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Sports

Wasim Akram’s ‘inswing yorker’ at Jamarat goes viral

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Wasim Akram

MINA, Saudi Arabia: Legendary cricketer Wasim Akram performed Hajj this year and caught attention on social media after adopting a unique style during the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat.

Several well-known Pakistani personalities from different walks of life performed Hajj this year, including former cricketers Misbah-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram, along with actors Fakhr-e-Alam, Bilal Abbas Khan and Dur-e-Fishan Saleem.

A viral video circulating on social media shows Wasim Akram throwing pebbles at the Jamarat in his trademark bowling style, appearing to deliver inswing yorkers before celebrating as if he had bowled a batter out.

The video also shows Misbah-ul-Haq and Fakhr-e-Alam performing the ritual in a regular manner, while Akram’s playful gesture drew smiles from nearby pilgrims and security personnel present at the site.

Social media users have been widely sharing the clip, posting mixed and humorous reactions to the former fast bowler’s unique approach during the ritual.

Neymar set to miss World Cup opener after calf injury

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Neymar set

SAO PAULO: Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming friendly matches and is expected to miss the World Cup opener after scans confirmed a grade-two calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Thursday.

CBF team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the 34-year-old forward would require two to three weeks of recovery following medical assessments at the national team camp.

“Neymar reported for duty yesterday here at Granja Comary, underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade-two calf injury,” Lasmar said. “He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks.”

The doctor did not confirm whether Neymar could be dropped from the squad.

Neymar joined the national squad on Tuesday but missed Wednesday’s training session after complaining of swelling in his right calf. He was later sent for imaging tests at a private clinic in Teresópolis.

Medical scans confirmed a Grade 2 calf strain, which involves a partial tear of muscle fibres and requires rest and rehabilitation, differing from earlier assessments by his club Santos, which had described the issue as simple swelling.

As a result, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will miss Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracanã and the following match against Egypt in Cleveland. He is also unlikely to feature in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.

Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, are placed in Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland.

Ancelotti has already been dealing with several absences, including defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos and forward Gabriel Martinelli, who were unavailable due to Champions League commitments.

Neymar’s recall last week had generated excitement after he had been left out of Ancelotti’s plans during his first year in charge. The forward has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances but has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years.

Brazil will now proceed with their preparations without their star forward.

Iran expects FIFA help on US visas ahead of World Cup

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Iran expects

TEHRAN: Iran Football Federation expects FIFA to facilitate multiple-entry visas for the Iranian national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, federation president Mehdi Taj said on Thursday.

“FIFA is expected to deliver a multiple-entry visa so that the players can enter the United States and return to Mexico,” Taj said in remarks broadcast by Iranian media.

Known as Team Melli, the Iranian squad had initially planned to set up its training base in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament. However, the team later shifted its camp to Tijuana, Mexico, which will co-host the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.

West Indies announce Test series schedule against Pakistan

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West Indies

ST JOHN’S: Cricket West Indies has announced the schedule for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, confirming fixtures to be played in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Pakistan national cricket team will tour the West Indies in July for a two-Test series, with both matches scheduled in Trinidad.

The first Test will be played from July 25 to 29 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, marking the first-ever Test match to be hosted at the venue.

The second and final Test of the series will take place from August 2 to 6 at Queen’s Park Oval.

Cooper Connolly replaces injured Mitchell Marsh in Australia ODI squad

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Cooper Connolly

SYDNEY: Australia Captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming One-Day International series against Pakistan due to an ankle injury, Australian media reported.

In his place, Cooper Connolly has been included in the Kangaroos squad for the series.

Marsh, who was expected to captain Australia in the ODI series, will miss the tour after sustaining the injury.

Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been named captain in Marsh’s absence for the three-match series.

The first ODI between Pakistan and Australia will be played on May 30 in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two matches are scheduled to take place in Lahore.

Australia made the squad change following Marsh’s unavailability as the team prepares for the limited-overs series in Pakistan.

Mitchell Marsh misses Pakistan ODI series due to injury

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Mitchell Marsh

SYDNEY: Australia captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming one-day international series against Pakistan due to an ankle injury, Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday.

Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis will take over the captaincy duties for the visiting side during the series.

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan national cricket team and Australia is scheduled to begin on May 30 in Rawalpindi, with the remaining matches set for June 2 and June 4 in Lahore.

According to Cricket Australia, Marsh missed the final match for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League due to the injury.

Officials said Marsh will remain in Perth for treatment and further medical assessment, with his availability for the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh to be decided later.

