Sports Bulletin

Dubai (SBR): Pakistan captain Babar Azam has returned to the top 10 of the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings after two years following his team’s eight-wicket win over the West Indies in Port of Spain that helped draw the two-match ICC World Test Championship series.The 31-year-old scored 88 and 24 not out, advancing five slots to 10th position in the rankings. He had slipped out of the top 10 in September 2024 after remaining there continuously for the previous five years. Babar’s career best second position was achieved during a home series against England in December 2022.Abdullah Shafique, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten knocks of 160 and 24, has progressed 25 slots to 32nd position, overtaking players like Marnus Labuschagne, K.L. Rahul and compatriots Salman Agha and Shan Masood in the process.Brandon King of the West Indies is another player to rise in the batters’ list, up from 73rd to joint-69th despite being unable to bat in the second innings due to a back injury. He scored 46 off 50 balls in the first innings.The bowling rankings see the West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph inch up one place to 19th after finishing with three wickets in the match while Pakistan off-spinner Sajid Khan (up five places to 30th), new-ball bowler Mohammad Ali (up eight places to 85th) and left-arm spinner Ali Usman (up 58 places to 97th) have also moved up.In the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings, Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has risen three positions to 11th after scoring 32 and 71 in the second and third matches of their series against Ireland. Oman’s Hammad Mirza (up two places to 85th) and the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Rahul Chopra (up 37 places to joint-97th) have advanced following their performances in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 series in Dundee.Ireland’s seam bowler Mark Adair returns in 17th position after picking two wickets each in two matches against Afghanistan and Scotland’s Brandon McMullen is up 10 spots to joint-48th in the bowlers’ list after taking three wickets each against Canada and the UAE in Dundee.The drawn Test series in the West Indies has not helped the cause of either team as they occupy the bottom two positions in the ICC World Test Championship points table.Australia are at the top with 87.50 percentage points with seven wins and a loss in eight outings while South Africa (75.00) and New Zealand (72.22) are in second and third positions, respectively.

BIPIN DANIOn 11th August 2026, cricket paused to remember the man who embodied resilience, artistry, and dignity at the crease — Hanif Mohammad, Pakistan’s original Little Master. It marked the 10th anniversary since his passing, yet his legacy continues to inspire generations.Hanif Mohammad, famed for his marathon innings and unmatched technique, was more than just a cricketer; he was a symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing pride in its formative years. His son, former Test cricketer Shoaib Mohammad, shared exclusive reflections on this solemn occasion.A Global HonourShoaib recalled a remarkable gesture that underscored his father’s stature beyond borders: “Perhaps he is the only Pakistani cricketer for whom even the Great Britain’s flag was half-mast — which is done for royalties and through the Queen’s consent only.”Such recognition, rare and historic, highlighted Hanif’s universal respect as a sportsman who transcended national boundaries.A Legacy Awaiting RecognitionYet, Shoaib expressed regret that his father’s contributions have not been fully honoured at home: “It’s a pity no ground has been allocated under his name as yet. Imagine the prestige and honour he brought for Pakistan with his world records.”Hanif’s 970-minute epic 337 against the West Indies in 1958 — the longest innings in Test history — remains a monument to endurance. One year later, he scored the highest first class innings to that point-499 (run out). His records and influence laid the foundation for Pakistan’s cricketing identity, but Shoaib’s words remind us that institutional recognition still lags behind.Ten years on, Hanif Mohammad’s memory is not just about statistics; it is about the dignity with which he carried Pakistan’s flag on the world stage. His son’s heartfelt words echo a call for fitting tributes — perhaps a stadium or ground in his name — so future generations can remember the Little Master not only through books and stories, but through living monuments to his greatness.

