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OZ Group Shortlisted Among Qualified Bidders for PSL Expansion
Lahore (Sports News): OZ Group, led by Chairman Hamza Majeed Chaudhary, has achieved a significant milestone after being officially shortlisted among the qualified bidders for the expansion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Pakistan’s flagship professional T20 cricket competition.The PCB received 12 bids from investors based in Pakistan and overseas, underscoring the PSL’s growing international appeal and commercial credibility. Following detailed scrutiny, 10 bidders were declared technically eligible to advance to the next stage the franchise auction, scheduled to take place on January 8, 2026, at the Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad.The PSL expansion will see the league grow from six to eight teams beginning with PSL Season 11, scheduled from March 26 to May 3, 2026. This marks a pivotal moment in the league’s evolution, aimed at enhancing regional representation, expanding commercial opportunities, and strengthening the PSL’s global sporting footprint.Hamza Majeed Chaudhary said: “Being shortlisted by the PCB is a strong endorsement of OZ Group’s professional standards, financial credibility, and long-term vision. Our objective is to build a competitive and sustainable PSL franchise that delivers on-field success while also contributing to grassroots development, fan engagement, and the broader growth of cricket in Pakistan.”“Cricket has always been a unifying force for Pakistan. Through the PSL platform, we aim to nurture emerging talent, engage local communities, and contribute to the sport’s long-term sustainability,” Chaudhary added.
Hockey Team Training Camp to Start on January 5 in Islamabad
PHF asks 35 players to join camp, Green Shirts to participate in Pro League next monthAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: National hockey team training camp to commence on January 5, here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, as the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has invited 35 players to report manager, aiming to enhance game skills before playing the Pro Hockey League, which will be held from February 10 to 15, 2026, at Hobart, Australia.Names of players:Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Muneeb ur Rehman, Mohammad Waqar Khan, Ali Raza, Mohammad Faizan Janjua, Bilal Khan (goalkeeper),Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Mohammad Abdullah, Ammaduddin Anjum, Abdul Manan, Ammad Shakil Butt, Usama Bashir, Arbaz Ahmed, Abu Bakar Mehmood (Deep Defenders)Moin Shakil, Zikriya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Arshad Laiquat, Juaid Manzoor, Mohammad Salman Razzak, Mohammad Nadeem Khan, Muhibullah (Midfielders)Abdul Hannan Shahid, Abdul Rehman, Mohammad Afraz Khan, Rana Waheed, Rana Mohammad Waleed, Ahmed Nadeem, Mohammad Ammad, Abdul Qayyum, Basharat Ali, Umair Sattar, Hamza Fayyaz, Abu Zar, Rafiullah Khan (Strikers)Technical Officials:Anjum Saeed (Manager), Tahir Zaman (Head Coach), Mohammad Usman (Assistant Coach), Zeeshan Ashraf (Assistant Coach), Mukhtar Ahmed (Trainee Coach), Mazhar Abbas (Goalkeeper Coach), Nadeem Khan Lodhi (Video Analyst), Mohammad Aslam (Masseur).
MARTIAL ARTS - Taekwondo 01 Jan, 2026
Nabeel Ahmed becomes new president of Pakistan Taekwondo FederationAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee and General Council Meetings of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) unanimously approved the name of Col Nabeel Ahmed, as the new president of the PTF here on Thursday.According to a spokesman for PTF, the Executive Committee and General Council Meetings took place on Thursday, and officials from federations of different departments participated through both physical and Zoom.During the meeting, Lt Col (R) Raja Wasim Ahmed, Ex-President of the PTF, nominated Colonel Nabeel Ahmed Rana as President PTF in the Executive and General Council. Each member of the province, departments, and services gave their verdict and approved his name during the Executive and General Council, reflecting comprehensive consensus and unity within the federation.
Begum Kulsum Saifullah National Ranking Tennis Championships-2025-26
Islamabad (PR):The 11th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Championships 2025, commenced today at PTF Tennis Complex.This tournament is being organized annually to commemorate the memory of late Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan, mother of Senator Salim Saifullah Khan (Patron-PTF).Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, while sharing his views, said: "The tournament holds great emotional value for him and his family, as it revives fond memories of his late mother. I wish success to all participating players. The event is sponsored by the Saif Group of Companies (Kulsum International Hospital, Saif Energy Limited, Transworld) and Parco as well."Pakistan’s leading players, including Muzammil Murtaza ,Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Shoaib,Barkatullah, Yousaf Khalil, Ahmad Nael Qureshi, Hamza Roman,Mahin Aftab Qureshi, Meheq Khokhar, Amna Ali Qayum, Sheeza Sajid, and Soha Ali, are participating.Over 250 entries have been received nationwide in the following categories:Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Ladies Singles, Boys’ 18 & Under Singles, Boys’ 14 & Under Singles, Girl’s 14 & Under Singles and Boys’ 12 & Under Singles.After two rounds of qualifying matches, the remaining matches of the day were delayed due to rain in Islamabad. However, the matches will resume tomorrow at 9:30am.
Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad wins friendly Cricket match
Islamabad: Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat Sea Warriors Cricket Team Islamabad by six wickets in the Important Cricket match here at Navy Cricket XI Ground Islamabad. Shifa International Captain Ibrar Akhlaq won the toss and invited to bat first Sea Warriors, Sea Warrior bowled out for 274 in the 29th over. Asmat (79), Shahnaz (71) and Ahtisham (41) not out were the key contributors. Shifa International Captain Ibrar Akhlaq (5 for 52) Raza (2 for 7) and Hussain (1 for 20 ) were the other main wicket-takers. In reply, Shifa International achieved the target in the 30th over for the loss of four wickets. Batsman Imran Shah (108) and Hashir Azeem (100) runs hit a fine centuries, while Harris Ali (18) and Taimoor (11) not out were their leading run-getters. Imran Shah declared “Man of the Match” for his impressive Performance. (PR)
Mohammad Mustafa and Sohail Adnan win juniors titles
Islamabad (Spirts News): Pakistan’s Mohammad Mustafa won the Under-13 final of the Scottish Junior 2025 by defeating Hong Kong’s second seed, Nicholas Min Suh, to claim the title. Muhammad Mustafa did not lose a single game throughout the tournament and secured the championship in a confident and commanding manner.Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Sohail Adnan won the Under-15 title by defeating China’s Yuan Shi Liu. Sohail Adnan delivered an outstanding performance and completed the tournament without losing a single game.The Scottish Junior Championship was held from 27th to 30th in Edinburgh, Scotland.
BADMINTON - National 30 Dec, 2025
Lahore (Sports News): Mohammad Ahmed Shoaib has won the title of the U21 National Junior Badminton Championship after winning final here on Tuesday.Mohammad Khizer Afzaal Chaudhry, Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab, and Khwaja Idress Haider, CEO Punjab Olympic Association, graced the occasion as chief guests.Results (Finals):Boy’s Singles U-15Haroon Ahmad (Punjab) beat Mohammad Hasnain (KP)Score: 21-14, 21-17Boy’s Singles U-17Najam Ul Saqib (KP) beat Abdul Haseeb Khan (KP)Score: 16-21, 21-13, 21-17Girl’s Singles U-17Sarwat Fatima (Army) beat Humna Irshad (Punjab)Score: 21-5, 21-18Women’s Singles U-19Mariyam Hanif (WAPDA) beat Amna Akhtar (Punjab)Score: 23-21, 21-4Men’s Singles U-19Mohammad Umar (KP) beat Hussain Shahzad (Punjab)Score: 21-18, 21-19Women’s Singles U-21Ammarah Ishtiaq (Army) beat Sana Hanif (SNGPL)Score: 21-14, 21-4Men’s Doubles U-19Khuzaima Shahzad & Hamza Waseem (WAPDA)beat Tafreed Ahmed (Islamabad) & Mohammad Suleman (Punjab)Score: 21-19, 23-21Women’s Doubles U-19Mariyam Hanif (WAPDA) & Mariyam Hamza (Sindh)beat Areeba Butt & Roshane Ihsan (Punjab)Score: 21-9, 21-13Men’s Singles U-21Faiz Ahmad (Army) beat Mohammad Ahmad Sohaib (SNGPL)Score: 22-20, 21-15Women’s Doubles U-21Ammarah Ishtiaq & Summiya Tariq (Army)beat Nibras Fatima & Amna Akhtar (Punjab)Score: 21-8, 21-18Men’s Doubles U-21Mohammad Ahmad Sohaib & Mohammad Zaid (SNGPL)beat Rai Abdul Manan & Fiaz Ahmed (Army)Score: 21-18, 10-21, 21-13
FOOTBALL - World Cup 29 Dec, 2025
Islamabad (Sports News): At the halfway point of the ongoing Random Selection Draw ticketing phase, the FIFA World Cup is already breaking records as over 150 million ticket requests have been submitted to date by fans from over 200 countries.The outcome of the current phase that opened on Thursday, 11 December 2025 means the FIFA World Cup 2026 is oversubscribed over 30 times based on verified individual credit card numbers submitted with each ticket application. The demand also represents 3.4 times more than the overall number of spectators who have attended the 964 matches that make up all 22 editions of the competition combined since 1930.“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the greatest and most inclusive show on the planet, with more than 150 million tickets already requested in only the first 15 days, making this edition 30 times oversubscribed - a true showcase of incredible demand from fans from over 200 countries,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.“This overwhelming response from passionate fans is a true representation of how our game is loved globally - we are going to make history in North America when we bring the world together like never before in a celebration of unity and the best of football.”World football’s showcase event will take place from Thursday, 11 June 2026 until Sunday, 19 July 2026 across 16 Host Cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States and features 48 teams competing in 104 total matches.
