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Sports

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

How many matches will each team play before T20 World Cup?

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T20 World Cup

KARACHI: The preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have reached their final stage, with full-member teams concluding their pre-tournament commitments. The mega event will take place from 7 February to 8 March in India and Sri Lanka.

With the schedule tightening, no full-member nation is expected to play any additional bilateral series before the tournament begins.

Pakistan will play six T20Is ahead of the World Cup — three against Sri Lanka in January and three at home against Australia.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe will go into the tournament without playing any pre-World Cup matches. Australia, however, will play three T20Is against Pakistan, while England will feature in a three-match series in Sri Lanka in January.

India will be the busiest team, playing 10 T20Is in December and January, including a five-match home series against New Zealand. South Africa are currently touring India, and West Indies will tour South Africa for a three-match T20I series.

In total match exposure before the World Cup:

India: 10 matches

South Africa: 8 matches

Pakistan: 6 matches

Sri Lanka (hosts): 6 matches

New Zealand: 5 matches

Australia, England, West Indies: 3 matches each

With final preparations underway, teams are now gearing up for the global showdown beginning in early February.

Lionel Messi secures second consecutive MLS MVP title

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Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the MVP award in back-to-back seasons.

The Inter Miami superstar played a pivotal role in his team’s 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps, registering two assists to help the club secure its first MLS Cup. Messi also claimed the MLS Golden Boot, finishing the 2025 regular season with 29 goals.

Across 28 matches in 2025, the 38-year-old contributed to 48 goals, combining goals and assists—the second-highest total for a single season. Messi recorded at least three goal contributions in nine different matches, setting another MLS record.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also became the first MLS player to achieve 10 multi-goal games in a single season, surpassing the previous record of eight held by Stern John, Mamadou Diallo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Additionally, Messi scored in five consecutive matches from May 28 to July 12, marking the first time an MLS player recorded a multi-goal streak longer than four games and netting 10 goals during that period.

Messi recently extended his Inter Miami contract through the end of the 2028 season. He has been named in two MLS Best XI selections and won over 70% of the MVP vote, far ahead of runner-up San Diego winger Anders Dreyer, who received just over 11%.

The MLS MVP award, presented since 1996, is voted on by club technical staff, media, and current players.

The Argentine legend adds this accolade to a glittering career that includes the 2022 World Cup, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, two World Cup Golden Balls, three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards, six European Golden Shoes, eight Pichichi trophies, and 15 Argentine Footballer of the Year awards.

Messi has yet to confirm whether he will represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Pakistan women’s football team included in FIFA series for first time

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Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Women’s Football Team has been officially included in the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) series for the first time.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) confirmed that the FIFA’s approval acknowledges the growing development of women’s football in Pakistan. This marks a new era for the national team, providing players with opportunities to compete at the international level.

The FIFA women’s series is scheduled to take place in March and April 2026, beginning in Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Thailand. Additionally, all groups for the women’s FIFA series are expected to be announced in early 2026.

PCB issues NOCs to nine national cricketers for BPL

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PCB issues

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to nine national cricketers for participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

The updated NOC list allows these players to take part in the tournament until January 23, 2026.

Among the notable names granted NOCs are Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, and Sahibzada Farhan. Other players include Hussain Talat, Ihsanullah, Haider Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khawaja Nafay, and Salman Arshad.

The Bangladesh Premier League is scheduled to take place from December 26, 2025, to January 24, 2026.

Australia announce squad for third Ashes Test against England

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Australia announce

Adelaide: Australia have named a 15-member squad for the third Ashes Test against England, with captain Pat Cummins returning to lead the side. Usman Khawaja has also been retained despite concerns over a back injury.

Cummins, who missed the first two matches, will resume captaincy duties in Adelaide. Khawaja was dropped from the playing XI in the second Test, where debutant opener Jack Weatherald impressed with a maiden half-century at the Gabba, but the veteran batter has been included in the squad for the upcoming Test.

Due to the strong opening partnership between Travis Head and Jack Weatherald, Khawaja’s return as opener appears unlikely. However, his versatility keeps him in contention for a middle-order slot. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are set to continue at No.3 and No.4, while the final middle-order combination remains undecided with Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Josh Inglis under consideration.

All-rounder Beau Webster has also been included and is being viewed as a strong option for both middle-order batting and bowling depth, especially if there are fitness concerns over Cummins or other pacers.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who starred in the second Test, said the team have started the series strongly but must not become complacent. He stressed that despite leading 2-0, the Ashes are far from over as England remain a formidable opponent.

