Sports Bulletin

Lahore(SBR): Lahore Qalandars have confirmed the inclusion of Bangladesh’s legendary all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the remainder of the HBL Pakistan Super League Season 10. He will join he squad on May 17 in Islamabad.Shakib, widely regarded as one of Bangladesh's greatest cricketers, boasts an exceptional T20 record with 7,438 runs and 492 wickets, including career-best bowling figures of 6 for 6. A proven performer in T20 leagues around the world, his arrival is expected to strengthen Lahore Qalandars’ depth and balance as the team approaches the final stages of the group round.Shakib replaces Daryl Mitchell, who is unavailable due to a hand injury sustained during his last over against Karachi Kings on May 4. He got a blow on his left hand in 14.2 overs in Gaddafi Stadium in a rain-effected contest.Expressing his excitement about joining the side, Shakib Al Hasan said: “I’m really happy to join Lahore Qalandars for the ongoing PSL season. We’re at a crucial stage of the competition where every game counts. It’s a tournament I’ve always enjoyed watching, and now I’m looking forward to contributing on the field. Qalandars have great fans and a strong team spirit, and I’m excited to be a part of the group as we push for a strong finish.”Sameen Rana, Team Director of Lahore Qalandars, welcomed the addition: “I’m excited to welcome Shakib to the Lahore Qalandars family. His experience, skill, and all-round ability make him a valuable addition, especially at this important stage of the tournament. His presence will add depth to our squad, and we’re confident he’ll have a strong impact both on and off the field.

Dubai(SBR): Seasoned opening batter Mohammad Waseem will lead the 15-member UAE squad for the two-match T20I series against Bangladesh which will be staged at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The matches will be played on Saturday, 17 May and Monday, 19 May – 7:00pm local time.  Squad: Mohammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’ Souza, Haider Ali, Matiullah Khan, Mohammad Jawadullah, Mohammad Zohaib, Mohammad Zuhaib, Rahul Chopra, Saghir Khan, Sanchit Sharma and Simranjeet Singh. scheduleSaturday, 17 May, 1st T20I – 7:00pm Sharjah Cricket StadiumMonday, 19 May, 2nd T20I – 7:00pm Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Karachi(SBR):Invincibles’ left-arm pacer Neha Sharmin Nadeem picked up 3-14 in four overs to help her team overcome Fatima Sana’s Conquerors in the sixth round of the National Women’s T20 Tournament 2024-25 at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.Neha provided the Invincibles with a head-start as she dismissed both the opposition opening batters for golden ducks before castling Najiha Alvi for a run-a-ball 16 to leave Conquerors 37-3.Skipper Fatima, who is currently leading the batting charts with 252 runs, continued her fine form with the bat as she contributed 41 runs off 32 balls with the help of seven fours, while also partnering with Hafsa Khalid (24, 35b, 4x4s) for a 33-run stand.Fatima fell prey to Tania Saeed, who returned figures of 4-0-18-2, as Conquerors were restricted to 107-8 in 20 overs.In turn, Ayesha Zafar (47, 35b, 8x4s) and Omaima Sohail (44 not out, 41b, 7x4s) forged a 91-run alliance for the second wicket after Humna Bilal landed an early blow to remove Muneeba Ali. Invincibles reached the target in 15.5 overs with eight wickets in hand.In the other sixth round fixture at the Oval Academy Ground, Strikers rolled over Stars by nine wickets as they chased the 98-run target in 12.4 overs to bag their second win in the tournament.Skipper Gull Feroza (37 not out, 42b, 3x4s) and player of the match Noreen Yaqoob (28, 21b, 4x4s, 1x6) put on a 56-run opening stand before Stars’ Tuba Hassan removed the latter. Eyman Fatima struck two fours and as many sixes in her unbeaten 14-ball 28 to take the team over the line.Earlier, Stars’ bid to win the toss and bat first fell flat as they slipped to 26-3 and then 55-5 as opening batter Sana Urooj contributed 19 runs off 17 balls hitting four boundaries.Tuba Hassan, batting at no.6, top scored with a 25-ball 30 inclusive of four fours, Hurraina Sajjad (14 not out, 15b, 1x4) and Sidra Nawaz’s (14, 27b, 2x4s) contributions pushed the Stars 97-7 in the allotted 20 overs.For Strikers, Anam Amin and Ayesha Bilal snapped two wickets each, while Noreen, Diana Baig and Rehmat Noreen dismissed one batter each.Scores in brief:Match 11: Invincibles beat Conquerors by eight wickets at the National Bank StadiumConquerors 107-8, 20 overs (Fatima Sana 41, Hafsa Khalid 24; Neha Sharmin Nadeem 3-14, Tania Saeed 2-18)Invincibles 108-2, 15.5 overs (Ayesha Zafar 47, Omaima Sohail 44 not out)Player of the match – Neha Sharmin Nadeem (Invincibles)Match 12: Strikers beat Stars by nine wickets at the Oval Academy GroundStars 97-7, 20 overs (Tuba Hassan 30, Sana Urooj 19; Anam Amin 2-14, Ayesha Bila 2-16)Strikers 98-1, 12.4 overs (Gull Feroza 37 not out, Eyman Fatima 28 not out, Noreen Yaqoob 28)Player of the match – Noreen Yaqoob (Strikers)7th round fixtures, Friday, 16 May: (both matches to begin at 3pm PKT)Match 13: Challengers v Stars at National Bank StadiumMatch 14: Strikers v Invincibles at Oval Academy Ground

