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PSL 11: Quetta Gladiators beat Lahore Qalandars by six wickets
Karachi (Sports News): Quetta Gladiators jumped from sixth to fourth on the points table as they secured a crucial six-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars to bounce back from their eight-wicket loss to Peshawar Zalmi here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Friday night.After Usman Tariq took 3-18 and Jahandad Khan picked up as many wickets for 35 runs, Quetta restricted Qalandars to 134 all out. In turn, a century partnership from Rilee Rossouw, who scored his second half-century in HBL PSL 11, and Hasan Nawaz, who missed his fifty by one run, sealed the game for Gladiators.Lahore Qalandars have now incurred a nine-wicket, 76-run and a six-wicket loss in Karachi and find themselves at seventh with only four points to their name.Quetta displaced Hyderabad Kingsmen at the fourth spot based on better net run rate pushing them a spot below. Karachi Kings have also six points but are placed sixth. Meanwhile, table toppers Peshawar Zalmi have now qualified for the playoffs with three game still to go and 13 points in the bag.Qalandars, who are set to take the field again on Saturday against Rawalpindiz, opted to bat first and were blown away by Gladiators pacers Alzarri Joseph, Jahandad and Saqib Khan with just 42 runs on the board for the loss of four wickets in 6.3 overs.Jahandad castled Mohammad Naeem early, while Joseph accounted for aggressive Fakhar Zaman (20, 11b, 4x4s) and incoming no.4 batter Charith Asalanka. Saqib trapped Mohammad Farooq leg-before to claim his maiden HBL PSL wicket.Player of the match Usman Tariq then jolted Qalandars who were trying to recover with sluggish 18-run fifth-wicket stand between Abdullah Shafique (17, 22b, 1x4) and Haseebullah (33, 37b, 4x4s) with two wickets in 11th over. He got Abdullah stumped and Shaheen Shah Afridi leg-before for a two-ball duck.Sikandar (15, 17b, 1x4) became Usman’s third wicket as he was castled with Qalandars languishing at 84-7 in 16.1 overs. That the Qalandars were able to post a healthy total was largely due to Usama Mir playing a blinder seven-ball 22 cameo at no.10. He struck three sixes and a four overall and took 24 runs off the penultimate over with Haseebullah.Jahandad picked up two wickets on the penultimate and second-last ball of the 20th over after Usama had hit him for a six and a four. Daniel Sams remained unbeaten on 12 off eight balls hitting two fours as Qalandars were dismissed for 134.In turn, Shaheen removed Shamyl Hussain for a three-ball duck, picking up a wicket in the opening over for the 25th time in HBL PSL. In the third over, Saud Shakeel was run out by Asalanka as Qalandars sensed an opportunity.Rossouw and Nawaz then put the Qalandars bowlers on back foot for the next 69 balls putting on 104 runs. Rossouw finished with 60 off 49 balls hitting five fours and two sixes, while Hasan fell to Sikandar for 49 off 32 balls after hitting six delightful fours and two sixes.Haris Rauf’s dismissal of Dinesh Chandimal, who replaced the ill Tom Curran in this game, did not affect Gladiators as they romped home with 22 balls to spare.Scores in brief:Lahore Qalandars 134 all out, 19.5 overs (Haseebullah 33, Usama Mir 22, Fakhar Zaman 20; Usman Tariq 3-18, Jahandad Khan 3-35, Alzarri Joseph 2-41)Quetta Gladiators 138-4, 16.2 overs (Rilee Rossouw 60 not out, Hasan Nawaz 49)Player of the Match – Usman Tariq (Quetta Gladiators)Saturday’s fixture: Lahore Qalandars v Rawalpindiz at National Bank Stadium, Karachi; 7pm PKT
16-member squad announced for Bangladesh Test series
Lahore (Our Staff Reporter):The Men’s National Selection Committee has named a 16-member squad for the two-Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh set to take place in Bangladesh next month. The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test which will be played from 16 to 20 May.Shan Masood will continue to lead the Test side, while four uncapped players – Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori are part of the squad.Among the squad, five players – Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan are currently taking part in the ongoing NCA Red-Ball Camp in Lahore.The players will undergo a camp in Karachi and will assemble on Monday, 27 April. The camp will conclude on 1 May, with the players scheduled to fly to Bangladesh on 2 May. Players who are part of the Test squad and are currently taking part in HBL PSL Xl will join the camp following the conclusion of their team’s campaign. Players whose teams qualify for the final will depart for Bangladesh after the conclusion of the tournament.The PCB also confirms the appointment of red-ball coaches for the Bangladesh tour, with former Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed as head coach. Sarfaraz, who won two ICC titles as captain of Pakistan – ICC U19 World Cup 2006 and ICC Champions Trophy 2017 also guided Pakistan U19 to the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title as mentor/manager five months ago. He was also mentor/manager of Pakistan Shaheens against England Lions series earlier this year.Former Test cricketers Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul will work as batting and bowling coaches, respectively, on the tour. Asad featured in 147 international matches (77 Tests, 60 ODIs, 10 T20Is), scoring 6,188 runs, including 12 centuries and 36 half-centuries. Right-arm fast bowler Umar featured in 237 international matches (47 Tests, 130 ODIs, 60 T20Is), taking 427 wickets.16-member squad:Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah AfridiTeam management:Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).
