Author: A Sports

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

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam reflected after his team romped into the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.

Babar starred with a match-winning 103 from 59 balls, propelling his side’s total to 221 in 20 overs against Islamabad United.

In reply, United were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs, showcasing a clinical bowling performance.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Babar underscored the importance of the Qualifier and said it was a fortunate occasion for fans present at the stadium.

“It was like a semi-final for us. The fans were fortunate to witness my century,” he told reporters.

“It is important that performance remains consistent at all times. I have belief in myself, and the goal is to perform better and better. With the passage of time, I have learned and understood a lot more,” the right-hander added.

With a two-match Test series against Bangladesh coming up, the skipper also emphasized mental preparation.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I know that in a few days I have to start preparing for Test cricket. You have to be mentally prepared for every format,” Babar said.

He revealed that he is now more disciplined while downplaying the external noise.

“Nothing much has changed; I have just worked more on discipline. I do not think too much about what people say about me.”

“I am often told that I don’t know how to finish matches. My focus remains only on cricket. I do not keep track of records or know which one is broken. I watch my old videos to improve my performance,” he said.

He also believed that working on his power-hitting skills was paying off, while hailing his batting partner, Kusal Mendis.

“I am working on power-hitting, and it is paying off. Kusal Mendis is one of the best batters from Sri Lanka. I keep talking to Mendis for tips and advice.,” he concluded.

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

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam shattered multiple records with a century against Islamabad United during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Qualifier at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.

The right-hander remained instrumental in propelling the team’s total to 221 at the end of 20 overs.

Babar made 103 from 59 balls, smashing 12 fours and four sixes to register his second century of the season. With this knock, he joined Usman Khan as the only other batter to have four centuries to their name in the tournament.

Most Centuries in PSL

Usman Khan — Matches: 35 | Centuries: 4
Babar Azam — Matches: 110 | Centuries: 4
Kamran Akmal — Matches: 75 | Centuries: 3
Rilee Rossouw — Matches: 104 | Centuries: 3
Fakhar Zaman — Matches: 105 | Centuries: 3

Moreover, he also became only the second batter after Usman Khan to hit two tons in a single PSL season. Usman achieved the feat in the 2024 edition.

Most Centuries In a Single Edition of PSL

Usman Khan — 2 in 2024

Babar Azam — 2 in 2026

In addition to this, Babar also became the first batter to amass 500 runs in a single PSL edition for the fourth time — 2021, 2023,2024,2026.  The 31-year-old now levels with Fakhar Zaman for most runs in a single season.

Before heading into the fixture, the right-hander had amassed 485 runs in 10 innings.

Most Runs in a PSL Season

Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars) – 588 runs in 2022
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 588 runs* in 2026
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 569 runs in 2024
Babar Azam (Karachi Kings) – 554 runs in 2021
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 550 runs in 2023
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 546 runs in 2022
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 522 runs in 2023
Kusal Mendis (Peshawar Zalmi) – 502 runs* in 2026
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 500 runs in 2021

The record for most runs in a single edition belongs to Fakhar Zaman — 588 runs in 2022. Babar Azam could now easily surpass the tally with up to two matches remaining if Zalmi lose the Qualifier and play the eliminator, or progress to the final.

READ: Hasan Nawaz’s India comments go viral after ‘hate’ remark

KARACHI: Babar Azam swashbuckling century propelled Peshawar Zalmi into the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 with a decisive victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

Set a massive 222 run target, United batting lineup faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs.

In pursuit of a big chase, United openers — Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway came out with intent. The pair took complete advantage of the fielding restrictions, putting on 58 at the end of five overs.

Minhas remained the core aggressor while Conway fell after managing 20 off 14, striking a boundary and two sixes.

After the first wicket, Zalmi slowed things down. Mohsin Riaz joined Sameer, adding a brief 23 runs before latter’s wicket opened the door.

Sameer Minhas was going well until a short of a length ball from Aaron Hardie got big on him. He made 44 from 23 deliveries, hitting a six and seven fours.

