Islamabad (faisal): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of women’s football as PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani declared that “every year will be the year of women’s football in Pakistan” during the first-ever PFF Women’s Football Symposium held in Islamabad.Bringing together stakeholders from the football and development sectors, the symposium served as a platform to exchange ideas on strengthening the women’s game in Pakistan while outlining a strategic roadmap for future growth under the leadership of the newly-elected PFF administration.Gilani highlighted the recent rise of Pakistan women’s football on the international stage, saying it was encouraging to hear Pakistan women’s football being “the talk of the town” during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver last month. He credited the Pakistan Sports Board for its support and stressed that the women’s game must go beyond the national team.“Women’s football cannot only be about the national team; it is also about the ecosystem — players, coaches, referees and fans. It’s not about glam and gloss, there has to be substance,” he said, while also emphasising that women should lead women’s football structures.Chief Guest Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto (Member of National Assembly) congratulated the federation on the women national team’s FIFA Series campaign, participation in the SAFF Futsal Championship and AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, noting that Pakistani women continue to break barriers when given opportunities.Secretary IPC and Pakistan Sports Board Director General Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani announced plans for a national schoolgirls football tournament and pledged institutional support in logistics, grounds and equipment.FIFA Head of Development Ariana Demirovic praised Pakistan’s growing presence in international women’s football and reiterated FIFA’s willingness to support long-term development initiatives.The symposium also featured contributions from representatives of Right To Play, UN Women, media, coaches and former players, with discussions centred on access, safe playing spaces, grassroots structures, trained female coaches and school football programmes.PFF Head of Women’s Football Mejzgaan Orakzai presented the federation’s strategic vision for women’s football development, while PFF COO Shahid Khokhar reiterated the federation’s unwavering commitment to building sustainable pathways for women in football.

Abu Dhabi (Sports News): Abu Dhabi has taken a major step toward strengthening the future of the Abu Dhabi T10 League by assuming majority ownership and commercial rights control of the tournament, turning it into a fully Abu Dhabi-owned and managed sporting property.The move was announced by Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH), which will now oversee the long-term development of the world’s fastest cricket format with the support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).Officials described the transition as the beginning of a new era for the Abu Dhabi T10, aimed at enhancing governance, expanding the tournament’s global reach, and positioning Abu Dhabi as the home of T10 cricket.Chairman of ADCSH and General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, His Excellency Aref Al Awani, said the tournament had already achieved significant global recognition in a short period and would now move into a stronger phase of international growth.According to an independent GSIQ report, the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi T10 generated US$512 million in media value and recorded 687 million social media impressions worldwide, highlighting the league’s rapidly growing popularity.The 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament will be held from 7 to 20 November at the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium, marking the first edition under the new ownership structure.Emirates Cricket Board Vice Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni welcomed the new framework, saying the tournament had become an important part of the international cricket calendar and would continue contributing to the UAE’s sporting landscape.T10 founder and Mulk International Chairman Shaji Ul Mulk also praised the development, calling it an important step toward unlocking the tournament’s full global potential.Meanwhile, ADCSH CEO and newly appointed Abu Dhabi T10 CEO Matt Boucher said efforts would now focus on strengthening governance, player structures, commercial growth, and broadcast innovation to take the league to the next level.As franchise discussions begin under the new structure, Abu Dhabi has made it clear that the future of the Abu Dhabi T10 is being built for long-term international success.

