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Sports

Portugal qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 after crushing Armenia

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Portugal qualify

Portugal secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a commanding 9–1 victory over Armenia, despite the absence of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The emphatic win also ensured Portugal finished at the top of their qualifying Group F.

Bruno Fernandes and João Neves were the standout performers, each scoring a hat-trick to lead Portugal to direct qualification for the World Cup.

The triumph came just days after Portugal suffered a 0–2 defeat to Ireland on Thursday, a match in which captain Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card and subsequently suspended, ruling him out of the Armenia clash.

Reacting to the team’s qualification, Ronaldo celebrated the achievement on social media, writing: “We are in the World Cup! Vamos Portugal!”

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring an expanded lineup of 48 teams.

With this qualification, Portugal have booked their place in the World Cup for the ninth time overall and the seventh consecutive edition.

Another blow for Australia: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of first Test

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Josh Hazlewood

SYDNEY: Australia’s preparations for the Ashes series against England have suffered another setback, as fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring strain, Cricket Australia confirmed.

This follows earlier blows with Pat Cummins and Shane Abbott also missing out on the opening Test. Cummins is sidelined with a back issue, while Abbott is recovering from a hamstring strain.

To fill the gap, Michael Neser has been added to the squad for the first Test.

The Ashes series between Australia and England will commence on 21 November in Perth.

Babar Azam joins Saeed Anwar at top with 20 ODI centuries

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Babar Azam

Babar Azam joins Saeed Anwar at top with 20 ODI centuries

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has written his name into the history books by equaling the national record for most ODI centuries by a Pakistani player.

In the second ODI against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Azam struck a superb 102 off 119 balls, matching Saeed Anwar’s long-standing record of 20 ODI hundreds.

Babar reached this milestone in just 136 innings, placing him among the fastest to reach 20 ODI centuries.

 South Africa’s Hashim Amla tops the list with 108 innings, followed by India’s Virat Kohli, who achieved it in 133 innings. In contrast, Saeed Anwar had needed 244 innings to complete his 20 hundreds.

Azam’s latest century serves as a major morale boost for Pakistan cricket and further strengthens his status as one of the premier batsmen in world cricket today.

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has chosen not to engage with critics who questioned his form over the past two years, stating that his job is to play cricket and deliver on the field. He emphasised that his complete focus remains on performance rather than responding to criticism.

Speaking at a press conference after Pakistan’s impressive victory in the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Babar said that although the last two years were challenging, he worked hard on his fitness, batting, and fielding. “Whenever difficult times come, you must trust yourself,” he added.

Babar acknowledged the support he received from fans during tough phases, saying their encouragement gave him great confidence. He said he batted according to the team’s plan, and scoring a century helped restore his self-belief. “I trusted myself to score a hundred,” he noted.

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the second match of the three-match ODI series.

Babar is now the third-fastest player in the world to score 20 ODI centuries in the fewest innings.

PCB concludes valuation of PSL teams and assets

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PCB concludes

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the valuation process for Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises and related assets has been completed.

Following the valuation, all eligible PSL franchises have been sent offers to renew their agreements for the next ten years on revised fee structures. Franchises have been asked to communicate their decisions to PSL management within the given deadline.

To ensure transparency in the decade-long franchise agreements, the PCB has also arranged joint and individual meetings between franchise representatives and the chartered firm EY MENA. These meetings will allow franchise owners to review the valuation methodology and seek clarification on any concerns.

The PCB has additionally received reports from EY MENA regarding the potential pricing of two new PSL franchise teams. The tender process for the sale of these teams will begin soon.

Interested buyers will be allowed to choose from the following cities for their teams: Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, Faisalabad, Gilgit, and Rawalpindi.

The PCB management reiterated its commitment to maintaining fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationships with all PSL stakeholders, noting that the league continues to play a vital role in the growth and global recognition of Pakistan cricket.

PCB revises schedule for Tri-Nation T20 series

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.