Sameer Minhas blazed his second consecutive half-century as Islamabad United eased past 157-run target against Rawalpindiz with seven wickets in hand and 34 balls to spare in the 12th match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Saturday night.The inaugural HBL PSL champions took the bragging rights in the newly formed Twin Cities Derby by claiming a special Golden Bail from the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This was also United’s highest winning margin in terms of balls remaining since June 2021.Islamabad United jumped to the second spot on the points table from fifth position with five points off four games. On Sunday, Multan Sultans will take on Quetta Gladiators at 7pm PKT.Sameer’s 36-ball 70 comprised of seven fours and four sixes as he shared a 58-run opening stand with Devon Conway, who struggled to get off the blocks before falling for just six off 11 balls in the sixth over.The young opening batter also finished as the holder of Inverex Solar Hanif Mohammad Cap for being the leading run-scorer in the tournament so far with 180 runs in three innings.Following a 62-1 powerplay, Islamabad continued to march towards the total with Sameer reaching his half-century in 25 balls. By the time Rawalpindiz managed to get him out in the ninth over the damage was almost done with United requiring a run-a-ball 65.Haider Ali (26 not out, 16b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Mark Chapman (24, 7b, 4x4s, 1x6) took no time to finish the game after joining forces at 112-3 in 11.3 overs. The duo shared an unbeaten 45-run stand off just 17 balls as Chapman struck Rishad Hossain for two fours and a six in the last three balls of 12th over to eke out 19 runs.No.3 Mohammad Faiq, who replaced Andries Gous in the playing XI, earlier departed for 19 off 16 with the help of two fours. For Rawalpindiz, Mohammad Amir, Rishad and Jalat Khan managed to get one wicket each.At the start, Rawalpindiz were asked to bat first by Shadab Khan and they were stunned by the incoming right-arm pacer Richard Gleeson, who got Yasir Khan caught in the second over and castled Mohammad Rizwan in the fourth.Kamran Ghulam and Daryl Mitchell (19, 15b, 2x4s) tried to salvage the innings from 15-2 in 3.5 overs and managed a 51-run stand off 37 balls. Kamran was the chief aggressor in the partnership as he hit Salman Irshad for three fours in the sixth over and Shadab for a six in the eighth.Mitchell fell to Salman at the halfway mark with 66 runs on the board. That the Rawalpindiz were able to score 90 off the last 10 overs was due to no.7 batter Dian Forrester’s fireworks late in the innings.Forrester remained unbeaten for 44 off 19 balls including two fours and four sixes, of which the fours and two sixes came against Salman in the last over of innings as it went for 20.Abdullah Fazal’s 16 off 23 was also vital in the later half of the innings as he smashed two sixes in his outing. Forrester shared a 11-ball 21-run stand with Abdullah, a 14-ball 18-run partnership with Rishad and an unbeaten 21-run stand with Mohammad Amir Khan.For United, Gleeson, Faheem and Salman picked up two wickets each, while Imad returned frugal figures of 4-0-15-1.Scores in brief:Rawalpindiz 156-7, 20 overs (Kamran Ghulam 50, Dian Forrester 44 not out, Abdullah Fazal 23; Richard Gleeson 2-21, Faheem Ashraf 2-22, Salman Irshad 2-52)Islamabad United 157-3, 14.2 overs (Sameer Minhas 70, Haider Ali 26 not out, Mark Chapman 24 not out)Player of the match – Sameer Minhas (Islamabad United)Sunday’s fixture – Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; 7pm PKT

Islamabad (Sports News): The Pakistan National Women’s team is set to make history when it participates in the FIFA Series in Cote d’Ivoire from April 9 to 16.In what marks the first appearance by the national team in a FIFA event, Pakistan open their campaign against the Turks & Caicos Islands on April 9 before facing Mauritania on April 12.Under head coach Adeel Rizki, Pakistan will end their campaign with a match against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on April 16. The team departs for Cote d’Ivoire on Monday with excitement building amongst the team ahead of the FIFA Series.“I want to say a big thank you from our team to PFF President Mohsen Gilani for organising the team’s participation at the FIFA Series,” said forward Nadia Khan. “It is one thing just saying different things but actually executing it and following through is something different and it's truly amazing that we can play at this level and get exposure like this.”Goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj was also looking forward to the FIFA Series with the team’s training camp culminating in Lahore on Sunday.“FIFA specifically picking us to compete in the FIFA series I think is really really big for us,” Zeeyana said. “With us it's always really difficult because we don't really get much time together as a team and so this time it's been really nice to be able to get a few weeks of training before we go and play in the Ivory Coast and hopefully that can allow us as a team to gel to be able to perform.”Midfielder Sanah Mehdi asked the fans to get behind the team and support them in their bid for glory.“We're all really looking forward to the support and please get behind us and watch our games,” Sanah said. “It means a lot to us and it's what drives us forward.”Squad: Goalkeepers: Zeeyana Jivraj, Nisha Ashraf, Arzoo Hazara; Defenders: Isra Khan, Anaya Ahmad, Anmol Hira, Kayla Siddiqui, Karissa Jivraj, Alia Sadiq, Maria Khan, Nizalia Siddiqi; Midfielders: Suha Hirani, Rameen Fareed, Layla Banaras, Sanah Mehdi, Zehmena Malik; Forwards: Mariam Mahmood, Aqsa Mushtaq, Aiman Altaf, Nadia Khan, Maryam Zehri, Azwa Chaudhry.

