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Sports

Iran to boycott FIFA World Cup draw in Washington over US visa denial

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Iran

TEHRAN: Iran has announced a boycott of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026 draw scheduled to be held in Washington on December 5, after the United States refused to issue visas to key members of its delegation.

According to Iranian Football Federation spokesperson Amir Mehdi Alavi, the Iranian delegation will not attend the ceremony because the US issued visas to only four officials while denying entry to several others, including the team’s head coach and Federation President Mehdi Taj.

The spokesperson termed the US decision a violation of sporting principles. Reports indicate that the Iranian Football Federation has officially informed FIFA of its decision.

It is worth noting that Iran qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in March.

Key match: Pakistan faces Sri Lanka today at Rawalpindi Stadium

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Key match

 RAWALPINDI: The sixth match of the three-nation cricket series will be played today between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Both teams are set to compete fiercely, with table points adding intensity to the encounter. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face off this evening at 6:00 PM in a crucial match at Rawalpindi Stadium.

Currently, Pakistan leads the table with 6 points, while Sri Lanka has 2 points.

Authorities have implemented tight security arrangements at the stadium and surrounding areas. Heavy police contingents will be deployed along all routes during the teams’ arrival and departure. The Metro Bus service will be partially suspended during these periods to facilitate smooth movement.

Expert police snipers have been stationed on nearby high-rise buildings, and VIP parking will be restricted to vehicles with proper stickers only.

Cricket fans have been advised to carry valid identification when entering the stadium. All officers and security personnel have been instructed to remain vigilant on the field and monitor any suspicious individuals or activities during the match.

FIFA reduces Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban following meeting with Trump

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FIFA reduces

International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has issued a special ruling for Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, reducing his suspension to one match after receiving a red card, just days after the striker met with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ronaldo, 40, was initially facing a three-match ban for violent conduct during Portugal’s recent match against Ireland, which would have sidelined him for Portugal’s 2026 World Cup opener.

However, FIFA cited that this was the first red card of Ronaldo’s international career spanning more than two decades, leading to the shortened suspension.

The striker had already served his ban in the subsequent match against Armenia, making him eligible for Portugal’s opening World Cup fixture.

Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez previously defended Ronaldo, arguing that his on-field outburst did not constitute violent conduct.

FIFA clarified that if Ronaldo commits a similar offense during the probationary period, the remaining two-match suspension will be enforced immediately.

The special ruling comes shortly after Ronaldo’s high-profile meetings with President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the latter’s visit to the United States.

ACC announces schedule for Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025

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ACC announces

DUBAI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced the schedule for the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025, which will be held in Dubai from 12 to 21 December.

The tournament will feature eight teams, including Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, with three additional teams joining through qualifiers.

Group A will comprise Pakistan, India, and two qualifier teams (Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 3), while Group B will include Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Qualifier 2.

The highly anticipated Pakistan vs India match is scheduled for 14 December. Both semi-finals will take place on 19 December, with the final set for 21 December.

Cristiano Ronaldo stuns fans with spectacular bicycle kick goal at 40

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, even at the age of 40, continues to outshine younger players with his exceptional skill and fitness.

Ronaldo, who has become one of the world’s most popular footballers due to his mastery, speed, and precision, has further boosted his fame since joining the Saudi Arabian league.

In a recent match, the star forward scored a stunning overhead bicycle kick goal, leaving fans in awe.

Remarkably, Ronaldo executed this brilliant goal in the 96th minute, a time when most players are usually exhausted, showcasing his extraordinary fitness and endurance.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule to be announced today

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ICC T20

The schedule for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be unveiled today in Mumbai, with the tournament set to run from 7 February to 8 March. India and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting the mega event.

According to sources, the 20 participating teams have been divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the Super Eight stage—similar to the previous format. The eight teams in the Super Eight will be placed into two groups, from which the top two sides will advance to the semi-finals.

Sources confirm that Pakistan and India have been placed in the same group, which also features the USA, Namibia and the Netherlands. The much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash is scheduled for 15 February.

Other group allocations include:

Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman in one group

England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy in another

South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, Canada in the remaining group

Sources also indicate that Pakistan and India will face each other in Colombo, and the Pakistan team will play all its matches in Sri Lanka.

Matches in India are planned for Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lankan venues include Colombo and Kandy.

Ahmedabad is being considered as the venue for the final; however, if Pakistan qualifies, the final will be moved to Colombo.

For the semi-finals, Mumbai and Kolkata have been shortlisted, but again, if Pakistan reaches the last four, the semi-final will take place in Colombo.

Quetta Gladiators renew PSL agreement for another 10 years

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Quetta Gladiators

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators have become the third franchise—after Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi—to renew their partnership with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for an additional 10 years.

The PSL officially confirmed the extension, stating that the new agreement with Quetta Gladiators has been finalized under an updated valuation conducted by international firm EY MENA.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his satisfaction over the renewed partnership, praising franchise owner Nadeem Omar for his longstanding contributions to the league. He highlighted that Omar’s continued trust reflects the PSL’s growing credibility.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer also welcomed the extension, noting that the partnership with Quetta Gladiators will become even stronger. He commended the franchise’s passion and commitment, adding that Nadeem Omar’s support goes “beyond expectations,” and that Quetta Gladiators remain one of the PSL’s most solid franchises due to their popularity and performance.

Pakistan clinch ACC Rising Stars title after dramatic super over win

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Pakistan clinch

Pakistan Shaheens edged out Bangladesh A in a thrilling final to win the ACC Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup title, sealing victory in the Super Over after the match ended in a tie.

Both teams posted 125 runs each in their 20 overs, forcing the match into a Super Over decider.

In the Super Over, Bangladesh A were bowled out for just 6 runs, while Pakistan comfortably chased the 7-run target in four deliveries, securing the championship.

Earlier in the Doha final, Bangladesh A won the toss and opted to field first. On a challenging pitch for batting, Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 125 runs in 20 overs.

Saad Masood top-scored with 38, followed by Arafat Minhas with 25 and Muaz Sadaqat with 23. Bangladesh’s Rapon Mondol took three wickets.

Pakistan’s bowlers then put Bangladesh A under pressure from the outset. By the 18th over, Bangladesh A were struggling at 96 for 9, still requiring 27 runs off the final two overs with only one wicket remaining.

A tight 19th over from Shahid Aziz, which went for 20 runs, revived Bangladesh’s hopes. However, Ahmed Daniyal delivered an exceptional final over, restricting the opposition to 125 and forcing the match into a Super Over.

Pakistan dominated the Super Over to claim the title in dramatic fashion.

ICC T20 World Cup groups and Pakistan-India match details revealed

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ICC T20

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played from February 7 to March 8, with the official schedule set to be announced on November 25.

According to media reports, 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five teams each. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 8 stage. Pakistan and India have been drawn in the same group, with their clash scheduled on February 15 in Colombo.

It is expected that Netherlands, Namibia, and USA will also be in the Pakistan-India group, while the host nation Sri Lanka will have Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman in its group.

Meanwhile, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Italy are likely to form one group, while South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada will be in another.

Match venues in India include Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lanka will host matches in Colombo and Kandy. Pakistan will play its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka.

Ahmedabad has been selected as the final venue, but if Pakistan reaches the final, it will be played in Colombo. Semi-finals are scheduled for Mumbai and Kolkata, with venue selection dependent on the semi-finalist teams; Pakistan’s semi-final, if qualified, will be held in Sri Lanka.

Brazilian Star Vinícius Júnior becomes most popular athlete online

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Brazilian Star Vinícius

Brazilian football sensation Vinícius Júnior has emerged as the most popular athlete online, surpassing Portugal’s star Cristiano Ronaldo, according to international media reports.

Vinícius gained 1.5 million Instagram followers in a single month, with over 314,000 media reports published about him during the same period. His hashtags on Instagram reached a total of 1.4 million mentions.

Cristiano Ronaldo ranked second in online popularity, while he remains the richest athlete in the world according to Forbes.

In global football rankings, Vinícius Júnior is currently 46th, whereas Cristiano Ronaldo holds the top spot.

The report also highlighted that footballers dominate the list of the world’s most popular athletes, with five footballers featured in the top 10, including Kylian Mbappé of France, who ranks third.