Shaheen Afridi Backs Pakistan for Strong Comeback in Second Test

Shaheen Afridi Backs Pakistan for Strong Comeback in Second Test

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed his support for the national team as they prepare for the second Test against England in Multan. Afridi, along with Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, was released from the squad for the remaining two Tests of the series.

The changes to Pakistan’s squad were made by a newly-formed selection committee, formed hours after the hosts suffered an embarrassing loss by an innings and 47 runs to England in the first Test at Multan. Pakistan are 0-1 behind in the three-match Test series against England and are also at the bottom of the ongoing World Test Championship standings.

Afridi, who has been struggling with form and fitness, took to social media to wish the team well. “Wishing Team Pakistan the best of luck! Rooting for a strong comeback. We’re all cheering for you!” he wrote on Twitter.

The second Test between Pakistan and England will be played on the same pitch as the series opener in Multan from Tuesday. Pakistan will be hoping to level the series and avoid a humiliating whitewash.

Pakistan squad for second and third Tests:

* Shan Masood (captain)
* Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)
* Aamir Jamal
* Abdullah Shafique
* Haseebullah (wicket-keeper)
* Kamran Ghulam
* Mehran Mumtaz
* Mir Hamza
* Mohammad Ali
* Mohammad Huraira
* Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)
* Noman Ali
* Saim Ayub
* Sajid Khan
* Salman Ali Agha
* Zahid Mehmood

Tamil Nadu Pacer Gurjapneet Singh Emerges as Rising Star in Indian Cricket

Tamil Nadu Pacer Gurjapneet Singh Emerges as Rising Star in Indian Cricket

Gurjapneet Singh, a 25-year-old pacer from Tamil Nadu, has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket. Despite facing setbacks in his early career, Gurjapneet has persevered and is now making a significant impact in the Ranji Trophy.

Born and raised in Ambala, Gurjapneet initially struggled to break into the Punjab age-group team. Undeterred, he relocated to Chennai in search of better opportunities. After initial challenges, he has become a key player for Tamil Nadu, helping them win crucial matches.

In a recent Elite Group D match against Saurashtra, Gurjapneet claimed a six-wicket haul, including the prized scalps of Cheteshwar Pujara and Sheldon Jackson. His impressive figures of 14-5-22-6 showcased his exceptional bowling skills.

Gurjapneet’s journey has been marked by memorable encounters with some of India’s top cricketers. During a recent net session with the Indian team, he famously castled Virat Kohli, an incident that left the star batter visibly frustrated. However, Kohli’s subsequent advice proved invaluable to Gurjapneet.

“He told me, when there is no movement, change the angle and try bowling around the wicket. Because with that angle, even if you manage to get slight movement, it will end up troubling most batsmen,” Gurjapneet recalled.

Gurjapneet also shared his strategy for dismissing Pujara, a renowned batsman. “When you bowl to a legendary batsman like him, you have to be accurate from the word go. So the plan was to push him on the backfoot and then send in a good front foot ball that would make him uncomfortable,” he explained.

Gurjapneet’s success is a testament to his determination and hard work. He has overcome challenges and embraced opportunities, proving that with perseverance and the right guidance, anything is possible.

PCB Issues Show-Cause Notice to Fakhar Zaman for Supporting Babar Azam

PCB Issues Show-Cause Notice to Fakhar Zaman for Supporting Babar Azam

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show-cause notice to opening batsman Fakhar Zaman for expressing support for former captain Babar Azam, who was dropped from the Test squad after a string of poor performances.

Zaman’s comments, in which he compared Azam’s situation to that of Virat Kohli, who was not dropped by India despite a lean patch, have been praised by former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali. However, Ali has also cautioned Zaman about the potential consequences he may face.

“Fakhar Zaman has been served a show-cause notice, which means that coming days are not going to be good for him because of the mafia that sits in the PCB,” Ali said on his YouTube channel.

Ali advised Zaman to speak to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to avoid further problems. “I think Fakhar should talk to chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Otherwise, these guys will create problems for him,” he said.

Zaman’s comments have sparked a debate about the treatment of senior players in the Pakistan team. Some believe that Azam should have been given more time to regain his form, while others argue that the team needs to move on from underperforming players.

The PCB has not yet commented on the show-cause notice issued to Zaman. However, it is clear that the board is not happy with his public criticism of the team’s decision-making.

