Tag: Cricket

  • Waqar Younis to quit social media after ‘hacker likes porn video from his Twitter account’

    Waqar Younis to quit social media after ‘hacker likes porn video from his Twitter account’

    Former Pakistani paceman Waqar Younis has announced his decision to delete his social media accounts after “a hacker liked a porn video from his official Twitter handle”.

    Mentioning the incident in a video message, Younis said that he would never be seen on social media again and it was not the first time that his social media account had been hacked.

    Critics were quick to lambaste Younis to which he responded with what may be his final post on any of his social media accounts.

    Younis clarified that he was not the man behind the inappropriate action.

    “Today I have to say with great regret that when I woke up this morning, someone hacked my Twitter account and liked grossly inferior videos from my account.”

    WATCH VIDEO:

    https://twitter.com/waqyounis99/status/1266180048492482560

    “So it is a matter of great shame, it is a matter of great regret and discomfort. For me and my family too. I used to think that social media or Twitter is a way of interacting with people. But unfortunately this man ruined everything. By the way, the hacker has not done this for the first time. I have had an account hack three or four times,” he said further.

    The former cricketer and Pakistan team coach also said he did not think the man was going to stop, so he had decided that he would not come on social media after today. “I love my family more. You will not see me on social media after today. I am sorry if this hurts anyone.”

  • Wahab Riaz welcomes baby girl

    Wahab Riaz welcomes baby girl

    It’s raining babies for our cricket stars this year. After Shahid Afridi, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Yasir Shah, Wahab Riaz has announced that he and his wife Zaynab have welcomed a baby girl, Hoorain Sikandar. This is the couple’s second child together.

    Read more – Sarfaraz welcomes second child; Ahmad Shehzad says ‘keep going’

    Following Wahab’s announcement, messages of congratulations poured in for the cricketer and his family from all around.

    Though the left-arm pacer missed out on Pakistan’s central contracts list for 2020-21 season, head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq has said that he will be on the radar for selection in the team in the future.

  • ‘One Indian is enough for your thousands,’ Dhawan tells Afridi, gets trolled with Abhinandan pictures

    ‘One Indian is enough for your thousands,’ Dhawan tells Afridi, gets trolled with Abhinandan pictures

    Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, who hit out at former Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi for his comments on Kashmir during a recent visit to the Pakistan-administered side of the valley, is being trolled by Pakistanis for saying that “Kashmir belongs to India” and “one Indian is enough for 125,000 Pakistanis”.

    As per the details, a video clip of Afridi speaking to the people of the Azad Kashmir village went viral on social media, which showed the former Pakistani cricketing star criticising Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi for deploying forces in Kashmir and making it a living hell for Muslims.

    “At a time when the whole world is fighting corona[virus], you are concerned about Kashmir. Kashmir is ours and will remain ours. Bring your 220 million, one [Indian] is enough for 125,000. You do the math,” Dhawan tweeted while tagging Afridi.

    It wasn’t later that Pakistanis started trolling the Indian batsman, reminding him of what happened last year when an Indian Air Force (IAF) jet violated Pakistani airspace.

    The jet was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the pilot captured. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was released a day later by Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan as a goodwill gesture to promote peace between the two countries.

    While Afridi himself is yet to respond, here are some other responses to Dhawan’s tweet:

    What do you think of the Indian cricketer’s tweet? Let The Current know in the comments.

  • ‘Kitna khoobsurat lagta hai’: Irrfan Khan about PM Imran Khan

    ‘Kitna khoobsurat lagta hai’: Irrfan Khan about PM Imran Khan

    Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, who passed away last week, was not only a cricket buff but was also a big fan of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    In an interview with Telegraph India, Irrfan had expressed his fondness for two legendary Pakistani cricketers Imran Khan and Zaheer Abbas and recalled his meeting with them.

    “There was an India-Pakistan match. I was very young. Zaheer Abbas was there. I went to take his autograph. That was the first time as I never took autographs from anybody in my life. He just looked at me… and I felt so humiliated. I felt really bad,” said the late actor. “I was a Zaheer Abbas and Imran Khan fan.”

    Speaking about PM Imran, Irrfan had said, “Imran kitna khubsoorat lagta hai! What a persona… open-chested, aisi uchhal ke bowling karta tha. Even now, he looks great.”

