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SPORTS NEWS - Int News 11 Apr, 2026
Lahore (PR): The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has honoured Rizwan Aftab Ahmed in recognition of his significant contributions to the development and welfare of athletes in Pakistan.Over the years, Rizwan has emerged as a committed supporter of Pakistani athletes, providing financial, medical, and nutritional assistance to help elevate their performance. His efforts have been particularly notable in the case of Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem, whom he supported both in Pakistan and during training and medical engagements in England.Speaking on the occasion, POA Secretary General Mohammad Khalid Mahmood praised his dedication to the promotion of sports in the country. “We are truly grateful to Rd. Rizwan Aftab Ahmed for his continued support to sports and sportsmen,” he said. “His contributions, particularly towards Olympian Arshad Nadeem and many other elite-level athletes, both in Pakistan and internationally, reflect his deep love for the country and its sporting future.”In recognition of his services, the Pakistan Olympic Association presented him with its highest trophy shield, acknowledging his commitment to supporting athletes and strengthening Pakistan’s sporting ecosystem.In his remarks, Rizwan expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Olympic Association for the honour, describing the recognition as a source of motivation to continue working for the betterment of athletes in the country.Reflecting on his family’s legacy of public service, he noted that his inspiration stems from a distinguished history of national contribution. His maternal great-grandfather, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan, served Pakistan alongside Muhammad Ali Jinnah and held the portfolio of Minister for Food, Agriculture and Health. He also served as President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.Rizwan’s grandfather, Iftikhar Ahmed Shah, represented Pakistan in swimming at the 1948 London Summer Olympics. His father, Prof. Dr. Aftab Ahmed, is recognised for pioneering orthopaedic surgery in Pakistan.Rizwan emphasised that his role in Arshad Nadeem’s journey was modest, attributing the athlete’s success primarily to his hard work, the prayers of his parents, and the guidance and support of his mentor and coach, Salman Butt, along with others who contributed to his development. He also acknowledged the contribution of his cousin, Dr. Ali Bajwa, who played an important role in supporting Arshad Nadeem’s recovery from injury prior to his Olympic gold medal triumph.Reaffirming his commitment to Pakistani sports, Rizwan assured the Pakistan Olympic Association of his continued support for athletes, highlighting the importance of comprehensive assistance, including medical care, nutrition, and financial backing.He further announced that, as CEO of ACTIVIT and Director of National Hospital DHA Lahore, the hospital’s medical facilities would remain available to the Pakistan Olympic Association and its athletes. “I wish to see Pakistani athletes achieve great success at the Olympic Games,” he said. “It will always be my honour and privilege to serve Pakistan’s athletes and help the nation achieve glory on the world stage.”
PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi beat Lahore Qalandars by 76 runs
Karachi (Sports News): Peshawar Zalmi continued their unbeaten run in HBL Pakistan Super League 11 with a commanding 76-run win over defending champions Lahore Qalandars in Match 19 at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam once again laid the platform with a 109-run second-wicket stand before a clinical bowling effort led by Sufyan Moqim and Michael Bracewell skittled Lahore for 97 in 17 overs. The result lifted Peshawar to nine points from five matches at the top of the standings, while Lahore stayed in the bottom half.Put in to bat, Peshawar were rocked early when Mohammad Haris fell for 18 