Sports Bulletin

Islamabad (Sports News): The matches of the third phase of the ICRC National Physical Disability Cricket Championship began yesterday, on the first day Multan and Bahawalpur won their matches. Hyderabad faced defeat by 199 runs and Sargodha by 35 runs.On the occasion of these matches played at IUB Ground Bahawalpur, Pakistan Physical Disability Cricket Association Secretary Amiruddin Ansari, Multan Region Head Jameel Kamran, Director PPDCA Mohammad Nizam and others were also present.In the first match, Multan defeated Hyderabad by 199 runs. Batting first, Multan scored 237 runs for the loss of four wickets. Majid Hussain played a brilliant innings of 94 runs off 54 balls with the help of 11 fours, while Jahanzeb Tiwana scored 49 runs off 22 balls with the help of 6 fours and two sixes, and Muhammad Matloob scored 36 runs with the help of four fours. Arslan Arshad took two wickets while Abdul Hameed and Hamza Hameed took one wicket each.In reply, Hyderabad's team was bowled out for 38 runs in 11.3 overs. No Hyderabad player could enter double figures. The number of extra runs was 10. Asif Khichi took five wickets for just 2 runs while Muhammad Irfan, Zubair Saleem, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Tariq took one player each. Chief guest Director Sports Islamia University Bahawalpur Amjad Farooq Warraich presented the Player of the Match cash award to Majid Hussain.In the second match, Bahawalpur defeated Sargodha by 35 runs. Batting first, Bahawalpur scored 192 runs for the loss of five wickets. Muhammad Nauman scored a brilliant century, he scored 103 runs off 59 balls with the help of 14 fours and one six, while Abid Hussain scored 23 and Mirza Waseem scored 22 runs. For Sargodha, Muhammad Akram took two wickets while Ali Raza and Asad Ali took one wicket each.In reply, Sargodha's team could score 157 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. Muhammad Naveed scored unbeaten 55 runs off 32 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes, while Muhammad Arshad scored 46 with the help of 6 fours and Ahsan Khalil scored 17 runs. Bahawalpur's Abid Hussain took three wickets which was also a hat-trick feat, Ghulam Muhammad and Abdul Khaliq took two wickets each.Player of the Match Mohammad Nauman was given the cash prize by Qazi Irfan Khalil, Assistant Director Sports Islamia University Bahawalpur, while Secretary PPDCA Amiruddin Ansari also gave a special cash prize to Abid Hussain for taking a hat-trick.

Lahore (Sports Report): Lahore Qalandars to welcomed 16 talented young cricketers from Guyana, along with 2 coaches, for an intensive 4-week High Performance Training Camp at the Smart Qalandars High Performance Centre, Capital Smart City.The camp will provide the visiting players with a world-class, professional cricketing environment and a structured development programme designed to accelerate their growth as elite athletes.Lahore Qalandars extends its special thanks to Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Charles Ramson, Senior Minister of Sports and Culture*, and *Mr. Steven Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry of Sports and Culture*, for their vision, support, and trust in sending the players to Pakistan for this unique experience.Camp Programme Includes:- Individualised skill coaching- Competitive match play- Strength and conditioning- Nutrition management- Player education- Technology-based performance trackingThe programme will be delivered by Lahore Qalandars’ High Performance coaching and support staff, combining on-field technical development with off-field education on fitness, discipline, nutrition, and the demands of modern professional cricket.Sameen Rana, Owner, Lahore Qalandars, said: “We are truly honoured to welcome these 16 young players and their coaches from Guyana to the Smart Qalandars High Performance Centre. This is a special partnership for us.His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali’s vision to empower youth through meaningful opportunities in sports is truly remarkable, and we are proud to support his commitment to taking Guyana cricket to next level.At Lahore Qalandars, we believe talent has no borders. If we can play a small part in Guyana’s cricketing journey, it will be a privilege for us.”

