Islamabad (Sports Reporter): The Pakistan Football Federation announced the 21 camp probables for the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026, with the national U-15 camp set to begin on October 6 in Lahore.The camp marks the beginning of Pakistan’s preparations for the landmark youth football festival in Azerbaijan, as the country’s next generation of Shaheens begin their journey towards the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026. 🇵🇰🦅The 21 camp probables are:1. Ahmed Zahid Ullah Khan2. Ameer Hamza3. Bakshi Hamal Khan4. Danish Masih5. Hassan Zeb Khan6. Illhan Ali Khan7. Kaleem Ullah8. Maqbool Ahmed9. Mohammad Alam10. Mohammad Maaaz Adnan11. Mohammad Mustafa12. Mohammad Salman13. Owais Faiz14. Rameez Riza15. Sahil Khan16. Sameer Abdul Samad17. Shahraz Khan18. Shahzaib Nawaz19. Shayan Abdul Jabbar Marwat20. Zain Ul Abideen21. Zul NoorainThe camp will provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess the players as preparations begin for Pakistan’s participation in the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan.

Islamabad (Sports Reporter): Sindh Indus produced an outstanding second-half comeback to defeat Punjab Potohar 3-1 on the third day of the PFF National U-17 Championship 2026, while Punjab Harappa held Islamabad Margalla to a 2-2 draw at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, on Saturday.Punjab Potohar took the lead in the 16th minute when Mehmood Ali found the net with a superb free kick, the ball going in off the underside of the crossbar and giving the Sindh Indus goalkeeper no chance.The goal, however, came against the run of play.Sindh Indus had been the sharper side in the opening period, playing with pace, aggression and technical confidence. Their quick movement and ability to move the ball through pressure repeatedly caused problems for Punjab Potohar, but they went into half-time trailing by a goal.The second half saw Sindh Indus take complete control.They came out with even greater intensity, swarming all over Punjab Potohar and allowing their opponents very little opportunity to settle. Their speed, technical quality and aggressive approach kept Punjab Potohar pinned back for long periods.The equaliser arrived in the 62nd minute when Yaseen found the bottom corner to bring Sindh Indus level.Five minutes later, Sindh Indus completed the turnaround when Shahid put the ball into his own net, giving Sindh Indus a 2-1 lead.Punjab Potohar struggled to regain a foothold as Sindh Indus continued to press, and their dominance produced a third goal in the 80th minute, with Musa extending the lead to 3-1.There was still a twist to come.Just a minute after Musa’s goal, Sindh Indus were reduced to ten men when Hanzala was shown a red card in the 81st minute.Even with a player less, Sindh Indus held their shape and defended their advantage to complete a memorable 3-1 victory.Having trailed at half-time, Sindh Indus produced a second-half performance that underlined their quality and intent in the championship. Quick, aggressive and technically assured, they maintained their grip on the contest even after going down to ten players.Earlier in the day, Punjab Harappa and Islamabad Margalla shared the points in a four-goal contest that ended 2-2.Islamabad Margalla took the lead through Rameez in the seventh minute, but Punjab Harappa responded five minutes later when Husnain equalised.Islamabad Margalla restored their advantage in the 23rd minute through Shahzaib, before Punjab Harappa fought back once again, with Irfan Ali scoring in the 83rd minute to secure a share of the points.The results added another competitive day to the PFF National U-17 Championship, with the young players continuing to provide plenty of pace, intensity and attacking football as the tournament moves forward.

Islamabad (Sports News): Pakistan have bronze medal in 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026: Pakistan Hockey Team Defeats Korea 5–3.Aichi-Nagoya / Gifu: Demonstrating a brilliant performance in the men's hockey tournament at the 20th Asian Games 2026, Pakistan defeated South Korea 5–3 after a thrilling contest to secure the bronze medal.In the bronze medal match played at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, the Pakistan hockey team showcased aggressive play right from the start. In the 4th minute of the match, Sufyan Khan gave Pakistan the lead by scoring off a penalty corner. Following this, Abdul Rehman in the 30th minute (penalty corner), Rana Waheed in the 52nd and 54th minutes (penalty corner), and Hannan Shahid in the 59th minute scored impressive goals to seal the team's victory.For South Korea, Lee Gang-san (12th minute), Kim Jung-bok (18th minute), and Yang Ji-hun (25th minute – penalty corner) scored the goals.Pakistan Hockey Federation President Muhyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the national hockey team, players, and officials on this remarkable achievement and expressed hope that the team will continue to bring honor to Pakistan in the future.

