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PCB announces PSL roadshow in London on Dec 7

PCB announces

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that a major Pakistan Super League (PSL) roadshow will be held in London on December 7.

According to details, the event is expected to draw global investors, commercial partners, and cricket fans. Preparations to sell two new HBL PSL teams have accelerated, with strong interest emerging from UK-based investors.

The London roadshow aims to promote the league’s vision, commercial model, and future strategy. PSL champions Lahore Qalandars’ captain Shaheen Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf are also expected to attend.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the roadshow at Lord’s reflects the global recognition of Pakistan cricket, adding that the event will further enhance the international appeal of HBL PSL.

Meanwhile, HBL PSL CEO Salman Naseer said the league enjoys strong global following and commercial value, and that the addition of two new teams will create significant opportunities for investors.

Thirty “super fans” will be given special access to the event, with ticket information to be released soon.

HBL PSL is regarded as one of the fastest-growing T20 leagues in the world.

Sarfraz Ahmed appointed as manager and mentor of Pakistan U19 team

Sarfraz Ahmed

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former national captain Sarfraz Ahmed as the manager and mentor of the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team. He will accompany the team for the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in Dubai from 12 to 21 December, with Farhan Yousuf leading the team as captain and Usman Khan serving as vice-captain.

The squad also includes players Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, and Huzaifa Ahsan, along with Momin Qamar, Muhammad Huzaifa, Muhammad Siyyam, Muhammad Shayan, Naqab Shafiq, and Sameer Minhas.

Pakistan announces U19 Asia Cup 2025 squad

Meanwhile, Pakistan has announced its U19 Asia Cup squad for the tournament in Dubai from December 12 to 21, with Farhan Yousuf appointed as captain.

The squad features a blend of talented youngsters, including Abdul sabhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Huzaifa, Muhammad Syyam, Muhammad Shayan, Naqab Shafiq, and Sameer Minhas.

Pakistan will begin its campaign on December 12 against Qualifier 3 at Sevens Stadium, followed by a crucial clash with India on December 14 at the ICC Academy, and a third group match on December 16 against Qualifier 1. The semi-final is scheduled for December 19, with the final on December 21.

The team will be guided by an experienced support staff: Sarfraz Ahmed (Manager/Mentor), Shahid Anwar (Head & Batting Coach), Rao Aftakhar (Bowling Coach), Mansoor Amjad (Fielding Coach), Abrar Ahmed (Trainer), Ubaidullah (Physio), and Ali Hamza (Analyst).

With a star-studded squad and strong leadership, Pakistan aims to make a powerful impact in Asia’s premier youth cricket tournament.

Hasnain Raza wins gold at World Powerlifting Championship

Hasnain Raza wins

Colombo: Pakistan’s Hasnain Raza delivered a stellar performance at the World Powerlifting Championship, claiming the gold medal in the Masters 2 category.

The championship was held from 27 to 30 November in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Competing in the 94kg weight category, Hasnain Raza outperformed all rivals with an impressive display of strength.

He lifted a total of 570kg, including a 250kg deadlift, securing the top podium spot and bringing home the gold medal for Pakistan.

England cricketer Moeen Ali announces to join PSL

England cricketer


After South African skipper Faf du Plessis, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has also decided to skip the Indian Premier League (IPL) and participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In an Instagram post, Moeen Ali described this move as a “time for a new beginning.” He expressed excitement about joining the HBL PSL’s new season, praising the league for its high standards and world-class talent, which he said make it a prominent tournament in T20 cricket.

“Playing in Pakistan has always been a great experience,” Ali wrote. “The quality of cricket and the exceptional passion of the fans inspire you to perform at your best. I am looking forward to creating unforgettable memories and embracing this new and special experience, InshaAllah.”

Recently, South African cricketer Faf du Plessis had announced on social media that he would not participate in the IPL this season, choosing instead to take on the new challenge of playing in the PSL.

Para-Weightlifter Rohit murdered in Haryana over harassment complaint

Para-Weightlifter

Rohtak, Haryana: An international para weightlifter, Rohit, was brutally killed in Rohtak, Haryana, after intervening to stop the harassment of women at a wedding ceremony.

According to Indian media, more than a dozen guests at the wedding attacked Rohit with sticks and weapons following his protest against inappropriate behavior towards women. The injured athlete was initially taken to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

The incident took place in Bhawani village, where Rohit had attended the wedding of his friend Jitan’s relative.

 Reports indicate that during the ceremony, a man named Rahul, reportedly intoxicated, made inappropriate remarks towards women. Rohit confronted him, which led to a brief altercation that was initially resolved by other guests.

However, on their way back, Rahul and his accomplices stopped Rohit’s car and attacked him with rods and sticks. Police were informed immediately after the assault.

Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation, while the search for the suspects is ongoing.

Babar Azam breaks Shahid Afridi’s international catch record

Babar Azam

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has achieved yet another milestone, surpassing former star all-rounder Shahid Afridi to become the Pakistani player with the most catches in international matches.

Babar Azam reached this landmark during the final of the tri-nation T20 series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, where he took the catch of Kusal Mendis. In the final match, he took three catches, bringing his total to 170 international catches, surpassing Shahid Afridi’s 167.

In the all-time list, former captain Younis Khan remains at the top with 281 catches, followed by former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq with 194 catches. Shahid Afridi, who previously held the record, has now moved down the rankings.

Additionally, Babar Azam became Pakistan’s leading fielder in T20 internationals by taking three catches in the same final, bringing his total to 60 catches in T20s. He surpassed Fakhar Zaman, who has 57 catches, while Shoaib Malik holds the third spot with 50 catches.

Kashif Rehan secures World Powerlifting gold despite financial hardships

Kashif Rehan

Quetta: Pakistani weightlifter Kashif Rehan, who travelled to Sri Lanka on borrowed money, has won a gold medal at the World Powerlifting Championship.

Kashif Rehan brought pride to the nation by securing the top position after lifting a total of 310 kilograms, including a 160kg deadlift and a 150kg squat.

More than 350 weightlifters from various countries participated in the competition. Despite financial constraints, Kashif had to borrow money to travel to Sri Lanka and compete.

The World Powerlifting Championship was held in Colombo from November 27 to 30. Prior to this, Kashif had also won a gold medal at the Asian Masters Weightlifting Championship.

Earlier, the gold medallist had revealed that he faced severe hardships in Quetta, where he struggled to arrange funds for international events. For his participation in the Doha championship, he said he received no official support and had to sell his car to compete.

Although he won the Asian Masters Championship in Qatar in May, he had travelled at his own expense. Similarly, he borrowed money again to take part in the powerlifting championship held in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan to face Sri Lanka in tri-nation T20 series final today

Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: The final of the Tri-Nation T20 Series will be played on Saturday between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan secured their spot in the final after winning three out of four matches in the tournament, while Sri Lanka qualified by winning two games. The Sri Lankan side defeated Zimbabwe earlier and overcame Pakistan in their last group match.

Captains Salman Ali Agha and Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka posed with the trophy at a local hotel ahead of the clash.

The decisive encounter between the two teams will take place today at Rawalpindi Stadium, with the match scheduled to start at 6 PM.

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

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

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.