Islamabad (SBR): The training camp for the Pakistan national futsal team has officially commenced at the Liaquat Gymnasium, Jinnah Sports Complex, Islamabad, in preparation for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, set to be held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.The camp is being led by Head Coach Sakhawat Ali, who is guiding the team as it prepares to make history by participating in an international futsal tournament for the first time ever. Pakistan has been drawn into Group D, which includes Chinese Taipei, Iraq and host nation Saudi Arabia.The national futsal team will kick off its campaign against Iraq on September 20, followed by a match against Saudi Arabia on September 22 and conclude the group stage with a fixture against Chinese Taipei on September 24. All matches will be played in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Prolific opener Mohammad Waseem will lead the 17-member UAE squad in the DP World Asia Cup 2025 which begins in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, 9 September. UAE are placed in Group A. India, Oman and Pakistan are the other three teams in the group.UAE will take on India in their opening game at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday 10 September. UAE play Oman at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday, 15 September. Their last group game is with Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, 17 September.The top two teams in each group will progress to Super Four stage which will commence from Sunday, 21 September. UAE squad: Mohammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’ Souza, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Matiullah Khan, Mohammad Farooq, Mohammad Jawadullah, Mohammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra (wicketkeeper), Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh and Saghir Khan. Support Staff: Amjad Ezzi (team manager), Lalchand Rajput (head coach), Azharuddin Qureshi (strength and conditioning coach), Manipreet Sidhu (video analyst), Naveed Ahmad (fielding coach), Darshan Singh (Side-Armer) and Manish Pradeshi (physiotherapist). UAE match schedule:Wednesday, 10 September – India vs United Arab Emirates, Dubai – 6:30pmMonday, 15 September – UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 4:00pmWednesday, 17 September – Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai – 6:30pmSaturday, 20 September – B1 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30pm*Super Four:*Sunday, 21 September – A1 vs A2, Dubai – 6:30pmMonday, 22 September – Rest DayTuesday, 23 September – A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi – 6:30pmWednesday, 24 September – A1 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30pmThursday, 25 September – A2 vs B2, Dubai – 6:30pmFriday, 26 September – A1 vs B1, Dubai – 6:30pmSaturday, 27 September – Rest DaySunday, 28 September – Final, Dubai – 6:30pmMonday, 29 September – Reserve Day.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Zimbabwe’s star player Sikandar Raza has become the top-ranked all-rounder in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings for the first time in his career after a fine show in the two-match series against Sri Lanka in Harare.The 39-year-old scored 92 and 59 not out in the two matches and took one wicket in the series to overtake the Afghanistan pair of Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, who are now placed second and third, respectively. Raza’s previous best was the second position that he attained in December 2023.Raza’s aggregate of 151 runs also lifted him nine places to 22nd position in the batting rankings, which is two places off his career-best 24th position reached in June 2023. He has also gained one spot to reach 38th position among bowlers.Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka, who topped the aggregate with 198 runs to be named the Player of the Series, has moved up seven places to 13th position while Janith Liyanage (up 13 places to 29th) of Sri Lanka and Sean Williams of Zimbabwe (up three places to 47th) are others to move up the batting rankings after the series.Scotland batter George Munsey is up three places to 34th after a match-winning 84 not out against Canada in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 while South Africa’s Tony de Zorzi has moved from 67th to 64th.The ODI bowling rankings see South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj shake off Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana to take the sole No. 1 position after a match-winning haul of four for 22 in the first ODI against England in Leeds with Jofra Archer (up six places to 19th) and Lungi Ngidi (up five places to joint-23rd) among the others to move up the bowling rankings after the match.Asitha Fernando has advanced six places to 31st while Dilshan Madushanka’s match-winning four for 62 in the first Harare ODI that included a hat-trick, has lifted him from 60th to 52nd position.The ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings see Afghanistan batters Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal make huge progress after helping beat Pakistan in a tri-series match in Sharjah with scores of 65 and 64, respectively. Zadran is up 12 places to 20th while Atal has rocketed 346 places to 127th position.Pakistan batters Hasan Nawaz (up two places to joint-31st) is among those to gain in the batting rankings while Sufiyan Muqeem (up 11 places to 22nd), Shaheen Afridi (up eight places to 26th and Mohammad Nawaz (up 15 places to 43rd) are among those to move up the bowling rankings.Raza’s upward movement may have resulted in Nabi slipping to third position in the ODI all-rounders’ list, but he has moved up one spot to second position among T20I all-rounders.

