Lausanne (PR): With the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on the cusp of getting underway – with pushback in Ismailia, Egypt and Santiago, Chile, starting tomorrow (1 March), followed by action beginning in Hyderabad, India from next Sunday (8 March) – here’s what the Captains of the participating teams have to say:Women's TeamsSwitzerland - Stephanie Weber, Captain"The preparation period was short but efficient. With Australia, France, and Chile in our pool, we enter the competition as challengers with nothing to lose. We strongly believe we can steal points and win games."Korea - Yuri Lee, Captain"As we have prepared tirelessly to secure our place in the World Cup, I am confident that we can achieve strong results in the upcoming qualifiers.The fitness, teamwork, and trust we have built throughout our training will be our greatest strengths on the field. I believe it is most important to show the unity and resilience we have developed together.We will focus on each match, one game at a time, and as every player is striving toward the same goal, we will fight until the very end without giving up. By giving our absolute best in every moment, we aim to achieve the results we have been working so hard for."France - Emma Ponthieu, Captain“The team is ready and motivated for this tournament despite being in a fairly tough group. Securing qualification would be the culmination of many years of hard work, and we will give everything to achieve it.”Austria - Johanna Czech, Captain“Our preparation is short but intense, and we feel ready for the challenge ahead. We’re going into the tournament as underdogs, but we want to compete with confidence, give everything on the pitch, and make the most of this opportunity.”Italy – Federica Carta, Captain“This tournament is a great opportunity for us and we have great motivation to achieve the goal.”Scotland - Sarah Robertson, Captain“We are looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in India. We’ve been building for a number of years now and the squad is prepared for the challenge ahead.” Chile - Manuela Urroz, Captain“As the most experienced member of the team, it’s my responsibility to lead by example. I want to share my experience and contribute in any way I can after everything I’ve gone through over the years.Each of us plays a very important role on the team, and that’s something we’ve been working on for a long time with the coaching staff. It’s a tough group, but it’s also a great opportunity to secure qualification while playing at home and in front of our fans". England - Lily Walker, Captain“We are looking forward to the qualifiers in Hyderabad and hopefully qualifying for the World Cup in the summer. We have had a good preparation for the tournament and can’t wait to get started.”India - Salima Tete, Captain“As we approach the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana 2026, the entire team has been training with great intensity and clarity of purpose. We have worked strongly on our fitness, structure, and decision-making under pressure, because tournaments like these are about consistency across every match. Playing at home in India gives us added motivation, and we want to make the most of that energy and support.We know that facing Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales in the pool stage will be tricky, as each team brings a different style and strengths. Our focus is on taking one game at a time, staying disciplined with our plans, and expressing ourselves with confidence on the field. The goal is clear — to play fearless hockey, deliver consistent performances, and make our country proud by securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.”Malaysia - Juliani Mohamad Din, Captain“Qualifying would be a dream come true, but even competing in the qualifiers is already a valuable experience in one of the toughest tournaments in international hockey.”Australia - Stephanie Kershaw“We know it’s really important obviously with World Cup qualification. So our first job is to come here and qualify for the World Cup. But we’re also a very competitive team and we want to win everything that we come to. So, we’re looking to win this tournament and make World Cup as well.”Men's TeamsMalaysia - Mohammad Marhan Mohd Jalil, Captain“Our preparations have been intense, and the squad is motivated for the World Cup qualifiers. Every match in the pool will be a tough challenge, and we’re ready to give our best.”France - François Goyet, Captain“We are approaching the qualification tournament with great excitement and ambition. After our strong run at EuroHockey 2025, where we were considered outsiders, this time the challenge will be to embrace one of the favourites’ roles in the race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.The