Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Shahid Afridi issues video apology for Pakistan’s World T20 flop

Pakistan’s under-fire captain Shahid Afridi on Wednesday (30) issued a video message to supporters apologising for his team’s early exit from the World Twenty20, but remained silent on his future following calls for him to retire.

Afridi, nicknamed “Boom Boom” for his fierce hitting, has suffered a drop in form over the past two years and he was unable to steer Pakistan through the group stages of the tournament in India.


The 36-year-old has been expected to make an announcement on his future this week, but instead he took to Facebook and Twitter to issue a one-minute apology to the cricket-mad country.

Pointing to the star on his Pakistan jersey, he said: “For this star, and these colours, when I come to a ground, I carry the weight of my people’s hopes with me.

“Today, I, Shahid Afridi, apologise to the whole nation for not being able to fulfil the hopes of myself and my team.”

The 2009 champions have been widely criticised by fans for a lacklustre performance at the World T20 with just one victory, against unfancied Bangladesh, and big losses to India, New Zealand and Australia.

Like Afridi, head coach Waqar Younis is also under intense scrutiny and he offered to resign while offering his own apology at a press conference on Tuesday (29_.

Afridi’s video met with a mostly positive response by fans posting on his Facebook page.

“Great cricketer Boom boom Afridi ..i am Indian ..but I like afridi as sportsman..come on guys support them be with ur team,” said user Narayan Kawade.

Afridi has been a fan favourite since he burst on the scene in 1996, striking a 37-ball century against Sri Lanka in only his second match to set a world record that was unbeaten for 17 years.

He became known as a bowling all-rounder in the second half of his career and was instrumental in Pakistan’s early successes in Twenty20, including their 2009 victory.

More For You

Djokovic

Djokovic dusted himself off and served out the victory

Getty Images

Novak Djokovic cruises past Cobolli for record 14th Wimbledon semi spot

Highlights:

  • Djokovic beats Cobolli in four sets to reach last four
  • Serbian, seeking 25th Grand Slam title, next faces Sinner
  • Djokovic reaches record 14th Wimbledon singles semi-final

Novak Djokovic was given an early scare but continued his bid for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon trophy and standalone 25th Grand Slam title by beating Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-7(6) 6-2 7-5 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals.

The 38-year-old's fightback helped him reach a record 14th singles semi-final at the All England Club, where he will face top seed Jannik Sinner, with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or Taylor Fritz awaiting in the title clash.

Keep ReadingShow less
Iga Swiatek

After years of nightmare outings at the spiritual home of lawn tennis,

Getty Images

Iga Swiatek storms into first Wimbledon semi-final after crushing win

Highlights:

  • Swiatek completes full set of Grand Slam semi-final appearances
  • Polish eighth seed will meet Bencic in last four
  • Swiatek extends record over Samsonova to 5-0

The balls kept on listening to Iga Swiatek on Wednesday as the Polish eighth seed walloped Liudmila Samsonova 6-2 7-5 to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the first time.

After years of nightmare outings at the spiritual home of lawn tennis, Swiatek appears to have finally conquered her grasscourt demons as she said the "ball has been really listening" to her at Wimbledon this year.

Keep ReadingShow less
IPL valued at £13.5bn as Bengaluru tops franchise rankings

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli (C), along with his teammates, celebrates with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 4, 2025. (Photo by ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

IPL valued at £13.5bn as Bengaluru tops franchise rankings

THE Indian Premier League's business value has been estimated at $18.5 billion (£13.5bn) with reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru its wealthiest franchise, according to a report by an investment bank.

The world's richest cricket tournament has been a top revenue earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and in 2020 was estimated to generate more than $11bn (£8bn) a year for the Indian economy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sharapova defends Sabalenka

The article in question described Sabalenka’s recent practice sessions

Getty Images

Maria Sharapova defends Sabalenka, calls Wall Street Journal article 'lazy reporting'

Highlights:

  • Maria Sharapova criticises WSJ coverage of Aryna Sabalenka's Wimbledon practice
  • WSJ article suggested Sabalenka hits so hard she must train with men
  • Sharapova says the practice is standard in women’s tennis
  • Sabalenka says sessions with Djokovic and Sinner have improved her game

Sharapova challenges headline on Sabalenka

Maria Sharapova has called out the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) over its portrayal of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s Wimbledon preparations, urging the publication to “do better”.

The 2004 Wimbledon champion took issue with an Instagram post by WSJ featuring a smiling Sabalenka under the caption: “The world No. 1 who hits so hard she practises against men.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by 99 runs, clinch series

Sri Lanka's players pose with the trophy after winning the third and final one-day international (ODI) cricket match against Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on July 8, 2025. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by 99 runs, clinch series

SRI LANKA stormed to a 99-run win over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI at Pallekele on Tuesday (8), sealing the three-match series 2-1 with a clinical all-round display.

Set a challenging target of 286, Bangladesh faltered under pressure and were bundled out for 186 inside 40 overs as Sri Lanka flexed their bowling muscle to wrap up the contest with ease.

Keep ReadingShow less