Lahore (Sports Reporter): Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf, who served from 2006 to 2008, has praised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for the redevelopment of Gaddafi Stadium and the ongoing infrastructure development aimed at strengthening Pakistan cricket.Dr Nasim made these remarks during his visit to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on the PCB’s invitation, where Director High Performance Aqib Javed briefed him on age-group cricket programmes, player development pathways and infrastructure upgrades.Dr Nasim said: “Mohsin Naqvi has done an excellent job with the redevelopment of Gaddafi Stadium. Completing the project in time for the ICC Champions Trophy was a remarkable achievement. The stadium is now a world-class venue offering spectators a much better cricket-watching experience.”Expressing satisfaction with the developments at the NCA and LCCA Ground, Dr Nasim particularly appreciated the construction of 20 practice pitches designed to replicate different playing conditions. “The NCA is a comprehensive, world-class facility. The development of specialised pitches, residential facilities reflects detailed planning for young cricketers,” he said.Dr Nasim also commended Aqib Javed’s leadership and the PCB’s structured player development programmes. “Pakistan cricket is moving in the right direction. With continuity and stability, these initiatives can produce a strong pool of players across different age groups over the next three to four years.” The former Chairman emphasised sustained investment in grassroots cricket and improved access to cricket grounds nationwide.

Dubai (PR): Cricket in China has long held ambitions of reaching a wider mainstream audience, waiting for the right opportunity to accelerate its growth. That moment may now be approaching.The World Championship of Cricket (WCC), in association with Dongyuehui Sports, is preparing to usher in a new era for the sport in China through the launch of a landmark franchise-based competition.In a first for the country, a world-class, Eight-team Legends T20 franchise league is set to be introduced, representing a significant step in cricket's global expansion and opening exciting new possibilities for the game in China. The inaugural edition is planned for May 2027, bringing together some of the sport's most celebrated former international stars.With the International Cricket Council (ICC) identifying new growth markets for the sport, the timing could not be more significant. Cricket's inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games provides additional momentum, creating an opportunity for China to accelerate its cricketing development and play a meaningful role in the sport's global growth story.The foundation for this ambitious venture was established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2026 between WCC and Dongyuehui Sports, operator of the Shaxi Town Cricket Centre in Taicang, Jiangsu Province. The agreement was signed by Praveen Sharma, Chairman of WCC, and Yonghui Tong, Chairman of Dongyuehui Sports.Beyond hosting a marquee international competition, the initiative reflects a broader vision of making cricket a truly global sport by introducing it to new markets and audiences.Praveen Sharma, Chairman of WCC, said:"Cricket has the unique ability to connect people across cultures and borders, and China presents one of the most exciting opportunities for the sport's future growth. We are seeking the support of the Local Authorities and our partnership with Dongyuehui Sports, we are committed to delivering a world-class cricketing experience and creating a platform that can inspire the next generation of players and fans. This agreement marks an important milestone in turning that vision into reality."Amandeep Singh, Founder of WCC, said:“Taking WCC to China has been an ambition from the beginning. Today’s signing brings that ambition a step closer. We want to give fans the chance to watch celebrated cricketers in action and introduce new audiences to the excitement of the game. We look forward to working with our partners in Taicang to make the inaugural edition something special.”WCC is promoted by the owners of the World Tennis League (WTL), Stars Golf League (SGL) and World Padel League (WPL), bringing extensive experience in developing and managing international franchise sporting events.Combined with the local expertise and infrastructure developed by Dongyuehui Sports, the league is expected to bring world-class cricket closer to China's growing sporting audience while generating increased interest and participation in the game.Yonghui Tong, Chairman of Dongyuehui Sports, said:"Our vision is to establish China as a destination for major international sporting events, and to position the Shaxi Town Cricket Centre as the leading home of cricket in the country. Partnering with WCC allows us to introduce some of the biggest names in world cricket to Chinese fans, inspire greater participation in the sport, and create a lasting legacy for cricket's growth in China."For China's emerging cricketers, the league could provide a unique opportunity to learn from some of the game's most accomplished players, many of whom have competed at the highest level, including the ICC Cricket World Cup. While these legends have played around the world, the WCC Legends League will mark the first time many of them experience competing in China.As a franchise-based competition, WCC also presents opportunities for private investors and investment funds to participate in cricket's expansion into China through franchise ownership, strategic partnerships and commercial investment in one of the world's largest consumer markets.What once seemed an ambitious vision is rapidly taking shape. With WCC and Dongyuehui Sports joining forces, China may be about to embark on a new innings in its sporting journey, one that has the potential to bring cricket closer than ever to its ambition of becoming a truly global game.

