Muhammad Yousuf, Mona Khan ready to represent Pakistan at London Marathon on April 27

Pakistan News & Features Services

Pakistan’s renowned international marathoners, Muhammad Yousuf and Mona Khan, are all set to raise the national flag high once again as they prepare to represent Pakistan in the prestigious London World Major Marathon scheduled to be held on April 27. 

Known for their commitment to athletic excellence and social advocacy, Yousuf and Mona have already made waves globally through their consistent performances and impactful representation of Pakistan in major international events. Their participation in the London Marathon is a part of their continued efforts to showcase the strength, resilience, and unity of the Pakistani spirit on the global stage. 

Muhammad Yousuf, a dedicated athelete, was thrilled to be preparing for another marquee event on the global stage as he looked forward to earning more laurels for himself as well as for the country. 

Mona Khan, who holds the honour of being the first female anchorperson and journalist from Pakistan to actively participate in international marathons, was also upbeat about the upcoming event. She proudly represents the women of Pakistan and the female media industry on the global sports stage, inspiring countless others to break barriers and pursue their passions without limitations. 

The commitment of athletic excellence exemplified the purpose-driven journey of these two elite athletes. The duo of Yousuf and Mona, while lacing up their shoes once more, would be carrying Pakistan’s hopes, dreams, and message of peace to one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

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Unsung Indian hero Abid Ali passes away peacefully in USA

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed its condolences on the passing of former Indian all-rounder, Syed Abid Ali, who breathed his last after a protracted illness in California, USA, on March 12. He was 83. 

Having represented India in 29 Test matches and five One Day Internationals between 1967 and 1974, he was not only a celebrated cricketer, but indeed a pivotal figure in Indian cricket during the 1960s and 70s, renowned for his versatile skills. 

He certainly left a mark with his all-round capabilities. His contributions were instrumental in India’s historic Test series victories in England and the West Indies in 1971, where his fielding, bowling, and batting proved invaluable. His lion-hearted approach and dedication made him a respected figure in the Indian cricketing fraternity. 

“Syed Abid Ali was a true all-rounder, a cricketer who embodied the spirit of the game. His contributions to India’s historic victories in the 1970s will always be remembered. His dedication and versatility made him stand out. My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” Roger Binny, President, BCCI, acknowledged in the condolence message.

“Syed Abid Ali’s all-round skills and his contribution to Indian cricket are quite valued. He was a true gentleman of the game. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,” Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, remarked. 

Abid Ali was one of those rare cricketers who were understood to be ahead of time. Besides displaying his prowess as a genuine all-rounder, he was blessed with unmatched qualities of being a panther in the field who also sprinted spectacularly between the wickets. Such things were unheard of in the era he belonged to. 

He didn’t bowl as fast as the Indian speedsters of today like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami or Mohammad Siraj but he certainly was a lively and accurate medium-pacer who swung the ball both ways to keep batsmen guessing. 

He played his cricket at a time when India relied wholly on their world-class spinners leaving negligible space for him to deliver the goods. In the limited opportunities coming his way, he managed to show his pedigree and added value to the team. 

His greatest moment in the cricket field was probably hitting the winning runs for India at The Oval in 1971, which earned the first-ever series victory for his team in England. Another memorable for him and his team came at Old Trafford three seasons later when, coming down the order, he was involved in a thrilling partnership with the master opener, Sunil Gavaskar, allowing him to complete his well-deserved century, first on English soil. 

His record at international level didn’t seem to justice with his exceptional all-round talents. He could capture only 47 wickets in 29 Tests, after having returned the figures of 6 for 55 in his very first outing against Australia at Adelaide. His twin fifties as an opener at Sydney later in the debut series showcased his batting credentials. 

Apart from number 4, 10, and 11, he batted at every other position in Test cricket for India. He, however, was mostly sent at number eight. He was known for striking the ball cleanly. He looked a much better batsman than his stats suggested. 

He was an automatic choice for India’s line-up in limited overs cricket and he played in his country’s first five ODIs from 1974 to 1975. Sadly, the Indians had not taken the new format all that seriously which prevented dashing cricketers like him to become superstars of the era.

