Rawalpindi (Sports Reporter): Pakistan got off the mark in the One-Day International tri series with a 37-run win over Sri Lanka in the opening match after they successfully defended their 305-run total here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday night. After Salman Ali Agha’s superb 107 off 90 balls took Pakistan to a healthy total, the pace attack – led by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi – eked out all 10 Sri Lankan wickets despite a match-threatening 119-run stand for the fifth wicket between Janith Liyanage and Pavan Rathnayake. Pakistan will now face England on Tuesday, while Sri Lanka will also be up against the same opposition on 22 October before the action moves to Lahore. On Sunday, Kusal Mendis won the toss and opted to bowl first. Pacer Dilshan Madushanka removed Pakistan openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub within the first 5.5 overs before debutant Saad Baig and Babar Azam built a 74-run stand to put the innings on course. During the course of his 57-ball 45-run (6x4s) knock, Babar Azam also reached the 16,000-run mark in international cricket, becoming just the fifth batter besides Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Javed Miandad to reach this milestone. Saad, who became the 262nd men’s player to represent Pakistan in ODIs, looked fluent in his 40-ball stay at the crease which yielded 39 runs with the help of three fours and two sixes. Saad and Babar both fell to Eshan Malinga in 20th and 22nd overs as Sri Lanka struck back. It was at this juncture that centurion and player of the match Salman joined forces with Hasan Nawaz to put on 97 runs for the fifth wicket off just 94 balls. Hasan fell after scoring 37 off 49 balls and hit two fours as many sixes. Salman reached his century in the 45th over with a boundary off 82 balls before falling to Asitha Fernando as Sri Lanka struck back in the last five overs, giving away just 26 runs for fours wickets. Eshan picked up four for 46, Asitha Fernando had three and Madushanka removed two batters. In reply, Pakistan pacers hit the ground running as Naseem Shah provided the first breakthrough removing Avishka Fernando for five, Faheem Ashraf got rid of Kusal Mendis for 18, meanwhile Kamindu Mendis (44, 50b, 4x4s) and Sahan Arachchige fell to Shaheen as Sri Lanka slipped to 91-4 in 19.3 overs. Rathnayake (79, 74b, 6x4s, 2x6s) and Liyanage (60, 74b, 5x4s) then put on a strong show with a century partnership and threatened to take the game away from Pakistan. Sri Lanka required 96 off the last 13 overs when Pakistan finally struck with Faheem removing Rathnayake. From this moment onwards, Pakistan ran riot taking five for 15 as Sri Lanka’s chase was derailed with the visitors getting bowled out for 268 with 11 balls to spare. Shaheen returned figures of three for 55, while Naseem, Haris and Faheem all took two wickets each. Scores in brief Match 1 – Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pakistan 305 all out, 49.5 overs (Salman Ali Agha 107, Babar Azam 45, Saad Baig 39, Hasan Nawaz 37; Eshan Malinga 4-46, Asitha Fernando 3-59, Dilshan Madushanka 2-67) Sri Lanka 268 all out, 48.1 overs (Pavan Rathnayake 79, Janith Liyanage 60, 44, Dasun Shanaka 28; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-55, Naseem Shah 2-43, Haris Rauf 2-48, Faheem Ashraf 2-49) Player of the match – Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan) 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: The opening match of the Tri-Nation One Day International Series started here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, as Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to field first against hosts Pakistan. 