Dubai(UAE) Fourth edition of the second-most watched T20 league in the world to be played from Tuesday, 2 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2025• “We are delighted to confirm that the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will commence on the UAE National Day – Eid-Al-Etihad – which is one of the most important days on the UAE calendar,” says Chairman ILT20 and Vice-Chairman Emirates Cricket Board Khalid Al Zarooni• “Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in early February hence it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty. In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide the teams’ the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players,” says CEO DP World ILT20 David WhiteDubai, 14 May 2025: The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with the six-team, 34-match tournament set to conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.The biggest T20 league in the Gulf region has moved out of its traditional January-February window as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in February-March 2026.*Chairman ILT20 and Vice-Chairman Emirates Cricket Board Khalid Al Zarooni:* “We are delighted to confirm that the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will commence on the UAE National Day – Eid-Al-Etihad – which is one of the most important days on the UAE calendar.“The UAE National Day is the day where we celebrate the United Arab Emirates which is home to people from around the world including millions of diehard cricket fans. It is a real honour for us to join the nation in the UAE National Day 2025 celebrations with the launch of the region’s biggest T20 league – the DP World ILT20 Season 4, on the same day.”*CEO DP World ILT20 David White:* “Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in early February hence it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty. In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide the teams’ the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players.“Season 3 was a big success with outstanding broadcast and digital numbers as the fans enjoyed a step-up in the quality of cricket. The teams gave their absolute all across the hugely competitive 34-tournament matches which concluded with a nail-biting final won by the Dubai Capitals in the last over of the match in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium. We are now fully focused on making an even bigger impact as we turn our attention to Season 4.”*DP World ILT20’s Season 3 featured some of the biggest T20 stars including; Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran (player of the tournament – red belt winner), Shai Hope (most runs in the tournament – green belt winner), Fazalhaq Farooqi (highest wicket-taker – white belt winner), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder, Alex Hales, Fakhar Zaman, Lockie Ferguson, David Warner, Rovman Powell, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, James Vince, Shimron Hetmyer, Tom Banton, Romario Shepherd, Tim Southee, Tim Seifert, Matthew Wade, Jason Roy, Adil Rashid and Adam Zampa.The Dubai Capitals won the glittering trophy, edging out the Desert Vipers in a thrilling final which was played in front of a full house at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, 9 February 2025. 

