Sports
PCB ‘set to decide’ on Asia Cup 2025 future in aftermath of handshake controversy
- Pakistan team set to face UAE in their last group match today.
- PCB writes second letter to ICC seeking Pycroft’s removal.
- PCB stands firm on its boycott stance in Asia Cup 2025: sources.
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to decide today (Wednesday) whether the Green Shirts will continue in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, following the handshake row with match referee Andy Pycroft after the India clash.
The announcement is expected ahead of the national side’s final group-stage clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The controversy arose after Pakistan and India captains skipped handshake at the toss during their September 14 Asia Cup 2025 clash, an omission reportedly directed by Andy Pycroft.
PCB pens second letter to ICC
Meanwhile, the sources have said that the PCB has penned another letter to the ICC over the latter’s refusal to accept its demand of Pycroft’s removal from the Asia Cup 2025
Taking a firm stand on the issue, the PCB has rejected the ICC’s decision to not take action against the match referee.
The board, as per the sources, has refused to play matches supervised by Pycroft and is standing on its decision to boycott the matches if its demands are not met.
Furthermore, the PCB has termed the ICC’s inquiry against the match referee as a mere formality, stressing that neither all aspects were examined for inquiry nor relevant people were contacted.
In its letter, the PCB has said that Pakistan will agree to play after all its reservations are addressed a formal announcement of acceptance of demand is made.
Highlighting ICC’s increasing woes, the soruces said that the cricketing authority as no choice but to remove umpire from Pakistani matches after Pakistan’s tough stance.
Not only did Indian skipper avoid handshake at the toss, but repeated the same after the match ended, when the players of the opposing teams are supposed to shake hands as per cricketing tradition.
While the Indian players congratulated each other at the dugout after the match, they refrained from acknowledging or shaking hands with the Pakistani team.
Pakistan’s players lined up expecting the customary handshake, only to see the Indian team retreat and close the dressing room doors.
Later, India’s victorious captain, Suryakumar, defended his team’s decision not to shake hands with the Pakistan players, saying that it was taken in alignment with their government and cricket board.
The move prompted a strong reaction from the cricketing fraternity as well as Mohsin Naqvi, who heads both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and is also the serving head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
Not only did Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, in protest, refused to attend the post-match presentation ceremony, breaking from broadcast norms where captains usually share their thoughts, the PCB has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 — for reportedly instructing the omission of the customary handshake.
Meanwhile, in light of the PCB’s strong stance on the matter, sources told Geo News that Pycroft is expected to be removed from Pakistan’s remaining Asia Cup clashes.
Contrastingly, the Indian media has reported that the ICC has turned down the PCB’s request to remove match referee Pycroft from the ongoing tournament.
Sports
Pro wrestling star says missing brother taken to hospital after being found
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Pro wrestling star Shotzi Blackheart said Wednesday her brother, Dean, was found after she and her family worried about his safety in California.
Shotzi, whose real name is Ashley Alfaro, wrote on social media that her brother was missing after he was involved in a car crash in the San Francisco area. She said at the time that he was receiving dialysis treatments and may have been “confused or disoriented.”
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Shotzi makes her entrance SmackDown at the TD Garden on September 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images)
“My brother has been found and is being taken to the hospital,” she wrote on X.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared the post, reached out, and helped spread the word. The support and kindness from so many people truly means the world to our family. Thank you all so much.”
AEW STAR JEFF JARRETT RECALLS ‘UNIQUE’ GUITAR SHOTS HE’S DOLED OUT OVER HIS CAREER

Shotzi (top) and Nia Jax during the Women’s Royal Rumble match during the Royal Rumble at Tropicana Field on Jan. 27, 2024. (Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports)
Shotzi was born in Santa Clara County, California, and embarked on a pro wrestling journey that started in Oakland, California, and led her to the heights of WWE. She departed WWE last year and hit the independent circuit, finding renewed popularity.
She made her debut with Major League Wrestling (MLW) in June 2025, where she became the company’s women’s world featherweight champion.
