Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the second and final Test against hosts Sri Lanka due to a knee injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday.
Afridi suffered an injury to his knee during day four of the first Test, which Pakistan won by four wickets. He was impressive in the opening Test, registering figures of 4/58 and 0/21.
The injury to the pace spearhead will be a big blow for Pakistan, who are aiming to seal the series and strengthen their position on the World Test Championship table. The 22-year-old will miss the Test but stay back in Sri Lanka to continue his rehabilitation.
"He will stay with the Test side in Sri Lanka, where his initial rehabilitation and management will continue under the supervision of the team's medical staff."
the PCB statement read
In Afridi's absence, the team management could draft in all-rounder Faheem Ashraf or pacer Haris Rauf.
With a win in the second Test, Pakistan could further close the distance between South Africa and Australia in the World Test Championship standings. Pakistan currently occupies the third spot, with a point percentage of 58.33.
"Wear whites for Virat": RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute
Get ready to witness a sea of whites in Chinnaswamy stadium. RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute. Check the full article for all the details.
RCB fans in Bengaluru to wear white for Virat Kohli Test tribute? Yes! Fans are planning a special "wear white" initiative and asking the crowd to show up in whites for the upcoming RCB vs KKR match at Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 17, 2025.
As the IPL is set to resume tomorrow, and we will witness Virat Kohli play his first match after his announcement of test retirement, fans are organising a heartfelt tribute for the King!
The viral spread of white wave
A fan-driven moment is going viral recently where they call the crowd to wear white for a collective tribute to Virat Kohli after his test retirement.
Whether you have a test jersey or not, all they ask for is wearing anything white instead of the jerseys of IPL franchises.
Discussions on Reddit
The white tribute takes shape on reddit as fans try to reach out as much as possible.
Reddit discussion thread on wear white in Chinnaswamy tribute. Image | Reddit
Comments on RCB's official Instagram handle. Image | Instagram
Hashtags like #WearWhiteForVirat, #KohliTestTribute, and #KohliTestFarewell are the ones people are using to make this a trend before the upcoming IPL 2025 match.
Comments on RCB's official Instagram handle. Image | Instagram
Content Creators spreading the word
Many content creators have joined hands to support this initiative and they are getting huge responses.
Hey @RCBTweets fans, are you planning to turn up in white for the game on the 17th? Remember seeing a post suggesting that. It will be incredible and a sight for the ages if true and if you can pull it off.
The ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 saw some stellar batting performances. Some players have consistently showed how good they are with the bat, and secured their top spot.
As the WTC 2023-25 is approaching its end, it is now time to look at those huge numbers by some sensational test batters.
Check out these names with most runs in WTC 2023-25.
1. Joe Root (1968 runs) | England
Joe Root in action during the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | Mint
Joe Root, who is in the top 5 for most runs in test career among some legendary test batters, holds the 1st rank for most runs in WTC 2023-25. He is a central figure for England in tests.
Root's contribution in the WTC 2023-25 cycle has been immense. He scored 1968 runs in 22 matches, with his highest score being 262 against Pakistan, which is the second-highest individual score by an English batter in WTC 2023-25 cycle.
He scored 7 centuries in this cycle, which is unmatched so far.
Yashasvi Jaiswal celebrating his double century against England in WTC 2023-25. Image | Instagram
Yashasvi Jaiswal made his debut in test cricket during the WTC 2023-25 cycle and his journey was nothing short of sensational. He emerged as the highest run-scorer for India and holds the 2nd rank for most runs in WTC 2023-25.
He scored a total of 1798 runs in 19 matches, with 2 back-to-back double centuries against England, which showcased his ability to dominate in this format.
Ben Duckett celebrating his century against India in WTC 2023-25. Image | Instagram
The opening batter for England, Ben Duckett, was phenomenal in the WTC 2023-25 cycle. He consistently provided decent starts to his team with the kind of explosive batting he is known for.
Ben scored 1470 runs in 22 matches and holds the 3rd rank for most runs in WTC 2023-25. He scored 2 centuries during his campaign and proved to be one of the key batters for England.
The England batters have purely dominated the list for most runs in WTC 2023-25, with their 3 batters appearing in top 5.Harry Brook is the third batter from England who is in the top 5 of this list, having 1400+ runs.
Australian batters like Steve Smith and Travis Head also performed brilliantly in this championship, but only Usman Khawaja could make it to the top 5 by having a 1400+ runs in total.
ICC increase prize money for WTC 2023-25: Here is how much the teams would get
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised the prize money for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, announcing a massive $3.6 million prize for the winners of the upcoming final between Australia and South Africa
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised the prize money for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, announcing a massive $3.6 million prize for the winners of the upcoming final between Australia and South Africa, set to take place at Lord’s from June 11-15.
This record-breaking purse, more than double the $1.6 million awarded to previous champions New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023), underlines the ICC’s commitment to elevating Test cricket’s prestige and importance.
The losing finalists will also walk away with a hefty $2.1 million, surpassing the prize money awarded to past winners. This significant financial boost reflects the ICC’s push to sustain the momentum of the nine-team competition, now in its third thrilling cycle.
The stage is set for a clash of titans at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, hosting its first-ever WTC Final. South Africa, buoyed by commanding 2-0 home series wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, clinched their spot with 69.44 percentage points.
Defending champions Australia, finishing with 67.54 points, are eager to retain the Test Mace in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed his excitement, stating, “The third cycle of the World Test Championship has been captivating, with the finalists decided only in the closing stages. Australia and South Africa will deliver a fitting celebration of Test cricket at Lord’s, and I’m confident fans worldwide will witness top-class action.”
A battle of wills, minds and hearts in the Ultimate Test 👊
Australian captain Pat Cummins, reflecting on the honour of defending their title, said, “Playing at Lord’s for the World Test Championship is a proud moment for us. South Africa will bring a tough challenge, and we’re ready to give it our all at the home of cricket.”
South Africa’s Temba Bavuma echoed the sentiment, emphasising the significance of the occasion. “Reaching the WTC Final is a huge opportunity to win an ICC title. Lord’s is the perfect stage, and we’re determined to put our best foot forward against Australia.”
Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and more, have dominated the WTC 2023-25 cycle. Discover the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25 and get their stats and best bowling figures.
As the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 is getting closer to the grand final, it is now time to look back at the bowlers with standout performances. They have constantly troubled batsmen which led to their team's success.
Who do you think are the ones with most wickets? Take a look at the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.
Jasprit Bumrah | India
Jasprit Bumrah in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | Instagram
Jasprit Bumrah had a remarkable campaign in WTC 2023-25 cycle and has taken the most number of wickets. He took 77 wickets in 15 matches, with an average of 15.09.
Bumrah recorded five 5-wicket hauls in the cycle and also had his best bowling figure of 6/45 in an innings against England.
Pat Cummins in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | BBC
The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, has done wonders with the ball, by taking 73 wickets in 17 matches. He is the leading wicket taker for Australia and can also be on top by showcasing his wicket-taking skills in the WTC final against South Africa.
His best bowling performance in the tournament was a 6-wicket haul for 91 runs.
Mitchell Starc in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | Instagram
Yet another Australian legend to feature in this list, who is just behind Cummins by one wicket. This fiery left-arm pacer have always been a key bowling of their team. He took 72 wickets in 18 matches total.
Mitchell Starc's best bowling figure in WTC 2023-25 includes a 6-wicket haul for 48 runs.
Mitchell Starc stats in WTC 2023-2025
Span
Matches
Innings
Balls
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
BBI
Avg
Economy
SR
2023-2025
18
35
3062
510.2
77
1964
72
6/48
27.27
3.84
42.52
Other players with 60+ wickets in WTC 2023-25
Seems like the Aussies and Indians have purely dominated the bowling sides and got most wickets up their sleeves.
The Kohli Effect: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?
Virat Kohli's influence on cricket in India is huge. Now that he has retired from tests, here we are to examine "The Kohli Effect." Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement? It is an important question to follow.
Virat Kohli's decision to step away from tests makes it a key question to ask, observe and analyse its effects on fans and their engagement with Test cricket.
People on the internet are talking about the closure of a big chapter. So, now that the chapter is closed, it will be crucial to check if the fans still embrace the long format.
Let's dive into the depths of this particular question that will rise in the days ahead: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?
Kohli's unmatched influence on Test cricket fandom
Virat Kohli walking out of the pavillion as the crowd cheer up in joy. Image | Pinterest
Virat Kohli has left his mark and impact beyond just his bat and performance. The sentimental connection fans had with him in tests is hard to put into words.
Considering India had exceptional test cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar, what is it about this man that his test exit is feeling like an irreplaceable void?
Virat Kohli is the most successful Indian Test captain and holds the record for most victories, with 40 wins in total.
His captaincy at home soil was exceptional, which showed everyone how dominant the Indian team can be, winning 24 out of 31 matches.
Kohli's presence in Tests was unique. He inspired millions of fans to watch the format, who were drawn by his presence and performance.
He fundamentally reshaped the Test landscape for India by proving the entire world that this country is equally good in Test just like other formats.
Kohli's on-field intensity made every moment iconic for the teammates and fans to watch.
He holds the record for scoring the most double centuries as an Indian batter, with 7 double centuries in his career.
Kohli's hunger for doing better and delivering crucial knocks and centuries for the team has drawn so many non-cricket fans to watch this format.
Fans felt a strong emotional connection to his journey, following the highs and lows, and his commitment to winning for India.
What could Kohli's absence mean for the Test in India?
A kid holding a banner in a crowd during a match of the Indian cricket team. Image | Hindustan Times
Virat Kohli's role in this format has been significant, on and off the ground. The reaction of fans after his retirement news made it clear how he has defined an entire generation's perception of the format.
Social media is flooded with posts and comments like "End of an Era," "Test cricket won't be the same without the King," "Grew up watching him fire in tests, a part of our childhood is gone today," and many others.
While some people are recalling those "memories and battles," some are acknowledging "the irreplaceable void and future of test cricket for India."
The kind of reaction and energy from the fandom makes it obvious to speculate how challenging it can be to keep the same level of interest in tests now. It makes it even questionable as the former captain, Rohit Sharma, has also decided to retire from Test cricket, days before Kohli's retirement.
The whole nation will definitely miss Ro-Ko in tests. But will it affect their interest in this format?
It will be a vital thing to keep an eye on in the future.
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