In a humorous turn of events during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, England's Sam Billings playfully teased Pakistan's Babar Azam over their contrasting half-century performances. Billings, representing Lahore Qalandars, achieved the fastest fifty of the tournament, reaching the milestone in just 19 balls against Quetta Gladiators. Conversely, Babar Azam, leading Peshawar Zalmi, recorded the slowest fifty, taking 47 balls to reach the mark.
Billings shared an Instagram story juxtaposing their innings. This light-hearted jab highlighted the stark difference in their scoring rates while acknowledging that both innings contributed to their respective teams' victories.
Babar's slower-paced innings have attracted criticism, especially in the fast-paced T20 format where quick scoring is pivotal. Despite this, he remains a key figure in Pakistan's cricket landscape.
The PSL 2025 faced an unexpected halt due to geopolitical tensions but is scheduled to resume on May 17, with the final set for May 25. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances and perhaps more playful banter among players.
Narendra Modi Stadium Likely To Host IPL 2025 Final Amid Rain Threat In Kolkata: Reports
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering shifting the IPL 2025 final to Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, moving it from the originally planned venue of Kolkata's Eden Gardens. According to inputs from Cricbuzz, this potential change is primarily due to unpredictable weather in Kolkata.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, renowned as the world's largest cricket venue with a seating capacity exceeding 132,000, has previously hosted significant matches, including the IPL finals in 2022 and 2023, as well as the 2023 Cricket World Cup final. Its state-of-the-art facilities and experience in managing high-profile events make it a strong candidate for hosting the final.
Additionally, the BCCI is closely monitoring weather patterns, particularly the onset of the monsoon season, to ensure optimal playing conditions. Ahmedabad's relatively dry climate in early June adds to its suitability as a host city.
While the BCCI has not yet made an official announcement regarding the final's venue, Ahmedabad's combination of infrastructure, experience, and favorable weather conditions positions it as a leading contender to host the IPL 2025 final.
