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An evening with the humble, simple, energetic Imran Tahir

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By K.R. Nayar Imran Tahir is a player who has abundance of energy that defies his age. His bowling is a treat to watch, not just how he traps batters with his leg-spin and googly deliveries, but also in how he celebrates every moment on the field. No wonder, even at 46, he is still playing in professional leagues around the world, and that the game has given him an extended stay. Although he has officially retired only from One Day International cricket after the 2019 World Cup, he is busier than all those who had played with him. He participates in almost all premier T20 and T10 leagues around the world — proving that there is no expiry date for a passionate cricketer.   The evening with Imran Tahir happened during the Dubai Shipping Trophy 2025 launch. Photo by K.R. Nayar    Tahir’s boundless enthusiasm can be spotted only in very few other cricketers. So what is it that drives this person who wears his heart on his sleeve every time he takes the field? An evening w...

Dubai Shipping Trophy 2025 where ‘shipping meets cricket’ launched

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By K.R. Nayar   Dubai, a city that has turned its coastlines into corridors of global trade, is not just a business hub — it’s the beating heart of the world’s shipping industry. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities, Dubai has long been a bridge between oceans, and this powerful industry has contributed immensely to the UAE’s growth and international reputation. A cricket tournament for those who have ensured that this sector remains vibrant was launched at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Saturday, October 25, with a colourful ceremony for 32 teams, titled Sveston London presents ‘Dubai Shipping Trophy 2025’.   Aman Maulvi, Director of the tournament and of Inter Globe Marine—a shipping company that has won many domestic tournaments over the years—addressing the huge gathering, said: “This is not just another cricket tournament but a celebration of the Shipping and Maritime community to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship and to keep the in...

Should Rohit Sharma’s removal as captain have been more graceful?

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By K.R. Nayar (An exclusive for India's leading media portal Rediff )  https://www.rediff.com/cricket/special/rohit-sharma-deserved-to-be-treated-better/20251006.htm While reporting India’s Champions Trophy triumph under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in March 2025 in Dubai, little did I imagine that it would be his last ODI match as captain. However, when reporting India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup in Bridgetown in June 2024, one knew that it was his last match as T20 captain since he had announced his retirement from T20 cricket. Now that he is not India’s ODI captain for the Australian tour, it is clear that sentiments no longer have any place in the Indian team.    Rohit  Sharma addresses the media as captain in Champions Trophy. Photo by K.R. Nayar Having trailed Sharma from the match in which he scored his first half-century (52) against Pakistan in Jaipur during Pakistan’s tour of India in 2007, and having witnessed many of his electrifying centuries and doub...

A landmark day for UAE cricketers at the DP World ILT20 Player Auction

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By K.R. Nayar The DP World ILT20 Player Auction marked a historic day for UAE cricket, with many national players fetching impressive bids—reflecting the rising stature, talent, and earning potential of UAE cricketers in international franchise leagues. This success can be attributed to the UAE’s impressive performances in recent international matches, which have significantly raised the profile of its players. UAE's  Muhammad Rohid being secured by MI Emirates for USD 140,000 as Mubashshir Usmani, Gen. Secretary Emirates Cricket Board proudly looks on Speaking to this reporter during one of the auction intervals, Khalid Zarooni, Chairman of DP World ILT20 and Vice Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “It shows that UAE cricket is doing things for the development of the game, and the recent results and performances of the players have been reflected in the auction.” A proud day for Khalid Zarooni, Chairman of DP World ILT20 and Vice Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board. ...