PSL 12: Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings by eight wickets
Karachi (Sports News): Islamabad United continued their dominant head-to-head record against Karachi Kings with an 11th consecutive triumph since February 2021 with a latest eight-wicket thumping in the second match of the Pink Ribbon Day Double-header here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Thursday.Karachi Kings have only managed six wins ever over Islamabad United with four of them coming in the first three seasons and two in 2020.The Thursday’s double-header marked the Pink Ribbon Day in the HBL PSL 11 as the players and officials came together to raise awareness for breast cancer. The official hashtag of the event #GoPink became the no.1 global trend on X after the cricket fraternity shared their thoughts regarding the Pink Day.Opening duo Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway made light work of the 151-run target with a 93-run opening stand as United cruised home with 24 balls to spare. Both registered half-centuries as Sameer was named player of the match for his 36-ball 58 with the help of 10 fours and two outstanding fielding efforts.Conway brought up his second half-century of the tournament and remained unbeaten on 53 off 36 balls striking six fours and one six. Sameer departed at the halfway mark after completing his second fifty and collected the second player of the match award for it.Skipper Shadab (31 not out, 16b, 1x4, 2x6s) and Conway shared a 40-run unbeaten stand to see their team home. United jumped to the second spot on the points table with four wins and nine points to their name. Karachi Kings are placed fifth with only three wins, which came in Lahore leg, while they have lost three on the trot in Karachi.For the Kings, Hasan Ali removed Mohammad Faiq for an eight-ball five, while Moeen accounted for Sameer as Saad Baig effected the stumping.Earlier, for the second straight game in the day a team won the toss and elected to bowl first. Karachi Kings fielded Jason Roy as their debutant in place of Muhammad Waseem, while Moeen continued to stand-in for David Warner, who is expected to recover for the next game.No.3 batter Reeza Hendricks’ unbeaten half-century kept the Kings innings from faltering away as they collected only seven runs from the opening two overs losing Saad Baig to Richard Gleeson.Roy (39, 27b, 3x4s, 2x6s) and Hendricks built a 62-run second-wicket stand and threatened to lay the foundation for a healthy total but skipper Shadab provided the vital breakthrough. He snapped Roy and Salman Ali Agha across 9th and 11th overs to leave Kings 77-3 in 10.2 overs.Hendricks, whose 51 not out came off 44 balls, hit only four fours in his outing. He stitched a 54-run stand off 45 balls as United kept the scoring rate in check.Azam fell to Gleeson with Sameer taking brilliant diving catch in the off-side outfield, while in the next over Sameer and Chapman executed an outstanding relay catch at the cow corner to remove Khushdil Shah for just two.Moeen only managed a six in his five-ball eight before falling on the penultimate ball of the innings to Mohammad Hasnain. Gleeson and Shadab accounted for two wickets each giving away 22 and 28 runs respectively in their four overs each. Faheem had one wicket to his name.Scores in brief:Karachi Kings 150-6, 20 overs (Reeza Hendricks 51 not out, Jason Roy 39, Azam Khan 34; Richard Gleeson 2-22, Shadab Khan 2-28)Islamabad United 153-2, 16 overs (Sameer Minhas 58, Devon Conway 53 not out, Shadab Khan 31 not out)Player of the Match – Sameer Minhas (Islamabad United)Friday’s fixture: Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators at National Bank Stadium, Karachi; 7pm PKT
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 16 Apr, 2026
Islamabad (PR): Pakistan stormed into the final of the ITF Asia 12 & Under Team Competition – South Asia 2026 after defeating Sri Lanka 2–0 in the semifinal.The Pakistan team produced a commanding performance, winning both singles matches to secure a comprehensive victory. With this convincing win, Pakistan will now face arch-rival India in the final tomorrow, aiming to clinch the championship title.Singles 1:Mohammad Aayan beat Seneviratne Kashya : 3-6, 1-6Singles 2: Mohammad Ibraheem Hussain Gill beat Akbar Zacharia 7-6, 4-6, 2-6
