Lahore (SBR): Army, Master Paints/Newage Cables and FG Polo recorded victories in the 13th Lahore Open Polo Championship, sponsored by Cheetah at the Lahore Polo Club, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of spectators and families.In the first match of the day, the Army team dominated PB Polo with an emphatic 8-4 victory. Army's star players, Mohammad Naeem and Raja Samiullah, each scored three tremendous goals, while Shahid Imran added two. PB Polo’s efforts were led by Hissam Ali Hyder, who scored three goals, and Sardar Mohsin Atta Khosa, with one goal.The second match saw Master Paints/Newage Cables secure a hard-fought 6-4 win against BN Polo. Master Paints/Newage's standout performer, Eatanislao Abelenda, scored four fabulous goals, complemented by two goals from Bilal Haye. For BN Polo, Sebastian Hancock netted three goals, while Saim Abbas scored once.In the final match of the day, FG/Din Polo outpaced Rijas/Barry’swith another 6-4 scoreline. FG/Din Polo’s Raja Mikael Sami thrashed in three goals, Saqib Khan Khakwani added two, and Shaikh Mohammad Raffay completed the tally with one goal. On Thursday (December 26, 2024), all losing teams will face off against each other, while the semifinals are scheduled for Friday.

Rawalpindi (SBR): A sparking hundred from opener Yasir Ali and another brilliant bowling display by Mohammad Ali guided ABL Stallions to Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup title with a thumping 75-run win over UMT Markhors in the final at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday evening.Yasir cracked a 57-ball 100 with seven towering sixes and five boundaries to propel Stallions to 199-5 in 20 overs before Ali destroyed Markhors with 3-19 restricting them to 124 all out in 19.1 overs. Stallions have added another title in Pakistan’s T20 history while UMT Markhors have lost their second final, having also lost the Champions Cup one-day final in Faisalabad in September this year.Chasing a daunting 200-run target, Markhors lost wickets at regular intervals. They relied heavily on Fakhar Zaman who failed to follow up his belligerent 89 in the Qualifiers, falling for 20 to Jahandad Khan who finished with 2-31. Spinner Usman Tariq took 2-10 in his four tight overs.Mohammad Faizan smashed three sixes and as many fours in his 33-ball 43 while skipper Iftikhar Ahmed scored 21-ball 22. Markhors' promising players Abdul Samad and Saad Masood failed to score that summed up their team’s below-par batting. It was Yasir all the way in ABL Stallions’ innings after they opted to bat with an idea to put a solid total on the board.Maaz Sadaqat hit the first ball of the innings from Mohammad Nawaz for a six while Yasir smashed two more maximums to show clear intentions. Pacer Akif Javed, pick of the bowlers with 2-32, dismissed Maaz in the third over to bring UMT Markhors back in the match.UMT Markhors had an ideal opportunity to get Yasir out on 12 but Akif Javed dropped a skier off Nisar Ahmed and it cost them dearly. Yasir benefitted with smashing ways, adding 41 for the second wicket with skipper Mohammad Haris whose 15-ball 21 had two sixes. Hussain Talat managed just nine, while Tayyab Tahir scored 17 runs.Yasir, the 22-year-old from Bannu in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, reached his half-century off 33 balls with a six off Nawaz and then lifted the tempo. From 88 he smashed two sixes to reach his second T20 century off 56 balls. He later holed out off Mohammad Faizan.Jahandad Khan cracked two sixes and a boundary in his ten-ball 22 not out to get Stallions to 199-5 in 20 overs. Ali finished as the top bowler with 22 wickets, admirably starring in his team’s triumph in the tournament.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): England Men's Test captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of all cricket for at least three months after further assessments confirmed he has torn his left hamstring. The Durham all-rounder will undergo surgery in January. The injury occurred during the third Test in Hamilton, during England's recent 2-1 Test series victory in the New Zealand. 

