A Pakistan Super League (PSL) match was rescheduled, foreign players participating in the event weighed their options, while the PCB went into a huddle on whether to continue with it at all as the country's cricket schedule went haywire following India's military strikes across cities here. The PSL, a T20 league which follows the IPL format, features six franchises and is scheduled to wind up in Lahore on May 18. It was currently in its Rawalpindi leg but tonight's match between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi has been rescheduled for an unspecified later date by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "The Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with all the stakeholders, has decided to reschedule tonight's HBL PSL X match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings. The PCB will announce the revised date in due course," the cricket board said in a media statement. The Indian drone and missile strikes, which have targetted among others Lahore and Rawalpindi so far, are in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Tonight's match aside, the league's future this season looks bleak at present with foreign players edgy about the security situation due to the military escalation between the two neighbours. A report in 'The Telegraph' said English players, who have signed up for the league, are "split on whether to remain in Pakistan and play cricket". "The England and Wales Cricket Board and Professional Cricketers Association held an emergency call on Wednesday morning to discuss the situation. At this stage players are not being advised to come home," it added. "While most players are currently intending to remain in Pakistan, Telegraph Sport understands several are exploring their options and could return home." Seven English players, James Vince, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Luke Wood and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, are playing in this year's PSL. England coaches Ravi Bopara and Alexandra Hartley are also involved in the ongoing league. Other high-profile stars competing in the PSL are David Warner (Karachi Kings), Jason Holder (Islamabad United), and Rassie van der Dussen (Islamabad United) among others. PSL CEO Salman Naseer met the overseas players in Rawalpindi and assured them that there was no cause to worry as the PCB is closely monitoring the situation. "Naturally the current scenario may have come under discussion.The players have been given a heavy security blanket by the Pakistan Army," PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said. "There have been surgical strikes on both sides of the border but we don't expect that to affect the PSL. But if, God forbid, things do escalate, we will sit together to decide our next step," he added. After Wednesday's missile strikes, India had insisted that 'Operation Sindoor' was "focused, measured and non-escalatory" and was only meant to destroy terrorists and their infrastructure. However, the Pakistani military responded by attempting to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, according to Indian officials. These attempts were neutralised by the Integrated Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (Grid and Air Defence systems) and in response, India destroyed a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore, according to its defence ministry. (With PTI inputs)
08 May,2025 09:26 PM IST | Lahore | mid-day online correspondentOpting to bat first, Punjab Kings will aim to build on their exceptional form as they face a struggling Delhi Capitals side in a crucial IPL 2025 clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Thursday. With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the encounter holds high stakes for both teams. Punjab Kings have enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, securing seven victories in 11 matches and suffering only three defeats. Their consistent performances have propelled them just outside the top two, making them strong contenders for early qualification into the knockout stages. A win in this fixture could see them climb to the summit of the points table and become the first team to officially book a playoff berth. In contrast, Delhi Capitals find themselves in a precarious position. Despite starting the season with four consecutive wins, their form has dipped dramatically. They have recorded just two victories in their last six games and had one no result due to rain. Currently placed fifth with 13 points from 11 games, the Capitals are in dire need of a turnaround to keep their playoff aspirations alive. Thursday's match was initially delayed due to persistent rain, with the toss being held up as covers remained on the pitch and light showers continued at the venue. Delhi’s woes have been compounded by an unsettled opening combination, having experimented with six different opening pairs throughout the season—none of which have provided the desired impact. In their previous outing, they narrowly escaped defeat despite posting a modest total of 133 runs while batting first against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings come into this match brimming with confidence following back-to-back victories. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, the team secured a commanding 37-run win over the Lucknow Super Giants at the same venue, showcasing depth in both batting and bowling departments. As the tournament nears its business end, this encounter could prove pivotal. While Punjab looks to solidify their dominance and seal a playoff spot, Delhi must regroup quickly to stay afloat in what has become a do-or-die situation. Squads: Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer(c), Josh Inglis(w), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Suryansh Shedge, Harpreet Brar, Xavier Bartlett, Praveen Dubey, Musheer Khan, Vishnu Vinod, Yash Thakur, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, Harnoor Singh, Pyla Avinash, Mitchell Owen Delhi Capitals: Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul(w), Axar Patel(c), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Ashutosh Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Darshan Nalkande, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sameer Rizvi, Donovan Ferreira, Tripurana Vijay, Manvanth Kumar L, Madhav Tiwari, Sediqullah Atal
08 May,2025 08:33 PM IST | Dharamsala | mid-day online correspondentFormer Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that despite having a roller-coaster IPL 2025 campaign for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), they still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. "Never say never. Even with a 0.1 per cent chance, it's not over yet. As improbable as it seems, if there's still a chance, you keep fighting. Sport teaches you to never give up. By the next game, others might be out of contention, but while hope remains, KKR will push for it," Aakash told JioHotstar. Recently, the Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR suffered a loss against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by two wickets in the IPL 2025 match at the Eden Gardens. With the loss, their playoffs' path seems to be a bit difficult for the defending champions. Also Read: LSG vs RCB, IPL 2025: Giants aim for historic feat in clash with RCB at Ekana Currently, KKR are placed in the sixth position with five wins and six defeats to its name. With seven teams still hunting their way to secure a spot in the playoffs, KKR are on the verge of being eliminated. KKR will next clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium respectively, on May 10 and 13. Chopra feels the game against Bengaluru will be a crucial one for Kolkata. "They face tough fixtures ahead, SRH away and RCB away. While SRH is near the bottom, they have match-winners, and RCB will be keen to finish the season with a double. KKR's game against RCB will be a crucial one," he added. After suffering a loss against Chennai, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane said that it is hard to swallow the loss. "It was really tough (pill to swallow and lose). We were 10-15 short, 185-195 would have been an ideal total on this pitch." The 36-year-old had no complaints about the efforts put in by the bowlers and added, "No complaints at all, the bowlers tried their best," he said, praising the team's fight until the end." (With ANI Inputs)
08 May,2025 07:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe toss for the IPL 2025 encounter between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala was delayed on Thursday due to persistent rainfall in the region. Despite the initial setback caused by the weather, forecasts from Accuweather offered a silver lining, predicting clear skies by Thursday evening, with temperatures expected to hover around 18 degrees Celsius. Rain has already cast its shadow over the tournament on multiple occasions, disrupting four fixtures so far, including two complete washouts. The most recent instance of rain interference occurred during the high-stakes clash between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. Both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals remain firmly in contention for a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs. Punjab Kings, in particular, have shown consistent form and currently sit third on the points table. Out of the 11 matches played, the franchise has registered seven wins, three defeats, and one no-result. With their strong performance thus far, Punjab will be keen to maintain their momentum in this crucial fixture against Delhi. A victory for Punjab Kings in Thursday’s match would not only enhance their playoff prospects but also make them the first team to officially qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament. However, the lead-up to the match was clouded by heightened geopolitical tensions. On Wednesday, doubts arose about the feasibility of staging the game due to escalating cross-border conflict between India and Pakistan. Following missile strikes carried out by India in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, precautionary measures were implemented, including the temporary closure of Dharamshala airport, disrupting the travel plans of several IPL teams. Despite the uncertainty, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association remained committed to proceeding as scheduled. “We have not got any written intimation from either the BCCI, or the central and state governments about cancellation of tomorrow's match. Unless there is any official instruction, we are going ahead with the schedule,” an HPCA official told PTI.
