Pakistan News World

The Pakistan Cricket Board has begun consultations to appoint an interim management for Multan Sultans ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League season 11. Several former national cricketers are under consideration, sources confirmed. According to sources, the PCB is considering Abdul Razzaq, Mushtaq Ahmed, and Taufeeq Umar for key roles in the Multan Sultans’ coaching and management setup. The names are being reviewed as part of a broader restructuring plan. Mushtaq Ahmed’s prior association Former league spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has previously worked with Multan Sultans as a spin consultant, giving him familiarity with the franchise’s environment. His past involvement is seen as a factor strengthening his candidacy. Ramiz Raja for administrative matters Sources also revealed that former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja is being considered for administrative responsibilities related to the franchise. However, no formal role has yet been finalized. The final structure of Multan Sultans’ ...

Opening batsman Travis Head hopes Australia and England will share a drink after the Ashes winds up in Sydney to revive a tradition that fell by the wayside after the 2023 series. Players and staff from both teams routinely meet for drinks at the end of an Ashes series, but extended farewells for several England players and staff prevented it at The Oval after the fifth test in 2023. Australian batter Head said he looked forward to the prospect of post-series drinks at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and that both teams had played the game “in the right way”. “There’s definitely mutual respect,” he said in comments published by The Australian newspaper on Wednesday. “I get along with a couple of them really well. “There are some really good relationships with both teams. I’m looking forward to having a beer with Ducky (Ben Duckett)”. “So, yeah, it’d be a nice moment. It’s obviously nice going there knowing that we’ve won the series.” Australia lead the five-test series 3-1, having ...

Monkeypox continued to spread its tentacles in Faisalabad as two more suspected cases of the disease were reported on Wednesday. According to details, two new patients were admitted to the isolation ward of Allied Hospital in Faisalabad. Doctors said that samples of both patients had been sent to a laboratory and their results were awaited. Two people have so far tested positive for the disease during the current year. On Tuesday, two new cases of monkeypox were confirmed at Lahore's Mayo Hospital. According to the hospital officials, a 28-year-old man identified as Sajid and a 35-year-old woman named Rubina tested positive for monkeypox. The threat of monkeypox has become more serious as the number of patients continues to rise in Lahore, raising concerns over preparedness and preventive measures. With these latest cases, the total number of monkeypox patients reported in Lahore has reached 16 over the past two months. Health experts warn that the steady increase in case...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recalled left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi from the ongoing Big Bash League 15 (BBL) after he sustained an “unexpected injury” during Brisbane Heat's match against the Adelaide Strikers on Saturday. Taking to X, the Brisbane Heat player expressed gratitude towards the BBL management, his franchise, and fans for supporting him during his debut. “I'm massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support,” he wrote. The Pakistan ODI captain also confirmed that he has been recalled by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for rehabilitation. “Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back on the field soon,” Shaheen added. “Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.” The 25-year-old played four matches in this year's BBL, claiming just two wickets at an economy rate of 11.19. Shaheen is also not part of Pakist...

The French government on Tuesday postponed a ban on plastic throwaway cups by four years to 2030 because of difficulties finding alternatives. The ban was meant to start on January 1. But the ministry for ecological transition said the "technical feasibility of eliminating plastic from cups" following a review this year justified pushing back the deadline. It said in an official decree that a new review would be carried out in 2028 of "progress made in replacing single-use plastic cups". It added that the ban would now start January 1, 2030, when companies would have 12 months to get rid of their stock. France has gradually rolled out bans on single-use plastic products over the past decade as environmental campaigners have stepped up warnings about the impact on rivers and oceans. A 2020 law set a deadline of 2040 to eliminate all single-use plastics. A ban on plastic bags for loads of less than 1.5 kilogrammes (3.3 pounds) of 30 fruit and vegetables was in...

With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has suffered a knee injury while playing in Australia’s Big Bash League, raising concerns over his short-term availability. Shaheen Afridi picked up the injury during Brisbane Heat’s match against the Adelaide Strikers on Saturday. According to sources, the fast bowler experienced discomfort in his knee that lasted for nearly an hour during the game. Brisbane Heat confirm injury   The Brisbane Heat confirmed that Shaheen has suffered a knee injury and that his rehabilitation process has begun. The franchise said his knee will be examined further once the team returns from Adelaide.   Brisbane Heat also confirmed that Shaheen Afridi will not take part in the upcoming match against Adelaide Strikers. Team officials said the decision was taken to avoid any risk of aggravating the injury. Set to return home   Sources revealed that Shaheen Afridi will leave the Big Bash Leag...