task will obviously be difficult against teams such as Scotland, Wales, and Chile in the group stage, but we are confident in the team’s qualities — a blend of youth and experience — to achieve our ultimate goal.”Austria – Benjamin Kölbl, Captain“Our preparation has been relatively short due to the Indoor European Championship in January. We have only one Training camp/tournament in Granada ahead of the qualifier.Our goal is, of course, to achieve the best possible result. At the same time, it is equally important for us to continue growing together as a team, as we have a very Young squad with several new players from the U21. We want to take the next step in our development following the last outdoor European Championship.”USA – Aki Kaeppeler, Captain"Reaching the final at the last Pan Am Cup gave us a boost and more belief in the group and what we’ve been building. It has been a long time since those last competitive games and we are looking forward to playing some top opposition again. We’re confident in the selected team and ready to perform and fight for a World Cup spot!”Pakistan – Ammad Butt, Captain“Hockey is our identity, and victory is our responsibility. Our sticks don’t merely strike the ball they echo generations of greatness. Glory lives in our game, and the world will witness our rise again.”Chile - Andrés Pizarro, Captain "I’ve had the opportunity to play several tournaments at home, and it’s a matter of great pride to compete with our fans cheering us on. This is going to be a great championship — it will be incredible. All of our opponents are tough, but we’ll leave everything on the field and go for qualification to the World Cup.” England - Zach Wallace, Captain“We are looking forward to starting the World Cup Qualifiers on Sunday. There is a great feeling in the squad right now and following a positive winter period, we’ll be hoping to continue our good form in the upcoming games.”

Lahore (Sports Report):A total of 27 women’s players are set to take part in a skills training camp from 7 to 14 March at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today.The camp is being organised keeping in mind the preparations for the upcoming National women’s T20 tournament, home series against Zimbabwe women, away T20I tri-series in Ireland and the subsequent ICC women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.The players will attend the camp in supervision of the current senior women’s team coaches led by team mentor Wahab Riaz. During the camp, the players will not only hone their skills with the help of the coaches but also work on their fitness for upcoming challenges and take part in scenario based and practice matches.Pakistan’s ODI squad, currently playing the three-match series in South Africa, will return to Pakistan on 2 March.The list of the 27 players is as under:Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Eyman Fatima, Saira Jabeen, Gull Rukh, Hafsa Khalid, Eman Naseer, Ayesha Zafar, Sadaf Shamas, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Fatima Sana, Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, Umm-e-Hani, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sundhu, Momina Riasat, Anosha Nasir, Ayesha Bilal, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, Diana Baig and Waheeda Akhtar.

Islamabad (PR): The Pak-China Friendship Cup 3x3 Basketball Championship 2026 will tip off on March 5 at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. According to Federal Basketball Association (FBBA) Secretary Dr. Ouj-e-Zohoor, the four-day event, being organized under the umbrella of the Pakistan Basketball Federation with the support of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), will conclude on March 8 and promises high-level basketball action.The FIBA-endorsed 3x3 championship has attracted record participation from across the country. A total of 48 teams will compete in the club category, 16 teams in the departmental category, and 26 teams in the women’s category. The large turnout highlights the rapid growth of 3x3 basketball in Pakistan and the continued commitment of the Pakistan Basketball Federation to promoting the sport nationwide.Ouj-e-Zohoor emphasized that the event reflects the strong and longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and China, noting that sports diplomacy plays a vital role in fostering cooperation, unity, and international goodwill.As a FIBA-endorsed tournament, the championship will also contribute points toward the FIBA 3x3 international rankings, further strengthening Pakistan’s presence in the global basketball community. The organizing committee has ensured professionally managed arrangements, promising competitive and thrilling basketball action throughout the four-day event.

