Favourites Tango To Fire, Fujairah Shine with Cup Wins at LRC

 Favourites Tango To Fire, Fujairah Shine with Cup Wins at LRC

Asher Butt

Tango To Fire and Fujairah set the Lahore Race Club ablaze with their stellar performances, clinching the Monsoon Cup and Punjab Cup respectively yesterday evening. 

Alongside these favorites, the race day witnessed two notable upsets by Pocket Power and Dil Nasheen, while Royal Salute maintained its reputation in the third race.

Opening Race: Kot Lakhpat Plate

The opening race saw a dramatic upset as Pocket Power defied the odds to secure a victory. Favorite Salaar was relegated to third place, while the lesser-known Moon Light took second.

Winner: Pocket Power

Second Place: Moon Light

Third Place: Salaar

Second Race: Monsoon Cup

In the Monsoon Cup, favorite Tango To Fire lived up to expectations with a commanding win. Al Karam secured second place as predicted, while Puma Legend provided a surprise by finishing third.

Winner: Tango To Fire

Second Place: Al Karam

Third Place: Puma Legend

Third Race

Royal Salute proved its mettle by winning the third race as expected. Leisure Trip followed in second place, with Brooklyn surprising the field by finishing third.

Winner: Royal Salute

Second Place: Leisure Trip

Third Place: Brooklyn

Fourth Race: Punjab Cup

The Punjab Cup saw favorite Fujairah deliver a strong performance to win the race. The surprises came in the form of Black Master and Lady Champion, who took second and third places respectively.

Winner: Fujairah

Second Place: Black Master

Third Place: Lady Champion

Fifth Race

The final race of the day was marked by another upset, with Dil Nasheen emerging victorious. Tully Princess and Zaman Sahib followed as expected, securing second and third places respectively.

Winner: Dil Nasheen

Second Place: Tully Princess

Third Place: Zaman Sahib

The eventful race day at Lahore Race Club highlighted both the predictability and unpredictability of horse racing, with favorites Tango To Fire and Fujairah meeting expectations and delivering thrilling victories, while upsets by Pocket Power and Dil Nasheen added an element of surprise and excitement.

LRC gears up for exciting 4th day of summer meeting on Sunday

 LRC gears up for exciting 4th day of summer meeting on Sunday

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club is set to host an action-packed 4th day of their Summer Meeting this Sunday with two prestigious cup events and three Kot Lakhpat plate races.

Main Events:

Monsoon Cup (Class VII, Division VI&VII): Seven horses will vie for glory in this maiden race. Tango To Fire is the early favorite, followed by AI Karam and Gujjar Queen as a potential dark horse.

Punjab Cup (Class VII, Division II&III): This high-profile race promises a tough competition with eight participants. Fujairah is heavily favored, with Moni Prince a contender for second place. Paddington and others like Lady Champion, Fairy World, and Emerging Star could provide some surprises.

Kot Lakhpat Plate Races (All 900 meters except Race 3):

Race 1 (Class VII, Division VI&VII): Salaar is the favorite, with Pocket Power a potential challenger and Capital City a possible surprise.

Race 3 (Class VI): Royal Salute is expected to take the lead, with Leisure Trip a close competitor and National Colour a wildcard.

Race 5 (Class VII, Division V&VI): Jalpana Prince holds the advantage, but Tully Princess or Zaman Sahib could cause an upset. Pride of Chandrai and Dil Nasheen are also contenders.

Race Distances:

All races are set for a 900-meter distance except for the third Kot Lakhpat Plate race (Class VI) which will cover 1,100 meters.

Pakistan’s Minaa achieves International Golf Referee Qualification

Pakistan’s Minaa achieves International Golf Referee Qualification

Asher Butt 

Minaa Zainab of the Punjab Golf Association has, in a significant development for Pakistan’s golfing community,  successfully completed the International Golf Referee Qualification.

The certification process, which took place at the prestigious Royal Selangor Golf Club in Malaysia, saw participants from various countries including Malaysia, China, Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Pakistan.

Minaa Zainab, a lady lawyer with a scholarly background and a fervent passion for golf organization, has now acquired the necessary skills and standards to officiate as a tournament referee at national golf championships. The qualification process provided her and four male counterparts with a comprehensive understanding of managing golf competitions.

The male members who also qualified are Malik Kamran of the Pakistan Golf Federation, Col Tahir Ayub and Maj Ismael Rao of the Rawalpindi Golf Club, and Omer Zia of Lahore Gymkhana. It is noteworthy that Minaa Zainab was the only female participant from Pakistan to achieve this success.

This accomplishment not only highlights the growing inclusivity in sports management but also sets a precedent for other aspiring female sports administrators in Pakistan.

PCB looks for ways to revitalizing domestic cricket

PCB looks for ways to revitalizing domestic cricket

Chairman Mohsin Naqvi leads pivotal meeting

Asher Butt 

The Pakistan Cricket Board money initiated efforts in a significant stride towards enhancing the caliber of domestic cricket.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi chaired a comprehensive three-hour meeting at the National Cricket Academy discussing pros and cons and looking into several ways to improve the domestic edifice. The session was dedicated to devising strategies for bolstering the foundations of domestic cricket.

