Mohammad Shoaib maintains winning habit, defeats Matas Vasiliauskas 2-0Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Veteran tennis player, Aqeel Khan pairing with Barkatullah Khan claimed a big win against duo of overseas lads Adam Farag-Cao from Canada and Carl Holder from Great Britain after a three sets nerve-jangling thrilling competition in the Men’s Double event of the ITF Men’s Futures M-15 (Leg-1) here at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue on Thursday.Pakistan’s top player, Mohammad Shoaib, produced a commanding performance in the second round of the ITF M-15 Islamabad, thrilling the home crowd with his dominance on court. Facing Matsas of Lithuania, Shoaib showed complete control from the very first point. He stormed through the opening set 6-0, displaying precision, power, and confidence that left his opponent with little chance to respond. Carrying the same momentum into the second set, Shoaib raced to a 4-1 lead before Matsas was forced to retire, sealing Shoaib’s emphatic victory.With this win, Shoaib has qualified for the quarterfinals -a significant milestone, not just for him but for Pakistan tennis as a whole. His achievement is especially noteworthy as it highlights the growing strength of local players competing at the international level on home soil.In the doubles quarterfinal, experienced campaigner Aqeel Khan partnered with emerging player Barkatullah to deliver a strong and composed performance. The Pakistani duo overcame the pair of Adam Farag-Cao of Canada and Carl Holder of Great Britain in a competitive encounter. After dominating the first set 6-1, Aqeel and Barkatullah faced resistance in the second set, which they narrowly lost 4-6. However, showing great composure and teamwork, they bounced back in the match tie-break to seal the victory 10-5. With this impressive win, Aqeel Khan and Barkatullah have successfully qualified for the semifinals, continuing Pakistan’s promising run in the doubles event.Results:Men’s Singles (Pre-Quarterfinals):Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Matas Vasiliauskas (LTU) 6-0, 4-1 (Retd.)Mert Naci Türker (TUR) beat Abubakar Talha (PAK) 6-3, 6-4Nikita Ianin (RUS) beat Barkatullah (PAK) 6-2, 6-0Fanming Meng (CHN) beat Essa Qabazard (KUW) 6-4, 6-3Arvid Nordquist (SWE) beat Darrshan Suresh (MAS) 6-3, 6-3Samir Hamza Reguig (ALG) beat Alexey Dubinin (RUS) 6-0, 6-3Leo Borg (SWE) beat Mohammad Abid Ali Akbar Khan (PAK) 6-4, 6-4Kere Yilmaz (TUR) beat Dmitrii Shiroki 3-6, 7-5, 7-5Men’s Doubles (Quarterfinals):Aqeel Khan / Barkatullah Khan (PAK) beat Adam Farag-Cao (CAN) / Carl Holder (GBR) 6-1, 4-6, (10-5)Ivan Iutkin / Alexey Dubinin (RUS) beat Abubakar Talha / Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK) 4-6, 6-3, 10-5.

Australian High Commission Timothy Kane vows to support Women’s Blind Cricket in Pakistan Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: A national training camp for visually impaired women and girls in Islamabad concluded on Thursday here at Shalimar cricket ground, as the camp was established on April 25 by Australian High Commission, in partnership with the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC).Australian High Commission Timothy Kane said that Australia would fully support to Women’s Blind Cricket in Pakistan. “Cricket is a powerful force for connection and inclusion. It brings Australia and Pakistan together through a shared passion, and it also creates opportunities for women and girls including those with disabilities to challenge barriers and succeed. At a time when Australian players and coaches are actively engaged in Pakistan’s cricket landscape, this initiative highlights the depth of our partnership from elite sport to grassroots impact.”Chairman, PBCC Syed Sultan Shah, said: “Blind cricket is more than a sport, it is a platform for empowerment. With the right support, these women can excel both on and off the field.”It is important to mention here that the annual initiative built on the historic formation of Pakistan’s first blind women’s cricket team in 2018. This year, 52 participants from across Pakistan took part in the camp, developing their skills and working towards national selection.  

