Sports Bulletin

 Harare (Sports News):Pakistan U19 left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Sayyam’s rise is a story of persistence, self-belief and support from mentors who spotted his talent early, despite limited facilities in his hometown of Lower Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Sayyam’s association with cricket began at a young age while he was still in school. Speaking to PCB Digital in Harare ahead of Pakistan U19 Super Six stage matches, Sayyam reflected on his early cricketing days, saying: “My journey in cricket began during my school days, where my interest in the game developed at a very young age. I first got noticed during school trials when I bowled well and was selected in the team. My performances in those matches helped build my confidence.”Elaborating further, he added, “One of my teachers, Mohammad Tahir, identified my potential early and encouraged me to join an academy. With his support and guidance, I was able to take that important step in my career.”Talking about his early development, the 17-year-old said, “I later joined the DCA Cricket Academy, where coach Ijaz-ul-Haq worked closely with me. He has played a significant role in my development and I am very grateful for his continuous support.”Sayyam’s performances at the district level paved the way for regional selection and in 2023, he represented Peshawar region in the Inter-Region U16 One-Day Tournament. Although he managed to play two matches due to rain, the exposure proved valuable in building his confidence.Last year marked a major breakthrough when Sayyam featured in the National Men’s U19 Cup, where he claimed 14 wickets in seven matches for Peshawar region. His impressive showing earned him selection in the Pakistan U19 squad, including the training camp in Multan, where he continued to impress the coaching staff.Sayyam carried that momentum into the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, finishing with 10 wickets in five matches, including two wickets in the final against India. Reflecting on his performances and representing Pakistan on the global stage, he said, “Representing Pakistan at the U19 level is a moment of great pride for me and my family. I am extremely happy to be here and hope to continue performing well for the team.“I belong to Dir, where there are limited cricketing facilities and very few players make it to this level. That makes this achievement even more special for me. Every cricketer dream of playing for Pakistan and it has always been my goal as well. Wearing the national colours is an honour and a big responsibility.”Sayyam draws inspiration from legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram, whom he considers his role model. He said, “Wasim Akram is my role model. As a left-arm fast bowler, I admire him greatly and aspire to follow in his footsteps.”When asked about his goals in the ongoing ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, the left-arm pacer said,“My main focus in the World Cup is to deliver strong performances and help my team succeed. I want to contribute towards winning the trophy for Pakistan.”The young fast bowler, who grabbed three wickets in the tri-series in Zimbabwe and has featured in two of Pakistan’s three World Cup matches in Harare, expressed gratitude to his family, coach and teachers, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his journey.

Islamabad (Sports News):The Emirates ICC International Panels of Umpires and Referees have been announced for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 Super Six stage matches taking place in Namibia.Faisal Afridi and Nitin Bathi will be the on-field umpires for Australia’s clash with South Africa at the Namibia Cricket Ground, with Cory Black in place as TV Umpire and Forster Mutizwa as Fourth Umpire.Afridi was in the middle for South Africa’s group stage defeat against Afghanistan, while Bathi oversaw the Proteas’ victory over Tanzania.Also on January 25, Shaun Haig and Iknow Chabi will be the on-field duo as the West Indies take on Ireland. They will be supported by TV Umpire Graham Lloyd and Fourth Umpire Virender Sharma.It will be Haig’s third match as an on-field umpire involving the West Indies, as he also took charge of their defeat against Afghanistan and victory over South Africa in the group stage.The following day, Afghanistan take on Sri Lanka, with Cory Black and Forster Mutizwa in the middle. Haig will be the TV Umpire, with Chabi in place as Fourth Umpire.Black and Mutizwa will also be the on-field team for the 13th-16th place play-off match between Japan and Tanzania at the High Performance Oval.The Match Officials for the Super Six matches in Zimbabwe will be announced once those match ups are confirmed.24 January – Japan v Tanzania – High Performance Oval, WindhoekOn-field: Cory Black and Forster MutizwaTV: Graham LloydFourth: Deighton ButlerReferee: Prakash Bhatt25 January – Australia v South Africa – Namibia Cricket Ground, WindhoekOn-field: Faisal Afridi and Nitin BathiTV: Cory BlackFourth: Forster MutizwaReferee: Prakash Bhatt25 January – West Indies v Ireland – High Performance Oval, WindhoekOn-field: Shaun Haig and Iknow ChabiTV: Graham LloydFourth: Virender SharmaReferee: Neeyamur Rahul26 January – Afghanistan v Sri Lanka – Namibia Cricket Ground, WindhoekOn-field: Cory Black and Forster MutizwaTV: Shaun HaigFourth: Iknow ChabiReferee: Neeyamur Rahul