The wicket broke United’s momentum as their slide continued until the very end. As a result, they slumped from 81-2 to 113-7 in 13.5 overs.

Imad Wasim (22 off 15) resisted till the penultimate over, which only reduced the margin of defeat for them.

For Zalmi, it was Aaron Hardie, who starred with the ball, taking three wickets in his four overs. Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit shared four wickets between them.

Earlier, Babar Azam’s sublime century headlined a dominant batting display by Peshawar Zalmi.  Asked to bat first, Zalmi piled up 221-7 in 20 overs, thanks to Babar Azam’s 103 from 59 balls.

The opening pair of Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam came out all guns blazing, finishing the powerplay at 68 for nought.

Soon after the fielding restrictions were lifted, Shadab Khan, bowling his opening over, removed dangerous Haris — caught at cover brilliantly after scoring 35 off 16 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

Despite the wicket, Babar Azam, who was joined by Kusal Mendis — both topping the runs chart in PSL 11, forged 84 off 51 balls for the second wicket partnership.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The inform duo pounded anything loose with disdain, bringing the total to 156 in just 14.5 overs. However, the stand eventually culminated with Mendis’ wicket. The right-hander struck four boundaries and a maximum.

Mendis wicket brought United back into the game as Shadab struck twice in the next over to halt Zalmi’s progress. Michael Bracewell (2) and Abdul Samad (0) were sent back on successive deliveries.

As a result, they were 164-4 in 16 overs.

Yet, Babar continued to motor on from the other end as he smashed three boundaries in Faheem Ashraf’s next over and then followed up with two fours and a six to complete his majestic century — fourth in PSL history.

The 31-year-old was eventually caught on the boundary after hitting 12 fours and four maximums.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan stood out with three wickets to his name.

READ: Hasan Nawaz’s India comments go viral after ‘hate’ remark

LAHORE: Pakistan top-order batter Hasan Nawaz opened up about the challenge of facing India bowlers, emphasizing the added intensity and motivation that comes with cricket’s biggest rivalry.

In an interview, Hasan emphasized the emotional and competitive edge of playing against India, revealing that there is always an extra motivation when facing the arch-rivals.

“When playing against India, of course, there’s extra motivation. You naturally feel like you want to attack their bowlers. I hate all their bowlers, to be honest. And InshaAllah, if given the chance, we’ll try to do that going forward,” Nawaz said.

“It doesn’t work like that. Everything depends on the situation. For example, if the required run rate is 10, 12, or even 15 runs per over, then no matter who the bowler is, you try to score as many runs as possible,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He also highlighted the importance of planning in international cricket, saying players must prepare well to get the best out of themselves.

“At this level, all players are top-quality and world-class, so you prepare plans for everyone. There’s no single bowler in mind that you especially target,” he added.

The statement created a buzz online with fans sharing different opinions about the batter.

For those unaware, Hasan made headlines after scoring a record ton in his debut T20I series against New Zealand in 2025.

However, despite playing a vital role with the bat for the national side in several games, his form later dipped, eventually resulting in his omission from the national team.

Overall, he has played 25 T20Is for Pakistan, amassing 457 runs at an average of 20 with the aid of a century and two fifties.

The right-hander’s only appearance against India came in the Asia Cup 2025, where he scored five runs.

READ: England name ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad

KARACHI: Islamabad United have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Stadium on Tuesday

Head to Head

Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United have faced each other 27 times in the tournament’s history, with both teams tied on 13 wins, while one match ended in a no-result.

Playing XIs

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Aaron Hardie, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Farhan Yousuf, Mohammad Basit

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mark Chapman, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohsin Riaz, Chris Green and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

READ: England name ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad

LONDON: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have named a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Vetera all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead the side in his seventh World Cup appearance. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 12 to July 5 across England.

Among the first-timers are 18-year-old spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman and the pace duo of Issy Wong and Lauren Filer.

Following the squad announcement, the Three Lions head coach, Charlotte Edwards, reflected on the player selection for the mega event, noting that naming the final squad was extremely challenging.

