Cricket
New Era starts in Islamabad’s Hills: Inauguration of Ambani Cricket Stadium
Imran SattiISLAMABAD: A historic milestone was achieved as the long-awaited Ambani Cricket Stadium was officially inaugurated on Simly Dam Road, Islamabad. Nestled in the foothills, this state-of-the-art stadium is being hailed as a revolutionary step towards the promotion of sports in the Region. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a large number of locals, youth, and dignitaries, including Raja Ghalib of Charrah, Advocate Raja Aftab, and the well-known Raja Zia alias "Pappu." The stadium was inaugurated by Raja Abdul Khan and Raja Master Rasheed, father and uncle of stadium owner Raja Munawar Zaman۔Speaking to the media on the occasion, Raja Munawar Zaman said: “Ambani Cricket Ground was once a dream, and today it has become a reality. Our foremost priority is to provide healthy recreational activities and high-quality sports facilities to our youth.”He revealed that the project, which was initiated two years ago, has now been completed with international-level facilities, including floodlights, practice pitches, and a professional-grade cricket field.Launch of Hardball Cricket League & Cricket Academy During the event, the management also announced the launch of a Hardball Cricket League, set to begin on October 3rd and run until October 16th. Six prominent local teams will participate, with the goal of nurturing local talent and offering a platform for young players.In addition, plans were unveiled to establish a Cricket Academy at the venue, further solidifying the stadium’s role as a hub for cricketing excellence.The administration also revealed an upcoming Tape Ball Cricket League at the union council level in Islamabad, with participation open to teams from across the country. Each team will be allowed to include two guest players.The local community warmly welcomed the development, calling the stadium a "great gift" for the area. Residents praised the initiative and lauded Raja Munawar Zaman for turning a long-held dream into a tangible asset for the youth of the region.Facilities of this standard are rarely seen in rural or hilly areas,” said one attendee. “Ambani Cricket Ground is a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, commitment, and community spirit.”
PCB grants first-ever Scorer contracts for 2025-26 season
Lahore (SBR): In a groundbreaking move, the Pakistan Cricket Board has introduced first-ever Scorer contracts, which run from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, it was confirmed on Saturday.Before this development the scorers only received remuneration in the form of match fees but the announcement of the monthly retainers will strengthen them financially as they aim to serve Pakistan Cricket with more dedication.A total of 20 scorers from 16 regions have been granted the contracts for the 2025-26 season.Aamir Sharif (Abbottabad), Aamer Manzoor Faridi (Multan), Adnan Farooq (Islamabad), Arif Abdul Majeed (Hyderabad), Azhar Hussain (Lahore), Faiz Muhammad Baloch (Dera Murad Jamali), Farrukh Ilyas Raja (Sialkot), Hafeez-ur-Rehman (Bahawalpur), Junaid Shah (Kohat), Muhammad Ammad (Quetta), Muhammad Aslam Sahto (Larkana), Muhammad Atiq (Sahiwal), Muhammad Zeeshan (Rawalpindi), Nadeem Akhtar (Peshawar), Najmus Saeed (Lahore), Nasir Khan (Sargodha), Salman Hussain Kazmi (Karachi), Shakeel Ahmed (Rawalpindi), Syed Imran Ali (Karachi), Tahir Suhaib (Faisalabad)Director Domestic Cricket Operations PCB, Abdullah Khurram Niazi said:“The PCB is delighted to offer first-ever annual contracts to 20 of our esteemed scorers across the country. I’m confident this move will contribute towards the strengthening of our domestic cricket ecosystem as we look to safeguard all those who contribute towards its well-being and conduct.“It is also a testament of the PCB’s vision to recognise all the cogs of the wheel in Pakistan’s Cricket fraternity and help them grow and give back to our sport with more enthusiasm and dedication than before.”
