Author: A Sports

Veteran batter Shoaib Malik has announced his retirement from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ahead of landmark season 11.

Shoaib shared the news on his social media handle, recalling cherished memories over the past decade.

“I cherish every single moment and friendship I have made on and off the field throughout my 10 years of the Pakistan Super League as a player,” he wrote.

 

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“It’s time to call it a day. However, my passion and motivation to serve for the betterment of cricket will always stay. Thank you PSL.”

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For the unversed, Shoaib Malik has been a mainstay of the PSL since its very beginning, having represented four different franchises – Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. He played his last match for Quetta Gladiators in PSL X.

He is currently the fourth-leading run-scorer in the history of the PSL, accumulating a total of 2,350 runs with an average of 33.09 across 92 games.

In addition to his batting prowess, Malik has also showcased his all-round capabilities, taking 17 wickets over the years.

Overall, Malik is the sixth-highest run getter in T20 cricket with 13571 runs to his name.  The right-hander has notched up 83 half-centuries at a strike rate of 127.24.

Besides his T20 career, Malik was a key member of Pakistan’s 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad and captained the national side in all three formats during his career.

In total, the all-rounder played 446 international matches for Pakistan, accumulating 11867 runs with the help of 12 centuries and 61 half-centuries alongside 218 scalps.

READ: New Zealand suffer injury setbacks ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

MIRPUR: Chris Woakes held his nerve under pressure, smashing a six off the final delivery to guide Sylhet Titans to a dramatic victory over Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 Eliminator at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest target of 112, the Titans sealed the contest on the final ball, with Woakes clearing the ropes off Faheem Ashraf to complete a tense run chase and book a place in Qualifier 2.

Sylhet will now face the losing side of Qualifier 1 between Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals.

The chase began shakily for the Titans as they lost an early wicket, but Parvez Hossain Emon (18) and Ariful Islam (17) steadied the innings with a 36-run partnership for the second wicket.

Later, Sam Billings and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz adopted a cautious approach, adding 50 runs for the middle order.

Billings top-scored with 29, while Miraz chipped in with a valuable 18 as Sylhet inched closer to the target.

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The match came down to a tense final over, with nine runs needed and Faheem Ashraf entrusted with the ball.

Faheem conceded two runs off the first delivery before bowling two dot balls to swing the momentum back in Rangpur’s favour. Moeen Ali was dismissed on the fourth ball, leaving Sylhet needing seven runs from the final two deliveries.

Woakes, however, rose to the occasion and launched the final delivery for a six, sparking celebrations in the Sylhet camp and ending Rangpur’s campaign.

Earlier, Rangpur Riders struggled with the bat and were restricted to 111-9 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a disciplined bowling display by the Titans.

Mahmudullah was the top scorer with a composed 33 off 26 balls, hitting two boundaries and two sixes. Khushdil Shah provided late impetus with a brisk 30 off 19 deliveries, including three sixes, while Nurul Hasan added 18.

Khaled Ahmed led the attack with impressive figures of 4 for 14, while Woakes and Nasum Ahmed picked up two wickets apiece.

READ: New Zealand suffer injury setbacks ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have been disrupted by fresh injury concerns, with fast bowler Adam Milne and all-rounder Michael Bracewell both picking up knocks just weeks before the global tournament.

Milne sustained a left hamstring injury while bowling for Sunrisers Eastern Cape during an SA20 fixture on Sunday.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Tuesday that the pacer is undergoing assessment to determine the severity of the injury, casting uncertainty over his availability for the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Bracewell, meanwhile, suffered a left calf strain while fielding in the third and final ODI against India in Indore on Sunday.

The all-rounder had just captained New Zealand to a historic 2–1 ODI series win over India, making the setback particularly untimely.

Despite the injury, Bracewell has travelled with the T20I squad to Nagpur, where New Zealand are set to begin a five-match T20I series against India.

Head coach Rob Walter confirmed that the team management will monitor Bracewell closely over the coming days before taking a call on his continued involvement in the tour.

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“Bracewell will be treated and monitored over the coming days before a decision on his further involvement in the tour is confirmed,” NZC said in a statement.

With player availability becoming a growing concern, all-rounder Kristian Clarke has been added to the squad as cover for the first three T20Is against India, starting on Wednesday.

Walter acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries and player movement but said the inclusion of Clarke would help balance the squad.

“We’ve got a fair bit of player movement at the moment with some guys returning from injury for this series, others joining us immediately from franchise cricket, and the rest coming off the India ODI series,” Walter said.

“We want to ensure we’ve got enough pace-bowling options for the first three games of this series, and it’s a great opportunity for Kristian to stay on with the group a little longer on his first tour of India.”

New Zealand will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in Group D against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.

New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.

