logo
'Don't play against us in ICC tournaments, Olympics': Ex-Pakistan skipper on WCL controversy

'Don't play against us in ICC tournaments, Olympics': Ex-Pakistan skipper on WCL controversy

Time of India4 days ago
Former Pakistan captain
has made a scathing attack on Yuvraj Singh-led India for refusing to play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends (WCL).
The second edition of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) tournament, which is co-owned by Bollywood star
, started on June 18 at Edgbaston and is scheduled to conclude with the final on August 2.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
"The whole world is talking about them – what message have they sent to cricket as a whole and to the fans? What are you trying to show? What are you trying to prove? Now don't play in the World Cup... don't play against us in any ICC tournament. Make this a promise," Butt said on his YouTube channel.
World Cup winner
is the captain of the India Champions, while the squad also features the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, and Varun Aaron, among others.
Mohammed Siraj press conference: Akash Deep and Bumrah update, on India vs Pakistan, warning to ENG
The Pakistan team includes captain Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Kamran Akmal, among a host of other yesteryear players.
The former Pakistan captain even asked India to boycott Pakistan in the Olympics as well.
'See, we understand that everything has its own place. But now that you are interlinking, don't play against us at any level or tournament. Not even the Olympics. Please do that. I would love to see.
The stakes would be high, and I'd see how much nationalism they can show at that level,' he said.
Poll
Should India play against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends?
Yes, it's a good opportunity for sportsmanship. No, political tensions should take precedence. Only if both teams agree on mutual terms. Not sure, need more information.
'What is this mindset? I just can't understand. Who is making this decision? Those 4–5 people who decided not to play – because of them, others, who probably had the mindset to play, felt pressured,' he added.
The WCL organisers shared a statement on their X account, detailing the decision of cancellation and said their intention in conducting the match was to recreate some "happy memories."
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
'After hearing the news that the Pakistan hockey team will be coming to India this year, and seeing the recent India vs Pakistan volleyball match along with a few other fixtures between the two nations in different sports, we thought of continuing with the India vs Pakistan match at WCL, just to create some happy memories for people around the globe.
"But maybe in the process, we ended up hurting the feelings of many and stirring emotions," the WCL statement read.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ravi Dahiya resumes training after surgery, says 'Hopeful of making it to LA 2028 Olympics'
Ravi Dahiya resumes training after surgery, says 'Hopeful of making it to LA 2028 Olympics'

Hans India

time7 minutes ago

  • Hans India

Ravi Dahiya resumes training after surgery, says 'Hopeful of making it to LA 2028 Olympics'

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Ravi Kumar Dahiya has revealed that he has resumed training after a successful surgery and is now hopeful of making it to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Dahiya sustained an injury during a practice bout at the Chhatrasal Stadium in February 2023. Scans revealed grade 2 tears on his right knee in Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). "I've resumed training after my surgery. It was unfortunate to miss the Paris Olympics due to injury, but I'm hopeful of making it to Los Angeles. Fingers crossed," Dahiya told IANS. He was last seen in action at the 2022 World Championships in Belgrade in September. The Birmingham Commonwealth Games champion lost in the first round to Uzbekistan's Gulomjon Abdullaev in the 57kg category. The 27-year-old wrestler believes the new sports policy - 'Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana' headed by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta - will boost the confidence of players and athletes across the national capital. 'The new sports policy of the Delhi Government is very impressive. It will benefit athletes at the grassroots level. There will be improved infrastructure and increased prize money for Delhi athletes. This will boost the confidence of players across the city,' he added. The new policy has increased incentives for athletes across all levels. Olympic and Paralympic medal winners now receive more than twice the previous remuneration. Also, depending on their performance, the state will provide top medal winners with secure government employment in Group A, B, or C positions in addition to financial incentives. By providing more funding for training, nutrition, and grassroots involvement, the program seeks to empower young people, keep athletic potential in Delhi, and advance the growth of sports more broadly. Dahiya recently decided to move up in the weight category to improve his chances of prolonging his career and aim for a medal in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028. While the next Olympic weight category for the LA Olympics 2028 is 65kg, Dahiya has been in and out of competitions in the past few years due to injuries and has been competing in the non-Olympic 61kg weight category.

New Zealand vs South Africa T20I Live Cricket Score Streaming: Where to Watch NZ vs SA Today's Final Match Live telecast?
New Zealand vs South Africa T20I Live Cricket Score Streaming: Where to Watch NZ vs SA Today's Final Match Live telecast?

