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.
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas expressed deep concern over the team's persistent issues, including poor fielding and an inexperienced pace attack, following their heavy 194-run defeat to England at Lord's, marking their 10th loss in 11 away Tests.
The BCCI has clarified that the Indian women's cricket team's decision not to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council's Pakistani chief Mohsin Naqvi was a "conscious, institutional" call, made due to prevailing circumstances and national sentiments.
The Indian women's cricket team, after winning their eighth Asia Cup title against Sri Lanka, declined to accept the trophy from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, continuing a trend seen with the men's team last year. This incident highlights an ongoing impasse regarding trophy presentations involving the Pakistani official.
The Indian women's cricket team secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Women's Asia Cup, bowling them out for just 55 runs. This one-sided win prompted former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan to revive his viral "Sunday" joke on social media, referencing past India-Pakistan clashes.
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 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.
Former captain Misbah applies for Pakistan head coach role
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.
The Indian women's cricket team fully supports the BCCI's decision not to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council's Pakistani chief Mohsin Naqvi, with head coach Amol Muzumdar stating that winning the tournament is 'good enough' for the players.
Visitors Pakistan replaced seven players and their head coach on Monday, after suffering two heavy losses to England in their ongoing three-Test series.
US President Donald Trump wished Team USA luck as the ICC Men's T20 World Cup began in India and Sri Lanka, expressing confidence in the American side.
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's Test team head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has acknowledged ongoing fitness issues within the squad, despite a recent training camp. A new conditioning camp is planned to address these concerns before the team's crucial tours to the Caribbean and England. New Test captain Babar Azam is focused on improving fitness and discipline for better performance in red-ball cricket.
A controversy overshadowed Pakistan's Lord's Test after reports emerged of the PCB threatening to boycott the match if Sky Sports aired an interview with Imran Khan's sons. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed denied any knowledge of such a threat, despite the interview being broadcast and the team returning to play. The incident highlights the political tensions surrounding Imran Khan's imprisonment impacting the cricket team.
India's women's cricket team secured a commanding 94-run victory over Thailand in their Women's T20 Asia Cup opener. Despite a batting collapse after a strong start by Shafali Verma, India posted 159-9, then bowled out Thailand for just 65, with Deepti Sharma delivering a record-breaking spell. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged the win but cautioned against complacency.
The trophy is supposed to be the full stop to a tournament, not another comma in an India-Pakistan controversy, points out K R Nayar.
Pakistan's interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson has distanced himself from the decision to drop senior players Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, and Imam-ul-Haq from the Test squad, stating they were already released when he took charge.
Pakistan fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram has voiced his disappointment over the state of the country's cricket, particularly in Test matches. He attributes the team's struggles to a significant lack of quality batting talent emerging in recent years, despite the Pakistan Super League's existence. Akram also highlighted the need to revive club cricket and maintain consistency in team selections.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha and Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh were spotted on a tuk-tuk ride near Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the T20I series opener in Lahore, triggering mixed reactions on social media.
Shuffle in WTC Standings After Pakistan sanctions
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.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the missing Asia Cup trophies for both men's and women's teams will eventually reach the BCCI headquarters, though no timeline was given. He also expressed confidence in the women's team winning gold at the Asian Games.
Indian women's cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur maintained the BCCI's 'No Handshake' policy with Pakistan's Fatima Sana at the toss of their T20 World Cup match, a policy reportedly initiated after a terror attack and military operation last year.
Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board's director of high performance, Aaqib Javed, over his comments regarding the team's major shake-up during the Test series against England.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting expressed his belief that the growth of cricket in the United States has been slower than anticipated, but he remains optimistic about its potential, especially with the US national team's increasing competitiveness and the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed concerns regarding the travel plans of overseas players for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) despite ongoing regional tensions. The 11th edition of the PSL is set to begin on March 26 and will feature an increased number of foreign players, particularly from Australia.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the men's national selection committee and as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy.
Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir has criticised fans and critics for applying a 'sexist' tone to the national women's team's performance in the T20 World Cup. Mir highlighted the double standards in how men's and women's teams are judged, urging a change in mindset and more respect for female athletes.
A total of 33 members of the Pakistan contingent, including players, three travelling reserves and team officials, are awaiting their visas.
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.
During the Asia Cup final on Sunday, the cameras panned to the guest box at the Dubai international stadium and showed BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in conversation with Asian Cricket Council Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The third season of the World Championship of Legends will be held in the UAE from October 3 to 18, featuring cricketing legends like Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and David Warner. This marks the tournament's first venture outside the UK, promising high-profile clashes and rekindled international rivalries across Dubai and Sharjah.
Senior Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma expressed confidence ahead of India's Women's Asia Cup match against Pakistan, highlighting India's consistent performance against their rivals. She emphasised the team's balanced batting and bowling units and their focus on playing good cricket. Deepti also praised young spinners Shree Charani and Prema Rawat for their talent and contributions.
Former India pacer Atul Wassan said pulling out of the Asia Cup match against Pakistan could hurt India's aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Trouble seems to be brewing in the Pakistan cricket team with speculation rife of differences between skipper Mohammed Hafeez and the team management.
Pakistani national selectors are reportedly unhappy with the level of authority given to white-ball head coach Mike Hesson in player selection, prompting calls for a review of the current selection structure.
Joe Root's unbeaten 62 guided England to a dominant eight-wicket victory in the third Test against Pakistan, securing a 3-0 series whitewash despite early batting jitters. This marks England's first series win in 19 months.
India secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in an inconsequential Women's Asia Cup T20 match.
The captains of India and Pakistan women's cricket teams, Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana, once again refrained from shaking hands at the toss during their Women's Asia Cup 2026 match in Dubai.
