Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD; The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has appointed seasoned administrator Mohammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) in order to fortify its administrative backbone and modernize the country’s football landscape.The appointment is being hailed by insiders as a landmark shift toward institutional governance. Khokhar, who formally assumed charge of PFF COO on Tuesday, is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in Pakistani football’s survival and subsequent revival.Khokhar’s elevation to the role of COO is backed by a formidable track record. As a former member of the FIFA Normalization Committee, he was a central architect in navigating the federation through a tumultuous decade-long crisis. His ability to steer the sport through administrative deadlock and international isolation earned him a reputation as a sophisticated crisis manager and a stabilizing force in the PFF’s most challenging hours.Beyond his domestic influence, Khokhar brings an invaluable layer of international prestige to the PFF. Highly respected by FIFA, the AFC, and other global footballing bodies, his presence is expected to serve as a bridge between Pakistan and the international football community. His mandate as COO involves more than just oversight; he is tasked with: Aligning the PFF’s internal operational framework with FIFA’s global best practices; leveraging his credibility to enhance Pakistan’s standing in global football circles and implementing long-term administrative strategies to ensure the sport never regresses into the stalemates of the past.With football in Pakistan entering a phase of renewed hope, Khokhar’s appointment signals the federation’s commitment to professionalism. By placing an experienced "Normalization" veteran at the helm of operations, the PFF aims to transform the sport’s infrastructure into a robust and world-class entity.

Islamabad (Sports News):The Netherlands, the USA and Thailand won thrilling contests as three matches went down to the wire at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026.The Dutch beat Scotland by seven runs, USA edged past Namibia by four wickets and in the closest game of the lot, Thailand defeated Zimbabwe by one run.Bangladesh were more comfortable victors, beating Papua New Guinea by 30 runs to go two from two in Group A.Netherlands hold off spirited ScotlandSterre Kallis’ unbeaten 87 helped the Netherlands to a seven-run win over Scotland.Kallis entered the fray with her side 27 for two but fired 14 fours and a six in her entertaining 60-ball knock to lead her side to 157 for six, with the next highest individual score 18.Rachel Slater took three for 24 for Scotland, who were in the hunt throughout the reply thanks to contributions from Katherine Fraser (41), captain Kathryn Bryce (42) and her sister Sarah Bryce (30).Thirteen runs from the penultimate over left Scotland needing 11 from the last but Heather Siegers held her nerve, conceding just three as the Dutch continued their winning start.Claridge leads USA chaseElla Claridge’s sparkling 70 led the USA to a four-wicket win over Namibia.Yasmeen Khan dominated the Namibia innings, striking 11 fours and two sixes in her excellent 74 from 47 balls before being stumped by Claridge off the bowling of Tara Norris, who took three for 34.Merczerly Gorases added 28 as Namibia finished on 144 for six, Isani Vaghela chipping in with two for 15 from three economical overs.In reply, the USA were up against it on 75 for four in the 14th over but Claridge remained calm, stepping on the accelerator when her side needed 30 from the final three overs.She fell for 70 from 51 having taken her side to the brink of victory, Ritu Singh adding a vital 21 from 10 as USA got home with four balls to spare.Thailand win thriller against ZimbabweThailand kept their cool to win a nerve-shredding encounter against Zimbabwe by one run, making it two wins from two.Thailand batted first and lost Aphisara Suwanchonrathi to the second ball of the innings but wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai made 54 from 52 balls, while Natthakan Chantham hit two sixes in her entertaining 26.Zimbabwe hit back with the ball, Adel Zimunu and Audrey Mazvishaya taking two wickets apiece, as Thailand slipped from 101 for three to 111 for seven, ultimately setting Zimbabwe 116 to win.Opener Beloved Biza was run out without facing but Modester Mupachikwa (36) and Kelis Ndhlovu (28) kept their side in the hunt.The equation came down to nine from the last over and two from the last ball, which Nyasha Gwanzura struck straight back to bowler Phannita Maya, who completed the run out and set off on a jubilant celebration.Shorna stars for BangladeshShorna Akter played a starring role as Bangladesh beat Papua New Guinea by 30 runs.Dilara Akter (35) and Sharmin Akhter (28) laid the foundations before Shorna and Sobhana Mostary picked up the baton.Shorna blasted four sixes in her 14-ball 37 while Sobhana added an unbeaten 34 from 24 as Bangladesh racked up 168 for five.PNG were well set on 98 for two in the 14th over in reply but the dismissal of captain Brenda Tau for 35 halted their momentum.Six Bangladesh bowlers took a wicket apiece, including Shorna and Sobhana, as they closed out a comfortable victory.Scores in briefZimbabwe v Thailand - Mulpani Cricket Ground, KathmanduThailand 115/7 in 20 overs (Nannapat Koncharoenkai 54, Natthakan Chantham 26; Audrey Mazvishaya 2/21, Adel Zimunu 2/22)Zimbabwe 114/6 in 20 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 36, Kelis Ndhlovu 28; Thipatcha Putthawong 2/27, Sunida Chaturongrattana 1/11)Result: Thailand won by one runPapua New Guinea v Bangladesh - Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, KirtipurBangladesh 168/5 in 20 overs (Shorna Akter 37, Dilara Akter 35; Dika Lohia 1/25, Mairi Tom 1/37)Papua New Guinea 138/9 in 20 overs (Brenda Tau 35, Sibona Jimmy 28; Shorna Akter 1/6, Sobhana Mostary 1/12)Result: Bangladesh won by 30 runsScotland v Netherlands - Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, KirtipurNetherlands 157/6 in 20 overs (Sterre Kallis 87 not out, Heather Siegers 18; Rachel Slater 3/24, Abtaha Maqsood 1/21)Scotland 150/5 in 20 overs (Kathryn Bryce 42, Katherine Fraser 41; Caroline de Lange 2/27, Silver Siegers 1/18)Result: Netherlands won by seven runsNamibia v USA - Mulpani Cricket Ground, KathmanduNamibia 144/6 in 20 overs (Yasmeen Khan 74, Merczerly Gorases 28; Tara Norris 3/34, Isani Vaghela 2/15)USA 145/6 in 19.2 overs (Ella Claridge 70, Ritu Singh 21; Eveleen Kejaruka 2/25, Saima Tuhadeleni 2/28)Result: USA won by four wickets