The meeting saw the convergence of key PCB figures, including COO Salman Naseer and CFO Javed Murtaza, alongside directors overseeing various cricketing domains such as International Cricket, High Performance Centers, and Domestic Cricket. The assembly also included officials from PSL and Commercial sectors.

Naqvi, presided over the discussion to address the quality of domestic cricket with focus on strategies to enhance and strengthen the base across all levels.

Promotion of Quality Domestic Cricket: Chairman Naqvi emphasized the need for consistent organization of tournaments from the club level to the national level. The goal is to ensure a steady flow of competitive cricket, grooming players at every stage of their development.

Professional Grooming of Promising Players: Chairman Naqvi stressed the importance of professional training for promising players. Excellent coaches will be tasked with enhancing the skills of new talent, ensuring that performance, fitness, and merit are the primary criteria for player advancement.

Improvement in Coaching Standards: The meeting resolved to improve the standard of coaching for the upcoming domestic cricket season. A master coach will be appointed to train domestic cricket coaches, ensuring that they can effectively develop players' skills and fitness.

Mandatory Participation in Domestic Tournaments: It was decided that players must participate in domestic cricket tournaments to be considered for national team selection. This ensures that selection for the national team is based strictly on performance and fitness showcased in domestic events.

Zero Compromise on Merit, Performance, and Fitness: The participants reached a mutual agreement to maintain high standards with no compromises on merit, performance, and fitness.

Tournaments Across All Formats: To promote quality domestic cricket in the 2024-25 season, tournaments will be held for all three formats of the game.

Grassroots Talent Development: Chairman Naqvi highlighted the urgent need to unearth new talent at the grassroots level. Investing in grassroots cricket is expected to yield positive results and promote cricket from the ground up.

Review of International Best Practices: The meeting also included a review of domestic cricket structures from various high-performing cricket nations to identify and adopt best practices.

The gathering resolved to uplift coaching standards in the forthcoming domestic season and reassess domestic contracts. The introduction of a ‘master coach’ role is set to enhance the training of domestic coaches. A consensus was reached on the imperative that players’ participation in domestic tournaments is essential for national team consideration, with selection criteria being firmly rooted in domestic performance and fitness.

A unanimous commitment was made to uphold meritocracy, with plans laid out for tournaments across all formats in the 2024-25 season. The chairman underscored the urgency of scouting fresh talent at the grassroots level, asserting that investing in nascent prospects is key to fostering cricket from the ground up.

The meeting concluded with a principled approval of the plan aimed at promoting quality domestic cricket, underlining the PCB's commitment to strengthening the sport at every level.

Cricketers may decline central contracts amid demotion concerns

Cricketers may decline central contracts amid demotion concerns

Asher Butt 

Following the Pakistani cricket team's early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, sources have indicated that players may refuse to sign central contracts if they are demoted. This potential refusal could lead to players opting to play freely without the constraints typically imposed by central contracts.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently awaiting comprehensive reports from head coach Gary Kirsten and senior manager Wahab Riaz. These reports are crucial for the PCB's decision-making process regarding the future of central contracts and team selection. The thorough review process has delayed any definitive announcements by the board.

Earlier reports suggested that Pakistan's white-ball captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan might be demoted from Category A in their central contracts.

Modifications to the central contracts may include dropping certain players from the next series.

There are growing concerns that demotions might lead players to reject the central contracts, preferring the freedom to play without restrictions. This move could significantly impact the PCB's ability to manage and field a cohesive team.

A new, smaller selection committee is set to be established to finalize the central contracts. Despite the changes, the salaries of national cricketers are expected to remain unchanged.

The PCB's decision to review the central contracts stems from the national team's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. The team was eliminated early, failing to progress to the Super Eight stage after losing their initial matches against the United States and India.

The Green Shirts' losses to the US and India, coupled with a rain-abandoned match between the US and Ireland, dashed their hopes of advancing in the tournament. This marks the third time Pakistan has been eliminated in the league round of the tournament's history.

The national team has since returned to Pakistan after their last league game against Ireland.

The potential refusal of central contracts by key players could pose significant challenges for the PCB. It highlights the need for a balanced approach to performance evaluation and player management to maintain team morale and ensure competitive performance on the international stage.

PCB Representative stated: "The review process is critical for us to understand the underlying issues and make informed decisions about the future of our team. We aim to ensure that our central contracts reflect both performance and the need for a cohesive team strategy."

Sources revealed: "Work on the new central contract is ongoing, and the PCB is carefully considering all aspects to avoid any disruptions."

Babar fights back after fixing accusations following WC exit

Babar fights back after fixing accusations following WC exit

Asher Butt 

Pakistan cricket is embroiled in controversy following their disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Accusations of match fixing started to surface with reports of players discontent and groupings that followed defamation notices and legal threats.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has taken legal action against Mubasher Lucman, a well-known TV anchor, for defamation. Lucman accused Azam and his teammates of match-fixing on social media. Azam demanded a public apology and threatened further legal action if not received.