Lahore (SBR): National Junior Badminton Championship 2024 started on Tuesday here at Nishter Park Sports Complex under the banner of Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF). Khizer Afzaal Chaudhry, Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab inaugurated the championship.Results (Day-1):Boys’ Singles U-15 (Round-1):Ayaan Khizer (PB) beat Danish Ali (PB) by 21-16, 21-11Ibrahim Raza (PB) beat Mohammad Bin Nouman (PB) by 21-13, 21-16Usman Laeeq (PB) beat Zargham Ali (ISB) by 21-8, 21-15Ghazan Hadi (Balo) beat Mohammad Rehna Khan (PB) by 21-17, 25-23Fahad Hussian (PB) beat Faras Shahzad (PB) by 16-21, 21-18, 24-22Shaheer Ahmad (PB) beat Azan Kiyani (PB) by 21-15, 21-7Boys’ Singles U-17 (Round-1):Raad Ahmed (PB) beat Syed Sabih Ahmed Shah (AJK) by 21-17, 21-17Mohammad Ali (PB) beat Uzair Nadeem (PB) by 15-21, 21-12, 21-10Mohammad Ali (KP) beat Ahmed Zaman (PB) by 21-18, 15-21, 21-15Ahmed Ali Muddaser (PB) beat Sohaib Sohail (PB) by 21-12, 21-14Abdul Rafeh Hayat (ISB) beat Rehan Ali (PB) by 21-13, 21-8Sohail Khalil (KP) beat Ibrahim Ahmed (PB) by 18-21, 21-10, 21-9Wasiq Shamshad (PB) beat Abdul Muhaiman (KP) by 21-5, 24-22Okasha Javed (PB) beat Mohammad Ahmad Bajwa (PB) by 21-12, 21-11Mohammad Sheraz (KP) beat Rehman Nouman (PB) by 21-8, 21-12Girls’ Singles U-17 (Round-1):Sameen Faisal (PB) beat Hamayal Aftab (AJK) by 21-16, 21-17Tasmia Uresh (PB) beat Ayesha Malik (ISB) by 21-12, 21-12Dua Afaq (PB) beat Maryam Zaheer (PB) by 21-17, 21-5Almas Rabeel (PB) beat Hmna Junaid (AJK) by 21-14, 21-12Hasifa Azhar (PB) beat Noor Ul Ain (PB) by 21-8, 21-6Men’s Singles U-19 (Round-1):Zain Bajwa (PB) beat Ali Zain (Sindh) by 21-11, 21-13Fahad Idress (PB) beat Mohsin Ali (KP) by 21-18, 21-18Ibrahim Iftikhar (ISB) beat Ahmed Fareed (PB) by 22-20, 21-17Ihtisham Ul Hassan (PB) beat Huzaifa Shahid (KP) by 21-8, 21-9Faizan Maqsood (PB) beat Tamheed Khan (KP) by 21-7, 21-8Ahmed Niazi (PB) beat Yousha Shahid (PB) by 21-5, 21-12Bilal Shabeer (PB) beat Adnan Hafeez (PB) by 13-21, 21-4, 21-16Fahad Ahmed (KP) beat Atta Mustafa (PB) by 21-14, 21-12Sohaib Khan (PB) beat Mohammad Arham Sajid (PB) by 21-7, 21-14Arham Basharat (PB) beat Ayan Azhar (PB) by 21-14, 21-16Tafreed Ahmed (ISB) beat Tayyab Subhani (PB) by 11-21, 21-19, 24-22Women’s Singles U-19 (Round-1):Ammrah Ishtiaq (Army) beat Hajra Ahmed (PB) by 21-7, 21-4Hiba Tariq (Army) beat Amna Akhtar (PB) by 19-21, 24-22, 21-10

Defending Champions Pakistan to meet New Zealand in opening match KarachiDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE).The 15-match, eight-team event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE which was confirmed as the neutral venue.The thrilling 19-day competition, in which every match counts in the bid to claim the iconic Champions Trophy white jackets, will see Bangladesh, India, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group A with Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa in Group B.The stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host the matches in Pakistan, while Dubai will host the matches in the UAE. Ahead of tickets going on sale, fans are encouraged to register their interest for tickets here.The Champions Trophy begins with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand on 19 February - the opening day of the event - in Karachi. Other key match-ups include Bangladesh taking on India on the second day of the competition in Dubai and Afghanistan facing South Africa on 21 February in Karachi. On 22 February, one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries will pit Australia against England in Lahore, ahead of an unmissable Pakistan versus India contest on 23 February in Dubai.The quickfire event showcases the very best about cricket in one big day out, with the first semi-final scheduled to be played on 4 March in Dubai and the second semi-final slated for 5 March in Lahore. Lahore will host the final on 9 March, however if India qualifies for the final it will be played in Dubai, where the victorious team will claim the famous white jackets. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.ICC Chair, Jay Shah said: “The ICC is delighted to release the schedule for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, marking the tournament's much-anticipated return since 2017. The thrilling competition, in which eight teams battle it out to claim the iconic white jackets, will provide fans with 15 matches of unmissable entertainment. This edition will take place in Pakistan and the UAE, and with Dubai also serving as the home of the ICC headquarters, it represents an opportunity to showcase the best of cricket with heritage and modernity. This Champions Trophy is truly poised to be an unmissable celebration of the World Cricket’s finest.”Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi said: "We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket. Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organizer. We are dedicated to ensuring that this tournament will be a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike. Pakistan is elated to welcome the world to the Champions Trophy, and we look forward to extending our renowned hospitality to all."Schedule ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025:19 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi20 Feb – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi22 Feb – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore23 Feb – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai24 Feb - Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi25 Feb – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 Feb – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore1 Mar – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi2 Mar – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore9 Mar – Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Press Release).

