Sports Bulletin on March 13: Danish Kaneria accuses Shahid Afridi of pressuring him to convert, Faf du Pless likely to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

Add as a preferred source on Google

In today's sports bulletin (March 13), a major controversy erupts as Danish Kaneria accuses Shahid Afridi of religious coercion. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are reportedly set to appoint Faf du Plessis as their new captain for IPL 2025.

Elsewhere, Rahul Dravid shows commitment despite an injury, PV Sindhu suffers another early exit, and Champions League action delivers high drama.

Danish Kaneria Alleges Shahid Afridi Pressured Him to Convert

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has alleged that Shahid Afridi repeatedly urged him to convert from Hindu to Muslim during his playing days. Speaking at a congressional briefing in Washington DC on the plight of minorities in Pakistan, Kaneria claimed he faced discrimination throughout his career. He praised Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Akhtar for supporting him but stated that many players, including Afridi, mistreated him. The ex-leg-spinner, who took 261 Test wickets, also reiterated past claims that his career was derailed due to discrimination. Kaneria remains banned for life after a 2012 spot-fixing scandal.

Faf du Plessis Set to Lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 – Report

Delhi Capitals are reportedly set to appoint former RCB skipper Faf du Plessis as their captain for IPL 2025, edging out Axar Patel and KL Rahul. According to CricBlogger, the South African veteran is expected to be officially announced soon. After Rishabh Pant’s move to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore, Rahul was initially considered the favorite but opted to focus on his game. Axar, who previously led DC in Pant’s absence, was also in contention. However, DC management sees Du Plessis’ leadership experience as key to their title ambitions.

Injured Rahul Dravid Attends Rajasthan Royals' Pre-Season Camp on Crutches

Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid showed his dedication by attending the team’s IPL 2025 pre-season training despite sustaining a leg injury. A video shared by the franchise captured Dravid arriving in a golf cart before switching to crutches for mobility. The Indian cricket legend, who recently took charge of RR, suffered the injury during a local league match but remains actively involved in preparations.

PV Sindhu Suffers Early Exit at All England Open 2025; Satwik-Chirag Advance

PV Sindhu’s struggles continued as she crashed out in the first round of the All England Open 2025, losing to South Korea’s Kim Ga Eun 21-19, 13-21, 13-21. This marks her fourth straight opening-round defeat at the Super 1000 event. Meanwhile, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty fought back from a deficit to defeat Denmark’s Mads Vestergaard and Daniel Lundgaard 21-17, 21-15 in men’s doubles. Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also won in women’s doubles, but Priya Konjengbam, Shruti Mishra, and Tanisha Crasto suffered early exits.

Stuart MacGill Cleared of Major Drug Charge, Found Guilty of Lesser Offence

Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has been acquitted of a major drug supply charge but found guilty of a lesser offence. A Sydney District Court jury ruled that while MacGill was aware of a cocaine deal, he did not know the scale of the transaction, which involved exchanging AUD 330,000 for a kilogram of cocaine in April 2021. Prosecutors alleged MacGill facilitated the deal, but the jury dismissed claims of his full involvement. The ex-spinner now awaits sentencing, with the hearing set for eight weeks.

IPL 2025: Mitchell Marsh Cleared to Play for LSG as Specialist Batter

Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) Mitchell Marsh has been cleared to play in IPL 2025 but only as a specialist batter, reports suggest. The Australian all-rounder, sidelined due to a back injury, was ruled out of the ODI series against Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy 2025. Having resumed batting recently, Marsh is set to join LSG next week. Bought for ₹3.3 crore in the IPL auction, he may feature as an impact player, given his inability to bowl.

Former India Cricketer Syed Abid Ali Passes Away at 83

Former Indian all-rounder Syed Abid Ali passed away in the United States on Wednesday at the age of 83. A key figure in Indian cricket during the 1960s and 70s, Abid played 29 Test matches, taking 47 wickets with his medium pace. Known for his exceptional fielding and quick running between the wickets, he once described fielding as "an art to be enjoyed." On his Test debut against Australia in 1967-68 at Brisbane, he recorded his best figures of 6/55.

Mahmudullah Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Veteran Bangladesh cricketer Mahmudullah has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished 17-year career. The 39-year-old all-rounder took to social media on Wednesday to express gratitude to his teammates, coaches, family, and fans. Mahmudullah, Bangladesh's only player with three ODI World Cup centuries, played 239 ODIs, 50 Tests, and 141 T20Is. He had earlier informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about his plans, hinting at an imminent farewell. His retirement follows Mushfiqur Rahim’s recent exit from ODIs.

Real Madrid, Arsenal, Dortmund, and Villa Seal Champions League Quarterfinal Spots

Real Madrid edged past Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 aggregate draw, with Thibaut Courtois producing key saves. Vinicius Jr. missed a penalty in regular time, and extra time saw missed chances before a tense shootout, where Antonio Rudiger’s winning strike sent Los Blancos through.

Arsenal comfortably advanced, defeating PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate. Early goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice secured a 2-2 draw in the second leg, allowing Mikel Arteta's side to conserve energy.

Aston Villa breezed past Club Brugge 6-1 on aggregate after Kyriani Sabbe’s early red card. Marco Asensio’s brace and Ian Maatsen’s goal sealed an easy win.

Borussia Dortmund fought back against Lille, winning 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate. Serhou Guirassy won a penalty converted by Emre Can before assisting Maximilian Beier’s decisive goal.

Julián Álvarez 'Incredulous' Over VAR Penalty Decision in Atlético’s Champions League Exit

Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez was left stunned after VAR ruled out his penalty in their Champions League shootout loss to Real Madrid, sources told ESPN. The decision, which determined Álvarez had touched the ball twice before scoring, sparked confusion in the stadium.

While a source claimed Álvarez didn’t believe he had double-touched the ball, ESPN footage later showed him acknowledging the possibility in a conversation with teammates. Atlético coach Diego Simeone also questioned the ruling, while Real Madrid’s Rodrygo admitted his team pressured the referee to review the kick.