Fakhar Zaman travelled to the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 without a single ODI appearance to his name. By the time he returned to Pakistan as a match-winner in the final, people were travelling hundreds of kilometres just to take a picture with him.The left-handed opening batter will make his return to the Pakistan team on home soil when the competition returns later this month, looking to recreate the heroics of eight years ago. In that tournament, he started out of the team, earned a one-day debut and went onto form the foundation of a final victory over India in one of the greatest days in Pakistani cricketing history. Even so, he was taken aback by the response when he landed back home.“It was special back in Pakistan,” he recalled. “I didn’t expect anything like that and I have never seen anything like that in my whole life. People were waiting for us. I was alone on the Peshawar flight, most of the guys were flying to Lahore or Karachi. There were thousands of people waiting at the airport. It took three to four hours to get out of the airport.“Then there were people waiting on the streets and on the roads. When I got to my hometown, the whole street was full of people. In our villages, we have a guest house and the whole guest house was full of people.“For many weeks, people from 500km or more away would come to take a picture. It was unbelievable and it was something special. The way we made people feel at that time, I wish I could do more things like that.”Fakhar did not feature in the first meeting between Pakistan and India, which India won by 124 runs, but was handed a debut in the second encounter against South Africa.He scored 31 off just 23 in that game as Pakistan stayed alive in the tournament with a 19-run victory at Edgbaston, a knock that is still right up there among his favourite in the format.He said: “In my head, I thought I would go and play positive cricket in that game and if something went wrong, then I would see for the next game against Sri Lanka if I changed. I scored 31 runs and it is still one of my favourite innings in my ODI career.“I didn’t feel that much pressure in the South Africa game. I felt more pressure in the Sri Lanka game. The first one was my first game and I wasn’t aware of what to expect. There were so many things going through my head, but I didn’t feel that much pressure.“There was more pressure game by game as we progressed.”While Fakhar went into the tournament with limited expectations, the Pakistan management and senior players never lacked confidence.And after they beat Sri Lanka by three wickets to reach the semi-finals, that belief started to filter through to the rest of the team that they were capable of going all the way.“Myself and Sarfaraz (Ahmed, the captain) played club cricket together in Karachi. We had a big tournament happening in Karachi just after the group stages. After the first game against India, I went to Sarfaraz and said ‘we will be playing in Pakistan’ and he said ‘what are you saying?’. He said ‘bro, we will go to Pakistan, but with the Champions Trophy’.“I was thinking looking at this man, he’s lost his senses, what is he saying? But the confidence of our leadership, Sarfaraz and Mickey Arthur, I didn’t think we would win but they would tell us every time that we would win, that we had to win.“The confidence in the leadership group, even after losing the first game, they were 100% confident that we would bring home the trophy. When we played Sri Lanka, the way luck was with us that day, Sri Lankan players dropped catches, and the way Sarfaraz played in that game, we knew that something great was coming.”Up against hosts England in the semi-finals, Pakistan’s bowlers were outstanding in Cardiff, shutting down the previously unstoppable English batters to set up an eight-wicket victory.That set up a final clash with India, the dream match-up for fans, but a meeting that Fakhar almost missed.“I was not well the day before the game,” he said. “I even talked to Mickey and said I won’t be able to play the game. He said you go out there and get a duck first ball, it doesn’t matter, you have to play that game. I managed to play but I remember that I didn’t sleep well that night and he forced me to play. I’m pleased he did!”Pakistan batted first at The Oval, and even though Fakhar did not feel like he was at his most fluent, he smashed a brilliant century, making 114 off 106 balls to set Pakistan on their way to 338 for four in 50 overs.That came after he had been given a reprieve when he was on three, caught off the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah, with a no-ball saving him.He said: “I had been talking to Shadab (Khan) and somebody got out on a no-ball when we were watching a game. I said ‘I’d love to get out to a no-ball’. I just said it randomly because whenever you get out, I always look to the umpire hoping they will say ‘wait while we check the no-ball’ and nothing happens and I end up back in the dressing room.“The same thing happened in that game, I got out to a no-ball. Kumar Dharmasena was the third umpire and I was going out. From the boundary, he said ‘wait there’. I was halfway back and when I saw that, I was 100% sure it was a no-ball. After that, I thought maybe it’s my day.”It certainly turned out that way, with Fakhar earning Player of the Match honours as Pakistan ended up winning by 180 runs, Mohammad Amir doing the damage with the ball as he tore through the dangerous Indian top order.That day is one that he will never forget, as he prepares to embark on his second Champions Trophy. And beyond the excitement of the day and the celebrations afterwards, it is the way the team came together in England and Wales that stands out.He concluded: “There are too many memories. The best memory for me was the way the team gelled, to become friends with Shadab, Faheem (Ashraf), Hasan Ali, we became really close.” (PR).

