Cricket twisters...

While winning and losing is definitely a part of sports, twisting/cheating is certainly not. Utilizing illegitimate means of optimizing performance like using steroids , or altering playing conditions to favour a player or team like ball tampering in cricket is one such example.

Time and again, individual players and collective teams have been accused of tampering the cricket ball to intensify its in-flight swing or spin off impact from the ground. You’d be surprised to know that some of the most popular stadium faces (Michael Atherton, Shahid Afridi, Sachin Tendulkar, Waqar Younis, Rahul Dravid, etc.)  have been accused and  convicted of ball tampering charges.

Recently, Liam Plunkett; English team’s fast bowler was accused of ball tampering in a match against Pakistan, during the second one day international. A short video clip surfaced on social media, showing Plunkett rubbing his fingernails against the ball's surface. Plunkett took the issue to ICC officials, who acquitted him after investigating the matter.

Using unfair means to win competitions is a highly detestable offense, which contaminates the true spirit of sportsmanship. Contemporary technological devices have mitigated the use of such means, but their usage is still rampant. The field should be battle ground of hard earned talent and practice, not swindling and fleecing of trophies.

If you’re a cricket follower be sure to check out more of our blogs about cricket.
CIAO!

Salford made history for English football league

Salford made a history to promote English football league after beating AFC Flyde by 3-0 and win play off final.This fourth promotion in five seasons closing a Football League place, and nobody seriously expects the journey to end here. Salford will be playing in League in next two seasons. Salford have won four promotions in five seasons since five members of United's 'Class of 92' - Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs - took control of the Ammies in 2014. Salford become in final while beating Eastleigh on penalties while Flyde came through a elimination against Harrogate and then won 1-0 score at Solihull. As Salford spent just one term in fifth times and made a victory and club want him to play at higher level. Salford makes a history while broking deadlock in just 15 minutes when Dieseruvwe made the most of a fortunate break in the penalty box. Salford almost grabbed a second in the 24 minutes when Nathan Pond’s was about to make a goal. Salford make their lead early in the second half. There may be hope of Fylde to comeback were successfully ended on the hour while Salford enjoyed the game. Fylde will return to Wembley for the FA Trophy final and looked for sympathy but James Hardy sent his effort into the side netting.

Kemar Roofe scores his fourth one of the season

Kemar Roofe scores his fourth goal of the season against Rams. His 15th goal was outstanding as in his first attempt he did goal with his left leg. Derby were angry when assistant referee Eddie advice Carig Pawson cancel his award of plenty to the Rams within 14 minutes and declare Jayden Bogle to have fouled.

Midfielder Mateusz Klich was sent back as he hit Fikayo Tomori in his chest and that's why he was given yellow card over the incident. Leeds has played well and they deserved to win but on another hand Derby failed to achieve the target. After first half Roofe came and make goals and make the match interesting. This season Klich’s argument with Tomori and the overturned penalty was the latest controversy in football news.when referee Pawson see the kick at that spot and discussed with his fellow and give free kick to leeds team. Leed should have double the lead just after the hour. Whites has lost there two league matches due to poor performance. But they were much better team against the Rams as they have score 4-1 in Lampard in August. They went midway in first half when Roofe score against Jack Clarke,s. As Clarke,s was playing much better throughout the game and Derby Keeper think that he was much better the Harrison.

Woods beats Patrick Cantlay, advances to Round of 16 with some help from Aaron Wise

After getting off to an ideal start with a win on Wednesday at the WGC-Match Play, Tiger Woods lost his second match to Brandt Snedeker on Thursday, though he certainly put up a good fight. But it wasn't enough, and now Woods is in need of a victory over Patrick Cantlay on Friday and in need of some serious help from Aaron Wise.