“The waiting and wondering is over,” Edwards said in a press release.

“We have named our ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad and there is no doubt that it has been incredibly tough to get to these 15 names,” she continued.

“This is the hardest set of selection meetings I have been a part of because the pool of players to choose from is so strong and so many talented players have put their hand up to be a part of the squad, which is exactly what we want. That is the nature of world-class sport, and it is a privilege we don’t take lightly to be able to make these difficult decisions,” the head coach concluded.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, skipper Sciver-Brunt termed the oppurtunity an honor to lead the side in a home event and expressed confidence in her team’s chances of lifting the trophy.

“It is a huge honour to be leading England into a T20 World Cup at home in front of family and friends and all our passionate supporters,” she said.

“We have all been looking forward to this summer and this tournament for some time now and the naming of the squad means it is almost here, and we can’t wait to get out onto the field and give it everything to win this World Cup again,” she added.

England Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

READ: England, Sri Lanka could tour Pakistan for ODI tri-series: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly in discussions to host an ODI tri-series featuring England and Sri Lanka later this year, sources revealed on Tuesday.

According to early indications, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has agreed in principle to take part in the proposed series, which is being planned for the October-November window.

However, final confirmation from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is still awaited before the schedule is formally locked in.

If finalised, the tri-series would add another high-profile limited-overs event to Pakistan’s packed international calendar, with discussions ongoing over venues and match timings.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As per the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), Sri Lanka are already scheduled to tour Pakistan later this year for a multi-format assignment, which includes three T20Is followed by a two-match Test series.

The T20I leg is expected to be played in October, potentially serving as a lead-in to the proposed tri-series. The Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is then likely to follow in November.

For the unversed, Pakistan featured in two T20I tri-series, one involving UAE and Afghanistan, and another on home soil featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Pakistan went on to win both events, first defeating Afghanistan in the final in August 2025 in the UAE, and later overcoming Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi in November to lift the second tri-series title.

READ: PCB unveils match officials for PSL 11 Qualifier and Eliminators

Karachi Kings captain David Warner has responded firmly to a fan suggestion that he should return to the Indian Premier League (IPL), following his side’s exit from Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Warner, who took to Instagram after Karachi Kings’ campaign came to an end, reflected on the franchise’s performance and praised the squad for their effort despite an inconsistent season.

He highlighted the “passion, resilience, and attitude” shown by the team throughout the tournament, noting that the challenges of franchise cricket often go beyond what is visible on the field.

“Not the result we were hoping for, but the passion, resilience, and attitude shown by this group were incredible. Unless you’ve been part of a franchise team or environment, it’s hard to truly understand the level of commitment and dedication involved,” he posted.

The former Australian opener also expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support, while acknowledging the organisers for their hospitality during the season.

“Wishing the very best to everyone moving forward. To our fans, thank you, as always, for your unwavering support,” he added.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31)

He further appreciated the role of security personnel and law enforcement agencies in ensuring smooth conduct of the tournament amid crowd and logistical challenges.

“Appreciation to the security and police for taking care of us, and to everyone for your patience during the traffic delays. Hopefully, we’ll see you all at the stadium again soon,” he further stated.

In a lighter moment in his post, Warner suggested that future editions of the league could include more recreational activities such as padel or golf, while expressing hope for stronger crowd turnout in upcoming seasons.

However, his post drew attention after a social media user advised him to quit the PSL and return to the Indian Premier League, suggesting it would be a better fit for him.

“It’s better for you to quit PSL and return back in IPL,” the fan commented.

David Warner responded briefly but firmly, shutting down the speculation with a straightforward reply: “No need for that now.”

Karachi Kings, the champions of the 2020 edition, were eliminated from PSL 11 following Lahore Qalandars’ victory over Peshawar Zalmi on Saturday.

However, the Qalandars were also eliminated the next day when the Hyderabad Kings defeated Rawalpindi by 108 runs, surpassing the Qalandars with a superior net run rate.

READ: PCB rolls out public transport, traffic plan for PSL 11 Qualifier in Karachi