Multan (SBR): Fakhar Zaman struck his 20th List-A century off just 76 balls to help PCB Greens overhaul the 277-run target in 49 overs with five wickets in the bag against PCB Whites in the opening match of the AL Batal presents University of Lahore National Champions Cup 2026-27 here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Left handed opener Fakhar became the sixth Pakistan batter to rack up 20 or more List A tons joining Babar Azam (31), Khurram Manzoor (27), Saeed Anwar (26), Salman Butt (24) and Kamran Akmal (21) on the list. It was also his second fastest century in the format besides his 63-ball ton against New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. PCB Greens got off to a fine start in the chase as Fakhar and Sameer Minhas put on a 90-run opening stand in 14 overs. Khushdil Shah drew the first blood for Whites as he bowled Sameer for 24 off 33 including two fours. Fakhar brought up his half-century off 39 balls before taking another 37 for his second fifty. Fakhar did much of the scoring in the second wicket stand of 67 off 56 balls as Omair bin Yousuf departed for eight off 19 in the 24th over. Greens’ dashing opener brought up his ton a with a four and a double against Ali Raza in the 21st over. Shahnawaz Dahani brought an end to Fakhar’s rampaging 123 off 104 balls involving 18 fours and two sixes in the 29th over. Saad Baig (22, 28b, 3x4s) and debutant Farhan Yousuf (38, 44b, 4x4s, 1x6) were the other two wickets to fall. Farhan made his List-A debut memorable by smashing Shahnawaz Dahani for a hat-trick of fours in the 33rd over. Skipper Shadab Khan (34 not out, 45b, 3x4s) and Faheem Ashraf (11 not out, 21b, 1x4) saw off the game by the end of the penultimate over after Farhan had fallen in the 43rd.Leg-spinner Saad Masood was the pick of Greens’ bowlers with figures of two for 30 in seven overs. Earlier, half-centuries from Shahzaib Khan, Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah led Pakistan Whites to a decent total. Shahzaib top-scored with 76 off 88 – his sixth List-A fifty – as he stitched a valuable third-wicket stand of 78 with Usman Khan (34, 52b, 2x4s, 1x6) after Whites had lost skipper Saim Ayub and Mohsin Riaz early. Saim was run out in the fifth over for 14 off 18 via a throw from Farhan, while Mohsin was caught and bowled by Mohammad Salman Mirza for one. Usman fell to Mehran Mumtaz in the 24th over just as the partnership was heading towards the three-figure mark. N0.5 Hasan Nawaz and No.6 Khushdil Shah both came together when Shahzaib’ stay at the crease was cut short by Naseem Shah, who castled him from round the wicket, bringing an end to the 44-run fourth-wicket stand. Hasan and Khushdil remained at the wicket for 80 balls and gathered 77 runs. Whites reached the 200-run mark with Khushdil hitting a boundary in the 40th over. At this juncture, Whites looked poised for a 300-run total with two set batters but PCB Greens pacers made a comeback. Faheem Ashraf first removed Hasan for 56 off 61 inclusive of one four and two sixes as Whites lost four for 35 in the last 40 balls. Naseem got rid of Khushdil (51, 44b, 2x4s, 3x6s) in the 45th over and then returned to bag the wicket of Saad Masood in the 47th. Haris Rauf remained unbeaten for 11 off nine having hit one six. Naseem finished with three for 46 in nine overs. Faheem accounted for Mohammad Wasim Jnr in the last over of the innings to return figures of two fo 35 in seven overs. Salman and Mehran had a wicket each to their name. Scores in brief Match 1 - Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Whites by five wickets at Multan Cricket Stadium Pakistan Whites 276-8, 50 overs (Shahzaib Khan 76, Hasan Nawaz 56, Khushdil Shah 51, Usman Khan 34; Naseem Shah 3-46, Faheem Ashraf 2-35)Pakistan Greens 277-5, 49 overs (Fakhar Zaman 123, Farhan Yousuf 38, Shadab Khan 34 not out, Sameer Minhas 24, Saad Baig 22; Saad Masood 2-30) Player of the match – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan Greens) Tournament schedule:11 August – Pakistan Greens beat Pakistan Whites by five wickets 12 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Gold13 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Whites           14 August – Pakistan Gold v Pakistan Greens15 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Greens16 August – Pakistan Gold v Pakistan Whites18 August – Final (Top two teams)

Dubai (PR): Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been reprimanded after he was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second ODI against Ireland in Bready on Friday.Azmatullah was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.”One demerit point has been added to Azmatullah’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.The incident occurred in the 41st over of Afghanistan’s innings, when he remained at the crease for a prolonged period of time after he had been given out, gesticulating his displeasure at the decision.Azmatullah admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Dean Cosker of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing.On-field umpires Gareth Morrison and Roly Black, third umpire Johnny Kennedy and fourth umpire George Brolly levelled the charge.Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

