Author: A Sports

MELBOURNE: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam etched his name alongside former England captain Jos Buttler in the record books after producing a decisive knock during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 encounter at Docklands Stadium on Thursday.

Representing Sydney Sixers against Melbourne Renegades, Babar anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 58 off 46 deliveries, an innings laced with four boundaries and a six.

The knock not only guided the Sixers to a six-wicket win but also marked Babar’s 97th half-century in T20 cricket.

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With that effort, the former Pakistan skipper drew level with Buttler for the joint third-most fifties in the history of the shortest format.

Notably, Babar reached the milestone in just his 333rd T20 appearance, scoring 11 centuries along the way, while Buttler took 476 matches to get the same tally, with eight hundreds.

The all-time record for most T20 half-centuries remains with Australian great David Warner, who has amassed 113 fifties, followed by India’s Virat Kohli with 105.

Most T20 fifties:

• David Warner – 113
• Virat Kohli – 105
• Babar Azam – 97
• Jos Buttler – 97
• Alex Hales – 92

Babar’s latest innings also took his overall tally of 50-plus scores in T20 cricket to 108, comprising 97 half-centuries and 11 hundreds.

He is currently fourth on the all-time list for most 50+ scores in the format, behind Warner (121), Kohli (114) and Chris Gayle (110).

Babar’s knock proved the difference as Sydney Sixers sealed their second win of the BBL 15 campaign, climbing to fifth on the points table.

Melbourne Renegades, meanwhile, remain seventh with just one victory, sitting above only Sydney Thunder.

READ: Why Enzo Maresca is facing growing pressure at Chelsea?

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is facing the possibility of an early exit following a dramatic deterioration in his relationship with the Premier League club, sources have told local media.

Chelsea are understood to be holding emergency internal discussions regarding Maresca’s position after weeks of growing uncertainty, both on and off the pitch.

A separation is now considered increasingly likely, with indications that Maresca may not be in charge for Sunday’s away fixture against Manchester City.

The pressure intensified after Chelsea were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, a result that extended their poor league run to just one win in seven matches.

Enzo Maresca was booed by sections of the home crowd, underlining the frustration among supporters amid the team’s continued struggles.

Sources suggest Maresca himself has grown disillusioned and may be open to leaving the club, although it remains unclear whether he would do so without a compensation package.

The former Leicester City manager is under contract until 2029, with an option for an additional year.

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Chelsea’s hierarchy is believed to be increasingly concerned not only by on-field results, including the team dropping 15 points from winning positions this season, but also by Maresca’s conduct away from matches.

Tensions reportedly escalated following cryptic comments made by the coach after a win over Everton on December 13, when he referred to experiencing his “worst 48 hours” at the club.

Those remarks reportedly left senior figures confused, especially as Maresca later declined to clarify his comments despite repeated questions.

Further eyebrows were raised after Enzo Maresca opted out of post-match media duties following the Bournemouth draw, with assistant coach Willy Caballero stepping in instead.

While the club attributed Maresca’s absence to illness, reports later suggested the coach had chosen not to speak publicly as he weighed his future amid dissatisfaction with aspects of the club’s long-term project.

Chelsea’s owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, are said to be cautious about making another mid-season managerial change, mindful of the turbulence that followed the dismissals of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter during their first year in charge.

However, should Maresca depart, Chelsea would be forced into appointing their fifth permanent manager since the takeover in 2022.

READ: Babar Azam guides Sixers past Rizwan’s Renegades in BBL clash

MELBOURNE: Pakistan star Babar Azam produced a composed unbeaten half-century to lead Sydney Sixers to a six-wicket victory over Melbourne Renegades in a Big Bash League (BBL) season 15 encounter at Docklands Stadium on Thursday.

In a much-anticipated Babar Azam versus Mohammad Rizwan contest, the Sixers opted to field first after winning the toss.

Renegades lost early momentum when Jack Edwards dismissed Tim Seifert for eight, leaving the hosts 10 for 1 inside the first two overs.

Rizwan then partnered with Josh Brown in a brief counter-attack, though the second-wicket stand was largely driven by Brown’s aggressive approach.

