Author: A Sports

LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne praised his side’s effort after sealing a dominant eight-wicket win over Multan Sultans in the Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Kingsmen first delivered with the ball, limiting a strong Multan Sultans batting lineup to 159 in 20 overs.  In reply, they chased down the 160-run target with ease, losing two wickets in the process and 28 balls to spare.

Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat starred with gutsy half-centuries, scripting a remarkable comeback for a team that lost their opening four games of the tournament.

With this win, they booked their place in Eliminator 2 and will play Islamabad United on May 1, at the same venue.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Marnus Labuschagne mentioned the management and owners, lauding a special win.

“It is really hard to put into words what it means for the franchise, the owners, the team, and the sports staff for us to be here: it is really special. We put a lot of work and time into making sure we came prepared today,” he told the presenter.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We played really well especially with the bat and tried to come a few new ideas and a little bit of prep. It is nice that it came off today. [On bouncing back after the defeat to United] We actually addressed it today because I felt when we won that amazing game against Multan we were so high. We probably just expected to go and do the same thing the next game,” he added.

The skipper praised his players for staying composed under pressure, saying trust and communication were vital in T20 cricket, where bowlers are bound to have difficult overs.

“It is just great when you have guys in whom you can put your faith. In T20 cricket, you are always going to have a bad over and be put under pressure. But it doesn’t matter because you can just trust them and communicate and they trust that process.”

“I am so proud of the guys from where we were – not winning a game over the first four games and then finding our feet in back half of the tournament and really making a push,” he concluded.

READ: Shakib Al Hasan calls Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup withdrawal a ‘blunder’

Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has described the interim government’s decision to withdraw the team from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as a “blunder”.

In February 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the government refused permission for the side to travel to India, citing security concerns. The mega event was jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The issue stemmed from Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s withdrawal from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 over security concerns. Notably, it was also the first time since 1999 that Bangladesh had not appeared in the World Cup.

The veteran all-rounder called the decision a big mistake for Bangladesh Cricket, noting that the country loves watching cricket.

“I think it was a big loss. It was a great miss as far as Bangladesh cricket is concerned,” he said on the sidelines of the EUT20 Belgium event in Mumbai.

“We as a country love watching our players playing in the World Cup. We are a cricket-loving country. I think it was a blunder from the government side that they took the decision not to participate in the World Cup,” Shakib said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He expressed hope for the revival of cricket ties between India and Bangladesh, noting that a bilateral series could be a step towards easing tensions.

“I think things will get better,” Shakib said. “The effort should be made [to improve relationship between BCCI and BCB]. I think one or two series if Bangladesh visit India or India visit Bangladesh; like I heard there’s a series likely to happen in August or September. When that happens, I think the ice will break, and things will get better,” he said.

Speaking about former captain Tamim Iqbal, who recently became president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Shakib expressed optimism that things will improve eventually.

The 39-year-old expressed hope to get an oppurtunity to play a farewell match in Dhaka.

“I think he will have a long-term plan if he becomes president,” Shakib said. “Hopefully Bangladesh cricket will get benefit from him.”

“I am hopeful that I can get what I want,” he remained optimistic about getting an oppurtunity to play a farewell match.

READ: Zaragoza goalkeeper handed 13 game ban

LAHORE: A clinical bowling effort backed by Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat’s gutsy half-centuries powered Hyderabad Kingsmen past Multan Sultans in the Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

The Kingsmen chased down a 160-run target without breaking a sweat on the loss of two wickets with 28 balls to spare, largely due to Usman and Sadaqat’s brisk fifties.

In pursuit of the target, Kingsmen made an early stutter when captain Marnus Labuschagne fell for 11 in the second over.

Usman Khan and Sadaqat then took control, sharing a match-defining 92-run partnership for the second wicket. Usman led the charge with an aggressive 64 off 35 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes before being dismissed in the 11th over.

