Islamabad (Sports News): A record 1,248 players representing 48 nations have been confirmed following the submission of final squad lists to FIFAFrom global icons to debutants, the squads reflect unprecedented diversity and worldwide representationLionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa set for historic sixth FIFA World Cup™ campaignsThe final squad lists for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ have been published by FIFA, representing one of the tournament’s most exciting milestones with just nine days to go until kick-off. With 48 teams and 1,248 players made available to take to the pitch across 104 matches in Canada, Mexico and the United States, this edition represents a watershed moment for the global game, opening the door to more nations, players and their fans than ever before.The confirmed squad lists underline the scale and enduring appeal of the tournament with 357 players returning after at least one previous FIFA World Cup™ squad inclusion. Some 891 players are set to experience the competition for the first time, highlighting both continuity and renewal across the global game.The generational breadth is equally striking, with over 25 years separating the oldest player (Scotland’s Craig Gordon at 43 years and 162 days old) from the youngest (Mexico’s Gilberto Mora at 17 years and 240 days old). A total of 22 players under 20 years old and seven players aged 40 or above at the start of the tournament could feature, whilst 22 FIFA World Cup winners are returning to the global stage.Combined with the return of established stars to football’s premier competition, this tournament also brings a new wave of players and nations into the spotlight. Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan are set to experience the FIFA World Cup for the first time, highlighting how the expanded format is making the competition more representative of the global game.One of the standout stories is Uzbekistan’s historic first appearance on the world stage, with rising stars such as Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov making dreams come true back home. Other highlights of the next generation of players include France’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, New Zealand’s Finn Surman and Morocco’s Bilal El Khannouss, among many others. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico’s goalkeeping icon Guillermo Ochoa are set for record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup campaigns.The confirmed lists reflect the global nature of modern football, with 449 different clubs from 71 countries represented (14 from the AFC region, six from CAF, seven from Concacaf, eight from CONMEBOL, one from the OFC, and 35 from UEFA). The squad lists also highlight contrasting national profiles, ranging from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, whose teams are built almost entirely from domestically based players (25 out of 26 in both cases) to others, such as Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Côte d'Ivoire, Curaçao, Senegal and Uruguay, that draw their entire squads from overseas leagues.When it comes to those masterminding the squad lists, Ghana’s Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz is coaching at his fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup, having previously led Portugal in 2010 and IR Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022. He is only the second coach to appear at five straight tournaments, after Bora Milutinović (1986–2002).The confirmed squad lists embody what makes the tournament truly unique — a celebration of excellence, diversity and global unity through football.

LAHORE: Pakistan’s premier golfing sensation, Ahmed Baig, concluded a highly productive week at the 2026 am green IGPL Morocco Rising Stars with an authoritative final-round performance.Carding a two-under-par 68 at the picturesque Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, Baig locked in a commendable tied-7th finish, generating significant momentum for the massive half-million-dollar Asian Tour event coming up on the exact same coastal layout.Baig’s final round was a showcase of his aggressive scoring potential, as he mixed six brilliant birdies with just two bogeys. Delighted with his clinical iron-play and steady temperament, the Lahore native proved he could handle the pressure of elite international fields. His tournament progression highlighted a textbook masterclass in resilience.After stumbling into a difficult one-over-par 73 on the opening day, Baig staged a breathtaking recovery. He responded with a blistering six-under 66 on Day 2, followed by a disciplined 70, and closed out his campaign with 68. Showing phenomenal composure across all four rounds, his only minor blemish was letting a few preventable bogeys slip away, a tactical adjustment that will surely place him directly in the winner’s circle in the near future.It was a proud week overall for Pakistan golf in North Africa. Baig’s countryman, Aadam Syed, also put together an exceptionally strong performance. Showing great consistency, Syed carded rounds of 71, 69, 70, and 70 to finish in a highly respectable 20th position, proving that Pakistani golfers are becoming a force to be reckoned with internationally.Thailand’s Tanapat Pichaikool ultimately captured the tournament title at 17-under par, but the week served as the ultimate practice match for the Pakistani contingent. Up next is the prestigious am green IGPL Bharath Classic, running from June 4 to 7. Boasting a massive $500,000 prize purse, the Asian Tour main event will be held at the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.As Baig looks ahead to Thursday’s tee-off, the blueprint for a historic victory is clear: if he can tighten his short game and save just a few more bogeys over the weekend, his explosive scoring power will undoubtedly place him among the leading contenders for the half-million-dollar crown.Ahmed Baig’s journey stands as an inspiration for aspiring young golfers across Pakistan. Despite limited institutional support and financial constraints, he has emerged as one of the country’s most remarkable self-made sporting talents. His rise has been shaped in no small measure by the guidance of Brigadier (Retd) Riaz Bajwa. Recognising Baig’s potential early, Bajwa provided the guidance, structure and support needed to transform a gifted, self-taught talent into an international professional.To practice golf, one needs a golf course; it cannot be played in the streets like cricket. Credit is also due to Lahore Garrison Greens Golf Club, which facilitated Baig by making the course available to him without restrictions on practice time. Together, these influences have helped produce one of Pakistan’s finest golfing ambassadors, with hopes high that his greatest achievements are still to come.(PR).