08 May,2025 07:30 PM IST | Dharamsala | mid-day online correspondentFormer India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar hailed MS Dhoni as the pivotal force behind Chennai Super Kings’ dramatic last-over victories, crediting his composure and tactical acumen for steering the team to consecutive wins. His comments came in the wake of CSK’s thrilling two-wicket triumph over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their recent IPL 2025 encounter. Bangar emphasised that Dhoni’s presence remains a defining factor in CSK’s ability to close out tight matches. "He definitely got it right and was well supported by Shivam Dube from the other end. With not much batting left after the pair of Dube and Dhoni, they had to play conservatively. Shivam took the risks, while MS rotated the strike smartly and waited for the bowlers to make mistakes," Bangar said on JioHotstar. In the clash against KKR, Dhoni once again showcased his leadership prowess by playing a composed innings, rotating the strike effectively with Shivam Dube during the crucial final overs. While not the top scorer, Dhoni’s experience proved vital in keeping the scoreboard ticking and maintaining composure under pressure. Also Read: ‘Save everyone, if you can’: Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh stadium receives chilling bomb threat Dube, coming in as an Impact Player, played a crucial role by shouldering his captain in the run chase. The burly left-hander played a knock of 45 runs off 40 deliveries, including two boundaries and three maximums. Earlier in the IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants, Dhoni and Dube partnered up to chase a target of 167 runs. Further, Bangar said that CSK needs the services of Dhoni and they simply can't count him out. "That's been his template, and he's stuck to it despite everything he's gone through this season. CSK needed him again, just like in that win against LSG. You simply can't count him out. In two of CSK's three recent wins, he's been the key in those last-over finishes," he added. In the IPL 2025, Chennai is now placed in the 10th position of the points table with three wins and nine defeats. The MS Dhoni-led Chennai will now lock horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The side will then conclude its group stage matches with a game against Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 18 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. (With ANI Inputs)
08 May,2025 06:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect ending all speculations about his future in the longest format and leaving India in the need of a new captain for the upcoming five-match series against England. Following his decision, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla clarified that there was no pressure put on Rohit by the cricket body. "As far as Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket is concerned, he has made his own decision. It is our policy that the players who take the decision of retirement, we do not put any pressure on them, nor do we suggest anything, nor do we say anything", Shukla told PTI Videos. Team India will set to compete in the much-anticipated contest against the 'Three Lions' from June 20. The veteran of 67 Test matches concluded his career with 4,301 runs in the format. He also has 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries in the longest format of the game. Also Read: PSL matches shifted, players asked to leave Rawalpindi immediately: Report However, being a white-ball stalwart, the 38-year-old fell short of replicating his form in the longest format of the game. Further, Shukla said his contribution to the five-day game was immense. "The more we praise him, the less it is. He is a great batsman. The good thing is that he has not yet decided to retire from cricket (will play only ODIs). So we will definitely take advantage of his experience and talent," said Shukla. With Rohit's call to retire from Test cricket, a void has been left for the captaincy spot. Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are the top contenders to lead the national team in red-ball cricket. When asked about potential names in the fray, Shukla said that the matter lies strictly with the selection committee. "There should not be any speculations. The selectors will decide and tell you who the captain is, it is solely and purely their call," concluded Shukla. Earlier, Rohit retired from the shortest format of the game after Team India's T20 World Cup 2025 triumph. Under his leadership, the Men in Blue also clinched the Champions Trophy 2025 title. (With PTI Inputs)
08 May,2025 06:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentJust a day after Gujarat’s Narendra Modi Stadium was the target of a bomb threat, the Rajasthan Sports Council received a similar menacing email on Thursday, warning of an imminent attack at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium. According to a Lokmat Times report, the threatening message contained a chilling phrase, 'Save everyone, if you can', and referenced the ongoing geopolitical conflict by mentioning 'Operation Sindoor'. Acting swiftly, the Rajasthan Sports Council alerted senior authorities, prompting an immediate and large-scale security response. Security personnel evacuated the stadium, ensuring the safe removal of all players, staff, and officials present at the venue. Specialised bomb disposal units, including a bomb squad and canine units, were deployed to conduct a comprehensive search of the premises. Fortunately, the search concluded without the discovery of any suspicious items or explosives. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium is scheduled to host a high-profile IPL 2025 fixture between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings on May 16. In light of the recent threat, all council-level sporting events have been postponed until further notice as a precautionary measure. Rajasthan’s Minister for Sports, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, addressed the situation via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that he had reviewed the developments with top security officials. “The situation is completely under control. Security agencies are alert and working diligently at every level. Everyone is safe,” he assured. जयपुर के सवाई मान सिंह स्टेडियम को बम से उड़ाने की धमकी के मामले में प्रशासन और संबंधित अधिकारियों से विस्तार से चर्चा की। स्थिति पूरी तरह से नियंत्रण में है और सुरक्षा एजेंसियां अलर्ट मोड में हैं। देश व प्रदेश की सुरक्षा ही सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता है और हर स्तर पर सतर्कता बरती जा… — Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) May 8, 2025 This incident follows a bomb threat received on Wednesday by the Gujarat Cricket Association. The threatening email, allegedly sent by an individual claiming to be based in Pakistan, ominously stated, 'We will blast your stadium', and was signed under the name 'Pakistan JK'. Simultaneously, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) also received a similar threat during the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens. The email, discovered in CAB’s official inbox while the match was in progress, led to an immediate alert being issued to law enforcement agencies. Security protocols at the stadium were quickly reinforced to safeguard players, officials, and spectators. These threats coincide with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following an attack on tourists in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam. In the aftermath, both nations have engaged in cross-border hostilities in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region, escalating fears of a broader conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
08 May,2025 06:00 PM IST | Jaipur | mid-day online correspondentRohit Sharma on Wednesday announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. The veteran of 67 Test matches took to his official social media handles to make the announcement of his retirement, following which, wishes poured in from across the cricketing fraternity. India's World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh hailed Rohit by saying, "your journey in whites has been special". "Test cricket asks a lot of you - grit, patience, and character. Brotherman, you gave it everything and yet made it look effortless. From a quiet fighter to a leader at the top, your journey in whites has been special. Proud of you, go well," Yuvraj said. Taking to X: Test cricket asks a lot of you - grit, patience, and character. Brotherman, you gave it everything and yet made it look effortless. From a quiet fighter to a leader at the top, your journey in whites has been special. Proud of you, go well 🤗❤️ @ImRo45 #RohitSharma — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) May 7, 2025 Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant echoed the emotional void Rohit's absence would leave in the Test team. "Your presence and impact will echo in that dressing room forever. Always love, @rohitsharma45 bhai," Pant posted on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rishabh Pant (@rishabpant) "A master, a leader & a gem!" Team India's incumbent head coach Gautam Gambhir posted on his X account. Also Read: 'You should be proud of all you achieved in the whites': Former cricketers rally behind Rohit Sharma after retirement A master, a leader & a gem! #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/C6RgU6P18n — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 7, 2025 "End of an era! @ImRo45, your grit, grace, and leadership in Test cricket will always remain a big part of India's cricket journey. Thank you for the memories, Captain!," said former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel. Rohit Sharma. Picture Courtesy/Parthiv Patel's Instagram account Former India captain Sourav Ganguly felt Rohit, who has recently struggled in the format, made "the right decision at the right time." Well done on a successful career Rohit @ImRo45 a super captain ..very proud of the achievements — Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) May 7, 2025 India batter Mayank Agarwal took a walk down memory lane. "The walks from the pavilion, the silent understanding between the 22 yards, the shared laughs in the dressing room, and the dominating mindset in the middle. Glad to have shared these memories in the whites with you," Mayank wrote. The walks from the pavilion, the silent understanding between the 22 yards, the shared laughs in the dressing room, and the dominating mindset in the middle.Glad to have shared these memories in the whites with you @ImRo45 🫂#RohitSharma #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/O8LOV67hA5 — Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) May 7, 2025 Former India pacer RP Singh hailed Rohit's "immeasurable" contribution to Indian