Karachi(SBR)Conquerors skipper Fatima Sana struck a masterful 88 off 49 balls against Challengers to help her team register second win of the National Women’s T20 tournament 2024-25 at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Saturday evening. Challengers were restricted to 137-7 in their pursuit of the 166-run target.Fatima, who walked in to bat at no.5 with 45 runs on the board, struck 14 fours and three sixes in her commanding knock, while also partnering for a mammoth 111-run stand with Najiha Alvi (25 not out, 25b, 2x4s).For Challengers, Rameen Shamim returned figures of 4-0-19-2, while Zaib-un-Nisa and Quratulain dimissed one batter each.In turn, Challengers’ Aliya Riaz, who turned up at no.3, top-scored with 36 off 34 balls hitting three fours and two sixes, while also stitching a 29-run stand with opening batter Sadaf Shamas (30, 30b, 5x4s, 1x6).With Challengers slipping to 80-5 after being 72-2, skipper Rameen (27 n0t out, 15b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Gull Rukh (17, 12b, 1x6) waged a fightback but in vain as they fell 28 runs short. For Conquerors Mahnoor Aftab picked up two wickets.At the Oval Academy Ground, Stars’ skipper Sidra Amin continued her brilliant form with the bat as she struck a 44-ball 59 inclusive of seven fours and one six in her team’s 69-run win over Invincibles.After the departure of opening batter Samiya Afsar (18, 12b, 4x4s) with 28 runs on the board, no.3 batter Sidra partnered with Sana Urooj (45, 41b, 4x4s, 2x6s) for a 75-run stand. Huraina Sajjad (18, 10b, 3x4s) and Tuba Hassan (17, 14b, 1x6) also chipped in with valuable contributions with the bat as Stars posted 172-5 in their 20 overs.For Invincibles, Omaima Sohail dismissed two batters for 27 runs in her four overs.With the ball, Stars’ Waheeda Akhtar ran riot with figures of 4-1-16-4, while Anosha Nasir and Tuba Hassan dismissed two batters each as Invincibles folded for a mere 103-9 in 20 overs. No batters except Muneeba Ali (40, 28b, 7x4s) and Omaima (30, 29b, 4x4s) entered the double figures for Invincibles, who have now lost three matches on the trot.Scores in brief:Match 5: Conquerors beat Challengers by 28 runs at the National Bank StadiumConquerors 165-5, 20 overs (Fatima Sana 88, Najiha Alvi 25 not out; Rameen Shamim 2-19)Challengers 137-7, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 36, Sadaf Shamas 30, Rameen Shamim 27 not out; Mahnoor Aftab 2-9)Player of the match – Fatima Sana (Challengers)Match 6: Stars beat Invincibles by 69 runs at the Oval Academy GroundStars 172-5, 20 overs (Sidra Amin 59, Sana Urooj 45; Omaima Sohail 2-27)Invincibles 103-9, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 40, Omaima Sohail 30; Waheeda Akhtar 4-16, Tuba Hassan 2-14, Anosha Nasir 2-38)Player of the match – Sidra Amin (Stars)

LAHORE(PR): New Zealand cricketer Daryl Mitchell, currently en route to New Zealand and mid-flight between the UAE and his home country, has shared a heartfelt message as tensions rise between India and Pakistan — two nations he says remain close to his heart."It's been tough to watch two countries that are so close to my heart in conflict over the past few days. My thoughts are with those affected on both sides," Mitchell said during his journey home.Having participated in both the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mitchell reflected on the impact both tournaments have had on his cricketing career:"Both the PSL and IPL have played major roles in my career, and I’ve always cherished my time in both tournaments. I hope peace prevails and we can get back to playing the game we love and continue giving back to the amazing people who support us."While currently on his way home to be with his family, Mitchell expressed hope and optimism for the future."It feels good to be heading home to my family, but I’m also looking forward to returning to both countries in the future — places I truly love spending time in."

Lahore (SBR):Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz struck magnificent centuries in Quetta Gladiators’ 109-run triumph over Islamabad United here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in 26th match of the HBL PSL X on Wednesday night.Quetta Gladiators were propelled to 263-3 in 20 overs - the highest ever team total in HBL PSL history, bettering Multan Sultans 262-3 at the same venue in March 2023. Rossouw and Hasan also became the first pair of batters to score centuries in the same innings in HBL PSL.The destructive Gladiators duo walked in to bat at 60-2 in the sixth over after opening batter Saud Shakeel (23) and Finn Allen (5) had departed. Rossouw, who brought up his third HBL PSL century, struck 14 fours and six sixes in his 104 off 46 balls, while also stitching a 134-run stand with Hasan in 10.1 overs. His half-century came off 26 balls.Hasan (100 not out, 45b, 4x4s, 9x6s) on the other hand brought up his second T20 century in dramatic style as he struck Ben Dwarshuis for a boundary on the last ball of Quetta’s innings.The 22-year-old, who earlier brought up his half-century from 29 balls, clubbed Naseem Shah for three sixes and a four in the penultimate over consigning him for 28 runs. While Rossouw departed in the 16th over, Hasan went onto stitch an unbeaten 69-run stand off 26 balls with Mark Chapman (13, 8b, 2x4s).Quetta ransacked 160 runs off the last 10 overs, including hitting Mohammad Nawaz for 21 in 12th over and Jason Holder for 20 in the next over. In turn, Islamabad United were dismissed for 154 all out in 19.3 overs as no.9 batter Imad Wasim (56, 41b, 5x4s, 2x6s) and no.10 Ben Dwarshuis (31, 24b, 1x4, 2x6s) helped their team avoid the biggest loss margin (120 runs) in HBL PSL history.Islamabad United, who now have five wins from nine matches and face a prospect of must-win last league game against Karachi Kings on Saturday, slipped to 68-8 in nine overs with Mohammad Amir eking out the first three scalps with 19 runs on the board.Mohammad Wasim Jnr (2-28), Abrar Ahmed (2-17), Faheem Ashraf (1-40) and Khurram Shahzad (1-41) struck in the middle overs to keep United batters in check before Imad and Dwarshuis stitched a 47-ball 55-run stand for the ninth wicket breaching the 150-run mark.Scores in brief;Quetta Gladiators 263-3. 20 overs (Rilee Rossouw 104, Hasan Nawaz 100 not out, Saud Shakeel 23)Islamabad United 154 all out, 19.3 overs (Imad Wasim 56, Ben Dwarshuis 31, Muhammad Shahzad 24; Mohammad Amir 3-6, Abrar Ahmed 2-17, Mohammad Wasim 2-28)Player of the match – Rilee Rossouw (Quetta Gladiators)Thursday’s fixture: Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium; 8pm PKT   

 Karachi (SBR):Conquerors and Stars won their opening round matches of the National Women’s T20 Tournament 2024-25, which began at the two venues of Karachi on Wednesday afternoon.At the National Bank Stadium, after opting to bat first, Stars on the back of an unbeaten 89 from skipper Sidra Amin, scored 148 for four in their allotted 20 overs against Strikers. No.3 batter, Sidra’s innings included 14 fours and a six, which came off 57 balls.Huraina Sajjad returned undefeated on 25 off 30 balls, which included one boundary. The pair of Sidra and Huraina knitted an unbroken 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket.In turn, despite an unbeaten half-century by Eyman Fatima (52 not out, 34b, 9x4s, 1x6), who walked in to bat at 46-2, Strikers fell 17 runs short of the target and managed to score 131 for six in 20 overs.Neelam Mushtaq and Tuba Hassan bagged two wickets apiece for the winning side.At the Oval Academy Ground, Conquerors scored 145 for nine in 20 overs after batting first against Invincibles. Captain Fatima Sana was the top run-getter, returning undefeated on 85 off 48 balls, which included 12 fours and three sixes.For Invincibles, left-arm spinner Saima Malik was the most successful bowler, claiming four wickets for 13 runs in four overs.In reply, Invincibles were restricted to 115 for six in their 20 overs, falling 30 runs short of the target. Muneeba Ali top-scored with a 48-ball 50, which included five fours and a six. No.7 batter Fatima Khan struck five fours in her 33-ball 31 but in vain.For the winning side, left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu grabbed two wickets for 20 in four overs.On 8 May, Strikers will face Invincibles at the National Bank Stadium, while Challengers will take on Stars at the Oval Academy Ground. Both matches will begin at 3pm.Scores in brief:Match 1: Stars beat Strikers by 17 runs at the National Bank StadiumStars 148-4, 20 overs (Sidra Amin 89 not out, Huraina Sajjad 25 not out)Strikers 131-6, 20 overs (Eyman Fatima 52 not out, Aleena Masood 23, Zoofishan Ayyaz 21; Neelam Mushtaq 2-27, Tuba Hassan 2-27)Player of the match – Sidra Amin (Stars)Match 2: Conquerors beat Invincibles by 30 runs at the Oval Academy GroundConquerors 145-9, 20 overs (Fatima Sana 85 not out, Farzana Farooq 21; Saima Malik 4-13)Invincibles 115-6, 20 overs (Muneeba Ali 50, Fatima Khan 31 not out; Nashra Sundhu 2-20)Player of the match – Fatima Sana (Conquerors)

