Tag: news

  • Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka aligns with India to exclude Pakistan from Asia Cup?

    Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka aligns with India to exclude Pakistan from Asia Cup?

    Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in September 2023 but the event remains mired in doubts with India trying to derail the tournament. Pakistan has the official rights of hosting Asia Cup but Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not ready to send its cricket team to the host country.

    The world has witnessed that many international teams have visited Pakistan to play matches.

    A series with New Zealand was recently concluded, in which both teams played five T20I and five One-Day International (ODI) in the different cities of Pakistan but BCCI still has concerns.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi has presented a Hybrid Model in which India play their matches in Dubai, or more likely, in Sri Lanka.

    However, the BCCI has expressed dissatisfaction with this proposal. Currently, Sethi is in Dubai, where he met with ICC officials on Tuesday.

    He was scheduled to meet with Pankaj Khimji, Deputy President of the Asian Council, and cricket officials from the UAE to discuss the possibility of hosting India’s matches in the UAE under the ‘Hybrid Model.’

    The PCB is concerned that if the Asia Cup is not held now, the same issue may arise during the hosting of the Champions Trophy in 2025 and the ICC may decide to relocate the event if India does not participate.

    Therefore, under the proposed model, the Indian cricket team’s Champions Trophy matches will be held in Bangladesh. Currently, there is a tense stand-off between Pakistani and Indian officials, with India allegedly using its media to its advantage.

    The BCCI has also collaborated with Sri Lanka, convincing them to play two additional matches, as they have been eager to host the Asia Cup for some time now. In response, Pakistan has reminded Afghanistan that they recently played additional matches in Sharjah, and they stand with the PCB on this matter.

    While there are concerns about the heat in Dubai, efforts are being made to convince Bangladesh to cooperate, and they are reportedly willing to do so.

    PCB officials have publicly stated that “we have earned a substantial amount of money due to the PSL, and therefore, the Asia Cup’s cancellation would not be a significant concern for them.”

    In reality, the Pakistani authorities aim to avoid financial losses and prioritize preparations for the upcoming World Cup.

    Several news reports regarding the Asia Cup were circulating in the Indian media yesterday. One report claimed that “the members have rejected the PCB’s ‘Hybrid Model’ and moved the event from Pakistan.”

    However, an official representative from the PCB, who was in contact with an Indian Express representative, dismissed these reports as baseless and an attempt by the BCCI to increase pressure.

    He stated that the ACC has not officially denied accepting the ‘Hybrid Model’ proposed by the PCB, and discussions are still ongoing. The official further added that unverified news from unnamed sources is not credible.

  • World Cup 2023: Will Pakistan travel to India for the mega event?

    World Cup 2023: Will Pakistan travel to India for the mega event?

    As World Cup 2023 gets closer, cricketing fans wait for the joy of an India vs Pakistan clash.

    However, will Pakistan actually participate in the mega event? Speculations are rife that the country may skip the event. What has led to these rumors?

    The Indian government has said that they will not allow their team to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023, leading to the assumption that the hardliner government will not allow the Pakistani team to play in India.

    The mega event of International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to take place in India, with broadcasters eyeing the potential of huge revenues from an India vs Pakistan match.

    However, will the Pakistan team get permission to travel to India in the light of Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s recent statement given during a trip to India?

    “Sports should be kept separated from politics and foreign policy,” the FM had stated during his visit to attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting.

    Earlier reports had claimed that Pakistan will play its World Cup matches in Ahmedabad in Narendra Modi stadium in Gujrat.

    “Pakistan may not agree to play against India at Narendra Modi Stadium due to certain reasons,” a source has disclosed, without discussing further details on the matter before the announcement of the official schedule.

    It must be noted here that International Cricket Council (ICC) hasn’t announced the schedule for the World Cup so far. The mega event will take place in October-November this year in India.

    A reliable source in PCB has also denied reports regarding their demand from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to give them a guarantee in writing that if Pakistan goes to India for ICC World Cup, then they will come here for ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

  • Woman demands a refund for wedding photos from photographer after divorce

    Woman demands a refund for wedding photos from photographer after divorce

    A South African woman has made headlines after contacting her wedding photographer, four years after her wedding, to request a refund due to her recent divorce.

    The woman claimed that she and her ex-husband no longer needed the wedding photos, and therefore, they should be entitled to a refund.

    The photographer, Lance Romeo, initially thought it was a prank, but after realising the woman was serious, he respectfully declined her request.

