Pakistan News World

Today is a very important and decisive clash between India and Pakistan to reach the semi-finals in the Under-19 World Cup 2026. This important match will be played today, Sunday, in Zimbabwe, which will start at 12:30 pm according to Pakistani time and 1 pm according to Indian time. This match is the last match of the Super Six stage and one team is yet to be decided for the semi-finals, England from Group 2 has already qualified for the semi-finals, while the other team will be India or Pakistan. India is currently in a better position with six points and its net run rate is 3.337, it is very easy for India, it only has to win the match and it will qualify for the semi-finals. But on the other hand, Pakistan has four points and its net run rate is 1.484, which is significantly lower than India. Pakistan not only needs to win this match but also by a large margin to equal India in points and also surpass them in net run rate. If Pakistan scores 300 runs batting first, it will n...

Have you ever thought that washing a greasy pan with hot water can affect the lifespan of your pan? You’ve cooked your favorite meal and now it’s time to clean your greasy pan? Many of us often assume that hot water can instantly dissolve grease and remove odors. But the truth is, this method isn’t always the best. It can damage your cookware. Hot water doesn’t work the same way for all kitchen utensils. While hot water can help soften grease, it can also be harmful to your plumbing system. When dirty water enters the pipes and cools, the grease solidifies again and sticks to the pipes, increasing the likelihood of blockages and costly plumbing repairs over time. Therefore, using hot water to clean a greasy pan can not only damage your pan, but it can also cause problems for your plumbing system. In addition, sudden changes in temperature can cause thermal shock, especially if you are cleaning a non-stick or cast iron pan. Washing these types of pans with hot water immediately a...

The second T20 International of the three-match series between Pakistan and Australia will be played at Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore today. Pakistan are one-up in the series after beating Aussies in the first match by 22 runs. After an enthralling PAK vs AUS first T20I, the focus now turns towards second game of the three-match series. The hosts will aim to extend their lead and push closer to a series win ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The clash promises another thrilling contest as both sides look to fine-tune their combinations and strategies. Pakistan’s strong home record and recent form make them favourites, but Australia’s firepower means nothing can be taken for granted. The Gaddafi Stadium pitch in Lahore is batting-friendly, but is also expected to offer spin. Batters should enjoy scoring freely once set, while the fast outfield will aid boundary-hitting. Pacers may get some early movement with the new ball under lights, but spinners could come into play durin...

The number of single people and one-person households is rising sharply across many countries, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia, reflecting changing social norms, delayed marriages, urbanisation, and economic pressures. According to demographic data and regional studies, Nordic countries continue to lead the global rankings in terms of people living alone. In Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, more than 40 percent of households consist of a single individual, among the highest proportions in the world. Interestingly, around three percent of Pakistan’s population comprises individuals who have not been able to marry and remain without a life partner due to various social, economic, or personal factors. In Europe, Germany and the Netherlands also report similarly high shares of unmarried or solo-living adults, driven by strong welfare systems, financial independence, and shifting attitudes towards marriage. Western Europe shows a broader trend toward singlehood as well....

During the winter season, the consumption of fried and roasted foods increases and the aromas rising from the kitchen often increase our appetite, however, experts warn that excessive oil used in food can be harmful to the arteries of the heart. According to cardiologists, cooking oil is an important component of dishes, but if its quantity exceeds the limit, it can upset the cholesterol balance in the body and cause heart diseases. According to Hindustan.com, Dr. Harnish Singh Bhatia, Consultant Cardiologist at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, says that the most frequently asked question by heart patients is what should be the appropriate amount of oil for daily cooking? According to him, three to four tablespoons, i.e. about twenty to twenty-five grams of oil, are sufficient for a healthy person daily, but if its quantity increases continuously, it can gradually affect heart health. According to experts, if the amount is looked at on a weekly and monthly basis, about 150 to 170 g...

After the Nipah virus outbreak in India, the Sindh Health Department issued an advisory. According to the advisory, this virus is a virus that is transmitted from animals to humans and from humans to humans, however, no case of Nipah virus has been reported in Pakistan. The advisory states that Nipah virus can have various causes, but the initial symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, cough, body aches and vomiting. According to the Sindh Health Department, the situation is being closely monitored, all government and private hospitals are on alert, and the guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Health should be implemented. via Original Source

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the category renewals of 89 local players for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Five players — including Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali and Abrar Ahmed — have been promoted to the Platinum category. Going forward, each franchise may retain a maximum of four players, limited to one player per category, the PCB said in a statement. Following completion of retentions, the teams will go into the first-ever PSL Player Auction to complete their team rosters on February 11. Among the promoted players to Platinum, only Sahibzada was in Gold previously, while others have made the jump from the Diamond category. Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Amir managed to remain in the Platinum category after featuring in the PSL X in the same category as w...

