BREAKING NEWS
Advertise with us >

Babar Azam equals PSL record for most runs in a single season

Babar Azam equals

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam has equalled the record for most runs in a single season of the Pakistan Super League.

During Tuesday’s PSL Qualifier, Babar played a brilliant innings of 103 runs off 59 balls against Islamabad United.

With this performance, Babar Azam has now scored 588 runs in 10 innings in PSL 2026.

He has matched the record previously set by Fakhar Zaman, who scored 588 runs in 13 innings during the 2022 edition.

Notably, Babar still has at least one and possibly two matches remaining, giving him a strong opportunity to surpass the record.

PSL introduces Pashto commentary for the first time

PSL introduces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will feature Pashto commentary for the first time, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and regional engagement.

The initiative has been introduced in collaboration with Peshawar Zalmi, with Pashto commentary set to be streamed on a digital platform during the team’s remaining matches in the tournament.

Peshawar Zalmi will face Islamabad United in the Qualifier. A win will secure their place in the final, while a defeat will send them into the Eliminator.

The grand final of PSL 11 is scheduled to take place on May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium

PCB announces ticket details for PSL 11 qualifier in Karachi

PCB announces

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released important information regarding tickets for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 Qualifier scheduled to be held on April 28 in Karachi.

The playoff stage of the Pakistan Super League Season 11 begins tomorrow, with Peshawar Zalmi set to face Islamabad United in the Qualifier.

Fans can purchase e-tickets for the match through the official PCB ticketing portal. Ticket holders will be able to gain entry by scanning their mobile e-tickets at the stadium or by presenting a printed copy.

The PCB has set a uniform ticket price of Rs500 for all enclosures at National Bank Stadium.

Physical tickets will be available at designated TCS box office counters located at China Ground, opposite the stadium.

According to the PCB, e-ticket sales will begin tonight, while physical tickets will go on sale from tomorrow morning.

Details regarding tickets for the Eliminator matches scheduled in Lahore on April 29 and May 1 will be announced soon.

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already approved spectator entry for all PSL 11 playoff matches.

PM Shehbaz allows spectators for all PSL 11 playoff matches

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has granted permission for spectators to attend all three playoff matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on X, fans will now be allowed to enter stadiums for playoff fixtures scheduled in Karachi and Lahore.

Mohsin Naqvi further stated that the Prime Minister has directed spectators to use public transport when traveling to stadiums to ensure smooth arrangements and avoid congestion.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had approved spectator entry for the PSL 11 final. The latest decision extends this permission to all playoff matches.

Prior to this, Mohsin Naqvi also met the Prime Minister to discuss the overall security situation and arrangements for fan attendance during PSL matches. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over security measures in place during the ongoing regional diplomatic developments.

The playoff stage begins tomorrow, with Peshawar Zalmi set to face Islamabad United in the Qualifier in Karachi. The first Eliminator will be played in Lahore between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans, followed by the second Eliminator on May 1 at the same venue.

The grand final of PSL 11 is scheduled for May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Amir, Faheem fined for code of conduct breach in PSL 11 clash

Amir

LAHORE:  Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf have been fined for breaching the code of conduct during the 34th match of the Pakistan Super League Season 11.

The incident occurred during the match between Islamabad United and Rawalpindiz’s side, where the two players were involved in a heated exchange.

The altercation began after Faheem Ashraf was dismissed off a delivery by Mohammad Amir. Amir gestured the batter to walk back, prompting a reaction from Faheem, who moved towards him. The situation briefly escalated before teammates intervened and separated the two.

Following the incident, the match referee imposed a fine of 10 percent of the match fee on each player for violating the code of conduct. Both cricketers accepted their mistake.

Naseem Shah suffers knee injury during PSL 11 match

Naseem Shah suffers

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah sustained a knee injury during an Pakistan Super League Season 11 match against Islamabad United while fielding, raising concerns over his availability for upcoming fixtures.

The pacer, representing Rawalpiniz, managed to bowl only two overs before leaving the field due to discomfort.

According to the team’s media manager, Naseem Shah suffered a knee injury during fielding, and the medical team is currently assessing his condition. Further updates will be provided in due course.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has reportedly had his NOC for PSL withdrawn, ruling him out of the remaining matches. Another Bangladeshi pacer, Nahid Rana, has also returned home, further impacting squad availability.

