Published – April 24, 2025 05:23 pm IST
Sports
‘They are not learning nor improving’: Wasim Akram blasts Pakistan cricketers after Champions Trophy exit | Cricket News – The Times of India

Former cricketers in Pakistan expressed dismay on Tuesday following the team’s group-stage exit from the ICC Champions Trophy, shortly after celebrating the nation’s first major tournament hosting in almost three decades.
The defending champions’ campaign began with a 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi, followed by a decisive six-wicket defeat to India in Dubai. Their qualification prospects ended when Bangladesh couldn’t overcome New Zealand on Monday, making Pakistan’s final group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi inconsequential.
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Speaking to AFP, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram offered stern criticism. “We have been backing these players for the last few years, but they are not learning nor improving,” Akram said. “It is time for a major shake-up. We need to improve our system of domestic cricket so that we can produce quality cricketers, not ordinary ones.”
The substandard nature of domestic cricket competitions and low-quality pitch conditions are considered primary factors behind Pakistan’s international difficulties. Analysts point to administrative instability and politically influenced appointments in cricket management as contributors to the decline.
Former captain Rashid Latif shared similar views with AFP. “I feel very despondent with the state of Pakistan cricket,” Latif said. “We have to follow merit and bring in professionals in the administration of the game, not people appointed on a political basis. Frequent changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board, selection committee, and captains have failed us in forming a proper set-up and team.”
The early exit is particularly disappointing as it coincides with Pakistan’s first major cricket tournament hosting in 29 years, following enhanced security measures. Recent performances show a concerning pattern, with early exits from both the 2023 ODI World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies.
The decline extends to Test cricket, with Pakistan finishing last in the World Test Championship following a drawn home series against the West Indies last month. This latest disappointment adds to the woes of a cricket nation previously known for its strong international presence.
Sports
Mohammed Shami calls Hardik Pandya ‘bhai’ and asks for his autograph – WATCH – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma struck his second consecutive half-century and stitched a crucial 53-run stand with Suryakumar Yadav (40*), powering Mumbai Indians to a dominant seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL on Wednesday. Chasing a modest target of 144, Mumbai wrapped up the win in just 15.4 overs, marking their fourth straight win and third successful chase in a row.
The chase was anchored by Rohit, who was at his fluent best with a 46-ball 70. He took charge early, launching Pat Cummins over deep square leg for a six and following it up with a crisp four in the third over.
Showing great awareness of the flat Hyderabad pitch, Rohit—who came in as an impact sub—was quick to capitalize, especially when Jaydev Unadkat took the pace off the ball. A powerful lofted six over cover in the fourth over set the tone for what would be a commanding innings.
Rohit’s composed yet aggressive approach, blending caution with controlled aggression, proved too good for the SRH bowlers. With Suryakumar complementing him well, the result was never in doubt.
Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad, after a poor start, were bailed out by Heinrich Klaasen’s counter-attacking 71 off 44 balls. He shared a 99-run partnership with Abhinav Manohar (43 off 37), helping SRH recover to 143/8. Despite their efforts, it proved too little against a resurgent Mumbai side.
In a light-hearted post-match moment, SRH pacer Mohammad Shami was seen taking Hardik Pandya’s autograph on an ICC Champions Trophy 2025 jersey. Both players were part of India’s victorious campaign, where they beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final held in Dubai.
Mumbai, now with back-to-back wins over SRH this season, continue to build strong momentum in their campaign.
Sports
Daily Quiz | Sachin Tendulkar’s IPL performance
Sports
IPL 2025 | Ishan Kishan’s bizarre dismissal in SRH-MI clash raises eyebrows
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Ishan Kishan
| Photo Credit: Reuters
India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan’s bizarre caught-behind when his bat did not come in contact with the ball during an embarrassing SRH batting collapse on Wednesday (April 23, 2025) caught the eye in the IPL clash against Mumbai Indians.
Left-hander Kishan, who had just opened his account in the previous over, tried to work pacer Deepak Chahar’s first delivery, which was drifting down the leg side. The ball was collected by MI wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton and neither him nor the bowler showed any inclination to appeal for a caught behind.
On-field umpire Vinod Seshan was also close to declaring it a wide. But, to everyone’s surprise, Kishan walked away, indicating he had edged it to the keeper.
Surprised by the batter’s move, Seshan too raised his finger.
Kishan’s gesture had MI skipper Hardik Pandya — who had appealed half-heartedly — pat the left-hander on his helmet and shoulders.
Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya interacts with Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman Ishan Kishan as the latter returns after being dismissed during the IPL match on April 23, 2025
| Photo Credit:
K.V.S. Giri
Replays showed the ball was drifting away from Kishan’s bat when it passed the left-hander, and there was no spike on the UltraEdge either.
It is believed that, on most occasions, a batter comes to know whether he has edged the ball or not. But given the situation SRH are in on the points table — they are placed ninth — they needed to make the most of a flat batting wicket. Kishan’s dismissal saw SRH slump to 9/2 in the third over.
“You think you have seen it all after all these years and yet I must admit the Ishan Kishan’s dismissal leaves me perplexed,” wrote commentator Harsha Bhogle on X, expressing his surprise at the turn of events.
Published – April 24, 2025 12:59 pm IST
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