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Iran defeats Pakistan in Kabaddi at Asian Beach Games

Iran defeats

Sanya: In the ongoing Asian Beach Games in China’s city of Sanya, Iran defeated Pakistan national kabaddi team in a competitive match.

Iran secured a 38–28 victory over Pakistan in the kabaddi contest, delivering a strong performance throughout the game.

Meanwhile, in the aquathlon events, Pakistan’s Hamza Asif finished 28th in the men’s final, which featured 31 athletes. He recorded a personal best time of 37.26 minutes.

In the women’s aquathlon final, Pakistan’s Ayesha Waqas secured 25th position among 27 competitors, also achieving a personal best with a time of 56.32 minutes.

The Asian Beach Games continue to feature multiple sporting events with athletes from across the continent competing for top positions.

Khushdil Shah’s explosive finish powers Karachi Kings to 5-wicket win

Khushdil Shah

LAHORE: Karachi Kings secured a thrilling 5-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars in the 35th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, thanks to a blistering unbeaten innings by Khushdil Shah.

At Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi Kings won the toss and opted to field first. Lahore Qalandars posted a strong total of 199/6 in 20 overs, with Abdullah Shafique scoring 62 and Fakhar Zaman adding 61 runs.

For Karachi Kings, Moeen Ali took two wickets, while Hassan Ali and Rizwanullah picked up one wicket each.

In response, Karachi Kings chased down the target in 18.4 overs, losing five wickets along the way. Early contributions came from Jason Roy (9), Raza Hendricks (10), and Salman Ali Agha (14), while Moeen Ali scored 39 off 17 balls and Azam Khan made 14.

The turning point came in the final overs when Khushdil Shah launched a fierce counterattack, smashing 23 runs in Shaheen Afridi’s over and 14 runs off just four deliveries against Haris Rauf in the next over. He remained unbeaten on 44 runs off just 14 balls, hitting 5 sixes and 2 fours, guiding his team to victory with eight balls to spare.

Captain David Warner also remained unbeaten with a solid 63-run innings.

With this win, Karachi Kings have strengthened their position in the PSL playoff race alongside Lahore and Hyderabad.

Young batter Sameer Minhas eyes consistent performances

Young batter Samir

KARACHI: Islamabad United young batter Sameer Minhasr has said his primary goal is to make the most of every opportunity and play impactful innings for his team in the Pakistan Super League.

Speaking in an interview, the emerging cricketer said that the PSL is widely regarded as a strong platform for young players to showcase their talent and build recognition at the national level.

Sameer Minhas , who has previously represented Pakistan at the Under-19 level, said he is determined to fully utilise his chances in the league and continue improving his game.

He expressed satisfaction over his team’s overall performance, noting that Islamabad United is playing good cricket with several players delivering strong performances.

Highlighting his personal approach, he said his focus remains simple: to perform whenever given the opportunity and contribute with meaningful innings for the team.

The youngster also described playing alongside senior cricketers as a valuable learning experience, saying the dressing room environment helps improve game awareness and skills through continuous interaction and guidance.

Reflecting on his Under-19 days, Sameer said team success was always his priority, recalling their Asia Cup victory as a memorable achievement.

He added that his long-term ambition is to represent Pakistan at the international level and help the national team achieve success, while continuing to work hard and maintain consistent performances in the PSL.

Iran confirms participation in FIFA World Cup 2026

Iran confirms

TEHRAN: Iran has officially confirmed its participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, despite earlier political tensions surrounding the tournament.

According to the Iranian Ministry of Sports, the national football team is fully prepared to take part in the global event, which is scheduled to begin on June 11.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani also confirmed that all necessary arrangements for participation have been completed.

The announcement comes after comments from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had previously stated that Iran would be part of the tournament.

Iran has already qualified for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team’s matches are currently scheduled to be played in the United States.

Under the group stage fixtures, Iran is set to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 27.

Earlier reports suggested that the Iranian Football Federation had considered requesting FIFA to relocate its matches to Mexico due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel. However, no final decision on venue changes has been confirmed.

The participation had also drawn political commentary, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier suggested Iran’s participation in the U.S. might be inappropriate under current conditions. Iran, however, maintained that no country could exclude its national team from the tournament.

Despite tensions, both sporting authorities and political figures have now indicated that Iran will take part in the global football event as planned.

Usman Khan breaks record for most centuries in PSL history

Usman Khan

KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen batter Usman Khan has made history in the Pakistan Super League by becoming the player with the most centuries in the tournament’s history.

The milestone came during a PSL 11 match against Multan Sultans, where Usman Khan played a heroic innings of 101 runs off just 47 balls while chasing a target of 214 runs.

This century marks his fourth in the PSL, taking him to the top of the all-time list for most hundreds in the league.

Usman Khan has featured in 33 PSL matches, having previously scored one century in 2023 and two in 2024 before achieving this latest feat.

Powered by his match-winning knock, Hyderabad Kingsmen successfully chased down the 214-run target with three balls to spare, securing a memorable victory.

Steve Smith enjoying PSL stint with Multan Sultans

Steve Smith

KARACHI: Steve Smith has described his time with Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League as a “great experience,” saying he is thoroughly enjoying his stint in the tournament.