READ: Star fast bowler unlikely to make Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad

Pakistan’s star fast bowler Haris Rauf is unlikely to be included in the national team’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to reliable sources.

According to sources, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is reportedly not keen on including Rauf in the squad for the mega-event, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Rauf, who last played a T20I for Pakistan in the Asia Cup final against India on September 28, 2025, has been out of the national T20 setup since that game.

The 32-year-old endured a difficult outing in the high-pressure final, conceding 50 runs in 3.4 overs while defending 146, a performance that raised doubts about his ability to handle crucial moments on the biggest stage.

Despite his absence from recent T20 internationals, Rauf remains Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in the format, having claimed 133 wickets in 94 matches at an economy rate of 8.38.

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The fast bowler, however, has been in impressive rhythm in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, where he is currently the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.

Rauf has taken 18 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 7.96 for Melbourne Stars, a strong reminder of his potential.

Still, reports suggest that Hesson is considering alternative pace options for the World Cup, possibly prioritising bowlers with more recent T20I experience and those who have demonstrated consistency under pressure.

Pakistan’s selection process has moved to the next stage, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly having already submitted a preliminary squad list to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

However, the final squad announcement is expected in the coming days. PCB officials can make changes to the submitted list without ICC approval until January 31.

READ: Janice Tjen becomes first Indonesian to win at Australian Open in 28 years

LAHORE: Pakistan women’s football team have been drawn into the Ivory Coast group for the highly anticipated FIFA Series 2026.

Pakistan women’s football team group for FIFA Series unveiled

The FIFA Women’s Series will be held in March and April 2026, with the opening events scheduled in Brazil, Ivory Coast and Thailand.

According to the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the national team will compete alongside Mauritania from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Turks and Caicos Islands from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

The global football governing body is expected to announce the match schedules in due course, with fixtures likely to take place during the first two weeks of April 2026.

For the unversed, the FIFA Series 2026 brings together national teams with a wide range of competitive profiles, reinforcing its development-driven design.

The event will mark a historic moment in Pakistan’s football landscape.

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The participation came on the backdrop of PFF president Mohsin Gillani meeting with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on the sidelines of the FIFA Executive Football Summit in 2025.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the development of women’s football in the country, while the men’s team’s potential participation in the future editions of the FIFA series also came under consideration.

“We touched upon key topics such as the development of the women’s football team and the men’s team potentially participating in next year’s FIFA Series,” Infantino was quoted as saying.

“President Gilani brings significant experience and football management know-how to the role, and I look forward to seeing our game take positive strides under his leadership,” Infantino said.

READ: South Africa, Sri Lanka seal commanding victories in U19 World Cup

WINDHOEK: South Africa and Sri Lanka delivered dominant performances to seal victories over Tanzania and Ireland respectively in their group stage fixtures here at the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Put into bat first, South Africa racked up a massive 397-5 at the end of their 50 overs.

Skipper Muhammed Bulbulia and Jason Rowles scored commanding centuries, with both batters forging a monumental 201-run stand for the third wicket partnership.

The pair took the score from 93 to 294 in 42.5 overs.

Bulbulia’s innings of 108 from 108 balls was laced with 10 fours and six while Rowles remained unbeaten on 125* from 101 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and five sixes.

For Tanzania, Simba Mbaki picked up two wickets.

In reply, Tanzania could not get going, with the whole team bundled out for only 68 in 32.2 overs. The innings involved two run-outs with one batter absent due to injury.

For South Africa, it was Jason Rowles again with the ball, scalping two wickets. Bayanda Majola also took wickets.

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In the Group A fixture played here at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Sri Lanka crushed Ireland by 106 runs as skipper Vimath Dinsara led from the front with an all-round performance.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka managed to put 267-5 on the board in their 50 overs.

Despite losing three wickets for 59 in 14.2 overs, it was Vimath Dinsara who held the innings together. He strung a couple of partnerships that kept Sri Lanka afloat.

The highlight of Sri Lankan batting was a century stand between Dinsara and Kavija Gamage, which brought the total from 139-4 to 239 in 46 overs.

Dinsara top-scored with 95 from 102 balls, striking half a dozen boundaries and a six.

Gamage fell one short of a half-century, a knock that included six boundaries. Meanwhile, Chamika Heenatigala also chipped in with 51 off 53 balls.

For Ireland, Oliver Riley took two wickets.

In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 161 in 40.1 overs, thanks to Dulnith Sigera’s four-wicket haul.

The Irish batters were in trouble fromthe start, with none of their batters getting going except opener Callum Armstrong, who made 39.

With this win, Sri Lanka registered their second consecutive win of the tournament, having previously defeated Japan in their opening encounter.

