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Four Pakistani Stars Shine in ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 Team of the Tournament

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ICC Women’s World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named four Pakistani cricketers in its prestigious Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 Team of the Tournament. This honour highlights the dominant presence of Pakistan’s women cricketers during the tournament and underlines their consistent performances across all departments of the game. Leading the way is team captain Fatima Sana, who has been named captain of the Team of the Tournament — a testament to her leadership and all-round brilliance.

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Fatima Sana: Leading with Skill and Spirit

Fatima Sana’s inclusion as the captain of the Team of the Tournament reflects her outstanding contribution to Pakistan’s successful campaign. As an all-rounder, she played a crucial role with both bat and ball. Her best bowling figures came against Scotland, where she claimed an impressive 4 wickets for 23 runs in a rain-hit match. This performance helped Pakistan restrict Scotland to a manageable total and eventually win the match by six wickets.

With the bat, Sana showed her calmness and maturity during a tough chase against Thailand, where she remained unbeaten on 62. Her performance in high-pressure situations underlined her growth as a leader and match-winner, earning praise from fans and analysts alike.

Muneeba Ali: The Reliable Opener

Opening batter Muneeba Ali was another standout player for Pakistan. Known for her calm presence at the top of the order, she consistently gave Pakistan strong starts. Her most memorable performance came in the match against Scotland, where she scored 71 runs at nearly a run-a-ball pace. Her innings laid the perfect foundation for Pakistan’s successful chase of 187, showcasing her ability to guide the innings and play smart cricket under pressure.

Nashra Sandhu: Consistency in the Middle Overs

Spinner Nashra Sandhu delivered one solid performance after another, ending the tournament as one of the most reliable bowlers. She claimed 10 wickets at an average of 15.60, and her tight lines and smart variations kept batters guessing. Her most impactful performance came against West Indies, where she removed some of their key players and helped shift the momentum in Pakistan’s favour. Sandhu’s knack for taking crucial middle-over wickets proved essential in Pakistan’s victories.

Sadia Iqbal: The Silent Destroyer

Sadia Iqbal complemented Nashra Sandhu perfectly in Pakistan’s spin attack. She took nine wickets during the tournament and maintained an economy rate of under four runs per over. Her disciplined bowling allowed Pakistan to control the middle phases of matches. One of her finest spells was a 3/28 performance, which played a major role in dismantling the opposition’s batting line-up. Her ability to bowl with both accuracy and subtlety made her a major asset for Pakistan.

Recognition Among Global Stars

The Team of the Tournament, selected by the ICC, also features star players from West Indies, Bangladesh, and Scotland. West Indies’ Hayley Matthews not only finished as the top wicket-taker with 13 wickets but also played a remarkable knock of 114 not out against Scotland. Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce was named Player of the Tournament for her all-round excellence, while Bangladesh’s Sharmin Akhter impressed with 266 runs, including a match-winning 94* against Thailand.

Full ICC Women’s Team of the Tournament 2025

  • Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
  • Muneeba Ali (Pakistan)
  • Sharmin Akhter (Bangladesh)
  • Kathryn Bryce (Scotland)
  • Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh) (wk)
  • Fatima Sana (Pakistan) (c)
  • Chinelle Henry (West Indies)
  • Aaliyah Alleyne (West Indies)
  • Katherine Fraser (Scotland)
  • Nashra Sandhu (Pakistan)
  • Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan)

Conclusion

The inclusion of four Pakistani cricketers in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 Team of the Tournament is a proud moment for the country. It reflects the rising standards of women’s cricket in Pakistan and the growing strength of the team on the global stage. With young leaders like Fatima Sana and consistent performers like Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, and Sadia Iqbal, the future of Pakistan women’s cricket looks bright and full of promise.

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Sports

Epic Victory Cricket League Launches in Kashmir; First Edition Set for September

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Cricket League

The Epic Victory Cricket League, a franchise based T20 tournament is set to launch with its first edition of the tournament starting in the month of September.

Launched in Srinagar, Kashmir today by Irfan Pathan, the league will include an equal balance of local Indian players with international stars and ex-Ranji cricketers from the region of J&K. The franchise-based tournament, will feature a pool of over 200 players, which will get decided after a month and a half of trials across 20 cities.

“Epic Victory Cricket League is looking forward to bringing cricket to Kashmir once again and showcase the talent that this beautiful and we are very excited to also be playing in Jammu and Kashmir for the inaugural season. This is a huge opportunity for the people of Kashmir to come to the stadium and watch live cricketing action. I urge all the cricketers to register and join the EVCL for the opportunity of a lifetime. ” Said Mr. Irfan Pathan, Former Indian Cricketer.