    Read more – Sherry Rehman calls Irrfan Khan ‘one of Pakistan’s best’

    Irrfan had also expressed his appreciation about other sportsmen including Kapil Dev and David Beckham.

    “David Beckham is also very good-looking. Beckham ka ajeeb sa hai… anything suits him. Very stylish,” he said about Beckham.

    He added, “At one point in time, I used to like Sachin (Tendulkar). Kapil (Dev) was also a favourite. (M.S.) Dhoni has shown some character. He is a great captain.”

    It is a well-known fact that Irrfan was a huge cricket fan. In fact back in 2018, while he was in London for his treatment, Irrfan was spotted in the stands during Pakistan versus England Test match.

    Irrfan had also expressed his desire to be a cricketer but due to financial issues, he decided to give up that dream and pursue acting instead.

    “I played cricket. I wanted to become a cricketer. I was an all-rounder and the youngest one in my team in Jaipur. I wanted to make a career out of it. I was selected for the CK Nayudu tournament I think and then I needed money and didn’t know who to ask. That day I decided I cannot pursue it,” Khan had said in the same interview.

  • India’s Shami opens up about having suicidal thoughts before comeback

    India’s Shami opens up about having suicidal thoughts before comeback

    India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has revealed how he thought of committing suicide while struggling with personal problems before making a spectacular comeback to the national side.

    Shami battled weight issues, injury and a legal quarrel with his estranged wife before a stellar performance at the World Cup last year re-established the 29-year-old as a key player.

    With cricket and sports halted in the coronavirus lockdown, Shami opened up about his own and his family’s fears to teammate Rohit Sharma during an exchange on Instagram.

    “I think if my family had not supported me back then I would have lost my cricket. I thought of committing suicide three times during that period due to severe stress,” said Shami.

    “I was not thinking about cricket at all. We were living on the 24th floor. They were scared I might jump from the balcony.”

    With Virat Kohli

    Shami’s contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was withheld in 2018 because of allegations of domestic violence, only to be reinstated later.

    The bowler also struggled with injury that saw him spend nearly a year on the sidelines, leading to weight gain. He said his family and friends helped him bounce back.

    “My two or three friends used to stay with me for 24 hours (during my days of depression). My parents asked me to focus on cricket to recover from that phase and not think about anything else,” he said.

    “I started training then and sweated it out a lot at an academy in Dehradun.

    “Then my family explained that every problem has a solution no matter how big the problem. My brother supported me a lot.”

    A lean and hungry Shami made a strong comeback in the Indian team at the 50-over World Cup. He took 14 wickets in four games including a match-winning hat-trick.

    Shami has claimed 180 wickets in 49 Tests and 144 scalps in 77 one-day internationals since making his debut for India in 2013.

    Last year Shami led the pace pack in the absence of yorker king Jasprit Bumrah and claimed 13 wickets during India’s 3-0 home Test sweep of South Africa.

    Skipper Virat Kohli heaped praise on the fast bowler, saying, “he is someone who can change the complexion of the match totally when you don’t see it coming”.

  • PCB’s legal advisor sues Shoaib Akhtar for defamation

    PCB’s legal advisor sues Shoaib Akhtar for defamation

    Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi has filed a Rs10 million defamation lawsuit against former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for calling him “an inept person of the highest order,” “do takkay ka lawyer” along with other allegations.

    Akhtar, in a video posted to his YouTube channel, had strongly criticised the Board and its legal team, especially Rizvi, and had accused him of profiteering by creating protracted legal disputes between the Board and its players.

    Speaking on the matter, Rizvi said, “Shoaib Akhtar’s comments have affected my goodwill. He said false things about me on social media. His remarks were seen and heard abroad as well which is why I decided to take legal action against him.”

    The PCB advisor further said that he will take action against Akhtar outside of Pakistan and that he has also “submitted a criminal complaint to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) under the cybercrime act.”

    Akhtar, while discussing the three-year ban on Umar Akmal on his YouTube channel, had accused PCB and its legal team of giving cover to corrupt cricketers of their choice but “feeding other out-of-favours ones to the lions.” He said that this had enabled the menace of match-fixing.