Because Snedeker and Cantlay halved their match on Wednesday, then each won their matches on Thursday, they are each at 1-0-1, and that half point is crucial. Even if Woods can beat Cantlay, he would still get knocked out if Snedeker beats Wise on Friday because Sneds' record of 2-0-1 would be better than Woods' record of 2-1-0 thanks to the half point Sneds earned on Wednesday. If Wise can beat Snedeker and Woods beats Cantlay, Tiger is in.

Of course, Cantlay would like to advance as well, and a win for him would put him at 2-0-1, at least guaranteeing himself a spot in a playoff with Snedeker were he to beat Wise. If Cantlay wins and Snedeker loses or halves his match with Wise, Cantlay is in. For things to get really nuts, a Tiger win and a Snedeker halve would set up a playoff with Tiger and Sneds.

Mason Greenwood shows promise, but Man United end season farcically in Cardiff loss

Manchester United completed a shambolic end to the season with a humiliating 2-0 defeat to relegated Cardiff, the result coming a week after a limp draw at Huddersfield, who will also play Championship football next season.

United end the season 32 points behind champions Manchester City, the furthest off the top they have finished since returning to the top flight in 1975. Their sixth-place finish means they need City to win the FA Cup final against Watford to avoid a Europa League qualifier on July 25, the same day they are scheduled to play Tottenham in a preseason friendly in Shanghai.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's double strike made the difference for Cardiff and the day ended with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being told "you're getting sacked in the morning" by away fans.

Positives

Mason Greenwood's full debut was the only highlight. At 17 years and 223 days, he became the youngest United player to start a Premier League game, fitting reward after a season that has seen him score 30 goals in 29 games for the Under-18s, U-19s and U-23s. With seven shots, he was the hosts' brightest attacker and completed the full 90 minutes.

Negatives

Mendez-Laing's first half penalty made it 15 games without a clean sheet, United's worst run since a 16-match streak in 1970. They have stopped the opposition at home just twice in the league all season, which is their worst record since 1962-63.

What Chelsea Legend Ashley Cole thinks about Eden Hazard?

According to Ashley Cole, Eden Hazard will remain with Blues for years because he loves the club so much.

Cole and Hazard were team-mates at Stamford Bridge fir a time period of two years till the departure if former England defender’s in 2014, he has also watched in west London turning Belgian into a club icon.

After Sunday’s match he spoke on Sky Sports at Liverpool where Hazard was a lively figure and could have found the net.

“He was brilliant, the way he gets players involve in the game and the chances he had. They have to keep him. I don’t see why he’d want to leave; the club loves him and he loves the club. I hope he stays and I think he will stay to be honest. I know how much he adores the club, and everyone loves him. I think he should stay.”

Under Frank Lampard at Derby County Cole is now playing also discussed Callum Hudson-Odoi,who he has been impressed with this season.

‘He’s a great asset and has come into a team that wasn’t playing that well,’ the 38-year-old said.

‘He’s been the spark with the players and the fans, he’s brought something different and he’s got much more to give. He needs to get a run of games and continue playing because he could be at the top.’

Liverpool & Manchester City both deserve to win the Premier League, insists Guardiola

The former Barcelona manager insists both sides at the top of the table deserve to win this year's title after dominant showings all season.

Manchester City are second in the Premier League on 83 points having played 33 games. Liverpool are two points ahead of them, but they have played one game more and have just four fixtures left to play.

After facing Tottenham in the Champions League on Wednesday, Guardiola's men have another tie with the same opponents on Saturday, while the Reds travel to Cardiff for their game on Sunday.

City won the Premier League last season with a tally of 100 points, but the season prior to that Chelsea won the league on 93 points which is a tally both sides can exceed and still not be triumphant.

"If we don't win these games this week, we lose both titles," said Guardiola.

"This season we had an incredible opponent in Liverpool. Usually 84, 85 points is enough to win the title. We both deserve it but only one can get it."

Guardiola's sentiments were reinforced by defender John Stones, who believes this situation helps to bring out the best in the City players.

"Vincent Kompany made a good point before Palace where these sorts of moments as players bring out the best in us," he said.