This comes after a string of criticism and conspiracy theories following Pakistan's World Cup performance.

Similarly, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is prepared to take legal action against individuals making "baseless" match-fixing allegations and also against people who ried to get physical with the national players.

The Board maintains a clean record for its players, especially senior members like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.

PCB sources claim they'll pursue legal action against YouTubers and journalists making such accusations without evidence. A new defamation law in Pakistan promises quicker resolutions within six months.

Following an unpleasant incident involving Haris Rauf, players fear for their safety outside team settings. This has led some players, including Azam, to hesitate about returning to Pakistan immediately.

The PCB has assured the team of full protection and urged them to report any security issues. The hateful environment created by social media and certain media personalities is cited as a reason for player fear.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has threatened legal action for false accusations.

Pakistan's assistant coach threatened legal action against those spreading "harmful narratives" about him and his family.

These accusations arose after Pakistan's World Cup exit and targeted the professionalism and work ethic of the team and its staff. Rumors on social media alleged that Mahmood misused his position by taking family members on a PCB-funded trip to the USA.

Mahmood denies these claims entirely and considers them "dangerous" and "criminal." He plans to pursue legal action against those responsible for spreading these falsehoods.

However, Pakistan cricket is facing a multi-pronged crisis that has never been seen. The team's performance has sparked public anger, leading to accusations and threats. The PCB and team management are taking a strong stance against defamation and false allegations.  It remains to be seen how these legal actions unfold and how they will impact the future of Pakistan cricket.

PCB reveals players' monthly salaries for increased transparency

PCB reveals players' monthly salaries for increased transparency

Asher Butt 

Following recent questions surrounding the Pakistan Cricket Team’s performance and their pockets, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) has made their national squad members' monthly salaries public. The breakdown of the newly announced figures show the players monthly pays apart from the sponsorship perks.

Salary Categories and Amounts:

Category A (Rs. 4,500,000 per month): Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan

Category B (Rs. 3,000,000 per month): Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah

Category C (Rs. 750,000 to Rs. 1,500,000 per month): Imad Wasim (as an example)

Category D (Rs. 750,000 to Rs. 1,500,000 per month): Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Saim Ayub (as examples)

Significant Salary Increases:

The PCB implemented substantial pay raises across all categories.

Category A players received a remarkable 200% increase.

Category B saw a significant 144% hike.

Players in Categories C and D also enjoyed notable increases of 135% and 127%, respectively.

Additional Income Sources:

It's important to remember that these figures represent monthly salaries only.

National team players also earn match fees and win bonuses across all three formats (Test, ODI, T20I), contributing to their overall income.

This revelation by the PCB sheds light on the financial structure of the Pakistan Cricket Team. “The significant salary increases reflect the board's commitment to player compensation. It's important to consider these salaries alongside match fees and endorsements to understand the full picture of a player's earnings,” stated a PCB official.

Macs King surprises with Summer Cup victory at Lahore Race Club

Macs King surprises with Summer Cup victory at Lahore Race Club

Asher Butt

An unknown thoroughbred, Macs King, emerged from obscurity to clinch the Summer Cup at the Lahore Race Club on Sunday evening. This unexpected win marks Macs King's fourth cup victory in its 14-race career, highlighting a remarkable performance in the racing world.

Underdogs dominate the day

The event was characterized by surprising wins from several underdog horses, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement.

Pocket Power: Kicking off the day's races, Pocket Power powered past all competitors to secure a convincing victory in the opener, where it was initially expected to place. An unexpected contender, Tango To Fire, took second place, while the favorite, Jalthal, managed to secure third.

Flying Fire: Following the trend of unexpected winners, Flying Fire soared to victory in the second race. Gennie showcased a strong performance to secure second place, while Abdullah Champion, one of the favorites, slipped to third.

Macs King's stunning victory in the Summer Cup

Macs King's win in the Summer Cup was a highlight of the evening. Demonstrating unexpected endurance and speed, Macs King sped to victory. Leisure Trip lived up to its expectations, finishing second, while favorite Royal Salute ended up in third place.

Flight Line: The fourth race continued the day's trend of surprise winners with Flight Line taking the top spot. The favorite, Baby Max, claimed second place, and Kuwait Edition surprised everyone by securing third.

Timeline: In the final race of the day, Timeline, initially considered a fluke, galloped to victory. Lalay Di Jan, as expected, finished second, while favorite Absolutely Not had to settle for third.

The unexpected victories by underdogs such as Macs King and others added a thrilling dimension to the races, demonstrating the excitement and unpredictability of horse racing. The Lahore Race Club witnessed an exhilarating day, leaving spectators eager for future events.

Summary of Results

Race 1:

Winner: Pocket Power

Second: Tango To Fire

Third: Jalthal

Race 2:

Winner: Flying Fire

Second: Gennie

Third: Abdullah Champion

Summer Cup:

Winner: Macs King

Second: Leisure Trip

Third: Royal Salute

Race 4:

Winner: Flight Line

Second: Baby Max

Third: Kuwait Edition

Final Race:

Winner: Timeline

Second: Lalay Di Jan

Third: Absolutely Not

Lahore Race Club gears up for thrilling Summer Cup on Sunday

Lahore Race Club gears up for thrilling Summer Cup on Sunday

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club is set to host a spectacular racing event this Sunday, with the Summer Cup taking center stage as the highlight of the 33rd summer day meeting.

