Islamabad (Sports Desk): Nathan Lyon believes the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 represents a significant step in Australia's quest to become one of the all-time great Test teams.The 37-year-old off-spinner is part of Andrew McDonald’s squad to take on South Africa at Lord’s in the finale of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.Australia will be looking to defend the title they won in 2023 after beating India by 209 runs at The Oval, and Lyon, who took the match-winning wicket of Mohammed Siraj in that victory, wants to build on the progress that has been made since then.“It is important that we look at this week as a celebration piece,” he said.“We’ve done incredibly well over the last couple of years, at home and away, and that is something that as a team, we should be really proud of.“In my eyes, we’re on a journey to becoming a great Australian team. We’re not there yet, I’m well aware of that, but that’s our goal too.“This game is another step up that ladder.”Australia finished second in the league table during the 2023-25 WTC cycle, having claimed 67.54 per cent of the points on offer to them.They were also the only nation not to lose a series in that time, winning four of the six series they played.Their percentage was only bettered by the table-topping Proteas’ 69.44 per cent.Lyon, a New South Wales native, has taken 56 wickets against South Africa in 18 matches during his career and expects nothing less than a fierce contest with the side captained by Temba Bavuma.“Yes, we’ve been here before, but South Africa qualified first during this World Test Championship,” he continued.“Throughout these two years, they’ve done something really well to finish top, and so they deserve that home changing room leading into this game.“It’s international cricket. We’re expecting an extremely hard challenge and there’s going to be a lot of problems out there, but we’re going to have to be good enough to solve those problems ASAP.”Australia have plenty of firepower within their bowling ranks for this match, with five of those selected within the top 14 of the ICC Men’s Test Bowling rankings.Lyon himself sits fifth on that list, with captain Pat Cummins in third, Josh Hazlewood in fourth, with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in 11th and 14th, respectively.Cummins (73), Starc (72) and Lyon (66) also currently occupy positions two through four on the leading wicket-takers list for this edition of the WTC, with only India’s Jasprit Bumrah ahead of them with 77 wickets.The presence of multiple experienced and skilled bowlers in the Australian camp is only improving the standards in training, revealed Lyon.“As a bowling squad, we are very proud of where we are currently at,” he said.“But we’re not leaving any stone unturned and we’re still trying to get better as a bowling group.“I feel that spurs each and every one of us on to get better.”Australia last played Test cricket in England during the 2023 Ashes series – the opening contest of the 2023-25 WTC cycle – but many from the squad have since taken the opportunity to return to play on the shores of the old rival.Lyon played for Lancashire in 2024, while Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green and Beau Webster have represented Glamorgan, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, respectively, this season.Green’s stint in England has been particularly impressive, with the all-rounder plundering 467 runs in just five County Championship Division 2 matches at an average of 66.71.He has also scored three hundreds, including match-winning knocks of 128 and 67 not out against Kent in mid-May.And Lyon feels the 26-year-old will learn a lot from his stint in the West Country.“It’s been amazing to have Greeny over here,” he added.“I think he’s played four or five games for Gloucestershire and done really well. So, hopefully, that gives him the confidence to pick things up from where he left off.“It’s important, especially for the younger players, like Greeny, to come over here and play county cricket.“I feel like you get a lot of understanding of how the game is played over here in these conditions, how the Dukes ball moves around and how the overhead conditions play a role.”

Lausanne, Switzerland(PR):  Monday's lone FIH Hockey Pro League fixture offered plenty of drama in an enthralling clash in Amsterdam. The Netherlands men did just enough to complete the double over India and stretch their lead at the top of the table.(Men's) Netherlands 3 – 2 IndiaThe Netherlands boosted their title hopes with a riveting 3-2 win over a fired-up Indian side who were left to rue a poor conversion rate from their nine penalty corners.Both teams created great scoring opportunities in the opening quarter, Abhishek and Shilanand Lakra missing narrowly for India, and Tjep Hoedemakers clattering one into the post for the Netherlands. India held the initial advantage, though, making numerous pass intercepts and one-on-one steals that led to regular circle entries.India carried their momentum into the second period and went ahead in the 20th minute. Playing in his 100th match for India, Abhishek sent a blistering strike into the roof of the net. The Dutch gradually settled into the game, though, and equalised four minutes later. Captain Thierry Brinkman crabbed some distance along the baseline before popping the ball across goal for Thijs van Dam to swat it in from waist height. The scores were locked 1-1 at half time.Tjep Hoedemakers gave the hosts the lead in the 33rd minute, when his high-quality deflection from close range gave goalkeeper Pathak no chance to adjust his angles. Pathak got a good touch to disrupt the Dutch a couple of minutes later, though, and India finished the third period in the ascendancy with a flurry of attacks and penalty corners.With just one goal separating the teams, there was no thought of playing conservatively in the final quarter. Both teams had chances before Jugraj Singh equalised for India with a 54th-minute drag flick. Kumar Upadhyay Lalit then very nearly upset the home fans, stealing a loose ball off the last Dutch defender, but his cheeky lobbed shot was gloved away by a frantically backpedalling Maurits Visser. The winning goal came with just three minutes remaining, when Jip Janssen's drag flick sealed the victory for the Dutch.