Oman (Sports Report): Rizwanullah’s five-wicket haul helped Pakistan beat Bangladesh by nine wickets in the first semi-final to qualify for the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Oman. Defending champions Pakistan will face either India or Afghanistan in the final scheduled on Saturday, with the two sides currently playing the second semi-final.Batting first at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat, Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs, courtesy of right-arm pacer Rizwanullah’s figures of five for 30 in eight overs. Left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam took two wickets for 29 runs for Pakistan.For Bangladesh, opening batter Abdullah Al Muhi scored a 45-ball 50, which included four fours and two sixes.In turn, Pakistan achieved the target in 21.5 overs, losing just one wicket. Hayam Khan top-scored with 69 off 72 balls, including eight fours and a six. He knitted a 123-run opening partnership with Usman Khan, who remained unbeaten on 64 off 54 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes.Pakistan remain unbeaten in the tournament, having beaten UAE, India and Nepal in the group stage.Scores in briefBangladesh 138 all out, 31.4 overs (Abdullah Al Muhi 50; Rizwanullah 5-30, Mohammad Sayyam 2-29)Pakistan 141-1, 21.5 overs (Hayam Khan 69, Usman Khan 64)Player of the match – Rizwanullah (Pakistan U19)

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Pakistan reached 57 for the loss of one wicket in their second innings on the fourth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, securing a lead of 45 runs with nine wickets remaining.Play was called off at 3:00 pm due to bad light and rain. After the lunch break, the match had already been interrupted because of poor light. Pakistan managed to face 21.2 overs in their second innings, while a total of 40.4 overs were bowled during the day.At stumps, openers Azan Awais was unbeaten on 22 and Muhammad Taha was batting on 24. Muhammad Tayyab Arif was the only wicket to fall, scoring 11 runs. Asitha Fernando claimed the wicket for Sri Lanka.Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 446 in their first innings, adding just 42 runs while losing their remaining six wickets on the fourth day.Dhananjaya de Silva top-scored with an outstanding 167 runs, while captain Kusal Mendis contributed 119. Kamindu Mendis scored 58 and Lahiru Udara made 42. Sonal Dinusha scored 20, Milan Rathnayake 12, Asitha Fernando 4 and Dinesh Chandimal 1. Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Lahiru Kumara were dismissed without scoring, while Dilshan Madushanka remained unbeaten on zero.For Pakistan, Saqib Khan delivered an impressive performance, taking seven wickets for 130 runs. Mohammad Abbas claimed two wickets, while Razaullah took one.Earlier, Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434 for nine, conceding a 12-run lead to Sri Lanka.The fifth and final day of the Test is set to take place on Friday with Pakistan holding a 45-run lead and nine wickets in hand.

Debutant Saqib Khan destroys Sri Lankan batting line, pacer claim 7 wicketsAbdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPND: Pacer Saqib Khan quashed the batting line visiting Sri Lankan team by claiming 7 wickets in the first session of penultimate day of the Rawalpindi Test match, as Sri Lanka were 404 for 4 at the end of day 3 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.Sri Lanka's first innings came to an end at 446 runs on the fourth day of the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The visitors secured a 12-run lead over Pakistan's first-innings total of 434 runs.Sri Lanka had finished the third day at 404 for four, but Pakistani bowlers staged an impressive comeback on the fourth day, taking the remaining six wickets for just 44 runs. The visitors were bowled out for 446 in 117.2 overs. Fast bowler Saqib Khan delivered an outstanding performance for Pakistan, claiming seven wickets in Sri Lanka's first innings and putting the visitors' batting line-up under pressure.For Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva was the top scorer with 167 runs, while Kusal Mendis contributed 117 and Kamindu Mendis added 58 runs. Following the conclusion of Sri Lanka's innings, Pakistan began their second innings. The national team will now look to overcome the 12-run deficit and build a lead through responsible batting. It is worth mentioning that the match is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2026–27 

