Cricket’s on and off field developments threaten potential long-term consequences

Analysis Cricket’s on and off field developments threaten potential long-term consequences
Washington Sundar in action during the second day of the fourth cricket test match between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Thursday, July 24, 2025. (AP Photo)
Short Url
Updated 24 July 2025

Cricket’s on and off field developments threaten potential long-term consequences

Cricket’s on and off field developments threaten potential long-term consequences
  • The ICC’s strategy to expand to make cricket more inclusive globally should bring longer term benefits and is to be applauded; it is less clear how geo-political tensions at the top of the game will play out

There is so much happening in cricket at the moment, both on and off the pitch, that it is difficult to determine which aspect has the most long-term relevance.

England’s men’s five match Test series against India resumed at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 23 with the fourth Test. Tensions and tempers ran high in the previous match at Lords, where issues of quality with the Dukes-manufactured cricket balls loomed large. It remains to be seen whether these issues spill over to Manchester and to relations between the two teams in future. Dukes have undertaken to conduct a thorough review of the offending products. Their longer-term future may be in jeopardy.

In terms of relations between teams and countries, those involving India and Pakistan show few signs of mellowing. Evidence of this emerged during the World Championship of Legends tournament being played in England between July 18 and Aug. 4. India and Pakistan were scheduled to face each other at Edgbaston on July 20. A combination of player withdrawals, sponsor disengagement and unfavorable public views expressed on social media led to organizers cancelling the match — the announcement of which came only the day before it was due to be played. Last year, the corresponding match attracted 20,000 spectators; a year on, recent hostilities have percolated so far down the chain to involve retired players.

Former prominent Indian cricketers chose not to play, with Shikhar Dhawan saying he had taken the decision on May 11, putting country “above all else.” The tournament sponsor, Indian company EaseMyTrip which has a five-year agreement, officially announced it had told the tournament team from the beginning it “does not support or promote any match featuring Pakistan.”

This was an extraordinarily strong stance which reinforced public sentiment. The situation has been further muddied by rumors the Pakistan team is not willing to share the points on the basis that the match was abandoned because the Indian side withdrew. 

How the deteriorating relations spill over into matches between the national teams of both countries remains to be seen. News about the men’s Asia Cup has been silent for the last three weeks. Hopes were raised it might be hosted in the UAE, rather than the nominated host country India, in early to mid-September. The AGM of the Asia Cricket Council, at which the Asia Cup should be discussed, has been scheduled for Dhaka on July 24-25. Even this has created tensions. It is understood Mohsin Naqvi, chair of both the ACC and the Pakistan Cricket Board, as well as being Pakistan’s interior minister, invited the Bangladesh Cricket Board to host the meeting. There are current political tensions between India and Bangladesh and a six match white ball series between them, set for August, has recently been rescheduled.

It was no surprise to learn the Board of Control for Cricket in India initially objected to the choice of venue and indicated it would not send a representative. This view may well have been shared by other ACC members, who may not wish to run the risk of upsetting the BCCI. At least three representatives of the five Asian Test playing nations need to be present to achieve a quorum. One assumes Bangladesh is in favor, along with Pakistan. If India is not, pressure is placed on Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. The ACC constitution also requires the presence of at least 10 full non-test playing nations or associate members in order to be quorate. There are ten of each category and doubts were expressed about their keenness to participate in sufficient quantity.

Nevertheless, Naqvi refused to yield on the venue. It can be assumed there have been strenuous behind the scenes diplomatic maneuvers in the last few days to avert a stand-off. The latest indications are that the AGM will go ahead with virtual attendance by some boards and probably a reduced agenda. It is very much in Pakistan’s interest that the Asia Cup takes place because, unlike the cash-rich BCCI, it needs the income, estimated at around $14 million. Naqvi may not have helped matters by being unable to attend the ICC AGM in Singapore between July 17-20 as it clashed with an official visit to Afghanistan in his ministerial role, although he did join virtually.

Those present discussed matters ranging from the governance of cricket in the USA to new members and support for displaced women cricketers of Afghan descent, many of whom are in Australia. Cricket’s administrators have been criticized for a lack of action in respect of these women. An ICC working group reported on a program designed to deliver support through high-performance initiatives, domestic playing opportunities and engagement at key ICC global events. These may include the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.

A priority for the ICC is to ensure USA Cricket has appropriate governance structures in place in the build up to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, when cricket will feature for the first time since 1900. USA Cricket has been plagued by persistent governance and legal issues for years, something which concerns the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which has yet to designate USA Cricket as the national governing body for cricket in the US. Such a body is required in order to field teams at the Olympics.

A year ago, the ICC issued a suspension notice to USA Cricket pending comprehensive governance reforms, which included the completion of free and fair elections. These have not yet been enacted and the ICC has extended its period of notice by a further three months, adding it reserves the right to take such actions as it deems appropriate. If USA Cricket is still deemed non-compliant then it could be suspended and, ultimately, face expulsion as a member.