Lausanne, Switzerland (PR): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced that it has signed an exclusive digital and television broadcast rights agreement with Pakistani broadcaster tapmad for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, taking place from 15 to 30 August 2026.Thanks to this agreement, Pakistani hockey fans will be able to follow their team as they return to the World Cup for the first time in eight years.Commenting on the agreement, FIH Director General Mike Joyce said: “We are very pleased to see Pakistan, a country that has written some of the greatest chapters in hockey’s history, return to the highest level of international hockey, as confirmed by its qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 and its participation in the FIH Hockey Pro League. We are delighted to collaborate with tapmad to help hockey fans in Pakistan watch the performances of their favourite team at the FIH’s most prestigious event.”Over the past year, tapmad has broadcasted major FIH events including the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024-25, the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26, and the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier Ismaïlia 2026.As anticipation builds for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, tapmad is set to deliver an immersive viewing experience, LIVE, in HD quality, and without any ads.Yassir Pasha, CEO tapmad said: “Securing exclusive rights for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 reflects tapmad’s commitment to bringing world-class sports closer to Pakistani audiences. At tapmad, we believe moments like Pakistan’s return to the Hockey World Cup deserve to be experienced by every fan across the country. We are proud to support this historic journey and ensure fans can watch every moment live, in high definition, and without ads on tapmad.”

Islamabad (Sports Report): Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has announced a three-member team Pakistan Davis Cup Juniors Team to participate in the upcoming Davis Cup Juniors, scheduled to be held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, from 16th to 24th May 2026.The trials were conducted at the PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad, from 30th March to 2nd April 2026. A total of 12 players were invited to participate in the trials based on their current rankings and performances. Mr. Abubakar Talha was exempted from the trials in recognition of his recent outstanding performance.The selected players:• Abubakar Talha • Hassan Usmani • Zohaib Afzal Malik 

Islamabad (Sports News):The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to announce the participating teams and the Pools of the first-ever FIH Para Hockey World Cup, which will take place from 20 to 24 August 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands, as follows:Pool A (playing in Belgium)· Belgium· Italy· Germany· France· Pakistan· Zambia· Paraguay· United StatesPool B (playing in the Netherlands)· Netherlands· Spain· Bulgaria· England· India· Malaysia· Chile· ArgentinaThe FIH Para Hockey World Cup 2026 will be a 6-a-side tournament. It will be played at HC Myra in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Louvain-La-Neuve HC, in Belgium. However, the final day will be held in the same arenas as those hosting the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, namely the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre.FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “With today’s announcement of the participating teams—from all around the world—and the pools, our inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup is truly taking shape. I can only reiterate how happy and proud I am that, under my presidency, we have been able to launch this event, which will significantly contribute to the development of Para Hockey worldwide. This is clearly a major milestone in our ongoing efforts and determination to promote diversity and inclusion in hockey.”

