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Lower Dir’s Mohammad Sayyam on his journey to Pakistan U19 colours
Harare (Sports News):Pakistan U19 left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Sayyam’s rise is a story of persistence, self-belief and support from mentors who spotted his talent early, despite limited facilities in his hometown of Lower Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Sayyam’s association with cricket began at a young age while he was still in school. Speaking to PCB Digital in Harare ahead of Pakistan U19 Super Six stage matches, Sayyam reflected on his early cricketing days, saying: “My journey in cricket began during my school days, where my interest in the game developed at a very young age. I first got noticed during school trials when I bowled well and was selected in the team. My performances in those matches helped build my confidence.”Elaborating further, he added, “One of my teachers, Mohammad Tahir, identified my potential early and encouraged me to join an academy. With his support and guidance, I was able to take that important step in my career.”Talking about his early development, the 17-year-old said, “I later joined the DCA Cricket Academy, where coach Ijaz-ul-Haq worked closely with me. He has played a significant role in my development and I am very grateful for his continuous support.”Sayyam’s performances at the district level paved the way for regional selection and in 2023, he represented Peshawar region in the Inter-Region U16 One-Day Tournament. Although he managed to play two matches due to rain, the exposure proved valuable in building his confidence.Last year marked a major breakthrough when Sayyam featured in the National Men’s U19 Cup, where he claimed 14 wickets in seven matches for Peshawar region. His impressive showing earned him selection in the Pakistan U19 squad, including the training camp in Multan, where he continued to impress the coaching staff.Sayyam carried that momentum into the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, finishing with 10 wickets in five matches, including two wickets in the final against India. Reflecting on his performances and representing Pakistan on the global stage, he said, “Representing Pakistan at the U19 level is a moment of great pride for me and my family. I am extremely happy to be here and hope to continue performing well for the team.“I belong to Dir, where there are limited cricketing facilities and very few players make it to this level. That makes this achievement even more special for me. Every cricketer dream of playing for Pakistan and it has always been my goal as well. Wearing the national colours is an honour and a big responsibility.”Sayyam draws inspiration from legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram, whom he considers his role model. He said, “Wasim Akram is my role model. As a left-arm fast bowler, I admire him greatly and aspire to follow in his footsteps.”When asked about his goals in the ongoing ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, the left-arm pacer said,“My main focus in the World Cup is to deliver strong performances and help my team succeed. I want to contribute towards winning the trophy for Pakistan.”The young fast bowler, who grabbed three wickets in the tri-series in Zimbabwe and has featured in two of Pakistan’s three World Cup matches in Harare, expressed gratitude to his family, coach and teachers, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his journey.
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 24 Jan, 2026
Islamabad (Sports News):The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ is already redefining women’s club football and is set to continue that trend by introducing record-breaking prize money that firmly establishes the tournament among the premier competitions in the global game. The club that lifts the brand-new FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Trophy in 2026 will receive USD 2.3 million, while the runners-up will earn USD 1 million, setting a new benchmark for the sport.In addition to the prize money awarded to the finalists, the two sides that bow out in the semi-finals will each receive USD 200,000 in participation payments. Meanwhile, the two teams eliminated in Round 1 and Round 2 – OFC representatives Auckland United FC of New Zealand and AFC representatives Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC of China PR – will receive USD 100,000 each.“A total payout of close to USD 4 million distributed among the six participants based on their performance is a clear statement of the belief in women’s club football and the players, teams and competitions driving its continued rise,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström.“It reflects the global growth of the women’s game and FIFA’s commitment to making targeted, meaningful investments that strengthen women’s club football for the long term. Our focus is clear: to continue investing in, growing and elevating women’s club football at every level – ensuring that opportunity, visibility and value keep pace with the exceptional performances seen on the pitch.”The FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™ forms part of a broader strategy of investment and collaboration to strengthen women’s club football worldwide. Following the conclusion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, USD 11.3 million was paid out to 1,041 clubs around the world through the FIFA Club Benefits Programme.Those efforts have been complemented by the strengthening of the Women’s International Match Calendar through structural reforms and the launch of new elite club competitions, including the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™, set to debut in 2028. The latter will introduce a range of groundbreaking measures from the outset – including training compensation, club solidarity mechanisms and minimum standards programmes – designed to raise club performance worldwide and support the long-term sustainability of the women’s club game.About the tournamentThe FIFA Women’s Champions Cup brings together the best club from every confederation for that calendar year to compete for the title of intercontinental club champions. The final phase of the maiden FIFA Women’s Champions Cup will take place in London on Wednesday, 28 January and Sunday, 1 February 2026.The two semi-finals are scheduled to take place at Brentford Stadium on Wednesday, 28 January. Supporters can look forward to two high-quality encounters, the first of which will see Concacaf champions Gotham FC (United States) battle it out against CONMEBOL champions SC Corinthians (Brazil) at 12:30 GMT (13:30 CET). This will be followed by UEFA Women’s Champions League holders Arsenal Women FC (England) locking horns with CAF Women’s Champions League titlists ASFAR (Morocco) at 18:00 GMT (19:00 CET).