Zaman has been instructed to respond to the show-cause notice by October 21. His comments are considered a breach of his player contract with the PCB.

Pakistan Women's Cricket Team Crashes Out of T20 World Cup After Humiliating Defeat

Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team Crashes Out of T20 World Cup After Humiliating Defeat

Pakistan’s women’s cricket team suffered a humiliating defeat on Monday, crashing out of the T20 World Cup semifinals race after being bowled out for a mere 56 against New Zealand. The team’s dismal performance, which included a series of dropped catches and poor shot selection, has sparked outrage among former players and cricket experts.

After restricting New Zealand to a manageable 110 for 6, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed like a house of cards. The team lost five wickets for just 28 runs, and despite a brief rally, they were eventually dismissed for 56 all out in 11.4 overs. The defeat not only ended Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semifinals but also raised serious questions about the team’s preparation and strategy.

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, stating that they “seemed like they were playing badminton, not cricket.” He criticized the team’s chairperson, Tania Mallick, a former national badminton champion, for her lack of cricket experience.

Ali also highlighted the team’s poor fielding, pointing out that they dropped several easy catches. “I haven’t seen such a team,” he said. “You may lose 10 out of 10 matches, but I haven’t seen a team dropping catches like that.”

Despite the team’s struggles, Ali praised captain Fatima Sana for her resilience. Sana, who had lost her father a few days ago, contributed the most runs (21) to Pakistan’s total. Ali criticized the team’s shot selection and the drastic changes in the batting order, which he believed contributed to their downfall.

“Who got out on a good ball? Muneeba (Ali) played a cross-batted shot. They were getting run-out, playing bad shots,” he said. “Sana Fatima lost her father recently; she played the best knock.”

Ali also extended his sarcasm to Pakistan’s men’s team, which had recently lost the first Test against England despite scoring over 500 runs in their first innings. He suggested that the men’s team’s defeat may have had a negative impact on the women’s team.

“I think the way Pakistan lost the first Test, it shocked the women’s team as well and they too couldn’t play…We know our team is weak, everybody knows that. But to lose like that…56 all out in 11.4 overs. It hurt me, personally,” he said.

Rafael Nadal Announces Retirement: “I’m Ready for the End”

Rafael Nadal, the legendary tennis icon, has announced his retirement from professional tennis, bringing an end to an illustrious career that has spanned over two decades. In a recent interview with Jon Wertheim on 60 Minutes, Nadal shared his thoughts on retirement, sacrifice, and the importance of human relations.

Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, has always maintained a philosophical approach to his career. Five years ago, he expressed his acceptance of the inevitable end of his playing days. “I’m aware that everything has an end,” he said. “And when the end arrives, I’ll be ready for it.”

Nadal’s journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. He has endured numerous injuries and setbacks, but his unwavering determination and resilience have always shone through. “I never felt that what I was doing was a sacrifice,” he said. “I trained, yes. I have worked very hard, at the maximum, yes. But I have enjoyed every single thing.”

Nadal’s rivalry with Roger Federer has been one of the most iconic in tennis history. Despite their intense on-court battles, Nadal emphasized the importance of human relations beyond the game. “We … know that this is a game,” he said. “And there are many other things in life that are more important than a game, than a match.”

As Nadal prepares to bid farewell to professional tennis, he reflects on his journey with gratitude. “I have done all of the things I enjoy doing,” he said. “For me, a sacrifice means that you are doing the things that you don’t like doing.”

Nadal’s retirement marks the end of an era in tennis. His legacy as one of the greatest players of all time will forever be etched in the annals of the sport. His unwavering spirit, determination, and love for the game have inspired countless fans around the world.

Nadal's Heartbreak: Federer Steals Australian Open Crown in Epic Final

Nadal’s Heartbreak: Federer Steals Australian Open Crown in Epic Final

The One That Got Away: Nadal’s Heartbreaking Loss to Federer in the 2017 Australian Open Final

In the annals of tennis history, the 2017 Australian Open final stands as a pivotal moment, a match that could have reshaped the landscape of the sport. Rafael Nadal, the indomitable clay-court king, faced off against his arch-rival Roger Federer, a maestro on all surfaces.

Nadal, seeded ninth despite his recent injury struggles, had fought his way through a grueling tournament, surviving two five-set battles. Federer, on the other hand, had dropped to No. 17 in the rankings and was making his first Grand Slam final appearance in five years.

