LAHORE: In a major boost for Pakistan cricket, South Africa is set to play a full series across all formats in the country including Test matches after more than four years. According to sources, the first Test match will be staged at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from October 12 to 16, while the second Testbwill take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket …

LAHORE: Pakistan’s national hockey players have voiced strong resentment over the proposal of a Rs400 daily allowance, calling it nothing short of an insult to their dedication and sacrifices for the sport. The players argued that the amount is less than a laborer’s daily wage, describing it as “salt on wounds” amid an already bleak financial situation. “We don’t even …

KARACHI: Pakistani cricketer Asif Ali has officially hung up his national colors, announcing his retirement from international cricket. The all-round finisher, well-known for his clutch six-hitting and game-changing cameos bid farewell after featuring in 21 ODIs and 58 T20 Internationals. Celebrated for his dramatic performances, especially in the 2021 T20 World Cup where he often turned the tide with blistering …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fastest female sprinter, Tammin Khan, has been ruled out of the upcoming World Athletics Championship in Tokyo due to injury. The 100m runner sustained an injury during training three days ago, and MRI reports confirmed she needs at least two weeks of rest. Doctors have advised her to skip the event to avoid further complications. The Athletics Federation …

KARACHI: United Arab Emirates skipper Muhammad Waseem has etched his name into the record books by surpassing former India captain Rohit Sharma’s record for most sixes as a T20I captain. The milestone came on Monday during the tri-nation series clash against Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 189, Waseem played a blistering knock of 67 runs off …

LAHORE: Australia’s star fast bowler Mitchell Starc has announced his retirement from T20 internationals to focus on Test and ODI cricket, Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday. The left-arm pacer, who has been a mainstay of Australia’s bowling attack, played 65 T20Is and claimed 79 wickets. In his farewell note, Starc said: “Test cricket has always been my top priority. I …

LAHORE: Afghanistan captain and star all-rounder Rashid Khan has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals. In the third match of the tri-nation series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Rashid delivered a stellar spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 21 runs. With this performance, he first equaled and then surpassed New Zealand’s …

Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record prize fund for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, with a staggering 297 percent increase in total prize money compared to the previous edition. According to the ICC, the tournament will carry a total prize purse of \$13.88 million, making it the richest Women’s World Cup in history. The …

London: Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq continued his fine form in the County One-Day Cup, scoring his fourth century of the tournament while representing Yorkshire in the semi-final against Hampshire. Batting second under the Duckworth-Lewis method after rain interruptions, Yorkshire were set a revised target of 254 runs in 41 overs. Chasing the score, Imam played a brilliant knock of 105 runs …

Lahore: A two-member review delegation from the South African Cricket Board has arrived in Lahore to assess security and logistical arrangements ahead of the country’s upcoming tours to Pakistan. According to details, the delegation will hold meetings with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials as well as senior representatives of law enforcement agencies. The visitors will also be given a tour …

Sharjah: Authorities in Sharjah have issued new protocols for cricket fans attending the ongoing Tri-Nation T20 Series, urging supporters to cheer for their own teams while avoiding offensive chants or gestures against opponents. According to officials, spectators must remain seated in their designated stands, avoid moving between sections, and refrain from unruly behavior or running during the match. Fans have …

Islamabad: Former Pakistan captain and swing legend Wasim Akram has offered key advice to struggling batter Babar Azam, urging him to stay calm, rise above criticism, and focus on his natural game to regain form. Speaking on a private TV show, Akram described Babar as “our superstar and one of the best players in the world.” He advised the former …

LOS ANGELES: Luis Suarez appeared to spit at a staff member of the opposing team during an ugly brawl following Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final on Sunday. Immediately after the final whistle at Lumen Field, veteran Uruguay striker Suarez rushed at 20-year-old Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas and put him in a headlock, …

Pakistan grabbed their second win in the T20I tri-series as they defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 31 runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Chasing a challenging total of 208, UAE managed 176-8 despite a solid start. Openers Muhammad Zohaib and skipper Muhammad Waseem added a crucial 39-run partnership, with Waseem taking an aggressive approach from the outset. …

KARACHI: Pakistani runners delivered impressive performances at Sunday’s Sydney Marathon, the first edition of the event since its elevation to Abbott World Marathon Major status, with Karachi’s Faisal Shafi setting a Guinness World Record of running in a light military uniform to honour the country’s armed forces. The race, now the seventh member of the prestigious marathon majors series alongside …

The tickets for the much-anticipated ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 — including the Pakistan-India clash — have gone on sale, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Friday. According to the host cricket board, the ticket prices for the matches scheduled to be played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi will start from Dh40, while the base price …

SHARJAH: Pakistan began their tri-series campaign on a winning note, overpowering Afghanistan with a composed all-round performance at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. Chasing a daunting 183-run target, Afghanistan’s batting unit unfolded on a meagre 143 in 19.5 overs despite Rashid Khan’s gutsy knock. The bowling all-rounder top-scored with a quickfire 39 from just 16 deliveries, laced with one four and …

Pakistan men’s hockey team has accepted an invitation to compete in the Pro League 2025–26 season, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed on Thursday. The Green Shirts were formally invited by the apex body to participate in the “League of the Best” after Hockey New Zealand withdrew from the nine-team tournament despite winning the FIH Nations Cup earlier this year …

NEW YORK: Naomi Osaka said using words like “no education” and “no class” to criticise a Black tennis player were among the worst things to say, as debate raged over a heated row between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko at the US Open on Thursday. Townsend, who is Black, overcame 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko 7-5 6-1 in a tough …

KARACHI: The Emirates Cricket Board has dismissed fears of India boycotting the match against Pakistan. According to Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed, all boards confirmed participation in the Asia Cup only after receiving approval from their respective governments. While a 100% guarantee cannot be given, there is strong hope the match will take place. Details reveal that under India’s hosting, …

