Pacer Shaun Tait becomes Overseas Citizen of India
New Delhi: Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait, who is married to an Indian model, has officially become an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). The 34-year-old Tait posted a picture of his OCI passport on Twitter to reveal his status. The tearaway pacer, who had clocked the second fastest delivery in the history of the game at a speed of 161.1 kph in 2010, got married to Indian model Mashoom Singha in June 2014. The 2007 ODI World Cup winner started dating the Indian model while playing the Indian Premier League with the Rajasthan Royals in 2010. He retired from ODIs after the 2011 World Cup in India but he remained active in the Big Bash League. He was back in Australia’s T20 team in the lead-up to the 2016 World T20. Tait played in just three Test matches between 2005 and 2008. (PTI)
Afridi parts ways with his PSL franchise
Lahore: Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi on Saturday announced that he is parting ways with his Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi, citing personal reasons. The flamboyant cricketer took to Twitter to make public his decision, saying he was ending his services as president and player of Peshawar Zalmi, for whom he has played the two seasons of the PSL. Afridi hinted that he might play for another franchise in the PSL next year, saying he won the trophy for one team, “time for another”. He also conveyed his best wishes to Peshawar Zalmi, who were crowned PSL winners last month. The swashbuckling batsman handed over the captaincy to West Indian Darren Sammy before the start of the second edition of PSL after he was named president of Peshawar Zalmi. (IANS)
Saqlain joins as England’s spin bowling consultant
Lahore: Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq on Saturday revealed that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has hired him as a spin bowling consultant for two years. Saqlain, who has previously worked with England, New Zealand, and the West Indies as a spin bowling coach, is hopeful that the English duo of Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali will benefit a lot with his guidance. Saqlain also revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had once approached him for a coaching role more than a year ago, but there was no follow up from the board.
Sevilla defender Mariano earns Brazil call-up
Sao Paulo: Uncapped Sevilla full-back Mariano has been called up to Brazil’s football squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Tuesday. The 30-year-old on Friday replaced Juventus right-back Dani Alves, who will miss the fixture at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo due to suspension, reports Xinhua news agency. “Mariano forms part of a list of players that the coaching staff has been constantly monitoring,” the Brazilian Football Confederation CBF said in a statement. It added that Sevilla agreed to release the defender despite the fact that he was not included in Brazil’s original squad. (IANS)