<p>Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza and Pakistan's veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik remain one of the most-loved couples. The two got married in 2010 and were blessed with a baby boy Izhaan Mirza Malik in late 2018. Nonetheless, the couple has made heads turn recently due to&nbsp;divorce rumours. It is being said that their marriage has hit rock bottom and the couple have separated. However, nothing is official.</p>

<p>Sania, who is living&nbsp;apart from her husband Shoaib but co-parenting their son Izhaan, remains active on social media platforms amid the rumours.&nbsp;Recently, she shared an adorable picture with her son Izhaan captioned, "The moments that get me through the hardest days".&nbsp;Since then, the power couple's fans have been left&nbsp;concerned.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckhpne1v-9C/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Sania Mirza (@mirzasaniar)</a></p>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovics-wife-reacts-strongly-over-serbians-mystery-drink-in-paris-masters-2022-533158"><strong>Novak Djokovic's wife reacts strongly over Serbian's mystery drink in Paris Masters 2022</strong></a></p>

<p>A news report, by Inside Sport, recently stated that Sania-Shoaib’s close friend has confirmed their separation. He revealed, "Yes, they are officially divorced now. I can’t disclose more than that but can confirm that they have separated." Meanwhile, both Sania and Shoaib have not responded to these&nbsp;rumours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking of Sania's viral Instagram post, it&nbsp;might be perceived as a strong hint towards a split, however, it&nbsp;can also have any other meaning. There are chances that all this might be nothing but just a difficult phase in their relationship.</p>

<p>The rumours spread like wildfire when recently Shoaib was clueless on being asked about his wife's tennis academies and their locations.&nbsp;In one of the recent Pakistani cricket shows ‘Ask The Pavilion’,&nbsp;Malik's reaction caught everyone's attention when he said, "I don’t really have proper information about the locations.” He added, "I have never been to any of those academies." The former Pakistan captain's response shocked ex-pacer and panellist Waqar Younis who said, "What sort of husband you are?"</p>

<p>One still hopes for all this to be sheer rumours and nothing else!</p>

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Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza and Pakistan's veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik remain one of the most-loved couples. The two got married in 2010 and were blessed with a baby boy Izhaan Mirza Malik in late 2018.

Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza and Pakistan's veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik remain one of the most-loved couples. The two got married in 2010 and were blessed with a baby boy Izhaan Mirza Malik in late 2018. Nonetheless, the couple has made heads turn recently due to divorce rumours. It is being said that their marriage has hit rock bottom and the couple have separated. However, nothing is official. Sania, who is living apart from her husband Shoaib but co-parenting their son Izhaan, remains active on social media platforms amid the rumours. Recently, she shared an adorable picture with her son Izhaan captioned, "The moments that get me through the hardest days". Since then, the power couple's fans have been left concerned. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sania Mirza (@mirzasaniar) × ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic's wife reacts strongly over Serbian's mystery drink in Paris Masters 2022 A news report, by Inside Sport, recently stated that Sania-Shoaib’s close friend has confirmed their separation. He revealed, "Yes, they are officially divorced now. I can’t disclose more than that but can confirm that they have separated." Meanwhile, both Sania and Shoaib have not responded to these rumours. Talking of Sania's viral Instagram post, it might be perceived as a strong hint towards a split, however, it can also have any other meaning. There are chances that all this might be nothing but just a difficult phase in their relationship. The rumours spread like wildfire when recently Shoaib was clueless on being asked about his wife's tennis academies and their locations. In one of the recent Pakistani cricket shows ‘Ask The Pavilion’, Malik's reaction caught everyone's attention when he said, "I don’t really have proper information about the locations.” He added, "I have never been to any of those academies." The former Pakistan captain's response shocked ex-pacer and panellist Waqar Younis who said, "What sort of husband you are?" One still hopes for all this to be sheer rumours and nothing else! ×

Sania Mirza's Instagram post goes viral amid divorce rumours with husband Shoaib Malik

<p>When Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 edition, in Australia, Shoaib Malik's name had no mention. The veteran all-rounder, who captained Pakistan in the inaugural edition in 2007, has played most T20Is for the Men in Green and is a huge name in franchise world to date.</p>

<p>Given Babar Azam &amp; Co.'s middle-order issues, which led them to lose the Asia Cup 2022 final and the home T20Is versus England, many expected Malik to be a part of the squad. His vast experience and understanding of the format would've helped Pakistan. It is to be noted that he was part of their squad in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he slammed an impressive 18-ball 54 versus Scotland. Nonetheless, he last played for the national side in November 2021 and remains out of the team for the marquee event as well.</p>

<p>Following his T20 WC snub, the 40-year-old Malik finally broke his silence and said on <em>Samaa TV</em>, "Dekhiye mera kaam hain cricket khelna jaha pe bhi mujhe opportunity mile. Select karna, na karna woh team management, selection committee ya PCB ka hain. Mera hain ki jaha opportunity mile main woh avail karne ki koshish karu and acha perform karne ki koshish karu. Mujhe kisise koi problem nehi hain. Main kisike koi against nehi hu kyumki positive rehna has been a major reason behind the success in my career&nbsp;(See, my job is to play cricket wherever I am presented with opportunities. To select me is solely on the team management selection committee and the PCB. I am to do well whenever given a chance and don't have any problems with anybody. I am not against anybody because remaining positive has been a major reason behind my success)."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-visit-to-pakistan-for-2023-asia-cup-subject-to-govt-clearance-on-bccis-agenda-report-525357"><strong>India's visit to Pakistan for 2023 Asia Cup, subject to govt clearance, on BCCI's agenda: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Malik further opened up on his equation with captain Babar and said, "We have been in touch consistently. Yes, earlier we used to talk more, but now he is a skipper and one should give him that space. Main khud iss cheez se guzra hu. Isiliye maine aajtak koi pressure nehi dala na kabhi dalunga na kabhi convince karne ki koshish karunga (I've gone through all this myself. Hence, I won't pressurise him or anyone or convince them to select me)."</p>

<p>On Friday (October 14), Pakistan won the New Zealand T20I tri-series and will now play two warm-up games ahead of their T20 WC 2022 opening clash, where they face India on October 23 at the MCG, Melbourne.&nbsp;</p>


When Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 edition, in Australia, Shoaib Malik's name had no mention. The veteran all-rounder, who captained Pakistan in the inaugural edition in 2007, has played most T20Is for the Men in Green and is a huge name in franchise world to date.

When Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 edition, in Australia, Shoaib Malik's name had no mention. The veteran all-rounder, who captained Pakistan in the inaugural edition in 2007, has played most T20Is for the Men in Green and is a huge name in franchise world to date. Given Babar Azam & Co.'s middle-order issues, which led them to lose the Asia Cup 2022 final and the home T20Is versus England, many expected Malik to be a part of the squad. His vast experience and understanding of the format would've helped Pakistan. It is to be noted that he was part of their squad in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he slammed an impressive 18-ball 54 versus Scotland. Nonetheless, he last played for the national side in November 2021 and remains out of the team for the marquee event as well. Following his T20 WC snub, the 40-year-old Malik finally broke his silence and said on Samaa TV, "Dekhiye mera kaam hain cricket khelna jaha pe bhi mujhe opportunity mile. Select karna, na karna woh team management, selection committee ya PCB ka hain. Mera hain ki jaha opportunity mile main woh avail karne ki koshish karu and acha perform karne ki koshish karu. Mujhe kisise koi problem nehi hain. Main kisike koi against nehi hu kyumki positive rehna has been a major reason behind the success in my career (See, my job is to play cricket wherever I am presented with opportunities. To select me is solely on the team management selection committee and the PCB. I am to do well whenever given a chance and don't have any problems with anybody. I am not against anybody because remaining positive has been a major reason behind my success)." ALSO READ | India's visit to Pakistan for 2023 Asia Cup, subject to govt clearance, on BCCI's agenda: Report Malik further opened up on his equation with captain Babar and said, "We have been in touch consistently. Yes, earlier we used to talk more, but now he is a skipper and one should give him that space. Main khud iss cheez se guzra hu. Isiliye maine aajtak koi pressure nehi dala na kabhi dalunga na kabhi convince karne ki koshish karunga (I've gone through all this myself. Hence, I won't pressurise him or anyone or convince them to select me)." On Friday (October 14), Pakistan won the New Zealand T20I tri-series and will now play two warm-up games ahead of their T20 WC 2022 opening clash, where they face India on October 23 at the MCG, Melbourne.

Won't pressurise Babar Azam: Shoaib Malik on T20 WC snub, says 'don’t have problems with anybody'

<p>India and Pakistan's cricketing rivalry surely makes heads turn. In the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2022 edition, held in the UAE, both sides met&nbsp;for the first time after last year's T20 World Cup face-off and played each other twice.</p>

<p>In both the meetings, the match went down to the wire as both won and lost a game each. Now, India and Pakistan will square off once again in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2022 edition, in Australia from October-November, at the iconic MCG, Melbourne. It promises to be another mouth-watering clash in the Indo-Pak rivalry on the 22-yard cricket strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On this day in 2007, India and Pakistan&nbsp;locked horns for the first time in the inaugural T20 WC, at Durban. In the day-night encounter, at Kingsmead, Durban, MS Dhoni led India for the first time ever -- after the Scotland tie was entirely abanonded after the&nbsp;toss -- and the match was a blockbuster in every sense.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/huge-feat-for-king-kohli-virat-becomes-first-cricketer-to-reach-50-million-followers-on-twitter-515656">Huge feat for KING KOHLI! Virat becomes first cricketer to reach 50 million followers on Twitter</a></strong></p>

<p>Opting to bowl first, Shoaib Malik-led Men in Green rode on Mohammad Asif's 4 for 18 and Shahid Afridi's twin strikes to restrict India to 141-9&nbsp;in 20 overs. Robin Uthappa's 50, Dhoni's 31-ball and lusty blows from Irfan Pathan-Ajit Agarkar saved India from a spot of bother after they were reeling at 36 for 4.</p>

<p>In reply, Misbah-ul-Haq was the lone warrior for Pakistan as his 53 took his side to 141-7 and the match went to the bowl-out. The bowl-out added much drama to the high-voltage clash which brought a lot of newness to the game. Eventually, India beat Pakistan 3-0, by hitting the stumps in their initial three attempts, to win the contest. <strong>Here's the video of the bowl-out:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">✅ <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@virendersehwag</a><br />
❌ <a href="https://twitter.com/YasArafat12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YasArafat12</a><br />
✅ <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harbhajan_singh</a><br />
❌ <a href="https://twitter.com/mdk_gul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mdk_gul</a><br />
✅ <a href="https://twitter.com/robbieuthappa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@robbieuthappa</a><br />
❌ <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAfridiOfficial</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnThisDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnThisDay</a> in 2007 India v Pakistan at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WT20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WT20</a> finished in a tie… and India won the bowl-out! <a href="https://t.co/sN2dZMyLN2">pic.twitter.com/sN2dZMyLN2</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1040434963412406272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Indo-Pak fans will be eager to see another such blockbuster clash when the two sides lock horns in the upcoming T20 WC Down Under. The match will be held on October 23 in Melbourne and will be played infront of a jam-packed crowd at the iconic venue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit-led India will be determined to settle scores with Babar Azam's Pakistan after a defeat in their last T20 WC. Will the script change this time around in India's favour? Only time will tell...&nbsp;</p>


India and Pakistan's cricketing rivalry surely makes heads turn. In the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2022 edition, held in the UAE, both sides met for the first time after last year's T20 World Cup face-off and played each other twice.

India and Pakistan's cricketing rivalry surely makes heads turn. In the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2022 edition, held in the UAE, both sides met for the first time after last year's T20 World Cup face-off and played each other twice. In both the meetings, the match went down to the wire as both won and lost a game each. Now, India and Pakistan will square off once again in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2022 edition, in Australia from October-November, at the iconic MCG, Melbourne. It promises to be another mouth-watering clash in the Indo-Pak rivalry on the 22-yard cricket strip. On this day in 2007, India and Pakistan locked horns for the first time in the inaugural T20 WC, at Durban. In the day-night encounter, at Kingsmead, Durban, MS Dhoni led India for the first time ever -- after the Scotland tie was entirely abanonded after the toss -- and the match was a blockbuster in every sense. ALSO READ | Huge feat for KING KOHLI! Virat becomes first cricketer to reach 50 million followers on Twitter Opting to bowl first, Shoaib Malik-led Men in Green rode on Mohammad Asif's 4 for 18 and Shahid Afridi's twin strikes to restrict India to 141-9 in 20 overs. Robin Uthappa's 50, Dhoni's 31-ball and lusty blows from Irfan Pathan-Ajit Agarkar saved India from a spot of bother after they were reeling at 36 for 4. In reply, Misbah-ul-Haq was the lone warrior for Pakistan as his 53 took his side to 141-7 and the match went to the bowl-out. The bowl-out added much drama to the high-voltage clash which brought a lot of newness to the game. Eventually, India beat Pakistan 3-0, by hitting the stumps in their initial three attempts, to win the contest. Here's the video of the bowl-out: ✅ @virendersehwag ❌ @YasArafat12 ✅ @harbhajan_singh ❌ @mdk_gul ✅ @robbieuthappa ❌ @SAfridiOfficial#OnThisDay in 2007 India v Pakistan at #WT20 finished in a tie… and India won the bowl-out! pic.twitter.com/sN2dZMyLN2 — ICC (@ICC) September 14, 2018 × Indo-Pak fans will be eager to see another such blockbuster clash when the two sides lock horns in the upcoming T20 WC Down Under. The match will be held on October 23 in Melbourne and will be played infront of a jam-packed crowd at the iconic venue. Rohit-led India will be determined to settle scores with Babar Azam's Pakistan after a defeat in their last T20 WC. Will the script change this time around in India's favour? Only time will tell...

On this day, 2007: When India, Pakistan were involved in epic bowl-out clash in 2007 T20 WC - Video

<p>Rohit Sharma, on Thursday (February 24), surpassed Martin Guptill and his predecessor Virat Kohli to become the highest run-getter in T20Is. At the start of the India-Sri Lanka three-match series opener, Hitman was 37 runs away from going past New Zealand opener Guptill's run-tally. Courtesy a 100-run stand with Ishan Kishan, after being asked to bat first in Lucknow, Rohit jumped from the third spot to top the list of most runs in the shortest format.</p>

<p>Rohit achieved the big milestone before the half-way stage with a single off spinner&nbsp;Jeffrey Vandersay in the ninth over. While he was a bit slow to start his innings, as compared to Ishan, Hitman came to his own and attained the huge feat in the T20I format. He eventually fell for a 32-ball 44.</p>

<p><strong>Most runs in T20Is</strong></p>

<p><strong>Rohit Sharma - 3307*</strong></p>

<p>Martin Guptill - 3299</p>

<p>Virat Kohli - 3263</p>

<p>Paul Stirling - 2,764</p>

<p>Aaron Finch - 2,686</p>

<p>Rohit has 4 hundreds in the format, at an average of&nbsp;33.07 and strike-rate of 139.94 along with 26 fifties.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/theyre-taking-team-india-in-a-fabulous-direction-dinesh-karthik-lauds-rahul-dravid-rohit-sharma-456046">They're taking Team India in a fabulous direction: Dinesh Karthik lauds Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma</a></strong></p>

<p>Rohit is also playing his 123rd match in the shortest format at the international level. If he features in all three games versus the Islanders in the ongoing series, he will also become the most-capped player in the format; surpassing Shoaib Malik (124).</p>

<p>At the coin toss in the 1st T20I, in Lucknow, Rohit said, "We were looking to chase as well, not sure how the pitches in India plays. But we now know we need to bat well, the last time we played here, about 4 years back, the pitch played well. Nothing changes as far as the goals of the team are concerned, need to do the right things as a team, need to keep ticking all the right boxes. It's a challenge for the new gutsy - from the last game we played, we have 6 changes. Ruturaj was supposed to play, but he has a wrist injury and will not play today."</p>

<p>Rohit's captaincy era has started off with a bang so far in the white-ball format. He is yet to lose a single game and will hope to take India to their 10th consecutive win in T20Is -- which will be the Men in Blue's longest unbeaten streak -- during the series opener versus their Asian neighbours.</p>


Rohit Sharma, on Thursday (February 24), surpassed Martin Guptill and his predecessor Virat Kohli to become the highest run-getter in T20Is. At the start of the India-Sri Lanka three-match series opener, Hitman was 37 runs away from going past New Zealand opener Guptill's run-tally.

