Cricket

Former Indian batsman Yusuf Pathan and English spinner Monty Panesar engaged in a lighthearted banter during a Legends League Cricket (LLC) match between Konark Suryas Odisha and Toyam Hyderabad. The two veterans, who once represented their respective nations at the highest level, found themselves on opposing sides in the LLC.As Yusuf struggled to score runs, Panesar, who is of Indian descent, was caught on camera teasing him about his slow batting pace. "Are you playing a Test match?" Panesar quipped, referring to the longer format of cricket where batsmen typically take more time to accumulate runs.Yusuf, known for his explosive batting style, was not amused by Panesar's comment. He retorted, "How many Test wickets do you have?" highlighting Panesar's relatively modest Test record compared to his own impressive achievements in limited-overs cricket.The exchange between the two legends added a touch of humor to the match. Yusuf, who has a reputation for being a big-hitter, has an ODI strike rate of 113 and a T20I strike rate of 146. He was part of India's victorious squads in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.Panesar, on the other hand, enjoyed a successful Test career for England. The left-arm off-spinner played 50 Tests, claiming 167 wickets. One of his most memorable performances came in India in 2012, where he took 17 wickets in three Tests as England defeated India 2-1.Despite the banter, Konark Suryas Odisha failed to post a competitive total, scoring only 100 runs in 20 overs. Toyam Hyderabad chased down the target with 10 balls to spare, thanks to a half-century from Gurkeerat Singh Mann. Panesar finished with figures of 1/13 in 4 overs.The friendly rivalry between Yusuf and Panesar showcased the camaraderie and competitive spirit that exists among former international cricketers. Their banter added an entertaining element to the LLC match, reminding fans of the lighter side of the sport.

Irfan Pathan's Hilarious Meme Captures the Essence of Sibling RivalryFormer Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has shared a hilarious meme on Instagram that perfectly captures the dynamics of sibling relationships. The meme features a video clip of Pathan and his brother Yusuf Pathan having a verbal spat during a World Championship of Legends (WCL) match against South Africa.In the video, the brothers can be seen arguing while attempting a run. The caption reads, "Brothers when they are alone." The video then cuts to a scene of Irfan and Yusuf sharing a hug, with the caption "Brothers in front of parents."Pathan's meme has resonated with many siblings, who can relate to the nature of fights between brothers and sisters. In the caption, Pathan wrote, "Brothers can you relate?"The meme has garnered over 100,000 likes and thousands of comments, with many users sharing their own experiences of sibling rivalry.

Yusuf Pathan, the former Indian cricketer who played a pivotal role in India's 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, has embarked on a new journey in politics. As a Trinamool Congress candidate, he is leading the race in the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal's Murshidabad district.Pathan's entry into politics has surprised many, but he remains committed to maintaining his image as a sportsperson while serving his constituency. In a region with a substantial Muslim population, Mamata Banerjee's decision to field Pathan against seasoned Congressman Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has proven to be a masterstroke.Despite facing challenges from BJP's Nirmal Chandra Saha and being labeled an outsider, Pathan has embraced the fight, often repeating TMC's slogan, "Khela Hobe" (I'm up for a fight).Pathan's cricketing journey is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Growing up in Vadodara, he and his brother Irfan faced life's challenges from an early age. Their father, Mehmood Khan Pathan, worked tirelessly as a muezzin, instilling discipline and faith in his children. Under the guidance of local coach Mehendi Sheikh, Yusuf honed his skills, especially his powerful hitting ability."Uparwale ka rahem, karam bolein (Call this God's mercy, blessings), I always feel that I am for big matches, moments," Pathan had said after accepting TMC's offer to switch to politics."I just have to bat for them. I don't want to become a politician. I want to keep my image of a sportsperson intact. But after winning, I will work for my constituency and will make sure that I spend at least eight days in a month there," he had promised.Pathan's international debut came three years after Irfan's, but he quickly established himself as a vital player for India in shorter formats. He was a member of the MS Dhoni-led team that won the 2011 ODI World Cup. However, his most memorable moments came in the IPL, where he captivated fans with a scintillating 37-ball century against Mumbai Indians in 2010 and played a key role in Rajasthan Royals' title-winning campaign in 2008.Featuring in all matches in 2008, he scored 435 runs at a strike rate of 179.01 and took eight wickets. Pathan joined KKR in 2011 and became a permanent member of the team for seven years.Although Pathan regrets not featuring in any Tests for India, he now has the opportunity to play a long game in the field of politics. With his determination and commitment to serving his constituency, Yusuf Pathan is poised to make a significant impact in his new role as a politician.

Former Indian cricket all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has embarked on a new chapter in his life, announcing his candidacy for the Lok Sabha elections from the Baharampur constituency under the banner of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). This move has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as Baharampur has traditionally been a Congress stronghold.Pathan's decision to enter politics has been met with mixed reactions. His brother, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan, expressed his support on social media, praising Yusuf's compassion and dedication to serving others. However, Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who currently represents Baharampur, questioned the TMC's motives, suggesting that Pathan's nomination was a ploy to polarize voters and benefit the BJP.The TMC's decision to field Pathan in Baharampur is seen as a strategic move to challenge the Congress's dominance in the region. The TMC and Congress are part of the INDIA alliance, but seat-sharing negotiations have stalled in Bengal. The TMC is believed to have offered Baharampur and another seat to the Congress, but the grand old party demanded a larger share.Pathan's entry into politics has added a new dimension to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bengal. His popularity as a cricketer and his reputation for social work could potentially sway voters in his favor. However, he will face a tough challenge from Chowdhury, who has a strong base in Baharampur and is known for his vocal opposition to the TMC government.The outcome of the Baharampur contest will be closely watched, as it could have implications for the overall political landscape in Bengal. If Pathan is successful, it will be a major setback for the Congress and a boost for the TMC. Conversely, a victory for Chowdhury would reaffirm the Congress's hold on Baharampur and deal a blow to the TMC's ambitions.

The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) has been a source of entertainment for cricket enthusiasts, with unexpected moments and hilarious incidents. One such incident involved influencer Gaurav Taneja, who celebrated catching former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan on the boundary rope, unaware that it was a free-hit.During a match, Yusuf Pathan attempted to hit a six off Irfan Pathan's bowling. Taneja, standing at the boundary, caught the ball and began celebrating, thinking he had completed a catch. However, he failed to realize that the ball was a free-hit, which meant Yusuf could not be dismissed even if he was caught.The batters on the field took advantage of Taneja's mistake and took a single while he was celebrating. Taneja himself shared the video of the incident, admitting his embarrassing error.The ISPL is a pioneering Tennis Cricket League that aims to discover and nurture cricketers from grassroots levels. It provides a platform for local talent to showcase their skills and aspire to become future cricketing superstars.The inaugural edition of the league featured six teams: Majhi Mumbai, Srinagar ke Veer, Chennai Singams, Tigers of Kolkata, Falcon Risers Hyderabad, and Bangalore Strikers. The teams competed for the coveted trophy and prize money over a 10-day period.The league's opening ceremony was graced by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood celebrities Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Saif and Kareena Kapoor-Khan, Suriya Sivalkumar, and Ram Charan, who are also team owners.