"We have got five games left in the league, everything to play for and we’ve got to keep believing and enjoying the pressure."

Shooter READY?

What you see above is no 10 year old sporting a dummy gun on hallows eve. This is Shyanne Roberts; a ten year old sharp shooter from the United States. Shyanne is a professional sportsperson with women competition titles in her belt, apart from the custom Glocks, designed to her details.

This blog isn’t about Shyanne, it’s about a beautiful sport, which is understood by a few and criticized by many. Sharpshooting in Pakistan is an unusual sport, with only a handful of professional teams belonging to the military or paramilitary groups. These teams are a far cry from what professional shooting has become. The weapons, the training, the know-how of sporting guns are outright obsolete!

If you’re a firearm enthusiast from Pakistan, and like to get involved in this sport, the only legitimate place for you is in Karachi (as far as my ignorance goes). IDPA Pakistan is now an existential platform, where we can passionately cherish this game. IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) was brought into Pakistan by Mr. Hamza Zahid Khan, who is perhaps the only Pakistani shooter to showcase Pakistan’s potential on international tournaments. Anniversary events, Night time Ramadan matches, firearms instructions, etc. are available for people who like to enjoy this sport and like to learn more.

Shooting is often grim-viewed, and is considered an unacceptable hobby. If handled with precaution and with the utilization of proper equipment; this sport can be as enjoyable (if not more) as any other outdoor sport. A well-equipped range, and a customized shooting machine, and this is all there is to a fine evening.

A sport like sharpshooting can be a highly educational and a reliable method of self-defense. Awareness of weapons and responsible usage is a civic right (as elaborated in the second amendment of the US constitution) which can help in curtailing the menacing use of these tools.

A detailed blog about the several types of competitive and sport shooting will be shared shortly. We hope that Pakistanis have every opportunity to enjoy the many types of sports; enjoyed elsewhere.

Firearms must always be handled with care. Requisite procedures must be fulfilled and state laws must be followed. It is advised that an introductory course from a qualified firearm instructor is taken, before handling weapons.

Franck Ribery is leaving Bayern Munich

Franck Ribery to leave Bayern Munich,when his contract will expire this summer. The 36-year-old Frenchman Franck Ribery joined Bayern for £17m from Marseille in June 2007 and will leave at the end of the season. He has won almost eight times with Bayern along with champion league, super cup and club world cup and set an example for others. It was his dream to come to Bayern and it’s not an easy task to leave it and say goodbye to it as he achieved a lot from here. He also said in his interview that he doesn’t have any further plan to sign another contract and he is not so sure where he will play football or he may play or not it depends on him.

Fernando Llorente wishes to stay with Tottenham. As well his contract with Tottenham is going to expire in June.  34 years old Fernando Llorente said he would love to stay with Tottenham another year with them but he is still confused. He said we should concentrate on team not an individual player who only think for themselves and as a team we should focused on task. We should have a lot of time to think about our future. He said that we should play as a team not as a player so we could achieve more cups and games.

Cricket Controversy

 Hockey despite being Pakistan’s national sport isn’t Pakistan’s favorite sport, and what is Pakistan’s favorite doesn’t flow without being controversial. Cricket legend and worldwide famed batsman Shahid Afridi released his biography which goes by the name of ‘Game Changer’. Don’t you dare think that this has something to do with CPEC. ‘Game Changer’ is Pakistan’s new favorite word, a cliché to be precise.

How has Afridi exactly changed the game? He produced allegations against cricket legends such as Javed Miandad and Waqar Younus.

Afridi stated that Miandad had developed feelings of ingratitude towards him, and even denied the facilities of net practice to him before the cricket match. Miandad responded almost immediately, denying all allegations leveled against him in a press conference and ultimately handing over the judgment to Allah.

Afridi further went on to clarify in his book that his age at the time he scored a 37- ball century was 19 and not 16 as contrary to popular belief ( no brawls there, YET!)