Lahore (Sports News):The Pakistan Cricket Board has named a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The matches will take place on 29, 31 January, 1 February and will begin at 4pm PKT. Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have returned to the T20I squad after missing the three-match away series against Sri Lanka in early January. Shadab Khan will continue to build on his comeback in the previous T20I series and will form part of a strong spin-bowling contingent along with Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq. Pakistan squad and player support personnel are expected to convene in Lahore on Saturday, 24 January and will begin their preparations for the series the following day. Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, 28 February and will play just their second series in the format on Pakistan soil after a solitary T20I in April 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium. 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 (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman TariqPlayer support personnel: Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (performance analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmed (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Dr Raheel Karim (psychiatrist) and Mohammad Ehsan (masseur)Series schedule: (All matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)1st T20I – Thursday, 29 January – 4pm PKT2nd T20I – Saturday, 31 January – 4pm PKT3rd T20I – Sunday, 1 February – 4pm PKT

Islamabad (Sports News): An unbeaten half-century by Sameer Minhas and a three-wicket haul from Ali Raza helped Pakistan U19 register an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe U19 in their Group ‘C’ fixture of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Thursday afternoon. The win also confirmed Pakistan’s qualification for the super six stage of the tournament.After opting to field, Pakistan bowlers put Zimbabwe on the back foot early. Wicket-keeper Hamza Zahoor was sharp behind the stumps, taking a fine diving catch to his right to dismiss Kian Blignaut off Ali Raza’s bowling. Captain Farhan Yousaf then produced a moment of brilliance by diving to his right to take a superb catch off Momin Qamar’s bowling to remove Zimbabwe’s top run-getter Nathaniel Hlabangana, who scored 59 off 85 balls, including seven fours and one six.Right-arm fast bowler Ali, who had taken four wickets in the previous match against Scotland, led the bowling attack with figures of three for 16 in eight overs. He struck early to remove Kupakwashe Muradzi and Kian Blignaut and later dismissed Brandon Senzere.Fast bowlers Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam, along with left-arm spinner Momin, picked up two wickets apiece as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 128 in 35.5 overs.In reply, Pakistan achieved the target comfortably in 26.2 overs. Sameer anchored the innings with an unbeaten 74 off 75 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes. He was well supported by Usman Khan, who scored a brisk 26, as the pair added 49 runs for the second wicket.Ahmed Hussain remained not out on 24 as Pakistan reached the target with 142 balls to spare.The convincing win earned Pakistan two valuable points and secured their place in the super six stage, which will commence later this week.Pakistan, who finished second in Group ‘C’ (C2), will face B3 in the super six stage at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday, 27 January, before taking on B1 at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on Sunday, 1 February. Sameer Minhas said:“Qualifying for the super six stage is a big achievement for us as a team. After getting out early in my previous innings, my focus today was to spend time at the crease, keep things simple and trust my basics, which helped me build my innings and gain confidence.“Our fielding and bowling were very encouraging. Our fielding was a big positive. All the players put in a lot of effort and it is the result of the hard work we have done in training. The fielding coach has worked extensively with us and it showed on the field.“The super six stage will be challenging with quality teams and two crucial matches. Our aim will be to win with a healthy net run-rate, which will be vital heading into the semi-finals.”Scores in brief:Zimbabwe 128 all out, 35.5 overs (Nathaniel Hlabangana 59; Ali Raza 3-16, Abdul Subhan 2-14, Mohammad Sayyam 2-36, Momin Qamar 2-39)Pakistan 132-2, 26.2 overs (Sameer Minhas 74 not out, Usman Khan 26, Ahmed Hussain 24 not out)Player of the match: Sameer Minhas