Registrations will begin in the coming week on the official EVCL online portal for the trials held across 20 cities for a duration of 45 days. The trials kick off in Srinagar on the 15th of June and will conclude in Baraut, Uttar Pradesh on the 31st of July 2025.

The eligibility for these trials are simply any male cricketers from the ages of 17 to 39 which will showcase their talent under the watchful eyes of a selection committee consisting of selectors from the state cricketing associations and the apex council of the EVCL.

“This isn’t just about another competition. It’s about providing a stage to the people who have missed the opportunity for many reasons and showcasing the incredible depth of cricket talent in India.” Vikas Dhaka, League Owner, Epic Victory Cricket League, added, “We’re going to see some stunning matches, unexpected heroes rise, and inspire a whole new generation of players around the world”.

The league is set to broadcast on one of the leading OTT platform with coverage in over 7 languages that will include English, Hindi and in a first of its kind, Kashmiri and Dogra to include the vast population of the region that would enjoy cricketing action in their own language for the first time ever.

Sports

Rizwan Responds to English Trolls: “Pakistan Needs Cricket, Not English” Amid Team’s Struggles

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Mohammed Rizwan

Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, who has often been subjected to criticism and trolling for his spoken English, gave a fitting reply to his trolls with an honest admission. Rizwan admitted he is not ashamed of his incapacity to speak the language; the only factor he is focused on is the demand from him to play cricket and not speak English.

Rizwan has been trolled on social media for his English speaking. Various clips and videos of his post- and pre-match interactions have gone viral, leading to trolls mocking him.

The Multan Sultans’ captain addressed the criticism and trolls targeting him for his spoken English. During a press conference, he told reporters, as quoted from Geo News, “I regret not completing my education, which is why I don’t know English, but I am not ashamed that as Pakistan’s captain, I cannot speak English.”

“The demand from me is to play cricket, not to speak English. If Pakistan wanted English, I would become a professor, learn it, and return. But Pakistan asks me for cricket, not English,” he added.

Rizwan shifted his focus to Pakistan’s ongoing woes in the field, which have sparked criticism across the globe. Once considered to be an Asian powerhouse, the current Pakistan lot is chasing shadows of their former glory.

Barring their chaotic campaigns in the past ICC tournaments, Pakistan were truly exposed in the Champion Trophy organised on their home turf. The party organisers were the first to crash out of the tournament following back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India, ending their title defence in the group stage.

After the Champions Trophy debacle, Pakistan toured New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs while keeping the 2026 and 2027 World Cups in the back of their minds. With a couple of new faces, Pakistan succumbed to a 4-1 series defeat but remained optimistic, hoping to bounce back in the three ODIs.

Rizwan and Babar Azam, among the notable absentees in the T20Is, returned to the squad, but Pakistan’s fate remained intact. An inexperienced New Zealand side whitewashed Pakistan by orchestrating a 3-0 series triumph.

Pakistan suffered a lot of backlash after their unimpressive run. Amid the heavy criticism from fans and former cricketers, Rizwan urged the critics to offer solutions and guide them through the turbulent phase, leading to their improvement.

“It’s fine to criticise the team, but also guide us on how to improve. Recently, during the Champions Trophy, Wasim Akram gave us advice. I wanted to talk more with him, but there wasn’t enough time,” he said.

Rizwan acknowledged that fans have the right to be upset when the team fails to deliver and added, “Fans are justified in their anger, and they’ve all the right to be upset at us because they also love us. But the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has given so much to Pakistan. Now it’s time to enjoy the league.” (ANI)

Sports

Omar Abdullah Attends I-League Match, Backs Real Kashmir FC’s Role in Youth Empowerment

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I-League Match

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday attended an I-League football match between Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) and Churchill Brothers Goa at the TRC Ground in Srinagar.

He was accompanied by his Advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports, Secretary J&K Sports Council and other senior officials.

The match was witnessed by a spirited large local crowd.

The thrilling encounter ended in a 1-1 draw. As a gesture of support, Omar Abdullah wore the Real Kashmir FC jersey, symbolizing his solidarity with the team and its growing fan base.

The Chief Minister lauded Real Kashmir FC for creating opportunities for Kashmiri youth to participate in top-tier national football leagues. He also interacted with the players and officials of both teams, commending their performance and sportsmanship.

