ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

Imran Khan, the jailed former PM, has taken a dig at PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi following Pakistan's losses to India in the Asia Cup. Khan sarcastically suggested that Pakistan could only win if Gen Asim Munir and Naqvi opened, with other officials as umpires.

India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in a thrilling T20 Asia Cup match in Dubai, achieving their highest successful T20I chase against their rivals. Abhishek Sharma's explosive 74 set the stage, supported by Shubman Gill's 47. Tilak Varma's composed 30 sealed the victory, earning him the 'Impact Player' award. India's next challenge is against Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Abhishek Sharma's explosive 74 propelled India to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, marking their second win against their rivals in eight days. Sharma's aggressive approach and on-field exchanges with Pakistani players fueled the intense match, further highlighted by his post-match social media dig.

The India-Pakistan Asia Cup Super Four match ignited with drama as Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill aggressively targeted Shaheen Afridi. Abhishek started with a six and some words, while Gill later punctuated a boundary with a pointed gesture. Their aggressive approach set the tone for India's chase of Pakistan's 171/5, signaling a tough night for Pakistan's key bowler.

The India versus Pakistan Asia Cup match faces controversy. Karachi Kings' poster excludes India, sparking outrage. Earlier, India won against Pakistan, but handshakes were declined. A plea to cancel the match reached the Supreme Court due to terrorism concerns. Despite issues, anticipation for the cricket match remains high. Fans await the high-voltage clash.

Bangladesh clinched a narrow four-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Fours, fueled by impressive half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Towhid Hridoy. Sri Lanka posted 168/7, highlighted by Dasun Shanaka's explosive 64, but Bangladesh successfully chased it down, reaching 169/6 in 19.5 overs. Despite some late-order jitters, Bangladesh held their nerve to secure the win.

Despite recent controversies and objections from the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding Andy Pycroft's conduct, the ICC has appointed him as the match referee for the crucial Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s match between India and Pakistan. This decision follows PCB's allegations and a subsequent threat to withdraw from the tournament, which was later resolved through negotiations.

Ahead of India’s blockbuster clash with Pakistan in the Asia Cup, captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided naming the opponent but promised 1.4 billion Indians a “fantastic Sunday.” High on nationalistic fervour, Surya urged his team to shut out outside noise, focus on their preparations, and play with intensity.

Aamir Kaleem, a 43-year-old opener, defied expectations with a resilient 64 against India in the Asia Cup, giving Oman a glimmer of hope for an upset. His partnership with Hammad Mirza threatened India's dominance before Hardik Pandya's catch turned the tide, securing a 21-run victory for India despite Oman's spirited chase.

Sanju Samson's composed half-century propelled India to a total of 188/8 against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Samson's 56 off 45 balls anchored the innings after an early setback with Shubman Gill's dismissal. Contributions from Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel, and Tilak Varma helped bolster the score, though Oman's bowlers, led by Faisal Shah, kept India under 200.

Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary suggests that the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) recent controversies during the Asia Cup were a diversionary tactic following their loss to India. These controversies included boycott threats, disputes with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, and a handshake disagreement with India, sparked by strained relations after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are set to clash with Oman in their final Asia Cup group match in Abu Dhabi. Having already secured a spot in the Super 4s, India aim to utilise this match for crucial batting practice, especially for the middle order. Oman, already eliminated, will look to walk away with their heads held high.

The Asia Cup is marred by a handshake controversy following India's victory over Pakistan, escalating with Mohammad Amir's veiled critique of the Indian team via a social media post praising Virat Kohli. This incident led to scheduling disruptions, including a delayed Pakistan-UAE match due to PCB's concerns over the match referee.

Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage experienced a devastating personal loss after his team's Asia Cup victory over Afghanistan. Unaware of his father's passing in Colombo, the 22-year-old learned the tragic news post-match. Despite a tough bowling performance, his teammates secured the win, but Wellalage immediately left the squad to return home.

Kuldeep Yadav has become the heartbeat of India’s white-ball success, delivering crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. From battling injuries, form slumps, and bench time to reinventing his craft post knee surgery, Kuldeep is sharper and more resilient. As India chases more silverware, their wrist-spinner, will remain the ace up the side's sleeve.

Former Atiq-uz-Zaman criticised the PCB for providing substandard jerseys during the Asia Cup 2025, contrasting them with the dry-fit kits of other teams. Despite Pakistan's Super Four qualification after defeating UAE, Captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged batting concerns, particularly in the middle overs. Agha emphasised the need for improvement before their crucial match against India on September 21.

Pakistan threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup after a perceived slight during the India-Pakistan match, claiming that India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha. The Pakistan Cricket Board said match referee Andy Pycroft apologised for miscommunication. But did he? We fact check that claim.

The match started an hour late as Pakistan threatened a pull-out after the handshake fiasco during the previous game against India before Salman Agha's team climbed down and showed up for the game.

A major standoff threatened Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 match against UAE after the ICC refused to replace match referee Andy Pycroft, despite PCB objections over his handling of the 'no-handshake' controversy with India. Initial uncertainty saw Pakistan delaying their departure for the game, and the ACC even deleted posts about the match.

Umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was forced off the field after being struck on the ear during Pakistan’s Asia Cup clash against UAE in Dubai. Pakistan posted 146/9, led by Fakhar Zaman’s 50 and Shaheen Afridi’s 29*. UAE’s chase began shakily, with strikes from Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed in their very first overs.