Speaking after Multan Sultans’ six-wicket victory over Rawalpindi in PSL 11, Smith said the past month with the franchise has been excellent and the team has played impressive cricket.

In the match, Rawalpindi posted 166 for 4 in their 20 overs. In reply, Multan Sultans comfortably chased down the target in 18.4 overs for the loss of four wickets, thanks to Smith’s half-century.

Addressing a post-match press conference, Smith highlighted his role as an opener, stating that the position suits his style of play as it allows him more opportunities during the powerplay.

He also praised the PSL as a highly competitive and quality league, noting that every team features strong players, making the competition intense.

Commenting on young players in the Multan Sultans squad, Smith said in a light-hearted manner, “I am learning from the youngsters; they are teaching me everything,” while adding that he is always available to offer guidance if needed.

Smith further said that the team’s goal is to perform strongly in the remaining matches and secure a place in the top two of the points table.

He also appreciated the hospitality in Pakistan and the team environment at Multan Sultans, though he noted that larger crowd turnout would enhance the overall atmosphere.

Multan Sultans beat Rawalpindiz by six wickets in PSL 11 clash

Multan Sultans

KARACHI: Pakistan Super League Season 11 saw Multan Sultans register a convincing six-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz, securing two crucial points and moving up to second place on the points table.

In the match played in Karachi, Rawalpindiz won the toss and opted to bat first, posting 166 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.

For Rawalpindiz, Daryl Mitchell top-scored with an unbeaten 58, while Sam Billings contributed 29 runs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan added 26 to the total.

In reply, Multan Sultans comfortably chased down the target in 18.4 overs for the loss of four wickets, thanks to a brilliant half-century by Steve Smith.

Smith remained the top scorer with 56 runs, while Ashton Turner played a solid unbeaten knock of 37 to guide his team home.

With this win, Multan Sultans climbed to second position on the points table with 12 points from eight matches. Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi lead the standings with 15 points from eight games.

Brock Lesnar hints at retirement after emotional WrestleMania farewell

Brock Lesnar hints

New York: After recent retirements of top WWE stars like John Cena (December 2025) and AJ Styles (February 2026), another legendary name appears to have stepped away from professional wrestling.

Brock Lesnar, one of WWE’s most dominant figures, seemingly bid farewell after what is believed to be his final appearance at WrestleMania 42.

Lesnar, who has been associated with WWE since 2002, faced rising star Oba Femi in the opening match of the event’s second night, where he suffered defeat.

In a symbolic gesture widely associated with retirement, Lesnar left his wrestling gear in the ring after the match, signaling the end of his illustrious career.

The emotional moment continued as Lesnar embraced his long-time manager Paul Heyman, while fans chanted “Thank you, Brock.” Before leaving, he also kissed the ring floor, reinforcing speculation that this was his final match.

Lesnar first joined WWE in 2002, briefly left in 2004, and later returned to become one of the sport’s most decorated superstars.

His achievements include multiple WWE Championship titles, three Universal Championships, and two Royal Rumble victories.

One of his most iconic moments came in 2014, when he defeated The Undertaker at WrestleMania, ending the legend’s historic 21-match unbeaten streak at the event.

PCB bans Dasun Shanaka for one year over PSL contract breach

PCB Bans Dasun

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka from participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after he was found in violation of his contractual obligations.

According to the PCB, Shanaka, who was signed by Lahore Qalandars for PSL 11, withdrew from the tournament, breaching the terms of his agreement. As a result, he has been declared ineligible to participate in PSL 12.

The board stated that strict action was taken to uphold league regulations, emphasizing that Shanaka’s withdrawal constituted a clear violation of contractual rules. Maintaining the integrity and standards of the PSL remains a top priority, the PCB added.

In response, Shanaka expressed regret over his decision, offering a heartfelt apology to fans in Pakistan and the wider cricket community.

He acknowledged that the PSL is a prestigious tournament and admitted that his withdrawal had caused disappointment, particularly among Lahore Qalandars supporters.

Shanaka clarified that at the time of his withdrawal, he had no intention of joining any other tournament.

He also reiterated his respect for Pakistani fans and said he hopes to return to the PSL in the future with renewed commitment and trust.

PSL 11 points table heats up after 26 matches as playoff race intensifies

PSL 11 points

LAHORE: After 26 matches in Pakistan Super League Season 11, the points table presents a highly competitive picture with the race for playoffs entering a next phase.

Unbeaten Peshawar Zalmi have become the first team to qualify for the playoffs, securing 13 points from seven matches.

At the bottom, Rawalpindiz have been eliminated from playoff contention after losing all six of their matches.

Six teams remain in contention for the remaining three playoff spots. Islamabad United sit second on the table with nine points from seven matches, while Multan Sultans are third with eight points from six games, making both sides strong contenders.

Quetta Gladiators, Hyderabad Kingsmen, and Karachi Kings occupy the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions respectively, each with six points.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are placed seventh with just four points from six matches and face an uphill task, needing to win their remaining four games to stay in contention.

After suffering three consecutive defeats, Lahore Qalandars are set to face Rawalpindi in a crucial encounter today.

The playoff stage of the tournament is scheduled to begin on April 28, with the remaining 14 league matches expected to further intensify the competition.