Multan (Sadia Yousaf): The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced the Match Officials panel for the upcoming National Champions Cup 2026-27 set to take place from 11 to 18 August at the Multan Cricket Stadium. A total of seven 50-over matches will be played with the final scheduled on Tuesday, 18 August. Former Test cricketer Ali Naqvi along with Kamran Chaudhary will lead the playing control teams throughout the four-team tournament. Ali and Kamran both are part of ICC International Panel of Match Referees. Among the umpires, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain and Rashid Riaz Waqar of ICC International Panel of Umpires will perform duties with Abdul Moqeet, Syed Imtiaz Iqbal, Tariq Rasheed and Zulfiqar Jan of PCB National Elite Panel of Umpires. For the opening match on Tuesday, 11 August, Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan will be on-field umpires, while Faisal Khan Aafreedi will perform duties as third umpire. Imtiaz Iqbal will be the fourth umpire on opening day of the tournament. In the all-important final, Ali Naqvi will lead the playing control team comprising of on-field umpires Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Faisal Khan Aafreedi and fourth umpire Nasir Hussain. Complete tournament appointments:  11 August – Pakistan Greens v Pakistan Whites, Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field), Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third), Syed Imtiaz Iqbal (fourth) and Kamran Chaudhary (referee) 12 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Gold, Rashid Riaz Waqar and Nasir Hussain (on-field), Abdul Moqeet (third), Tariq Rasheed (fourth) and Ali Naqvi (referee) 13 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Whites, Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Syed Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth) and Kamran Chaudhary (referee) 14 August – Pakistan Gold v Pakistan Greens, Tariq Rasheed and Abdul Moqeet (on-field), Rashid Riaz (third), Nasir Hussain (fourth) and Ali Naqvi (referee)15 August – Pakistan Blues v Pakistan Greens, Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third), Syed Imtiaz Iqbal (fourth) and Kamran Chaudhary (referee)16 August – Pakistan Gold v Pakistan Whites, Nasir Hussain and Tariq Rasheed (on-field), Rashid Riaz Waqar (third), Abdul Moqeet (fourth) and Ali Naqvi (referee)18 August – Final – Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz Waqar (on-field), Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third), Nasir Hussain (fourth) and Ali Naqvi (referee)

London (SBR): England Men have named a 16-player squad for the opening two Rothesay Tests against Pakistan. The series begins at Headingley on Wednesday 19 August.England Men’s Test squad (16 player):Joe Root (Yorkshire – captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Cook (Essex), Jordan Cox (Essex), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Matthew Fisher (Surrey), Emilio Gay (Durham), Dan, Lawrence (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)Dan Lawrence, the second-leading runscorer in Division One of the Rothesay County Championship this season, is recalled two years after his most recent Test appearance against Sri Lanka and is set to bat at six.Jordan Cox, who made his Test debut earlier this summer against New Zealand at the Kia Oval, is to bat at three in place of the injured Jacob Bethell.Bethell sustained a right knee injury during the Metro Bank ODI series against India last month and is set to be sidelined for the entirety of the Rothesay Test Series against Pakistan.Sam Cook is also included having played one Test against Zimbabwe last summer, while Brydon Carse and Ollie Pope return for the first time since last winter’s Ashes Series defeat in Australia.Joe Root will captain the Test team in a permanent capacity for the first time since 2022 in front of his home crowd at Headingley.England Men National Selector, Marcus North, said: “We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team.“Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season so far with Surrey and we believe he has the right level of experience, maturity and skill to complement our middle order.“Jordan Cox is well regarded as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket and will have the opportunity to bat at 3 in place of Jacob Bethell, who sadly misses this series through injury.”ends

Port of Spain (SBR): Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance on the fourth day of the second Test to beat West Indies by eight wickets at the Queen’s Park Oval and level the two-match series 1-1. Set a target of 75 after dismissing the hosts for 117 in their second innings, Pakistan completed the chase in 23.3 overs for the loss of two wickets. Abdullah Shafique, who was named player of the match for his unbeaten 160 in the first innings, remained not out on 24 alongside captain Babar Azam, who also scored an unbeaten 24. West Indies resumed their second innings on the fourth morning at 103 for six, holding an overall lead of only 60 runs. Pakistan’s bowlers required just 5.2 overs to claim the remaining four wickets, restricting the home side to 117 in 46.1 overs. Ali Usman and Sajid Khan shared eight wickets between them in the innings. Ali returned figures of four for 39 from 19.1 overs, while Sajid claimed four for 32 from 12 overs. Mohammad Ali removed Justin Greaves for three before Ali Usman accounted for Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph to complete the West Indies collapse. Brandon King was unable to bat because of injury. Pakistan lost Imam-ul-Haq for nine early in their chase when he was caught off the bowling of Jayden Seales. Azan Awais contributed 18 before being bowled by Joseph, leaving Pakistan at 42 for two. Abdullah and Babar then combined in an unbroken 35-run partnership to guide Pakistan to victory. Babar accelerated towards the conclusion, striking two fours and two sixes in his 30-ball innings, as Pakistan reached 77 for two.The foundation for Pakistan’s victory had been established through Abdullah’s outstanding first-innings performance. The right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 160 from 323 balls, hitting 15 fours and three sixes. Abdullah’s unbeaten scores of 160 and 24 earned him the player-of-the-match award and ensured Pakistan ended the tour with a deserved series-levelling victory. Scores in brief: Pakistan beat West Indies by eight wickets West Indies 344 all out, 105.4 overs (Justin Greaves 73, Roston Chase 70; Sajid Khan 4-85) and 117 all out, 46.1 overs (Kavem Hodge 34; Ali Usman 4-39, Sajid Khan 4-32) Pakistan 387 all out, 115 overs (Abdullah Shafique 160 not out, Babar Azam 88, Azan Awais 55; Jomel Warrican 6-112) and Pakistan 77-2, 23.3 overs (Abdullah Shafique 24 not out, Babar Azam 24 not out) Player of the match: Abdullah Shafique 

