Cricket

Wasim Akram's Cat Haircut Extravaganza: A Tale of Feline Indulgence and Financial MisadventureLegendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram recently shared a hilarious anecdote during commentary duties for the third and final Australia vs. Pakistan one-dayer. The story revolved around an exorbitant cat haircut that left Akram feeling "robbed."Akram's wife had taken their cat to a salon in Australia for a routine trim. To their astonishment, they were presented with a bill of 1,000 Australian dollars. The bewildered commentators initially dismissed Akram's claim as an exaggeration, but he promptly produced the receipt, leaving them in disbelief.The invoice revealed a breakdown of the charges: A$105 for a medical check-up, A$305 for anesthesia, A$40 for the haircut, A$120 for post-procedure care, and A$251 for a cardio test on the feline."I had a cat haircut yesterday. I had to pay 1000 dollars for it. They had to sedate the cat, they had to keep the cat, they had to feed the cat. I said I would have bought 200 cats in Pakistan for that money," Akram quipped on air.The fellow commentators couldn't help but laugh at Akram's misfortune, acknowledging that he had been "ripped off."Meanwhile, Pakistan emerged victorious in the decider against a weakened Australian side, clinching their first-ever ODI series win Down Under in 22 years. Australia had won the opener by two wickets, but Pakistan bounced back to seal the second and third ODIs by 8 and 9 wickets respectively.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to formally challenge the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) refusal to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The PCB has reportedly sought legal advice and will now seek clarification from the ICC regarding India's stance.According to sources, the PCB has consulted with legal experts following guidance from the Pakistan government. The PCB will use this legal consultation in its letter to the ICC, arguing that India's refusal to travel to Pakistan is unjustified.The Pakistan government has also advised the PCB to involve other cricket boards in this issue. The government believes that a match of such importance cannot be played outside Pakistan, given the significance of both countries in the sport.The government has also suggested that the PCB emphasize its positive conduct and attitude while presenting its case. The government believes that India has no moral or legal grounds to refuse to travel to Pakistan.India has not played a bilateral series in Pakistan since 2008. However, India has participated in tournaments hosted by Pakistan in neutral venues. For example, the 2023 Asia Cup was hosted by Pakistan, but India played all its games in Sri Lanka, including the India-Pakistan clash.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has initiated talks with senior government officials to discuss the future course of action after the ICC conveyed India's unwillingness to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.The PCB's challenge to the ICC is a significant development in the ongoing dispute between the two cricket boards. The outcome of this challenge could have implications for the future of cricket in Pakistan and the relationship between the two countries.

Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has expressed frustration with the heavy criticism aimed at Australia's ODI team following their recent 1-2 series defeat to Pakistan. Despite a promising start with a win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Aussies stumbled in the subsequent matches, suffering comprehensive nine-wicket and eight-wicket losses at the Adelaide Oval and Optus Stadium, respectively. These defeats have sparked discussions over the state of Australia's ODI squad, with some commentators labelling the series loss as a "disaster."Speaking on SEN Tassie, Paine voiced his discontent with what he sees as an exaggerated reaction, particularly from established cricket analysts. "That annoyed me. People were saying, 'Oh, I can't believe how bad the Australian cricket team are,' and these are cricket commentators—world-class commentators—saying, 'I can't believe what I'm watching; this is the World Cup holders.' But it's not. The World Cup holders are sitting on the couch getting ready for a Test series."Paine explained that the absence of key players, including Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, and Josh Hazlewood, who missed the series entirely, along with Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Starc, who only played in parts of the series, made a significant difference. These absences were due to the players' need to prepare for the upcoming Test summer and other critical red-ball engagements, including an important series against India. Paine highlighted that the team on the field wasn't representative of the World Cup-winning unit but was instead filled with emerging talents learning to play at the top level."We're blooding some youth to give them experience at the international level whilst the big boys get ready for two hugely important series — one in Test cricket and one in white-ball. Relax. It's okay," he said.The World Cup-winning side's absence was deeply felt, as Australia managed scores of only 163 and 140 while batting first in the second and third ODIs, respectively.Paine's comments highlight the challenges facing Australia's ODI team as they transition from a golden generation to a new era. While the recent series loss is disappointing, it's important to remember that the team is in a rebuilding phase and that the absence of key players played a significant role in the outcome. With the return of experienced players and the continued development of young talent, Australia's ODI team has the potential to regain its status as one of the world's best.