    Still, the woman did not accept his refusal and requested to meet in person to discuss the matter, but the photographer refused and instructed her to communicate through her lawyers.

    The photographer shared the WhatsApp chat with the woman on Twitter, which soon went viral. The woman’s ex-husband later contacted the photographer and apologised on her behalf.

    Despite the woman’s demands, the photographer remained professional throughout the exchange, and the incident garnered widespread attention on social media.

  • Asia Cup in Pakistan or not: Next 48 hours crucial

    Asia Cup in Pakistan or not: Next 48 hours crucial

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi is in Dubai for a crucial meeting with Jay Shah, the President of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and also secretary for Board of Control for cricket in India (BCCI).

    Jay Shah has continuously threatened PCB that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 and force Pakistan to step back from hosting the tournament.

    Pakistan has declared its stance loudly and clearly for everyone that if Pakistan is forced to back off from hosting Asia Cup, warning that if anyone tries to take away Pakistan’s rights, the country will boycott Asia Cup and will also not travel to India for the upcoming World Cup.

    Najam Sethi also proposed a hybrid model for India, suggesting that they can play their matches at another venue but it’s Pakistan’s right as host to decide where those matches will be played.

    Star Sports’ owner is also attending the meeting.

    It is clear that no other team will give the kind of revenue an India Vs Pakistan match can produce. Star Sports has a contract with ACC from 2016 to 2023 under which they paid 50 million USD.

    Indian Media has reported that BCCI is planning to organized its own five nation Asia Cup in which they will exclude Pakistan but broadcasters are not ready for this.

    Earlier Indian media ran fake news that Asia Cup has been shifted to Sri lanka but Sri Lankan media denied Indian media reports.

  • Asia Cup: Sri Lanka denies Indian media reports of hosting tournament

    Asia Cup: Sri Lanka denies Indian media reports of hosting tournament

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi left for Dubai on Tuesday for a crucial meeting with Asia Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Jay Shah.

    Media reports have stated that the owner of Star Sports will also attend the meeting.

    Ahead of the meeting Indian media ran false reports that Sri Lanka is set to host Asia Cup 2023 after the tournament is shifted from Pakistan.

    However, Sri Lankan media has rubbished the news and said that the Board of the island nation have stated that there has been no official announcement by ACC on the matter.

    Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has locked horns with PCB over the matter, threating to form their own five nation version of the tournament, excluding Pakistan, and influencing other teams not to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023.

    On the other hand, PCB had indicated that they would boycott the event if it would be held outside Pakistan.

    Pakistan has suggested a hybrid model, in which Pakistan will host all other matches of Asia Cup but India will play at a neutral venue. However, Indian media have reported that broadcasters were not satisfied with the offer.

  • Video: It used to annoy me but now I enjoy it: Iftikhar Ahmed on being called ‘Chachu’

    Video: It used to annoy me but now I enjoy it: Iftikhar Ahmed on being called ‘Chachu’

    Ifitikhar Ahmed is Pakistan’s most reliable middle order batter, and the frequent target of a chant that fans have tailored just for him.

    The batsman was recently asked by a journalist what he felt when fans chant ‘chachu chachu’ (uncle) on the field.

    He answered the question in a very sweet manner, stating:

    “See, first I used to get annoyed when people chant chachu chachu about me but I am now enjoying it. It is not a bad thing, it is not an abusive chant, it is a good thing for me.

    When Shahid Afridi steps into the ground, the crowd immediately stands up and chants boom boom and now they chant chachu chachu, so I really enjoy it.”

    Iftikhar Ahmed also said that wherever he goes to play, the crowd supports him. “Be happy and let me be happy,” he added.
    Ifitkhar Ahmed scored a crucial fifty on the finisher of One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand, proving himself as a reliable middle order batter.

    Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, during the post-match press conference, also mentioned feeling embarrassed that Iftikhar is known as ‘Chahcha’ because of his jokes.

    However, despite this feeling, he is happy that people enjoy it.

    Babar also praised Iftikhar’s abilities and acknowledged that he has been playing great cricket for the past few months.

    “Sometimes, I feel embarrassed that due to me Iftikhar is now known as ‘Chacha’ but I am happy that people enjoy it. He gave some brilliant performances in T20 cricket and today he took the game deep alone but unfortunately, he didn’t get support from the other end.

