Dubai (SBR): Pakistan captain Babar Azam has returned to the top 10 of the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings after two years following his team’s eight-wicket win over the West Indies in Port of Spain that helped draw the two-match ICC World Test Championship series.The 31-year-old scored 88 and 24 not out, advancing five slots to 10th position in the rankings. He had slipped out of the top 10 in September 2024 after remaining there continuously for the previous five years. Babar’s career best second position was achieved during a home series against England in December 2022.Abdullah Shafique, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten knocks of 160 and 24, has progressed 25 slots to 32nd position, overtaking players like Marnus Labuschagne, K.L. Rahul and compatriots Salman Agha and Shan Masood in the process.Brandon King of the West Indies is another player to rise in the batters’ list, up from 73rd to joint-69th despite being unable to bat in the second innings due to a back injury. He scored 46 off 50 balls in the first innings.The bowling rankings see the West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph inch up one place to 19th after finishing with three wickets in the match while Pakistan off-spinner Sajid Khan (up five places to 30th), new-ball bowler Mohammad Ali (up eight places to 85th) and left-arm spinner Ali Usman (up 58 places to 97th) have also moved up.In the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has risen three positions to 11th after scoring 32 and 71 in the second and third matches of their series against Ireland. Oman’s Hammad Mirza (up two places to 85th) and the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Rahul Chopra (up 37 places to joint-97th) have advanced following their performances in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 series in Dundee.Ireland’s seam bowler Mark Adair returns in 17th position after picking two wickets each in two matches against Afghanistan and Scotland’s Brandon McMullen is up 10 spots to joint-48th in the bowlers’ list after taking three wickets each against Canada and the UAE in Dundee.The drawn Test series in the West Indies has not helped the cause of either team as they occupy the bottom two positions in the ICC World Test Championship points table.Australia are at the top with 87.50 percentage points with seven wins and a loss in eight outings while South Africa (75.00) and New Zealand (72.22) are in second and third positions, respectively.

BIPIN DANIOn 11th August 2026, cricket paused to remember the man who embodied resilience, artistry, and dignity at the crease — Hanif Mohammad, Pakistan’s original Little Master. It marked the 10th anniversary since his passing, yet his legacy continues to inspire generations.Hanif Mohammad, famed for his marathon innings and unmatched technique, was more than just a cricketer; he was a symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing pride in its formative years. His son, former Test cricketer Shoaib Mohammad, shared exclusive reflections on this solemn occasion.A Global HonourShoaib recalled a remarkable gesture that underscored his father’s stature beyond borders: “Perhaps he is the only Pakistani cricketer for whom even the Great Britain’s flag was half-mast — which is done for royalties and through the Queen’s consent only.”Such recognition, rare and historic, highlighted Hanif’s universal respect as a sportsman who transcended national boundaries.A Legacy Awaiting RecognitionYet, Shoaib expressed regret that his father’s contributions have not been fully honoured at home: “It’s a pity no ground has been allocated under his name as yet. Imagine the prestige and honour he brought for Pakistan with his world records.”Hanif’s 970-minute epic 337 against the West Indies in 1958 — the longest innings in Test history — remains a monument to endurance. One year later, he scored the highest first class innings to that point-499 (run out). His records and influence laid the foundation for Pakistan’s cricketing identity, but Shoaib’s words remind us that institutional recognition still lags behind.Ten years on, Hanif Mohammad’s memory is not just about statistics; it is about the dignity with which he carried Pakistan’s flag on the world stage. His son’s heartfelt words echo a call for fitting tributes — perhaps a stadium or ground in his name — so future generations can remember the Little Master not only through books and stories, but through living monuments to his greatness.