Islamabad (Sports News): Pakistan men’s national football team began their Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament campaign in Maldives with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Bangladesh on Sunday.In a closely contested encounter at the National Football Stadium in Malé, both sides created opportunities but were ultimately unable to find a breakthrough, settling for a point apiece.Pakistan handed international debuts to Adil Nabi and Ali Akbar Khan, while defender Easah Suliman returned to the starting lineup after a two-year absence due to injury. However, the visitors suffered an early setback when midfielder Rahis Nabi was forced off injured after just 15 minutes, with Hayyaan Khattak coming on as his replacement.Bangladesh, fielding their Olympic squad as part of preparations to provide their young players with senior international experience, adopted a counter-attacking approach throughout the contest. Their best opportunity of the first half arrived in the 26th minute, but Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.The match remained goalless at the interval, with Pakistan looking the more likely side to increase the tempo after the break.The introduction of Ali Haider Shah, Mohibullah Afridi and Alamgir Ghazi in the second half injected fresh energy into the Pakistani attack. Ghazi nearly made an immediate impact in the 57th minute when his powerful long-range effort struck the post.Momentum swung further in Pakistan’s favour five minutes later when Bangladesh captain SM Monjurur Rahman was sent off for elbowing Yousuf Butt during a set-piece situation. Pakistan defender Syed Abdullah Shah was also cautioned following the incident.With a numerical advantage, Pakistan pushed forward in search of a winner. Ali Haider Shah came closest in the 66th minute, meeting an Ali Khan Niazi cross with a well-struck volley that was brilliantly saved by Bangladesh goalkeeper Md Mehedi Hassan Srabon.Despite sustained pressure from the Shaheens, Bangladesh defended resolutely to preserve the deadlock. Srabon again proved decisive deep into stoppage time, denying substitute Harun Hamid in the 95th minute to ensure his side escaped with a share of the points.After an entertaining and fiercely contested encounter between the South Asian rivals, the final whistle confirmed a goalless draw.Pakistan will next face tournament hosts Maldives on June 4 at 4:00pm PKT before concluding their group-stage campaign against Afghanistan on June 7. The top two teams at the end of the group stage will advance to the tournament final on June 10.

