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Saeed Ajmal bags six as Pakistan crushes Australia in WCL 2025

LIECESTER: Saeed Ajmal six-wickets led Pakistan Champions to a dominant victory over Australia Champions in the 14th fixture of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 here at Grace Road on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest 75-run target, Pakistan eased past Australia in only 7.5 overs, without losing any wickets.

Pakistan’s openers started strong in pursuit of the target as they scored 17 from the opening three overs. Sharjeel Khan and Sohaib Maqsood looked in good touch as they crisped a couple of boundaries.

In the fourth and fifth over of the innings, the runners-up of the last edition took the attack to the Australian bowlers, scoring 10 off each over.

Pakistan Champions ended their powerplay on 45-0 with Sharjeel Khan scoring 26 off 18 balls, whereas Sohaib Maqsood made 19 from 18.

The victory was evident for the Pakistan Champions; however, the Australia Champions bizarrely ended their match.

John Hastings bowled 13 wides and one no-ball in the eighth over, eventually resulting in a comprehensive victory for Pakistan Champions.

With this victory, the Pakistan Champions finished at the top of the points table with four wins out of five games.

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Put into bat first, Australia’s Champions batting line faltered and were bundled out for 74 runs only in 11.5 overs.

Pakistan Champions jolted Australia Champions with early blows, reducing them to 17-2 in 2.4 overs.

Shaun Marsh was caught by Saeed Ajmal off Sohail Khan’s bowling in the second over, after scoring only seven. Chris Lynn, who made six runs, was sent back to the pavilion in the next over.

After early hiccups, Darcy Short and Ben Dunk partnered to forge a brief stand. The latter played a counter-attacking innings and made 26 off 14 balls with the aid of two sixes and three fours to steady Australia’s innings.

However, Dunk’s removal triggered a collapse that Australia could not recover from. Once Saeed Ajmal was introduced in the attack, it was all his spin magic that bundled them out for a meagre score.

Saeed Ajmal routed the lower order, starting with the removal of Short (2), Daniel Christian for a golden duck, Ben Cutting (5), Peter Siddle (5), and Steve O’Keefe for a single run.

For Pakistan Champions, Saeed Ajmal bowled an outstanding spell, taking a six-wicket haul for just 16 runs in 3.5 overs.

Playing XIs

Australia: Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Ben Dunk (wk), Daniel Christian, Callum Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Peter Siddle, Brett Lee (c), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Steve O’Keefe

Pakistan: Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal (wk), Fawad Alam, Umar Amin, Asif Ali, Shoaib Malik (c), Imad Wasim, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Saeed Ajmal

READ: New Zealand face major setback as key player ruled out of first Zimbabwe Test

Shikhar Dhawan comments on India facing Pakistan in WCL 2025 semi-final

The opening batter of the India Champions, Shikhar Dhawan, has opened up on the possibility of playing arch-rivals Pakistan Champions in the semi-final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

Dhawan was asked about the possibility of India playing Pakistan in the WCL semi-final.

“You’re asking this question at the wrong time and place — you shouldn’t have asked it. And even if I didn’t play earlier, I still won’t play now,” Shikhar Dhawan replied.

The reigning title holders of WCL’s inaugural edition, India Champions, are currently languishing at the bottom of the points table, whereas Pakistan is at the top of the charts with three wins out of four games.

India succumbed to their second defeat on Saturday’s encounter against Australia, despite Shikhar Dhawan scoring 90 off 61 balls.

In contrast, Pakistan Champions outplayed West Indies, continuing their dominant run. Kamran Akmal was the star of the match, rolling back the clock with a sublime ton to help his team secure top spot in the tournament’s points table.

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During Saturday’s tournament action, India suffered their second defeat as Australia successfully chased a formidable 204-run target in the final over.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Champions continued their dominant run, notching their third consecutive win by defeating the West Indies Champions by 49 runs.

Kamran Akmal’s match-winning century and a strong bowling performance led Pakistan to the top of the WCL 2025 points table.

It is noteworthy to mention that the league stage fixture between India and Pakistan was cancelled by the WCL organizers. The much-anticipated Pakistan-India fixture, scheduled for 20 July at Edgbaston, was set to be one of the marquee contests of the WCL 2025.

The announcement of cancellation came via a statement on the tournament’s official social media platforms.

For the unversed, WCL 2025 is currently taking place in England, featuring retired international stars from around the world.

READ: Maxwell, Green star as Australia take 4-0 lead over West Indies in T20I series

Kamran Akmal’s blazing ton helps Pakistan Champions crush West Indies

LEEDS: Kamran Akmal rolled back the years with a scintillating century as Pakistan Champions outclassed West Indies Champions by 49 runs in their World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 clash at Headingley on Saturday.

