Posts in category: Sports

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has barred former national captain Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq from playing domestic cricket amid an ongoing investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

According to sources, both cricketers will not be able to participate in the President’s Trophy Grade-I following the PCB’s decision. Under the applicable rules, neither player provided fitness tests to their respective departmental teams.

Rizwan had been appointed vice-captain of the Sui Gas team for the President’s Trophy, while Imam-ul-Haq had been named captain of the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) team.

Meanwhile, the scope of the NCCIA investigation into the two players has also been expanded, with their bank accounts now being examined.

According to media reports, the investigation includes forensic and technical analysis of the mobile phones of Imam-ul-Haq and Rizwan, who was recalled from the national team’s tour of England. The probe is also examining their bank accounts and financial transactions.

Sources said the investigation is primarily focused on financial matters and suspected transactions. Financial dealings before and after the England series are reportedly being reviewed, while details of transactions in both players’ bank accounts during the relevant period are also being examined.

If any suspicious transaction is identified, investigators will examine the source and destination of the funds. Payments allegedly made by any company, individual or institution are also expected to be reviewed.

Data recovered from the players’ mobile phones is being linked to the financial aspect of the investigation. Messages, contacts and other digital information are undergoing forensic analysis.

Another key aspect of the investigation is the alleged leaking of dressing-room information during the England series.

Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan appeared before the NCCIA Lahore office the previous day. Both players sought additional time to submit their written responses.

The NCCIA has so far not formally confirmed any allegations against either player.

LAHORE: An inquiry report by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) into national batter Imam-ul-Haq’s reported injury during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March 2025 has surfaced, with sources claiming that the investigation held the cricketer responsible for allegedly faking the injury.

According to sources, Imam-ul-Haq was struck on the foot by a ball during a net session on March 28, 2025. However, an X-ray reportedly found no evidence of a fracture.

The inquiry committee allegedly noted that the black mark visible on Imam’s toe was not caused by natural bleeding and claimed it appeared to have been made with ink or a marker.

Sources said Imam denied before the committee that he had applied any artificial substance to his toe. However, the committee reportedly rejected his explanation, stating that it was inconsistent with the medical evidence and X-ray findings.

The report also allegedly claimed that Imam was observed limping while under supervision but walked normally when he was out of sight of those monitoring him.

According to the sources, doctors had advised him against walking, but he nevertheless walked approximately 500 metres and also attended an iftar dinner.

Also Read: Jemima Goldsmith Urges UK Leaders to Speak Out Over Imran Khan’s Detention

The inquiry committee reportedly concluded that there was no medical basis for declaring Imam unfit for the first ODI against New Zealand.

Sources further claimed that the committee recommended a ban on Imam representing Pakistan across all formats. The allegation against the batter was that he wanted to avoid opening on New Zealand’s fast and challenging pitches.

However, the PCB subsequently forgave Imam, according to the sources, allowing him to become eligible for selection again.

The resurfacing of the inquiry report has also raised questions about Imam’s latest injury. Despite the team needing his services on the previous day, Imam did not come out to bat.

He had suffered a calf injury during the Lord’s Test, and the latest setback has attracted additional scrutiny because of the allegations surrounding his previous injury during the New Zealand tour.

The claims contained in the inquiry report have been attributed to sources, and the allegations against Imam-ul-Haq should be distinguished from independently established medical findings or a publicly confirmed PCB disciplinary decision.

Portugal’s star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo may not have led his national team to a FIFA World Cup title during his long career, but his per-minute earnings are remarkable.

According to a recent Forbes report, Ronaldo’s total net worth has reached $1.2 billion, placing him among the richest athletes in history.

The report states that Ronaldo earned $300 million over the past year, meaning his wealth increased by approximately $570 every minute. In Pakistani currency, this amounts to more than Rs158,000 per minute.

According to Forbes, Ronaldo’s income increased significantly after signing with Saudi club Al Nassr in 2023. He also renewed the contract in 2025. Under the agreement, he earns more than $200 million annually.

Ronaldo’s income is not limited to football. Sponsorship deals, investments in various businesses, and earnings from social media platforms also make a significant contribution to his wealth.

Although Portugal failed to win the title at the most recent FIFA World Cup, and it was potentially Ronaldo’s last appearance in the tournament, he has not yet officially announced his retirement from international football.

Also Read: Rodri Named Best Player of FIFA World Cup 2026, Unai Simón Claims Golden Glove

The individual awards for the FIFA World Cup 2026 were announced following the tournament final, with players from newly crowned world champions Spain securing major honors.

Spain midfielder Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player in recognition of his outstanding all-round performances. Meanwhile, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove award after being named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Spain’s young defender Pau Cubarsí was named the Best Young Player, winning the Young Player Award for his impressive performances throughout the competition.