Rohit Sharma, on Thursday (February 24), surpassed Martin Guptill and his predecessor Virat Kohli to become the highest run-getter in T20Is. At the start of the India-Sri Lanka three-match series opener, Hitman was 37 runs away from going past New Zealand opener Guptill's run-tally. Courtesy a 100-run stand with Ishan Kishan, after being asked to bat first in Lucknow, Rohit jumped from the third spot to top the list of most runs in the shortest format. Rohit achieved the big milestone before the half-way stage with a single off spinner Jeffrey Vandersay in the ninth over. While he was a bit slow to start his innings, as compared to Ishan, Hitman came to his own and attained the huge feat in the T20I format. He eventually fell for a 32-ball 44. Most runs in T20Is Rohit Sharma - 3307* Martin Guptill - 3299 Virat Kohli - 3263 Paul Stirling - 2,764 Aaron Finch - 2,686 Rohit has 4 hundreds in the format, at an average of 33.07 and strike-rate of 139.94 along with 26 fifties. ALSO READ | They're taking Team India in a fabulous direction: Dinesh Karthik lauds Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma Rohit is also playing his 123rd match in the shortest format at the international level. If he features in all three games versus the Islanders in the ongoing series, he will also become the most-capped player in the format; surpassing Shoaib Malik (124). At the coin toss in the 1st T20I, in Lucknow, Rohit said, "We were looking to chase as well, not sure how the pitches in India plays. But we now know we need to bat well, the last time we played here, about 4 years back, the pitch played well. Nothing changes as far as the goals of the team are concerned, need to do the right things as a team, need to keep ticking all the right boxes. It's a challenge for the new gutsy - from the last game we played, we have 6 changes. Ruturaj was supposed to play, but he has a wrist injury and will not play today." Rohit's captaincy era has started off with a bang so far in the white-ball format. He is yet to lose a single game and will hope to take India to their 10th consecutive win in T20Is -- which will be the Men in Blue's longest unbeaten streak -- during the series opener versus their Asian neighbours.

Ind vs SL: Rohit Sharma moves past Martin Guptill, Virat Kohli to become highest run-getter in T20Is

<p>Rohit Sharma-led Team India is gearing up for the three-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. After whitewashing West Indies in the white-ball series, India will hope to carry on with the momentum whereas captain Rohit will aim for another flawless series, both as captain and batsman.</p>

<p>Rohit is on the verge of attaining two big milestones during the SL series. If Hitman appears in all&nbsp;three games against the Islanders, he will overtake Shoaib Malik to become the most-capped player in the shortest format. At present, Rohit remains India's most-capped player in T20Is, followed by MS Dhoni (98) and his predecessor Virat Kohli (97). For the unversed, Kohli has been given a ten-day bio-bubble break and will return for the two Tests series versus Sri Lanka.</p>

<h3><strong>Most capped players in T20I cricket</strong></h3>

<p>Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) - 124<br />
<strong>Rohit Sharma (India) - 122*</strong><br />
Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan) - 119<br />
Eoin Morgan (England) - 115<br />
Mahmudullah (Bangladesh) - 113</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-mumbai-and-pune-to-host-league-stage-final-decision-on-starting-date-venues-soon-report-455709"><strong>IPL 2022: Mumbai and Pune to host league stage; final decision on starting date, venues soon - Report</strong></a></p>

<p>As a batter, Rohit is 37 runs away from becoming the highest run-getter in T20Is. At present, Martin Guptill leads the list followed by Kohli and Rohit.</p>

<p>Martin Guptill - 3,299<br />
Virat Kohli - 3,296<br />
<strong>Rohit Sharma - 3,263</strong><br />
Paul Stirling - 2,764<br />
Aaron Finch - 2,686</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-must-learn-to-not-virat-kohlis-childhood-coach-shares-advice-for-rohit-sharma-455654"><strong>'He must learn to not.....': Virat Kohli's childhood coach shares advice for Rohit Sharma</strong></a></p>

<p>Ahead of the T20Is, Rohit addressed the media on Wednesday (February 23) and dismissed concerns about his fitness. In recent times, he has been marred with injury concerns.&nbsp;"At the moment, I have no issues and looking forward to playing all the games," Rohit said. He added, "The workload always depends on what happens thereafter and you take day by day and understand what you do and if a break is needed, you take a break and someone else comes in.</p>


Rohit Sharma-led Team India is gearing up for the three-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. After whitewashing West Indies in the white-ball series, India will hope to carry on with the momentum whereas captain Rohit will aim for another flawless series, both as captain and batsman.

Rohit Sharma-led Team India is gearing up for the three-match T20I series versus Sri Lanka at home. After whitewashing West Indies in the white-ball series, India will hope to carry on with the momentum whereas captain Rohit will aim for another flawless series, both as captain and batsman. Rohit is on the verge of attaining two big milestones during the SL series. If Hitman appears in all three games against the Islanders, he will overtake Shoaib Malik to become the most-capped player in the shortest format. At present, Rohit remains India's most-capped player in T20Is, followed by MS Dhoni (98) and his predecessor Virat Kohli (97). For the unversed, Kohli has been given a ten-day bio-bubble break and will return for the two Tests series versus Sri Lanka. Most capped players in T20I cricket Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) - 124 Rohit Sharma (India) - 122* Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan) - 119 Eoin Morgan (England) - 115 Mahmudullah (Bangladesh) - 113 ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Mumbai and Pune to host league stage; final decision on starting date, venues soon - Report As a batter, Rohit is 37 runs away from becoming the highest run-getter in T20Is. At present, Martin Guptill leads the list followed by Kohli and Rohit. Martin Guptill - 3,299 Virat Kohli - 3,296 Rohit Sharma - 3,263 Paul Stirling - 2,764 Aaron Finch - 2,686 ALSO READ | 'He must learn to not.....': Virat Kohli's childhood coach shares advice for Rohit Sharma Ahead of the T20Is, Rohit addressed the media on Wednesday (February 23) and dismissed concerns about his fitness. In recent times, he has been marred with injury concerns. "At the moment, I have no issues and looking forward to playing all the games," Rohit said. He added, "The workload always depends on what happens thereafter and you take day by day and understand what you do and if a break is needed, you take a break and someone else comes in.

Rohit Sharma eyes two big milestones as Team India gear up for T20I series versus Sri Lanka

<p>Pakistan's left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is currently in top form in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, said Indian batter KL Rahul's wicket actually belongs to his teammate Shoaib Malik, not him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On October 24, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan smashed unbeaten half-centuries as Pakistan crushed India by 10 wickets to register a first win over their arch-rivals in a Twenty20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The win was, however, set up by Pakistan's ace pacer Afridi, who returned with figures of 3-31 that restricted India to 151-7. He struck the first blow with an express delivery that swung in to trap Rohit Sharma lbw for a first-ball duck.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-pak-spinner-feels-t20i-retirement-on-cards-for-virat-kohli-says-two-groups-exist-in-team-india-428457">Former Pak spinner feels T20I retirement on cards for Virat Kohli, says 'two groups exist in Team India'</a></strong></p>

<p>Then got KL Rahul with a delivery that came in sharply to take the batsman's thigh pad and rattle the stumps. Now, Afridi has revealed an interesting story behind KL Rahul's wicket, explaining how veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik helped him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I asked Shoaib, can I bowl fuller? He said to me 'Shaheen don't bowl fuller, just try to bowl length here, yeah? So I said yeah, not too much swing in first over, so let me try to bowl the ball," said Shaheen while talking to The Telegraph.</p>

<p>"Shoaib is playing for 22 years for Pakistan. He's played a lot of cricket, he knows everything because every conditions, he played in… he has experience so that's why I asked him which ball shall I bowl to Rahul," he added.</p>

<p>"Thank you, it's not my wicket, it's your wicket," Shaheen said to Malik.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-shaheen-afridi-enacts-dismissals-of-indias-top-3-virat-kohli-rohit-and-rahul-on-public-demand-428447"><strong>Watch: Shaheen Afridi enacts dismissals of India's top 3 Virat Kohli, Rohit and Rahul on public demand</strong></a></p>

<p>During the Indo-Pak match, Shaheen's third wicket was Kohli's, who scored his 29th T20 fifty to help the team rebuild before being caught behind.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan's left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is currently in top form in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, said Indian batter KL Rahul's wicket actually belongs to his teammate Shoaib Malik, not him.

Pakistan's left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is currently in top form in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, said Indian batter KL Rahul's wicket actually belongs to his teammate Shoaib Malik, not him. On October 24, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan smashed unbeaten half-centuries as Pakistan crushed India by 10 wickets to register a first win over their arch-rivals in a Twenty20 World Cup. The win was, however, set up by Pakistan's ace pacer Afridi, who returned with figures of 3-31 that restricted India to 151-7. He struck the first blow with an express delivery that swung in to trap Rohit Sharma lbw for a first-ball duck. ALSO READ | Former Pak spinner feels T20I retirement on cards for Virat Kohli, says 'two groups exist in Team India' Then got KL Rahul with a delivery that came in sharply to take the batsman's thigh pad and rattle the stumps. Now, Afridi has revealed an interesting story behind KL Rahul's wicket, explaining how veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik helped him. "I asked Shoaib, can I bowl fuller? He said to me 'Shaheen don't bowl fuller, just try to bowl length here, yeah? So I said yeah, not too much swing in first over, so let me try to bowl the ball," said Shaheen while talking to The Telegraph. "Shoaib is playing for 22 years for Pakistan. He's played a lot of cricket, he knows everything because every conditions, he played in… he has experience so that's why I asked him which ball shall I bowl to Rahul," he added. "Thank you, it's not my wicket, it's your wicket," Shaheen said to Malik. ALSO READ | Watch: Shaheen Afridi enacts dismissals of India's top 3 Virat Kohli, Rohit and Rahul on public demand During the Indo-Pak match, Shaheen's third wicket was Kohli's, who scored his 29th T20 fifty to help the team rebuild before being caught behind.

T20 WC, India vs Pakistan: Shaheen Afridi explains how Shoaib Malik helped him to take KL Rahul's wicket

<p>The T20 World Cup 2021 edition's Super 12 round came to an end on Monday evening (November 8). Team India defeated Namibia in style, by nine wickets, to finish their dismal campaign on a high as the action will now shift towards the semi-finals, where England will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final whereas Australia will lock horns with Pakistan in the second semi-final.</p>

<p>Ahead of the semi-finals round, from November 10-11, India's veteran wicketkeeper-batsman-turned-commentator Dinesh Karthik made heads turn by sharing his team of the tournament. In the list, DK didn't include some big names such as India's Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, David Warner, Mohammad Rizwan, Aiden Markram, David Wiese, Anrich Nortje, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karthik's team of the tournament had Pakistan's Babar Azam as captain. While he has led the team exceptionally well as the Men in Green remain the only unbeaten side heading into the semi-finals, some would be surprised that England's Eoin Morgan didn't feature as captain in the XI. To this, Karthik told on Cricbuzz, "Would have ideally liked Morgan as he has been the best captain for me, but has not done enough as a batter. So, I went for Azam."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/goosebumps-shastri-shares-heartfelt-speech-as-outgoing-coach-post-indias-t20-wc-campaign-watch-427919"><strong>GOOSEBUMPS! Shastri shares heartfelt speech as outgoing coach post India's T20 WC campaign- WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>DK's team included Babar and England's Jos Buttler as openers. Buttler has been in splendid form, with a scintillating unbeaten half-century and a match-winning ton versus Australia and Sri Lanka, respectively. In the middle and lower order, he included Charith Asalanka (who impressed one and all with his free-flowing approach for the Islanders), Rassie van der Dussen (who slammed an unbeaten 94 vs England), Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga (leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps). In the bowling department, he chose Adam Zampa (11 wickets), Trent Boult (who returned with a 3-fer each versus India and Afghanistan), Jasprit Bumrah (seven wickets for India in five games) and Shaheen Afridi (Player-of-the-Match in Pakistan's win over India).</p>

<p>Nonetheless, the likes of Pakistan's Malik and Asif Ali have also done very well for the Men in Green, with their finishing skills and power-hitting. They, however, weren't included.</p>

<p><strong>DK's team of the tournament</strong></p>

<p>Babar Azam (C), Jos Buttler, Charith Asalanka, Rassie van der Dussen, Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, Adam Zampa, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Afridi</p>


The T20 World Cup 2021 edition's Super 12 round came to an end on Monday evening (November 8). Team India defeated Namibia in style, by nine wickets, to finish their dismal campaign on a high as the action will now shift towards the semi-finals, where England will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final whereas Australia will lock horns with Pakistan in the second semi-final.

The T20 World Cup 2021 edition's Super 12 round came to an end on Monday evening (November 8). Team India defeated Namibia in style, by nine wickets, to finish their dismal campaign on a high as the action will now shift towards the semi-finals, where England will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final whereas Australia will lock horns with Pakistan in the second semi-final. Ahead of the semi-finals round, from November 10-11, India's veteran wicketkeeper-batsman-turned-commentator Dinesh Karthik made heads turn by sharing his team of the tournament. In the list, DK didn't include some big names such as India's Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, David Warner, Mohammad Rizwan, Aiden Markram, David Wiese, Anrich Nortje, etc. Karthik's team of the tournament had Pakistan's Babar Azam as captain. While he has led the team exceptionally well as the Men in Green remain the only unbeaten side heading into the semi-finals, some would be surprised that England's Eoin Morgan didn't feature as captain in the XI. To this, Karthik told on Cricbuzz, "Would have ideally liked Morgan as he has been the best captain for me, but has not done enough as a batter. So, I went for Azam." ALSO READ | GOOSEBUMPS! Shastri shares heartfelt speech as outgoing coach post India's T20 WC campaign- WATCH DK's team included Babar and England's Jos Buttler as openers. Buttler has been in splendid form, with a scintillating unbeaten half-century and a match-winning ton versus Australia and Sri Lanka, respectively. In the middle and lower order, he included Charith Asalanka (who impressed one and all with his free-flowing approach for the Islanders), Rassie van der Dussen (who slammed an unbeaten 94 vs England), Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga (leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps). In the bowling department, he chose Adam Zampa (11 wickets), Trent Boult (who returned with a 3-fer each versus India and Afghanistan), Jasprit Bumrah (seven wickets for India in five games) and Shaheen Afridi (Player-of-the-Match in Pakistan's win over India). Nonetheless, the likes of Pakistan's Malik and Asif Ali have also done very well for the Men in Green, with their finishing skills and power-hitting. They, however, weren't included. DK's team of the tournament Babar Azam (C), Jos Buttler, Charith Asalanka, Rassie van der Dussen, Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga, Adam Zampa, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Afridi

T20 WC: No Rohit, Kohli in Dinesh Karthik's team of the tournament; Babar Azam named captain

<p>Pakistan beat Scotland by 72 runs to top Group 2 in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup here on Sunday.</p>

<p>Babar Azam top-scored with 66 off 47 balls while Mohammad Hafeez smashed 31 off 19 balls and Shoaib Malik 54 not out off 18 balls as Pakistan posted 189 for four.</p>

<p>Scotland could only manage 117 for six in 20 overs.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Onto the semis for Pakistan 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvSCO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvSCO</a> | <a href="https://t.co/Wbd8jqC0g6">https://t.co/Wbd8jqC0g6</a> <a href="https://t.co/124R2KV60c">pic.twitter.com/124R2KV60c</a></p>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1457399598629076994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-england-formidable-even-without-jason-roy-says-new-zealands-adam-milne-427481">T20 World Cup: England formidable even without Jason Roy, says New Zealand's Adam Milne</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Brief scores:</strong></p>

<p>Pakistan 189/4 in 20 overs (Babar Azam 66, Shoaib Malik 54 not out; Hamza Sharif 1/24, Chris Greaves).</p>

<p>Scotland 117/6 in 20 overs (Richie Berrington 54 not out; Shadab Khan 2/14).</p>


Pakistan beat Scotland by 72 runs to top Group 2 in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup here on Sunday. Babar Azam top-scored with 66 off 47 balls while Mohammad Hafeez smashed 31 off 19 balls and Shoaib Malik 54 not out off 18 balls as Pakistan posted 189 for four.