Lahore (PR): Zacky Farm/Din Polo triumphed over Crewlogics Technologies in a sudden-death finish to clinch the title in the 4th Junior Polo Championship, sponsored by TCL, at the Jinnah Polo Fields and organised under the auspices of Lahore Garrison Polo Grounds. The final match, played at Pakistan Park Cavalry Ground, attracted a massive crowd, including families and young polo enthusiasts who gathered to support emerging players. The thrilling contest extended into the fifth chukker, where Zacky Farm/Din Polo sealed a narrow 3-2 victory. For the winning side, Abdullah Khattak led the charge with two goals, while Sheikh Muhammad Tayyab contributed with a well-crafted goal. Crewlogics Technologies had multiple scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize. Saim Abbas scored both goals for the runners-up, while Diyan Butt displayed an impressive performance. Earlier in the subsidiary final, Sula Polo edged past CTI Shipping in another nail-biting encounter, securing a 6-5 victory. 

Karachi (PR): Defending champion Ahmad Baig remains in top form as he continues to dominate the leaderboard at the Bank AL Habib 14th Rashid D Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament. The third round of the prestigious event was played on Saturday at Karachi Golf Club, setting the stage for an exciting final showdown.The four-day tournament, running from February 6 to February 9, 2025, features a challenging 72-hole format for professional golfers. After three rounds, Ahmad Baig (RPG) leads the professional category with a total score of 207 (9 under par), closely followed by Mohammad Zubair (KGC) at 208 (8 under par). Other strong contenders include Matloob Ahmed (LGG) and Mohammad Munir (RWP), both tied at 210 (6 under par).Friday also saw the commencement of the Senior and Junior Professional categories. In the junior division, Rehan Babar (LGG) delivered an impressive performance, finishing with a score of 75. He is followed closely by Mohammad Sahil (PGC) and Shahbaz Ali (LGG), who both carded 77. These emerging talents highlight the bright future of Pakistan’s golfing scene.The senior professionals showcased their experience and skill, with Mohammad Tariq (ICGC) leading at 68, while Aurangzeb Khan (KGC) trails just behind with a score of 69. The competition remains fierce as seasoned golfers vie for top honors.The Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament has drawn elite golfers from across the country, competing for prestige on one of Pakistan’s finest golf courses. As the tournament heads into its final round, excitement builds for the grand finale on February 9, 2025, where the nation’s top golfers will battle for the coveted title and the leader flight would tee off at 08:40am from the Red Course.

Lahore (PR): Pakistan opener Saim Ayub is progressing well in his recovery from a right ankle fracture and will continue his rehabilitation in England. Following comprehensive MRI scans, X-rays and medical assessments, Saim had been ruled out for 10 weeks from the date of injury (3 January). His availability for the New Zealand tour will be subject to clearing all fitness tests and medical requirements.Pakistan will tour New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs from 16 March to 5 April, which will be followed by the HBL Pakistan Super League, which starts on 8 April. 

