Sports

Padmakar Shivalkar, 84, Passes Away Due to Old Age

Published

11 months ago

March 5, 2025

Padmar Shivalkar, a former Ranji Trophy player and a prominent figure in Mumbai Maidan cricket, passed away on Monday due to age-related health issues, as reported by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

At 84 years old, he was regarded as one of the finest players to never represent the national team.

—

Shivalkar was born on September 14, 1940, and was a distinguished left-arm spinner who significantly contributed to Mumbai cricket over a career spanning two decades.

—

He was unfortunate not to be selected for the Indian Test team, as his playing years overlapped with the illustrious Bishan Bedi. He did, however, participate in a tour of Sri Lanka with the Indian team in 1973-74, where he played in two matches, taking four wickets, although these matches are not categorized as official Tests.

The MCA expressed its condolences, stating, “Today, Mumbai cricket has lost a true legend. Padmakar Shivalkar’s contributions to the game, especially as one of the finest spinners, will forever be honored. His commitment and influence on Mumbai cricket are unmatched. His passing is a significant loss to the cricket community. May he rest in peace.”

Affectionately known as Paddy Sir in Mumbai cricket circles, Shivalkar played 124 First-class matches, retiring at the age of 50 with a remarkable tally of 569 wickets at an average of 19.69. His impressive record includes 43 five-wicket hauls and achieving ten wickets in a match on 13 occasions, with his best bowling figures of 8 for 16 against Tamil Nadu in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy season. He remains the highest wicket-taker for Mumbai in domestic cricket history.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “The news of Padmakar Shivalkar’s passing is truly sad. His left-arm orthodox bowling set a standard for many seasoned batsmen. A star has dimmed in the cricket universe with his departure. May God grant peace to his soul and strength to his family and fans during this difficult time. Heartfelt condolences.”

Former Karnataka and India pacer Dodda Ganesh also paid tribute, saying, “Padmakar Shivalkar was undoubtedly one of the greatest cricketers who should have played for India. Nevertheless, he remains a legend in the sport. Rest in peace, sir; your contributions to cricket are immense. Thoughts and prayers.”

In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Shivalkar received the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, the highest honor bestowed by the BCCI on a former player.

—

Sports

Pakistan Sets 3 Conditions to Play against India in T20 World Cup

Published

3 days ago

February 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Dubai: Pakistan has placed three conditions before the International Cricket Council (ICC) to agree to play against India in the T20 World Cup.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) planned to boycott the match scheduled on February 15 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ICC warned Pakistan about possible consequences after this decision.

Now, PCB is willing to consider playing the match but has made key demands. It has asked the ICC to increase compensation for Bangladesh, pay participation fees even if Bangladesh is left out of the tournament, and grant Bangladesh hosting rights for a future ICC event.

Some PCB officials support playing against India, but PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has not agreed yet. He is expected to meet Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday before making a final decision.

So far, PCB has not officially confirmed whether Pakistan will play the match.

Sports

T20 World Cup | Pakistan Edge Past Netherlands in a Close Contest

Published

5 days ago

February 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Colombo: The T20 World Cup began today with an exciting match between Pakistan and the Netherlands. Pakistan secured a narrow three-wicket victory despite a strong bowling performance. However, the top-order batters failed to deliver. With this win, Pakistan made a positive start to the 10th edition of the tournament.

After losing the toss, the Netherlands batted first at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. The team was bowled out for 147 runs in 19.5 overs. Pakistan chased the modest target and scored 148 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 19.3 overs.

Pakistan started aggressively, but the Netherlands slowed their progress. Pakistan lost four wickets for 98 runs. Soon, they were in trouble at 114 for seven. Faheem Ashraf played a crucial role at the end and guided the team to victory.

For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan scored 47 runs, while Saim Ayub added 24 runs. Faheem Ashraf contributed an important 29 runs. The rest of the batters failed to score big. Star batter Babar Azam disappointed fans by scoring only 15 runs off 18 balls.

Earlier, Netherlands captain Scott Edwards scored 37 runs. Bas de Leede made 30 runs, Colin Ackermann added 20, and Michael Levitt scored 24 runs. The remaining batters were dismissed for low scores.

Sports

India Clinch Record Sixth Under-19 World Cup Title

Published

5 days ago

February 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: India defeated England by 100 runs to win the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 final at the Harare Sports Club. The victory marked India’s sixth title, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

India batted first and posted a massive total of 411 for 9 in 50 overs. The innings was powered by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed a record-breaking 175 runs off just 80 balls. His knock included 15 fours and 15 sixes and became the highest individual score ever in an Under-19 World Cup final.

Suryavanshi also shared a crucial 142-run partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre, who scored 53 runs. Their strong batting display helped India set a daunting target of 412 for England.

England tried to fight back in the chase, with Caleb Falconer scoring 115 and Ben Dawkins adding 66. However, the team was eventually bowled out for 311, handing India a comfortable victory.

Suryavanshi was named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament for his historic performance. The triumph once again highlighted India’s dominance in youth cricket on the global stage.