Sports Bulletin ReportDublin (Ireland): West Indies romped to their second consecutive win in the women’s T20I tri-series after they beat Pakistan by 25 runs in the second match defending their total of 199-6 here at the Castle Avenue Cricket Ground in Dublin on Friday afternoon.West Indies got off the mark against Ireland on Thursday with an eight-wicket win and will now face them again on 1 June, while Pakistan will be up against Ireland as well on 31 May at the same venue.Pakistan were restricted to 174-8 in the allotted 20 overs after thirties from Aliya Riaz, Saira Jabeen and a 14-ball 27 from Fatima Sana threatened West Indies at various occasions but weren’t enough to seal the game at the end. For the West Indies, Chinelle Henry was named player of the match for her 17-ball 33 not out at no.6 before she removed Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar within the first four overs.The Maroon shirts breezed to 61-1 in the first six overs after Hayley Matthews won the toss and elected to bat first. The skipper chipped in with 40 off 20 balls hitting nine fours to give her team a swift start.Pakistan struck thrice in a space of 18 balls from end of fifth over to 7.4-over mark as Diana Baig got Matthews, Nashra Sundhu cleaned up Deandra Dottin (17, 16b, 2x4s) and Rameen Shamim got the better of Qiana Joseph early to leave West Indies 66-3.At this juncture, Stafanie Taylor (39, 23b, 4x4s, 2x6s) and Jahzara Claxton (17, 14b, 3x4s) bailed them out with a 30-ball 54-run stand which was broken by Nashra (74 wickets), who overtook her fellow left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal (73 wickets) to go to third on the all-time leading wicket-takers list for Pakistan in WT20Is.Rameen backed up Nashra with another wicket in the 14th over with West Indies 122-5 when top-scorer Jannillea Glasgow (42, 25b, 7x4s) – batting at no.7 – and Henry (33, 17b, 4x4s, 1x6) collected 65 valuable runs to take their team to 199-6 in 20 overs.In turn, Saira (30, 19b, 6x4s) took the attack to West Indies after Pakistan were reduced to 28-3 in 3.5 overs as she struck Ashmini Munisar for four boundaries in the last over of powerplay before falling on the last ball with scorecard reading 52-4.Iram Javed (24, 20b, 3x4s) shared a stand of 32 with Rameen Shamim (18, 16b, 1x6) and then 28 with Aliya Riaz (37, 28b, 8x4s) to keep Pakistan in the hunt. Rameen and Iram were both run out as Aliya and Fatima turned aggressive in a 17-ball 27-run stand with the former hitting five fours in the 16th over.With 59 needed off last 18 balls, Fatima struck two sixes and a four in a space of four balls across 18th and 19th overs but eventually fell after Pakistan required 32 off the last six. Apart from Henry’s two for 13, Shawnisha Hector dismissed two batters, while Munisar and Claxton picked up a wicket each.Scores in brief:West Indies 199-6, 20 overs (Jannillea Glasgow 42, Hayley Matthews 40, Stafanie Taylor 39, Chinelle Henry 33 not out; Rameen Shamim 2-27, Nashra Sundhu 2-29)Pakistan 174-8, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 37, Saira Jabeen 30, Fatima Sana 27, Iram Javed 24; Chinelle Henry 2-13, Shawnisha Hector 2-21)Player of the match – Chinelle Henry (West Indies women)Tri-series schedule:8 May – West Indies beat Ireland by eight wickets29 May – West Indies beat Pakistan by 25 runs31 May – Ireland v Pakistan1 June – Ireland v West Indies3 June – Pakistan v West Indies4 June – Ireland v Pakistan 

Islamabad (Sports News):TrueSpeed, also known as TS Climbing, have become World Climbing’s Speed Timing System Official Partner and Sole Supplier in a new partnership.As the Speed discipline has grown in recent years, TS Climbing have been at the forefront of development working with World Climbing to develop technology used in the discipline.The new partnership will further strengthen the collaboration and will bring about consistent conditions for athletes through continuous updates to enhance the quality and reliability of the timing systems used in the World Climbing calendar of events.For over six seasons TS Climbing has been a World Climbing Recognised Speed Timing manufacturer and the step up to partner ensures a smooth transition in operations specifically at events and for Local Organisers.As part of the new deal, the full Speed timing system will be provided directly on site, at no cost to the organising committees, by the TS Climbing team who will also attend events to manage all timing related operations and services.Speaking about the new partnership, World Climbing Secretary General Piero Rebaudengo said: “Seeing the growth of Speed on the world stage, and with Speed recognised as a standlone climbing discipline at LA28, this partnership couldn’t have come at a better time with a team we already have a strong and trusted relationship with.”Rebaudengo added: “The partnership won’t just enhance the experience for the athletes, but also for the viewing public who will see an immmediate change to the Speed finishing pads and displays. As well as names and country flags, the display screens will show reaction times and personal best times for a more complete picture of every race.”Song Qin, General Manager of Truespeed, said: “We are thrilled about this new partnership. We believe this cooperation will bring great value to both sides."The partnership will begin on 1 July 2026 and run until the end of 2028. TS Climbing were present at the World Climbing Series Wujiang, as part of their relationship as provider to the Chinese National Federation, and will also be the supplier for the upcoming Comunidad de Madrid event meaning that they will be the timing system for the whole 2026 Speed series.

