Jannik Sinner storms into Miami Open last 16, breaks Novak Djokovic record

World No. 2 Jannik Sinner continued his dominant run, cruising into the fourth round of the Miami Open with a commanding straight-sets victory while also rewriting the record books.

The Italian star brushed aside France’s Corentin Moutet 6-1, 6-4 in a one-sided third-round encounter, extending his remarkable streak at Masters 1000 events.

In doing so, Sinner registered his 25th and 26th consecutive sets won at this level, surpassing the previous record of 24 set by Novak Djokovic in 2016.

The 23-year-old has now won his last two Masters 1000 titles, Indian Wells and Paris, without dropping a single set.

“I am very happy,” Sinner said after the match. “This sport is unpredictable, so we try to keep attention as much as we can, and we’ll see what is coming in the next round.”

Jannik Sinner was in complete control from the outset on the Hard Rock Stadium’s main court, racing to a 4-1 lead after winning 19 of the first 26 points.

He wrapped up the opening set in just 22 minutes and never allowed Moutet a foothold in the contest.

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The second seed fired seven aces, converted three of six break points, and saved the only break opportunity he faced. He will next take on American Alex Michelsen, who staged a comeback win over Alejandro Tabilo.

While Sinner’s campaign gathers momentum, the tournament has seen a wave of high-profile exits.

Defending champion Jakub Mensik was knocked out in a marathon clash against Frances Tiafoe, who edged a gripping three-set battle 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(11).

The nearly three-hour encounter saw Mensik save six match points before eventually succumbing, while Tiafoe himself held his nerve after saving two match points in the final-set tiebreak.

The American will now face France’s Terence Atmane in the next round.

Atmane progressed with a notable upset over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, adding to a growing list of seeded casualties in Miami.

Among the biggest shocks was the early exit of Daniil Medvedev, who fell to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in three sets. The tournament had already seen world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Alex De Minaur and Ben Shelton bow out earlier.

READ: Sabalenka downs Zheng to reach Miami Open quarters

PSL 11: Rawalpindiz reveal Jake Fraser-McGurk’s replacement

Pakistan Super League (PSL) newcomers Rawalpindiz have confirmed the signing of New Zealand all-rounder Cole McConchie as a replacement for Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk ahead of the 11th season of the tournament.

The franchise announced the development on Monday, stating that Fraser-McGurk had withdrawn from the competition due to personal reasons, paving the way for McConchie’s inclusion.

The 34-year-old brings valuable experience to the squad, having represented New Zealand in 20 T20 Internationals since making his debut in 2021.

In those appearances, he has scored 188 runs and taken 12 wickets, showcasing his utility as a multi-dimensional player.

At the domestic level, McConchie boasts an impressive T20 record, amassing over 2,000 runs, including nine half-centuries, while also claiming 88 wickets in 141 matches.

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Rawalpindiz will begin their PSL campaign on March 28 against Peshawar Zalmi.

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The 11th edition of the PSL is set to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz. The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Rawalpindiz  Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Yasir Khan, Naseem Shah, Rishad Hossain, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, Cole McConchie, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Dian Forrester, Laurie Evans, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Fawad Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan and Saad Masood.

READ: Richie Richardson set for PSL debut as PCB unveils match officials

Richie Richardson set for PSL debut as PCB unveils match officials

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the match officials for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, with former West Indies captain Sir Richie Richardson set to make his debut in the tournament as a match referee.

Richardson, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, headlines a diverse officiating line-up for the 44-match tournament, which will be played across Lahore and Karachi from March 26 to May 3.

The veteran official is no stranger to Pakistan conditions, having previously overseen four Tests and three T20Is in the country between 2017 and 2024, including the historic T20I series between Pakistan and the World XI at Gaddafi Stadium.

The umpiring panel features a strong blend of elite international officials and experienced local names.