LAHORE (SBR): Lahore (Sports Reporter): The 13th Lahore Open Polo Championship 2024, sponsored by Cheetah, kicked off under the auspices of Lahore Polo Club with three thrilling matches on the opening day. The event attracted a significant number of spectators and families.In the first match of the opening day, Diamond Paints defeated Master Paints by a narrow margin of 7-5. For Diamond Paints, Raja Jalal Arsalan played superb polo and fired in four fabulous goals while Mir Huzaifa Ahmed converted two, and Mir Shoaib Ahmed one goal. For Master Paints, Amirreza Behboudi scored four goals, while Sufi Mohammad Amir managed one goal.The second match saw Master Paints/Newage Cables secure a 6-4 victory against IS/SQ/Platinum Homes. For Master Paints/Newage Cables, Estanislao Abelenda, Farooq Amin Sufi, and Alman Jaleel Azam each scored two goals. On the opposing side, Hamza Mawaz Khan netted three goals, and Agha Musa added one.The third match proved a nail-biter encounter, which was decided in sudden death during the fifth chukker, where Rijas/Barry’s edged past PAF with a 7-6 scoreline. For Rijas/Barry’s, Mohib Faisal Shehzad thrashed in three tremendous goals, while Mumtaz Abbas Niazi and Julian Taurino Diaz each scored two goals. For PAF, Sqn Ldr Hamza Iqbal showcased an impressive performance with five goals, while Chaudhry Hayat scored one. On Wednesday (December 25, 2024), three more exciting matches are scheduled. 

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selected the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue for upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 cricket fixture, as this mega cricket event will be hosted by Pakistan under the banner of International Cricket Council (ICC).According to a spokesman for PCB, Amir Mir, Pakistan Cricket Board has formally informed the ICC about the neutral venue decision. Now, India and Pakistan's Champions Trophy matches will be held in the UAE.The decision regarding the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy was to be made by the host, Pakistan, and the final decision on the venue was made after a meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Al Nahyan.It is pertinent to mention here that Sheikh Al Nahyan, currently in Pakistan, is also the Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board.

Mohammad Harmas Ali lifts gold medal in U11, Mahoor Ali claim top position in U13 categoryIslamabad (Sports Desk): Pakistani junior squash players, Mohammad Harmas Ali Raja clinched gold medal in U11 category while female player Mahnoor Ali claimed top position in U13 category of the US Juniors’ Squash Championship 2024.The 2024 U.S. Junior Open Squash Championships–the world’s largest individual squash tournament with 1,007 players representing fifty-one nations–saw just three nations earn titles as Egypt, the United States and Pakistan, at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.Mohammad Harmas Ali Raja, Under-11 player, produced sparking performance in the final match and overpowered his American opponent second seed Archibald Anolik in straight games 3-0, as the score line was 11-8, 11-8, and 11-8. Raja pulled off a perfect title run without dropping a game during the whole tournament.Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem was the only repeat champion as the GU17 top seed successfully defended her title. Salem held off a tough challenge from 2023 GU15 champion and three seed Charlotte Sze to win the title 11-8, 11-6, 8-11, 11-2.The BU17 final came down to U.S. four seed Aiden Chiang and Egyptian three seed Michael Fayez. After winning his semifinal coming back from 2-0 down, Fayez pulled off another five-game comeback in the final to clinch the title 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7 in sixty-three minutes.The U15 divisions produced two all-American finals and two first-time U.S. Junior Open champions as neither top seed reached the final. GU15 two seed Isabella Tang defeated four seed and 2023 GU13 champion Vivienne Sze 12-10, 11-5, 9-11, 11-3. BU15 four seed John-Jayden Luo was the lowest-seeded player to win a title as the New Jersey native defeated Californian three seed Vivaan Mehta 11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7. Pakistan’s Mahnoor Ali upset Egypt’s top seed Linda Elsayed in a close GU13 final 11-8, 12-10, 5-11, 11-6. Egyptian BU13 two seed Malek Ahmed edged his top-seeded compatriot Adam Ragab in a five-game final 4-11, 11-9, 11-2, 5-11, 11-3.The GU11 division produced another five-game final between the American top two seeds. Two seed Alice Wang came back to defeat top seed Ariana Valerio 3-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 13-11. 

