Cricket

India Champions Triumph in Inaugural World Championship of LegendsIn a thrilling finale at Edgbaston, Birmingham, India Champions emerged victorious in the inaugural World Championship of Legends, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan Champions by five wickets.Pakistan Champions, led by Younis Khan, posted a competitive total of 156 for 6 in their 20 overs. However, India's explosive batsman Ambati Rayudu stole the show with a blistering 50 off just 30 balls, guiding his team to victory with five wickets and five balls to spare.Post-match celebrations erupted, with captain Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, and Harbhajan Singh engaging in a playful dance to the tune of "Tauba Tauba." However, their antics sparked controversy when para-badminton star Manasi Joshi criticized them for mocking people with physical disabilities.Joshi, a former world no. 1 in her SL3 badminton category, expressed her disappointment in the comments section of the viral video. She condemned the trio's behavior, stating that it could encourage bullying and harm young children with disabilities."This isn't funny," Joshi wrote. "You don't know how much harm your behavior can do. The appreciation you're getting from people around is appalling to see."Joshi's comments highlighted the importance of responsible behavior from public figures and the need to respect individuals with disabilities. Her words resonated with many, who expressed their support for her stance.Despite the controversy, India's victory in the World Championship of Legends was a significant achievement. The team's performance showcased the depth of talent in Indian cricket and cemented their status as one of the world's leading cricketing nations.

Indian Champions Celebrate Triumph with 'Tauba Tauba' DanceThe Indian Champions have emerged victorious in the World Championship of Legends final, defeating their arch-rivals, the Pakistan Champions, by five wickets at Edgbaston on Saturday. The triumph was celebrated with a unique dance performance by captain Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina, who grooved to the popular track "Tauba Tauba."Yuvraj shared a video of their dance on Instagram, tagging Vicky Kaushal, the original performer of the song. The caption revealed the physical toll the intense cricketing schedule had taken on the players. "Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket.. Every part of the body is sore," Yuvraj wrote.Despite the physical strain, the Yuvraj-led side showcased their dominance throughout the competition. The final match was a nail-biting affair, with both teams fighting hard until the very end. However, the Indian Champions ultimately prevailed, securing the coveted title.The victory was a testament to the team's hard work and dedication. Yuvraj, who has been battling cancer, has shown remarkable resilience and determination. His leadership and the team's unwavering spirit inspired them to overcome the challenges and achieve success.The 'Tauba Tauba' dance performance has become a symbol of the team's camaraderie and their ability to find joy even in the midst of adversity. The video has gone viral on social media, with fans praising the players for their talent and their infectious enthusiasm.

Indian cricket has witnessed an unprecedented fortnight of triumph, with the Rohit Sharma-led team breaking an 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup. This historic victory was followed by another momentous achievement, as India Champions emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham.The World Championship of Legends, a tournament featuring retired cricket legends, culminated in a thrilling finale between India Champions and arch-rivals Pakistan Champions. Led by Yuvraj Singh, India Champions defeated Pakistan Champions by five wickets at Edgbaston on Saturday.Pakistan Champions posted a competitive total of 156 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Shoaib Malik anchoring the innings with a crucial 41 off 23 balls. India Champions, in response, started their run chase with intent, losing Robin Uthappa early but relying on Ambati Rayudu's explosive 50 off 30 balls to set the foundation for the chase.With captain Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan at the crease, India Champions sealed the win, finishing at 159 for 5 in 19.1 overs. The victory sparked jubilation among the Indian fans, who witnessed their team triumph in a tournament that celebrated the legacy of cricket legends.The World Championship of Legends provided a platform for retired cricketers to showcase their skills once again, and the tournament's success has raised hopes for future editions. The victory of India Champions has further cemented India's dominance in the world of cricket, adding another chapter to the rich history of the sport in the country.

Pakistan cricket legend Younis Khan's premature declaration of "revenge" against India backfired spectacularly as his Pakistan Legends team succumbed to a comprehensive defeat in the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) to Yuvraj Singh's India Legends.In the league stage of the tournament, Pakistan Legends had triumphed over India Legends, prompting Younis to proclaim it as retribution for Pakistan's loss to India in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, when the two teams clashed again in the final, India Legends emerged victorious with ease.Following the WCL final loss, Younis acknowledged the superiority of the Indian team, praising their performance in all aspects of the game. "Congratulations to India, they played like true legends," Younis remarked. "They excelled in all three departments. Our game plan was to build a defendable total, but crucial partnerships are essential in finals. India formed the partnerships needed to chase down our score, something we failed to do, unlike in the semi-finals where we had strong partnerships."The inaugural WCL league concluded in Birmingham with the final match. "The level of cricket was outstanding. My expectations before the tournament were different, but I'm proud of our team's effort," Younis added.Earlier, after Pakistan Legends' victory against India Legends in the league stage, Younis had boldly stated, "We took the revenge by defeating India."Chasing a target of 157 runs, India overhauled the total with five balls to spare. Despite losing Robin Uthappa early, Ambati Rayudu's explosive 50 off 30 balls laid the foundation for the chase. Suresh Raina's dismissal for 4 in the same over provided Pakistan with a glimmer of hope. However, a strong partnership between Rayudu and Gurkeerat Singh Maan (34 off 33) kept India on track.Rayudu and Mann departed in quick succession, but the momentum remained firmly in India's favor with Yusuf Pathan's blistering 30 off 16 balls. With captain Yuvraj Singh (15*) and Irfan Pathan (5*) at the crease, India sealed the win, finishing at 159 for 5 in 19.1 overs.

Yuvraj Singh's All-Time XI: A Legendary LineupIn the wake of India Champions' triumph at the World Championship of Legends, skipper Yuvraj Singh unveiled his all-time XI, a star-studded ensemble that reflects his illustrious career.Yuvraj's XI boasts an opening duo of batting maestros Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. The middle order is anchored by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers, three of the most prolific run-scorers in modern cricket.Behind the stumps, Adam Gilchrist brings his explosive batting and exceptional wicket-keeping skills. At No. 7, Shane Warne's legendary spin bowling prowess adds depth to the lineup. Muttiah Muralitharan, the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, slots in at No. 8.The pace attack is spearheaded by Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram, two of the greatest bowlers of all time. Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, provides balance with his batting and bowling abilities.Yuvraj himself reserves the No. 12 spot, a testament to his own remarkable contributions to the game.

Irfan Pathan's Iconic In-Swinger Strikes Again, Reminiscent of Historic Hat-TrickIn a thrilling display of nostalgia, Irfan Pathan's legendary in-swinging delivery made a triumphant return in Birmingham on Saturday. During the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) between India and Pakistan, Pathan's signature ball pierced through the defenses of Pakistan Champions skipper Younis Khan, echoing his famous hat-trick in the 2006 Karachi Test.Attempting to drive the ball on the on-side, Khan was caught off guard by Pathan's late in-swinging delivery, which found the gap between bat and pad. The sound of timber reverberated through the stadium as the stumps behind Khan were shattered.Eighteen years prior, Pathan had etched his name in cricket history with a remarkable hat-trick in the third Test of India's tour of Pakistan. Coincidentally, Younis was the second victim of that hat-trick, which remains the only instance of a hat-trick in the opening over of a Test match.While the mode of dismissal differed on Saturday, with Khan being clean bowled instead of adjudged lbw, the impact of Pathan's delivery was undeniable. The in-swinging ball, reminiscent of his prime, reminded fans of his exceptional bowling prowess.In the 2006 Karachi Test, Pathan's hat-trick also included the dismissals of Salman Butt and Mohammad Yousuf. On Saturday, India Champions emerged victorious in the WCL final, defeating Pakistan Champions by five wickets. Led by Yuvraj Singh, India successfully chased down a target of 157 runs in 19.1 overs.Ambati Rayudu's quickfire half-century (50) laid the foundation for India's victory, while Yusuf Pathan (30*) and Gurkeerat Singh Mann (34) made crucial contributions. Irfan Pathan's iconic in-swinging delivery not only secured a wicket but also evoked memories of his legendary hat-trick, showcasing the enduring legacy of one of India's finest bowlers.