Lahore (Sports News): Defending champions Lahore Qalandars inflictedfirst defeat on Multan Sultans in the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 as they romped to a 20-run victory while defending 185 in a rain-shortened 13-over match here at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday night.Player of the match Mohammad Naeem's explosive 60 off 28 balls and Parvez Hossain Emon’s quick-fire 45 off 19 balls in an 86-run opening partnership set the platform before the bowlers held firm to defend a steep total.After a delay of nearly two hours due to persistent rain, Ashton Turner won the toss and chose to bowl in a contest reduced to 13 overs per side.Debutant pacer Mohammad Ismail conceded 26 runs in the opening over, including 10 in wides, setting a new record for the most expensive first over in HBL PSL history.Naeem and Emon pounced, racing to 50 in 3.2 overs and ending the shortened 3.5-over powerplay at 66 without loss.Emon provided destructive blows early on, targeting Mohammad Nawaz for two sixes and a four in the fourth over before taking Faisal Akram for three consecutive sixes at the start ofthe next. He departed after blistering two fours and five sixes in his knock in the sixth over, caught at deep mid-wicket off Ismail.Dropped on 16 by Arafat Minhas, Naeem made the Sultans pay, combining with Abdullah Shafique (33, 14b, 3x4s, 2x6s) to maintain the onslaught. At 134 for one after eight overs, the Qalandars looked on course for a total close to 200.The Sultans clawed back impressively in the final five overs, conceding 51 while taking four wickets. Ismail (3-0-47-2) removed Abdullah in the ninth over, while Akram had Naeem caught at mid-wicket in the next after striking four fours and as many sixes.Peter Siddle then bowled Rubin Hermann two overs later and Asif Ali was run out in the last over of the innings.Sikandar Raza's unbeaten 13 off eight, including back-to-back boundaries off the innings' final two deliveries, pushed the Qalandars to 185 for five, aided by 23 extras including 14 wides.Chasing 186 at an asking rate over 14 runs an over, Multan required a brisk start but instead lost Steve Smith (9, 10b, 2x4s) bowled by Qalandars’ skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-0-32-1) in the third over with the score on 17. Two deliveries later, Ubaid Shah (3-0-34-1) had Josh Philippe caught by Shaheen at mid-off to leave Multan reeling at 18 for two.Sahibzada Farhan (24, 15b, 1x4, 2x6s) counter-attacked with a couple of sixes off Shaheen in the sixth over but Mustafizur Rahman struck in his first over to have him caught off Abdullah, reducing the Sultans to 50 for three inside six overs.Shan Masood then launched a counter-attack, blazing 44 off just 18 balls with seven fours and a six to haul Multan back into the contest. However, Mustafizur (3-0-37-2) struck again in the 10th over, trapping the left-hander leg-before-wicket to leave the Sultans at 100 for four.Turner refused to surrender, smashing an unbeaten 52 off 22 deliveries laced with two fours and five sixes. He found an ally in Arafat Minhas (25, 11b, 1x4, 2x6s) and their fifth-wicket stand of 57 off 20 balls briefly raised Multan's hopes but in vain.Sikandar broke the partnership in the final over, having Minhas caught by substitute Dunith Wellalage and the equation proved too steep despite Turner's heroics.Scores in brief (13 overs per side):Lahore Qalandars 185-5, 13 overs (Mohammad Naeem 60, Parvez Hossain Emon 45, Abdullah Shafique 33; Mohammad Ismail 2-47)Multan Sultans 165-5, 13 overs (Ashton Turner 52 not out, Shan Masood 44, Arafat Minhas 25, Sahibzada Farhan 24; Mustafizur Rehman 2-37)Player of the match: Mohammad Naeem (Lahore Qalandars)

Islamabad (Abdullah Asjad)Shahid Zaman Khan is not only one of the finest squash players to represent Pakistan in the professional era, but also a powerful symbol of legacy, sacrifice, and lifelong service to the game and his homeland. Born in Quetta Cantt, he comes from a historic squash family deeply rooted in excellence. He is the son of Gul Bahadur Khan, the legendary coach of Balochistan who devoted his entire life to developing squash in Quetta. Even today, at nearly 80 years of age, Gul Bahadur Khan continues to live in the same house in Quetta Cantt where Shahid was born a true example of humility and dedication. His mother, Shamim Gul, was the pillar of strength behind his success. She is also the sister of the world-famous squash champion Qamar Zaman, widely known as “The Master of Strokes.” From his mother’s side, Shahid inherited a legendary squash legacy; from his father’s side, he inherited discipline, resilience, and commitment to coaching. The prayers and sacrifices of Shamim Gul shaped his character and determination. His brothers Ali Jan, Abdul Wahid, and Zahid Gul have always stood by him with unity and pride.Shahid Zaman Khan has 32 years