Wednesday's India-Pakistan World Cup match in Amstelveen saw players exchange handshakes, a gesture that has become contentious in India-Pakistan sporting encounters, particularly in cricket. While the Indian team dominated on the field, winning 5-3, the post-match handshakes led to mixed reactions online, highlighting the differing approaches to rivalry in hockey versus cricket.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam is expected to return for the second Test against England at Lord's after recovering from a finger injury. His potential comeback offers a significant boost to the team, which suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test, as England leads the three-match series 1-0.
Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja has issued a stark warning that the national team's consistent poor performances are causing a significant decline in its fan base. He emphasised that while fans don't expect wins every time, they demand a fighting spirit and competitive attitude, which the team is currently lacking, leading to growing disinterest among supporters.
England closed in on a first home Test series win for two years as Pakistan slumped to 53/3 at lunch on the fourth day of the second Test at Lord's on Sunday.
We are back to the 1971 moment with both China and the US supporting Pakistan, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).
Former Pakistan hockey players have expressed deep concern over the national team's poor performance at the World Cup, advocating for an immediate injection of fresh talent and a focus on the upcoming Asian Games. They attribute the sport's decline to cricket's dominance and a failure to adapt to modern hockey, urging the federation to prioritise competitive success to regain public interest.
Muhammad Yousuf branded Pakistan's coaches "poison for the game", blaming their lack of vision for neglected batting flaws that worsened over years and contributed to the team's decline.
Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has sustained a low-grade calf strain during the second Test against England, making his continued participation in the match uncertain. He is currently receiving treatment from the Pakistan medical team.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has instructed its players participating in the Test series against England to refrain from commenting on the imprisonment of former captain Imran Khan. This directive follows attempts by British media to elicit comments and a Sky Sports interview with Khan's sons, which the PCB deemed political. The board prioritised diplomatic relations and the ongoing series despite its displeasure.
England seized total control at Lord's after bowling Pakistan out for 110, building a 261-run lead as Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer dismantled their batting.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam has declared himself 90 percent fit and available for the second Test against England at Lord's, aiming to lead a rejuvenated side after their innings defeat in the first match. He emphasised the need for senior players, including himself, to take responsibility and hinted at potential changes if performance doesn't improve.
Pakistan is set to host the 14th South Asian Games in April next year across Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, after a six-year delay. While the South Asia Olympic Council has approved the dates and venues, India's participation remains uncertain due to political tensions, despite its representative attending the planning meeting.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Khan has criticised the current generation of pacers for their lack of skill development, attributing it to Pakistan's decline in Test cricket. He emphasised the importance of artful bowling over mere speed and highlighted how T20 cricket and internal politics are hindering player development.
England moved to the brink of victory at Lord's as Dan Lawrence's unbeaten fifty extended their lead to 357, leaving Pakistan facing an almost impossible chase.
India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in their final Pool D match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scoring two goals each. Vice-captain Hardik Singh also contributed to India's victory, while Pakistan managed to reduce the margin with goals from Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan.
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh states that the Indian hockey team has overcome its past late-game vulnerabilities against Pakistan, attributing this to significant improvements in fitness, game awareness, and decision-making. He notes that matches against Pakistan are no longer as challenging as they once were, though he stresses the need for defensive discipline against stronger European teams in the upcoming World Cup.
Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup pool match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry, urging both teams to bring back skill and artistry to attract fans.
Pakistan hockey legend Samiullah Khan has advised his team to focus on a strong defence and avoid conceding penalty corners in their crucial FIH World Cup match against India. He also highlighted the need for a long-term vision in Pakistan hockey, similar to India's transformation, and lamented the fading intensity of the historic rivalry.
Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.
England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been dropped from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan following an investigation by the Cricket Regulator into an incident at a club in Derby. Carse, who was reportedly seen in handcuffs but not arrested or charged, will be replaced by Sonny Baker. This incident follows a series of off-field controversies involving England cricketers, prompting renewed scrutiny of player conduct.
