Karachi (PR): The second round of Bank AL Habib’s 15th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament saw Mohammad Minhaj Maqsood Waraich (RGC) consolidate his lead with a composed 70 (-2), bringing his two-day total to 138 (-6). His round featured steady play across both nines, with birdies on holes 12, 17, and 18, and no major errors—an indicator of his growing maturity on the national circuit.Hot on his heels, Hamza Taimur Amin (RGCC) matched his opening round with another 70 (-2), showcasing resilience and flair. His second round included a spectacular eagle on hole 10 and birdies on 5, 9, 15, and 18, offsetting a double bogey on 11. Amin’s total of 140 (-4) keeps him firmly in contention.Defending champion Ahmad Baig (RPG) bounced back from a modest first round with a brilliant 68 (-4), climbing to joint third at 141 (-3). His round was marked by aggressive shot-making, with birdies on holes 1, 2, 13, and 18, and a clean finish on the back nine.With 106 professionals starting on Day One, the cut after two rounds has narrowed the field to 52 players who will now contest Round Three of the prestigious Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament at Karachi Golf Club. The demanding course layout and shifting wind conditions have tested both strategy and stamina, rewarding those who adapt swiftly to the challenges.The Senior Professionals, Junior Professionals, and Lady Professionals will begin their first rounds tomorrow, adding further excitement and diversity to the championship. As the decisive stages approach, all eyes remain fixed on the leaderboard, where seasoned champions and emerging stars are poised for a thrilling finish in one of Pakistan’s most celebrated golfing events.

Islamabad (Sports News):Kumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights will be the on-field umpires for the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and the Netherlands to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground on 7 February.Dharmasena, an off-spinner who was a member of the Sri Lankan team that won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1996, has overseen 37 matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup including the finals of 2016 and 2022, putting him fourth on the all-time list.New Zealander Knights, in contrast, is at his first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and will reach the landmark of 50 T20Is as on-field umpire in the Group A match in Colombo.The complete match-day appointments for the group stage of the 20-team tournament were announced today while the appointments for the Super Eight and knockout stages will be confirmed in due course.Elsewhere on the opening day, Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski will be in the middle for the Group C clash between Scotland and the West Indies. Menon was part of the on-field team for the first semi-final at the 2024 World Cup, between Afghanistan and South Africa, while Nogajski’s four group matches last time out included India’s clash with the United States of America.Those two teams meet again this year, rounding off a triple-header on 7 February, and this time Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker will be the on-field duo.Tucker leads the way for matches officiated in this competition, on 46, and will bring up his half-century during the tournament. The Australian will also be in charge of the England versus Nepal, India against Namibia and the South Africa against the United Arab Emirates fixtures.Chris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth stood alongside for the 2024 final and reunite for the Group B clash between Australia and Ireland on 11 February.Illingworth will also be in the middle, alongside Dharmasena, for the crunch clash between rivals India and Pakistan in Colombo on 15 February.In all, 24 officials will be on-field umpires during the group stage, with Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Langton Rusere and Adrian Holdstock among the other returnees.Match Referees: Dean Cosker, David Gilbert, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath.Umpires: Roland Black, Chris Brown, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Wayne Knights, Donovan Koch, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon, Sam Nogajski, KNA Padmanabhan, Allahuddien Paleker, Ahsan Raza, Leslie Reifer, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Gazi Sohel, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Raveendra Wimalasiri and Asif Yaqoob.

Karachi (PR): The opening round of Bank AL Habib’s 15th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament teed off today at the Karachi Golf Club, setting the stage for an intense battle among the country’s finest golfers.Out of 120 professionals who took to the greens, Mohammad Minhaj Maqsood Waraich (RGC) surged ahead with a brilliant round of 68 (-4), claiming the top spot on the leaderboard. Close behind, Mohammad Shabbir (MGGC) and Hamza Taimur Amin (RGCC) finished tied for second at 70 (-2), keeping the competition tight.A cluster of contenders including Matloob Ahmad (LGG), Waheed Baloch (KGC), and Ansar Mehmood (MGGC) followed at 71 (-1), while defending champion Ahmed Baig (RPG) carded 73 (+1), leaving him with ground to cover in the coming rounds.With pleasant weather and strong attendance, the first day showcased both seasoned champions and promising new talent. This year’s edition has already drawn praise for the inclusion of educated golfers in the professional cadre, reflecting the evolving face of golf in Pakistan.

