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Sports

Latest Pakistan cricket, football and sports news, match updates, team developments and analysis from Pakistan and around the world.

Babur Azam’s selfie with Indian fan goes viral in Melbourne

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Babur Azam’s selfie

Melbourne: Pakistan’s national cricketer Babur Azam shared a memorable moment with an Indian fan, which quickly went viral on social media.

After the Melbourne Stars faced Sydney Sixers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Babur Azam interacted with fans, signing autographs and taking photos.

Among the spectators, an Indian girl wearing her national team jersey approached him, holding a poster with his picture, and requested a selfie along with an autograph.

Babur Azam obliged, posing for a photo with the fan and signing her poster. The heartwarming moment received widespread attention online, with fans praising his courteous and positive demeanor. Many noted that despite the intense emotions surrounding Pakistan-India cricket matches, Babur Azam’s popularity transcends borders.

On the match front, Sydney Sixers defeated Melbourne Stars by six wickets. Babur Azam had a modest outing, being dismissed LBW by Stars captain Marcus Stoinis in the seventh over after scoring 14 runs off 17 balls, including one boundary.

Although visibly disappointed, he did not contest the umpire’s decision and returned to the pavilion after a brief conversation with his batting partner.

So far in the tournament, Babur Azam has delivered mixed performances, scoring 145 runs across seven innings, including two half-centuries.

Football icon Lionel Messi reveals post-retirement plans

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Football icon Lionel

Buenos Aires: Global football icon Lionel Messi, who enjoys immense popularity across the world, has shared his thoughts on life after retirement, offering fans a glimpse into his future ambitions beyond the pitch.

According to international media reports, Messi said that after retiring from professional football, he would prefer to become a football club owner rather than pursue a coaching career. He clarified that he does not see himself in the role of a coach, but is more interested in club management and contributing to the long-term development of a team.

In an interview, Messi stated that if given multiple options, he would choose to become a club owner. He expressed a desire to establish his own club, starting from the grassroots level, with a focus on nurturing young talent and gradually building a strong and competitive football institution.

It is worth noting that in October, Messi extended his contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami for three years, keeping him with the club until the 2028 season. The deal also includes an option for minority ownership in Inter Miami in the future.

Messi is already a co-owner of Uruguayan fourth-division club Deportivo LSM, which he founded in collaboration with his close friend and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez. Established in 2018, the club reportedly has more than 3,000 registered members.

On the field, Messi continues to deliver exceptional performances. In the current season, he won the MLS Golden Boot, scoring 29 goals and providing 19 assists. His total goal contributions stood at 48, just one short of the league record, further cementing his status as one of the greatest athletes of the century.

Pakistan Super League welcomes Hyderabad and Sialkot teams

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Pakistan Super League

ISLAMABAD: The auction for two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams concluded successfully, with Hyderabad purchased for PKR 1.75 billion as the 7th franchise and Sialkot acquired for PKR 1.85 billion as the 8th franchise.

The event was held at the Jinnah Convention Center, Islamabad, and attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, federal ministers, prominent players, and officials.

Nine bidders and six potential cities were introduced at the start of the auction. Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi officially opened the proceedings by ringing the ceremonial bell, while Wasim Akram served as the auctioneer. The base price for each franchise was set at PKR 1.1 billion, with a minimum increment of PKR 10 million per bid.

In the first round of bidding, FKS Group successfully acquired the 7th team with a bid of PKR 1.75 billion, selecting Hyderabad as the team’s home city. In the second and final stage, Ozee Developers won the 8th franchise for PKR 1.85 billion, naming the team Sialkot.

Before the auction, the ceremony also honored recent tournament winners. Pakistan Shaheens and Hong Kong Sixes teams were awarded for their achievements, with the Hong Kong Super Sixes winning Pakistani team receiving PKR 185 million and the Rising Stars Asia Cup winners awarded PKR 90 million. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi presented the prizes.

Speaking at the event, PSL CEO Salman Naseer highlighted that the league’s decade-long journey has been full of challenges and successes. “We are not just fighting to survive, but to grow. Thanks to our teams, players, sponsors, franchises, and fans, PSL is today counted among the world’s top leagues,” he said.