Rawalpindi (Sports Reporter): Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will turn pink on Sunday, 25 October when Pakistan take on England in the fourth ODI of the tri-series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) observes Breast Cancer Awareness Day as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.The initiative, being organised as part of Pinktober, the global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, aims to highlight the importance of early detection, regular screening and timely treatment while encouraging greater awareness of the disease across the country.As part of the campaign, Pakistan Men’s cricket team will wear specially designed pink kits during the ODI to demonstrate solidarity with breast cancer patients and survivors. England cricket team, match officials and commentators will also be invited to wear pink ribbons in support of the cause.The stumps used for the fixture will be branded pink, while breast cancer awareness messages and campaign visuals will be displayed on the stadium’s big screen and LED perimeter boards throughout the match. Commentators will also share awareness messages during the live broadcast to reach audiences across Pakistan and beyond.The PCB will also undertake a series of digital and promotional activities in the lead-up to the match. Pakistan players will feature in special video messages to encourage greater awareness about breast cancer, while the PCB’s official social media platforms will amplify the campaign through dedicated content and messaging.Special Pink Ribbon activities at Gaddafi Stadium will commence two hours before the start of the match, providing an opportunity to engage spectators and reinforce the importance of awareness, early diagnosis and support for those affected by the disease.To further promote the initiative, the PCB is also introducing limited-edition pink-themed merchandise, including travel polo shirts and fan shirts, through its official retail store and online platforms, allowing cricket fans to demonstrate their support for the campaign.The limited-edition shirts will be available on PCB Merchandise Shop at Gaddafi Stadium from Monday, 19 October while it will be available online from https://shop.pcb.com.pk/PCB COO Sumair Ahmad Syed: “The Pakistan Cricket Board recognises the responsibility that comes with the immense following and influence of cricket in our country. Through this Pink Ribbon initiative, we want to use the platform of international cricket to raise awareness about breast cancer and highlight the importance of early detection and timely medical attention. This initiative reflects the PCB’s continued commitment to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and using cricket as a force for positive change. We are grateful to the players, officials, broadcasters and all those supporting this important cause.”PCB Director Commercial Ali Adnan Zaidi: “Cricket provides a powerful platform to connect with millions of people and through this initiative, we aim to translate that reach into meaningful awareness and engagement around breast cancer. We want our fans to be active participants in this campaign and help take the message of early detection and screening to their families and communities.”The PCB has organised the Pink Day in partnership with Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Trust Hospital in Lahore. In this regard, there will be free of cost screening for fans from 24 and 26 October at the hospital.Founder & Honorary CEO, Pink Ribbon Pakistan Omer Aftab: “Cricket has the power to unite Pakistan and this partnership with the Pakistan Cricket Board gives us an extraordinary platform to turn that unity into action for women’s health. Through PINKtober, we aim to take breast cancer awareness to millions, encourage early detection and mobilise support for Pakistan’s first dedicated Breast Cancer Trust Hospital. Together, we can ensure that awareness leads to access to care and that no woman is denied a chance to survive because she cannot afford treatment.”

Islamabad (Sports Reporter): A 3-day 7th Azadi Air Badminton Tournament will kick off on October 23, 2026 at Barefoot Air Badminton Training School and Club, Islamabad.The tournament will bring together club members for a celebration of badminton, sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy competition. The event aims to promote sports and physical activity while providing players with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and compete in a supportive sporting environment.The tournament will be held at the Barefoot Air Badminton Training School and Club, 218 Service Road North (VR-30), F-10/3, Islamabad.Members of the public will welcome to attend and watch the matches. The members of club will be eligible to take part in the competitions.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has given final touches to all arrangements to stage the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group III at the PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue here, as the foreign teams started to arrive in the capital city of the country.According to an official of PTF, the arrival of participating teams has commenced for the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group III, scheduled to be held from 21 to 24 October 2026. This prestigious international women’s team tennis competition is being hosted in Pakistan for the first time in the tennis history of Pakistan.The team of Maldives arrived on Friday in Islamabad, the fixture will bring together women tennis players from across the region to compete at the international level. Besides, hosts Pakistan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Maldives, and Qatar will participate in an international tennis showpiece.Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President -PTF, and Col. Zia-ud-Din Tufail, Secretary General PTF, along with the PTF management, welcomed the participating delegations and expressed their pleasure at hosting the championship in Pakistan.Speaking on the occasion, the PTF officials highlighted that hosting this prestigious international competition reflects Pakistan’s continued commitment to the development of tennis, particularly women’s tennis, while strengthening international sporting relations and providing Pakistani players with valuable opportunities to compete against international opponents on home soil.The Pakistan Tennis Federation is making comprehensive arrangements to welcome all participating teams, officials and delegates and to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the championship at the PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad. The hosting of the Billie Jean King Cup marks an important milestone for Pakistan tennis and demonstrates the country’s growing capacity to stage international tennis events.

Islamabad (faisal): Astrid Cirotte from France and Kamonwan Yodpetch from Thailand advanced into the final of the ongoing second leg of the W-15 Islamabad Junaid Family Foundation World Tennis Women’s Championships 2026 after beating their respective opponents in semifinals here the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex on Friday. The final will be played on Saturday at the same venue.In the first women’s singles semifinal, Astrid Cirotte defeated Ru Xi Wu from China in straight games 2-0 after displaying top quality tennis. The final score-line was 7-5, and 6-4. Meanwhile, in the second semifinal Kamonwan Yodpetch overcame Russian player Wozuko Mdlulwa. Owing to injury, Mdlulwa could not continue the match, as the scoreboard was showing the score 2-6, 7-5, and 4-2 (Retd).Women's Singles Semifinals:Astrid Cirotte (FRA) beat Ru Xi Wu (CHN) 7-5, 6-4Kamonwan Yodpetch (THA) beat Wozuko Mdlulwa (RSA) 2-6, 7-5, 4-2(Retd)Women's Doubles Semifinals:Kamonwan Yodpetch (THA) / Ru Xi Wu (CHN) beat Astrid Cirotte (FRA) / Sabastiani Leon (MEX) 6-1, 6-4Anastasiya Kuparev (GER) / Sevil Yuldasheva (UZB) w/o Wozuko Mdlulwa / Warona Mdlulwa (RSA)Finals: 17th October-2026Singles Final: 11:00amDoubles Final: 3:00pm

ISLAMABAD (Sports Reporter): Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) head coach Ihsanullah Khan has finalised the 14-member travelling squad for the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan. The young Shaheens will depart for Baku from Islamabad on October 20.The tournament marks a historic milestone for the Pakistan football, with this being the first Pakistani squad to participate in a FIFA World Cup event. The players earned their places among the country’s top young talents through their performances at the PFF National U-17 Championship 2026.The festival will provide the young Shaheens with valuable international experience, exposing them to different footballing cultures and giving them the opportunity to represent Pakistan on the global stage.Pakistan’s Squad (14):Shayan Abdul Jabbar Marwat, Mohammad Salman, Mohammad Alam, Maqbool Ahmed, Shahraz Khan, Rameez Riza, Ameer Hamza, Mohammad Mustafa, Ilhan Khan Ali, Bakshi Hamal Khan, Owais Faiz, Zain ul Abideen, Danish Masih, Kaleem Ullah

Lahore (Sports Reporter): FG/Din Polo secured their place in the main final of the JPF Pink Polo Cup 2026, sponsored by Master Paints’ Valpaint, after defeating Diamond Paints 7-5 on the fifth day of the tournament at Jinnah Polo Fields on Friday.Kian Hall delivered a standout performance, scoring five goals to lead FG/Din to victory. Farhad Muhammad Sheikh and Mian Abbas Mukhtar contributed one goal apiece. Diamond Paints mounted a competitive challenge, with Jalal Arslan scoring three goals and Bilal Haye adding two. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent FG/Din from securing the decisive victory and advancing to the final.In the day’s second match of the day, SQ/Master Paints produced an impressive attacking display to defeat Team Ukhano 8-4, with Saqib Khan Khakwani scoring seven goals in a dominant individual performance. Farooq Amin Sufi added the eighth goal for the winning side.Team Ukano, which started with a two-goal handicap advantage, received one goal each from Saim Abbas and Ahmed Bilal Riaz. Despite their handicap advantage and scoring contributions, they were unable to keep pace with the opposition’s attack.The two matches provided an action-packed day of competition at Jinnah Polo Fields, with FG/Din celebrating qualification for the main final and SQ /Master Paints recording a convincing win in the second encounter.

