As the world paused to honour fatherhood on Father’s Day 2025, Indian cricketers opened up their hearts on social media, sharing emotional tributes, photos, and stories about their fathers and, for some, their journey as fathers. The heartfelt messages offered fans a rare glimpse into the deeply personal bonds that exist beyond the boundary ropes.

Sachin Tendulkar

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar led the way with a touching message for his late father, Professor Ramesh Tendulkar, whose influence on the batting maestro’s career is well known.

Before the applause, before the centuries, there was a man with a pen and a gentle smile, believing in me before the world did. I carry his calm, his grace, and his love in every step.

Happy Father’s Day. You are missed, Baba! pic.twitter.com/Cs0iFOHNoN

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 15, 2025

Tendulkar has often credited his father for instilling humility and perspective, qualities that remained constant throughout his iconic career. The post was met with an outpouring of emotion from fans and fellow cricketers alike.

Suresh Raina 

Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina celebrated the day with a warm video post.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3)

The post was lighthearted and loving, much like Raina himself, and was filled with joyous glimpses of fatherhood and multigenerational bonding.

Yuvraj Singh

World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh posted a powerful image with his father, Yograj Singh, a former Indian cricketer and actor, along with a message of deep gratitude.

ALSO SEE: Steve Smith shares major update on finger injury following SA vs AUS 2025 WTC Final

Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan shared a heartfelt post thanking his father while also reflecting on his own role as a dad.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shikhar Dhawan (@shikhardofficial)

In an Instagram story, Dhawan shared a playful video featuring his son, Zoraver. The post included a caption from the child’s perspective:

Babar Azam

Pakistan captain Babar Azam also marked Father’s Day 2025 with a touching post dedicated to his late father, Azam Siddique, who was not only a guiding light in his life but also one of his earliest supporters in his cricketing journey.

Sharing a photo of his father and himself from his younger days, Babar wrote on Instagram:

Babar Azam shares a beautiful message for his father on 'Father's Day'#Cricket | #Pakistan | #BabarAzam | #Lahore | #FathersDay pic.twitter.com/HFlAvJWuU5

— Khel Shel (@khelshel) June 15, 2025

The tough sport of Cricket has a rich and glorious history, and its legacy has become eternal ever since it was first played scores of years ago. The game and its stakeholders have witnessed several memorable moments over time. This tryst with destiny has aided the British game to come of age and solidify its heritage towards greatness. Fans have grown and stayed loyal courtesy of the positive incidents and the love for their idols, whom they look up to. The players have signified more than just a living being playing the game. They have been ambassadors for the sport and are responsible for its goodwill, brand identity, and authentic image. 

However, richness comes with a price, and just like a coin has two sides, Cricket has dealt with severe moments as well. The second most loved sport in the world has had its share of black days, too. Those distasteful and shocking episodes have hampered and created a massive hole in the glittering history of the game. They are oppositely but equally remembered as the finest moments, and instead threaten the ethics to a great extent. These ignominiously dark sides are a disgrace, and their anchors deserve justice to save the health of the game. 

See Also: Cricketers Who Made History with Guinness World Records

Here is a look at some of the biggest and most significant match-fixing incidents that shook the cricketing world, their history, protagonists, and deep-scale consequences. 

Cronje and Azharuddin: The Match-Fixing Scandal of 2000

The most infamous of all cricket match-fixing scandals dates back to 2000. The Delhi Police charged Hansie Cronje, the then South African skipper, with fixing his side's One Day International (ODI) matches against India in March of that year. Cronje initially denied his wrongdoing, but as the pieces of evidence accumulated, all the allegations became true, and he eventually confessed to his part. The other Proteas teammates testified to the fact that they had received lucrative offers from their captain to bow down to the bookies, throw the match, and get involved in fixing the games.

Hansie, later, accused Mohammad Azharuddin of introducing the former to the associated bookmaker, and further investigations found the former Indian cricketer guilty as well. Both were banned for life by the ICC and their respective national boards. This uncovered a chain of players involved. Herschelle Gibbs, a prominent former South African player, received a six-month ban for his part in this scandal. Ajay Sharma, a former Indian domestic cricketer and Delhi player, was also banned for life as he was named in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) report alongside Azharuddin for having links with bookies and manipulating matches. In September 2014, his ban was lifted by the Delhi district court. Cronje died in a plane crash in 2002, and ever since his death, suspicions of malicious acts and links with the fixing saga loom large over his demise to date.