After Bangladesh's expulsion from the ICC World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board has started considering various options for protest. According to sources, Pakistan may boycott India's match in Colombo on February 15 and not playing the match against India can only deduct Pakistan 2 points. Sources say that the PCB has the option of not playing the match against India and not playing the match against India will cause huge financial loss to the ICC. Sources said that the board will keep its options open even in case of participating in the World Cup. It should be noted that Bangladesh had refused to go to India in the T20 World Cup on the grounds of insecurity and had requested the ICC to shift all its matches to Sri Lanka, on which the ICC did not accept the request of the Bangladesh Board and included Scotland in its group instead. via Original Source

Pakistan will take a final decision on participation in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup after consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to details that emerged on Sunday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi is due to meet theprime minister on Monday. The prime minister is expected to arrive in Lahore today from London. Sources divulged the PCB chairman will brief the prime minister on matters relating to the T20 World Cup, after which a decision on participation or non-participation will be taken in line with the prime minister’s directions. Speaking to national cricketers, Naqvi said the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) stance was based on principles. He said Pakistan supported Bangladesh while keeping the fundamental values of cricket in view. He added that Pakistan’s players were talented and that success in any arena depended on teamwork. Naqvi said politicised cricket served no one’s interests. He said the PCB would fully abide by ...

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed the captain of the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup. The announced squad includes Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Muhammad Nafi, Muhammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed. In addition, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah are also part of the squad. Pakistan will start its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, the T20 World Cup matches will be held from February 7 to March 8. Before the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will play a three-match T20 series against Australia, which will be a preparation for the World Cup. It should be noted that the Australian team will arrive in Pakistan on January 28 and the matches will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 29, 31 and February 1. via Original Source

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally accepted the International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland from the 2026 T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka. The BCB's reaction came after the ICC confirmed that the decision to remove Bangladesh from the tournament is final and there is no possibility of any change in this regard. Speaking about the situation that arose on Saturday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board said that it respects the final decision of the ICC and will not challenge the board's decision, although its own requests were not accepted. The ICC neither agreed to shift Bangladesh's matches to another venue nor did it make any changes to the group arrangement, after which the BCB was left with no option but to accept the decision. Amjad Hussain, chairman of the BCB media committee, said that the board had tried all possible options before reaching this stage. Amjad Hussain said that we tried our best. We fully...

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced inclusion of batting icon Babar Azam and speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi in the T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia. Salman Ali Agha will lead the team. Pakistan’s T20 squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Muhammad Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan. The three T20 matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium on January 29, 31 and February 1. The Australian team will arrive in Pakistan on January 28. via Original Source

Babar Azam’s stint with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League has come to an end after the franchise confirmed he has been recalled to join Pakistan’s national camp ahead of upcoming international fixtures. In a post on X, the Sixers said: “Babar Azam has been recalled to join Pakistan’s national camp ahead of upcoming international fixtures. He will be unavailable for the remainder of the BBL 15 Finals Series.” The Sixers also shared a farewell video message from Babar before his departure, in which the Pakistan batter thanked the team management, players and supporters for their hospitality during his time in Sydney. “First of all, thank you so much Sydney Sixers for having me and all the boys, all the coaches,” Babar said. “I very enjoy my time here and unfortunately I have to leave the team because of national duty.” He added: “Yes, a lot of things I have to take back home and especially thank you for Sydney Sixers fans.” Babar also highlighted the support he received from th...

Pakistan U19 will be aiming to end their group-stage fixtures of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup on a winning note when they take on Zimbabwe U19 at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare today (Thursday). The Asian champions, who are part of Group ‘C’ in the ongoing mega event, defeated Scotland by six wickets on Monday, while they suffered a 37-run defeat against England on Friday. The Farhan Yousaf-led Pakistan side, who recently won the tri-series in Zimbabwe by beating the hosts by nine wickets in the final, will be expecting their players to replicate those performances in tomorrow’s important encounter. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 9.30am local time, with the toss scheduled at 9am, according to a PCB statement. In head-to-head contests, Pakistan U19 and Zimbabwe U19 have faced each other 18 times, with Pakistan winning 15 matches. Zimbabwe have won once, while two matches ended with no result due to rain. As per the format of the 16-team, four-group to...