Earlier Tuesday, Sports Illustrated reported that she re-signed with MLW.

Shotzi Blackheart, left, and Raquel Rodriguez defeat Xia Li via and Sonya Deville on “WWE Friday Night SmackDown” at the DCU Center, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. (Photo/Dylan Azari / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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“I’ve been at every MLW taping since June,” she told the outlet. “They were one of the first companies to hit me up when my WWE contract ended, and it has turned into my favorite creative playground. It’s a company that truly believes in me.”
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Sports
NBA All-Star Trae Young shares March Madness wisdom he hopes college players use ahead of NCAA Tournament
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Trae Young, the four-time NBA All-Star, is focused on getting acclimated with his new Washington Wizards teammates and finishing the 2025-26 NBA season strong.
But it’s hard to ignore the feelings that come about this time every year as the NCAA Tournament returns, especially if you’ve played in it.
They call it March Madness for a reason. Raucous crowds, tense atmospheres on the court, late-second heroics, David versus Goliath moments – you name it, this tournament is what players and fans alike look forward to each year.
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Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young in the first half of a first round matchup in the Big 12 Basketball Championship between the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys on March 7, 2018 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire)
For Young, it was a one-and-done moment with the Oklahoma Sooners in 2018, a season that put the freshman point guard on the map was one of the best players in the country despite the result. Of course, Young never intended to just play one March Madness game, but Rhode Island got the best of Oklahoma that day in 2018, and the first player to ever lead the NCAA in points and assists in a single season, later declared for the NBA Draft.
So, as he looks ahead to this year’s tournament, Young has a key piece of advice for all those about to embark on their March Madness journeys, whether they’re from a big program or made “The Dance” as a conference champion.
“I think the main thing I learned was just understanding that you may or may not get another chance at this,” he told Fox News while discussing his exciting partnership with Sling TV and its fun promotion for college basketball fans ahead of the NCAA Tournament. “Going into my freshman year, I thought I was going to have a couple chances. The way the season panned out, I just got the one.
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“So, you never know how many shots you’re going to get to be able to even have a chance to play in the tournament. Just to make sure you’re focused and locked in on every part of this journey, because you never know when you have to move on to the next one.”
For players, it can certainly be hard to take a step back and appreciate the moment all hoopers dream of. Young understands it, too, as he still remembers the emotions he felt when he took the court.
“I don’t know if nervous is necessarily the word, but I had so many emotions. It was probably in there, but I was anxious and ready to play,” he reminisced. “But I remember everything, from the bus ride, walking to the bus and all the fans being there, and being such a big deal for the university.

Trae Young of the Oklahoma Sooners drives to the basket against Fatts Russell #2 of the Rhode Island Rams in the second half during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Photos via Getty Images Men’s Basketball Tournament held at PPG Paints Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
“Everything about that whole experience, even if it was just one game, I’ll never forget that whole experience and being a part of March Madness for sure.”
Young went on to score 28 points, while dishing out seven assists with five rebounds. But Rhode Island took the first-round victory in overtime, ending any chance the No. 10 Sooners could go on an underdog run.
But underdogs are who Young hasn’t stopped rooting for in the tournament since then, and that just might include his Sooners if they can make a run in the SEC Tournament. Oklahoma, ranked 11th for the conference tournament, defeated the No. 14 South Carolina Gamecocks on Wednesday night to start off on the right foot.
“We’re getting hot at the right time and that’s all that matters. If we win a couple wins here, find our way to have more of a foot in for the tournament, I’m going to be really excited,” he said about his former team.
UNDERDOGS WIN WITH SLING TV
Speaking of those higher seeds in the tournament, Young’s partnership with Sling TV is rewarding college basketball fans with a promotion that mirrors the excitement of every unexpected upset in March Madness.
Young and Sling TV have invited fans to explore a flexible viewing experience with newly-launched 1-, 3- and 7-Day Pass subscriptions to watch March Madness games live.