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday said that the cricket board would "operate Multan Sultans" this year, with plans to auction the franchise after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. The announcement comes a month after Ali Tareen said he was parting ways with the PSL franchise as his relations with the PCB had strained over the past year. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the PCB chief confirmed that the cricket board would operate the franchise this year, saying "the franchise will be auctioned after the PSL concludes". Sultans were originally awarded as the sixth PSL team to the Schon Group under a $5.2 million agreement, making it the most expensive franchise at the time. However, the PCB terminated the agreement after the inaugural season when franchise payments were not made. In 2018, Alamgir Tareen, along with his nephew Ali, acquired the franchise for $6.3 million. Meanwhile, Naqvi said that the boar...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with all-rounder Shadab Khan returning to the side and uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay earning his maiden call-up. Senior players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf, who are currently featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, have not been included in the squad. The squad was announced amid uncertainty over the availability of players featuring in the BBL, as the series schedule overlaps with the T20 league. Shadab, who is also participating in the BBL, has been recalled after last representing Pakistan in June before undergoing shoulder surgery earlier this year. “Following a successful rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy, the all-rounder has regained full fitness and is currently plying his trade in Australia’s Big Bash League, prompting selectors to recall him for the series,” the...

A side strain ended England fast bowler Jofra Archer's Ashes campaign on Wednesday while the beleaguered tourists dropped batter Ollie Pope for the fourth test against Australia. Surrey seamer Gus Atkinson will replace Archer in an England side down 3-0 in the five-test series and will be playing for pride in Melbourne and Sydney. "Warwickshire’s Jacob Bethell comes into the side and will bat at number three," the touring side said in a statement ahead of the Boxing Day test. Archer has been arguably England's best player on this tour, taking nine wickets, including a five-wicket haul in Adelaide, and scoring valuable lower-order runs including a maiden fifty in the same match. The injury casts doubts over Archer's availability for the Twenty20 World Cup in February-March. "The effort that he's put in over these three games has been exceptional," captain Ben Stokes said of the speedster on Tuesday. "There were a lot of question marks aro...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received 12 bids for the two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, within the stipulated deadline, the cricket board announced on Wednesday. The PCB, in a statement, said it received an "exceptional and encouraging response" to the tender issued for the sale of two new PSL teams as 12 parties formally submitted their bids. The cricket board shared that investors from the United States of America (USA), Australia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan expressed their interest in acquiring the franchises up for sale, depicting the marquee league's global popularity and commercial appeal. The PCB further announced that the "results" of the initial phase of the bidding process will be announced on December 27, which will determine the parties technically qualified to purchase the two new teams through an open auction, set to be held on January 8. "The results of this phase of the bidding process wil...

The National Selection Committee has started its preliminary consultations ahead of the national T20 team’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Selectors are considering giving young players a chance instead of Big Bash cricketers. T20 squad for national cricket team's tour of Sri Lanka expected to be announced soon. As a result, the selectors are carefully evaluating both experienced players and emerging talent. All-rounder Shadab Khan is likely to return for the 3 match T20 series. Abdul Samad and Moaz Sadaqat may get a chance to showcase their talents during the Sri Lanka tour. The selection committee is also to send initial names to the PCB for the World Cup T20 by January 6. via Original Source

England pace spearhead Jofra Archer was ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series Wednesday with a side strain while batsman Ollie Pope was axed for the fourth Test against Australia. Archer has arguably been England's best bowler over the first three Tests, sending down 80 overs and claiming nine wickets. He is replaced by Gus Atkinson, who leads the attack alongside Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse and skipper Ben Stokes, with Will Jacks retained as the spin option. It is a major setback for England who are 3-0 down in the series and desperate to restore pride at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting Friday. They are already without quick Mark Wood who bowled just 11 overs for the tour before succumbing to a knee injury. The under-performing Pope paid for his poor form at number three, with Jacob Bethell taking over in the only other change. Opener Ben Duckett, who was purportedly shown drunk on an unverified video in between the second and third Tests, held his spot. England: ...