Allrounder Cooper Connolly's T20I aspirations have been dashed after he sustained a fractured left hand during the third ODI against Pakistan in Perth. The injury, which occurred when he was struck by a Mohammad Hasnain delivery, has ruled him out of the upcoming T20I series.Connolly, who made his international debut in September, was struck on the glove while attempting a pull shot in the 17th over. Despite facing one more delivery, he soon realized the severity of the injury and left the field for assessment. Subsequent scans confirmed the fracture to the fourth metacarpal of his left hand.The injury is a significant setback for the Australian selectors, who view Connolly as a promising all-rounder with potential for the 2026 T20 World Cup. His finishing skills with the bat and left-arm spin are highly valued in Australian cricket.Connolly's absence from the T20I series will also impact the Perth Scorchers, who are set to begin their BBL campaign on December 15. The Scorchers will closely monitor his recovery timeline, as he would have been a key player for them prior to the injury.The injury also affects Western Australia's Sheffield Shield campaign, as Connolly would have been available for their remaining two matches before the BBL.Connolly's debut tour of the UK in September saw him play two T20Is without batting or taking any wickets. He was part of the Australia A squad for the recent matches against India A, where he scored 37 in the first innings of the opening game.The Australian selectors will now need to find a replacement for Connolly in the T20I series against Pakistan. The injury highlights the importance of player depth and the challenges of managing workloads in a busy international schedule.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has canceled a significant event connected to the upcoming Champions Trophy, originally set to take place on November 11 in Lahore. The cancellation stems from ongoing disagreements over the tournament's schedule, particularly regarding India's participation.The ICC had intended to use the November 11 event to kick-off the tournament, marking 100 days until the championship began. However, these plans have been put on hold due to uncertainty surrounding India's willingness to travel to Pakistan.Sources indicate that scheduling conflicts, exacerbated by India's reluctance to play in Pakistan, are the primary reasons for the cancellation. There are also suggestions that the ICC might cite Lahore's severe smog as a contributing factor.The Champions Trophy was initially planned to be held across multiple cities in Pakistan, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informing the ICC that it hasn't received government approval to send its team to Pakistan, a hybrid model for the tournament is looking increasingly likely. This arrangement would involve moving some matches, especially those featuring India, to the UAE.Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, has expressed his frustration over the lack of official communication regarding India's participation. He has stated that the PCB is ready to discuss a hybrid model but has not received any formal communication from the BCCI.India's original schedule had them facing Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on February 23, and Pakistan on March 1, all in Lahore. Adjustments to the tournament venues, if not the dates, seem unavoidable.The ICC is still in discussions with Pakistan, the host nation, and other participating countries on the Champions Trophy schedule. Once confirmed, the ICC will announce the schedule through its normal channels.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. This decision stems from advice received from the Indian government, which has advised against sending the team to Pakistan due to security concerns.The Champions Trophy, an eight-team tournament, is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. However, the BCCI's decision has forced the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider contingency plans.One possible solution is a hybrid model, where teams would play matches in Pakistan and a second venue. However, the PCB has previously ruled out this option. ESPNcricinfo understands that contingency plans were drawn up months ago in anticipation of such a scenario.The UAE and Sri Lanka are potential candidates to host matches alongside Pakistan. The ICC has been informed of the BCCI's stance, but it remains unclear whether the decision has been communicated in writing. The PCB has stated that it will need written confirmation before discussing the matter with the government.The BCCI's decision is based on the strained political relations between India and Pakistan. India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, despite Pakistan playing several ICC events in India, including the 2023 World Cup. The two sides have only played one bilateral series since then, a white-ball tour by Pakistan in 2012-13.The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. The competing teams are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. The schedule and ticketing details for the tournament have yet to be announced.