The excitement kicks off in the evening with all five races scheduled for a one-mile run.

Here's a look at the anticipated contenders in each race:

Atia Plate (Class-VII & Division-VI&VII): Jalthal is the favorite, with Pocket Power as a potential challenger and Master Prince as a dark horse. Other participants include Tango To Fire, Doctor, Puma Legend, Star Crown, Silent Melody, Galileo Lady, Roshnee, and Zubania.

Atia Plate (Class VII & Division V&VI): Capital City leads the pack with Abdullah Champion expected to follow closely. Super Power could be a surprise contender.  Pride of Chandrai, Gennie, Jalpana Prince, Kuwait Currency, Tully Princess, Tatla Choice, lmran Choice, Dil Nasheen, Flying Fire, and Danial Prince will also be vying for victory.

Summer Cup (Class-VI): Royal Salute is tipped to win, with Leisure Trip as a potential runner-up and Royal Crown a possible surprise. Brooklyn, Mighty Macs, Macs King, and National Colour will be looking to upset the favorites.

Atia Plate (Class-VII & Division-II&III): Baby Max appears to be the frontrunner, with Fujairah posing the biggest challenge. Victoria could emerge as a surprise winner. Flight Line, Moni Prince, Kuwait Edition, Lady Champion, and Black Master complete the lineup.

Atia Plate (Class VII & Division-III&IV): Absolutely Not is expected to dominate, but Lalay De Jan and Timeline are predicted to put up a tough fight. Shareeka, Emerging Star, Dubawi's Angel, Tatla Rule, Blazing Fire, and Beautiful Baby round out the field.

Amir’s use of personal trainer ignites more controversy

 Amir’s use of personal trainer ignites more controversy

The Pakistan cricket team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked discussions and controversies, with various factors being cited for their poor performance. Among these, the role of Mohammad Amir and the presence of players' family members have been highlighted.

Mohammad Amir, who returned to the national side after reversing his retirement, opted for separate training sessions with his personal trainer instead of the team’s trainer. This arrangement was permitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

While Amir covered the expenses of his foreign trainer, the PCB had to make logistical arrangements to accommodate this setup during tours in the United States, Ireland, and England.

Amir’s choice to train separately is believed to have affected team cohesion. His performance in the tournament was under scrutiny, particularly after conceding 18 runs in a Super Over against the US, which significantly hindered Pakistan's chances of advancing.

The sources said Amir took training from a foreign trainer despite the availability of one for the national side.

However, the pacer was given permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management to bring his personal trainer not only to the United States but during Ireland and England tours as well, the sources said.

They said though the trainer’s expenses were borne by the pacer himself but the cricket body had to make arrangements in this regard.

“Surprisingly, Amir did not hold training with the team, rather he held separate sessions with his personal trainer,” the sources said.

Amir conceded 18 runs in Super Over of one of the biggest upset of the mega event, following which Pakistan’s chances for advancing into the Super 8 stage were drastically cut.

Several players traveled with their families, which reportedly led to distractions. The touring contingent included about 26-28 family members of the players and support staff.

Post-match parties and gatherings involving players and their families were noted, which might have contributed to a lack of focus and unity within the team.

The US team, participating for the first time in the T20 World Cup, defeated Pakistan in a crucial match. This win allowed the US to advance to the Super 8 stage from Group A along with India, while Pakistan’s chances were significantly diminished.

The incidents reflect broader issues related to team dynamics and preparation. The allowances made for personal trainers and the presence of family members during the tournament could indicate a need for stricter management and clearer policies to maintain focus and unity during major competitions.

The first time T20 World Cup playing nation, US, defeated Pakistan in this match. The debutants cruised into the Super 8 stage from Group A along with India.

Other than Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim and Wahab Riaz were also accompanied by their wives and children, while skipper Babar Azam’s parents and brother toured the US with the Men in Green. Haris Rauf, on the other hand, travelled with his spouse.

Moving forward, the PCB may need to reassess its policies regarding personal trainers and the presence of families during tours to avoid similar disruptions in future tournaments.

These revelations have led to debates on the PCB’s management and the players' commitment, underlining the importance of discipline and team cohesion in achieving success in international cricket tournaments.

Pakistan reeling after shocking T20 World Cup exit: Imad demands change

Pakistan reeling after shocking T20 World Cup exit: Imad demands change

Asher Butt 

The wounds are still fresh for the Pakistani cricket team following their unexpected group-stage exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Veteran all-rounder Imad Wasim, who came out of retirement for the tournament, has spoken out about his disappointment and called for a significant overhaul within the team.

Pakistan's early dismissal, after reaching the finals in the 2022 edition, is a major setback. Wasim, known for his aggressive batting and bowling, believes this is a rock bottom for Pakistani cricket.