Cricket Australia said Inglis will lead the side in Marsh’s absence as the team prepares for the tour of Pakistan.

Spain reveal surprise-filled squad for upcoming World Cup

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Spain reveal

MADRID: European champion Spain national football team has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with no players from Real Madrid CF included in the selection.

It marks the first time in Spain’s history that the national team will compete in a World Cup without a single Real Madrid player in the squad.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente built much of his squad around players from FC Barcelona.

Eight Barcelona players were selected, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.

Meanwhile, notable Real Madrid players such as Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal failed to make the final squad.

Explaining the decision, De la Fuente said player selection was based on commitment to the national team rather than club affiliation.

“We only want players who feel proud to represent Spain,” the coach said.

The squad also includes seven players currently playing in the Premier League.

De la Fuente also expressed confidence over the fitness of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, saying all players are expected to be fully fit before the tournament begins.

Shoaib Malik suggests major reforms to revive Pakistan Test cricket

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Shoaib Malik

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has proposed key reforms to improve the standard of Test cricket in Pakistan, calling for a stronger domestic red-ball structure and better financial incentives for specialist players.

Reacting to Pakistan’s recent struggles in the longer format, Shoaib Malik emphasized the need to prioritize red-ball specialists and strengthen central contracts to support them financially.

The former all-rounder, who has represented Pakistan in 287 ODIs, 35 Tests and 124 T20 Internationals, shared his views on social media platform X, stressing that better financial security would encourage players to stay committed to first-class cricket instead of shifting focus to franchise leagues.

Malik said that dedicated and attractive red-ball contracts should be introduced to retain players in the longer format of the game. He also suggested that cricketers should be required to play at least five first-class matches each season.

He added that such reforms would help players maintain their natural red-ball skills and avoid unnecessary pressure to alter their playing style for franchise cricket.

The former captain further highlighted the gap between domestic and international cricket standards, saying that success at the highest level requires complete preparation and commitment.

Malik’s comments come after Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, suffered a 2-0 Test series whitewash against Bangladesh national cricket team.

Lionel Messi injury scare raises concerns among football fans

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Lionel Messi

Football fans were left concerned after reports emerged of a possible injury to Argentine star Lionel Messi during an American league match.

According to details, Messi, representing Inter Miami CF, appeared to feel discomfort during the game and requested to be substituted before leaving the field.

The incident occurred during Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union, where a rain-soaked pitch created difficult playing conditions for the athletes.

In the 73rd minute, Messi was seen holding the back of his left leg before being called off the field. However, he was observed walking normally toward the dugout, easing fears of a serious injury.

Speaking after the match, the team coach said the issue did not initially appear severe and that Messi was substituted as a precautionary measure.

The coach added that the poor ground conditions and a congested playing schedule had left the 38-year-old fatigued, prompting the decision to rest him and avoid any further risk.

Messi has not yet officially confirmed whether he will play in the next FIFA World Cup, although expectations remain high that he will represent defending champions Argentina in what could be the sixth World Cup appearance of his career.

FIFA World Cup 2026 to introduce major rule changes

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FIFA World Cup

NEW YORK: FIFA is set to introduce several major rule changes at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, including mandatory hydration breaks, expanded VAR reviews and stricter measures against time-wasting and player misconduct.

The new regulations continue FIFA’s trend of modernizing football rules after the introduction of yellow and red cards in 1970, VAR at the 2018 World Cup and extended stoppage time during the 2022 Qatar tournament.

Under the updated rules, every match will include mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half, regardless of weather conditions or whether stadium roofs are closed.

FIFA said the decision was made to support player welfare and ensure equal playing conditions across all matches.

The tournament will also see the expansion of the Video Assistant Referee system. VAR will now be allowed to review second yellow-card dismissals and incorrectly awarded corner kicks, provided reviews can be completed quickly without delaying play.

The International Football Association Board said the changes are intended to improve decision-making accuracy during matches.

Countdown timers will also be introduced for goal-kicks, throw-ins and substitutions in an effort to reduce time-wasting. Teams could lose possession if restarts are delayed beyond the allowed time.

Goalkeepers already face an eight-second limit for holding the ball, with violations resulting in a corner kick for the opposing team.

Under another new rule, substituted players will have 10 seconds to leave the field after their number is displayed. If they fail to exit in time, their replacement will not be allowed to enter until the next stoppage in play.

FIFA has also announced stricter disciplinary measures for player conduct. Players who cover their mouths during confrontational situations with opponents may face red cards, while teams whose players walk off the field in protest risk forfeiting matches.

The changes come ahead of what is expected to be the largest FIFA World Cup in history, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.