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has issued a stern warning to India, stating that Pakistan will not be expected to make "good gestures" indefinitely following India's alleged refusal to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.Naqvi's comments come amidst reports that India has declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in early 2025. The Champions Trophy will feature two groups of four teams each, with participants including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and defending champions Pakistan."In recent years, Pakistan has extended numerous good gestures. However, we hope we are not expected to always do so," Naqvi told reporters in Lahore, as quoted by Geo News.India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral cricket series since the 2012-13 Pakistan tour of India, due to strained political relations. Since then, the two teams have only faced each other in major International Cricket Council (ICC) white-ball events and Asia Cup tournaments.The last Test series between these Asian rivals took place in December 2007 in India. India's last tour of Pakistan for a bilateral series was in 2006, with their most recent visit to Pakistan being for the Asia Cup in 2008.Last year, Pakistan was set to host the Asia Cup in full, but India played its matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. The latest encounter between the two nations occurred during this year's ICC T20 World Cup on July 9 at Nassau County Stadium, New York, USA. India, batting first, scored 119, with Rishabh Pant contributing 42 runs. Jasprit Bumrah's impressive 3/14 then restricted Pakistan to 113/7, securing India a thrilling six-run victory.Naqvi's warning reflects Pakistan's growing frustration over India's reluctance to play bilateral cricket in Pakistan. The PCB has repeatedly expressed its desire to host India for a series, but India has cited security concerns as a reason for its refusal.The PCB's stance is supported by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has urged India to reconsider its position. The ICC has stated that it is committed to ensuring the safety of all teams participating in its events, including those held in Pakistan.It remains to be seen whether India will change its stance and agree to play in Pakistan. However, Naqvi's warning is a clear indication that Pakistan is no longer willing to tolerate India's reluctance to play bilateral cricket in the country.

Pakistan's confidence is soaring as they prepare for the decisive third ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The visitors have been in scintillating form, led by the fiery bowling of Haris Rauf, who has claimed eight wickets in the series so far.Pakistan's victory in the second ODI in Adelaide was a clinical display of pace bowling and aggressive batting. Saim Ayub, the young opener, played a key role in the win, treating Australia's frontline attack with disdain.Australia, on the other hand, will be without several key players, including Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne, who are preparing for the upcoming Test series against India. Josh Inglis will captain Australia for the first time, facing the daunting task of galvanizing a new-look team.The Optus Stadium is expected to provide a fast and bouncy surface, which should suit Pakistan's pace attack. Rauf, in particular, will be looking to exploit the extra bounce and continue his impressive form.Pakistan's batting has also been in good touch, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan providing stability at the top of the order. Kamran Ghulam and Salman Agha have also made valuable contributions.Australia's batting has been a concern, with openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk struggling for form. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will need to step up and provide some much-needed runs.The series has taken on added significance ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Both teams will be eager to gain momentum and confidence before the tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asserted its determination to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan, rejecting the possibility of a hybrid model. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the board has not received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressing concerns about the Indian team's participation in Pakistan.Naqvi's stance marks a departure from the PCB's previous cautious approach on the issue of India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan. He stated that the PCB is prepared to host all of India's matches in Lahore, which is conveniently located near the Indian border, to facilitate logistics and security. The PCB has also offered to arrange up to 17,000 visas for Indian fans during the tournament.Naqvi expressed confidence that Pakistan has demonstrated goodwill towards India in the past, referring to the team's participation in the ODI World Cup in India despite India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. He emphasized that Pakistan should not be expected to make such gestures indefinitely if India continues to decline to visit Pakistan.The PCB has identified three venues – Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi – for the tournament. Naqvi stated that "almost every country" is eager to see the Champions Trophy played in Pakistan and that the PCB will provide all necessary facilities.However, ESPNcricinfo reports that the BCCI has not yet discussed the matter internally. The Indian board's stance remains unchanged, and it will await the Indian government's approval before making a decision on whether to travel to Pakistan.The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, although the ICC has yet to officially announce the schedule.