Pictures of the week: From Jasprit Bumrah-Shaheen Afridi's camaraderie to MS Dhoni's golf session with Donald Trump

The last week saw some applaud-worthy moments, some entertaining ones, and quite a few heartwarming moments on and off the field in cricket. With the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 to players from the cricketing fraternity grabbing headlines for various reasons, fans have been thoroughly entertained this past week. A lot of cricketing action too has kept fans by the edge of their seats with some of the top teams in world cricket involved.

Here are the best pictures to roundoff an entertaining week in cricket:

1. Sachin Tendulkar receives Golden Ticket of 2023 ODI World Cup from BCCI secretary Jay Shah

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar became the latest recipient of the 2023 ODI World Cup’s ‘Golden Ticket for India Icons’ programme. BCCI secretary Jay Shah was captured alongside Tendulkar holding the ticket as both posed for a post that has been doing the rounds all over social media.

2. MS Dhoni plays golf with Donald Trump, pics go viral

Spending some time in the USA, MS Dhoni was spotted playing golf with the former President of the USA - Donald Trump. The former Indian skipper stood beside Trump at a golf game which sent social media into a frenzy. 

3. Asia Cup 2023: Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, Hardik Pandya felicitate Nepal players

Flamboyant India batter Virat Kohli, head coach Rahul Dravid, and vice-captain Hardik Pandya were seen handing medals to Nepal players following their game at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka. Kohli and Hardik, among others, engaged in light-hearted conversations with the players of Nepal while heading back to the dressing room after the game.

4. Jasprit Bumrah and wife Sanjana Ganesan blessed with baby boy

The pace spearhead along with broadcaster and wife Sanjana Ganesan announced the birth of their first child, a baby boy, by sharing a wholesome picture on social media. Prior to the announcement, Bumrah headed back home in the midst of the Asia Cup 2023, citing personal reasons. 

5. Rashid Khan's heartbroken picture grabs attention following Asia Cup 2023 exit

Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan was left heartbroken and dejected following their exit from the Asia Cup 2023 campaign. Notably, head coach Jonathan Trott confirmed that his side was unaware of the NRR permutations which meant that they had some hopes of qualifying for the Super Four stage of the ACC event.

6. Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly attends Arsenal vs Manchester United in London

Former India skipper and BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium to watch a Premier League match between powerhouses Arsenal and Manchester United. Despite the loss of his favourite side - United, Ganguly was delighted with the atmosphere and rated as good as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

7. Roger Binny, Rajeev Shukla cross Attari-Wagah border to visit Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023

In a major development, BCCI President Roger Binny and Vice President Rajiv Shukla accepted Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) invitation to travel to Pakistan to watch a match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. The PCB also hosted a gala dinner in honour of the Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan teams and the BCCI delegation at Governor's House in Lahore.

8. 'Seeing some light in the dark tunnel' - Rishabh Pant shares video of practice drill from NCA

The 25-year-old is going through rigorous training programs at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to get himself ready to be back on the pitch as soon as possible. Pant once again gave a glimpse of his training drill to his fans as he was seen running intensely with high knees under the supervision of his trainer. 

9. Shaheen Afridi wins hearts with beautiful gesture for new dad Jasprit Bumrah

After returning to the squad following the birth of his child, Jasprit Bumrah shared a heartwarming moment with Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in the midst of the clash between the arch-rivals. The Pakistan pace spearhead was seen handing over a gift to his opposite number and congratulating the new father upon which the latter was overwhelmed by Shaheen's gesture. 

10. Asia Cup 2023: Fakhar Zaman helps ground staff put covers as rain halts India-Pakistan clash

Team India got off to an explosive start during the high-voltage clash against Pakistan in Colombo. However, as persistent showers lashed down at the venue, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman was spotted helping the ground staff get the pitch covered following the rain.

11. Ground staff use electric fans to dry outfield during India-Pakistan Asia Cup fixture

After the rain subsided during the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan, the ground staff were spotted using a unique technique to dry the outfield. The groundstaff used a few electric fans to quicken the process of drying the outfield.