Iran’s judicial system has announced the release of the detained assets of Zeinab Ghannami, the captain of the Iranian women’s football team. According to Arab media reports, the decision was taken after Ghannami’s change of attitude and a declaration of innocence. The statement comes after a meeting between American officials and Pakistani authorities.
Ghannami was among the six players who requested asylum in Australia during the Asian Cup in March last year, but later withdrew their request and announced their return to Iran. Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, had previously stated that the players were offered asylum due to concerns of possible punishment upon their return to Iran, particularly after the team refused to sing the national anthem during a match.
Iranian media reported that some players had their assets frozen after being labeled as “traitors” following the outbreak of war. However, Ghannami and other players who returned to Iran have spoken of the intense pressure they faced, with one player, Mona Hamoudi, stating that every decision was made with fear of consequences, exacerbating their mental stress.
Australia has granted visas to five Iranian women footballers, allowing them to stay in the country. The move comes after the team refused to sing the national anthem during the Asian Cup, sparking controversy. However, two Iranian players remain in Australia and are currently training with a local club.
Meanwhile, Samir Hussain, a coach at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, has been added to the panel of coaches for the Pakistan junior hockey team. Hussain’s coaching has led to several impressive victories for the university team in the Hockey Championship and other tournaments.
In other news, the players of the Hyderabad Kingsmen visited the SSU headquarters in Karachi on the occasion of the official rest day of the Pakistan Super League 11. The players also visited the shooting range, where some of them took part in shooting. The team also met with children, who took pictures with the players. The event was attended by Lahore Qalanders’ owner, Atif Rana, captain Shahid Afridi, and Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza. Gifts were also distributed among the children.
The Swedish tennis legend, Bjorn Borg, is set to arrive in Pakistan for the ITF Future Series. Borg will be in the country for a week-long visit, starting from May 4. The PCB has stated that Blessing Muzarabani has breached the agreement of the Pakistan Super League.
A video of Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell teaching young players how to catch on the ground has gone viral on social media. Fifteen-year-old batsman Veer Pratap Singh Suria has been included in the list of possible players for the tour of Ireland.
Former West Indian fast bowler Courtney Walsh has stated that Pakistan has always produced high-quality fast bowlers, with Shahid Afridi being a complete bowler. The captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team, Fatima Sana, has requested the PCB chairman to start the league in the country.
Peshawar Zalmi’s captain, Babar Azam, has stated that there is a sense of satisfaction when their team performs well, and that playing in different positions requires different styles. Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena hosted a media conference with Mohsin Qureshi, where he stated that it has been some time since meetings have been held with franchise representatives.
Former captain Shahid Afridi met with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, with the pictures being shared on social media. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has opened doors for all players and has started a series of open trials for the national team.
In the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League 11, Peshawar Zalmi defeated Multan Sultans by 197 runs. The ICC has stated that the total prize money for the event is $87,64,615.
US President stated that the next round of talks between the US and Iran could take place in two days.
In Karachi, Mohsin Qureshi urged traders to return 30% of the money they have earned. Former Israeli Prime Minister reacted to Italy’s decision to suspend a security agreement with Israel.
The conflict between Iran and the US has led to a significant increase in Russian oil imports. Police stated that a woman and