ICC appoints Match Official for Namibia Super 6 stage of U19 World Cup
Islamabad (Sports News):The Emirates ICC International Panels of Umpires and Referees have been announced for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 Super Six stage matches taking place in Namibia.Faisal Afridi and Nitin Bathi will be the on-field umpires for Australia’s clash with South Africa at the Namibia Cricket Ground, with Cory Black in place as TV Umpire and Forster Mutizwa as Fourth Umpire.Afridi was in the middle for South Africa’s group stage defeat against Afghanistan, while Bathi oversaw the Proteas’ victory over Tanzania.Also on January 25, Shaun Haig and Iknow Chabi will be the on-field duo as the West Indies take on Ireland. They will be supported by TV Umpire Graham Lloyd and Fourth Umpire Virender Sharma.It will be Haig’s third match as an on-field umpire involving the West Indies, as he also took charge of their defeat against Afghanistan and victory over South Africa in the group stage.The following day, Afghanistan take on Sri Lanka, with Cory Black and Forster Mutizwa in the middle. Haig will be the TV Umpire, with Chabi in place as Fourth Umpire.Black and Mutizwa will also be the on-field team for the 13th-16th place play-off match between Japan and Tanzania at the High Performance Oval.The Match Officials for the Super Six matches in Zimbabwe will be announced once those match ups are confirmed.24 January – Japan v Tanzania – High Performance Oval, WindhoekOn-field: Cory Black and Forster MutizwaTV: Graham LloydFourth: Deighton ButlerReferee: Prakash Bhatt25 January – Australia v South Africa – Namibia Cricket Ground, WindhoekOn-field: Faisal Afridi and Nitin BathiTV: Cory BlackFourth: Forster MutizwaReferee: Prakash Bhatt25 January – West Indies v Ireland – High Performance Oval, WindhoekOn-field: Shaun Haig and Iknow ChabiTV: Graham LloydFourth: Virender SharmaReferee: Neeyamur Rahul26 January – Afghanistan v Sri Lanka – Namibia Cricket Ground, WindhoekOn-field: Cory Black and Forster MutizwaTV: Shaun HaigFourth: Iknow ChabiReferee: Neeyamur Rahul
Pakistan unveil 16-member squad for T20I series against Australia
Lahore (Sports News):The Pakistan Cricket Board has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The matches will take place on 29, 31 January, 1 February and will begin at 4pm PKT. Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have returned to the T20I squad after missing the three-match away series against Sri Lanka in early January. Shadab Khan will continue to build on his comeback in the previous T20I series and will form part of a strong spin-bowling contingent along with Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq. Pakistan squad and player support personnel are expected to convene in Lahore on Saturday, 24 January and will begin their preparations for the series the following day. Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, 28 February and will play just their second series in the format on Pakistan soil after a solitary T20I in April 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium. 16-member squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman TariqPlayer support personnel: Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (performance analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmed (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Dr Raheel Karim (psychiatrist) and Mohammad Ehsan (masseur)Series schedule: (All matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)1st T20I – Thursday, 29 January – 4pm PKT2nd T20I – Saturday, 31 January – 4pm PKT3rd T20I – Sunday, 1 February – 4pm PKT
FOOTBALL - Int News 23 Jan, 2026
Lahore (Press Release): Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani held a high-level meeting with Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Natalie A. Baker, in a significant engagement aimed at strengthening cooperation through football and promoting Pakistan’s positive image on the global stage. During the meeting held at the Freedom 260 Liberty Bell Initiative, themed “Let Freedom Ring” launched by the US Mission in Pakistan, President Gilani shared the PFF’s renewed vision under the current leadership and outlined plans to work closely with the US Embassy in areas where sport, particularly football, can serve as a bridge between nations. He emphasised that football has the power not only to develop athletes but also to promote unity, youth engagement, and a progressive international image of Pakistan. During the meeting, President Gilani articulated a vision where the PFF and the US Embassy work in tandem to amplify Pakistan’s international profile. He briefed the Ambassador on the robust support the federation has received from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Sports, particularly regarding grassroots initiatives. Expanding on these efforts, Gilani remarked: "Our collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office is not merely about sport; it is a dedicated mission to empower the youth of Pakistan. By aligning our internal operational framework with global standards, we are preparing a generation that