Islamabad (faisal): Pakistan’s internationally recognised wheelchair tennis player and coach, Asif Gul Abbasi reached Japan to represent Pakistan at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, taking place from 18 to 24 October.Abbasi has built an impressive international career while overcoming the challenges associated with a physical disability. A former world top-100 player, he achieved a career-high International Tennis Federation (ITF) wheelchair tennis ranking of No. 82 in August 2018, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan in the sport.His achievements include three international ITF wheelchair tennis titles, four UK National Wheelchair Tennis Championships and two victories at the Play Your Way to Wimbledon wheelchair tennis event, in 2023 and 2025. He was also runner-up at the 2026 Play Your Way to Wimbledon National Championships.Abbasi has represented Pakistan at World Team Cup qualifying events in Turkey in 2022, Thailand in 2023 and Sri Lanka in 2024. Pakistan secured a bronze medal at the 2024 qualifying event in Sri Lanka. He also made history at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou by becoming the first Pakistani wheelchair tennis player to win a match at the competition.His latest appearance at the Asian Para Games represents another opportunity to raise Pakistan’s profile in international wheelchair tennis and demonstrate the potential of athletes with disabilities.“Representing Pakistan on the international stage is a matter of immense pride for me. Every time I compete, I carry the hopes of my country with me. My journey has involved many challenges, but my determination to represent Pakistan and inspire other people with disabilities has never changed,” Abbasi said.He added that his long-term ambition extends beyond competing internationally.“I want my journey to encourage young people with disabilities to believe in themselves and pursue sport. Pakistan has talented people who need opportunities, proper training and encouragement. If my experience can help another player begin their journey, that will be another meaningful achievement for me.”Post-Games activities in LahoreFollowing the Asian Para Games, Abbasi is expected to return to Lahore for a series of tennis development activities.He plans to participate in a tennis and padel collaboration with New Pak Surgical on 30 or 31 October, with the final date to be confirmed.He is also scheduled to compete in the National Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in Lahore on 1 November.During his visit, Abbasi intends to conduct wheelchair tennis coaching for local coaches, sharing his international experience, practical knowledge and coaching expertise to support the development of wheelchair tennis in Pakistan.A qualified tennis coach with extensive experience, Abbasi believes that developing local coaching capacity is essential to creating a stronger pathway for Pakistani wheelchair tennis players to compete internationally.His visit will therefore combine international competition with efforts to promote grassroots participation, coach education and greater awareness of disability sport.Abbasi’s journey highlights the importance of sporting opportunities, international exposure and sustained development programmes in helping Pakistani athletes with disabilities reach their potential.

Lahore (Sports Reporter): Din/FG stormed into the main final of the JPF Pink Polo Cup 2026 after securing a convincing 10–4 victory over Master Paints/Newage, while FG/Din defeated Ukhano 10–8.5 to strengthen their position in the tournament at Jinnah Polo Fields on Wednesday.The two matches produced an exciting display of attacking polo, with Kian Hall delivering an outstanding scoring performance for FG/Din and Din/FG showcasing their firepower in a dominant first-match victory.Din/FG produced an impressive performance to overcome Master Paints/Newage 10–4 and secure their place in the main final. Abbas Mukhtar led Din/FG's scoring with five goals, while Kian Hall contributed four goals. SM Raffay added one goal to complete the winning team's tally of 10. For Master Paints/Newage, Alman Jalil Azam scored twice, while Mahnum Faisal and Amirreza Behboudi contributed one goal each in the four-goal effort.In the second match, FG/Din defeated Ukhano 10–8.5 in a competitive encounter, with Kian Hall scoring all 10 goals for the winning side. Hall was in exceptional form, converting penalty opportunities and scoring from distance to keep FG/Din ahead. His remarkable individual contribution proved decisive in securing the victory.Ukhano responded with six field goals, including an impressive contribution from Bamtoo, who scored five goals. Saim Abbas added one goal to complete Ukhano's tally. Ukhano also benefited from a 2.5-goal handicap advantage, taking its final score to 8.5. However, FG/Din's 10-goal performance was enough to seal the win by a margin of 1.5 goals.