Islamabad (Sports Desk): Starting from 5 September, Gongshu, China will play host to the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 - Asia’s premier hockey women’s tournament running from 5-14 September - with the champions punching their ticket to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.The tournament will feature 8 teams, split into Pool A & B. The top two from each pool will advance to a Super 4s pool stage, where the teams will compete in a secondary pool and get ranked from one to four. The semi-finals line-up will be decided on the basis of the secondary pool results, while the bottom two teams from each pool, of the first pool stage, will play for classifications and world ranking points.Pool A: China, Chinese Taipei, Korea, MalaysiaPool B: India, Japan, Thailand, SingaporeThe tournament will begin the competition with Pool B action on 5 September, as Japan will take on Singapore in the first match followed by India taking on Thailand. Pool A matches will follow as all 8 teams will take the field on opening day. Korea vs Chinese Taipei will get Pool A underway before the final match of the day will pit hosts China against Malaysia. The initial pool stage for the women’s competition will be played from 5 to 8 September, followed by the secondary pool stage, positional playoffs and medal matches being played from 10-14 September.The winner of the women’s competition will earn a coveted spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Six teams have now qualified for the women’s competition at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Germany and Argentina qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. USA secured qualification through the Pan American Cup and Spain qualified from the Eurohockey Championship. Along with Asia, continental championships in Africa and Oceania will determine three direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.Based on their performance at the Pan American Cup and the EuroHockey Championships, the following women’s teams have qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026: Uruguay, Chile, Canada, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Wales, Scotland, Austria and Switzerland, with with four further sides qualifying from the upcoming Asia Cup and one from the Oceania Cup.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The Gulf’s premier cricket spectacle makes its return on Tuesday, December 2, as defending champions Dubai Capitals face the Desert Vipers in the opening clash of the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The fixture is a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s thrilling final.The first ball will be bowled at 6:30pm local time, with fans expecting another gripping contest between two sides that delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters in Season 3. On that occasion, the Capitals held their nerve to claim victory with just four deliveries remaining, lifting the trophy in front of a raucous 25,000-strong crowd.The Season 4 opener will be played at the Dubai International Stadium – the venue for Season 3’s grand finish. The six-team tournament will once again feature a total of 34 matches. Dubai International Stadium will host 15 matches, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium will stage 11, and the Sharjah Cricket Stadium will be the venue for eight matches.Following the tournament-opener, Sharjah Warriorz who qualified for the playoffs for the first time in the tournament’s history in Season 3 will take on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the second match of the tournament – the first of the season at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.The first-ever winners of the glittering DP World ILT20 trophy Gulf Giants will open their Season 4 campaign against Season 2 champions MI Emirates. The contest between the two former champions will take place at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, 4 December.After the completion of the 30-match double-league round-robin stage, the top four teams on the points table will enter the DP World ILT20 Season 4 playoffs.The top two teams on the table will compete in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, 30 December at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium. The Eliminator (Team 3 vs Team 4 on the points table) will be played on Thursday, 1 January at the Dubai International Stadium. Qualifier 2 (Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator) will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.Season 4 will conclude with the title clash – the tournament finale – which will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday 4 January from 6:30 pm local time.DP World ILT20 Season 4 – Tournament schedule – all timings are local timings – Gulf Standard Time:Tuesday, 2 December – Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, DubaiWednesday, 3 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, SharjahThursday, 4 December – Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, DubaiFriday, 5 December – Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 6 December – Dubai Capitals vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, DubaiSunday, 7 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs MI Emirates – 2:00pm, SharjahSunday, 7 December – Dubai Capitals vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 8 December – Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, DubaiTuesday, 9 December – MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 10 December – Gulf Giants vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, DubaiThursday, 11 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiFriday, 12 December – Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, DubaiSaturday, 13 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiSunday, 14 December – MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz – 2:00pm, Abu DhabiSunday, 14 December – Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 15 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, SharjahTuesday, 16 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 17 December – Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, DubaiThursday, 18 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiFriday, 19 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 20 December – MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 2:00pm, Abu DhabiSaturday, 20 December – Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, DubaiSunday, 21 December – Gulf Giants vs Dubai Capitals – 2:00pm, SharjahSunday, 21 December – Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 22 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiTuesday, 23 December – MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 24 December – Dubai Capitals vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, DubaiThursday, 25 December – Rest DayFriday, 26 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 27 December – MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiSunday, 28 December – Gulf Giants vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 29 December – Rest DayTuesday, 30 December – Qualifier 1 (Team 1 vs Team 2) – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 31 December – Rest DayThursday, 1 January – Eliminator (Team 3 vs Team 4) – 6:30pm, DubaiFriday, 2 January – Qualifier 2 (Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator) – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 3 January – Rest DaySunday, 4 January – Final (Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2) – 6:30pm, Dubai.