off 10 balls in the third over. Babar and Mendis then took charge with a measured rebuild.Mendis brought up first HBL PSL half-century off 35 deliveries backing up his hundred from the previous game and continued to anchor the innings while Babar rotated the strike.The captain reached 43 from 40 balls — a knock that took him past 4,000 career runs in HBL PSL — before falling to Usama Mir in the 16th over, caught by Abdullah Shafique.Mendis followed shortly after, top-scoring with 74 from 48 balls laced with five fours and four sixes, edging Shaheen to Abdullah.Bracewell struck a quickfire 21 from 10 deliveries with a four and two sixes before falling to Mustafizur Rahman (4-0-30-2), while Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten on seven to guide Peshawar to 173 for seven.Shaheen (4-0-22-3) was the pick of the Lahore bowlers, while Ubaid Shah (3-0-29-1) and Usama Mir (4-0-39-1) shared two wickets.In reply, Lahore's chase never gained traction. Shoriful Islam (4-0-21-3) struck in the second over to remove Mohammad Naeem for one, before Nahid Rana (3-0-15-2) sent back Abdullah (21, 15b, 5x4s) in the sixth.Bracewell then accounted for Fakhar Zaman (21, 19b, x4s), who was playing his 100th HBL PSL match to become only the third player to reach the milestone, caught by Babar at long-on, to leave the Qalandars 45 for three.The off-spinner returned to dismiss Haseebullah for three in the ninth over while Sufyan Moqim (4-0-21-3) struck in the very next over to bowl Asif Ali without scoring as the scoreboard read 56 for five.Bracewell (4-0-18-3) then delivered the decisive blow, removing the dangerous Sikandar Raza (14, 13b, 2x4s) in the 11th over caught to leave Lahore reeling at 64 for six.Sufyan bowled Shaheen for five in the 12th over before Nahid Rana had Usama Mir caught behind by Mendis in the 13th. Sufyan then completed his three-wicket haul by dismissing Ubaid Shah stumped by Mendis in the next over to reduce Lahore to 75 for nine.A late 22-run partnership between Dunith Wellalage (20, 24b, 3x4s) and Mustafizur offered brief resistance before Aamir Jamal ended the innings in the 17th over, dismissing the latter.Scores in brief:Peshawar Zalmi 173-7, 20 overs (Kusal Mendis 74, Babar Azam 43, Michael Bracewell 21; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-22, Mustafizur Rahman 2-30)Lahore Qalandars 97 all out, 17 overs (Abdullah Shafique 21, Fakhar Zaman 21, Dunith Wellalage 20; Michael Bracewell 3-18, Sufyan Moqim 3-21, Nahid Rana 2-15)Player of the Match: Kusal Mendis (Peshawar Zalmi)
New Afghan cricket team coach Richard Pybus arrives in Kabul
Kabul Sports Bulletin Report):The Afghanistan National Cricket Team's newly appointed Head Coach, Richard Pybus, has arrived in Kabul to oversee the National Team's upcoming skill development and training camp.The Afghanistan Cricket Board's CEO, Naseeb Khan, met with Pybus to extend a warm welcome on his inaugural visit to Kabul. During their meeting, the CEO outlined the ACB’s strategic goals and shared high expectations for the future of the national team as the new coach begins his tenure.Marking his first visit to the Afghan capital, Pybus also held meetings with officials from the Selection Committee, the International and Domestic Cricket departments, and the High-Performance Center. He was also joined by national team captains Hashmatullah Shahidi and Ibrahim Zadran in these discussions, which primarily focused on upcoming FTP fixtures, strategies, and specifically, the commencement and management of the upcoming skill development and training camp.According to the ACB’s plan, a month-long training camp featuring nearly 40 Afghan players will be conducted under the direct supervision of the High-Performance Center and in the presence of the new Head Coach. The camp is set to begin tomorrow, April 12, and will run until May 16. During this period, the AfghanAtalan will undergo rigorous and comprehensive preparation for their highly anticipated Test match and the three-match ODI series against India.