U19 One-Day Cup. FATA, Peshawar, Lahore White and Lahore Blues post wins
Peshawar (SBR): Four more matches have been decided in the third round of the National Men’s Under-19 One-Day Cup. Fata defeated Hyderabad by 7 wickets to claim their third consecutive victory.At the Ashfaq Ground, Charsadda, Hyderabad batted first and the entire team was dismissed for 151 runs. Abdul Wahab scored 29, Yahya Shah scored 28 and Abdul Ahad scored 24 runs. Jamshed ullah and Naveed Khan took three wickets each. Taimur Ali, Mohammad Tahir, Usman Khan and Abdul Basit grabbed one wicket each.In reply, FATA Region achieved the target for the loss of three wickets. Usman Khan, who represented Pakistan U-19, maintained his form and scored a magnificent unbeaten century as he hit 10 fours and 5 sixes. Usman Khan was dismissed for 96 runs in the previous match. Haris Shah was not out on 31 runs. Mohammad Salman captured 2 wickets for Hyderabad . The match was supervised by Majid Hussain and Dilshad Ali.In the 2nd match played at Hayatabad stadium peshawar, Lahore White batted first and scored 303 runs for the loss of five wickets. Opener Alian Salman scored 136 runs and remained unbeaten. His innings included thirteen fours. The other opener Hamza Zahoor scored 54 runs. Mohammad Farhan scored 48 runs. Islamabad's Zeeshan, Mujahid Ali, Owais and Faisal Afridi dismissed one player each.In reply, the Islamabad Region team could score 125 runs. Fahad Saleem scored 26, Munib scored 19 and Ajmer scored 15 runs. Hussain Abbas and Mohammad Ayyas took three wickets each. Lahore White's Hamza Zahoor took six catches behind the stump. Man of the match was Aalian Salman. Aale Haider and Abdul Karim were the umpires and Nadeem Akhtar was the scorer. Fazal Akbar Shah was the match referee.In the third match, Peshawar batted first and scored 213 runs. Ahmed Hussain scored 56, Mohammad Zubair scored 49 and Zainullah scored 48 runs. Mohammad Musa took four wickets. In reply, Sialkot was bowled out for 154 runs. Hayam Khan scored 55 runs. Haroon Khan took three wickets while Muhammad Siam, Mohammad Owais and Ahmed Hussain took two wickets each. Ahmed Hussain was declared the man of the match for his all-round performance.In the 4th match Lahore Blues defeated Abbottabad by 61 runs at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura. Ali Hassan Baloch scored a brilliant 143 runs to help his team score 284 runs for the loss of six wickets in 50 overs. Ali Hassan Baloch's 143 runs were hit by 13 fours and 7 sixes. In reply, Abbottabad's team was bowled out for 223 runs in 44.2 overs despite Mohammad Shayan's 53 runs. Jahangir Bilal took five wickets for 26 runs.
CRICKET - Physically Handicap 26 Sep, 2025
KARACHI (SBR): The Pakistan-Afghanistan Wheelchair T20 Cricket Series is set to kick off on September 29 at the UBL Sports Complex, Karachi. The opening match will be played on Monday at 6 PM, while the trophy unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Sunday. According to the Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Council, this marks Afghanistan’s first-ever wheelchair cricket tour to Pakistan—an important step in strengthening sports diplomacy between the two countries. The series will also provide Pakistan valuable preparation ahead of the Asia Cup. The four-match series will continue with fixtures on September 30, October 1, and October 2.Pakistan will be led by captain Muhammad Zeeshan, with Imran Arain as vice-captain. The squad features Mohammad Fayaz, Ahmed Yar Senior, Misal Khan, Sadar Ayub, Tauseef Malik, Mubeen Iqbal, Osama Tariq, Jumma Khan, Ayaz Khan, Zawar Khan, Waqas Saeed, Saeed Bannu, and Sajid Khan. Reserves include Saeed Khan, Shah Faisal, and Gohar Afridi. Syed Faizan Baqir Naqvi will serve as head coach, while Rizwan-ul-Haq has been appointed as team manager. Pakistan will also host the 3rd Wheelchair Asia Cup in November, with six teams set to compete.
Asia Cup: Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 11 runs to reach in final
Dubai (SBR): Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed three wickets and hit a brisk 19 off 13 balls, while Haris Rauf claimed a three-fer as Pakistan defended 135 to beat Bangladesh by 11 runs in the ACC T20 Asia Cup Super-Four game at Dubai International Stadium on Thursday night and set up a final against India on Sunday.The pace duo of Shaheen and Haris returned combined figures of 6-50 in their eight overs as Pakistan defended their joint-second lowest T20I total against Bangladesh.Defending the 136-run target, Shaheen provided his side with the perfect start, removing Parvez Hossain Emon for a two-ball duck – his 22nd first-over wicket in T20Is – followed by the scalp of Towhid Hridoy (5) to leave Bangladesh 23-2 in 4.2 overs.Haris Rauf then eked out the prized scalp of Saif Hassan (18, 15b, 1x4, 2x6s) on the first ball of the sixth over, reducing Bangladesh to 36-3 at the end of the powerplay.Nawaz sent Mahedi (11) back in the hut on the final delivery of the eighth over as Bangladesh were left reeling on 44-4. Nurul Hasan (16, 21b, 1x6) and Shamim Hossain (30, 25b, 2x6s) then put on 19 runs for the fifth wicket, before the former fell prey to Saim Ayub with Bangladesh requiring another 72 runs from the last eight overs.Saim, continuing his fine form with the ball, got rid of skipper Jaker Ali (5, 9b) when Nawaz grabbed his third catch of the night in the 14th over, reducing Bangladesh to 73-6.Shaheen ended Shamim’s 25-ball resistance in the 17th over, while Haris struck twice in the following over as Bangladesh slumped to 101-9.Haris defended 23 runs in the final over, handing his side the victory. Saim returned figures of 4-0-16-2 taking his tournament tally of wickets to eight.Earlier, Pakistan were asked to bat first and lost their opening duo within first ten balls of the game with just five runs on the board. Pakistan finished the Powerplay with Fakhar Zaman (13, 20b, 2x4s) and Salman Ali Agha in the middle with the score at 27-2. Fakhar fell in the subsequent over, while Hussain Talat followed him nine balls later.Trouble deepened for Pakistan when Agha was dismissed with scorecard reading 49-5 in 10.5 overs. Shaheen, at no.7, played a crucial cameo of 13-ball 19 hitting two sixes, before losing his wicket to Taskin in the 14th over with 71 runs on the board.Mohammad Haris (31, 23b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Nawaz then stitched a 38-run partnership off 24 balls for the seventh wicket to take Pakistan past the 100-run mark.Bangladesh landed another blow in the 18th over when Pakistan’s top-scorer Haris was caught and bowled by Mahedi. Nawaz (25, 15b, 1x4, 2x6s) then hit Taskin for a maximum off the first delivery of the penultimate over, but was caught at cover on the very next ball.Faheem Ashraf’s solitary four and three twos in the final over lifted Pakistan to 135-8 in 20 overs. For Bangladesh, Taskin finished with figures of 4-0-28-3. Rishad and Mahedi picked up two wickets apiece.Scores in brief:Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 11 runs at Dubai International Cricket StadiumPakistan 135-8, 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25, Shaheen Shah Afridi 19, Salman Ali Agha 19; Taskin Ahmed 3-28, Rishad Hossain 2-18, Mahedi Hasan 2-28)Bangladesh 124-9, 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 30, Saif Hassan 18; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-17, Haris Rauf 3-33, Saim Ayub 2-16)Player of the match – Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
BTK Stars Clinch Shaheed Daniyal Trophy Season 1
Karachi (Sports Report): BTK Stars won the final of the Shaheed Daniyal Trophy Season 1. Pro Pandas set a target of 137 runs in the first innings, which BTK Stars successfully chased with the loss of just five wickets, securing the title.The closing ceremony was graced by social activist Ahmad Chauhan, Kamran Khan Tareen, Sheikh Sajid Kareem, Sports Director of Baqai University Nawab Alam, renowned businessman Ihsanullah Khan, Raas Builders’ Tayyab, Rana Shehryar, and others.At the prize distribution ceremony, the runner-up team received a trophy and Rs. 50,000 cash prize, while the winning team, BTK Stars, was awarded a trophy along with Rs. 100,000. Shields and cash prizes were also given to players for outstanding performances.
UAE Women’s team ready to make history in Zimbabwe
Dubai (SBR): The Esha Oza-led UAE Women’s team are set to make history tomorrow as they start their ODI journey in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The team will play 50-over matches for the first time in their history – the four-match series will be played from 26 September to 2 October. UAE were awarded ODI Status by the ICC in May this year after a series of impressive T20I format which helped them break into the top 15 teams and earn the right to play the 50-over format.All four series matches will start at 9:15am local time. The ODIs will be played on 26, 28, 30 September and 2 October. *Captain UAE Women’s Esha Oza:* “The entire squad is looking forward to making history this week. We have worked very hard to reach here and earn the ICC ODI Status. Since coming here, we have acclimatised well and got a good start as we won the practice game against the High Performance team. “Our preparation has been excellent in the leadup to this series as we had an extensive camp in Dubai which helped us both select a solid 17-player squad and work on our strategies for the series. We have also worked hard on the mental and physical fitness aspects for the demands of the 50-over format. We can’t wait for the series to begin with the first ball to be bowled tomorrow.” UAE Women’s squad for Zimbabwe tour:Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige and Vaishnave Mahesh. Schedule:Friday, 26 September – First ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15amSunday, 28 September – Second ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15amTuesday, 30 September – Third ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15amThursday, 2 October – Fourth ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15amSunday, 5 October – 1st T2oI, Bulawayo – 9:15amMonday, 6 October – 2nd T20I, Bulawayo 9:15am
Players need to deliver 100 percent to overcome opponents, Afridi
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: If Pakistan reach in the final of the T20 Asia cup 2025, all 11 players will have to deliver hundred percent in all the 3 deportments of the game including batting, bowling and fielding to overcome opposite team, this was stated by former Test cricketer and captain Shahid Khan Afridi while talking to the media-person here at National Press Club (NPC) on Wednesday.Shahid Afridi, with 27 Test, 398 ODI, and 99 T20 matches for Pakistan, said that he missed right-arm pacer Naseem Shah, as the pitches and conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were suitable, helping and supporting the seam bowlers. “Although Pakistani players are not producing sparkling performances, however, after toiling hard in all three departments of cricket, they can turn the tables of the match, “he maintained.Replying to a question, he said that with the ongoing cricket infrastructure at the domestic level of Pakistan could not compete with the top cricketing nations of the world. “The top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will have to pay their attention to domestic cricket. When the domestic system will be strong you will get strong players in the national team, “he added.“When I was playing home cricket, there was very tough competition, and a player had to work hard to play in first-class matches. So, we need to work at the national level of cricket, and chairman PCB will have to work on it. We have tremendous talent, we can make unbeatable teams in all three formats, including Test, ODI, and T20, “he replied to another question.A question regarding the skipper Agha Ali Salman, Afrid said that he always supported and encouraged young players. “When PCB put the responsibilities of captaincy on the shoulders of Afga Salam, I had a different opinion. Now, he is young and leading the Green Shirts in international competition, we should back him and support him, “legendary former cricket Shahid Khan Afridi concluded, who got 44 Test, 395 ODI, and 98 T20 during his international career and scored 5 Test and 6 ODI tons.
International Cricket Council suspends USA Cricket’s membership
Islamabad (Sports Desk): The International Cricket Council (ICC), after a thorough review of affairs and extensive engagement with key stakeholders over the past year, today confirmed the suspension of ICC membership status of USA Cricket, with immediate effect.The decision, taken by the ICC Board during its meeting earlier, was based on USA Cricket’s repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as a ICC Member under the ICC’s Constitution. These include, but are not limited to, the failure to implement a functional governance structure, lack of progress toward achieving National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and significant actions that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the United States and around the world.The suspension is an unfortunate but necessary step to protect the long-term interests of the game and the ICC’s top priority remains ensuring that the athletes and the sport itself are not impacted due to the suspension. The ICC Board has decided that USA’s national teams will retain their right to participate in ICC events, including preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28).The management and administration of USA national teams will temporarily be overseen by the ICC and/or its designated representatives to ensure continued support for the players and maintain momentum towards Olympic inclusion. This approach reflects the ICC’s firm commitment to upholding the best interests of cricketers in the USA and the sustenance of a High-performance & Player development program which will seek to elevate the stature and capabilities of players representing USA.The ICC Normalisation Committee, supported by the ICC management, will outline the steps required for the suspension on USA Cricket to lifted and its membership rights restored. These will include demonstrable and specific changes to USA Cricket’s governance structure, operations and overall status in the Cricket ecosystem. The normalization committee will also monitor USA Cricket’s progress and provide consultatory support.The ICC remains committed to supporting the growth of cricket in the United States, protect the sporting ecosystem and its constituents, namely the athletes and bolstering its march towards a more significant role on the global stage.
England Men’s squads named for New Zealand and Australia tour
Islamabad (Sports Desk): The England Men’s selection panel has named a 16-strong squad for the Ashes Test tour of Australia, alongside IT20 and ODI squads for the white-ball tour of New Zealand, which precedes the Ashes.England Men's Test Squad (16 players): Ben Stokes (Durham-Captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire – Vice-Captain), Brydon Carse (Durham), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire), Mark Wood (Durham)England Men’s ODI Squad (16 players): Harry Brook (Yorkshire – Captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Luke Wood (Lancashire)England Men’s IT20 Squad (15 players): Harry Brook (Yorkshire – Captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Jordan Cox (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Luke Wood (Lancashire)England Men’s White-Ball Tour of New Zealand Schedule: (Timings local)1st IT20: New Zealand v England, Saturday 18 October 2025, Hagley Oval, Christchurch, 7.15pm start2nd IT20: New Zealand v England, Monday 20 October 2025, Hagley Oval, Christchurch, 7.15pm start3rd IT20: New Zealand v England, Thursday 23 October 2025 Eden Park, Auckland 7.15pm start1st ODI: New Zealand v England, Saturday 26 October 2025, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui 2.00pm start2nd ODI: New Zealand v England, Wednesday 29 October 2025, Seddon Park, Hamilton, 2.00pm start3rd ODI: New Zealand v England, Saturday 1 November 2025, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 2.00pm startEngland Men’s Ashes Test Tour of Australia Schedule: (Timings local)1st Test: Australia v England, 21-25 November 2025, Optus Stadium, Perth, 10.30am start2nd Test: Australia v England, 4-8 December 2025, GABBA, Brisbane, 2.30pm start3rd Test: Australia v England, 17-21 December 2025, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, 10.30am start4th Test: Australia v England, 25-29 December 2025, MCG, Melbourne, 10.30am start5th Test: Australia v England, 3-7 January 2026, SCG, Sydney, 10.30am start
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