ISLAMABAD (SBR): Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has asked all national sports federations to submit complete details of their affiliated clubs and associations, right down to the village and town level, within the next two weeks, aiming to bring transparency to Pakistan’s sports governance.According to a spokesman for PSB, the move is part of a broader set of reforms being initiated by Director General PSB Yasir Pirzada, aimed at tightening governance, ending paper-based federations, and pushing for a culture of documentation and accountability in sports.PSB asked federations to provide lists of their clubs, tehsil, district, divisional, and provincial associations, along with names and contact details of presidents and secretaries, and the dates of their last elections. A federation that fails to submit the information within 15 days will be considered non-functional at the grassroots level.The PSB has a plan to compile the data into a public database, making it easier for athletes, parents, and policymakers to identify which associations are actually functional. Observers note that if carried through, the verification drive could expose hollow setups while strengthening genuine clubs that serve as nurseries for young athletes. 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan No.1, Asian & South Asian gold medalist, and World No.14 squash player, Shahid Zaman Khan donated international standard squash equipment, including rackets, balls, and complete sports kits to neglected budding squash lads in Balochistan.For the very first time in Pakistan’s history, such a noble initiative has been taken in the province, directly empowering children who cannot afford equipment but carry within them the fire of dreams. Raheela Hameed Durrani, Minister of Education Balochistan, graced the ceremony as the chief guest.Speaking to the players, Shahid Zaman Khan shared a deeply emotional message, reminding them that with dedication and excellence in squash, they can secure educational scholarships worldwide and change the course of their future. “When I look into the eyes of these children after giving rackets, balls, and kits, I have no words… because I was once the same child who could not afford anything. Today, Allah has blessed me with the opportunity to give back to my people, “he concluded.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): Starting from 5 September, Gongshu, China will play host to the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 - Asia’s premier hockey women’s tournament running from 5-14 September - with the champions punching their ticket to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.The tournament will feature 8 teams, split into Pool A & B. The top two from each pool will advance to a Super 4s pool stage, where the teams will compete in a secondary pool and get ranked from one to four. The semi-finals line-up will be decided on the basis of the secondary pool results, while the bottom two teams from each pool, of the first pool stage, will play for classifications and world ranking points.Pool A: China, Chinese Taipei, Korea, MalaysiaPool B: India, Japan, Thailand, SingaporeThe tournament will begin the competition with Pool B action on 5 September, as Japan will take on Singapore in the first match followed by India taking on Thailand. Pool A matches will follow as all 8 teams will take the field on opening day. Korea vs Chinese Taipei will get Pool A underway before the final match of the day will pit hosts China against Malaysia. The initial pool stage for the women’s competition will be played from 5 to 8 September, followed by the secondary pool stage, positional playoffs and medal matches being played from 10-14 September.The winner of the women’s competition will earn a coveted spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Six teams have now qualified for the women’s competition at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Germany and Argentina qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. USA secured qualification through the Pan American Cup and Spain qualified from the Eurohockey Championship. Along with Asia, continental championships in Africa and Oceania will determine three direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.Based on their performance at the Pan American Cup and the EuroHockey Championships, the following women’s teams have qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026: Uruguay, Chile, Canada, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Wales, Scotland, Austria and Switzerland, with with four further sides qualifying from the upcoming Asia Cup and one from the Oceania Cup.