Islamabad(PR): The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has welcomed FIFA’s exclusive invitation to the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) to join the ‘Football for Schools’ (F4S) programme, calling it a timely and positive development in the country’s football journey.According to the PSB, the recent completion of elections and formal reconstitution of the PFF marks a new beginning for football in Pakistan. FIFA’s invitation is being seen as a golden opportunity to promote football at the grassroots level, particularly among school-aged children. If Pakistan confirms its participation, FIFA will provide 164,940 footballs for children aged 4 to 14 across primary and secondary schools, along with a one-time grant of USD 50,000 to help launch the initiative effectively.A PSB spokesperson stated that his is a step in the right direction. With the reorganisation of the Football Federation now complete, we have a real chance to revive sports at the school level, promote healthy activities, and connect our youth with the spirit of the game.”As part of the initiative, schools and educators will gain access to a dedicated Football for Schools mobile application featuring training content and instructional guidance. In addition, FIFA will send a team of experts to conduct capacity-building workshops—either online or on-ground—to enhance the skills of physical education instructors in Pakistan.The Pakistan Sports Board reaffirmed its full support for the initiative and expressed hope that the Pakistan Football Federation will seize this international opportunity to lay the foundation for a brighter future for football in the country—starting from the schools.

Yangon(SBR): The head coach of the Pakistan Men’s National Football Team, Stephen Constantine, addressed the media in a pre-match press conference today, ahead of Pakistan’s crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Myanmar.Opening his remarks, Constantine expressed gratitude to the hosts, stating: "Firstly, thank you very much to the Myanmar Football Association for the hospitality."He acknowledged the tough challenge ahead but maintained confidence in his players' efforts and attitude. "I think for us it will be a very difficult game. For Pakistan, all of the games are difficult. I think everyone knows our situation, but we have a good group of players. They have worked hard over the last few days and we will come here to try to win the game."The coach highlighted the team's focus and adaptability in preparation for the match. "We come here to play football. I think the boys have adapted well to the training. We just have to get on with it. Every single game you play for Pakistan is important – even friendlies."Reflecting on the previous fixture against Syria, Constantine shared: "We prepared, we played with Syria in the last game. We lost 2-0, but I think we played quite well."Responding to a question he said: "Myanmar won their last game, so of course they're playing at home, they will be favourites for this game. But we will fight like we do in every game and we will try to get the result that we want, which is to win. We didn't come here to lose."Pakistan will face Myanmar tomorrow in Yangon in their second Group E fixture of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The match will take place at the Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, with kickoff scheduled for 03:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time.