Members of the ICC Elite Panel, Ahsan Raza, Chris Gaffaney, Allahudien Palekar and Alex Wharf, will be joined by overseas umpires Sharfuddoula Saikat and Chris Brown.

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Palekar and Saikat are set to make their PSL debuts, adding further international flavour to the officiating group.

The domestic panel includes Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Zulfiqar Jan, Abdul Muqeet, Alay Haider, Imran Jawed and Tariq Rasheed.

Meanwhile, former Sri Lanka captain Roshan Mahanama will continue his long-standing association with the PSL, returning as a match referee.

Having officiated in 71 PSL matches since 2017, he will lead the playing control team, beginning with the tournament opener between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

For the opening fixture, Wharf and Ahsan Raza will serve as on-field umpires, with Asif Yaqoob appointed as the TV umpire and Tariq Rasheed taking on fourth umpire duties.

Match officials for PSL 11

Umpires: Ahsan Raza, Chris Gaffaney, Sharfuddoula Saikat, Allahuddien Palekar, Alex Wharf, Chris Brown, Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Zulfiqar Jan, Abdul Muqeet, Alay Haider, Imran Jawed and Tariq Rasheed

Match Referees: Roshan Mahanama, Sir Richard Richardson, Ali Naqvi, Kamran Chaudhary, Bilal Khilji, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aleem Moosa, Sohail Idrees

READ: PCB unveils star-studded commentary panel for PSL 11

PCB unveils star-studded commentary panel for PSL 11

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 23-member bilingual commentary panel for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, bringing together a mix of international voices and experienced local analysts for the tournament.

Among the notable inclusions is former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, who is set to make his debut in the PSL commentary box this season.

Former Australia women’s cricketer Lisa Sthalekar will also return for another stint in the league’s broadcast team.

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who has featured in every previous edition of the PSL as a player, will take on a new role this time as part of the Urdu commentary panel.

He will be joined by former Pakistan captains Salman Butt and Sana Mir.

The seven-member exclusive Urdu panel also includes seasoned commentator Tariq Saeed, former Pakistan women’s international Marina Iqbal, Shah Faisal and Ayaz Chaudhary, the winner of Pepsi Voice of Pakistan 2022.

On the English commentary side, Brathwaite will be joined by a host of international names, including South Africa’s Jean-Paul Duminy, England’s Dominic Cork, Nick Knight and Mark Butcher, New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Australia’s Greg Blewett and Bangladesh’s Athar Ali Khan, alongside the experienced broadcaster Michael Haysman.

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A strong Pakistani presence will also feature in the English panel, with former captains Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, Aamir Sohail and Urooj Mumtaz Khan set to provide analysis, while former international Bazid Khan is also part of the line-up.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Sikandar Bakht will take on a dual role this season, appearing as an English commentator while also joining the four-member presenting team.

The presentation line-up will feature international broadcasters Jess Crowe and Neroli Meadows, both making their PSL debut, alongside regular host Zainab Abbas.

PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer welcomed the announcement, expressing confidence that fans will enjoy the experience.

“We are excited to announce a star-studded and insightful commentators’ panel, which comes with years of valuable experience of calling the game behind the mic. I’m sure our fans will enjoy the commentary lineup and their calls over exciting action from home as we inch closer to the beginning of the landmark 11th edition of the HBL PSL.”

Full List of Commentators

English Panel: Aamir Sohail, Athar Ali Khan, Bazid Khan, Carlos Brathwaite, Dominic Cork, Greg Blewett, Jean-Paul Duminy, Lisa Sthalekar, Mark Butcher, Martin Guptill, Michael Haysman, Nick Knight, Ramiz Raja, Sikandar Bakht, Urooj Mumtaz Khan and Wasim Akram.

Exclusive Urdu Panel: Ayaz Chaudhary, Marina Iqbal, Salman Butt, Sana Mir, Shah Faisal, Shoaib Malik and Tariq Saeed.

