Category: Sports

LAHORE: The closing ceremony of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final is set to feature a high-profile lineup of artists, with leading singer Atif Aslam among the performers scheduled to entertain fans at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the grand finale of the tournament will be accompanied by a star-studded musical show, with performances also expected from Ali Azmat, Arif Lohar, Aima Baig and the Sabri Sisters.

The announcement was made through official PCB channels, which also outlined preparations for a colourful closing ceremony, including fireworks and stage performances designed to mark the end of the season in style.

According to the board, arrangements for the final and its accompanying ceremony were reviewed in a high-level meeting chaired by PCB officials, where instructions were issued to ensure top-tier organisation and spectator comfort.

Fans have been advised to reach the stadium by 06:00 PM, with entry gates expected to be fully operational by the evening.

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The PSL 11 season initially began without an opening ceremony and behind closed doors due to government restrictions linked to an oil crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions.

However, with recent approvals, spectators have now been allowed to return for the playoffs and final, adding a festive atmosphere to the concluding stage of the tournament.

The title match will be contested between Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen, two sides that have taken contrasting paths to reach the final.

Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, have been the most dominant team of the season, finishing top of the group stage with 17 points before defeating Islamabad United in the Qualifier to secure direct entry into the final.

On the other hand, Hyderabad Kingsmen have emerged as the tournament’s surprise package. Under the leadership of Marnus Labuschagne, the debutants recovered from a difficult start to the season, which included four consecutive defeats, before staging a strong comeback to reach their first PSL final.

READ: Sajid Khan makes bold prediction about PSL 11 final

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal is set to miss the El Clasico against arch-rivals Barcelona on May 10 after suffering a toe injury, the Spanish club said on Saturday.

The veteran right-back is set to miss the next two weeks, according to Spanish media and could return for the club’s final game of the season against Athletic Bilbao.

Real Madrid, second, are 11 points behind league leaders Barcelona, who could clinch La Liga this weekend with a win at Osasuna, if Los Blancos drop points at Espanyol on Sunday.

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Dani Carvajal will be out for the Clasico clash at Barcelona next Sunday, which may be his last match as a Real Madrid player.

The defender, who has won six Champions League titles and four La Liga titles with Madrid, is out of contract at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old had hoped to form part of Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad this summer, but after an injury-hit season, his chances were already slim before his latest setback.

READ: Sajid Khan highlights the lack of T20 opportunities from the Peshawar region

KARACHI: Pakistan Test spinner Sajid Khan has opened up about his struggles to break into white-ball cricket, highlighting a lack of opportunities at the domestic level despite consistent performances in red-ball formats.

The off-spinner, currently part of Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, addressed the media during a training session at the National Stadium, where he reflected on his recent cricketing journey.

Sajid maintained that he has been among the top-performing bowlers in domestic cricket over the past five to six years but believes he has been typecast as a red-ball specialist.

“People have labelled me as a red-ball cricketer, but that’s not my concern. My focus has always been on performance,” he said.

He, however, expressed frustration over not getting enough chances in white-ball competitions, particularly from his regional side, Peshawar.

“Unfortunately, I am not finding a place in white-ball teams because many players are already playing One-Day and PSL cricket. I don’t get enough opportunities from the Peshawar region in T20s. This season as well, I was on the bench in the National T20,” he added.

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Sajid Khan emphasised that the lack of game time at the domestic level makes it difficult for players to showcase their abilities and attract franchise interest.

“If I don’t get to play for my region, how will I perform and come up the ranks? If my own region doesn’t pick me, how can a PSL franchise consider me? I can’t complain about the PSL because it all starts from domestic cricket,” he explained.

The 32-year-old has 46 wickets in 46 List A games at an average of 33.71, while in T20s, he has taken a mere 10 wickets in 15 games at an average of 35.10.

Moreover, Sajid expressed satisfaction with the training camps held in Lahore and Karachi for the upcoming tour, noting that the conditions in Karachi closely resemble those expected in Bangladesh.

“We had a good camp in Lahore and then here in Karachi. The weather here is quite similar to Bangladesh, which is why this camp was important,” he said.

Looking ahead to the Test series, the spinner acknowledged Bangladesh’s strength in pace bowling but remained confident about Pakistan’s readiness.