Multan (SBR): Fakhar Zaman struck his 20th List-A century off just 76 balls to help PCB Greens overhaul the 277-run target in 49 overs with five wickets in the bag against PCB Whites in the opening match of the AL Batal presents University of Lahore National Champions Cup 2026-27 here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Left handed opener Fakhar became the sixth Pakistan batter to rack up 20 or more List A tons joining Babar Azam (31), Khurram Manzoor (27), Saeed Anwar (26), Salman Butt (24) and Kamran Akmal (21) on the list. It was also his second fastest century in the format besides his 63-ball ton against New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. PCB Greens got off to a fine start in the chase as Fakhar and Sameer Minhas put on a 90-run opening stand in 14 overs. Khushdil Shah drew the first blood for Whites as he bowled Sameer for 24 off 33 including two fours. Fakhar brought up his half-century off 39 balls before taking another 37 for his second fifty. Fakhar did much of the scoring in the second wicket stand of 67 off 56 balls as Omair bin Yousuf departed for eight off 19 in the 24th over. Greens’ dashing opener brought up his ton a with a four and a double against Ali Raza in the 21st over. Shahnawaz Dahani brought an end to Fakhar’s rampaging 123 off 104 balls involving 18 fours and two sixes in the 29th over. Saad Baig (22, 28b, 3x4s) and debutant Farhan Yousuf (38, 44b, 4x4s, 1x6) were the other two wickets to fall. Farhan made his List-A debut memorable by smashing Shahnawaz Dahani for a hat-trick of fours in the 33rd over. Skipper Shadab Khan (34 not out, 45b, 3x4s) and Faheem Ashraf (11 not out, 21b, 1x4) saw off the game by the end of the penultimate over after Farhan had fallen in the 43rd.Leg-spinner Saad Masood was the pick of Greens’ bowlers with figures of two for 30 in seven overs. Earlier, half-centuries from Shahzaib Khan, Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah led Pakistan Whites to a decent total. Shahzaib top-scored with 76 off 88 – his sixth List-A fifty – as he stitched a valuable third-wicket stand of 78 with Usman Khan (34, 52b, 2x4s, 1x6) after Whites had lost skipper Saim Ayub and Mohsin Riaz early. Saim was run out in the fifth over for 14 off 18 via a throw from Farhan, while Mohsin was caught and bowled by Mohammad Salman Mirza for one. Usman fell to Mehran Mumtaz in the 24th over just as the partnership was heading towards the three-figure mark. N0.5 Hasan Nawaz and No.6 Khushdil Shah both came together when Shahzaib’ stay at the crease was cut short by Naseem Shah, who castled him from round the wicket, bringing an end to the 44-run fourth-wicket stand. Hasan and Khushdil remained at the wicket for 80 balls and gathered 77 runs. Whites reached the 200-run mark with Khushdil hitting a boundary in the 40th over. At this juncture, Whites looked poised for a 300-run total with two set batters but PCB Greens pacers made a comeback. Faheem Ashraf first removed Hasan for 56 off 61 inclusive of one four and two sixes as Whites lost four for 35 in the last 40 balls. Naseem got rid of Khushdil (51, 44b, 2x4s, 3x6s) in the 45th over and then returned to bag the wicket of Saad Masood in the 47th. Haris Rauf remained unbeaten for 11 off nine having hit one six. Naseem finished with three for 46 in nine overs. Faheem accounted for Mohammad Wasim Jnr in the last over of the innings to return figures of two fo 35 in seven overs. Salman and Mehran had a wicket each to their name. Scores in brief Match 1 - Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Whites by five wickets at Multan Cricket Stadium Pakistan Whites 276-8, 50 overs (Shahzaib Khan 76, Hasan Nawaz 56, Khushdil Shah 51, Usman Khan 34; Naseem Shah 3-46, Faheem Ashraf 2-35)Pakistan Greens 277-5, 49 overs (Fakhar Zaman 123, Farhan Yousuf 38, Shadab Khan 34 not out, Sameer Minhas 24, Saad Baig 22; Saad Masood 2-30) Player of the match – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan Greens) Tournament schedule:11 August – Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Whites by five wickets 12 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Gold13 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Whites           14 August – Pakistan Gold v Pakistan Greens15 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Greens16 August – Pakistan Gold v Pakistan Whites18 August – Final (Top two teams)

Dubai (PR): Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been reprimanded after he was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second ODI against Ireland in Bready on Friday.Azmatullah was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.”One demerit point has been added to Azmatullah’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.The incident occurred in the 41st over of Afghanistan’s innings, when he remained at the crease for a prolonged period of time after he had been given out, gesticulating his displeasure at the decision.Azmatullah admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Dean Cosker of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing.On-field umpires Gareth Morrison and Roly Black, third umpire Johnny Kennedy and fourth umpire George Brolly levelled the charge.Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Shahnaz ShaikhWith the Hockey World Cup 2026 set to begin on August 15 in Belgium and the Netherlands, Pakistan's campaign will hinge on a familiar equation: five points from the pool stage should be enough to send the four-time champions into the quarter-finals.The 16-team event has been divided into four pools, with Pakistan drawn in Pool D alongside England, India and Wales. The top two sides from each pool advance to the knockout stage, and Pakistan's opener against England on the tournament's opening days is expected to set the tone for the campaign. Five days later, on August 19, comes the fixture that will dominate headlines back home: Pakistan versus India.Putting the Pro League behind themPakistan's recent form in the FIH Pro League has been underwhelming, but there is a case to be made that those results should not weigh on the squad heading into Belgium and the Netherlands. The bigger issue, in this observer's view, has been a shortage of big-match temperament — a consequence of Pakistan's limited exposure to top-ranked opposition in major tournaments over recent years.That shortage will be tested immediately against India. Pakistan cannot afford to go into that match with anything less than full conviction. The days of grass-roots, 1970s-style hockey are long gone; what is required now is the structured, four-quarter game plan of the modern era — built on Pakistan's traditional zonal approach, a “one-plus-one” and trio attacking shape, and German-influenced defensive pressing.A strong showing at this World Cup would carry weight well beyond the scoreline — it would give real momentum to the Pakistan Hockey Federation's ongoing efforts to revive the sport domestically. Pakistan remains the only nation to have lifted the World Cup four times, a record that still sets it apart in the sport's history.Three departments, one teamVictory, if it comes, will depend on all three departments of the side functioning as a single unit.The forward line carries the responsibility of stretching opposition defences and creating chances, while staying disciplined enough not to leave the team exposed to counter-attacks. The midfield must build a solid defensive screen, breaking up opposition moves before they reach the circle. Deep defence needs to function as the team's last line of caution, while — as in all modern hockey — the goalkeeper's form could ultimately prove decisive.A settled group, despite the turnover at the topThe current squad has largely trained and competed together for close to two years, even as the team has gone through three different management set-ups in the space of six months. The inclusion of the Sufiyan-Hassan pairing in attack is expected to add further firepower up front.Players will need to manage the tempo of a fast, modern game: staying composed when ahead, and avoiding panic when behind.The numbers that need to changeStatistics from Pakistan's recent Pro League matches point to a clear problem — possession and ball retention were markedly lower than their opponents', forcing the side to spend an estimated 60 percent of its energy on defensive duties rather than building attacks. It is a weakness this correspondent has flagged before: physical conditioning, inconsistency, and a tendency to fade in the closing stages of matches. A return to the four-quarter game management associated with the Olympian Shahnaz Shaikh method could help address exactly that endurance problem.One thing the team management would do well to avoid, going into the tournament, is any suggestion — public or private — that this World Cup “is not a target.” That framing has no place for a team carrying four World Cup titles into a tournament of this stature.Pakistan have four stars on their jersey. The chase for a fifth begins in Holland and Belgium.

QUETTA (SBR): Former Pakistan and Asian squash champion and former World No. 14 Shahid Zaman Khan has once again returned to his hometown of Quetta with a mission to support and encourage the younger generation of squash players.This time, Shahid has brought SZKSQUASH shirts and sports support for young players, continuing his efforts to give back to the city where his own squash journey began.Last year, Shahid donated squash rackets, balls and other essential equipment to young and aspiring players in Quetta. His continued support reflects his strong belief that talented children in Balochistan deserve opportunities, encouragement and access to proper sporting equipment.Speaking to the news, Shahid said, “I was born in Quetta, and this city will always have a special place in my heart. I want to help the younger generation because I know how much talent exists here.”Shahid said his passion for helping young players comes from his father, Mr. Gul Bahadur Khan, who has spent his entire life supporting and developing squash players in Quetta.“My father, Gul Bahadur Khan, has dedicated his entire life to squash and to helping young players. He is now almost 80 years old, but his love for Quetta and Pakistan remains as strong as ever. I saw that same passion in him when he was young, and I learned from him that we should always give something back to our city and our country,” Shahid said.The family’s commitment to squash continues through Shahid’s brother Zahid Gul, who is also actively helping and supporting young children and players in Quetta.Shahid said that Zahid was particularly happy to see him return to Quetta with more support for the younger generation.“My brother Zahid Gul is also doing his best to help the kids of Quetta. He is very happy that I have come back again and brought more help for the young children. This is not only about squash; it is about giving these children hope and showing them that people believe in their future,” Shahid said.Shahid Zaman Khan believes that Quetta has enormous sporting talent and that with the right facilities, coaching and encouragement, young players from Balochistan can reach the highest levels of national and international squash.His return to Quetta is therefore more than a visit to his hometown. It is part of a continuing commitment to invest in young people, promote squash and give back to the community that shaped his own career.For Shahid, the message is simple: the next generation of champions may already be in Quetta — they just need someone to believe in them.