Pakistan beat Scotland by 72 runs to top Group 2 in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup here on Sunday. Babar Azam top-scored with 66 off 47 balls while Mohammad Hafeez smashed 31 off 19 balls and Shoaib Malik 54 not out off 18 balls as Pakistan posted 189 for four. Scotland could only manage 117 for six in 20 overs. Onto the semis for Pakistan 💪#T20WorldCup | #PAKvSCO | https://t.co/Wbd8jqC0g6 pic.twitter.com/124R2KV60c — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) November 7, 2021 × ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: England formidable even without Jason Roy, says New Zealand's Adam Milne Brief scores: Pakistan 189/4 in 20 overs (Babar Azam 66, Shoaib Malik 54 not out; Hamza Sharif 1/24, Chris Greaves). Scotland 117/6 in 20 overs (Richie Berrington 54 not out; Shadab Khan 2/14).

T20 World Cup: Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik help Pakistan hammer Scotland by 72 runs

<p>On September 17, New Zealand cancel Pakistan tour on security grounds. England follow suit. Just a month before the T20 World Cup, Pakistan cricket is in chaos. Ramiz Raja, Pakistan's former captain, has just taken over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman post and is facing the chin music from the word go. Thus, fans looked upto Ramiz to clean up the mess as dark clouds promised to&nbsp;reappear once again in Pakistan cricket.</p>

<p>Before the T20 WC, while majority of top-sides' key players were adjusting to the conditions and nature of surfaces on offer in the UAE, by playing the IPL 2021 final leg, Pakistan cricketers had no choice but to resort to domestic cricket. The National T20 Cup became their final stage for dress rehearsal at home. Nonetheless, they didn't complain. Moreover, the pain and humiliation of shifting base to UAE, after the 2009 Lahore terror attack, was finally going to repay them in some way as they entering the T20 WC fully aware of the conditions on offer.</p>

<p>While the morale of the cricket-crazy nation was at an all-time low, following New Zealand's withdrawal, Ramiz asked players to channel their aggression on the field. There was silence in Pakistan cricket but one could sense that it was a calm before the storm. Pakistan were once again cornered in world cricket, however, the sun was just waiting to shine on them at the right moment.</p>

<p>As soon as the World Cup commenced, Babar Azam-led Men in Green shunned Star Sports' six-year-long immensely-popular 'Mauka Mauka' ad by beating India by ten wickets and registering their first-ever WC victory over the arch-rivals on the 13th attempt.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-pak-fans-with-tickets-stuck-outside-as-ticketless-afghan-groups-break-queue-to-enter-stadium-watch-425116"><strong>T20 WC: Pak fans with tickets stuck outside as ticketless Afghan groups break queue to enter stadium - Watch</strong></a></p>

<p>The second game for the one-time winners was a grudge match, as Babar &amp; Co. faced Kane Williamson-led New Zealand. If they were charged up to shut the outside noise versus India once and for all, Pakistan produced another top-notch effort to beat Kiwis and complete their vengeance.</p>

<p>Two wins. Let me rephrase it. Two CLINICAL wins and Pakistan were beaming in confidence as their fans rejoiced whereas the experts and former cricketers were left bemused seeing Pakistan's consistency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It isn't that much is never expected of Pakistan. They are among the top-three T20I sides in ICC rankings. The Asian giants have three ICC titles. However, consistency never goes hand-in-hand with Pakistan cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As pointed out by Nasser Hussain, Pakistan are always 'one minute down and the other minute up'. If there's one team who excels or enjoys their unpredictable tag, it has to be Pakistan. West Indies is a close second. But, there's no one who keeps world cricket in the shadows of doubt more than the Men in Green. They often huff and puff in showpiece events and suddenly enter the knockouts where no team fancies taking them on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is no certified ploy to plot Pakistan's downfall when they're onsong. In such cases, it is Pakistan who themselves write their own fate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-when-unruly-pakistan-afghanistan-fans-fought-during-last-icc-face-off-between-asian-giants-425044"><strong>WATCH: When unruly Pakistan, Afghanistan fans fought during last ICC face-off between Asian giants</strong></a></p>

<p>While one is still waiting for the 'real Pakistan cricket team' to show up in the T20 WC, Babar &amp; Co. look like a side working relentlessly to shrug off their unpredictable tag and become most-consistent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With their third consecutive win, over Afghanistan on Friday (October 29), Men in Green are on the cusp of entering the semis. They also look destined to top their group (Pool B).&nbsp;When they are at their unpredictable best, teams pray to not meet them in the knockouts. Imagine what will happen when one of them will have to face a rampant and in-form Pakistan in the semis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Babars, Shaheens, Maliks, Rizwans, Asifs, etc. have kept things simple. They've instilled a sense of confidence, positivity and belief that they will take revenge on every team after being cornered and pushed aside.</p>

<p>Pakistan are now surely the hungry predators. It is safe to claim that the dark evening of September 17 has reignited the fire within Team Pakistan. They've got rid of their unpredictability. Now, what next?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Phew! Try as much, there's no decoding Pakistan ever!&nbsp;</p>


On September 17, New Zealand cancel Pakistan tour on security grounds. England follow suit. Just a month before the T20 World Cup, Pakistan cricket is in chaos. Ramiz Raja, Pakistan's former captain, has just taken over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman post and is facing the chin music from the word go.

On September 17, New Zealand cancel Pakistan tour on security grounds. England follow suit. Just a month before the T20 World Cup, Pakistan cricket is in chaos. Ramiz Raja, Pakistan's former captain, has just taken over the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman post and is facing the chin music from the word go. Thus, fans looked upto Ramiz to clean up the mess as dark clouds promised to reappear once again in Pakistan cricket. Before the T20 WC, while majority of top-sides' key players were adjusting to the conditions and nature of surfaces on offer in the UAE, by playing the IPL 2021 final leg, Pakistan cricketers had no choice but to resort to domestic cricket. The National T20 Cup became their final stage for dress rehearsal at home. Nonetheless, they didn't complain. Moreover, the pain and humiliation of shifting base to UAE, after the 2009 Lahore terror attack, was finally going to repay them in some way as they entering the T20 WC fully aware of the conditions on offer. While the morale of the cricket-crazy nation was at an all-time low, following New Zealand's withdrawal, Ramiz asked players to channel their aggression on the field. There was silence in Pakistan cricket but one could sense that it was a calm before the storm. Pakistan were once again cornered in world cricket, however, the sun was just waiting to shine on them at the right moment. As soon as the World Cup commenced, Babar Azam-led Men in Green shunned Star Sports' six-year-long immensely-popular 'Mauka Mauka' ad by beating India by ten wickets and registering their first-ever WC victory over the arch-rivals on the 13th attempt. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Pak fans with tickets stuck outside as ticketless Afghan groups break queue to enter stadium - Watch The second game for the one-time winners was a grudge match, as Babar & Co. faced Kane Williamson-led New Zealand. If they were charged up to shut the outside noise versus India once and for all, Pakistan produced another top-notch effort to beat Kiwis and complete their vengeance. Two wins. Let me rephrase it. Two CLINICAL wins and Pakistan were beaming in confidence as their fans rejoiced whereas the experts and former cricketers were left bemused seeing Pakistan's consistency. It isn't that much is never expected of Pakistan. They are among the top-three T20I sides in ICC rankings. The Asian giants have three ICC titles. However, consistency never goes hand-in-hand with Pakistan cricket. As pointed out by Nasser Hussain, Pakistan are always 'one minute down and the other minute up'. If there's one team who excels or enjoys their unpredictable tag, it has to be Pakistan. West Indies is a close second. But, there's no one who keeps world cricket in the shadows of doubt more than the Men in Green. They often huff and puff in showpiece events and suddenly enter the knockouts where no team fancies taking them on. There is no certified ploy to plot Pakistan's downfall when they're onsong. In such cases, it is Pakistan who themselves write their own fate. ALSO READ | WATCH: When unruly Pakistan, Afghanistan fans fought during last ICC face-off between Asian giants While one is still waiting for the 'real Pakistan cricket team' to show up in the T20 WC, Babar & Co. look like a side working relentlessly to shrug off their unpredictable tag and become most-consistent. With their third consecutive win, over Afghanistan on Friday (October 29), Men in Green are on the cusp of entering the semis. They also look destined to top their group (Pool B). When they are at their unpredictable best, teams pray to not meet them in the knockouts. Imagine what will happen when one of them will have to face a rampant and in-form Pakistan in the semis. The Babars, Shaheens, Maliks, Rizwans, Asifs, etc. have kept things simple. They've instilled a sense of confidence, positivity and belief that they will take revenge on every team after being cornered and pushed aside. Pakistan are now surely the hungry predators. It is safe to claim that the dark evening of September 17 has reignited the fire within Team Pakistan. They've got rid of their unpredictability. Now, what next? Phew! Try as much, there's no decoding Pakistan ever!

T20 WC: Decoding Pakistan cricket: 404 not found

<p>Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has announced the 12-member squad for the high-voltage clash against India on Sunday in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup.</p>

<p>The squad was announced by Azam in the press conference on Saturday which includes Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik. Malik and Hafeez bring a comforting amount of experience to the Pakistan side, their previous experience of playing against India in World Cups will be a definite advantage for the team.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pakistan's 12 for their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> opener against India.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeHaveWeWill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeHaveWeWill</a> <a href="https://t.co/vC0czmlGNO">pic.twitter.com/vC0czmlGNO</a></p>
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1451827530550423555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-understand-the-value-he-brings-virat-kohli-has-his-say-on-hardik-pandyas-availability-during-t20-wc-423296">'We understand the value he brings': Virat Kohli has his say on Hardik Pandya's availability during T20 WC</a></strong></p>

<p>Shaheen Afridi, a 21-year-old prospect proven in the Pakistan Super League who has dished out top performances in both warm-up games by picking up a total of four wickets has also been included.</p>

<p>Hasan Ali who is a standout pacer for the Men in Green is also in the squad. The lanky pacer excels on the slower wickets in the UAE, his variations and lengths will be a tough task for the Indian batters to manage and they must play him with a cautious approach at the top.</p>

<p>After almost over two years, Virat Kohli and Co. will face-off against Babar Azam-led Pakistan and rekindle the age-old rivalry. Pakistan is yet to get a one-up over India in World Cups as the head-to-head has been heavily dominated by the Men in Blue.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-mohammad-kaif-weighs-in-on-virat-kohli-vs-babar-azam-debate-ahead-of-indo-pak-clash-423263">T20 World Cup: Mohammad Kaif weighs in on Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam debate ahead of Indo-Pak clash</a></strong></p>

<p>However, both teams have entered the tournament with a fresh perspective, filled to the brim with enormous young talent and the hunger and eagerness to prove themselves on the biggest stage of them all.</p>

<p><strong>Pakistan's 12-member squad against India: </strong>Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Hasan Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has announced the 12-member squad for the high-voltage clash against India on Sunday in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The squad was announced by Azam in the press conference on Saturday which includes Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has announced the 12-member squad for the high-voltage clash against India on Sunday in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The squad was announced by Azam in the press conference on Saturday which includes Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik. Malik and Hafeez bring a comforting amount of experience to the Pakistan side, their previous experience of playing against India in World Cups will be a definite advantage for the team. Pakistan's 12 for their #T20WorldCup opener against India.#WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/vC0czmlGNO — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 23, 2021 × ALSO READ: 'We understand the value he brings': Virat Kohli has his say on Hardik Pandya's availability during T20 WC Shaheen Afridi, a 21-year-old prospect proven in the Pakistan Super League who has dished out top performances in both warm-up games by picking up a total of four wickets has also been included. Hasan Ali who is a standout pacer for the Men in Green is also in the squad. The lanky pacer excels on the slower wickets in the UAE, his variations and lengths will be a tough task for the Indian batters to manage and they must play him with a cautious approach at the top. After almost over two years, Virat Kohli and Co. will face-off against Babar Azam-led Pakistan and rekindle the age-old rivalry. Pakistan is yet to get a one-up over India in World Cups as the head-to-head has been heavily dominated by the Men in Blue. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Mohammad Kaif weighs in on Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam debate ahead of Indo-Pak clash However, both teams have entered the tournament with a fresh perspective, filled to the brim with enormous young talent and the hunger and eagerness to prove themselves on the biggest stage of them all. Pakistan's 12-member squad against India: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Hasan Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

T20 World Cup: Hafeez and Malik included as Pakistan announce 12-man squad for India clash

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<p>Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq addressed "deep-rooted" problems that are persistent in the Pakistan cricket system and said that looking for "scapegoats" is a norm in Pak cricket. Misbah also mentioned that improvement is unlikely unless it changes its culture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, Misbah had stepped down from the post of Pakistan cricket head coach citing family concerns. He now spoke for the first time after his resignation as he said "cosmetic surgery" will not change anything in Pakistan cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The problem is that in our cricket we only look at results and we don't give time or have patience for planning ahead and improving the system," he said on A-Sports channel.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-instructs-bowler-to-remove-rcb-teammate-during-india-vs-australia-warm-up-clash-in-t20-wc-422472">Watch: Virat Kohli instructs bowler to remove RCB teammate during India vs Australia warm-up clash in T20 WC</a></strong></p>

<p>"We don't focus on the fact that we have to develop our players at domestic level and then in the national team and work on their skill development. We want results and if we don't get the desired results we start searching for scapegoats," he said.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, looking for scapegoats is a norm in Pakistan cricket. After losing a match or series we look for someone as a scapegoat to save face."</p>

<p>"Nothing will change if we continue with this cosmetic surgery. You can change the coaches and players but deep down the problems will remain the same," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Pakistan at T20 World Cup</strong></p>

<p>Pakistan announced an initial 15-member squad and three reserves, but chief selector Muhammad Wasim later made three changes, including former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. Later, another veteran player Shoaib Malik also made a return after an injury to batsman Sohaib Maqsood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commenting on the same, Misbah criticised the working of the national selection committee and the way it had made changes in the T20 World Cup squad.</p>

<p>"What is going on? First, you take decisions on bringing some players into the World Cup team and then 10 days later you take a U-turn and bring back players dropped back into the fold," he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-dale-steyn-shares-his-india-xi-for-pakistan-clash-names-gamechanger-for-virat-kohli-co-422420">T20 WC: Dale Steyn shares his India XI for Pakistan clash, names gamechanger for Virat Kohli &amp; Co.</a></strong></p>

<p>The 47-year-old Misbah had taken over as head coach in September 2019, said he had made the decision while undergoing mandatory quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 following Pakistan's tour of the West Indies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The quarantine time provided me with an opportunity to reflect on the past 24 months, future commitments and bio-bubble environment and on considering that I made the decision," Misbah said in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).</p>


Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq addressed "deep-rooted" problems that are persistent in the Pakistan cricket system and said that looking for "scapegoats" is a norm in Pak cricket.