Islamabad(Sports Desk): South Africa’s 15-man squad for their first-ever appearance in an ICC World Test Championship final contains a mixture of youth and experience.Here is a rundown of the Proteas players gunning for glory at Lord’s.Temba BavumaBavuma arrives at Lord’s fresh from an excellent home summer, scoring centuries against Sri Lanka and Pakistan during series victories which booked his side’s place at Lord’s.The 35-year-old made his Test debut on Boxing Day of 2014 against the West Indies and is currently listed sixth in the ICC’s men’s Test batting rankings.Tony de ZorziDe Zorzi captained South Africa at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2016 but has had to be patient to make his mark on the senior international stage.His first Test century was in Chittagong in October 2024, a sparkling 177, and his command of the pull shot makes the left-hander an attractive player to watch. The 27-year-old is also a fine short leg fielder.Aiden MarkramAnother to have led South Africa at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, lifting the trophy in 2014, Markram is closing in on 3,000 Test runs and has seven centuries to his name in the longest format.The top-order batter captains the Proteas in T20 cricket and guided them to the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year, in which they were beaten by India.Wiaan MulderA seam bowling all-rounder, Mulder is no stranger to English conditions having represented Kent and Leicestershire in recent years – scoring a career best 235 not out for the latter in 2022.The 27-year-old was still at school when he made his first-class debut in 2016 and was promoted up the order in South Africa’s most recent Test against Pakistan, batting at number three having never previously come in higher than six.Marco JansenThe giant 2.06m left-armer averages under 22 with the ball after 17 Tests, with the highlight coming in Durban last year when he ripped through Sri Lanka with seven for 13 as the Proteas skittled their opponents for just 42.Jansen is also handy with the bat and blasted a 16-ball half century against India in November 2024. His twin brother, Duan, is also a professional cricketer.Kagiso RabadaAn elite pace bowler, Rabada is fifth on South Africa’s all-time list of Test wicket takers and arrives at Lord’s three shy of levelling Allan Donald’s tally of 330.He is ranked second in the world in Tests – with only Jasprit Bumrah ahead of him – and he is already on the honours board at the Home of Cricket after taking five for 52 against England in 2022.Keshav MaharajSouth Africa’s most successful ever spinner in Test cricket, Maharaj is two shy of reaching 200 wickets and his average is on the right side of 30.The slow left-armer made his Test debut in Perth in 2016 but will be looking to improve on a modest record against this summer’s final opponents – he has taken 22 scalps at 45 in nine Tests against Australia.Lungi NgidiThe 29-year-old seamer is making a well-timed return from injury having sat out the home summer in South Africa with a groin problem.He announced his arrival on to the Test scene in style with six for 39 against India in 2018 and currently averages a shade over 23 after 19 appearances.Corbin BoschTook to Test cricket like a duck to water on his debut against Pakistan in last year’s Boxing Day Test, grabbing a wicket with his first ball – and going on to take four for 63 – before striking an unbeaten 81 from number nine.The son of former Proteas Test player Tertius, Bosch’s brother Eathan is also a full international having made his ODI debut in February.Kyle VerreynneThe wicketkeeper-batter announced himself in Test cricket in February 2022 with a sparkling unbeaten 136 which helped the Proteas level a series in New Zealand.He has become acclimatised to English conditions in the past two summers during spells with Nottinghamshire and began his latest stint with a ton against Essex at Trent Bridge in April.David BedinghamAnother player to have excelled in English domestic cricket, Bedingham scored nearly 200 runs more than anyone else in Division One of the County Championship last season and his 279 against Lancashire was the highest score in Durham’s first-class history.The 31-year-old right-hander, who can also keep wicket, scored his first – and so far, only – Test century against New Zealand in February 2024.Tristan StubbsThe only way was up for Tristan Stubbs after his Test bow, which saw him become just the second player in history to be dismissed twice on the first day of his debut.The aggressive, inventive batter now has two Test tons to his name and an average of 33.33, while he has excelled in South Africa’s domestic red ball competition and remains a key part of his nation’s limited overs sides.Ryan RickeltonThe stylish left-hander made a dream start to 2025, scoring 259 against Pakistan at Newlands during his first innings as a Test opener before winning the SA20 with MI Cape Town.An all-round sportsman growing up, Rickelton has been in and out of the Test side since his debut in 2022 but will hope that New Year’s knock – the joint-seventh highest Test score by a South African – will cement his place for Lord’s.Senuran MuthusamyA very useful player with bat and ball, left-arm spinner Muthusamy claimed a memorable scalp for his first Test wicket when he held on to a return catch to dismiss Virat Kohli in October 2019.He has played just three more Tests since but is a reliable operator for Dolphins, with eight first-class centuries and more than 250 wickets to his name.Dane PatersonNo-one has had a closer view of Lord’s in the build-up to the ICC World Test Championship final than Dane Paterson, who has started the season with Middlesex in England’s County Championship.Appearances have been sporadic over his eight-year international career, but the 36-year-old impressed in last year’s Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, taking five for 61 – his best figures in the format.

