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Sports

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s family targeted after defeat

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Pakistan captain

Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha’s wife and young son became victims of online harassment following the team’s defeat to England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 stage.

On Tuesday, England defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a crucial Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, securing a place in the semi-finals. The victory was powered by a brilliant century from Harry Brook.

Pakistan posted 164 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, England chased down the target in the final over, finishing at 165 for 8.

Following the loss, fans and former cricketers criticized the team’s performance. However, some social media users crossed the line by directing abusive comments toward Salman Ali Agha’s family.

Salman Ali Agha’s wife, Saba, addressed the situation through an Instagram story, condemning the harassment aimed at her and their innocent child.

“Abusing me or my innocent son will not help you win the World Cup,” she wrote, urging fans to show restraint.

Her message quickly went viral, drawing reactions from the cricketing community.

Tabraiz Shamsi Condemns Behavior

South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi publicly condemned the abuse, expressing support for the family.

In a post on X, Shamsi wrote that such “foolish behavior” angers him. He added that while disappointment over a team’s defeat is natural and winning and losing are part of sport, targeting players’ families is unacceptable.

“This is for fans of all countries—please respect others,” he emphasized.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing issue of online harassment faced by athletes and their families in the wake of high-profile sporting defeats.

ICC releases latest T20 player rankings

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ICC releases

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the latest T20 player rankings, featuring notable changes across batters, all-rounders, and bowlers.

Batters Ranking

Abhishek Sharma of India retains the top spot in the T20 batters ranking.

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan climbs two places to third position.

Ishan Kishan of India improves three spots to reach fifth place.

South Africa’s David Bruus jumps ten places to ninth, while England’s Harry Brook rises ten spots to 18th.

All-Rounders Ranking

Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe continues as the No. 1 T20 all-rounder.

Saem Ayub drops one place to second position.

Bowlers Ranking

Varun Chakaravarthy of India maintains the top spot among T20 bowlers.

South Africa’s Carbon Bosch rises 21 places to reach third position.

Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed drops two spots to fifth, while West Indies’ Matthew Ford climbs 23 places to seventh.

The latest rankings reflect players’ recent performances in T20 internationals across the globe.

New Zealand sends Sri Lanka home in Super Eight clash

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New Zealand

COLOMBO:  In the sixth match of the Super Eight stage, New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs, eliminating the host team from the tournament.

Batting first, New Zealand scored 168 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted overs. Captain Mitchell Santner top-scored with 47 runs, while Colin McConchie remained unbeaten on 31. Other contributors included Rachin Ravindra (32), Finn Allen (23), Glenn Phillips (18), Tim Seifert (8), Daryl Mitchell (3), and Mark Chapman (0).

From Sri Lanka’s bowling side, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera took three wickets each, while Dunith Wellalage claimed one.

Chasing 169, Sri Lanka could manage only 107 for eight in their allotted overs, handing the Kiwis a 61-run victory. Dunith Wellalage was the top scorer with 29 runs, followed by Komandoo Mendis with 31. Other individual scores were: Kusal Mendis 11, Pon Ratanayake 10, Charith Asalanka 5, captain Dasun Shanaka 3, Dushan Himanta 3, and Pathum Nissanka 0. Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana remained not out with one run each.

For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra took four wickets and Matt Henry two, while Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips picked one wicket each.

West Indies crush Zimbabwe by 107 runs in Super 8 World Cup clash

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West Indies crush

Mumbai: West Indies dominated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium.

Chasing a daunting target of 255, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 in the 18th over. Brad Evans top-scored with 43, followed by Dine Mayers (28) and captain ** Sikandar Raza** (27). Several batsmen, including Ryan Burl, Tashinga Masakikwa, Graeme Cremer, and Blessing Muzarabani, failed to score. Richard Ngarava remained 7 not out.

For West Indies, Gudakesh Moti took 4 wickets, Akeal Hosein 3, while Jason Holder and Matthew Ford picked up 1 each.

Earlier, after Zimbabwe elected to field first, West Indies posted 254/6 in 20 overs. Shamarh Hetmyer led the charge with a blazing 85, Romario Powell added 59, Sherfane Rutherford scored 31, and captain Shai Hope contributed 14. Jason Holder and Brandon King chipped in with 13 and 9, respectively, while Rutherford and Matthew Ford remained not out.

Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani claimed 2 wickets each, and Graeme Cremer and Brad Evans took 1 wicket apiece.

West Indies’ comprehensive batting and bowling display ensured a comfortable 107-run victory, cementing their dominance in the Super 8 stage.

Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim denies ex-wife’s allegations

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Pakistani all-rounder

Karachi: Pakistani cricket all-rounder Imad Wasim has broken his silence regarding allegations made by his former wife, Sania Ashfaq, with his legal team terming the claims “baseless and false.”

Imad Wasim’s lawyers have formally issued a legal notice to Sania Ashfaq in response to her accusations.

The cricketer also reposted a video on X featuring advocate Alia Zareen Abbasi, who stated that claims of forced abortion against Imad Wasim are completely unfounded. Abbasi added that all necessary medical records have been collected by Imad Wasim’s legal team.

