Sports and politics to mix again in Pakistan, India match-up on May 25, 2019The old adage that sports and politics do not mix will ring hollow again when former champions India and Pakistan clash in a geopolitically charged World Cup match months after being on the verge of war. Tensions run high in any sporting contest featuring the nuclear-armed neighbours who have fought two of their three wars […]
‘Sandpapergate’ scandal dominates cricketing year on December 26, 2018NEW DELHI: A ball-tampering scandal that devastated Australia cast a dark cloud over a dramatic cricketing year during which England soared, master Indian batsman Virat Kohli shone and two new test-playing countries underwent a baptism of fire. Even if Cameron Bancroft’s career survives ‘Sandpapergate’, the 26-year-old will remain the face of the worst scandal in […]
Pakistan show rare consistency to scale T20 summit on November 13, 2018Pakistan have long been regarded as one of cricket’s most unpredictable sides, but now their long-suffering army of fans can finally enjoy the benefits of a new level of dependability, at least in the shortest format of the sport. Consistency has never been a strong point for Pakistan, who, over the years, have built a […]
Pakistan warm hearts, India and Australia shine at home on December 31, 2017NEW DELHI: Steve Smith helmed Australia’s successful Ashes mission and India proved impregnable at home but it was cricket exiles Pakistan who had the most memorable year in 2017. Top teams have shunned the South Asian country since gunmen in Lahore attacked a bus carrying the visiting Sri Lankan side in 2009, killing eight locals […]