READ: WATCH: Ahmed Hussain’s stunning catch against Scotland

HARARE: Pakistan all-rounder Ahmed Hussain took another brilliant catch during his side’s clash against Scotland in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026.

Ahmed, 18, once again made headlines after pulling off a stunning grab against Scotland during the 45th over of the game, highlighting Pakistan’s improved fielding over the past couple of months.

On the fifth ball of Mohammad Sayyam’s over, Scotland batter Manu Saraswat tried to whip a full and straight delivery on the leg side but ended up offering a leading edge. Ahmad Hussain, running back from the backward point, completed an outstanding catch.

 

 

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The catch quickly grabbed attention, with commentators praising the Pakistani fielder for his outstanding grab.

This was not the first time Ahmed demonstrated his fielding prowess. The right-hander also took a blinder at the point during Pakistan’s opening encounter against England.

Nonetheless, Pakistan eased past Scotland by six wickets to open their account in the mega event.

The Green Shirts chased down a mere 188-run target in 43.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process here at the Takashinga Sports Club on Monday.

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Ahmed Hussain and Usman Khan starred with the bat, forging a 111-run partnership for the third wicket.

Both batters showed composure at the crease, with Usman Khan top-scoring with 75 from 85 balls. Ahmed Hussain remained the second-highest scorer with 47 off 92 deliveries.

For Scotland, Ollie Jones was the pick of the bowlers, who took two wickets. Manu Saraswat also bowled well and scalped two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan pacer Ali Raza’s fiery four-wicket haul and Momin Qamar’s spin wizardry bowled Scotland out for a below-par total

Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bowl first as they skittled out Scotland for 187 in 47.1 overs.

Ali Raza starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, while Momin Qamar took three wickets.

READ: U19 World Cup: Usman, bowlers seal Pakistan win over Scotland

HARARE: Usman Khan’s 75 and a clinical bowling performance propelled Pakistan to a comprehensive win over Scotland in the 12th fixture of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan chased down a mere 188-run target in 43.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process here at the Takashinga Sports Club on Monday.

Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas added 43 for the opening wicket partnership in 9.4 overs.

Scotland got their first breakthrough in the form of Ali Hassan Baloch, who was bowled by off-spinner Ollie Jones for 15.

Soon after, Jones trapped Sameer Minhas lbw to keep Pakistan in check. Minhas 28 off 30 included three fours.

Consequently, Pakistan were 48-2 in 11.1 overs.

However, Ahmed Hussain and Usman Khan forged a 111-run partnership, which brought the Green Shirts to the cusp of their first win in the tournament.

Both batters showed composure at the crease, with Usman Khan reaching his half-century on 59 balls. At this stage, Pakistan were 124 for 2 in 31 overs.

Eventually, the stand culminated in the 39th over with Usman’s wicket. The left-hander’s 75 off 85 balls was laced with five fours and two sixes.

The scorecard read 159-3 with Pakistan requiring 29 more runs to win.

Ahmed Hussain, who remained the second-highest scorer with 47, kept the scoreboard ticking until his dismissal in the 41st over, with the team only requiring three to win.

With a couple of tight overs from Scotland, Pakistan finally sneaked through, courtesy of a boundary from skipper Farhan Yousaf’s bat.

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For Scotland, Ollie Jones was the pick of the bowlers, who took two wickets. Manu Saraswat also bowled well and scalped two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan pacer Ali Raza’s fiery four-wicket haul and Momin Qamar’s spin wizardry bowled Scotland out for a below-par total

Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bowl first as they skittled out Scotland for 187 in 47.1 overs.

The Green Shirts applied pressure on the Scottish batting lineup right from the onset, with Ali Raza picking up the wickets of opener Theo Robinson and Max Chaplin in the first over.

Robinson made four, whereas Chaplin only managed two. As a result, Scotland were in early trouble with 12-2.

After early wickets, Rory Grant and skipper Thomas Knight steadied the innings with a 47-run partnership. The pair brought the total to 59 in 16.5 overs before Momin Qamar snared Rory Grant, who was caught after scoring 21 from 45 balls.

Pakistan continued to take wickets at regular intervals, with Finlay Carter the next batter to be dismissed after managing 12 from 16.

Scotland were further in dire straits when Ali Raza sent back Ollie Jones and skipper Thomas Knight in one over.

Knight top-scored with 37 from 72 balls with the aid of three fours. Jones, meanwhile, made 30 off 35, which included three boundaries.

After a 40-run partnership between Knight and Jones, Scotland were reduced to 115-6 in 29.2 overs.

However, another stand off 58 runs between Manu Saraswat and Finlay Jones provided them respite, bringing the total to 173 before a lower-order collapse bundled them out for a mere total.

Saraswat 25 from 36 included a boundary, whereas Jones hit two boundaries in his 33 off 56 balls.

For Pakistan, Ali Raza starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, while Momin Qamar took three wickets.

READ: Steve Smith keeps T20I dream alive, targets LA Olympics

Steve Smith has made it clear that despite his absence from Australia’s T20I side, his focus is firmly on representing his country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The veteran batter has been in sensational touch during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, producing a blistering 42-ball century and following it up with a 54-run innings to power Sydney Sixers into the Qualifier.

His performances have reignited discussions about whether he could be recalled to Australia’s T20 squad, from which he has been absent since early 2024.

Smith’s last T20I appearance came against New Zealand in February 2024, where he opened alongside Travis Head and managed just four runs.

Since then, he has continued to dominate in T20 leagues, averaging 51.18 at a strike rate of 156, numbers that have kept his name in conversations, even if the selectors’ door remains tightly shut.

But Smith himself appears pragmatic about his international future.

“I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments, but I think that ship’s sailed,” he said after his 54-run knock against Brisbane Heat on Sunday.

“They’ve got two opening batters doing well. I’m relaxed, enjoying what I’m doing here, and having some fun. My main goal remains the Olympics, which would be pretty cool. Keep doing what I’m doing, and you never know.”

Unlike his ODI career, Steve Smith has not formally retired from T20 internationals, leaving the door slightly ajar.

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Still, the reality is that Australia currently has a settled opening pair in the shortest format, making a comeback increasingly difficult.

Smith has thrived as an opener in the BBL, scoring two centuries and two half-centuries in just five innings this season.

All four of his centuries have come from the top of the order, an adjustment from his usual international role at No. 3 or 4, where he often had to consolidate after early wickets.

“Opening now gives me the freedom from ball one to play how I see it and enjoy myself,” Smith explained. “I’ve played different roles. Often I had to stick it together in the middle, rebuild after early wickets.”

The 36-year-old retired from ODI cricket after last year’s Champions Trophy, choosing to concentrate on franchise cricket across the globe, including stints in Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred.

“I’m trying to get stronger and hit the ball further to keep up with some of the big hitters,” he said.

“It’s nice to open and play freely. I stopped playing one-day cricket to focus on franchise tournaments and maintain rhythm. Playing consistently in this format is really important.”

Australia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey, has not dismissed the possibility of Smith returning to the T20I fold, but he admitted it would require a series of favourable circumstances.

“Steven’s been playing incredibly well in the BBL over the last couple of years, but we’ve got strong coverage in that position,” Bailey said. “If there were moving parts and a need arose, no doubt his name would be in the mix.”

READ: Pakistan-India clash confirmed as Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars schedule revealed

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially released the schedule and groupings for the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026, with a high-voltage Pakistan–India clash headlining the group stage of the tournament.

The eight-team competition will be staged in Bangkok, Thailand, from February 13 to 22, bringing together emerging women’s sides from across the continent in a bid to showcase the next generation of Asian cricketing talent.

As per the ACC announcement, Pakistan and India women’s teams have been drawn together in Group A, alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nepal. Group B will feature Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and hosts Thailand.

The much-anticipated Pakistan–India encounter has been scheduled for February 15 and is expected to be the marquee fixture of the group stage, adding further intrigue to the Rising Stars tournament.

Pakistan will kick off their campaign on the opening day against Nepal on February 13 before taking on the UAE on February 17.

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India, meanwhile, begin their journey against the UAE and will face Nepal prior to the blockbuster clash with Pakistan.

The group stage will run until February 18, after which the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for February 20.

The tournament will culminate with the final on February 22.

The Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 is seen as a key platform for developing young players and strengthening the women’s game across Asia, with several teams eyeing the event as a stepping stone toward senior-level success.

Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 Schedule

Feb 13, Friday

• 9:30 AM: Pakistan vs Nepal
• 2:00 PM: India vs UAE

Feb 14, Saturday

• 9:30 AM: Malaysia vs Thailand
• 2:00 PM: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka

Feb 15, Sunday

• 9:30 AM: UAE vs Nepal
• 2:00 PM: India vs Pakistan

Feb 16, Monday

• 9:30 AM: Sri Lanka vs Malaysia
• 2:00 PM: Bangladesh vs Thailand

Feb 17, Tuesday

• 9:30 AM: India 🇮🇳 vs Nepal 🇳🇵
• 2:00 PM: Pakistan vs UAE

Feb 18, Wednesday

• 9:30 AM: Bangladesh vs Malaysia
• 2:00 PM: Sri Lanka vs Thailand

Feb 20, Friday

• 9:30 AM: Semi-Final 1 → A1 vs B2
• 2:00 PM: Semi-Final 2 → B1 vs A2

Feb 22, Sunday: FINAL

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