Lausanne Switzerland (PR): India have achieved continental glory and punched their direct ticket to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 after being crowned champions of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 women’s hockey competition. In a pulsating gold medal encounter, India edged out Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists and defending champions China to return to the top step of the podium after 44 years!China claimed the silver medal, while hosts Japan secured the bronze after prevailing in the third-place playoff. With the top four women’s teams outside the continental champion qualifying for the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, silver medalists China, bronze medalists Japan, fourth-placed Korea, and fifth-placed Malaysia have all booked their places in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers to keep their dreams of reaching Los Angeles alive.The pool phase set the stage for an explosive medal round as the continent’s superpowers dominated preliminary proceedings. In Pool A, defending champions China were in imperious form, storming into the semi-finals with five consecutive victories, racking up 46 goals without conceding once. Korea joined them from the pool after holding their nerve in a crucial 2-1 final group stage clash against a resolute Malaysian team. Meanwhile, Pool B belonged to a rampant Indian side, who swept their five group matches while amassing over 65 goals, spearheaded by ace drag flicker Deepika, who registered 21 goals in the pool phase alone. India stamped their authority on the pool with a decisive 3-1 win over hosts Japan, who rebounded with clean-sheet wins over Thailand and Singapore to seal their place alongside India in the final four.The semi-finals delivered high-stakes, edge-of-the-seat drama. China maintained their momentum by edging ahead of hosts Japan in a shoot-out after a fiercely contested tactical semi-final ended in a tie, while India booked their place in the gold medal match with a commanding 2-0 win against Korea. In the bronze medal match, Japan delighted the passionate home crowd in Kakamigahara, overcoming Korea in a shoot-out to secure continental bronze.The women's final was a showcase of world-class defending, resilience, and clinical execution under immense pressure. Facing a formidable Chinese outfit that had barely put a foot wrong all tournament, India produced a tactical masterclass. The deadlock was broken when forward Lalremsiami, who was celebrating her 200th cap for India in the final, showed razor-sharp instincts inside the circle, smashing home a powerful reverse shot into the top corner that gave the keeper no chance, and proved to be the decisive goal, to put India 1-0 ahead. Backed by disciplined defensive structure and heroic goalkeeping including a stunning penalty stroke save by Savita, India weathered China’s relentless onslaught to preserve the 1-0 lead, claiming their first Asian Games crown in 44 years, and sealing direct passage to LA28.