Harare (Sports News):Pakistan U19 will be aiming to end their group-stage fixtures of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup on a winning note when they take on Zimbabwe U19 at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Thursday, 22 January.The Asian champions, who are part of Group ‘C’ in the ongoing mega event, defeated Scotland by six wickets on Monday, while they suffered a 37-run defeat against England on Friday, 16 January.Farhan Yousaf-led Pakistan side, who recently won the tri-series in Zimbabwe by beating the hosts by nine wickets in the final, will be expecting their players to replicate those performances in tomorrow’s important encounter.The first ball of the match will be bowled at 9.30am local time, with the toss scheduled at 9am. The match will be broadcast live on PTV Sports and Geo Super in Pakistan, while live streaming will be available on Myco, Tamasha, ARY ZAP and Tapmad across the country.In head-to-head contests, Pakistan U19 and Zimbabwe U19 have faced each other 18 times, with Pakistan winning 15 matches. Zimbabwe have won once, while two matches ended with no result due to rain.As per the format of the 16-team, four-group tournament, the top three sides from each group will qualify for the Super Six stage. The top three teams from Group ‘B’ will join the three qualifiers from Group ‘C’ to form one Super Six group. Similarly, the top three teams from Group ‘A’ will combine with the three qualifiers from Group ‘D’ in the other group.Pakistan, who are currently placed second in Group ‘C’ (C2), are likely to face B3 at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday, 27 January, before taking on B1 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Sunday, 1 February.The top two teams from each Super Six group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled to be played on 3 and 4 February, respectively. The final of the tournament will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Friday, 6 February.Earlier, Pakistan U19 team took part in a training session in the afternoon at the Old Hararians under the supervision of the coaching staff led by Shahid Anwar. The session lasted for over two hours, with batters and bowlers engaging in net sessions, followed by fielding drills.At the conclusion of the session, right-arm fast bowler Abdul Subhan, said:“We are well prepared for the upcoming match and put in a lot of work during practice. I have been spending extra time working on my batting in the nets and the coaches have been guiding me throughout the process, which has helped me generate more power and fluency in my batting.“The team’s momentum is good. Tomorrow’s match is very important for us. A win will give us a lot of confidence and help us going into the next stage of the tournament.”15-member squad:Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar ZaibICC U19 World Cup Pakistan fixtures:16 January – England beat Pakistan by 37 runs at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare19 January – Pakistan beat Scotland by six wickets at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare22 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare24 January to 1 February – Super 6 matches3 February – First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo4 February – Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare6 February – Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