 Karachi (Sports News):  Christopher Mark Taylor, a 45-year-old Umpire from Jamaica is set to officiate three matches of the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025-26 as part of International Cricket Council’s Umpire Exchange Programme, the PCB announced today.The Ghani Glass v Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) game at the National Bank Stadium beginning on Wednesday, 21 January will be Taylor’s first game in the tournament.He will also be the field umpire in Khan research Laboratories (KRL) v SNGPL fixture at the KCCA Stadium starting 27 January, and Sahir Associates v Pakistan Television (PTV) game at the National Bank Stadium, scheduled to start on 2 February.Taylor has an experience of officiating five women’s one-day and three T20 internationals apart from 41 first-class, 56 List-A and 53 T20s in total. His last assignment was the West Indies domestic 50-over competition in November 2025.As part of the exchange programme, Taylor will not only get a chance to expedite his own growth away from home but also help the local umpires learn from his experiences and observations as a seasoned match official in West Indies’ domestic cricket circuit. 

Islamabad (Sports News): The Event Technical Committee of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 has approved Rehaan Ahtif as a replacement for Dylan Thakrar in the Tanzania squad.Ahtif was named as a replacement after Thakrar was ruled out due to an injury to his left middle finger during their second Group D match against South Africa. He has been pronounced unable to continue his participation in the remainder of the tournament.The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad.The Event Technical committee of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 consists of Wasim Khan (Chair and ICC General Manager - Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Senior Manager - Events), Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe Cricket Tournament Director) and Tash Farrant (independent nominee).

Harare (Sports News):A four-wicket haul by Ali Raza and a half-century from Usman Khan guided Pakistan U19 to a six-wicket victory over Scotland U19 in the 12th match of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Monday afternoon. This was Pakistan’s first win in the tournament after they went down to England by 37 runs at the same venue on Friday, 16 January.Chasing 188 to win, Pakistan lost both openers with the score at 48 in 11.1 overs. Ali Hasan Baloch (15, 33 balls, one four) was the first to depart, followed by Sameer Minhas (28, 30 balls, three fours). Both batters were dismissed by right-arm off-spinner Ollie Jones.At that stage, left-handers Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain got together and stitched a 111-run partnership for the third wicket. Usman top-scored with 75 off 85 balls, striking five fours and two sixes, while Ahmed contributed 47 off 92 balls, including three fours.Pakistan achieved the target in the 44th over with six wickets in hand.Earlier, after being put in to bat, Scotland were bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs. Ali Raza led the bowling attack with figures of four for 37. He was well supported by left-arm spinner Momin Qamar, who grabbed three wickets for 46 runs from nine overs, while right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan picked up two wickets.Left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam, who was included in the playing XI in place of right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib, picked up one wicket. His breakthrough came courtesy of a brilliant running-back catch by Ahmed Hussain to dismiss Manu Saraswat (25, 36 balls, one six) in the 46th over.For Scotland, opening batter Thomas Knight top-scored with 37 off 72 balls, including three fours.Pakistan will now take on Zimbabwe in their final Group ‘C’ fixture on 22 January.Scores in brief:Scotland 187 all out, 48.1 overs (Thomas Knight 37, Finlay Jones 33, Ollie Jones 30; Ali Raza 4-37, Momin Qamar 3-46, Abdul Subhan 2-36)Pakistan 190-4, 43.1 overs (Usman Khan 75, Ahmed Hussain 47; Ollie Jones 2-41, Manu Saraswat 2-46)Player of the match – Usman Khan (Pakistan U19)

