Sports

Islamabad/Lahore: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman and captain Rashid Latif is facing investigations by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) following his outspoken comments about the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Latif is currently being questioned as part of two ongoing investigations in Islamabad and Lahore. Trigger for Investigation The probe was initiated after Syed Ali Naqvi, senior legal manager at PCB, filed a formal complaint. Latif had repeatedly criticized the leadership changes within Pakistan cricket, including the appointment of Shaheen Shah Afridi as ODI captain. He described it as a “divide and rule policy,” alleging that such strategies exploit divisions among the population based on religion, ethnicity, or class. La...

Guwahati: As Team India prepares for the second Test against South Africa, head coach Gautam Gambhir visited the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati to seek divine blessings ahead of the crucial match. The first Test of the series ended in a loss for India, making victory in the second match, starting 22 November at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, imperative to save the series. Gambhir’s Devotion to Kamakhya Mata Gautam Gambhir, known for his deep faith, has a long-standing devotion to Maa Kamakhya. He had visited the temple before India’s England tour earlier this year, where the team played a five-match Test series and delivered a strong performance. His visits to the temple have previously coincided with significant cricketing events, including IPL 2024 matches in Guwahati between K...

‘ Kolkata: The Indian cricket team’s shocking defeat in the Kolkata Test has once again put head coach Gautam Gambhir under intense scrutiny, particularly over team selection and leadership decisions. Critics have zeroed in on Gambhir’s controversial comments about a “transition phase,” which many feel indirectly justified the sudden retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket. Former batsman Cheteshwar Pujara had earlier called such explanations “absurd,” asserting that the real issues lie elsewhere. Now, another ex-Indian cricketer, Manoj Tiwari, has weighed in with a strong critique, alleging that this narrative pressured senior players to step away despite their desire to continue. ‘No Place for Transition Narrative in Indian Cricket’ Tiwari told India Tod...

New Delhi: India has always produced world-class bowlers, from legendary spinners of the past to the current generation of fast bowlers. While India is known as a batting powerhouse, several bowlers have been match-winners without ever claiming a 5-wicket haul in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Here are five prominent Indian bowlers who have achieved remarkable success yet never took a five-for in ODIs. 1. Axar Patel ODI Career: 2014–present Matches: 71 Wickets: 75 Economy Rate: 4.49 Best Figures: 3/24Axar Patel has been a consistent performer for India, known for his control and ability to keep the runs down. Despite his regular presence, he has never taken a 5-wicket haul in ODIs. 2. Roger Binny ODI Career: 1979–1987 World Cup: 1983 Winner Matches: 72 B...

New Delhi: November 2, 2025, marked a historic moment for Indian women’s cricket as Harmanpreet Kaur-led India lifted the Women’s World Cup for the first time in 52 years. The triumphant win over South Africa in the final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, not only brought glory to the nation but also significantly boosted the brand value and earnings of every player in the squad. Brand Endorsements Triple Post-World Cup Harmanpreet Kaur’s manager, Nupur Kashyap, revealed that before the World Cup, Harman had 8-10 brand endorsements. Following the historic victory, both her market value and endorsement deals have tripled, attracting attention from brands even outside the sports sector. Estimated Net Worth After Victory While Kashyap did not disclose the exact figure, media repor...

Guwahati: As India gears up for the second Test against South Africa, all eyes are on the team amid immense pressure. Regular captain Shubman Gill is unlikely to play due to injury, opening the possibility for Rishabh Pant to take over the captaincy at Barasara Stadium, Guwahati, a venue hosting its first-ever Test match. A Rare Role in Test History In 93 years of Indian Test cricket, only 37 players have captained the national team. Among them, just one wicketkeeper has ever led the side: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who captained India from 2008 to 2014 in 60 Tests, securing 27 wins and 18 losses. If Pant assumes the captaincy in Guwahati, he will become only the second Indian wicketkeeper to lead in Test cricket, joining Dhoni in this elite club. Rishabh Pant: India’s Most Successf...

New Delhi: India suffered a narrow 30-run defeat against South Africa in the first Test, leaving fans and experts debating the reasons behind the loss. The Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata came under intense scrutiny, with uneven bounce offering advantages to both pacers and spinners. South African bowler Simon Harmer claimed 8 wickets, playing a pivotal role in India’s collapse. India managed only 124 runs in the final innings, handing the visitors a slim victory. Gambhir Defends Pitch, Criticism Follows Following the match, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the pitch, claiming that Indian batsmen could have scored more if they had adopted a defensive approach. Gambhir’s comments sparked reactions internationally, particularly from South African batting legend AB de Villiers. ...

Kolkata, India: Following India’s humiliating defeat against South Africa in the Kolkata Test, the Indian cricket team faces a major challenge in selecting the right playing XI for the second Test in Guwahati. The injury to star batsman Shubman Gill has further complicated the selection process, raising questions about team strategy and management decisions. Gill’s Injury and Team Dilemma Shubman Gill, who missed both innings in Kolkata due to injury, was ruled out ahead of the Guwahati Test. The team management now had to decide on a replacement in a lineup already heavy on left-handed batsmen. Reports suggest that a senior former cricketer recommended including a form-ready right-handed batsman from domestic cricket. Names suggested were Sarfaraz Khan, Karun Nair, and Abhimanyu Eas...

Mirpur, Bangladesh: Former Bangladesh captain and veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim created history during the second Test against Ireland by scoring a century in his 100th Test match. This remarkable achievement makes him the 11th player in the world to score a century in their 100th Test. Historic Performance Against Ireland In the second Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka, Mushfiqur Rahim scored 106 runs off 214 balls, hitting 5 boundaries. His teammate Litton Das also scored a century, contributing 128 runs from 192 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes. Bangladesh, leading the series 1-0, posted 476 runs in their first innings. Milestone in 100th Test Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladeshi player to: Play 100 Test matches Score a century in the 100th Test ...

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the Chennai Super Kings made a surprising move by releasing Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. With the December 16 auction set to take place at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, Pathirana is expected to attract heavy bidding. Here are the three franchises most likely to go big for him: 1. Lucknow Super Giants Lucknow Super Giants are in desperate need of an overseas fast bowler. With no foreign pacer currently in their squad, LSG may aggressively target Pathirana to strengthen their pace attack. His death-overs expertise makes him an ideal fit. 2. Delhi Capitals Delhi Capitals could also bid big for Pathirana. Apart from Mitchell Starc, DC lack a dependable overseas fast bowler. Dushmanta Chameera has been inconsistent, and Pathirana’s slingy act...