Faisalabad (Sports Reporter): Bangladesh opened their account in the Rivaj Presents the University of Lahore U19 Women’s T20 Tri-nation series with a 30-run win over hosts Pakistan, defending their total of 117-8 as Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad became host to an international women’s fixture for the first time on Friday. Pakistan will take the field against on Saturday against Sri Lanka with the first ball set to be bowled at 11am at the same venue. Player of the match Nishita Akter Nishi starred for Bangladesh with both bat and ball as she followed her 23-run effort at no.3 with a clinical four-over spell taking two for 16. Pakistan were restricted to 87-6 in 20 overs in their pursuit of the target as Komal Khan top-scored with 29 off 39 striking three fours. Komal had stitched a 21-run opening stand with Ravail Farhan, who got off the blocks quickly hitting four boundaries before falling for 17 off 12 – pinned leg-before by left-arm spinner Afrin Mim. Pakistan lost their way losing five for 37 as Bangladesh bowlers applied pressure from both ends with both mainstays of hosts’ batting Zoofishan Ayyaz (12, 15b, 2x4s) and Aqsa Habib (9, 14b) falling to the right-arm off-spin of Nishita Akter. Debutant Pakeeza Shabbir could only contribute six runs batting at no.3 following her impressive run of form in U19 domestic T20 tournament, while pinch hitter Shahar Bano was also kept quiet by Bangladesh as she struggled to hit a boundary in her 18-ball stay at the crease. Apart from Nishita and Afrin’s strikes, Farjana Easmim Medha and Oddrita Nowshin picked up one wicket each as all the six bowlers employed by Bangladesh conceded less than six an over. Earlier, Bangladesh opted to bat first after winning the coin toss and were kept in check by Pakistan bowlers who claimed first four wickets for 47 runs in 9.4 overs. At this juncture, Sadia Akter walked in and scored a valuable 34 not out off 25 balls hitting one four and two sixes and was supported by Sraboni Shill who hit two fours in her 11-ball 12. Nishita was the fifth Bangladesh batter to fall after scoring 23 off 33 with the help of a solitary boundary, while no.4 Sadia Aslam scored 12 off 11 balls striking two fours. Sadia Akter added 19 runs for the ninth wicket with Oddrita (6 not out, 2b). For Pakistan, left-arm pacer Mahnoor Zeb picked up three wickets for 24 runs in her four overs, off-spinner Rozina Akram dismissed two batters, left-arm pacer Shahar Bano and local left-arm spinner Maham Nazakat dismissed one batter each. Scores in brief U19 Women’s T20 Series - Match 1 – Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 30 runs at Iqbal Stadium, FaisalabadBangladesh 117-8, 20 overs (Sadia Akter 34 not out, Nishita Akter Nishi 23; Mahnoor Zeb 3-24, Rozina Akram 2-33)Pakistan 87-6, 20 overs (Komal Khan 29; Nishita Akter Nishi 2-16)Player of the match – Nishita Akter Nishi (Bangladesh women’s U19)Women’s U19 T20 tri-series schedule: (All matches at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad)2 October – Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 30 runs  3 October – Pakistan v Sri Lanka 5 October – Sri Lanka v Bangladesh 6 October – Pakistan v Bangladesh 8 October – Bangladesh v Sri Lanka 9 October – Pakistan v Sri Lanka 11 October – Pakistan v Bangladesh 12 October – Pakistan v Sri Lanka14 October – Sri Lanka v Bangladesh 16 October – Final 

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD: Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Shahid Niaz Khokhar, has said that the PFF has restored domestic football after a long time by starting the U17 National Football Championship 2026 here at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex, as 10 teams from all over the country will fight for the top honour.On Thursday, addressing a press conference along with other officials including PFF Vice President Hafiz Zakaullah, Islamabad Football Association President and Local Organising Committee Chief Sheikh Ahmed Rehan, and PFF Executive Committee Member Wasim Raja, he further added that the game of football was moving up in the country under the control of PFF president Mohsin Gillani.Shahid Niaz Khokhar said the competition represented an important step in the revival of structured youth football in the country. “For a long time, we have been missing a consistent national platform for our young footballers. This championship is about reviving youth football in Pakistan and, more importantly, putting structures in place that can continue beyond one tournament. We want young players to have regular opportunities to compete, to develop and to be identified, wherever they are in the country.”He said the Federation’s objective was to connect youth competitions with a broader development structure, creating clearer pathways from grassroots football towards the national teams. For many years, Pakistan’s youth national teams have largely relied on open trials and short selection camps whenever international competitions approached. While such trials provide an opportunity for players to be seen, they offer only a limited window in which a young footballer can demonstrate his ability.Islamabad Football Association President Sheikh Ahmed Rehan said the time had come to move away from that model. “For years, whenever Pakistan had to send a team abroad, we would announce open trials. Thousands of boys would come, and we would have a very limited period in which to identify the players. That cannot be the only way we identify talent. What we are now building is a competition-based merit system, where players have the opportunity to perform over time, and where sustained performance can define their progression.”Rehan said the increased football activity undertaken by the Federation over the past 15 months under the leadership of President Syed Mohsen Gilani had created the foundation for this change. “The idea is simple. If a player performs consistently, he should be seen. If he performs at a high level against strong competition, that should count. We want to move towards a system where merit and long-term performance matter, rather than one trial or one day deciding a player’s future.”Hafiz Zakaullah highlighted that the merit-based approach should extend beyond players to the coaches and technical staff working with them. “This system is not only about identifying talented players. It will also help us identify the coaches and technical staff who are doing outstanding work at the grassroots and competition level. If a coach is consistently producing good results and developing players, we should be able to recognise that work and give them

