Author: ali.hassan

BANGKOK: Pakistani boxer Usman Wazeer knocked out Indian opponent Thehlak Selvam in the first round of the highly-anticipated bout of the World Youth Boxing Championship here on Thursday.

Usman was too hot to handle for India’s Thehlak as he took just one minute and five seconds to deliver a TKO in the six-round welterweight bout, held at Space Plus boxing arena here.

Usman took control of the bout with early strikes which were so lethal that Thehlak was struggling to withstand and was visibly in severe pain. Usman seized the opportunity to deliver another strong strike, resulting in his opponent falling on the mat.

As a result, the referee, on technical grounds, declared Usman Wazeer the winner.

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The victory was Usman’s 14th consecutive in professional boxing, indicating his dominance in the sport.

Earlier this year, Usman outclassed Thailand’s Jatsada Pithakdantha by TKO in the third round.

Usman has won several prestigious titles in his budding career including World Youth Title, Asian Title, and Middle East Title. He also boasts an astounding 71 per cent knockout ratio with the latest being his 10th in the professional career.

In his victory speech, Usman requested India’s Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and called for peace and harmony between the two neighbouring countries.

READ: Pakistan make one addition to squad for first Test against England

ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal had an agonizing end to his IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaign as he succumbed to a 6-2 defeat against India’s Kamal Chawla in the final here on Wednesday.

In-form Asjad started the high-stakes match on a high as he won the first two frames to take an early advantage.

But Kamal Chawla, unfazed by Asjad Iqbal’s flying start, won six consecutive frames and claimed the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship title, while the Pakistani cueist settled for a silver medal.

Asjad stormed into the final after registering a thumping victory over India’s Malkeet Singh in the semi-final on Tuesday.

Asjad triumphed over Malkeet with a score of 6-0 in the semi-final clash to secure his spot in the final.

Earlier that day, Asjad Iqbal shocked the world as he registered an upset victory over the defending champion Michael Georgiou in the quarter-finals with the frame scores of 38-15, 0-38, (40)41-0, (43)43-12, (55)62-0, 12-31, 38-0.

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Previously, Asjad Iqbal secured his spot in the quarter-final with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Mongolia’s Lkhagvasuren Tumurchudur. The frame scores were 73-0, 08-56, 02-54, 57-18, 34-21, 44-0, 05-55, 36-04.

On the other hand, another Pakistani cueist Awais Muneer crashed out of the tournament after suffering a close defeat against Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani.

Asjad earned a direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinal while Awais advanced to the last 20.

Asjad Iqbal triumphed over India’s Pandurangaiah 4-1, with frame scores of 41-32, 35-36, 75-08, 50(50)-09, 35-22.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal shocked the world as he registered an upset victory over the defending champion Michael Georgiou to qualify for the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship semi-final here on Tuesday.

In the quarter-final match, Asjad came out victorious with a score of 5-2 against Georgiou. The frame scores were as follows: 38-15, 0-38, (40)41-0, (43)43-12, (55)62-0, 12-31, 38-0.

Previously, Asjad Iqbal secured his spot in the quarter-final with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Mongolia’s Lkhagvasuren Tumurchudur. The frame scores were 73-0, 08-56, 02-54, 57-18, 34-21, 44-0, 05-55, 36-04.

Asjad is now set to face India’s Malkeet Singh in the semi-final of the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship later today.

On the other hand, another Pakistani cueist Awais Muneer crashed out of the tournament after suffering a close defeat against Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani.

Asjad earned a direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinal while Awais advanced to the last 20.

Asjad Iqbal triumphed over India’s Pandurangaiah 4-1, with frame scores of 41-32, 35-36, 75-08, 50(50)-09, 35-22.

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Meanwhile, Awais Munir defeated Singapore’s Jia Jun Ong with the scoreline of 63-0, 65-0, 0-56, 36-02, 35-26.

However, in his next match, he was defeated by Israel’s Shachar Ruber. The frame scores were as follows: 16-43(43), 53-12, 43(43)-13, 8-64(64), 33-21, 12-40, 40-10.

Asjad Iqbal continued his dominant run as he edged past Iraq’s Alijalil Ali 4-3 with the frame scores of 39-23, 30-34, 66-0, 0-41, 1-54, 39-29, 63(58)-0.