Australia, mindful of the 2023 Ashes where they let a 2-0 advantage slip to finish 2-2, are aiming to approach the third match with caution and a solid strategy.

Fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser may miss out on the final XI due to Cummins’ return and the expected inclusion of Nathan Lyon, who was left out of a home Test for the first time in 13 years in Brisbane.

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the series due to hamstring and calf injuries, while Jhye Richardson is recovering from shoulder surgery and will train with the squad in Adelaide.

The third Ashes Test begins on December 17 at Adelaide Oval.

Australia Squad:

Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jack Weatherald, Beau Webster.

Pakistan Army extends lead with 48 gold medals in National Games

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Pakistan Army

KARACHI: Pakistan Army has strengthened its lead in the National Games by securing 48 gold medals. WAPDA stands second with 14 golds, while Pakistan Navy holds the third position with 7 gold medals.

Nine-year-old Kainat Ibrahim from Sindh became the youngest athlete to win a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters event.

In men’s football, teams from Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force have advanced to the semi-finals. The semi-final matches are scheduled for December 10, with the final set for December 12.

WAPDA athletes Samiullah and Faiqa Riaz claimed gold in the 100 meters sprint, earning the titles of Pakistan’s fastest male and female athletes, respectively.

Arshad Nadeem also won gold in the javelin throw. So far, 11 gold medals have been decided in the athletics events at the National Games.

Australian Cricket delegation arrives in Lahore ahead of T20 series

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Australian Cricket

LAHORE: A recce team from Cricket Australia has arrived in Lahore to assess arrangements for the upcoming tour of Pakistan.

According to sources, the team is scheduled to inspect the venues, including Gaddafi Stadium, the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and the LCCA Ground.

During the visit, officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and security agencies will brief the delegation on preparations and security measures.

Australia’s T20 squad is expected to tour Pakistan late next month, with a three-match T20I series planned between the two sides. Sources indicate that all three fixtures are likely to be hosted in Lahore.

Geoffrey Boycott slams England after second Ashes Test defeat

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Geoffrey Boycott

LONDON: Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has strongly criticised the national side following their defeat against Australia in the second Ashes Test, labelling the team “irresponsible and useless”.

Boycott lashed out at Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, saying they believe only they understand modern Test cricket. “We should stop listening to them now,” he remarked.

Boycott termed the performance in Brisbane a “horror show”, blaming reckless batting and short-length bowling. He insisted that this Australian side was beatable. With England trailing 0-2 in the five-match series, the former captain said the team now needs a miracle. “With this batting and bowling, England can’t win,” he added.

He further stated that England had been planning for this Ashes series for four years, but are now performing poorly. “No one in the England setup is willing to listen to anyone outside their camp. Test cricket has changed, and they think they alone know modern-day cricket,” said Boycott.

Commenting on batter Harry Brook, Boycott questioned his shot selection and footwork, saying fans want to know what is going on in his mind, as he is failing to move his feet effectively on Australian pitches.

Australia won the first two Tests convincingly to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series.

PSL promotion drive held at Lord’s to attract new investment

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PSL promotion

LONDON: A promotional roadshow for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was organised at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London to enhance global outreach and invite fresh investment into the league.

The event aimed to highlight PSL’s vision, commercial model, and future strategy. Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, along with other national cricketers, attended the roadshow, while Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also present and briefed participants about the league’s structure and future prospects.

The PSL continues to gain popularity internationally and is among the most-searched sports events on Google, even drawing strong traction from India.

HBL PSL is recognised as one of the fastest growing T20 leagues in world cricket.

First test between New Zealand and West Indies ends in draw

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First test

The opening Test match between New Zealand and West Indies at Christchurch concluded in a draw after a remarkable batting display from the West Indies in the final innings.

Chasing a massive target of 531 runs, the visitors held their ground with resilience, finishing at 457 for 6 after 163.3 overs. Justin Greaves played a historic innings, remaining unbeaten on 202 off 388 balls, while Kemar Roach provided strong support with an unbeaten 58 from 233 deliveries.

The pair added a crucial 180-run partnership for the seventh wicket, ensuring the match ended without a result. Earlier, Shai Hope contributed significantly with a superb 140-run knock.

New Zealand earlier posted 231 in the first innings, followed by 466/8 declared in the second. West Indies were dismissed for 167 in their first innings, but a valiant batting effort in the fourth innings saved them from defeat.

For his outstanding double-century, Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match.