Category: E Sports

LAHORE: Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s mystery spinner, has revealed the reason behind ending his unique head-shaking celebration after taking a wicket.

While speaking to a Private channel, Abrar Ahmed stated that he decided to end his head-shake celebration after the match against India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The 26-year-old spinner, currently representing Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, dismissed Shubman Gill with an outstanding delivery in the high-stakes encounter.

Following the wicket, Abrar gestured to Subman to leave while shaking his head, which drew significant backlash.

“I started this celebration in the previous PSL and continued it in South Africa without any issues,” Abrar explained.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“But during the India match in the Champions Trophy, it became a bigger deal. I never intended to offend anyone, so I’ve decided to move on from it,” he added.

He emphasized the value of spirit in the game, admitting that he does not want to hurt anyone with his actions.

Abrar Ahmed highlighted the areas of improvement in his bowling, lauding his hard work. The right-arm spinner expressed confidence in the Quetta Gladiators’ squad for a strong comeback in the upcoming matches.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Our squad is strong—just one win can change our momentum. Having a legend like Viv Richards motivate us is invaluable,” he remarked.

It is worth mentioning that Abrar Ahmed has a good outing in the PSL 10 so far, taking seven wickets in just three matches. However, Quetta Gladiators have struggled in the tournament so far, currently placed fifth on the points table, with one win and two losses in three matches.

They are scheduled to play their next match against the Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 25 April.

READ: Shaun Tait opens up on possible return as Pakistan coach

Pakistan’s esports icon Arslan Ash will miss two of the biggest events on the Tekken World Tour 2025 calendar, Evo Japan and Riyadh Clash, due to ongoing visa challenges.

The four-time Evo champion and global face of Pakistani esports took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the frustrating update with his fans.

“I will not be able to attend Riyadh Clash and Evo JP this year. I made every effort to go, but unfortunately, I encountered visa problems again,” Ash wrote. “It’s fine, I’ve learned to live with passport limitations; maybe one day, things will change.”

Arslan’s absence leaves a major void in both tournaments. Evo Japan and Riyadh’s Gamers8 circuit are considered among the most prestigious events in competitive Tekken, and the Pakistani superstar has been a fan favourite at both.

While the disappointment is clear, Arslan Ash isn’t stepping away from the game. He confirmed his participation at the upcoming LevelUp Expo and is also looking to make the most of domestic opportunities this season — all while keeping his options open for other international events.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

His situation once again highlights the harsh realities many Pakistani esports athletes face. Despite repeatedly proving themselves on the world stage, including a recent tournament where Pakistani players convincingly outplayed top-tier Japanese talent, off-the-field obstacles continue to hold them back.

“While cricket remains a cherished national passion, I dream of a future where other sports and industries – especially esports – receive the same recognition and support,” Arslan said in a recent interview.

The news comes at a time when global anticipation is building for the Esports World Cup 2025, set to take place in Saudi Arabia from July 7 to August 4. With a record-breaking $70 million prize pool, the mega-event will feature 25 titles, 2,000+ players, and more than 200 international clubs.

And while Arslan Ash may be missing from the start of the season, his story continues to be a symbol of talent, perseverance — and the hurdles that still need to be overcome in the world of esports.

READ: Unbeaten Pakistan qualify for Women’s World Cup with dominant win over Thailand

Pakistan’s star player Arslan Ash, also known as Arslan Siddique, will compete in the Esports World Cup 2025, which is slated to be held in Saudi Arabia.

According to the revealed schedule, the event will be played over seven weeks in July and August, featuring 25 games and 2000 players from around the globe.

The tournament’s massive prize pool of $US70 million makes it one of the most lucrative esports events in history.

CEO, Esports World Cup Foundation Ralf Reichert expressed excitement about the announcement of a record-breaking prize pool.

“The record-breaking $70+ million prize pool, along with our commitment to the Club Partner Program and our multi-year publisher agreements, is a privilege to announce and validation of our purpose to elevate the industry, by giving players, clubs, publishers and all other stakeholders the stability needed to invest for future success,” said Ralf Reichert.