Rawalpindi (faisal)The National Men’s Selection Committee has named a 16-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia commencing on 30 May. The ODI series between Pakistan and Australia will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 30 May to 4 June.Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir are the three players selected in the squad who are yet to represent Pakistan in ODI cricket.Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the side, while Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim, who were not part of the away ODI series against Bangladesh in March have been recalled to the side.Mohammad Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir have been named as the two wicketkeeper-batters in the squad after Usman Khan was not considered for selection due to illness. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were also not considered for selection as they had earlier been ruled out due to injuries and will continue their rehabilitation programmes under the supervision of the PCB medical panel.The 16-member squad will assemble in Islamabad later today and will train under the coaching staff from Saturday, 23 May. The media advisory regarding the camp will be shared in due course.Australia men’s team will arrive in Islamabad on 23 May. They will also take part in training sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, details of which will be announced in due course.16-member squad:Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan MoqimTeam Management:Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Iftikhar (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 Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)Series schedule (All matches to begin at 4.30pm local time):23 May – Australia arrive in Islamabad30 May – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium2 June – 2nd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore4 June – 3rd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Lahore (Sports News):: The opening batters, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, will not be available for selection for the upcoming three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against the Australia national cricket team, scheduled to begin on 30 May during Australia’s tour of Pakistan.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that both players are currently recovering from injuries and have been advised to continue their rehabilitation programmes under the supervision of the PCB medical panel. Consequently, they have been ruled out of selection for the ODI series.The PCB wishes both players a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing them return to competitive cricket at the earliest opportunity.

ISLAMABAD: A prestigious launch event related to the upcoming FIFA World Cup was held at the U.S Embassy in Islamabad, bringing together prominent figures from sports, government, and various sectors of society.Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, President of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Mohsen Gilani, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Atif Rana were among the distinguished guests in attendance.Addressing the ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker said it was an honor that the first special FIFA World Cup-related event was being hosted in Pakistan. She expressed happiness over the positive progress being witnessed in the promotion and development of football in the country and noted that Pakistan is playing an important role in the FIFA World Cup.Natalie Baker highlighted that Pakistan is manufacturing world-class footballs for global use, while the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time. She said the United States is fully prepared to welcome fans from around the world and celebrate the historic tournament in a grand manner.She added that sports, particularly football, serve as a powerful bridge to strengthen ties and understanding among nations and people across the globe.Speaking on the occasion, PFF President Mohsen Gilani said football is helping deepen relations between Pakistan and the United States. He described the FIFA World Cup as one of the greatest events in the world, adding that FIFA unites nations on a single platform through the spirit of the game.Mohsen Gilani further stated that Pakistan’s women’s football team recently participated in a FIFA event for the first time and secured a victory, calling it a historic milestone for the country. He also revealed that Pakistan Football appointed a woman as manager of the men’s national football team for the first time, terming it a significant step towards women empowerment in sports.He emphasized that sports play a vital role in bringing people from different countries closer together and said Pakistan is proudly contributing to the FIFA World Cup. Referring to his recent meeting with the President of the U.S. Soccer Federation, Gilani said the United States would prove to be an outstanding host for the mega event. He also mentioned that U.S. President Donald Trump has a special attention for football.

Islamabad (PR): FIBA Regional Office-Asia has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of basketball in Pakistan following a high-level visit by its delegation to Lahore and Islamabad, where key meetings were held with top government and sports officials.The delegation, led by Hagop Khajirian, met with Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Mohyuddin Wani, officials of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), and representatives of the Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) including President Brig (R ) Mohammad Iftikhar Mansoor, Secretary General Khalid Bashir, SVP Imtiaz Rafi Butt and Associate Secretary General Ouj E Zahoor.During the meetings, both sides discussed comprehensive measures aimed at strengthening basketball structures in Pakistan and bringing the country back onto the international basketball map.Speaking on the occasion, Hagop Khajirian said empowering national federations remains one of FIBA’s key strategic pillars, adding that Pakistan holds significant importance as a national federation in the Asian region. He assured full cooperation from FIBA for the promotion and long-term development of basketball in Pakistan.Khajirian termed the discussions with Pakistan’s sports stakeholders “highly productive and encouraging,” stating that several important proposals were reviewed to elevate the standard of basketball in the country. He also praised the positive response shown by all stakeholders and expressed confidence that the recent meetings would mark a strong beginning for a new era of basketball development in Pakistan.FIBA Regional Office-Asia also reiterated its continued support for the growth and promotion of basketball across Pakistan in collaboration with national sports authorities and the Pakistan Basketball Federation.

