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SPORTS NEWS - Int News 12 Oct, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Renowned long-range sport shooter and sports psychologist Mohsin Nawaz has called for a dedicated Sports Mental Health Policy in Pakistan, urging policymakers and national sports federations to make psychological preparation an integral part of athlete development.Speaking on the sidelines of the Pakistan Global Mental Health Summit 2026, recently held at Serena Hotel, Islamabad, Nawaz welcomed the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination’s launch of the National Mental Health Policy. He stressed that its effective implementation across different sectors, including sports, would be essential to improving wellbeing and building a more resilient society.Held under the theme “Building Climate-Resilient and Future-Ready Mental Health Systems for Children, Young People and Communities,” the summit provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health among young people and competitive athletes.Nawaz argued that physical ability alone cannot guarantee consistent performances at the highest level. Athletes must also develop concentration, emotional control, confidence and the ability to manage pressure during major competitions. He cited Pakistan’s international sporting challenges to emphasise the need for sustained psychological support alongside technical and physical training.“Pakistan possesses immense athletic talent and raw potential. However, consistent podium performances can only be sustained when physical training is complemented by systematic mental preparation, pressure management and emotional regulation,” Nawaz said.He noted that elite athletes regularly face intense expectations, selection uncertainty, performance anxiety and the psychological strain of injuries. Without appropriate support, these pressures can affect decision-making, coordination, recovery and long-term participation in sport.Nawaz also raised concerns about the lack of dedicated mental health professionals within Pakistan’s sports system. While teams commonly rely on physical trainers and physiotherapists, he said psychological support should receive comparable attention through qualified sports psychologists and structured mental conditioning programmes.He urged sports authorities to establish support systems that protect athletes’ wellbeing, particularly during selection processes, training camps, injury rehabilitation and major international events. In his view, mental preparation should be continuous rather than introduced only when a player experiences difficulties.Drawing on his experience as Pakistan’s first official sports psychologist at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026, Nawaz advocated a coordinated approach involving sports federations, coaches, medical teams and policymakers. He also highlighted the wider public impact of athletes discussing mental health openly, helping challenge stigma and encourage people to seek support.A recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and a Lifetime Achievement Award, Nawaz is also an accomplished F-Class long-range shooter. Through his association with HawkSmith Gun & Sporting Club and international sporting brands, he supports initiatives aimed at modernising shooting facilities and promoting structured sports participation among young Pakistanis.Nawaz called on relevant authorities to translate the momentum of the national summit into a practical sports mental health roadmap, ensuring that Pakistan’s athletes receive the psychological resources needed to compete confidently, protect their wellbeing and fulfil their potential on the international stage. (PR)
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 83 runs in second T20I to earn 2-0 lead in Series
Rawalpindi (Sports Reporter): Pakistan outclassed Sri Lanka by 83 runs in the second T20 International match of the 3-match series on Sunday here at Pindi Cricket Stadium. Maaz played a great inning of 94 runs and lost his wicket on the final ball of the innings.Captain Farhan also played a remarkable innings that helped Green Shirts to put a big total on the scoreboard.After Pakistan posted their second-highest T20I total of 215-3 in 20 overs on the back of half-centuries from Maaz and Sahibzada, Sri Lanka were restricted to 133-7 in 20 overs with pacer Muhammad Imran, playing his second T20I, registering frugal figures of 4-0-11-3. Imran was backed by Mohammad Salman Mirza, who picked up 2-28 in three overs, and spin duo of Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub – who both accounted for a wicket each. The incoming left-arm pacer Salman Mirza, who replaced Razaullah in the lineup, provided Pakistan the first breakthrough in opening over by removing Lahiru Udara - Sri Lanka’s top-scorer with 91 in first T20I – for five. It was given not out by the on-field umpire but reversed after Pakistan reviewed the decision. Sri Lanka slipped from 35-1 to 5.5 overs to 74-6, losing five for 39 in 36 balls as Pakistan bowlers ran riot. In the top order, Sineth Jayawardena (22, 21b, 4x4s) and Kamindu Mendis (23, 19b, 2x4s, 1x6) got starts but couldn’t convert them. Imran got two wickets in as many balls in the eighth over but couldn’t clinch a hat-trick as he bowled his four overs on the trot. Chamindu Wickramsinghe (29, 24b, 1x4, 1x6) and Maheesh Theekshana (32 not out, 26b, 4x4s) – the no. 7 and 8 batters – stretched Sri Lanka’s score to 133-7 in 20 overs with the help of 50-run seventh-wicket stand. Earlier, Pakistan were asked to bat first and they responded by setting up the platform for their highest T20I total at home with a 55-run opening stand. Top-scorer Maaz Sadaqat walked out to bat when Fakhar Zaman (22, 17b, 4x4s) fell to Maheesh Theekshana in the seventh over. Maaz and Sahibzada’s blazing alliance for the second wicket yielded 88 runs off 49 balls as the duo kept on taking digs at Sri Lanka bowlers. Sahibzada, playing his 50th T20I, began the assault by hitting Theekshana for two consecutive sixes in in ninth over and brought up his 12th half-century an over later. Pakistan ransacked 125 runs off the last 10 overs despite Sri Lanka giving just one run in the 14th over and eking out the wicket of Sahibzada in the following over. Sahibzada fell for 73 off 44 balls hitting four boundaries and five sixes. He had smashed Shanaka for a six and a four on consecutive deliveries before departing. Maaz welcomed Theekshana in the 16th over by hitting three sixes off the first four balls as Pakistan took 22 off the over – the best of their innings. Maaz added 72 off 31 balls in Hasan Nawaz’s (19 not out, 9b, 1x4, 1x6) company as Pakistan charged towards the total beyond 200-run mark. Pakistan took 37 runs off the last three overs with Maaz hitting three fours in the penultimate over to enter the 90s. He was 92 off 46 at the start of the last over and was denied his maiden T20I century by Eshan Malinga, who removed him off the last ball for 96 off 51 and giving away only five runs. Scores in brief Pakistan 215-3, 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 96, Sahibzada Farhan 73, Fakhar Zaman 22, Hasan Nawaz 19 not out; Dasun Shanaka 1-30) Sri Lanka 133-7, 20 overs (Maheesh Theekshana 32 not out, Chamindu Wickramsinghe 29, Kamindu Mendis 23, Sineth Jayawardena 22; Mohammad Imran 3-11, Mohammad Salman Mirza 2-28) Player of the match – Maaz Sadaqat (Pakistan)
W15: Astrid Cirotte clinches Women’s Singles title
Islamabad (Sports Reporter): Astrid Cirotte of France won the Women’s Singles title after defeating Kamonwan Yodpetch of Thailand 7–5, 7–5 in the final of the W15 Islamabad – World Tennis Women’s Futures Championships 2026, held at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex, Islamabad.The first leg of the W15 Islamabad – World Tennis Women’s Futures Championships 2026 concluded successfully, featuring 30 players from 17 countries: France, China, Russia, Denmark, Mexico, Uzbekistan, South Africa, the Netherlands, Korea, Nepal, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Thailand, Türkiye, the Czech Republic, and Pakistan. The tournament provided an important platform for international players to compete and earn valuable ranking points.The event was sponsored by Fatima Group, whose support contributed to the promotion and development of international women’s tennis in Pakistan. Usam Sharif of Fatima Group attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest, while DIG Saleem Marwat was the Guest of Honour. The ceremony was also attended by Col. Gul Rehman, Director-PTF; Zaira Ahmad Zaka, Secretary-PWTA; Sarah Mahboob Khan, former Pakistan No. 1; and Mr. Tufail Cheema, Secretary-ITA. A large number of players, parents, media representatives, and tennis enthusiasts were also present on the occasion.
National Women’s T20 Tournament: Invincibles beat Challenges by 16 runs
Faisalabad (Sports Reporter): Eyman Fatima scored a century as Invincibles registered a commanding 72-run win over Challengers, while Conquerors beat Stars by 16 runs on the opening day of the National Women's T20 Tournament in Faisalabad on Saturday.At the Bohranwali Ground, right-handed batter Eyman 100 off 49 balls, which included 12 fours and six sixes to help Invincibles post an imposing 175 for four in their allotted 20 overs. She was well supported by Sidra Amin, who remained unbeaten on 48.For Challengers, Umm-e-Hani and Rabia Rani took two wickets apiece, conceding 19 and 26 runs, respectively.In turn, Challengers were bowled out for 103 in 17 overs, with Ayesha Zafar top-scoring with 27. Right-arm leg-spin bowler Syeda Aroob Shah led the bowling attack with three for 24 as Invincibles secured a comfortable win.Meanwhile, at the Jawad Club, Conquerors successfully defended a modest total of 120 for nine to beat Stars by 16 runs.Gull Rukh led Conquerors’ batting effort with 42 runs, while Samina Aftab returned impressive figures of two for four. Momina Riasat and Diana Baig also picked up two wickets each.Chasing 121, Stars were dismissed for 104 in 19.3 overs despite Minahil top-scoring with 35. Humna Bilal and Neha Shermeen grabbed two wickets apiece for the winning team.Scores in brief:Invincibles beat Challengers by 72 runs at Bohranwali Ground, FaisalabadInvincibles 175-4, 20 overs (Eyman Fatima 100, Sidra Amin 48 not out; Umm-e-Hani 2-19, Rabia Rani 2-26)Challengers 103 all out, 17 overs (Ayesha Zafar 27; Syeda Aroob Shah 3-24)Player of the match – Eyman Fatima (Invincibles)Conquerors beat Stars by 16 runs at Jawad Club, FaisalabadConquerors 120-9, 20 overs (Gull Rukh 42; Samina Aftab 2-4, Momina Riasat 2-17, Diana Baig 2-33)Stars 104 all out, 19.3 overs (Minahil 35; Humna Bilal 2-13, Neha Shermeen 2-27)Player of the match – Gull Rukh (Conquerors)
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in T20 International
Sports Bulletin Report Rawalpindi: Sahibzada Farhan scored a match-winning 89 as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday evening.The win gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second T20I scheduled at the same venue on Sunday, 11 October.Chasing 183 to win, Pakistan achieved the target in 18.5 overs, courtesy of Farhan’s 53-ball 89, which included 10 fours and four sixes. Leading Pakistan for the first time in T20Is in a bilateral series, Sahibzada was adjudged player of the match for his outstanding batting display.Sahibzada and Fakhar Zaman provided Pakistan a solid start, stitching a 54-run opening partnership. Fakhar contributed 21 off 13 balls, including four boundaries, before departing in the sixth over.Sahibzada then joined Maaz Sadaqat as the pair added 92 runs for the second wicket to put Pakistan in a commanding position. Maaz struck four fours and three sixes in his 29-ball 50 before being dismissed in the 14th over.Sahibzada departed in the 18th over, while Khawaja Nafay remained unbeaten on 12 off seven balls as Pakistan completed the chase.Earlier, after electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 182 for eight in 20 overs. Lahiru Udara top-scored with 91 off 55 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six.For Pakistan, Naseem Shah returned figures of three for 36, while T20I debutant Mohammad Imran bagged two wickets for 21 runs in four overs.Razaullah, who also made his T20I debut, Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan took one wicket apiece.Scores in brief:Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket StadiumSri Lanka 182-8, 20 overs (Lahiru Udara 91; Naseem Shah 3-36, Mohammad Imran 2-21)Pakistan 187-6, 18.5 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 89, Maaz Sadaqat 50; Eshan Malinga 2-33, Maheesh Theekshana 2-36)Player of the match – Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)
2027 British Open Squash to Be Staged at Birmingham’s ICC
Sean ReuthThe 2027 British Open Squash will be staged at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC) from June 1-6, with the world’s best squash players set to compete in front of the biggest crowds the tournament has seen since moving to Birmingham in 2023.A state-of-the-art ASB glass court will be erected on the stage of the ICC’s 1,500-seater auditorium. Stars such as defending champions Amina Orfi and Paul Coll will battle for the titles, with a record prize purse of $783,000 on offer, the highest in the British Open’s 105-year history.The move follows four hugely successful years at The Rep Theatre and means squash’s longest-running tournament will be held in Birmingham for a fifth year in succession. Solihull Arden Club will also host early-round action from May 30-June 1 and the preceding qualifying competition (May 27-29).PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said: “Birmingham has well and truly become the home of the British Open in recent years, and we are delighted to extend this relationship into a fifth year, this time at the ICC. With The Rep undergoing renovations next year, we wanted a venue that keeps the theatre setting, because squash is built for that sort of environment. It made perfect sense to move the tournament next door to the ICC’s auditorium, where a capacity of 1,500 means more fans than ever before can experience the British Open live. I look forward to watching our players compete on stage under the spotlights. We also look forward to working with Birmingham City Council and the ICC team to ensure this season’s British Open is the best yet.”NEC Conventions Managing Director Philip Cooksey said: “We’re really excited to welcome the British Open to the ICC for the first time in 2027. Hall 1 will provide a fantastic setting for the tournament, giving even more people the chance to experience world-class squash in Birmingham.”
W15 Islamabad–World Championships: Astrid Cirotte wins 2 matches
Islamabad (Sports Reporter): French tennis player Astrid Cirotte claimed two victories in the ongoing W15 Islamabad–World Tennis Women’s Futures Tennis Championships 2026, as she defeated Julia Khramtsova in the women’s singles quarterfinal in straight games 2-0 and she won her women’s double match on Friday here at the PTF Tennis Complex. Astrid Cirotte of France, currently ranked World No. 624, is the top seed of the tournament.Results: Women’s Singles (Quarterfinals):Sevil Yuldasheva (UZB) beat Anastasiya Kuparev (GER) 6–4, 6–4Astrid Cirotte (FRA) beat Julia Khramtsova (RUS) 6–0, 6–2Kamonwan Yodpetch (THA) beat Sabrina Olimjanova (UZB) 6–1, 6–3Wozuko Mdlulwa (RSA) beat Ksenia Laskutova (RUS) 1–6, 6–1, 6–2Women’s Doubles (Semifinals):Jeong Moon (KOR) / Kamonwan Yodpetch (THA) beat Anastasiya Kuparev (GER) / Sevil Yuldasheva (UZB) 6-3, 6-3Astrid Cirotte (FRA) / Sabastiani Leon (MEX) beat Kei Yau Cheung (HKG) / Suzuna Oigawa (JPN) 6-2, 7-5
Abbas Afridi to lead Pakistan in Hong Kong Sixes
Lahore (Sports Reporter): The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, with Abbas Afridi named captain for the six-a-side tournament, which will be held at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong from 30 October to 1 November.Pakistan will depart for Hong Kong on 28 October and will compete alongside 11 other teams in the three-day tournament.The 12 participating teams have been divided into four pools of three teams each. Pakistan have been placed in Pool C.Pakistan squad:Mohammad Abbas Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Shahzad and Saad Masood.Team Manager: Raza Kitchlew
UAE to compete in Hong Kong Sixes – 12 teams to participate in the tournament
Dubai (Sports Reporter): A seven-member UAE squad will feature in the Hong Kong Sixes 2026. The 12-team tournament will be played at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground from Friday 30 October to Sunday, 1 November. UAE feature in Group C, India and Pakistan are the other two sides in the group. UAE will play Pakistan on Friday, 30 October and India on Saturday, 31 October. Both these matches will begin at 10:35am local time. The Bowl, Plate and Cup semi-finals will be played on Saturday with the Playoffs and Bowl, Plate and Cup finals scheduled for Sunday, 1 November. *UAE squad – Hong Kong Sixes 2026:* Ansh Tandon, Khalid Shah, Maroof Merchant, Mohammad Faraazuddin, Mohammad Farooq, Mohammad Zuhaib and Zahid Ali Support Staff: Naveed Ahmed (coach cum manager) Hong Kong Sixes – UAE matches schedule (Local time – Hong Kong):*Friday, 30 October – Pakistan vs UAE – 10:35am, Tin Kwong Road Recreation GroundSaturday, 31 October – UAE vs India – 10:35am, Tin Kwong Road Recreation GroundSaturday, 31 October – Bowl, Plate and Cup semi-finals Sunday, 1 November – Playoffs and Bowl, Plate and Cup finals
Former captain Aamir Sohail visits National Cricket Academy
Lahore (Sports Reporter): Former Pakistan Test captain Aamir Sohail visited the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore and reviewed the ongoing development work and high-performance initiatives being undertaken for the development of players.During the visit, Director High Performance Aqib Javed briefed Aamir on the development programmes for U15, U17 and U19 players, along with the academy structure and pathways being created to identify, develop and prepare young cricketers for higher levels of the game.The former Test batter was given a presentation on the Athlete Management System by the Analysis wing and its role in monitoring player development, assessing performance and identifying areas where players can further improve their skills.The former Pakistan captain, who has previously served as Director National Cricket Academy and Chief Selector also reviewed the upgraded facilities at the NCA, including the ongoing project to install bio-mechanics lab and other resources available to players.Aamir, who is now a seasoned commentator represented Pakistan in 47 Tests and 156 ODIs from 1990 to 2000.Talking to PCB Digital following his visit, Aamir Sohail said:“The facilities that should be available to players at the National Cricket Academy are now in place. A number of areas have been upgraded and the overall facilities have been enhanced. It is very encouraging to see that the prerequisites required for the development of players are now available in the true sense.“This is a very positive development for Pakistan cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board deserves credit for placing such emphasis on player development. The PCB has invested significantly in creating and improving these facilities, which is highly encouraging.“I must also commend the Chairman PCB for his commitment towards the development of Pakistan cricket. It is very encouraging to have a Chairman who is willing to provide the resources required and invest in initiatives that can contribute to the betterment of the game. When the leadership is prepared to support cricket development in this manner, it creates a strong platform for progress.“At the same time, I would urge the PCB to continue focusing strongly on player development. With the Chairman providing such encouragement and showing a willingness to invest in the betterment of cricket, it is equally important that this investment translates into performances and results.“Infrastructure and investment are important, but it is equally important to ensure that the people working with the players have the required expertise so that the investment produces the desired outcomes.“The bio-mechanics lab is an important addition because it can help players better understand the technical areas of their game and identify where they may be falling short. It can provide them with valuable information about their movements and help them work on aspects that may be affecting their performances.“The player pathways that have been created are also very encouraging. However, alongside these initiatives, there needs to be a sustained focus on strengthening club and school cricket.“The PCB has recently started a school cricket tournament, which is a positive step, but school cricket needs to become a consistent part of the system rather than a one-off activity. Schools should remain continuously engaged with cricket throughout the year so that young players have regular opportunities to play, develop and progress through the system.”
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