ICC announced World Cup 2027 Schedule, Johannesburg to host final on November 21Sports Bulletin ReportCape Town (South Africa): The International Cricket Council (ICC) today unveiled the schedule for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 at a spectacular ceremony in Cape Town, officially setting the countdown in motion to the world’s biggest ODI cricket event as the ticket ballot opened to fans across the globe. Under the banner of “Three Nations, One Heartbeat”, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will come together to host a World Cup that will unite fans across the region and around the world through a shared passion for cricket.Held at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), the ceremony marked the official one-year countdown to the tournament and brought together representatives of the ICC, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the three host nations. The 14-team tournament will feature 57 matches across 12 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from 2 October to 21 November 2027.The tournament will burst into life with a blockbuster opening weekend, headlined by a heavyweight clash between defending champions Australia and 2023 finalists India on 7 October. The two cricketing powerhouses will open the tournament matches at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, with the highly anticipated encounter.World Cup fever will then sweep across the three host nations. On 8 October, Afghanistan will take on Pakistan in Centurion, while England face Bangladesh in Windhoek.Co-hosts Zimbabwe will mark their return to the Men’s Cricket World Cup after a 12-year absence when they take on Qualifier-A at Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday, 9 October. In Cape Town, South Africa will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand at Newlands.The opening weekend will reach a crescendo on Sunday, 10 October, when traditional rivals India and Pakistan renew their iconic competitiveness at Wanderers Stadium. In Windhoek, Sri Lanka will also begin their World Cup campaign against Qualifier-B, bringing the opening weekend to a thrilling close.Zimbabwe will break new ground at the Mosi-oa-Tunya Stadium at the iconic Victoria Falls when they host India in Match 33.The semi-finals will take place in Cape Town and Centurion on 17 and 18 November respectively, before Johannesburg’s iconic cityscape provides the backdrop for the 21 November final, bringing the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 to a spectacular close in the City of Gold.Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, said: “The announcement of the schedule and opening of the ticket ballot are major milestones on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, bringing fans one step closer to a spectacular celebration of cricket across the three nations.“The ICC remains committed to making its World Cup events accessible to as many fans as possible, with affordable ticket prices and options that bring families, young people and local communities closer to the action.“South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will provide an unforgettable stage for the world’s best teams, combining a deep passion for cricket, extraordinary destinations and a renowned warmth of welcome. We look forward to welcoming fans from across the world and creating memories that will last long beyond the final.”The World Cup will be staged across eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia, bringing the competition to Johannesburg, Tshwane (formerly Pretoria), Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Bloemfontein, Paarl and KuGompo City (formerly East London) in South Africa; Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe; and Windhoek in Namibia.The tournament will kick off with a Super Series hosted in Namibia, featuring the three lowest ranked of the 14 qualified teams. These teams will compete in a round robin format, with the team finishing top of the standings progressing to the Group Stage.Following this, 12 teams (including a direct entrant from a preceding World Cup Qualifier tournament) will be divided in two groups: India, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A in Group A and New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Qualifier B in Group B.The first few matches between top-ranked teams will be a showdown between last time’s finalists India (A1) and Australia (A2) in Cape Town on Thursday, 7 October, and a faceoff between New Zealand (B1) and South Africa (B2) in Tshwane on Friday, 8 October. India face Pakistan (A3) in Johannesburg on Sunday, 10 October.This will be followed by a Super Sevens tournament to determine the semi-finalists. Cape Town (17 November) and Tshwane (18 November) will be the host cities for the semifinals while the final will be played in Johannesburg on 21 November.Trevor Manuel, independent chairperson of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 LOC Board, said: “South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are ready to welcome the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and supporters from around the world back to our continent. Southern Africa has a proud tradition of hosting major global sporting events, and we approach 2027 with the same confidence, ambition and determination to deliver a tournament worthy of the occasion.“While the cricket will rightly take centre stage, this World Cup is also an opportunity to showcase the people, places and spirit that make Southern Africa so remarkable. We hope supporters will arrive in their multitudes for the cricket and leave with lasting memories of the warmth, energy, diversity and extraordinary welcome of our region.”