Batting first, Pakistan Champions piled up a formidable 200-4, thanks to a breathtaking 113 off just 62 balls by Kamran Akmal.

The veteran wicketkeeper-batter smashed 13 fours and five sixes to anchor the innings after an explosive 65-run opening stand with Sharjeel Khan, who chipped in with a 14-ball 21.

Sohaib Maqsood (17) and skipper Mohammad Hafeez (23 off 18) played supporting roles as Pakistan Champions crossed the 200-run mark.

Asif Ali stayed unbeaten on 10 off 10 in the final overs.

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West Indies Champions struggled to keep up with the asking rate in the chase, managing only 151-7 in their 20 overs.

Chadwick Walton top-scored with a 30-ball 42, while William Perkins and Dwayne Bravo added 30 each.

Ashley Nurse contributed a 25-run cameo, but it was never going to be enough for the West Indies Champions.

Rumman Raees ripped through the top order with a sensational opening spell, grabbing 3-4 in three overs. Aamer Yamin and Sohail Tanvir bagged two wickets apiece to stifle the Windies’ hopes.

The comprehensive win puts Pakistan Champions on top of the WCL 2025 points table with seven points from four matches. West Indies Champions, meanwhile, remain on two points after as many games.

READ: India-Pakistan clash confirmed as Asia Cup 2025 schedule unveiled

WCL 2025: South Africa win toss, bowl first against Pakistan

LEICESTER: South Africa Champions have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan Champions in the ninth fixture of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 here at Grace Road on Friday.

AB De Villiers is not playing today for the South Africa Champions, as Aaron Phangiso has been named the captain of the side.

Pakistan Champions are in third spot in the WCL 2025 points table with one win from two matches, whereas South Africa Champions are topping the chart with three wins out of three games.

Playing XIs

South Africa Champions: Hashim Amla, Henry Davids, JJ Smuts, Sarel Erwee, Jean-Paul Duminy, Morne van Wyk (wk), Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso (c), Hardus Viljoen, Duanne Olivier

Pakistan Champions: Kamran Akmal(w), Sharjeel Khan, Umar Amin, Mohammad Hafeez(c), Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz

The ongoing WCL 2025 is contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

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Six teams, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the WCL 2025 semi-finals.

The ongoing WCL 2025 marks the second installment of the tournament, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

READ: Joe Root overtakes Dravid, Kallis to become third-highest Test run scorer

Shahid Afridi opens up after WCL organizers call off India-Pakistan fixture

BIRMINGHAM: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has shared his thoughts following the cancellation of the high-stakes encounter between India vs. Pakistan Champions at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

The much-awaited encounter between arch-rivals was officially cancelled just hours before the two teams were set to meet at Edgbaston on Sunday.

The organisers made the announcement through a statement posted on the tournament’s official social media platforms, confirming the cancellation of what was expected to be a marquee clash.

“We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments,” the statement read.

Now, Shahid Afridi has stated that they came to England to play cricket, noting that politics should be kept away from cricket.

“There is no fault of mine in this, and I have always advocated keeping politics away from cricket. We have come here to play cricket, and we must move forward,” he said.

“Nations that aim to achieve something in the world focus on progress and do not get bogged down by trivial matters,” Afridi added.

Former all-rounder also questioned the India Champions for not facing the Pakistan Champions, despite being aware of the tournament’s scheduling.

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“I would just like to say that one should be a good ambassador for their country, not a source of embarrassment.

We are here to play cricket. If you were not willing to play against Pakistan, you should have refused before coming here. Yet, you came, participated in practice sessions, and then on the very day, everything unfolded like this,” he said.

Shahid Afridi noted that if he had known the situation, he would not have come to the ground while emphasizing that the game is bigger than any of the players.

“If I had known that the match was being cancelled because of me, I wouldn’t have even gone to the stadium.”

“Cricket is bigger than all of us. The game comes first, even bigger than Shahid Afridi. Don’t bring politics into the sport. If someone doesn’t want to play, then let them play their own game elsewhere. Cricket is far greater than all this,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the ongoing edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, in which India and Pakistan competed in the final.

READ: Pakistan Champions owner reacts to WCL calling off India-Pakistan clash

Pakistan Champions owner reacts to WCL calling off India-Pakistan clash

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions owner Kamil Khan has responded to the cancellation of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan Champions fixture at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

The much-awaited encounter between arch-rivals was officially cancelled just hours before the two teams were set to meet at Edgbaston on Sunday.