Birmingham (UK): Forming a joint global venture between the two professional cricket clubs, Warwickshire Country Cricket Club [WCCC] announces a new partnership with Lahore Qalanders, demonstrating a shared commitment to develop a long-term strategic vision that will help to grow cricket across Birmingham and Warwickshire in the UK,and Lahore in Pakistan.Officially launching in Autumn, the partnership includes the roll-out of mutually beneficial ventures for 2026 and beyond, that will focus on talent and performance development through player and coach exchanges, academies and scouting networks, community projects, support for grassroot cricket, and commercial opportunities.The partnership, announced by WCCC, follows the milestone acquisition for the club of Birmingham's Phoenix alongside partners, Knighthead LLP last month [July 2025].Abraham Khan, Finance Director of WCCC, commented, “Collaborating with LahoreQalanders is not only about cricket at the highest level, but is about creating opportunities that will further enhance the growth of the game.“By working together, we can pave the way for youth pathways, bolster funding and support for grassroot cricket, launch community initiatives and pool shared resource for development across all levels of the club.“Our commitment to a collaborative approach comes from a shared belief that cricket can be a powerful force for positive change. This a new chapter for the club and places WCCC and Lahore Qalanders at the forefront of a global cricket partnership, and I’m excited to see theimpact this will have for our fans, our cities, and the future of the game.”Sameen Rana, Lahore Qalandars Owner and COO, said, “This partnership withWarwickshire County Cricket Club is a landmark moment for Lahore Qalandars. Our philosophy has always been to think beyond boundaries, and this is another step in that journey. Together, we aim to elevate professional performance, unlock new avenues to identify and nurture talent, and use the power of cricket to inspire and connect our communities in Lahore and Birmingham.”He further added: “This collaboration is not just about cricket, it is about building shared pathways for players, coaches and fans, while expanding our global reach and creating new opportunities for growth. We believe this joint venture will establish a sustainable model that strengthens both clubs on and off the field and most importantly, leaves a lasting legacy forthe future of the game.”The partnership was brokered by the British Pakistan Initiative [BPI] following an Academy tours to Lahore, organised by Raf Sabir, Finance Director for CVS, in March 2025, creating a cultural and sporting exchange that evolved into a comprehensive long-term strategicalliance, now set to reshape the cricketing landscape in both Birmingham and Lahore. (PR)

Peshawar (SBR): The CAS National Junior Squash Championship concluded at PAF Hashim Khan Squash Academy. After a thrilling series of matches, the new young National Champions of Pakistan have been crowned.Abdur Rehman, Raheel Victor, Sohail Adnan, and Nauman Khan have emerged as the National Champions in their respective categories.Results (finals):U-11: Abdur Rehman (PAF) beat Anas Rafeh (PAF) 9/11, 11/4, 12/10, 11/6 3-1 32 minU-13: Raheel Victor (Sindh) beat Ayan Mehboob (PAF) 11/5, 11/13, 11/3, 11/7 3-1 28 minU-15: Sohail Adnan (SNGPL) beat Faizan Khan (Army) 11/5, 11/5, 11/5 3-0 (18 min)U-17: Nauman Khan (Army) beat Ahmed Rayyan Khalil (PAF) 11/4, 7/11, 11/9, 11/5 3-1 36 min

Karachi (PR) Pakistan athletes produced an outstanding performance at the AMMA Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championship 2025 in Manama, Bahrain, where athletes showcased remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship on one of Asia’s biggest martial arts stages. On the final day of the championship, Pakistan’s Mohammad Saqib secured a silver medal in the Men’s U18 – 55kg category.This achievement is especially significant as Saqib had already made headlines last year by becoming the World Champion 2024 in the same category. His transition from the world stage to the Asian level demanded greater hard work, discipline, and focus — and his Silver Medal reflects his dedication, growth, and rising stature in international MMA.Other Notable PerformancesMohammad Umar – Silver Medal (Men’s U16 – 60kg Category)Amin Ullah – Bronze Medal (Men’s U18 – 60kg Category)In total, Team Pakistan secured 3 medals: 2 Silver and 1 Bronze, competing against over 150 athletes from 19 countries.Zulfiqar Ali, President PMMAF said: “These medals are not just victories — they are proof that Pakistani MMA athletes are of world-class caliber. We are immensely proud of our fighters, coaches, and support staff whose tireless efforts — along with the invaluable support of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) — made this possible. This championship marks a defining moment in the rise of MMA in Pakistan. The courage, dedication, and talent of our youth are truly commendable. For the past five years, Pakistan has consistently held a strong international ranking, and we remain committed to taking this sport to even greater height.

Sharjah (SBR): Captain’s innings from Salman Ali Agha and four-fer by Haris Rauf led Pakistan to a 39-run win over Afghanistan in the first T20I match of the tri-series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday night. Pakistan will take on the UAE in the second match of the tournament at the same venue on Saturday, with the first ball set to be bowled at 7pm local time.Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 182 for seven in their 20 overs. Salman anchored the innings with a well-compiled unbeaten 53 off 36 balls, which included three fours and as many sixes. He added 53 runs for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Nawaz (21, 11b, 1x4, 2x6s) after Pakistan had been reduced to 83 for four.Sahibzada Farhan (21, 10b, 1x4, 2x6s) and Fakhar Zaman (20, 17b, 1x4, 1x6) also contributed at the top of the order, while Afghanistan’s Fareed Ahmed claimed two wickets for 47 runs.In turn, Afghanistan reached 92 for two before losing five wickets for just four runs, slipping to 97 for seven. Captain Rashid Khan top-scored with 39 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz made 38, but Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control. Haris Rauf led the attack with four wickets for 31 in 3.5 overs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-21), Nawaz (2-23) and Sufiyan Moqim (2-25) chipped in as Afghanistan were dismissed for 143 in 19.5 overs.Scores in brief:Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 39 runs at Sharjah Cricket StadiumPakistan 182-7, 20 overs (Salman Ali Agha 53 not out, Mohammad Nawaz 21, Sahibzada Farhan 21; Fareed Ahmed 2-47)Afghanistan 143 all out, 19.5 overs (Rashid Khan 39, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 38; Haris Rauf 4-31, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-21, Mohammad Nawaz 2-23, Sufiyan Moqim 2-25)Player of the match – Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan

Sports Bulletin ReportIslamabad - The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the national U23 squad for AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Saudi Arabia Qualifiers to be held in Cambodia. Under the guidance of Head Coach Nolberto Solano, the squad features a mix of talented players ready to compete at the international level.The final travelling squad comprises 23 players.Goalkeeper: Adam Najeeb, Hassan Ali, Umair AroojForwards: Mckeal Abdullah, Umair Bahader, Furqan Umer, Ali Raza, Suleman Ali, Adeel YounasMidfielder: Tufail Khan, Hayyaan Khattak, Muhammad Junaid, Ali Zafar, Adnan JustinDefenders: Haseeb Khan, Mohib Ullah, Muhammad Adeel, Ans Amin, Mohammad Haroon, Hamza Munir, Ahmed Salman, Junaid Shah, Abdul Rehman

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Muzammil Murtaza and Ushna Sohail have won the singles titles of the Pakistan Independence Day National Ranking Tennis Tournament concluded here at the PTF Tennis Complex on Thursday. Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), was the chief guest at the closing ceremony and distributed the prizes among the players.The ceremony was also attended by Major Suleman Junaid (Senior Executive Vice President PTF), Khawaja Suhail (Senior Vice President PTF), Saeed Ahmad Khan (Senior Vice President PTF), Col. Gul Rehman (Director C&S PTF), along with a large number of tennis lovers, former players, coaches, and parents.Results (Finals):Men’s Singles: Muzammil Murtaza beat Aqeel Khan 6-7 (2) (Retd)Men’s Doubles: Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi / Aqeel Khan beat Barkatullah / Yousaf Khalil 4-6, 6-2,10-8Ladies Singles: Ushna Suhail beat Sheeza Sajid 6-1, 6-2Boys U18 Singles: Hamza Roman beat Abdul Basit 6-0, 6-2 Girls U18: Zunaisha Noor beat Soha Ali 6-1, 6-4 Boys U14 Singles:Razik Sulatn beat Mohammad Muaz 6-1,6-2 Girls U14 Singles: Bismal Zia beat Aimen Rehan 6-3,6-1Girls U12 Singles: Khadija Khalil beat Eman Shahbaz 6-1,6-3 Boys U12 Singles: Mohammad Ayan beat Mohammad Muaz 6-3,6-4.

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) can confirm that the Pakistan men’s hockey team, nicknamed the Green Shirts, have accepted the invitation to participate in the upcoming 2025-26 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Pakistan were promoted through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup played in Malaysia earlier this year. Whilst New Zealand won that event against Pakistan in the final, Hockey New Zealand later indicated that the Black Sticks would not proceed with the invitation to join Pro League this time. Therefore, as stipulated in the regulations, FIH extended the invitation to the runners-up, namely Pakistan, who have confirmed their participation. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Great to see Pakistan back in elite competition – this is a truly impactful milestone for world hockey. Their return marks not only the comeback of a team with such a rich and storied history, but also an exciting boost to the visibility and reach of the FIH Hockey Pro League. I can already anticipate an enhanced visibility of the Pro League with Pakistan’s participation. Congratulations to the Pakistan men’s team for qualifying through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and earning their place in the ‘League of the Best’ for the very first time. This achievement is a strong example of how creating more opportunities at every level of our sport fosters growth and provides a natural pathway to the very top.”Pakistan will join Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, Netherlands, and Spain in the upcoming men’s season of the FIH Hockey Pro League – the seventh edition of the competition. They will replace Ireland who were relegated at the end of the previous season, following their ninth place finish in the league. The FIH welcomes Pakistan to the ‘League of the Best’ and looks forward to their competitive presence enabling further historic matches and continuing the diversity of the League.

 Lahore (SBR):The Women’s National Selection Committee has named a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 set to take place from 30 September to 2 November. The same squad will also feature in a three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from 16 to 22 September.Uncapped right-handed batter Eyman Fatima, who recently made her T20I debut against Ireland, is part of the ODI squad. Fatima Sana, who represented Pakistan in the previous edition of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, will lead the side for the first time in the mega event.23-year-old had previously captained the side in the ICC Women’s CWC Qualifier held in Lahore this year, where the team maintained a 100 per cent win record to secure qualification for this year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup set to take place in India and Sri Lanka.Pakistan will play all their group-stage matches at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Should Pakistan qualify for the 29 October semi-final and the 2 November final, then both the matches will take place in Colombo.Also, six players - Natalia Parvaiz (8 ODIs, 24T20Is), Rameen Shamim (8 ODIs, 11 T20Is), Sadaf Shamas (15 ODIs, 12 T20Is), Sadia Iqbal (27 ODIs, 50 T20Is), Shawaal Zulfiqar (3 ODIs, 9 T20Is) and Syeda Aroob Shah (2 ODIs, 15 T20Is) are set to feature in their maiden ODI World Cup.Moreover, 21-year-old Aroob, 20-year-old Shawaal alongside 20-year-old Eyman featured for Pakistan in the inaugural edition of ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup held in South Africa in January 2023.Additionally, two changes have been made from the 15-member squad that featured in the ICC Women’s CWC Qualifier. Eyman and Sadaf come into the squad in place of Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi, who have been named in the five-member non-travelling reserves alongside Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.The 15 players alongside five reserves players will take part in a 14-day pre-South Africa series camp from Friday, 29 August. The players under the coaching staff led by Muhammad Wasim will undergo practice sessions as well as 50-over practice matches. More details regarding the camp will be announced in due course.South Africa women’s cricket team will arrive in Lahore on 12 September.15-member squad:Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper) and Syeda Aroob ShahNon-traveling reserves:Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarPlayer support personnel:Hina Munawar (manager), Mohammad Wasim (head coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach bowling), Tahir Khan (assistant coach bowling), Abdul Saad (fielding coach), Mohammad Rafi Ullah (media manager), Mohammad Asfand Yar (strength and conditioning coach), Waleed Ahmed (analyst), Tehreem Sumbal (physiotherapist), Kiran Shahzadi (masseuse) and team doctor (tbc)Pakistan v South Africa women series:16 September – First ODI19 September – Second ODI22 September – Third ODIPakistan team fixtures:2 October – vs Bangladesh5 October – vs India8 October – vs Australia15 October – vs England18 October – vs New Zealand21 October – vs South Africa24 October – vs Sri Lanka