Lahore (PFF Report): Pakistan played with heart and intensity but fell to a 1-0 loss to Azerbaijan in their final game of the UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament at the BIIK Sports Complex in Shymkent, Kazakhstan on Thursday.Having dominated for the majority of the match, Pakistan conceded late on when Azerbaijan’s Nazim Aliyev scored from close range before holding on with 10 players after defender Hamza was sent off.The defeat meant Pakistan ended the tournament at the bottom of the standings, having earlier suffered defeats to hosts Kazakhstan and Russia. However, coach Mohammad Essa hailed the learning experience for his young charges.“We played really positive football today with good attacking and build up play,” said Essa. “This is a learning tournament for us with Pakistan participating in UEFA competition for the first time and I think the boys played with a lot of spirit and determination. “With more exposure I have no doubt that we will learn more and I thank PFF president Mohsen Gilani for arranging this opportunity for us.”Pakistan started with purpose against Azerbaijan, who had beaten Kazakhstan on penalties in their last match, with the midfield and forward line combining well and the consistent press giving their opponents little room.They grew into the game and striker Danish Masih’s introduction in the second half saw several chances being created.However, Azerbaijan struck on the counter in the 77th minute when Pakistan lost possession and the ball was played to Aliyev.Pakistan finished with 10 players when Hamza was shown a straight red in the 86th and despite pouring forward in the dying minutes, they couldn’t get an equaliser.

Lahore (Sports News): Hyderabad Kingsmen registered an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Multan Sultans in Eliminator 1 of HBL PSL 11 here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday night, sealing their place in Eliminator 2. It was the first HBL PSL 11 game in Lahore with fans in attendance.The Kingsmen, who lost their opening four matches of the tournament, have now won six of their last seven outings to remain in title contention. They will now face Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 on Friday, 1 May at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the winner taking on Peshawar Zalmi in the final on Sunday, 3 May at the same venue.Chasing 160, Maaz Sadaqat (64 not out, 33b, 4x4s, 5x6s) and Usman Khan (64, 35b, 8x4s, 3x6s) tore the chase apart with a second-wicket stand of 102 in 53 balls. The Kingsmen lost Marnus Labuschagne early off Mohammad Ismail for 11 with the scoreboard reading 18 for one in the third over. However, Usman dictated terms thereafter, raising his fifty off 29 balls in the ninth over.Usman fell with Hyderabad in touching distance of victory at 120 for two in the 11th over, leaving Maaz to finish the job with Saim Ayub. Maaz brought up his half-century off just 25 balls and sealed the chase with 28 balls to spare. Saim remained unbeaten on 15 off as many deliveries.Earlier, after Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Ashton Turner opted to bowl, the Sultans were pegged back inside the powerplay. Sahibzada Farhan (15, 12b, 2x4s) and Steven Smith (13, 10b, 2x4s) departed early and Mohammad Ali castled Josh Philippe to leave Multan tottering at 36 for three in the fifth over.Akif Javed sent Sahibzada back caught at deep point by Saim, while Hunain Shah trapped Philippe leg-before-wicket with one that kept low.Saim then dismissed Turner (9), caught by Hassan Khan before Glenn Maxwell trapped Arafat Minhas (1) leg-before-wicket off the first delivery of his spell to leave the Sultans tottering at 52 for five in the eighth over.Shan Masood resisted with an unbeaten 69 (46b, 2x4s, 4x6s), adding 33 with Mohammad Nawaz (18, 19b, 3x4s) and 21 with Peter Siddle (9). Akif dismissed Nawaz at 85 for six while Ali bowled Muhammad Imran to leave Sultans tumbling at 93 for seven.Hunain bowled Siddle in the 16th over while Faisal Akram was run out by Saim in the 19th as Multan finished on 159 for nine.Ali (4-0-34-2), Akif (4-0-30-2) and Hunain (4-0-31-2) led the bowling chart, with Saim (4-0-23-1) returning the most economical figures.Scores in brief:Multan Sultans 159-9, 20 overs (Shan Masood 69 not out, Mohammad Nawaz 18; Akif Javed 2-30, Hunain Shah 2-31, Mohammad Ali 2-34)Hyderabad Kingsmen 162-2, 15.2 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 64 not out, Usman Khan 64).

