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PCB revises schedule for Tri-Nation T20 series

PCB revises

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revised the schedule for the upcoming Tri-Nation T20 Series following changes to the remaining ODI matches against Sri Lanka.

According to the PCB, all matches of the three-nation tournament, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will now be played in Rawalpindi from 18 to 29 November. Previously, matches were scheduled between 17 and 29 November in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The board stated that the schedule adjustment was made in consultation with the respective boards and based on operational considerations.

Earlier, the PCB had also rescheduled the remaining two ODIs against Sri Lanka, which will now be played on 14 and 16 November, instead of the original dates of 13 and 15 November, as confirmed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi via social media.

Sania Mirza opens up about challenges of motherhood and life after divorce

Sania Mirza

MUMBAI/DUBAI: Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza spoke candidly about the toughest period of her life during a conversation with filmmaker Farah Khan on her show “Serving It Up with Sania”.

Discussing the challenges of raising her son alone after her divorce, Farah Khan remarked, “Sania is now a single mother, and there is no task harder than being a single parent. Each of us has our own journey in life, and we must choose what’s best.”

Sania shared that balancing motherhood, work, and studies often leaves her exhausted. She revealed that there was a moment when she was in extreme distress, and it was Farah Khan’s support on set that enabled her to go live for the show. “If Farah hadn’t been there, I couldn’t have done the show,” she said.

Farah Khan admitted that she was shocked to see Sania experience a panic attack, something she had never witnessed before, and was deeply concerned during her friend’s most difficult time.

Sania Mirza and cricketer Shoaib Malik finalized their divorce in 2024. The couple shares a son, Izhaan Mirza Malik.

Zimbabwe Cricket team arrives in Islamabad for Tri-Nation T20 series

Zimbabwe Cricket

ISLAMABAD: The Zimbabwe cricket team has arrived in Islamabad to participate in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20 Series. The team will rest today ahead of the start of the tournament.

The series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, is scheduled to begin on 18 November in Rawalpindi.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revised the tournament schedule, with all matches now set to be played in Rawalpindi from 18 to 29 November. Previously, matches were planned in both Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.

Sri Lankan squad stays in Pakistan after PCB’s security assurance

Sri Lankan

KARACHI: The Sri Lankan cricket team’s manager has confirmed that no player will be returning home and that all members of the squad will remain in Pakistan for the ongoing series.

The team manager clarified that “all Sri Lankan players are staying in Pakistan, and no one is leaving the tour.”

Earlier, reports had suggested that some Sri Lankan players were considering returning home, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take urgent measures to ensure the continuation of the ODI and Tri-Nation series.

PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan players and assured them of enhanced security arrangements. Following these assurances, the Sri Lankan team decided to continue the tour.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) also confirmed that Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had personally briefed the players regarding security protocols. The board stated that if any player opted out of the remaining matches, suitable replacements would be arranged.

Sri Lanka is scheduled to play the remaining two ODIs against Pakistan before participating in the Tri-Nation Series, also to be held in Pakistan.

“Players are not machines,” says Haris Rauf amid criticism

Haris Rauf

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf has emphasized that winning matches is his top priority and expressed his readiness to play Test cricket if given the opportunity.

Speaking to the media after Pakistan’s thrilling victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI, Haris Rauf noted that bowling in cold weather conditions can be challenging.

He also shared his frustration, saying that people tend to forget ten good performances and remember just one poor outing, expecting players to deliver consistently in every match.

Rauf added, “People think players are robots. We are not machines; we make mistakes too, but we have confidence in ourselves.”

Earlier, Pakistan secured a narrow 6-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first match of the three-ODI series, gaining a 1-0 lead.

Chasing Pakistan’s target of 300 runs, Sri Lanka managed 293 runs in their allotted 50 overs.

At Pindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first. Pakistan posted a total of 299 for 5 wickets, thanks to an unbeaten 105-run innings by Salman Agha.

Jonty Rhodes expresses concern over Delhi’s air quality

Jonty Rhodes

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes expressed concern over Delhi’s worsening air quality during a recent visit to India.

Rhodes shared comparative images of Delhi and Goa on social media platform X, highlighting the stark difference in air conditions.