FG/Din Polo beat Diamond Paints 4-3 in a thrilling final at Lahore Polo ClubLahore (SBR): FG/Din Polo emerged title winners in the Patrons Aibak Polo Cup 2024, defeating Diamond Paints 4-3 in the thrilling final at Lahore Polo Club on Sunday.The final marked the 48th edition of the historic Aibak Cup, hosted by Lahore Polo Club, and attracted a large audience of spectators and families. Prior to the final, various events were held, including a cavalcade, barrel racing, and tent pegging competitions for men and women. A match between the Lahore Polo Club's Young Ladies' Polo Team and the Young Boys' Polo Team also took place, with the girls securing the victory.The tournament's distinguished patrons in attendance included Salman of Overdose, Mir Shoaib Ahmed (CEO of Diamond Paints), Farooq Amin Sufi (Director Marketing, Master Paints), Dr. Faisal Qadeer Khokhar (Director, Remington Pharma), Taimur Ali Malik (Director, Guard Group), Mohammad Abubakar Siddique (Director, Black Horse Paints), Qadeer Ashfaq (Director, Platinum Homes), Sardar Mohsin Atta Khosa (Pebble Breakers), Nafees Barry (Director, The Retro Bar), along with Lahore Polo Club Executive Committee members Mohammad Naseer, Raja Amir, Adnan Hayat Noon, Saqib Khan Khakwani, senior club member Irfan Ali Hyder, Major Janoed Muazz, Najaf Shah, and a significant number of players.In a thrilling final, FG/Din Polo's Mian Abbas Mukhtar scored two goals, while Shaikh Mohammad Farhad and Raja Mikael Sami contributed one goal each to secure their team's win. For Diamond Paints, Raja Jalal Arsalan scored two goals, and Mir Huzaifa Ahmed added one.Earlier, in the subsidiary final, Newage Cables defeated BN Polo 6-4. During the closing ceremony, the patrons distributed prizes among the winners and top performers. Raja Mikael Sami was named the best player of the match, while Mian Abbas Mukhtar was honored as the best patron. The best pony award went to Abbas Mukhtar's mare.  

Islamabad (PR): The Japan Lacrosse Association (JLA) has donated equipment to the Pakistan Lacrosse Federation (PLF) under the Sports Diplomacy Program. It should be noted that lacrosse is an ancient team sport played with a lacrosse stick and a lacrosse ball. It is the oldest organized sport in North America.On this occasion, Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission Takano Shochi appreciated the rapidly growing popularity of lacrosse in Pakistan and said that the PLF has taken Pakistan lacrosse to a unique position in Asia by organizing more than 150 activities and two national championships in a year, the results will soon be come in the form of international medals.He assured that Japan would continue its full support in the promotion of lacrosse. It may be recalled that the Lacrosse Association and National Academy in Pakistan have been established under the auspices of the Pakistan Lacrosse Federation in Islamabad.The chief guest of the event was the Deputy Chief of Mission of Japan Takanoshuchi, while the Consul of the Japanese Embassy Takane Kazumasa, Cultural Advisor Rafi Haleem, Secretary General of Pakistan Lacrosse Federation Engineer Taifur Zareen, Assistant Professor of FCE Zahid, Urooj Jahangir other faculty members, Finance Secretary of Islamabad Lacrosse Irfan Khan and other office bearers and senior players Gul Pari, Sawira Khan, Fawzia Parveen, Muqaddas and other officials attended.