Karachi (SB Report): Fatima Sana was at her brutal best as she blazed the fastest half-century in women’s T20I internationals off just 15 balls in her fiery 19-ball 62 not out to propel Pakistan to 223-4 in 20 overs against Zimbabwe women in the third T20I here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Friday night.In turn, Left-arm spinners Sadia Iqbal (3-20) and Nashra Sundhu (2-21) shared five wickets to skittle Zimbabwe for 90 all out in 17.1 overs as Pakistan secured a 133-run win – their third largest winning margin by runs in the format.Pakistan also concluded the first-ever white-ball bilateral series against Zimbabwe women with an emphatic manner winning all six games across the ODI and T20I series. This is only the fourth time that Pakistan has complete a series sweep in a three-match WT20I series.Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first and posted their second-highest total in the format and only the second total in excess of 200-run mark. The highest came in the first match of the series with the hosts posting 237-5 in the allotted 20 overs.Fatima walked in to bat when Pakistan were 152-4 in 16.2 overs after the departure of Iram Javed (29, 20b, 2x4s, 1x6). She blazed a total of 10 fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 71-run fifth-wicket stand off just 22 balls with Saira Jabeen, who notched her maiden half-century finishing 50 not out off 32 balls on the back of eight fours.Saira’s contribution in the breezy partnership was only seven off three as Fatima dominated the last three overs. Pakistan skipper opened her account with a boundary and didn’t look back as she struck Kudzai Chigora for five fours in the 18th over and her counterpart Nomvelo Sibanda for three fours and two sixes in the penultimate over.Fatima made the world record for the fastest women’s T20I fifty and joint-fifth fastest in all T20Is including men’s cricket her own on the second ball of the last over taking a two off Adel Zimunu. The record was previously jointly held by Sophie Devine of New Zealand, Phoebe Litchfield of Australia and Richa Ghosh of India, who all got to the milestone off 18 balls.At the start of the innings, player of the series Ayesha Zafar (45, 28b, 9x4s) and Muneeba Ali (22, 17b, 3x4s) put on a 58-run opening stand in 6.1 overs. Both the openers were pinned leg-before by Lindokuhle Mabhero as she finished with two for 36.Ayesha collected 150 runs in the series including a record-breaking century in the opening match of the series along with one scalp against her name. After Natalia perished for one and Pakistan 93-2 in 10.2 overs, Saira and Iram joined forces to stitch a 59-run stand off 36 balls to steady the innings.In reply to Pakistan’s total Zimbabwe raced to 36-1 in 2.3 overs with opening batter Kelis Ndhlovu scoring 32 off 14 balls striking six fours and one six before Sadia Iqbal struck twice in the third over to stop the visitors run flow.Zimbabwe slipped from their powerplay score of 44-3 to 90 all out in 17.1 overs with Pakistan spinners applying the squeeze as Tuba Hassan (3-0-8-1) and Rameen Shamim (4-1-11-1) only gave away 19 runs in their seven overs combined.Scores in briefPakistan 223-4, 20 overs (Fatima Sana 62 not out, Saira Jabeen 50 not out, Ayesha Zafar 45, Iram Javed 29, Muneeba Ali 22; Lindokuhle Mabhero 2-36)Zimbabwe 90 all out, 17.1 overs (Kelis Ndhlovu 32; Sadia Iqbal 3-20, Nashra Sundhu 2-21)Player of the match – Fatima Sana (Pakistan women)Player of the series – Ayesha Zafar (Pakistan women)Tour results:1st ODI – Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 168 runs2nd ODI – Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 206 runs3rd ODI – Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets1st T20I – Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 153 runs2nd T20I – Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 67 runs3rd T20I – Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 133 runs

Lahore (Sports News): Asian Champions Pakistan U19 will embark on a tour of England in September to feature in a bilateral series. The tour includes one four-day match and four one-day matches between Pakistan U19 and England U19, scheduled to take place from 2 to 16 September.The only four-day match will be played from 2 to 5 September in Arundel, while the first one-day match of the series will also be held at the same venue on Wednesday, 9 September. The second one-day match will take place in Guildford on Saturday, 12 September.The third and fourth one-day fixtures of the series will be played in Wormsley on 14 and 16 September, respectively.Pakistan U19 in their recent assignments defeated India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai on 21 December 2025 to lift the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup trophy. The side then went on to win the tri-series in Zimbabwe, featuring Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe in January 2026.Pakistan U19 also featured in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia earlier this year, where they played five matches and won three of them.Tour schedule:2-5 Sep – Four-Day match, Arundel9 Sep – First One-Day, Arundel12 Sep – Second One-Day, Guildford14 Sep – Third One-Day, Wormsley16 Sep – Fourth One-Day, Wormsley