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 11 Apr, 2026
Islamabad (faisal): Abubakar Talha and Varvara Rubtsova have lifred the titles of the ITF Pakistan 3rd Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Juniors Tennis Championship 2026 (Leg-1), which concluded at the PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Saturday. A total of 24 boys and 15 girls from 14 countries—Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Japan, China, Australia, Russia, Poland, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Thailand—participated in the championship.In an exciting Boys’ Singles final, Pakistan’s Abubakar Talha defeated Mikaeel Ali Baig of Pakistan in a thrilling three-set match with a score of 6-4,6-7(3), 7-5 to claim the title.In the Girls’ Singles Final, Varvara Rubtsova of Russia dominated Yijia Wang of China, winning 6-0, 6-4 to secure the girls’ title.The Closing Ceremony was graced by Col. Sadaf, the uncle of Late Zainab Ali Naqvi, as the chief guest, and distributed prizes among the winners and runners-up.The ceremony was also attended by Col. Zia-ud-din Tufail, Major Suleman Junaid, Saeed Ahmad Khan, Tufail Cheema, along with a large number of foreign players, coaches, parents, and tennis enthusiasts.It is also informed that the Subh-e-Nau ITF Pakistan Junior International Tennis Championship (Leg-II) will commence on Monday, 13th April 2026.
T20: Strikers beat Conquerors by 20 runs at LCCA Ground
Lahore (Sports News): An all-round performance by Najiha Alvi (30 runs, two stumpings) helped Strikers beat Conquerors by 20 runs to secure third place in the National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025-26 on Saturday. The final of the five-team tournament will be played between Invincibles and Stars on Sunday at the Ghani Glass Cricket Ground, with the first ball to be bowled at 10am.Batting first at the LCCA Ground, Strikers posted 144 for seven in their 20 overs. Nashra Sundhu scored an unbeaten 32 off 34 balls, which included two fours. Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha contributed 30 off 25 balls, hitting two fours.For Conquerors, Fatima Sana, Mahnoor Aftab and Noor ul Iman claimed two wickets each.In reply, Conquerors managed 124 for six in their allotted 20 overs, with Yusra Amir remaining unbeaten on 35 off 26 balls, laced with five fours. For Strikers, Zaib un Nisa was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 18 runs.Scores in brief:Strikers 144-7, 20 overs (Nashra Sundhu 32 not out, Najiha Alvi 30; Mahnoor Aftab 2-17, Noor ul Iman 2-19, Fatima Sana 2-27)Conquerors 124-6, 20 overs (Yusra Amir 35 not out, Hafsa Khalid 23, Laraib Malik 20; Zaib-un-Nisa 3-18)Player of the match – Najiha Alvi (Strikers)Final – Invincibles v Stars at Ghani Glass Cricket Ground, 10am start
Pakistan U12 Teams Depart for ITF Asia Team Competition-2026
Islamabad (Sports News): The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) announced that Pakistan’s Boys and Girls 12 & Under teams have departed for ITF Asia 12 & Under Team Competition, scheduled to be held from April 11 to 18, 2026 in Kathmandu.The event will feature participation from South Asian countries, providing a valuable platform for young talent to compete at the regional level and gain international exposure.Pakistan Boys Team:Mohammad Aayan – PlayerMohammad Faizan – PlayerMohammad Ibraheem Hussain Gill – PlayerHeera Ashiq – CaptainPakistan Girls Team:Shahnoor Umer – PlayerShahreen Umer – PlayerWajeeha Fatima – PlayerZoha Asim – Captain
PSL 11: All-round Gladiators consign Rawalpindiz to fifth consecutive defeat
Karachi Sports News): :Quetta Gladiators romped to a 61-run win over Rawalpindiz after an emphatic performance with both bat and ball in the 18th match of the HBL Pakistan Super League here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Friday night.Rawalpindiz, who lost their fifth consecutive game in the tournament, were restricted to 121 in 17.3 overs in pursuit of a 183-run target courtesy two wickets each from Saud Shakeel, Jahandad Khan and Usman Tariq.Earlier, Gladiators were helped to a healthy total with a steady half-century from player of the match Rilee Rossouw and a fiery knock of 39 from Hasan Nawaz. Following his unbeaten six-ball 21 not out on the back of two fours and as many sixes, Jahandad struck on the first ball of the innings removing Rawalpindiz skipper Mohammad Rizwan to help Quetta get off to the best possible start in the defence of the target.Rawalpindiz’ stop-start innings