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq addressed "deep-rooted" problems that are persistent in the Pakistan cricket system and said that looking for "scapegoats" is a norm in Pak cricket. Misbah also mentioned that improvement is unlikely unless it changes its culture. Last month, Misbah had stepped down from the post of Pakistan cricket head coach citing family concerns. He now spoke for the first time after his resignation as he said "cosmetic surgery" will not change anything in Pakistan cricket. "The problem is that in our cricket we only look at results and we don't give time or have patience for planning ahead and improving the system," he said on A-Sports channel. ALSO READ | Watch: Virat Kohli instructs bowler to remove RCB teammate during India vs Australia warm-up clash in T20 WC "We don't focus on the fact that we have to develop our players at domestic level and then in the national team and work on their skill development. We want results and if we don't get the desired results we start searching for scapegoats," he said. "Unfortunately, looking for scapegoats is a norm in Pakistan cricket. After losing a match or series we look for someone as a scapegoat to save face." "Nothing will change if we continue with this cosmetic surgery. You can change the coaches and players but deep down the problems will remain the same," he said. Pakistan at T20 World Cup Pakistan announced an initial 15-member squad and three reserves, but chief selector Muhammad Wasim later made three changes, including former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. Later, another veteran player Shoaib Malik also made a return after an injury to batsman Sohaib Maqsood. Commenting on the same, Misbah criticised the working of the national selection committee and the way it had made changes in the T20 World Cup squad. "What is going on? First, you take decisions on bringing some players into the World Cup team and then 10 days later you take a U-turn and bring back players dropped back into the fold," he said. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Dale Steyn shares his India XI for Pakistan clash, names gamechanger for Virat Kohli & Co. The 47-year-old Misbah had taken over as head coach in September 2019, said he had made the decision while undergoing mandatory quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 following Pakistan's tour of the West Indies. "The quarantine time provided me with an opportunity to reflect on the past 24 months, future commitments and bio-bubble environment and on considering that I made the decision," Misbah said in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Misbah-ul-Haq points out 'deep-rooted' problems in Pakistan cricket, says 'looking for scapegoats is a norm'

<p>Pakistan cricket team announced a revised 15-member squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will commence from October 17 in the UAE. Following the injury of middle-order batsman&nbsp;Sohaib Maqsood, the Babar Azam-led side altered their squad and added two former captains in the form of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik.</p>

<p>The 2009 T20 world champions added Sarfaraz, Fakhar Zaman and Haider Ali before also including Shoaib Malik as a replacement for the injured Maqsood. Following the Men in Green sharing the revised squad, former Pakistan captain and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq shared his reservations regarding the inclusion of Sarfaraz.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-spare-them-babar-azam-shoaib-akhtar-issues-warning-to-new-zealand-for-t20-world-cup-face-off-after-cancelling-pakistan-tour-414663"><strong>Don't spare them, Babar Azam: Shoaib Akhtar issues warning to New Zealand for T20 World Cup face-off after cancelling Pakistan tour</strong></a></p>

<p>Speaking on his YouTube channel, Inzamam opined, "If the selection committee wants to make selections based on performance then they need to forget age and other factors. When you are not going to play Sarfaraz then why are we carrying him? How many T20Is has he played in the last two years? He is a reputable former captain - including him, and not playing him will make no sense."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Three changes made in Pakistan's <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T20WorldCup</a> squad! Haider Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman included in the final 15.<br />
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More details: <a href="https://t.co/eZ9T7RGjfw">https://t.co/eZ9T7RGjfw</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarHaalMainCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarHaalMainCricket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/A9Z4MGsmE8">pic.twitter.com/A9Z4MGsmE8</a></p>
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1446454996845932545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>For the unversed, Sarfaraz has been in and out of the team in the recent past, with only limited opportunities coming his way following Mohammad Rizwan's rise. He represented Pakistan in April, 2021 in the shorter formats. However, his experience will be handy for Babar, who will be leading the Men in Green for the first time in an ICC event.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fomer-captain-sarfaraz-ahmed-returns-as-pakistan-announce-3-changes-in-squad-for-t20-world-cup-2021-419207">Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed returns as Pakistan announce 3 changes in squad for T20 World Cup 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Pakistan will play South Africa and West Indies in the warm-up encounters before squaring off with India in their T20 World Cup opener, on October 24 at Dubai. They are placed in Pool B along with India, New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers.</p>

<p><strong>Pakistan World Cup squad: </strong>Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood.</p>

<p><strong>Reserves: </strong>Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan cricket team announced a revised 15-member squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will commence from October 17 in the UAE. Following the injury of middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood, the Babar Azam-led side altered their squad and added two former captains in the form of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik.

Pakistan cricket team announced a revised 15-member squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will commence from October 17 in the UAE. Following the injury of middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood, the Babar Azam-led side altered their squad and added two former captains in the form of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik. The 2009 T20 world champions added Sarfaraz, Fakhar Zaman and Haider Ali before also including Shoaib Malik as a replacement for the injured Maqsood. Following the Men in Green sharing the revised squad, former Pakistan captain and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq shared his reservations regarding the inclusion of Sarfaraz. ALSO READ | Don't spare them, Babar Azam: Shoaib Akhtar issues warning to New Zealand for T20 World Cup face-off after cancelling Pakistan tour Speaking on his YouTube channel, Inzamam opined, "If the selection committee wants to make selections based on performance then they need to forget age and other factors. When you are not going to play Sarfaraz then why are we carrying him? How many T20Is has he played in the last two years? He is a reputable former captain - including him, and not playing him will make no sense." Three changes made in Pakistan's @T20WorldCup squad! Haider Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman included in the final 15. More details: https://t.co/eZ9T7RGjfw#HarHaalMainCricket | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/A9Z4MGsmE8 — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 8, 2021 × For the unversed, Sarfaraz has been in and out of the team in the recent past, with only limited opportunities coming his way following Mohammad Rizwan's rise. He represented Pakistan in April, 2021 in the shorter formats. However, his experience will be handy for Babar, who will be leading the Men in Green for the first time in an ICC event. ALSO READ | Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed returns as Pakistan announce 3 changes in squad for T20 World Cup 2021 Pakistan will play South Africa and West Indies in the warm-up encounters before squaring off with India in their T20 World Cup opener, on October 24 at Dubai. They are placed in Pool B along with India, New Zealand, Afghanistan whereas two other teams will join from the qualifiers. Pakistan World Cup squad: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood. Reserves: Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir.

'Why are we carrying him' - Inzamam questions ex captain's inclusion in Babar Azam-led Pakistan's T20 WC squad

<p>Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has been recalled to the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to begin from October 17, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Saturday (October 9).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 39-year-old will make his sixth appearance at the Twenty20 World Cup as he has replaced injured middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood, who was ruled out of the showpiece tournament after suffering a lower back injury in a domestic match earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tom-moodys-desire-to-become-indias-next-head-coach-reason-behind-david-warners-fall-from-grace-at-srh-419434">Tom Moody's desire to become India's next head coach reason behind David Warner's fall from grace at SRH?</a></strong></p>

<p>"Sohaib is devastated to miss out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as he had worked hard for this event and was in sparkling form. We feel for him but injuries are part and parcel of the sport," said Pakistan's chief selector Muhammad Wasim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am sure after undergoing rehabilitation, he'll fully recover to be available for future assignments," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In his place and following discussions with the team management, we have decided to include Shoaib Malik in the side. I am sure Shoaib’s experience will be handy for the entire squad," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-hasnt-bowled-a-single-ball-yet-rohit-sharma-opens-up-on-hardik-pandyas-potential-return-with-the-ball-419382">He hasn't bowled a single ball yet: Rohit Sharma opens up on Hardik Pandya's potential return with the ball</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sohaib Maqsood ruled out, Shoaib Malik named replacement<br />
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More details: <a href="https://t.co/KieEuCVnnE">https://t.co/KieEuCVnnE</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a></p>
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCBMedia/status/1446793691033636866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Malik was part of the Pakistan squad that won the coveted trophy in 2009 and before that, he captained the team in the inaugural event in 2007 edition. The all-rounder missed the 2010 World Cup in the West Indies but featured in the last three editions.</p>

<p>The Pakistan squad will depart for Dubai on October 15 and will play warm-up matches against West Indies and South Africa before beginning their campaign with a blockbuster clash with arch-rivals India on October 24 in Dubai.</p>

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<p><strong>Pakistan squad:</strong></p>

<p>Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shoaib Malik&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Travelling reserves:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir&nbsp;</p>


Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has been recalled to the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to begin from October 17, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Saturday (October 9).

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has been recalled to the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to begin from October 17, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement on Saturday (October 9). The 39-year-old will make his sixth appearance at the Twenty20 World Cup as he has replaced injured middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood, who was ruled out of the showpiece tournament after suffering a lower back injury in a domestic match earlier this year. ALSO READ | Tom Moody's desire to become India's next head coach reason behind David Warner's fall from grace at SRH? "Sohaib is devastated to miss out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as he had worked hard for this event and was in sparkling form. We feel for him but injuries are part and parcel of the sport," said Pakistan's chief selector Muhammad Wasim. "I am sure after undergoing rehabilitation, he'll fully recover to be available for future assignments," he added. "In his place and following discussions with the team management, we have decided to include Shoaib Malik in the side. I am sure Shoaib’s experience will be handy for the entire squad," he added. ALSO READ | He hasn't bowled a single ball yet: Rohit Sharma opens up on Hardik Pandya's potential return with the ball Sohaib Maqsood ruled out, Shoaib Malik named replacement More details: https://t.co/KieEuCVnnE#T20WorldCup — PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) October 9, 2021 × Malik was part of the Pakistan squad that won the coveted trophy in 2009 and before that, he captained the team in the inaugural event in 2007 edition. The all-rounder missed the 2010 World Cup in the West Indies but featured in the last three editions. The Pakistan squad will depart for Dubai on October 15 and will play warm-up matches against West Indies and South Africa before beginning their campaign with a blockbuster clash with arch-rivals India on October 24 in Dubai. Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shoaib Malik Travelling reserves: Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir

'Experience will be handy': Shoaib Malik replaces injured Sohaib Maqsood in Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad

<p>Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik grabbed eyeballs during a recent Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. During the match, Shoaib was spotted with a fork sticking to his shoe, while he was batting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Videos and photos of the incident were circulated on social media forums and went viral. Twitterati had a field day as they gave hilarious&nbsp;takes on the fork incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bittersweet-but-grateful-south-africas-dale-steyn-calls-time-on-distinguished-career-409658">'Bittersweet, but grateful': South Africa's Dale Steyn calls time on distinguished career</a></strong></p>

<p>One of the users wrote, "Shoaib Malik played with a fork on his backfoot shoe so that he remembers not to play on the backfoot ( if he plays it breaks) Never seen before!"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another wrote, "Shoaib Malik bring the dinner table to the pitch!"</p>

<p>Another user chimed in and wrote, "Looks like it came from lunch break..."</p>

<p><strong>See the pictures here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shoaib Malik is batting with a fork. <a href="https://t.co/eU7cr9JDeD">pic.twitter.com/eU7cr9JDeD</a></p>
— Change of Pace (@ChangeofPace414) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChangeofPace414/status/1431628762949562371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shoaib Malik played with a fork on his backfoot shoe so that he remembers not to play on the backfoot ( if he plays it breaks)<br />
Never seen before!</p>
— Hemanth (@hemanth_2007) <a href="https://twitter.com/hemanth_2007/status/1432605196757004291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shoaib Malik with a fork under his shoes in CPL 🍴😂 <a href="https://t.co/JVLuYIz9JR">pic.twitter.com/JVLuYIz9JR</a></p>
— USAMA 🇵🇰🇩🇪 (@ULaperwah) <a href="https://twitter.com/ULaperwah/status/1431948818099101701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>St Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs&nbsp;Guyana Amazon Warriors - 5th Match result</strong></p>

<p>St Kitts and Nevis Patriots won the match by eight wickets. In the match, Guyana Amazon Warriors won the toss and they opted to bat first, scoring 146 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shoaib Malik scored five runs off 12 balls before losing his wicket to &nbsp;Dominic Drakes. Chandrapaul Hemraj (39), Mohammad Hafeez (38), Nicholas Pooran (23) contributed most of the runs with their bats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In reply, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots reached the given target with seven balls to spare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the match, Guyana Amazon Warriors skipper Nicholas Pooran said, "We were 15-20 short. We did get a few in the back end but we were short. A lot of talented players but we need to get the right combination. I want to win games for my team. I am doing right now what is best for my team."</p>

<p>St Kitts and Nevis Patriots skipper Dwayne Bravo said, "A great team effort. Credit to entire bowling group. Well done to all my bowlers. It is a wicket which offers for both spin and pace. It is a fairly small ground. As long as you play the game smart, you will do well as a batter. Thomas and Lewis did well to chase this tricky total down."</p>


Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik grabbed eyeballs during a recent Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik grabbed eyeballs during a recent Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. During the match, Shoaib was spotted with a fork sticking to his shoe, while he was batting. Videos and photos of the incident were circulated on social media forums and went viral. Twitterati had a field day as they gave hilarious takes on the fork incident. ALSO READ | 'Bittersweet, but grateful': South Africa's Dale Steyn calls time on distinguished career One of the users wrote, "Shoaib Malik played with a fork on his backfoot shoe so that he remembers not to play on the backfoot ( if he plays it breaks) Never seen before!" Another wrote, "Shoaib Malik bring the dinner table to the pitch!" Another user chimed in and wrote, "Looks like it came from lunch break..." See the pictures here: Shoaib Malik is batting with a fork. pic.twitter.com/eU7cr9JDeD — Change of Pace (@ChangeofPace414) August 28, 2021 × Shoaib Malik played with a fork on his backfoot shoe so that he remembers not to play on the backfoot ( if he plays it breaks) Never seen before! — Hemanth (@hemanth_2007) August 31, 2021 × Shoaib Malik with a fork under his shoes in CPL 🍴😂 pic.twitter.com/JVLuYIz9JR — USAMA 🇵🇰🇩🇪 (@ULaperwah) August 29, 2021 × × St Kitts and Nevis Patriots vs Guyana Amazon Warriors - 5th Match result St Kitts and Nevis Patriots won the match by eight wickets. In the match, Guyana Amazon Warriors won the toss and they opted to bat first, scoring 146 runs. Shoaib Malik scored five runs off 12 balls before losing his wicket to Dominic Drakes. Chandrapaul Hemraj (39), Mohammad Hafeez (38), Nicholas Pooran (23) contributed most of the runs with their bats. In reply, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots reached the given target with seven balls to spare. After the match, Guyana Amazon Warriors skipper Nicholas Pooran said, "We were 15-20 short. We did get a few in the back end but we were short. A lot of talented players but we need to get the right combination. I want to win games for my team. I am doing right now what is best for my team." St Kitts and Nevis Patriots skipper Dwayne Bravo said, "A great team effort. Credit to entire bowling group. Well done to all my bowlers. It is a wicket which offers for both spin and pace. It is a fairly small ground. As long as you play the game smart, you will do well as a batter. Thomas and Lewis did well to chase this tricky total down."

Pakistan's Shoaib Malik spotted with fork sticking to shoe during CPL 2021 match; netizens say, 'what the fork'

<p class="MsoNormal">Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Malik and Sandeep Lamichhane will be playing at the 2021 Caribbean Premier League which takes place in St Kitts and Nevis in August and September. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Barbados Tridents have secured the services of Pakistani left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir. With 220 T20 wickets to his name, 59 of them coming in international matches, Amir has a huge amount of experience and a track record of success across the globe.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Shoaib Malik returns to the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Malik was central to the success of the Amazon Warriors in 2019 when they won 11 consecutive matches. Malik has played 417 T20 matches and won 12 trophies in the format. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Sandeep Lamichhane joins the Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2021 season. He has played at the CPL for the last three seasons, impressing with St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots, Barbados Tridents and Jamaica Tallawahs. The leg-spinner has become a regular in T20 tournaments around the globe and will add potency to the Knight Riders attack.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2021-expected-to-resume-on-september-19-20-in-the-uae-report-387307" hreflang="en">Cricket: IPL 2021 expected to resume on September 19-20 in the UAE - Report</a></strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The complete squads for CPL 2021 will be revealed on the draft show which will be broadcast on Friday 28 May at 9am ECT | 2pm GMT | 6:30pm IST. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">First started in 2013, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mayank-agarwal-began-doubting-himself-after-playing-xi-snub-says-childhood-coach-387263" hreflang="en">Cricket: Mayank Agarwal began 'doubting' himself after playing XI snub, says childhood coach</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Trinbago Knight Riders are the current Hero CPL champions and the other competing teams are Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs. The 2021 tournament gets underway in St Kitts &amp; Nevis in August and September.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p>


Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Malik and Sandeep Lamichhane will be playing at the 2021 Caribbean Premier League which takes place in St Kitts and Nevis in August and September.

Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Malik and Sandeep Lamichhane will be playing at the 2021 Caribbean Premier League which takes place in St Kitts and Nevis in August and September. The Barbados Tridents have secured the services of Pakistani left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir. With 220 T20 wickets to his name, 59 of them coming in international matches, Amir has a huge amount of experience and a track record of success across the globe. Shoaib Malik returns to the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Malik was central to the success of the Amazon Warriors in 2019 when they won 11 consecutive matches. Malik has played 417 T20 matches and won 12 trophies in the format. Sandeep Lamichhane joins the Trinbago Knight Riders for the 2021 season. He has played at the CPL for the last three seasons, impressing with St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Barbados Tridents and Jamaica Tallawahs. The leg-spinner has become a regular in T20 tournaments around the globe and will add potency to the Knight Riders attack. ALSO READ: Cricket: IPL 2021 expected to resume on September 19-20 in the UAE - Report The complete squads for CPL 2021 will be revealed on the draft show which will be broadcast on Friday 28 May at 9am ECT | 2pm GMT | 6:30pm IST. First started in 2013, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere. ALSO READ: Cricket: Mayank Agarwal began 'doubting' himself after playing XI snub, says childhood coach Trinbago Knight Riders are the current Hero CPL champions and the other competing teams are Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs. The 2021 tournament gets underway in St Kitts & Nevis in August and September.

