Cricket

Former Pakistan fast bowler and current national chief selector Wahab Riaz has come under fire for his poor fielding effort during the 'World Championship of Legends' match against India in Birmingham on Saturday.Riaz, who led the selection committee that picked Pakistan's squad for the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup, dropped a simple catch while fielding for Pakistan Champions. The incident occurred in the last over of India Champions' innings, with Pakistan on the verge of a massive victory.Chasing Pakistan Champions' mammoth total of 243/4, India Champions were struggling at 169 for 9. Aamer Yamin was bowling the final over when Anureet Singh hit the ball high into the air. Riaz got underneath it but spilled the catch, much to the disappointment of Pakistan fans.The dropped catch drew heavy criticism from fans on social media, who accused Riaz of lacking focus and commitment. Some even questioned his suitability for the role of chief selector, given his poor fielding display.Despite the fielding error, Pakistan Champions secured a significant 68-run victory over the Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions. However, Riaz's performance on the field has raised concerns about his ability to lead Pakistan's selection process.Under Riaz's tenure as chief selector, Pakistan failed to progress to the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup. The Babar Azam-led side lost to co-hosts United States and India in the Group stage of the tournament.The Pakistan Cricket Board appointed Riaz as the head of the selection committee in November last year, replacing the legendary Inzamam-ul-Haq. Riaz's appointment was met with mixed reactions, with some questioning his experience and qualifications for the role.The dropped catch incident has further fueled doubts about Riaz's suitability for the position. It remains to be seen whether the Pakistan Cricket Board will take any action in response to the criticism.

Kamran Akmal's controversial remarks about Sikhs during a TV show in Pakistan during the T20 World Cup sparked widespread outrage, including from former India offspinner Harbhajan Singh. The two former on-field rivals recently came face to face at the 'World Championship of Legends' (WCL) tournament in Birmingham, where they engaged in a heated discussion.Akmal's comments, made during Pakistan's T20 World Cup match against India, drew sharp criticism from Harbhajan, who accused him of disrespecting the Sikh community. Akmal later apologized for his words, expressing regret and stating that he had the utmost respect for Sikhs.At the WCL match on Saturday, Pakistan defeated India by 68 runs. Akmal top-scored for Pakistan with a 40-ball 77, while Harbhajan was not part of the Indian team. Despite the controversy, the two former players were seen in deep discussion after the match, with Harbhajan appearing animated and trying to convey a point to Akmal.The subject of their conversation remains unclear, but it is likely that they discussed the controversy surrounding Akmal's comments. The incident highlights the importance of respecting different religions and cultures, especially in the context of sports.Akmal's apology and the subsequent meeting with Harbhajan suggest that he understands the gravity of his words and is committed to fostering unity and respect. The incident serves as a reminder that sports should be a platform for bringing people together, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.

The inaugural World Championship of Legends (WCL) is set to ignite the cricketing world in July, bringing together legendary players from around the globe. Among them, the India Champions team, led by the iconic Yuvraj Singh, will showcase their exceptional skills on the hallowed grounds of England.The WCL, backed by the prestigious England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), aims to provide a credible platform for cricket legends to extend their careers and reignite their passion for the sport. The India Champions squad, unveiled in New Delhi, boasts an impressive roster of former World Cup winners and T20 champions, including Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, RP Singh, and Rahul Sharma.The team's owners, Salman Ahmed, Sumant Bahl, and Jaspal Bahra, expressed their pride in owning the India Champions and their commitment to delivering a cricketing spectacle that celebrates India's rich cricketing heritage. They believe the WCL will provide a unique opportunity for senior cricketers to showcase their skills and inspire future generations.Captain Yuvraj Singh, known for his explosive batting and match-winning performances, expressed his excitement to represent India Champions and play in England once more. He recalled the unforgettable emotions of the NatWest Finals and looked forward to the enthusiastic atmosphere and passionate fans that make playing in the UK a memorable experience.Suresh Raina, unveiling the team jersey, emphasized the inspiring legacy of Indian cricket and the profound sense of nostalgia and passion that England evokes within the squad. He stated that the team's objective is to exhibit cricketing excellence and reaffirm their position as champions and ambassadors of Indian cricket.The India Champions squad is a formidable force, featuring a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Irfan Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Gurkeerat Mann, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Rahul Shukla, RP Singh, Vinay Kumar, and Dhawal Kulkarni complete the 15-member team.The WCL aims to rekindle the nostalgia of past clashes between top international teams and promises to bring the summers early to England with its star-studded lineup. The league will feature legendary players like Bret Lee, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Shahid Afridi, and Jacques Kallis, ensuring an unforgettable cricketing spectacle.