Kaif retires from competitive cricket
New Delhi, July 13 : Mohammad Kaif on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket via a post on social media.
"When I started playing Cricket,the dream was to play in the India Cap one day. Have been very fortunate to step on to the field & represent my country on 190 days of my life. Today is an apt day for me to announce my retirement from all competitive Cricket. Thank you everyone," Kaif posted on Twitter.
Kaif, who last donned the India jersey in 2006 against South Africa, has played 13 Tests and 125 ODIs for the country. The 37-year-old will be remembered for his match-winning knock of 87 at Lord's during the Natwest Trophy final in 2002.
In his 13 Test appearances, Kaif amassed 2753 runs at an average of 32.01, including two hundreds and 17 half-centuries.
Kaif will also be remembered as one of the finest fielders to have ever played for India. He was also part of the Indian team that reached the World Cup final in 2003.
Kaif, who represented Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy for most of his career, last played first class cricket for Chhattisgarh.
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Mass protests erupt across Israel after Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s dismissal
Tel Aviv: A wave of mass protests swept Israel on Tuesday evening following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's dismissal of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The announcement was met with thousands of protesters taking to the streets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, expressing anger over Gallant’s removal amid the ongoing attacks by Israel on Palestine.
Netanyahu stated that the trust between him and Gallant had eroded, asserting, “In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the prime minister and defence minister.” Gallant, however, has been advocating for a temporary diplomatic deal, suggesting that military efforts have laid the groundwork for negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, a stance differing from Netanyahu’s call for sustained military pressure.
Gallant outlined his differences with Netanyahu, highlighting the need to end military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, the urgency of a hostage deal, and the establishment of an inquiry commission to investigate the political and security lapses surrounding the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Protests intensified following the announcement, with demonstrators blocking Tel Aviv’s main highway, waving Israeli flags, and lighting bonfires. Similar scenes unfolded outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, where police presence escalated, and reports of scuffles emerged as protesters clashed with authorities.
Political leaders across the spectrum expressed shock at the decision, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog remarking that Gallant’s dismissal was “the last thing Israel needs” in this period of conflict.