The right-hander smashed 43 off just 19 balls, including three fours and four sixes, before Hayden Kerr broke the 44-run partnership. Rizwan struggled for fluency and was dismissed soon after, scoring six from ten deliveries.

Jake Fraser-McGurk steadied the innings with a 29-ball 38, featuring four boundaries, before falling to Sean Abbott after pushing the Renegades past the 100-run mark.

Hassan Khan provided late resistance with a quick 39, hitting three sixes and a four, but his dismissal in the final over curtailed the Renegades’ momentum as they finished on 164 for 9.

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Abbott was the pick of the Sixers’ bowlers with three wickets, while Edwards, Ben Dwarshuis and Kerr claimed two apiece.

In reply, the Sixers made a solid start through Daniel Hughes and Babar, adding 46 for the opening wicket.

Gurinder Sandhu removed Hughes for 30 off 23 balls, but Babar anchored the chase calmly. Josh Philippe chipped in with 16, while captain Moises Henriques added a brisk 23 to keep the innings on track.

After the fall of the fourth wicket, Babar Azam found a reliable partner in Joel Davies. The duo stitched together an unbeaten 51-run stand to take the Sixers home in 19.1 overs.

Babar finished on 58 not out from 46 balls, striking four fours and a six, while Davies sealed the chase with an unbeaten 34 off 15, including three fours and two sixes.

For Renegades, Sandhu picked up two wickets, while Will Sutherland and Matthew Spoors claimed one each.

The win marked Sydney Sixers’ second victory of the season, lifting them to fifth on the BBL points table. Melbourne Renegades, meanwhile, remain seventh with just one win, sitting above only Sydney Thunder.

READ: BPL drops Chattogram as venue for remainder of 2025-26 season

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) governing council has decided to remove Chattogram as a venue for the remainder of the 2025–26 season, following scheduling disruptions caused by a two-day suspension of the tournament earlier this week.

The BPL was paused after the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, forcing organisers to revise the tournament schedule.

As a result, Sylhet will continue to host matches until January 12, after which the action will shift to Dhaka for three match days, followed by the playoffs and the final, scheduled for January 23.

BPL member secretary Iftekhar Rahman said the decision was driven by logistical constraints and the need to safeguard Bangladesh players’ preparations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins shortly after the league concludes.

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“There was no room to create gaps in our fixtures,” Iftekhar said. “Shifting from Sylhet to Chattogram would require at least two days, especially for moving broadcast equipment between the two cities. After losing two match days earlier in the week, that move was no longer feasible.”

He added that maintaining the original final date was a key consideration.

“We could not afford to push the final even by a day, as the national team needs time to prepare for the World Cup. Unfortunately, that meant Chattogram had to be dropped from the remaining schedule.”

Iftekhar acknowledged the disappointment of fans in Chattogram but noted that venue allocations often involve trade-offs.

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“If we had started the tournament in Chattogram, Sylhet would have missed out. These decisions are never easy, but we had to weigh all factors,” he concluded.

The venue reshuffle is the latest challenge in what has been a turbulent BPL season.

The tournament began under a cloud after the Chattogram Royals’ owner withdrew from the franchise just a day before the opening match on December 26.

Since then, Noakhali Express coach Khaled Mahmud staged a walkout over inadequate practice facilities, while the league was also rocked by tragedy when Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki passed away moments before their fixture against Rajshahi Warriors.

READ: Big names back as Australia name squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Brazil legend Roberto Carlos has been hospitalized after a heart attack, Spanish media reported on Wednesday.

The former Real Madrid star has undergone unexpected but successful heart surgery, and is now in recovery.

The 52-year-old former left back was on vacation in Brazil when he was rushed to a hospital in Sao Paulo for what was described as a routine medical check-up.

Later on, Doctors discovered a severe underlying issue: a blood clot that had significantly reduced his heart’s pumping capacity.

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According to Marca, sources close to the 2002 World Cup winner say he is currently recovering.

Roberto Carlos himself reportedly told AS: “I’m doing well now and I’m under close observation.”

After the three-hour operation, he is expected to remain under observation in the hospital for another two days.

For the unversed, Roberto Carlos enjoyed a joyous career with 127 caps for Brazil and was a crucial figure in their 2022 World Cup triumph, held in South Korea and Japan.

