Danica Patrick Loses Major TV Gig

Pakistan international cricketers Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem have officially signed contracts to participate in the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), marking another significant milestone in their professional careers. The two players will represent the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, one of the league’s competitive franchises, during the tournament. According to the announcement, Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shadab Khan and talented left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem have reached an agreement with the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and are set to feature for the team in the highly anticipated T20 competition. Both players will be available for seven matches each, providing the franchise with valuable experience and skill during the tournament. Shadab Khan is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most accomplished white-ball cricketers. Renowned for his leg-spin bowling, explosive lower-order batting, and exceptional fielding abilities, he has represented Pakistan in all three formats of international cricket. Over the years, he has also become a sought-after player in franchise leagues around the world, thanks to his versatility and leadership qualities. His participation in the Caribbean Premier League is expected to strengthen the Falcons’ squad, particularly in the middle overs where his spin bowling and ability to accelerate the scoring rate can prove decisive. Sufiyan Muqeem, on the other hand, is one of Pakistan’s emerging spin talents. The young left-arm spinner has impressed cricket fans and selectors alike with his control, variations, and ability to take wickets in crucial situations. His inclusion in the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons squad highlights the growing recognition of his abilities on the international franchise circuit. Playing in a prestigious tournament such as the CPL will provide him with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience, compete against some of the world’s finest T20 players, and further develop his game. The Caribbean Premier League is widely regarded as one of the most exciting T20 tournaments in the world. It attracts top cricketers from various countries and offers a competitive platform where experienced international stars and emerging talents perform alongside one another. Participation in such leagues not only enhances players’ exposure but also contributes to their overall development by allowing them to adapt to different playing conditions, strategies, and team environments. For the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, the addition of Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem is expected to strengthen their bowling attack significantly. Shadab’s experience and all-round capabilities, combined with Muqeem’s promising left-arm spin, provide the team with greater balance and tactical flexibility. Their availability for seven matches each is expected to play an important role in the franchise’s campaign as they aim to achieve strong results during the tournament. The signing of these two Pakistani cricketers also reflects the increasing demand for Pakistan’s talented players in global T20 leagues. Their selection demonstrates the confidence international franchises have in Pakistan’s cricketing talent and provides both players with another opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage. Fans will be eager to see how Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem perform for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons as they look to make a strong impact in this season’s Caribbean Premier League.

MARSEILLE: Amine Gouiri made a flying start to Marseille’s new Ligue 1 campaign, scoring twice in the second half as his side swept aside Strasbourg 4-0 on Friday in the opening match of the French top-flight season. The Algeria international was at the heart of Marseille’s attacking display, breaking the deadlock shortly after half-time before converting a penalty to put the hosts firmly in control. Gouiri’s performance gave Marseille exactly the kind of opening they wanted in front of their home supporters, while also extending their remarkable unbeaten league run against Strasbourg, which now stretches back to 1997. “It’s a joy,” Gouiri told Ligue 1+, reflecting on a perfect start. “We really wanted to start well in front of our supporters, and it’s job done.” Marseille had to wait until the second half to unlock the visitors’ defence. Gouiri struck just a minute after the restart, meeting the ball with a low first-time finish that finally gave the hosts the breakthrough. Strasbourg’s hopes of recovering quickly suffered another blow shortly before the hour mark when Samir El Mourabet was shown a red card for violent conduct after kicking Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. With Strasbourg down to 10 men, Marseille seized control. Gouiri stepped up to take the resulting penalty and made no mistake, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete his brace and double Marseille’s advantage. The hosts continued to push forward and eventually turned a comfortable victory into a statement result. Young substitute Keyliane Abdallah added a third before Hojbjerg put the finishing touch on the night, scoring late to complete the 4-0 rout. For coach Bruno Genesio, the result provides an ideal beginning despite Marseille’s limited activity in the summer transfer market. The manager has acknowledged that the club must reduce its wage bill before it can make major additions to the squad. “We have to drop our salary spend,” Genesio said. “Until that’s done, we won’t be able to recruit.” Gouiri, who joined Marseille from Rennes in January 2025, will be encouraged by his explosive start. He also scored once for Algeria during four matches at this year’s World Cup. The opening weekend continues on Saturday, with last season’s runners-up Lens hosting Auxerre, while newly promoted Le Mans face Brest in their first top-flight match since 2010. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain begin their title defence away to Rennes on Sunday as they chase a record-extending 14th Ligue 1 crown.