The match began at a blistering pace, with Federer eschewing his usual slice backhand and opting for aggressive flat shots. Nadal, known for his relentless baseline play, found himself outmaneuvered by Federer’s pace and precision.

After four see-saw sets, Nadal managed to break Federer’s serve and take a 3-1 lead in the fifth. However, Federer refused to yield, digging deep and playing with unwavering determination. He reeled off five consecutive games, crushing forehands and ripping backhands with surgical accuracy.

Nadal, visibly disappointed, acknowledged Federer’s brilliance: “He can put the balls in—or not. And he put a lot of balls in, taking a lot of risks, and taking the ball very early, playing very fast.”

The victory gave Federer an 18-14 lead in Grand Slam titles, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. Nadal, despite his disappointment, would go on to eclipse Federer’s record, winning 22 Grand Slams.

The 2017 Australian Open final remains a haunting reminder of the one that got away for Nadal, a match that could have altered the course of tennis history.

Baroda Stuns Mumbai in Ranji Trophy, Wakaskar Witnesses Historic Win

Baroda Stuns Mumbai in Ranji Trophy, Wakaskar Witnesses Historic Win

Baroda’s historic victory over Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy has sparked a wave of jubilation within the team and its supporters. The last time Baroda defeated Mumbai in this prestigious tournament was in 1998-99, a match that featured a remarkable nine-wicket haul by Yogendra Wakaskar.

Wakaskar, now a member of the senior selection panel, was present at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium on Monday morning, witnessing the triumph that brought back fond memories. He was joined by chief selector Prayan Dave and Umang Patel, who were equally thrilled with the team’s performance under the leadership of Krunal Pandya.

The celebrations extended to the Baroda dressing room, where head coach Mukund Parmar expressed his delight at being involved in his first win against Mumbai. Parmar, a former Gujarat stalwart, refrained from viewing the victory as revenge for last year’s quarterfinal exit in Mumbai.

“It’s not revenge and all. What’s past is past,” Parmar said. “It obviously gives a huge fillip to the confidence of the bunch to have started the season by beating the defending Ranji and Irani champion and the domestic giant in a convincing manner. Our skill-sets have never been in question. I am delighted with the manner in which the boys bounced back when put under pressure.”

Mumbai had opportunities to tighten their grip on the match in both of Baroda’s batting innings. Baroda managed to post a respectable 290 on a turner after being reduced to 90 for five in the first innings. In the second innings, they rallied from 41 for six to add 144 runs for the last four wickets, effectively taking the game away from Mumbai.

“We created opportunities but the 130-run partnership in the first innings (between Mitesh Patel and Atit Sheth) turned out to be decisive. Baroda obviously played better cricket than us overall. I just hope it’s a learning lesson for our spinners. I am confident we will continue to improve as a team,” said Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane.

Baroda’s victory is a testament to their resilience and determination. They have shown that they can compete with the best in Indian domestic cricket and will be a force to reckon with in the upcoming season.

Manu Bhaker to Resume Training in November, Return to Shooting Next Year

Manu Bhaker to Resume Training in November, Return to Shooting Next Year

Indian Olympic medalist shooter Manu Bhaker has announced her plans to resume training in November and return to competitive shooting next year. Bhaker, who won two medals at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, shared her intentions during a media interaction in Delhi ahead of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final.

Bhaker’s decision to take a break from shooting after the Olympics was a pre-planned move, as advised by her coach Jaspal Rana. “I do feel like competing, but before the Olympics, my coach had told me to take three months off since I was facing injuries due to pistol recoil,” she explained.

During her break, Bhaker has enjoyed spending time with her family and indulging in homemade food. “I am happy that I got a chance to spend time with my family after a long time. I eat homemade food and enjoy it a lot,” she said.

Bhaker expressed her excitement about the upcoming ISSF World Cup Final, which she believes is a valuable platform for young shooters. “To play here is a big experience in itself. Players should make the most out of it, give their best, and not be afraid,” she advised.

At the Paris Olympics, Bhaker and her partner Sarabjot Singh secured bronze in the 10 M Air Pistol Mixed team event, defeating South Korea’s Lee Wonho and Oh Ye Jin 16-10 in the bronze medal play-off match. Bhaker also opened India’s medal tally in the Olympics by securing third place in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event, becoming the first-ever woman shooter to win an Olympic medal for India.