Pakistan women’s cricket team wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz has tied the knot with businessman Ghias Khan in a nikah ceremony held in Lahore. The simple nikah ceremony was attended by close family members and relatives, while the main wedding event is scheduled to take place today at a farmhouse in a private housing society in Lahore. Sidra Nawaz’s mehndi and mayun ceremonies were also held earlier, with several national women cricketers attending and adding to the celebrations. Teammates and guests extended their congratulations and best wishes to the couple. Videos and pictures from the nikkah, mehndi, and mayun events have gone viral on social media, with fans and fellow players sharing congratulatory messages and prayers for the newlyweds. Sidra Nawaz is regarded as a key member of Pakistan’s women’s cricket team, and her marriage marks a new chapter in her personal life alongside her ongoing professional career. via Original Source

Pakistan Under-19 cricket team mentor and former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has criticised India over "unethical conduct" during their ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 final. The Green Shirts thumped their arch-rivals in the final on Sunday, sparking scenes of jubilation in the Pakistani camp in Dubai. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Sarfaraz slammed the Indian team's behaviour during the final. "India's behaviour regarding the game was not good, and the Indian team's conduct in cricket was unethical," he said. "But we celebrated the victory with sportsmanship, because there should always be sportsmanship in cricket; what India did is their own action." Cricketing relations between the two neighbouring countries have remained tense due to geopolitical tensions. In September, India's Suryakumar Yadav snubbed customary handshakes with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha and players during their three Asia Cup 2025 games, includ...

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk announced Monday the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved its popular GLP-1 anti-obesity drug Wegovy to be administered in pill form for weight loss. "With today's approval of the Wegovy pill, patients will have a convenient, once-daily pill that can help them lose as much weight as the original Wegovy injection," Mike Doustdar, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk, said in a statement. The FDA had already approved a pill to be used for treating diabetes, but the new development now allows doctors to prescribe the treatment for weight loss to adults with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as a heart condition, the company said. The news was welcomed by the US Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN), a nonprofit advocacy group for adults with obesity. "This development represents an important opportunity for people living with obesity, offering an alternative for those...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday hosted a luncheon in the honour of the team and congratulated the team as well as its management on the win. Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi and other federal ministers attended the function. The prime minister, in particular, was all praise for Sameer Minhas and Ali Raza. He also praised the PCB chairman, management and the sporting staff on the victory. Speaking on the occasion, he asked Naqvi to look after the players. “Provide them all facilities they ask for.” He went on to say that the zeal and fervour with which the team played the final against India was unprecedented. He said he was optimistic that soon the team would also win the under-19 World Cup. Later speaking to the media with captain Farhan Yousaf, Sarfaraz Ahmad, coach of under-19 national cricket team, said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced Rs10 million each for the members of the team for winning the Asia Cup final against India. “He ...

Pakistan have clinched the Under-19s Asia Cup title after the Green Shirts crush arch-rivals India by massive 191-run victory at the ICCA Dubai on Sunday.Chasing a 348-run target, India bundled out for 156 inside the 27th over. Vaibhav Suryavanshi was off to a blazing start with the bat, scoring 10-ball 26, before he was removed by Ali Raza. The wicket of Suryavanshi, started a slide and it went downhill thereafter. No other batters could show any significant resistance with the bat. Ayush Mhatre (2), Aaron George (16), Vihaan Malhotra (7), Vedant Trivedi (9), Abhigyan Kundu (13), Kanishk Chouhan (9), Khilan Patel (19) and Henil Patel (6) failed to show resistance with the bat. For Pakistan, Ali Raza picked up four wickets. Mohammad Sayyam, Abdul Subhan, Huzaifa Ahsan took two wickets apiece. Earlier, Sameer Minhas’ whirlwind 113-ball 172 and Ahmed Hussain’s 72-ball 56 powered Pakistan to 347-8 against. Minhas clobbered 17 boundaries and nine towering sixes in his blazing 172 wit...