Centurion (Sports News):Pakistan women were bowled out for 345 in pursuit of a 362-run target in the second ODI as South Africa gained a 2-0 lead in the series here at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday night. Pakistan registered their highest ever ODI total surpassing the previous 335-3 against Ireland women in 2022 in Lahore. The third ODI of the series will take place on Sunday, 1 March at the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban.Pakistan’s spirited effort was led by fluent half-centuries from Ayesha Zafar, Sadaf Shamas and skipper Fatima Sana. Syeda Aroob Shah and Diana Baig also chipped in with valuable contributions lower down the order as the visitors threatened to set the record for the highest ever successful chase in women’s ODIs. At the start of the chase, Pakistan lost Muneeba Ali in second over and Sidra Amin in sixth with 24 runs on the board. Opening batter Sadaf Shamas then knitted an 87-ball 97-run partnership for the third wicket with top-scorer Ayesha Zafar (75, 68b, 8x4s), who scored her second consecutive half-century.Sadaf departed on the penultimate delivery of the 20th over after getting to her second ODI half-century, scoring 61 off 62 including nine fours. Sune Luus provided South Africa the vital breakthrough. Ayesha then combined with Natalia Parvaiz (27, 32b, 3x4s) to add 76 runs for the fourth wicket off 60 balls as Pakistan were 197-3, requiring another 165 off 122 balls. At this point, South Africa were brought back into the contest by Nondumiso Shangase and player of the match Annerie Drecksen. Shangase removed Ayesha and Aliya Zafar on the last two balls of the 30th over, while Drecksen got rid of Natalia in the subsequent over to reduce Pakistan to 199-6. Skipper Fatima Sana then took it upon herself to continue the momentum as she combined with Syeda Aroob Shah to add 81 runs off 65 balls for the seventh wicket. Fatima’s 52, her fouth ODI half-century, came off 36 balls on the back of six fours and one six before falling in the 42nd over with 280 runs on the board.  With 82 required off 49 balls, Aroob (40, 44b, 4x4s) knitted a 34-run alliance with Diana Baig before to keep Pakistan in the hunt. South Africa again managed to struck twice in an over with Nadine de Klerk eking out the scalps of well-set Aroob and Nashra Sundhu in 47th over. Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal then got into the act as Pakistan were faced with an uphill task of scoring 46 off the last three overs. The duo hit a four each in the 48th over to take 12 runs, while Diana hit a six and a four against de Klerk in the penultimate over as the visitors needed 23 runs off the final six balls. Diana remained unbeaten on 38 off 25, her career best score, with the help of five fours and a six as Pakistan were bowled out for 345 in 49.5 overs. For South Africa, Dercksen bagged three for 59, while Shangase (5-0-30-2), de Klerk (9-0-66-2) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (9.5-1-68-2) picked up two wickets each. Earlier, South Africa posted their second-highest total in WODIs after being asked to bat first. They were aided by No.5 batter Dercksen, who top-scored with a 68-ball 90, hitting six fours and four sixes after walking in to bat at 118-3 in 18.5 overs. Opening batter Tazmin Brits scored 77 off 62 balls, featuring ten fours and two sixes, after losing her Laura Wolvaardt for 20 as the duo put on 55 off the first 8.4 overs. Pakistan struck in 16th and 19th over as Faye Tunnicliffe and Brits departed to spinners Aroob and Nashra, respectively.At this juncture, Luus (57, 67b, 4x4s) and Dercksen shared a vital 102-run stand to take the score to 220-4 in 37.1 overs with the former pinned leg-before by Aroob. An over later Sadia Iqbal castled Sinalo Jafta to 234-5 in 39.2 overs. While Fatima denied Dercksen her second ODI century, Nadine de Klerk (49, 26b, 7x4s, 1x6), batting at no.8, and Chloe Tryon (37, 23b, 5x4s, 1x6) at 9, went all guns blazing as South Africa ransacked 127 runs off the last 62 balls of their innings. For Pakistan, Sadia, Fatima and Aroob picked up two wickets each. Scores in brief:2nd ODI - South Africa women beat Pakistan women by 16 runs at SuperSport Park, CenturionSouth Africa 361-8, 50 overs (Annerie Dercksen 90, Tazmin Brits 77, Sune Luus 57, Nadine de Klerk 49, Chloe Tryon 37, Laura Wolvaardt 20; Syeda Aroob Shah 2-49, Sadia Iqbal 2-65, Fatima Sana 2-72)Pakistan 345 all out, 49.5 overs (Ayesha Zafar 75, Sadaf Shamas 61, Fatima Sana 52, Syeda Aroob Shah 40, Diana Baig 38 not out, Natalia Pervaiz 27; Annerie Dercksen 3-59, Nondumiso Shangase 2-30, Nadine de Klerk 2-66, Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-68)