According to Abbasi, the decision to travel to the United States for the World Cup in November 2023 was made mutually by the couple, and relevant doctors can confirm this. Complete records of tours to the UAE, Australia, and England have also been obtained and will be presented in court.

The advocate further noted that the couple separated in November 2024 due to personal differences, during which Sania Ashfaq was pregnant. Imad Wasim bore all expenses during this period and has continued to take full responsibility for all three children following the birth of his son in July 2025.

Imad Wasim recently married social media influencer Naila Raja, a video of which was shared by his ex-wife on social media, along with serious allegations that he and his legal team have now strongly denied.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 clash abandoned due to rain

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Pakistan vs New

Colombo: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 clash between Pakistan and New Zealand was called off due to persistent rain, officials confirmed.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bat. However, heavy rainfall prevented even a single ball from being bowled, and the umpires later officially abandoned the match.

As per tournament rules, both teams were awarded one point each due to the no-result.

For the match against New Zealand, Fakhar Zaman was included in the playing XI in place of Khwaaja Nafees.

Pakistan’s next Super 8 encounter is scheduled against England on February 24, 2026.

Ex-Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan marries Sophie Shine in private ceremony

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Ex-Indian cricketer

India: Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has tied the knot with his girlfriend Sophie Shine, marking his second marriage.

The news was shared on Instagram by Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who posted pictures from the wedding ceremony.

According to Indian media reports, Dhawan and Shine held a private ceremony in Delhi NCR on Saturday, attended only by close family and friends. Fans quickly sent congratulatory messages after the news surfaced.

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A post shared by Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal23)

Shikhar Dhawan had officially announced his engagement to Sophie Shine in January 2026.

LinkedIn profiles indicate that Sophie Shine is originally from Ireland and currently serves as Second Vice President and Product Consultant at the U.S.-based Northern Trust Corporation.

Shikhar Dhawan’s first marriage to Ayesha Mukherjee ended in October 2023, concluding their 11-year marriage.

Striker Neymar hints at possible retirement by year-end

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Striker Neymar

Brazil: Superstar striker Neymar, who recently extended his contract with his childhood club Santos FC, has suggested he may retire by the end of 2026.

The 34-year-old forward returned to Santos in January 2025 and played a pivotal role in helping the club avoid relegation in the Brazilian top flight, scoring five goals in their last five matches.

However, Neymar, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, remains uncertain about participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026. “I don’t know what will happen from now on, I don’t know about next year. It may be that when December comes, I’ll want to retire. I’m living year to year now,” he told Brazilian online channel Caze on Friday.

“This year is a very important year, not only for Santos, but also for the Brazilian national team, as it’s a World Cup year, and for me too,” Neymar added.

Having recently undergone successful knee surgery, Neymar holds the record for Brazil with 79 international goals, but he has not played for the national team since October 2023.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized that only fully fit players will be considered for the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Rain threat looms over Pak vs NZ Super 8 T20 World Cup match

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Rain threat looms

COLOMBO: Weather concerns are rising ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 clash between Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled for Saturday at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting encounter, but similar to other matches in Sri Lanka, rain poses a significant threat.

According to AccuWeather, there is a 74% chance of rain in Colombo tomorrow, along with predictions of strong winds.

ICC rules state that there is no reserve day for Super 8 matches in the T20 World Cup 2026.

If rain prevents at least 5 overs per innings for either team, the match will be abandoned, and both teams will be awarded one point each.

Fans and teams alike will be keeping a close eye on the weather, as conditions could play a decisive role in this high-stakes Super 8 encounter.

Mike Hesson confident in Babar Azam’s specialized role

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Mike Hesson

COLOMBO: Ahead of Pakistan’s Super 8 T20 World Cup match against New Zealand, Pakistan cricket team head coach Mike Hesson expressed full confidence in captain Babar Azam, highlighting his specialized skills and the strategic role he plays in the team.

Hesson emphasized that Babar knows what is expected of him and that after the Asia Cup, he has been brought back for a specific role in the middle order.

He noted that Babar’s strike rate in powerplays is below 100, which is not the role required from him. The coach referenced Babar’s performance in the match against the USA, where he successfully increased his strike rate.

Hesson stated that at times, other players may execute certain roles more effectively, but Babar possesses unique skills critical for Pakistan’s strategy.

Hesson confirmed that Fakhar Zaman remains in the squad and will play when needed.

He highlighted that in Sri Lankan conditions, spinners will play a significant role, and team combinations will be adjusted accordingly.

Usman Tariq was praised for his exceptional skills, capable of both attack and defense simultaneously.

Hesson also clarified that Salman Agha’s reaction during his dismissal was only due to being upset, and no further discussion occurred.

Pakistan and New Zealand will clash in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Saturday.

Hesson expressed confidence that the team is well-prepared and hopes to take full advantage of the playing conditions.

This press conference reaffirmed Pakistan’s strategic planning, emphasizing Babar Azam’s central role and the adaptability of the squad in critical T20 match scenarios.