Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Be mature and make comeback for Pakistan: Akhtar's advice to Amir

FORMER Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has urged Muhammad Amir to show "maturity" in sorting out his differences with national team management and make a comeback in near future.

Amir had announced his retirement from international cricket in December last year after a fallout with head coach Misbahul Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis.


The left-arm paceman who now only freelances in T20 leagues across the globe has made it clear that he will not make himself available for selection until they are in charge.

"Amir should have realized that 'papa' Mickey Arthur will not always be there to safeguard him and he has to now grow up," Akhtar told PTV.

The outspoken fast bowler of yesteryears said that players should have the wherewithal to handle both good and bad days.

"You must be matured enough to realise that the management is not going to act according to my wishes. Therefore now I have to raise my performance and level of hard work," he said.

He gave the example of senior batsman Muhammad Hafeez noting at time that the Pakistan management was not with him.

"The management was also against Hafeez. But he just made runs and nothing else. He didn't give the management an envelope full of cash. Amir should learn that from Hafeez," he added.

The 29-year-old, who was once jailed for spot-fixing, has signed a contract to play in the CPL for Barbados. He will also be seen in action in the Pakistan Super League matches in Abu Dhabi next month for the Karachi Kings team.

Akhtar reminded Amir that he should be grateful to the former PCB chairman Najam Sethi, who had a massive role in bringing him back into international cricket post his ban.

"This is a favor the PCB did for Amir. To his credit, Amir won some crucial matches for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy which included the final but after that his performances deteriorated."

Akhtar supported coach Misbah's stance on Amir.

"Misbah is right when he says that Amir's pace has gone down. There is nothing wrong with that assessment," he said.

"I don't think the team management was unfair with Amir. They gave him ample chances before he was dropped from the team."

Akhtar said he backed the return of Amir to the Pakistan team as he was an experienced campaigner but the pacer has to understand he needs to improve his pace and fitness as well.

More For You

Alcaraz-Wimbledon-Getty

Carlos Alcaraz plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic in the Gentlemen's Singles Final on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Wimbledon draw: Alcaraz opens against Fognini, Sabalenka faces qualifier

CARLOS ALCARAZ will begin his attempt to win a third straight Wimbledon title against Italian Fabio Fognini, while women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine.

The draw, held on Friday at the All England Club, featured several notable first-round matchups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

Sir Sajid Javid (Photo by Tom Nicholson-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

A cross-party group has been formed to tackle the deep divisions that sparked last summer's riots across England. The new commission will be led by former Tory minister Sir Sajid Javid and ex-Labour MP Jon Cruddas.

The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion has backing from both prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. It brings together 19 experts from different political parties and walks of life.

Keep ReadingShow less
Prabhas Kalki 2898 AD anniversary

Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role

One year of 'Kalki 2898 AD': How Prabhas reminded everyone he’s still the pan-India superstar

It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.

Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Masum

Masum was seen on CCTV trying to steer the pram away and, when she refused to go with him, stabbed her multiple times before walking away and boarding a bus. (Photo: West Yorkshire Police)

West Yorkshire Police

Habibur Masum convicted of murdering estranged wife in front of baby

A MAN who stabbed his estranged wife to death in Bradford in front of their baby has been convicted of murder.

Habibur Masum, 26, attacked 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter in broad daylight on April 6, 2024, stabbing her more than 25 times while she pushed their seven-month-old son in a pram. The baby was not harmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shreena Patel

Shreena Patel

Shreena Patel on turning pain into paint and becoming a voice for British South Asian art

In her own words, the London-based artist shares 10 defining moments that turned glitter into grit, pain into power and creativity into connection.

Shreena Patel has built a vibrant, shimmering world with her signature metallic-sparkle acrylics, one canvas at a time. A graduate of the prestigious University of the Arts London, the London-based abstract artist has earned acclaim both in the UK and internationally, creating bespoke pieces for celebrities, private collectors and public institutions.

Keep ReadingShow less