Superstars Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Babar Azam, and Kamran Akmal will play in an exhibition match to help the flood-affected people. The Flood Relief Exhibition Match will take place at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on August 30 with a slogan, “Khel Se Khidmat”, roughly translated as service through sports. The fixture is set for Saturday, and the …

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has revealed that he has undergone another surgery for skin cancer, renewing concerns about the disease’s prevalence in Australia. Clarke, 44, shared the update via social media, posting a photo from a hospital bed with a visible bandage on his nose. “Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia,” Clarke wrote. “Another one cut out of …

Former Bayern Munich striker Thomas Muller has confirmed changing his opinion on the greatest of all time (GOAT) debate involving Argentinian star Lionel Messi and Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi and Ronaldo, with 13 Ballon d’Ors between them, are widely regarded as the two greatest footballers in history. Yet the debate over who deserves the title of GOAT remains alive …

Cristiano Ronaldo achieved another career milestone during the Saudi Super Cup final between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr. The Portuguese forward scored to bring his tally to 100 goals since joining the Saudi Pro League. Despite his goal, Al-Nassr were edged out in the match, with Al-Ahli securing a 3-2 victory. The final was closely contested, with both sides creating opportunities, but …

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday unveiled Fatima Sana-led 15-member squad for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to take place from September 30 to November 2. With Sana — who has previously captained the team in Women’s CWC Qualifier held in Lahore this year — set to lead the national side for the first time in …

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has revealed that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place in Washington this December. Standing alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino at the White House, Trump described the tournament as “probably the biggest event in sports” and even joked about wanting to keep the golden trophy for himself. The announcement confirmed that the Kennedy …

SHARJAH: Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed his views on the absence of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from September 9 to 28. Babar and Rizwan, who had featured in every multi-nation tournament for Pakistan since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 in …

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa on Thursday announced a local organising committee for the 2027 50-over Cricket World Cup — and revealed that 44 of the 54 matches will be played at eight venues in South Africa. The remaining 10 matches will be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia. It will be the first men’s Cricket World Cup in Africa since the …

Pakistan’s javelin thrower Muhammad Yasir Sultan claimed the bronze medal at the Asian Throwing Championships on Friday with a season-best throw of 77.43 metres. The 27-year-old athlete delivered his best effort on the sixth and final attempt, surpassing his previous season-best of 76.07m, which he had set at the Asian Athletics Championships earlier in May. Yasir’s impressive final throw secured …

LONDON: Algerian boxer and Olympic champion Imane Khelif on Wednesday denied claims made by her former manager that she was putting her career on hold. Khelif was at the centre of a gender row at the Paris Games where she won gold in the women’s 66kg category. “I would like to make it clear to the public that the reports …

In order to raise fitness levels and boost players’ aerobic capacity, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced the rugby-inspired Bronco Test — involving multiple shuttles runs of 20 metres, 40 metres and 60 metres — for the Indian national team. According to Indian media reports, the idea was put forward by the team’s strength and …

LONDON: Pakistan batter Haider Ali has been given a two-week bail extension by the Greater Manchester Police after a British-Pakistani woman reported him for the alleged rape at a local hotel. Haider Ali was set to appear before the police on August 20, 2025 but the police told him to appear after two weeks. Meanwhile, the investigation will continue into …

Former Pakistan captain and legendary pacer Wasim Akram has revealed his top five cricketers from his illustrious playing days, naming Sir Vivian Richards as the toughest batter he bowled to. Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast alongside England greats Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, David Lloyd, and Phil Tufnell, Akram reflected on the highlights of his 17-year career. When asked to …

Iga Swiatek captured her first Cincinnati Open title on Monday by beating Jasmine Paolini 7-5 6-4, with the Pole third seed sending a powerful message ahead of the US Open. The six-times Grand Slam winner did not drop a set on her way to the title and was clinical in the final, converting all six of her break points to …

Two senior players, Mohammad Rizwan and former skipper Babar Azam, who were previously in Category A, have been shifted to Category B in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contracts for the 2025–26 season. Shan Masood, earlier in Category B, now finds himself in Category D. The PCB announced on Tuesday that as many as 30 players have been awarded …

Pakistani squash player Ashab Irfan claimed victory at the Johns Creek Open in the United States on Monday, capping off a strong run by defeating Malaysia’s Nathan in the final. After dropping the first game, Ashab made an impressive comeback to win three consecutive games in just 40 minutes. The final scoreline read 8-11, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6 in favor of …

LAHORE: Former captain Babar Azam has been told to improve his batting against spin and boost his overall strike rate to be considered for Twenty20 Internationals, coach Mike Hesson said. Babar is the national team’s batting mainstay in other formats but has not played a T20 International since their tour of South Africa late last year. The 30-year-old could not …

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka’s title defence came to an abrupt end in Cincinnati as Elena Rybakina produced a powerful performance to reach the semi-final. The ninth seed Kazakh star dominated from the very start, using her big serve and clean hitting to overwhelm the defending champion and book her place in the last four. She secured her seventh career win over …

MIAMI: Inter Miami fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Lionel Messi is likely to return when the team take on the LA Galaxy in a Major League Soccer clash that will launch a key stretch for the Florida club, coach Javier Mascherano said on Friday. After sitting out with a minor muscle injury, the Argentine star is back in …

Pakistan defend target by bowling out Bangladesh for 148 to grab commanding 79-run victory Half-centuries from Abdul Samad, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay and Yasir Khan, followed by a combined seven wickets from the spinners, powered Pakistan Shaheens to a resounding 79-run win over Bangladesh ‘A’ in the opening match of the Top End T20 Series at the TIO Stadium in Darwin …