In-form opener Sameer Minhas struck a 71-ball century to lead Pakistan's flamboyant start with the bat in the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2025 final against arch-rivals India, underway here at the ICC Academy on Sunday. After the completion of 29 overs, the Green Shirts were well-placed at 193/2, with Sameer and Ahmed Hussain, unbeaten on 104 and 27, respectively. Earlier, India won the toss and decided to bowl first against Pakistan. Pakistan booked their place in the final by beating Bangladesh in the second semi-final on Friday, chasing 122 with the loss of two wickets and 69 balls to spare. India qualified for the ultimate game after a comprehensive win over Sri Lanka in the first semi-final. There was no handshake at the toss between the two captains, and a handshake also did not take place during the pre-match trophy photo opportunity. Separately, reports said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to attend the final and the closing ceremony i...

Pakistan downed Bangladesh in the second U19 Asia Cup semi-final at Dubai's The Sevens Stadium on Friday, setting up a blockbuster final against India. Earlier, pacer Abdul Subhan took four as Pakistan bowled out Bangladesh for 121 in 26.3 overs. The Green Shirts had won the toss and opted to bowl in the high-stakes fixture, which was reduced to 27 overs per side due to a rain delay. Bangladesh got off to a comparatively decent start as openers, Rifat Beg and Zawad Akbar, put together 24 runs before both perished in quick succession. Following the back-to-back dismissals, captain Azizul Hakim led Bangladesh's recovery with a 26-ball 20. He eventually fell victim to Abdul Subhan in the 13th over, who struck twice more in quick succession to bring the total down to 65/5. Ahmed Hussain added to Bangladesh's woes in the next over, getting rid of Sheikh Parvez Jibon (nine), as the defending champions slipped further to 73/6. Following the slump, all-rounder Samiun Basir...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to assume control of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans in 2026 after the current ownership agreement expires on December 31, 2025 official sources confirmed. According to the PCB sources, a policy decision on the matter is expected within a week. Under the proposed plan, the PCB will manage Multan Sultans for one year before handing over the franchise to a new owner through an auction in 2027, The News reported on Friday. If implemented, the arrangement would save the PCB around $4 million in a year, as it would not have to pay $3m from the central pool or an additional $1m in sponsorship funds. However, an audit firm’s report notes that the PCB would not receive the franchise fee for that year, which stands at $8.5m. In November, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen announced via social media that he was parting ways with the PSL franchise. Sources indicate that relations between the PCB and Ali Tareen had remained straine...

Morocco defeated Jordan 3-2 after extra time to claim the Arab Cup on Thursday thanks to two goals from Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah following a stunning long-range strike from Oussama Tannane. Morocco opened the scoring after four minutes when Tannane’s audacious shot from the centre circle caught advancing goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila off guard. Jordan, set to make their World Cup debut in 2026, hit back with a second-half double from Ali Olwan’s header and penalty in the 48th and 68th minutes respectively. But Hamed Allah scored three minutes from the end to force extra time before grabbing the winner from close range. Morocco enjoyed another success despite missing several Europe-based players ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. They became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup also in Qatar three years ago — eliminating Spain and Portugal before falling to France. Morocco were crowned Under-20 world champions in October when they beat Argentina...

Gujranwala police have registered a case regarding the alleged theft of a pet dog belonging to Pakistan women’s national cricketer Nida Dar. According to police officials, the FIR was registered by Sadr Police Station on Nida Dar’s application, nine days after the incident occurred. As per the FIR text, the stolen dog is a four-and-a-half-year-old Husky of black and white color, which went missing on December 8. In her statement, Nida Dar said her pet Husky was outside the house for a walk when unknown persons allegedly stole it. She maintained that the dog did not return, prompting her to approach the police for legal action. The FIR further stated that Nida Dar had requested the arrest of the unidentified suspects and the recovery of her stolen pet. Police said an investigation has been initiated and efforts are underway to trace the suspects and recover the dog. via Original Source

FIFA on Wednesday announced the introduction of a limited number of $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” tickets, aimed at making the 2026 FIFA World Cup more affordable for supporters of qualified teams. Football’s governing body said the discounted tickets will be available for all 104 matches, including the final. According to FIFA, the reduced-price tickets will account for 10 percent of the ticket allocations for Participating Member Associations (PMAs). These associations represent competing national teams and are responsible for managing fan-focused ticket programmes. PMAs will oversee the distribution process and set their own criteria to prioritise “loyal fans” with strong ties to their national teams. FIFA added that 50 percent of each PMA’s total ticket allocation will fall within the most affordable categories, with 40 percent under the Supporter Value Tier and 10 percent under the newly introduced Supporter Entry Tier. “The remaining allocation will be split evenly between t...