The organisers made the announcement through a statement posted on the tournament’s official social media platforms, confirming the cancellation of what was expected to be a marquee clash.

“We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments,” the statement read.

Now, on behalf of the Pakistan Champions, owner Kamil Khan has expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of the WCL marquee clash between Pak vs India legends.

“On behalf of Pakistan Champions, we express our deep disappointment over WCL’s decision to call off the match against India. This decision not only undermines the spirit of the game but has let down cricket fans across the globe,” the statement reads.

“We believe cricket should rise above and transcend political differences. Sport has the unique power to unite, and our participation in this tournament is rooted in a commitment to peace, positivity, and the genuine spirit of the game,” it added.

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The owner of Pakistan Champions expressed confidence in continuing to represent the country with dignity and integrity.

“Despite this setback, we will continue with the same passion, discipline, and professionalism that define our team. We remain proud ambassadors of our country and are committed to representing Pakistan with honour and integrity.”

The Pakistan Champions owner also acknowledged the tournament’s organisers’ challenging position on the Pak vs India legends match, expressing gratitude for their efforts.

“Finally, we appreciate the difficult position the tournament organisers have been placed in during this unfortunate development and would like to extend our sincere gratitude to them for their tireless efforts in trying to resolve the situation and uphold the integrity of the tournament,” it concluded.

For the unversed, the ongoing edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, in which India and Pakistan competed in the final.

READ: Emon, Taskin star as Bangladesh thump Pakistan in T20I series opener

WCL 2025: India vs Pakistan clash officially called off

BIRMINGHAM: The highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan Champions fixture at the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 has officially been called off, just hours before the two sides were set to meet at Edgbaston on Sunday.

The organisers made the announcement through a statement posted on the tournament’s official social media platforms, confirming the cancellation of what was expected to be a marquee clash.

“We at WCL have always cherished and loved cricket, and our only aim has been to give fans some good, happy moments,” the statement read.

“After hearing the news that the Pakistan hockey team will be coming to India this year, and seeing the recent India vs Pakistan volleyball match along with a few other fixtures between the two nations in different sports, we thought of continuing with the India vs Pakistan match at WCL — just to create some happy memories for people around the globe.

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But maybe in the process, we ended up hurting the feelings of many and stirring emotions.

“More than that, we unintentionally caused discomfort to our Indian Cricket Legends, who have brought so much glory to the country, and we ended up affecting the brands who supported us purely out of love for the game.

“Hence, we have decided to call off the India vs Pakistan match.

“We sincerely apologise again for hurting the sentiments and hope people will understand that all we ever wanted was to bring a few happy moments to the fans.”

The development comes amid growing tension surrounding the fixture. Indian media reports earlier claimed that five prominent Indian cricketers had raised objections to former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi’s inclusion in the tournament, threatening to withdraw from the match if he was part of the squad or even entered the stadium.

According to reports, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and Shikhar Dhawan conveyed their concerns to the organisers. Harbhajan and Yusuf are said to have already pulled out, while Dhawan reportedly confirmed his withdrawal through a post on his Instagram story.

READ: South Africa edge West Indies in bowl-out to kick off WCL 2025

Pakistan Champions edge England Champions in WCL 2025 opener

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan Champions beat England Champions by five runs in the opening match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, here on Friday at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

Chasing a 161-run target, England Champions fell short despite Ian Bell’s classy half-century.

England Champions started strong in pursuit of the target as they scored 32-0 in the first five overs. However, Pakistan Champions fought back with key wicket of experienced Alastair Cook.

Following the wicket, Phil Mustard forged a brief stand with James Vince, bringing the score to 55 until the ninth over.

Aamer Yamin provided Pakistan Champions with a much-needed breakthrough, clearing up James Vince (7), reducing the home side to 55-2.

With two wickets down in the first half of the innings, the experience of Ian Bell and Phil Mustard helped lift England Champions out of trouble as the duo scored quickly, bringing the score to 94-2 in the 14th over.

Phil Mustard reached his half century in the process while Bell kept rotating the strike, ensuring that the required runs did not go up.

The stand was eventually broken in the 16th over with Sohail Tanvir removing trapped Mustard in front for a well-made 58 with England Champions requiring 52 runs from 24 balls.

However, Ian Bell stood in Pakistan Champions’ way, pairing up with Eoin Morgan to bring down the equation to 30 required from two overs.

With 16 required in the final over, Sohail Khan bowled brilliantly and gave up only 10 runs despite two set and experienced batters at the crease.

Earlier, Mohammad Hafeez’s gusty half century and Aamer Yamin’s cameo took Pakistan Champions to 160-9.