Islamabad (Sports News):The Netherlands, the USA and Thailand won thrilling contests as three matches went down to the wire at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026.The Dutch beat Scotland by seven runs, USA edged past Namibia by four wickets and in the closest game of the lot, Thailand defeated Zimbabwe by one run.Bangladesh were more comfortable victors, beating Papua New Guinea by 30 runs to go two from two in Group A.Netherlands hold off spirited ScotlandSterre Kallis’ unbeaten 87 helped the Netherlands to a seven-run win over Scotland.Kallis entered the fray with her side 27 for two but fired 14 fours and a six in her entertaining 60-ball knock to lead her side to 157 for six, with the next highest individual score 18.Rachel Slater took three for 24 for Scotland, who were in the hunt throughout the reply thanks to contributions from Katherine Fraser (41), captain Kathryn Bryce (42) and her sister Sarah Bryce (30).Thirteen runs from the penultimate over left Scotland needing 11 from the last but Heather Siegers held her nerve, conceding just three as the Dutch continued their winning start.Claridge leads USA chaseElla Claridge’s sparkling 70 led the USA to a four-wicket win over Namibia.Yasmeen Khan dominated the Namibia innings, striking 11 fours and two sixes in her excellent 74 from 47 balls before being stumped by Claridge off the bowling of Tara Norris, who took three for 34.Merczerly Gorases added 28 as Namibia finished on 144 for six, Isani Vaghela chipping in with two for 15 from three economical overs.In reply, the USA were up against it on 75 for four in the 14th over but Claridge remained calm, stepping on the accelerator when her side needed 30 from the final three overs.She fell for 70 from 51 having taken her side to the brink of victory, Ritu Singh adding a vital 21 from 10 as USA got home with four balls to spare.Thailand win thriller against ZimbabweThailand kept their cool to win a nerve-shredding encounter against Zimbabwe by one run, making it two wins from two.Thailand batted first and lost Aphisara Suwanchonrathi to the second ball of the innings but wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai made 54 from 52 balls, while Natthakan Chantham hit two sixes in her entertaining 26.Zimbabwe hit back with the ball, Adel Zimunu and Audrey Mazvishaya taking two wickets apiece, as Thailand slipped from 101 for three to 111 for seven, ultimately setting Zimbabwe 116 to win.Opener Beloved Biza was run out without facing but Modester Mupachikwa (36) and Kelis Ndhlovu (28) kept their side in the hunt.The equation came down to nine from the last over and two from the last ball, which Nyasha Gwanzura struck straight back to bowler Phannita Maya, who completed the run out and set off on a jubilant celebration.Shorna stars for BangladeshShorna Akter played a starring role as Bangladesh beat Papua New Guinea by 30 runs.Dilara Akter (35) and Sharmin Akhter (28) laid the foundations before Shorna and Sobhana Mostary picked up the baton.Shorna blasted four sixes in her 14-ball 37 while Sobhana added an unbeaten 34 from 24 as Bangladesh racked up 168 for five.PNG were well set on 98 for two in the 14th over in reply but the dismissal of captain Brenda Tau for 35 halted their momentum.Six Bangladesh bowlers took a wicket apiece, including Shorna and Sobhana, as they closed out a comfortable victory.Scores in briefZimbabwe v Thailand - Mulpani Cricket Ground, KathmanduThailand 115/7 in 20 overs (Nannapat Koncharoenkai 54, Natthakan Chantham 26; Audrey Mazvishaya 2/21, Adel Zimunu 2/22)Zimbabwe 114/6 in 20 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 36, Kelis Ndhlovu 28; Thipatcha Putthawong 2/27, Sunida Chaturongrattana 1/11)Result: Thailand won by one runPapua New Guinea v Bangladesh - Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, KirtipurBangladesh 168/5 in 20 overs (Shorna Akter 37, Dilara Akter 35; Dika Lohia 1/25, Mairi Tom 1/37)Papua New Guinea 138/9 in 20 overs (Brenda Tau 35, Sibona Jimmy 28; Shorna Akter 1/6, Sobhana Mostary 1/12)Result: Bangladesh won by 30 runsScotland v Netherlands - Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, KirtipurNetherlands 157/6 in 20 overs (Sterre Kallis 87 not out, Heather Siegers 18; Rachel Slater 3/24, Abtaha Maqsood 1/21)Scotland 150/5 in 20 overs (Kathryn Bryce 42, Katherine Fraser 41; Caroline de Lange 2/27, Silver Siegers 1/18)Result: Netherlands won by seven runsNamibia v USA - Mulpani Cricket Ground, KathmanduNamibia 144/6 in 20 overs (Yasmeen Khan 74, Merczerly Gorases 28; Tara Norris 3/34, Isani Vaghela 2/15)USA 145/6 in 19.2 overs (Ella Claridge 70, Ritu Singh 21; Eveleen Kejaruka 2/25, Saima Tuhadeleni 2/28)Result: USA won by four wickets

 Karachi (Sports News):  Christopher Mark Taylor, a 45-year-old Umpire from Jamaica is set to officiate three matches of the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025-26 as part of International Cricket Council’s Umpire Exchange Programme, the PCB announced today.The Ghani Glass v Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) game at the National Bank Stadium beginning on Wednesday, 21 January will be Taylor’s first game in the tournament.He will also be the field umpire in Khan research Laboratories (KRL) v SNGPL fixture at the KCCA Stadium starting 27 January, and Sahir Associates v Pakistan Television (PTV) game at the National Bank Stadium, scheduled to start on 2 February.Taylor has an experience of officiating five women’s one-day and three T20 internationals apart from 41 first-class, 56 List-A and 53 T20s in total. His last assignment was the West Indies domestic 50-over competition in November 2025.As part of the exchange programme, Taylor will not only get a chance to expedite his own growth away from home but also help the local umpires learn from his experiences and observations as a seasoned match official in West Indies’ domestic cricket circuit. 