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Sports

Pakistan Penalized Again! Rizwan’s Team Fined for Slow Over-Rate in Back-to-Back ODIs vs New Zealand

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Mohammed Rizwan

The Mohammed Rizwan-led Pakistan has been fined five per cent of their match fee for slow over-rate during the second ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Jeff Crowe of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after the visiting side was found to be one over short of the target after the time allowances were taken into consideration.

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which governs minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fees for each over their team falls short of bowling in the stipulated time.

Skipper Rizwan pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the sanction, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Michael Gough and Wayne Knights, along with third umpire Paul Reiffel and fourth umpire Chris Brown.

This is the second consecutive instance when Pakistan have been fined for a slow over-rate. In the first ODI against New Zealand in Napier, which the visitors lost by 73 runs, the team was found to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were considered.

Trailing 1-0 in the series, Pakistan were bested by 84 runs as Mitchell Hay scored a career-best 99* to help the hosts post 292/8 in the first innings. Ben Sears led New Zealand’s charge with the ball, registering career-best figures of 5/59 to help bowl out Pakistan for 208, despite resistance by Faheem Ashraf (73) and Naseem Shah (51) down the order.

The third ODI between the two sides is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, in Mount Maunganui. (ANI)

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Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department Closes Skiing Activities at Gulmarg for 2024-25 Season

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Snow Skiiting

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has officially announced the closure of skiing activities at Gulmarg ski resort for the 2024-25 season.

As per the order issued by Assistant Director Tourism Gulmarg, “In view of the current situation and after due consideration, it has been decided that all skiing activities at the ski stations shall be closed with immediate effect.”

Furthermore, all personnel and staff deployed at Kangdori for ski-related duties are hereby directed to report to their respective departments/corporations without delay for further disposal of their duties as per administrative requirements, the order reads.

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Omar Abdullah Assures Development of Administrative Units, Clarifies Bajalta Cricket Stadium Was Not a J&K Govt Project

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omar abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today assured the House that his government remains committed to the development of administrative units created under his previous tenure and will ensure the necessary infrastructure is built over time.

Replying to a supplementary question from MLA G.A. Mir, the Chief Minister stated that the construction of the Mini Secretariat Dooru was initiated in 2018 by JKPCC at an estimated cost of Rs. 590 lakh.

He informed the House that work has been completed up to the plinth level, and part payments have been made accordingly. However, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to Rs. 598.91 lakh was prepared by PWD, but the required Administrative Approval (AA) and Technical Sanction (TS) have not been accorded.

“Out of the total estimated cost of Rs. 590 lakh, an amount of Rs. 25 lakh was released under the District Budget 2017-18, which has been utilized against the total work done claims of Rs. 39 lakh.

The work has been completed up to the plinth level,” the Chief Minister said. He further stated that a revised DPR of Rs. 598.91 lakh was prepared by PWD in 2021, but it requires reassessment in line with the latest Schedule of Rates (SoRs), considering the impact of cost escalation. A final decision will be taken once this reassessment is completed.

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, today clarified that the proposed International Cricket Stadium at Bajalta in Jammu was not a project initiated by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

“The proposal for the cricket stadium was initiated by the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) but did not materialize. It was not a project of J&K government,” Chief Minister said while intervening during the Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly.

Earlier, replying to the main question raised by Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, said that there was no such proposal by the Youth Services & Sports Department for establishment of International Cricket Stadium at Bajalta in Jammu.

The Minister informed the House that playfields are available in various schools in Jammu East Constituency wherein sports activities are being carried throughout the year by the staff of Youth Services & Sports Department.

These schools included GGHSS Mubarakh Mandi, SRML Parade, GHSS Center Basis, GHSS Hari Singh, GHSS Julakha Mohalla, GHS City Chowk, HSS Khana Chargal, HS Bain Bajalta and HS Chak Largen.

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Sports

Shocking! KL Rahul Skips IPL Opener—The Emotional Reason Will Surprise You!

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KL Rahul

In a surprising turn of events, star Indian cricketer KL Rahul will miss Delhi Capitals’ much-anticipated season opener in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The dynamic batter, who was recently signed by Delhi Capitals (DC) for a whopping INR 12 crore, has opted out of the first game due to personal reasons. But what’s truly heartwarming is the real reason behind his absence—he is set to welcome his first child with wife Athiya Shetty!