Sadaqat carried on the momentum, finishing unbeaten on 64 off 35 deliveries, hitting eight fours and three sixes. He was ably supported by Saim Ayub, who added 15 not out, as the Kingsmen sealed victory in the 16th over.

For Multan Sultans, there was nothing much in the bowling charts, with Steve Smith and Mohammad Ismail taking one wicket each.

Earlier, Shan Masood’s fighting half-century took Multan Sultans to a respectable total

Put into bat first, Multan Sultans managed to amass 159-9 in 20 overs, thanks to Masood’s unbeaten 69 from 46 balls, including four sixes and four boundaries.

Kingsmen pacers — Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed, and Hunain Shah combined to jolt the opposition in the first five overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The inform duo of Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith added 28 in 2.5 overs before both were dismissed in quick succession. The former managed 15, whereas the latter managed 13.

Sultans woes were further compounded with Josh Philippe’s (6) wicket, trapped by Hunain in the fourth over.

Consequently, they were reduced to 36-3.

The slide continued as Shan Masood lost partners at the other end at regular intervals. At the halfway mark of the innings, Sultans lost six of their batters with their score reeling at 85-6.

Yet, Masood managed to tick the score with a vital 34-run on the ninth-wicket partnership with Faisal Akram. Eventually, the Sultans managed to cross the 150-run mark and post a fighting total.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, all three pacers shared six wickets between them.

READ: Hammad Azam criticizes Rizwan’s remarks on Hyderabad Kingsmen

Hyderabad Kingsmen all-rounder Hammad Azam has launched a scathing attack on Rawalpindiz skipper Mohammad Rizwan over comments made during a press conference. 

A few days earlier, Rizwan remarked that Hyderabad did not deserve a place in the playoffs, while acknowledging it could be his personal opinion.

“The last match played in Hyderabad, they didn’t deserve it. This can be my own wrong thinking, I’m sorry for this. This is my own opinion. If they go from here properly, if they oust us from here, then they deserve it. The matches that are going on in Lahore, they are doing very well. The rhythm that they are playing, I think it was their luck,” Rizwan said in a press conference.

Now, Hammad has reacted to the statement and expressed disappointment over Rizwan’s statement, saying a former Pakistan captain should not have made such remarks.

“It was a very bad statement, to be honest. When I heard this thing and saw their press conference, I was very disappointed because I wasn’t expecting that a captain who has been the captain of PSL for a long time, you have been the ex-captain of Pakistan, you have decided that we don’t deserve it because one game went bad,” Hammad said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He also highlighted Rizwan’s performance as captain over the last two seasons of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), urging the batter to focus on his own performances.

“Now, if we come to personal performances, I think he [Rizwan] have won two matches in the last 18 matches, one this year and one last year. So, they should also do self-analysis that what they deserve and what they don’t deserve,” he stated.

“One game can go bad, there is nothing like that in that. And against them, the first match we played, we bowled them out for 125. In this match, we defeated them by more than 100 runs. So, that thing should go in our positive. So, I think we deserve it. We are at this stage, at this place.” Hammad Azam concluded.

READ: Usman Khan opens up about struggles after Pakistan snub

LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. 

Head to Head

Hyderabad and Sultans have met twice in PSL 11, with each team winning one game.

Playing XIs

Hyderabad Kingsmen: Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Irfan Niazi, Hassan Khan, Hunain Shah, M Ali, Akif Javed

Multan Sultans: Sahibzada Farhan, Steven Smith, Ashton Turner, Shan Masood, Josh Philippe, Mohammad Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, M Imran Randhawa, Peter Siddle, Faisal Akram, M Ismail

READ: Usman Khan opens up about struggles after Pakistan snub

Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Usman Khan opened up about his exclusion from the national side, saying he never blamed his country for his struggles. 

During an interview with a private channel, Usman reflected on his exclusion from the national side, saying that he received comments suggesting he would never return and go back to UAE.

