Category: Sports

Dubai – Hardik Pandya stepped up to bowl for India in the Champions Trophy when Jasprit Bumrah was not available. Despite his new role, he kept his fighting spirit and adjusted well. In the tournament, India relied mainly on spinners, so Pandya only bowled 24.3 overs in five matches, taking four wickets. He commented, “Bowling will take care of itself. This year was all about learning and facing challenges. I never run away from tough situations. If challenges come, I face them head-on. As long as I stay in the game, I have a chance.”

After India’s victory, Pandya expressed that he has been quietly working hard to improve his game. “I always believe in myself and know that hard work pays off. The way you prepare shows in your performance,” he stated. Winning this tournament also helped him forget the disappointment of losing to Pakistan in the 2017 edition, where he was also a player. He said, “Today, I feel like a long-hidden dream has come true. Eight years is a long time, and many things have changed, but winning for India means everything to me. It’s not just about me; it’s about the team’s success that matters most.”

Pakistan’s former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar was surprised when no one from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was present during the Champions Trophy trophy ceremony. The PCB did send its CEO, Sumair Ahmed, to the finals in Dubai, but he was not invited onto the stage. This incident left the PCB very upset.

A source revealed that Sumair Ahmed was there to represent the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who couldn’t attend due to other responsibilities. The source suggested it was a misunderstanding because Sumair might not have communicated well with the ICC officials responsible for the ceremony.

The PCB is considering discussing this issue with the ICC, questioning why their CEO was not called to the stage at such an important event.

Former players like Wasim Akram were also surprised by this situation. Akram stated, “It’s unbelievable that no one from the PCB was on stage at the final ceremony. We were the hosts, and it felt odd that no representative was there. Even if they couldn’t give out the trophies or medals, someone should have been present.”

Fans and players alike felt that Pakistan should have had someone on stage, especially since they were co-hosting the tournament, which is a significant event for Pakistan cricket.

Former cricket star Inzamam-ul-Haq from Pakistan has strongly disagreed with Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar recently said that India could beat Pakistan with their second-best team, calling attention to the big gap between how the two teams are performing lately.

Pakistan used to have a strong record against India, but they have now lost their last six matches. Inzamam has spoken out against players like Mohammad Rizwan and how the Pakistan team has played but believes Gavaskar went too far with his comments.

Inzamam reminded Gavaskar of the history between India and Pakistan, saying that Gavaskar once did not play in a match against Pakistan in Sharjah. He expressed respect for Gavaskar but insisted that it is not right for him to speak about other countries that way. Inzamam said, “Gavaskar should check the statistics – they show where Pakistan stands. I was hurt by his statement. He is a great player, but his comments are hurting his own legacy. He should think before he speaks.”

Gavaskar had noted that “a B team from India can definitely challenge Pakistan in their current form,” which sparked a debate. Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie also called Gavaskar’s remarks “nonsense.”

The Champions Trophy was a significant cricket event for Pakistan, marking the return of an ICC tournament after 29 years. Unfortunately, Pakistan could not advance to the semi-finals, losing matches to both New Zealand and India.

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, who is married to famous cricketer Virat Kohli, celebrated India’s exciting win in the Champions Trophy. India played against New Zealand and won by four wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. This victory made India the most successful team in ICC Champions Trophy history!

After the game, Rohit Sharma, the captain who celebrated his second ICC trophy win, shared a sweet moment with his wife, Ritika, and their daughter, Samaira. Anushka joined them to give Rohit a big hug and congratulate him. Hardik Pandya also joined the celebration, hugging Ritika and giving Rohit a pat on the back. He then greeted Anushka, who was standing next to Kohli. Other players, like Ravindra Jadeja, who hit the winning shot, celebrated with their families too. Jadeja took pictures with his wife, Rivaba, and their daughter. Mohammed Shami’s mother met Kohli during the celebrations, while Shubman Gill’s dad was thrilled to see his son win his first ICC trophy.

India Lifts its 3rd Champions Trophy Title

New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, chose to bat first in this important match. Daryl Mitchell scored 63 runs, and Michael Bracewell added 53 runs, helping New Zealand reach 251 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs. In response, Rohit Sharma played beautifully, scoring 76 runs off 83 balls, along with seven fours and three sixes. He formed a strong opening partnership of 105 runs with Shubman Gill. Shreyas Iyer contributed 48 runs, while KL Rahul calmly finished the game with 34 runs, leading India to victory with one over to spare.

This win marked India’s third Champions Trophy title, following victories in 2002 under Sourav Ganguly and in 2013 under MS Dhoni. Rohit Sharma became the second Indian captain ever, after Dhoni, to win multiple ICC trophies. Last June, he guided India to a T20 World Cup title as well!

In the final match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Michael Bracewell played a fantastic innings, scoring an unbeaten 53 runs for New Zealand against India. The game took place on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bracewell’s 40-ball performance included 3 fours and 2 sixes, helping New Zealand reach a total of 251 runs for 7 wickets in their 50 overs. This score gives the New Zealand team something to defend, as they are hoping to stop India’s batting with spin bowlers like Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra.