Ahmad Nael Qureshi and Abu Bakar Talha win Men’s Doubles match against Russian pair 2-1Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top national tennis player, Mohammad Shoaib moved into the second round of the ITF Men’s Futures M-15 (Leg-1) after thrashing Edoardo Cherie Ligniere from Italy in straight sets 2-0 here at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex on Wednesday. The final score-line was 6–1, 6–3.Mohammad Shoaib displayed aggressive tennis and did not allow his opponent to settle his feet on the court, as the game of the local guy was laced with powerful forehand and backhand drives with the classic drop shots and volleys. Mohammad Shoaib finished the first set after losing a solitary game at 6-1.Meanwhile, in the second set, Mohammad Shoaib exhibited brilliant tennis despite facing some resistance from his Italian challenger Lignere, who won three games of the set. Mohammad Shoaib ended the second set at 6-3 to confirm his berth in the second round of an international tennis showpiece.A total of 70 men’s players from 23 countries are participating in this prestigious international event. The participating nations included hosts Pakistan, Kuwait, Russia, Uzbekistan, Sweden, Australia, Malaysia, Great Britain, Italy, Lithuania, China, Turkey, Algeria, Canada, USA, Ireland, Poland, Hong Kong, Nepal, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Japan.It is pertinent to note here that the top seed of the tournament is Leo Borg of Sweden, currently ranked ATP 483, while the second seed is Samir Hamza Reguig of Algeria, holding an ATP ranking of 844.Later on, in the Men’s Doubles, the young Pakistani pair Abubakar Talha and Ahmad Nael Qureshi delivered an impressive performance, showing great coordination and confidence throughout the match. After dropping a tight first set, the duo fought back strongly to take control of the contest with aggressive and composed tennis. They ultimately secured a well-earned victory over their opponents with a score of 5–7, 6–2, 10–5, advancing to the next round.Results:Men’s Singles (Round=1):Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Edoardo Cherie Ligniere (ITA) 6–1, 6–3Darrshan Suresh (MAS) beat Melih Anavatan (TUR) 6–4, 6–3Arvid Nordquist (SWE) beat Carl Holder (GBR) 6–4, 7–6 (7–0)Barkatullah (PAK) beat Yousaf Khalil (PAK) 1-6, 6-4, 6-2Samir Hamza Reguig (ALG) beat Andrei Kunitsyn (RUS) 7–5, 2–6, 7–6 (4)Alexey Dubinin (RUS) beat Adam Bajurko (POL) 6–3, 6–3Leo Borg (SWE) beat Aqeel Khan (PAK) 7-6 (4), 6-3Mert Naci Türker (TUR) beat Stevan Popovic (GER) 6–7 (5), 7–6 (5), 7–6 (3) Men’s Doubles (Round-1):Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK) / Abu Bakar Talha (PAK) beat Egor Khotchenkov / Dmitrii Shirokii (RUS) 5–7, 6–2, (10–5)Essa Qabazard (KUW) / Darrshan Suresh (MAS) beat Arkhip Kozlov (RUS) / Abdulaziz Usmonjonov (UZB) 7–5, 6–3Aqeel Khan (PAK) / Barkat Khan (PAK) beat Adam Bajurko (POL) / Lawrence Bataljin (AUS) 6–0, 6–1Adam Farag-Cao (CAN) / Carl Holder (GBR) beat Nikita Ianin / Andrei Kunitsyn (RUS) 3–6, 7–6 (3), 10–6Tugra Duran (TUR) / Mert Naci Türker (TUR) beat Yousaf Khalil (PAK) / Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) 6–4, 6–4

Lahore (PR): The Pakistan Football Federation delegation led by president Syed Mohsen Gilani held high-profile meetings after attending the 36th AFC Congress in Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday.PFF president Gilani, vice-president Hafiz Zakaullah and Chief Operating Officer Shahid Niaz Khokhar, who are in Canada for the 76th FIFA Congress on Thursday, met German Football Association (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf, Canada Soccer president Peter Augroso, Chinese Football Federation (CFA) president Song Kai and Tajikistan Football Federation (TFF) vice-president Dzhalilov Iskandor.The DFB offered PFF full support on several avenues including coaches education and women’s football. Neuendorf extended an invitation to Pakistan players and coaches to visit Germany and learn from the high quality footballing ecosystem there. In the meeting with Canada Soccer president, PFF president thanked Canada for their hospitality during the FIFA Congress. With Canada possessing a solid football structure, their cooperation on grassroots football and coach education courses was discussed. Talks for an exhibition series were also held, with the PFF offering its support in activating the Pakistan community in Canada. The