Hamilton defends F1 Vegas race after Verstappen outburst
LAS VEGAS: Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has defended the organization of the Las Vegas Grand Prix after criticism from current world champion Max Verstappen.
Pakistan Sport News
Al-Shehri the star as Saudis defeat Pakistan to kick off World Cup qualification campaign
RIYADH: Two goals from Saleh Al-Shehri, plus late strikes from Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Abdullah Radif, ensured Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign got off to a winning start on Thursday with a 4-0 home win over Pakistan.
Arsenal boss Arteta charged over VAR rant
LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been charged by the Football Association over an explosive VAR rant following his side’s controversial defeat against Newcastle. Arteta said the VAR decision not to disallow Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 1-0 loss at St. James’ Park earlier this month was embarrassing and an “absolute disgrace.” “Mikel Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday, November 4,” an FA statement said on Thursday. “It’s alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting toward match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute.” VAR checked to see whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock’s cross, whether Joelinton had fouled Arsenal defender Gabriel and whether Gordon had been offside. All three decisions went in Newcastle’s favor, even though the ball appeared to have gone out, while Joelinton clearly pushed Gabriel in the back. Arteta could not hide his anger after the match, saying: “You have to talk about how the hell did this goal stand up? Incredible.
Fury to fight Usyk for undisputed heavyweight crown in Riyadh on Feb. 17
LONDON: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will clash in a “historic” fight for the undisputed heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia on February 17. British star Fury will put his WBC belt on the line, with the WBA, IBF and WBO titles held by Ukraine’s Usyk also up for grabs in Riyadh. The winner will be crowned the heavyweight division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis from 1999 to 2000. Fury, 35, and Usyk, 36, were originally expected to clash on December 23. But Fury’s disappointing performance in a split-decision victory over MMA star Francis Ngannou last month forced a delay to the hotly-anticipated bout. He was left with a swollen eye and cut on the forehead after the contentious win against Ngannou. Fury had already been criticized for failing to agree a deal with Usyk when a proposed meeting at Wembley in April couldn’t be confirmed. The pair will finally step into the ring in 2024 as Fury looks to add to his record of 34 wins with one draw since turning professional in 2008. “This is a historic event. The whole world of boxing has been waiting for many, many years, and they now have this fight,” Fury’s promoter Frank Warren told reporters at a press conference in London on Thursday. “For the first time this century, we will have an undisputed heavyweight champion. “As a promoter I’ve been banging my head against the wall.
"Together We Will Strive For Excellence": Pakistan's New Team Director Mohammad Hafeez
Former Test captain Mohammad Hafeez expressed his delight at being appointed the Team Director of the Pakistan cricket side and asserted that they would strive for excellence together. He has been given the responsibility of reshaping the national team after Pakistan's league stage elimination in the World Cup. Hafeez will also be serving as a coach and he will be consulted when the PCB appoints the new support staff of the team for the forthcoming tours to Australia and New Zealand.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Zaka Ashraf In India. This Is the Reason
Pakistan Cricket Management Committee chairman Zaka Ashraf has landed in India to attend the ICC Executive Board meeting to be held in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Zaka left for Ahmedabad with chief operating officer Salman Nasser and they will also watch the World Cup final on Sunday. The ICC EB meeting is expected to review the conduct of the World Cup, the revenue collection from the showpiece and spectator attendance. It will also discuss the future of 50-over cricket and the hosting of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025, according to PCB sources.
Pakistan Stars Divided In Reaction After Babar Azam Quits Captaincy
Babar Azam's decision to step down from Pakistan captaincy has evoked a mixed reaction from his teammates, with a few of them taking to social media to praise the 29-year-old's contributions as the leader while some others remained silent. Babar on Wednesday had announced his decision to relinquish Pakistan leadership roles across formats after the team failed to enter the semifinals of the ongoing World Cup. Pacer Naseem Shah, who had missed the marquee event with an injury, took to X to extend his support for Babar.
"He Could Not Improve...": Shahid Afridi Slams Babar Azam's Captaincy After Pakistan's Elimination From Cricket World Cup 2023
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has lashed out at Babar Azam's capataincy after the national cricket team's poor show at Cricket World Cup 2023. Pakistan lost five of their nine matches played in the league stage of the tournament and failed to qualify for the semi-finals. Their defeats also included one at the hands of Afghanistan. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side outplayed Babar Azam and company by eight wickets. Criticising Babar, Afridi said that the player has not improved as captain in the past few years.