Cricket: Amir, Malik and Lamichhane sign for Caribbean Premier League 2021

<p>Pakistan Cricket Board's selection policies have been criticised by several former cricketers in the past. Now, Shoaib Malik has also slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and said that players are selected on the basis of contact and not their skills.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-think-any-league-can-compete-with-the-ipl-pakistan-pacer-wahab-riaz-385223" hreflang="en">'I don't think any league can compete with the IPL': Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz</a></p>

<p>"We have a system of liking and disliking in our cricket, which is something that is present in the rest of the world as well but seems to be a bit more in our culture. The day things change in our cricket system where more importance is given to skills rather than who a person knows, only then will things improve," Malik was quoted as saying by veteran Pakistan journalist Saj Sadiq in a series of tweets.</p>

<p>"In the recent squad there were many players who Babar wanted to pick, but they weren't selected. Everyone has their opinions but the final decision on selection should be that of the captain because it's he who will fight it out on the ground he with his team", he had added.</p>

<p>"Whatever is in my fate is in the hands of the Almighty and not in any person's control. I will have no regrets if I am not asked to play again, but I would have felt more regret if I had not spoken up on behalf of my fellow cricketers," Malik further said.</p>

<p>"I'm not against Misbah, he was an excellent cricketer and a good human and I respect him a lot. But I feel Misbah needed more time and he should have been asked to coach at the domestic level and then maybe brought in as Pakistan coach.</p>

<p>"I played under many captains who would make their own bold decisions, these were guys like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq &amp; Shahid Afridi. To be a captain &amp; just please others will not work - they will never be happy &amp; you won't last as captain," he signed off.</p>


Pakistan Cricket Board's selection policies have been criticised by several former cricketers in the past. Now, Shoaib Malik has also slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and said that players are selected on the basis of contact and not their skills.

Pakistan Cricket Board's selection policies have been criticised by several former cricketers in the past. Now, Shoaib Malik has also slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and said that players are selected on the basis of contact and not their skills. ALSO READ: 'I don't think any league can compete with the IPL': Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz "We have a system of liking and disliking in our cricket, which is something that is present in the rest of the world as well but seems to be a bit more in our culture. The day things change in our cricket system where more importance is given to skills rather than who a person knows, only then will things improve," Malik was quoted as saying by veteran Pakistan journalist Saj Sadiq in a series of tweets. "In the recent squad there were many players who Babar wanted to pick, but they weren't selected. Everyone has their opinions but the final decision on selection should be that of the captain because it's he who will fight it out on the ground he with his team", he had added. "Whatever is in my fate is in the hands of the Almighty and not in any person's control. I will have no regrets if I am not asked to play again, but I would have felt more regret if I had not spoken up on behalf of my fellow cricketers," Malik further said. "I'm not against Misbah, he was an excellent cricketer and a good human and I respect him a lot. But I feel Misbah needed more time and he should have been asked to coach at the domestic level and then maybe brought in as Pakistan coach. "I played under many captains who would make their own bold decisions, these were guys like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq & Shahid Afridi. To be a captain & just please others will not work - they will never be happy & you won't last as captain," he signed off.

'Players who Babar wanted to pick, weren't selected': Shoaib Malik slams Pakistan Cricket Board

<p>Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has made a shocking revelation that he almost quit international cricket in 2009 due to the internal politics in the team. Afridi, who was regarded as one of the best all-rounders, had a prolific career and played a crucial role for the Men in Green for several years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/havent-been-a-match-fixer-michael-vaughan-hits-back-at-salman-butt-385416" hreflang="en">'Haven't been a match fixer': Michael Vaughan hits back at Salman Butt</a></p>

<p>However, Afridi recalled an incident in 2009 when he decided to retire from international cricket. He said that there was a lot of politics in the Pakistan team when Shoaib Malik was appointed captain in 2009. Despite winning the 2009 T20 World Cup, Afridi wanted to end his career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I decided not to play cricket anymore,” Afridi told Samaa TV in an interview.</p>

<p>“Shoaib Malik had become the captain and there was a lot of politics going on within the team," he added.</p>

<p>He said that an old man's wise advice forced him to reconsider his decision to put an end to his international career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He said you’re so worried about your own performance and worldly matters. Just compare your hardships to those of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and you will realise that yours are nothing," said Afridi&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shahid Afridi retired from the international circuit in 2017. The all-rounder played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs, and 99 T20Is. He scored 11,196 runs across all formats and scalped 541 wickets.&nbsp;</p>


Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has made a shocking revelation that he almost quit international cricket in 2009 due to the internal politics in the team. Afridi, who was regarded as one of the best all-rounders, had a prolific career and played a crucial role for the Men in Green for several years.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has made a shocking revelation that he almost quit international cricket in 2009 due to the internal politics in the team. Afridi, who was regarded as one of the best all-rounders, had a prolific career and played a crucial role for the Men in Green for several years. ALSO READ: 'Haven't been a match fixer': Michael Vaughan hits back at Salman Butt However, Afridi recalled an incident in 2009 when he decided to retire from international cricket. He said that there was a lot of politics in the Pakistan team when Shoaib Malik was appointed captain in 2009. Despite winning the 2009 T20 World Cup, Afridi wanted to end his career. “I decided not to play cricket anymore,” Afridi told Samaa TV in an interview. “Shoaib Malik had become the captain and there was a lot of politics going on within the team," he added. He said that an old man's wise advice forced him to reconsider his decision to put an end to his international career. “He said you’re so worried about your own performance and worldly matters. Just compare your hardships to those of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and you will realise that yours are nothing," said Afridi Shahid Afridi retired from the international circuit in 2017. The all-rounder played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs, and 99 T20Is. He scored 11,196 runs across all formats and scalped 541 wickets.

'There was lot of politics going on within team': Shahid Afridi on almost quitting cricket in 2009

<p>Zimbabwe decimated Team Pakistan in the second T20I of the series, clinching a first-ever win against the Men in Green in the format after a thrilling contest on Friday at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/didnt-know-how-to-face-my-teammates-andre-russell-on-staircase-moment-after-dismissal-vs-csk-379866" hreflang="en">Didn't know how to face my teammates: Andre Russell on staircase moment after dismissal vs CSK</a></p>

<p>Pakistan did well after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Pakistan's bowling attack led by Hasnain and Aziz restricted hosts Zimbabwe for 118 runs by the end of 20 overs after losing nine wickets. Opener Kamunhukamwe scored the most runs for the hosts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The match which seemed like a cakewalk for Pakistan's batting attack turned around in Zimbabwe's favour. &nbsp;Skipper Babar Azam scored 41 runs in 45 balls and tried to take Pakistan over the line. However, his dismissal came as a big blow to Pakistan as the whole team was bundled out on 99 runs handing a comfortable 19 runs win to hosts Zimbabwe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/netizens-have-a-field-day-as-zimbabwe-defeat-pakistan-in-2nd-t20i-379549" hreflang="en">Netizens have a field day as Zimbabwe defeat Pakistan in 2nd T20I</a></p>

<p>Former Pak cricketer Ramiz Raja lashed out at the Men in Green for their disappointing display. He uploaded a video on his YouTube channel where he said: "Pakistan players played reckless shots and there was no technique or partnership. [Blessing] Muzarabani was the only quality bowler in their [Zimbabwe] line-up and if you get a chance to watch the replays you will see that our batting seemed so ordinary against him.</p>

<p>Pakistan team looked like a rabbit in the headlights. They were expecting disasters, did not back themselves and showed an ordinary performance against a club level side. I'm shocked as to whether I should analyse this or express anger over this. This clearly is a very dark moment in our history," he added.</p>

<p>Shoaib Malik also criticised the team's management on social media. He said: "Unacquainted decision makers need to take a step back; Babar &amp; chief selector need to call the shots. In my opinion we need an international white ball coach who understands cricket inside out &amp; grooms our captain whilst giving clarity to our players for coming time.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">...when your management relies on likes &amp; dislikes especially when your cricket is just in surviving mode, then what else do expect as a nation?<br />
On top of that when you don't let your captain take decisions this is bound to happen... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a></p>
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik/status/1385626790341660714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>When your management relies on likes &amp; dislikes especially when your cricket is just in surviving mode, then what else do expect as a nation? On top of that when you don't let your captain take decisions this is bound to happen."</p>


Zimbabwe decimated Team Pakistan in the second T20I of the series, clinching a first-ever win against the Men in Green in the format after a thrilling contest on Friday at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.

Zimbabwe decimated Team Pakistan in the second T20I of the series, clinching a first-ever win against the Men in Green in the format after a thrilling contest on Friday at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. ALSO READ: Didn't know how to face my teammates: Andre Russell on staircase moment after dismissal vs CSK Pakistan did well after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Pakistan's bowling attack led by Hasnain and Aziz restricted hosts Zimbabwe for 118 runs by the end of 20 overs after losing nine wickets. Opener Kamunhukamwe scored the most runs for the hosts. The match which seemed like a cakewalk for Pakistan's batting attack turned around in Zimbabwe's favour. Skipper Babar Azam scored 41 runs in 45 balls and tried to take Pakistan over the line. However, his dismissal came as a big blow to Pakistan as the whole team was bundled out on 99 runs handing a comfortable 19 runs win to hosts Zimbabwe. ALSO READ: Netizens have a field day as Zimbabwe defeat Pakistan in 2nd T20I Former Pak cricketer Ramiz Raja lashed out at the Men in Green for their disappointing display. He uploaded a video on his YouTube channel where he said: "Pakistan players played reckless shots and there was no technique or partnership. [Blessing] Muzarabani was the only quality bowler in their [Zimbabwe] line-up and if you get a chance to watch the replays you will see that our batting seemed so ordinary against him. Pakistan team looked like a rabbit in the headlights. They were expecting disasters, did not back themselves and showed an ordinary performance against a club level side. I'm shocked as to whether I should analyse this or express anger over this. This clearly is a very dark moment in our history," he added. Shoaib Malik also criticised the team's management on social media. He said: "Unacquainted decision makers need to take a step back; Babar & chief selector need to call the shots. In my opinion we need an international white ball coach who understands cricket inside out & grooms our captain whilst giving clarity to our players for coming time. ...when your management relies on likes & dislikes especially when your cricket is just in surviving mode, then what else do expect as a nation? On top of that when you don't let your captain take decisions this is bound to happen... #Cricket #Pakistan — Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) April 23, 2021 × When your management relies on likes & dislikes especially when your cricket is just in surviving mode, then what else do expect as a nation? On top of that when you don't let your captain take decisions this is bound to happen."

Ramiz Raja and Shoaib Malik lash out at Babar Azam-led Pakistan after Zimbabwe debacle

<p>Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza recently celebrated their 11th marriage anniversary and the all-rounder admitted to repeating his mistake of wishing her&nbsp;a day late.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/babar-azam-dethrones-virat-kohli-as-no-1-odi-batsman-in-icc-rankings-377486" hreflang="en">Babar Azam dethrones Virat Kohli as no. 1 ODI batsman in ICC Rankings</a></p>

<p>He took to Twitter to admit his 'ghalti' (mistake) and said: "- Oops ghalti se mistake hogaya.. Wishing you a day late as always, love you @MirzaSania to the moon and back begum, Bay-Ghum".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">- Oops ghalti se mistake hogaya...<br />
<br />
Wishing you a day late as always, love you <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MirzaSania</a> to the moon and back begum, Bay-Ghum 😉 ♥️</p>
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik/status/1381964808468230145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>This tweet came a day after Sania Mirza took to Instagram to wish her husband via an adorable post. Sania wrote "Through 'thick' and 'thin' they said &nbsp;through good and bad &nbsp;Happy Anniversary to my main.. to many more years of irritating you InshaAllah 11 YEARS!!!" on her Instagram post.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNjxyRpn5SH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Sania Mirza (@mirzasaniar)</a></p>
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<p>The couple got married in April 2010 and have a son, Izhaan Mirza Malik, who was born in October 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistan cricketer has been away from the game for quite some time now. His last international game was a T20 international against England in Manchester in September 2020. In terms of ODIs, his last appearance was against India at the 2019 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prolific all-rounder made his international debut in 1999 against West Indies at Sharjah. Since then, he has played 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 116 T20Is for Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has 7,534 runs next to his name in the ODI format, including nine centuries. In the Test format, Shoaib Malik has 1,898 runs and he has hit three centuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sania Mirza was last seen in the Dubai Tennis Championships where she was knocked out in the Round of 16.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza recently celebrated their 11th marriage anniversary and the all-rounder admitted to repeating his mistake of wishing her a day late.

Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza recently celebrated their 11th marriage anniversary and the all-rounder admitted to repeating his mistake of wishing her a day late. ALSO READ: Babar Azam dethrones Virat Kohli as no. 1 ODI batsman in ICC Rankings He took to Twitter to admit his 'ghalti' (mistake) and said: "- Oops ghalti se mistake hogaya.. Wishing you a day late as always, love you @MirzaSania to the moon and back begum, Bay-Ghum". - Oops ghalti se mistake hogaya... Wishing you a day late as always, love you @MirzaSania to the moon and back begum, Bay-Ghum 😉 ♥️ — Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) April 13, 2021 × This tweet came a day after Sania Mirza took to Instagram to wish her husband via an adorable post. Sania wrote "Through 'thick' and 'thin' they said through good and bad Happy Anniversary to my main.. to many more years of irritating you InshaAllah 11 YEARS!!!" on her Instagram post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sania Mirza (@mirzasaniar) × The couple got married in April 2010 and have a son, Izhaan Mirza Malik, who was born in October 2018. The Pakistan cricketer has been away from the game for quite some time now. His last international game was a T20 international against England in Manchester in September 2020. In terms of ODIs, his last appearance was against India at the 2019 World Cup. The prolific all-rounder made his international debut in 1999 against West Indies at Sharjah. Since then, he has played 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 116 T20Is for Pakistan. He has 7,534 runs next to his name in the ODI format, including nine centuries. In the Test format, Shoaib Malik has 1,898 runs and he has hit three centuries. Sania Mirza was last seen in the Dubai Tennis Championships where she was knocked out in the Round of 16.

'Oops ghalti se mistake': Shoaib Malik repeated this error while wishing Sania Mirza on marriage anniversary

<p>Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has become the first Pakistan and Asian cricketer to go past the mind-boggling tally of 10,000 runs in T20 format. Malik also became the third overall batsman to achieve the historic milestone while playing for his team Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the ongoing National T20 Cup in Pakistan on October 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malik not only slammed a 44-ball 74 against Balochistan but also became the first Asian to achieve the landmark of scoring 10,000 runs in T20 format of the game.</p>

<p>However, Malik’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost the match against Balochistan by six wickets. The National T20 Cup is Malik’s first assignment since the T20I series played against England in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-squads-for-womens-t20-challenge-here-are-full-teams-334473" hreflang="en">BCCI announces squads for Women's T20 Challenge - Here are full teams</a></strong></p>

<p>Malik made his T20 debut for Sialkot Stallions in 2005 and has accumulated 10,027 runs in 395 T20 matches. He averages 37.41 with the bat at a strike-rate of 125.71. While Malik has a staggering 62 half-centuries in the shortest format of the game, the veteran batsman is yet to score a century. With the ball, Malik has 148 wickets at an impressive economy of 7.03.</p>

<p>While Malik became the third cricketer overall to achieve the feat of scoring 10,000 runs in T20 format, Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard are other two cricketers to have achieved the landmark before Malik.</p>

<p>He tweeted, “I would like to congratulate the people of Pakistan as I am the first Asian cricketer to have reached this milestone of making 10,000 runs in #T20 cricket &amp; I hope I will carry on in the way I have been playing. I’d like to dedicate this milestone to my parents.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-mid-season-transfer-window-players-list-eligibility-criteria-rules-and-more-333959" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 mid-season transfer window: All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>“They’ve always prayed for me. I wish my father was alive today as he would’ve been very happy, but that’s how life is. Whenever I go to the ground I always call my mother before a match &amp; get her prayers.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">- "I would like to congratulate the people of Pakistan as I am the first Asian cricketer to have reached this milestone of making 10,000 runs in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20</a> cricket &amp; I hope I will carry on in the way I have been playing. I'd like to dedicate this milestone to my parents... <a href="https://t.co/btiOGpTJo9">pic.twitter.com/btiOGpTJo9</a></p>
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik/status/1315018686957121536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Also a big thankyou at the same time to all my fellow players, ground staff members, fans and supporters.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has become the first Pakistan and Asian cricketer to go past the mind-boggling tally of 10,000 runs in T20 format. Malik also became the third overall batsman to achieve the historic milestone while playing for his team Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the ongoing National T20 Cup in Pakistan on October 10.

Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has become the first Pakistan and Asian cricketer to go past the mind-boggling tally of 10,000 runs in T20 format. Malik also became the third overall batsman to achieve the historic milestone while playing for his team Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the ongoing National T20 Cup in Pakistan on October 10. Malik not only slammed a 44-ball 74 against Balochistan but also became the first Asian to achieve the landmark of scoring 10,000 runs in T20 format of the game. However, Malik’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost the match against Balochistan by six wickets. The National T20 Cup is Malik’s first assignment since the T20I series played against England in September. ALSO READ: BCCI announces squads for Women's T20 Challenge - Here are full teams Malik made his T20 debut for Sialkot Stallions in 2005 and has accumulated 10,027 runs in 395 T20 matches. He averages 37.41 with the bat at a strike-rate of 125.71. While Malik has a staggering 62 half-centuries in the shortest format of the game, the veteran batsman is yet to score a century. With the ball, Malik has 148 wickets at an impressive economy of 7.03. While Malik became the third cricketer overall to achieve the feat of scoring 10,000 runs in T20 format, Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard are other two cricketers to have achieved the landmark before Malik. He tweeted, “I would like to congratulate the people of Pakistan as I am the first Asian cricketer to have reached this milestone of making 10,000 runs in #T20 cricket & I hope I will carry on in the way I have been playing. I’d like to dedicate this milestone to my parents.” ALSO READ: IPL 2020 mid-season transfer window: All you need to know “They’ve always prayed for me. I wish my father was alive today as he would’ve been very happy, but that’s how life is. Whenever I go to the ground I always call my mother before a match & get her prayers.” - "I would like to congratulate the people of Pakistan as I am the first Asian cricketer to have reached this milestone of making 10,000 runs in #T20 cricket & I hope I will carry on in the way I have been playing. I'd like to dedicate this milestone to my parents... pic.twitter.com/btiOGpTJo9 — Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) October 10, 2020 × “Also a big thankyou at the same time to all my fellow players, ground staff members, fans and supporters.”

Shoaib Malik becomes first Asian to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket

<p>The first T20 International match is taking place in Lahore with hosts Pakistan taking on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cricket-board-gets-government-clearance-only-for-t20i-series-in-pakistan-no-chance-of-test-cricket-273996">Bangladesh</a>. Pakistan captain Babar Azam lost the toss to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cricket-board-to-decide-on-test-tour-in-pakistan-today-273214">Bangladesh </a>captain Mahmudullah Riyad as the visitors chose to bat first.</p>

<p>Azam has vehemently defended his decision to recall veterans ​Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, stating that the mere presence of the experienced duo should help the team in their pursuit of winning the T20 series.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-recall-hafeez-and-malik-for-bangladesh-t20-series-274695">Pakistan recall Hafeez and Malik for Bangladesh T20 series</a></p>

<p dir="ltr"><img alt="Bangladesh's Liton Das (R) plays a shot as Pakistan's wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan looks on " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35a237a8-38e2-4759-b181-995ff45a3b33" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-24T165012.593.jpg" /><br />
<em>[&nbsp;Bangladesh's Liton Das (R);&nbsp;Pakistan's wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (L) (Courtesy: AFP) ]</em></p>

<p>"I felt that we needed these two (Malik, Hafeez) seniors. They were part of the number one team last year," he said. "I gave my opinion to the selectors and they heard me. Their presence will help me and the team. I will learn from them on captaincy as well," Babar added.</p>

<p>The remaining two matches are also set to be played in Lahore.</p>


The first T20 International match is taking place in Lahore with hosts Pakistan taking on Bangladesh. Pakistan captain Babar Azam lost the toss to Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad as the visitors chose to bat first.

The first T20 International match is taking place in Lahore with hosts Pakistan taking on Bangladesh. Pakistan captain Babar Azam lost the toss to Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad as the visitors chose to bat first. Azam has vehemently defended his decision to recall veterans Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, stating that the mere presence of the experienced duo should help the team in their pursuit of winning the T20 series. Also Read: Pakistan recall Hafeez and Malik for Bangladesh T20 series [ Bangladesh's Liton Das (R); Pakistan's wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (L) (Courtesy: AFP) ] "I felt that we needed these two (Malik, Hafeez) seniors. They were part of the number one team last year," he said. "I gave my opinion to the selectors and they heard me. Their presence will help me and the team. I will learn from them on captaincy as well," Babar added. The remaining two matches are also set to be played in Lahore.

Bangladesh wins toss, set to bat first in first T20I against Pakistan

<p>Pakistan dropped former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed from the country's Twenty 20 and Test squads for their upcoming Australian tour Monday, while experienced players Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez were also given the axe in the shorter format.</p>

<p>Sarfaraz, 32, was stripped last week of his Twenty 20 international and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-cricket-board-removed-sarfaraz-ahmed-captain-256661">Test captaincy,</a> just days after Pakistan were routed 3-0 by Sri Lanka at home in the short format.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His place in both squads was taken by 27-year-old Mohammad Rizwan, whose only Test was in New Zealand in 2016. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The exit from Twenty 20 internationals means curtains for Malik who had already announced retirement from Tests and one-day internationals.</p>

<p>Hafeez was part of Pakistan's Twenty 20 squad in South Africa earlier this year but was not played. At 39, he has little hope of competing in international cricket again.</p>

<p>Pakistan will play three Twenty 20 internationals in Sydney (November 3), Canberra (November 5) and Perth (November 8).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two Tests will be in Brisbane (Nov 21-25) and Adelaide (Nov 29-Dec 03).</p>

<p>Head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq said Pakistan need to do well in Australia following a disappointing summer.</p>

<p>"We need to play aggressive cricket to achieve better results there," said Misbah. "We have some exciting youngsters in the pace squad who could be surprise packages."</p>

<p>The Test pace attack,&nbsp;hampered by the untimely retirement of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz earlier this year,&nbsp;includes 16-year-old Nasim Shah and 19-year-old Musa Khan who have played just five and seven first-class matches respectively.</p>

<p>Imran Khan senior, 32, returns to the Test squad after playing his last Test during the Australian tour in 2017.</p>

<p>Prolific leg-spinner Yasir Shah will be assisted by 33-year-old left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti in Tests.</p>

<p>And leg-spinner Usman Qadir,&nbsp;son of the late legendary leggie Abdul Qadir, will be part of the Twenty20 squad, with Misbah citing his experience playing in Australia's Big Bash Twenty20 league earlier this year.</p>

<p>The lanky 37-year-old Mohammad Irfan, who played the last of his 20 Twenty 20 internationals in the Twenty 20 World Cup in India three years ago, is also part of the shorter format.</p>

<p>Squads:</p>

<p>Twenty 20: Babar Azam (captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khusdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir</p>

<p>Test: Azhar Ali (captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan senior, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kashid Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Nusa Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah</p>


Pakistan dropped former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed from the country's Twenty 20 and Test squads for their upcoming Australian tour Monday, while experienced players Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez were also given the axe in the shorter format.

Pakistan dropped former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed from the country's Twenty 20 and Test squads for their upcoming Australian tour Monday, while experienced players Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez were also given the axe in the shorter format. Sarfaraz, 32, was stripped last week of his Twenty 20 international and Test captaincy, just days after Pakistan were routed 3-0 by Sri Lanka at home in the short format. His place in both squads was taken by 27-year-old Mohammad Rizwan, whose only Test was in New Zealand in 2016. The exit from Twenty 20 internationals means curtains for Malik who had already announced retirement from Tests and one-day internationals. Hafeez was part of Pakistan's Twenty 20 squad in South Africa earlier this year but was not played. At 39, he has little hope of competing in international cricket again. Pakistan will play three Twenty 20 internationals in Sydney (November 3), Canberra (November 5) and Perth (November 8). The two Tests will be in Brisbane (Nov 21-25) and Adelaide (Nov 29-Dec 03). Head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq said Pakistan need to do well in Australia following a disappointing summer. "We need to play aggressive cricket to achieve better results there," said Misbah. "We have some exciting youngsters in the pace squad who could be surprise packages." The Test pace attack, hampered by the untimely retirement of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz earlier this year, includes 16-year-old Nasim Shah and 19-year-old Musa Khan who have played just five and seven first-class matches respectively. Imran Khan senior, 32, returns to the Test squad after playing his last Test during the Australian tour in 2017. Prolific leg-spinner Yasir Shah will be assisted by 33-year-old left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti in Tests. And leg-spinner Usman Qadir, son of the late legendary leggie Abdul Qadir, will be part of the Twenty20 squad, with Misbah citing his experience playing in Australia's Big Bash Twenty20 league earlier this year. The lanky 37-year-old Mohammad Irfan, who played the last of his 20 Twenty 20 internationals in the Twenty 20 World Cup in India three years ago, is also part of the shorter format. Squads: Twenty 20: Babar Azam (captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khusdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir Test: Azhar Ali (captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan senior, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kashid Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Nusa Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah

Pakistan drops Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik from Australia tour

<p>Pakistani star all-rounder Shoaib Malik has announced retirement from one-day international cricket after Pakistan's 94-run win over Bangladesh on Friday at Lord's.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am retiring from one-day cricket," said Malik, who was dropped after a disappointing World Cup featuring two ducks in three maches.</p>

<p>"I'm sad as I'm leaving the format I loved the most but this will allow me to spend more time with my family and concentrate on the Twenty20 World Cup next year," added Malik, who is married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza.</p>

<p>Pakistan registered a thumping victory over Bangladesh to finish level on 11 points and games won (five) with fourth-placed New Zealand.</p>

<p>Despite the win and 11 points, Pakistan failed to make to the semis due to their inferior run-rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malik made his one-day debut in 1999 against West Indies has drawn curtains on his ODI career spanning 20 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, Malik has played a total of 287 ODI matches. Across format, he has played 433 international games for Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fifty-over format, all-rounder Malik scored 7534 runs and took 158 wickets.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A legend leaves the ODI field for the final time.<br />
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Thank you Shoaib Malik 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/g1tlIsPEK0">pic.twitter.com/g1tlIsPEK0</a></p>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1147201841119342593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Malik made his last ODI appearance against India in Manchester in the World Cup 2019 tournament when he was dismissed for a duck.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yes, I wanted to help my team win the World Cup as a senior but at times things don't go the way you think and that's part and parcel of cricket," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You don't judge a player on two or three matches, but I am still happy that the player who replaced me performed well," Malik said of Haris Sohail, who scored half-centuries against South Africa and New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I never thought that I will play 20 years for Pakistan but when you play with hard work and honesty you achieve the best and that happened with me.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am satisfied with my ODI career and winning the Champions Trophy has been the highlight of my ODI career," he added of Pakistan's triumph in England two years ago.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistani star all-rounder Shoaib Malik has announced retirement from one-day international cricket after Pakistan's 94-run win over Bangladesh on Friday at Lord's.

Pakistani star all-rounder Shoaib Malik has announced retirement from one-day international cricket after Pakistan's 94-run win over Bangladesh on Friday at Lord's. "I am retiring from one-day cricket," said Malik, who was dropped after a disappointing World Cup featuring two ducks in three maches. "I'm sad as I'm leaving the format I loved the most but this will allow me to spend more time with my family and concentrate on the Twenty20 World Cup next year," added Malik, who is married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza. Pakistan registered a thumping victory over Bangladesh to finish level on 11 points and games won (five) with fourth-placed New Zealand. Despite the win and 11 points, Pakistan failed to make to the semis due to their inferior run-rate. Malik made his one-day debut in 1999 against West Indies has drawn curtains on his ODI career spanning 20 years. Overall, Malik has played a total of 287 ODI matches. Across format, he has played 433 international games for Pakistan. In fifty-over format, all-rounder Malik scored 7534 runs and took 158 wickets. A legend leaves the ODI field for the final time. Thank you Shoaib Malik 👏#CWC19 | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/g1tlIsPEK0 — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 5, 2019 × Malik made his last ODI appearance against India in Manchester in the World Cup 2019 tournament when he was dismissed for a duck. "Yes, I wanted to help my team win the World Cup as a senior but at times things don't go the way you think and that's part and parcel of cricket," he said. "You don't judge a player on two or three matches, but I am still happy that the player who replaced me performed well," Malik said of Haris Sohail, who scored half-centuries against South Africa and New Zealand. "I never thought that I will play 20 years for Pakistan but when you play with hard work and honesty you achieve the best and that happened with me. "I am satisfied with my ODI career and winning the Champions Trophy has been the highlight of my ODI career," he added of Pakistan's triumph in England two years ago.

World Cup: Pakistan's Shoaib Malik announces retirement from one-day cricket

<p>Pakistani cricketer and former captain of the 'men in green' Shoaib Malik on Tuesday requested media and fans to refrain from dragging families of players into online trolling and petty discussions.</p>

<p>The Pakistani&nbsp;all-rounder took to Twitter hours after a video of Shoaib Malik, his wife Sania Mirza and some Pakistan team players sitting at a shisha lounge went viral.</p>

<p>Angry over Pakistan’s defeat against India, fans criticized cricketers for enjoying in England just hours before the clash against the arch-rivals.</p>

<p>Malik though has claimed that the purported video is of June 13 and not before the night of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When will Pak media be accountable for their credibility by our courts? Having served my country for +20 years in international cricket, it's sad that I have to clarify things related to my personal life. The videos are from 13th June and not 15th," he tweeted.&nbsp;<br />
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<img alt="Shoaib Malik" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b58beb0-93a9-4bed-88f4-2eb4f6d49153" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Shoaib%20tweet.JPG" /><br />
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He has said that families of players should be kept out of such manner of criticism.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On behalf of all athletes I would like to request media and people to maintain respect levels in regards to our families, who should not be dragged into petty discussions at will. It’s not a nice thing to do</p>
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik/status/1140697384919478272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Indian Tennis superstar and wife of Shoaib Malik, Sania Mirza&nbsp;has also reacted sharply to the viral video and expressed her anxiousness over breaching their privacy and making video without permission.</p>

<p>“That’s the video you shot without asking us, disrespecting our privacy even though we had a child with us?&amp; got told off for doing so,&amp; u came up with this crap?FYI ‘outing’ was dinner &amp; yes ppl are allowed to eat if they lose a match! Bunch of fools! Try better content next time,” posted Mirza.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">😂That’s the video you shot without asking us,disrespecting our privacy even though we had a child with us?&amp; got told off for doing so,&amp; u came up with this crap?FYI ‘outing’ was dinner &amp; yes ppl are allowed to eat if they lose a match!Bunch of fools!Try better content nxt time😂 <a href="https://t.co/51gnkMWUYu">https://t.co/51gnkMWUYu</a></p>
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/1139950267619692544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>India defeated Pakistan by 89 runs at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday.</p>


Pakistani cricketer and former captain of the 'men in green' Shoaib Malik on Tuesday requested media and fans to refrain from dragging families of players into online trolling and petty discussions.

Pakistani cricketer and former captain of the 'men in green' Shoaib Malik on Tuesday requested media and fans to refrain from dragging families of players into online trolling and petty discussions. The Pakistani all-rounder took to Twitter hours after a video of Shoaib Malik, his wife Sania Mirza and some Pakistan team players sitting at a shisha lounge went viral. Angry over Pakistan’s defeat against India, fans criticized cricketers for enjoying in England just hours before the clash against the arch-rivals. Malik though has claimed that the purported video is of June 13 and not before the night of the match. "When will Pak media be accountable for their credibility by our courts? Having served my country for +20 years in international cricket, it's sad that I have to clarify things related to my personal life. The videos are from 13th June and not 15th," he tweeted. He has said that families of players should be kept out of such manner of criticism. On behalf of all athletes I would like to request media and people to maintain respect levels in regards to our families, who should not be dragged into petty discussions at will. It’s not a nice thing to do — Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) June 17, 2019 × Indian Tennis superstar and wife of Shoaib Malik, Sania Mirza has also reacted sharply to the viral video and expressed her anxiousness over breaching their privacy and making video without permission. “That’s the video you shot without asking us, disrespecting our privacy even though we had a child with us?& got told off for doing so,& u came up with this crap?FYI ‘outing’ was dinner & yes ppl are allowed to eat if they lose a match! Bunch of fools! Try better content next time,” posted Mirza. 😂That’s the video you shot without asking us,disrespecting our privacy even though we had a child with us?& got told off for doing so,& u came up with this crap?FYI ‘outing’ was dinner & yes ppl are allowed to eat if they lose a match!Bunch of fools!Try better content nxt time😂 https://t.co/51gnkMWUYu — Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) June 15, 2019 × India defeated Pakistan by 89 runs at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday.

