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Ravi Shastri reveals fun story of how Virat took Anushka on Australia tour before marriage

Former Indian team head coach Ravi Shastri recently narrated an interesting incident of star batsman Virat Kohli and his wife, actress Anushka Sharma.

While talking to foreign media, Ravi Shastri narrated a 10-year-old story about Virat.

“In 2015, when I was the coach of the Indian team, Anushka and Virat were dating each other. Virat came to me and asked if it was allowed to bring only wives on the tour. Can’t the girlfriend come along?”

Ravi said, “I gave permission, then Kohli said that the Board is not giving permission. I called and got permission, then Anushka was with us on this tour.”

He said, “In the first Test against Australia, Kohli scored 160 runs, after which the same thing happened, Virat gave Anushka a flying kiss while she was sitting in the stands, which happens in most matches now. Anushka has always been Virat’s biggest supporter.”

Recently, in the Perth Test, Virat scored a magnificent century against Australia.

Virat’s new post leaves fans in shock

Indian star batsman and former captain Virat Kohli’s new post on social media has left fans worried.

As per the details, Kohli’s November 20 post on the micro-blogging website X (formerly Twitter), left fans confused as to whether it was about divorce or retirement.

“We were busy figuring out who we were. Ten years of ups and downs, and even the pandemic couldn’t shake us. If anything, it reminded us being different is our strength. So, here’s to ten years of doing it our way- the Wrogn way. Here’s to being Wrogn. And here’s to the next ten! Wrogn, for the right kind of man [sic],” he added.

With the post coming after Indian singer and composer A. R. Rahman and his wife Saira Banu’s separation, netizens started speculating if Kohli was also hinting at divorce.

However, it turned out to be a promotional post for a brand.

Virat’s association with this brand

Sporting Beyond is a new company that helps athletes with their business. It’s like a team that takes care of everything from sponsorships to charity work.

Recently, a big cricket star, Virat Kohli, joined Sporting Beyond. He said he’s excited to work with this team because they share his love for sports and his values.

Sporting Beyond is still new, but it’s already making a big impact. It’s helping athletes focus on their sport while they handle the business side of things.

“Looking back, we’ve always been a bit different. We never fitted into any box they tried putting us in. Two misfits, who just clicked. We’ve changed over the years, but always done things our way. Some called us crazy; others didn’t get it. But honestly? We didn’t care.,” he wrote.

November 27, 2024
Champion Trophy’s likely hybrid model revealed: Report

A proposed version of the hybrid model of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champion Trophy has come to light.

Indian cricket website Cricket Buzz has claimed that 15 matches have been scheduled for the event from February 19 to March 9, out of which Pakistan will host 10 matches and one semi-final. A proposal to shift five games, including the other semi-final and the final, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is under consideration.

If Pakistan accepts the hybrid model (which is unlikely), then broadcasters will have to face serious operational and logistical challenges. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may be given concessions and additional money if it accepts the proposal.

Reports say that bookings for venues, hotels and travel arrangements will also have to be made for a semi-final and a final.

The ICC is still not able to make a final decision on where India’s matches should be held, while South Africa’s name is also under consideration for hosting the Trophy, but the South African board has clearly refuted the reports.

In case the meeting decides on the basis of voting that the matches should be held under the hybrid model, it will be the first time that the tournament has been shifted to another place due to the non-participation of just one team from the event, there is no such example in the past.

14 members, including board members participating in the board of directors meeting, will be able to cast votes.

After this decision, Pakistan may withdraw from tournaments to be held in India, which include the Women’s World Cup and Men’s Asia Cup next year, as well as the T20 World Cup in 2026.

November 27, 2024
Cricket Australia remembers Phil Hughes on 10th death anniversary

On November 27, 2024, Cricket Australia honoured the memory of Phillip Hughes on the 10th anniversary of his tragic passing.

10 years ago today (2014) in Sydney, Philip was hit on the head by a ball bowled by Sean Abbott during a Sheffield Shield match, losing his life to the injury.

Today, the players observed a minute’s silence in the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Tasmania in memory of Philip Hughes.

Emotional scenes were seen at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Sean Abbott was also among those paying tribute at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and he became emotional on this occasion, which was encouraged by his fellow players.

