Cricket

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has implored the Indian cricket team to prioritize sports over politics and participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host.India's participation in the tournament has been uncertain due to political tensions between the two nations. India has not toured Pakistan for a bilateral series since 2012/13, and its last visit to the country for any cricket match was in 2006.Malik emphasized that political disputes should not interfere with sporting events. "Any issues or disputes between the two countries are a separate matter and should be resolved separately in whatever way is necessary. Politics should not come into sports," he said.He highlighted that the Pakistan team visited India for the ICC ODI World Cup last year and expressed his belief that the Indian team should reciprocate. "I think many players in the Indian team have never played in Pakistan, so this would be a good opportunity for them. We are very hospitable people, and I am sure the Indian team should definitely come," Malik stated.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly left the matter of India's participation in the hands of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB has submitted a draft schedule and format for the tournament, including a proposal to host all of India's games in Lahore.The ICC is yet to finalize the schedule and format of the Champions Trophy. However, the PCB has fulfilled its responsibilities as the host nation by submitting the necessary documents.Malik's plea for India's participation in the Champions Trophy underscores the importance of separating politics from sports. He believes that the tournament should be an opportunity for both countries to showcase their cricketing prowess and foster goodwill.

Pakistan's seasoned all-rounder Shoaib Malik has extended an invitation to the Indian cricket team to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. Malik's invitation underscores the importance of separating politics from sports, emphasizing that bilateral issues between India and Pakistan should be addressed independently of their cricketing engagements."Whatever reservations there are between the countries, that's a separate issue and should be solved separately. Politics shouldn't come into sports. The Pakistan team went to India last year, and now it's a good opportunity for the Indian team too. I think there are many players in the Indian team who haven't played in Pakistan, so it would be great for them. Hum bahut acche log hai (we are good people). We're very hospitable people, so I'm sure the Indian team should definitely come," Malik told Cricket Pakistan.Despite Malik's welcoming stance, reports indicate reluctance from the Indian cricket team regarding their travel to Pakistan for the tournament, primarily due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. It has also been suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might seek to have their matches relocated to alternative venues such as Sri Lanka or Dubai.This development comes amidst a longstanding hiatus in bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan, with the last series on Pakistani soil taking place during the 2008 Asia Cup. Since then, encounters between the two teams have been confined to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups, with their most recent bilateral series occurring in India from December 2012 to January 2013.The Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a significant event, with Pakistan aiming to replicate their success from the 2017 edition of the tournament. India, on the other hand, will be looking to add to their victories from 2013 and the shared triumph in 2002.

Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup has drawn widespread criticism, with captain Babar Azam facing the brunt of the backlash. Former cricketer Shoaib Malik has added to the chorus of disapproval, questioning Azam's place in the top international teams.Malik, speaking on a talk show after the India-England semifinal, asserted that Azam's current form and leadership do not meet the standards of elite teams. "Who is our best player? Our best player is Babar Azam," Malik said. "I am just talking about the top 4-5 teams. Can Babar fit in the playing XI of those teams? Of Australia, of India, or of England in just this particular format? The answer is NO!"Azam's performance in the tournament has been underwhelming. In four matches, he scored 122 runs with a highest score of 44, averaging 40.66 and striking at 101.66. His captaincy has also been criticized, particularly for his handling of the match against India, where Pakistan collapsed after a promising start.Malik's comments have sparked a debate about Azam's suitability as captain and his place in the team. Some have defended Azam, citing his past achievements and the challenges he faced in the tournament. Others have argued that his recent form and leadership have not been up to par and that he needs to improve or risk losing his position.The criticism of Azam reflects the frustration of Pakistani fans and experts with the team's performance. Pakistan has struggled in recent years to maintain its status as a top cricketing nation, and the T20 World Cup debacle has only added to the concerns.Whether Azam can turn things around and lead Pakistan to success remains to be seen. However, the criticism he has faced serves as a reminder that he and the team have a lot of work to do to regain the respect and admiration of their supporters.

