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Sports

PCB announces squads for white-ball series against South Africa

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PCB announces

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the national squads for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against South Africa.

The same squads will also feature in the ODI series against Sri Lanka and the Tri-Nation T20 Tournament involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

The board named a 15-member T20 International squad and a 16-member One Day International squad. Former captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah have returned to the T20 setup, while Usman Tariq earned his maiden call-up to the national T20 squad.

Pakistan T20I Squad

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.

Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

Pakistan ODI Squad

Shaheen Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha.

The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa will be played from October 28 to November 1, while the Tri-Nation T20 series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will be held from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Pakistan all out for 333 on day two of Rawalpindi Test

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Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan were dismissed for 333 runs in their first innings on the second day of the Rawalpindi Test against South Africa.

Resuming their incomplete innings at 259 for 5, Saud Shakeel (42*) and Agha Salman (10*) took the crease in the morning session. Both batters added valuable runs to the total — Saud Shakeel reached his half-century before being dismissed for 66, while Agha Salman contributed 45 runs.

Among the lower order, Shaheen Afridi, Sajid Khan, and Asif Afridi failed to make an impact, all three falling to spinner Keshav Maharaj, who delivered an exceptional performance, claiming seven wickets. Nauman Ali remained unbeaten on 6.

For South Africa, Simon Harmer picked up two wickets and Kagiso Rabada took one.

On the opening day, Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bat first. Captain Shan Masood led from the front with a fluent 87, while Abdullah Shafique made 57.

Pakistan currently lead the two-match Test series 1–0, having defeated South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test played in Lahore.

Shaheen Afridi Appointed Pakistan’s New ODI Captain

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Shaheen Afridi captain, Pakistan cricket team news, PCB updates, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohsin Naqvi, ODI captain change, Pakistan sports news

Shaheen Shah Afridi replaces Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s ODI captain, marking the third leadership change in one year amid PCB restructuring.

Shaheen Afridi captain, Pakistan cricket team news, PCB updates, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohsin Naqvi, ODI captain change, Pakistan sports news


Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the appointment of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new ODI captain, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. This marks the third leadership reshuffle in the past 12 months, reflecting continued instability in Pakistan’s cricket management.

The decision was made following a performance review of Pakistan’s recent ODI series, which highlighted inconsistent results and team morale issues. Rizwan, who captained the side for less than six months, will continue to play as a senior batsman and wicket-keeper.

PCB sources revealed that Afridi’s strong leadership skills during domestic tournaments and his popularity in the dressing room influenced the decision. Afridi is expected to bring energy, aggression, and strategic discipline to Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket setup.

Cricket analysts have expressed mixed reactions. Some see Afridi’s appointment as a positive move for long-term planning, while others criticize the frequent captaincy changes for disrupting team stability ahead of the 2026 Champions Trophy.

Afridi, in his statement, said he is “honoured to lead Pakistan and committed to rebuilding confidence in the team.” PCB also confirmed that the selection committee is planning to appoint a new vice-captain and a dedicated performance manager to improve consistency.

The leadership change has generated intense discussion on social media, where fans have called for structural reforms and better player management within the PCB.

Pakistan vs South Africa: Day 1 Test Highlights from Rawalpindi

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Pakistan closed Day 1 at 259/5 against South Africa in Rawalpindi, with Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique steering a steady batting performance.


Pakistan’s top order displayed resilience on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, finishing at 259 for 5 by stumps. Skipper Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique led the charge with confident batting after early pressure from South Africa’s pace attack.

Shafique struck a composed 73 runs before being caught at slip, while Masood scored a gritty 84 runs in challenging conditions. The pair’s 130-run partnership helped Pakistan recover after losing two early wickets to Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

South Africa’s fielding errors, including two dropped catches, allowed Pakistan to regain control of the innings. Middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel contributed 42 runs, anchoring the team toward a competitive total.

Pakistan is aiming to level the series after losing the first Test in Cape Town. Coach Gary Kirsten said the team “focused on playing disciplined cricket and building partnerships,” praising the players for showing intent.

Day 2 will be crucial for Pakistan as it seeks to post a first-innings total of over 400. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Rabada, are expected to fight back early in the morning session.

Former Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq tipped for top PCB post

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Former Skipper

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq is likely to be given a key role by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to sources, the PCB had recently advertised the position of Director Cricket Operations (International), and Misbah-ul-Haq has emerged as the top contender for the post.

Sources revealed that for the first time, the eligibility criteria in the job advertisement specifically required the candidate to be a former Test or One Day International (ODI) cricketer.

It is worth mentioning that the PCB had earlier suspended Director of International Cricket Operations Usman Wahla for his alleged mishandling of the situation during the Pakistan-India dispute in the Asia Cup, although he was later reinstated.

Ashab Irfan clinches maiden PSA World Tour title at Vancouver Open

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Ashab Irfan

VANCOUVER: Pakistan’s rising squash star Ashab Irfan captured his first-ever PSA World Tour title by winning the Vancouver Open Squash Championship.