CLIMBING - Int News 16 Apr, 2026
Islamabad (Sports News):World Climbing has confirmed that the 2026 season will feature the richest prize purse in the history of the sport, with a total net prize money allocation of €850,000 across the 13 events of the World Climbing Series. The gross total is set to exceed €1 million, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.The increase more than doubles the €374,400 distributed in 2024, underlining the continued growth of Climbing and the shared commitment to supporting athletes at the highest level.A COLLECTIVE EFFORTThe record-breaking prize pool is the result of a joint effort between World Climbing and all Local Event Organisers (LOCs), whose continued commitment plays a key role in delivering events at the highest level.This collaborative model highlights the essential contribution of organisers in supporting the growth of the sport worldwide, ensuring that athletes benefit directly from its ongoing development.ENHANCED REWARDS PER MEDAL EVENTFor the 2026 season, each individual medal event will offer €20,000 in prize money, a substantial increase from €11,700 in 2024. The 2025 season acted as a transition phase, with select events already adopting the higher prize structure.Prize money will continue to be distributed among the top eight athletes – covering all finalists in Boulder and Lead, and all quarter-finalists in Speed. This system, introduced in 2021, expanded the previous model that only rewarded the top six.UPDATED DISTRIBUTION MODELThe World Climbing Athletes’ Commission developed and approved a standard table of prize money distribution which now serves as the official reference for World Climbing events. Following the submission and implementation from the athletes, the table sets out the percentage prize money won by the top eight competitors at each event.1st place: 30% or € 6,0002nd place: 20% or € 4,0003rd place: 14% or € 2,8004th place: 10% or € 2,0005th place: 8% or € 1,6006th place: 7% or € 1,4007th place: 6% or € 1,2008th place: 5% or € 1,000A SEASON-WIDE STRUCTUREAcross the 2026 calendar, a total of 38 individual medal events will be held, accounting for €760,000 of the overall prize pool. An additional €90,000 will be distributed across nine Speed Relay events, each offering €10,000.This structure ensures consistent and meaningful rewards across all disciplines and formats featured in the World Climbing Series.
VOLLEYBALL - National 16 Apr, 2026
Islamabad (faisal): The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) announced Combined Training Camp for U-17 and U-18 National Teams on 18 April 2026 at the Pakistan Sports Board Coaching Centre, Islamabad. This camp has been organized as part of the Federation’s strategic preparations for upcoming major international volleyball events.The junior teams are being prepared for two highly important international competitions, including the AVC Boys’ U18 Volleyball Championship, scheduled to be held from 12 to 18 July 2026 in Manama, Bahrain, and the FIVB Boys’ U17 World Championship, which will take place from 19 to 29 August 2026 in Doha, Qatar. These championships provide an excellent platform for young Pakistani players to showcase their talent at the international level and gain valuable exposure.In addition to the junior team commitments, the year 2026 is equally significant for the senior national team, which is set to participate in two major international events: the CAVA Championship, scheduled from 03 to 10 July 2026 in Lahore, Pakistan, and the prestigious Asian Games, to be held from 19 September to 04 October 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.To further strengthen preparations and identify top talent, the Pakistan Volleyball Federation will also organize the 55th National Volleyball Championship from 19 to 25 May 2026, which will serve as a key platform for player selection and performance evaluation.The Federation remains committed to the long-term development of volleyball in Pakistan through structured training programs, international exposure, and competitive opportunities at all levels. The ongoing training camp reflects PVF’s dedication to achieving excellence and bringing further international success to Pakistan.