In the thrilling finale of the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham, a heartwarming display of sportsmanship unfolded between former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and India Champions wicket-keeper Robin Uthappa.Misbah, who had scored 18 runs off 15 balls, was forced to retire hurt due to an injury. As he struggled to leave the field, Uthappa stepped forward and offered his shoulder as support. This act of camaraderie, amidst the intense rivalry, touched the hearts of fans worldwide.The broadcaster captured the moment on video, sharing it with the caption: "Spirit of Cricket moment in Birmingham." The video highlights the essence of sportsmanship that transcends competition.The match itself was a testament to the enduring spirit of cricket. Pakistan Champions, led by Shoaib Malik's 41 runs, posted a competitive total of 156 for 6. India Champions' bowlers, particularly Anureet Singh with three wickets, kept Pakistan in check.In response, India Champions chased down the target with ease, thanks to a solid batting performance. The match showcased the skills of legendary players like Misbah, Malik, and Irfan Pathan.Beyond the cricketing action, the final served as a reminder of the values that make cricket a beloved sport. The sportsmanship displayed by Uthappa and the camaraderie between the players enriched the experience for fans.This match not only provided entertainment but also underscored the enduring spirit of cricket, where competition and sportsmanship coexist harmoniously.

India and Pakistan to Clash in World Championship of Legends FinalArchrivals India and Pakistan will face off in the highly anticipated final of the World Championship of Legends on Saturday at Birmingham. The two teams emerged victorious in their respective semi-finals on Friday, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.In the first semi-final, Pakistan displayed their dominance by defeating West Indies by 20 runs. The Pakistani bowlers led the charge, restricting West Indies to a modest total of 150 runs. In response, Pakistan's batters chased down the target with relative ease, securing their place in the final.The second semi-final witnessed an emphatic performance by India, who crushed Australia by a massive 86 runs. India's bowlers were in top form, dismissing Australia for a mere 114 runs. The Indian batters then showcased their prowess, amassing a formidable total of 200 runs.The final promises to be a captivating encounter between two of the world's top cricket teams. India and Pakistan have a long-standing rivalry, and their matches always generate immense excitement and passion. The stakes will be even higher in this championship final, as both teams will be eager to claim the coveted title.The match will be played at Birmingham's Edgbaston Stadium, starting at 9:30 pm IST on Saturday. Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating this epic clash, which is sure to produce thrilling moments and unforgettable memories.

Suresh Raina Hails MS Dhoni as the 'GOAT' in Fun ActivityFormer Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, currently playing for the Indian Champions in the World Championship of Legends, has named MS Dhoni as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in a fun activity with presenter Shefali Bagga.During a match against the South Africa Champions on Wednesday, Raina participated in the activity where he had to associate cricketers with certain terms. Raina's answers showcased his admiration and respect for his former teammates and their contributions to the sport.When asked about the 'King' and 'run-machine', Raina immediately mentioned Virat Kohli. He labeled Shubman Gill as the 'future' and Jasprit Bumrah as a 'death-over specialist'.However, it was his response to the 'GOAT' that garnered the most attention. Raina instantly replied with 'MS Dhoni', highlighting the close friendship and mutual respect between the two cricketers. They have played together for many years, winning the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.Dhoni served as the captain of Chennai Super Kings for over a decade in the Indian Premier League, with Raina as his deputy. Both players retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, with Raina announcing his retirement just a few hours after Dhoni.Raina's answers also shed light on his camaraderie with other former teammates. He labeled Shikhar Dhawan as the 'Desi Boy', Yuvraj Singh as the 'Most Stylish', and Harbhajan Singh as the 'Funniest'.Raina's participation in this fun activity not only entertained fans but also showcased his deep understanding and appreciation of the game of cricket and the players who have shaped its history.