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BCCI wholeheartedly hails India’s unbeaten run in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan News & Features Services

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has congratulated Team India on their magnificent triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which concluded on March 9. India showcased their cricketing supremacy, emerging victorious in dominant fashion and reaffirming their place as the top-ranked side in both ODIs and T20Is.

“From the very outset, the team pursued excellence, overcoming formidable challenges with a brand of cricket that was both fearless and disciplined. Their unbeaten run in an ICC tournament is a true reflection of their consistency, strategic execution, and hunger to succeed on the global stage. The final against New Zealand was the perfect culmination of this journey - an exhibition of resilience and high-pressure mastery,” the BCCI noted. 

The BCCI extended its highest commendation to captain Rohit Sharma, whose exemplary leadership and tactical acumen were instrumental in guiding the team to this historic achievement. 

“His ability to inspire and lead by example played a defining role in India's victorious campaign. Notably, this marked India's second successive ICC title under his leadership in as many years, following the triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 victory. These twin titles firmly establish his legacy as one of India’s finest and most successful captains.” 

 The BCCI also lauded the role of Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, whose fearless approach and tactical insight were key to shaping this winning team. His emphasis on self-belief and strategic execution was evident in the way the players carried themselves throughout the competition. The BCCI congratulated the players, coaching staff, support personnel and the selection committee for this phenomenal accomplishment.

“This triumph is a landmark moment for Indian cricket, following the high of last year’s T20 World Cup success. To dominate yet another global tournament and bring home the Champions Trophy is a phenomenal achievement. The team has played with unparalleled consistency and character, and I congratulate captain Rohit Sharma, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and the entire squad for their historic success,” Roger Binny, President, BCCI, recognized. 

“This victory is a testament to the talent and perseverance of Indian cricket. The way this team has performed under pressure and delivered in crucial moments is truly commendable. Congratulations to every player, the support staff, selection committee and the fans who have stood by the team,” Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, declared. 

“Winning an ICC title is always a special achievement, and this team has done it in dominant fashion. The seamless blend of experience and youthful energy has been remarkable, and this triumph will serve as inspiration for future generations of Indian cricket,” Rajeev Shukla, Vice-President, BCCI, reckoned. 

“India’s triumph in the Champions Trophy 2025 is a reflection of their perseverance, meticulous preparation, and fearless execution. The team has showcased exceptional skill and unity, making the entire nation proud. This is a special win and will be remembered for years to come,” Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, Treasurer, BCCI, noted. 

“The Champions Trophy 2025 victory is the result of relentless hard work and determination. Team India has exhibited outstanding teamwork, and this success highlights the depth and strength of Indian cricket. This is indeed a proud moment for the entire nation,” Rohan Gauns Dessai, Honorary Joint Secretary, BCCI, added.

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Non-presence of hosts PCB at CT presentation ceremony astonishing

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan were the hosts of 9th edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with the majority of its matches were staged at the three major venues of the country, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited and hosted the top officials of the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the course of the tournament. The Vice of President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, also came over to Lahore to watch one of the matches. 

It was astonishing, however, not to find any representative of the PCB at the podium during the glamorous presentation ceremony of the Champions Trophy, soon after the conclusion of the final between India and New Zealand, in Dubai on March 9. 

The ICC Chairman, Jay Shah, dominated the proceedings alongwith the BCCI President, Roger Binny. 

It was also noted that the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, was not present on the occasion. According to reports, the PCB Chief Executive, Sumair Ahmed, was available at Dubai International Cricket Stadium but he was not invited at the podium. 

The experts as well as cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan could not comprehend the reasons of the non-presence of the hosts at the podium during the presentation ceremony. It could not be ascertained whether this was done by mutual understanding or not. 

Pakistan’s speed merchant, Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the Rawalpindi Express, also expressed his surprise at not finding the presence of any PCB official at the podium, despite being the hosts.

Earlier during the India-Bangladesh match in Dubai, the name of hosts was found missing. The ICC officials regretted the mistake when the matter was taken up by the PCB.