A total of 40 players, participating in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, are divided into four groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout stage matches will begin on September 22, with the last 20 and 16 rounds. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will take place on September 24, with the final match on September 25.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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ULAANBAATAR: Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir continued their good form in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaigns as they qualified for the knockout stage here on Sunday.

Asjad earned a direct qualification for the pre-quarterfinal while Awais advanced to the last 20.

Asjad Iqbal triumphed over India’s Pandurangaiah 4-1, with frame scores of 41-32, 35-36, 75-08, 50(50)-09, 35-22.

Meanwhile, Awais Munir defeated Singapore’s Jia Jun Ong with the scoreline of 63-0, 65-0, 0-56, 36-02, 35-26.

However, in his next match, he was defeated by Israel’s Shachar Ruber. The frame scores were as follows: 16-43(43), 53-12, 43(43)-13, 8-64(64), 33-21, 12-40, 40-10.

Asjad Iqbal continued his dominant run as he edged past Iraq’s Alijalil Ali 4-3 with the frame scores of 39-23, 30-34, 66-0, 0-41, 1-54, 39-29, 63(58)-0.

Yesterday, Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir made triumphant starts to their respective IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaigns.

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Asjad secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Mongolia’s Ulziitogtokh Davaasuren. Asjad dominated his opponent in all departments and also registered two 75-plus breaks.

The scoreline of his thumping victory read: 50-18, 75(75)-0, 82(75)-0, 0-73(73), 64(61)-0.

Meanwhile, Awais came from behind to claim a 4-2 victory over Mongolia’s Mendsaikhan Bat-Erdene.

He displayed nerves of steel after being two frames down and won three consecutive frames to seal the victory. The scoreline of his stunning win read: 64(64)-0, 20-45, 0-54(47), 54-10, 53-21, 46-15.

A total of 40 players, participating in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, are divided into four groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout stage matches will begin on September 22, with the last 20 and 16 rounds. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will take place on September 24, with the final match on September 25.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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ULAANBAATAR: Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir on Saturday, made triumphant starts to their respective IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship campaigns.

Asjad secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Mongolia’s Ulziitogtokh Davaasuren. Asjad dominated his opponent in all departments and also registered two 75-plus breaks. The scoreline of his thumping victory read: 50-18, 75(75)-0, 82(75)-0, 0-73(73), 64(61)-0.

Meanwhile, Awais came from behind to claim a 4-2 victory over Mongolia’s Mendsaikhan Bat-Erdene. He displayed nerves of steel after being two frames down and won three consecutive frames to seal the victory. The scoreline of his stunning win read: 64(64)-0, 20-45, 0-54(47), 54-10, 53-21, 46-15.

Asjad Iqbal will now face India’s Pandurangaiah while Awais Munir will lock horns with Singapore’s Jia Jun Ong on the second day of the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship on Sunday.

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Later in the day, Asjad Iqbal is scheduled to face Iraq’s Alijalil Ali while Awais will square off against Israel’s Shachar Ruber.

A total of 40 players, participating in the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, are divided into four groups. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout stage matches will begin on September 22, with the last 20 and 16 rounds. The quarterfinals and semi-finals will take place on September 24, with the final match on September 25.

It is worth mentioning here that prior to the IBSF World 6 Red Snooker Championship, Pakistan cueists Asjad Iqbal and Awais Munir participated in the IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024.

The national players fared well in the tournament with Asjad securing the bronze medal.

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ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing IBSF Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024 after defeating China’s Gao Yang in the quarter-final here on Wednesday.

Asjad Iqbal made a brilliant start as he won the first frame with a score of 76-0. However, Gao Yang made a resounding comeback winning the next two frames with scores of 25-64, 0-135(135).

The Pakistani cueist then took the lead with a victory in the fourth frame 81(76)-34, followed by a 65-64 victory in the next frame.

The Chinese cueist once again levelled the scores with 50(50)-69(69), but Asjad Iqbal triumphed with the victory in the last frame 69-50.

Meanwhile, in another quarter-final clash, Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou defeated Pakistan’s Awais Munir 4-2. The frame scores were 68-60, 66(58)-64(55), 8-78, 37-65, 66(53)-23, 111(65)-09.