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh's demand to shift their matches at next month's T20 World Cup outside India, the governing body said on Wednesday. Bangladesh have refused to play their matches in India, citing safety concerns following soured political relations between the neighbours, and demanded to play them in Sri Lanka, which is co-hosting the tournament, instead. "The decision was taken after considering all security assessments conducted, including independent reviews, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials and fans at any of the tournament venues in India," the ICC said in a statement after a board meeting. "The ICC board noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC e...

Pakistan's 15-member T20 World Cup squad has been finalized. According to sources, former captain Babar Azam will get a place in the World Cup squad, while Haris Rauf and Muhammad Rizwan will not get a place in the squad. Khawaja Nafi will be included in the World Cup squad. Salman Ali Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Muhammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan will be part of the team. The participation of fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah is also certain. Usman Tariq, Salman Mirza will also be included in the World Cup squad, Wasim Junior, Abdul Samad, Hasan Ali will be included in the zero. via Original Source

Pacer Haris Rauf is likely to be dropped from Pakistan's squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 set to be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, sources said on Tuesday. Rauf, who last represented Pakistan in the 20-over format at the Asia Cup 2025 final against India, will not be included in the 15-member team, sources said. They add that coach Mike Hesson is not in favour of Rauf's inclusion following the Asia Cup final against India in September 2025, where the right-arm pacer conceded 50 runs in 3.4 overs without taking any wicket. The Green Shirts had lost the match with India successfully chasing down the 147-run target in 19.4 overs at the loss of five wickets to be crowned champions. Rauf, who has taken most wickets in T20Is by dismissing 133 batters in 94 matches, is currently playing the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, where he's representing Melbourne Stars. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a preliminary list of pla...

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has rejected reports claiming that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a final deadline regarding the venues for Bangladesh’s matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Uncertainty still surrounds the venues for Bangladesh’s fixtures in the tournament after the BCB refused to play in India over security concerns. So far, no resolution has been reached to resolve the issue, and the BCB dismissed reports suggesting that the ICC had issued a specific deadline for finalising the venues. BCB Director Amzad Hossain clarified that the ICC has not provided the board with any particular date or deadline regarding the matter. He added that Bangladesh has formally submitted a request to change the venues for its matches, which is currently under consideration. According to Hossain, the ICC will make a final decision on the venues after consultations with all relevant stakeholders. Hossain further stated that the BCB remains in contact with the IC...

The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) has announced a series of landmark developments ahead of its 11th edition, reinforcing the League’s continued growth, competitiveness, and commitment to innovation. In a historic move after a decade of success, the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 11) will transition to a Player Auction Model, replacing the traditional Player Draft system. This strategic shift is aimed at enhancing competitive balance, increasing transparency, and providing players’ greater earning opportunities. Under the revised player acquisition framework: • Each franchise may retain a maximum of four players, limited to one player per category. Previously, every franchise was allowed to retain 8 players from their squad including a Mentor, a Brand Ambassador and a Right to Match Option to retain a 9th player in the Player Draft. • The rules pertaining to Mentors, Brand Ambassadors and RTM have been abolished for HBL PSL 11. • Newly inducted teams will be allowed to sel...

Pakistan is expected to reassess its participation in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in India-Sri Lanka, following increasing concerns related to the Bangladesh cricket team. The Bangladesh government has reached out to Pakistan for support over its decision to skip travelling to India for the tournament, citing security concerns, sources said. They added that Pakistan supports Bangladesh's legitimate concerns, emphasising that they should be addressed and acted upon. Pakistan has also stressed that no country should face pressure or threats from India, assuring Bangladesh of its full support on the matter. On January 11, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed its willingness to host Bangladesh's matches in the T20 World Cup after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided against travelling to India over security concerns. PCB sources confirmed that Pakistan formally communicated its interest in hosting Bangladesh's fixtures should venues in Sri Lanka be u...