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Rohit Sharma’s captain knock helps India recapture Champions Trophy crown

By Ehsan Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, under fire for not producing big knocks on a consistent basis of late, silenced his critics by smashing a spectacular 76 off 83 balls to lead India to their second ICC Champions Trophy crown in 12 years with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final on March 9. 

Sharma, eager to dominate from the outset, shared a superb century opening stand with Shubman Gill to set the tone for victory as India, chasing a target of 252, overhauled it for the loss of six wickets with one over to spare at Dubai International Stadium. 

It was India’s second successive title victory in an ICC event, under the leadership of Sharma, after having won the ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies last year. 

New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, deserved the credit for not only reaching the final but also giving the hot-favourites India a run for their money in the title clash despite defending a below par total. 

They had a consolation when their rising star all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was named player of the tournament for his 263 runs in the competition. 

As expected, it was the brilliant fielding which brought the New Zealanders back in the hunt after an early finished loomed on the horizon after the sensational start given by Sharma and Gill. 

The Indian openers were milking runs at will, playing risk-free cricket after the early onslaught. Gill cover drove Santner uppishly with usual power but Glenn Phillips brought off an unbelievable sort of catch to break the threatening partnership against the run of play. 

Virat Kohli, in sublime form after match-winning knock in the semifinal, timed the first delivery he faced with perfection to get off the mark right away. 

But he was undone on the very next ball as off-spinner Michael Bracewell struck with his opening delivery. The capacity crowd went silent as even the review could not save Kohli. 

Perturbed by the loss of two wickets in three balls, Sharma went into a shell which allowed the spinners, even part-timers, to dictate terms. The skipper was stumped, trying to break the shackles, and the match became wide open with India sliding to 122 for three in the 27th over. 

Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62 balls) and Axar Patel (29 off 40 balls) added 61 runs for the fourth wicket to put the Indian innings back on track. After their departure in quick succession, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya batted well to sustain the momentum. 

Yet again, Rahul demonstrated patience and played intelligently to remain undefeated on 34 off 33 balls with one four and six. Pandya left after scoring 18 off as many balls.

Coming into bat at number eight, Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning boundary to the delight and cheers of jampacked stadium. The victory was completed in the penultimate over. Once again, the Indians managed to chase successfully despite the pitch having become slow in the second half of the match.

Earlier in the afternoon, after crawling in the middle overs, New Zealand mustered 251 for seven in their 50 overs thanks to rapid unbeaten 53 off 40 balls by Micheal Bracewell and a somewhat struggling 63 off 101 balls from Daryl Mitchell. 

Benefitting from a couple of dropped catches, New Zealand picked up momentum with Ravindra, the beneficiary on both occasions, taking 16 runs off a Hardik Pandya over with two boundaries and a six. They raced to 69 for one in powerplay which was quite a decent effort. 

It was left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav who dented New Zealand with the key wickets of Ravindra and Kane Williamson in his opening burst. He was summoned into the attack earlier than usual, after pacemen Mohammad Shami and Pandya leaked far too runs with the new ball. 

The Blackcaps were forced to rebuild their innings after being reduced to 75 for three in the 13th over. Tom Latham and Mitchell were content in pushing for singles as the quartet of Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jadeja and Patel suffocated them with very tight and smart bowling. 

Phillips, having scored briskly throughout the tournament, played a few aggressive shots before being cleaned by Chakaravarthy. Mitchell was unable to dominate the spinning quartet who conceded 144 runs in 38 overs between them, taking five wickets. Yadav captured two wickets for 40 runs while Chakaravarthy got two wickets for 45 runs. 

New Zealand's eventual total got some respectability as they added 79 runs in the last 10 overs with Bracewell, riding his luck, to do bulk of the scoring. He was particularly severe on India’s spearhead Shami, who uncharacteristically, went for 74 runs in his nine overs.

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Williamson, Ravindra tons take New Zealand into Champions Trophy final; South Africa choke yet again

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra smashed enterprising tons and skipper Mitchell Santner captured three key wickets, besides containing the power-hitters, as New Zealand overpowered chokers South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 5. 

With their commanding victory, New Zealand have set up their title clash with India at Dubai on March 9. It will be a repeat of the Champions Trophy final in 2000 when both teams had made it at Nairobi, Kenya. 