Arslan Ash will once again represent Pakistan on the global stage in Tekken 8. He is regarded as one of the greatest Tekken players of all time.

For the unversed, Arslan Ash is a five-time EVO champion. He previously won EVO Japan 2019, EVO 2019, EVO Japan 2023, EVO 2023, and most recently, EVO 2024 in Tekken 8, solidifying his legacy in the fighting game community.

Esports World Cup 2025 Full Schedule:

Week 1 (July 7 – July 13)

• Apex Legends
• DOTA 2
• FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
• Rennsport
• VALORANT

Week 2 (July 14 – July 20)

• DOTA 2
• Free Fire
• Honor of Kings
• League of Legends
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Women’s Invitational 2025)

Week 3 (July 21 – July 27)

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
• Honor of Kings
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MSC Mid Season Cup 2025)
• PUBG Mobile
• StarCraft II

Week 4 (July 28 – August 3)

• Chess
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MSC Mid Season Cup 2025)
• Overwatch 2
• PUBG Mobile

Week 5

• Call of Duty Warzone
• EA Sports’ FC 25
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow 6 Siege X

Week 6

• Rocket League
• PUBG Battlegrounds
• Teamfight Tactics
• TEKKEN 8

Week 7

• Counter-Strike 2
• Crossfire: Mercenary Forces Corporation
• Street Fighter 6

READ: WATCH: ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier Teams visit Wagah Border on PCB’s Invitation

Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli is on the verge of breaking a 76-year-old record of legendary Sir Don Bradman during the remaining matches of the Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia.

Kohli landed in Australia with the weight of his below-par form and a 16-month century drought.

However, he turned things around in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series, displaying a masterclass in strokeplay to mark his return to form with an unbeaten knock of 100 runs off 143 balls in the second innings.

This was Kohli’s 30th Test century, which took him ahead of Bradman, who had 29 Test hundreds to his name, in the list of batters with the most centuries in the format.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Notably, this was Kohli’s 10th century from 43 matches on Australian soil. This impressive feat placed him second on the list for the most international centuries scored by a visiting batter in a single country.

Kohli has scored seven Test centuries, alongside three centuries in ODI matches in Australia.

The record for the most centuries by a visiting batter in a single country is currently held by Don Bradman, who notched up 11 centuries in just 30 innings in England between 1930 and 1948.

With four matches remaining in the Border-Gavaskar series, Virat Kohli is standing on the brink of history, with the opportunity to surpass the remarkable record of Bradman.

Most Centuries by a Visiting Batter in a Single Country

• Don Bradman (Australia) – 11 centuries vs. England
• Virat Kohli (India) – 10 centuries vs. Australia
• Jack Hobbs (England) – 9 centuries vs. Australia
• Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 9 centuries vs. Sri Lanka
• Vivian Richards (West Indies) – 8 centuries vs. England
• Sunil Gavaskar (India) – 7 centuries vs. England

READ: Pakistan unveil Playing XI for second T20I against Zimbabwe

RIYADH: Pakistan’s E-sports star Arslan Ash has been eliminated from the first round of the Tekken 8 event of the Esports World Cup here on Wednesday.

The early elimination shocked fans as Arslan Ash, the five-time EVO champion, was the favourite to win the ongoing tournament.

However, the star player lost to Ulsan 2-1 to Ulsan and then suffered a 2-0 loss against JeonDDing.

There are reports indicating that Ash encountered issues with his own arcade stick, which prompted him to borrow a stick from another competitor, Sajawal.

Unfortunately, Arslan Ash struggled to adapt to the borrowed stick, which ultimately resulted in his premature elimination from the Esports World Cup.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, Arslan Ash won his fifth EVO Tekken 8 title last month, defeating compatriot Atif Butt in the Grand Finals in Las Vegas.