In a scathing assessment, Wasim called for drastic changes. He feels Pakistan lags behind other teams in terms of approach, requiring significant improvement in batting, bowling, and fielding – every department of the game.  He emphasized the need for a mindset shift, advocating for a more aggressive and adaptable approach to compete with the best.

"The reason for our defeat was our mindset," Wasim stated. "We need to take the fear of failure out and try something new. It's all about mindset. Other teams have changed their thinking, we are behind."

Wasim acknowledged his shortcomings in the crucial match against arch-rivals India. He admitted that the plan was to extend the chase due to the challenging batting pitch but conceded that he failed to execute effectively.

This early exit serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan cricket. Wasim's words highlight the need for introspection and a strategic shift to compete in the ever-evolving world of T20 cricket.  The coming days will likely see discussions regarding the team's future direction, player selection, and potential changes within the PCB.  Pakistan's cricket followers will be eagerly awaiting a clear path forward that restores their team's competitive edge far away from favouritism, nepotism, partiality, prejudice and friendship.

Royal Crown justifies pre-race favourite tag in LRC's Eid Cup

Royal Crown justifies pre-race favourite tag in LRC's Eid Cup

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club (LRC) witnessed a day of thrilling races culminating in the much-anticipated Eid Cup on Saturday. Here's a recap of the day's winners and some surprising finishes:

Race 1:

Upset Alert! Al Mabrook defied expectations to win the opening race, pushing favorite Salaar into third place. Jalthal, tipped for a surprise, managed to secure the second position.

Race 2:

Lalay De Jan, the crowd's favorite, lived up to the hype by clinching a convincing victory in the second race. However, the real surprise came from Flying Fire and Capital City, who secured the second and third spots respectively, impressing the audience.

Race 3: Eid Cup

Royal Crown, the pre-race favorite, justified its billing by winning the prestigious Eid Cup. Blue Ash surprised everyone with a strong performance, finishing second, while Flight Line, considered an outsider, managed a commendable third place.

Race 4:

Bio Care, initially considered a long shot, emerged as the unexpected winner of the fourth race. The excitement continued with Kuwait Edition and Yesteryear exceeding expectations by grabbing the second and third positions respectively.

Race 5:

Lady Champion lived up to her name, dominating the final race and securing a well-deserved victory. Absolutely Not followed suit, securing the predicted second place, while Jack finished a close third.

A Day of Upsets and Expected Triumphs

The day at the LRC offered a thrilling mix of anticipated victories and delightful surprises.  Royal Crown's win in the Eid Cup was a crowd-pleaser, while lesser-fancied horses like Bio Care, Blue Ash, and Kuwait Edition showcased their talent with unexpected wins and podium finishes.

LRC features Eid Cup as main event of Saturday

LRC features Eid Cup as main event today

Asher Butt 

The Lahore Race Club (LRC) is all set for the second day of their summer meet 2023-24 with a special Saturday schedule. Originally planned for Sunday, the day's card features five races, with the Eid Cup taking center stage.

The main event, the Eid Cup, sees eleven horses vying for glory over a distance of 1,100 meters. Pundits are eyeing Royal Crown as the favorite, with Paddington a potential challenger. Flight Line is considered an outsider, while the remaining contenders in Class-VI and Division-I&II include Sehar, Shareeka, Victoria, Blue Ash, Black Rose, Fujairah, Al Sabah (KRC), and Smile One.

The day kicks off with a Decent Plate race for Class-VII and Division-VII horses. Salaar is tipped to win, with Master Prince and a surprise contender, Jalthal, predicted for the remaining podium positions. The rest of the field comprises Puma Legend, Al Mabrook, Al Karam, Kaptaan Gee, Silent Melody, Golden Boy, Roshnee, Blue Boy, Naveed-e-Sehar, and Abdullah Love.

The second Decent Plate features Class-VII and Division-V&VI horses. Here, Lalay De Jan is the favorite, with Zaman Sahib as a close runner-up. Mumraiz Prince could be a surprise winner. Other participants include Classic Mystery, Flying Area, Imran Choice, Capital City, Super Power, Ubbi, Abdullah Champion, and Vartika.

The fourth race showcases Class-VII and Division-III horses, with Moni Prince favored for victory. Deedawar is a potential second-place finisher, while Bio Care is considered an outsider. The remaining contenders include Kuwait Edition, Yesteryear, Dubawi's Angel, and Emerging Star.

The final race of the day features Class VII and Division-III & IV horses. Lady Champion leads the pack, with Absolutely Not expected to secure second place. Jack is considered a long shot, while Moon One, Beautiful Baby, Malik Badshah, Jalpana Prince, and Bella could pose a challenge.

LRC sees surprise winners in all races

LRC sees surprise winners in all races

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club was abuzz with unexpected results and thrilling upsets that captivated the crowd on Sunday evening. The day featured five races, each bringing surprise winners and underdog performances that left the spectators in awe.

In the opening race, Gennie emerged as the unexpected winner, defying the predictions. Monsoon Mischief, another surprise, secured second place, while Star Crown, also an underdog, claimed third.

The second race saw Abdullah Champion taking the top spot unexpectedly, followed by Vartika in second. Super Power, a fluke entry, managed to finish third.