Islamabad (Sports News): The Event Technical Committee of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 has approved Rehaan Ahtif as a replacement for Dylan Thakrar in the Tanzania squad.Ahtif was named as a replacement after Thakrar was ruled out due to an injury to his left middle finger during their second Group D match against South Africa. He has been pronounced unable to continue his participation in the remainder of the tournament.The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad.The Event Technical committee of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 consists of Wasim Khan (Chair and ICC General Manager - Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Senior Manager - Events), Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe Cricket Tournament Director) and Tash Farrant (independent nominee).

Harare (Sports News):A four-wicket haul by Ali Raza and a half-century from Usman Khan guided Pakistan U19 to a six-wicket victory over Scotland U19 in the 12th match of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Monday afternoon. This was Pakistan’s first win in the tournament after they went down to England by 37 runs at the same venue on Friday, 16 January.Chasing 188 to win, Pakistan lost both openers with the score at 48 in 11.1 overs. Ali Hasan Baloch (15, 33 balls, one four) was the first to depart, followed by Sameer Minhas (28, 30 balls, three fours). Both batters were dismissed by right-arm off-spinner Ollie Jones.At that stage, left-handers Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain got together and stitched a 111-run partnership for the third wicket. Usman top-scored with 75 off 85 balls, striking five fours and two sixes, while Ahmed contributed 47 off 92 balls, including three fours.Pakistan achieved the target in the 44th over with six wickets in hand.Earlier, after being put in to bat, Scotland were bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs. Ali Raza led the bowling attack with figures of four for 37. He was well supported by left-arm spinner Momin Qamar, who grabbed three wickets for 46 runs from nine overs, while right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan picked up two wickets.Left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam, who was included in the playing XI in place of right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib, picked up one wicket. His breakthrough came courtesy of a brilliant running-back catch by Ahmed Hussain to dismiss Manu Saraswat (25, 36 balls, one six) in the 46th over.For Scotland, opening batter Thomas Knight top-scored with 37 off 72 balls, including three fours.Pakistan will now take on Zimbabwe in their final Group ‘C’ fixture on 22 January.Scores in brief:Scotland 187 all out, 48.1 overs (Thomas Knight 37, Finlay Jones 33, Ollie Jones 30; Ali Raza 4-37, Momin Qamar 3-46, Abdul Subhan 2-36)Pakistan 190-4, 43.1 overs (Usman Khan 75, Ahmed Hussain 47; Ollie Jones 2-41, Manu Saraswat 2-46)Player of the match – Usman Khan (Pakistan U19)

Lahore (Sports News): The HBL Pakistan Super League has announced a series of landmark developments ahead of its 11th edition, reinforcing the League’s continued growth, competitiveness, and commitment to innovation.In a historic move after a decade of success, the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 11) will transition to a Player Auction Model, replacing the traditional Player Draft system. This strategic shift is aimed at enhancing competitive balance, increasing transparency, and providing players’ greater earning opportunities.Under the revised player acquisition framework:• Each franchise may retain a maximum of four players, limited to one player per category. Previously, every franchise was allowed to retain 8 players from their squad including a Mentor, a Brand Ambassador and a Right to Match Option to retain a 9th player in the Player Draft.• The rules pertaining to Mentors, Brand Ambassadors and RTM have been abolished for HBL PSL 11.• Newly inducted teams will be allowed to select and retain four players from the available player pool before the Player Auction.• Each franchise will also be allowed one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in HBL PSL X, enabling teams to strategically strengthen their squads with fresh international talent.Further strengthening the League’s commercial and competitive outlook, the player salary purse has been increased to USD 1.6 million per franchise, underscoring HBL PSL’s commitment to rewarding player performance and attracting elite domestic and international cricketers.These progressive measures reflect the League’s strategic trajectory and evolution, while remaining firmly rooted in its mission to promote cricketing excellence, fan engagement, and attaining unprecedented heights.HBL PSL 11 will officially commence on 26 March 2026. Faisalabad has been added an additional venue for hosting the League’s matches, marking the city’s return to spotlight and further expanding the League’s national footprint.Additional details regarding the Player Auction process, schedule, and operational guidelines will be shared in due course.