Hyderabad (SBR): The prestigious 12th Dr.Essa Lab Ranking Tennis Championship concluded at Hyderabad Gymkhana. ZainulAbideen Memon .DC Hyderabad was the Chief Guest at Closing Ceremony. Prof Dr.Farhan Essa, Dr.Sabiha Essa, Ahmed Ali Rajpoor, Dr Agha Taj Mohammad Khalid Rehmani and Dr.Saad Baloch addressed the sizeable gathering having several top officials of various sports including Sana Ali , Archary. Shakil Sheikh Body Building, Akram Khan and Amir Kifayat of media, Seeda Iftikhar Badminton, Adv.Arif Siddiqui, Saeed Awan & Ms.Sawera of Dr.Essa Lab, Raisa Ashfaq, Salman Karim Mughal , E.M.Essa Jee and Sarwar Hussain of Sindh Tennis, Uzma Sheikh SOA, Jawed Riar, Saad Baloch, Shabbir Gul, Rafi Derbari , Rehana Bhatti of HTA, Abdul Ghaffar Chandio Mehran University & Jamshoro Tennis , Mukhtiar Bhatti Education, Aysha Iram Baseball, Fahmida Zameer Tug of War, Muzaffar Chajro Mirpurkhas Tennis, Sheeraz Bhand Dadu Tennis and Hyderabad Gymkhan Managment committe and Senior members and sizeable Tennis fraternity of city were present.International Rashid Bachani of Hyderabad was also decorated with gifts, Trophy and cash awards for outstanding International victories over India at Colombo last week , by Prof Dr.Farhan Essa and Jawed Riar In his speech Dr Farhan Essa thanked Hyderabad Gymkhana president Dr.Agha Taj and Secretary ,Tariq Bajari for their all out support for this prestigious tournament.He also praised Mohammad Khalid Rehmani of STA and entire Hyderabad Tennis Association headed by Dynamic president Jawed Riar for successfully organizing this premier 12 th addition . He also announced to continue sponsoring 13th Addition of Dr Essa Lab Tennis in 2026 as well.Dr.Agha Taj & Jawed Riar also announced to hold two such tournaments later this year .Results (Finals):Men's Singles Nadir Bachani beat Bilal Khan 8 -3Ladies Singles FinalNaba Bhatti Beat Sanam Baloch 8-1Juniors Under 17 Singles:Ali Bachani Beat Junaid Mahar 8-5Under 13 Singles:Mohammad Ali beat Majid Bachani 4--1,4-040 Plus Doubles:Rafi Derbari +Arif beat Jawed Riar + Abdul Majeed Bachani 8-6Men's Doubles:Saad Baloch +Anas Khan beat Nadir Bachani +Muzammil Bhand 8 -5

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: As part of the ongoing trophy tour celebrating their recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) title win, Lahore Qalandars owner Atif Rana visited the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and met with Chargé d'Affaires, Natalie A. Baker.The visit served as a goodwill gesture, bringing together representatives of Lahore Qalandars and members of the U.S. Embassy’s cricket team and fan community. During the meeting, Mr. Rana presented a signed Lahore Qalandars jersey to Baker as a token of appreciation. The two sides shared their mutual passion for cricket and discussed the sport’s growing influence across cultures and borders.Baker had attended two Qalandars matches this season, including the thrilling final and has been enthusiastic about team’s energy, resilience, and eventual become a title triumphant. “Watching cricket live has been such an exciting experience,” said Ms Baker “I was thrilled to see such a huge fan base and such a crowd at Gaddafi Stadium the other night. As an American, I grew up around baseball, and it’s fascinating to see the parallels and passion that cricket inspires. With both sports now part of the Olympics, I look forward to seeing them spark even greater global connection. I want to sincerely thank the Lahore Qalandars for welcoming me and making me feel like part of their family.”Rana expressed gratitude for the embassy’s engagement with cricket and extended appreciation to Ms. Baker for her support. “I’m truly delighted to see cricket sparking conversations at the U.S. Embassy and to witness the enthusiasm of American friends toward this beautiful game,” he said. “We’re especially thankful to Baker for attending our matches. She will forever be a part of the Qalandars family—as we say, once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar.”Fresh off their PSL title victory, Lahore Qalandars continue to use the trophy tour to connect with fans and promote cricket development at home and abroad.Lahore Qalandars have emerged as one of the most successful franchises in PSL history, winning three titles in four last years. They also hold the distinction of being the only team to win back-to-back championships, achieving this rare feat in 2022 and 2023.