At the club level, he became a global icon during his time at Real Madrid, where he played 527 competitive matches between 1996 and 2007.

READ: Major Blow for Real Madrid as Kylian Mbappe suffers injury

DUBAI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has included Afghanistan among the four teams to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking during a press conference in Dubai ahead of the launch of the Legends 90s Season Four , Harbhajan tipped defending champions India as the favourites to lift the title.

“I think India has a very good chance to win the World Cup because they are a very strong team and they are playing at home,” he remarked.

“They know the conditions better than anybody else. But the World Cup pressure is something which they need to handle better than the others, which is the most important thin,” he added.

He also picked Australia and South Africa as teams to keep an eye on, highlighting their recent performances.

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“I think Australia have always been a very good team and top contenders to win any cup. South Africa are the other contenders for the title with their current form. They have been playing some outstanding cricket of late.

Harbhajan cited Afghanistan spinners and deemed the side that could challenge any opposition.

“Afghanistan are also very strong with their spinners. I think they can beat anyone in these conditions. So these are my four picks for the semis,” said Harbhajan.

For those unaware, the 10th edition of the mega event will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with the tournament slated to run from February 7 to March 8 next year.

The event will feature 20 teams, divided into four groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super Eight stage.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 opener will be played between Pakistan and the Netherlands, with hosts and the reigning champions India taking on the USA later in the day in Mumbai.

READ: A packed 2026 awaits Pakistan cricket

Pakistan’s men’s cricket team is set for a year that leaves little room to breathe, let alone rebuild quietly.

With global tournaments, marquee bilateral series, and a long-awaited home-heavy red-ball stretch, the calendar reflects both opportunity and pressure in equal measure.

The year begins almost immediately on the road.

January

Pakistan will open 2026 with a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, played away from home. With the T20 World Cup looming, these games are expected to be less about experimentation and more about finalising combinations.

Barely catching their breath, Pakistan then return home to host Australia for three T20Is later in January.

February–March:

The centrepiece of Pakistan’s year will be the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled across February and March.

March–May:

Almost seamlessly, attention will shift to the Pakistan Super League, running from March to May. With expansion set to reshape the competition.

May

In May, Pakistan are scheduled to host Zimbabwe for three ODIs and three T20Is.

June

Australia are expected back in Pakistan in June for a three-match ODI series, subject to final confirmation.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle underway, these matches could prove crucial in shaping Pakistan’s long-term 50-over plans.

July–September:

The second half of the year shifts firmly towards Test cricket Pakistan will tour the West Indies in July–August for a two-Test series.

That will be followed by a three-Test tour of England from August to September.

November

Pakistan will end 2026 on home soil, hosting Sri Lanka for two Tests in November.

Notably, there is no official confirmation of a Pakistan tour of Bangladesh, leaving a small but unusual gap in an otherwise crowded calendar.

READ: Sikandar Raza faces personal tragedy as younger brother dies

Zimbabwe T20I captain Sikandar Raza is going through a difficult time after his younger brother Muhammad Mahdi tragically passed away at the age of 13, the Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday.

The news was shared via Zimbabwe Cricket’s social handle, detailing Mahdi’s death.

“Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) extends its heartfelt condolences to Zimbabwe T20I Captain Sikandar Raza and his family following the untimely passing of his beloved younger brother, Muhammad Mahdi, who died on 29 December 2025 in Harare at the age of 13,” the statement wrote on X handle.

“Muhammad Mahdi was born with haemophilia and sadly lost his life due to recent health complications,” it added.

The board condoled the cricketer and said that it stood united with Sikandar Raza and his family during the difficult time.

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“He was laid to rest on 30 December 2025 at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare. The ZC Board, Management, Players, and Staff stand united in solidarity with Sikandar Raza and his family during this profoundly difficult time.

 

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May Allah grant them comfort and strength, and may Muhammad Mahdi’s soul rest in eternal peace,” it concluded.

Following the news, Sikandar Raza’s supporters rallied around him on social media, offering support during his challenging time.

For those unversed, Sikandar Raza has so far represented Zimbabwe in 127 T20Is, 22 Tests, and 153 ODIs. The ace all-rounder has become a prominent name in the T20 circuit in the past couple of years.