of professional experience in squash 16 years as an international PSA player and 16 years as a respected coach in the United States. As a professional player, he proudly represented Pakistan for 16 years on the PSA Tour, won numerous international titles, remained Pakistan No. 1 for several years, and achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 14. His love for Pakistan was unwavering, and he carried the green flag with pride across the globe.After retiring from professional squash, he transitioned into coaching and has now served 16 years in Boston, USA. He coached at The Tennis and Racket Club, Boston’s oldest and most prestigious club, worked with Equinox, and made history as the first Pakistani squash player to serve as a coach at Harvard Business School bringing pride to Pakistan at one of the world’s most respected institutions. He has also worked with Boston University and Wellesley College, expanding the reach of squash within leading academic communities.In 2012, he founded SZK Squash LLC, where he continues to train juniors, professionals, and passionate players. His academy stands for discipline, character development, and high-performance excellence.Shahid Zaman Khan lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and their three sons Mohammad Khan, Arslan Khan, and Yousuf Khan. All three boys were born in Boston and are growing up under the guidance of their father. They have become talented squash players and are proudly continuing the family tradition. Recently, Mohammad, Arslan, and Yousuf visited Quetta, where they trained with their father and learned the importance of giving back to the community. They are not only learning the game of squash but also the values of humility, service, and responsibility.Shahid has never forgotten Pakistan. When his nephew Hamza Khan became World Junior Champion in 2023 after a 37-year gap for Pakistan, Shahid supported and trained him in Boston before his historic victory. In 2025, his nephew Noor Zaman also became a world champion, continuing the proud family tradition that traces back to Qamar Zaman. Recently, Shahid returned to Quetta with the support of his brother Zahid Gul and donated 20 squash rackets, shirts, and essential equipment. For the first time in Quetta’s history, he organized six junior squash tournaments in 2025 and personally coached rising young players. His mission is clear to revive squash in Balochistan and help Pakistan reclaim its dominance in world squash.Shahid Zaman Khan sincerely wishes to support and work with the Pakistan Squash Federation if given the opportunity. He is ready to dedicate his international experience, professional knowledge, and global connections to help develop young Pakistani players and strengthen the country’s squash system. He believes that with proper planning, modern training methods, and sincere leadership, Pakistan can once again rise to the top of world squash.He also supports youth programs such as SquashBusters, believing that giving back is not charity, but responsibility.With 32 years of dedication 16 as a top PSA professional and 16 as an international coach Shahid Zaman Khan’s journey is a story of heritage, faith, patriotism, family values, and lifelong service to squash and Pakistan.

 Lahore (PCB Report)Sahibzada Farhan’s ninth T20 and second HBL Pakistan Super League century helped Multan Sultans scale the 226-run target, fifth-highest successful chase in the history of the tournament, with six wickets in hand and eight balls to spare against Hyderabad Kingsmen in the eighth match here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday night.Kingsmen have now lost three out of their three matches. On Wednesday, the tournament will see its third double-header as Quetta Gladiators take on Islamabad United at 2.30pm PKT and Rawalpindiz go up against Karachi Kings at 6.30pm. On the back of fourth-highest powerplay score in HBL PSL history – 83 – Multan Sultans romped to their second straight win in the tournament after beating Islamabad United in their first game. Sahibzada remained unbeaten for 106 off 57 balls striking seven fours and eight sixes and provided Sultans with a blazing start putting on a 104-run opening stand with Steven Smith (46, 20b, 2x4s, 4x6s) in 8.1 overs. After scoring only six runs in Maheesh Theekshana’s opening over, the duo laid the foundation for the record chase by taking 16, 15, 15, 19 and 12 runs in each of the remaining powerplay overs. Sahibzada reached his half-century off 25 balls in the seventh over. Kingsmen employed some resistance as their left-arm spinner Hassan Khan provided his team with the much-needed breakthrough removing Smith in ninth over, while Saim Ayub dismissed Josh Philippe in the 10th for a four-ball nine. With 103 required off the last 10 overs, Sahibzada was on 65 off 35 balls after being dropped in the eighth over