cricket as a player and a leader. "Big salute to @ImRo45!Your contributions to Indian cricket are immeasurable. From thrilling knocks to leading the team with passion & pride, you've given it your all. Wishing you a well-deserved break & a future filled with joy! Singh said. Rohit Sharma. Picture Courtesy/RP Singh's Instagram account Rohit's longtime Mumbai teammate Ajinkya Rahane admitted he was taken aback by the news of the Test retirement. "I'm actually shocked. I didn't know that he retired in the Test format. Whatever his plans are, he has done really well, improved his game, as a Test batter. He started his career 5-6 number and then opened the innings. "I thought the way he adapted to that opening slot was amazing to see. He always wanted to take on the bowlers, play with freedom. And that's what he wanted other players to do as well, play with freedom," Rahane said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yashasvi Jaiswal (@yashasvijaiswal28) Team India's youngsters, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel also extended their wishes to their captain. "Rohit bhai, sharing the crease with you in whites was nothing less than a blessing. Thank you for everything," Jaiswal said. Jurel, who was handed his Test debut under Rohit, added: "Always my first skipper. Happy Retirement, Rohit bhaiya." View this post on Instagram A post shared by J U R E L (@dhruvjurel) Representing India in 67 matches, Rohit concluded his Test career with 4,301 runs. His career best score in the format is 212 runs. The veteran also has 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries in the longest format of the game. ICC president Jay Shah too hailed Rohit's contribution. "Thank you @ImRo45 for your bold leadership in Test cricket, and the entertainment you provided to fans of the longest format over your career. Wishing you all the best for future innings on and off the field!" Shah wrote. Thank you @ImRo45 for your bold leadership in Test cricket, and the entertainment you provided to fans of the longest format over your career. Wishing you all the best for future innings on and off the field! pic.twitter.com/5xatMV1d1w — Jay Shah (@JayShah) May 7, 2025 "Rohit Sharma's impact on Indian cricket transcends records and statistics. He brought a sense of calm and assurance to the team ¿ both as a player and as a captain. His ability to stay composed under pressure and to consistently put the team's needs above his own made him a truly special player and leader," BCCI President Roger Binny said. "Indian cricket has been fortunate to have a figure like Rohit someone who upheld the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship. He leaves behind not just a remarkable playing record, but a culture of discipline and selflessness that will inspire future generations," he added. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan reminisced Rohit's exploits in England, while wishing him good luck for the future. Congratulations @ImRo45 on your test career. 2021 test series in England will be remembered for your heroics. Go well in your next phase. pic.twitter.com/FvOvuaV3Y9 — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 7, 2025 "Congratulations @ImRo45 on your test career. 2021 test series in England will be remembered for your heroics. Go well in your next phase," Pathan said.Former India leggie Amit Mishra also acknowledged Rohit's decade-long career in whites. Congratulations on a legendary Test career, @ImRo45. You’ve made India proud. All the best for your ODI journey. God bless you. #RohitSharma #IndianCricket #Cricket #BCCI #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/OJ9MNhOPch — Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) May 7, 2025 "Congratulations on a legendary Test career, @ImRo45. You've made India proud. All the best for your ODI journey. God bless you." Thank you for amazing memories Kaptaan ShaabCongratulations on your amazing Career and all your achievements in #TestCricket @ImRo45#RohitSharma𓃵 pic.twitter.com/PVJdlWY8p2 — Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) May 7, 2025 Former India pacer Munaf Patel praised Rohit's achievements in the longest format of the game. "Thank you for amazing memories Kaptaan Shaab Congratulations on your amazing Career and all your achievements in #TestCricket," Munaf tweeted. Earlier, Rohit retired from the shortest format of the game after the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. The 38-year-old will only don the Indian jersey in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs). (With PTI Inputs)
08 May,2025 05:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the wake of intensifying geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly advised players participating in the ongoing Pakistan Super League to vacate Rawalpindi. Each franchise includes five to six overseas cricketers, making the directive a significant logistical and reputational challenge for the PCB. The PSL had served as a key revenue stream for the board, especially following financial setbacks after the postponement of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Amid security concerns following a suspected drone strike on the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, just hours before a scheduled match on Thursday, reports suggest the remaining PSL fixtures may be relocated to alternate venues in Karachi, Doha, or Dubai. A PSL match in Rawalpindi was cancelled following a drone attack, leaving foreign players in deep shock. Match was tonight. Many are now seeking to leave the country as soon as possible. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will make a decision after consulting with the government:… pic.twitter.com/34EGoMebYI — IANS (@ians_india) May 8, 2025 All players have been instructed to leave Rawalpindi as well. Bhayi international players kar kya rhe h ab tak waha https://t.co/ojYAbq6aH8 — Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) May 8, 2025 The Rawalpindi venue, which has hosted over 50 international matches and numerous domestic games, was set to hold matches on May 8, 9, and 10. The final group match is scheduled for May 11 in Multan. The Qualifier was originally planned for May 13 in Rawalpindi, while the eliminators and the finale were slated for May 14, 16, and 18, respectively, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Earlier on Wednesday, the PCB had maintained that the tournament would proceed uninterrupted despite mounting regional tensions, particularly following the launch of 'Operation Sindoor' by Indian armed forces. However, the security landscape has deteriorated rapidly. According to PTI, a PCB source confirmed on Wednesday that while no formal exit requests from international players had been received, the board was evaluating contingency measures. The drone incident occurred shortly after Pakistan reportedly attempted to target 15 military sites in India. In retaliation, Indian forces dismantled key air defense infrastructure in Lahore. Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that drones had been intercepted in multiple locations, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and others. This surge in hostilities follows an earlier attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which New Delhi attributed to Pakistani-backed militants, a claim Islamabad denies. Since then, both nations have exchanged fire along the Line of Control (LoC), fueling concerns of a broader escalation between the two nuclear-armed adversaries.
08 May,2025 05:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a venue that has hosted over 50 international fixtures and numerous domestic matches, was reportedly struck by a drone mere hours before a scheduled Pakistan Super League match on Thursday. The PSL match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings was slated to begin at 8 PM on May 8. Following the incident, multiple videos allegedly capturing the aftermath began circulating on social media platforms, though their authenticity has not been independently verified by Mid-Day. Drones strike in Rawalpindi. Strikes happened near Rawalpindi Stadium. Nowhere is beyond the reach of the Indian armed forces. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/rzodTlYsqr — Sid 🇮🇳 (@sidduu96) May 8, 2025 भारत के drone ने Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium को हिला दिया💥#OperationSindoor #IndiaPakistanWar pic.twitter.com/hGXC6JJioB — Kreately.in (@KreatelyMedia) May 8, 2025 An Indian drone has hit Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The stadium is hosting the PSL tournament, where Peshawar and Karachi will be playing tonight at 8:00 PM. pic.twitter.com/MNwoh1kwbl — Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) May 8, 2025 #BREAKING 🇵🇰‼️🇮🇳 An unidentified object fell on close shop in a food street in RAWALPINDI, Pakistan.After Geolocating, the location is right next Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium where currently Pakistan Super league matches are held.Reportedly one person got injured. pic.twitter.com/jzPQNfli4O — Monitor𝕏 (@MonitorX99800) May 8, 2025 Operation Sindoor: Players reconsidering decision to remain in Pakistan? The drone incident has intensified concerns regarding the safety of both players and spectators, casting a shadow over the ongoing PSL season. In light of the event, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) convened an emergency meeting to reassess the security situation in Pakistan. Reports indicate that several English players participating in the league are now reconsidering their decision to remain in the country, with opinions reportedly split over whether to continue playing or return home. This development coincided with a broader escalation in hostilities between the two nations. Just hours earlier, Islamabad allegedly launched a series of strikes targeting 15 military installations in India. In retaliation, India reportedly dismantled several Pakistani air defense radar systems in Lahore on the same day. According to Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, a number of drones were intercepted and neutralized across multiple regions including Lahore, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Miano, Karachi, Chhor, Rawalpindi, and Attock. The statement was relayed by news agency PTI. These latest military exchanges follow a deadly incident two weeks ago in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where Indian authorities accused Pakistan of supporting a terrorist attack on tourists, an allegation that Islamabad strongly denied. Since then, both countries have engaged in intermittent cross-border shelling in the contested Kashmir region. The rapidly intensifying conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours has sparked serious international concern, with many fearing that continued provocations could spiral into a broader confrontation.