Alongside the photos, he wrote, “Thankful that we live in South Goa where our children can play football outside, whereas in Delhi, children are told to stay indoors.”

It is worth noting that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) can reach up to 400 as winter approaches, making outdoor activities hazardous.

COAS lauds Military College Jhelum’s role in nurturing leadership

COAS lauds

RAWALPINDI: The closing ceremony of 45th Pakistan Army Rifle Association (PARA) Central Meet was held at Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), Jhelum. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 45th PARA Central Meet 2025 was conducted from 01 October to 10 November 2025.  Over 2000 participants from Pakistan Army, Air Force, Navy, Civil Armed Forces, Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan and Federal Rifle Associations displayed their shooting skills with full zeal and enthusiasm.

Pak Army won the 3rd Inter Services Combat Shooting Championship 2025 by winning all Four Inter Services Matches. Punjab Regiment won The Unit Firing Proficiency Match Group-I. Sepoy Muhammad Irfan of Punjab Regiment won the title of The Master at Arms. Naib Subedar Umar Farooq of Army Marksmanship Unit won The Army Hundred Rifle Match Trophy.

The COAS, while interacting with the participants, commended their outstanding marksmanship and emphasized that “mastery in shooting must remain a core objective of military training.”

Later, the COAS also attended the centenary celebrations of Military College Jhelum (MCJ) as Chief Guest. COAS inaugurated the Centenary Monument and College Museum, honoring a century of excellence and preserving the institution’s rich heritage.

He lauded the institution’s role in nurturing leadership, discipline, and patriotism, commending Alamgirians’ contributions to Pakistan and its Armed Forces. COAS also laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada.

Upon arrival, COAS was received by Commander Rawalpindi Corps and Inspector General Training & Evaluation (IGT&E).

Cricket qualification formula for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics unveiled

Cricket qualification

The participation formula for cricket teams at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics has been revealed, following detailed discussions at an ICC board meeting.

Cricket was last featured in the Olympics in Paris 1900, and its inclusion in 2028 marks a major return to the Games.

According to media reports, the ICC governing body has confirmed the participation of six men’s and six women’s teams in the Olympic cricket events. However, the proposed formula does not guarantee a Pakistan-India clash at the Olympics.

Earlier, there was an idea to have the top six teams from the ICC T20 rankings qualify directly, but the new proposal focuses on top teams from each continent. The sixth team will earn its spot through a Global Qualifier tournament.

An ICC board member explained that five teams will qualify from their respective continents, while the sixth team will come through the Global Qualifier. The ICC is expected to announce the official qualification details soon.

Based on current rankings, India (Asia), Australia (Oceania), England (Europe), and South Africa (Africa) are likely to qualify. The USA, as host nation, may receive a spot, or the West Indies could take the place. Further details regarding the Global Qualifier will be shared by the ICC in the coming months.

Rain causes multi-million dollar loss for Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia

Brisbane: Heavy rain in Brisbane caused Cricket Australia to incur a loss of approximately AUD 1 million (around PKR 181.7 million) during the fifth T20 match between Australia and India.

The match was abandoned after less than six overs of play due to rain and lightning. As per T20 rules, with fewer than six overs bowled, fans were eligible for full refunds. 31,074 spectators attending the match received complete ticket refunds, making it one of the costliest nights for Cricket Australia.

India had scored 52 runs without loss in 4.5 overs before the match was halted. Lightning in nearby areas forced players off the field for safety, and the subsequent heavy rainfall led officials to call off the game entirely.

The abandoned match also meant that Australia lost the opportunity to level the T20 series, giving India a 2-1 series victory.

Pakistan clinches semi-final victory over Australia in Hong Kong Sixes

Pakistan clinches

In a thrilling semi-final of the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, Pakistan edged out Australia by just one run to secure a place in the final.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 121 runs in 6 overs. In response, Australia managed 120 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 6 overs, falling just short of the target.

Khawaja Nafay was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings, scoring 50 runs off 14 balls before retiring hurt.

From Pakistan’s bowling lineup, Shahid Aziz, Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Shehzad claimed one wicket each, playing key roles in restricting the Australian chase.