 Lahore (Sports Report): The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced the completion of a successful bidding process of HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL) Brand Partnership rights for a four-year cycle (2026-2029), starting from HBL PSL 11.The Brand Partnership includes six category rights along with one umpire branding right.Prior to the opening of the financial bid, the PCB had announced the reserve price for the rights in line with its transparent and robust bidding process. Trans Group FZE exceeded the reserve price, securing the Brand Partnership rights.The record deal reflects a 1,226 per cent increase in brand partnership value compared to the inaugural edition of the HBL PSL which commenced in 2016.Salman Naseer, CEO PSL:“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the Brand Partnership rights sale, which have grown remarkably by 1,226 per cent since the start of the league. This growth is a strong validation of the HBL PSL brand, its competitive quality and its increasing appeal to cricket fans around the world.“We are grateful to Trans Group for stepping up in the New Era, shattering past records and standing firmly by the HBL PSL for a decade. We all are eagerly awaiting commencement of the next edition to begin across the country with eight teams participating in the league for the first time across two new venues.”Rao Omar Hashim, Group Director Trans Group FZE:“TransGroup FZE is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Cricket Board as we enter a New Era of the HBL Pakistan Super League through the Category Sponsorship rights for 2026–2029. From the very inception of the HBL PSL, TransGroup FZE has believed in the league’s vision to transform Pakistan’s cricketing and commercial landscape and this milestone reflects our continued commitment to its long-term success.“The HBL PSL has grown into a globally respected property, driven by passionate fans, world-class players and a forward-looking strategy from the PCB. TransGroup FZE remains aligned with the PCB’s ambitions to strengthen Pakistan cricket through innovation, stability, global collaboration and we look forward to contributing meaningfully to the continued growth of the HBL PSL in the years ahead.”

Bloemfontein (Sports News):South Africa women beat Pakistan women by 37 runs in the 41 overs-a-side rain-shortened first ODI here at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday night. The hosts posted 260-6 in 41 overs with the help of Sune Luus’ 93 not out and in turn, Pakistan managed 223 all out in 38.5 overs.After losing the opening batters early in pursuit of the total, Sidra Amin and Ayesha Zafar stitched a record 126-run partnership for the third wicket for Pakistan in ODIs. The stand eclipsed Sadaf Shamas and Bismah Maroof’s 124-run effort against Ireland in November 2022.Sidra bagged her 14th ODI half-century, third against South Africa, contributing 68 off 69 balls, featuring nine fours.  On the other hand, Ayesha struck a 94-ball 81; her fourth ODI half-century laced with seven fours.Aliya Riaz, coming in to bat at no.7, scored a quick-fire 32 off 26 balls, hitting six fours, but in vain as Pakistan managed to score 223 all out in 38.5 overs, falling 37 runs short. Player of the match Luus eked out vital scalps of Sidra and Fatima Sana.Tumi Sekhukhune bagged three for 50, while Nadine de Klerk picked up two wickets.After putting South Africa in to bat, Diana Baig struck in the fifth over, removing Tazmin Brits (10, 16b, 1x4) as the scoreboard read 19-1.After a 47-run second-wicket stand between Laura Wolvaardt (43, 50b, 5x4s) and Lara Goodall (13, 22b, 1x4), left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal struck to remove the latter in 12th over.Nashra Sundhu then bagged skipper Wolvaardt’s prized scalp on the final delivery of the 17th over, leaving the Proteas on 84-3.Top-scorer Luus and Annerie Dercksen (31, 49b, 3x4s, 1x6) knitted a 80-run partnership for the fourth wicket to lay down the foundation for a formidable total. Pakistan picked up three wickets in three overs after South Africa were 164-3.Syed Aroob Shah accounted for Dercksen in 30th, Nashra removed Chloe Tryon for a duck in 31st and Ayesha got Nadine de Klerk for one in 32nd to leave South Africa 170-6.At this juncture an unbeaten 90-run partnership for seventh wicket between Luus (93 not out, 8x4s, 1x6) and wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta (57 not out, 38b, 8x4s) took South Africa to 260-6.Nashra returned figures of 9-0-45-2.Scores in brief:South Africa 260-6, 41 overs (Sune Luus 93 not out, Sinalo Jafta 57 not out, Laura Wolvaardt 43, Annerie Dercksen 31; Nashra Sundhu 2-45)Pakistan 223 all out, 38.5 overs, (Ayesha Zafar 81, Sidra Amin 68, Aliya Riaz 32; Tumi Sekhukhune 3-50, Sune Luus 2-31, Nadine de Klerk 2-36).