    “The Board has given cover to, saved and rehabilitated match-fixers, which has developed this mindset that ‘Okay I will serve my six-month or two years ban but will be back again like Sharjeel Khan’,” Akhtar said in the video.

    Akhtar asserted that formal laws need to be put in place to curb corruption in the sport. He also suggested that the issue of match-fixing and the treatment of guilty cricketers should be taken out of the Board’s hands.

    “The PCB’s legal department is rotten to the core,” remarked Akhtar. “Tafazzul Rizvi, in particular, is one such individual. He has deep connections and has been with the board for 10-15 years. There has never been a case that he has not lost. What irked me the most was when he dragged Shahid Afridi through the courts.”

    Meanwhile, PCB has said that while they are not backing the legal notice as yet, they are disappointed with Akhtar’s disrespectful outburst.

    “The PCB is disappointed with Shoaib Akhtar’s poor choice of words while publically commenting about the PCB’s legal department and its legal advisor,” said the board in a press release. “The language used by Shoaib Akhtar was highly inappropriate and disrespectful, and cannot be condoned in any civilised society. The PCB’s legal advisor, Mr Taffazul Rizvi, in his own discretion, has initiated defamation and criminal proceedings against Shoaib Akhtar, while the PCB too reserves its rights.”

  • Three years ban for Umar Akmal for violating PCB’s anti-corruption code

    Three years ban for Umar Akmal for violating PCB’s anti-corruption code

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned Umar Akmal from all cricket for three years for violating the board’s anti-corruption code by not reporting a fixing offer before the start of the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    In a press release, the board stated: “The Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel, Mr Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan, in short order on Monday, handed Umar Akmal a three-year ban from all cricket. The PCB will release reasons as soon as it receives them from Justice Chauhan.”

    The board said that a detailed hearing was held at the National Cricket Academy where the cricketer represented himself and was heard at length. Mr Taffazul Rizvi represented the PCB.

    Akmal was charged with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents on March 17. He had earlier on February 20 been suspended from playing and was also not allowed to participate in the fifth edition of the PSL in which he was playing for Quetta Gladiators.

    Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code reads as: “Failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code.”

    On April 9, the PCB referred the matter to Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee after determining that the batsman had not requested for a hearing before the Anti-Corruption Tribunal.

    Read more – ‘Where’s the fat?’ Umar Akmal bares all in fitness test

    PCB Director – Anti-Corruption and Security, Lt Col Asif Mahmood, said: “The PCB doesn’t take any pleasure in seeing a promising international cricketer being declared ineligible for three years on corruption charges, but this is once again a timely reminder to all who think they can get away by breaching the anti-corruption code.”

    “I request all professional cricketers to stay away from the menace of corruption and immediately inform relevant authorities as soon as they are approached. This is in their as well as their teams’ and country’s best interest.”

    Meanwhile, here is what former cricketer Ramiz Raja has to say on the matter.

  • Don’t think cricket boards can survive without matches: Ramiz Raja

    Former Pakistan captain-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja thinks cricket boards cannot survive for long without resuming cricket. He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hold talks with other associations to find a way to play the sport behind closed doors.

    “Cricket fans are starved now and the coronavirus pandemic has brought life to a standstill but I don’t think cricket boards can survive for long like this. They can’t continue to pay out salaries and expenses without having cricket activities it would be disastrous for them,” Ramiz said in a video on his Youtube channel.

    “I would also urge the PCB to think on these lines and hold talks with other boards to see how cricket activities can be resumed even behind closed doors.”

    The former Test opener said it would be a disaster if this lockdown continues for long.

    “Unless a vaccine can be created, we can only defeat it through social distancing and precautionary measures,” he said. Raja urged the PCB to take the first step in initiating talks with other boards in this regard.

    The COVID-19 pandemic has hit sports hard with Cricket Australia forced to stand down almost 80 percent of its staff.

    The fast-spreading disease has halted all cricket activities across the globe.

  • Ex-Indian cricketing star picks combined Pak-India XI of all time, names Imran Khan as captain

    Ex-Indian cricketing star picks combined Pak-India XI of all time, names Imran Khan as captain

    Commentator and former Indian cricketing star Aakash Chopra has picked his combined Pakistan-India XI of all-time, naming World Cup-winning former Pakistani skipper and now prime minister (PM), Imran Khan, as the captain.