“When I was dropped from the Pakistan team, people told me that I would never make a comeback and that I had already been given enough chances, so I should go back to the UAE,” Usman said.

He admitted that it was his mistake that he couldn’t perform despite being given ample chances and used to tell others that Pakistan had provided him with sufficient opportunities.

“But I used to tell people that Pakistan had given me enough chances, it was my fault. It was my mistake that I couldn’t perform. Then I hired a personal trainer and improved my diet and fitness,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

It is worth noting that Usman was banned by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for violating obligations and misrepresenting his intention to play for the UAE.

Yet, he made headlines in his breakthrough season in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 as a foreign player, accumulating 430 runs at an average of 107 in seven matches, including two centuries.

The breakout season earned him a place in the squad for the home series against New Zealand and later in the T20 World Cup 2024 team.

The 30-year-old was dropped from the national side after the away series against New Zealand in 2025.

Overall, Usman has played 110 T20s, amassing 2767 runs at a strike rate of 145, including six centuries. On the contrary, he has struggled on an international level, managing only 474 runs in 38 T20Is at a strike rate of 121.

READ: PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi receive timely boost ahead of final

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has confirmed the availability of Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final, scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium here on Sunday.

The right-arm pacer was initially given a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to feature in the league until April 13. He later returned home alongside other Bangladesh players after being called up for national duty during the ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand.

He was part of Bangladesh’s squad against New Zealand but was not selected for the first two T20Is, with selectors prioritising his workload management ahead of a busy Test calendar.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), on Wednesday, reinstated Rana’s NOC, allowing him to rejoin the Zalmi squad for the final.

“This decision has been made considering the significance of participating in the final of a major global franchise competition, which is viewed as an important step in the continued development of the player,” the BCB said in a statement.

“More importantly, the team management and BCB medical team has provided clearance, confirming that his participation in the match will not adversely affect his fitness, workload management or availability for national duty.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Javed Afridi took to social media and extended his gratitude to the BCB president, Tamim Iqbal, for reinstating the NOC of the right-arm pacer, who set the PSL 11 on fire with his fiery bowling display.

“Thank you Brother Tamim for permitting Nahid Rana to feature for Peshawar Zalmi in the #PSL11 final match InshaAllah,” Afridi posted.

During his brief PSL stint, Rana made a strong impression, picking up seven wickets at an average of 10.85 in four matches at an economy rate of 5.42 for Zalmi.

READ: Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed addresses criticism over his role

KARACHI: Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has responded to criticism surrounding his appointment, saying he remains focused on his responsibilities despite external opinions ahead of the national side’s upcoming red-ball assignment.

Speaking to the media during a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre on Wednesday, Sarfaraz said he was aware of the discussions around his transition into coaching but insisted it does not affect his mindset as he begins his tenure with the national team.

“Former cricketers and my ex-colleagues have their own opinions. I am very positive about making the most of this new opportunity,” Sarfaraz said.

He further expressed confidence in the team’s support staff, highlighting the collective effort being put in ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

“My team management, including Umar Gul, Asad Shafiq, Grant Luden and Abdul Saad, and I are very confident about coaching the team to success,” he added.

The series will begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, with the second Test scheduled to take place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Sarfaraz Ahmed also addressed questions regarding Babar Azam’s form, praising the batter’s technical improvements and consistency across formats. Babar recently led Peshawar Zalmi to the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 and is expected to join the national squad after May 3.

“It is good to see Babar scoring runs and that too with a technical comeback. He is looking solid. Yes, he has scored runs in T20s but once he joins us, we will see his role here as well,” Sarfaraz said.

Several players, including skipper Shan Masood and Khurram Shahzad, are also expected to join the Test squad after completing their PSL commitments.

Pakistan currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with 12 points, having played only two matches in the current cycle against South Africa at home in 2025.

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Test series

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

READ: Sri Lanka cricket board quits at government’s request: officials

SANYA: Pakistan wrestlers Muhammad Inam Butt and Asad Ullah delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Asian Beach Games, securing two silver medals and further elevating the country’s standing on the international stage.