CFA chief hailed the diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, terming the two countries as ‘Iron Brothers’. The CFA has offered Pakistan support in futsal training with the PFF inviting Kai for a visit to Pakistan. Both federations agreed to a detailed meeting after the World Cup.The TFF, meanwhile, has offered its support in training Pakistani referees, whilst also assisting in coaching of goalkeepers. Cooperation on women’s football development was also discussed. Tuesday’s meetings were part of a detailed programme of the PFF delegation in Canada, where it will also be meeting officials from several other federations to discuss avenues of football development.

Islamabad (Sports News): The historic decision empowers the FIFA Council, in consultation with the relevant confederation, to establish and approve the registration of a national or representative team under exceptional circumstances where a Member Association is unable to do so. The ultimate aim is to ensure that players are not excluded from international football due to situations beyond their control, in line with FIFA’s statutory principles of universality, inclusion and non-discrimination.“The FIFA Council today approved a momentous amendment to the FIFA Governance Regulations, which enables Afghan female players – including members of the FIFA-funded and FIFA-supported Afghan Women United squad – to represent their country in official international matches as part of FIFA competitions in agreement with the relevant local confederation, in this case the Asian Football Confederation,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.“This is a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport. FIFA has listened to these players as part of its responsibility to protect the right of every girl and woman to play football and to represent who they are. By enabling Afghan women to compete for their country in official matches, we are turning principles into action. FIFA is proud to lead this historic initiative and to stand alongside these courageous players on and off the pitch.”This reform builds on the FIFA Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, endorsed by the FIFA Council in May last year, and follows the creation of Afghan Women United as a FIFA-supported team providing structured playing opportunities for Afghan women footballers living outside the country. Now, for the first time, these Afghan female players will be able to represent their country in official matches with full sporting recognition.Members of the independent advisory group for the FIFA Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football welcomed the move as a transformative moment.“This decision recognises Afghan women footballers not as victims of circumstance, but as elite players with the right to compete, be seen and be respected,” said Nadia Nadim, who was born in Afghanistan and went on to win over 100 caps for Denmark. “It shows what is possible when sport is guided by values and leadership.”Former Afghanistan captain Khalida Popal added: “For these players, representing Afghanistan is about identity, dignity and hope. Thanks are due to the leadership of FIFA, which listened to their biggest request and delivered a solution that no other sport has ever achieved. This moment also shows that when we stand united, we can achieve more.”Andrea Florence, the Executive Director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, said: “This reform sets a global precedent. It demonstrates that governing bodies can adapt their rules to protect human rights when extraordinary circumstances demand it.”Although the amendment has immediate effect, FIFA will now lead the required administrative and preparatory steps, including team registration and the establishment of an operational and sporting structure. World football’s governing body will provide all necessary resources – human, technical and financial – to ensure a safe, professional and sustainable pathway to official competition.Support packages for Afghan Women United players will continue throughout the transition phase for up to two years, allowing the new structure to evolve while maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding, performance and well-being.The FIFA-funded and -supported team will hold their next training camp from 1 to 9 June in New Zealand, where they will also have the opportunity to face off against the Cook Islands.