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Asjad Iqbal will next face Michael Georgiou of Cyprus in the semi-final of the Mongolia Snooker World Cup.

Previously, Asjad Iqbal defeated Hong Kong’s Chang Yu Kiu in the pre-quarter-final match with a score of 4-1.

He lost the first frame 08-89, however, he staged a comeback, winning the next four frames with scores of 74-62(62), 71-12, 57-46, and 71(68)-24.

Awais Munir edged past another Hong Kong cueist Chau Hon Man 4-2. The frame scores were 44-81, 80-08, 17-65, 88-42, 85(79)-05 and 66-34.

Asjad also registered an upset victory over world champion Ali Al Obaidli on Sunday with scores of 59-36, 26-63, 58-19, and 70-58 earning direct qualification for the pre-quarter round.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation visited the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday to review the arrangements for the upcoming Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation reached Karachi last night and visited the National Stadium this morning, inspecting the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

After Karachi, the ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

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Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

However, Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is set to visit Karachi’s National Stadium to review the arrangements for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The six-member delegation will reach Karachi tonight and will visit the National Stadium tomorrow to inspect the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

The six-member delegation includes event organizers and security representatives, who will also meet representatives of law enforcement agencies in Karachi.

The ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Geoff Allardice refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

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ULAANBAATAR: Pakistani cueist Asjad Iqbal shocked the world as he registered an upset victory over world champion Ali Al Obaidli during the ongoing Mongolia Snooker World Cup 2024 here on Sunday.

Asjad Iqbal secured the 3-1 victory with scores of 59-36, 26-63, 58-19, and 70-58 earning direct qualification for the pre-quarter round.

Meanwhile, another Pakistani cueist Awais Munir defeated Iran’s Siyavosh Mozayani with a 3-1 margin. The frame scores were 09-63, 78-34, 59-50, 73-13.

Prior to that, Awais Munir defeated Mongolia’s Kash Uchjir in his first match of the Mongolia Snooker World Cup with frame scores of 60-17, 62-12, and 81-09.

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He continued his winning ways in the second game as he edged past Oman’s Hussain Al-Wati with the scores of 68-06, 10175-12, and 83-15.

Meanwhile, Asjad Iqbal kicked off his campaign with a victory over Mongolia’s Batarkhuu Naranhuu with a score of 3-0. The frame scores were 71-38, 71-51, and 110-32.

He faced Japan’s Junji Miyazawa in his second match, winning again without dropping a frame, with the scores of 68-18, 63-11, and 83-01.

Awais Munir and Asjad Iqbal departed from Karachi on Thursday to participate in the Mongolia World Cup as well as the World 6-Red Snooker Championship. Notably, both events are scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 15-22 September.

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KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan offered a piece of advice to white-ball captain Babar Azam, stating he should focus solely on his performance.

Younis addressed the media here on Saturday and shared that he only has one piece of advice to under-fire Babar Azam and that is to “perform”.

“My only advice to Babar Azam is to perform. He became the captain [of the national team] only because he was a performer,” said Younis.

“There are high expectations from Babar, and while players use social media, their real answers should come through the bat and ball,” he added.

Younis Khan further advised Babar Azam to think beyond captaincy. He also cited an example of India’s batting star Virat Kohli, who according to the former Pakistan captain, excelled after relinquishing the role.

“Performance is what matters; captaincy is a small thing,” Younis stated.

Younis, who holds the record of scoring the most Test runs for Pakistan, also asserted that Babar has the potential to surpass him, stating that the star batter can accumulate 15,000 runs in the format.

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Younis Khan then went on to urge the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to revamp departmental cricket.

“I could play cricket because of UBL. Departmental cricket has sustained many players, and its revival is crucial,” he said.

The former captain also acknowledged the prominence of franchise league cricket but emphasized that domestic cricket should not be overlooked.

Remember, the PCB decided to hold a high-profile meeting on September 22, dubbed “Connection Camp”, to discuss the future of the national cricket team as well as all-format captaincy.

But Younis Khan was of the view that the cricketing body should refrain from sudden changes, specifically in coaching setup and leadership.

READ: Commentary panel for Pakistan-South Africa T20I series unveiled