Shaheen Afridi eyes WTC 2025–27 final

Shaheen Shah Afridi will be in action against Bangladesh in the upcoming Test series. Photo. AFP/File Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi says the team is fully prepared for a demanding Test schedule and has set its sights on reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 final, with consistency and adaptability key to their…

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Injured Mbappe faces backlash

LONDON: Sidelined with a hamstring injury, Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has sparked anger among a section of the club’s supporters after a holiday in Sardinia, triggering a fresh media storm ahead of Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona. For many Madrid fans, the striker’s Italian getaway – during rest days granted by Real Madrid to injured…

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Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defends ticketing policies for the World Cup at the Milken Institute Conference in Beverly Hills. Photo: AFP BEVERLY HILLS: FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Tuesday defended World Cup ticket prices, insisting that football’s global governing body was obliged to take advantage of US laws that allow tickets to be resold for…

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Simeone, Atletico at crossroads

Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego Simeone applauds the fans after his team’s Champions League semi-final defeat by Arsenal. Photo: AFP LONDON: Arsenal’s Champions League elimination of Atletico Madrid condemned Diego Simeone’s side to a fifth straight season without silverware, inevitably raising questions over the Argentine coach’s future. Asked if he had the strength to continue…

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Asia followers sweat on broadcast rights

Asia followers sweat on broadcast rights

Unsociable match occasions in Asia means monetisation alternatives for broadcasters come down massively. Picture: AFP LONDON: Swathes of football-mad Asia from China to India and Thailand are but to substantiate broadcast rights for the biggest-ever World Cup with kick-off barely one month away. Unsociable match occasions within the area is one motive why a whole…

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The Bradmans of Social Media

Unfiltered online criticism is becoming a serious threat to cricketers’ mental health Fans remain central to the PSL experience, but the line between support and criticism grows increasingly blurred online. Photo: PCB/FILE KARACHI: “Brother, what can I tell you? Whenever I look at Twitter and Facebook, I feel like I have achieved nothing in cricket,that…

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FIFA invites Iran to headquarters

PARIS: FIFA have invited the Iranian football federation (FFIRI) to their headquarters for talks on the country’s participation at this year’s World Cup, a source told AFP on Tuesday. Mehdi Taj, the head of the Iranian federation, said Iran’s presence at the tournament was contingent on guarantees from FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. “We firmly believe…

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Rahm eligible for Ryder Cup

LONDON: Jon Rahm has reached a deal with the European Tour that will allow him retain his membership and remain eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland. In an agreement similar to that signed by eight other LIV golfers in February, the Spaniard will pay all outstanding fines for playing in…

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PCB tightens grip on PSL stakeholders

KARACHI: Clear your dues or face termination of contracts” the Pakistan Cricket Board has launched a recovery campaign against defaulters. Notices have been issued to all concerned parties, directing them to make payments within the stipulated deadline. According to details, the 11th edition of the PSL has now concluded, and the PCB had already begun…

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