Put into bat first, Pakistan Champions posted 160-9 in their allocated 20 overs, thanks to Mohammad Hafeez’s anchoring 54 off 34 balls.

The right-handed batter rolled back the clock with his knock, showcasing elegant shots all around the ground.

Pakistan Champions did not have the best of a start as they lost their openers inside the powerplay. Sharjeel Khan was caught in the fourth over, scoring 12 off 15 balls with the help of a six, while Ryan Sidebottom dismissed Kamran Akmal (8) in the next over.

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England Champions further piled misery on Pakistan Champions as they removed experienced Umar Amin and Shoaib Malik in quick succession.

As a result, Pakistan Champions were reduced to 49-4 in nine overs.

Following the shambolic display from the top-order, skipper Mohammad Hafeez partnered with Asif Ali in a bid to steady the Green Shirts’ innings. Both batters batted cautiously until the 13th over, which ended with Asif Ali’s (15) dismissal.

Pakistan were reduced to 88-6 in 14 overs; however, Hafeez and Yamin forged a brief partnership, bringing the score to 121 before the former’s dismissal.

With 121-7 in 17 overs, the total of more than 150 was looking extremely difficult until Aamer Yamin’s quick-fire cameo lifted them out of the trouble.

The right-handed batter remained unbeaten with 27* off 13 balls with the aid of two sixes in the penultimate over.

For the England Champions, Liam Plunkett and Chris Tremlett picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, England Champions won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan Champions.

Pakistan Champions Playing XI

Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shoaib Malik, Umar Amin, Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal (WK), Asif Ali, Aamer Yamin, Wahab Riaz, Rumman Raees, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan,

England Champions Playing XI

Eoin Morgan (c), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, James Vince, Liam Plunkett, Chris Tremlett, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Tim Ambrose, Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Meaker, Phil Mustard (WK)

READ: Pakistan’s Shahid Aftab starts strong in World 6-Red Snooker Championship

WCL 2025: England Champions win toss against Pakistan Champions

BIRMINGHAM: England Champions have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan Champions in the opening match of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, here on Friday at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

England Champions captain Eoin Morgan decided to bowl first in the opening encounter of the second edition of the league.

Pakistan Champions Playing XI

Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shoaib Malik, Umar Amin, Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal (WK), Asif Ali, Aamer Yamin, Wahab Riaz, Rumman Raees, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan,

England Champions Playing XI

Eoin Morgan (c), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, James Vince, Liam Plunkett, Chris Tremlett, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Tim Ambrose, Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Meaker, Phil Mustard (WK)

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The WCL 2025 will be contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

Six teams, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

The upcoming edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

During the inaugural season, Younis Khan-led Pakistan were among the standout teams, producing dominant performances throughout the group stage.

Despite a spirited effort, Pakistan Champions fell just short in the final against arch-rivals India. After setting a target of 157, they couldn’t prevent India from chasing it down with five wickets and five balls to spare.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed replaced as Pakistan Champions’ complete squad revealed for WCL 2025

Sarfaraz Ahmed replaced as Pakistan Champions’ complete squad revealed for WCL 2025

BIRMINGHAM: Former captain and wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed has been substituted in the Pakistan Champions squad for the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, scheduled to begin today.

The Pakistan Champions revealed their much-awaited complete squad just before their opening game against the England Champions, set to begin at the iconic Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

The squad, revealed on the franchise’s social media handles, underwent notable changes, with former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed being replaced by Kamran Akmal.

Among other notable changes, the middle-order batter Fawad Alam was added to the squad as a surprise pick.

Earlier this year, the Pakistan Champions had announced that Sarfaraz Ahmed would represent them in the second edition of the WCL.

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For the unversed, former captain Mohammad Hafeez will lead the side in his WCL debut season, taking over from Younis Khan, who is not part of the squad this time around. Another senior name missing from the lineup is Misbah-ul-Haq.

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Meanwhile, the core of the team, including Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, and Wahab Riaz, remains intact.

The WCL 2025 will be contested across four English venues: Edgbaston (Birmingham), County Ground (Northampton), Grace Road (Leicester), and Headingley (Leeds).

Six teams, India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies, will face off in a round-robin format, with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

The upcoming edition marks the second installment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

During the inaugural season, Younis Khan-led Pakistan were among the standout teams, producing dominant performances throughout the group stage.

Pakistan Champions squad for WCL 2025

Mohammad Hafeez (c), Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Amin, Sharjeel Khan, Kamran Akmal (WK), Shahid Afridi, Asif Ali, Aamer Yamin, Wahab Riaz, Rumman Raees, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan, Fawad Alam

READ: Pakistan crush India to reach Asian U-16 Volleyball Championship final