Author: ali.hassan

SKARDU: Pakistan mountaineering sector marked a milestone in Skardu with the official inauguration of the Karakoram Mountain Guides Association (KGMA), the country’s first national body created by mountaineers.

The event was hosted at a private hotel that brought together numerous mountain professionals from across the country, particularly from Gilgit-Baltistan.

During the event, participants discussed the structure of the new association and its working manual, highlighted the challenges faced by mountain guides in Pakistan, and emphasized the need for training, welfare systems, safety protocols, and stronger representation at national and international levels.

The event also included female members, a positive step toward creating equal opportunities within the profession.

A 17-member governing body was formed through regional representation. Later, the governing body, with full representation of all mountain guides of Pakistan, further elected the official office bearers.

The organisation elected its office bearers with renowned climber Sirbaz Khan chosen as President. The three Vice Presidents are Saad Munawar, Zahid Hussain Rajput, and Sajid Ali Sadpara, while Shah Daulat has been appointed Treasurer. Mirza Ali will serve as the General Secretary.

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Each elected member brings extensive field experience and a deep commitment to improving the future of Pakistan mountaineers.

The KMGA aims to improve safety standards, create career pathways, provide training, and promote professionalism across the industry.

Moreover, the KMGA will train and develop professional mountain guides in Pakistan, working in collaboration with international mountain guide associations.

The organization’s aim also includes improving rescue response systems and high-altitude safety procedures.

The KGMA will also work closely with the Government of Pakistan and tourism departments to address guide welfare, safety concerns, rescue systems, and all issues directly related to mountain professionals.

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BRISBANE: Usman Khawaja has been officially ruled out of the second Ashes Test against England at The Gabba after his back injury failed to settle, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old was battling discomfort throughout the series opener in Perth and has now been sidelined with a confirmed back injury.

Despite being unavailable for selection, Khawaja will remain with the squad to continue his rehabilitation, with selectors opting not to call in a replacement at this stage.

Khawaja attempted a light fitness test on Monday, completing short running drills on the Gabba outfield before spending around half an hour in the nets against the pink ball.

However, he appeared uncomfortable at various stages and faced only assistant coach Michael Di Venuto’s throw-downs, despite timing several pull shots cleanly.

The veteran left-hander endured a torrid first Test, where back spasms kept him off the field for extended periods.

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England’s rapid collapse on the opening day meant Usman Khawaja was unable to take his usual opening position, and when early wickets tumbled, he walked in at No.4 but managed just two runs.

On the second day, he returned to the slips, taking one sharp catch before spilling a low chance, during which his back again seized up while attempting another effort.

The episode opened the door for Travis Head, who went on to smash a match-winning century in the chase.

Khawaja’s struggles come at a time when his form was already under the scanner.

Since the end of the 2023 Ashes, he has averaged 31.84 with just one century across 45 innings, placing additional pressure on his position at the top of the order.

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SINGAPORE: Pakistan’s Lyari Football Academy finished as runners-up in the SingaCup 2025 Under-16 category after a valiant performance in the final against Thailand’s Benjamarachanusorn School at The Arena, Woodleigh, on Friday.

The championship clash proved to be a thrilling contest, with Benjamarachanusorn School, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, clinching the title with a narrow 2–1 victory.

Kashif from Lyari Football Academy was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Earlier, Lyari Football Academy booked their spot in the final after edging past Indonesia’s Tapteng Sibolga Student Football Team 1–0 in a tense semi-final.

Their Thai opponents, meanwhile, had overpowered Pakistan’s Kareem Kerai Academy 5–0 in the other semi-final.

In the third-place playoff, Kareem Kerai Academy bounced back strongly to secure a podium finish.

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After a goalless draw in regular time against Indonesia’s Tapteng Sibolga Student Football Team, Kareem Kerai Academy held their nerve in the penalty shootout to win 4–3, ensuring Pakistan ended the tournament with two teams inside the top three.

Since its inception in 2011, the SingaCup has been recognised as Asia’s premier youth football tournament.

The 2025 edition featured around 160 teams from 13 countries, competing across five age categories: Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16.

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SINGAPORE: Pakistan’s Lyari Football Academy continued their dream run at the SingaCup 2025, qualifying for the Under-16 final, scheduled to be played on November 7 at The Arena, Woodleigh.

They secured their spot in the finals after defeating Indonesia’s Tapteng Sibolga Student Football Team 1-0 in an exciting semi-final match at the same venue.

It was Taj Muhammad who emerged as the hero for the Lyari side, scoring the decisive goal to guide his team into the final.