Aisam-ul-Haq PTF calls on Ambassador of Sweden Alexandra Berg von Linde
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: President Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) called on Ambassador of Sweden Alexandra Berg von Linde during her visit of PTF on Thursday.The meeting focused on finalizing arrangements for the upcoming visit of renowned tennis legend Björn Borg to Pakistan. Various aspects related to the visit, including engagements, logistics, and promotional activities, were discussed in detail to ensure a successful and impactful tour.President PTF expressed his sincere gratitude to H.E. the Ambassador for her time, support, and cooperation in facilitating this important visit. He emphasized that the visit of Mr. Björn Borg will play a significant role in inspiring young players and further strengthening sports relations between Pakistan and Sweden.The Pakistan Tennis Federation looks forward to welcoming the legendary player and making his visit a memorable milestone for the development of tennis in the country. (ends)#pakistantennis #swedeninpakistan🇸🇪🇵🇰 @swedeninpakistan @aisamqureshi @goshnoz
Salman Khalil wins K2 Squash PSA Challenger Championship
Camaden. USA (Sports Bulletin Report): The K2 Squash PSA Challenger 15K Championship 2026, presented by One World Squash, concluded successfully at K2 Squash Club, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of international squash in the United States. The prestigious Professional Squash Association (PSA) event brought together top-ranked players from around the world, reinforcing the growing global presence of squash and elevating its profile in North America.In the final, top seed Salman Khalil (EGY) delivered a commanding performance to defeat 8th seed Finnlay Withington (ENG) in straight games, winning 3–0. Khalil maintained control throughout the match, securing victory with scores of 11–8, 11–8, 11–7 in 36 minutes.With this triumph, Salman Khalil was crowned champion and awarded a prize of $2,850, while runner-up Finnlay Withington earned $1,800 for his outstanding performance during the tournament.The closing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Sunny Rao, Sudhir Naik, and Ali Rezvi, along with Karamatullah Khan, Founder of One World Squash, and Tournament Director Muhammad Naveed Alam. The chief guests presented trophies and prizes to the finalists, marking the successful conclusion of a world-class championship.This internationally sanctioned PSA event was organized under the leadership of Tournament Director Muhammad Naveed Alam, an internationally recognized squash professional. His vision, expertise, and dedication played a pivotal role in bringing a global sporting event to the United States, further strengthening the nation’s standing in the international squash community.Expressing his gratitude, Tournament Director Muhammad Naveed Alam stated:“We are proud to have successfully hosted the first K2 Squash PSA Challenger 15K Championship. The level of competition was exceptional throughout, and we are thankful to all players, sponsors, officials, and fans for their support. Our goal is to continue promoting squash at the international level and to contribute to the growth of the sport in the United States.”On the occasion, CEO of K2 Squash, Mr. Kama Khan, also shared his remarks:“We are proud to have successfully hosted the first K2 Squash PSA Challenger 15K Championship. The level of competition was exceptional, and we are grateful to all players, sponsors, officials, and fans for their support.I would like to especially acknowledge Tournament Director Muhammad Naveed Alam, who managed every aspect of the event with great professionalism. His dedication, leadership, and international experience were instrumental in the success of this championship. We are fortunate to have such an accomplished professional working with us. With his expertise, we successfully organized our first-ever international PSA tournament.”As an internationally sanctioned Professional Squash Association event featuring global athletes and significant prize money, the championship demonstrated excellence in sports management, international collaboration, and community engagement. The tournament further contributed to the development of squash in the United States by fostering cross-cultural sporting exchange and providing a platform for emerging and elite players.The championship concluded on a high note, showcasing world-class squash and setting a strong foundation for future international events at K2 Squash Club. This landmark achievement underscores Muhammad Naveed Alam’s ongoing contributions to the advancement of squash at both national and international levels
PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi beat Quetta Gladiators by eight wickets
Karachi (Sports News): Skipper Babar Azam anchored a clinical chase with 71 not out as Peshawar Zalmi stayed unbeaten in HBL Pakistan Super League 11 with an eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in Match 23 at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.The win extended Peshawar’s lead at the top of the table with 13 points in seven games and took them within touching distance to the play-offs.Babar's measured knock off 51 balls laced with 10 boundaries guided Peshawar to 156 for two in 18.3 overs in pursuit of 155 set by the Quetta. This was also Babar’s 100th T20 half-century. Mohammad Haris provided the early impetus with 35 from 28 balls, while Aaron Hardie remained unbeaten on 18 to seal a comfortable victory with nine deliveries to spare.Earlier, HBL PSL debutant Mohammad Basit (4-0-36-3) and Sufyan Moqim (4-0-25-3) combined to skittle Quetta for 154 in 20 overs, with Hasan Nawaz top-scored for the Quetta with 37 from 35 balls hitting four fours in a stop-start innings that never quite found rhythm against