The anticipation will be palpable at Galle International Stadium. The 2nd and final Test match against Australia is underway, and cricket enthusiasts from around the world have their eyes glued to the event. However, a noticeable absence hung in the air—the world’s highest Test wicket taker (800), Muthiah Muralidaran, would not be present to witness the thrilling showdown or hand over the Warne-Muralidharan trophy to the series winner."No, I won't be able to make it," the 52-year-old distinguished former right-arm off-spinner said over the telephone from Colombo. His voice was tinged with regret. "I am leaving for India this week to play a match against India's cricketers," he added, a note of excitement creeping in."Sathya Sai Grama is hosting a cricket match between Indian and Sri Lankan players on February 8, and being a devotee of Sathya Sai Baba, along with a few Sri Lankan players, I will be participating in the match," Murali explained. This match, hosted under the theme 'One World One Family Cup 2025,' was more than just a game—it was a celebration of unity and humanity.Muralidaran's ties to India ran deep. He married Madhimalar Ramamurthy, a Chennai native, on March 21, 2005. Madhimalar was the daughter of the late Dr. S. Ramamurthy of Malar Hospitals and his wife, Dr. Nithya Ramamurthy. This connection made Murali not just a son-in-law of India but also a beloved figure in Indian cricketing circles.The upcoming match at Sathya Sai Grama in Muddenahalli, Chikkaballapur district, promised to be a spectacle. Last year, during the first edition of the 'One World One Family Cup,' cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh had captained the teams, which comprised players from seven nations. This year, the format is different. Retired greats from India and Sri Lanka are reuniting on the field, playing for the cause of humanity."Our team will be led by Aravinda de Silva," Murali revealed. Alongside him, Chaminda Vass, Marvan Atapattu, Kalu, Ajanta Mendis, and a few others would represent Sri Lanka. The Indian team, coordinated by GR Vishwanath, includes the Pathan Brothers—Irfan and Yousuf—Venkatesh Prasad, Sunil Joshi, and others from Karnataka State. Although Vishy wasn't playing, his presence was crucial to the coordination of players.As the sun rises on Galle International Stadium, fans know that Muthiah Muralidaran's absence is for a noble cause. His commitment to the 'One World One Family Cup 2025' showcases the power of sport to bring people together, transcending boundaries and celebrating the spirit of unity.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): World Skate announced the appointment of Brazilian skateboarding superstar Letícia Bufoni to the Executive Board as Chair of the International Skateboarding Technical Commission (ISTC). The most successful female skateboarder of all time, Letícia is one of the highest-profile skaters in the world.Five-time X Games gold medallist, Tokyo Olympian, Guinness Book of World Records- holder, youth mentor; Letícia was a natural choice for appointment to the role by World Skate President Sabatino Aracu.Leticia’s role as Chair of the International Skateboarding Technical Commission will be both to advise on operational aspects of the World Skateboarding Tour such as contest formats, point allocations and rankings- as well as representing the views and ideas of the five continental Chairpeople who do likewise for their regions. The role carries full voting rights within our Executive Board, of which she becomes a member.Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of skateboarding?Skateboarding will keep growing. More skaters, more parks, more events. People are getting better, and tricks are getting crazier. I think we’ll see more new spots, new styles, and just more people having fun with it.In your view, what has been the most significant impact of Olympic inclusion on the sport's development and recognition?The Olympics put skateboarding on a bigger stage. It got more kids into it, brought in new sponsors, and gave skaters from different places more chances to compete. It also showed people that skateboarding is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life.You've been breaking barriers in skateboarding for years. What advice would you give to young girls who dream of following in your footsteps, especially in countries where female skateboarding is still emerging?Just go for it. Skate as much as you can, don’t listen to people who say you can’t, and have fun. If you love it and put in the time, you’ll get better. Find people to skate with, post your clips, and keep pushing yourself.As the new Chair of World Skate's International Skateboarding Technical Commission, what are your main objectives and goals for the next four years with the World Skateboarding Tour up to LA28?I want to help grow skateboarding everywhere. More events, more places to skate, and more kids getting into it. I also want to make contests better for the skaters and fans. The goal is to keep skateboarding fun and help it keep progressing leading up to LA28.