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka strengthened their position in the Rawalpindi Test on the third day, reaching 404 for 4 at stumps in their first innings, just 30 runs behind Pakistan's total of 434. The visitors have six wickets remaining and are in a commanding position heading into the fourth day.Bad light once again disrupted play, forcing an early close with 23 overs remaining. A total of 70 overs have now been lost due to poor light over the first three days of the Test. Pakistan's bowlers managed to claim just one wicket on the third day.Dhananjaya de Silva remained unbeaten on 167, while captain Kusal Mendis was not out on 117. The pair built an outstanding unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 249 runs, putting Sri Lanka in a strong position.Earlier, Kamindu Mendis scored 58, Lahiru Udara contributed 42, Dinesh Chandimal managed just one run, while Pasindu Sooriyabandara was dismissed for a duck. For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas and Shakib Khan picked up two wickets each.Pakistan had declared their first innings at 434 for 9, leaving Sri Lanka just 30 runs short of taking the lead as the match heads into the fourth day.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated Paul Reiffel of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for completing a century of One Day Internationals as an on-field umpire at the third ODI between New Zealand and India in Hamilton on Tuesday. Reiffel has become the 23rd umpire to stand in at least 100 ODIs and the sixth Australian to do so after Daryl Harper, Simon Taufel, Darrell Hair, Steve Davis and Rod Tucker.ICC General Manager – Events and Cricket Operations, Gaurav Saxena said: “The ICC is fortunate to have an esteemed panel of umpires who bring a wealth of experience and understanding of the game, both as former players and officials. Paul is a great example of that journey.“Having played at the highest level of international cricket, he has successfully transitioned into umpiring and established himself as one of the most respected officials in the game. His 13 years on the Elite Panel speak volumes about his consistency, professionalism and the high standards he has maintained.“On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate Paul on reaching the significant milestone of 100 ODIs as an umpire and wish him continued success in the years ahead.”Paul Reiffel said: “I am grateful to the ICC and Cricket Australia for their support over the years, and to my colleagues on the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and Referees for the great camaraderie and advice along the way.“I would also like to thank my family and friends for always being there for me and for their constant support and encouragement. It has been a wonderful journey to be involved in the game at the highest level, first as a cricketer and then as an umpire, and I feel fortunate to have had these opportunities.“I look forward to being part of many more matches and making many more memories in the years ahead.”Reifel was named in Australia’s national umpire panel in 2005, six years after his final international appearance and in 2008 became the first former Australian Test cricketer to be appointed to the ICC International Panel of Umpires. He was promoted to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in June 2013.Reiffel’s first ODI as an umpire was between Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne in February 2009 and he has stood at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups in 2015, 2019 and 2023. He has also officiated in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in the 2017 and 2025 editions. Reiffel and Kumar Dharmasena of Sri Lanka are the only two men to have both played in and umpired in 90 ODIs.

Rawalpindi (Sports Reporter): Tickets for the second Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will go on sale on Thursday, 12 November from 3pm onwards. The second Test, which was rescheduled from Lahore to Rawalpindi will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 17 to 21 November.Tickets will be available at designated TCS Express Centres (infographic attached).Pakistan and Sri Lanka are currently playing the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both Tests are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.To facilitate cricket fans, tickets for all five days of the second Test will be available for PKR 200 in all enclosures, including the VIP enclosure.Tickets for the PCB Gallery, located in the main building, will be available for PKR 800 (per person/ per day) for all five days of the Test match.Fans can also purchase seats in the Platinum Box for PKR 8,000 (per person/ per day) on all five days of the second Test.