In a commanding performance, Ashab defeated England’s Sam Todd in straight sets, 11-9, 11-1, 11-5, sealing victory in just 43 minutes.

The Vancouver Open carried a total prize purse of $31,250, marking a significant milestone in Ashab Irfan’s professional career and a proud moment for Pakistan squash.

Rawalpindi Test: Pakistan opts to bat first against South Africa

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Rawalpindi Test

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss in the second and final Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Captain Shan Masood, after winning the toss, confirmed one change in the playing XI, with Asif Afridi coming into the side in place of Hasan Ali, who has been rested for the match.

Masood said the team aims to put up a strong total on the board and make the most of the batting conditions early in the game.

Asif Afridi will make his Test debut on behalf of Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi gave Test cap to Asif Afridi. Asif Afridi made his Test debut at the age of 39 years and 299 days.

South African captain Aiden Markram said that his side would also have opeted to bat first had they won the toss. He added that two changes have been made in the team for the Rawalpindi Test, with Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jensen have been included in the team.

Spin bowler Asif Afridi is set to make his Test debut for Pakistan in the second Test match against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The players and support staff extended their best wishes to Asif Afridi for his debut match, wishing him a successful and memorable outing in Test cricket.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan leads the two-match Test series 1–0, after securing a 93-run victory over South Africa in the Lahore Test.

PCB responds after Afghanistan withdraws from tri-nation series

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PCB

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a statement following Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) announcement that it will not participate in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20 Series scheduled to be held in Pakistan in November.

Earlier, the ACB confirmed in an official statement that Afghanistan will not take part in the series, which was set to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

Responding to the development, a PCB spokesperson said that the Tri-Nation T20 Series will proceed as per schedule, adding that discussions are underway to invite a replacement team. “Arrangements are ongoing, and a final decision will be made soon,” the spokesperson added.

The Tri-Nation T20 Tournament is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from November 17 to 29, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka confirmed as participating teams.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources indicate that Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban administration have agreed to maintain the ceasefire, signaling a potential easing of tensions amid broader regional developments.

Alia Malik first Pakistani Saraiki woman off-road racer

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Alia Malik

MULTAN: Pakistan’s first Saraiki woman off-road driver, Alia Malik, recently appeared on a popular Saraiki-language podcast, where she shared her inspiring journey from a motorsport enthusiast to a national-level off-road rally champion.

In the exclusive podcast episode, Alia Malik discussed the challenges she faced in breaking gender barriers within a male-dominated sport and highlighted the pride she feels in representing the Saraiki belt on national platforms.

Speaking about her experience, Alia said that her participation in off-road rallies, where she secured second position — was both a personal and cultural milestone. “I wanted to show that Saraiki women are strong, skilled, and fearless. Our region has immense potential, and we only need opportunities to prove ourselves,” she remarked.

During the podcast, she reflected on her early struggles in training, vehicle preparation, and gaining recognition in motorsports. She emphasized the importance of community support and family encouragement, crediting her success to perseverance and faith.

The episode also focused on Alia’s initiative, “Saraiki Women on Wheels,” aimed at empowering young women through driving education, vehicle maintenance skills, and desert navigation training. She revealed plans to expand the project across South Punjab to help women gain mobility and confidence.

Listeners praised Alia Malik’s humility, courage, and commitment to social change, describing her as a new role model for the Saraiki youth. The podcast quickly gained traction on social media, sparking conversations about representation, regional identity, and women’s empowerment.

Hailing from Dera Ismail Khan, Alia’s journey from a small-town enthusiast to a recognized off-road driver reflects courage, determination, and passion for adventure sports — a field long dominated by men. Her entry into professional off-road racing marks not just a personal milestone but also a cultural breakthrough for the Saraiki belt, where women’s participation in motorsports has been almost nonexistent.

Alia Malik’s passion for driving began during her university days, where she often took part in motorbike and jeep trials organized by local adventure clubs. Encouraged by her family and mentors, she underwent technical training in vehicle handling, rally navigation, and terrain control — skills essential for off-road racing.

Pakistan defeat South Africa by 93 runs in Lahore Test

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Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan clinched a commanding 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.

Resuming on the fourth day with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi at the crease, South Africa’s hopes of a chase were dashed early when de Zorzi fell to Shaheen Shah Afridi without adding to his overnight score.

Spinner Nauman Ali then dismissed Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham in quick succession, while Sajid Khan removed set batter Ryan Rickelton for 45.

Afridi continued his fine form, accounting for Verreynne and Subrayen, before Sajid Khan wrapped up the innings by taking Muthusamy’s wicket, sealing Pakistan’s victory.

South Africa

Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 269 in their first innings before lunch on day three, replying to Pakistan’s 378. Pakistan then managed 167 in their second innings, setting the visitors a target of 277 runs.

By the close of the third day, South Africa had reached 51 for 2, with captain Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0) already dismissed — paving the way for Pakistan’s bowlers to finish the job on day four.