On the other hand, France star forward Kylian Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals during the tournament. He also became the first player to win the Golden Boot twice.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Ticket Prices Set New Record in the US

It is worth mentioning that Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final to become world champions for the second time.

Excitement among football fans has reached its peak ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

The final between defending champions Argentina and Spain will be played at 12:00 midnight on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States. To mark the occasion, arrangements have been made to broadcast the match on giant screens at various locations across Karachi.

The venues include Lyari National Football Stadium, Ali Muhammad Mohalla in Lyari, KHA Legends Arena in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and Siddiq Goth in Malir.

Under the Sindh government’s Sports Department, giant screens will also be installed at all Youth Development Centers across Karachi for football fans to watch the final.

Also Read: FIFA Introduces Championship Rings as New Honor for World Cup Winners

Ticket prices for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final have set a new record in the United States.

According to a foreign news agency, tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain, scheduled to be played on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New York, have become the most expensive tickets in the history of American sports.

According to ticket marketplace TickPick, the average resale price of a final ticket has reached $11,327, surpassing the previous record of $9,411 set during the 2024 Super Bowl.

The report stated that the cheapest available ticket for the final is being sold for $7,451, while two seats were sold at $28,479 per ticket, bringing the total purchase price to $56,958.

Also Read: FIFA Introduces Championship Rings as New Honor for World Cup Winners

TickPick data also showed that the most expensive ticket for the World Cup final was sold for $116,462, placing it among the most expensive sports tickets in American history.

GUINESS WORLD RECORD

Shane Gillis makes history with most tickets sold to a solo comedy show 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/zNqPNAa0Ur

— TickPick (@TickPick) July 18, 2026

Meanwhile, officials in the states of New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into the sale of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets following complaints regarding ticket sales, unusually rising prices, and the methods used to sell the tickets.

Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has announced that the winners of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will, for the first time, receive special championship rings in addition to the traditional World Cup trophy and gold medals.

According to FIFA, this will be the first time in the history of any FIFA competition that the winning team will be awarded championship rings, following the well-known tradition in American sports. A total of 2,026 rings, designed specifically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will be produced.

FIFA said that 30 of the rings will be reserved for the players and officials of the winning team, while the remaining 1,996 rings will be sold worldwide as officially licensed merchandise for football fans.

According to the governing body, each ring will feature the FIFA World Cup Trophy on one side, while the other side will prominently display the identity of the winning team. Every ring will carry a unique serial number, a certificate of authenticity, and will be custom-made in the appropriate size for the respective player.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Line-Up Confirmed After Thrilling Round of 16

In its statement, FIFA said that immediately after the final, the winning team’s captain and head coach will receive commemorative temporary rings. The 30 permanent championship rings for the winning team will later be officially presented at a special ceremony after all production details have been completed.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is scheduled to be played on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium between Spain and Argentina.

A controversy has emerged over the qualifications of Senegal’s national football team doctor following the country’s disappointing campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the Senegal Football Federation and the country’s Sports Medicine Association publicly at odds over the issue.

Senegal was eliminated from the tournament after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 32 knockout stage.

Following the team’s exit, the Senegal Football Federation alleged that the national team’s doctor did not possess the required expertise necessary to provide effective medical care to players during the tournament.

According to the federation, Dr. Abdulrahman Fidyor had not received training in sports medicine and is instead a specialist in gynecology.

The federation made the remarks while reviewing Senegal’s disappointing performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Also Read: Two Injured in Clash Between Student Groups at University of Karachi

According to the report, Dr. Abdulrahman Fidyor has been serving with the Senegal national football team since 2017. During his tenure, Senegal has participated in three FIFA World Cups and five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Sports Medicine Association Rejects Allegations

The Sports Medicine Association of Senegal has rejected the football federation’s allegations, describing them as baseless and insulting.

The association stated that Dr. Fidyor is a qualified sports medicine specialist, dismissing the federation’s claims regarding his professional credentials.

Meanwhile, the Senegal Football Federation on Saturday dismissed national team head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, stating that a change in coaching staff had become necessary following the team’s disappointing results at the FIFA World Cup.

Pakistan white-ball cricket team fielding coach Shane McDermott has resigned from his position.

According to sources, McDermott has submitted his resignation to the Pakistan Cricket Board. The Australian coach decided to step down from his role due to personal commitments.

Sources said McDermott had taken leave from the PCB some time ago and returned to his home country, Australia.

McDermott had signed a three-year contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board; however, he resigned before completing the agreed term.

Also Read: World Cups Bring Pressure, Emotions and Memories Together, Says Fatima Sana

He assumed his responsibilities as the Pakistan cricket team’s fielding coach on July 5, 2025, and had been serving as the fielding coach of the national white-ball team.

During his tenure, the national team showed a clear improvement in fielding, which is widely attributed to McDermott’s efforts.

Following his resignation, the Pakistan cricket team will have to search for a new fielding coach ahead of its busy international schedule.