Rawalpindi (Sports Reporter): Rawalpindi U19 edged Abbottabad U19 by one wicket, Mohammad Bilal returned six for 34 to help Islamabad U19 beat Karachi Whites by 149 runs, while Taj Mohammad followed his first-innings five-for with six wickets in the second innings as Lahore Whites U19 beat Larkana U19 by 176 runs on the third and final day of the National U19 Championship third round.Group A: At the HPC Faisalabad Cricket Ground, Rawalpindi resumed their second innings at the overnight score of 58 for three, requiring another 160 runs to beat Abbottabad. Mohammad Sohaib scored 54 and Mohammad Ahmad contributed 52 as Rawalpindi reached 218 for nine in 115.3 overs to complete a tense one-wicket win. Essa Khan took four for 69 for Abbottabad.At Saeed Ajmal Academy, Faisalabad resumed on 86 for seven after Sialkot Whites had posted 272 for nine in their first innings. Muhammad Saim, unbeaten on 53 overnight, extended his innings to 84 before Faisalabad were dismissed for 126. Muhammad Abdul Qadeer finished with six for 42. Sialkot Whites then achieved the target of 21 without loss in 4.5 overs.Group B: At Ashfaq Cricket Ground in Charsadda, Peshawar resumed on two without loss after Bahawalpur had been dismissed for 139 in their second innings. Chasing 86, Peshawar reached the target for the loss of three wickets in 15.1 overs, with Huzaifa Khan unbeaten on 34, to register a seven-wicket win.At Mir Awais Cricket Ground, Karachi Whites resumed on 59 for two in pursuit of 386 against Islamabad. Mohammad Humza Malik fought with 89, but Mohammad Bilal took six for 34 as Karachi Whites were bowled out for 236 in 73.1 overs, giving Islamabad a 149-run win.Group C: At CSS Cricket Ground, Quetta resumed on 125 for eight and were eventually dismissed for 211, with Wadanullah making 52. Mohammad Talha returned four for 42. Multan then achieved the target by reaching 160 for four in 28.3 overs, with Mohammad Ahmad Shahid unbeaten on 50 and Ghulam Abbas also scoring 50.At Faraz Cricket Ground, Lahore Whites declared their overnight second-innings score of 230 for four, setting Larkana 339 to win. Taj Mohammad took six for 64 as Larkana were dismissed for 162, completing a 176-run win for Lahore Whites.Scores in brief: Third Round (Day 3 of 3) Group A:Rawalpindi U19 beat Abbottabad U19 by one wicket at HPC Faisalabad Cricket GroundAbbottabad 203 all out, 47 overs (Zafar Abbas 83, Mamoon Ur Rasheed 61; Hasan Khan 6-69, Mohammad Zulqurnain Asghar 4-25) and 162 all out, 48.4 overs (Ubaid Ullah 67; Husnain 5-53, Mohammad Hasan Khan 4-49)Rawalpindi 151 all out, 59.2 overs (Mohammad Sohaib 46; Zeeshan Ahmad 5-45, Essa Khan 2-24, Sohail Khan 2-31) and 218-9, 115.3 overs (Mohammad Sohaib 54, Mohammad Ahmad 52; Essa Khan 4-69)Sialkot Whites U19 beat