Trae Young partnered with Sling TV to help deliver flexibility for college basketball fans ahead of March Madness. (Sling TV)
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And, from March 19-22, if any No. 12-16 seed advances to the Sweet 16 in either the men’s or women’s tournaments, eligible customers can claim their next 1-Day Pass for just one dollar.
“It’s super cool just being able to be a part of something [with Sling TV], and the fans are such a big part of doing something like this,” Young explained. “To be able to have more fans engaged on it and be even more ready to watch these games, sitting on their couches and watching these games. It’s super cool to be a part of this with Sling TV and rooting for the underdogs.”
If that underdog makes it to the Sweet 16, fans will be able to redeem their 1-Day Pass at any time through the championship game, which will take at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on April 6.
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Sports
Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal join Man City in race for Newcastle defender
Arsenal are ready to join Manchester City in the race to land Newcastle right back Tino Livramento, while Tottenham defender and captain Cristian Romero is likely to leave at the end of the season. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades
TRENDING RUMORS
– Arsenal are considering an offer to sign Newcastle right back Tino Livramento this summer, reports The Daily Telegraph. Livramento, 23, has a contract until 2028, but it’s claimed that talks over a possible extension have been shelved. Newcastle want the England international to stay, but Arsenal are keen, while Manchester City have also been linked with a move at a cost of around £60 million.
– There is a serious possibility that Tottenham defender and captain Cristian Romero could leave in the coming months, according to Fabrizio Romano. A number of top clubs have reportedly been calling about a transfer, as uncertainty continues over his long-term future at Spurs with the club in the midst of a relegation battle. The Argentina World Cup winner has a contract until 2029, so his exit could raise some significant funds.
– Arsenal have held initial talks with RB Leipzig over a possible deal for defender Castello Lukeba, claims L’Equipe. The report suggests that the Gunners are one of several teams looking at the France center back, with Bayern Munich also in the picture. The 23-year-old has a contract with Leipzig until 2029, while the Bundesliga club values his transfer at around €60 million.
– Juventus and AC Milan have joined a number of MLS clubs in the race to sign Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, reports Calciomercato. The 37-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer, with his contract entering the final few months, and has scored 115 goals and assisted 23 times for the Blaugrana in 181 appearances since joining from Bayern Munich. However, with no sign of a renewal in sight, teams are circling tp land him as a free agent.
– Bayern Munich are keen to keep hold of forward Michael Olise this summer amid reports linking the France international with a transfer to Liverpool, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Bundesliga giants are looking to downplay talk of an exit and while Liverpool are likely to push for a winger, Olise may not be available. The 24-year-old joined Bayern in 2024 and has 15 goals and 26 assists across all competitions this season.
EXPERT TAKE
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Olley: Tudor’s position will be reviewed after Liverpool vs. Tottenham
James Olley examines Igor Tudor’s future at Tottenham after their 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
OTHER RUMORS
– Manchester United are stepping up interest in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes but his transfer will cost around £60 million. (Ekrem Konur)
– Joshua Zirkzee is eyeing a possible exit from United in the summer transfer window, with clubs in Serie A interested. (Sun)
– Liverpool have added Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen to their shortlist, having missed out on signing him last summer when he was at Bournemouth (Ekrem Konur)
– West Ham want to make their loan move for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi permanent in the summer, if they stay in the Premier League. (Daily Mail)
– VfB Stuttgart youngster Finn Jeltsch is attracting transfer interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich. (TEAMtalk)
– Arsenal are preparing offers for Bayern’s Leon Goretzka and Dortmund’s Julian Brandt, with the midfield pair set to become free agents at the end of the season. (TEAMtalk)
– Tottenham are still keen on signing left back Andy Robertson as a free agent if he leaves Liverpool, having missed out on landing him in January (Football Insider).
– Juventus want to sign Marcos Senesi as a free agent from Bournemouth this summer (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Napoli are set to enter talks with Scott McTominay‘s agent over a new contract (Gazzetta dello Sport)
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