08 May,2025 04:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOne of Team India's most established opening batsmen, Rohit Sharma, on Wednesday announced his retirement from Test cricket. Following the retirement, former cricketers including Suresh Raina, Wasim Jaffer and Ricky Ponting extended their love and respect to Rohit. Former Team India all-rounder Suresh Raina said, "A true champion, an inspiring leader" on his official social media handle. "Rohit Sharma's legacy extends beyond the numbers. A true champion, an inspiring leader, and a passionate player who gave his all to the game. His impact on Indian cricket will be felt for years to come #RohitSharmaLegend," posted Raina. Taking to X: Rohit Sharma's legacy extends beyond the numbers 🙏🏼. A true champion, an inspiring leader, and a passionate player who gave his all to the game. His impact on Indian cricket will be felt for years to come 💕 #RohitSharmaLegend pic.twitter.com/3RhPeJ9qSU — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 8, 2025 Former Team India and domestic legend Wasim Jaffer hailed the Indian skipper by saying, "You should be proud of all you achieved in the whites". Also Read: In Photos: Who can fill in Rohit Sharma's void in Test cricket? "Rohit 2.0 in Test cricket was as good as it gets. Be it turning pitches in India or the swing and seam in England, he led from the front. You should be proud of all you achieved in the whites @ImRo45, congratulations on a wonderful career," posted Jaffer. Taking to X: Rohit 2.0 in Test cricket was as good as it gets. Be it turning pitches in India or the swing and seam in England, he led from the front. You should be proud of all you achieved in the whites @ImRo45, congratulations on a wonderful career 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/8Dev1kKFmW — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) May 7, 2025 In a video by Punjab Kings (PBKS), the franchise's head coach Ricky Ponting, who played with a young Rohit as a part Mumbai Indians (MI), the batting icon said, "Well, Rohit Sharma, my great friend. We go back a long, long way to the days of the Mumbai Indians, getting to play alongside you and see you develop as a captain and leader. I just want to say congratulations on an unbelievable Test career. You should be very proud of everything you have achieved in Test match game and best of luck for your future." From our Shers to Hitman ❤️Thank you Rohit Bhai itne saal hamein Tests mein woh karne ke liye… ENTERTAIN. 🫶#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/LM0GTy76Po — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 7, 2025 Rohit Sharma on Wednesday took to his official social media handle to share his retirement news. Debuting for India in 2013 against the West Indies, the right-hander has made 67 appearances in Test cricket. His Test career came to an end with 4,301 runs, including 12 tons and 18 half-centuries. His career-best score of 212 runs came during the series against South Africa in 2019. Concluding his career, Rohit finished as India's 16th highest run-scorer in the format. He kick-started his Test journey with a memorable 177 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 2013. Despite immense promise and some great knocks, the 'Hitman' initially struggled to solidify himself as a top-choice batter in the longer format, especially in tours away from home. From 2013-18, Rohit played just 27 Tests, scoring 1,585 runs at an average of 39.63, with three centuries and 10 fifties in 47 innings. The right-hander has always struggled to garner runs in South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia (SENA) countries. Rohit's best score has always been 151 runs in away conditions. If a player scores well in SENA countries, then it is often considered a hallmark of a great Team India batsman. Later, in 2019, by smashing two centuries against South Africa, Rohit revived his career as an opening batsman in the longest format of the game. In 40 Tests during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) history, he made 2,716 runs at an average of 41.15, with nine centuries and eight fifties. His best score was 212. He is India's top run-getter, century maker in WTC history and overall at 10th among top run-getters. He led India to the final of the WTC against Australia in the UK in 2023, where they lost. (With ANI Inputs)
08 May,2025 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