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The Gulf’s premier cricket spectacle makes its return on Tuesday, December 2, as defending champions Dubai Capitals face the Desert Vipers in the opening clash of the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The fixture is a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s thrilling final.The first ball will be bowled at 6:30pm local time, with fans expecting another gripping contest between two sides that delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters in Season 3. On that occasion, the Capitals held their nerve to claim victory with just four deliveries remaining, lifting the trophy in front of a raucous 25,000-strong crowd.The Season 4 opener will be played at the Dubai International Stadium – the venue for Season 3’s grand finish. The six-team tournament will once again feature a total of 34 matches. Dubai International Stadium will host 15 matches, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium will stage 11, and the Sharjah Cricket Stadium will be the venue for eight matches.Following the tournament-opener, Sharjah Warriorz who qualified for the playoffs for the first time in the tournament’s history in Season 3 will take on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the second match of the tournament – the first of the season at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.The first-ever winners of the glittering DP World ILT20 trophy Gulf Giants will open their Season 4 campaign against Season 2 champions MI Emirates. The contest between the two former champions will take place at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, 4 December.After the completion of the 30-match double-league round-robin stage, the top four teams on the points table will enter the DP World ILT20 Season 4 playoffs.The top two teams on the table will compete in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, 30 December at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium. The Eliminator (Team 3 vs Team 4 on the points table) will be played on Thursday, 1 January at the Dubai International Stadium. Qualifier 2 (Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator) will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.Season 4 will conclude with the title clash – the tournament finale – which will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday 4 January from 6:30 pm local time.DP World ILT20 Season 4 – Tournament schedule – all timings are local timings – Gulf Standard Time:Tuesday, 2 December – Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, DubaiWednesday, 3 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, SharjahThursday, 4 December – Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, DubaiFriday, 5 December – Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 6 December – Dubai Capitals vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, DubaiSunday, 7 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs MI Emirates – 2:00pm, SharjahSunday, 7 December – Dubai Capitals vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 8 December – Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, DubaiTuesday, 9 December – MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 10 December – Gulf Giants vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, DubaiThursday, 11 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiFriday, 12 December – Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, DubaiSaturday, 13 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiSunday, 14 December – MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz – 2:00pm, Abu DhabiSunday, 14 December – Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 15 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, SharjahTuesday, 16 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 17 December – Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, DubaiThursday, 18 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiFriday, 19 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 20 December – MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 2:00pm, Abu DhabiSaturday, 20 December – Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, DubaiSunday, 21 December – Gulf Giants vs Dubai Capitals – 2:00pm, SharjahSunday, 21 December – Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 22 December – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiTuesday, 23 December – MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 24 December – Dubai Capitals vs Sharjah Warriorz – 6:30pm, DubaiThursday, 25 December – Rest DayFriday, 26 December – Sharjah Warriorz vs Desert Vipers – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 27 December – MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiSunday, 28 December – Gulf Giants vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – 6:30pm, DubaiMonday, 29 December – Rest DayTuesday, 30 December – Qualifier 1 (Team 1 vs Team 2) – 6:30pm, Abu DhabiWednesday, 31 December – Rest DayThursday, 1 January – Eliminator (Team 3 vs Team 4) – 6:30pm, DubaiFriday, 2 January – Qualifier 2 (Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator) – 6:30pm, SharjahSaturday, 3 January – Rest DaySunday, 4 January – Final (Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2) – 6:30pm, Dubai.