Sports Bulletin ReportDublin: Fatima Sana-led Pakistan women’s team embarked on its journey to feature in the ICC women’s T20 World Cup 2026 and has made a pit stop in Dublin for the six-match double-round robin tri-series involving hosts Ireland and West Indies at the Castle Avenue Cricket Ground in Clontarf scheduled to take place from 28 May to 4 June. The teams will face each other twice, while the topper will be declared winner of the series before all three teams head to England for the showpiece T20 event where on 13 June Ireland face Scotland, West Indies will be up against New Zealand and Pakistan will begin their campaign against India on 14 June.All matches of the T20I tri-series are scheduled to begin at 4pm local time and 8pm Pakistan time and will be live-streamed on ICC TV. Pakistan’s squad touched down in Ireland on 25 May and has taken part in two intensive training sessions since at the Ireland cricket high-performance centre in Dublin.The team has arrived on the continent on the back of a four-day training camp in Lahore and a 6-0 ODI and T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe women in Karachi.The tri-series will begin with Ireland facing West Indies on Thursday, 28 May, while Pakistan will face the Maroon shirts on the subsequent day. Pakistan will face Ireland on 31 May and 4 June, while West Indies again on 3 June.Pakistan has played a total of 22 women’s T20Is against Ireland and won 16, while Ireland will draw inspiration from their 2-1 series win over the visitors at the same venue in August 2025, though the hosts will be without their regular captain Gaby Lewis. Muneeba Ali’s unbeaten century helped Pakistan gain a consolation win back then.The 2016 T20 World Cup champions West Indies, who arrived in Dublin on 24 May after a 10-day training camp in Wales, will lean back on their 15-4 dominant record against Pakistan in WT20Is. The two teams have played out three tied games as well.At the Castle Avenue Cricket Club, Pakistan won the inaugural WT20I series - a tri-series involving Ireland and Bangladesh – in August 2012, meanwhile they have also featured in a solitary ODI as well back in 2009.Fatima Sana, Pakistan women’s team captain:“The tri-nation series is a great opportunity for us to get some highly competitive game time right before the World Cup. As a group, we are familiar to the conditions at this venue having played a bilateral T20I series here last year.“I urge our players to carry on the momentum and confidence of the previous two bilateral series into this assignment as well. We are excited to see how all the skills sharpened in the training camps and the experience of our team pan out here against Ireland and West Indies, who are both very good teams.”Pakistan squad:Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba HassanIreland squad:Orla Prendergast (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca StokellWest Indies squad:Hayley Matthews (captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shermaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie TaylorTri-series schedule: (All matches at Castle Avenue, Dublin; All matches to begin at 4pm local time; 8pm PKT)28 May – Ireland v West Indies29 May - Pakistan v West Indies31 May – Ireland v Pakistan1 June – Ireland v West Indies3 June – Pakistan v West Indies4 June – Ireland v Pakistan

Islamabad (faisal): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of women’s football as PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani declared that “every year will be the year of women’s football in Pakistan” during the first-ever PFF Women’s Football Symposium held in Islamabad.Bringing together stakeholders from the football and development sectors, the symposium served as a platform to exchange ideas on strengthening the women’s game in Pakistan while outlining a strategic roadmap for future growth under the leadership of the newly-elected PFF administration.Gilani highlighted the recent rise of Pakistan women’s football on the international stage, saying it was encouraging to hear Pakistan women’s football being “the talk of the town” during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver last month. He credited the Pakistan Sports Board for its support and stressed that the women’s game must go beyond the national team.“Women’s football cannot only be about the national team; it is also about the ecosystem — players, coaches, referees and fans. It’s not about glam and gloss, there has to be substance,” he said, while also emphasising that women should lead women’s football structures.Chief Guest Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto (Member of National Assembly) congratulated the federation on the women national team’s FIFA Series campaign, participation in the SAFF Futsal Championship and AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, noting that Pakistani women continue to break barriers when given opportunities.Secretary IPC and Pakistan Sports Board Director General Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani announced plans for a national schoolgirls football tournament and pledged institutional support in logistics, grounds and equipment.FIFA Head of Development Ariana Demirovic praised Pakistan’s growing presence in international women’s football and reiterated FIFA’s willingness to support long-term development initiatives.The symposium also featured contributions from representatives of Right To Play, UN Women, media, coaches and former players, with discussions centred on access, safe playing spaces, grassroots structures, trained female coaches and school football programmes.PFF Head of Women’s Football Mejzgaan Orakzai presented the federation’s strategic vision for women’s football development, while PFF COO Shahid Khokhar reiterated the federation’s unwavering commitment to building sustainable pathways for women in football.