Islamabad (Sports News): FIFA has confirmed the full line-up of hosts and the composition of the groups for the FIFA Series 2026™, marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of the initiative for men’s and women’s national teams.Following the announcement of the expanded format in November 2025, the FIFA Series 2026 will feature 48 national teams competing in 12 groups of four teams each during the international match window in March and April. With 48 participating teams – representing almost 25% of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations – nearly a quarter of the global football community will take part in the FIFA Series.Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series of events, with Rwanda hosting two groups, bringing the total number of groups to 12. The initiative will include nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, with all six FIFA confederations represented, underlining the truly global nature of the FIFA Series™.The confirmed hosts for the men’s groups are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan. The women’s contests will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.Five men’s national teams participating in the FIFA Series 2026 – Australia, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, New Zealand and Uzbekistan – have also qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, further highlighting the competitive relevance of the initiative alongside its development objectives.The FIFA Series also continues to support holistic football development off the pitch. Hosting and Participating Member Associations benefit from hands-on experience in event delivery, operational planning, referee development and competition organisation, mirroring the conditions of major international tournaments and strengthening capacity across multiple functional areas.The FIFA Series 2026 remains fully aligned with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027, providing national teams with opportunities for cross-confederation competition without adding fixtures to the international match calendar, while promoting technical growth, organisational development and global exchange.MEN'S GROUPSAustralia (AFC)Australia (host)CameroonChina PRCuraçaoAzerbaijan (UEFA)Azerbaijan (host)OmanSierra LeoneSt LuciaIndonesia (AFC)BulgariaIndonesia (host)Solomon IslandsSt Kitts and NevisKazakhstan (UEFA)ComorosKazakhstan (host)KuwaitNamibiaNew Zealand (OFC)Cabo VerdeChileFinlandNew Zealand (host)Puerto Rico (Concacaf)American SamoaGuamPuerto Rico (host)US Virgin IslandsRwanda(CAF) – Group AEstoniaGrenadaKenyaRwanda (host)Rwanda (CAF) – Group BArubaLiechtensteinMacauTanzaniaUzbekistan (AFC)GabonTrinidad and TobagoUzbekistan (host)VenezuelaWOMEN'S GROUPSBrazil (CONMEBOL)Brazil (host)CanadaKorea RepublicZambiaCôte d’Ivoire (CAF)Côte d’Ivoire (host)MauritaniaPakistanTurks and Caicos IslandsThailand (AFC)Congo DRNepalOFC teamThailand (host) 

Lahore (Sports News): The HBL Pakistan Super League has announced a series of landmark developments ahead of its 11th edition, reinforcing the League’s continued growth, competitiveness, and commitment to innovation.In a historic move after a decade of success, the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 11) will transition to a Player Auction Model, replacing the traditional Player Draft system. This strategic shift is aimed at enhancing competitive balance, increasing transparency, and providing players’ greater earning opportunities.Under the revised player acquisition framework:• Each franchise may retain a maximum of four players, limited to one player per category. Previously, every franchise was allowed to retain 8 players from their squad including a Mentor, a Brand Ambassador and a Right to Match Option to retain a 9th player in the Player Draft.• The rules pertaining to Mentors, Brand Ambassadors and RTM have been abolished for HBL PSL 11.• Newly inducted teams will be allowed to select and retain four players from the available player pool before the Player Auction.• Each franchise will also be allowed one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in HBL PSL X, enabling teams to strategically strengthen their squads with fresh international talent.Further strengthening the League’s commercial and competitive outlook, the player salary purse has been increased to USD 1.6 million per franchise, underscoring HBL PSL’s commitment to rewarding player performance and attracting elite domestic and international cricketers.These progressive measures reflect the League’s strategic trajectory and evolution, while remaining firmly rooted in its mission to promote cricketing excellence, fan engagement, and attaining unprecedented heights.HBL PSL 11 will officially commence on 26 March 2026. Faisalabad has been added an additional venue for hosting the League’s matches, marking the city’s return to spotlight and further expanding the League’s national footprint.Additional details regarding the Player Auction process, schedule, and operational guidelines will be shared in due course.