Arslan emerged victorious 3-1 in the winner’s final following which Atif locked horns with Japan’s Nobi in the loser’s final and outclassed the latter to 3-0 to set up the Grand Final with the star Pakistan gamer.

Atif started the thrilling Grand Final on a high as he won the first game but Arslan equalised.

Atif then switched to FENG and tied the score at 2-2. In the final round, however, Atif Butt appeared favourite but Arslan Ash landed a perfect hit to clinch his fifth EVO title.

“I’ve done it again, Alhamdulillah, 5th EVO title in the bag, but definitely not my last,” Arslan posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“This win is for Pakistan and everyone out there pushing boundaries! Onward and upward! And to my critics, I’ve still got it, baby! And I’m not done yet,” he added

READ: Novak Djokovic targets Grand Slam record at US Open

LAS VEGAS: Pakistan’s E-sports star Arslan Ash added another feather to his cap by winning his fifth EVO Tekken 8 title for the fifth time, defeating compatriot Atif Butt in the Grand Finals here.

Arslan emerged victorious 3-1 in the winner’s final following which Atif locked horns with Japan’s Nobi in the loser’s final and outclassed the latter to 3-0 to set up the Grand Final with the star Pakistan gamer.

Atif started the thrilling Grand Final on a high as he won the first game but Arslan equalised.

Atif then switched to FENG and tied the score at 2-2. In the final round, however, Atif Butt appeared favourite but Arslan Ash landed a perfect hit to clinch his fifth EVO title.

“I’ve done it again, Alhamdulillah, 5th EVO title in the bag, but definitely not my last,” Arslan posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“This win is for Pakistan and everyone out there pushing boundaries! Onward and upward! And to my critics, I’ve still got it, baby! And I’m not done yet,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Atif Butt showcased sportsman spirit by terming Arslan Ash a deserving winner but shared that he was not satisfied with his performance.

“First of all, I would like to thank all of my supporters. As a professional player, I always wanted to win an EVO. It’s a dream title of any player. I have tried hardest to win it, but failed & got the (2nd position),” wrote Butt.

“I’m not really happy with my performance. Still, I’m thankful to Allah for showering a lot of blessings on me. I will work tirelessly to present Pakistan at the highest level. In Sha Allah, he added.

“[Arslan Ash] you have given me a tough time in grand finals. You really deserve to win the tournament. I heartedly congratulate you on your 5× EVO title. It’s again the victory of Pakistan Tekken. It’s just a beginning, In Sha Allah,” Atif Butt concluded.

READ: India’s chief selector breaks silence on Ravindra Jadeja’s future in ODIs

Pakistani e-sports star Arslan Ash added another feather to his cap on Sunday as he won Only The Best Tekken 8 tournament held in Turin, Italy.

He dominated throughout the tournament, which culminated in his thrilling victory against KDF Mulgold in the Grand Final.

Arslan Ash, widely regarded as the greatest Tekken player, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account after the victory and expressed gratitude to his fans for supporting him.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I’m thrilled to have finally scored my first big win! MASHAALLAH. I always had confidence in my abilities, but it didn’t count until I actually did it. This is just the start – thanks to everyone who supported me along the way,” he posted.

I’m thrilled to have finally scored my first big win! MASHAALLAH. I always had confidence in my abilities, but it didn’t count until I actually did it. This is just the start – thanks to everyone who supported me along the way 🤎🙏 pic.twitter.com/DzMXtKyeWn

— Arslan Ash (@ArslanAsh95) June 23, 2024

Before the Grand Final, the talented star player, Arslan, faced a formidable challenge from KDF Ulsan in the Winners Final. Despite the tough competition, Arslan emerged victorious with an impressive 3-1 scoreline.

The Grand Final saw Arslan and KDC Mulgold showcasing exceptional skill and strategic prowess, pushing each other to their limits. After a thrilling and intense battle, the Pakistani star emerged triumphant with a hard-fought 3-2 victory.