 Abu Dhabi (Sports News): England Lions beat Pakistan Shaheens by 32 runs in the second T20 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery One in Abu Dhabi on Sunday afternoon to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series. The third match of the series will be played at the same venue on Tuesday, 24 February with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 7.30pm local time.Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to field, Pakistan Shaheens made early inroads when Shahid Aziz dismissed Will Smeed for a first-ball duck. Ben McKinney (38, 25b, 6x4s) and Lions captain Jordan Cox (34, 30b, 4x4s, 1x6) steadied the innings with a brisk stand, before Saad Masood struck twice to finish with figures of two for 38 in three overs.However, James Coles anchored the latter half of the innings and remained unbeaten on 48 off 30 balls, which included four fours and two sixes as Lions posted 183 for five.Right-arm fast bowler Shahid, who was playing his first match of the series, grabbed two wickets for 26 runs in his four overs.In turn, Pakistan Shaheens got off to a decent start courtesy captain Shamyl Hussain (20, 15b, 1x4, 2x6s) and Maaz Sadaqat, who top-scored with 32 off 25 balls, including two fours and as many sixes. The pair added 41 for the first wicket in 4.2 overs, but regular breakthroughs halted the chase.Left-handed wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig (20, 18b, 1x6) and Hasan Nawaz (20, 24b, 1x4) attempted to rebuild the innings, before Saad Masood, coming in to bat at number seven scored 30 off 17 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.Shahid (15, 7b, 1x4, 1x6) also chipped in with a cameo, but the required rate proved too steep as Shaheens were eventually dismissed for 151 with three balls to spare.Left-arm spinner Coles starred with the ball as well, returning figures of four for 18, while Scott Currie and Sonny Baker picked up two wickets apiece for the winning side.Scores in brief:England Lions 183-5, 20 overs (James Coles 48 not out, Ben McKinney 38, Jordan Cox 34; Shahid Aziz2-26, Saad Masood 2-38)Pakistan Shaheens 151 all out, 19.3 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 32, Saad Masood 30; James Coles 4-18, Sonny Baker 2-24, Scott Currie 2-30)Player of the match – James Coles (England Lions)

Lahore (PR): The closing ceremony of the IBIT Sports Festival 2026 was held with great enthusiasm and splendour at University of the Punjab, bringing together senior academic leadership, distinguished guests, and an energetic gathering of students. The ceremony was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ali, Dean Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mumtaz, Director IBIT Dr. Asim, and senior faculty member Prof. Shahid Zia. The esteemed guests distributed honorary shields among members of the IBIT society in recognition of their outstanding services and dedicated efforts. Among the recipients was Society President Hamza Wattoo, whose leadership and contributions were particularly appreciated. The occasion was further elevated by the presence of Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana, who graced the event as a special guest, along with President of Pakistan Martial Arts Association (PMAA) Anwar Mohiuddin and Senior Journalist Azhar Masood as guests of honour.  Addressing the students, he praised their exceptional passion and enthusiasm. “I have attended many annual sports days at different institutions, but the passion and enthusiasm that I have seen and felt here at IBIT, Punjab University, I have seen nowhere else,” he remarked. “These students truly reflect the spirit of Qalandars. I hope this Qalandars spirit, combined with pure determination, dedication, and hard work, will help them excel in their future endeavours and succeed in every walk of life.” Atif Rana, along with Anwar Mohiuddin and Azhar Masood, distributed trophies and medals among the winning teams and outstanding performers. In