Pakistan's Spot-Fixing in the UK, 2010

In 2010, Pakistan's cricket team toured England for a test series. During the Lord's match, three players from the touring side, namely Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, were accused of receiving bribes from a bookmaker, and then organising and deliberately performing feats to affect the moments in the match. This included intentional no-balls to hamper the outcome of the game, and the act was categorised as 'spot-fixing'. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the British Crown Court found them guilty and, as punishment, sentenced the trio to jail terms of variable lengths in the UK. The Pakistani players' on-field actions were condemned by everyone from all quarters, and this entire saga took the sporting world by storm. It called for immediate measures to uphold the integrity of the sport.

IPL 2013 Spot-Fixing

During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013, a major scandal erupted when the Delhi Police arrested Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on charges of spot-fixing. They were believed to be involved in a syndicate having a history of organising such criminal acts in sports and consequently altering several matches in the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on its part, handed the trio life bans and ensured free and fair trials to confirm justice for everyone involved.

This incident sent ripple waves across the Indian Cricketing circuit and raised serious questions. Fans subsequently lost faith in the tournament, and the game was frowned upon by many. The Rajasthan franchise was banned for a couple of seasons in 2016 and 2017, following this ominous run of events. IPL cricket regained its credibility gradually over time. A few years back, the Court gave the culprits a clean chit, and that helped them to resume professional cricket.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Fixing Scandal 2013

The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were banned from competing in the IPL for two seasons - 2016 and 2017. Gurunath Meiyappan, one of their high-profile team officials, was involved in betting and leaking team information during IPL 2013. He was also the son-in-law of the then BCCI president N. Srinivasan. This scandal was the major stepping stone towards institutional reforms in cricket. Various committees were set up and designated to safeguard the integrity of the sport. The Lodha Committee was the primary one among all. An Anti-Corruption Security Unit (ACSU) in cricket was also set up by the BCCI to remove any cases of graft from the game. 

Marlon Samuels' Match-Fixing Case 2007

Ahead of an ODI series involving the teams of India and the West Indies in 2007, the Caribbean batter was accused of several dealings with the bookmakers. Recordings of his telephonic conversations with the bookie before the Nagpur ODI were found, and he was charged with sharing the details of the match. This was confirmed after an investigation initiated by the West Indies Cricket Board. Allegations of bribery and match-fixing were levelled against him, and Marlon was handed a two-year ban by the ICC.

John - 'The Bookmaker' 

In 1998, Australian cricketers Steve Waugh and Shane Warne went through a turbulent phase when their names got embroiled in match-fixing. It was discovered that the duo had accepted money from an Indian bookmaker named John to share the pitch and weather information during the 1994-95 season. The news was initially kept reserved within the Australian Cricket fraternity, and when it eventually broke out during the 1998 Ashes series, the players and the Board were reprimanded for their heinous actions. However, the controversy didn't escalate much. The ICC took no further action, and the players were let go after just being fined by Cricket Australia (CA). 

Manoj Prabhakar, 1999, and Ajay Jadeja, 2000

Manoj Prabhakar, a former all-rounder, was banned in 1999 after he showed up at an event organised by the Tehelka News Group. It was on exposing match-fixing events in Cricket. He, however, ended up getting accused himself and banned from playing for the national side by the BCCI. A decade later, in 2011, he was also dismissed from his role as the coach of the Delhi domestic cricket team after he publicly criticised and pulled up the players and selectors.

Also, in the year 2000, Ajay Jadeja, a former stylish Indian all-rounder, was banned by the BCCI for five years for his involvement in match-fixing. The Delhi High Court, though, lifted his ban in 2003, but his cricketing career could never revive. He instead took up commentary and is currently a one.

Over 2.5 billion people in the world follow cricket. They love and breathe the game day in and day out. It is because of the players that fans support a particular sport. Cricket is full of legendary players who have excelled over the years and have made names for themselves. Their on-field impact becomes indelible, and the off-field demeanour decides their personality. Their commitment towards the game, unmatched performances, precious moments, and sportsmanship win the hearts of multitudes of fans and make them loyal for life.