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (SBR): With one week to go until the 2026-27 Roshn Saudi League season kicks off, anticipation is building for another campaign packed with world-class talent, fierce rivalries and compelling storylines.Beginning on August 13, 2026, and concluding on May 29, 2027, the 34-round season will feature 306 matches as clubs from across Saudi Arabia battle for domestic glory. From the opening round to the final whistle of Matchweek 34, fans can look forward to a calendar filled with blockbuster derbies, heavyweight clashes and fixtures that could shape the title race, continental qualification and relegation battle.Reigning champions Al Nassr begin the defence of their crown looking to fend off familiar challengers, with Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and an increasingly competitive chasing pack all aiming to mount their own title bids. With many of the world's biggest stars once again set to grace the Roshn Saudi League, every matchweek promises high-quality football and unforgettable moments.The schedule also builds towards a thrilling finale, with champions Al Nassr hosting Riyadh rivals Al Hilal in a Capital Derby on the closing day of the season. Last season's title race went down to the final matchday, and the fixture list has once again created the potential for a dramatic conclusion to the campaign.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The South Korean hockey team beat Pakistan 6-2 in the final fixture of a 4-match series here at the Nasser Bunda Hockey Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Friday. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) created an opportunity for the Under-21 side to gain valuable international exposure against the experienced Korean lads.South Korea made a flying start, scoring twice in the opening quarter through Rim Jinkang in the third minute and Kim Hyeonhong in the fifth minute, both from penalty corners, to take a 2-0 lead. Pakistan reduced the deficit in the second quarter when Mohammad Ahmed scored a field goal in the 19th minute, leaving Korea ahead 2-1 at half-time.The visitors dominated the third quarter, converting three penalty corners. Lim Dohyun struck in the 37th and 40th minutes, while Kim Hyeonhong added his second goal of the match in the 42nd minute to extend Korea’s lead to 5-1.Pakistan responded immediately in the fourth quarter as Ghulam Mustafa scored a field goal in the 43rd minute. However, Kim Yong Bok sealed Korea’s 6-2 victory with another field goal in the 54th minute.Although the Under-21 side lost the final fixture, Pakistan’s senior team had already wrapped up the series with three consecutive victories. The national team’s overall performance throughout the series drew widespread appreciation from hockey fans, reflecting encouraging progress ahead of upcoming international competitions. 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Independence Day Open Road Cycle Race will take place on August 14, 2026 from Lahore to Sahiwal to celebrate the 79th Independence Day under the banner of Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF), as the race will start from Punjab Stadium Lahore at 6.00 am toward Sahiwal and will terminate at 11.00 am or before at Sahiwal.According to an official of PCF, the riders from all affiliated units of Pakistan Cycling Federation, including Pakistan Army, Pakistan Wapda, Pakistan Railways, Sui Southern Gas Co (SSGC), and Higher Education Commission (HEC), Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Punjab will participate in the mega Road Race. Apart from all the cycling units, the cyclists from all over Pakistan will also be eligible to show their muscles in the competition.The race will start at 06.00 am Sharp from Punjab Stadium Lahore and will move ahead via Thokar Naiz Baig, Chung, Rela Khurd, Patokki and Okara to reach Sahiwal on G.T Road. Likely, Faisal Ayub Khokhar Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of the Punjab, will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony and flag off the Independence Day Cycle Race.Captain Sami Ullah, Deputy Commissioner, Mian Nadeem, Assistant Commissioner Headquarters, Shahzada Alamghir President Sahiwal Cycling Association, Mian Mohammad Waheed Secretary Sahiwal Cycling Association will receive the cyclists at the finishing point in Sahiwal. Dr. Asif Tufail, Commissioner Sahiwal will give away the cash awards to the first ten position holders at the closing ceremony.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: A rising martial arts athlete, Hamza Omar has won the gold medal for Pakistan in the 8th Asian Taekwondo Open Championships (Grade 2), recently held in Indonesia. He outclassed Richard Hanusovski from Slovenia in the final in two consecutive rounds to win the top honour.According to an official of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF), the international championship was held from 3 to 5 August 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Hamza Omar Saeed delivered an excellent performance in the Men’s +87 kg category, winning the gold medal and raising Pakistan’s flag high.Hamza Omar performance:Round of 16: Hamza Omar beat Manjeet Singh Rathore of IndiaQuarterfinal: Humza Omar beat Aiden Staley of AustraliaSemifinal: Hamza Omar beat Izar Fadihullah of IndonesiaFinal: Hamza Omar beat Richard Hanusovski of SloveniaThe President, officials, coaches, and Taekwondo community of the Pakistan Taekwondo Federation have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Hamza Omar Saeed, the national coaching staff, and his family on this historic achievement.