Islamabad (Sports News): Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam smashed his fourth HBL PSL century to power his side to a 70-run victory over Islamabad United in the HBL PSL 11 Qualifier at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday night, as a packed crowd welcomed the return of fans in emphatic fashion.Zalmi’s comprehensive triumph lands them in an HBL PSL final for the first time in five seasons while Islamabad will have another crack at a final berth in Eliminator 2 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 1 May.Babar’s stunning ton, his second of the season and the 12th of his T20 career, was laced with 12 fours and four sixes. The star batter’s monumental 59-ball 103, which levelled him with Usman Khan for most HBL PSL centuries, set the tone for Zalmi’s batting dominance as they posted 221 for seven.Babar was ably supported by fellow opener Mohammad Haris in a breezy 72-run stand off 38 deliveries. Haris fell for a 16-ball 35 featuring five fours and two sixes off Shadab Khan after plundering 68 runs in the Powerplay, most any side has registered against Islamabad United in HBL PSL 11 so far.The in-form Kusal Mendis then put on 84 runs for the second with Babar, never letting the United bowlers get the upper hand. The Zalmi skipper completed his half-century in 38 balls in the 12th over, before smoking Shadab for two sixes in a 19-run 14th over.Mendis, however, was caught at midwicket by Sameer Minhas off Faheem Ashraf for a 26-ball 41 aided by five fours and a solitary six as the scoreboard read 156 for two in the 15th over.Shadab dismissed Michael Bracewell (2) and Abdul Samad off successive deliveries in the next over but Babar wrested back the momentum with a flurry of boundaries.The 31-year-old got to three-figure mark with a six off Richard Gleeson in the 18th over amid thunderous applause. Babar’s dismissal in the 18th over did little to hamper Zalmi’s progress as Aaron Hardie's 10-ball 20 featuring two fours and one six carried them past 220.Shadab finished with three for 42 from his four overs whereas Gleeson took two for 45.Islamabad United began the pursuit of 222 with intent. Opening batters Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas added 58 in five overs, with the 50-partnership coming up in 23 balls. Conway (20, 14b, 1x4, 2x6s) was caught off Michael Bracewell, but Sameer kept attacking.The young United batter was caught off Hardie for a 23-ball 44 studded with seven fours and one six with the score reading 81-2 in the ninth over. A procession of wickets ensued with Islamabad crashing to 114-7 by the end of the 14th over.Sufyan Moqim, along with Hardie, were the chief wreckers during this period, drawing the life out of United’s chase.Imad Wasim, batting at No. 9, hit four boundaries in his 15-ball 22 before being caught and bowled by Mohammad Basit. Salman followed two balls later as Islamabad were bundled out for 151 in 18.4 overs.Hardie registered three for 24 in his four overs. Sufyan's two for 25 took his tournament tally to 21 wickets in 10 matches, retaining the Fazal Mahmood Cap, with Shadab trailing him on second spot with 17 wickets in nine games. Basit claimed two for 19 from his 3.4 overs.Babar's century lifted him past teammate Mendis to the top of the HBL PSL 11 run-scoring charts, taking over the Hanif Mohammad Cap. He now has 588 runs in 10 matches at an average of 84, including two hundreds and three half-centuries, with 60 fours and 15 sixes.He equals Fakhar Zaman's record of 588 runs for the most in a single HBL PSL season, set for Lahore Qalandars in the 2022 edition across 13 matches at an average of 45.23.Babar also became the first batter to amass 500-plus runs in a single HBL PSL edition on four occasions — 2021, 2023, 2024 and the current edition. His two centuries in HBL PSL 11 equalled Usman Khan feat of most centuries in a single edition, set for Multan Sultans in 2024.The next playoff fixture, Eliminator 1, will be played between Multan Sultans and Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, 29 April. The winner will face Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 on Friday.Scores in brief:Peshawar Zalmi 221-7, 20 overs (Babar Azam 103, Kusal Mendis 41, Mohammad Haris 35, Aaron Hardie 20; Shadab Khan 3-42, Richard Gleeson 2-45)Islamabad United 151 all out, 18.4 overs (Sameer Minhas 44, Mohsin Riaz 25, Imad Wasim 22, Devon Conway 20; Aaron Hardie 3-24, Mohammad Basit 2-19, Sufyan Moqim 2-25)Player of the Match: Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi)Wednesday’s Eliminator 1: Multan Sultans vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore; 7pm PKT 