Birmingham (UK): Forming a joint global venture between the two professional cricket clubs, Warwickshire Country Cricket Club [WCCC] announces a new partnership with Lahore Qalanders, demonstrating a shared commitment to develop a long-term strategic vision that will help to grow cricket across Birmingham and Warwickshire in the UK,and Lahore in Pakistan.Officially launching in Autumn, the partnership includes the roll-out of mutually beneficial ventures for 2026 and beyond, that will focus on talent and performance development through player and coach exchanges, academies and scouting networks, community projects, support for grassroot cricket, and commercial opportunities.The partnership, announced by WCCC, follows the milestone acquisition for the club of Birmingham's Phoenix alongside partners, Knighthead LLP last month [July 2025].Abraham Khan, Finance Director of WCCC, commented, “Collaborating with LahoreQalanders is not only about cricket at the highest level, but is about creating opportunities that will further enhance the growth of the game.“By working together, we can pave the way for youth pathways, bolster funding and support for grassroot cricket, launch community initiatives and pool shared resource for development across all levels of the club.“Our commitment to a collaborative approach comes from a shared belief that cricket can be a powerful force for positive change. This a new chapter for the club and places WCCC and Lahore Qalanders at the forefront of a global cricket partnership, and I’m excited to see theimpact this will have for our fans, our cities, and the future of the game.”Sameen Rana, Lahore Qalandars Owner and COO, said, “This partnership withWarwickshire County Cricket Club is a landmark moment for Lahore Qalandars. Our philosophy has always been to think beyond boundaries, and this is another step in that journey. Together, we aim to elevate professional performance, unlock new avenues to identify and nurture talent, and use the power of cricket to inspire and connect our communities in Lahore and Birmingham.”He further added: “This collaboration is not just about cricket, it is about building shared pathways for players, coaches and fans, while expanding our global reach and creating new opportunities for growth. We believe this joint venture will establish a sustainable model that strengthens both clubs on and off the field and most importantly, leaves a lasting legacy forthe future of the game.”The partnership was brokered by the British Pakistan Initiative [BPI] following an Academy tours to Lahore, organised by Raf Sabir, Finance Director for CVS, in March 2025, creating a cultural and sporting exchange that evolved into a comprehensive long-term strategicalliance, now set to reshape the cricketing landscape in both Birmingham and Lahore. (PR)

Peshawar (SBR): The CAS National Junior Squash Championship concluded at PAF Hashim Khan Squash Academy. After a thrilling series of matches, the new young National Champions of Pakistan have been crowned.Abdur Rehman, Raheel Victor, Sohail Adnan, and Nauman Khan have emerged as the National Champions in their respective categories.Results (finals):U-11: Abdur Rehman (PAF) beat Anas Rafeh (PAF) 9/11, 11/4, 12/10, 11/6 3-1 32 minU-13: Raheel Victor (Sindh) beat Ayan Mehboob (PAF) 11/5, 11/13, 11/3, 11/7 3-1 28 minU-15: Sohail Adnan (SNGPL) beat Faizan Khan (Army) 11/5, 11/5, 11/5 3-0 (18 min)U-17: Nauman Khan (Army) beat Ahmed Rayyan Khalil (PAF) 11/4, 7/11, 11/9, 11/5 3-1 36 min

Karachi (PR) Pakistan athletes produced an outstanding performance at the AMMA Asian Mixed Martial Arts Championship 2025 in Manama, Bahrain, where athletes showcased remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship on one of Asia’s biggest martial arts stages. On the final day of the championship, Pakistan’s Mohammad Saqib secured a silver medal in the Men’s U18 – 55kg category.This achievement is especially significant as Saqib had already made headlines last year by becoming the World Champion 2024 in the same category. His transition from the world stage to the Asian level demanded greater hard work, discipline, and focus — and his Silver Medal reflects his dedication, growth, and rising stature in international MMA.Other Notable PerformancesMohammad Umar – Silver Medal (Men’s U16 – 60kg Category)Amin Ullah – Bronze Medal (Men’s U18 – 60kg Category)In total, Team Pakistan secured 3 medals: 2 Silver and 1 Bronze, competing against over 150 athletes from 19 countries.Zulfiqar Ali, President PMMAF said: “These medals are not just victories — they are proof that Pakistani MMA athletes are of world-class caliber. We are immensely proud of our fighters, coaches, and support staff whose tireless efforts — along with the invaluable support of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) — made this possible. This championship marks a defining moment in the rise of MMA in Pakistan. The courage, dedication, and talent of our youth are truly commendable. For the past five years, Pakistan has consistently held a strong international ranking, and we remain committed to taking this sport to even greater height.