Their strong social media and public presence, associations while endorsing brands, public speaking, community, support for national, social, and environmental causes, make them morally right and an inspiration for all. The way they dress up, present themselves, and focus on their looks gives them an aesthetic edge. All these fetch immense fandom across platforms and make them gain unparalleled love from all those who admire them. 

See Also: Top 6 most successful cricket coaches globally

Let's take a look at the top ten most popular cricketers in the world, and the list might be completely unsurprising.

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is the most popular and widely followed cricketer in the world. He boasts a staggering social media following across platforms and is recognised as the best batter of this generation. Nicknamed 'Cheeku', 'King Kohli', 'Run-Machine', and 'Chasemaster', the legendary player has, on multiple occasions, outperformed the opposition by producing scintillating innings. He has the second-highest number of international centuries and the most in ODI cricket. As the Test captain, under him, India won the ICC mace twice in succession, and with that, he became the most successful red ball skipper of India.

Kohli's popularity and stardom stem from his elite and impressive performances, record-breaking feats, ultimate physique, and strong personality. These attributes have earned him massive sponsorship deals and increased his brand value. He's tagged as the 'National Icon' of India.

2. MS Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been India's greatest ever and most successful skipper across formats. Under him, India won the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His composure and the ability to stay calm under tense situations earned him the title of 'Captain Cool'. In IPL, MS-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is the most glorious and followed franchise. His achievements at all levels of cricket, the ability to close out games, which has earned him the designation of the greatest finisher in the game, evergreen personality, long hair, and inclusive nature, make him the second most popular cricketer in the world. 

3. Rohit Sharma 

Rohit Sharma, fondly regarded as 'Hitman', is one of the most famous cricketers in the world. His recent success as captain of the Indian white ball team, winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, solidified his stature as an Indian great. Over the years, his exploits with the Mumbai Indians, winning five IPL trophies, have made him a serial winner.

The Indian opener's timeless and effortless batting prowess, on course towards setting several milestones, is a source of awe and amazement. He is the only batter with three double hundreds in ODI cricket, with 264 as the highest score. His intrinsically humorous and straightforward nature complements his personality extremely well. 

4. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, referred to as the 'God of Cricket', is a global sensation and widely known as the best batter the game has ever seen. His batting genius and consistency earned him infinite laurels in his career, and he bowed down with the 2011 ODI World Cup and smashing 100 international centuries, the only ever player hitherto, to reach that auspicious landmark. He hung his boots with the highest ever international runs among any player. He debut at 16 and his cricketing life is celebrated eternally. His legacy is unmatched and an inspiration to millions of sports fans. 

5. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Himanshu Pandya is one of India's most fashionably conscious celebrities. His aesthetic style, demeanour, on-field aggression, immaculate all-round abilities, and a knack for being the team's saviour make him a glorious cricketer and personality. He is more liked by the fans of the current generation, and his cool attitude is something everyone aspires to follow and possess. All these characteristics make him quite popular. He, dubbed as 'Kungfu Pandya' by several cricket pundits, however, has been involved in a few controversies, but came out of them and saved his image from getting tarnished. He now has more fans than ever and is widely recognised as the best all-rounder since Kapil Dev.

6. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah, India's bowling spearhead, has taken pace bowling to an elite level. He is considered the best bowler of this generation, across formats. He is unplayable on the majority of the occasions and a nightmare for all the batters. His bowling wits outsmart the batters and that is what makes him special. He is a well known figure publically thanks to his impeccable bowling skills. He has been termed as the "National Asset' of India by several people for his unique qualities. 

7. David Warner

David Warner, referred to as 'The Pocket Size Dynamite', is a swashbuckling Aussie opener who has retired from international cricket but still plays in some of the franchise leagues across the world. He is known for his explosive batting and the ability to strike boundaries at will. The left-hander has been an IPL icon over the years and gained love from millions of fans during his time in India. While playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he led them to the IPL title in 2016 and made a regular name for himself in the South Indian household, courtesy of that. This fetched him several advertisements, and eventually, he entered the film industry as well. He could be seen enacting popular moves of the famous actors while on the field, and that brought him an immense fan following.

8. Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh was India's backbone as a promising left-handed batter in the National Cricket Team for several years. His notable achievements include winning the 2002 Natwest Series in England, the 2007 T20 World Cup, where he smashed 6 sixes in an over, and claiming the 2011 ODI World Cup as the man of the tournament. The elegant player from Punjab was a warrior off the field as well. His successful battle against cancer, during his playing days, earned him massive respect from all fraternities. His strong social media presence and rationalising the morals of the current society, while motivating younger players, make him as one of the most regarded sportspersons worldwide.  

9. AB de Villiers

Abraham Benjamin De Villiers, also known as 'ABD' or 'Mr. 360' was an illustrious player from South Africa. He also played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL for several years. He was a batting maverick, his shots were breathtaking, sensational, and all around the park, which led to him being acronymed as 'Mr. 360'. His camaraderie with Virat Kohli was the talk of the town every time he stepped foot on the Indian shores. His striking and innovative power was supreme and wonderful. His positive and amicable nature earned him humongous love and fandom from all corners of society.

10. Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes, the skipper of the England Test Team, is a very popular figure in sports. He is one of the most widely recognised non-Indian cricketers in the world. He is a gifted player, a proper all-rounder, and has produced unbelievable innings for his nation. His magical efforts won England their maiden ODI World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022. His gobsmacking batting display also took the Three Lions home in an Ashes match in 2019. He is quite vocal and always professes to the betterment of the game. His commitment towards fitness and test cricket is extremely commendable. He is looked up to by many budding players for his great cricketing skills. 

Umpiring in cricket is a make-or-break part of the game, one that demands accuracy, impartiality, and profound knowledge of the laws. There have been a number of umpires who have risen above the rest over the years with their outstanding decision-making and consistency to be elevated to the ICC Elite Panel. Here are the top 10 cricket umpires of all time, whose efforts have transformed the sport.

1. Simon Taufel (Australia): 

Simon Taufel is best considered the greatest umpire in cricket history. He received the ICC Umpire of the Year award five years in a row from 2004 to 2008, a strong indication of his matchless precision. His composed performance in high-pressure games, such as in the 2011 World Cup final, provided a model for future umpires.

2. Aleem Dar (Pakistan): 

Aleem Dar is the oldest and most veteran umpire to have stood over 400 internationals. Famous for accuracy and being seen in big occasions such as the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, Dar has been a member of the Elite Panel since 2002. Global respect has followed him due to his consistency at making decisions.

3. Steve Bucknor (West Indies):

Steve Bucknor is an umpiring legend who has served in five World Cups. He was a member of the first Elite Panel in 2002, and he was renowned for his strict compliance with the law of the game. His laid-back approach towards hot-pot decisions earned him a great deal of respect for cricket.

4. Rudi Koertzen (South Africa): 

Rudi Koertzen is renowned for his unique slow finger raise, a hallmark of umpiring. He officiated four World Cups and was a member of the Elite Panel between 2002 and 2010, demonstrating his consistency and longevity. His availability in Test and ODI cricket is unmatched.

5. Ian Gould (England): 

Ian Gould dedicated over 15 years of his life as a career umpire, including time on the Elite Panel from 2006 to 2019. His performance at major tournaments like the 2019 World Cup Final demonstrated his outstanding ability. Gould will be remembered for his improvement over the years and for his consistent decision-making. 

6. Richard Kettleborough (England): 

Richard Kettleborough has been on the Elite Panel since 2011 and has umpired several high-profile matches. Being present in the 2019 World Cup final reflects his dependability. The fact that Kettleborough continues to get better over time is what makes him a top umpire.

See Also: Virat Kohli retires from Test: Career stats, milestones, and legacy

7. Nitin Menon (India):

Nitin Menon is the lone current Indian umpire in the Elite Panel since he joined them in 2016. Menon's temperament and precision at T20Is, ODIs, and Tests have established him as an emerging star. The growth of Menon in umpiring is inspiring and keeps accumulating.

8. Marais Erasmus (South Africa): 

Marais Erasmus has served on the Elite Panel since 2010, renowned for his impartiality and pressure-handling skills. He has officiated several World Cups and T20 World Cups, demonstrating his expertise. Erasmus's presence in high-pressure matches is exemplary.

9. Billy Bowden (New Zealand):

Billy Bowden has become famous for his outlandish signals, with a signature style that became synonymous with umpiring. Bowden's umpiring career, starting in 2000 and lasting until 2016 on the Elite Panel, gave him his unique experience. Bowden's success as an umpire was undeniable, and his accuracy of decision-making provided him with a loyal following.

10. David Shepherd (England): 

David Shepherd was one of the first umpires to shape modern umpiring, a member of the first Elite Panel back in 2002. His authoritative, calm demeanor and accurate judgment in high-profile matches, the 1999 World Cup final among them, left an immortal mark on the game. Shepherd's legacy lives on.

Bollywood hunk Tiger Shroff recently ignited the internet with a now-viral Instagram video that highlighted his cricketing abilities in nothing but black underwear. Joining him for practice was seasoned actor Akshay Kumar as they took a break from filming, and Shroff's cut body and strong batting elicited mixed reactions. While others admired his sportsmanship, others trolled him for his out-of-the-belongings outfit, with people posting "Kapde pehen ke bhi khel lo" on social media. The video, titled "Koi technique nahi par bahot jaan hai" (No technique, but a lot of power), was meant to point out that he had the skills to play huge shots, even impressing Akshay Kumar, who cheered from the non-striker's end.

This isn’t Shroff’s first experience with cricket or bold behaviors. He is known for being fit and taking action in roles and has shared parts of his athleticism time and time again through his gym workouts or football games. The cricket clip we saw recently was filmed during a casual game with friends, including Ganesh Acharya, which echoes his love for sport and ability to seek attention. However, the decision to wear underwear started a flow of memes and negative comments, where netizens questioned his choice of clothing, while some praised the confidence and six-pack abs.

Watch the video here

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Tiger Shroff (@tigerjackieshroff)

Also Read: WTC Final 2025, Australia vs South Africa: Live streaming, timing, venue, and squad details

Social Media Storm and Shroff’s Star Power

The video’s virality reflects Shroff’s knack for staying relevant, whether through films or hilarious social media behavior. While there was lots of trolling on social media, his fans were excited that he has this all-rounder vibe, which has led to comparisons to cricketers like Virat Kohli. Shroff is currently shooting Baaghi 4; this bold move cements his image as a fearless entertainer, unafraid to push boundaries.

In a heartwarming intersection of Bollywood and cricket, actors Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi recently participated in an entertaining on-camera challenge where they named their favorite cricketers and shared humorous moments around the sport. The feature, a part of a promotional campaign for an upcoming movie or digital offering, unleashed the sporting spirit of the two actors and provided fans with a fix of laughter, nostalgia, and admiration for Indian cricket.

The quiz started with a series of quick-fire questions, from cricket trivia to personal preferences. The two actors were quick with their wits and loved the segment to pieces, displaying a lot of camaraderie and energy. Asked to name their favorite cricketers, the responses put smiles on the faces of many fans.

The fans adored the video for its creative mix of sports and cinema, and the sheer affection that both actors had for cricket. The skit went viral immediately on social media platforms. It is always warming to see celebrities from various sectors bond over a common interest. Not only did this playful exchange provide fans a look behind the curtain of their beloved celebrities' sporting interests, but it also reflected the national passion for cricket that brings together millions in the country.

Watch the video here

King Kohli’s cover drive or Hitman’s pull shot? 🤔

Watch @RajkummarRao and @iWamiqaGabbi share their picks in a fun 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 & 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 challenge!#IPLonJioStar 👉 #RRvGT | MON, 28th APR, 6:30 PM on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/mk5BnR1I5b

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 28, 2025

Also read: IPL 2025: Look how cricketing fraternity reacted to Vaibhav Suryavanshi's iconic knock against GT

Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi shared their favorite cricketers

Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility and grounded personality, named MS Dhoni as his all-time favorite. He spoke fondly of Dhoni’s calm demeanor and leadership style, saying, “I’ve always admired how Dhoni handles pressure. Whether it’s the World Cup final or a tough IPL game, he’s unshakable. That sort of calmness is admirable not only in cricket, but in life as well." He also named Virat Kohli for his aggression and passion, terming him "a true modern-day legend."

Wamiqa Gabbi, on the other hand, introduced a new point of view by mentioning Smriti Mandhana as her favorite. "She's fiery, fashionable, and incredibly talented," Wamiqa stated. "I believe that women's cricket needs so much more attention, and Smriti is an amazing role model." She also enjoyed Rohit Sharma's batting with ease, calling his timing and class poetry in motion.

On April 27, 2025, the Indian government went ahead and banned 17 Pakistani YouTube channels, most of them centered around cricket, after the recent Pahalgam terror attack. This has created a lot of discussions, as these channels had over 83 million subscribers collectively, indicating a significant number of cricket fans worldwide viewed content from these ten creators or creators who broadcasted these channels. 

The Pahalgam terror attack, which preceded this action, raised tensions between India and Pakistan and came in good form for the Indian government, as several forms of Pakistani media endured measures and a rationale was created to take down the offending or anti-India media. This included YouTube channels and hundreds of media outlets in Pakistan, to which the usage of false information was used as justification for bans on media channels. The channels banned included a lot of known names in cricket journalism and commentary, inclusive of Geo News, ARY News, and SAMAA TV, as well as individual creators such as Irshad Bhatti and Raufar. 

List of Banned Channels

Below is a detailed list of the banned YouTube channels, their handles, and their subscriber counts at the time of the ban. These are a few other YouTube channels that have also been banned in India.

Total Subscribers: 33.623M

Watch the video here

Pakistani YouTube Channel which got Banned in India .
Thread 🧵-

1. Rizwan haider pic.twitter.com/w9CDXQIrl4

— JosD92 (@J0SD92) April 28, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 46: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Full Match Highlights

Impact on Cricket Fans

A cricket fan will be adversely affected in this case if a more subjective form of viewing or supporting is seen from channels and creators that received reliance, ideas, support, context, updates, summaries, and commentary in terms of Pakistan cricket news updates that included a heavier cargo channel such as Geo News (31.8M subscribers) and ARY News (14.6M subscribers) will be truly important as they received live updates for sports news and coverage of pressing ideas or coverage of some Pakistan cricket news, social media from players, pre- and post-match interviews, and highlights for every significant game they would have taken the time to broadcast and prepare in front of audiences. Small creators such as Muneeb (16K subscribers) and Samaa Sports (73.5K subscribers) had smaller audiences, but this did not matter to their niche study as creators in the cricket fan community.

The decision has generated mixed reactions. Some support the Indian government's position and say that these channels usually disseminated slanted commentary. Some, such as cricket fans and digital rights activists, argue that the ban is an abuse of power and that sport should remain apolitical. As well, the ban calls into question the access to content in a digital age, given that many of these channels were popular not just among people in Pakistan but also among Indian viewers and the diaspora around the world.

On Tuesday afternoon, a terrible terror attack took place in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in South Kashmir. Armed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran valley, also known as "mini Switzerland" because of its green meadows and scenic beauty. The attack killed several people and injured at least 20 others. 

According to reports, the shooting started around 3 PM when the attackers came down from the nearby mountains and began firing. A video from the area shows people lying injured on the ground, while others were crying and searching for family members. Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the number of people killed is still being confirmed. He also said that this attack is one of the worst in recent years against civilians.

Leaders Across India Strongly Condemn the Attack

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he was deeply saddened by the attack. He posted on X, saying, "Those involved in this act will not be spared." He also said he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held a meeting with top security officials. Shah is expected to travel to Srinagar to review the situation closely. A meeting was also held at his home in Delhi, attended by senior officials, including the heads of the Intelligence Bureau, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Mukesh Kumar's pin-point yorker that destabilized LSG batting structure

Many political leaders strongly condemned the attack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it an “act of cowardice” and said his prayers are with the victims. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the government must take responsibility and take strong steps to stop such violence in the future. Sajad Lone, leader of J&K People's Conference, said the terrorists are enemies of Kashmir’s future. “They don’t want tourists to come here. They want to destroy our peace and economy,” he said. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the violence and said such acts must be rejected by all.

Indian Cricket Community Stands United Against Terrorism

This tragic attack has hurt not just the families of the victims but also the people of Kashmir, who depend on tourism for their income. Just when Kashmir was beginning to see more visitors, this attack has brought fear and pain again. The country now waits for strong action and justice for those who lost their lives in this cruel act of terror.

Indian cricketers also expressed their sorrow. Shubman Gill posted, “Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families.” Gautam Gambhir wrote, “Those responsible will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam.”

Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country.

— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 22, 2025

Targeting innocent tourists is an act of absolute cowardice. Heart goes out to all the victims and their families. Just when it should’ve been the start of a beautiful summer in paradise. Hope the perpetrators are dealt with in the severest manner .. #PahalgamAttack

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) April 22, 2025

Shocked and angry to hear what happened in Kashmir today. While those responsible will be punished, and I’m sure they will, right now there’s a numb disbelief at the terrible acts and the manner in which it all happened. Praying for the souls of those who lost their lives in…

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) April 22, 2025

Unimaginable atrocity in Pahalgam.
Heart goes out to the victims and their families. 🕉️ शान्ति।
Hope the perpetrators (and their sympathisers) are identified, caught and given the punishment they deserve.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 22, 2025

Cricket is set to return to the Olympic Games after 128 years, and the United Kingdom may enter with a single team under the name of Great Britain. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Scotland have started talks to form a combined team for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The boards get on well and are cooperating to compile a Team GB cricket team, Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Trudy Lindblade says. The reason behind this is that the British Olympic Association (BOA) needs a British team that represents the country in the Olympics as one entity. The 2028 Olympics will include men’s and women’s T20 cricket tournaments. Only six teams will take part in each event, and each team will be allowed to select 15 players. The qualification process has not been confirmed yet by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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England and Scotland Working Together

England is currently ranked second in the world in men’s T20 cricket and third in the women’s rankings. Scotland, however, is outside the top ten in both formats. Forming a single Great Britain team could give both countries a better chance to qualify and compete under the limited six-team rule. In most Olympic sports, athletes from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compete together as Great Britain. Football has been an exception, but even there, the BOA hopes to bring a Team GB men’s football team to the 2028 Olympics.

Cricket was last played at the Olympics in 1900 in Paris. Back then, a team from Great Britain beat France in the only match of the tournament. In 2028, the cricket matches will be held at a temporary venue in Pomona, California. The idea of a Great Britain cricket team is gaining strong support. Talks between the ECB and Cricket Scotland are ongoing, and both sides are hopeful. If everything goes well, cricket fans could see a united British team on the Olympic stage for the first time in over a century.

Cricket is making a dramatic Olympic comeback after 128 years, with the legendary Fairgrounds in Pomona, Southern California, named as the Olympic venue for the sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The Fairplex, a large 500-acre site famous for staging the LA County Fair, will be converted into a bespoke building for the Olympic cricket tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) received the decision with both hands. ICC Chair Jay Shah described the action as a "step forward" towards readying cricket for a return to the Olympics, citing it as an unprecedented opportunity to expand the sport into fresh markets with the popular T20 pace. Cricket and baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash are one of five sports to be recognized for inclusion at LA28.

Men's and Women's T20s to Have Six Teams Each

Both the men's and women's cricket competitions at LA28 will be in the form of T20s, with six teams for each. The IOC has approved a total of 90 slots per gender for players, so each country can have a complete 15-player team. The actual schedule will be released nearer the event, which takes place from July 14 to July 30, 2028.

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This will be cricket's first Olympic appearance since Paris 1900, when a single Great Britain vs. France match was held, now regarded as an unofficial Test. Since the late nineteenth century, cricket has appeared in multi-sport regional events such as the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, but LA28 will bestow upon it the long-awaited international Olympic stage.

The news follows increasing expectations and backing from officials, athletes, and fans alike. As matches are set to be held within a temporary stadium at Fairplex, the LA28 organizers have vowed to provide an elite experience for fans and competitors alike, taking advantage of the venue's storied past and the international stature of Los Angeles. As the clock ticks down to 2028, cricket's return to the Olympic fold marks not only a moment of historic return but an opportunity to engage a fresh generation of supporters on the world's greatest sporting stage.