The 11th season of PSL is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3, 2026. With the addition of Hyderabad and Sialkot, the total number of PSL teams has increased from six to eight.

About FKS Group

FKS Group, a leading Southeast Asian conglomerate with interests in food and agriculture, logistics, and property development, won the 7th franchise after a competitive bidding process.

With strong operational foundations in Indonesia, the group has recently expanded into sports investments, marking its first formal entry into the cricketing world with PSL.

About Ozee Developers

Ozee Developers, chaired by Hamza Majeed, is active in real estate and property development and seeks investment opportunities in sports and recreational ventures. The acquisition of the Sialkot franchise represents their entry into Pakistan’s premier cricket league.

Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka in first T20I

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Pakistan defeat

Dambulla: Pakistan made a winning start to the three-match T20 series by defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the opening match, taking a 1-0 lead.

Chasing a modest target of 129 runs, Pakistan reached the total in the 17th over with the loss of four wickets. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid dividends as the bowlers delivered a disciplined performance.

Pakistan’s playing XI saw the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan, alongside Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan. The bowling unit included Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.

ri Lanka were bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs, struggling against Pakistan’s incisive bowling attack. Janith Liyanage top-scored for the hosts with 40 runs, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka chipped in with 18 runs each.

For Pakistan, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets apiece, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr picked up two wickets each.

Pakistan chased down the target comfortably, led by a composed half-century from Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 51 off 36 balls. Saim Ayub contributed 24 runs, while Salman Ali Agha scored 16 and Fakhar Zaman managed five before being dismissed.

Shadab Khan (18*) and Usman Khan (7*) remained unbeaten to see Pakistan home, sealing a convincing victory in the series opener.

Moeen Ali expresses regret over Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL exclusion

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Moeen Ali expresses regret

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has expressed regret over the removal of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), describing the situation as unfortunate and a reflection of long-standing issues in international cricket.

In an interview, Moeen Ali, without explicitly naming India, suggested that cricket boards in countries like Australia and England prioritize their own interests, remaining silent on contentious matters. “Politics and the world operate in the same way,” he said.

Ali also criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC), implying that those who control the organization influence decisions but face little scrutiny. “Everyone knows who runs the ICC, yet no one says anything,” he stated.

He added that the IPL decision regarding Mustafizur Rahman is disappointing but not surprising, noting that similar situations have historically affected Pakistan, though often without public discussion.

Regarding Bangladesh’s decision not to travel to India for the T20 World Cup, Moeen Ali clarified that he does not blame the Bangladeshi cricket board for the move.

Sri Lanka announce 18-member squad for T20I series against Pakistan

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Sri Lanka announce

Sri Lanka have announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Pakistan, marking the return of a key player ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.

The Sri Lankan side will be led by Dasun Shanaka, while Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has been recalled to the T20 squad.

De Silva last featured in a T20I for Sri Lanka in June 2024 against the Netherlands and now makes his return at a crucial stage before the global tournament.

The Pakistan series is being seen as an important preparation opportunity for Sri Lanka as they fine-tune combinations and assess player form ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Selectors have opted for a balanced squad, blending experience with emerging talent, as Sri Lanka aim to test their depth against a strong Pakistan side in high-intensity conditions.

 Bangladesh’s star bowler Mustafizur Rahman registers for PSL 11

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 Bangladesh’s star bowler

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s star fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has officially registered for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as the process for overseas players continues.

According to sources, foreign cricketers can complete their registration for PSL 11 until January 20, with growing interest from international players ahead of the upcoming season.

Mustafizur Rahman’s registration comes shortly after his release from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, a decision that, according to reports, was taken amid pressure from extremist Hindu groups. Indian media has also claimed that the decision to drop Mustafizur from the IPL was made at a higher level, sparking debate across the cricketing world.

Following this development, Bangladesh Cricket has reportedly decided not to send its team to India for the ICC T20 World Cup and has instead demanded that the matches be shifted to a neutral venue.