    “I wanted to do a fun exercise today by selecting the combined all-time Test XI of Pakistan and India, although it was a very difficult task,” Chopra said in a video uploaded to Facebook. “One thing that we will all agree, before moving on, that the team will give more preference to Indian batsmen and Pakistani bowlers.”

    Chopra picked former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag as the openers while selecting Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar at the third and fourth batting spots, respectively.

    “There is no doubt that Sunil Gavaskar will be one of the openers as his presence is absolutely mandatory,” he said. “I would partner him with Virender Sehwag because he scored two triple centuries in Test cricket which is quite an achievement,” Chopra said, adding that after including Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, he would go for Inzamamul Haq and Javed Miandad for the fifth and sixth slots.

    “Although they are both playing out of position, but deserve a place in the XI,” he said regarding the Pakistani batting legends.

    “For the wicketkeeper spot I will pick MS Dhoni. Although we can consider Dravid as well but I don’t want to make a batsman playing at one-down to keep the wickets,” he added.

    Two World Cup-winning skippers come next as Kapil Dev and Imran Khan give this team a whole new dimension. They could bat, they could bowl and they could lead the team with absolute authority.

    “At number eight and nine, I will pick Kapil Dev and Imran Khan. Imran will also be the captain of my side,” the former Indian cricketer said.

    Fast-bowler Wasim Akram finds a place in the side and so does Anil Kumble. Chopra also stated leaving out Waqar Younis was a tough call and he was made the 12th man of the team.

    “It is 100 per cent certain that Wasim Akram will be part of this lineup and he slots in at number 10. With over 600 wickets, I will include leg-spinner Anil Kumble as the final player in my team. It is hard to keep Waqar Younis out of this XI but I will definitely include him as my 12th man,” he said.

  • Spit, sweat and shaking on it: How coronavirus can change three sports habits

    Spit, sweat and shaking on it: How coronavirus can change three sports habits

    As the coronavirus brings the international sports calendar to a grinding halt, AFP Sport highlighted three long-standing habits which could change forever once competition resumes.

    Saliva to take shine off swing bowling

    It’s been a tried and trusted friend to fast bowlers throughout the history of cricket but the days of applying saliva to one side of the ball to encourage swing could be over in the aftermath of COVID-19.

    “As a bowler I think it would be pretty tough going if we couldn’t shine the ball in a Test match,” said Australia quick Pat Cummins.

    “If it’s at that stage and we’re that worried about the spread, I’m not sure we’d be playing sport.”

    Towels in tennis – no touching

    Tennis players throwing towels, dripping with sweat and blood and probably a tear or two, at ball boys and girls, has often left fans sympathising for the youngsters. Moves by officials to tackle the issue took on greater urgency in March when the coronavirus was taking a global grip.

    Behind closed doors in Miki, ball boys and girls on duty at the Davis Cup tie between Japan and Ecuador wore gloves.

    Baskets, meanwhile, were made available for players to deposit their towels.

    Back in 2018, the ATP introduced towel racks at some events on a trial basis, but not everyone was overjoyed.

    “I think having the towel whenever you need it, it’s very helpful. It’s one thing less that you have to think about,” said Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas when he was playing at the NextGen Finals in Milan.

    “I think it’s the job of the ball kids to provide towels and balls for the players.”

    Let’s not shake on it

    Pre-match handshakes were abandoned in top football leagues just before the sports shutdown. Premier League leaders Liverpool also banned the used of mascots while Southampton warned against players signing autographs and stopped them posing for selfies.

    Away from football, the NBA urged players to opt for the fist bump rather than the long-standing high-five.

    “I ain’t high-fiving nobody for the rest of my life after this,” NBA superstar LeBron James said in an interview, adding “No more high-fiving. After this corona shit? Wait ’til you see me and my teammates’ handshakes after this shit.”

    Basketball stars were also told not to take items such as balls or teams shirts to autograph.

    US women’s football star Megan Rapinoe says edicts to ban handshakes or even high-fives may be counter-productive anyway.

    “We’re going to be sweating all over each other all game, so it sort of defeats the purpose of not doing a handshake,” she told the New York Times in March.