 Karachi (SBR):The National Women’s T20 Tournament will begin on Wednesday (tomorrow) in Karachi. The 18-day tournament will see five teams – Challengers, Conquerors, Invincibles, Stars and Strikers, competing against one another with each team playing eight matches with a total of 22 matches slated to take place till 24 May.The T20 matches will be played at the National Bank Stadium and Oval Ground, with first ball of each match to be bowled at 3pm. The opening day will see Strikers competing against National Women’s One-Day Champions Stars at the National Bank Stadium, while Conquerors will take on Invincibles at the Oval Ground.To make the tournament more competitive, the teams finishing second and third on the points table will face off in a Qualifier on 22 May, with the winner advancing to meet the top-ranked team in the final on 24 May. The final will be played at the National Bank Stadium.A total of 80 cricketers will participate in the tournament, which carries a prize pool of over PKR three Million. The champions will receive PKR 1.5 million, while the runners-up will take home PKR one million.Pakistan national team captain Fatima Sana will lead Conquerors, while opening batter Gull Feroza will captain Strikers. Muneeba Ali, the only Pakistan women batter to score a T20I century will lead Invincibles, while all-rounder Rameen Shamim will lead Challengers. Sidra Amin, who was Pakistan’s top run-getter in the recently concluded ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, will lead Stars.Captains’ while speaking exclusively to PCB Digital on the eve of the tournament expressed their confidence on team’s preparations.Challengers captain Rameen Shamim: “We have made plans for the tournament with the coaching staff and will try to execute them on the field.“We have a balanced squad with all departments covered and we will aim to produce good results in every match of the tournament.”Conquerors captain Fatima Sana: “We will try to do well in the T20 tournament. All the players are eager to showcase their skills and perform well for the team.“Our team couldn’t win the final of the One-Day Tournament, but this is a T20 event and we will try not to repeat the same mistakes and do well in this competition.”Invincibles captain Muneeba Ali: “We will take one game at a time and will try to win the opening match to gain momentum in the tournament.“I will try to contribute as much in team’s better performance in the tournament.”Stars captain Sidra Amin: “Our team had won the previous One-Day Tournament, so we will be aiming high in the forthcoming T20 tournament.“We have had domestic tournaments regularly in Karachi, so we are familiar with the conditions and are confident of achieving better results in the tournament.”Strikers captain Gull Feroza: “We have had a good preparation camp leading up to the tournament and the young players in our side are ready to perform when given the opportunity.“I am optimistic the team will perform well and give better results in the tournament.” 

Dhaka (Sports Bulletin Report): A two-member delegation from the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, comprising Mohammad Jamil (Head Coach) and Badar Munir (Senior Player) arrived today at Dhaka Airport, Bangladesh.They were warmly received by the officials from the Bangladesh Blind Cricket Council (BBCC).During their stay, the PBCC delegation will conduct training and coaching sessions for Bangladesh Blind Cricket senior players and coaches, at Bashundara Sports Complex, Dhaka from May 7 to 11' 2025, aiming to share skills, strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote the game of blind cricket across the region.