Pakistan’s batting frailties remain a major concern after a disappointing display in the opening Test against the West Indies, where the visitors failed to chase a modest target and suffered a heavy defeat. Set 211 runs for victory, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure and was dismissed for just 120, raising fresh questions about the team’s ability to perform in challenging conditions. The collapse exposed familiar weaknesses against disciplined fast bowling, with only former captain Babar Azam showing resistance. Remaining unbeaten on 58, Babar stood firm while wickets continued to tumble around him, but his lone effort was not enough to keep Pakistan in the contest. The batting unit struggled to build partnerships from the outset as the West Indies bowlers exploited the conditions brilliantly. The pace attack maintained consistent line and length, making the most of the bowler-friendly surface to keep the Pakistani batters under constant pressure. Regular breakthroughs prevented Pakistan from gaining any momentum during the chase. Apart from Babar’s fighting knock, no batter managed to make a meaningful contribution. Several players got starts but failed to convert them into significant scores, allowing the West Indies to dominate throughout the innings. Poor shot selection and an inability to adapt to the conditions further compounded Pakistan’s problems. The defeat also highlighted the struggles of Pakistan’s middle order. Captain Salman Ali Agha endured a disappointing outing, failing to make an impact in either innings of the Test. His inability to anchor the innings or guide the lower order placed additional pressure on the rest of the batting lineup. Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan also had a forgettable match. Known for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, Rizwan was unable to deliver in both innings, leaving Pakistan without the stability they often rely on in difficult situations. His lack of runs was a significant setback for the visitors. With the series now moving to Port of Spain, Pakistan will need a much-improved batting performance if they hope to level the contest. The top and middle order must take greater responsibility, particularly against a confident West Indies bowling attack that has already shown its ability to exploit weaknesses. Babar Azam’s unbeaten half-century remains one of the few positives from the defeat, demonstrating that success is possible even in demanding conditions with the right approach. However, Pakistan cannot depend on one batter alone. Greater contributions are needed from senior players, especially Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan, if the team is to bounce back. As the second Test approaches, Pakistan face a crucial opportunity to respond. A stronger batting display will be essential if they are to challenge the West Indies, keep the series alive, and restore confidence after a disappointing start.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s rising taekwondo star Ehsan Mehsud delivered an outstanding performance at an international taekwondo championship in Thailand, securing the gold medal after defeating opponents from Kazakhstan, India, and Sri Lanka in an impressive campaign. Mehsud began his journey in the tournament with a confident victory over a strong competitor from Kazakhstan in the opening round, setting the tone for what would become a memorable performance. His speed, tactical awareness, and attacking style earned him a place in the next stage of the competition. The Pakistani athlete continued his winning momentum in the semi-final, where he faced a formidable opponent from India. Displaying remarkable discipline and technical skill, Mehsud outclassed his rival to book a place in the championship final. In the title clash, Mehsud took on a Sri Lankan athlete and produced another dominant display. Maintaining control throughout the contest, he secured victory to claim the gold medal, bringing international recognition to Pakistan and proudly raising the country’s green crescent flag at the medal ceremony. Speaking after his triumph, Mehsud dedicated the gold medal to the people of Pakistan. He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for blessing him with success and thanked his parents for their unwavering prayers and support throughout his sporting journey. The champion said the achievement belonged to the entire nation and hoped his victory would inspire more young athletes to pursue taekwondo and represent Pakistan with pride on the international stage.