Iran defeats Pakistan in Kabaddi at Asian Beach Games

Iran defeats

Sanya: In the ongoing Asian Beach Games in China’s city of Sanya, Iran defeated Pakistan national kabaddi team in a competitive match.

Iran secured a 38–28 victory over Pakistan in the kabaddi contest, delivering a strong performance throughout the game.

Meanwhile, in the aquathlon events, Pakistan’s Hamza Asif finished 28th in the men’s final, which featured 31 athletes. He recorded a personal best time of 37.26 minutes.

In the women’s aquathlon final, Pakistan’s Ayesha Waqas secured 25th position among 27 competitors, also achieving a personal best with a time of 56.32 minutes.

The Asian Beach Games continue to feature multiple sporting events with athletes from across the continent competing for top positions.

Khushdil Shah’s explosive finish powers Karachi Kings to 5-wicket win

Khushdil Shah

LAHORE: Karachi Kings secured a thrilling 5-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars in the 35th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, thanks to a blistering unbeaten innings by Khushdil Shah.

At Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi Kings won the toss and opted to field first. Lahore Qalandars posted a strong total of 199/6 in 20 overs, with Abdullah Shafique scoring 62 and Fakhar Zaman adding 61 runs.

For Karachi Kings, Moeen Ali took two wickets, while Hassan Ali and Rizwanullah picked up one wicket each.

In response, Karachi Kings chased down the target in 18.4 overs, losing five wickets along the way. Early contributions came from Jason Roy (9), Raza Hendricks (10), and Salman Ali Agha (14), while Moeen Ali scored 39 off 17 balls and Azam Khan made 14.

The turning point came in the final overs when Khushdil Shah launched a fierce counterattack, smashing 23 runs in Shaheen Afridi’s over and 14 runs off just four deliveries against Haris Rauf in the next over. He remained unbeaten on 44 runs off just 14 balls, hitting 5 sixes and 2 fours, guiding his team to victory with eight balls to spare.

Captain David Warner also remained unbeaten with a solid 63-run innings.

With this win, Karachi Kings have strengthened their position in the PSL playoff race alongside Lahore and Hyderabad.

Young batter Sameer Minhas eyes consistent performances

Young batter Samir

KARACHI: Islamabad United young batter Sameer Minhasr has said his primary goal is to make the most of every opportunity and play impactful innings for his team in the Pakistan Super League.

Speaking in an interview, the emerging cricketer said that the PSL is widely regarded as a strong platform for young players to showcase their talent and build recognition at the national level.

Sameer Minhas , who has previously represented Pakistan at the Under-19 level, said he is determined to fully utilise his chances in the league and continue improving his game.

He expressed satisfaction over his team’s overall performance, noting that Islamabad United is playing good cricket with several players delivering strong performances.

Highlighting his personal approach, he said his focus remains simple: to perform whenever given the opportunity and contribute with meaningful innings for the team.

The youngster also described playing alongside senior cricketers as a valuable learning experience, saying the dressing room environment helps improve game awareness and skills through continuous interaction and guidance.

Reflecting on his Under-19 days, Sameer said team success was always his priority, recalling their Asia Cup victory as a memorable achievement.

He added that his long-term ambition is to represent Pakistan at the international level and help the national team achieve success, while continuing to work hard and maintain consistent performances in the PSL.

Iran confirms participation in FIFA World Cup 2026

Iran confirms

TEHRAN: Iran has officially confirmed its participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, despite earlier political tensions surrounding the tournament.

According to the Iranian Ministry of Sports, the national football team is fully prepared to take part in the global event, which is scheduled to begin on June 11.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani also confirmed that all necessary arrangements for participation have been completed.

The announcement comes after comments from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had previously stated that Iran would be part of the tournament.

Iran has already qualified for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team’s matches are currently scheduled to be played in the United States.

Under the group stage fixtures, Iran is set to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 27.

Earlier reports suggested that the Iranian Football Federation had considered requesting FIFA to relocate its matches to Mexico due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel. However, no final decision on venue changes has been confirmed.

The participation had also drawn political commentary, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier suggested Iran’s participation in the U.S. might be inappropriate under current conditions. Iran, however, maintained that no country could exclude its national team from the tournament.

Despite tensions, both sporting authorities and political figures have now indicated that Iran will take part in the global football event as planned.