can represent the true, vibrant spirit of our nation on the world stage." Ambassador. Baker lauded the rapid institutional progress achieved under Mr. Gilani’s leadership over the past six months, noting the visible surge in fan engagement and government backing. The discussions culminated in a mutual pledge to prioritize three pillars of development: the advancement of women’s football, high-performance youth programs, and a massive promotional drive for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which the United States will co-host. Reflecting on the global significance of the tournament, President Gilani stated: "Pakistan is fully committed to supporting the United States in its journey toward a successful World Cup. This campaign is a golden opportunity to showcase a positive image of Pakistan through our shared passion for the game, and we intend to be a key partner in celebrating this global spectacle." Beyond the World Cup campaign, the PFF President emphasized that the federation is treating women’s football as a cornerstone of its modernization strategy. He expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani government for providing the necessary "administrative backbone" that has enabled such significant milestones in a remarkably short timeframe. As the meeting concluded, both leaders reaffirmed that this partnership transcends the pitch, serving as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and long-term institutional governance that will ensure Pakistani football never regresses into the stalemates of the past.
TENPIN BOWLING - National 23 Jan, 2026
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD:Pak-China Friendship Tenpin Bowling Championship and 18th National Tenpin Bowling Championship-2026 will be played from January 24 to 30, 2026 at Leisure City Bowling Club, Safa Gold, F-7 Markaz, Islamabad.As many as 20 friendly matches between Pakistani and Chinese men and women will be played on the inaugural day of the Pak-China Friendship Tenpin Championship, on January 24, including ten men and women each matches. Ten men and ten women’s players each from both countries, will participate in these competitions. In addition, matches of the 18th National Tenpin Bowling Championship 2026 will also be started from January 25, in which male and female players from all over the country will participate. The championship will have nine categories, including men's singles, men's doubles, ladies' singles, amateur, deaf men's singles, deaf ladies' singles, team events, and media. The championship will continue until January 30, at the end of championship, ten million rupees for the cash prizes will be distributed among the winning players.
Pakistan U19 beat Zimbabwe U19 by eight wickets to reach Super 6 stage
Islamabad (Sports News): An unbeaten half-century by Sameer Minhas and a three-wicket haul from Ali Raza helped Pakistan U19 register an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe U19 in their Group ‘C’ fixture of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Thursday afternoon. The win also confirmed Pakistan’s qualification for the super six stage of the tournament.After opting to field, Pakistan bowlers put Zimbabwe on the back foot early. Wicket-keeper Hamza Zahoor was sharp behind the stumps, taking a fine diving catch to his right to dismiss Kian Blignaut off Ali Raza’s bowling. Captain Farhan Yousaf then produced a moment of brilliance by diving to his right to take a superb catch off Momin Qamar’s bowling to remove Zimbabwe’s top run-getter Nathaniel Hlabangana, who scored 59 off 85 balls, including seven fours and one six.Right-arm fast bowler Ali, who had taken four wickets in the previous match against Scotland, led the bowling attack with figures of three for 16 in eight overs. He struck early to remove Kupakwashe Muradzi and Kian Blignaut and later dismissed Brandon Senzere.Fast bowlers Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam, along with left-arm spinner Momin, picked up two wickets apiece as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 128 in 35.5 overs.In reply, Pakistan achieved the target comfortably in 26.2 overs. Sameer anchored the innings with an unbeaten 74 off 75 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes. He was well supported by Usman Khan, who scored a brisk 26, as the pair added 49 runs for the second wicket.Ahmed Hussain remained not out on 24 as Pakistan reached the target with 142 balls to spare.The convincing win earned Pakistan two valuable points and secured their place in the super six stage, which will commence later this week.Pakistan, who finished second in Group ‘C’ (C2), will face B3 in the super six stage at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday, 27 January, before taking on B1 at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Sunday, 1 February. Sameer Minhas said:“Qualifying for the super six stage is a big achievement for us as a team. After getting out early in my previous innings, my focus today was to spend time at the crease, keep things simple and trust my basics, which helped me build my innings and gain confidence.“Our fielding and bowling were very encouraging. Our fielding was a big positive. All the players put in a lot of effort and it is the result of the hard work we have done in training. The fielding coach has worked extensively with us and it showed on the field.“The super six stage will be challenging with quality teams and two crucial matches. Our aim will be to win with a healthy net run-rate, which will be vital heading into the semi-finals.”Scores in brief:Zimbabwe 128 all out, 35.5 overs (Nathaniel Hlabangana 59; Ali Raza 3-16, Abdul Subhan 2-14, Mohammad Sayyam 2-36, Momin Qamar 2-39)Pakistan 132-2, 26.2 overs (Sameer Minhas 74 not out, Usman Khan 26, Ahmed Hussain 24 not out)Player of the match: Sameer Minhas