Lahore (Sports News): A delegation of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), representing PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani, held a high-level meeting with the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, aimed at reviving and promoting football in Balochistan.The PFF delegation comprised Advisor to the PFF President Eyab Ahmed and Director Legal PFF Ali Akram. The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir, Provincial Minister for Sports Meena Majeed, and Inspector General of Police Balochistan Tahir Khan, highlighting the government’s collective interest in sports development.Discussions focused on the revival and long-term development of football across Balochistan, with particular emphasis on upgrading sports infrastructure and introducing structured youth education and development programmes. Both sides stressed the urgent need to create sustainable pathways for young talent, especially in underserved areas of the province.A key highlight of the meeting was the proposed implementation of FIFA’s “Football for Schools” programme and the establishment of FIFA Arena pitches. These initiatives are designed to strengthen grassroots football, encourage youth participation, and enhance talent identification through modern, community-based facilities.Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed the government of Balochistan’s full support for football and sports development in the province. He assured the PFF delegation that any challenges or administrative hurdles faced by the federation would be addressed on a priority basis, emphasizing that empowering youth through sports remains a core objective of the provincial government.The PFF delegation welcomed the Chief Minister’s commitment and endorsed his vision for sports-led youth empowerment. They reiterated the federation’s resolve to work closely with the government of Balochistan to ensure institutional strengthening, sustainable football development, and the long-term revival of the game in the province through coordinated planning and execution.

Sports Bulletin ReportLahore: US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker has laid out a bold vision for the future of American cricket, identifying an unlikely architect for the ‘American Dream’: the Lahore Qalandars.Speaking at a prestigious gala marking a decade of the franchise's influence, Baker didn’t just celebrate a team; she proposed a transcontinental alliance. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics looming on the horizon, where cricket will make its historic debut, the United States is hunting for the "magic ingredient" to transform its sporting landscape. According to Baker, that ingredient is the Qalandars’ developmental blueprint.The American envoy’s message was unequivocal. As the US prepares to host the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, the urgency to build a competitive cricketing infrastructure has never been higher. "I want Lahore Qalandars to help produce the next generation of US cricket stars," Baker stated, signaling a desire to export the franchise’s famed High-Performance Centre model to American soil. She revealed that the bridge is already being built, with several Qalandars stars slated to feature in US leagues, a move intended to catalyze the sport’s growth ahead of the 2028 Games.Baker’s journey from a cricket novice to a vocal advocate for the sport is a testament to the "Qalandars spirit." Her perspective shifted not in a boardroom, but in the electric atmosphere of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during a PSL 10 quarter-final.Invited by Qalandars owner Atif Rana, Baker witnessed the raw power of legends like Shaheen Shah Afridi. "Seeing the team fight, score, and win made me truly fall in love with the game," she admitted, describing the experience as the catalyst for her new diplomatic mission: bridging the gap between Lahore’s bustling streets and America’s sprawling stadiums.Beyond the trophies, Baker praised the visionary leadership of Atif and Sameen Rana. She noted that the franchise’s success is a result of "calculated, long-term planning" rather than luck. "Lahore Qalandars is not merely a sports franchise; it is a close-knit family," she observed. She highlighted the Player Development Program (PDP) as a "beacon of hope" that could find success in the diverse talent pools of the United States just as it has in the remotest regions of Pakistan.In an era of global fragmentation, Baker positioned the Qalandars' journey as a blueprint for societal cohesion. The partnership she envisions isn't just about wickets and runs; it is about ‘hope and unity’, a diplomatic strike that aims to turn the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ into a global reality, with American stars rising under the guidance of Lahore’s finest.

Karachi (Sports News):National Padel Championship 2026 concluded on Sunday here at Neo Maidan, with Team Sindh delivering a dominant performance by winning both the Men’s and Women’s National Titles.Women’s Category ResultsThe women’s final was contested between Sindh (MUV) and the Punjab Team, where Sindh (MUV) secured a convincing 2–0 victory to claim the national title.1st Position: Sindh (MUV)Natalia Zaman & Mehak Tehrani2nd Position: Punjab TeamSaimra Umer & Hasnat3rd Position: Sindh (M&A)Alisha Elhai & Musfira ZahidMen’s Category ResultsThe men’s final featured an all-Sindh clash between Sindh Team and Sindh Padel-X. The Sindh Team emerged victorious with a 2–0 win, securing the national championship title.1st Position: Sindh TeamRehan Abdullah & Nafees Yaqoob2nd Position: Sindh Padel-XSheroz & Rahim Saeed3rd Position: Team Sindh KingRayyan Younas & Saad Noman.Mohammad Mateen, President, Pakistan Padel Federation, graced the occasion as chief guest and distributed trophies, certificates, and cash prizes totaling PKR 500,000 among the players.The ceremony was also attended by:Danish Ahmed, Vice President, PPFSyed Rehanuddin, Vice President, PPFSyed Nadeem Uddin, Secretary General, Sindh Padel AssociationKarima Khan, Treasurer PPF and Along with other distinguished guests and officials