Cricket
PSL 11: Lahore Qalandars beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs
Lahore (Sports News): Qalandars began their title defence in style with a dominating 69-run win over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opening match of the HBL Pakistan Super League here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Thursday night.Hyderabad Kingsmen were bundled out for 130 in 20 overs chasing the 200-run target with the Qalandars pacers collectively taking six for 96.Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and Ubaid Shah struck in third and fourth overs, respectively to remove the Hyderabad Kingsmen opening duo of Usman Khan and Saim Ayub with 33 runs on the board.Lahore Qalandars kept on taking wickets at regular intervals with Mustafizur Rahman and Sikandar Raza eking out the next three wickets in the three over post the powerplay.Sikandar removed the dangerous Kusal Perera in seventh over and Marnus Labuschagne (26, 22b, 3x4s) in ninth as Kingsmen were left reeling at 65-5 in nine overs. Mustafizur in the meanwhile accounted for Mohammad Irfan Khan.From this juncture, Kingsmen never came back in the game as they lost their remaining five wickets for 65 runs as well with Riley Meredith remaining unbeaten for 19 off 26 hitting one four, while Hassan Khan (14, 9b, 1x4, 1x6) and Rizwan Mehmood fell to Haris Rauf.Haris, Sikandar and Ubaid bagged two wickets each, while Mustafizur and Shaheen claimed one wicket each.Batting first, Lahore Qalandars got off to a flying start through Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman, who stitched together an 84-run opening stand. The pair got off the blocks with a flurry of boundaries.Naeem also struck the first six of the innings in the third over off Meredith as the two plundered 64 runs in the powerplay, with Fakhar collecting 20 runs off Mohammad Ali in the sixth over.Hyderabad Kingsmen made a comeback in the innings with three quick wickets as the opening partnership was broken in the ninth over when Naeem (30, 19b, 4x4s, 1x6) fell prey to Hassan Khan trying to dig a full delivery but holed out to Rizwan Mehmood at long on. Abdullah Shafique was run out in the following over at the striker’s end after Fakhar called for run but Hammad Azam’s lethal throw from short third did the job.In the 10th over, Fakhar also departed, miscuing a shot towards deep midwicket where Saim took the catch off Hassan with Qalandars 94-3. Fakhar, who became the second batter besides Babar Azam to reach the 3000-run mark in the HBL PSL, contributed 53 off 39 balls striking 10 fours.Parvez Hossain Emon (14, 13b, 1x6) and Haseebullah steadied the innings adding 37 runs for the fourth wicket to carry their side to 131 for four in 15.1 overs.Sikandar then provided the late impetus with a brisk 24 off 10 balls, laced with two fours and two sixes, while Haseebullah remained unbeaten on 40 off 28 deliveries, striking two fours and two sixes.Shaheen Shah Afridi hit two sixes off the last two deliveries of the innings after walking in to bat at 187-6 in 19.4 overs. Qalandars finished with 199 for six in their 20 overs. Meredith and Hassan picked up two wickets each.Scores in brief:Lahore Qalandars 199-6, 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 53, Haseebullah 40 not out, Mohammad Naeem 30, Sikandar Raza 24; Hassan Khan 2-30, Riley Meredith 2-39)Hyderabad Kingsmen 130 all out, 20 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 26, Riley Meredith 19 not out; Haris Rauf 2-22, Sikandar Raza 2-27, Ubaid Shah 2-27)
National Women’s T20 Tournament to commence from Friday
Lahore (Sports News): The National Women’s T20 Tournament 2026 is scheduled to commence from Friday, 27 March in Lahore. The five-team tournament will be played in a double-league format, with each side playing at least eight fixtures before the top two sides qualify for the final.The final of the tournament will be played at the Ghani Glass Cricket Ground on Sunday, 12 April.The five teams participating in the tournament are Challengers, Conquerors, Invincibles, Stars and Strikers. Defending champions Stars will feature in the opening match of the tournament taking on Challengers at the Ghani Glass Cricket Ground.Three venues – Bagh-e-Jinnah, Ghani Glass Cricket Ground and LCCA Ground will host the 21-match tournament.The tournament provides an opportunity for players to perform and stake a claim for selection in the national side. Pakistan women’s international assignments in the next three months include a home bilateral series against Zimbabwe, a T20I tri-series in Ireland and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July.To further incentivise the players, the prize pot for the tournament is PKR 3.3 million, with the winning side receiving PKR 1.5 million and the runners-up getting PKR one million.The morning matches in the tournament will begin at 10am, with the toss taking place at 9.30am. The first ball in the afternoon matches will be bowled at 2pm, with the toss taking place at 1.30pm.