Sad, 20 years to Pakistan cricket and still clarify personal life: Shoaib Malik

<p>Pakistan must go back to their Champions Trophy triumph for inspiration and then look for early wickets in their World Cup encounter against arch-rivals India, suggests former captain Waqar Younis.</p>

<p>Bitter foes India and Pakistan lock horns in the tournament's one of the most anticipated matches at the Old Trafford on Sunday.</p>

<p>"It's simple - if Pakistan want to stay in the tournament, they have to bring an 'A-plus' performance and win that game," Waqar said in his column for the ICC.</p>

<p>"When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-high-pressure-india-game-a-must-win-for-pakistan-says-imam-ul-haq-226750">Pakistan play India</a> it's always a huge game, but their meeting on Sunday is shaping up to be more crucial than ever," Waqar said.</p>

<p>While he did not read much into India's all-win record against Pakistan in the World Cup, the pace great urged his country to look up to the title triumph in the 2017 Champions Trophy, where they beat India in the final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Pakistan have got to take positives out of what they did to India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy a couple of years ago. They must think positively going into this game. I hope they have got their best game in the locker for India, who showed against Australia that they are a very fine side," Waqar, one of the best fast bowlers of his time, said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the former captain and coach, picking up early wickets could be key to Pakistan's chances.</p>

<p>"What I have seen in this World Cup so far is that if you don't pick up early wickets, you're in trouble. The new ball is so crucial and openers are being more careful in the first ten overs this year," said Waqar.</p>

<p>"They're <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-need-to-overcome-mistakes-to-beat-india-says-sarfaraz-after-australia-defeat-226683">not really going full throttle</a>, they are being a bit more watchful. Once you don't lose any wickets early on, it becomes easier because the ball doesn't swing and batting becomes easier," Waqar said.</p>

<p>Waqar believes Pakistan were done in by the new ball, in both batting bowling, against Australia on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"It was with the new ball, in both batting and bowling, that I felt Pakistan missed a trick in their entertaining defeat to Australia at Taunton. Early on, we were not really sharp enough and Sarfaraz Ahmed was not on his toes. Mohammad Amir didn't get any support from the other end,"&nbsp;Waqar said.</p>

<p>Returning his best ODI figures of 5/30, Amir staged a fine comeback to stop Australia's charge at 307.</p>

<p>"No-one really saw the comeback coming and for that, you have to take your hat off to Amir. Full marks to him for the way he bowled. Even with the new ball, I thought he bowled quite nicely. He could have picked up more than five wickets in the end. He was unfortunate with a couple of nicks early on," said Waqar.</p>

<p>"Pakistan pulled it back very nicely. They were sharp after 25 overs and started picking up wickets. They found the right lengths," he said.</p>

<p>His praise for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammad-amir-confessed-to-spot-fixing-after-shahid-afridi-slapped-him-abdul-razzaq-226584">Amir</a>, who was not initially included in Pakistan's World Cup squad, did not end there.</p>

<p>"Amir bowled superbly. He showed us all his cutters, variations and short-pitched deliveries. I think we all know Amir is mentally very, very strong. He showed once again that class is permanent? he is no doubt a match-winner," he added.</p>

<p>Regarding team combination, Waqar felt there could be changes for Sunday's game.</p>

<p>"It may be that Mickey Arthur looks at changing the team for Sunday. I spoke to Mickey in Taunton and he is thinking in terms of horses for courses, and I agree with him to an extent. The pitch there was good for pacers and he rightly went with four of them. The issue was not the nature of the plan, but the execution,"&nbsp;Waqar said.</p>

<p>Waqar was in favour of dropping spin-bowling all-rounder Shoaib Malik.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Shadab is the key man in this side and I think they will look to bring him back against India. They might go for five bowlers, use four pacers and Shadab and drop someone like Shoaib Malik," he said.</p>

<p>"Going from a defeat to playing the old rivalry against India isn't going to be easy. India probably watched the Australia game very closely and know what needs to be done. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-17-australia-vs-pakistan-226457">Pakistan </a>need to lift themselves up and I hope they bring their best on Sunday," said&nbsp;Waqar.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan must go back to their Champions Trophy triumph for inspiration and then look for early wickets in their World Cup encounter against arch-rivals India, suggests former captain Waqar Younis.

Pakistan must go back to their Champions Trophy triumph for inspiration and then look for early wickets in their World Cup encounter against arch-rivals India, suggests former captain Waqar Younis. Bitter foes India and Pakistan lock horns in the tournament's one of the most anticipated matches at the Old Trafford on Sunday. "It's simple - if Pakistan want to stay in the tournament, they have to bring an 'A-plus' performance and win that game," Waqar said in his column for the ICC. "When Pakistan play India it's always a huge game, but their meeting on Sunday is shaping up to be more crucial than ever," Waqar said. While he did not read much into India's all-win record against Pakistan in the World Cup, the pace great urged his country to look up to the title triumph in the 2017 Champions Trophy, where they beat India in the final. "Pakistan have got to take positives out of what they did to India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy a couple of years ago. They must think positively going into this game. I hope they have got their best game in the locker for India, who showed against Australia that they are a very fine side," Waqar, one of the best fast bowlers of his time, said. According to the former captain and coach, picking up early wickets could be key to Pakistan's chances. "What I have seen in this World Cup so far is that if you don't pick up early wickets, you're in trouble. The new ball is so crucial and openers are being more careful in the first ten overs this year," said Waqar. "They're not really going full throttle, they are being a bit more watchful. Once you don't lose any wickets early on, it becomes easier because the ball doesn't swing and batting becomes easier," Waqar said. Waqar believes Pakistan were done in by the new ball, in both batting bowling, against Australia on Wednesday. "It was with the new ball, in both batting and bowling, that I felt Pakistan missed a trick in their entertaining defeat to Australia at Taunton. Early on, we were not really sharp enough and Sarfaraz Ahmed was not on his toes. Mohammad Amir didn't get any support from the other end," Waqar said. Returning his best ODI figures of 5/30, Amir staged a fine comeback to stop Australia's charge at 307. "No-one really saw the comeback coming and for that, you have to take your hat off to Amir. Full marks to him for the way he bowled. Even with the new ball, I thought he bowled quite nicely. He could have picked up more than five wickets in the end. He was unfortunate with a couple of nicks early on," said Waqar. "Pakistan pulled it back very nicely. They were sharp after 25 overs and started picking up wickets. They found the right lengths," he said. His praise for Amir, who was not initially included in Pakistan's World Cup squad, did not end there. "Amir bowled superbly. He showed us all his cutters, variations and short-pitched deliveries. I think we all know Amir is mentally very, very strong. He showed once again that class is permanent? he is no doubt a match-winner," he added. Regarding team combination, Waqar felt there could be changes for Sunday's game. "It may be that Mickey Arthur looks at changing the team for Sunday. I spoke to Mickey in Taunton and he is thinking in terms of horses for courses, and I agree with him to an extent. The pitch there was good for pacers and he rightly went with four of them. The issue was not the nature of the plan, but the execution," Waqar said. Waqar was in favour of dropping spin-bowling all-rounder Shoaib Malik. "Shadab is the key man in this side and I think they will look to bring him back against India. They might go for five bowlers, use four pacers and Shadab and drop someone like Shoaib Malik," he said. "Going from a defeat to playing the old rivalry against India isn't going to be easy. India probably watched the Australia game very closely and know what needs to be done. Pakistan need to lift themselves up and I hope they bring their best on Sunday," said Waqar.

World Cup: Pakistan must bring their A game against India, says Waqar Younis

<p>India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has become a national hero after his return from Pakistani custody. He was received by the Indian Air Force (IAF) team and the countrymen at the Wagah-Attari border on 1st March.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several Bollywood celebrities and famous personalities expressed their happiness on Twitter. Among all, Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, who is married to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, also shared a heartwarming post for Abhinandan following his return to India.</p>

<p>Taking to her Twitter handle, Mirza welcomed the brave soldier by writing, &nbsp;"Welcome back Wing Commander Abhinandan .. you are our HERO in the truest sense.. The country salutes you and the bravery and dignity you..Welcome Back Abinandan Jai Hind."</p>

<p>However, Sania's post soon saw a string of tweets, both from Indian and Pakistani users, trolling the Tennis star.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are some of the reactions:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Bhaaabiii... Ap bhi???<br />
😂<br />
We did just for you..<br />
Mekay ana Jana lga rahy takay 😇😂</p>
— Kiran Khan🇵🇰 (@light_frmheaven) <a href="https://twitter.com/light_frmheaven/status/1101529458765455360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="tl">bhabi Rocked Shoaib Shocked</p>
— RehmaN HameeD (@IamRHB) <a href="https://twitter.com/IamRHB/status/1101473439171387393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jantey hain yeh tweet kerna apki majboori thi... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbhinandanReturns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbhinandanReturns</a> after a failed attempt! 😅</p>
— Syeda Bushra Aamir بشریٰ (@BushraAamir) <a href="https://twitter.com/BushraAamir/status/1101487258421608448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Looks like you never saw a “hero” in your life. Feel sorry for you</p>
— Hina Jawaid (@DrHJawaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrHJawaid/status/1101783371171155968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Susral walo sath gardari bhabhi😑😂😂😂</p>
— Dija Rana (@Khadijarana11) <a href="https://twitter.com/Khadijarana11/status/1101816481728348160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I think you forgot to say "Thank you Pakistan"...!🤔 Pakistan released your Hero 😂.</p>
— Umair Niaz (@umairniaz506) <a href="https://twitter.com/umairniaz506/status/1102281341738061825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Abhinandan Varthman, was captured by the Pakistani Forces after his fighter jet crashed while sending off Pakistani aircraft back during an attempt to airstrike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon things went out of control and before his jet crashed, he was forced to eject which made him land across the Line of Control.</p>

<p>A medical examination of the Wing Commander has identified a rib injury probably caused by an assault by local residents in Pakistan soon after he parachuted across the border.</p>


India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has become a national hero after his return from Pakistani custody. He was received by the Indian Air Force (IAF) team and the countrymen at the Wagah-Attari border on 1st March.

India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has become a national hero after his return from Pakistani custody. He was received by the Indian Air Force (IAF) team and the countrymen at the Wagah-Attari border on 1st March. Several Bollywood celebrities and famous personalities expressed their happiness on Twitter. Among all, Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, who is married to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, also shared a heartwarming post for Abhinandan following his return to India. Taking to her Twitter handle, Mirza welcomed the brave soldier by writing, "Welcome back Wing Commander Abhinandan .. you are our HERO in the truest sense.. The country salutes you and the bravery and dignity you..Welcome Back Abinandan Jai Hind." However, Sania's post soon saw a string of tweets, both from Indian and Pakistani users, trolling the Tennis star. Here are some of the reactions: Bhaaabiii... Ap bhi??? 😂 We did just for you.. Mekay ana Jana lga rahy takay 😇😂 — Kiran Khan🇵🇰 (@light_frmheaven) March 1, 2019 × bhabi Rocked Shoaib Shocked — RehmaN HameeD (@IamRHB) March 1, 2019 × Jantey hain yeh tweet kerna apki majboori thi... #AbhinandanReturns after a failed attempt! 😅 — Syeda Bushra Aamir بشریٰ (@BushraAamir) March 1, 2019 × Looks like you never saw a “hero” in your life. Feel sorry for you — Hina Jawaid (@DrHJawaid) March 2, 2019 × Susral walo sath gardari bhabhi😑😂😂😂 — Dija Rana (@Khadijarana11) March 2, 2019 × I think you forgot to say "Thank you Pakistan"...!🤔 Pakistan released your Hero 😂. — Umair Niaz (@umairniaz506) March 3, 2019 × Abhinandan Varthman, was captured by the Pakistani Forces after his fighter jet crashed while sending off Pakistani aircraft back during an attempt to airstrike. Soon things went out of control and before his jet crashed, he was forced to eject which made him land across the Line of Control. A medical examination of the Wing Commander has identified a rib injury probably caused by an assault by local residents in Pakistan soon after he parachuted across the border.

Sania Mirza tweets on IAF pilot Abhinandan's return, hilariously trolled by India, Pak users

<p>By&nbsp;<strong>Kavya Nath</strong></p>

<p>Six-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza is adjusting to her new responsibilities of being a mother alongside her long-term love for the sport - Tennis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former World No. 1 has been out of action since October 2017,&nbsp;due to pregnancy, and gave birth to her first child- Izhaan - with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik.</p>

<p>The 32-year old, however, is planning an early return to the court as she feels that being a mother doesn't mean one should give up on their dreams.</p>

<p>"There are many tennis playing mothers who have done really well in the past as well, whether it was Kim Clijsters or Serena Williams today. They are definitely inspirational in many ways but I always believe that we being pregnant like a lot of people think is not the end of your world, its the beginning of your world, of your life, you should not give up on your own dreams just because you have a child, that is one of my inspirations to get back," Sania said in an exclusive interview with WION.</p>

<p>"Whatever I wish to do in my life whether it is playing tennis or anything else that I love, I don't think having a child should hold me back," she added.</p>

<p>When asked if there is any specific tournament with which she would like to make her return, Sania said she has no 'definite timeline' and first wants to get back to peak fitness.</p>

<p>"Roughly I would like to set end of the year or something, because honestly being pregnant, the whole thing it takes a lot of you, it takes a lot out of your body, to get back to peak fitness I will need some time, right now I am focusing on losing all the pregnancy weight, I start training with my trainer next month, we will see how may body reacts as well, I have no idea how its going to react. I am looking forward to a whole new journey, a new experience with my son and hopefully by the end of the year, if things go well I should be back."</p>

<p>Throughout her career, Mirza has established herself as the most successful and highest-paid female Indian tennis player ever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From 2003 until her retirement from singles in 2013, Sania was ranked &nbsp;India's No. 1 player in both the categories by the WTA.</p>

<p>On being asked if it was a tough decision for her to become a parent at the peak of her career, Sania said she felt 'it was the right time'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I always wanted to be a parent and a mother. With my knee injury Shoaib and I spoke about it, it was either going to be this year or the next year that we were going to have a baby so we just thought the timing was right and everything turned out well, when we got pregnant we were elated and very happy."</p>

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<p>Sania, the former World No. 1 in the doubles discipline, will make her return as a working mom and was in a dilemma when questioned how tough it would be tough for her to play professionally and be a mom at the same time.</p>

<p>Terming it a bit of a hypothetical question, Sania said, "If you ask me as a mother on court yet I don't know...as a mother otherwise of course it is."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You don't get the amount of sleep that you require, stuff like that is normal with a baby, by the end of the year he will be a little older as well, there will be a pattern to things, eating, sleeping and everything."</p>

<p>Sania, however, concluded the interview, saying it would be nice to travel for her tournaments with a new member, her son, on board.</p>

<p><em>(Kavya Nath is an Associate Producer, Sports with WION)</em></p>


By Kavya Nath Six-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza is adjusting to her new responsibilities of being a mother alongside her long-term love for the sport - Tennis.

By Kavya Nath Six-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza is adjusting to her new responsibilities of being a mother alongside her long-term love for the sport - Tennis. The former World No. 1 has been out of action since October 2017, due to pregnancy, and gave birth to her first child- Izhaan - with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. The 32-year old, however, is planning an early return to the court as she feels that being a mother doesn't mean one should give up on their dreams. "There are many tennis playing mothers who have done really well in the past as well, whether it was Kim Clijsters or Serena Williams today. They are definitely inspirational in many ways but I always believe that we being pregnant like a lot of people think is not the end of your world, its the beginning of your world, of your life, you should not give up on your own dreams just because you have a child, that is one of my inspirations to get back," Sania said in an exclusive interview with WION. "Whatever I wish to do in my life whether it is playing tennis or anything else that I love, I don't think having a child should hold me back," she added. When asked if there is any specific tournament with which she would like to make her return, Sania said she has no 'definite timeline' and first wants to get back to peak fitness. "Roughly I would like to set end of the year or something, because honestly being pregnant, the whole thing it takes a lot of you, it takes a lot out of your body, to get back to peak fitness I will need some time, right now I am focusing on losing all the pregnancy weight, I start training with my trainer next month, we will see how may body reacts as well, I have no idea how its going to react. I am looking forward to a whole new journey, a new experience with my son and hopefully by the end of the year, if things go well I should be back." Throughout her career, Mirza has established herself as the most successful and highest-paid female Indian tennis player ever. From 2003 until her retirement from singles in 2013, Sania was ranked India's No. 1 player in both the categories by the WTA. On being asked if it was a tough decision for her to become a parent at the peak of her career, Sania said she felt 'it was the right time'. "I always wanted to be a parent and a mother. With my knee injury Shoaib and I spoke about it, it was either going to be this year or the next year that we were going to have a baby so we just thought the timing was right and everything turned out well, when we got pregnant we were elated and very happy." × Sania, the former World No. 1 in the doubles discipline, will make her return as a working mom and was in a dilemma when questioned how tough it would be tough for her to play professionally and be a mom at the same time. Terming it a bit of a hypothetical question, Sania said, "If you ask me as a mother on court yet I don't know...as a mother otherwise of course it is." "You don't get the amount of sleep that you require, stuff like that is normal with a baby, by the end of the year he will be a little older as well, there will be a pattern to things, eating, sleeping and everything." Sania, however, concluded the interview, saying it would be nice to travel for her tournaments with a new member, her son, on board. (Kavya Nath is an Associate Producer, Sports with WION)

'No definite timeline' but being a mother won't 'hold me back' from tennis: Sania Mirza to WION

<p>Tennis star Sania Mirza and her husband Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik&nbsp;have been blessed with a baby boy.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Sania delivered the child early Tuesday morning in Hyderabad and both mother and child are said to be doing well.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Shoaib tweeted: "Excited to announce: Its a boy, and my girl is doing great and keeping strong as usual #Alhumdulilah. Thank you for the wishes and Duas, we are humbled #BabyMirzaMalik."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Excited to announce: Its a boy, and my girl is doing great and keeping strong as usual <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alhumdulilah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alhumdulilah</a>. Thank you for the wishes and Duas, we are humbled 🙏🏼 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabyMirzaMalik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabyMirzaMalik</a> 👼🏼</p>
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik/status/1057090038993870849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sania Mirza's friend, filmmaker Farah Khan also wished the new parents and took to Instagram to express her excitement.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpifBBdgUTg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Finally!! Best news in a long time!! Congratulations @mirzasaniar @realshoaibmalik @anammirzaaa @imranmirza58 n of course the nani n daadi ♥️god bless our lil angel</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/farahkhankunder/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Farah Khan Kunder</a> (@farahkhankunder) on <time datetime="2018-10-30T01:28:36+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 29, 2018 at 6:28pm PDT</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpipj_sAQnn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">My dearest n best friend becomes a mum!! @mirzasaniar I couldn’t b happier 🎉🎉🎉lov uuuuu n arriving soon to meet the lil prince♥️♥️♥️</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/farahkhankunder/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Farah Khan Kunder</a> (@farahkhankunder) on <time datetime="2018-10-30T03:00:46+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 29, 2018 at 8:00pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Sania married Shoaib in a traditional Hyderabadi Muslim wedding ceremony on April 12, 2010.</p>


Tennis star Sania Mirza and her husband Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik have been blessed with a baby boy. Sania delivered the child early Tuesday morning in Hyderabad and both mother and child are said to be doing well.

Tennis star Sania Mirza and her husband Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik have been blessed with a baby boy. Sania delivered the child early Tuesday morning in Hyderabad and both mother and child are said to be doing well. Shoaib tweeted: "Excited to announce: Its a boy, and my girl is doing great and keeping strong as usual #Alhumdulilah. Thank you for the wishes and Duas, we are humbled #BabyMirzaMalik." Excited to announce: Its a boy, and my girl is doing great and keeping strong as usual #Alhumdulilah. Thank you for the wishes and Duas, we are humbled 🙏🏼 #BabyMirzaMalik 👼🏼 — Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) October 30, 2018 × Sania Mirza's friend, filmmaker Farah Khan also wished the new parents and took to Instagram to express her excitement. View this post on Instagram Finally!! Best news in a long time!! Congratulations @mirzasaniar @realshoaibmalik @anammirzaaa @imranmirza58 n of course the nani n daadi ♥️god bless our lil angel A post shared by Farah Khan Kunder (@farahkhankunder) on Oct 29, 2018 at 6:28pm PDT × View this post on Instagram My dearest n best friend becomes a mum!! @mirzasaniar I couldn’t b happier 🎉🎉🎉lov uuuuu n arriving soon to meet the lil prince♥️♥️♥️ A post shared by Farah Khan Kunder (@farahkhankunder) on Oct 29, 2018 at 8:00pm PDT × Sania married Shoaib in a traditional Hyderabadi Muslim wedding ceremony on April 12, 2010.

It's a boy and my girl is doing great: Shoaib Malik announces he & Sania Mirza are parents

<p>While India and Pakistan's fierce cricket rivalry has been on display at the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates, some families in the country have divided loyalties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UAE is home to many cricket-loving cross-border couples from India and Pakistan who find it an easier option than living on the subcontinent, where Pakistanis have trouble getting visas for India, and vice versa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cross-border ties have been strained ever since the violence and upheaval that accompanied the creation of modern India and Pakistan at the end of British rule in August 1947.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two have fought three wars since becoming independent, deepening mistrust and suspicion of each other, while thousands of families remain divided by the border.</p>

<p>Relations further soured after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and cross-border unions are now few and far between.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One rare high-profile example is Indian tennis player Sania Mirza and her husband, Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, who have a home in Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian national Kasim Vakkil and his wife Ghazala, from Pakistan, are also part of the UAE's large South Asian community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My marriage would not have been possible if we were not living in UAE," Kasim told AFP.</p>

<p>"Ghazala is from Lahore and I am from Mumbai but living at this neutral venue made our marriage possible."</p>

<p>They came together through cricket when Kasim met his future father-in-law at a game between Pakistan and South Africa in the UAE, where Pakistan hosts games owing to the risk of terror attacks on home soil.</p>

<p>"I went to watch a match between Pakistan and South Africa in 2014 where I met Ghazala's father which became the first step towards our proposal," said Kasim, a former college-level fast bowler in Mumbai.</p>

<p>"I would not have imagined watching Pakistani cricketers like Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Amir before my own eyes but it became possible since UAE became a neutral venue for the Pakistan team."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Double joy'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Ghazala, who works in human resources, said watching India and Pakistan play made her think of home.</p>

<p>India thrashed Pakistan by eight wickets in the group stage and they are set to meet again in the Super Fours on Sunday.</p>

<p>"Now with India and Pakistan playing in UAE for the Asian title it has given us double joy as we get to see players from both the countries which gives us a nostalgic feeling," said Ghazala.</p>

<p>India is playing in the Emirates for the first time since 2006, sparking huge interest among the country's large number of Indian expats.</p>

<p>Club-level cricketer Naveed Siraj hails from Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir, while his wife, Nida, is from the Pakistani capital Islamabad.</p>

<p>"My uncle and aunty lived in Kuwait and Nida's family were their neighbours so they initiated the talk for our marriage," said Naveed.</p>

<p>"UAE is a neutral venue for all the expats from Pakistan and India so everyone lives here in comfort and enjoys everything including cricket."</p>

<p>Dubai taxi driver Sunil Manohar, from India's Karnataka state, married Nunda from Pakistan's Sindh province after their families met in the UAE.</p>

<p>"UAE is a nice place for cross-border families," he said. "In the past, a few couples were stuck in Pakistan because they were not getting an Indian visa."</p>


While India and Pakistan's fierce cricket rivalry has been on display at the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates, some families in the country have divided loyalties.

While India and Pakistan's fierce cricket rivalry has been on display at the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates, some families in the country have divided loyalties. The UAE is home to many cricket-loving cross-border couples from India and Pakistan who find it an easier option than living on the subcontinent, where Pakistanis have trouble getting visas for India, and vice versa. Cross-border ties have been strained ever since the violence and upheaval that accompanied the creation of modern India and Pakistan at the end of British rule in August 1947. The two have fought three wars since becoming independent, deepening mistrust and suspicion of each other, while thousands of families remain divided by the border. Relations further soured after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and cross-border unions are now few and far between. One rare high-profile example is Indian tennis player Sania Mirza and her husband, Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, who have a home in Dubai. Indian national Kasim Vakkil and his wife Ghazala, from Pakistan, are also part of the UAE's large South Asian community. "My marriage would not have been possible if we were not living in UAE," Kasim told AFP. "Ghazala is from Lahore and I am from Mumbai but living at this neutral venue made our marriage possible." They came together through cricket when Kasim met his future father-in-law at a game between Pakistan and South Africa in the UAE, where Pakistan hosts games owing to the risk of terror attacks on home soil. "I went to watch a match between Pakistan and South Africa in 2014 where I met Ghazala's father which became the first step towards our proposal," said Kasim, a former college-level fast bowler in Mumbai. "I would not have imagined watching Pakistani cricketers like Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Amir before my own eyes but it became possible since UAE became a neutral venue for the Pakistan team." 'Double joy' Ghazala, who works in human resources, said watching India and Pakistan play made her think of home. India thrashed Pakistan by eight wickets in the group stage and they are set to meet again in the Super Fours on Sunday. "Now with India and Pakistan playing in UAE for the Asian title it has given us double joy as we get to see players from both the countries which gives us a nostalgic feeling," said Ghazala. India is playing in the Emirates for the first time since 2006, sparking huge interest among the country's large number of Indian expats. Club-level cricketer Naveed Siraj hails from Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir, while his wife, Nida, is from the Pakistani capital Islamabad. "My uncle and aunty lived in Kuwait and Nida's family were their neighbours so they initiated the talk for our marriage," said Naveed. "UAE is a neutral venue for all the expats from Pakistan and India so everyone lives here in comfort and enjoys everything including cricket." Dubai taxi driver Sunil Manohar, from India's Karnataka state, married Nunda from Pakistan's Sindh province after their families met in the UAE. "UAE is a nice place for cross-border families," he said. "In the past, a few couples were stuck in Pakistan because they were not getting an Indian visa."

The cricket-loving India, Pakistan couples prove love has no boundaries

<p>"A dreamer, believer, and doer — even against all odds” is how she describes herself. The golden girl of tennis, Sania Mirza, is idolized by millions -- both for her on-court aces and her off-court charisma.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing insights into her extraordinary journey during WION's Knowledge Seminar at Goafest 2018, the legend emphasised on the importance of failure and stubbornness to achieve success.</p>

<p>Sania expressed her appreciation for how India has made considerable progress in battling the scrutiny that female sportspersons are subjected to, while admitting that there's still a long way to go. "Even today girls need to give a justification as to why they want to play. It is difficult enough to be an athlete, but we as girls need to fight a battle on the court and off it".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a candid conversation with WION's Molly Gambhir, Sania also shared how she has grown up believing that daughters are no different from sons. She went on to say, "My name is Sania Mirza, I didn't change my name post-marriage. In fact, let me tell you a secret today. My husband and I have spoken about it and we have decided that whenever we have a child, the child's last name will be Mirza-Malik. Shoaib actually wants a daughter."</p>

<p>On the contentious issue of the gender pay gap in sport, the tennis superstar minced no words. "Why should there be a difference? It's a question of 'why not' have equality rather than 'why'. Because they play best of 5 sets? We'll play 5 sets, no problem!", she exclaimed while expressing her frustration over arguments presented by those against equal prize-money for male and female athletes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Drawing parallels between being a global ambassador who's showcased brand India to the world and WION's journey of becoming India's window to the world, Sania shared how relentless pursuit always pays off when aiming to break barriers.</p>

<p>From playing on cow dung-laden courts to winning Wimbledon, Sania is an inspiration who believes "the trick is to keep going and pick yourself up each time they think you can't". She recalls, "When I started playing, people would ask my parents questions like - what, you think she will become Martina Hingis? And then she and I went on to achieve a 41-match winning streak together!"</p>

<p>On setting up the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy — another masterstroke from the phenomenon — Sania said she hopes the country does not have to wait too long to bring forth a world champion.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


"We as girls need to fight a battle on the court and off it", Sania said, while making a strong case for closing the gender pay gap in sport

"A dreamer, believer, and doer — even against all odds” is how she describes herself. The golden girl of tennis, Sania Mirza, is idolized by millions -- both for her on-court aces and her off-court charisma. Sharing insights into her extraordinary journey during WION's Knowledge Seminar at Goafest 2018, the legend emphasised on the importance of failure and stubbornness to achieve success. Sania expressed her appreciation for how India has made considerable progress in battling the scrutiny that female sportspersons are subjected to, while admitting that there's still a long way to go. "Even today girls need to give a justification as to why they want to play. It is difficult enough to be an athlete, but we as girls need to fight a battle on the court and off it". In a candid conversation with WION's Molly Gambhir, Sania also shared how she has grown up believing that daughters are no different from sons. She went on to say, "My name is Sania Mirza, I didn't change my name post-marriage. In fact, let me tell you a secret today. My husband and I have spoken about it and we have decided that whenever we have a child, the child's last name will be Mirza-Malik. Shoaib actually wants a daughter." On the contentious issue of the gender pay gap in sport, the tennis superstar minced no words. "Why should there be a difference? It's a question of 'why not' have equality rather than 'why'. Because they play best of 5 sets? We'll play 5 sets, no problem!", she exclaimed while expressing her frustration over arguments presented by those against equal prize-money for male and female athletes. Drawing parallels between being a global ambassador who's showcased brand India to the world and WION's journey of becoming India's window to the world, Sania shared how relentless pursuit always pays off when aiming to break barriers. From playing on cow dung-laden courts to winning Wimbledon, Sania is an inspiration who believes "the trick is to keep going and pick yourself up each time they think you can't". She recalls, "When I started playing, people would ask my parents questions like - what, you think she will become Martina Hingis? And then she and I went on to achieve a 41-match winning streak together!" On setting up the Sania Mirza Tennis Academy — another masterstroke from the phenomenon — Sania said she hopes the country does not have to wait too long to bring forth a world champion. ×

My child's last name will be Mirza-Malik: Sania Mirza to WION

<p>Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has set his sights on playing at least until the 2020 World Twenty20 and the 36-year-old is aware that he will have to perform consistently to achieve that goal.</p>

<p>The former Pakistan captain retired from test cricket at the end of 2015, three tests after earning a shock return to the side after a gap of five years.</p>

<p>He has, however, been a regular member of Pakistan's limited-overs side.</p>

<p>"The 2019 World Cup, 50-over cricket, is my last World Cup, but I want to play in the World T20 in 2020, that is my goal for Twenty20 cricket," Malik said in a statement from the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.</p>

<p>"These are the two big goals which I'm looking at – let's see how it goes. If I'm consistently performing then I want to play these two World Cups."</p>

<p>The&nbsp;middle-order batsman and also bowls off-spin, Malik played 35 tests for Pakistan and has represented the team in 261 one-day internationals and 95 Twenty20 matches.</p>

<p>He played for the Barbados Tridents in the CPL for the last five years but has now joined the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the 2018 edition, which will run from Aug. 8-Sept. 16.</p>

<p>"Guyana is more like you're playing in the sub-continent I think," said Malik, who has also played in the Indian Premier League and Australia's Big Bash League.</p>

<p>"But on that particular day performance is the key of any cricketer and that's what I'm looking for.</p>

<p>"Obviously, if you're playing for a new team the expectations are a lot from you. When they have seen someone that did well for a long run the expectations are obviously high."</p>


The middle-order Pakistan batsman and also bowls off-spin, Malik played 35 tests for Pakistan and has represented the team in 261 one-day internationals and 95 Twenty20 matches

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has set his sights on playing at least until the 2020 World Twenty20 and the 36-year-old is aware that he will have to perform consistently to achieve that goal. The former Pakistan captain retired from test cricket at the end of 2015, three tests after earning a shock return to the side after a gap of five years. He has, however, been a regular member of Pakistan's limited-overs side. "The 2019 World Cup, 50-over cricket, is my last World Cup, but I want to play in the World T20 in 2020, that is my goal for Twenty20 cricket," Malik said in a statement from the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament. "These are the two big goals which I'm looking at – let's see how it goes. If I'm consistently performing then I want to play these two World Cups." The middle-order batsman and also bowls off-spin, Malik played 35 tests for Pakistan and has represented the team in 261 one-day internationals and 95 Twenty20 matches. He played for the Barbados Tridents in the CPL for the last five years but has now joined the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the 2018 edition, which will run from Aug. 8-Sept. 16. "Guyana is more like you're playing in the sub-continent I think," said Malik, who has also played in the Indian Premier League and Australia's Big Bash League. "But on that particular day performance is the key of any cricketer and that's what I'm looking for. "Obviously, if you're playing for a new team the expectations are a lot from you. When they have seen someone that did well for a long run the expectations are obviously high."

Shoaib Malik wants to play until upcoming World T20

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