Rahul Rushes Home Amidst IPL Buzz

KL Rahul, known for his consistency and elegant stroke play, was expected to be a key player in DC’s campaign this season. However, just before their opening clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), news broke that Rahul had flown back to Mumbai to be with his wife, Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty, as the couple eagerly awaits the birth of their child.

A close family friend confirmed the news, saying, “Rahul has returned home as Athiya is due to give birth anytime. However, he will be back in action soon and is expected to play Delhi Capitals’ second match.”

A Special Leave from Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals’ management fully supported Rahul’s decision, granting him permission to skip the match against his former franchise, LSG. The game, scheduled to take place at the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, was set to be a thrilling face-off, especially with Rahul going up against his ex-teammates. However, family comes first, and DC’s management understood the importance of this life-changing moment.

Will Rahul Be Back for the Next Match?

Fans need not worry, as Rahul is expected to rejoin the squad in time for Delhi Capitals’ second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30. His return will be crucial for DC, as the team heavily relies on his experience and batting prowess.

Rahul’s Recent Form: A Big Boost for DC

The right-handed batter has been in stellar form lately, playing a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai. However, despite his success in longer formats, Rahul has been eyeing a return to India’s T20I squad. With a strong IPL performance, he hopes to make a statement and reclaim his place in the national team for the shortest format.

Rahul’s Journey to Delhi Capitals

Before joining DC, Rahul had been the face of LSG, leading the franchise for three seasons. After parting ways with them, Delhi Capitals swooped in and secured him for INR 12 crore at the mega auction. To prepare for the season, Rahul trained intensively in Mumbai under India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, sharpening his skills for the upcoming challenges.

Fans Shower Love and Support

As soon as the news broke, fans flooded social media with congratulatory messages for Rahul and Athiya. Many lauded him for prioritizing family over cricket, proving that even in the high-pressure world of professional sports, personal moments matter the most.

Final Thoughts

While KL Rahul’s absence in Delhi Capitals’ opening game is a slight setback for the team, the reason behind it has melted hearts. As he steps into a new phase of life, cricket lovers worldwide are eagerly waiting for his return, hoping he brings the same passion to the IPL as he does to his personal life.

Stay tuned for more updates as Rahul prepares to rejoin the Delhi Capitals squad soon!

Sports

Pakistan Opt to Bowl First Against New Zealand in Third T20I at Auckland

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T20I at Auckland

Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in the third T20I at Auckland.

The home team has a 2-0 lead over the visiting side. New Zealand can wrap up the series if victorious in game three.

Pakistan: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (c), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears

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Sports

New Zealand Crushes Pakistan in First T20I by Nine Wickets, Takes 1-0 Lead in Series

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Crushes Pakistan

With this win over Pakistan in the first T-20 by nine wickets, the Kiwis are 1-0 up in the five-match T20I series. After bundling Pakistan out for just 91 runs in 18.4 overs, NZ chased it down in just 10.1 overs with just one wicket lost. With this loss against New Zealand, Pakistan has registered thier biggest loss in terms of remaining balls (59), as per a report by Wisden.

Fiery spells from pacers Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson did not allow a new-look Pakistan led by Salman Agha to kickstart their new era with their fearless cricket as intended, and the visitors were crushed by nine wickets in the first T20I on Sunday.

Pakistan’s most significant defeat while batting second also occurred against the BlackCaps at Wellington in 2016. In the match, New Zealand posted a total of 196-5, and Pakistan was dismissed for 101 in 16. 1 over, falling to a record loss by 95 runs.

Pakistan’s worst men’s T20I defeats, batting first in terms of balls remaining, first against the Kiwis on Sunday, March 16, second came back in 2018 at Harare against Australia, where AUS won by nine wickets, balls remaining in that match was 55.

Pakistan’s worst men’s T20I defeats batting second in terms of runs. Pakistan’s biggest loss in terms of runs also came against the Kiwis; thier second biggest defeat came against Australia back in 2012 at Dubai. Australia won the match by 94 runs.

This was Pakistan’s lowest total in NZ, outdoing their 101 against the Kiwis at Wellington back in 2016. The 2025 Champions Trophy was where Pakistan was the host and was also the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. After CT 2025, Pakistan went to New Zealand with fresh faces and a new captain, Salman Agha.

Pakistan came into the match featuring a revamped top order, having omitted veterans Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam from the team after thier failures in the Champions Trophy. Nevertheless, they experienced a disastrous beginning. Pakistan struggled against the Kiwis, and their batters found it difficult to bat against the NZ quickies. (ANI)

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