Faisalabad U19 by 10 wickets at Saeed Ajmal Academy, FaisalabadFaisalabad 163 all out, 65.3 overs (Hanzallah Amin 70; Shehryar Waqar 4-45) and 126 all out, 52.4 overs (Mohammad Saim 84; Mohammad Abdul Qadeer 6-42)Sialkot Whites 272-9, 70 overs (Mateen ul Rehman 78; Muhammad Hussnain Jayed 4-44) and 21-0, 4.5 oversGroup B: Peshawar U19 beat Bahawalpur U19 by seven wickets at Ashfaq Cricket Ground, CharsaddaBahawalpur 282 all out, 62 overs (Mohammad Hamza 60, Tayyab Mukhtiar 46; Mohammad Sudais 3-59, Umar Sohail 3-68) and 139 all out, 36.2 overs (Tayyab Mukhtiar 32; Umar Sohail 3-31, Zia Ur Rehman 3-36)Peshawar Whites 336 all out, 69.1 overs (Mohammad Ameer Hamza Khan 110, Muhammad Zohaib 51, Faisal Aziz 50; Sahil Ali 4-91) and 86-3, 15.1 overs (Huzaifa Khan 34 not out)Islamabad U19 beat Karachi Whites by 149 runs at Mir Awais Cricket Ground, PeshawarIslamabad 334-8, 70 overs (Zakirullah 167, Mohammad Abdullah Malik 70; Huzaifa Bin Sajid 6-138) and 177-8 (decl), 47.5 overs (Umar Hayyat 62; Huzaifa Bin Sajid 4-50)Karachi Whites 126 all out, 35.4 overs (Saad Murtaza 44; Mohammad Bilal 3-23, Zakria Sher 3-30, Jawad Ullah Shinwari 3-46) and 236 all out, 73.1 overs (Muhammad Humza Malik 89; Mohammad Bilal 6-34)Group C: Multan U19 beat Quetta U19 by six wickets at CSS Cricket Ground, SialkotQuetta 198 all out, 62.4 overs (Arbaz Khan 48; Ali Husnain Badshah 3-37) and 211 all out, 70.4 overs (Mohammad Zeeshan 52, Wadanullah 52; Mohammad Talha 4-42, Ali Husnain Badshah 3-66)Multan 251 all out, 63.4 overs (Sufyan Amin 53, Mohammad Talha 52, Mohammad Ahmad Shahid 35 not out; Ahsan Ullah 4-31) and 160-4, 28.3 overs (Mohammad Ahmad Shahid 50 not out, Ghulam Abbas 50)Lahore Whites U19 beat Larkana U19 by 176 runs at Faraz Cricket Ground, SialkotLahore Whites 277 all out, 67.5 overs (Ali Khokhar 81, Naveed Ayub Khan 63; Faizan Shabir 4-37) and 230-4 decl, 47.2 overs (Ali Khokhar 101 not out; Haseeb 2-14)Larkana 169 all out, 43.4 overs (Shahjahan 35; Taj Mohammad 5-26) and 162 all out, 53.5 overs (Moharam Ali 39; Taj Mohammad 6-64)Group D: Karachi Blues U19 beat Hyderabad U19 by an innings and 102 runs at Railways Cricket Ground, LahoreHyderabad 106 all out, 33.4 overs (Abdul Ahad 26; Rizwan Ullah 4-20, Niqab Shafiq 3-13) and 98 all out, 31.4 overs (Mohammad Asad 36; Niqab Shafiq 6-18)Karachi Blues 306-6, 70 overs (Huzaifa Ahsan 100 not out, Muhammad Azaan 68, Aun Abbas 46)Sialkot Blues U19 beat DMJ U19 by an innings and 40 runs at Azhar Ali Academy Ground, LahoreDMJ 182 all out, 51.4 overs (Khalid Shah 39; Ahmad Bashir 3-30, Mohammad Ikrash 3-39) and 85 all out, 20.3 overs (Allah Baksh 22; Umar Farooq 5-15, Mohammad Ikrash 5-42)Sialkot Blues 307 all out, 69.2 overs (Mohammad Taha Tariq 118 not out, Hayyam Khan 64; Ishratulebad 5-82, Nadir Ali 3-78).