Indian Express

time7 minutes ago

  • Indian Express

New Zealand vs South Africa T20I Live Cricket Score Streaming: Where to Watch NZ vs SA Today's Final Match Live telecast?

New Zealand (NZ) vs South Africa (SA), Zimbabwe Tri-Series Final T20I Live Cricket Score Streaming Online: On a fine winning streak, Mitchell Santner's Black Caps will take on Rassie van der Dussen's South Africa in the T20 Tri-Series summit clash today. The Kiwis had a spotless league-stage campaign, also involving Zimbabwe, as they beat both the hosts and the Proteas twice each to comfortably enter the final. South Africa had to rely on wins against Zimbabwe to make the final as the teams build towards next year's World Cup. In their first meeting, New Zealand racked up 173 before bundling out South Africa for a 21-run victory. On Tuesday, New Zealand made light work of a 135 chase after constricting South Africa with a cohesive bowling effort. Led by Tim Seifert's unbeaten 66, New Zealand romped home by seven wickets. NZ vs SA Tri-Series final, predicted 11 NZ predicted XI: Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke SA predicted XI: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen (c), Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Nqaba Peter, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka. When will the New Zealand vs South Africa, final match of the T20 Tri-Series take place? The final match of the T20 Tri-Series between New Zealand and South Africa will be held today, July 26 (Saturday). Where will the New Zealand vs South Africa, final match of the T20 Tri-Series take place? The final match of the T20 Tri-Series between New Zealand and South Africa will be played at the Harare Sports Club. At what time will the New Zealand vs South Africa match of the T20 Tri-Series start? The final match of the T20 Tri-Series between New Zealand and South Africa will begin at 4:30 PM IST. At what time will the toss for the final match of the T20 Tri-Series between New Zealand and South Africa take place? The toss for the final match of the T20 Tri-Series between New Zealand and South Africa will happen at 4 PM IST. Where to watch the live telecast of the final match of the T20 Tri-Series between New Zealand and South Africa in India? The final match of the T20 Tri-Series between New Zealand and South Africa will not be televised live on any TV channel in India. Where to watch the live stream of the final match of the T20 Tri-Series between New Zealand and South Africa in India? The final match of the T20 Tri-Series between New Zealand and South Africa will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website in India. Squads: New Zealand Squad: Tim Seifert(w), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner(c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, William ORourke, Mitchell Hay, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne South Africa Squad: Rassie van der Dussen(c), Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius(w), Andile Simelane, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Senuran Muthusamy, Nqabayomzi Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch

'Forever indebted to our great heroes': Tributes pour in from cricketers and IPL franchises on Kargil Vijay Diwas
'Forever indebted to our great heroes': Tributes pour in from cricketers and IPL franchises on Kargil Vijay Diwas

Time of India

time11 minutes ago

  • Time of India

'Forever indebted to our great heroes': Tributes pour in from cricketers and IPL franchises on Kargil Vijay Diwas

VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar NEW DELHI: On July 26, India observed the anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas , commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces during the 1999 Kargil War . The day marks India's historic military victory over Pakistan after a grueling three-month conflict in the rugged mountains of Kargil, Ladakh. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! To honour the valour of the soldiers who fought in one of India's most challenging battles, several former cricketers and IPL franchises paid heartfelt tributes across social media platforms. Poll How do you feel about the sacrifices made by the Indian armed forces during the Kargil War? Deeply Respectful Proud Concerned about war Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar shared an emotional message in Hindi: "26 saal pahle, humari senawon ne itihaas racha tha. Unka tyaag aur unki veerta humein aaj bhi garv se bhar deti hai. Kargil yudh ke veeron ko humara shat shat naman!" ('26 years ago, our armed forces created history. Their sacrifice and bravery continue to fill us with pride. Salutations to the heroes of the Kargil War!') Former India batter VVS Laxman also expressed his gratitude, posting: "On #KargilVijayDiwas, salute to the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of our soldiers. Forever indebted to our great heroes." Cricketers weren't alone in paying homage. IPL teams like Chennai Super Kings , Mumbai Indians , Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals took to social media to honour the warriors of Kargil with powerful visuals, patriotic messages, and heartfelt thank-yous. The day stood as a reminder of the unwavering spirit of the Indian Armed Forces and the continued respect they command across all walks of life — including from the cricketing fraternity, which came together to say: Jai Hind. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store