Sports

Abbas Afridi produced a breathtaking performance at the Hong Kong Sixes 2025, smashing six consecutive sixes in one over while chasing a target in a limited-over format. With 55 runs off just 12 balls, his explosion rewrote the record books and issued a warning ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming fixture against India. The feat electrified the cricketing world and reaffirmed Afridi’s reputation as a power-hitting force.

Manchester United head coach Rúben Amorim responded to harsh criticism from club legend Cristiano Ronaldo by urging the team and fans to look ahead rather than dwell on the past. With United undergoing structural reforms, Amorim emphasised building culture, cohesion and clarity after a period of transition and under-performance. The exchange highlights pressure at one of world football’s biggest clubs and frames the coming months as pivotal.

In the second unofficial Test versus South Africa A, Dhruv Jurel smashed an unbeaten 132 for India A, rescuing the team from a precarious position and making a strong case as a specialist middle-order batsman. The knock underlined his composure and technique under pressure and resurrected his prospects in the national setup. Cricket analysts believe his performance strengthens future selection for India’s middle order.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif claimed that the national team’s selectors are grooming Shubman Gill as the future captain, which he believes is why Sanju Samson lost his place in the playing XI. Kaif highlighted that despite Samson’s good form, the team opted for Gill’s inclusion and Jitesh Sharma’s finishing role, shifting team strategy around leadership succession rather than pure performance metrics.

Former India coach and commentator Ravi Shastri shared a memorable anecdote involving legend Sachin Tendulkar, where the Master Blaster silenced the dressing-room noise during a foreign tour by saying “You shut up, let me do the talking”. The story highlights Tendulkar’s leadership style, influence on younger players and the culture of Indian cricket behind the scenes.

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami has been omitted from the squad for the upcoming series despite strong domestic form, prompting his coach and critics to accuse Ajit Agarkar-led selectors of relying on excuses rather than merit. The controversy has broadened into a debate on selection transparency, fitness benchmarks and senior-player loyalty within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI issued a strong statement after two Australian women cricketers reported molestation in Indore during the Women’s World Cup. Board Secretary Devajit Saikia called it “very unfortunate” and assured stricter safety protocols for international players. The accused, Aqeel Khan, was arrested within hours. The MP Cricket Association expressed shock, with officials emphasizing India’s zero-tolerance stance and commitment to players’ safety.

A man riding a motorbike was arrested in Indore after harassing members of the Australian women’s cricket team outside their hotel before their World Cup match. The accused reportedly followed the players’ vehicle and made obscene gestures. Police acted swiftly, detaining him within hours. The Australian cricket board praised local authorities for handling the disturbing incident efficiently.

Virat Kohli roared back to form with a superb half-century against Australia in Sydney, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record for most 50+ scores in ODI chases. His 70th such knock also saw him surpass Kumar Sangakkara as the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history. The milestone comes after two consecutive ducks, silencing his critics and reigniting India’s momentum ahead of the series finale.

The Pakistan Cricket Board shocked the cricket world by appointing Shan Masood as both the Test captain and consultant overseeing international cricket and player affairs, a unique move in its history. Masood will balance playing duties while shaping cricket strategy for the national team. This decision comes as the PCB looks to foster stronger ties between management and players, trusting Masood's experience and leadership. Discussions are ongoing about is appointment as a full-time director.