Pakistani climber Samina Baig has successfully skied to the South Pole, marking a historic first achievement for her country. Baig, who was part of an international team arranged by Elite Exped, left Pakistan on December 2 and arrived at Union Glacier on December 6. She completed the South Pole journey on December 14. In a post on her Facebook page, Baig described the achievement as one of the most challenging and meaningful experiences of her life. She highlighted that the ski journey had never been accomplished by any Pakistani before and said it was difficult to put into words. “From standing on the summit of Mount Everest in 2013 to completing the Seven Summits, from climbing K2 and Nanga Parbat to now reaching the South Pole, this journey has taken me across the highest mountains and most remote places on Earth,” Baig wrote. “Each step throughout the journey has instilled in me patience, resilience, and the strength of faith. She conveyed that the journey demanded faith in...

“Have you ever set an alarm to wake up, only to find yourself opening your eyes a few minutes early—without the alarm even ringing?” Surprisingly, this is not a coincidence, nor is it a mystery. It is the work of your body’s internal clock. This remarkable mechanism is known as the circadian rhythm, a finely tuned biological timing system that regulates sleep, wakefulness, body temperature, hunger, and digestion. At the center of this system is a small group of neurons in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), often referred to as the body’s “master clock.” The SCN tracks time by synchronizing bodily functions with the 24-hour day-night cycle. It sends signals to release or suppress hormones based on habitual sleep and wake patterns, allowing the body to anticipate daily routines rather than simply react to them. One of the key hormones involved is cortisol, which begins to rise in the early morning to prepare the body for alertness and energy. At the same time, me...

The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Tuesday reported that 340,856 suspected cases of H3N2 influenza have been recorded in Pakistan, with 12 percent of tested samples returning positive. According to the NIH, the elderly, pregnant women, children, and patients with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of severe infection. The advisory highlights that in the 2025-26 season, the H3N2A subclade of influenza has emerged globally, with cases increasing rapidly in multiple regions since August 2025. Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent influenza. In addition, the advisory recommends hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding crowded places as essential preventive measures. The NIH has issued an advisory in view of the increasing threat of seasonal influenza H3N2. In the 2025/26 season, influenza A(H3N2) subclade K has emerged globally. According to the NIH, a sharp increase in H3N2 cases was reported in various global regions since August 2025. ...

Pakistan sealed a spot in the U-19 Asia Cup semi-finals after registering a comprehensive 70-run win over hosts United Arab Emirates at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Tuesday. After a half century by Ahmed Hussain and crucial contributions by Sameer Minhas and Hamza Zahoor helped Pakistan to 241-9, UAE were bundled out for 171 with a ball more than 12 overs to spare, thanks to pacer Abdul Subhan’s four-wicket haul. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan lost early wickets, but Sameer steadied the innings with a composed 44 off 63 balls, striking five boundaries. Ahmed anchored the middle order with 65 off 91 balls, which included four fours ensuring Pakistan had a strong platform. Hamza provided impetus in the latter stages with a brisk 42 from 51 balls, hitting four boundaries. For UAE, Yug Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Naseem Khan bagged two wickets. In turn, UAE were dismissed cheaply despite half-century by Ayaan Misbah, who top-sc...

England are on the ropes and need a miracle heading into Wednesday’s third Ashes Test in Adelaide, with ruthless Australia boosted by the return of Pat Cummins as they look to seal the series. Eight-wicket defeats in Perth and Brisbane mean England have now gone 17 Tests since winning in Australia, dating back to their last series victory there in 2010-11. Equally damning, a win for the hosts will ensure the five-match showdown will be over inside three Tests for the fourth consecutive series in Australia. The mountain England must climb is huge. Only once in history has a team come from 2-0 down to win the Ashes, all the way back in 1936-37, when a Don Bradman-inspired Australia overcame the deficit. With the Ashes on the line, England have axed paceman Gus Atkinson with Josh Tongue coming in as a like-for-like replacement. It was the only change announced by the team on Monday, with off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks keeping his place ahead of Shoaib Bashir. Atkinson failed ...