Richie Richardson to make his HBL PSL debut as match referee
Lahore (Sports News):The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced the match officials for the HBL PSL 11, which will be played in Lahore and Karachi from 26 March to 3 May with 44 matches slated to take place.Sir Richard Richardson, member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, is set to make his HBL PSL debut as match referee. Previously Sir Richardson has officiated four Tests and three T20Is in Pakistan between 2017 and 2024 including the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and World XI at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.Four members of ICC Elite Panel of Umpires Ahsan Raza from Pakistan, Christopher Gaffaney from New Zealand, Allahudien Palekar from South Africa and Alexander Wharf from England will be joined by Sharfuddoula Saikat and Chris Brown in a strong overseas contingent of Umpires.Palekar and Saikat will be making their HBL PSL debuts. Among others Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Zulfiqar Jan, Abdul Muqeet, Alay Haider, Imran Jawed and Tariq Rasheed will perform umpiring duties in the tournament.Roshan Mahanama, who has been a regular match referee in the HBL PSL since 2017, will return to extend his tally of 71 HBL PSL matches as head of playing control team starting with the opening match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.In the first match Wharf and Ahsan will be on-field umpires, while Asif Yaqoob will perform duties as TV Umpire. Tariq Rasheed will be the fourth umpire.UmpiresAhsan Raza, Chris Gaffaney, Sharfuddoula Saikat, Allahuddien Palekar, Alex Wharf, Chris Brown, Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Zulfiqar Jan, Abdul Muqeet, Alay Haider, Imran Jawed and Tariq RasheedMatch RefereesRoshan Mahanama, Sir Richard Richardson, Ali Naqvi, Kamran Chaudhary, Bilal Khilji, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aleem Moosa, Sohail Idrees
Sahibzada Farhan declared ICC Player of Month in T20
Islamabad (Sports News):Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has been named the ICC Player of the Month for his extra-ordinary performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 during February while India seam bowler Arundhati Reddy has won the women’s award after her fine performances in a T20I series in Australia.Sahibzada won the award ahead of many stalwarts as he broke Virat Kohli’s record runs in one edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and became the first to register two centuries in a single edition of the tournament - against Namibia and Sri Lanka.The dynamic opener amassed 383 runs in seven T20Is at an impressive average of 76.60, while maintaining a strike rate of 160.25. His performances stood out from the tournament for the monthly award as the final two Super Eight fixtures and the knockout stages took place in March and will be evaluated in the next cycle.Sahibzada Farhan: “It’s an incredible feeling to win this ICC award, especially for performances on the World Cup stage, where fans from all over the world are watching every moment. That makes it even more special.“It was truly a tournament I’ll always cherish, and I’m determined to carry this momentum forward in the series and competitions ahead. I’m deeply grateful to my teammates for their constant support and belief in me - this wouldn’t have been possible without them.”Reddy shone with her fine seam bowling Down Under, helping India win their T20I series against Australia by a 2-1 margin. Reddy was the leading wicket-taker in the series with hauls of four for 22, two for 30 and two 35 in the three matches, finishing with an average of 10.87 and an economy rate of 7.25.Arundhati Reddy: “It’s a real honour to be named ICC Player of the Month, and even more special knowing I was able to contribute to a T20I series win in Australia. Beating Australia on their home turf is never easy, which makes this award even more meaningful.“This series win has given our team a huge boost of confidence as we build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales this summer. We’ve got a well-balanced squad, and I believe we’ll be a team to watch.”Sahibzada won the men’s award ahead of Will Jacks of England and Shadley van Schalwyk of the USA while Harshitha Samarawickrama of Sri Lanka and Fatima Sana of Pakistan were the shortlisted players Reddy edged out for the women’s award.
Star-studded Commentary panel announced for HBL PSL 11
Islamabad (Sports News): Former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite will make his HBL PSL commentary debut and former Australia women’s player Lisa Sthalekar is set to return as the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a star-studded 23-member bilingual commentary panel for the upcoming marquee evenShoaib Malik, who has featured in all the previous 10 editions of the HBL PSL as player, will be appearing as Urdu commentator in the 11th edition and he will be joined by former Pakistan captains Salman Butt and Sana Mir.Seasoned commentator Tariq Saaed, former Pakistan women’s international Marina Iqbal, Shah Faisal and Pepsi Voice of Pakistan 2022 winner Ayaz Chaudhary will form the seven-member exclusive Urdu commentary panel for the HBL PSL 11.Apart from Barbadian Brathwaite, the English commentary panel will comprise South Africa’s Jean-Paul Duminy and the melodic Michael Haysman, England’s Dominic Cork, Nick Knight and Mark Butcher, Martin Guptill from New Zealand, Greg Blewett and Lisa Sthalekar from Australia and Athar Ali Khan from Bangladesh.Among Pakistan voices in the English commentary panel, former captains Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, Aamir Sohail and Urooj Mumtaz Khan will be calling out the action along with former Pakistan international Bazid Khan.Sikandar Bakht will be part of the English commentary panel as well as the four-member presenters’ lineup. Renowned sports broadcasters Neroli Meadows and Jess Crowe are set to feature in the HBL PSL for the first time and they will join Zainab Abbas as the official presenters and hosts during the tournament.Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Super League, Salman Naseer:“We are excited to announce a star-studded and insightful commentators’ panel, which comes with years of valuable experience of calling the game behind the mic. I’m sure our fans will enjoy the commentary lineup and their calls over exciting action from home as we inch closer to the beginning of the landmark 11th edition of the HBL PSL.”Commentators:Aamir Sohail, Athar Ali Khan, Bazid Khan, Carlos Brathwaite, Dominic Cork, Greg Blewett, Jean-Paul Duminy, Lisa Sthalekar, Mark Butcher, Martin Guptill, Michael Haysman, Nick Knight, Ramiz Raja, Sikandar Bakht, Urooj Mumtaz Khan and Wasim Akram.Exclusively UrduAyaz Chaudhary, Marina Iqbal, Salman Butt, Sana Mir, Shah Faisal, Shoaib Malik and Tariq Saeed.PresentersJess Crowe, Neroli Meadows, Sikandar Bakht and Zainab Abbas
PCB announces revised schedule for HBL PSL 11
Lahore (Sports News):The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced revised schedule for 11th edition of the HBL PSL after austerity measures have been adopted in consultation with the Government of Pakistan, and in line with the officially announced national austerity and resource conservation measures. The number of host venues for HBL PSL 11 has been streamlined from six to two. All matches will now be staged in Lahore and Karachi. In the updated schedule 44 matches will be taking place in a space of 39 days with Lahore and Karachi each hosting 22 matches. The opening match between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Lahore Qalandars remains intact, while Lahore will also see Eliminator 1, 2 and the final. Qualifier will be played in Karachi.With the tournament temporarily shifting to a watch-from-home model, HBL PSL will introduce enhanced broadcast and production features aimed at delivering an even stronger viewing experience for fans across Pakistan and around the world. The league remains confident that the passion of its audience, combined with innovation in coverage, will make this edition one of the most widely watched in its history.While it is important to prioritise national stability, the crowds gracing the stadia will be sorely missed. It was estimated that with an average of 30,000 spectators and associated support staff travelling daily for over more than a month would place significant strain on energy resources. By limiting the tournament to two cities, the HBL PSL is also reducing the extensive operational arrangements including transport, and utility overheads that a six-city event demands.HBL PSL remains committed to delivering high-quality cricket while aligning with national priorities. The league will move forward with the same unity, discipline, and excellence that have made it a defining symbol of Pakistan’s sporting strength.
PSL 11: Pindi back Pakistan Cricket Board decision regarding league
Rawalpindi (Abdul Jabbar Faisal):Pindiz have expressed their full support for the HBL Pakistan Super League’s decision to stage matches exclusively in Lahore and Karachi, citing the ongoing fuel crisis and the need for austerity measures across the country.While the franchise was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to play in front of its passionate home crowd in Rawalpindi, the management acknowledged that the austerity measures being taken in consideration - current situation demands collective responsibility and unity.Speaking on the matter, Pindiz team owner, Ahsan Tahir said, “Sabse Pehle Pakistan - We were looking forward to playing in front of our home fans, to give the people of Pindi a home team to support in their own stadium. However, we fully recognize that this is the need of the hour. As a franchise, we stand firmly behind the HBL PSL and its efforts to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the tournament under these circumstances.”Pindiz reaffirmed their commitment to the league and emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interest above all. The franchise remains confident that, with collective support, this edition of the HBL PSL will continue to deliver high-quality cricket and unite fans across the country.
PSL 11: Lahore Qalandars sign Australian all‑Rounder Daniel Sams
Islamabad (Sports News): Lahore: Lahore Qalandars confirms that Australian all‑rounder Daniel Sams will join the squad as the replacement for Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka for the full season.Shanaka, who was acquired by Lahore Qalandars at the PSL auction, has pulled out ahead of the PSL due to personal reasons and confirmed his unavailability.In response, Lahore Qalandars acted swiftly to secure Sams, a proven T20 match-winner, ensuring the team remains strong and competitive ahead of the season. Known for his dynamic T20 game, Sams boasts a career batting strike rate of over 150 and has taken 262 wickets in 216 T20 matches at an average of 24.70, reflecting his skill in controlling the action with his left‑arm seam.Sameen Rana, Owner, Lahore Qalandars: “We are thrilled to welcome Daniel Sams to the Lahore Qalandars family. His all-round skills, match-winning ability, and dynamic T20 experience will add tremendous firepower to our lineup this season. He is a proven game-changer who can perform with both bat and ball, bringing energy and skill to the team on and off the field.”
HBL PSL ‘Infinity’ Trophy tour reaches Lahore
Sports NewsLAHORE: The HBL Pakistan Super League Trophy ‘Infinity’ made a memorable trip across the country visiting a number of scenic destinations and it reached Lahore on Thursday. The artfully designed trophy by Hanif Jewelers is a product of the hard work of 18 master artisans and was completed in 2,600 hours.The trophy, which will be pursued by eight teams from 26 March onwards, was unveiled on Wednesday, 11 March at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi in presence of PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer, franchise and title sponsor HBL representatives.After undertaking its journey from Quaid’s mausoleum, the Infinity was taken to Empress Market, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Mereweather Tower, Lyari and Sea view in Karachi followed by Makli Necropolis, Shah Jahan Mosque and Hyderabad Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. It then made the next stop in Islamabad, where it was taken to the historic Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument and the shared home turf of Islamabad United and Rawalpindiz, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.The scenic beauty and stunning views of Pakistan’s northern areas were captured during Infinity’s tour to Skardu where fans witnessed it at the Khaplu Fort, Katpana Desert, Upper Kachura Lake, Keris Suspension Bridge and Ghawari.The trophy made a stop at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium and the vintage Sethi Mohalla in Peshawar before being driven back to Lahore, where the HBL PSL 11 action is set to begin in a week’s time. In Lahore, it was taken to the iconic Lahore fort, Minar-e-Pakistan and Badshahi Mosque.The Infinity is also set to make trips to Quetta and Multan during the tournament capturing imaginations of the HBL PSL fans in those destinations. It will also make trips to all HBL PSL venues on various match days.It is worth noting that the specially crafted Infinity trophy has eight emerald-cut Gemstones at its base representing the colours of all HBL PSL franchises. A Crescent and Star at the top of the trophy add more to its sublime beauty, while it is adorned with 1,600 Gemstones, depicting masterful craftmanship and creativity by Hanif Jewelers.
ODI Ranking: Salman Agha earns career-best, Mehidy returns to top 10
Abdullah AsjadISLAMABAD: Pakistani all-rounder, Salman Ali Agha has surged to a career-best ninth position in the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings, while Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has returned to the top 10 among bowlers in the latest weekly update on Wednesday.Salman’s fluent knocks of 64 and 106 in the second and third ODIs at Mirpur have powered his rise from 18th to joint-ninth with India’s K.L. Rahul. Mehidy’s hauls of three for 29 and two for 34 in the first two matches have helped him gallop nine places to seventh position.Salman and Mehidy have also progressed in the all-rounders’ list, Salman up to joint-10th from seventh and Mehidy jumping two slots to second in the list led by Azmatullah Omarzai of Afghanistan.Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Tanzid Hasan has also made a significant leap, jumping 31 places to 55th after registering his maiden ODI century in the series decider, as the hosts sealed a 2-1 victory. Towhid Hridoy (up two places to 32nd) and Litton Das (up 10 places to 82nd) are other Bangladesh batters to gain.Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed’s haul of four for 49 in the third match has lifted him from 40th to 28th position even as Mustafizur Rahman (up 13 places to 47th) and Nahid Rana (up 65 places to 98th) have also made notable progress.Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have inched up one slot each to 17th and 19th positions, respectively. Shaheen grabbed four wickets in three matches and Haris six in two. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is the only Pakistan bowler ahead of the pair, in 13th position.In the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner’s figures of 4-0-8-1 and 3-0-19-2 in the first two T20Is against South Africa have enabled him to move up from 24th to 13th in the bowling rankings.Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is another New Zealander to progress, his haul of three for 16 in the second match in Hamilton lifting him from 69th to 51st position while South Africa fast bowler Ottneil Baartman’s three wickets in two matches see him go from 96th to 73rd.New Zealand’s left-handed opener Devon Conway has moved up to 70th after his knock of 60 in the second match.
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