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Sports

Latest Pakistan cricket, football and sports news, match updates, team developments and analysis from Pakistan and around the world.

FIFA President backs Ronaldo as Portugal star closes in on 1,000 career goals

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FIFA President

PARIS: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly backed Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portugal and Al-Nassr star moves closer to an unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals.

The brief exchange took place during the Esports World Cup in Paris, where Ronaldo greeted Infantino. The FIFA president referred to the striker’s goal tally and said, “23 to go? I wish you luck!”

Ronaldo currently leads the active men’s scoring charts with 977 career goals, while Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is second with 923, according to the figures cited in the report.

At 41, Ronaldo remains one of the most prolific scorers in men’s football. He has scored 130 goals for Al-Nassr and needs 23 more goals to reach the 1,000 mark.

Ronaldo closes in on historic milestone

Ronaldo added to his tally after coming off the bench to score in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 Saudi Pro League victory. He found the net seven minutes after entering the game.

His career tally includes goals scored for both club and country, with his pursuit of 1,000 goals continuing to attract worldwide attention.

Messi, 39, remains the closest active player to Ronaldo in the scoring race, with 923 career goals for club and country.

Ronaldo’s next challenge

Al-Nassr’s domestic and regional commitments could provide Ronaldo with numerous opportunities to reach the milestone in the coming months if he maintains his scoring rate.

The veteran forward is also being managed carefully by Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou, with the club aiming to keep him in top form throughout the season.

Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals has become one of the most closely watched individual milestones in world football, with every goal bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner closer to history.

Pakistan beat Japan 4-3 for first Hockey World Cup win in 16 years

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Pakistan

Pakistan secured its first Hockey World Cup victory in 16 years on Saturday, defeating Japan 4-3 in a classification match in the Netherlands.

The win came in the ninth-to-16th place classification round after Pakistan was eliminated from contention for the World Cup title following three matches without a victory in the opening stage.

Pakistan had fallen two goals behind at one point but produced a strong comeback to seal the win. Moin Shakeel captained the side in place of Abubakar, who missed the match because of an injury.

Rana Waheed scored twice for Pakistan, while Hammaduddin and Hannan Shahid scored one goal each.

The victory marked Pakistan’s first win at the ongoing World Cup and ended a 6,017-day wait for a World Cup victory. Pakistan’s previous World Cup win came in 2010, when it defeated Spain 2-1.

Pakistan, a four-time world champion, failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. It went winless at the 2018 tournament and failed to qualify for the 2023 edition before returning to the World Cup in 2026 after an eight-year absence.

England beat Pakistan by innings and 103 runs in first Test

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England beat

LEEDS, England: England thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley on Friday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

England were bowled out for 409 in their first innings on the third day, securing a 238-run lead after Pakistan were dismissed for 171. Harry Brook top-scored for England with 91, while Jordan Cox made 73.

Pakistan, beginning their second innings 238 runs behind, again struggled with the bat and were bowled out for just 135 in 38 overs.

Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for a duck, while Aizaan Awais scored nine, Abdullah Shafique 15, Saud Shakeel 14 and captain Salman Ali Agha four. Shan Masood made 29 and Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 41.

England bowlers Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue took three wickets each to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Earlier, Pakistan’s Ali Usman claimed five wickets and Khurram Shahzad took three as England were restricted to 409.

The victory gives England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Test is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on Aug. 27.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged that England outclassed his side in every department during the first Test, saying Pakistan failed to perform consistently and could not execute its plans.

Salman said consistency was essential to winning in England and stressed that any team could make a comeback in cricket.

“Our team has the ability, but we could not execute our plans,” Salman said.

He said playing in England had always been challenging for Pakistan and the team had arrived only a week before the Test, leaving limited time to adjust to the conditions.

Salman said Pakistan were currently going through a rebuilding phase and acknowledged that their bowling attack lacked experience. He added that the team was focused on preparing for the future.

The stand-in captain also admitted that he, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel had struggled for form.

“I accept that I, Rizwan and Saud have not been performing,” Salman said, adding that their lack of form was a concern.

He expressed hope that Babar Azam would recover in time for the next Test and said Pakistan would need to improve significantly in away series.

“We have not been able to play well in away series,” Salman said.

England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from Aug. 27.

FIFA suspends Argentina players after World Cup final clash

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FIFA suspends

NEW YORK: FIFA has imposed lengthy suspensions and fines on several Argentina players and a team official following clashes after the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee. His teammate Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches and fined $90,000.

Thiago Almada and Pablo Martin Paez Gavira were each handed one-match suspensions and fined $30,000. Argentina team official Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.

The sanctions followed an investigation into clashes involving players and officials from both teams after the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

FIFA also fined the Argentine Football Association (AFA) a total of $321,000 for several violations, including team misconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, and breaches of security regulations.

Argentina were ordered to play their next two home matches at 50% stadium capacity, although one of the restrictions was suspended.

FIFA also directed that $100,000 of the AFA’s fine be allocated to measures aimed at combating discrimination, while another $100,000 portion of the penalty was suspended.

The disciplinary action came after a report by a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor appointed to investigate the incidents following the final.

FIFA said the player suspensions would apply to the players’ next matches for their national team. The parties have 10 days to request the detailed reasoning behind the decisions and may appeal under FIFA regulations.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the July 19 final to win the 2026 World Cup title.

Football great Roberto Carlos reportedly enters Islam

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Football great

ISTANBUL: A member of Turkey’s ruling party has claimed that former Brazil football star Roberto Carlos has converted to Islam, although the retired player has not publicly confirmed the report.

Turkish media reported Thursday that Ali Sahin, a member of Turkey’s parliament, made the claim after meeting representatives of Brazil’s Muslim community in Sao Paulo.

Sahin said Sheikh Jihad Hamadeh, a prominent figure in Brazil’s Muslim community, told him that Carlos visited him about four weeks ago and recited the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, in the presence of representatives of several Islamic organizations.

Sahin congratulated Carlos on his reported conversion and expressed his best wishes for the former football star.

However, Carlos, 53, has not issued any public statement confirming that he has converted to Islam.

Carlos is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history. He enjoyed a highly successful international career with Brazil and played for several major European clubs, including Real Madrid. He also joined Turkish club Fenerbahce in 2007.

First Test: Pakistan collapse to 171 against England

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First Test

LEEDS, England: Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed in the first innings of the opening Test against England, with the entire team bowled out for 171 in 48.1 overs on Wednesday.

England captain Joe Root won the toss and elected to bowl first in the three-match Test series at Leeds.

Pakistan got off to a disastrous start as opener Azzan Owais was dismissed lbw by Ollie Robinson off the first ball of the innings. Shan Masood was then trapped lbw by Robinson with Pakistan on six.

Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique attempted to steady the innings, but both were eventually dismissed after scoring 42 and 61 runs, respectively.

No other Pakistani batter was able to withstand the England bowling attack. Salman Ali Agha scored 21, Khurram Shahzad made 14 and Mohammad Rizwan contributed 12.

For England, Robinson and Josh Tongue took five wickets each to bowl Pakistan out for 171.

Pakistan’s playing XI included Imam-ul-Haq, Azzan Owais, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas.

With regular Test captain Babar Azam sidelined by injury, Salman Ali Agha is leading Pakistan in the match.

England’s lineup features captain Joe Root, Emily Guy, Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox, Harry Brook, Dan Larson, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue.

Test Captain Babar Azam ruled out of first Test against England

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Test Captain

LEEDS: Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test against England due to injury, with Salman Ali Agha set to lead the side in his absence.

Pakistan red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed Babar’s unavailability during a press conference in Leeds, saying the team’s medical staff was assessing his injury.

“We hope Babar will be available for the second Test,” Sarfaraz said.

The coach said Pakistan’s confidence had received a boost after winning the practice match and expressed optimism that the team would perform well in the opening Test.

Pakistan yet to finalize playing combination

Sarfaraz said the team management was still considering the best combination for the first Test. He identified fast bowler Mohammad Abbas as an important player in the English conditions.

He also confirmed that Shan Masood was fully fit and available for the match, adding that all players had worked hard in preparation for the series.

Sarfaraz said Babar remained in good form despite missing the opening Test, while Saud Shakeel and other batters had also been performing well.

“Losing an important player is a setback, but we have confidence in all our players,” Sarfaraz said.

He added that Babar’s presence would have allowed the team to consider different combinations, but Pakistan would now focus on making the best use of the available players.

Cristiano Ronaldo hints this could be his final season

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Cristiano Ronaldo

LISBON: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that the current season could be his final campaign as a professional footballer, potentially bringing one of the sport’s most celebrated careers to an end.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo made the comments in an interview following his wedding to longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez on Tuesday. He said he was now considering a future centered more around his family.

“This could be my final year in football, and I want to leave a great legacy,” Ronaldo said, according to media reports.

Ronaldo said he had already planned his life after football and would have plenty of activities to keep him occupied. He said he wanted to spend more time enjoying himself, traveling, playing and watching padel, and appreciating the achievements of his career.

He described his football journey as one that had involved 25 years of sacrifice.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner and five-time Champions League champion has won league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. He is also the leading scorer in men’s international football.

Ronaldo has spent nearly four years with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, where he has one year remaining on his contract.

When asked in July whether the upcoming FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament, Ronaldo said he would consult his family before making a decision and would do so with a “peaceful mind.”

Devdutt Padikkal’s Maiden Century Puts India on Top vs Sri Lanka

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Cricket action photo representing India's Test match tour of Sri Lanka 2026

Devdutt Padikkal struck his maiden Test century to put India in a commanding position on day one of the 1st Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, with India closing on 288/2 — a landmark match that is also India’s 600th Test.

Day one scorecard summary

DetailInformation
VenueGalle International Stadium
India’s score (stumps, Day 1)288/2
Devdutt Padikkal131* (134 balls, 9 fours, 1 six)
Rishabh Pant27* (not out at stumps)
Strike rate (Padikkal)74.81
Match significanceIndia’s 600th Test match

How the innings unfolded

Batting at number three, Padikkal combined watchful defence against the new ball with calculated boundary-hitting once set, and was especially effective against Sri Lanka’s spin attack — most notably left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. His century arrived after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early, who was run out following a collision with the bowler.

Why this century matters

India’s number three position has been a problem spot: across the previous 19 Tests, seven different batters were tried there, averaging just 27.28 with only five fifty-plus scores in 35 innings. Padikkal’s unbeaten 131 is a significant answer to that instability.

The innings also carries historical weight: Padikkal became only the second left-handed Indian batter to score a Test century at number three in the 21st century, after Sourav Ganguly’s 136 against Zimbabwe in 2002 — placing his knock in select company more than two decades on.

What it means for the series

  • A settled number three, finally. If Padikkal builds on this start across the series, it resolves a slot that has unsettled India’s top order for nearly two years.
  • Momentum for the tour. A commanding 288/2 at stumps puts Sri Lanka on the back foot early in a series where conditions typically favour spin.
  • A symbolic 600th Test. The milestone match adds extra context to a batting performance that could define the series.

Frequently asked questions

What was Devdutt Padikkal’s score in the 1st Test against Sri Lanka?

He was unbeaten on 131 off 134 balls (9 fours, 1 six) at the end of day one, his maiden Test century.

Where is the India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test being played?

At the Galle International Stadium in Sri Lanka, starting 15 August 2026.

Why is this Test significant for India beyond the scoreline?

It is India’s 600th Test match, and Padikkal’s century is only the second by a left-handed Indian batter at number three in the 21st century, after Sourav Ganguly in 2002.

Scorecard and match details as of stumps, Day 1, 15 August 2026. Figures may be updated as the Test progresses — check live scorecards for the latest.

Related reading: Pakistan vs England Test series 2026

Pakistan Asian Games 2026 Cricket Squad: Farhan Named Captain

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Pakistan cricket team celebration photo for Asian Games 2026 squad news

Pakistan has named a 15-member cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan — and the headline is who’s missing. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and regular T20 captain Salman Agha have all been left out, with Sahibzada Farhan handed the captaincy and Abdul Samad named vice-captain.

The full squad

  • Sahibzada Farhan (captain)
  • Abdul Samad (vice-captain)
  • Abrar Ahmed
  • Ahmed Daniyal
  • Akif Javed
  • Ali Raza
  • Arafat Minhas
  • Haider Ali
  • Hasan Nawaz
  • Maaz Sadaqat
  • Mohammad Salman Mirza
  • Saad Masood
  • Saim Ayub
  • Sufyan Moqim
  • Usman Khan (wicket-keeper)

Four players — Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood — have never earned a T20I cap, underlining how much this squad leans toward fresh faces over the established core. At 30, Farhan is the most experienced name in the group and arrives on the back of finishing as the leading run-scorer at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Tournament details

DetailInformation
Host countryJapan
Games window19 September – 14 October 2026
Cricket events begin24 September 2026
Medal matches3 October 2026
FormatT20

Why the big names are missing

The Pakistan Cricket Board has not given a detailed public explanation for excluding Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Salman Agha, describing the selection simply as a “fresh squad.” In practice, multi-sport events like the Asian Games sit outside the traditional bilateral and ICC calendar, and boards frequently use them to manage senior players’ workload, blood younger talent, and test bench strength ahead of bigger assignments — a pattern seen across several countries’ squad announcements for these Games.

The move also lands amid a broader churn in Pakistan’s white-ball leadership this year, with the T20 captaincy and squad composition both under scrutiny following results in the recent international season. Handing Farhan the Asian Games captaincy, separate from the regular T20I leadership, gives selectors a live audition for succession planning without disturbing the existing setup.

What it means for Pakistan’s cricket depth

  • Bench strength gets tested. Uncapped players like Akif Javed and Maaz Sadaqat get a genuine international assignment rather than domestic cricket alone.
  • Leadership pipeline widens. A second captaincy option beyond the regular T20I setup is now battle-tested at a multi-nation event.
  • Senior players get rest. Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s absence frees a packed calendar window for recovery or franchise commitments, without an injury being cited.

Frequently asked questions

Who is captaining Pakistan at the 2026 Asian Games?

Sahibzada Farhan has been named captain, with Abdul Samad as vice-captain.

Why isn’t Babar Azam in the Asian Games squad?

The PCB has not detailed a specific reason, calling it a deliberately fresh squad. No injury has been cited for Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan or Salman Agha.

When does cricket start at the 2026 Asian Games?

Cricket events begin on 24 September 2026, with medal matches on 3 October, within the Games’ overall window of 19 September to 14 October 2026 in Japan.

Squad and schedule details as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board and Asian Games organisers, current as of 16 August 2026. Squad composition can change before the tournament in case of injury or availability issues — check official PCB announcements for the latest list.

Related reading: Pakistan vs England Test series 2026