On the completion of 10 years after the death of the former cricketer, a loving message was also issued by the family of Philip Hughes.

He represented Australia in 26 Tests, 25 ODIs and one T20I match.

November 27, 2024
ICC calls board meeting on Champions Trophy hosting issue

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called a board meeting on November 29 to consider the future of Champions Trophy 2025 due in Pakistan next February.

According to reports, the meeting will be held online, and the agenda will be sent to all board members.

The scheduling and future of the Champions Trophy will be considered during the meeting, reports said, adding that various options will be discussed during the meeting. These options include a hybrid model, a complete transfer from Pakistan or the postponement of the tournament.

The board’s preference is to adopt a hybrid model; however, the PCB has already opposed the same.

The ICC will take a final decision on the Champions Trophy after considering all opinions and suggestions by the board members.

India has refused to come to Pakistan and participate in the tournament whereas Pakistan is adamant on its stance of not accepting any hybrid model.

Meanwhile, due to Indian stubbornness, the ICC has not yet been able to announce the schedule.

The ICC is facing pressure from broadcasters to announce the schedule at the earliest and as per broadcast rights. The ICC may also face legal action if Pakistan-India match is not held.

November 26, 2024
Second ODI: Pakistan crush Zimbabwe by 10 wickets

Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the second ODI match played at Queens Sports Club Ground in Bulawayo.

Pakistan easily achieved the target of 146 runs in the 19th over without losing a wicket. Saim Ayub scored the first century of his ODI career and scored 113 runs, while Abdullah Shafiq remained unbeaten on 32 runs.

Earlier, Zimbabwe had given Pakistan a target of 146 runs to win, and the host team returned to the pavilion after scoring 145 runs in 32.3 overs.

Debutant Abrar Ahmed took four wickets, Salman Ali Agha took three wickets, and Saim Ayub and Faisal Akram took one wicket each, while one batter was run out.

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat against Pakistan.

In this match being played in Bulawayo, two players from Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Tayyab Tahir, are playing an ODI for Pakistan for the first time.

It should be noted that in the rain-affected first match, Zimbabwe won by 80 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method and took a one-nil lead in the three-match series.

November 26, 2024
Champions Trophy: PCB rejects ‘huge Indian offer’ for hybrid model

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected an Indian offer of hefty compensation for adopting the hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025, a private media outlet has claimed.

According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offered Pakistan a huge amount for adopting the hybrid model and hosting Indian matches of the upcoming tournament in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The same was, however, rejected by the PCB.

While Pakistan is still adamant on hosting the entire tournament at home and has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in this regard, the cricket watchdog has not yet responded to PCB’s letter in writing.

Despite the passage of several weeks, PCB is standing by its decision to host the tournament under a hybrid model and is insisting that India’s group matches and knockout matches — if they qualify — be played in Lahore.

Pakistan is due to host the tournament in February-March 2025 but the refusal by the Indian government and the cricketing board to send their team to Pakistan has troubled the ICC. The deadline given by broadcasters for the schedule has also passed.

The Indian board, citing security issues, is adamant on holding all their matches in Dubai.

The final answer on whether Pakistan gets to host the event or not may come today. It is expected that the matter will be resolved through voting, in which Pakistan could lag behind.

Earlier, there were reports that PCB is taking a tough stance on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision not to send its team to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan: considering a ‘minus-India’ formula in response.

The PCB has decided to use the examples from the 1996 and 2003 World Cup in its initial stance to adopt a tough stance against India.

In 1996, Australia and West Indies refused to play in Sri Lanka, while in 2003, New Zealand refused to play in Kenya and England refused to play in Zimbabwe. In response, the International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded points to the teams that were present on the ground for the scheduled matches, putting the teams that refused to participate at a disadvantage.

Geo reports that based on these examples, the PCB will assert that the ICC has never changed a venue in the past when teams failed to show up, and as a result, Pakistan will adopt a firm stance.

Pakistan may also propose a ‘minus India’ Champions Trophy on this basis, as India has not yet spoken about the Champions Trophy in writing. PCB will insist to the ICC that India submits all its positions in writing, sources have claimed.

Earlier, it was also reported that Pakistan would write a letter to the ICC in light of the government guidelines in the next day or two, for which the Board had also completed a legal consultation.

Earlier, the PCB denied all claims about the Indian team refusing to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

PCB source told The Current, “All speculations about Indian cricket board’s letter to PCB or India not coming to Pakistan are baseless. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s press conference in Gaddafi Stadium on November 8 is the latest update on this issue.”

Mohsin Naqvi said that there should be no politics in the game and assured that the Board will continue preparations despite India not coming.

On the other hand, reports claimed that the government of Pakistan is likely to make tough decisions regarding India’s refusal to come to the Champions Trophy.

The government is considering that if India does not participate at the agreed venues, Pakistan will not play any future matches with India, and until relations with India improve, they will not play any game with India in any tournament.

They are of the view that Pakistan always makes goodwill gestures, but India is always involved in politics.

If India does not participate in matches in Pakistan and the host country doesn’t agree on the hybrid model, then there is a strong chance that Sri Lanka will replace India.

November 26, 2024
Two players to debut against Zimbabwe

The management of the Pakistan cricket team has announced the names of playing eleven for the second ODI against Zimbabwe.

The second ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe will be played tomorrow in Bulawayo, for which two changes have been made to the national team.

Tayyab Tahir has been included in the team in place of Haseebullah, and Abrar Ahmed in place of Muhammad Hasnain.

Abrar Ahmed and Tayyab Tahir will play an ODI for Pakistan for the first time.

The Pakistan team for the second ODI includes Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafiq, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Niazi, Amir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram and Abrar Ahmed.

Zimbabwe won the rain-hit first mat h by 80 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method.

First ODI

In the first ODI of the three-match ODI series, Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis method.

The first match of the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was played in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in which the host team set a target of 206 runs for Pakistan to win.

In pursuit of Zimbabwe’s target of 206 runs, Pakistan’s batting line-up struggled, and six players on the national team were out for 60 runs. After 21 overs of the match, the match had to be stopped due to rain, and the game had to be ended due to continuous rain.

Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by 80 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl against Zimbabwe; Faisal Akram made his debut for Pakistan.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 205 runs in 40.2 overs, with debutants Faisal Akram and Salman Ali Agha taking three wickets each.

Haris Rauf dismissed one player while Abdullah Shafiq ran out a batter. In addition, Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Hasnain returned one player to the pavilion.

Chasing a target of 206 runs, the national team had a disappointing start. Openers Saim Ayub scored 11, and Abdullah Shafiq returned to the pavilion after scoring one run. Kamran Ghulam could score 17 runs, while Salman Agha was out after scoring four runs.

Pakistan’s fifth wicket fell for 49 runs, and the fifth player to be dismissed from the national team was Haseebullah, who was out for a duck.

Pakistan’s sixth wicket fell for 58 runs, while Irfan Khan was bowled for seven runs. After that, after adding two more runs, the match had to be stopped due to rain. Captain Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 19 runs, while Aamir Jamal was present at the wicket with him but could not score any runs.

Pakistan’s final XI included Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafiq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haseebullah, Salman Agha and Irfan Khan. In addition, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain and Faisal Akram were also part of the final XI.

November 26, 2024
Vaibhav, 13, becomes youngest player in IPL history

13-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become the youngest player to become a part of Indian Premier League (IPL).

The two-day player bidding ceremony for IPL season 2025 began in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday. Franchises bought the best players for crores of rupees for their teams.

While most franchises made big names part of their team, a 13-year-old Indian cricketer, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, also became a part of the IPL for the first time when Rajasthan Royals bought Suryavanshi for 11 million Indian rupees.

Suryavanshi became the youngest player to be bought by any team in the history of the IPL.

On the other hand, Lucknow Supergiants bought Rishabh Pant for 27 crore Indian rupees, after which Pant became the most expensive player in the history of IPL.

IPL 2025 will be the 18th edition of this tournament, scheduled to be played between March and May next year.

Who is Vaibhav?

Vaibhav was born on 27 March 2011 in the village of Tajpur in the state of Bihar. He started his cricketing journey at the age of just four, and then at the age of 9, his father got him admitted to a cricket academy in a nearby town.

Vaibhav made his first-class debut for the state of Bihar in January 2024 at the age of just 13 in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match against Mumbai.

Vaibhav Suryavinshi also scored a brilliant century against the Australia U-19 team while representing the India U-19 team at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in the Youth Test.

The young player played a brilliant innings of 104 runs off 62 balls and became the youngest player to score a century in the Youth Test format.

Suryavinshi also became the second fastest century scorer in the Youth Test format and the fastest Indian player to score a century in this format.

November 26, 2024
Divorce or retirement? Virat’s new post leaves fans in shock

Indian star batsman and former captain Virat Kohli’s new post on social media has left fans worried.

As per the details, Kohli’s November 20 post on the micro-blogging website X (formerly Twitter), left fans confused as to whether it was about divorce or retirement.

“Looking back, we’ve always been a bit different. We never fitted into any box they tried putting us in. Two misfits, who just clicked. We’ve changed over the years, but always done things our way. Some called us crazy; others didn’t get it. But honestly? We didn’t care.,” he wrote.

“We were busy figuring out who we were. Ten years of ups and downs, and even the pandemic couldn’t shake us. If anything, it reminded us being different is our strength. So, here’s to ten years of doing it our way- the Wrogn way. Here’s to being Wrogn. And here’s to the next ten! Wrogn, for the right kind of man [sic],” he added.

With the post coming after Indian singer and composer A. R. Rahman and his wife Saira Banu’s separation, netizens started speculating if Kohli was also hinting at divorce.

However, it turned out to be a promotional post for a brand.

Virat’s association with this brand

Sporting Beyond is a new company that helps athletes with their business. It’s like a team that takes care of everything from sponsorships to charity work.

Recently, a big cricket star, Virat Kohli, joined Sporting Beyond. He said he’s excited to work with this team because they share his love for sports and his values.

Sporting Beyond is still new, but it’s already making a big impact. It’s helping athletes focus on their sport while they handle the business side of things.

November 25, 2024
Rishabh Pant becomes most expensive player in IPL history

Indian left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has created history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, becoming the most expensive player. The auction of the best-performing cricketers in the first phase of the IPL was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Lucknow Super Giants bought the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman for 270 million Indian rupees in the auction, which is more than 88 crore Pakistani rupees.

The successful bid for Rishabh Pant also surpassed the 260 million Indian rupees paid by Punjab Kings for Shreyas Iyer a few minutes earlier.

Earlier, Delhi Capitals had offered 207.5 million Indian rupees under the Right to Match Card (RTM) to retain Rishabh Pant, but the huge offer of 270 million Indian rupees from Lucknow Supergiants forced Delhi Capitals to withdraw from the auction.

Rishabh Pant has been a part of Delhi Capitals since 2016, but after this auction, he has now joined Lucknow Supergiants. Delhi Capitals had also given him the captaincy after Shreyas Iyer was injured during the 2021 session and was also retained as captain in the 2022 IPL.

Pant made a comeback in the 2024 IPL after being seriously injured in a car accident in December 2022.

Delhi Capitals retained him as captain, and in the 2024 season, he scored 446 runs for his team.

Earlier, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc was the most expensive player in the IPL auction held on December 19, 2023. He was made a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team for 247.5 million Indian rupees.

Prior to Mitchell Starc, Australian player Pat Cummins was the most expensive player, whom Sunrisers Hyderabad added to their fleet for 200 million Indian rupees. Similarly, preceding Cummins was England all-rounder Sam Curran, who joined the Punjab Kings for 18.50 crore and became the most expensive player.

Rishabh gave scooters to the locals who rescued him in a car accident

In 2022, Rishabh Pant’s car met with an accident while going from Uttarakhand to Delhi, in which the cricketer sustained serious injuries, while two locals rescued him and shifted him to the hospital in time.

The cricketer was treated in the hospital and returned to the field after about a year and a half.

Now, Rishabh has gifted scooters to locals named Rajat Kumar and Neshu Kumar. The cricketer thanked them and said that this would remain a favour to him for the rest of his life, which he will never forget.

He said that I was not able to thank everyone individually, but I was indebted to the two heroes, Rajat Kumar and Neshu Kumar, who tried their best to save my life after the accident.

November 25, 2024