Karachi (Sports News): Pakistan women’s team continued to dominate Zimbabwe women in the ongoing white-ball tour as they clinched a 67-run victory in the second T20I taking an unassailable lead in the three-match series here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Thursday night.Pakistan – after opting to bat first – posted 170-4 in the allotted 20 overs and then restricted Zimbabwe to 103-8 in 20 overs with the incoming Nashra Sundhu picking up two for 18. The Fatima Sana-led outfit have now won all five white-ball matches on the trot against Zimbabwe including a three-nil win in the ODI series.The triumph in the second T20I for the hosts was headlined by maiden international half-century for 21-year old Eyman Fatima – playing her fifth game of the shortest format besides the three ODI caps – as she finished unbeaten with 79 off 43 balls hitting 10 fours and four sixes.Eyman walked in to bat when Pakistan were 46-3 in 7.4 overs and had lost three for 19 in previous 3.1 overs with opener Gull Feroza, first T20I’s centurion Ayesha Zafar and the incoming batter Iram Javed – playing her first game for Pakistan since October 2024 – falling for single-digit scores.Pakistan reached halfway mark with 60-3 on the board and Eyman changing gears to hit her first four and six on consecutive balls to go from two off nine to 12 off 11. She smashed another six and four to get the 46-run fourth-wicket stand going with opening batter Muneeba Ali (36, 33b, 4x4s).Muneeba fell to Lindokuhle Mabhero (1-20) on the second ball of the 14th over with 92 runs on the board. Pakistan collected 78 runs off the remaining 40 balls on the back of a fiery stand between Eyman and Natalia with the former contributing a breezy total of 50 runs off 21 balls in this phase.Eyman brought up her half-century in the 17th over off 32 balls before helping her team finish strong with a six and a four-laden 20th over, which yielded 15 runs. Natalia remained unbeaten for 24 off 19 balls striking three fours. For Zimbabwe, Precious Maranage and Michelle Mavunga also picked up one wicket each.In turn, Zimbabwe lost six wickets and stitched together 51 runs in the first 50 balls of the chase with spinners Nashra, Tuba and Sadia applying the squeeze following Fatima Sana’s first strike to remove Beloved Biza in the third over.Zimbabwe never threatened to hunt down the total as they managed to add only 53 more runs to the total in the remaining 11.4 overs with skipper Sibanada (18 not out, 37b) adding 22 and 20 runs with Mabhero (12, 16b, 1x4) and Kudzai Chigora (14 not out, 11b, 3x4s), respectively for the eighth and ninth wickets.Apart from Nashra’s two wickets, Fatima, Sadia, Tuba, Ayesha and Natalia accounted for one batter each. The third T20I of the series will be played on Friday at the same venue with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 7.30pm PKT.Scores in briefPakistan 170-4, 20 overs (Eyman Fatima 79 not out; Muneeba Ali 36, Natalia Parvaiz 24 not out; Lindokuhle Mabhero 1-20)Zimbabwe 103-8, 20 overs (Nomvelo Sibanda 18 not out, Kudzai Chigora 14 not out; Nashra Sundhu 2-18)Player of the match – Eyman Fatima (Pakistan women)

Islamabad (PR): The Pakistan 16 & under Boys Team has departed for Shymkent, Kazakhstan, to participate in the Davis Cup Juniors Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying event, scheduled to be held from 16th to 24th May 2026.The team comprises the following members:• Abubakar Talha – Player • Mohammad Hassan Usmani – Player • Zohaib Afzal Malik – Player • Mohammad Haseeb Aslam – Captain #pakistantennis #tennis #daviscupjuniors