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“Cricket will be destroyed when…”: Imran Khan laments Pakistan’s early exit from Champions Trophy

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Team Pakistan (Photo: @ICC/X) © Provided by Asian News International (ANI)

Islamabad [Pakistan], February 26 (ANI): Following the team’s exit from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, World Cup-winning captain and former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his disappointment and said that cricket will be “destroyed” if “favourites” are put in decision-making positions.

Hosts Pakistan, which got the opportunity to host an ICC tournament after a long gap of 29 years, was knocked out of the tournament in a matter of just 5 days, leaving the fans and supporters of the team massively disappointed.

“Imran says cricket will be eventually destroyed when favourites are put in decision-making positions,” Aleema Khan, sister of PakistanTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, told reporters, as quoted by Geo News.

Pakistan‘s dreadful run in the ICC events continued after the defending champions lost two games on the trot in the group stage against New Zealand and India.

The Men in Green needed a favour from Bangladesh to stage a victory over New Zealand. However, on Monday, the relentless Kiwis took the Tigers down with a five-wicket win in Rawalpindi to seal their trip to the semi-finals with India.

Imran Khan also raised questions about the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi and said that whenever he comes to power, he makes a “mess” of it.

Imran Khan said that no one in Pakistan has as many positions as Mohsin Naqvi has. When Naqvi was appointed [Punjab] Chief Minister, he committed injustices. He is appointed interior minister, he again committed injustices. Whichever position he is appointed, he makes a mess of it,” Aleema Khan said as quoted by The Express Tribune.

Imran Khan said that a respectable man would resign after such a poor performance but this could not happen,” she added.

Pakistan‘s last group-stage match of Champions Trophy 2025 is against Bangladesh at the National Stadium in Rawalpindi. This match would be a dead rubber as both teams have already been knocked out of the tournament.

This is not the first time that the Mohammed Rizwan-led side has played such disappointing cricket in the mega-events. They were not able to perform in the last two ICC events as well. In last year’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States, the Pakistan Cricket Team was knocked out of the tournament after two consecutive losses in the group stage against the United States and then against arch-rivals India.

In the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup in India, the Men in Green were able to win just four out of the nine matches. They finished the tournament at fifth position with just eight points, again failing to make it to the knockouts. (ANI)

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HEARTLAND FOOTBALL CLUB ISSUES DISCLAIMER ON FORMER GENERAL MANAGER, MR. PROMISE NWACHUKWU.

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By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
8- OCT- 2025

The management of Heartland Football Club, Owerri, has officially released a public statement clarifying the status of its former General Manager, Mr. Promise Uchenna Nwachukwu, who, according to the club, no longer has any form of affiliation, representation, or authorization to act on behalf of the team.

In the statement signed by the Technical Manager of Heartland FC, Mr. Emmanuel Amuneke, the club made it clear that Mr. Nwachukwu ceased to be part of the management structure of the Naze Millionaires as far back as July 2024. However, due to recent developments and the need to protect the integrity of the club, the management deemed it necessary to publicly restate the facts.

The release explicitly warns the general public, football stakeholders, and governing institutions such as the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) that Mr. Nwachukwu is not authorized to engage in any official or unofficial transaction, correspondence, or representation involving Heartland FC.

According to the statement, any individual, body, or organization that enters into agreements or discussions with Mr. Nwachukwu while assuming he represents Heartland FC does so at their own risk, as the club will not take responsibility for any such dealings.

> “Mr. Nwachukwu is not authorized to represent Heartland FC in any official or unofficial matters, nor is he permitted to act, speak, or transact on behalf of the club,” the management emphasized.

The release further reaffirmed the club’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and accountability, stating that measures are being put in place to ensure that all communications, partnerships, and engagements involving Heartland FC follow proper procedures and are conducted through duly recognized officials.

Heartland FC also expressed appreciation to its supporters, partners, and football stakeholders for their continuous cooperation as the club undergoes strategic reforms aimed at restoring its glory, reputation, and competitive strength within Nigerian and African football.

 

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2025 U-20 W/Cup: Flying Eagles not scared of Argentina – Zubairu

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Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu says his team is ready for battle against Argentina, Ekwutosblog  reports.

 

The seven-time African champions will take on Argentina in a Round of 16 fixture at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Santiago on Wednesday.

The South Americans have an hundred percent record in the competition, having won all their three group games.

Nigeria, on the other hand, managed to escape to the knockout round as one of the best third-placed nations.

Despite the enormity of the task before his team, Zubairu is optimistic they will scale through the hurdle.

“Every game is a new challenge, and we’ll prepare with the same mentality — focus, discipline, and teamwork,” Zubairu said after Nigeria’s qualification was confirmed.

“We respect Argentina, but it’s a challenge that must be overcome.”

Ekwutosblog recalls the Flying Eagles eliminated Argentina in the Round of 16 at the last edition of the competition.

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Steven Gerrard set to return to former club as manager

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Steven Gerrard

Former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, is set for a return to Rangers.

The Scottish Premiership giants are looking to hire a new coach after sacking Russell Martin.

Martin’s miserable reign ended after just 17 games, following a 1-1 draw with Falkirk.

The result sees Rangers sit in eighth position, with eight points from seven fixtures so far.

Goal reports that Gers could now turn to a familiar face in a bid to get the club back on track.

Gerrard cut his coaching teeth with Rangers in 2018 and led them to the Premiership title in 2020-21 – their only championship win since 2011.

He left in 2021 for Aston Villa. But Gerrard is available now, as he also leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January.

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