The third race had Self Belief, who was anticipated to place, taking the win. Lalay Di Jan and Lady Champion surprised everyone by finishing in second and third positions, respectively.

In the fourth race, Hamas galloped to a surprising victory, with Elizabeth securing second place. Flight Line, initially expected to take second, slipped to third.

The final race of the evening saw Paddington delivering an upset by winning. Black Master, another fluke, secured second place, while the favorite Deedavar settled for third.

These surprising outcomes created an electrifying atmosphere at the Lahore Race Club, making it a memorable day for racing enthusiasts.

New York braces for cricket's biggest clash: Pakistan vs India

New York braces for cricket's biggest clash: Pakistan vs India

Asher Butt 

The T20 World Cup is in New York City, but all eyes are on one match: Pakistan vs India. This isn't your ordinary game. This is a high-stakes rivalry between two cricket powerhouses, and the success of the entire New York leg of the tournament hinges on it.

A brand new 34,000-seat stadium was built for the World Cup, but so far, attendance has been low. Except for the India-Pakistan match. Tickets are gone, with resale prices starting at a whopping $700! Even corporate boxes, empty all week, are being snapped up for this game.

The excitement isn't limited to ticket holders. The Indian and Pakistani communities in New York and around the globe are buzzing, and everyone wants to be a part of it. Even a viewing party as reports suggested at Citi Field is sold out, expecting 27,000 fans! This energy will ripple across restaurants, bars, and homes around the world.

The little town of Westbury is preparing for a major event. Security will be tighter than ever before, with extra police patrols, SWAT teams, and even snipers. This is considered a bigger security operation than President Obama's visit to the city in 2012!

The pitches haven't been ideal so far. Batsmen have complained about unpredictable bounces, and some players even got hurt. The groundstaff has been working overtime to fix things, hoping for a smooth game this time around.

Cricket may be independent, but it relies heavily on India's cricket board and broadcasters. A bad game could hurt their profits, adding extra pressure to make this India-Pakistan match a success.

Despite the intense rivalry between the two countries, the players themselves are used to the hype. They've played each other many times in recent years and even developed a sense of camaraderie.

However, with the progress of both the teams so far, India is the favorite after their dominant win against Ireland. Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered a shocking loss to the USA. But it is believed that the game is going to be cracker with all-out fight from the wounded team green. Regardless of the winner, the organizers just want a good game, a close finish, and a safe exit for the VIPs and high pride for the players.

High Again Plate races to launch summer meetings at LRC

High Again Plate races to launch summer meetings at LRC

Asher Butt

The Lahore Race Club is set to commence its summer meetings with a series of five High Again Plate races, scheduled to take place on Sunday at the main course. The event, designed to mitigate the summer heat, will be held in the evening, featuring races over a set distance of 1000 meters each.

The opening race, the High Again Plate for Class-VII and Division-VI&VII, is a maiden run featuring nine participants. Pocket Power is the favorite, with strong place expectations on Gennie and the potential for a surprise from Tango To Fire. The remaining contenders include Monsoon Mischeif, Drago, Doctor, Star Crown, Mustang, and Miss Shelby.

In the second race, another Class-VII and Division-VI&VII contest, Capital City is favored to win, with Tatla Choice expected to place and Super Power considered a fluke. The field also comprises Abdullah Love, Vartika, Roshnee, Abdullah Champion, Jalthal, and Silent Melody.

The third race of the day, for Class-VII and Division-IV&V, features seven contenders. Absolutely Not is tipped as the top pick, with Self Belief likely to place and Zaman Sahib seen as a potential surprise. Other runners include Lalay De Jan, Lady Champion, Mumraiz Prince, and Wonder Boy.

In the fourth race, a Class-VII and Division-II event with 12 horses competing, Shakira is expected to shine, with Flight Line likely to place and Hamas posing a significant challenge. Other competitors include Al Sabah (KRC), Elizabeth, Blue Ash, Sehar, Smile One, Dubai's Angel, Shareeka, Fujairah, and Bio Care.

The final race will see ten Class VII and Division-III horses vie for victory. Deedavar is anticipated to perform strongly, with Jack providing stiff competition and Black Master considered a fluke. The race also features Emerging Star, Fairy World, Shinning Moon, Moon One, Casper, Tatla Rule, and Paddington. 

The High Again Plate races promise an exciting start to the summer meetings at the Lahore Race Club, showcasing the endurance and skill of a diverse field of contenders.

Inzamam warns of downfall after Pakistan's loss

Inzamam warns of downfall after Pakistan's loss

Asher Butt

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has raised serious concerns about the national team's future following their shocking defeat to the USA in the T20 World Cup.

In a YouTube address, Inzamam urged Babar Azam and the team leadership to critically evaluate their recent performance.  He expressed his belief that "Pakistan cricket is headed towards a downfall" based on the team's current approach and selection decisions.

Inzamam anticipates a high-pressure environment for Pakistan in their upcoming encounter against arch-rivals India on June 9th.  He highlighted the contrasting morale between the two teams – India buoyed by a likely victory, while Pakistan grapples with the USA loss.  Inzamam emphasized the significance of the USA match, suggesting a win would have bolstered Pakistan's confidence significantly.