a generous gesture that further energized the gathering, he announced the provision of Pakistan Super League (PSL) match tickets and sports kits for IBIT students, drawing loud applause from the audience. The festival featured a wide range of sporting competitions, including cricket, badminton, volleyball, football, and several other athletic contests. The event not only highlighted athletic excellence but also promoted teamwork, discipline, and leadership among participants. Speaking on the occasion, Anwar Mohiuddin emphasised the importance of self-defence training among youth. “Self-defence can be learned through passion, and the passion that IBIT students possess is the most essential ingredient to mastering these skills. With proper guidance and structured workshops, these students can emerge as some of the finest self-defence athletes.”

Lahore (Sports Report):Pakistan men’s cricket team will tour Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed on Friday.Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on Monday, 9 March and will undergo a training session on Tuesday, 10 March, ahead of the opening ODI against the hosts at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Dhaka on Wednesday, 11 March.The second ODI will be played on Friday, 13 March, while the third and final match of the series is scheduled for Sunday, 15 March. All three matches will take place at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.This will be Pakistan’s second tour of Bangladesh since July 2025. Pakistan last toured Bangladesh for a three-match T20I series in July, which the hosts won 2-1. Bangladesh, meanwhile, toured Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in May/June last year, which Salman Ali Agha-led side won 3-0.Series schedule:March 9 – Pakistan arrivalMarch 10 – PracticeMarch 11 – First ODI at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, DhakaMarch 13 – Second ODI at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, DhakaMarch 15 – Third ODI at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka

Dubai (Sports News):Rodney Tucker and Paul Reiffel will be in the middle for the opening Super Eights match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.New Zealand take on Pakistan in Colombo on Saturday as Group 2 gets underway, with Allahudien Paleker in place as TV Umpire and Sam Nogajski taking on the role of Fourth Umpire.Tucker and Nogajski will be the on-field team on 28 February when Sri Lanka face Pakistan in Kandy, while Nogajski will also oversee England’s match with Pakistan at the same venue on 24 February alongside Nitin Menon.Adrian Holdstock is also part of the Sri Lankan-based officials’ team for the Super Eights stage and will be on-field alongside Ahsan Raza for England’s clashes with the co-hosts in Kandy on 22 February and New Zealand five days later.Paleker and Asif Yaqoob will be in the middle for Sri Lanka’s meeting with New Zealand in Colombo on 25 February.Group 1 begins with co-hosts India taking on South Africa on 22 February and the experienced duo of Richard Kettleborough and Chris Gaffaney will be taking charge, assisted by TV Umpire Alex Wharf and Fourth Umpire Chris Brown.Gaffaney and Wharf join forces for the final match of the Super Eight stage, India’s match with the West Indies in Kolkata on March 1, while Wharf and Kettleborough are the on-field duo for the co-hosts’ clash with Zimbabwe on 26 February.Zimbabwe are unbeaten after the group stage and will hope to take that momentum into their clash with the similarly in-form West Indies on 23 February, with Richard Illingworth and Jayaraman Madanagopal overseeing the action in Mumbai.Shahid Saikat and Kumar Dharmasena are the on-field team for the West Indies’ match against South Africa on 26 February, with Dharmasena back in place alongside Illingworth when the Proteas face Zimbabwe on 1 March.Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson, and Javagal Srinath share the match referee duties.