    “That is why we gave him a chance in ODIs because he has been playing great cricket for the last five-six months and we were struggling on those numbers so we are getting a lot of help from Iftikhar and Salman Ali Agha,” Babar said.

  • Babar Azam opens up on teammates’ blunt and angry statements

    Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has cleared his stance on the comments and tweet made by his teammates, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam ul Haq, during the recently completed five-match ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand, which has been won by the Pakistan 4-1.

    In the post-match press conference after the fifth ODI in Karachi, Babar shared his opinion on his teammates’ statements and clarified the team’s stance on the matter.

    Prior to the third One-Day against New Zealand, wicket keeper Muhammad Rizwan showed concerns on batting at number 5, stating, “Personally I am not happy with this position.

    I want to play at number 4, that is completely my wish I am not demanding neither I am imposing my wish on any anyone. I can perform better in the number 4 position that’s totally my thinking.” He concluded.

    The Pakistan captain, however, took a more measured approach to the situation and said that Rizwan shared his wish to bat up in the order but also emphasized that the players were well aware of the team’s requirements and priorities.

    “Rizwan said it’s my wish to play at four but we will have to keep the team’s requirement in mind and that’s how we will communicate with the players. This is a team where no player says I want to play at this specific number,” Babar said.

    “Everyone is playing for Pakistan and Rizwan has performed at both batting positions. Every player is striving for the team’s win and Rizwan is one of the best players…he has won us many games,” he added.

    On the other hand, Imam posted a cryptic tweet on Sunday morning, which garnered a lot of attention from fans, who thought that the opener is disappointed after being dropped in the fourth and fifth ODI match against the Kiwis.

    Babar said that the level of unity within the team was good and they have a culture of resolving any internal conflicts within the team itself, rather than taking them public.

    “I haven’t checked my mobile and don’t know what Imam has tweeted. There are no disgruntled players in our team and the unity is good. We try to resolve our matters within ourselves and not take them out,” Babar replied to a question about Imam’s aforementioned tweet.

    “We are like a family and our trust level is very good. I don’t think Imam’s tweet would be related to him being excluded from final two ODIs,” he added.

  • ICC ODI rankings; Pakistan just two wins away from becoming Number 1

    ICC ODI rankings; Pakistan just two wins away from becoming Number 1

    Pakistan beat New Zealand in the third encounter of One-Day International ternational (ODI) series against New Zealand last night and is now aiming to win the next two thrillers on Friday and Sunday so that they can vault from third to first spot on the ICC ODI Team Rankings.

    Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam stitched together a ninth century-partnership, also breaking the famous record of Muhammad Yousuf and Younis Khan’s partnership as Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 26 runs to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. At this time Pakistan is on number three in the rankings and just two wins away from the number one position.

    The two lads added 108 runs for the second wicket off 121 balls as Pakistan, put into bat, posted 287 for six on a slow surface. New Zealand capitulated after a solid and positive 83-run first wicket stand to be bowled out for 261 in 49.1 overs.

    With the series in their pocket 3-0 their first against New Zealand after 12 years Pakistan is super charge all eyes on Imam, Babar and Fakhar to take the team on the top of the ODI rankings now Pakistan have 3,133 points with 112 ratings in ODI rankings after the remaining Two wins they will white wash New Zealand first time and also make the history by becoming number 1 ODI team first time ever.

    Imam and Babar were dismissed in identical ways – both dragging Matt Henry and Adam Milne’s deliveries onto their stumps. Imam was the fourth batter dismissed after scoring a watchful 90 from 107 balls with seven fours and six, while Babar struck three fours and a six in his 62-ball 54.

    The two had joined hands after Fakhar Zaman, who earlier in the day was named as the number-two ranked ODI batter in the world, was back in the hut after scoring a 26-ball 19 with four fours.

    Mohammad Rizwan (32) and Salman Ali Agha (31) added 54 runs off 48 balls for the fifth wicket to give an impetus to the innings, which ended with a 10-ball 21 not out by Shadab Khan. The Pakistan vice-captain hit a four and two sixes, including a last-ball six.

    Pakistan scored 82 runs for the loss of two wickets in the last 10 overs, including 46 runs for two wickets in five overs.

    In their run-chase, New Zealand raced to 99 for one after 20 overs before Pakistan bowlers put the brakes on the scoring-rate, allowing New Zealand to score 92 runs in the next 20 overs. This meant the visitors needed 97 runs in the last 10 overs and despite fielding lapses. They managed only 70 runs to be dismissed for 261 in 49.1 overs.