Dubai (Sports News): Prolific opener Mohammad Waseem will lead the UAE side in the two-match T20I series against Ireland which will be played at the Dubai International Stadium. The first match of the series will begin at 6:30pm local time tomorrow (Thursday). The first ball in the second match will be bowled at 10:00am local time on Saturday, 31 January. UAE squad: Mohammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Basil Hameed, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Arfan, Mohammad Farooq, Mohammad Jawadullah, Mohammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wicketkeeper), Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan and Simranjeet Singh. 

Lahore (Salman Khan):Pakistan will lock horns with Australia in the three match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore as the visitors return to the country after last year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The three T20Is will take place on 29, 31 January and 1 February.The first ball will be bowled at 4pm PKT in all games with the coin toss set to take place at 3.30pm. Australia’s 17-member squad arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday led by Mitchell Marsh.Among the players Jack Edwards, Josh Philippe, Mahli Beardman, Matthew Kuhnemann and Xavier Bartlett are visiting Pakistan for the first time. Beardman and Edwards are uncapped at the international level.Pakistan’s 16-member squad convened in Lahore on 25 January and have prepared for the T20I series with training sessions and a solitary scenario-based T20 match on Monday.Babar Azam – the leading run-scorer in T20I history – and Shaheen Shah Afridi – the second-leading wicket-taker in T20Is for Pakistan – return to Pakistan squad after missing the Sri Lanka series earlier in January.On the bilateral front, the two teams have faced each other 28 times in T20Is since their first contest at Johannesburg on 18 September, 2007. Pakistan have won 12, while Australia hold the edge with 14 wins including one at the Gaddafi Stadium in April 2022.The two teams have faced off in nine bilateral series, four of which comprised of one off T20I. Pakistan have won in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2018. Australia have secured series wins on five occasions against Pakistan. Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan captain:“We have prepared really well for this series in the previous 10 days. There are no weak opponents in T20 cricket and our focus is on executing our plans and playing smart, quality cricket.“Having the experienced and senior players in the group is vital, it makes a big difference when you are trying to win a series.”Mitchell Marsh, Australia captain:“I’m really excited to be here as this series is ideal preparation of the World Cup. Pakistan have a great tradition of fast bowling and I’m looking forward to facing Shaheen Shah Afridi.“Winning away from home is always tough, especially in these conditions, but that’s exactly what makes it a great challenge for us.”Pakistan 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, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman TariqAustralia squad:Mitchell Marsh (c), Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Josh Inglis, Josh Philippe, Mahli Beardman, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, Matthew Kuhnemann, Matthew Renshaw, Mitch Owen, Sean Abbott, Travis Head and Xavier Bartlett.

 Harare (Sports News):A four-wicket haul by Abdul Subhan, followed by a fluent unbeaten 76 from Sameer Minhas guided Pakistan U19 to a comprehensive eight-wicket win over New Zealand U19 in their Super Six Group 2 fixture of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on Tuesday.After winning the toss and opting to field, Pakistan bowled New Zealand out for 110 in 28.3 overs, an effort that included five maiden overs – three by Subhan and two by Ali Raza. Right-arm fast bowler Subhan returned impressive figures of four for 11 to earn the player of the match award, while Ali Raza (3-36) provided solid support as Pakistan’s bowlers applied sustained pressure throughout the innings.New Zealand’s resistance came mainly through Hugo Bogue, who scored 39 off 27 balls. However, regular wickets meant New Zealand side never gained momentum, slipping from 59 for one to 67 for seven as Pakistan tightened the screws in the middle overs.In turn, Pakistan achieved the modest target in just 17.1 overs, losing only two wickets and with 197 balls to spare. Opening batter Sameer anchored the innings with yet another half-century. His unbeaten 76 came off 59 balls which included 10 fours and two sixes. He shared key partnerships, first steadying the innings after the early loss of wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor (8, 11b, two fours) and then adding 67 runs with Usman Khan (15, 24b, one four) for the second wicket.Following today’s win, Pakistan U19 will travel to Bulawayo on Wednesday to take on India in their second Super Six fixture at the Queens Sports Club on Sunday, 1 February. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 9.30am local time.Scores in brief:New Zealand U19 110 all out, 28.3 overs (Hugo Bogue 39; Abdul Subhan 4-11, Ali Raza 3-36)Pakistan 112-2, 17.1 overs (Sameer Minhas 76 not out)Player of the match – Abdul Subhan (Pakistan U19).