involved three wickets inside the powerplay before they lost seven for 44 after being 72-3 at the halfway mark. Saad Masood’s late hitting in aa 19-ball 31-run knock comprising one four and three sixes took them across the 100-run mark.Usman Khawaja returned to the HBL PSL after 2021 and was run out for seven, while Yasir Khan fell to Abrar Ahmed for a 14-ball 21 after hitting debutant Khalil Ahmed for a six and two fours in the second over.Daryl Mitchell (30, 32b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Abdullah Fazal (20, 19b, 1x4, 1x6) put on 32 runs for the fourth wicket before Usman broke the stand in the 11th over. Left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti, who was playing his second HBL PSL game in nine years, accounted for Sam Billings with Rawalpindiz 82-5 in 11.5 overs.Saud’s two wickets came in the only over he bowled and dismissed Mitchell and Asif Afridi, Usman bagged his second removing Mubasir before Rawalpindiz capitulation was sealed with two more wickets in the 18th over.Gladiators’ innings was headlined by the second-wicket 87-run stand between Rossouw (53, 42b, 6x4s, 1x6) and Saud (42, 39b, 3x4s). Debutant Ben Sears castled Sam Harper to give Rawalpindiz their first wicket of the day in the fourth over. He later returned to break the partnership dismissing Saud.Hasan Nawaz’ 16-ball 39 included five sixes only and provided them impetus as Rawalpindiz started striking regularly. Jahandad walked in at 156-5 in 18.2 overs and helped his team end the innings on a high taking 14 runs off the last over.Sears ended with three for 41 in his four overs, while Mohammad Amir picked up two wickets. Mubasir dismissed Rossouw for his only wicket.
Invincibles to take on Stars in National Women’s T20 Tournament final on Sunday
Lahore (Sports News):: An unbeaten 151-run opening partnership between Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza powered Invincibles to a 10-wicket win over Conquerors in the 20th fixture of the National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025-26 on Friday. In the second match, Strikers defeated Challengers by eight wickets at Ghani Glass Cricket Ground courtesy a three-wicket haul by Nashra Sundhu.At Bagh-e-Jinnah, Conquerors who needed a win to qualify for the final, posted 150 for seven in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bat first. Yusra Amir top-scored with an unbeaten 64 off 44 balls, striking six fours and a six, while Samiya Afsar contributed 32 off 19 balls, hitting five fours.For Invincibles, Mahnoor Zaib claimed three wickets, while Noreen Yaqoob picked up two wickets.In reply, Invincibles achieved the target without losing a wicket in 15.1 overs.Right-handed batter Gull Feroza scored an unbeaten 76 off 43 balls, which included 14 fours. Captain Muneeba Ali registered her fourth half-century of the tournament, remaining unbeaten on 72 off 49 balls, laced with 11 fours.In the second fixture of the day, Challengers after opting to bat first were bowled out for 93 in 18 overs against Strikers. Captain Diana Baig top-scored with 25 off 27 balls, hitting two fours.Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu returned figures of three for 17 in four overs, while Rabia Rani, Tasmia Rubab and Zaib-un-Nisa claimed two wickets each.In reply, Strikers chased down the target in 9.5 overs. Saira Jabeen top-scored with an 18-ball 36, which included four fours and two sixes, while Sadaf Shamas made 34 off 21 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes.Syeda Masooma Zehra picked up two wickets for the losing side.Diana Baig-led Challengers finished at the bottom of the points table with one point. The third-place play-off between Conquerors and Strikers will be played at the LCCA Ground on Saturday, 11 April with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 10am.Scores in brief:Match 19 – Strikers beat Challengers by eight wickets at Bagh-e-Jinnah, LahoreChallengers 93 all out, 18 overs (Diana Baig 25, Natalia Pervaiz 24; Nashra Sundhu 3-17, Tasmia Rubab 2-12, Rabia Rani 2-22, Zaib-un-Nisa 2-22)Strikers 97-2, 9.5 overs (Saira Jabeen 36 not out, Sadaf Shamas 34, Areesha Ansari 22 not out; Syeda Masooma Zehra 2-24)Player of the match – Nashra Sundhu (Strikers)Match 20 – Invincibles beat Conquerors by 10 wickets at Ghani Glass Cricket Ground, LahoreConquerors 150-7, 20 overs (Yusra Amir 64 not out, Samiya Afsar 32; Mahnoor Zaib 3-17, Noreen Yaqoob 2-19)Invincibles 151-0, 15.1 overs (Gull Feroza 76 not out, Muneeba Ali 72 not out).
Tennis Legend Björn Borg to Visit Pakistan
Islamabad (faisal): The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) announced the visit of global tennis icon Mr. Björn Borg to Pakistan during the ITF Men’s Futures Tennis Tournament series scheduled from 26 April to 10 May 2026 at the PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad.The tournaments will feature more than 200 international players from around the world, making it one of the most significant international tennis events ever hosted in Pakistan.Björn Borg is one of the most influential figures in tennis history. He dominated the sport during the 1970s and early 1980s, was ranked World No. 1 for 109 weeks, and won 11 Grand Slam titles, including six French Open and five consecutive Wimbledon championships. Widely regarded as a global sporting icon before the era of Federer and Nadal, his visit is considered a great honor for Pakistan tennis.This landmark visit follows earlier high-profile sporting visits, including boxing legend Mohammad Ali. It is expected that Borg’s visit will rank among the most significant international sports celebrity visits to Pakistan.His visit, along with his family (wife and two sons), is expected to significantly enhance the international profile of tennis in Pakistan and inspire young players across the country.Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, stated that the Government of Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, is doing commendable work in strengthening the country’s international standing by facilitating mediation efforts between Iran and the USA to help avoid a major global conflict, and that the tennis fraternity highly appreciates these peace efforts, adding that as a result of these initiatives, top global political dignitaries and international personalities are visiting Pakistan, reflecting the country’s growing importance on the world stage.He further stated that, in the field of sports, he and the Pakistan Tennis Federation are making every possible effort to project a positive image of Pakistan internationally. He added that the increasing visits of international sports personalities are a testament to the Federation’s successful efforts in promoting tennis and positioning Pakistan as a safe and attractive destination for international sporting events.Qureshi added that the visit of Mr. Björn Borg will be a great boost for Pakistan’s international image as well as for the development and promotion of tennis in the country.Col. Zia-ud-din Tufail Secretary General of the Pakistan Tennis Federation, , along with the PTF management, expressed their delight over the visit of the tennis legend and assured that every possible effort will be made to ensure the success of his visit and the smooth conduct of the event.
Zimbabwe women’s team to embark on maiden tour of Pakistan from 29 April
Lahore (Sports News): :Zimbabwe women’s team will embark on their maiden tour of Pakistan to feature in a six-match white-ball series, the PCB announced today. The series comprises three ODIs and three T20Is.All six matches will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, with Zimbabwe set to arrive in Karachi on Wednesday, 29 April.The three ODIs are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29. Pakistan are currently placed fifth with two points after featuring in one away series – three ODIs against South Africa in February/March this year. The ODIs will be played on 3,6 and 9 May, with the first ball of each match scheduled to be bowled at 3.30pm.The T20I series will follow the ODI series and will be played at the same venue on 12, 14 and 15 May. The first ball in the T20Is will be bowled at 7.30pm.The T20I series will help the national side finalise their preparations ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July. Prior to the ICC event, Pakistan women’s team will feature in a T20I tri-nation event in Ireland, which will also include hosts Ireland and West Indies, with matches scheduled from 28 May to 4 June.
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