Bracewell played well against India’s fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya, especially in the last few overs, which helped his team post a total over 250. He also formed an important partnership of 46 runs with Daryl Mitchell for the sixth wicket, which helped New Zealand recover after India’s spinners slowed down the scoring.

India’s bowlers, especially Kuldeep Yadav, did a great job. Kuldeep took 2 wickets for 40 runs, taking key players Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson out. Rachin and Will Young gave New Zealand a solid start with a 57-run opening partnership, but then Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed Young, and Kuldeep got Rachin out for 37 runs in his first over. Daryl Mitchell was the top scorer for New Zealand with 63 runs, but his innings took 101 balls and included many dot balls, adding pressure on other players.

Varun Chakaravarthy helped India by taking two wickets, getting Young and Glenn Phillips out. India’s fast bowlers, Shami and Hardik, allowed 104 runs in just 12 overs. In comparison, the spinners bowled 38 overs, giving away 147 runs and taking 5 wickets.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received support as it faces criticism over the 2025 Champions Trophy schedule. Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif defended the BCCI while criticizing the International Cricket Council (ICC) for making a mistake. Last December, it was announced that all of India’s matches would be held in Dubai because India could not travel to Pakistan for safety reasons.

During the tournament, which started in March, India was accused of having an “unfair advantage” because they played all their games in one place. On a YouTube show called ‘Caught Behind,’ Latif criticized former England cricketers like Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton, and David Lloyd for complaining about India.

Latif acknowledged that there was a scheduling problem but said it wasn’t just BCCI’s fault. He pointed fingers at the other cricket boards for not paying attention during planning. He said everyone should stop whining after the fact, especially since they all agreed to the schedule.

Latif mentioned that if India had played their match against New Zealand a day earlier, it would have made the semi-final lineup clearer. He emphasized that the cricket boards needed to do their jobs properly instead of enjoying ICC meetings.

The Indian team had a different view. Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed claims of an unfair advantage, saying they hadn’t practiced in Dubai beforehand. Gambhir pointed out the conditions between the practice location and the match venue were very different. He said that some people just complain without reason. However, fast bowler Mohammed Shami agreed that playing all matches at one venue helped India because they got used to the conditions.

D.C. United made a comeback to win 2-1 against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night. This win ended D.C. United’s tough streak of nine home losses in all competitions since last season.

The game started slowly, and the first goal came in the 53rd minute. Erik Thommy scored for Sporting Kansas City, with help from his teammates Jake Davis and rookie Shapi Suleymanov. This was Thommy’s first goal of the season, and he has now scored 16 goals in 71 games with the team.

Seven minutes later, D.C. United tied the game when Christian Benteke, last year’s top scorer, scored a penalty kick. The penalty was given after João Peglow was fouled. Benteke has scored three goals this season.

D.C. United took the lead in the 68th minute when Hosei Kijima scored his second career goal after getting a pass from Peglow. Kijima had a good season last year, scoring one goal and getting two assists.

In goal for D.C. United was rookie Kim Joon Hong, who did not make any saves during his first game. D.C. United is now trying to improve their record at home, which has been a bit disappointing.

John Pulskamp, the goalkeeper for Sporting Kansas City, saved two shots in his 31st game with the team. Since 2012, Sporting Kansas City has not won in Washington.

D.C. United and Sporting Kansas City have played against each other 57 times, and the record is now tied at 22 wins each and 13 draws. D.C. United has done well recently at home against Sporting KC, winning 3 out of their last 7 meetings. D.C. United’s next game is against CF Montreal, while Sporting Kansas City will face Minnesota United.

As the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final approaches, fans are surprised by rumors about Indian captain Rohit Sharma possibly retiring. Many believe that at 37, he might step away from cricket after the big match against New Zealand. However, Shubman Gill, the vice-captain, reassured everyone that the whole team has not discussed this yet. Gill stated that Rohit is only thinking about winning the final and bringing the trophy home.

Rohit, who has been a strong player and a great opening partner for Gill in ODIs, recently faced criticism after stepping down from a Test match in Sydney due to poor performance. Despite this, he bounced back with a century in an ODI against England and has been giving good starts in the Champions Trophy matches, even if his scores haven’t been huge.

Gill said, “We are focused on winning the final, and no one has talked about Rohit’s retirement.” He added that Rohit is not contemplating his future right now. An earlier report suggested that if India loses the final, Rohit might consider retiring. But even if they win, it’s uncertain what decision he will make.

Currently, Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill are being considered for the next ODI captain. Throughout the Champions Trophy, Rohit’s scores have been modest, but he clearly showed his talent in his comeback against England.

Previously, when Rohit stepped away from the Sydney Test, many speculated that it could be his last match in Test cricket. But he has confirmed, “I’m not going anywhere.” He said he wants to keep playing and lead his team, even if it sometimes means sitting out of a match to find his form.