A brighter note, at least for the England and Wales Cricket Board, was confirmation of it being awarded hosting rights for the ICC World Test Championship Finals for 2027, 2029 and 2031. Two new members — Timor-Leste Cricket Federation and Zambia Cricket Union — were announced as ICC Associate members, taking the total to 110. Timor-Leste becomes the 10th Associate member of the East Asia Pacific region and is the first to join since the Philippines in 2003. In Zambia’s case, it represents a return to the fold after being expelled in 2021 due to administrative and organizational issues. Africa now has 22 ICC members with the prospect of an increase in future. Burkina Faso, Mauritius and Burundi are all planning to submit relevant paperwork to the ICC’s membership committee before a December deadline.

These moves underpin the ICC’s strategy to expand cricket’s global reach and to make cricket more inclusive globally. Each should bring longer term benefits and be applauded. It is less clear how the geo-political tensions at the top of the game will play out. There is a fear Pakistan may become isolated. If so, this would only serve to strengthen India’s control over world cricket. The outcome of the ACC AGM may provide further evidence of how this power is being wielded.


Al-Hilal dig deep to make for another win in Asia

Al-Hilal dig deep to make for another win in Asia
Updated 29 September 2025

Al-Hilal dig deep to make for another win in Asia

Al-Hilal dig deep to make for another win in Asia
  • A 3-2 win at Nasaf Qarshi maintained the Riyadh club’s perfect start to their AFC Champions League Elite campaign

LONDON: Al-Hilal won 3-2 at Nasaf Qarshi on Monday to make it two out of two in the group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite. The four-time titleholders were deserved winners in Uzbekistan but twice let their lead slip and had to dig deep to take the three points.

Despite a less-than-ideal playing surface in Central Asia, the Saudi giants had the ball in the net after just 90 seconds as Theo Hernandez slid the ball past Abduvohid Nematov, but the goal was ruled out for offside. 

The breakthrough came midway through the first half from a swift counterattack from deep inside the Hilal half. The ball was eventually worked out wide and swung in from the right by Abdullah Al-Hamdan. It looked to be a simple claim for Nematov, but somehow the goalkeeper missed it, and the ball bounced off his chest for the surprised Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to bundle home from close range. 

If that was an untidy opener, the equalizer, which came five minutes later, was anything but. Sardorbek Bakhromov picked up the ball well outside the Hilal area and then unleashed a rocket of a shot into the top corner to give Yassine Bounou no chance and get fans of the Uzbek Super League champions on their feet.

On the stroke of half-time, however, Al-Hilal restored the lead with some magic of their own. Again, there seemed to be little danger when Hernandez picked up possession outside the area, but then, somehow, he weaved his way past five players in red to shoot home.

Simone Inzaghi’s men continued to push forward but were left to rue their missed opportunities as the hosts pulled level on the hour. Umar Eshmurodov produced a defense-splitting pass for Javokhir Sidikov to find space on the right side of the area and then squeeze a low shot past Bounou into the opposite corner.

Al-Hilal continued to have chances. Kaio Cesar had a clear shot from inside the area but fired straight at the goalkeeper. Marcos Leonardo showed him how it is done with 11 minutes remaining. Milinkovic-Savic ran at the defense and found Leonardo in the area, and the Brazilian lifted the ball smartly over the onrushing goalkeeper.

This time, there was no coming back for Nasaf; indeed, Al-Hilal looked likelier to score next than the hosts. In the end, it didn’t matter as a valuable three points were collected.


Spanish Super Cup to return to in January

Spanish Super Cup to return to  in January
Updated 29 September 2025

Spanish Super Cup to return to in January

Spanish Super Cup to return to  in January
  • The games will be played at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah between Jan. 7 and 11
  • Defending champs Barcelona will be joined in the competition by Bilbao, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid

LONDON: will once again host the Spanish Super Cup next year, the Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed on Monday, with the tournament scheduled to take place in Jeddah between Jan. 7 and 11.

It will be the sixth time the Kingdom has hosted the event, and the matches will be played at King Abdullah Sports City, a venue that has become a regular stage for Spanish football in recent years.

The draw has set up semi-final clashes between defending champions Barcelona and Athletic Club Bilbao, and Real Madrid versus Atletico Madrid.

In January this year, Barcelona defeated Bilbao 2-0 in the semi-finals before overcoming Real Madrid in the final with a commanding 5-2 victory.


Sharjah Self-Defense take Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship title

Sharjah Self-Defense take Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship title
Updated 29 September 2025

Sharjah Self-Defense take Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship title

Sharjah Self-Defense take Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship title
  • Round 7 of competition confirms Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Palms Sports Team 777 in second and third overall  

FUJAIRAH: The seventh round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, dedicated to the No-Gi category, concluded on Sunday at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah with Sharjah Self-Defence Club crowned overall champions.