Islamabad (Sports News): UR United Faisal Hills successfully defended their Super League Edition III crown with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Faisal Hills Badshah in the day-night final played at the Faisal Hills Cricket Ground, Taxila.After winning the toss, UR United captain Habib Ullah opted to bowl first, a decision that proved decisive as his bowlers restricted Faisal Hills Badshah to 157 runs.For Faisal Hills Badshah, Sohail Afridi top-scored with 43, while Uzair contributed 31 and Usman Shah added 22. UR United's bowling attack shared the spoils, with Waleed Arif, Lala Haq, and Asif Manzoor claiming two wickets each to keep the opposition under pressure throughout the innings.Chasing 158, the defending champions produced a flawless batting display, reaching the target in just 15.4 overs without losing a wicket. Captain Habib Ullah led from the front with a magnificent 103 not out, while Rohan remained unbeaten on 49, as the opening pair completed one of the most dominant run chases in the tournament's history.Tournament Awards:Player of the Final: Habib UllahImpact Player of the Final: Usman ShahColourful Innings of the Final: RohanBest Player of the Tournament: UzairBest Batter of the Tournament: Habib UllahBest Bowler of the Tournament: Asif ManzoorEmerging Player of the Tournament: Ahsan Mehmood

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) has increased the monthly honorarium for the National Blind Cricket Players of different categories.According to an official of PBCC, reinforcing its commitment to the welfare and recognition of visually impaired athletes, Blind Cricket Council has enhanced the monthly honorarium for 18 outstanding national blind cricketers in recognition of their consistent performances in recent domestic competitions.The revised honorarium will be effective for six months, from July to December 2026, under PBCC's Player Support Programme. To support its athletes in view of increasing living costs, PBCC has increased the monthly honorarium across all categories. Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council congratulates all selected players and wishes them continued success in their future national and international assignments. Category Monthly Honorarium:A Rs. 32,000B Rs. 26,000C Rs. 22,000Names of Selected Players:Badar Munir (A), Kamran Akhter (A), Nisar Ali (B), Mati Ullah (B), Mohammad Safdar (B), Mohammad Rashid (B), Mohammad Shahzaib (C), Moain Aslam (C), Babar Ali (C), Niamat Ullah (C), Sana Ullah Marwat (C), Israr Hassan (C), Mohsin Khan (C), Junaid Khan (C), Talha Iqbal (C), Mohammad Idrees Saleem (C), Naeem Ullah (C), and Anees Javed (C).

Dambulla (SBR):Ayesha Zafar’s 39 and two wickets from Momina Riasat led Pakistan women to a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka women in the third T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Tuesday afternoon. It was touring side’s first win in the three-match T20I series.Chasing 114 to win, Pakistan achieved the target for the loss of six wickets with 10 balls to spare. Right-handed batter Ayesha top-scored for the winning side with a 31-ball 39, which included six fours.Shawaal Zulfiqar also contributed with the bat, scoring a 12-ball 21, which included three fours and a six.For the hosts, captain Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari took two wickets each.Earlier, after being put into bat, Sri Lanka scored 113 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Athapaththu was the top scorer for the hosts with 34. The left-handed batter’s innings included five fours.For Pakistan, 23-year-old Momina Riasat was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of two for 18 from four overs.Pakistan ended the tour with two wins from the six matches played.Scores in brief:Sri Lanka 113-6, 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 34, Sanjana Kavindi 20; Momina Riasat 2-18)Pakistan 115-6, 18.2 overs (Ayesha Zafar 39, Shawaal Zulfiqar 21; Chamari Athapaththu 2-20, Kavisha Dilhari 2-24)Player of the match – Ayesha Zafar (Pakistan)Player of the series – Imesha Dulani (Sri Lanka)