The victory marks a historic moment for the academy, which is participating in an overseas tournament for the first time.

Lyari Football Academy will now face Thailand’s Benjamarachanusorn School in the U16 final on November 7, 2025.

The Thai side secured their spot after defeating Pakistan’s Kareem Kerai Academy 5-0 in the other semi-final.

Interestingly, both finalists, Lyari Football Academy and Benjamarachanusorn School, were placed in Group C earlier in the competition.

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The Pakistani team suffered their only defeat of the group stage against the same Thai opponents, setting up a much-anticipated rematch for the title.

The SingaCup, established in 2011, is widely regarded as Asia’s premier international youth football tournament.

The 2025 edition has drawn around 160 teams from 13 countries, featuring competitions across Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 categories.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially written to Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, seeking the handover of the Asia Cup 2025 trophy nearly a month after the conclusion of the tournament, sources confirmed.

According to insiders, the ACC has responded to the Indian board’s request and proposed that the trophy presentation take place in Dubai during the first week of November.

“If you want the trophy, we can hold a ceremony where you can receive it,” the ACC reportedly told the BCCI.

The unusual situation stems from India’s decision not to collect their winners’ medals and trophy following their triumph in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan on September 29 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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The stand-off reportedly began after members of the Indian team declined to accept the silverware from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman.

Despite India’s stance, the ACC has maintained its position, with sources suggesting that President Naqvi is unwilling to make any exceptions or alter standard presentation protocols.

India had defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the final, chasing down a 147-run target in 19.4 overs after bowling out the Men in Green for 146 runs in 19.1 overs.

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DUBAI: Pakistan cricket team manager Naveed Akram Cheema on Thursday called on Sri Lankan umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge at a Dubai hospital after the official was struck by a ball during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash.

Ruchira, hailing from Sri Lanka, was struck on the head during the Pakistan-UAE clash on Wednesday, September 17.

The incident happened on the last ball of the sixth over of UAE’s innings when Pakistan’s Saim Ayub threw the ball back to the bowler, unfortunately, it hit one of the on-field umpires, Richard Palliyaguruge.

Following this, the umpire looked in utter discomfort and walked off the field after the physio’s attention.

Naveed Akram Cheema presented a bouquet to the Sri Lankan umpire on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Mohsin Naqvi.

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During his visit, the team manager inquired about the well-being of umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge and expressed his best wishes for his recovery.

On this occasion, Palliguruge expressed his gratitude and praised the Pakistan team and people.

“Pakistan has always received love from the team and the people,” he said.

For context, Pakistan outplayed UAE in the 10th fixture of the Asia Cup 2025. Green Shirts secured a 41-run victory, which advanced them to the Super Fours of the continental tournament.

Pakistan will once again face arch-rivals India on Sunday, September 21,  having previously played them in the group stage fixture.

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LAHORE: Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler Waqas Maqsood announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday.

He represented Pakistan in a solitary T20I in November 2018 against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).

37-year-old pacer became the 80th player to represent Pakistan in the shortest format of the game at the top level.

He returned figures of 2-21 in 1.5 overs in his lone outing for the country, taking wickets of Lockie Ferguson and Seth Rance in the span of five balls.

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Faisalabad-born Waqas Maqsood also played 81 first-class, 56 List A, and 68 T20 matches between 2011 and 2023.

He took 294 wickets in first-class cricket, while 87 and 77 wickets in List A and T20, respectively.

He represented Islamabad United and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) across 20 games.

During his stint in PSL, he has taken 27 wickets at an average of 22.40.

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KARACHI: Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has responded to the renowned Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia’s clarification on bizarre marriage rumours linking them.

Last month, Tamannaah Bhatia addressed the rumours linking her to former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, calling the speculation “baseless and embarrassing.”

During an interview with an Indian media outlet, Tamannaah opened up about how a harmless photograph taken during a 2020 jewellery store event spiraled into full-blown gossip about her supposed marriage to Razzaq.

“Mazaak mazaak mein Abdul Razzaq,” she quipped. “The internet is a fun place. According to the internet, I was briefly married to Abdul Razzaq.”

“I’m sorry sir. Aapke do teen bachche hain (You have two or three children). I don’t know about your life, but it was so embarrassing,” she said candidly.

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Now, Abdul Razzaq has commented on Tamannaah’s reply during an event in Karachi, lauding her stature as an actor.

“It has been 12 years since I met Tamannaah Bhatia at an event. Tamannaah Bhatia is a very good actress, and she gave a very nice response,” he said.

He also spoke about the Pakistan team, currently featuring in the tri-series ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

“In our era, there was a lot more ODI and Test cricket. We should support the Pakistan team. This team is in the making, and hopefully, it will perform well,” Razzaq remarked.

He highlighted the new team and called the side the best performing in recent times, while stressing the power hitters.

“Around the world, teams are being rebuilt. This is Pakistan’s best-performing side, with four to five hard-hitters included,” said the former all-rounder.

The 45-year-old urged support for wicket-keeper Mohammad Haris, who is currently struggling to score runs.

“The players have already received the message that they must win matches for Pakistan. Not all eleven players in a team perform at once, but we must give confidence to Haris, ” he concluded.

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KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricketers Kamran Akmal and Umar Gul have shared their thoughts on the forthcoming high-octane clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025.

The match is scheduled to be played on September 14 at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, with both teams facing each other for the first time since the escalation in May 2025.

Speaking during a private event in the metropolitan city, former wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal expressed concerns over Pakistan’s team combination and shed light on the marquee clash against India.

“India team is looking very strong on paper. I wish Pakistan could win against India, but the national team will have to work hard for that,” he said.

“The bowling unit is not looking complete according to the conditions, he said. “If spinners won’t be played in these conditions, then where will they play?”

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He pointed out that Pakistan is playing with just three frontline bowlers, which could be costly.

“Afghanistan beat us, and the UAE gifted us a match. Mistakes like these cannot be repeated in the Asia Cup. Pakistan will need to defeat not only smaller teams but also stronger sides to succeed,” he remarked.

Kamran Akmal also highlighted the wicket-keeper Mohammad Haris’ batting position and Saim Ayub’s role in the team.

“Haris’ advantage is only in the top three positions. Saim Ayub should bat for the next four to five years, and after that, he should contribute with his bowling,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Umar Gul also admitted that the Indian team is looking strong, noting that in T20 cricket, a single player could turn the match on its head.

“We should support the Pakistan team. The Indian team looks strong, but it is reminded that in T20 cricket, a single good batting or bowling performance can turn the match,” Gul said.

Gul emphasized that in Pakistan’s history, major tournament victories have always been achieved through strong bowling, and emphasized the absence of key players for both teams.

“All the major tournaments won have been won by bowlers. Fans will surely miss stars like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma in this event,” said the 42-year-old.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) responded to rumours about the removal of Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood from their roles as white-ball and red-ball captains on Monday.

Speculation had been rife that Shan Masood could be replaced by Saud Shakeel as Test captain, while reports also suggested Mohammad Rizwan’s position as ODI captain was under threat.

However, PCB sources have categorically denied these claims, terming them “baseless.”

They confirmed that there is no proposal under consideration to remove Shan from the Test captaincy, nor is there any plan to appoint Saud as his replacement.

Similarly, the board dismissed talk of Mohammad Rizwan being stripped of the ODI captaincy, clarifying that Salman Ali Agha is not being considered for the role.

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The sources further added that the selection committee has not discussed any such matter, nor has there been any change in the category of players’ central contracts.

Pakistan are currently preparing for the Tri-Nation Series, featuring Afghanistan and the UAE, scheduled to be played in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7.

Each side will face the other twice, with the top two progressing to the final. Pakistan will open their campaign against Afghanistan on August 29 at 7:00 PM local time.

Following the tri-series, Pakistan will shift its focus to the ACC Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9 with the tournament opener between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Notably, neither Rizwan nor Shan will feature in the upcoming fixtures. Mohammad Rizwan remains out of Pakistan’s T20I squad, while Shan has not been part of the white-ball setup since 2023.

Tri-series schedule (all matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium):

• 29 August – Afghanistan v Pakistan – 7pm local time
• 30 August – UAE v Pakistan – 7pm local time
• 1 September – UAE v Afghanistan – 7pm local time
• 2 September – Pakistan v Afghanistan – 7pm local time
• 4 September – Pakistan v UAE – 7pm local time
• 5 September – Afghanistan v UAE – 7pm local time
• 7 September – Final – 7pm local time

ACC Asia Cup T20 2025 (Pakistan fixtures, Super Fours and Final):

• 12 September – Oman v Pakistan, DICS, 6pm local time
• 14 September – India v Pakistan, DICS, 6pm local time
• 17 September – UAE v Pakistan, DICS, 6pm local time
• 20-26 September – Super Fours fixtures (Abu Dhabi and Dubai)
• 28 September – Final, DICS, 6pm local time

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