Waqar Younus also got entangled in Afridi’s outburst about the hardships he faced in his cricketing career (biographies are all about scripting the blacks and whites of life, they’re supposed to be that way, right?). Afridi says that Waqar was a mediocre captain and terrible coach; always trying to make things worse for him (Afridi) while he was captain.

Afridi also writes that he was partially aware of the match fixing constituted by Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, and that the report was shared with Waqar younus and other authorities, but no one interfered; apparently to save the country’s repute.

The book was released on Satrday, May 4. Let’s see what Afridi has to reveal and how his allegations take shape.

ICC World Cup 2019 tickets back on sale

On the beginning of World cup, on Thursday of 30^th May, the tickets across all teams and venues were back on sale, giving the cricket fans another chance to buy them, who missed out the first sale.    

The tickets of the World Cup beginning on May 30 were Thursday back on sale across all teams and venues, giving another chance for the cricket fans who missed out the first time around to buy them.

 At 10am GMT, Thursday, the tickets will be available for sale on a first come first served basis via Official Ticketing Website.

The tickets will go on general sale on a first-come, first-served basis from 10am GMT Thursday via the Official Ticketing Website.

“Interest in tickets for the tournament has been unprecedented with over 3 million ticket applications for approximately 800,000 tickets so far, from 148 countries across six continents. Tickets were bought as far and wide as Madagascar and Mexico which shows the truly global appeal of the World Cup,” said by the organizers in a release.

” ... fans that missed out will have the chance to secure tickets immediately. Tickets across all teams and venues are included, with limited numbers for some of the most exclusive matches, such as those featuring hosts England, in addition to popular competing nations such as India, Pakistan and Australia,” the organizers added in the release.

The Managing Director of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 ,Steve Elworthy, said: “With the World Cup just around the corner, we are delighted to be able to put remaining and returned tickets on sale, giving fans the opportunity to secure a seat at the tournament, especially those who missed out first time around. Tickets for all venues and teams are available and we would urge fans to be quick for the most sought after matches.”

Presently, for the Final on July 14 as well the two semifinals, the tickets have been sold out along with India's matches against Pakistan, Australia and England.

Ticket buyers have been warned to only buy tickets from official ticket sellers. CWC19 is continually monitoring illegal ticket resale activity and will act to cancel tickets offered for sale on unofficial third-party websites.

Ticket buyers have been notified not to buy tickets from any other site except the official ticketing website. CWC19 is supervising the illegal resale of tickets and the tickets offered from any unofficial third-party website for sale will be cancelled

Marvelous Messi hits hat-trick as Barcelona torment Betis

Lionel Messi was admired by the supporters of their rivals on Sunday after he scored an outstanding hat-trick in Barcelona's (4-1 ) win at Real Betis, which put the Catalans 10 points clear at the top of the La Liga table with 10 games remaining.

the previous day ,With nearest challengers Atletico Madrid falling to a (2-0) defeat at Athletic Bilbao, Messi got Barca off to an ideal start by drilling a free kick into the top corner of the net in the 18th minute.

The Argentine put Barca further at ease with another strike at the end of the first half, finishing off a back heeled pass from Luis Suarez as the two South American forwards carved their way through Betis's defence.

Uruguay forward Suarez had missed several clear chances to score but he finally got his reward for a lively performance with a goal in the 63rd minute, dancing past four Betis players on an outstanding run which began in his own half.

Loren Moron pulled one back for Betis in the 82nd minute but Messi replied with a sumptuous first-time lob in off the crossbar to complete his treble and the Betis supporters responded by chanting the Argentine's name and bowing down to him.

It was an utterly dominant performance from the La Liga leaders which avenged their 4-3 loss at home to Betis in November and took them on to 66 points after 28 games, while Atletico have 56 and third-placed Real Madrid have 54.

There were worries for Barca at the end of the game, however. Suarez, clearly in pain, had to receive treatment on the sidelines after hurting his ankle.