London (Sports News):England Women’s selectors have announced their 15-player squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.The Blaze’s Nat Sciver-Brunt has been named as captain and will lead the squad on home soil at her seventh T20 World Cup.Sciver-Brunt is joined in the squad by uncapped 18-year-old Surrey spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Warwickshire’s Issy Wong and Durham’s Lauren Filer who are all selected in a T20 World Cup squad for the first time. Surrey’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge will play in her eighth T20 World Cup.Somerset’s Charlie Dean is the vice-captain and joins a list of impressive all-round cricketers in the squad, with Hampshire fast bowler Lauren Bell set to lead the attack.Head Coach Charlotte Edwards, who captained the side in their victorious 2009 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign - also in England - will have more than 960 caps worth of T20 International experience to pick from during the tournament that begins on June 12 at Edgbaston.And as women’s cricket seeks to use the platform of a home World Cup to break into mainstream conversation, stars from across the sporting and entertainment landscape have played their part in revealing the 15 names with a unique announcement film that can be viewed here.England Women’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 SquadNat Sciver-Brunt (The Blaze - capt)Lauren Bell (Hampshire)Alice Capsey (Surrey)Tilly Corteen-Coleman (Surrey)Charlie Dean (Somerset)Sophia Dunkley (Surrey)Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire)Lauren Filer (Durham)Dani Gibson (Somerset)Amy Jones (The Blaze)Freya Kemp (Hampshire)Heather Knight (Somerset)Linsey Smith (Hampshire)Issy Wong (Warwickshire)Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Surrey)

Karachi (PR): The Playing Control Teams for the 28 April Qualifier, 29 April Eliminator 1 and 1 May Eliminator 2 of the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 have been appointed, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Tuesday. Member of ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees Sir Richard Richardson will lead the Playing Control Team for the Qualifier between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. Earlier he made his HBL PSL debut as Match official on 15 April and will bow out for this season having officiated 10 games. Christopher Gaffaney of New Zealand will be joined by Alexander Wharf of England as on-field Umpire for the Qualifier. Both are part of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. Faisal Khan Aafreedi, ICC International Panel Umpire, will serve as the third Umpire, while PCB’s National Elite Panel Umpire Zulfiqar Jan will be the fourth Umpire for the all-important 41st HBL PSL 11 match.Roshan Mahanama of Sri Lanka will lead the Playing Control Team in the both the Eliminators. He has the honour of officiating in all 11 HBL PSL seasons and his tally of games as Match Referee in the league currently stands at 127.  In the Hyderabad Kingsmen v Multan Sultans Eliminator 1 in Lahore, ICC Elite Panel Umpire Shahid Saikat from Bangladesh will join ICC Emerging Panel Umpire Asif Yaqoob as on-field Umpire, while Rashid Riaz Waqar of ICC Emerging Panel of Umpires will be the third Umpire. Nasir Hussain of ICC International Panel of Umpires will perform duties as the fourth Umpire. The Eliminator 2 on 1 May between winner of Eliminator 1 and losing team of Qualifier will be officiated on-field by ICC Elite Panel Umpires Ahsan Raza and Shahid Saikat, while Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz will carry out the duties of third and fourth Umpire, respectively.