Sports

Rizwan Seeks Enhanced Authority as Pakistan Captain or Threatens Resignation, Sends Message to PCB

Published

1 year ago

April 11, 2025

Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance during their white-ball tour in New Zealand, captain Mohammad Rizwan, along with key batsman Babar Azam, is expected to meet with Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in the coming days. Their aim is to seek clarification regarding Rizwan’s exclusion from the T20I squad and to advocate for greater authority as captain.

A senior PCB official, speaking to Telecom Asia Sport on the condition of anonymity, revealed that Rizwan is frustrated by the selectors’ decision to omit both him and Azam from the five-match T20I series in New Zealand.

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The duo has requested a meeting with the PCB chief following the decision by the Pakistan team management and the selection committee to focus on young players under the new captain, Salman Agha.

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Sources close to captain Rizwan have confirmed this development.

“Rizwan is set to meet the PCB chairman as soon as possible to seek clarification on his exclusion from the T20I squad,” the sources told Telecom Asia Sport.

Rizwan has served as the white-ball captain since October of last year but was rested from the shorter format during the tour of Zimbabwe, taking charge again in the T20I series against South Africa. He noted, “I can’t comment on the T20 situation; it’s not within my purview. Just like in ODIs, I don’t have complete control. We weren’t consulted about the T20I exclusion; it was their decision, and we accepted it as we have in the past,” following Pakistan’s 3-0 whitewash in New Zealand.

Reports indicate that Rizwan has been at odds with head coach Aaqib Javed regarding the selection of the playing eleven for the initial two matches, advocating for five regular bowlers.

Pakistan opted for four regular bowlers, relying on part-timers Salman Agha and Irfan Khan to fill the remaining overs, a strategy that backfired as the two conceded a combined total of 118 runs. “Rizwan is aiming to gain more influence in selecting the playing eleven, and if he doesn’t receive full authority, he may consider resigning from the ODI captaincy,” the source revealed.

Furthermore, it has been reported that the PCB is already in talks with several foreign coaches to potentially replace interim head coach Aaqib Javed, with some former Pakistani players also in the running for the position. Players are currently occupied with the Pakistan Super League, which will last until May 18, after which they are set to host Bangladesh for a five-match T20I series.

Rizwan will be looking to gain clarity on his T20I exclusion and the level of autonomy he will have as captain in white-ball formats prior to these upcoming matches.

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Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 week ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.