Pakistan's recent 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I has sparked criticism from former all-rounder Shoaib Malik. Malik, who has played over 400 international matches for Pakistan, believes the team management needs to make significant changes to its batting order and strategy.Malik's primary concern is the team's batting order. He suggests that Fakhar Zaman should open the innings with Mohammad Rizwan, followed by Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan. This order, he believes, would provide a more balanced and experienced lineup.Malik also emphasizes the importance of giving finishers like Azam Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed adequate time in the middle. He argues that expecting them to start scoring at a high rate immediately is unrealistic and unfair. Instead, the captain should allow them to settle in and gradually increase their scoring rate.In addition to the batting order, Malik also believes the team needs to utilize its options on the bench more wisely. He suggests that players like Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali could provide valuable contributions if given the opportunity.Malik's comments highlight the need for strategic adjustments within the Pakistan team. As they prepare for the remaining matches in the series and the upcoming T20 World Cup, the team management must carefully consider his suggestions and make the necessary changes to improve their performance on the international stage.

Karachi Kings' PSL Hopes Dashed by Peshawar Zalmi Despite Babar Azam's HeroicsIn a thrilling encounter at the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Karachi Kings fell agonizingly short of their target against Peshawar Zalmi on Monday. Despite chasing a modest total of 148, Karachi Kings succumbed to a two-run defeat.Peshawar Zalmi's innings was anchored by Babar Azam, who played a captain's knock of 50 runs to guide his team to a respectable score. In response, Karachi Kings' chase faltered despite a valiant 41 off 30 balls from Tim Seifert.Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, who recently made headlines for his separation from Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, contributed 22 runs off 25 balls before being dismissed by Afghanistan's Naveen-ul-Haq. Malik's wife, Sana Javed, witnessed the dismissal from the stands, her expression etched with disappointment.The match marked a bittersweet moment for Malik, who had announced his third marriage to Javed in January. The news of his separation from Mirza had sent shockwaves through the sports world, ending a high-profile union that had captivated fans from both India and Pakistan.Mirza, who retired from professional tennis last year, has remained tight-lipped about the split. However, she has hinted at personal struggles in recent social media posts.The Karachi Kings' defeat leaves them with a disappointing start to the PSL season. Despite the setback, the team will be hoping to bounce back and secure a playoff berth.

Shoaib Malik's Disappointing Outing in PSL Match Draws Attention to Wife Sana Javed's ReactionAmidst the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik faced a disappointing outing during his side Karachi Kings' clash against Peshawar Zalmi on Monday. In a thrilling match that Karachi narrowly lost by 2 runs, Malik managed a mere 22 runs off 25 balls before being dismissed by Naveen-ul-Haq in the 17th over of the chase.Malik's dismissal sent shockwaves through the stadium and social media, as his wife Sana Javed's stunned reaction became a focal point. A dejected look washed over her face as she covered her eyes, while Malik made his way back to the pavilion.The incident sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many expressing sympathy for Malik and admiration for Javed's unwavering support. The couple's marriage in January 2023, following Malik's divorce from Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, had been widely publicized.Javed's previous marriage to Pakistani actor, singer-songwriter, and music producer Umar Jaswal ended in divorce in 2023. Malik's marriage to Javed marks his third, after his previous unions with Ayesha Siddiqui and Mirza.Malik's disappointing performance in the PSL match has raised questions about his form and future in the tournament. The 41-year-old all-rounder has been a key figure in Pakistan's cricket team for over two decades, but his recent outings have been less than impressive.Despite the setback, Malik remains a respected figure in the cricketing world. His experience and leadership qualities could still prove valuable to the Karachi Kings as they navigate the remainder of the PSL season.

Karachi Kings Snatch Thrilling Victory Over Lahore Qalandars in PSLIn a nail-biting encounter at the National Stadium in Karachi, the Karachi Kings emerged victorious over the Lahore Qalandars by three wickets in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Saturday. The win keeps Karachi's playoff hopes alive, while Lahore's elimination was confirmed.Chasing a challenging target of 178, Karachi's openers James Vince (42) and Tim Seifert (36) provided a solid start with a 59-run partnership. However, Lahore fought back with the wickets of Kieron Pollard (3) and Seifert, who was run out due to a misunderstanding with Shoaib Malik.Irfan Khan's quickfire 35 off 16 balls kept Karachi in the hunt, but Shaheen Shah Afridi's dismissal of Khan in the penultimate over left the Kings needing three runs off the final delivery.With nerves jangling, Malik (27 not out) stepped up to the plate and drove Zaman Khan's low full toss through point to seal a dramatic victory for Karachi.Earlier, Lahore had posted a competitive 177-5 thanks to half-centuries from Abdullah Shafique (55) and Fakhar Zaman (54). Karachi captain Shan Masood's decision to demote himself to No. 3 proved fruitful, as the opening pair of Vince and Seifert provided a solid foundation.