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Sports

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

Usman Khan confident Pakistan can win T20 World Cup under Coach Mike Hesson

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Usman Khan

Dhaka: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan has expressed confidence that Pakistan has an excellent chance of winning the 2026 T20 World Cup, thanks to the thorough preparation under head coach Mike Hesson.

Speaking during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Usman said, “Our coach Mike Hesson has ensured we are well-prepared ahead of the World Cup. Next month, we will play matches against Sri Lanka and Australia to further fine-tune our skills. The team combination is strong, and we are very confident.”

Representing Dhaka Capitals in the BPL, Usman Khan will join the Pakistan squad in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on January 7 for a three-match T20 series. He emphasized that playing in Sri Lanka will give the team a good opportunity to understand the pitches ahead of the World Cup.

“I am visiting Sri Lanka for the first time. We are focusing on improving our play against fast bowlers, and our goal is to win the series there,” he added.

Usman also highlighted that playing in Bangladesh helped him adjust to different conditions. “I have also played in the UAE, but Pakistan is my priority. Pakistan is my country, and these are my people. I thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to represent Pakistan,” he said.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on February 7 in India, with Pakistan playing all of its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka.

Australia unveils spin-heavy provisional squad ahead of T20 World Cup

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Australia unveils

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been named in a spin-friendly 15-man provisional Australian squad for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup, despite injuries affecting their recent Ashes campaign.

Test skipper Cummins featured in only one of the five Ashes Tests against England in Adelaide, as he continues to recover from a lower back issue, while Hazlewood missed the entire series due to an Achilles injury.

Cummins is scheduled for another back scan later this month to determine his fitness for the tournament, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Hazlewood and big-hitter Tim David (hamstring) are also on the comeback trail but are expected to be ready.

“Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are tracking well, and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup,” said chief selector George Bailey. He added that this is a preliminary squad and changes could be made ahead of the support period.

Left-arm spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly are new additions alongside experienced tweaker Adam Zampa and part-timer Glenn Maxwell. Australia’s group-stage matches will be played in Sri Lanka, where spin-friendly pitches are expected.

In a surprise move, the selectors chose no backup wicketkeeper for Josh Inglis and no left-arm pace replacement for Mitchell Starc, who has retired from T20 internationals. The fast-bowling attack will be led by Cummins and Hazlewood, supported by Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis.

Australia will open their tournament campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo. A separate squad will be named for a T20 series against Pakistan preceding the World Cup.

Provisional Squad: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

FIFA chief lauds Arshad Nadeem’s achievements in javelin throw

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FIFA chief lauds

KARACHI: Pakistani javelin star Arshad Nadeem held a cordial meeting with International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino in Dubai during the Global Sports Summit.

During the meeting, Infantino inquired about Nadeem’s javelin throwing achievements.

In response, Arshad Nadeem shared that his best throw was 92 meters, but he aims to break his own record.

Infantino expressed his best wishes for the athlete’s future endeavors and the two took pictures together.

Interestingly, Gianni Infantino was already aware of Nadeem’s accomplishments, which pleasantly surprised the Pakistani javelin thrower.

Earlier, Arshad Nadeem added another milestone to his illustrious career after receiving the Global Breakthrough Athlete Award at the Global Sports Summit in Dubai, marking a historic moment for Pakistan athletics on the international stage.

The prestigious award was presented by Sheikh Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, son of the Ruler of Dubai, in recognition of Arshad Nadeem’s outstanding performances and his rise as one of the world’s leading javelin throwers.

Federal Information Atta Tarar congratulated Arshad Nadeem on his success.

Australian investor emerges as potential buyer for two new PSL teams

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Australian investor

LAHORE: An Australian investor, Hamza M. Chaudhry, has expressed interest in purchasing two new franchises for the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Speaking at a program organized by the Sports Journalists Association of Lahore, Chaudhry clarified that he would be bidding individually, not as part of a consortium. He emphasized that the draft system is a fair method for player selection, ensuring equal opportunities for all teams.

Chaudhry, who hails from Lahore, expressed particular interest in the Sialkot and Faisalabad franchises. “We will try to acquire a team and further promote cricket. I have returned to my homeland to contribute to Pakistan’s economy,” he said.

He added that he envisions the PSL as a world-class league and intends to play his part in achieving that goal. “We will do our best to make the team win. Even if we are not successful, our passion for sports will continue,” he noted.

Having previously been involved in sports activities in Australia and England, Chaudhry said his team would conduct talent hunts across all proposed cities. “I have been a fan of Lahore Qalandars and now we aim to discover new talent. Our expert team has been working on this for the past one and a half months, and we will manage the team professionally once acquired,” he concluded.

Prominent figures from arts, politics, sports and media passed away in 2025

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Prominent figures

KARACHI: The year 2025 witnessed the loss of several prominent personalities from Pakistan’s arts, politics, sports and media sectors, leaving a lasting impact on their respective fields.

In the political arena, senior leaders Irfan Siddiqui, Mian Manzoor Wattoo, Mian Muhammad Azhar and Agha Siraj Durrani passed away during the year.

Renowned economist and the country’s first female Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Shamshad Akhtar, also died in 2025, marking a significant loss for the financial and academic community.

Among other notable figures, respected intellectual Dr Arifa Syeda Zahra and acclaimed poet Tajammul Kaleem also passed away this year.

The television and film industry mourned the loss of veteran actress Ayesha Khan, along with Humaira Asghar, Humaira Abid Ali, and child star Umar Shah.

Additionally, celebrated artists Anwar Ali, Javed Kodu and Lucky Dear also left the world of entertainment forever.

In the world of sports, former international cricket umpire Khizar Hayat passed away, drawing tributes from the cricketing fraternity.

These losses marked a somber chapter in 2025, as the nation bid farewell to individuals who made enduring contributions to public life, culture, and sports.

Shaheen Afridi recalled from Big Bash League after knee injury

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Shaheen Afridi

SYDNEY: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been recalled from the Big Bash League (BBL) after sustaining a knee injury during the tournament.

While representing Brisbane Heat, Shaheen experienced knee discomfort during the match against Adelaide Strikers on Saturday, December 27. Following the injury, a decision was made to send him back to Pakistan for further assessment and rehabilitation.

Shaheen Afridi is expected to return to Pakistan on Wednesday, where a comprehensive rehabilitation program will be arranged for him at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). In a statement, Brisbane Heat said Shaheen would undergo a re-assessment upon the team’s return from Adelaide.

Taking to social media, Shaheen Afridi confirmed that due to the unexpected injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had advised him to return home immediately. He stated that he would complete his rehab in Pakistan and expressed optimism about making a strong comeback to competitive cricket soon.

The fast bowler also thanked Brisbane Heat and his fans for their continued support during his time in the BBL.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Middle East’s best player award again

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Dubai: Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Middle East’s Best Player award for the third consecutive year, reaffirming his dominance in the region’s football scene.

Ronaldo clinched the honor at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards, held in Dubai on December 27. The 40-year-old forward used the occasion to reiterate his strong determination to reach the historic milestone of 1,000 career goals.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ronaldo said he wants to continue playing at the highest level, win more trophies, and achieve the 1,000-goal mark. “You know my goal. I want to keep playing, win more trophies, and reach 1,000 goals. I will get there, God willing, if I stay injury-free,” he said.

Following his recent two-goal performance for Al-Nassr against Al-Akhdoud, Ronaldo’s career tally has now reached 956 goals, leaving him just 44 goals away from the unprecedented 1,000-goal landmark—an achievement no footballer has officially accomplished to date.

Ronaldo’s latest accolade further cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history and highlights his continued impact even in the later stages of his illustrious career.

Sri Lanka make big move ahead of ICC T20 World Cup

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Sri Lanka

Colombo: Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Sri Lankan cricket team has made a significant leadership change by replacing Charith Asalanka with Dasun Shanaka, who has been reinstated as the T20 team captain.

According to Cricinfo, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board announced that Shanaka will lead the team for the tournament scheduled in February next year and will continue as captain until the conclusion of the event.

The decision on captaincy was delayed due to the expiration of the former selection committee, which was chaired by Appul Tharanga.

Upon announcing the preliminary squad for the World Cup, Sri Lanka’s new chief selector, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, confirmed that Shanaka would helm the team. The choice was made in consultation with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya.

The chief selector stated that the 25-member squad prepared by the previous selection committee has been retained as the initial squad.

After detailed discussions with high-performance head Jerome J. Ratnayake and the coaching staff, this squad was deemed optimal for the tournament.

Wickramasinghe added that Dasun Shanaka is considered as an all-rounder, and his role will be finalized in consultation with the coaching staff in the coming days.

It is noteworthy that Shanaka had been appointed vice-captain during the tri-nation series in Pakistan last month, as Charith Asalanka had to leave the series midway due to illness.

During that tournament, Sri Lanka suffered a defeat against Zimbabwe but managed to reach the final, where they lost to hosts Pakistan.

BBL sees first double century innings, record six-hitting feat

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BBL sees

Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) witnessed history as two centuries were scored in a single innings for the first time, while a record for the most sixes in a match was also set.

In a high-scoring BBL clash in Brisbane, the Brisbane Heat defeated the Perth Scorchers by eight wickets, producing multiple landmark moments. Batting first, the Scorchers piled up a massive 257 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Finn Allen led the charge with 79 runs, while Cooper Connolly contributed a rapid 77.

In response, Brisbane Heat chased down the daunting 258-run target on the fifth ball of the final over, losing just two wickets. Jack Wildermuth starred with an unbeaten 110, while Matt Renshaw smashed 102, as the duo stitched together a record-breaking 212-run partnership — the highest in BBL history.

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This marked the first time two centuries were recorded in a single innings in the league’s history. The match also saw a total of 515 runs scored, along with a record 36 sixes — the most ever hit in a single BBL game.

The 258-run chase was the highest successful run chase in Big Bash League history and the third-highest successful chase in the history of T20 cricket.

Anant Ambani gifts rare watch football star Lionel Messi

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Anant Ambani

Football superstar Lionel Messi has received a rare luxury watch worth approximately $1.3 million (around Rs 364 million) as a gift from Indian billionaire Anant Ambani during his visit to India.

According to British media reports, the exclusive timepiece was presented to Messi by Anant Ambani while the Argentine star was touring the country. The watch is considered extremely rare, with only 12 pieces produced worldwide.

Media reports said the luxury watch features a black carbon fibre case and a skeleton dial that reveals its intricate internal mechanism.

 Images of Messi wearing the high-end watch have since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention from fans around the world.

Messi’s India visit has remained a major talking point, with fans closely following his public appearances and interactions during the tour.