The Pakistan-USA match ended in a tie after regulation overs, only for Pakistan to fall short by five runs in the Super Over. This narrow defeat has cast a shadow over the team's campaign.

 

Inzamam's comments echo the sentiment of a team in crisis. Pakistan's ability to address these concerns and bounce back from such a demoralizing defeat will be crucial in determining their fate in the T20 World Cup and beyond.

 

 

 

A World Cup stunner: Breakdown of their shocking defeat to the USA

A World Cup stunner: Breakdown of their shocking defeat to the USA

Asher Butt

The ongoing T20 World Cup witnessed a historic upset as the USA, an associate member of the ICC, defeated cricketing giants Pakistan in the group stage. This report delves into the reasons behind Pakistan's humbling loss.

 

A Multifaceted Failure

Pakistan's defeat exposed vulnerabilities across all aspects of their game: batting, bowling, and fielding. Their inability to adapt to the conditions, capitalize on powerplay overs, build partnerships, and handle pressure led to a catastrophic collapse.

 

Batting Blunders:

Slow start: Pakistan lost key wickets early, managing only 26 runs for 3 wickets inside the powerplay. Babar Azam's sluggish 4 runs off 14 balls set the wrong tone.

Dot ball domination: The USA bowlers choked Pakistan's batsmen with 48 dot balls, effectively dismantling their batting plans.

Partnership deficit: Pakistan lacked substantial partnerships, hindering them from setting a challenging total.

Irresponsible shots: Reckless dismissals by players like Azam Khan and Usman Khan further compounded Pakistan's batting woes.

 

Bowling breakdown:

Powerplay inconsistency: Pakistan's bowlers conceded easy runs, taking just one wicket in the crucial powerplay overs. This lack of discipline continued throughout the innings.

Pace woes: Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, returning from injuries, struggled to find their rhythm. Haris Rauf's inability to defend 15 runs in the final over was particularly costly.

 

Tactical miscalculations:

Defensive field mishap: Pakistan failed to set a proactive field for the last ball of the main innings, allowing the USA to tie the match with a boundary.

Afridi's absence: The decision to exclude Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan's premier fast bowler, from the Super Over raised questions.

Super over selection stumble: Choosing Iftikhar Ahmed, a right-handed batsman, to face the left-arm bowler in the Super Over instead of a lefty like Fakhar Zaman was a tactical blunder.

 

Looking ahead:

Pakistan's devastating loss leaves them in a precarious position in the tournament. Their next encounter is against arch-rivals India, and a defeat could potentially lead to their elimination. This historic upset serves as a wake-up call for the Pakistani team, urging them to critically analyze their shortcomings and make drastic improvements to salvage their World Cup campaign.

 

 

 

Afridi blasts Pakistan's selection and bowling in loss to USA

Afridi blasts Pakistan's selection and bowling in loss to USA

Asher Butt 

Shahid Afridi, the former explosive batsman and captain of Pakistan, has strongly criticized the team's performance in their shocking T20 World Cup defeat to the USA.

 

Super over blunder

Afridi, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted a crucial mistake in the Super Over. He believes Pakistan erred by choosing Iftikhar Ahmed, a right-handed batsman, to face the left-arm fast bowler in the first delivery. Afridi argued that Fakhar Zaman, a left-hander, would have been a better matchup due to the bowling angle.

 

Amir's expensive over

Afridi also expressed disappointment with Mohammad Amir's bowling in the Super Over. He acknowledged Amir's overall performance but criticized him for conceding extra runs, including avoidable wides. He felt Amir, an experienced bowler known for his yorkers, should have executed better considering the helpful reverse swing conditions.

 

Babar acknowledges missed opportunities

Pakistan captain Babar Azam, during the post-match presentation, admitted to shortcomings in their batting performance. He pinpointed the team's lack of intent in the powerplay overs and their inability to build partnerships as key areas of concern.  He echoed similar sentiments regarding the bowling, acknowledging their struggles in the first six overs and the lack of wicket-taking from the spinners during the middle overs.

 

Crediting USA and looking ahead

Babar Azam ultimately conceded defeat and praised the USA team for their superior performance across all aspects of the game. He acknowledged the slightly damp pitch conditions that offered some uneven bounce, but emphasized that professional players need to adapt to varying circumstances.

 

Pakistan's next challenge is a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India on June 9th in New York. Afridi's scathing critique adds to the pressure on the team as they look to bounce back from this unexpected setback and salvage their World Cup campaign.

 

 

 

Waqar disappointed with Pakistan's performance

Waqar disappointed with Pakistan's performance

Asher Butt

Former Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his disappointment with the national team's performance in their T20 World Cup match against the USA on Thursday. The match, held at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, saw a shocking upset as the USA emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 5 runs.

 

USA's rise and Pakistan's struggle

It's important to note that the USA's victory wasn't entirely unexpected. They are currently ranked higher than Pakistan in the ICC T20 rankings, indicating their potential for a strong showing.  This win has propelled them to the top of Group A, followed by India and a beleaguered Pakistan in third place.