PTF Selects Girls Team for World Junior Competition Pre-Qualifying
Abdul Jabbar FaisalIslamabad: Hajra Sohail; Aimen Rehan and Khadija KhalilThe Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has named a 3-girl team after conducting two days trials for the World Junior Competition Pre-Qualifying Girls Under-14 Event, scheduled to be held in Vietnam from 23rd to 28th February 2026.The trials were held from 19th to 21st January 2026 at the PTF Complex, Islamabad. A total of nine girls were invited for the trials based on their national rankings. Hajra Sohail was exempted from the trails for her notable performance last year.After the conclusion of the trials, the following players were selected to represent Pakistan:Hajra Sohail Aimen RehanKhadija KhalilEssha Rabbi (Reserve).
Pakistan to play Zimbabwe in last group match of ICC U19 Men’s CWC
Harare (Sports News):Pakistan U19 will be aiming to end their group-stage fixtures of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup on a winning note when they take on Zimbabwe U19 at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Thursday, 22 January.The Asian champions, who are part of Group ‘C’ in the ongoing mega event, defeated Scotland by six wickets on Monday, while they suffered a 37-run defeat against England on Friday, 16 January.Farhan Yousaf-led Pakistan side, who recently won the tri-series in Zimbabwe by beating the hosts by nine wickets in the final, will be expecting their players to replicate those performances in tomorrow’s important encounter.The first ball of the match will be bowled at 9.30am local time, with the toss scheduled at 9am. The match will be broadcast live on PTV Sports and Geo Super in Pakistan, while live streaming will be available on Myco, Tamasha, ARY ZAP and Tapmad across the country.In head-to-head contests, Pakistan U19 and Zimbabwe U19 have faced each other 18 times, with Pakistan winning 15 matches. Zimbabwe have won once, while two matches ended with no result due to rain.As per the format of the 16-team, four-group tournament, the top three sides from each group will qualify for the Super Six stage. The top three teams from Group ‘B’ will join the three qualifiers from Group ‘C’ to form one Super Six group. Similarly, the top three teams from Group ‘A’ will combine with the three qualifiers from Group ‘D’ in the other group.Pakistan, who are currently placed second in Group ‘C’ (C2), are likely to face B3 at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday, 27 January, before taking on B1 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday, 1 February.The top two teams from each Super Six group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled to be played on 3 and 4 February, respectively. The final of the tournament will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Friday, 6 February.Earlier, Pakistan U19 team took part in a training session in the afternoon at the Old Hararians under the supervision of the coaching staff led by Shahid Anwar. The session lasted for over two hours, with batters and bowlers engaging in net sessions, followed by fielding drills.At the conclusion of the session, right-arm fast bowler Abdul Subhan, said:“We are well prepared for the upcoming match and put in a lot of work during practice. I have been spending extra time working on my batting in the nets and the coaches have been guiding me throughout the process, which has helped me generate more power and fluency in my batting.“The team’s momentum is good. Tomorrow’s match is very important for us. A win will give us a lot of confidence and help us going into the next stage of the tournament.”15-member squad:Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar ZaibICC U19 World Cup Pakistan fixtures:16 January – England beat Pakistan by 37 runs at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare19 January – Pakistan beat Scotland by six wickets at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare22 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare24 January to 1 February – Super 6 matches3 February – First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo4 February – Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare6 February – Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
FOOTBALL - National 20 Jan, 2026
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.
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