    Opener Tom Blundell struck 78-ball 65 with seven fours featured in three useful partnerships. After adding 83 runs for the first wicket with Will Young (33), he added 30 runs from 40 balls for the second wicket with Daryl Mitchell (21) and 14 runs for the third wicket in 21 balls with Tom Latham (45).

    Debutant Cole McConchie scored 64 not out (45 balls, six fours, two sixes) and put on 25 runs (34 balls) for the sixth wicket with Latham, 31 runs (21 balls) for the seventh wicket with Adam Milne, 19 runs (14 balls) for the eighth wicket with Henry Shipley and 12 runs (9 balls) for the ninth wicket with Ish Sodhi.

    For Pakistan, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Junior and Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets apiece.

    Match Highlights

    Pakistan won by 26 runs, 3rd ODI.

    Pakistan 287-6, 50 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 90, Babar Azam 54, Mohammad Rizwan 32, Salman Ali Agha 31, Shadab Khan 21 not out; Matt Henry 3-54)

    New Zealand 261 all-out, 49.1 overs (Tom Blundell 65, Cole McConchie 64 not out, Tom Latham 45, Will Young 33, Daryl Mitchell 21; Naseem Shah 2-42, Mohammad Wasim Junior 2-50, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-53)

    Player of the match – Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)

  • BCCI takes strict action against Kohli, Haq, Gambhir for ugly fight in IPL

    BCCI takes strict action against Kohli, Haq, Gambhir for ugly fight in IPL

    A heated argument took place between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir after Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 18 runs in a low-scoring thriller at the Ekana Stadium during Indian Premier League (IPL).

    Now Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir and Naveen-ul-Haq have been fined for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. LSG’s Naveen-ul-Haq was also spotted arguing with Kohli and that did not go down well with the IPL management.

    “Mr Gambhir admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct and has been fined 100 per cent of his match fee. Similarly, Mr Kohli admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct and has been fined 100 per cent of his match fee. Mr Naveen-ul-Haq, on the other hand, has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore,” read a statement from the IPL.

    This is not the first time that Virat and Gautam have locked horns with each other. Whenever these two face each other, fans have seen aggression from both sides.

    Afghan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq has crafted a bad image in the cricket world by showing abusive aggression. A gesture he made while he aggressively shook hands with Kohli left cricketing fans aghast.

    Match Highlights: Royal Challengers Bangalore 126/9 in 20 overs (Faf du Plessis 44, Virat Kohli 31; Naveen-ul-Haq 3-30, Ravi Bishnoi 2-21) beat Lucknow Super Giants 108 all out in 19.5 overs (K. Gowtham 23, Amit Mishra 19; Josh Hazlewood 2-15, Karn Sharma 2-20) by 18 runs

  • BPL Team owner Nafisa Kamal eager to buy new franchise in PSL

    BPL Team owner Nafisa Kamal eager to buy new franchise in PSL

    Nafisa Kamal, owner of the four times Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) champions Comilla Victorians has shown interest in buying a franchise in Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    Bangladeshi journalist Fahim Rahman has reported that Nafisa is one of the individuals who are keen to acquire a franchise in the Pakistani league.

    Earlier this year in February, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman, Najam Sethi, had revealed that the PCB regime under Ramiz Raja and Ehsan Mani had reached an agreement with the current six franchises, which made it improbable that any new teams will be added to the PSL in the next two seasons.

    “There is immense pressure to increase the number of teams in PSL, but unfortunately Ehsan Mani and Ramiz Raja made an agreement with the franchises that only six teams will play in the next two years. However, it was an eight-team project.

    We have to convince the franchises to include two more teams. No one will lose anything, and if a franchise suffers a loss, the PCB will take responsibility,” Sethi said.

    “But there is a high demand to include two more teams, and it will be more successful with many people showing interest to be part of it. Let me tell you, even if there were 10 teams now, all of them would be sold due to the high demand,” he added.

    However, Sethi also recognized the valid concerns of the existing franchises, about potential revenue loss and market saturation.

    “There are a lot of concerns from the franchises regarding their revenues and whether the market can take it or not. And for this, we have to hold a discussion because without them we can’t move forward,” Sethi said.

    “They have to be part of the consultation process. But what I will say is this: so many people are interested to buy these two teams, and if new teams are coming in the PSL, then it will be a win-win situation for all,” he added.