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Rameez Aziz struck an unbeaten century to help State Bank of Pakistan post 314 for five in 90 overs against Eshaal Associates on day one of the sixth round match of the President’s Trophy Grade-I on Friday. SNGPL’s Kashif Ali and KRL’s Jawad Ali bagged five-fers against HEC and Ghani Glass, respectively.At UBL Sports Complex, batting first, HEC were bundled out for 179 in 43.4 overs against SNGPL. Mohammad Mohsin Khan top-scored for the side with 37. In turn, SNGPL were 100 for seven in 29 overs when stumps were drawn. HEC’s Maaz Khurram was the pick of the bowlers, bagging three wickets for 34.At KCCA Stadium, Ghani Glass on the back of Junaid Ali’s 116 managed to score 390 for nine in 91.2 overs, when stumps were drawn. Junaid’s innings included 20 boundaries, which came off 148 balls. Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood was the other notable run-getter with a 60-ball 67, which included 12 fours. KRL’s Jawad Ali grabbed five wickets for 115 runs, while Mohammad Qaisar took three wickets for 60.Rameez Aziz’ eighth first-class century (135 not out, 180b, 21x4s) and half-centuries by Test batters Fawad Alam (59, 141b, 5x4s) and Imran Butt (55, 91b, 6x4s) lifted SBP to 314 for five in 90 overs against Eshaal Associates at SBP Sports Complex. For Eshaal Associates, Jalat Khan and Nisar Ahmed took two wickets each.At Rashid Latif Cricket Academy Ground in Karachi, PTV, on the back of half-centuries by Waqar Hussain (78, 103b, 6x4s, 3x6s), Muhammad Shahzad (74, 74b, 8x4s, 2x6s) and Mohammad Taha (59, 97b, 7x4s) managed to score 375 for six in 90 overs. For WAPDA, captain Khalid Usman was the most successful bowler, taking four wickets for 124 in 31 overs.Scores in brief:Day 1 of 4Higher Education Commission vs Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited at UBL Sports Complex, KarachiHEC 179 all out, 43.4 overs (Mohammad Mohsin Khan 37, Abdullah Fazal 29; Kashif Ali 5-56, Mohammad Salman 2-30, Bilawal Bhatti 2-31)SNGPL 100-7, 29 overs (Abid Ali 30, Saif Ullah Bangash 26, Qasim Akram 23 not out; Maaz Khurram Amin 3-34, Waseem Akram Jnr 2-20, Muhammad Azab 2-42)Khan Research Laboratories vs Ghani Glass at KCCA Stadium, KarachiGhani Glass 390-9, 91.2 overs (Junaid Ali 116, Shan Masood 67, Noman Ali 49, Kashif Ali 46; Jawad Ali 5-115, Mohammad Qaisar 3-60)State Bank of Pakistan vs Eshaal Associates at SBP Sports Complex, KarachiSBP 314-5, 90 overs (Rameez Aziz 135 not out, Fawad Alam 59, Imran Butt 55; Nisar Ahmed 2-69, Jalat Khan 2-74)Pakistan Television vs Water and Power Development Authority at Rashid Latif Cricket Academy Ground, KarachiPTV 375-6, 90 overs (Waqar Hussain 78, Mohammad Shahzad 74, Mohammad Taha 59, Shamyl Hussain 42; Khalid Usman 4-124).

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The tri-nation ODI series involving hosts Pakistan, along with New Zealand and South Africa will be played from 8 t0 14 February at the newly constructed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi.Pakistan will take on New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, with the first ball to be bowled at 2pm PST. In the single-league tournament, New Zealand will take on South Africa on Monday, 10 February at the same venue in the day game. The match is scheduled to begin at 09.30am.After the second match, the action will move to Karachi, where the home side will take on South Africa at the National Bank Stadium in a day-night match on Wednesday, 12 February. The final of the event will be played between the top two sides on Friday, 14 February with the first ball to be bowled at 2pm PST.Mohammad Rizwan on the eve of the tri-nation series said: “We are excited to be playing again in front of our home crowd and in the newly constructed stadiums in Lahore and Karachi. The preparations have gone well so far with the players looking to give their best in the tournament leading up to the ICC event.”New Zealand, who had their first training session at the LCCA Ground on Thursday evening, will look to make a winning start in the tournament. Mitchell Santner said, “We had a good training session in Lahore under lights and can’t wait to take on the home side on Saturday.“It is great to be back in Pakistan and the side had a good outing when we toured last time. The tri-nation series will provide us a great opportunity to know about the wickets and help us prepare well for the upcoming pinnacle event.”Temba Bavuma said: “It is a great opportunity for the side to warm up before the mega event. We have a mixed squad and the tri-nation tournament will help us acclimatise to the conditions before we gear up for the ICC event.”Schedule of tri-series matches: (day/night matches will start at 2pm, day match will begin at 0930):8 February – Pakistan v New Zealand (d/n)10 February – New Zealand v South Africa (d)12 February – Pakistan v South Africa (d/n)14 February – Final (d/n) 