Handing over screens to young children is becoming a norm these days, but this norm has actually become a silent threat. The early years of life, in which a child's brain develops rapidly, are now often spent in front of mobile screens, which is proving to be very harmful to their language, behavior, emotions and habits. What provides parents with temporary peace, silence and convenience is limiting the natural learning process of children. The most worrying aspect of making children addicted to mobile phones is that its negative effects do not appear immediately, but gradually become part of the children's personality, health and mental abilities, and by then this habit has taken root. In a restaurant or home environment, children often appear calm, but this calm silence is not a sign of health. Remember that giving children mobile phones during meals seems easy, but it is dangerous for their health and habits. This leads to children not eating mindfully and reduces com...

Online ticket sales of Pakistan and Australia T20 cricket series will begin from Friday, January 16 while physical tickets will be available from Monday, Januray 19. Cricket lovers can click on pcb.tcs.com.pk to get tickets online. Tickets will also be available at TCS Express Centers across the country. All three T20 matches will be held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on January 29, 31 and February 1. The matches will start at 6 pm Pakistan time. Tickets for VIP enclosures for the first match will be Rs800 while for the remaining two matches it will be Rs1000. The rate of premium enclosures will be Rs600 for the first match and for the second and third matches can be purchased for Rs700. First-class enclosure tickets will be available for Rs500 for the first match and Rs600 for the remaining two matches. Similarly, the general enclosure ticket rates will be Rs400 and Rs500. Iqbal end VIP ticket prices have been fixed at Rs1,500 and Rs2,000. Jinnah end VIP tickets will be priced...

Football's global governing body FIFA said Wednesday it had received more than 500 million requests for tickets to this year's World Cup despite rumbling controversy over sky-high prices to attend the event. FIFA said in a statement it had received applications from fans in all of its 211 member nations and territories for the tournament staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The window for submitting requests to be entered in a lottery which will allocate tickets closed on Tuesday. FIFA said fans would be notified of whether their requests had been successful "no earlier than 5 February." Outside of the tournament's host nations, FIFA said the heaviest demand came from fans in Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Colombia. The most requested ticket was Colombia's clash with Portugal in Miami on June 27, followed by Mexico's game against South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18, and the World Cup final in New Jersey on July ...

The Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled the ODI and T20I squads of the Pakistan Women’s team for the upcoming tour to South Africa, starting February 10 in Potchefstroom. Fatima Sana will continue to lead the side in both formats as Pakistan build towards the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup 2026 in June. Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, and Tasmia Rubab are part of both the squads, while uncapped batter Saira Jabeen and right-arm fast bowler Humna Bilal have earned their maiden T20I call-ups. Opening batters Ayesha and Gull, along with left-arm pacer Tasmia and wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, have been called up to the 15-member ODI squad after missing out on the ODI World Cup selection. Diana Baig, Najiha, Sadaf Shamas and Syeda Aroob Shah are just part of the 50-over squad, while Humna, Saira, Tuba Hassan and Eyman Fatima are in the T20I squad only. During the tour, mentor Wahab Riaz will be...

Bangladesh’s cricket board said on Tuesday it had repeated its refusal to travel to India for next month’s T20 World Cup during talks with the ICC governing body. With ties tense between the two countries, Bangladesh wants the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their World Cup games from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. The World Cup begins on February 7 and Bangladesh are scheduled to play their four group matches in India. The row erupted on January 3, when India forced Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman to quit the Indian Premier League (IPL). Mustafizur, who has played in the IPL for other teams in previous editions, was snapped up at auction in December by Kolkata for more than $1 million. His sacking sparked fury in Dhaka. On Tuesday, during a video conference with the ICC, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said it had "reiterated its request for the ICC to consider relocating Bangladesh’s matches outside India". Political...