Islamabad (Abdul Jabbar Faisal): The country’s golfing spotlight will turn to the Karachi Golf Club (KGC) this week as Bank AL Habib’s 15th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament will tee off on Thursday, 29th January 2026. With more than a hundred top professionals vying for glory, defending champion Ahmed Baig (PAF) will be back on the greens to protect his crown in what promises to be one of the most competitive events of the season. The final round is scheduled for Sunday, 1st February 2026.Last year, Baig displayed remarkable consistency to clinch the Professional Champion Title, carding a score of 273 (-15). Close on his heels was Mohammad Zubair (KGC), who finished runner-up with 275 (-13).The excitement begins earlier with the 25th Rashid D. Habib Memorial Golf Tournament for local KGC Professionals, Senior Professionals, and Caddies, scheduled for 26th and 27th January. Adding further flair, the Bank AL Habib PRO-AM Golf Tournament returns for its second edition, fostering collaboration between seasoned professionals and emerging amateurs, and strengthening the future of golf in Pakistan.In a thrilling twist, players who achieve the coveted hole-in-one will drive away with spectacular prizes: a Toyota Altis in the National category and a Suzuki Alto in the Local KGC category. The grand prize distribution ceremony will be held on 1st February 2026, marking the close of this landmark sporting event.

Lausanne (PR): The FIH Hockey Pro League returns in February with an action-packed series of matches across Asia, Europe and Oceania, as the world’s best men’s and women’s teams continue their quest for points in the race to grab the trophy and the first available spots at the Hockey tournament in the LA28 Olympic Games. From 5–25 February 2026, five stages will be played across three continents, offering a compelling mix of traditional powerhouses and ambitious challengers, promising high-intensity hockey and a true test of consistency midway through the season.Yunfu, China: Women’s Pro League action opens the month (5–10 February)The February window in the women’s competition begins in China, where the hosts welcome England and Netherlands for a series of matches that will set the tone for the rest of the month.Netherlands will arrive with their customary depth and attacking flair, having started the season with 3 wins in 3 matches in Argentina, earlier in December 2025. Meanwhile England will be looking for better results in the China stage, after collecting 4 points from their opening 4 matches in Ireland. For China, home advantage provides a crucial opportunity to measure progress against two strong sides as they begin their 2025-26 campaign. Their home performance was very strong in the previous season and they will want to continue giving their supporters a lot to cheer for as they begin their new campaign. Valencia, Spain: Double-header delight in Europe (5–10 February)Simultaneously, Spain will become a hive of European hockey showdowns, hosting both women’s and men’s fixtures.In the women’s competition, Spain face Belgium and Germany in a demanding series. Belgium have made a stellar start to the new season of the competition, winning all 4 of their matches in Ireland, earlier in December 2025, as they find themselves at the top of the women’s standings. Germany will look to improve on their start to the season after picking up a solitary point in the Argentina stage during December 2025. Hosts Spain, who had a terrific first season in the 2024-25 edition of the competition, after earning promotion via the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, will be eager to capitalise on their momentum and familiar conditions with strong home support to get their new campaign off to a bright start. The men’s competition in Valencia sees the hosts joined by England and Netherlands. With all three teams playing a brand of attacking and fast-paced hockey fans can expect tightly contested matches and minimal margins. Netherlands’ are the reigning FIH Hockey Pro League champions, but the margins are razor thin at the top and all three teams will fancy their chances at taking crucial points in the Valencia stage, with an Olympic spot up for grabs!Hobart, Australia and Rourkela, India take centre stage mid-month (10–15 February)From 10–15 February, the FIH Hockey Pro League splits across two continents, with women’s and men’s action unfolding in Australia and India.In Australia, the women’s teams from Australia, Argentina and Ireland go head-to-head. The hosts will play their first matches of the season, with Ireland and Argentina already having played a set of 4 matches at their respective home stages in December 2025. Ireland will aim to continue building their Pro League credentials, with opportunities to challenge established sides and gain invaluable experience at the highest level. Meanwhile Argentina will hope to climb the league standings with an eye for the top step on the podium that has eluded them since their first title in the 2021-22 season. Australia also hosts men’s matches featuring Australia, Germany and Pakistan. This trio guarantees excitement, blending Germany’s structured efficiency with Pakistan’s flair and unpredictability, all against an Australian side renowned for pace, physicality and home dominance.Meanwhile in India, the men’s competition will feature India, Argentina and Belgium. Playing on home soil, India will be keen to harness passionate support as they face two teams with proven Pro League pedigree. Argentina currently lead the league with 11 points from their first four matches, which were played in Santiago del Estero in December 2025. Belgium slot in right behind them with 10 points from their opening four games. With both teams starting strong, the onus will be on the hosts to make a bright start to their campaign at the expense of two teams in red hot form! Australia closes the month in style (20–25 February)The February matches will conclude back in Hobart, Australia from 20–25 February, once again showcasing both women’s and men’s competitions. In the women’s matches, Australia will welcome China and Spain, while the men’s fixtures will see Australia joined by India and Spain. The importance of the closing February stage will be magnified further as all teams will have played their first set of matches earlier in the month. Their performances in the previous stages will dictate the direction and risk appetite of each team in Hobart to close out the first half of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 season. A pivotal month in the Pro League seasonFebruary’s matches represent a crucial phase of the FIH Hockey Pro League, with teams balancing performance, squad rotation and travel demands across multiple continents. As rivalries intensify and the standings begin to take clearer shape, every goal, save and tackle could prove decisive.With world-class hockey on display from China to Spain, India and Australia, February promises to be a defining chapter in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 season – one that fans around the globe will not want to miss.