Following that, Sarabjot Singh and Bhaker won the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol (mixed team) event, which was India’s first-ever shooting team medal. In her final event, Bhaker narrowly missed out on a historic grand treble and finished fourth in the women’s 25m pistol shooting event.

Bhaker’s achievements at the Paris Olympics have cemented her status as one of India’s most promising shooting talents. Her return to training in November and competitive shooting next year is eagerly anticipated by fans and supporters alike.

Chess Grandmaster Expelled for Alleged Toilet Cheating

Chess Grandmaster Expelled for Alleged Toilet Cheating

Chess Grandmaster Kirill Shevchenko Expelled from Spanish Team Championships for Alleged Cheating

The chess world has been rocked by a cheating scandal after 22-year-old Ukraine-born Grandmaster (GM) Kirill Shevchenko was expelled from the Spanish Team Championships on Monday. Shevchenko is accused of hiding and using a mobile phone in the toilet during his games.

The incident came to light after Francisco Vallejo, Shevchenko’s opponent in Round 2, complained that he was away from the board for an unusually long time. When questioned by the arbiter, Shevchenko claimed he was making frequent trips to the toilet due to feeling unwell.

However, other players and members of the organizing committee noticed his suspicious toilet visits. A search of the toilet cubicle revealed a mobile phone, which was confiscated.

According to a report by Chess.com, an organizing committee member saw Shevchenko visiting an individual toilet cubicle and found a mobile phone with a handwritten note that read, “Don’t touch! This telephone has been left so the owner can answer it at night!”

Similarities were found between the handwriting and ink used on the note and Shevchenko’s scoresheets for rounds one and two. Additionally, the confiscated phone’s time zone was set to an hour ahead of that of Spain, which is the time zone of Romania, the country Shevchenko currently represents.

The Spanish Chess Federation has modified Shevchenko’s results from the first two rounds to count as forfeits and losses.

GM Bassim Amin, who drew against Shevchenko in Round 1, told Chess.com, “Things started to get strange at move six. He played his move and left the playing hall for more than 10 minutes and this was repeated many times in the next moves. I thought he had some stomach problems! But at some point, I decided to go out to see where he was and he was standing outside the toilet room and when he saw me, he went back to the playing hall.”

Shevchenko has denied all charges against him. If found guilty by the FIDE Ethics Commission, it could be a rare case of a highly-ranked player being involved in cheating. Shevchenko has consistently been ranked in the top 100 and top 50 players in the world.

HIL Auction: Overseas Stars Dominate Day 2, Women's League to Feature Four Teams

HIL Auction: Overseas Stars Dominate Day 2, Women’s League to Feature Four Teams

The Hockey India League (HIL) players’ auction witnessed a flurry of activity on Day 2, with overseas stars dominating the proceedings. Belgium’s Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Victor Wegnez emerged as the costliest buy, fetching a whopping ₹40 lakh from Soorma Hockey Club.

Kalinga Lancers made a significant investment in foreign talent, acquiring Paris Olympics gold medal-winning captain Thierry Brinkman for ₹38 lakh and Belgian legend Arthur van Doren for ₹32 lakh. Argentine forward Tomas Domene joined Delhi SG Pipers for ₹36 lakh.

Among Indian players, rising midfielder M Rabichandra Singh commanded the highest price of ₹32 lakh, going to Kalinga Lancers. Arthur de Sloover of Belgium (₹30 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans) and Australian Timothy Daniel (₹28 lakh to Hyderabad Toofans) were also among the top buys.

However, some notable names failed to attract bids, including Tokyo Olympics silver medalist goalkeeper Andrew Charter of Australia, English drag-flickers Sam Ward and Nick Bandurak, and German World Cup winner Mats Grambusch.

Meanwhile, the first-ever women’s HIL will feature only four teams instead of the planned six. Soorma Hockey Club, Bengal Tigers, Delhi SG Pipers, and Odisha Warriors will compete for the 96 available slots. The auction for women’s players is scheduled for Tuesday, with a purse of ₹2 crore per franchise.

Top Indian women’s players like Savita, Salima Tete, Deepika, Vandana Katariya, and Lalremsiami will be up for grabs, along with international stars such as Delfina Merino, Charlotte Stapenhorst, Maria Granatto, Rachael Lynch, and Nike Lorenz.

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