 

Looking ahead: a crucial match and qualification fight

The USA's impressive performance has opened up the possibility of them qualifying for the second stage of the tournament, a prospect that would have seemed unlikely before their victories over Canada and Pakistan.

For Pakistan, the path forward is fraught with challenges.  Their upcoming match against arch-rivals India on June 9th holds immense significance.  A strong performance against India is crucial not just for national pride, but also to keep their qualification hopes alive.  Waqar Younis' disappointment reflects the national sentiment, and Pakistan will need to demonstrate significant improvement to overcome this setback and progress in the T20 World Cup.

 

 

 

Shoaib blasts team after Pakistan’s humiliation

Shoaib blasts team after Pakistan’s humiliation

Asher Butt 

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar didn't hold back in expressing his disappointment following Pakistan's shocking defeat to the USA in the T20 World Cup.

In a video posted to Twitter, Akhtar bluntly stated that Pakistan didn't deserve to win the match. He credited the USA team for playing better cricket throughout the encounter.

Akhtar compared this loss to Pakistan's infamous defeat against Bangladesh in the 1999 World Cup, highlighting a pattern of unexpected setbacks. However, he acknowledged the USA's strong performance, particularly their bowling attack that restricted Pakistan to a modest total of 159 runs.

Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali also criticized the national team, questioning the effectiveness of foreign coaches and the current form of the players.

Ali expressed his doubts about the impact of foreign coaches, wondering where the development of homegrown talent lies.

He questioned Pakistan's ability to compete against stronger teams like India in light of their struggle against the USA.

Ali lamented the absence of the spirit that led Pakistan to victory in the 2009 T20 World Cup. He specifically criticized Captain Babar Azam's performance, questioning his inability to play well during the crucial powerplay overs.

The USA's victory over Pakistan, achieved in a Super Over after a tied regulation match, will go down as a major upset in cricket history. 

 

Shoaib Akhtar and Basit Ali's scathing critiques reflect the deep disappointment felt by many Pakistani fans.  The team will need to regroup and address these concerns to have any hope of progressing in the T20 World Cup.

 

 

 

 

Loss to USA; a disappointing dilemma at Dallas for Pakistan

Loss to USA a disappointing dilemma at Dallas for Pakistan

Asher Butt

Pakistan's much-anticipated T20 World Cup campaign began with a shocking upset, as they were defeated by the tournament hosts, the United States.

Leading up to the match, discussions centered on the significant confidence gap between the two teams.  However, Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam's sluggish start at the crease (24 runs off 24 balls) appeared to embody the team's lack of preparation and confidence.

Legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram offered a scathing critique of Pakistan's performance, labelling it "pathetic."  He identified the early wickets lost by Pakistan as a turning point in the match.  Akram highlighted the team's lack of momentum throughout the innings, despite a brief partnership between Babar Azam and Shadab Khan.  He further criticized the team's underwhelming fielding performance and overall mediocre display.

Akram pointed to the Super Over as the moment that dashed Pakistan's hopes for victory.  Conceding 18 runs in the Super Over was a significant setback,  compared to the more manageable target of 36 runs typically expected in such situations.

Akram offered his praise to the USA team, particularly their captain Monank Patel.  He lauded Patel's leadership qualities, his impressive batting performance (carrying the bat throughout the innings), and his strategic use of bowling resources.  Akram also commended the USA team's fielding performance, describing it as "spot-on."

This unexpected loss significantly complicates Pakistan's path to the Super Eight stage of the tournament.  Their upcoming matches against India, Ireland, and Canada will be crucial, and Pakistan will need to demonstrate a significant improvement in all aspects of their game to progress further.

 

 

 

Turmoil in dressing room after USA upset

Turmoil in dressing room after USA upset

Asher Butt 

Tense atmosphere in believed to have gripped the Pakistan cricket team's dressing room following their shocking defeat to the USA in the T20 World Cup opener.

Head coach Gary Kirsten as reports received called a no-holds-barred meeting, expressing his fury at the team's performance.  He criticized the lack of adherence to the game plan and the team's disunity on the field.  He further emphasized that even a narrow victory achieved in a Super Over against a team like USA would be a "point of disrespect." He has also questioned the deliverance of three wide balls in the super over that not only earned USA seven runs but three extra balls, as a crime.

Captain Babar Azam reportedly shifted blame to other players, specifically mentioning Harris Rauf's bowling performance and the alleged lack of support from senior players.  Sources claim he continued his outburst with teammates, refusing to accept advice.

Reports suggest that Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Rizwan advised Babar Azam against including Iftikhar Ahmed in the bowling attack, which further fueled his frustration.  The dressing room reportedly witnessed emotional displays, with Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf, and other players breaking down in tears.

These reports paint a picture of a team struggling to cope with an unexpected defeat and internal conflict and findinh ways to settle down as a unit. It remains to be seen how the Pakistan team will manage to regroup and address these issues before their crucial upcoming matches against India and other strong contenders.

It's important to note that these are reports from sources but official deny any such happening but agreed that disappointment was visible in Pakistan camp.