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Sports

 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.

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.