READ: Hasan Ali, Chris Lynn dazzle as Strikers break New Year jinx in BBL 15

ADELAIDE: Veteran batter Chris Lynn rolled back the clock with his sublime hitting, whereas Hasan Ali bowled a clinical spell, propelling Adelaide Strikers to a seven-wicket victory over Brisbane Heat in the 17th fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Set 122, Strikers romped to a victory in 14.1 overs with seven wickets in hand.

Chris Lynn and skipper Matthew Short made light work of the chase, adding 51 in 7.1 overs. Short perished after scoring 19 off 27.

Meanwhile, Lynn continued the charge and reached his record, extending a 32nd BBL half-century.

The second and third wickets fell in quick time with Mackenzie Harvey and Jerrssis Wadia dismissed for 11 and one respectively, reducing Adelaide Strikers to 95-3 in 12.1 overs.

However, Lynn’s sublime hitting continued, which kept Brisbane Heat bowlers at bay and propelled his side over the finishing line.

The right-hander remained unbeaten on 79 from 4, striking half a dozen fours and the same number of maximums. In doing so, he also became the first batter in the tournament’s history to reach the 4000-run mark.

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For Brisbane Heat, Xavier Bartlett, Oli Patterson, and Thomas Balkin picked up one wicket each.

With this, Adelaide Strikers recorded their first victory on New Year’s Eve since 2018.

Earlier, after opting to field first, the home side skittled Brisbane Heat for a mere 121 in 19.4 overs.

Strikers inflicted a miserable start on Heat as half of their side was sent back inside powerplay.

Colin Munro (4), Jack Wildermuth (5), Lachlan Hearne (2), Matt Renshaw (6), and Max Bryant (1) were sent back in a cheap manner, which left Brisbane Heat 21-5 at the end of the powerplay.

With an early hiccup, Hugh Weibgen and Jimmy Peirson tried to arrest the slide with a brief 26-run partnership. However, another two wickets in quick succession put them in a familiar state of recovery.

Peirson made 13 off 12 before Weibgen took the scorecard over the 100-run mark with a 36* run partnership alongside Matthew Kuhnemann, who remained the top scorer with 31 off 22 balls.

Eventually, the whole side was bundled out for a below-par score.

For Adelaide Strikers, Jamie Overton remained the pick of the bowlers alongside Liam Scott and Hasan Ali, who picked two scalps each.

READ: Pakistan Cricket in 2025: A Year Caught Between Transition and Promise

DUBAI: Ace Javelin thrower and Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem shared a ‘golden moment’ after meeting former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov on the sidelines of the World Sports Summit.

The two-day summit took place on December 29-30, bringing together over 1,500 athletes, sports leaders, and policymakers to discuss the future of the industry under the theme “Uniting the World Through Sport.”

Nadeem shared the update on his social media account. “Meeting Khabib at the World Sports Summit,” he wrote.

Earlier in the day, he also met FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who inquired about the distance of the record throw.

“It was a 92-metre throw, and now I want to break that record,” Nadeem told the football chief.

During the event, Arshad Nadeem was conferred with the ‘Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award’ in the Global Breakthrough Athlete category here at the World Sports Summit.

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Nadeem was honoured with the award on the back of his landmark triumph at the Paris Olympics, where he ended up with a gold medal after a record-breaking throw of 92.97 metres.

With that throw, Arshad broke Pakistan’s gold medal jinx at the Olympics, marking the country’s first in 40 years.

Following the accolade, Nadeem expressed pride in the achievement, noting that the award would encourage emerging athletes in nurturing the sport in Pakistan.

“Alhamdulillah. Honored to receive the Global Breakthrough Athlete Award at the World Sports Summit in Dubai. This prestigious award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” Arhsad wrote on his Instagram handle.

“Sincere thanks to the Dubai Sports Council for the kind invitation and warm hospitality. Thankful for the unwavering support, prayers, and encouragement from everyone who stood by me throughout this journey,” Arshad added.

“Proud to represent Pakistan on the global stage,” he concluded with gratitude.

It is pertinent to mention that the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award recognises exceptional sporting achievements and contributions worldwide.

READ: Afghanistan announce squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026