Inam Butt and Asad Ullah reached their respective finals after an impressive run throughout the tournament. Both wrestlers fought valiantly in the gold medal bouts but were narrowly defeated by strong Iranian opponents, finishing with well-deserved silver medals for Pakistan.

In the 80kg category, Asad Ullah defeated India’s Mor Sachin and China’s Feng Lu in the quarterfinal and semifinal, respectively, to book his place in the final.

However, he suffered a 0-3 defeat against Iran’s Ali Gholami, ending with a silver medal.

In the 90kg category, Muhammad Inam Butt continued his dominant run by overcoming opponents from Bahrain and Mongolia to reach the title clash.

He defeated Bahrain’s Magomed Sharipov in the quarter-final before overcoming Turbold Ganbold in the semi-final. He squared off against Iran’s Amirhossein Kavousi but failed to clinch the gold.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In the 70kg category, Muhammad Abdullah also impressed by defeating Thailand’s wrestler in the quarterfinal before falling in a hard-fought semifinal against India’s Siddharth.

President of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation, Arshad Sattar, congratulated the athletes, coaches, and officials, praising their fighting spirit and commitment.

He said the wrestlers had made the nation proud by raising Pakistan’s flag high through their exceptional performances.

Secretary General Muhammad Inam Butt also acknowledged the support of the Pakistan Olympic Association, Pakistan Sports Board, WAPDA, and the Pakistan Army, stating that their continued backing has played a vital role in Pakistan’s success.

Pakistan concluded the tournament with three medals overall, two silver medals in wrestling and one bronze medal in beach kabaddi.

READ: PCB unveils ticket prices for PSL 11 Eliminators and Final in Lahore

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the ticket prices for the Eliminator 1 & 2 as well as the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, all set to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Fans can secure their seats through pcb.tcs.com.pk, while physical tickets will be available at 18 designated TCS Express Centres in Lahore

The Eliminator 1 will be played between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans on Wednesday. The winner will progress to Eliminator 2, where they will face Islamabad United on Friday, May 1.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi have already secured their place in the final after defeating Islamabad United in the Qualifier, and will now await the winner of Eliminator 2 for the title clash scheduled on Sunday, May 3.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the much-anticipated final, fans can buy VIP enclosures (Fazal Mahmood and Imran Khan) tickets for PKR 6,000, while the premium enclosures (Rajas and Saeed Anwar) will be available for PKR 4,000.

First class enclosures, which comprise Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad and Sarfaraz Nawaz, are priced at PKR 2,000.

Seats in the Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Saeed Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq, which are categorised as General enclosures, will be available for a minimum of PKR 1,500.

The thrilling action of the PSL 11 final can also be enjoyed from the VVIP enclosure (Waqar Younis) at the Iqbal End, whose tickets can be bought for PKR 8,000.

The tickets for Zaheer Abbas enclosure at the Jinnah End will carry a price of PKR 10,000. The PCB Gallery tickets are priced at PKR 12,000.

For Eliminator 1, ticket prices have been set to accommodate a broad range of spectators, starting from PKR 500 for general enclosures.

First Class tickets are priced at PKR 1,000, Premium at PKR 2,000, and VIP at PKR 3,000. Higher-tier seating includes VVIP Far End at PKR 4,500, VVIP New Pavilion at PKR 5,500, while Gallery seats are available for PKR 7,000.

Ticket prices increase for Eliminator 2, with general enclosure seats starting at PKR 1,000. First Class tickets are priced at PKR 1,800, Premium at PKR 3,000, and VIP at PKR 4,000.

VVIP Far End tickets are available for PKR 5,000, while VVIP New Pavilion seats are set at PKR 8,000. Gallery tickets for the second eliminator are priced at PKR 10,000.

READ: Babar Azam breaks multiple records with century against Islamabad United