“Bangladesh have quality fast bowlers and rely on pace-friendly conditions. We will get a better idea once we arrive there, but regardless of the pitch, we are prepared to deliver strong performances,” he concluded.

READ: Sajid Khan makes bold prediction about PSL 11 final

KARACHI: Test spinner Sajid Khan has weighed in on the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final, offering his prediction on the highly anticipated clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

The title decider is scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, with both teams entering the contest on the back of impressive campaigns.

Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, have topped the group stage with 17 points and carried that form into the playoffs, defeating Islamabad United in the Qualifier to book a direct spot in the final.

In contrast, PSL debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen, under Marnus Labuschagne, recovered from four consecutive defeats early in the tournament to script one of the most remarkable turnarounds.

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They won four matches on the trot to stay in contention before another setback as they suffered a humbling defeat against United. They ultimately sealed their playoff berth with a dominant victory in their final group game over Rawalpindiz.

The Kingsmen then carried that momentum into the knockout stage, eliminating Multan Sultans in Eliminator 1 and Islamabad United in a last-over thriller in Eliminator 2 to reach their first-ever PSL final.

Speaking on the sidelines of Pakistan Test team’s training camp at the National Stadium, Sajid Khan avoided outright favouritism but admitted Hyderabad’s current form gives them an edge.

“My best wishes are with both teams. Whoever plays better on the day deserves to win, but the way Hyderabad are playing and the momentum they have, they look like the favourites right now,” he said.

READ: PSL 11: Mohammad Ali fined for code of conduct breach in Eliminator 2

LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen pacer Mohammad Ali has been fined 10 per cent of his match fee for breaching the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Code of Conduct during the Eliminator 2 clash against Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The 33-year-old fast bowler was found guilty of a Level 1 offence following an on-field altercation with United batter Mark Chapman during the 16th over of the innings.

The incident involved a heated exchange between the two players, drawing the attention of match officials.

According to the official statement, Ali was found to have violated Article 2.21 of the HBL PSL Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “conduct that brings the game into disrepute.”

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He admitted the offence and accepted the sanction without contest.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Shahid Saikat, with match referee Roshan Mahanama imposing the penalty.

Despite the disciplinary action, Ali featured prominently in the match, returning figures of 2 for 44 from his four overs. However, he was also the most expensive bowler for Hyderabad in what turned out to be a tense, last-over contest.

The Kingsmen eventually edged past Islamabad United in a thrilling finish, with Hunain Shah successfully defending six runs in the final over to seal victory and book a place in the PSL 11 final, eliminating the three-time champions from the tournament.

READ: Islamabad United owner breaks silence following PSL 11 Exit

Leeds United all but secured their place in the Premier League next season with a 3-1 win over already-relegated Burnley on Friday.

Goals from Anton Stach, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin took Daniel Farke’s side nine points clear of the relegation zone with just four games remaining for those below them.

Leeds failed to reach their first FA Cup final since 1973 in a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Wembley last weekend.

But they are now up to 14th in an impressive first season back in the top flight, along with Sunderland, bucking the trend of promoted sides falling straight back to the second tier.

“The three points are massive for us,” said Farke. “The job is not done yet. We will celebrate properly when it’s mathematically done. But 43 points is good.”

Staying up would also be huge for Farke in his bid to silence his doubters at the Premier League level.

Twice, the German led Norwich to the English top-flight but was unable to keep the Canaries in the top flight.

“Of course, it was a massive step for us tonight,” he added. “To deliver 10 points out of the last four games in a nervy period, as a newly-promoted side, is second to none.”

Burnley were only pipped to the Championship title by Leeds United on goal difference last season.

But the Clarets have struggled much more with the step up, as they have been relegated for the third time in as many seasons in the Premier League.

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Burnley parted company with manager Scott Parker on Thursday despite his exceptional record of achieving promotion from the Championship with three different clubs.

The difference in what was at stake for both clubs was clear in the opening stages as Leeds burst out of the blocks.

Stach fired the home side in front after just eight minutes as Martin Dubravka got down slowly to the German’s low drive.

Leeds dominated the rest of the first half but had to wait for a two-goal burst in four minutes just after the break to seal the points.

A brilliant move was finished off by Okafor after Calvert-Lewin’s backheel picked out Jayden Bogle.

The Swiss forward has scored six goals in his last seven league games to see Leeds over the line in the relegation battle.

But it was Calvert-Lewin’s goals that kept his side afloat earlier in the campaign.

The England striker prodded home his 13th goal of the season from close range after Dubravka could only parry Ao Tanaka’s strike.

Burnley salvaged some pride from Mike Jackson’s first match in interim charge when Loum Tchaouna blasted in a late consolation.

READ: Jannik Sinner to face Alexander Zverev in Madrid Open final

World number one Jannik Sinner downed Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4 on Friday to reach the Madrid Open final, where he will face Alexander Zverev.

The second seed dispatched promising Belgian Alexander Blockx 6-2, 7-5 later on.

Sinner won his 22nd straight match to book a place in Sunday’s final, where he will aim to win a record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title.

With his chief rival Carlos Alcaraz out injured, Sinner is the firm favourite to triumph at the Caja Magica and add to recent titles at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.

“I played at a very high level, but I focus on always raising my level a little,” Sinner told Movistar. “Especially when the tournament gets serious… You have to raise your level if you want to keep going.”

The Italian admitted he was feeling a little tired after playing so many matches of late.

“Obviously, there’s a bit of fatigue,” said Sinner.

“Mentally, I feel good, but there is some physical tiredness. My body isn’t completely fresh, but that’s normal, and I think it’s a very positive thing for me because it means I’m playing a lot of matches.

“Of course, on Sunday we’ll try to do even better, but whatever happens, I’ve reached another final in a very important tournament.”

Beating Sinner right now seems a near-impossible feat, and the four-time Grand Slam winner started superbly against Barcelona Open winner Fils, who has impressed since returning from injury in February.

The Italian broke in the third game when Fils went long to lead 2-1.

Sinner broke again in the fifth game with Fils, ranked 25th in the world, unable to cope with his sheer power.

The Frenchman has not yet reached a Masters 1000 final, and with Sinner in sumptuous form, it quickly became clear he would have to wait a little longer.

Sinner wrapped up the first set on his serve after Fils found some fighting spirit to prevent a third break.

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The second set was far closer, with Fils rising in confidence and belief.

The 21-year-old saved two break points for a 3-2 lead, and put pressure on Sinner’s next serve, although the Italian produced two aces to hold.

Sinner broke with a down-the-line backhand winner to end an excellent rally for a 5-4 lead and served it out to triumph.

World number three Zverev, in strong form, claimed the first set against Blockx comfortably but struggled to break the Belgian in the second, before eventually finding a way through.

“I’m very happy, of course, to be in a final,” said Zverev, who lifted the trophy in Madrid in 2018 and 2021.

“There were a lot of tough matches, a lot of tough battles… and I’m looking forward to playing Jannik again. Tennis is very, very easy for him right now, the way he is playing. Maybe on Sunday, I will make it a bit more difficult for him.

“He’s the best player in the world for sure, and I’m just trying to give him a tough battle.”

The 29-year-old broke in the first and fifth games to surge into a 5-1 lead against his unseeded opponent.

Underdog Blockx, ranked 69th in the world, resisted strong pressure on his next service game, saving three set points to hold.

However, the dominant Zverev made no mistake with his fourth chance to wrap up the fourth stanza, laying down an ace.

Blockx survived two break points in the first game of the second set, and another in the third as Zverev worked him hard.

The Belgian, who defeated Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals, put up a brave display as he saved two more break points in each of the seventh and ninth games.

Eventually, Zverev took his eighth break point of the second set to nose 6-5 ahead, with a fortuitous net cord that broke Blockx’s resistance.

The German, who has suffered a string of semi-final defeats this season, made it to his first final with a powerful overhead winner.

READ: Islamabad United owner breaks silence following PSL 11 Exit

LAHORE: Islamabad United owner, Ali Naqvi, shared an emotional message following his team’s exit from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, after their campaign ended in a dramatic Eliminator 2 defeat.

The three-time champions were knocked out by Hyderabad Kingsmen in a last-over thriller, with Hunain Shah successfully defending six runs to seal a memorable victory and deny United a place in the final.

Taking to social media platform X after the loss, Naqvi admitted that the nature of the defeat made it particularly hard to process, while also acknowledging the opposition’s performance.

“Losses are tough in general, but losses like last evening’s are especially more difficult to process. Ultimately it’s a game and only one team could win. Congratulations to HKingsmen,” he wrote.

Despite the disappointment, Naqvi expressed gratitude to the team’s supporters, highlighting the resilience shown by the side throughout the season, especially after pre-tournament doubts.

“A BIG thankyou to the entire #ISLUFamily for supporting the team throughout the season. Against post-auction predictions which doubted our ability, we rose to the top two, and brought the team so close to being on the final last evening,” he added.

“As our PSL11 journey comes to an end, I want to wish each and every one of you success and happiness in your professional and personal pursuits ahead.”

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Islamabad United had finished second in the group stage with 13 points after a strong win over Multan Sultans in their final league match.

However, their playoff journey saw them fall short in both outings, first against Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier and then in the Eliminator against Hyderabad.

Ali Naqvi also extended his best wishes to the finalists, hoping for another thrilling contest in the title decider.

“Best of luck to both teams in tomorrow’s final — may it be as thrilling and dramatic as last evening’s match,” he said.

He concluded his message by sharing a final team selfie, noting that while the immediate aftermath of the defeat was filled with disappointment, the squad reflected on a season that also brought positive moments and unity within the group.

“While everyone was gutted and heartbroken immediately after the match, the team also reflected on the productive and enjoyable time they spent together during the season. That surely brought back smiles on their faces – reflected here in the selfie,” he concluded.

READ: Salman Naseer provides update on PSL 11 closing ceremony

World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe on Friday hailed Sabastian Sawe, who became the first person to break the mythical two-hour mark during the London Marathon, telling AFP it was a feat that captured the imagination of the entire world.

The 31-year-old Kenyan won a stunning race around the streets of London last Sunday in 1hr 59min 30sec, edging a tight battle with Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who also finished in under two hours.

“There was extraordinary enthusiasm,” Coe, a double Olympic gold medallist, told AFP in his first interview since Sawe smashed the record.

“I couldn’t switch a television on or listen to the radio or open a newspaper or go online without a lot of coverage. It was a leading story that day.”

Sawe’s time was more than one minute faster than the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by his compatriot, the late Kelvin Kiptum, in Chicago in 2023.

Sabastian Sawe also eclipsed the 1:59:40 posted by another Kenyan, Eliud Kipchoge, in a 2019 challenge in Vienna when he was aided by a guiding laser light and dozens of pacemakers.

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“Breaking the two-hour barrier in a competition, not a choreographed one, but in an absolutely full-blooded competition, I think did capture global imagination,” said Coe.

The 69-year-old also brushed aside criticism of the new generation of carbon-plated, ultra-light foam shoes, which have contributed to the steady descent of the marathon record.

“I think you would have an interesting reflection if you spoke to the coaches and said to them: Is your coaching less important than the quality of the shoes the athletes are wearing?” said Coe.

“There’s a balance, and at World Athletics, we really take that responsibility very seriously.

“But I don’t think it’s our job to strangle innovation. Our job is to make sure that the integrity of the competition remains in the right balance, and at the moment I think it is.”

READ: Venezia seal promotion back to Serie A

Venezia will return to the Italian top flight following their 2-2 draw away to La Spezia on Friday in the penultimate round of Serie B.

After squandering a two-goal lead in the final moments of their match on the Ligurian coast, the Venetians thought they would have to wait another week to book their ticket to Serie A.

That was until Mantova scored a 96th-minute winner to beat third-placed Monza 3-2 and ensure promotion for Venezia ahead of the final matchday.

With 79 points, the Lagunari are guaranteed to finish in one of the top two places in the league, which means automatic promotion to the top flight.

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Venezia, owned by American investors since 2015, will begin their 15th season in the top flight in August and will aim to avoid the yo-yo effect of returning to Serie B after just one season, as has happened following their three previous promotions.

They could be joined automatically in Serie A by Frosinone, who moved into second place on 78 points on Friday at Monza’s expense.

Having won 1-0 at Juve Stabia, Frosinone are three points clear of Monza and need just one point to secure their fourth season in Serie A.

The third ticket to the top flight will be decided in play-offs featuring the teams ranked third to eighth at the end of the regular season.

READ: Hansi Flick happy for Raphinha return with title in sight