Yousuf’s 105, Azan’s 91 power hosts to 27-run win in fifth match in MultanMultan (Sports Reporter): Pakistan U17 romped to a 27-run win in the fifth One-Day match against Sri Lanka U17 to take the five-match 50-over series 4-1 here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Pakistan’s Mohammad Yousaf continued his red-hot form in the series with his second century which propelled the hosts to 283-7 in 50 overs.In reply, Sri Lanka U17 finished with 256-7 in their 50 overs after struggling at 141-6. Pakistan captain Azan Ahmed opted to bat first but Sri Lanka made early inroads removing opening batter Daud Tauqeer Rana for 13, while Hamza Abbas Baloch departed for 14.Yousaf and Azan then got together and laid the platform for a healthy total with a 138-run stand between them. While Azan fell for 91 off 92 balls striking six fours and three sixes, Yousaf (105, 130b, 12x4s) went on to score the second ton of the 50-over series and third overall, taking his tally of runs to 472 across six matches.Hamid Raza (30, 28b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Ammar Khan (16, 7b, 2x6s) made sure Pakistan finish on a strong note. Sri Lanka’s pursuit of the 284-run target got off to a strong start with opening batters Yenula Hewavitharana (46, 71b, 7x4s) and Methuka Gunaratne (23, 28b, 2x4s, 1x6) putting on 70 runs.Sri Lanka then lost their way when they lost five for 36, slipping from 105-1 to 141-6. No.7 batter Sandaru Malshan (56, 55b, 4x4s) and no.8 Chenul Milnaka (40 not out, 56b, 3x4s) then tried to salvage the innings with a 99-run stand but in vain as Pakistan restricted the visitors to 256-7 in 50 overs.For Pakistan, Mohammad Saim picked up 2-30 in his 10 overs, Sudais Ahmed, Ammar Khan, Hamid Raza and Fahad Iqbal dismissed one batter each.Summarized Scorecard (Pakistan U17 beat Sri Lanka U17 by 27 runs):Pakistan U17 283-7, 50 overs (Mohammad Yousaf 105, Azan Ahmed 91, Hamid Raza 30’ Raveen Sachintha 2-51, Kalindu Sachinthana 2-53)Sri Lanka U17 256-7, 50 overs (Sandaru Malshan 56, Yenula Heewavitharana 46, Chenul Milnaka 40 not out, Methuka Gunaratne 23, Chenuka Dondangoda 22; Mohammad Saim 2-30)Player of the match – Mohammad Yousaf (Pakistan U17)Tour results: (Sri Lanka U17 v Pakistan U17 – Multan)9-11 October – Three-day – Drawn – Pakistan took a 149-run first innings lead15 October – 1st One-Day – Sri Lanka won by 99 runs17 October – 2nd One-Day – Pakistan won by 151 runs19 October – 3rd One-Day – Pakistan won by five wickets21 October – 4th One-Day – Pakistan won by 93 runs23 October – 5th One-Day – Pakistan won by 27 runs

Iran players overcome Green Shirts 2-0 in the final, Jorden claim third positionAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Iran overcame hosts Pakistan straight 2-0 in the championship match of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group III (B) at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue, Islamabad on Saturday. The final was to start at 11.00 am, but a spell of rain in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad forced the match to be staged at 3:30 pm.The local tennis girls lost their matches 2-0, but both Pakistani girls struggled hard to give opponent a challenge and fought hard in their respective matches. Iranian players proved stronger on the day to secure the victory and to claim the championship title.The closing ceremony was graced by Syeda Amana Batool, Member of the National Assembly, as the chief guest, and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), attended as the guest of honour. Col. Zia-ud-Din Tufail, Secretary General PTF, and Asma Khawar Khawaja, President of the Pakistan Women Tennis Association, were also present.Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, also visited the PTF Tennis Complex, where he met the Iranian team and witnessed the matches. Speaking on the occasion, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi congratulated the Iranian team on winning the championship and appreciated the Pakistan team for putting up a strong fight in the final.Results and Team Positions:Final: (Iran beat Pakistan 2–0):Yasaman Yazdani (Iran) beat Ushna Suhail (Pakistan) 6–3, 6–4.Meshkatolzahra Safi (Iran) beat Mahin Aftab Qureshi (Pakistan) 6–4, 6–4.3rd–4th Position (Jordan beat Maldives 2–0):Anna Abualhaj (Jordan) beat Nayara Usama Ali (Maldives) 7–6(4), 6–4.Noor Sayej (Jordan) beat Aishath Karin Saizan (Maldives) 6–3, 6–7(4), 6–0.5th–6th Position (Qatar beat Bhutan 2–0):Khadija Gassama (Qatar) beat Kinley Yangden (Bhutan) 6–3, 6–0.Hind Almudahka (Qatar) beat Tenzin Wangsel Lhaden (Bhutan) 4–6, 6–3, 6–0.7th–8th Position (Kuwait were awarded a walkover against Bahrain).

Pakistan Blinds Cricket Team to meet traditional foes India on November 17 in DhakaSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Pakistan Blinds’ Cricket Council (PBCC) unfolded the names of 17 member squad for upcoming 2nd Blind Cricket Asia Cup 2026, which is scheduled to take place in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, from November 14 to 20. The squad was announced by Chairman PBCC Syed Sultan Shah in a press conference here on Saturday.Besides Pakistan, India, host nation Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan will participate in the event. Chrairman was flanked with the national blind cricket team captain Nisar Ali, vice-captain Badar Munir, team manager Dr. Professor Anwar Ali Sial, Director of Cricket Operations Bilal Satti, and Director of Marketing Salman Bukhari in the press briefing.Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman PBCC said: “A well balanced and strong squad has been assembled for the second Blind Cricket Asia Cup. The history of Pakistan blind cricket is marked by magnificent achievements; the national players have proven their mettle in the past and have even earned the distinction of becoming world champions by winning the T20 World Cup. Pakistan finished as the runner-up in the inaugural Blind Cricket Asia Cup; however, this time, the team will enter the field with thorough preparation, great passion, and an optimal team combination”.Syed Sultan Shah hoped that the national team would deliver an outstanding performance in the Asia Cup 2026. “Pakistan’s encounter against arch-rivals India on November 17 will be the most significant match of the tournament, drawing the attention of fans from across the globe. Pakistan’s spirited players are fully committed to this major contest, and he is confident that the team will showcase its best form and make a determined effort to defeat India. All the teams participating in the Asia Cup possess exceptional talent, ensuring that fans will get to witness high-quality and thrilling blind cricket”.Syed Sultan Shah extended special thanks to Interloop Limited, HabibMetro Bank, and PARCO—organizations that provide patronage and support to the national blind cricket team. The Chairman of the PBCC stated that the role of the corporate sector in supporting players with special abilities is highly commendable, and the Council is grateful to all its sponsors and supporters. Syed Sultan Shah appealed to the nation to keep the national blind cricket team in their prayers. He expressed hope that the Pakistani players would deliver an outstanding performance in Dhaka, bring honor to the country and the nation, and return home as winners of the Asia Cup.Pakistan Squad (17): Zafar Iqbal, Shahzaib, Mohammad Idrees Saleem, Junaid Khan, Fakhar Abbas, and Hamza Mahboob (B1 category); Nisar Ali (captain), Badar Munir (vice-captain), Moeen Aslam, Niamatullah, and Babar Ali (B2 category); Mohammad Safdar, Matiullah, Talha Iqbal, Sanwal Shahzada, Kamran Akhtar, and Naeemullah in the B3 category. 

Lahore (Sports Reporter): The International Women’s Team defeated Pakistan’s women 6-4 in an exhibition match at the Lahore Smart City Polo in Pink Tournament 2026, organised by the Lahore Polo Club.The match attracted a large crowd of families, children, polo players and enthusiasts, who gathered at the Lahore Polo Club to enjoy the women’s exhibition fixture. Lahore Polo Club President Agha Najeeb Raza, members of the executive committee and senior club members were also present to witness the contest.Alice Walsh led the International Women’s Team’s scoring with an impressive four goals, while Sarah Grover and Mendoza Houben contributed one goal each to complete their team’s six-goal tally. Pakistan’s women put up a competitive effort, with Zara Shah scoring twice. The home side’s remaining two goals came through its handicap advantage, taking its total to four.The exhibition match added to the tournament’s celebration of women’s participation in polo, bringing together local and international players in front of an enthusiastic audience. During the closing ceremony, the Lahore Polo Club unveiled the Polo in Pink Trophy named after Mughal queen Noor Jahan, marking a special moment in the tournament’s programme.

Kabul (Sports News): Afghanistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee has finalized Afghanistan U19’s squad for the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup, which is set to begin on November 5 in Muscat, Oman. Afghanistan Future Stars have been drawn in Group B alongside Sri Lanka U19, Bangladesh U19, and Malaysia U19. Afghanistan will begin their campaign against Bangladesh U19 on November 5 in Muscat.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026: Gambia beat Pakistan 4-2, as it was a game of two halves for Pakistan as the Shaheens made their historic debut at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan, racing to a two-goal lead against Gambia before their opponents mounted a second-half comeback.Pakistan made a dream start, scoring the competition’s opening two goals. Ameer Hamza opened the scoring in the fifth minute, collecting the ball on the right near the halfway line and driving at the Gambian defence before unleashing a fierce strike past the goalkeeper.Hamza was involved again in Pakistan’s second goal, winning a tackle that sent the ball towards Baxi Hamal Khan. Driving forward from the left, Baxi fired a superb shot into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and giving Pakistan a two-goal advantage.Gambia pulled a goal back before half-time, setting the stage for a tense second period. The African side equalised early after the restart when the ball slipped past Pakistan goalkeeper Shayan.Gambia increased the pressure in the second half, forcing Pakistan to defend deep during the early exchanges. However, the Shaheens gradually found their composure, with Kaleemullah testing the Gambian goalkeeper on more than three occasions and forcing a series of saves.Just as Pakistan looked to regain their footing, a swift counter-attack saw the ball fall to a Gambian player, whose ferocious left-footed strike was rifled into the corner of the net to put his side ahead. Gambia added a fourth with a curling effort into the top corner, completing a dramatic turnaround.Despite the result, Pakistan’s opening spell offered plenty of encouragement, with Hamza and Baxi delivering two outstanding goals on the world stage. The match marked a significant milestone for the Shaheens as they began their journey at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: England’s Curtis Malik and Egypt’s Karim El Hammamy advanced into the final of the Venice ABC Open International Squash Championship after winning their respective semifinals on Saturday. Final will be played on Sunday at the same venue at the Defence Authority Creek Club.In the men’s semi-finals, Egypt’s Karim El Hammamy defeated Malaysia’s Yee Xian Siow in straight games (3-0). Karim secured the victory in 53 minutes, winning the games 11-9, 11-9, and 11-6. Meanwhile, the top seed, England’s Curtis Malik, overcame Egypt’s Yassin Shawdy in a thrilling contest that lasted 80 minutes; the final scoreline was 12-10, 11-7, 9-11, 8-11, and 11-5.In the women's category, the second seed, Amina El Rihany, defeated Nadine Shahin 3–1 in games. The scoreline for Amina’s victory was 3–11, 12–10, 8–11, and 4–11. Rawan Elaraby secured a win against Habiba Rizk, taking the match with a score of 3–11, 11–4, 7–11, and 4–11. The finals for this event, which carries a prize purse of $82,000, will be played on Sunday.

Lahore (Sports Reporter): The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced an initial 14-member Test squad for the two-match ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka set to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 9 to 21 November. A 13-member PCB Patron’s squad has also been announced for the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka from 4-6 November at the Islamabad Club. The selectors will add two pacers from the Patron’s squad to the Test squad following the conclusion of the warm-up match on 6 November. Babar Azam is set to continue leading the Test side, while Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, wicketkeepers Mohammad Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig, along with Razaullah and Saud Shakeel have retained their place in the Test squad. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman and batter Salman Ali Agha are also part of the Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka. Furthermore, a trio of batters including left-handed Mohammad Taha, right-handed Sameer Minhas and Mohammad Suleman have received maiden call-ups to the Pakistan Test squad. 26-old left-handed batter Taha is the leading run-scorer in the President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class, which began in September, with 730 runs across seven matches with the help of three centuries and a best of 225. In the same tournament Mohammad Suleman sits at no.5 position on the batting charts with 652 runs with the help of three centuries as well. Sameer, playing his maiden first-class season, impressed with 405 runs in seven matches, following a highly promising stint with Pakistan U19s. PCB Patron’s squad for three-day warm up match: Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig is set to lead the PCB Patron’s XI in the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka’s Test squad. From the Test squad, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha and Sameer Minhas will also be in action in the three-day match. The pace attack for the Patron’s XI consists of Mohammad Salman, Shoaib Akhtar Jnr, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Ubaid Shah. Batter Mohammad Tayyab Arif will also be part of the squad. Pakistan Test squad: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saud ShakeePatron’s XI squad for three-day warm-up v Sri Lanka (4-6 November at Islamabad Club): Saad Baig (captain, wk), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Shabbir, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Mohammad Salman, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Saqib Khan, Sameer Minhas, Shoaib Akhtar Jnr, Ubaid ShahSeries schedule: 4-6 November – Three-day match, Islamabad Club9-13 November – First Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi17-21 November – Second Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Doha, Qatar (PR): The global hockey community celebrated the pinnacle of international hockey tonight at the 50th FIH Statutory Congress in Doha, Qatar, where the game’s finest athletes, visionary coaches, and top officials were presented with the 2026 FIH Hockey Stars Awards.Taking place on the eve of the Congress, the awards honoured exceptional contributions across the 2025–26 international hockey season. Unsurprisingly, World Cup heroics proved decisive across multiple categories, with champions Argentina and Germany leading an illustrious roll of honour.Here is the complete overview of the 2026 FIH Hockey Stars Award winners and their standout achievements:FIH Player of the YearWomen’s Player of the Year: Sofía Cairó (ARG)Las Leonas’ dynamic midfield engine was the driving force behind Argentina’s historic march to the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup title in Amstelveen. Cairó dictated tempo against the world’s elite midfields throughout the tournament, providing both crucial transitions and ironclad defensive cover. Her calm authority in regular time and clutch leadership during the high-stakes final against the Netherlands cemented her reputation as the premier playmaker in women’s international hockey. Additionally, her decisive shoot-out goal, that put Argentina over the top in the World Cup final and led to the historic celebrations, will be an image burned into the minds of Las Leaonas fans forever. Men’s Player of the Year: Tomás Domene (ARG) Tomás Domene produced an unforgettable individual campaign at the FIH Hockey Pro League and the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top goalscorer in both premier events with an astonishing 21 and 10 goals respectively. With lethal finishing from penalty corners and open play alike, the Argentine striker delivered decisive multi-goal masterclasses that consistently turned matches in Los Leones’ favor and confirmed his standing as the world's most devastating marksman. His heroics earned him the best player of the World Cup award as well, where his 10 goals helped the Leones win just their second ever medal (bronze) at the Men’s World Cup. FIH Goalkeeper of the YearWomen’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cristina Cosentino (ARG) Cristina Cosentino etched her name into World Cup folklore with an immortal performance in the 2026 Women’s World Cup final. After frustrating the high-powered Dutch offense through 60 minutes of regulation play, Cosentino became the ultimate shootout hero, affecting three crucial stops to seal a 3–1 shootout triumph and secure Argentina’s third World Cup title. Her composure and shot-stopping under extreme pressure made her the undisputed top goalkeeper of 2026.Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Luis Calzado (ESP) Spain’s historic run to the 2026 Men’s World Cup final was anchored by the brilliance of Luis Calzado. The Spanish custodian delivered game-winning saves throughout the knockout rounds in Wavre and Amstelveen, conceding almost nothing from open play and keeping Spain within striking distance right through their tight 1–0 loss against Germany in the World Cup final—in the end earning a historic first silver medal for Spain at the Men’s Hockey World Cup. FIH Rising Star of the YearWomen’s Rising Star of the Year: Zoë Díaz (ARG) At just 20 years old, Zoë Díaz proved fearless on hockey’s biggest stage. Having become a Las Leonas mainstay during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 season, Díaz injected explosive pace, aggressive pressing, and creative flair in the final third during Argentina’s gold medal-winning World Cup campaign, playing key minutes in the knockout rounds and demonstrating maturity far beyond her years on the way to lifting the World Cup trophy. This is Diaz’s second time winning the FIH Rising Star Award after first having won it as an 18 year old in 2024! 

Islamabad (Sports Reporter):Pakistan and Iran have qualified for the final of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group III after securing victories in their respective group ties. The two teams will face each other tomorrow, Saturday, 24 October,2026 at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue, Islamabad.Pakistan secured their place in the final with a 2–1 victory over top seed Maldives in Group A, while Iran booked their spot with a convincing 3–0 win against Qatar in Group B.Pakistan’s experienced players delivered strong performances in the singles matches. Ushna Suhail defeated Keyara Usama 6–2, 6–3, while Mahin Aftab Qureshi produced an impressive display to overcome Aishath Karin Saizan 6–1, 6–0. In the doubles, Romaisa Malik and Hajra Sohail went down fighting against Aishath Karin Saizan and Nayara Usama Ali, losing 4–6, 4–6.Iran, meanwhile, demonstrated their strength against Qatar, winning all three matches. Yasaman Yazdani defeated Dana Khalifa 6–0, 6–0, while Kimia Sagheb Tehrani beat Mubaraka Al Naimi 6–2, 6–1. The Iranian doubles pairing of Meshkatolzahra Safi and Hana Soltani completed the clean sweep with a 6–2, 7–6(2) victory over Hind Almudahka and Khadija Gassama.The stage is now set for an exciting final between Pakistan and Iran, with both teams aiming to finish their campaign on a high note. Pakistan will look to capitalise on home-court advantage and the support of local fans, while Iran will be determined to challenge the hosts for the Group III title.Match ResultsGROUP-APakistan beat Maldives 2–1Ushna Suhail beat Keyara Usama 6-2, 6-3Mahin Aftab Qureshi beat Aishath Karin Saizan 6-1,6-0Romasia Malik / Hajra Sohail lost Aishath Karin Saizan / Nayara Usama Ali 4-6,4-6Bhutan beat Bahrain 2-1Tandin Tsheyang Wangmo lost Hajar Zaidan 1-6,3-6Tenzin Wangsel Lhaden beat Gharam Alkhayat 6-0,6-0Tandin Dorji / Tenzin Wangsel Lhaden beat Eman Alzaimoor / Hajar Zaidan 4-6,7-5 (13-11)GROUP-BIran beat Qatar 3-0Yasaman Yazdani beat Dana Khalifa 6-0,6-0Kimia Sagheb Tehrani beat Mubaraka Al Naimi 6-2,6-1Meshkatolzahra Safi / Hana Soltani beat Hind Almudahka / Khadija Gassama 6-2,7-6(2)Jordan beat Kuwait 2-1Anna Abualhaj beat Huda Aldabbous 6-0,6-0Noor Sayej beat Sumou Aldabbous 6-1,6-1Hajar Al Louzi / Rama Bagaeen lost Huda Aldabbous / Sumou Aldabbous 2-6,3-6