior to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) austerity measures. Reports quoting Pasha indicate that the government has rescinded its support for exporters while countries such as Bangladesh and India are granting tax cuts to their exporters. 

    He outlined how economic growth will likely remain below two percent for fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 despite the federal government’s efforts. However, projections from the World Bank indicate that Pakistan’s economy is expected to grow by 2.7 percent during the current FY.

    According to Pasha, the reason for the abysmally low growth rate lies in the shrinking of sectors such as large-scale manufacturing and cotton. As per reports, cotton production has witnessed a 28 percent fall, which spells bad news for a textile exporting nation, as cotton is a major input material in textiles. 

    The decline in cotton production could stem from the domestic textile sector’s increasing reliance on imported cotton. Recent reports indicate that millers and ginners were opting to buy imported cotton, which, up until recently, would arrive duty-free into the country, while local cotton farmers were subjected to an 18 per cent General Sales Tax (GST).

    However, reports from April 2025 suggest that the federal government withdrew the GST on the sale of domestically produced cotton. Analysts believe that the government will have to reshuffle its policies to witness economic revival.

  • Asim Azhar reacts to viral Ali Safina, Merab Ali podcast moment

    Asim Azhar reacts to viral Ali Safina, Merab Ali podcast moment

    Renowned singer Asim Azhar has finally shared his thoughts on the viral video featuring actors Merub Ali and Ali Safina.

    Asim and Merub are engaged, but comments about Asim’s past relationship with actress Hania Amir keep resurfacing.

    Recently, during a show, Ali Safina joked about Asim and Hania’s past. He asked Merab, “Does Asim ever sing ‘Oh Hania O Dil Jaani’ for you?’” Merub handled the moment with grace, although it became a little awkward and quickly went viral on social media.

    At first, Merub avoided responding to the question but then replied, laughing, “What do you have to do with that?” She added, “Of course, he sings. He serenades me with every song.”

    Reacting to the situation, Merab laughed and roasted Ali Safina, hinting that she understood he was actually referring to Hania Aamir.

    Later, when the host asked Merub how she deals with such uncomfortable questions, she said, “I do nothing but laugh it off.”

    Asim Azhar, on the other hand, responded to the situation wisely.

    “Everyone has the right to their privacy, but one thing should be understood: if you bring your life to social media, be prepared for criticism. If you are not mentally strong, you should not put yourself in such a situation,” he remarked.

    “Sometimes the line is crossed, and that is wrong, but I am aware of this fact and face it,” he added.

    Asim also shared his approach towards people, saying, “I only talk to those I love; otherwise, I generally keep my distance.”

  • Father of five killed after fight over wedding money in Wazirabad.

    Father of five killed after fight over wedding money in Wazirabad.

    A tragic incident unfolded at a wedding hall in Wazirabad, where a security guard shot and killed a labourer after an argument over collecting money tossed by wedding guests.

    According to reports, guests at the wedding had tossed money as part of a common celebration. The labourer tried to pick up some of the notes outside the hall, leading to a heated argument with the security guard. The fight quickly escalated, and, following alleged instructions from the hall owner and his nephew, the guard opened fire on the worker.

    The victim, who was a father of five, died on the spot.

    After a complaint from the victim’s brother, police registered a case against the security guard, the hall owner, and the owner’s nephew.

    However, despite the FIR being filed, no arrests have been made yet.

  • Pakistan Navy forces Indian carrier to retreat in Arabian Sea

    Pakistan Navy forces Indian carrier to retreat in Arabian Sea

    Vigilant operations of the Pakistan Navy have reportedly forced an Indian aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, to retreat from near Pakistani waters.

    Media outlets quoted security sources as reporting that on April 23, the Indian-indigenously built INS Vikrant was deployed to the northern parts of the Arabian Sea amid tensions between the two countries.

    The Indian vessel was withdrawn after the Pakistan Navy patrolled persistently and effectively, reports said.

    As per the latest satellite intelligence (IMINT) images, INS Vikrant re-moored to the Indian port of Karwar after spending a few days at sea.

    The deployment and subsequent withdrawal highlights the growing military posturing in the region following last week’s terror attack in Pahalgam in held Kashmir, which killed 26 people. 

    Pakistan and India are yet to comment on the development.

  • Australian YouTube channel forced to remove all IPL content after BCCI warning

    Australian YouTube channel forced to remove all IPL content after BCCI warning

    Popular Australian YouTube channel The Grade Cricketer has been told by Indian cricket authorities to take down all videos related to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

    As per the details, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL officials have sent a legal notice to the one-million-subscribers-strong channel featuring podcasts hosted by Sam Perry and Ian Higgins.

    Indian cricketing authorities have warned them against using IPL photos and logos for “commercial purposes” and making money off of content featuring official images.

    To avoid getting banned or suspended from platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X, the hosts quickly removed all IPL-related videos, reports said, adding that their daily IPL show, The Big IPL Breakfast, might also need a name change to stay safe legally.

    It may be noted that the issue started because The Grade Cricketer used still images from IPL matches in their videos, which brands also sponsored. BCCI allows the use of match photos for news and reporting (editorial purposes) but not when money is being made from them (commercial use).

    Despite the takedown, the podcast will continue talking about the IPL without using official pictures or team names. The hosts also plan to organise live shows in India during the tournament.

  • ‘Pakistan Jindabad’: Indian accounts share fake army notification

    ‘Pakistan Jindabad’: Indian accounts share fake army notification

    A notification widely shared by Indians on social media claiming mass resignations in the Pakistan Army following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir has been found to be fake.

    Claim: The notification was initially shared by an Indian account named Aditya Raj Kaul, with the caption “Huge. Mass resignations are being reported in the Pakistan Army as morale is at its lowest under Asim Munir’s leadership.”

    The notification with the subject “Reinforcing Duty and Discipline” reads, “The incident done by our mujahideens in Pahalgam has escalated, and now there are fears of war with India, leading to huge requests for resignation and desertion among army personnel.”

    One directive given in the document reads, “As mujahideen of Pakistan, your commitment to defend is sacred. Reject fear and stand firm.”

    In another directive, it has been asserted that any unauthorised resignation or desertion from service will face strict action under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952.

    Fact: The notification was found to be fake, as it bore the name of Major General Faisal Mehmood Malik, HI (M), Director General, Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR).

    The current DG ISPR is Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.

    The notification ends with “Pakistan Jinabad”, a misspelt version of the patriotic slogan “Pakistan Zindabad.”

    Viewing the visible mistakes, the notification proved to be fake.

  • ‘Worse than hell’: Alizeh Shah quits social media after facing constant criticism

    ‘Worse than hell’: Alizeh Shah quits social media after facing constant criticism

    Actress Alizeh Shah has announced that she is leaving social media after facing constant criticism online.

    Alizeh, who became popular with her role in Ehd-e-Wafa, posted a final Instagram story saying “She Quits” before deleting all her posts.

    In the story, she wrote, “I quit. This place is worse than hell,” indicating how badly social media was affecting her.

    She had recently shared that she felt attacked by internet users, adding that while she appeared strong, she was actually “going through a lot.”

    In earlier posts, Alizeh defended herself, saying she had “never done anything immoral to get roles,” despite facing harsh judgment from many.

    Public reaction to her decision has been mixed. Some critics called her an “attention seeker”. 

    One social media user commented, “If you were posting something then learn to tolerate the reactions as well.”

    Meanwhile, her supporters showed concern, posting messages like “She is going through something and must get help” and “May Allah guide her and she finds peace.”

    Alizeh Shah rose to fame at a young age but has often found herself surrounded by controversies. Recently, people have debated her clothing choices, personal style, and appearances in music videos.

    She has not said whether her break from social media will be temporary or permanent.