by Muhammad Irfan Khan off Maaz Sadaqat. Shan Masood’s blitzy 16-ball 29-run knock comprising two fours and as many sixes made sure the momentum remained intact for Sultans. Shan and Sahibzada added 45 runs for the third wicket before Saim got rid of former in the 14th over. An over later Ashton Turner fell prey to Theekshana with 190 runs on the board in 15.4 overs. At this juncture, Arafat Minhas walked in and struck a flurry of boundaries in his unbeaten 11-ball 26 not out including three fours in Mohammad Ali’s 17th over to bring the equation down to 19 needed off 18 balls. Arafat whacked Riley Meredith for another six and a four off successive balls to almost seal the game in 18th over as Sahibzada had to remain in his 90s for 21 balls before he brought up the record-equaling century off the first ball of Mohammad Ali’s penultimate over. Sahibzada, who won the game with a six in 19th over, now has joint-fourth most centuries in all T20s behind Chris Gayle’s 22, Babar Azam’s 11 and David Warner’s 10. For Sultans, Mohammad Wasim Jnr picked up two wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz, Turner and Siddle dismissed one batter each. Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen were helped to their first-ever 200+ total with rapid half-centuries from opening batter Maaz and no.5 Sharjeel Khan. Maaz put on a 59-run opening stand with Saim (27, 20b, 3x4s, 1x6) before Peter Siddle drew the first blood for Sultans. Kingsmen racked up 74 runs in the powerplay after which Turner removed Marnus Labuschagne in the eight over before Maaz raced to his 19-ball half-century – the joint-third fastest in HBL PSL history – on the fifth ball. Maaz departed for 62 off 26 balls striking five fours and as many sixes with Kingsmen 104-3 in 9.3 overs. Sharjeel walked in at this point and finished 51 not out off 26 balls on the back of three fours and four sixes. The left-hander, who was playing his first HBL PSL game since 2023, stitched some valuable stands including 23 off 11 balls with Usman Khan (25, 12b, 3x6s), 44 off 30 for the fifth wicket with Syed Saad Ali (23, 19b, 1x4, 1x6) and a blazing unbeaten 54 off 24 balls with Muhammad Irfan Khan (22, 13b, 2x4s, 1x6). Usman’s three sixes came across four balls against Momin Qamar in the 11th over, which yielded 20 runs, while Sharjeel struck Shehzad Gul for three sixes and two fours in the 18th over taking 30 off it – the joint-third most runs in a single over in HBL PSL history. Saim picked up two wickets, while Hassan and Theekshana had one each to their name. Match 8: Multan Sultans beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by six wickets at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Hyderabad Kingsmen 225-5, 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 62, Sharjeel Khan 51 not out, Saim Ayub 27, Usman Khan 25, Syed Saad Ali 23, Muhammad Irfan Khan 22 not out; Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-37) Multan Sultans 227-4, 18.4 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 106 not out, Steven Smith 46, Shan Masood 29, Arafat Minhas 26 not out; Saim Ayub 2-43) Player of the match – Sahibzada Farhan (Multan Sultans) Thursday’s fixture: Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; 2.30pm PKT Rawalpindiz v Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; 7.30pm PKT 

Lahore (PCB Report): Josh Philippe’s 35-ball 55, Ashton Turner’s unbeaten 43 off 28 and Momin Qamar’s 3-24 powered Multan Sultans to a five-wicket win over Islamabad United as they chased the 172-run target in 18.4 overs to register their first win in the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 here at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday night.Coming in at 16 for one in the third over, Philippe joined forces with skipper Steven Smith to put the chase on the track with a 45-run stand for the second wicket. The pair took Mohammad Salman Mirza to cleaners, smashing three sixes in a 21-run fourth over.Philippe then collected two more boundaries off Shadab Khan in the seventh over to move Multan to 60 for one. Smith’s steady31 off 23 balls, featuring one four and three sixes ended in the next over when Salman Irshad forced a mistimed shot that Shadab safely pouched at mid-off.Shadab struck in the following over to remove Shan Masood for six. Philippe kept the momentum going, adding 61 runs for the fourth wicket with captain Ashton Turner as Multan raced to 131 in the 14th over and closed in on the target.After Philippe departed, Arafat Minhas arrived to provide the finishing touches with a rapid 25 off 11 balls, cracking four fours and a six. Turner stayed unbeaten on 43 hitting three fours and one six as Multan completed the chase with eight balls remaining.Salman Irshad (4-0-28-2) and Shadab Khan (4-0-36-2) picked up two wickets each.Asked to bat first, Devon Conway and debutant Sameer Minhas provided