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi has officially announced the dates for the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL). The HBL PSL 11 will be held from March 26 to May 3, 2026, according to a press release. This announcement marks a significant milestone as preparations ramp up for the next phase of the league's expansion. In addition, the PCB will host the New Teams Auction on January 8, 2026, at the Islamabad Convention Centre. During the auction, the rights to two new HBL PSL franchises will be up for grabs. The auction will be broadcast live, ensuring transparency and offering global visibility to prospective investors and cricket fans around the world. The HBL PSL continues to attract increasing international interest, underscoring the league’s growing commercial strength, expanding global footprint, and promising long-term growth potential. Recent engagements with global stakeholders have underlined confidence in the league’s busi...

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 is all set to begin as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the tournament dates, with the season running from March 26 to May 3. The auction for new franchise teams will take place on January 8. The announcement came during a PSL roadshow in New York, marking the first time in the league’s history that such an event was held in the United States. Speaking at the event, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed key details about the upcoming season. He confirmed that the tournament will kick off on March 26, with the final scheduled for May 3. Naqvi also announced that Faisalabad will host 11 matches during PSL 11, highlighting the city’s growing role in the league’s expansion. According to the PCB chairman, the date for the auction of new teams has been set for January 8, following an extension in the deadline for submitting bids. Naqvi said the PCB and PSL management were making every possible effort to make the league a global success, addin...

India U19 registered a commanding 90-run victory over Pakistan U19 in the Group ‘A’ match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Sunday, despite impressive individual performances from Pakistan. After winning the toss and opting to bat, India posted 240 all out in 46.1 overs, with Aaron George top-scoring with a solid 85 off 88 balls. Captain Ayush Mhatre provided an explosive start, scoring 38 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, giving India early momentum. Pakistan’s bowlers fought back, with left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam and right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan taking three wickets each. Niqab Shafiq picked up two wickets, while Ali Raza and Ahmed Hussain claimed one wicket apiece, preventing India from batting out their full quota of overs. Chasing 241, Pakistan struggled to build partnerships and were eventually dismissed for 150 in 41.2 overs. Early setbacks proved costly as Pakistan lost four wickets for just 30 runs in 13.1 ove...

Sydney Sixers’ in-form batter Babar Azam has expressed confidence ahead of the Big Bash League opener, saying the team is “good to go and ready” in an interview with Australian cricket commentators. The opening T20 match of the Big Bash League is being played today (Sunday) at Optus Stadium in Perth, featuring Babar Azam’s Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers. The league features a total of 27 matches. The second-placed Sydney Sixers have unveiled the “Babaristan” Fan Zone in honour of Pakistan’s cricket star Babar Azam. The franchise announced on its official social media platforms, captioning, “Introducing Babaristan–A Fan Zone Like No Other,” which quickly sparked excitement among cricket fans in both Australia and Pakistan. In its statement, the Sixers said, “We’re celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan – a fan zone dedicated to Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam.”   via Original Source

In the latest clash between India and Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup, India once again showed a lack of sportsmanship by refusing to shake hands with Pakistan’s captain at the toss. Despite repeated requests from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to keep politics out of junior-level cricket, India ignored the appeal and continued with its politically charged approach. This refusal to shake hands follows a similar act in the senior Asia Cup, further highlighting how political prejudice is being ingrained in the youth. The incident left the ICC seemingly powerless against the influence of the Indian Cricket Board, which has refused to acknowledge the importance of maintaining decorum in international sport. Despite facing criticism and humiliation for its actions, India repeated the gesture, casting a shadow over its commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. India’s downward spiral continues: it has slipped behind Pakistan in the Test rankings, suffered a humiliating defeat...

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and a number of top cricketers have landed in New York to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) roadshow, scheduled for today. The glittering roadshow will feature cricket legends Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja, alongside T20I captain Salman Agha and players Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, and Faheem Ashraf. After landing in New York, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the PSL is now shining on the international stage and expressed optimism about the New York event, drawing parallels with the success of the recent London roadshow held at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The roadshow was aimed at multiplying global interest in PSL teams, promote franchise bidding, and engage overseas Pakistani and international investors. The PCB has also announced an extension in the bidding submission deadline to encourage broader participation. Officials expressed the hope that the New York leg of the roadshow will further enhance P...