Over two days athletes from across the UAE took part in the Under-18, Adults, and Masters divisions to close out the season’s No-Gi campaign.

Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club and Palms Sports Team 777 came in second and third respectively.

Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran, UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation board member, said: the championship has “once again demonstrated its status as a premier platform, highlighting the sport’s rapid growth throughout the UAE.

“We congratulate the winning clubs on their athletes’ great skill, determination, and sportsmanship,” he added.

“With the Gi final scheduled for next month, we look forward to marking the end of this edition and strengthening the UAE’s status as a global jiu-jitsu powerhouse.”

Igor Lacerda, head coach of Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club, said: “We began this round with 15 athletes, and our training was solely focused on winning the title.

“The players have competed consistently, and I’ve worked directly with them to improve their techniques and reduce mistakes. That effort led to today’s achievement.”


India, Pakistan trade accusations after Asia Cup trophy debacle

India, Pakistan trade accusations after Asia Cup trophy debacle
Updated 29 September 2025

India, Pakistan trade accusations after Asia Cup trophy debacle

India, Pakistan trade accusations after Asia Cup trophy debacle
  • Indian players did not attend victory ceremony after refusing to accept trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, Asian Cricket Council president
  • Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha alleges India “disrespected cricket,” while Indian skipper Yadav complained his side were “denied” trophy

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Agha said India had “disrespected cricket” while Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav complained his side “were denied the trophy” after winning a fraught Asia Cup.

The two teams did not shake hands for the third Asia Cup match running as India won the final by five wickets in Dubai on Sunday.

Suryakumar’s side did not attend the victory ceremony after refusing to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), who is also chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan interior minister.

Suryakumar told reporters: “I think this is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing cricket that the champion team is denied the trophy.

“We took the call on the ground about not taking the trophy.”

The regional Twenty20 tournament was the first time the Asian cricket giants had met since deadly fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbors earlier this year.

Tensions had been running high after the two previous matches in the competition saw political posturing and aggressive on-field behavior.

“If you tell me about the trophies, my trophies are sitting in my dressing room — all the 14 players and support staff. They are the real trophies for me,” said Suryakumar.

“It appeared on the big screen that India is Asia Cup 2025 champion. It was a great journey and moment for us as a team.”

The presentation ceremony was delayed for an hour before announcer Simon Doull said: “I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation.”

Pakistan’s Agha said India’s actions during the tournament had been “bad for cricket.”

“I think what has happened in this tournament is very disappointing,” Agha told reporters.

“If they think they disrespected us by not shaking hands, then I say they disrespected cricket.

“What they did today, a good team doesn’t do that. Good teams do what we have done. We waited for our medals and took them.

“It’s been seen for the first time. I do not know where it will stop. What has happened in this tournament is bad for cricket.”


Arsenal scores two late goals to beat Newcastle

Arsenal scores two late goals to beat Newcastle
Updated 28 September 2025

Arsenal scores two late goals to beat Newcastle

Arsenal scores two late goals to beat Newcastle
  • Arsenal produced a late flourish after trailing much of the match, following Nick Woltemade’s goal in the 34th

MANCHESTER: Gabriel Magalhaes scored a 96th-minute winner as Arsenal came back to secure a dramatic 2-1 win against Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday and close the gap on leader Liverpool.

The defender rose to head in a stoppage-time corner that moved Mikel Arteta’s team up to second in the standings and two points behind defending champion Liverpool.

Victory saw Arsenal take full advantage of Liverpool’s first defeat of the season after the Merseyside club’s 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace on Saturday. That game was also decided by a stoppage-time winner by former Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah.

A day later and it was Arsenal’s turn to produce a late flourish after trailing much of the match, following Nick Woltemade’s goal in the 34th.

Mikel Merino leveled the game with a header in the 84th and Gabriel sealed three points deep into time added on.

Earlier, Aston Villa won for the first time in the league this season with a 3-1 victory against Fulham.

Two goals in as many minutes in the second half at Villa Park sealed the comeback win after Fulham had taken an early lead through Raul Jimenez.

Ollie Watkins leveled the game before halftime and John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia struck shortly after the break to help Villa to a league win at the sixth time of asking at the start of the season.

Victory provided relief for coach Unai Emery, who has endured a difficult start to the campaign. The Spaniard, who led Villa to Champions League qualification in his first full season in charge and into the Europa League last term, has found his team battling at the wrong end of the standings in the opening weeks of this campaign after two losses and three draws.

And when Jimenez headed Fulham in front in the third minute, it looked like being another frustrating day.

But Watkins scored his first goal of the season by lobbing Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno in the 37th.

McGinn drove a low shot from around 20 yards (meters) into the bottom corner four minutes into the second half and Buendia fired in from close range two minutes later.