Sports Bulletin ReportIslamabad: The 1st Emerging Pakistan National Ranking Tennis Championships 2025 concluded in high spirits at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad, marking a spectacular end to a week of thrilling and high-caliber tennis action. The event served as a promising showcase of Pakistan's emerging tennis talent—young, dynamic players who demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and the potential to become the future stars of the sport.Organized by the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), this inaugural edition saw more than 200 players compete across six categories: Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Ladies’ Singles, Boys’ Under-18 Singles, Boys’ Under-14 Singles, and Boys’ Under-12 Singles. A total prize pool of PKR 1.5 million was awarded to winners and runners-up, including travel allowances.Men’s Singles Final: A Clash of TitansIn the marquee match of the event, seasoned tennis veteran Aqeel Khan triumphed over the formidable Muzammil Murtaza in a thrilling three-set contest: 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3.Aqeel started strong, quickly securing a 3-0 lead and capturing the first set 6-2 through consistent pressure and precise shot-making. Muzammil responded admirably in the second set, adjusting his game and forcing a tiebreaker, which he clinched with grit and composure. In the decisive third set, Aqeel’s experience proved vital; he tactically outmaneuvered Muzammil to claim a hard-fought 6-3 victory and the championship title.Closing CeremonyJam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce, graced the ceremony as Chief Guest and distributed trophies among the winners and runners-up. Also in attendance were Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary IPC and Guest of Honor; Mohammad Atif Fayyaz, Chief Coordinator; Mr. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF); and Col. Zia-ud-Din Tufail, Secretary PTF.During his address, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi extended heartfelt thanks to the honorable Minister for sponsoring this landmark event. He expressed his optimism that the championship would serve as a foundation for future tournaments, including a forthcoming edition planned in Quetta, Balochistan. He also acknowledged the invaluable support of Secretary IPC, appreciating his deep passion for sports and his continued interest in the activities and progress of the Pakistan Tennis Federation.In his remarks, Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan commended the efforts of the PTF President for revitalizing the sport of tennis in Pakistan. He noted that, as a celebrated sportsman himself, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi possesses a unique understanding of the game’s intricacies and is deeply familiar with the challenges faced by the tennis community. The Minister emphasized his satisfaction in seeing an athlete of Aisam’s stature take a leadership role in shaping the future of tennis and sports more broadly in Pakistan. He assured full support from his ministry to help the PTF President realize his vision and goals for the development of the sport nationwide.The event not only celebrated the champions but also highlighted the bright future of Pakistani tennis, promising continued growth and international competitiveness.Results (finals):Men’s Singles (Final)Aqeel Khan beat Muzammil Murtaza 6-2 6-7(5), 6-3Ladies Singles (Final)Ushna Suhail beat Zunaisha Noor 6-2 6-1Men’s Doubles (Final)Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi & Aqeel Khan beat Abdullah Adnan & Muzammil Murtaza 6-2 4-6 10-7Junior 18 & Under Singles (Final)AbuBakar Talha beat Mohammad Salar 6-1 6-3Boys 14 & Under Singles FinalMohammad Junaid beat Mohammad Muaz 6-7(3) 6-1 6-1Boys 12 & Under Singles FinalMohammad Aayan beat Mohammad Muaz 4-2 4-2

LAHORE: (PR): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Ali has said that sports competitions play a role in promoting discipline among students along with mental and physical development. He was addressing at the prize distribution ceremony of the 124th Intercollegiate Championships 2024-25 organized by the Punjab University Sports Department. The ceremony was attended by PU Director Sports Dr Shabbir Sarwar, Dean Faculty of Law Dr Shazia Noreen Qureshi, Principal Oriental College Dr Nabila Rehman, Principal Hailey College of Commerce Prof Dr Hafiz Zafar Ahmed, social worker Raja Munawar, various heads of government and private colleges, faculty members and a large number students. In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Ali said that the Quaid-e-Azam’s statement that faith, unity and discipline are the guarantee of a successful life. He said that the success in the recent Operation Banyan Marsus is also a clear proof of the unity and discipline of the nation. Dr Shabbir Sarwar said that we will soon organize a talent hunt program from colleges so that more good talent emerges at the divisional and university levels. He said that under the leadership of Dr Mohammad Ali, the Department of Sports of Punjab University will continue to play its role in the promotion of sports. Later, the Vice Chancellor presented souvenirs to the successful players.

Lahore(PR):The Vice Presidents of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) — Hafiz Zakaullah, Naveed Aslam Lodhi and Dr. Mohammad Ali — have reaffirmed their joint commitment to transparency, national reconciliation, and the inclusive development of football in Pakistan under the leadership of newly elected President Mohsen Gilani.Sharing his views, Hafiz Zakaullah emphasised that the Federation is focused on bringing together all stakeholders, players, coaches, technical experts, and the wider football community to move the game forward.“Under President Mohsen Gilani, we aim to unify and uplift Pakistan’s football landscape. National reconciliation is a core principle in our roadmap.”Naveed Aslam Lodhi praised the Normalisation Committee for completing the electoral process, adding: “Now that elections at both provincial and national levels are complete, our focus shifts to rebuilding the game. InshaAllah, we will work together to recover the momentum lost over the past decade.”Dr. Mohammad Ali called for equal provincial representation and greater grassroots inclusion: “Pakistan football has stood still since 2015. It’s time to revive it by ensuring opportunities for all provinces. The success of Balochistan — with three Executive Committee and three Congress members — reflects the power of genuine representation.”He also credited the Pakistan Football Connect initiative by the Normalisation Committee for enabling true footballers to take part in the democratic process.