Category: Featured

READ: Umar Akmal defends Babar Azam over team spot debate

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the sport will make its long-awaited return to the Olympic stage at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with Pomona’s Fairgrounds (Fairplex) in Southern California chosen as the venue.

The Fairplex, a sprawling 500-acre event complex that has hosted the LA County Fair since 1922, will be the epicentre of Olympic cricket.

Known for its diverse year-round events — from concerts and trade shows to cultural festivals — the venue now gears up to welcome one of the world’s most-followed sports.

“We’ve promised the world an incredible Olympic Games and today we’re proud to share the plan that will make it happen,” said LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover.

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“Los Angeles is the epicentre of sports, culture and entertainment, and every venue selected for the 2028 Games will provide athletes and fans the best possible experience.”

The ICC welcomed the development with open arms, hailing it as a major milestone. Chairman Jay Shah called the move a “significant step” in the journey to bring cricket back to the Olympics.

“We welcome the announcement of the venue for cricket at Los Angeles 2028 as it is a significant step towards the preparation for our sport’s return to the Olympics,” said ICC chairman Shah.

“Although cricket is a hugely popular sport, it will be a fantastic opportunity to expand traditional boundaries when it features in the Olympics in the fast-paced, exciting T20 format that should appeal to new audiences.

“On behalf of the ICC, I want to express my gratitude to LA28 and the International Olympic Committee for their support and look forward to collaborating with them and ICC Members in preparing for LA28 and making cricket a huge success there.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics was confirmed during the IOC’s October 2023 meeting in Mumbai. It joins four other new sports — baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash — as part of the LA28 lineup.

The tournament will feature both men’s and women’s competitions, each with six teams. Squads will consist of 15 players, with a total of 90 athlete slots per gender allocated by the IOC.

While the exact qualification pathway and match schedule are yet to be announced, the excitement is already building.

This marks cricket’s return to the Olympics after a staggering 128 years — the only previous appearance being a one-off match in the 1900 Paris Games.

READ: Fawad Ali reflects on journey from Karachi Kings’ Talent Hunt to PSL

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

READ: Schedule for India’s white-ball tour to Bangladesh announced

RAWALPINDI: Sahibzada Farhan’s sublime century and Imad Wasim’s three-wicket haul powered Islamabad United to a 102 runs victory against Peshawar Zalmi in the fifth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

In a tough chase for 244 runs, Zalmi fell short, bowled out for just 141 in 18.2 overs. The standout performer for Zalmi was wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who slammed an impressive 87—his highest score in PSL history.

The innings got off to a disastrous start for Zalmi as skipper Babar Azam was sent packing for a mere one run in the second over, falling prey to Ben Dwarshuis. With that early loss, Zalmi was left reeling at 4 for 1.

Peshawar Zalmi were pegged back in the very next over, when Mitchell Owen was trapped LBW by Imad Wasim for 10, followed shortly by Saim Ayub, who managed just six runs. As a result, Zalmi were in a precarious position at the end of powerplay as they were 26 for 3.

Despite the early collapse, a brief resurgence came from a 41-run stand between Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Haris. However, that flicker of hope disappeared when Cadmore fell for eight, as Imad claimed his second wicket.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Haris kept fighting bravely, reaching a much-deserved half-century with an aggressive batting style. Unfortunately, he was left without support as wickets continued to tumble.

Hussain Talat contributed 13 runs, George Linde was dismissed for a duck, Alzarri Joseph managed just two, and Sufiyan Muqeem added only one run. By the 16th over, Zalmi was in dire straits at 130 for 8.

Haris’s remarkable innings came to an end as he was dismissed for 87 off 46 balls, effectively sealing Zalmi’s fate. The last wicket fell with Mohammad Ali scoring only three runs, as Islamabad United celebrated a convincing 102-run victory.

For Islamabad United, Imad Wasim was the pick of the bowlers, taking three for 26 in his four overs. Ben Dwarshuis, who was playing for the first time in PSL, and Shadab Khan supported him well with two wickets each.

Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan’s sublime century powered Islamabad United to a massive total of 243 against Peshawar Zalmi.

Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan won the toss and opted to bat, which proved good for their batters as they hammered Zalmi’s inexperienced attack all around the park.

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United did not have the best of starts as their opener Andries Gous was run out, thanks to brilliant fielding from Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

Following the early wicket, Sahibzada and Colin Munro partnered to forge a massive 144-run partnership of 72 balls.

Sahibazada led the charge with his eye-catching knock of 106 runs off 52 balls. The right-hander struck 13 fours and five massive sixes in his first PSL century. His partner, Munro, was equally good with his 40 off 27 balls, striking six fours and one maximum.

Both batters were dismissed in the 13th over, giving Zalmi a glimmer of hope to restrict them under 200. However, the duo’s solid foundation was sufficient for the incoming batters, Salman Agha and Jason Holder, to finish strong.

Agha scored quick fire 30 off 15 deliveries, striking two fours and sixes, before being dismissed while Holder remained unbeaten on 20 off 11 deliveries, smashing two fours and one six.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Alzarri Joseph and Hussain Talat bagged two wickets.

PLAYING XIs

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (cap), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mitchell Owen, Hussain Talat, George Linde, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, Sufiyan Muqeem, Ali Raza

Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (cap), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Naseem Shah, Ben Dwarshuis.

READ: Pakistan down West Indies to seal third win in ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar shares interesting advice on handling aggressive crowds

RAWALPINDI: Rishad Hossain’s three-wicket haul, along with half-centuries from Fakhar Zaman and Sam Billings, powered Lahore Qalandars to a massive win over Quetta Gladiators in the fourth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a mammoth total of 220, Gladiators were bundled out for 140 in 16.3 overs, thanks to dominant bowling display from Qalandars, registering their first win in PSL 10.

Lahore Qalandars bowlers ripped the top order of Quetta Gladiators in the opening overs. Qalandar’s skipper led from the front, removing openers Saud Shakeel (1) and Finn Allen (0) inside the first three overs.

Quetta Gladiators were 9-3 in 2.2 overs; however, Kusal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw’s 45-run partnership helped them, but it was cut, as Mendis was caught behind off Haris Rauf’s bowling. He scored 28 off 14 deliveries, laced with three fours and two sixes.

Following the wicket, Gladiators never looked in the chase and were eventually bundled out in the 16th over.

Rossouw displayed remarkable character and resilience, top-scoring with 44 off 19 balls, which included four sixes and four fours.

For Qalandars, Rishad Hossain was the pick of bowlers, taking three for 31 in his quota of four overs. Asif Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, and Sikandar Raza bagged two wickets each in an all-round bowling effort.

Fakhar Zaman was deemed ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding batting performance.

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Earlier, after being invited to bat, Fakhar Zaman’s and Sam Billings’s half-centuries powered Lahore Qalandars to 219 for the loss of six wickets. in their 20 overs.

Quetta Gladiators skipper Saud Shakeel won the toss and opted to bowl first, which proved costly for their bowlers as Lahore Qalandars batters hammered them all around the park.

Qalandars lost their emerging opener Mohammad Naeem early on the score of 17. Following the early hiccup, Fakhar and previous match half-centurion Abdullah Shafique steadied Qalandar’s innings.

The duo quickly put on a 56-run partnership before Shafique was dismissed on 37 off Akeal Hosein.

On the other hand, the southpaw, along with Daryl Mitchell, built a crucial partnership of 80 runs off just 42 deliveries, which set the stage for the Qalandars to finish strong. The duo was dismissed in successive overs, keeping the door open for Gladiators for a recovery.

Fakhar scored 67 off 39 balls laced with seven fours and three sixes, while Mitchell equally supported with his 37 off 23 deliveries. Mitchell’s knock featured four fours and one six.

Quetta did make a comeback after taking the crucial wickets of Sikandar Raza (6) and Shaheen Afridi (3), but it was Sam Billings’ blistering half-century which propelled them to a total of 219 in their allocated overs.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The English batter was on song today, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 19 balls. He struck four fours and four sixes in his eye-catching half-century.

For the Gladiators, Abrar Ahmed and Akeal Hosein each took two wickets, while Faheem Ashraf conceded 49 runs in his three overs and took only one wicket.

PLAYING XIs

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Finn Allen, Hassan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (wk), Rilee Rossouw, Shoaib Malik, Faheem Ashraf, Akeal Hosain, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wk), Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi (c), Jahandad Khan, Rishad Hossain, Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi

READ: Former Pakistan pacer slams Shaheen Afridi’s bowling

Former Pakistan captain and current Quetta Gladiators Team Director Sarfaraz Ahmed has finally addressed the growing speculation about his retirement from professional cricket.

The seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, who last represented the national team in December 2023, made it clear that he hasn’t hung up his boots just yet — and will only take that step when he personally feels the time is right.

In an exclusive conversation with a local sports outlet, Sarfaraz said he hasn’t made any official decision regarding retirement.

“I haven’t announced my retirement yet,” he clarified firmly.

Speaking about how difficult it is for a professional cricketer to stay away from the game, Sarfaraz acknowledged the emotional challenge of being on the sidelines.

“When someone has played cricket all their life, it obviously hurts to stay away from the game,” he admitted.

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“There comes a time when every player has to step away from cricket, but I try to make the most of whatever matches I get.”

Despite remaining unpicked in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Draft, the former skipper revealed that he hasn’t given up hope of a comeback in professional cricket.

“I still keep some hope alive that maybe I’ll get another chance,” he shared.

“I never said that I have to play for Pakistan — of course, it’s every player’s dream to represent their country. I just want to perform well in whatever cricket I play and give my 100 percent.”

Sarfaraz Ahmed, who is also working as a team mentor with the Dolphins in the Champions Cup, added that the decision to retire will come only when he feels it deep within.

“When I feel the moment has arrived, I’ll say it myself — yes, my cricket is over now,” he concluded.

READ: Mohammad Hasnain eyes Asia Cup spot with strong PSL 10 performance

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday confirmed that the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will kick off with a star-studded and glittering opening ceremony here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

According to the details, the grand opening ceremony will feature renowned artists Abrar ul Haq, Ali Zafar, Natasha Baig and Talha Anjum, who collaborated to craft the PSL 10 Anthem, X Dekho, alongside Abida Parveen and Young Stunners.

“Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host its first-ever opening ceremony of the HBL PSL. The ceremony will kick off at 7:00 PM on Friday, 11 April,” the PCB stated in a press release.

“The opening match of the six-team tournament will be played between defending champions Islamabad United and two-time winners Lahore Qalandars on the same day, with the first ball to be bowled at 8:30 PM.

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“The marquee event will be played at four venues – Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Multan Cricket Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The final of the event is scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium on 18 May.

“The opening ceremony at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will feature an array of exciting performances from renowned Sufi music artist Abida Parveen along with a cultural act from Ali Zafar and a contemporary performance by Young Stunners.

“In addition, the singers of the HBL PSL X anthem song Abrar ul Haq, Ali Zafar, Natasha Baig and Talha Anjum will also perform in the opening ceremony. Fans will also be treated to a spectacular firework display during the event.”

READ: David Warner joins Karachi Kings ahead of PSL 10

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has recently opened up about his reaction to being removed as the national T20I captain last year.

Shaheen took over as Pakistan’s T20I captain after Babar Azam stepped down following the team’s dismal performance in the ICC World Cup 2023.

However, the left-arm pacer was removed from his post in less than six months after his appointment, having led the team in just one T20I series, a five-match series against New Zealand in early 2024.

While speaking to a local sports outlet, Shaheen shared his thoughts on the matter and his continued dedication to the national team.

When asked whether being sacked as captain broke his heart, Shaheen responded with a light-hearted quip, showing his ability to laugh off the situation: “I don’t have a heart these days.”

Despite the disappointment of losing the captaincy, Shaheen expressed pride in having led the national side.

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“I am happy that I was the captain of Pakistan. It was a proud moment,” he said, reflecting on the honor of representing his country in such a significant role.

“You feel proud that you have done something for Pakistan. I am always happy when someone wins the match for Pakistan. Someone has been batting well. I am always proud to represent Pakistan in any field.”

On the subject of his workload management and future with the team, Shaheen Afridi clarified that he has never considered leaving any format so far.

“I have never thought of leaving any cricket format for Pakistan. Ever since I started playing cricket, I have always thought of giving a performance for Pakistan,” he stated.

“God has given me a lot of respect in this. I always want to enjoy playing cricket.”

READ: I have no intentions of being an all-rounder: Shaheen Afridi