David Miller smashed a fighting rapid-fire unbeaten 100 on the last ball of the innings but his grand effort went in vain as South Africa, chasing a record total of 363 for victory, were restricted to 312 for nine at the end of 50 overs. 

Left-handed Miller’s explosive century came off 67 balls and it was spiced with ten sizzling boundaries and four sixes. The writing, however, seemed very much on the wall for the South Africans, when the New Zealand captain, Santner, with his accurate left-arm spin, removed the dangerous duo of Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klassen in quick succession. 

Extracting substantial amount of turn to keep the batters guessing, Santner first castled der Dussen who was looking dangerous with 69 off 66 balls. 

It brought to the crease Klassen, arguably the cleanest hitter in the game at the moment. But he was sent back before he could explode on a night which wasn’t going to be his. 

With the asking rate mounting with every passing over, Miller, also a famed destructive batter, revived some hopes but the mammoth chase proved took its toll and proved too much for his team. 

Santner took three wickets for 43 runs in ten overs, which was an incredible effort in high-scoring match. He lived up to his big reputation and led by example in the high-voltage game.

Glenn Phillips, whose electric fielding and catch remind the present generation of one Jonty Rhodes, was in the business again. His acrobatic saves kept the South Africans under pressure. He then picked up a couple of wickets with his off-spin to seal the fate of the match. 

Earlier, veteran Williamson and youthful Ravindra both showed their prime form with centuries as New Zealand posted the highest-ever total of 362 for six in the history of the tournament. 

Ravindra smashed his second century of the event and Williamson followed his 81 against India two days ago with supreme 108. It was their 164-run second wicket stand which laid the foundation for a massive total after opener Will Young (21) went in the 8th over. 

The Kiwis reached their 100 in 18th over and 200 in 32 overs. Ravindra perished in the 34th over after making a superb 108 off 101 balls, studded with 13 fours and a six. 

Quite astonishingly, it was his fifth century in the ICC events, as he had hit as many as three in the ICC World Cup 2023. Williamson, batting in his trademark style, was more aggressive of the two, scoring 102 off 94 balls with 10 boundaries and two sixes. 

He was dismissed in the 40th over, with New Zealand firmly placed for a final assault in the last 10 overs. The New Zealanders made the most of the solid platform laid by Ravindra and Williamson. They were in full flow while plundering 111 in last ten overs. 

Both Daryl Mitchell and Philips destroyed the South African bowling. Phillips banged left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen in 46th over for four boundaries in a row which cost 19 runs. Similarly, in the 48th over from top pacer Rabada was smashed for 19 runs with a four and six by the rampaging Philips, who returned undefeated on 49 off 27 balls. 

Daryl Mitchell also contributed in the run feast, with an aggressive 49 off 37 balls. Paceman Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the South African bowlers as he captured three wickets but he was also taken for 72 runs in his quota of 10 overs. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj went wicketless, as did part-timer Aiden Markram.

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Steve Smith’s surprise call to retire from ODI

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The decision of the acting Australian captain, Steve Smith, has come as a bit of surprise following the four-wicket defeat at the hands of India in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 4. 

Smith, who was captaining the Aussies in the Champions Trophy in place of the injured Pat Cummins, had batted pretty well in the semifinal to emerge as the leading scorer for his side but he was reported to have informed teammates about his decision to hang his boots from ODIs soon after the loss to India. 

He, however, will continue playing Test cricket for his country, declaring his availability for T20Is too, if required. He may surely remain a part and parcel of the national team in the Test arena for a few more seasons but he is unlikely to be picked again for the shortest format of the game where the mantra has been to blood youngsters. 

Smith’s call to quit ODIs immediately after playing another fighting knock in the semifinal does surprise many but the decision could also have been prompted by the fact that, at 34, he stood very little chance of continuing until the next World Cup due to be held in the African continent in 2027. 

Having debuted in ODI against the West Indies at Melbourne in 2010, he played in 170 matches, aggregating 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28. He scored exactly a dozen centuries and 35 half-centuries. He also claimed 28 wickets at an average of 34.67 as a part-time leg-spinner.