Abu Dhabi (Sports News): Abu Dhabi has taken a major step toward strengthening the future of the Abu Dhabi T10 League by assuming majority ownership and commercial rights control of the tournament, turning it into a fully Abu Dhabi-owned and managed sporting property.The move was announced by Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH), which will now oversee the long-term development of the world’s fastest cricket format with the support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).Officials described the transition as the beginning of a new era for the Abu Dhabi T10, aimed at enhancing governance, expanding the tournament’s global reach, and positioning Abu Dhabi as the home of T10 cricket.Chairman of ADCSH and General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, His Excellency Aref Al Awani, said the tournament had already achieved significant global recognition in a short period and would now move into a stronger phase of international growth.According to an independent GSIQ report, the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi T10 generated US$512 million in media value and recorded 687 million social media impressions worldwide, highlighting the league’s rapidly growing popularity.The 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament will be held from 7 to 20 November at the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium, marking the first edition under the new ownership structure.Emirates Cricket Board Vice Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni welcomed the new framework, saying the tournament had become an important part of the international cricket calendar and would continue contributing to the UAE’s sporting landscape.T10 founder and Mulk International Chairman Shaji Ul Mulk also praised the development, calling it an important step toward unlocking the tournament’s full global potential.Meanwhile, ADCSH CEO and newly appointed Abu Dhabi T10 CEO Matt Boucher said efforts would now focus on strengthening governance, player structures, commercial growth, and broadcast innovation to take the league to the next level.As franchise discussions begin under the new structure, Abu Dhabi has made it clear that the future of the Abu Dhabi T10 is being built for long-term international success.

Rawalpindi (faisal)The National Men’s Selection Committee has named a 16-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia commencing on 30 May. The ODI series between Pakistan and Australia will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 30 May to 4 June.Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir are the three players selected in the squad who are yet to represent Pakistan in ODI cricket.Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the side, while Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim, who were not part of the away ODI series against Bangladesh in March have been recalled to the side.Mohammad Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir have been named as the two wicketkeeper-batters in the squad after Usman Khan was not considered for selection due to illness. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were also not considered for selection as they had earlier been ruled out due to injuries and will continue their rehabilitation programmes under the supervision of the PCB medical panel.The 16-member squad will assemble in Islamabad later today and will train under the coaching staff from Saturday, 23 May. The media advisory regarding the camp will be shared in due course.Australia men’s team will arrive in Islamabad on 23 May. They will also take part in training sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, details of which will be announced in due course.16-member squad:Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan MoqimTeam Management:Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Iftikhar (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Col. Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)Series schedule (All matches to begin at 4.30pm local time):23 May – Australia arrive in Islamabad30 May – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium2 June – 2nd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore4 June – 3rd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Lahore (Sports News):: The opening batters, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, will not be available for selection for the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against the Australia national cricket team, scheduled to begin on 30 May during Australia’s tour of Pakistan.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that both players are currently recovering from injuries and have been advised to continue their rehabilitation programmes under the supervision of the PCB medical panel. Consequently, they have been ruled out of selection for the ODI series.The PCB wishes both players a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing them return to competitive cricket at the earliest opportunity.