their side with a 48-run opening partnership. Conway took charge in the second over, striking Mohammad Nawaz for a four and a six, while Sameer showed early intent with two sixes; first off Mohammad Wasim Jnr over covers and then off Peter Siddle over cow corner.Siddle, however, responded well to break the opening stand in the sixth over, dismissing Conway for 26 off 23 balls, an innings featuring three fours and a six.Wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous (11, 9b, 2x4s) then added 21 runs for the second wicket with Sameer before falling to Arafat Minhas in the ninth over. Gous’ wicket initiated a brief collapse as Momin Qamar removed for28 off 21 balls, which included one four and two sixes.Mark Chapman struck Momin for a six and two fours in the first three balls of the 12th over, but the wrist-spinner hit back in style by castling captain Shadab Khan with a googly.Chapman then combined with Haider Ali for a 27-run partnership to keep the innings on track. The left-hander’s brisk knock ended on the final ball of the 15th over with the score at 130 for five, after he top-scored with a 21-ball 40 which included three fours and two sixes.Momin struck again with the very next delivery, removing Haider Ali (13, 12b, 2x4s).Faheem Ashraf then provided the late impetus with a brisk cameo of 17-ball 26, hitting three fours and one six. He began with a boundary off Wasim Jnr in the 18th over, followed it up with two fours off Peter Siddle in the penultimate over, and capped his effort with a six off Wasim in the final over to power his side to 171 for eight in 20 overs. Apart from Momin’s three, Wasim Jnr picked up two wickets, while Arafat, Siddle and Nawaz struck once.Scores in brief:Match 4 – Multan Sultans beat Islamabad United by five wickets at Gaddafi Stadium, LahoreIslamabad United 171-8, 20 overs (Mark Chapman 40, Sameer Minhas 28, Faheem Ashraf 26, Devon Conway 26; Momin Qamar 3-24, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-42)Multan Sultans 175-5, 18.4 overs (Josh Philippe 55, Ashton Turner 43 not out, Steven Smith 31, Arafat Minhas 25; Salman Irshad 2-28, Shadab Khan 2-36)Player of the match – Momin Qamar (Multan Sultans) Sunday’s fixtures: Quetta Gladiators v Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; 2.30pm PKTLahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; 7pm PKT

Lahore (PR): K2 Squash Club is set to host its first-ever PSA Challenger Tournaments this April in USA, signaling a major step forward in its journey toward international recognition. The initiative, led by Tournament Director Mohammad Naveed Alam, highlights the club’s growing stature and ambition to establish itself as a key venue on the global squash circuit.Sanctioned by the Professional Squash Association and presented by One World Squash, the two-phase tournament will feature elite players from around the world, combining experience with emerging talent. The men’s Challenger 15K event, scheduled from April 8 to 12, is expected to deliver high-quality action with a strong international field that includes Salman Khalil, Tom Walsh, Mohammad Sharaf and Yassin Elssin Elshafei. With a total prize purse of $15,000, the event promises intense competition and valuable ranking opportunities for participants.Wildcard entries, including Ahsan Ayaz, add an extra layer of excitement, offering rising players a platform to compete at a higher level. The final is scheduled for April 12 and is expected to draw significant attention from squash enthusiasts.The Women’s Challenger event will follow from April 22 to 26, featuring a competitive lineup of international players such as Zeina Zein, Laura Silva, Lucie Stefanoni and Malak Taha. With a prize fund of $6,000, the tournament will provide crucial exposure and ranking points for players aiming to progress within the PSA circuit.These tournaments represent the culmination of consistent efforts by K2 Squash Club to expand its role in professional squash. Having previously hosted PSA Satellite events, the club has steadily built the infrastructure and organisational expertise required for higher-tier competitions. A key figure in this evolution has been Muhammad Naveed Alam, whose extensive experience, including over 15 years alongside squash legend Jahangir Khan, has significantly contributed to the club’s development strategy.Support from the club’s management, led by owner Karamatullah Khan, has further strengthened this vision. Their commitment to promoting squash and creating opportunities for players has been instrumental in bringing PSA Challenger events to the venue.As the tournaments approach, K2 Squash Club stands poised to make a lasting impression. Beyond the matches themselves, the events reflect a broader ambition to position the club as a recognized destination for international squash, marking an important step in its continued growth.