Along with Mustafizur Rahman, several other Bangladeshi cricketers have registered for PSL 11. Nearly 10 players from Bangladesh are now part of the registration pool, including Taskin Ahmed, Shakib Al Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzid Hasan.

The growing presence of Bangladeshi players highlights PSL’s rising appeal among international cricketers ahead of the league’s player draft.

U19 Opener Sameer Minhas breaks world record for fastest ODI century

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U19 Opener Sameer

Harare: Pakistan’s rising star, Sameer Minhas, has shattered the world record for the fastest century in Under-19 One Day International cricket.

The 19-year-old opener achieved the feat on Tuesday during the U19 ODI Tri-Series final between Pakistan and host Zimbabwe in Harare, surpassing the previous record held by India’s Vibhav Suryavanshi, who had scored a century off 52 balls against England last July.

Minhas reached his century in just 42 balls, setting a new benchmark in youth ODI cricket. Continuing his aggressive innings, he went on to score 114 runs off 51 balls, including 17 fours and 5 sixes.

Thanks to Minhas’ explosive batting, Pakistan chased down Zimbabwe’s 159-run target with ease, losing only one wicket, and secured the U19 ODI Tri-Series title.

This remarkable performance further cements Sameer Minhas’ reputation as one of Pakistan’s most promising young cricketers.

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team secured a comprehensive 9-wicket victory over Zimbabwe to win the three-nation U19 ODI Tri-Series on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 159 runs, Pakistan reached the total in just 16.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Sameer Minhas starred with a blazing 114 runs, while Mohammad Shayan contributed 38 and Usman Khan 2**, remaining not out.

For Zimbabwe, Leroy Chiovala took the lone wicket.

Earlier, Zimbabwe, batting first, were restricted to 158 all out. Pakistan’s Omar Zia wreaked early havoc, dismantling Zimbabwe’s top order and leaving the team at 15/5.

Some resistance came from Michael Bulgnat (60) and *Ttenda Chemogoro (28)**, who helped push the score to 158.

Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils: Omar Zia (4 wickets), Abdul Subhan (2), and Mohammad Siyam, Danial Ali Khan, and Ahmed Hussain (1 each).

The dominant win highlights Pakistan U19’s bowling strength and explosive batting, with Sameer Munhas’ record-breaking century leading the way.

Bangladesh Cricket Board announces series against Pakistan

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Bangladesh Cricket Board

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially announced an upcoming bilateral series against Pakistan, with matches scheduled across March and May 2026.

According to the announcement, the Pakistan cricket team will tour Bangladesh in March 2026 for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. The ODI matches will be played on March 12, 14, and 16, 2026.

In addition, Pakistan will return to Bangladesh in May 2026 for a two-match Test series, which will be part of the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test is scheduled for May 8, followed by the second Test on May 16.

The Pakistan team is set to arrive in Bangladesh on May 4, 2026, ahead of the Test series.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board stated that the venues for both the ODI and Test series will be announced at a later date.

Usman Khawaja announces retirement, speaks out against racial bias

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Usman Khawaja

Sydney: Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket, while also expressing deep disappointment over what he described as racial bias and discriminatory treatment from sections of former players and the media.

During his retirement announcement, Khawaja said he had always felt different within the Australian team, adding that this feeling persists even now and stemmed from his background.

“I have always felt different in the Australian setup. Even today, that feeling remains, and it was because of where I come from,” he said.

Khawaja acknowledged that the Australian cricket team represents the nation’s pride and excellence but revealed that he was often treated differently. “I believe this is Australia’s best team and a source of pride, but in many situations, I felt people behaved differently towards me,” he added.

Highlighting his identity, Khawaja said, “I am a proud Muslim of Pakistani origin who was once told he would never play for Australia. Look at me now — if I can do it, so can you.”

The 39-year-old also addressed criticism surrounding his recent fitness issues, explaining that a back strain was beyond his control. He said verbal attacks from media figures and former players were difficult to endure.

“I could tolerate it for a day or two, but I faced it for almost five days,” he said.

Usman Khawaja will play his 88th and final Test match in Sydney, the same ground where he made his Test debut against England 15 years ago, bringing his distinguished international career full circle.