India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in a crucial FIH Men's Hockey World Cup Pool D match, needing at least a draw to advance, while Pakistan must win to stay in the tournament.
A dominant display against a hugely disappointing Pakistan side saw the game wrapped up before tea on the third day despite the loss of more than half a day's play to rain.
Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar attributes his country's hockey decline to the absence of a robust domestic structure, contrasting it with India's strategic investment in grassroots and domestic ecosystems after failing to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. He highlights India's subsequent success and calls for similar foundational changes in Pakistan.
Mohammad Abbas claimed four wickets as Pakistan controlled much of the opening day at Lord's, but England recovered through Cox, Smith and Atkinson to reach 248-9.
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the FIH Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen is a complete sell-out, with tickets having been sold online in phases since September 2025.
The Wagener Stadium, site of a historic 1973 India-Pakistan hockey World Cup semifinal, is set to host another clash between the arch-rivals. Former captain M P Ganesh recounts the intense 1-0 victory for India in 1973, highlighting the fierce competition and political undertones of the era.
Harry Brook's blistering 91 and strong partnerships with Dan Lawrence, Joe Root and Jordan Cox put England firmly in control, leaving Pakistan facing an uphill battle in the first Test at Headingley.
Harmanpreet Kaur says a winning culture is taking shape in the Indian women's cricket team as they prepare for the Asia Cup and Asian Games.
The upcoming Women's Asia Cup in Dubai could reignite a controversy for the BCCI regarding the trophy presentation if India reaches the final, as Pakistan's Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the ACC chief, might be on the dais, recalling a similar incident with the men's team last year.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam will miss this week's first test in against England after injuring his right hand during a warm-up match and Salman Ali Agha will deputise, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said on Tuesday.
Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue claimed five wickets each to dismiss Pakistan for 171 in the first Test at Headingley, before Joe Root's unbeaten 37 guided England to 112-2.
Former Pakistan Test spinner and chief selector Iqbal Qasim has criticised the current generation of Pakistani cricketers for prioritising financial gain, particularly through leagues like the PSL, over dedicated skill development and game awareness, attributing this to a lack of vision among selectors and a general disinterest among young players.
Sixteen years ago, when India and Pakistan last met in a men's Hockey World Cup, the contest was more than just two arch-rivals facing each other. It was about settling an old score. And as the two teams prepare to meet again after 16 years, memories of that evening remain fresh for those who were part of it.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scored a brace each to help India beat arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in their final Pool D match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, on Wednesday.
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is set to begin on August 15, with India featuring in both the men's and women's tournaments. Here is the complete India schedule, fixtures and squad details for the World Cup.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a two-year ban for several former national players who participated in the unsanctioned Asian Legends Cup in Lusaka, Zambia. The tournament, which was not approved by the ICC or the Zambia Cricket Union, saw players like Mohammed Irfan, Imran Nazir, and Yasir Shah take part, while others like Muhammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik withdrew. The PCB has warned of severe disciplinary action, including ineligibility for future cricketing assignments.
Pakistan hockey captain Abu Bakar Mahmood expressed confidence in his team's ability to defeat arch-rivals India at the upcoming FIH World Cup, stating that "rankings don't matter" in such high-stakes encounters and performance on the day is key.
Hangors are effectively 'dead-on-arrival' with Pakistanis saddled with deadweights that displace around 3,000 tons. Last time it was near Vishakhapatnam. This time, barnacles will clog the Hangors in Karachi port itself, points out Dr Abhishek Puri.
Pakistan's chief selector Samiullah Khan believes a draw against arch-rivals India will be crucial for the national hockey team to advance past the group stage in the upcoming World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Pakistan, participating after an eight-year hiatus, has announced a 20-member squad, with foreign coaches assisting the team.
India faced a 2-4 defeat against England in their second Pool D match of the men's Hockey World Cup. Despite taking a 2-1 lead, India conceded three goals in the second half. This loss puts India in a precarious position, requiring a win or draw against Pakistan in their next match to qualify for the second round.