Rawalpindi (Sports News): Under the banner of the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) the 1st PGF North Junior Amateur Golf Championship 2026, held from 22 to 25 January 2026 here at the prestigious Rawalpindi Golf Club. The championship marked a significant milestone in PGF’s ongoing efforts to promote and strengthen junior golf development across Pakistan.The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Secretary Pakistan Golf Federation, Brigadier Sajid Akram, SI (M).In his remarks, he appreciated the outstanding performances of the young participants and reaffirmed PGF’s commitment to providing structured pathways for junior golfers to excel at national and international levels.In each category, the top three players were awarded cash prizes as follows: Winner PKR 25,000, Runner-up PKR 15,000, and Second Runner-up PKR 10,000. The prize distribution reflected PGF’s dedication to encouraging junior golfers through meaningful recognition and support.During the ceremony, the Secretary PGF presented a special shield to Malik Kamran, Manager PGF and Tournament Director, in recognition of his commendable efforts in promoting junior golf in Pakistan. Brig. Sajid Akram acknowledged that Malik Kamran’s dedicated work has gained recognition at the international level. On behalf of the Pakistan Golf Federation, a commemorative shield was also awarded to Rawalpindi Golf Club, acknowledging its excellent hospitality and invaluable cooperation in hosting this landmark championship. The proceedings of the ceremony were conducted by Malik Kamran, Tournament Director, who also served as the Master of Ceremony.The Pakistan Golf Federation extends its congratulations to all winners and participants and expresses sincere gratitude to parents, coaches, officials, and the host club for making the championship a resounding success. PGF remains committed to nurturing young talent and expanding junior golf programs across the country, ensuring that Pakistan continues to produce future champions for the international stage.

 Lahore ( Sports News): The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where they are placed in Group A and scheduled to face Netherlands in their opening game on 7 February in Colombo.The names were unveiled during a press conference addressed by the PCB Director High Performance and member men’s national selection committee Aqib Javed, Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and white-ball head coach Michael James Hesson at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday morning.Among the players, skipper Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq have received their maiden mega-event call-ups to the Pakistan squad.Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan have played in at least one or more editions of the tournament since 2021. In the 20-team tournament, each team is set to play four group games before the Super Eight and Knockout Stage, all between 7 February and 8 March.Pakistan are also set to face Australia in a three-match T20I series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 29, 31 January and 1 February with the preparation camp starting today.15-member squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq