Islamabad (SBR): Climbing will feature at three of the four Olympic Q-Series stops on the road to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28), with competitions confirmed for Tokyo, Japan, from 4 to 7 May; Shanghai, China, from 11 to 14 May; and Orlando, USA, from 8 to 11 June 2028.Announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in May, the Olympic Q-Series is the evolution of the Olympic Qualifier Series, which debuted in 2024 as part of the qualification pathway to Paris 2024. The new format expands both the number of sports involved and the number of host cities. The Olympic Q-Series has an additional stop that will take place in Montreal, Canada, from 1 to 4 June 2028 where Climbing is not featured.Climbing is one of six sports included in the Olympic Q-Series, alongside 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, BMX freestyle, flag football, and skateboarding. Speaking at the Q-Series announcement made by the IOC in May, IOC President Kirsty Coventry described the initiative as “an exciting global event on the road to the LA28 Olympic Games. It’s one format, four stops, six sports.

Lahore (PR): Lahore Qalandars proudly hosted an exclusive art exhibition showcasing the remarkable work of Umer Jarral, a talented artist living with cerebral palsy. The event celebrated Umer’s exceptional artistic talent and reflected a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate society.The exhibition was held on Tuesday at Lahore Qalandars’ official partner, Burger O’Clock restaurant, and received an overwhelming response from cricketers, art enthusiasts, business leaders, celebrities, and distinguished guests. All 50 of Umer’s paintings were sold within just one hour, with total sales surpassing Rs. 2 million.The event was attended by Pakistan and Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who led a distinguished list of guests. Other notable attendees included Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan and his wife Bushra Aitzaz, philanthropist Sabahat Rafiq, Shahid Ali, former adviser to the President of the United States, TV show host and comedian Tabish Hashmi, Air Sial vice chairman Umer Mir, Executive Director of Capital Smart Motors Imran Zahid and sports television anchor Sawera Pasha. Many of these distinguished guests were among the principal buyers of Umer’s artwork.Speaking on the occasion, Atif Rana, Owner & CEO of Lahore Qalandars, said: "At Lahore Qalandars, we believe every dream deserves a chance, and every talent deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Umer Jarral’s journey while living with cerebral palsy is deeply moving and truly inspiring. His courage, patience, and passion remind us that no challenge is greater than the power of determination."He added: "Through this exhibition, Lahore Qalandars wanted to stand beside Umer and his family, not only by giving his beautiful artwork a platform but also by helping raise funds for his welfare. Umer’s story is a reminder for all of us to build a kinder, more inclusive society where special children are supported, encouraged, and given the opportunity to shine. This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering extraordinary talent and turning hope into reality."In a heartfelt gesture of support, Burger O’Clock donated 15% of the day’s total sales to Umer, further contributing to the success of the initiative and reinforcing its commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities.Through this initiative, Lahore Qalandars once again demonstrated their commitment to supporting extraordinary individuals and promoting inclusivity beyond the boundaries of cricket.

Karachi (PCB Report): The Women’s National Selection Committee has named a 17-member Pakistan Women’s U19 squad for the South Africa series set to take place in Karachi from 14 to 24 July. The five-match T20 series between the two sides will be played at the National Bank Stadium, with the first ball of each match set to be bowled at 8pm local time.South Africa Women’s U19 team will embark on their maiden tour of Pakistan and will arrive in Karachi on 10 July. Both sides will take part in training sessions from 11 to 13 July before the first T20 takes place on Tuesday, 14 July.Pakistan team will be led by Fizza Fiaz, who was part of the side that won the series 3-2 against Bangladesh U19 in Bangladesh in December 2025. The right-handed batter featured in two matches in the five-match T20 series, scoring 72 runs, including a half-century. The 19-year-old also featured in the National Women’s T20 Tournament and participated in the National Women’s U19 Tournament 2025-26 as well.For the forthcoming T20 series, nine of the 17 squad members featured in the previous series against Bangladesh. Alongside captain Fizza, Aqsa Habib, Areesha Ansari, Komal Khan, Memoona Khalid, Raahima Syed, Ravail Farhan, Rozina Akram and Zoofishan Ayyaz were all part of that tour.The squad members also featured in two U19 fitness and skills camps held in Karachi as part of the team's preparations for the upcoming series.Pakistan U19 squad:Fizza Fiaz (captain), Alzoha Hammad, Aqsa Habib, Areesha Ansari, Barirah Saif, Hadia Mina, Komal Khan, Mah Noor, Maham Nazakat, Mahnoor Zeb, Memoona Khalid, Raahima Syed, Ravail Farhan, Rozina Akram, Shahar Bano, Zainab Khanum and Zoofishan AyyazTeam management:Aisha Jalil (manager), Mohammad Masroor (head coach), Shoaib Khan (batting coach), Naeem Tayyab (bowling coach), Jaweria Rauf (fielding coach), Eman Arbab (analyst), Taimoor Mehmood (strength and conditioning coach) and Surakhsha Shaker (physiotherapist)Series schedule (All matches at National Bank Stadium and will begin at 8pm):10 July – South Africa team arrival in Karachi11-13 July – Pakistan and South Africa teams training sessions at National Bank Stadium14 July – First T2017 July – Second T2019 July – Third T2022 July – Fourth T2024 July – Fifth T20

Media releaseAustralia opener Beth Mooney has regained the No.1 position in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings after winning the Player of the Tournament award in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.The wicketkeeper-batter, who had also been named Player of the Tournament in the 2020 edition at home, has overtaken team-mate Georgia Voll, who had occupied the top spot since 23 March this year.Mooney won the Player of the Match award in Sunday’s final at Lord’s for a solid 64 off 49 deliveries in a seven-wicket win over England that helped her finish the tournament with 238 runs and start her fifth stint as number one. Only Karen Rolton has occupied the spot longer than Mooney, who has spent more than four years as No. 1.In other notable movements, South Africa opener Tazmin Brits has advanced three places to 11th after scoring 51 in the second semifinal against England at The Oval, while England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 75 in that match and 58 not out in the final have helped her move up five spots to 16th. Freya Kemp’s unbeaten 44 in the final has lifted her 27 spots to 63rd.The bowling rankings still see India’s left-arm spinner Shree Charani at the top of the table even as Sophie Ecclestone has leapfrogged team-mate Charlie Dean to second place after taking one wicket each in the semifinal and the final.Australia all-rounder Kim Garth’s economical spell in the final has earned her a five-slot rise to 15th position while South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp has moved back into the top 10 after a fine effort in the semifinal. Ash Gardner (up two places to 20th), Sophie Molineux (up 21 places to 66th) and Shabnim Ismail (up 29 places to 69th) are others to progress.

Dubai (Sports Bulletin Report): Four players from the victorious Australian side have been named in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament.The champions, who lifted the trophy for the seventh time, are the best represented nation, with runners-up England providing two players to the team.The remaining players in the XI, plus the 12th player, come from six different nations.Sophie Molineux has named as captain after skippering Australia to the title in her first tournament as leader, while Beth Mooney takes the gloves after a starring performance in the final.The team was selected by a panel consisting of ICC representative Gaurav Saxena, members of the tournament commentary team Ian Bishop, Anjum Chopra, Julia Price and Ebony Rainford-Brent, and media representative Valkyrie Baynes.England’s opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge crashed more runs than have ever been scored before by an individual at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with 302 from seven games at a strike rate of 149.5.Wyatt-Hodge also had two of the top five scores in the tournament, including making the first century of the competition in England’s opener against Sri Lanka.She is partnered by Mooney, who made history by becoming the first women’s player to win both Player of the Final and Aramco Player of the Tournament for the second time.Mooney hit back-to-back half-centuries in the knockout stages, making a match-winning knock of 64 from 49 balls in the Final.England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is named at three having only played four matches of the tournament.She hit four consecutive scores over 40, including a match-defining 75 against South Africa in the last four before following up with 58 not out in the final, the third ICC showpiece in a row where she has top-scored for England.Ellyse Perry continues to age like fine wine, hitting back-to-back half-centuries in the group stages, with a starring performance against Pakistan as she made 71 and took two wickets for nine runs.Perry was named Player of the Match three times, a joint-high with Wyatt-Hodge, including in Australia’s record chase against at India.Ireland’s Orla Prendergast has been recognised after steering her side to their first-ever win at a World Cup.The all-rounder scored 63 in the victory over the West Indies, her second half-century of the tournament, also taking wickets in all bar one of the matches.In at No.6, Nilakshika Silva was twice named Player of the Match for Sri Lanka, including her 54 not out in the famous win over New Zealand.She also made 21 not out to see her side home against Scotland as Sri Lanka won three matches at a T20 World Cup for the first time.Marizanne Kapp’s all-round brilliance saw South Africa to their fourth consecutive T20 World Cup semi-finals.Kapp made a stunning 81 not out to see the Proteas chase down India, also taking eight wickets in the tournament including three for 23 against Pakistan.Ashleigh Gardner has been selected at number eight as the Australia vice-captain contributed with bat and ball.She twice made half-centuries, including her 53 not out blitz to see Australia complete the highest chase in World Cup history against India, before posting best figures of two for 13 against West Indies in the semi-final.Pakistan’s Fatima Sana is the third captain to be part of the team, having led her side with distinction in the tournament.She finished joint-second in the wicket-taking charts with 11 dismissals across five games, also making 55 not out in a narrow loss to South Africa.Just below her is Molineux, who also took 11 wickets in the tournament, as the skipper extracted dismissals in all but one game.India’s Sree Charani completes the XI having ended as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, despite only playing five games.The slow left armer took 14 wickets, the second most-ever at a single T20 World Cup, with best figures of four for 19 as she took at least two wickets in every match.Darcey Carter has been named as the 12th player, a historic first appearance for a Scotland player in the list.Carter made 208 runs from five matches at the top of the order, including 72 not out against New Zealand.T20 World Cup: Team of the TournamentDanni Wyatt-Hodge, Beth Mooney [wk], Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ellyse Perry, Orla Prendergast, Nilakshika Silva, Marizanne Kapp, Ashleigh Gardner, Fatima Sana, Sophie Molineux [captain], Sree Charani, Darcey Carter

BIPIN DANIIndia’s rising star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi etched his name into cricket history when he became the nation’s youngest male international cricketer — and the youngest debutant from a major Test‑playing country in T20Is — at just 15 years and 99 days during his debut against England at Old Trafford.While the milestone has thrilled Indian fans, the official record for the youngest men’s international cricketer still belongs to Pakistan’s Hasan Raza, who made his Test debut in 1996 at the tender age of 14 years and 227 days.Speaking exclusively over telephone from Dubai, where he has been based for the past year on a coaching assignment, Raza warmly welcomed Sooryavanshi to the elite list: “I am happy for this young boy. I followed his performance in the recent match against England. I also followed his first IPL career season. He has been playing really well and I am sure he will bring glory for the nation. I wish him good luck for his bright future.”Raza is also aware of the special facilities provided to the Indian opener in Ireland and England, including separate change‑room arrangements due to his age. Reflecting on his own teenage debut, Raza recalled a very different era: "At that time in the 1990s, I was not required to use a separate change room. There was no law as such for under‑16 boys. Neither my parents accompanied me on the tour. I was sharing the hotel room with my team captain Aamer Sohail. At that time, the players were accommodated in twin‑sharing rooms.”Now 44, Hasan Raza’s career included 7 Tests and 16 ODIs for Pakistan. Though his record as the youngest debutant remains intact, he expressed genuine delight at seeing another teenager step onto the international stage, carrying forward the legacy of precocious cricketing talent.

ISLAMABAD (faisal):The Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) successfully organized the prestigious Islamabad Junior Amateur Golf Championship 2026 at the scenic Islamabad Club Golf Course. The high-stakes, three-day championship ran from July 3 to July 5, featuring a grueling 54-hole stroke play format. The event drew 72 elite junior golfers from across the country, all competing fiercely across various age categories while showcasing exceptional skill, discipline, and sportsmanship.Under the supervision of Tournament Director Malik Muhammad Kamran, the championship received immense praise from Islamabad Club members, who lauded the determination and grit of the young athletes.In the highly anticipated Category A fixtures, Muhammad Irtaza Hussain delivered a stellar performance to capture the championship title. Hamza Waheed secured the runner-up position, followed closely by Zaid Umar in third place. Category B witnessed an intense battle for the top spot, where Saad Habib ultimately dominated the field to claim victory. Mohammad Raza finished in second place, while Mustafa Zubair took home the third-position trophy.In Category C, Abdul Rahim Usman emerged victorious after displaying great consistency throughout the three days. Mubeen Akram secured second place, and Muhammad Musa Adil finished the tournament in third.Meanwhile, the Girls' Championship action saw Rameen Amin clinch the first-place title after a brilliant display of golf. Zarmeenah Khan secured the second position, and Warisha Shahid rounded out the podium in third place.The championship concluded with a prestigious prize distribution ceremony, which saw enthusiastic participation from the young golfers and their families, fostering a vibrant, community-centric atmosphere. The Chief Guest of the ceremony, Aamir Saleh Abbasi, presented trophies to the podium finishers and highly commended their athletic achievements.

Lahore (SBR): :Pakistan Men’s National Selection Committee has announced Test squads for the tours of the West Indies and England during a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday, 5 July.Babar Azam has been named captain for both series. Pakistan will play a two-match Test series against the West Indies from 25 July to 6 August, followed by a three-match Test series in England from 19 August to 13 September.A 16-member squad has been named for the West Indies series, while a 17-member squad has been announced for the England series. Saud Shakeel has been included as the 17th member for the England series, subject to fitness.Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, right-handed batter Mohammad Awais Zafar, right-arm fast bowler Ubaid Shah and wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Ghazi Ghori are the uncapped players in the squad.16-member squad (in alphabetical order) for West Indies series:Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah17-member squad for England series:Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid ShahSchedule for West Indies series:25-29 July – First Test, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba2-6 August – Second Test, Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Port of SpainSchedule for England series:19-23 August – First Test, Leeds27-31 August – Second Test, Lord’s9-13 September – Third Test, Birmingham

Islamabad: Pakistan’s young tennis talent continues to make the nation proud as Muhammad Hassan Usmani and Amir Mazari have become the Boys’ Doubles Finalist's at the ITF J30 Dushanbe Cup 2026, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan from 29 June to 3 July 2026.The Pakistani pair displayed outstanding determination, teamwork, and fighting spirit throughout the week, defeating strong opponents from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan on their way to this great achievement.(SBR)

Dubai (PR): Pacer Samaira Dharnidharka will lead the 14-member UAE Women’s U19 team in the 13-team ACC Women’s U19 Premier Cup 2026 which begins in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday, 11 July. The tournament is the qualifier for the ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 which will be played later this year. The top four teams from the ACC Women’s U19 Premier Cup 2026 (winners of the four quarterfinals) will earn qualification for the ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup 2026. UAE have been drawn in Group B with Oman and Bhutan, the other two teams. UAE play Oman in their opening game on 11 July at the YSD UKM Oval at 9:30am local time. They play Bhutan on Thursday, 14 July at the Bayuemas Oval. The match will begin at 2:00pm local time. The top two teams from each of the four tournament groups will compete in the quarterfinals which will be played on Friday, 15 July. The semifinals will be played on Sunday, 17 July with the final scheduled for Monday 18 July at the Bayuemas Oval. The winners of the quarterfinals will earn ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 qualification. *UAE U19 Women’s squad – ACC Women’s U19 Premier Cup 2026:* Samaira Dharnidharka, (captain), Afsha Afzal Khan, Al Maseera Jahangir, Avanee Patil, Emily Thomas (wicketkeeper), Janani Thirukkumaran, Lavanya Keny, Mehul Kulkarni, Mehak Thakur, Neha Kumari, Rishitha Rajith, Sai Nikhil Thite, Simran Sheth and Vaishnave Mahesh. *Support Staff:* Subha Venkataraman (interim head coach), Shyla Alam (strength and conditioning coach) and Merin Saji (manager and physiotherapist). *ACC Women’s U19 Premier Cup 2026 – UAE matches schedule:*Saturday, 11 July – UAE vs Oman, YSD UKM Oval – 9:30amThursday, 14 July – UAE vs Bhutan, Bayuemas Oval – 2:00pmFriday, 15 July – QuarterfinalsSunday, 17 July – Semifinals, Bayuemas Oval Monday, 18 July – Third position playoff and final,