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Pakistan street child football team to compete in 2026 World Cup in Mexico

Pakistan street child

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Street Child Football Team is set to depart for Mexico on Friday to participate in the Street Child World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place from May 5 to 15, featuring teams from 30 countries.

The tournament will include separate events for both boys and girls and serves as a global platform advocating for the rights, protection, and identity of street-connected children through youth-led initiatives.

The Pakistan team, participating under the banner of Muslim Hands an organization dedicated to promoting education and social change through sports will also attend a session of the United Nations General Assembly during their visit.

It is worth noting that Pakistan secured the silver medal at the Street Child Football World Cup 2022 held in Qatar, finishing as runners-up in the international tournament.

Ronaldo hits 970 career goals as Al Nassr strengthen Saudi Pro League lead

Ronaldo hits 970

Cristiano Ronaldo has added another major milestone to his legendary career, scoring his 970th professional goal as Al Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday.

The match remained goalless until the second half, before Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 76th minute with a decisive strike. Kingsley Coman later sealed the win with a late goal in the 90th minute.

The result keeps Al Nassr firmly at the top of the Saudi Pro League table with 79 points from 26 wins, one draw, and three defeats, extending their eight-point lead over Al Hilal.

Ronaldo was named Player of the Match and celebrated the victory on social media, posting: “YALLA!! WE ARE AL NASSR.”

The club’s remarkable form continues, with a 20-match winning streak across all competitions that began in January.

Al Nassr are now preparing to face Al Qadsiah on May 3 in the 31st league round, followed by a high-profile fixture against Gamba Osaka in Riyadh on May 16. With momentum on their side, the team remains strong favourites to maintain their title charge.

Batter Hasan Nawaz says India matches bring extra motivation

Batter Hasan Nawaz

KARACHI: Pakistani middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz has said that matches against India naturally create an aggressive mindset and extra motivation for players.

Speaking to a local news channel, Hasan Nawaz said that when playing against India, cricketers feel an added intensity and tend to play more attacking cricket.

He remarked that he personally feels a strong urge to score against their bowlers, adding in an emotional statement that he “dislikes all their bowlers.”

However, the batter also clarified that modern-day cricket is not about targeting any specific opposition player but is instead focused on adapting to match situations.

He explained that batting strategy depends largely on the required run rate rather than focusing on individual bowlers, noting that at the highest level all players are world-class and preparation is made accordingly.

Hasan Nawaz further said that whether the required rate is 10, 12, or 15 runs per over, the objective remains to score as many runs as possible against any bowler.

The young batter made his T20 debut in 2025 against New Zealand and has so far scored 457 runs in international matches, including two half-centuries and one century, at an average of 20.77 and a strike rate of 154.39.

Peshawar Zalmi beat Islamabad United by 70 runs to qualify for PSL final

Peshawar Zalmi

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi secured a comprehensive 70-run victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier of the Pakistan Super League Season 11, booking their place in the final.

Batting first after Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and opted to field, Zalmi posted a strong total of 221 for 7 in 20 overs.

Babar Azam led the charge with a brilliant 103 off 59 balls, marking his 13th T20 century and fourth PSL century. Mohammad Haris contributed 35 runs, while Kusal Mendis scored 41 and Aaron Hardie added 20 runs.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan took 3 wickets, while Richard Gleeson claimed 2 wickets.

In reply, Islamabad United were bowled out for 151 runs, falling well short of the target. Sameer Munir top-scored with 44 runs.

Zalmi’s bowlers dominated, with Aaron Hardie taking 3 wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit picking up 2 wickets each.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi have qualified for the PSL 11 final for the fifth time, becoming the most frequent finalists in the tournament’s history.

Despite the loss, Islamabad United are not eliminated and will get another chance to qualify for the final through the next stage of the competition.

Babar Azam equals PSL record for most runs in a single season

Babar Azam equals

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam has equalled the record for most runs in a single season of the Pakistan Super League.

During Tuesday’s PSL Qualifier, Babar played a brilliant innings of 103 runs off 59 balls against Islamabad United.

With this performance, Babar Azam has now scored 588 runs in 10 innings in PSL 2026.

He has matched the record previously set by Fakhar Zaman, who scored 588 runs in 13 innings during the 2022 edition.

Notably, Babar still has at least one and possibly two matches remaining, giving him a strong opportunity to surpass the record.

PSL introduces Pashto commentary for the first time

PSL introduces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will feature Pashto commentary for the first time, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and regional engagement.

The initiative has been introduced in collaboration with Peshawar Zalmi, with Pashto commentary set to be streamed on a digital platform during the team’s remaining matches in the tournament.

Peshawar Zalmi will face Islamabad United in the Qualifier. A win will secure their place in the final, while a defeat will send them into the Eliminator.

The grand final of PSL 11 is scheduled to take place on May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium

PCB announces ticket details for PSL 11 qualifier in Karachi

PCB announces

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released important information regarding tickets for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 Qualifier scheduled to be held on April 28 in Karachi.

The playoff stage of the Pakistan Super League Season 11 begins tomorrow, with Peshawar Zalmi set to face Islamabad United in the Qualifier.

Fans can purchase e-tickets for the match through the official PCB ticketing portal. Ticket holders will be able to gain entry by scanning their mobile e-tickets at the stadium or by presenting a printed copy.

The PCB has set a uniform ticket price of Rs500 for all enclosures at National Bank Stadium.

Physical tickets will be available at designated TCS box office counters located at China Ground, opposite the stadium.

According to the PCB, e-ticket sales will begin tonight, while physical tickets will go on sale from tomorrow morning.

Details regarding tickets for the Eliminator matches scheduled in Lahore on April 29 and May 1 will be announced soon.

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already approved spectator entry for all PSL 11 playoff matches.

PM Shehbaz allows spectators for all PSL 11 playoff matches

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has granted permission for spectators to attend all three playoff matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on X, fans will now be allowed to enter stadiums for playoff fixtures scheduled in Karachi and Lahore.

Mohsin Naqvi further stated that the Prime Minister has directed spectators to use public transport when traveling to stadiums to ensure smooth arrangements and avoid congestion.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had approved spectator entry for the PSL 11 final. The latest decision extends this permission to all playoff matches.

Prior to this, Mohsin Naqvi also met the Prime Minister to discuss the overall security situation and arrangements for fan attendance during PSL matches. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over security measures in place during the ongoing regional diplomatic developments.

The playoff stage begins tomorrow, with Peshawar Zalmi set to face Islamabad United in the Qualifier in Karachi. The first Eliminator will be played in Lahore between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans, followed by the second Eliminator on May 1 at the same venue.

The grand final of PSL 11 is scheduled for May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Amir, Faheem fined for code of conduct breach in PSL 11 clash

Amir

LAHORE:  Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf have been fined for breaching the code of conduct during the 34th match of the Pakistan Super League Season 11.

The incident occurred during the match between Islamabad United and Rawalpindiz’s side, where the two players were involved in a heated exchange.

The altercation began after Faheem Ashraf was dismissed off a delivery by Mohammad Amir. Amir gestured the batter to walk back, prompting a reaction from Faheem, who moved towards him. The situation briefly escalated before teammates intervened and separated the two.

Following the incident, the match referee imposed a fine of 10 percent of the match fee on each player for violating the code of conduct. Both cricketers accepted their mistake.

Naseem Shah suffers knee injury during PSL 11 match

Naseem Shah suffers

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah sustained a knee injury during an Pakistan Super League Season 11 match against Islamabad United while fielding, raising concerns over his availability for upcoming fixtures.

The pacer, representing Rawalpiniz, managed to bowl only two overs before leaving the field due to discomfort.

According to the team’s media manager, Naseem Shah suffered a knee injury during fielding, and the medical team is currently assessing his condition. Further updates will be provided in due course.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has reportedly had his NOC for PSL withdrawn, ruling him out of the remaining matches. Another Bangladeshi pacer, Nahid Rana, has also returned home, further impacting squad availability.