Peshawar's disciplined attack.While chasing, Haris and Babar set off in a hurry with a 75-run opening stand inside the first nine overs. Haris dominated the early exchanges, taking the Quetta's new-ball pair for five fours and a six in his 28-ball stay before falling in the ninth over caught by Shamyl Hussain off the captain Saud Shakeel for 35.Babar then rebuilt with Kusal Mendis as the pair shared a 49-run second-wicket stand. The captain reached his half-century off 37 balls with seven boundaries and continued to find the rope at regular intervals as Peshawar inched closer to the target.Mendis fell for 21 from 19 balls in the 16th over caught by Usman Tariq off Alzarri Joseph but Hardie joined his captain to see the chase through with a composed cameo of 18 not out from 14 balls.Alzarri Joseph (4-0-32-1) and Saud Shakeel (3-0-23-1) were the only Quetta bowlers to take wickets on a tough evening for the Quetta attack.Earlier, having been put in to bat, Quetta lost Ahsan Ali for four in the very first over caught off Iftikhar Ahmed (4-0-20-1). Captain Saud Shakeel briefly steadied the innings with 16 from 13 balls before being run out by Farhan Yousaf via Iftikhar Ahmed in the fifth over.Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz then attempted to rebuild with a 23-run third-wicket stand before Sufyan Moqim struck in the eighth over, bowling Rossouw for 26. The left hander became the first foreign and fourth player overall to feature in 100 HBL PSL games.Mohammad Basit then accounted for Shamyl Hussain caught by Aaron Hardie for 12 in the 12th over to leave Quetta 86 for four.Khawaja Mohammad Nafay played a lone hand with 20 from 13 balls including a six but Sufyan trapped him leg-before-wicket in the 16th over with the score on 120 for six. Hasan, who had anchored the innings, fell to Basit for 37 in the 15th over before Tom Curran provided a late flourish with 15 from 10 balls.Quetta's lower order folded quickly with Basit returning to remove Curran and Joseph in the 19th over before Usman Tariq was run out off the final delivery to bring the innings to a close at 154 all out.Sufyan’s three-wicket haul brought him the laurel of becoming the first Pakistan bowler to take three or more wickets in five consecutive T20s. Apart from Basit’s three-for, Iftikhar Ahmed (4-0-20-1) continued his fine form with the ball.Scores in brief:Quetta Gladiators 154 all out, 20 overs (Hasan Nawaz 37, Rilee Rossouw 26, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 20; Sufyan Moqim 3-25, Mohammad Basit 3-36)Peshawar Zalmi 156-2, 18.3 overs (Babar Azam 71 not out, Mohammad Haris 35, Kusal Mendis 21)
FOOTBALL - National 15 Apr, 2026
Islamabad (Sports News): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) and Beaconhouse School System today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalising a strategic partnership to develop structured football pathways at the school level and promote the sport among young players across Pakistan.The MoU was signed by PFF President Mohsen Gilani and Beaconhouse School System Chief Executive Officer Kasim Kasuri at a ceremony held at Football House in Lahore.Under the agreement, both organisations will collaborate to build a comprehensive grassroots ecosystem, focusing on structured player pathways, talent identification, coaching education, and competitive opportunities for students. The partnership will introduce inter-school football and futsal competitions across multiple age groups, alongside training camps, boot camps, and skill development programmes for both boys and girls.A key pillar of the collaboration is capacity building, with PFF set to deliver certification programmes for coaches, referees, and physical education teachers, as well as specialised training in fitness, performance, and team management. The initiative will also support the establishment of football academies at selected Beaconhouse campuses and provide technical guidance for infrastructure development.Talent identification will be conducted through leagues, camps, and evaluation programmes, with outstanding players recommended for advanced development pathways and scholarship opportunities at youth levels. The partnership will also emphasise values-based engagement, including leadership, resilience, wellbeing, and fair play.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Beaconhouse CEO Mr Kasuri said that Beaconhouse School System would stand shoulder to shoulder with the PFF at the school level and across youth football activities. He reaffirmed the institution’s full support to the federation, adding that Beaconhouse stands ready to contribute to international-level cooperation where required.“I believe football will be more popular in the coming years, and we are excited to sign this MoU that will help develop football coaches and players across all our campuses in the country,” said Mr Kasuri. “I am specially excited by the Football for Mental Health component of this partnership and I look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership.” PFF President Mohsin Gilani thanked the Beaconhouse CEO for the commitment, describing the partnership as a significant step in embedding football into Pakistan’s educational fabric and building a sustainable domestic talent pipeline.The two leaders exchanged gifts to mark the occasion, with President Gilani presenting Mr Kasuri with the official Pakistan national team shirt.As one of Pakistan’s largest private school networks, Beaconhouse brings extensive institutional reach across dozens of cities and hundreds of campuses, providing the PFF with structured access to young players at a formative stage of development. The partnership is expected to significantly strengthen grassroots systems and contribute to a more cohesive national football ecosystem.
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