CRICKET POLITICS INDIA PAKISTAN

Afghanistan pull out of T20 tri-series in Pakistan amid conflict
Afghanistan has pulled out of a T20 cricket series in Pakistan. This decision follows the deaths of three Afghan cricketers. The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated the players died during military strikes in Paktika province. The tri-series was scheduled to feature Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The ACB cited respect for the victims as the reason for withdrawal.

Pakistan to hold talks with Afghanistan in Qatar after latest strikes
Pakistan and Afghan Taliban delegations are set to meet in Doha on Saturday after Islamabad carried out air strikes inside Afghanistan that killed at least 10 people and ended a 48-hour border ceasefire. Pakistan’s state TV said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik will lead the Pakistani team; the Taliban confirmed a high-level delegation led by Defence Minister Mohammed Yaqub also departed for Doha.

"Maybe BCCI, Govt can take tips on how to prioritise nation over sports": Priyanka Chaturvedi on Afghanistan calling off tri-nation series
Afghanistan Cricket Board cancelled its series with Pakistan. This decision followed the death of three Afghan cricketers in a Pakistan airstrike. Indian politician Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the BCCI and Union Government. She suggested they learn from Afghanistan's stance. Afghanistan Captain Rashid Khan condemned the actions as a human rights violation.

Afghan cricketers killed: All about three players that died during Pakistan's airstrikes on Paktika
Afghanistan has pulled out of an upcoming cricket series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated three players died in an attack. They identified the deceased as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. These players were among eight killed in an airstrike. The incident occurred after a friendly match in Sharana. The players were attacked upon returning home.

"Barbaric act": Rashid Khan slams Pakistan after Afghan cricketers killed in aerial strikes in Paktika
Afghanistan cricketers are outraged by Pakistan's aerial strikes that killed civilians and three players. Captain Rashid Khan called the actions unjust and a human rights violation. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has withdrawn from an upcoming series against Pakistan. Other players also condemned the attack. These strikes occurred despite a recent ceasefire agreement between the two nations.

Three Afghan cricketers killed in Pakistani airstrikes, announces ACB
Three Afghan cricketers were tragically killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province, prompting the Afghanistan Cricket Board to withdraw from an upcoming Tri-Nation T20I series against Pakistan. The attack, which also injured seven others, occurred during a local gathering after the players returned from a friendly match. This incident follows a recent ceasefire breach between the two nations.
BCCI projects ₹6,700 cr surplus for 2025-26, Asia Cup boosts earnings
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to post a record surplus of ₹6,700 crore for FY2025–26, according to its latest budget reviewed by TOI. Hosting the Asia Cup alone added over ₹100 crore to its earnings through hosting fees, media rights, and ICC T20 World Cup participation income.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to be punished by PCB after three defeats against India in Asia Cup
Salman Ali Agha PCB Decision: Following a series of defeats against India in the Asia Cup 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly planning to replace Salman Ali Agha with Shadab Khan as the national T20I captain. This leadership change, expected after Shadab's recovery from surgery, aims to rebuild the team's strategy for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Abhishek Sharma, Smriti Mandhana named ICC Players of the Month for September
Indian cricketers Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana have been named ICC Players of the Month for September. Sharma impressed with his explosive batting in the Asia Cup, while Mandhana delivered a series of brilliant centuries against Australia in the ODI series.
Virat Kohli shares a cryptic post on failing and giving up ahead of Australia series
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli shared a cryptic post on X ahead of the India-Australia series, writing, “The only time you truly fail is when you decide to give up.” Known for rarely posting personal updates, the message gained over 30,000 likes within 30 minutes. Kohli, India’s second-highest ODI run-scorer with 14,181 runs, has been in strong form this year, including a century against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Allies turned foes: How Taliban and Pakistan fell out
Tensions flare along the Durand Line as Pakistan and the Taliban engage in deadly border clashes, a stark reversal from their historical ties. Once Pakistan's strategic asset, the Taliban now asserts independence, refusing to curb the TTP and challenging Islamabad's influence. This rift signals a new era of confrontation with significant regional implications.
Anybody Watching?: West Indies’ fightback in second Test shows they are not a lost cause
Broadcasters and sponsors would make a bonanza from eyeballs, which may peak before viewers get sick and tired of watching the same thing over and over. And then there would be nothing left of the game. Nothing worth fighting for, nothing to protect. And teams such as the West Indies would not exist. Throughout the first Test match in Ahmedabad, questions were raised about whether the West Indies belonged in the world game any longer. Their batsmen did not have the stomach for the fight, the mental strength for the grind of Test cricket and the skills to be competitive, even on pitches that were good for batting.
Can non-cricket team sports truly grow in India?
India's sporting landscape is dominated by Bollywood and cricket, creating a nation of pundits rather than players. While kabaddi and football have seen fleeting success, a lack of institutional support and consistent narratives hinders growth. True progress requires investment in grassroots, better governance, and media storytelling beyond cricket's shadow.
Asia Cup trophy locked in Dubai; Mohsin Naqvi instructs he alone will hand it to India
The Asia Cup trophy, refused by the Indian team from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, remains at the ACC's Dubai headquarters under strict orders not to be moved without his personal approval. Naqvi, also PCB Chairman and Pakistan's Interior Minister, insists on handing it over himself.
Provocations, controversies and four wins: How Team India dominated Pakistan for 4 straight weeks across two competitions
Troubling times for Pakistan against Team India started with a seven-wicket loss to Men in Blue during the group stage of the men's Asia Cup in Dubai on September 14, and followed them right to Colombo on Sunday, where the Women in Green surrendered to the pace of Kranti Gaud and Deepti Sharma's spin during a run-chase of 248 runs.
A foregone conclusion: India seek another dominant win over Pakistan in Women's World Cup
India, the overwhelming favourites, face a disjointed Pakistan in a Women's World Cup game amidst continuing geopolitical tensions. India holds a commanding 24-3 record, including 11-0 in ODIs, and aims to boost their net run rate. Rain threatens the Colombo fixture, while Indian players are expected to skip handshakes with their counterparts, reflecting the strained relations.
Women's ODI World Cup: India expected to test squad depth against Pakistan
India enters their Women's World Cup clash against a struggling Pakistan as overwhelming favorites, aiming to boost their net run rate after an opening win. Pakistan, reeling from a heavy loss and batting concerns, faces a formidable challenge. The match is further underscored by geopolitical tensions, with Indian players expected to skip customary handshakes.
Mohsin Naqvi to receive Pakistan’s national award for defying India in Asia Cup 2025 trophy ceremony
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi will receive an excellence award for his firm stance during the Asia Cup trophy controversy. India's team refused to accept the trophy from him, a move Naqvi deemed political, leading him to retain it and refuse apology. This act is celebrated in Pakistan as restoring national pride amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions.
'Keep things separate': Shahid Afridi slams PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi for mixing cricket with politics
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has asked Mohsin Naqvi to step down from either his role as PCB chairman or Interior Minister, saying both posts need full attention. Afridi said cricket cannot run on advisers and requires focus. Naqvi, also ACC chairman, faced criticism after India’s Asia Cup win, deepening debate over his multiple roles.
Load More