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): China came from behind twice to clinch an incredible 3-2 win over Spain as FIH Hockey Pro League action continued in Sydney on Friday, their first over the Spanish in seven years. Earlier in the day, the Netherlands men bounced back from their surprise loss to Australia on Thursday with a 2-1 win over Spain to climb to the top of the table.(Women’s) Spain 2 – 3 China: Spain opened the scoring in the third minute when Patricia Alvarez dived at full pace for her deflection on the right post, but the Chinese slowly gained the ascendancy and Jinzhuang Tan levelled from a penalty corner in the sixth minute. There were no further opportunities in the half and the scores remained locked on 1-1 at the break.China really got on the front foot in the early stages of the third period and Spanish goalkeeper Clara Perez did sterling work to keep them at bay. She first made an excellent penalty corner save before scrambling to the baseline to shut out recycled ball, and later made a fully stretched foot save from open play. Spain were still aggressive, earning a couple of circle entries and penalty corners before reclaiming the lead with a 45th-minute PC variation from Candela Mejias.China again showed their willingness to pursue a result by pulling their goalkeeper off early, this time with 13 minutes remaining. Perez made three huge saves before she was finally beaten by two perfectly placed penalty corner slaps. The first was by Ou Zixia in the 57th minute and the second by Tan with just 70 seconds remaining as China wrapped up a remarkable win.(Men’s) Spain 1 – 2 Netherlands: The Netherlands raced into the lead in the second minute, Pepijn van der Heijden finding the back of the net with a well-executed drag flick. They went on to boss the quarter with numerous opportunities while Spain had a solitary attempt from a penalty corner.The Red Sticks worked their way into the game in the second quarter, making some good intercepts and fast counterattacks, but the Dutch remained 1-0 up at half time.The Dutch doubled their lead in the 34th minute from a poor Spanish clearance, intercepting on the 23-yard line and finding Koen Bijen in the circle for a first-time strike. Maurits Visser then denied Spain with an excellent save from open play, but a sublime deflection from Gerard Clapes in the 41st minute closed the gap. Rafael Revilla then made a couple of vital saves while a Spanish player served a five-minute suspension to keep his team in contention with 15 minutes to play.

LAHORE (PR): FG Polo and HN Polo have secured their spots in the main final of the 5th Jinnah Gold Cup 2025, following thrilling victories on the third day of the tournament here at Jinnah Polo Fields.As part of the season’s first high-goal event, two competitive matches were played yesterday, drawing a large crowd of spectators and families. In the first match of the day, FG Polo clinched a hard-fought 4-3 victory over DS Polo, booking their place in the final. For FG Polo, Raja Mikael Sami and Nicolas Ruiz scored two goals each. For DS Polo, Daniyal Sheikh, Max Charlton, and Ahmed Ali Tiwana each contributed one goal. The match kicked off with FG Polo drawing first blood through a well-executed field goal, but DS Polo quickly responded, leveling the score at 1-1. The second chukker mirrored the first, as both teams added one goal each, keeping the contest finely balanced at 2-2. In the third chukker, DS Polo edged ahead, netting the only goal of the period to take a slender 3-2 lead. However, FG Polo staged a brilliant comeback in the fourth and final chukker, firing in two consecutive goals to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory in a nail-biting finish. The second match of the day saw HN Polo deliver an emphatic 7-4 win against Olympia/AZB, securing their final berth. For HN Polo, Hamza Mawaz Khan led the charge with five fabulous goals, while Ramiro Zavaleta and Pelayo Berazadi added one goal each. For Olympia/AZB, Luis Manuel Aguirre netted three goals, and Novillo Astrada scored one goal. HN Polo set the tone early, firing in two quick goals to establish a 2-0 lead. However, Olympia/AZB pulled one back in the dying moments of the first chukker, converting a 40-yard penalty to narrow the gap to 2-1. The second chukker unfolded in a similar fashion, with HN Polo once again striking twice in succession to extend their advantage to 4-1. Olympia/AZB responded with a goal, reducing the deficit to 4-2 at the halfway mark. The third chukker saw an evenly matched contest, as both teams found the net once, maintaining HN Polo’s lead at 5-3. In the fourth and final chukker, HN Polo asserted their dominance, adding two more goals, while Olympia/AZB managed just one, sealing a comprehensive 7-4 victory for HN Polo. With these results, the Jinnah Gold Cup 2025 main final will feature a high-stakes clash between FG Polo and HN Polo, while the subsidiary final will see DS Polo face BN/Newage Polo.