by John Mehaffey | 12 Jul 2019 | Asia, Sports
Afghanistan is an unlikely home for the sport of cricket. But its national team has proudly clawed its way to the game’s upper echelons. Afghanistan’s captain Gulbadin Naib celebrates during a Cricket World Cup match against Bangladesh, Southampton, England, 24...
by John Mehaffey | 6 Feb 2019 | Europe, Nationalism, Sports
Ireland’s rugby team has a history of persevering through conflict. As Brexit reopens old wounds, rugby unites players and fans across borders. Ireland’s Devin Toner is held aloft during the most recent rugby game between Ireland and England, Dublin, Ireland, 2...
by John Mehaffey | 6 Aug 2018 | Asia, Sports
Pakistan’s Imran Khan was a cricket star with glamorous women on his arm. Now he is poised to become prime minister of the South Asian nation. Pakistan captain Imran Khan, left, raises his arms in triumph as England’s last batsman Richard Illingworth walks away...
by John Mehaffey | 21 May 2018 | History, Sports, Women
More than just a game, sport reflected wrenching changes in the 1960s — racial tension, the U.S. antiwar movement, women’s rights, decolonialization. This article is part of a series by our correspondents and guest writers reflecting on the 1960s — a...
by John Mehaffey | 1 Dec 2016 | Asia, Europe, Sports
While racial and religious tensions have risen in Britain after the Brexit vote, Muslim players are quietly breaking down barriers in English cricket. Moeen Ali of England bowls against India in Perth, Australia, 30 January 2015 (EPA/Richard Wainwright) In many ways...