Sports Bulletin On March 18: Pakistan-Origin Cricketer Dies in Australia, Shadab Jakati Criticizes RCB for Lack of Unity

In today's sports bulletin (March 18), Pakistan-origin cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan has passed away in a tragic incident in Australia. On the other hand, Former CSK and RCB spinner Shadab Jakati accused RCB of lack of unity in dressing room.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has joined the Rajasthan Royals squad ahead of IPL 2025 after recovering from an injury and New Zealand have taken a 2-0 lead over Pakistan in the T20I series after beating them by 5 wickets in 2nd T20I.

1) Pakistani-Origin Cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan Dies In Australia

Pakistani-origin cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan tragically collapsed and died on the field during a club match in Adelaide, Australia. The incident occurred at Concordia College Oval amid extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 41.7°C. Despite paramedics' efforts, he could not be saved. Matches are typically halted at 42°C, but play continued under modified conditions.

2) Shadab Jakati Accuses RCB Of 'No Camaraderie' Between Players

Former left-arm spinner Shadab Jakati attributed Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL title drought to over-reliance on 2-3 players and a lack of team unity. He highlighted that successful teams like Chennai Super Kings had a balanced mix of strong Indian and foreign players. Jakati also noted the absence of camaraderie in the RCB dressing room, which hindered team bonding and overall performance.

3) Sanju Samson Recovers From Injury, Joins Rajasthan Royals Camp For IPL 2025

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has joined his team in Jaipur after recovering from finger surgery. The 30-year-old completed his rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and attended the Royals' first practice session. Samson sustained the injury from a Jofra Archer bouncer during India's T20I series against England.

4) New Zealand Beat Pakistan By 5 Wickets, Take 2-0 Lead

Tim Seifert's quickfire 45 off 22 balls and Finn Allen's 38 from 16 powered New Zealand to a five-wicket win over Pakistan in a rain-shortened T20I. Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha's 46, scored 135-9 in a 15-over match. Despite Shaheen Afridi's maiden over, New Zealand's aggressive batting secured a 2-0 series lead with 11 balls remaining.

5) MS Dhoni's Training Regime Leaves Harbhajan Singh In Awe Ahead Of IPL 2025

Harbhajan Singh praised MS Dhoni's impressive fitness and dedication ahead of the IPL. After meeting Dhoni at a wedding, Harbhajan asked about his preparations, to which Dhoni said he continues playing because he loves it. Harbhajan revealed that Dhoni has been intensely practicing in Chennai, batting for 2-3 hours daily and often being the first to arrive and the last to leave the ground.

6) Shafali Verma Bags Hattrick In Women's U23 ODI Trophy For Haryana vs Karnataka

India and Haryana batter Shafali Verma took a hat-trick in the Women's U-23 Trophy pre-quarterfinal against Karnataka on March 17 in Guwahati. The Haryana captain, with 12 international wickets, achieved the milestone in the 44th over.

7) Novak Djokovic And Carlos Alcaraz Drawn In Same Half Of Miami Open

Six-time champion Novak Djokovic and 2022 winner Carlos Alcaraz are in the same half of the Miami Open draw, starting March 19. Djokovic, returning for the first time since 2019, will face either Hamad Medjedovic or Rinky Hijikata in his opening match.

8) Lionel Messi opens up on missing out of FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay

Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to an injury sustained while playing for Inter Miami in the MLS. An MRI confirmed a low-grade adductor muscle injury. Messi expressed his disappointment on social media, saying he wished to play but will now support the team as a fan.

9) Delhi HC Directs Gender Parity in KIPG Badminton

Delhi HC has directed the sports ministry to ensure gender parity in sports events, criticizing the Badminton Association of India for allotting fewer slots to female players in the 2nd Khelo India Para Games 2025, scheduled from March 20-22.

10) Viswanathan Anand On Chess In Olympics, blames Garry Kasparov for delay

Viswanathan Anand provided an update on chess potentially joining the Olympics, stating FIDE is working closely with the IOC. Speaking to TV9 Telugu, the five-time World Champion and FIDE Deputy President blamed past delays on the rivalry with the now-defunct Professional Chess Association. Despite the setbacks, Anand remains optimistic about chess gaining Olympic inclusion.