READ: South Africa edge West Indies to reach T20 World Cup semi-final

LAS VEGAS: Pakistani e-sports star Arslan Ash, on Sunday, created history as he won his fourth EVO championship in Tekken 7.

Arslan proved to be too much of a challenge for Japanese star AO, as he defeated the Japanese 3-0 in the grand final.

In the Winners Final, Arslan emerged victorious over AO with a score of 3-1. Prior to that, in the Winners Semi-Final, he defeated Ulsan with a score of 2-1.

Congratulations to @ArslanAsh95 for winning #Evo2023 and becoming the first player to claim four Evo titles for TEKKEN 7! pic.twitter.com/jzM7unNwMw

— Evo (@Evo) August 6, 2023

 

He impressed e-sports fans across the globe with his prowess throughout the tournament as he ran through his opponents, remaining undefeated in EVO 2023.

Arslan Ash, widely regarded as the greatest Tekken player, has won the coveted EVO championship in Tekken 7, a record four times, after winning the title in Japan and Las Vegas in 2019 and repeating the same feat in 2023.

Arslan’s exceptional skills in Tekken 7 have earned him widespread recognition, including the prestigious ESPN Best E-Player of 2019 award, which solidified his status as an ultimate player of the game.

Congratulations to Top 6 of TEKKEN 7 at #Evo2023!

🥇@ArslanAsh95
🥈@SmilyAo
🥉@tekkenUlsan
4th @GenghisD0n
5th @WaMEOIL1
5th @tk_anakin pic.twitter.com/WtFRVCG8fz

— Evo (@Evo) August 6, 2023

Arslan has also triumphed in CEO 2021 and the 2022 Combo Breaker Tekken 7 tournament, emerging victorious against all 10 of his opponents in the latter.

Apart from individual accolades, Arslan Ash also won the Gamers8 Tekken 7 Nations Cup in Saudi Arabia, last month with his teammates Arsalan, Khan Imran, and Atif Butt. The Pakistani trio thrashed South Korea by 3-2 in the grand final.

All three players from team Pakistan had an impressive performance at the event and were by far the most dominant team, maintaining their position in the upper bracket.

In group stages the Pakistan team secured a flawless 3-0 scoreline and qualified for the playoffs, where Pakistan continued their exceptional performance, securing victories against the United Kingdom in the Semi-finals and South Korea in both the Winners’ Finals and Grand Finals.

It was smooth sailing for Pakistan during the Winners’ finals as Arslan Ash dominated the competition, things did not look as smooth at the Grand Finals.

READ: Pakistan crowned ‘The Greatest Tekken Team In The World’

Pakistan’s professional e-gamer Arslan Ash claimed another EVO trophy after defeating Meo-IL in a one-sided Grand Final of the Tekken 7 tournament at EVO Japan 2023 on Sunday. 

Arslan defeated his Korean counterpart 3-0 in the final to win the third trophy at the Evolution Championship Series (EVO).

Congratulations to @ArslanAsh95 on being your #EvoJapan2023 #TEKKEN7 Champion!

Tekken 7 Top 8 Results:

1 @ArslanAsh95
2 @WaMEOIL1
3 @rangchu123
4 @ohakonbanntiwa
5 @__gkEn__
5 @LowHigh92
7 @TK_SAINT
7 @Mulgold98https://t.co/pRm0CRum2y pic.twitter.com/SEEa7dg7G2

— Evo (@Evo) April 2, 2023

With the victory, he also equalled Korea’s Jae-Min “Knee” Bae’s record for the most number of EVO Championship victories. Knee won the trophy in Tekken Tag Tournament 2 in 2013 and for Tekken 7 in 2018 and 2022.

Previously,  the Pakistani gamer won the EVO Japan trophy in 2019.

It is pertinent to mention here EVO Japan is one of the popular fighting esports events of the year. The three-day competition took place between March 31 and April 2 with over 5,000 attendees.

READ: Barcelona storm past rock-bottom Elche to move closer to LaLiga title