Presenters: Jess Crowe, Neroli Meadows, Sikandar Bakht and Zainab Abbas.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan clinches ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026

Sahibzada Farhan clinches ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026, capping off a remarkable run with the bat during the T20 World Cup.

Farhan’s award-winning performances came despite Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament, as the right-hander emerged as the standout batter of the competition.

He amassed a tournament-high 383 runs in just six innings at an impressive average of 76.60, striking at 160.25.

The 29-year-old’s campaign was highlighted by two centuries and two half-centuries, making him the first batter to score multiple hundreds in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.

In the process, he also surpassed Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for the most runs in a single edition of the tournament.

Farhan’s consistency saw him register scores of 47, 73, 0, 100*, did not bat, 63 and 100 across seven matches, earning him a place in the ICC Team of the Tournament.

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Reflecting on the accolade, Farhan expressed gratitude for the recognition on cricket’s biggest stage.

“It’s an incredible feeling to win this ICC award, especially for performances on the World Cup stage, where fans from all over the world are watching every moment. That makes it even more special,” he said.

“It was truly a tournament I’ll always cherish, and I’m determined to carry this momentum forward in the series and competitions ahead.

“I’m deeply grateful to my teammates for their constant support and belief in me – this wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

The prolific run also propelled Farhan to a career-best second position in the ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings following his century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

Notably, this marks Farhan’s first ICC Player of the Month award, making him the first Pakistan men’s cricketer to receive the honour since Haris Rauf in November 2024.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi rope in Bangladesh batter for PSL 11

Peshawar Zalmi rope in Bangladesh batter for PSL 11

Former champions Peshawar Zalmi have bolstered their squad for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 with the signing of young Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim.

The franchise confirmed the development through their official social media platforms, welcoming the left-handed batter with a brief announcement that highlighted his addition as a boost to their top order.

 

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Tamim joins fellow Bangladesh pacers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam in the Zalmi setup.

While Nahid was picked during the PSL auction, Shoriful was brought in through a direct signing later, further strengthening the franchise’s overseas contingent.

With Tamim’s inclusion, the number of Bangladeshi players in this year’s tournament has risen to six, underlining the growing presence of Bangladesh talent in the PSL.

Among the others, Mustafizur Rahman had secured a deal prior to the draft, while Parvez Hossain Emon was later picked up by Lahore Qalandars.

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Spinner Rishad Hossain, who impressed in the previous edition, has been picked by new entrants RawalPindiz.

The 11th edition of the PSL is set to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz. The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

READ: Vinicius double helps Real Madrid edge Atletico thriller

Mohsin Naqvi responds to Gary Kirsten’s ‘interference’ claims

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the recent allegations made by former white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, who cited external “interference” as a key reason behind his premature exit from the role.

Kirsten, who was appointed in April 2024 alongside Test head coach Jason Gillespie, stepped down just six months into what was initially a two-year contract.

His resignation came shortly after the PCB announced squads for the ODI and T20I tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, decisions reportedly made without his involvement.

In a recent interview, Kirsten openly criticised the working environment within Pakistan cricket, highlighting what he described as excessive outside influence.

“The thing that surprised me more than anything was the level of interference. I don’t think I have ever seen it at that level before,” Kirsten said.

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“It is quite difficult for a coach to come and formulate a way that you can work with the players when there is just this constant noise from the outside.”

He further pointed out that coaching staff often become easy targets when results do not go a team’s way.

Kirsten further stated that coaches are always in the firing line when a team ends on the losing side. He noted that removing coaches is often seen as the easiest option and questioned the very purpose of appointing them.

Responding to these claims during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Mohsin Naqvi adopted a measured stance, distancing himself from the controversy and indicating limited direct involvement with the former coach.

“I didn’t have many interactions with Gary Kirsten, so it would be better if those people who were co-ordinating things with him and involved regularly with him responded in detail to his allegations,” Naqvi stated.

READ: Lahore Qalandars confirm Dasun Shanaka replacement for PSL 11

PSL 11: Lahore Qalandars confirm Dasun Shanaka replacement

Lahore Qalandars have named Australia all-rounder Daniel Sams as a replacement for Dasun Shanaka in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

The outfit confirmed the squad changes on social media handles.

“Daniel Sams is set to play for Lahore Qalandars. Bat, ball, impact—get ready for fireworks,” the caption wrote.

Sams, 33, has extensive T20 experience with 216 matches, amassing 2266 runs and seven half-centuries. His strike rate is notable at 152.90. In addition to batting, he has taken 262 wickets.

 

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Previously, he played for Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the PSL.

The replacement comes after Shanaka decided to withdraw from the tournament to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The Sri Lankan T20I captain will play for the Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran.

Earlier today, it was announced that PSL 11 will be held behind closed doors and at fewer venues.

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Originally, six cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, were scheduled to host matches in the expanded eight-team edition.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the decision during a press conference on Sunday, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and an emerging oil crisis as key factors behind the move.

“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.

“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”

Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled, with PSL set to begin directly with the opening match on March 26.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to face Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in the curtain-raiser.

Lahore Qalandars Updated squad for PSL 11

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan, and Shahab Khan.

READ: Major update regarding Maxwell’s availability for PSL 11

Revised schedule for PSL 11 revealed

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a revised schedule for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The tournament will begin with the opening match scheduled on March 26 between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

“The number of host venues for HBL PSL 11 has been streamlined from six to two. All matches will now be staged in Lahore and Karachi,” the board said in a press release statement.

“In the updated schedule 44 matches will be taking place in a space of 39 days with Lahore and Karachi each hosting 22 matches,” it added.

The qualifier will be played at the National Stadium Karachi, with the Eliminator 1, 2, and the final to be played at Gaddafi Stadium.

“The opening match between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Lahore Qalandars remains intact, while Lahore will also see Eliminator 1, 2, and the final. Qualifier will be played in Karachi,” it added.

 

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The updated schedule comes after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the league would be held behind closed doors amid austerity measures taken in light of the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

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Originally, six cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, were scheduled to host matches in the expanded eight-team edition.

“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.

“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”

Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled, with PSL 11 set to begin directly with the opening match on March 26.

He also expressed regret over the change in plans but emphasised that the board would aim to deliver high-quality coverage to ensure fans remain engaged.

Despite the changes, the tournament will continue to run until May 3, with the PCB opting to proceed with the league while adapting to the prevailing circumstances.

READ: Major update regarding Maxwell’s availability for PSL 11

Major update regarding Maxwell’s availability for PSL 11

Hyderabad Kingsmen owner Fawad Sarwar provided an update on the availability of star batter Glenn Maxwell for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

The tournament will run from March 26 behind closed doors across two venues in Pakistan.

Sarwar confirmed during a live stream on the franchise’s social handle that Maxwell will be available during the second half of the tournament.

“Due to the geopolitical situation, Maxwell will join Hyderabad Kingsmen in the second half and will stay until the end of the season,” Sarwar said.

This will be the talismanic batter’s first appearance in the PSL, having previously represented several teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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Glenn Maxwell, 37, has extensive experience with 129 T20I matches and scored 2,897 runs at a strike rate of 158.42.

Overall, he has played 502 T20s, amassing 10,986 runs at an average of 27.53, including eight centuries and 58 half-centuries. The right-hander has also recorded the highest score of 154.

For those unaware, PSL 11 will be played from March 26 behind closed doors at two venues, Lahore and Karachi.

Hyderabad Kingsmen will play their debut match against the defending champions Lahore Qalandars at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Hyderabad Kingsmen Squad for PSL 11:

Marnus Labuschagne (c), Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Hassan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Glenn Maxwell, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, Tayyab Arif, and Ahmed Hussain.

READ: Spinners help South Africa level T20I series against New Zealand