Although the third T20I match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Dambulla proved to be a disappointment for the national team, captain Salman Ali Agha's brilliant and aggressive batting won the hearts of cricket fans and also broke the record of former West Indies batsman Kieron Pollard. Salman Ali Agha played an incredible innings of 45 runs in just 12 balls, which included 5 fours and 3 sixes. His strike rate was 375.0, which is the highest strike rate by any captain in the history of T20Is (against full-member teams, with the condition of playing at least 10 balls). With this feat, he broke the record of former West Indies batsman Kieron Pollard. Previously, this honor was held by Kieron Pollard, who scored 38 runs off 11 balls against Sri Lanka in 2021 at a strike rate of 345.5. The list also includes big names like Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma and Darren Sammy, but Salman Ali Agha left everyone behind. via Original Source

Most people who were initially hesitant about getting vaccinated against Covid-19 eventually received the jab, an England-based study said Tuesday, illustrating that widespread public vaccine scepticism can be overcome. Developed in record time, vaccines for Covid successfully curbed the pandemic after being rolled out in early 2021. The effectiveness and safety of these vaccines have been demonstrated by the billions of jabs administered across the world. However before they became available, many people were dubious. "Most Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy was rooted in concrete concerns that can be addressed and successfully overcome with time and increasing availability of information," the study in The Lancet journal said. The research was based on questionnaires sent to more than a million people in England between January 2021 and March 2022. Around eight percent of the respondents were hesitant to get a Covid jab in January 2021, when data about the jabs was mainly f...

Final consultations on Pakistan’s squad for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming home T20I series against Australia are expected later this week. Sources said white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is set to arrive in Lahore after Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka concludes. Once the consultation process is completed, the squad will be announced with the approval of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB has already submitted a preliminary list of players to the ICC for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. However, it is understood that the PCB can make changes to the submitted list without ICC approval until January 31. Members of the national T20I squad are returning home today after completing the series in Sri Lanka. Head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha are expected to hold final discussions with the selectors before the squad is finalised. Sources say the probable play...

Former Test cricketer and ex-chief selector Mohammad Ilyas passed away in Lahore on Monday after a protracted illness. He was 79 Ilyas had been admitted to a local hospital for treatment a few days ago, where he underwent surgery. The 79-year-old was battling cancer. During his cricketing career, Ilyas played 10 Test matches for Pakistan and also served the national team as chief selector. His passing has triggered deep sorrow among cricket circles and fans across the country. Details regarding the funeral prayer will be announced later. via Original Source

Great news for cancer patients, historic partnership between government and global pharmaceutical company. A significant step has been taken towards removing the major obstacle of inflation in the way of treatment for cancer patients in Pakistan. A long-term agreement has been signed between the Government of Pakistan and the renowned multinational pharmaceutical company Roche to provide free cancer medicines under a public-private partnership. Addressing the agreement ceremony, the Federal Health Secretary said that under this project, medicines will be provided free of cost to cancer patients from Islamabad, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Thousands of patients will be able to benefit from modern treatment at PIMS Hospital during the five-year program. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and the Managing Director of the private pharmaceutical company signed the agreement, after which this welfare project was formally launched. The Health Minister said on the occasion tha...

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) management has formally initiated its internal planning process for the players’ draft of the league’s 11th edition, with sources indicating that it is likely to be held on January 30. They said that the PSL management is aiming to complete and finalise all pending and procedural matters well before the draft, so that the process can be conducted in an organised and timely manner. The sources further said that preparations are already underway, while the venue and the finalised date for the draft will be announced officially in the near future once all arrangements are confirmed. It was also learnt that the draft will see the participation of all eight franchise owners, along with their respective coaches and other authorised team representatives, who are expected to be present to take part in the selection process. Sources said the draft has been scheduled to take place during a one-day gap in the Pakistan-Australia T20 International series. The...

Nestle Waters has been given the go-ahead to market its four French brands as "natural mineral water", despite the use of filters before bottling. In two orders dated December 23, 2025, the prefect of the Vosges region in northeastern France authorised the company to install filters for its Contrex and Hepar brands. Two of the Swiss food giant's other brands, Vittel and Perrier, have previously been allowed to do the same. Nestle Waters France said it welcomed the decision in a statement sent to AFP on Friday. Nestle Waters admitted in 2025 that it had previously used banned treatments for its products, prompting changes to its use of microfiltration. But its competitors and consumer groups argued that doing so was not compatible with the premium "natural mineral water" label. "We're in the process of turning the bottling of natural mineral water into the bottling of drinking water that's still being called mineral water," said Jean-Fran...

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Thursday expanded to eight teams after two new franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, were sold at auction for a combined Rs3.6 billion.The auction was held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad and was attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, federal ministers, senior officials and players. Proceedings began with the introduction of 10 bidders and six shortlisted cities. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi formally opened the auction by ringing the bell, while former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram served as the auctioneer. Bidding for the seventh PSL team opened at Rs1.1 billion and saw a competitive contest between FKS Group and I2C Group. FKS Group secured the franchise with a winning bid of Rs1.75 billion and selected Hyderabad as the team’s home city. In the second and final round, bidding for the eighth team began at Rs1.7 billion. OZ Developers emerged as the highest bidder, acquiring the most expensive franchise for Rs1.8...

The auction of two new teams of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held at Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad at 4:15 PM today. The auction will be shown on television live. As many as 10 prospective buyers will off their bids for two new teams. The number of teams in the 11th edition of the PSL will be increased from six to eight. The auction will be followed by a special performance by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had put forward the names of Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Rawalpindi. Out of these six teams, bidders will select two. The PCB has so far released details of 10 bidders. The auction will be broadcast live in order to ensure transparency and global visibility to prospective investors and cricket fans worldwide. Three weeks ago, PCB Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi said that the PSL’s 11th edition was scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 3, 2026, while also announcing that the auction for two propo...

The first T-20I of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla, Sri Lanka today. The first match is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM PST. Salman Agha and company will be looking to get used to the conditions because they will play all of their games of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka.  Though Pakistan are without some key faces like Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi, who are playing in the BBL. But they still have a strong squad.  Similarly, Sri Lanka are ready to produce some good games as they have almost all players ready. On the other hand, Pakistan team skipper Salman Ali Agha has expressed the hope that the players will perform well. “The series will enable us to adjust to the weather and conditions of Sri Lanka ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.” “We have good players in our squad who are future prospects. We want to give them opportunities, and I am hopeful th...

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches away from India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) issued a news release on Sunday (January 4) in which the board stated that it has formally requested the ICC to shift their Group C matches of the upcoming shortest-format mega-event in India over security concerns. But according to a report in ESPNCricinfo on Tuesday night (January 6), the ICC has rejected BCB’s request. As per the available information, in a virtual call on Tuesday, the ICC told BCB that they are rejecting their request to play T20 World Cup 2026 matches outside India due to security concerns. According to ESPNCricinfo, the ICC has told the Bangladesh Cricket Board that “Bangladesh will need to travel to India to play the T20 World Cup or risk forfeiting points."  However, as per the same report, the BCB claimed that no such ultimatum has been relayed to them by the governing body...

Marking another major escalation between Bangladesh and India, the former has ordered an indefinite ban on the telecast and promotion of the Indian Premier League (IPL), India Today reported on Monday. The tournament-related broadcasts, promotions and event coverage have all been suspended by Bangladeshi authorities with immediate effect, in a decision taken in the public interest and approved by the appropriate authority. The move comes in the aftermath of the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) decision to "release" Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman after being told to do so by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The KKR's decision followed amid increasing tensions between the two countries, which saw hundreds protest near Bangladesh's High Commission in New Delhi after Hindu factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was killed in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. Apart from the said incident, there have been protests in Bangladesh against...

England were all out for 384 in their first innings of the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia on Monday, with Joe Root hitting a majestic 160. The tourists resumed on 211-3 with Root on 72 and Harry Brook 78 at a sold-out Sydney Cricket Ground. Root plundered a 41st century before becoming the ninth wicket to fall. Brook chipped in with 84 and Jamie Smith 46. Michael Neser was the pick of the bowlers with 4-60. Australia lead the five-Test series 3-1 after victories in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, which saw them retain the urn. England restored pride with a lightning-quick win inside two days at Melbourne. An imperious Joe Root scored his second century of the Ashes series and 41st overall Monday to steer England to a commanding 336-6 at lunch on day two of the fifth and final Test against Australia. In front of a packed Sydney Cricket Ground, the world's top-ranked batsman was 138 not out with Will Jacks on three after the tourists resumed at 211-3. Harry Broo...

Bangladesh are set to formally request the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing player safety concerns amid deteriorating political relations between Bangladesh and India. According to CriciInfo report, the move follows the decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to instruct Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their squad ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season. According to ESPNcricinfo, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is expected to write to the International Cricket Council following an emergency virtual meeting of its board directors on Saturday. Media committee chairman Amzad Hussain confirmed that concerns would be raised regarding Bangladesh’s scheduled matches in Kolkata. “We have three matches of the T20 World Cup in Kolkata, so we will write to the ICC regarding what has happened today,” Hussain said. Bangladesh’s sports advis...