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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.

Another medal confirmed for Pakistan at Islamic Solidarity Games

Another medal

RIYADH: Pakistan has locked in another medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, thanks to an impressive display by its athletes.

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah advanced to the semi-finals of the 55kg category at the Islamic Solidarity Games.

In the quarter-final bout, Qudratullah defeated Palestinian boxer Yousuf Abdul Aziz.

With the Pakistani boxer completely dominating the fight, the referee stopped the contest in the second round and declared Qudratullah the winner.

Earlier, Arusha Saeed made the nation proud by winning a bronze medal in Kurash at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh.

Pakistan beats South Africa by 5 wickets in Hong Kong Sixes QF

Pakistan

HONG KONG: Pakistan registered a 5-wicket victory over South Africa in the second quarterfinal of the Hong Kong Sixes tournament.

Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi won the toss and opted to bowl first. South Africa posted 102 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 6 overs.

Jork van scored 40 runs, while Abdullah Bayumi and captain Jordan Morris managed 1 run each. Balki Samjman and Yethan John remained unbeaten on 26 and 29 runs respectively. Mohammad Shehzad took 3 crucial wickets for Pakistan.

Chasing the target, Pakistan reached 105 for the loss of 1 wicket in just 3.5 overs to secure the win. Opener Abdul Samad played a spectacular innings, smashing six sixes in 10 balls to score 50 runs.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafees contributed 36 runs, while captain Abbas Afridi added 12 runs off 2 balls, hitting 2 sixes.

Pakistan will advance to the semifinals following this convincing performance.

Pakistan’s Arusha Saeed wins bronze in Kurash at Islamic Solidarity Games

Pakistan’s Arusha

RIYADH: Pakistan’s Arusha Saeed made the nation proud by winning a bronze medal in Kurash at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh.

Arusha secured the bronze in the women’s 57kg Kurash category after delivering an impressive performance against some of the world’s top athletes. This is Pakistan’s first medal at the 2025 edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Displaying exceptional skill, determination and resilience, Arusha proved that Pakistani women are fully capable of competing — and excelling — on the global stage.

The Pakistan Kurash team was led by head coach Muhammad Saad, with Muhammad Rafiq and Shahzaib Nawaz playing key roles in preparing and training the athletes. Their dedication and professional guidance were instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Nawab Furqan Khan, Pakistan’s representative to the International Kurash Association (IKA), congratulated Arusha, the coaches, and the entire team. He said the achievement is a moment of pride for Pakistan and reflects the growing presence of Pakistani athletes in traditional and martial sports internationally.

He added that Arusha’s remarkable performance serves as an inspiration for young Pakistani women, encouraging them to participate in international competitions with confidence and ambition.

Clip of Usman Khawaja praying with his daughters goes viral

Usman Khawaja

A video of Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja offering prayers alongside his two young daughters has gone viral across social media platforms.

The clip shows Khawaja praying with his daughters standing beside him, a moment that has resonated widely with viewers. The video has garnered significant appreciation, with users praising the cricketer for setting a positive example.

Social media users have also expressed admiration for Khawaja’s humility and values, extending prayers and well-wishes for him and his family.

One social media user commented on the viral video, saying, “Children follow in their parents’ footsteps.” Another user simply wrote, “Legend and role model.”

According to media reports, Usman Khawaja married Rachel in 2017 after she embraced Islam prior to their Nikah. Later, on April 6, 2018, the couple held a cultural and traditional wedding ceremony.

Usman and Rachel Khawaja are parents to two daughters, Aisha Raheel and Ayla Fozia.

Pakistan down Kuwait in Hong Kong Sixes opener

Pakistan

Pakistan made a winning start to the Hong Kong Sixes tournament by defeating Kuwait by four wickets in their opening match. Skipper Abbas Afridi won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Kuwait put up an impressive total of 123 for 2 in the allotted six overs. Opener Adnan Idrees scored 17, while Bilal Tahir contributed 24 runs. Meet Bhusur remained unbeaten on 41, and wicketkeeper-batter Usman Patel scored an unbeaten 31.

For Pakistan, Abbas Afridi and Muaz Sadaqat picked up one wicket each.

Pakistan chased down the target with one wicket down. Khawaja Nafeh remained not out on 25, while Shahid Aziz contributed an unbeaten 23. Mohammad Shehzad retired hurt after scoring 14, and Abdullah Samad was dismissed without scoring.

Captain Abbas Afridi was the star of the innings, smashing a blistering 55 runs off just 12 balls, including one four and eight sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Kuwait’s lone wicket was taken by Muhammad Shafiq. Pakistan will face India later today in their second match of the tournament.

Pakistani-Origin Naima Sheikh wins Scotland’s National Sports Scholarship

Pakistani-Origin

LAHORE: Pakistani-origin Scottish cricketer Nayma Sheikh has become the first-ever cricketer to receive the prestigious Winning Students 100 Scotland National Sports Scholarship.

According to Cricket Scotland, Nayma Sheikh is the first player from Scottish cricket to be selected for this national-level sports scholarship program.

The Winning Students initiative supports more than 1,700 student-athletes across Scotland, providing academic and athletic assistance based on educational qualifications and sporting performance.

Cricket Scotland said Nayma Sheikh is currently pursuing a degree in Accountancy and Finance at the University of Glasgow. This year, 105 student-athletes from 31 different sports disciplines have been awarded scholarships to help them excel in both education and competition.

Speaking about the achievement, Nayma Sheikh said, “It’s an honor to be the first cricketer, male or female, to receive this scholarship. It will give me the opportunity to progress further in both my studies and my game.”

Naima Sheikh made her international debut for Scotland in 2023 and has represented the national side in two One Day Internationals and seven T20 matches so far.