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Majestic Kohli, sensational Shami eliminate Australia, take India into Champions Trophy final at Dubai instead of Lahore

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Top batter Virat Kohli hit a brilliant 84 off 98 balls in yet another successful run chase while pace spearhead Muhammad Shami bowled exceedingly well to claim three wickets as India overpowered Australia by four wickets in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 4. 

Following the Indian triumph in the first semifinal, Dubai will now stage the final on March 9 instead of Lahore. India will take on winners of the second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa due to be staged at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 5. 

Team India lived upto its big reputation with the bat and the ball and advanced to the final without hiccups. 

Their only cause of concern was the poor catching and Shami was himself was guilty of dropping caught and bowled chances offered by the likes of Travis Head and Steve Smith, the two most experienced batsmen in the Australia line-up. 

Head, who has been a source of constant and serious headache for the Indians across formats, was reprieved when he had still not opened his account. 

He was looking to get into his elements more before being safely pouched by Shubman Gill in the deep in the very first over delivered by the reinvented leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy. He scored 39 off 33 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours. 

India lost yet another toss, 14th on a trot in One-day Internationals and fourth in as many matches of the ongoing tournament but skipper Rohit Sharma didn’t show any kind of reaction at the outcome, passing the impression that he was not thinking much about it. 

Smith, on the other hand, was mighty pleased to have called correctly which allowed him the freedom to choose in the do-or-die contest. His decision to bat first was not unexpected, after having watched the fate of New Zealand in the previous game at the same venue, where the gamble of Mitchell Santner to insert the Indians had backfired. 

The Australians realized very quickly, in fact from the opening over, that the pitch at Dubai International Stadium was entirely different in nature to what they had found during league matches in Pakistan. The bounce, and the lack of it, didn’t let them blast the bowlers mercilessly. 

Makeshift opener Cooper Connolly couldn’t touch a single delivery before edging the ninth one to wicketkeeper K L Rahul. Head lived dangerously but found boundaries, aided by good fortune. 

Smith dropped anchor and kept rotating the strike in the company of Marnus Labuschagne. With the spinners failing to dislodge the stubborn pair, the Indian skipper recalled Shami who came very close to striking right away. 

After playing and missing a few deliveries, Smith ventured driving him but the resulting return catch, hardly a difficult one, was not accepted by the bowler. Labuschagne (29 off 36 balls) was undone by Ravindra Jadeja but Smith and wicketkeeper Alex Carey took the total to the region of 200 in the 37th over when the skipper was finally castled by Shami for 73 off 96 balls. 

This proved to be a critical breakthrough and Australia, looking good for 300, crashed to 265 all out despite Carey’s 61 off 57 balls. Shami (3-48) was the pick of the Indian bowlers while Jadeja (2-40) and Chakravarthy (2-49) also bowled admirably in crunch situations. 

Left-arm spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav sustained the pressure by not allowing easy runs while Hardik Pandya, entrusted with the new ball, kept the pressure by his pace variations. 

The target of 265 was never going to be easy in a knockout game and India lost both the openers after a brisk start. It was left to Kohli and Shreyas Iyer to repair the damage and they rose to the occasion by adding 91 for third wicket. 

After Iyer’s departure for 45 off 62 balls in the 27th over, Kohli found a reliable partner in Patel and they inched towards victory. 

Having smashed an unbeaten century against arch-rivals Pakistan in league outing at the same venue, Kohli again reaffirmed his unmatched class under pressure with another match winning 84. 

He was dropped by Glenn Maxwell which was a tough chance. He looked set for his 52nd ODI hundred but got himself out in the 43rd over. It was a rather unusual shot from the master craftsman, spooning a simple catch to long on.

Pandya’s breezy 28 off 24 balls brought India withing a stroke of victory and the job was completed by Rahul in the following over. 

The wicketkeeper-batter, often under fire for his inconsistency despite possessing enormous talent, silenced his critics by remaining unconquered on 42 off 34 balls with the winning runs coming with as many as 11 deliveries to spare. 

Australia's inexperienced and second-class bowling attack in the absence of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood struggled to keep the Indians in check and the ensuing consecutive partnerships denied any drama or tension in the final overs.

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