Lahore Lions and Rawalpindi Royals Register Victories
Karachi ( Sports News): Lahore Lions and Rawalpindi Royals emerged victorious in their respective matches of the Pakistan Tape Ball Premier League, currently underway at the Naya Nazimabad Cricket Ground under the auspices of the Pakistan Tape Ball Federation. Quetta Qurbanz and Karachi Kids suffered defeats in the two matches played on Tuesday.In the second match of the day, Lahore Lions defeated Quetta Qurbanz by five wickets. Batting first in the opening innings, Quetta Qurbanz scored 95 runs for the loss of two wickets. Kashif Jokhio played a blistering knock of 52 runs off just 20 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes, while Syed Nasir contributed 30 runs off 15 balls with one four and three sixes. For Lahore Lions, Shahnawaz picked up two wickets.In reply, Lahore Lions managed 84 runs for the loss of six wickets, conceding an 11-run lead. Abdul Basit scored 31 runs off 10 balls, smashing three sixes and two fours, while Mohammad Afaq added 20 runs. Wahid Ali, Aijaz Zahid and Essa Khan claimed one wicket each.In their second innings, Quetta Qurbanz scored 67 runs for six wickets, gaining an overall lead of 78 runs. Qurban Ali remained unbeaten on an impressive 48 off 22 balls, which included five fours and two sixes. Chasing a target of 79 runs, Lahore Lions achieved the target in just 4.4 overs for the loss of four wickets. Abdul Basit once again starred with the bat, scoring a match-winning 46 runs off 14 balls with six sixes and two fours, while Kamran Kami scored 18. Essa Khan took three wickets. Abdul Basit was adjudged Player of the Match.Earlier, Rawalpindi Royals defeated Karachi Kids by eight wickets. Karachi Kids, batting first, scored 78 runs for seven wickets. Captain Asad Shah was the top scorer with 26 runs off 10 balls, including one four and three sixes. Qadir Kashmiri bowled brilliantly, taking three wickets.In response, Rawalpindi Royals posted a massive 123 runs without losing a wicket, taking a commanding 45-run lead. Taimur Mirza smashed 62 runs off 23 balls with one four and eight sixes, while Waqas Sher scored 42 off 16 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes.In their second innings, Karachi Kids scored 110 runs for seven wickets to take a 65-run overall lead. Usama Ali scored a quick 56 off 18 balls with one four and six sixes, while Asad Shah added 22 runs. Qadir Kashmiri once again impressed, claiming three wickets.Chasing a target of 66 runs, Rawalpindi Royals reached the target in 5.5 overs for the loss of two wickets. After the dismissals of Taimur Mirza (12) and Umar Bajwa (16), Shoaib Akhtar played a crucial knock of 27 runs off 10 balls, including two fours and two sixes, to seal the victory. Zaheer Kalia and Dilshad took one wicket each. Qadir Kashmiri was named Player of the Match.
Shadab Khan returns as Pakistan name T20I squad for Sri Lanka series
Lahore (Sports News): All-rounder Shadab Khan has returned to the T20I side as the Men’s National Selection Committee named a 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place later next month. Salman Ali Agha, who featured in a record 34 T20I matches — the most by a Pakistan player in this year will continue to lead the side in the forthcoming series.The 27-year-old Shadab, who last represented Pakistan in June this year, underwent shoulder surgery earlier in the year. Following a successful rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy, he is currently featuring in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.The other addition to the squad is uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay. The 23-year-old right-handed batter has recently been part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad. He has featured in 32 T20 matches and has scored at a strike rate of 132.81.Pakistan side will depart for Sri Lanka in the first week of January, with all three T20Is scheduled to be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla on 7, 9 and 11 January.The series will provide Pakistan an opportunity to finalise their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March. Pakistan are scheduled to play all their matches in Colombo, Sri Lanka.15-member squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman TariqTeam management:Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting Coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (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 Mohammad Ehsan (masseur)Series schedule:7 January – First T20I9 January – Second T20I 11 January – Third T20I
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