KPK Khyber post victory, Balochistan Bolan and Punjab Harappa match ends 2-2 DrawAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: KPK Khyber outclassed Punjab Potohar 3-0 in their opening match of the PFF National Under-17 Football Championship 2026, which kicked off at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Thursday. The match between Balochistan Bolan and Punjab Harappa ended at 2-2 draw.Khyber were made to work for their victory after Potohar dominated the early exchanges and started the game with greater purpose. The tide gradually turned, however, as Khyber settled into the contest and began to impose themselves through a strong midfield presence and energetic wing play.Abbas opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving Khyber the lead after they had begun to find their rhythm. Potohar continued to compete, but Khyber grew increasingly influential as the game progressed, with their midfield engine and threat from the wings keeping their opponents on the back foot. The result was sealed in the closing stages when Atif struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 88th and 90th minutes to complete a 3-0 victory for Khyber.The second game of the day produced a very different contest, as Punjab Harappa and Balochistan Bolan played out a 2-2 draw in a match that changed dramatically after half-time. Harappa dominated the opening period and were rewarded in spectacular fashion in first-half stoppage time.Husnain put Harappa ahead in the 45+2nd minute before Faizan doubled their advantage just two minutes later, sending Harappa into the interval with a 2-0 lead. Bolan, however, emerged from the break with a renewed sense of purpose.The Balochistan side adopted a never-say-die approach and began playing with greater intensity and attacking intent. The game remained end-to-end, but Bolan increasingly looked the more purposeful side as they searched for a way back.Their pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Zohaib pulled a goal back to make it 2-1. Bolan continued to push and, around the 70-minute mark, were putting Harappa under sustained pressure. The equaliser finally arrived from the penalty spot, with Kaleemullah converting in the 70th minute to bring Bolan level.The final whistle brought an end to an exhilarating 2-2 draw, but the contest had already done its job. An end-to-end battle, a two-goal comeback and chances at both ends gave the opening day its first real taste of the energy and unpredictability of the National U-17 Championship.Earlier, Member National Assembly, Anjum Aqeel Khan graced the opening ceremony as a chief guest and formally announced the championship open. The opening ceremony featured a march-past by all ten participating teams, bringing together young footballers from across Pakistan as the Federation begins putting in place a new structure for youth football and a clearer pathway towards the national teams.

Islamabad (Sports News): The England Men selectors have named a 16-player squad for the One Day International (ODI) tri-series, which will be played in Pakistan this month. Sri Lanka will be third team in the competition for a title. The matches will be played at two different venues including Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi and Qaddafi Stadium Lahore.Names of Selected Players (16 players):Harry Brook (Yorkshire – captain), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), James Coles (Sussex), Jordan Cox (Essex), Mason Crane (Glamorgan), Henry Crocombe (Sussex), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)Adil Rashid is fit again after a hand injury ruled him out of the recent 2-1 Metro Bank ODI Series win over Sri Lanka, while Sam Curran returns from a groin injury. Jofra Archer is rested for the tour while Jos Buttler misses out with the hamstring injury he sustained in the second Metro Bank ODI against Sri Lanka.Glamorgan leg-spinner Mason Crane, who is uncapped in the ODI format, is called into the squad eight years after making his previous England appearance in the 2018 fifth Men’s Ashes Test in Sydney. Crane has additionally made two IT20 appearances in 2017.Uncapped Sussex pair James Coles and Henry Crocombe, who were both part of white-ball squads this summer, are also included.Marcus North, England Men’s National Selector, said: “The tri-series in Pakistan provides another valuable opportunity for our ODI squad to test themselves against quality opposition in different conditions. Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return to the squad following their respective injuries while Jofra Archer has been rested to manage his workload following a busy summer. Mason Crane has been performing consistently for Glamorgan across both formats during the summer. He’s an experienced, high-class leg-spinner who thoroughly deserves another opportunity at international level.”England will play Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the tri-series with matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The final is to be staged at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday 31 October.ODI tri-series (England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) – schedule:18 October – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi20 October – Pakistan v England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi22 October – Sri Lanka v England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi25 October – Pakistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 October – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore29 October –Sri Lanka v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore31 October – Tri-series final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore