Sports Bulletin

Lahore (PR): Lahore Qalandars have announced that Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage will replace his West Indian counterpart Gudakesh Motie, who has withdrawn from the upcoming 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Wellalage, the 23-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner, joins the Qalandars alongside Sri Lanka's T20I captain Dasun Shanaka, who was picked by LQ at the first ever PSL auction. He had a productive T20 World Cup, claiming eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.22. Wellalage is also a handy lower-order batter, capable of sticking around with the tail and hitting big shots. The Qalandars are excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to his contributions in the PSL.

Karachi (Hammad Kayani):The trophy of the HBL Pakistan Super League 11 was unveiled in a ceremony held at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi today marking the beginning of a new era for the country’s marquee T20 tournament.The unveiling ceremony was attended by HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer, representatives of all eight teams, officials from title sponsor HBL, representatives of Hanif Jewellers and members of the media. The trophy designed and manufactured by Hanif Jewellers, has been handcrafted by 18 master artisans who devoted more than 2,600 hours to complete the masterpiece. The design reflects the journey and growth of the HBL Pakistan Super League over the past decade.At the base of the trophy, eight emerald-cut Gemstones represent the colours of the eight HBL PSL franchises, symbolising the pride of the cities they represent. The tall structure of the trophy signifies discipline, determination and teamwork required to reach the pinnacle of the competition, while the Crescent and Star at the top reflect unity, hope and national pride. The trophy is adorned with more than 1,600 Gemstones, highlighting the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation.Speaking at the ceremony, HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said:“This is a historic occasion for the HBL Pakistan Super League as we step into a new era after successfully completing 10 seasons. Over the years, the league has grown stronger with the addition of new teams, record-breaking player auctions, landmark broadcast agreements and ever-increasing support from fans across Pakistan and around the world.“We are grateful to HBL for standing with the Pakistan Super League from day one and playing a vital role in its success. I would also like to thank our franchise owners for their continued trust and commitment and Hanif Jewellers for crafting a magnificent trophy that truly reflects the prestige and ambition of this league.”The 11th edition will feature eight teams and 44 matches across six venues with the opening match set to take place between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen on Thursday, 26 March. 

Peshawar (SBR):Abbottabad Region and Multan Region emerged victorious against Karachi Region Blues and Lahore Region Blues, respectively, in the fourth day’s fixtures of the ABS Developers National T20 Cup 2026 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on Tuesday night.In the first game, Kamran Ghulam’s unbeaten 42-ball 81, his second successive unbeaten half-century, and Shahzaib Khan’s 75 off 38 deliveries sealed Abbottabad’s comprehensive eight-wicket win while chasing 202 against Karachi Blues. This was Abbottabad’s second successive successful chase of a target beyond 200-run mark after they overhauled Multan’s 204-run target in their opening match. After the early loss of a wicket, Kamran and Shahzaib turned the game on its head with a 115-run stand for the second wicket off just 58 deliveries. Shahzaib brought up his third T20 half-century as he hit 11 fours and three sixes, before falling in the 12th over.Kamran, who collected consecutive player of the match awards, then joined forces with Khushdil Shah to put the result beyond doubt. The pair added an unbeaten 70 off 29 balls, with Kamran finishing on a superb 81 not out laced with 11 fours and two sixes, while Khushdil built on his heroics from the previous game with a brisk unbeaten 38 off 16 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes.Earlier, Karachi Blues had posted 201-4 in their 20 overs, built around opening batter Ahsan Ali’s 67 off 36 balls, which included seven fours and four sixes. His partner Jahanzaib Sultan chipped in with 42 off 29, hitting two fours and three sixes, as the pair stitched together an 88-run stand.Usman Khan contributed 39 off 25 balls with seven fours, while Saad Baig added 26 off 23 deliveries, featuring one four and one six to push their team past the 200-run mark. For Abbottabad, Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-0-32-2.Arshad Iqbal and Shahab Khan picked up one wicket each.In the night’s second game, Aamer Yamin and Arafat Minhas’ all-round performance handed Multan their first win of the tournament by a mere three runs against Lahore Region Blues. With rain falling and 11 needed off the last over, Aamer held his nerve brilliantly, conceding only two runs off the first two deliveries with a pair of pinpoint yorkers. An overthrow off the third ball brought three runs, leaving the batting side needing six off the remaining three deliveries.Aamer then nailed two more yorkers, allowing just a single and reducing the equation to five needed off the final ball. Facing the last delivery, Shahid Aziz (10 not out, 9b) could only manage a hit to long-on for one, as Multan sealed a thrilling three-run win.In pursuit of the target, Lahore Blues’ opening batter Umar Siddiq all but handed his side the victory before departing in the penultimate over after scoring a 51-ball 91 smashing 13 fours and three sixes.After Lahore slipped from 70 for no loss to 99-4, Umar also forged a threatening 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Ali Razzaq, who hammered 45 off 26 balls, striking two fours and four sixes. Aamer got rid of Ali in the 18th over to bring his team back in the game. Earlier, Imran Butt (20, 15b, 3x4s) combined with Umar to provide their team a head start with a brisk 70-run opening stand inside 5.2 overs.Arafat castled Saad Nasim and Qasim Akram to return figures of4-0-23-2, while Sirajuddin dismissed two batters. Moheer Saeed removed Umar in the penultimate over to give his team a sigh of relief.Batting first, Multan managed to score 200-6 in 20 overs courtesy Muhammad Shahzad’s 54 off 40 including three fours and four sixes after coming in to bat at 49-3 in 6 overs. From 147-4 in 17 overs, Multan hit 53 off the last three overs to reach the total. Arafat Minhas (35, 17b, 2x4s, 2x6s) and Aamer’s (24 not out, 8b, 3x4s, 2x6s) late onslaught was aided by Waseem Akram Jnr’s cameo of an unbeaten 17 off seven, hitting three fours.Bismillah Khan also chipped in with 27 off 23 balls. For Lahore Blues, Mohammad Rizwan bagged three for 39 in four overs. On Wednesday, Faisalabad will take on Bahawalpur, while Karachi Whites will lock horns with Peshawar in Group A.Scores in brief: Match 7: Abbottabad Region beat Karachi Region Blues by eight wickets at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, PeshawarKarachi Blues 201-4, 20 overs (Ahsan Ali 67, Jahanzaib Sultan 42, Usman Khan 39, Saad Baig 26; Shadab Khan 2-32)Abbottabad 203-2, 16.4 overs (Kamran Ghulam 81 not out, Shahzaib Khan 75, Khushdil Shah 38 not out)Player of the match: Kamran Ghulam (Abbottabad)Match 8: Multan Region beat Lahore Region Blues by three runs at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, PeshawarMultan 200-6, 20 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 54, Arafat Minhas 35, Bismillah Khan 27, Aamer Yamin 24 not out, Waseem Akram Jnr 17 not out; Mohammad Rizwan 3-39)Lahore Blues 197-6, 20 overs (Umar Saddiq 91, Ali Razzaq 45, Imran Butt 20; Arafat Minhas 2-23, Siraj Uddin 2-45, Moheer Saeed 1-21, Aamer Yamin 1-29).

Dhaka (Sports News):Pakistan and Bangladesh will lock horns in the three-match ODI series starting Wednesday at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The second and third match of the series will take place on 13 and 15 March, respectively at the same venue. All the matches are set to begin at 1.15pm PKT with the coin toss scheduled at 12.45pm.The series will be broadcast live on PTV Sports and live-streamed on Tapmad, Myco and Tamasha in Pakistan. Pakistan’s 15-member squad arrived in Bangladesh during wee hours of Sunday, 8 March and has taken part in two training sessions.The team also trained at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi on 6 and 7 March before assembling on 5 March.For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain will become ODI cap 255, 256 and 257 as the trio is set to form Pakistan’s top order in the opening ODI as confirmed by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.This is the third white-ball bilateral series between Pakistan and Bangladesh since May 2025 as both the teams have faced each other home and away in T20I series. The two teams have played a total of 39 ODIs with the visitors winning 34 of them, while one game ended as no result.While addressing the pre-series media conference Shaheen Shah Afridi said, “All the teams are very good in their home conditions and similarly Bangladesh have done well in their home ground as well. As a team we are prepared well and we have won our previous two ODI series at home against South Africa and Sri Lanka.“There will be three debutants for us in the first game. Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat will open the batting, while Shamyl Hussain will bat at three. I hope they will play their own game and show their skills. We are all excited to see them play for Pakistan not just for one series but future as well.”Pakistan squad:Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl HussainBangladesh squad:Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Afif Hossain, Litton Das, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan, Shoriful Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Tanvir Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Tawhid HridoySeries schedule: (all matches at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka, all matches to begin at 1.15pm PKT)March 11 – First ODIMarch 13 – Second ODIMarch 15 – Third ODI

Lahore (Sports Report):The 44-match HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 will take place across six venues from 26 March to 3 May, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today. Among the six venues – Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar and Rawalpindi – Faisalabad and Peshawar will host HBL PSL matches for the first time.For the first time, eight teams will participate in the PCB’s marquee event, HBL PSL, which has successfully completed 10 years and is set to enter a new era with its 11th edition. The eight participating teams in the 39-day event are Hyderabad Kingsmen, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindi Pindiz.Among the eight sides, Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi Pindiz are the two new teams added following the HBL PSL Auction, acquired for PKR 175 crore and PKR 245 crore, respectively.As per the schedule, each team will play 10 matches, with top four sides qualifying for the playoffs comprising Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the Final scheduled from 28 April to 3 May. The final will take place at the PCB headquarters, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday, 3 May. The final will also have a reserve day, which is Monday, 4 May.The tournament will also see 12 double-headers taking place with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting three double-headers.Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore:Gaddafi Stadium will host 15 matches in total which include the opening match on 26 March between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen. The venue hosted the first HBL PSL match on Pakistan soil (final) in 2017 and also staged the finals of the 2022, 2023 and 2025 editions.Lahore Qalandars – winners of the 2022, 2023 and 2025 editions will play at least five matches at Gaddafi Stadium with the much-anticipated clash between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings scheduled for 29 March. The venue will also host three double-headers on 29 March, 19 April and 25 April.Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar:The venue, previously known as Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium last hosted an international match (ODI) 20 years ago between Pakistan and India on 6 February 2006. The stadium will host its first-ever HBL PSL match on 28 March between Peshawar Zalmi and Rawalpindi Pindiz, which will be an afternoon fixture.The stadium is currently hosting matches of the National T20 Cup.Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad:Faisalabad will host seven HBL PSL matches in the upcoming edition, marking the first time the city will stage HBL PSL fixtures. Defending champions Lahore Qalandars will play four matches at the venue, while Peshawar Zalmi, winners of the 2017 edition, will feature in three matches.The first match at the venue will be played between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United on Thursday, 9 April as an afternoon fixture.Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan:Multan will host four evening matches, all featuring home side Multan Sultans. The first fixture at the venue will be played on Wednesday, 1 April, between Multan Sultans (2021 winners) and Hyderabad Kingsmen.National Bank Stadium, Karachi:National Bank Stadium, formerly known as National Stadium Karachi hosted the HBL PSL finals in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2024. The venue will host six matches in the upcoming edition.Karachi Kings (2020 winners) and Hyderabad Kingsmen will play three matches each at the venue, while Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United will feature in two matches each. The first match at the venue will be played between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday, 8 April.A new rivalry between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Karachi Kings will also take place at the venue on Saturday, 11 April.Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi:Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including one Qualifier, in the upcoming edition. The venue which hosted ICC Champions Trophy fixtures last year, will also stage two double-headers on 2 April and 26 April.With the inclusion of two new teams, Islamabad United and Rawalpindi Pindiz will serve as home sides at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The venue will host six matches of Islamabad United and five matches of Rawalpindi Pindiz.Both sides will face each other at least twice in the group stage, with the first match scheduled for 4 April and the second on 23 April.

Islamabad (Sports News): English pair Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf will be in the middle for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final between India and New Zealand in Ahmedabad.Illingworth will take charge of his second consecutive Men’s T20 World Cup Final, having stood alongside Chris Gaffaney in 2024.It continues Illingworth's impressive recent record of appointments, having also stood in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Final and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Final.He is joined by compatriot Wharf, who will oversee his first senior ICC World Cup Final.Wharf previously stood at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 events before he joined the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires last year.The pair, who were together in the middle for New Zealand’s semi-final victory over South Africa on Wednesday, are supported by third umpire Allahuddien Paleker and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock, while the match referee is Andy Pycroft.South African Paleker was elevated to the Elite Panel of Umpires alongside Wharf in March 2025 and has stood in six matches during the tournament.ICC Match Officials:On-field Umpires: Richard Illingworth and Alex WharfThird Umpire: Allahuddien PalekerFourth Umpire: Adrian HoldstockMatch Referee: Andy Pycroft

Peshawar (Sports Report): Former Pakistan internationals Salman Butt and Aiman Anwer will be joined by Ali Younis, Shah Faisal, Raja Asad and Imranullah in the commentary panel.  The captains’ trophy shoot took place at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Friday. Saad Nasim, who is standing in as captain for Hussain Talat, will lead the defending champions Lahore Blues.He said, “It is going to be a challenging task to defend our title given the number of exciting and talented players across all the 10 teams. We also have a good blend of young and experienced players.We are also looking forward to playing T20 cricket at this new venue. I’m sure the local fans here in Peshawar will turn up in big numbers and make the tournament more exciting.”

Peshawar (Sports Report): The 12-day ABS Developers National T20 Cup is set to begin from Saturday at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar with the 10 regional teams vying for the title currently held by Lahore Blues. The defending champions are drawn in Group B alongside Abbottabad, Karachi Blues, Multan and Sialkot regions.The tournament will kick off with two Group A fixtures as Lahore Whites will take on Peshawar in the game starting at 4.15pm, while Faisalabad will be up against Karachi Whites at 9.15pm. The fifth team in Group A is Bahawalpur.A prize pot of PKR 8.5 million will be up for grabs as the winners will be awarded PKR five million and runners up PKR 2.5 million. Best batter, bowler, wicket-keeper and player of the tournament will pocket PKR 100,000 each. Player of the match will get PKR 25,000, while player of the final will get PKR 50,000.Karachi Blues and Bahawalpur are the two teams who have advanced to this tournament by playing the final of the 10-team Qualifier event held in Lahore from 14 to 24 February.Bahawalpur topped their group after winning three out of four matches and beat the Blues in the final by 59 runs. Karachi Blues, meanwhile, won all their four matches before falling short in the final.

Lahore (Staff Report):The HBL Pakistan Super League has announced that nominations for the 11th edition of HBL PSL Hamaray Heroes are now open. Fans from across the country can submit their nominations through an online form (available here) until 3pm on Tuesday, 24 March 2026.Hamaray Heroes, an initiative of the HBL PSL, was first introduced in the fifth edition of the HBL PSL in 2020 and has since become a huge success in a short span of time. The initiative will return for the sixth consecutive year, with the 11th edition set to be bigger and better than previous editions as eight teams feature in the league for the first time.The 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League will commence on 26 March, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars taking on Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opening match at Gaddafi Stadium.Through the Hamaray Heroes initiative, the Pakistan Cricket Board recognises and celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society and have played a role in enhancing the positive image of Pakistan.Some of the notable personalities who were recognised during HBL PSL Hamaray Heroes initiative include, Late Ali Sadpara (Record-breaking mountaineer), Arshad Nadeem (Gold medal in Paris Olympics in javelin), Arslan Ash (Professional E-Sports player), Inam Butt (Wrestler and Gold medalist in CW Games), Kiran Khan (Olympic swimmer), Mohammad Wasim (Boxer) and Dr Mariam Sultana (First Pakistani to do PhD in Astrophysics) The final list of nominees for Hamaray Heroes will be reviewed by a PCB panel tasked with shortlisting candidates who will be recognised during matches of the forthcoming HBL PSL 11.The PCB will present shortlisted candidates with cash awards during HBL PSL matches, while fans will also be able to watch short documentaries highlighting their achievements and inspiring life stories across HBL PSL digital platforms as well as during live match broadcasts.Fans can nominate personalities from various walks of life including, including but not limited to sports (other than cricket), education, healthcare, art, culture, music, social work, social entrepreneurship and technology. The initiative uses the reach and platform of the HBL PSL to acknowledge and celebrate Pakistanis who are making a meaningful difference in society.Nomination guidelines:• Individuals, groups, organisations and businesses can be nominated in multiple categories, depending on eligibility• Nominees must be citizens of Pakistan, individuals of Pakistani heritage, residents of Pakistan or organisations registered in Pakistan.• Nominees must not be employees of the PCB, employees of direct suppliers of commercial products or services to PCB, current employees or members of HBL PSL Hamaray Heroes or employees of presenting partners/sponsors of the initiative.• All submitted nominations and supporting material will remain the property of the PCB and will not be returned• The judges’ panel decision will be final and no further correspondence will be entertained• Submission of a nomination does not guarantee a place on the final shortlist or receipt of an awad

Six uncapped players selected for the three-match ODI seriesLahore (Sports Report):The Pakistan Cricket Board has named a 15-member ODI squad for the three-match series with Bangladesh scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from 11 to 15 March. All three ODIs will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the ODI side, with six uncapped players included in the squad. The uncapped players are Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.Among them, Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood and Shamyl Hussain were part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad that played against England Lions in Abu Dhabi recently.15-member squad:Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl HussainSeries schedule:March 8 – Pakistan arrivalMarch 10 – Practice March 11 – First ODI at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, DhakaMarch 13 – Second ODI at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, DhakaMarch 15 – Third ODI at Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka