Category: Sports

Cricketers of Pakistan origin or holding green passports could face significant hurdles in securing visas to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources revealed on Tuesday.

The T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan scheduled to play all its matches in Sri Lanka under the tournament’s hybrid model.

However, several associate nation teams, including Italy, Oman, UAE, Canada, and the USA, have players of Pakistani descent or dual nationality, and these players are reportedly encountering difficulties in the visa application process for travel to India.

According to sources, the cricket boards of these five nations have formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) for guidance, but have received neither a response nor any assurance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

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The situation has raised concerns among the associate boards, who fear that players with Pakistani passports or heritage may face restrictions or delays, potentially affecting team selection and preparation.

Historically, cricketers of Pakistani origin have encountered similar visa challenges, adding to the apprehension ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Officials from the concerned boards have initiated internal consultations and raised the issue collectively, emphasising the need for clarity. “Despite contacting the ICC, no guarantees have been provided so far,” sources said.

With the tournament just weeks away, uncertainty remains over whether these players will be able to participate in matches held in India.

READ: Steve Smith shatters multiple records with Sydney Ashes century

SYDNEY: Australia’s modern-day great Steve Smith produced another masterclass at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), breaking multiple records with an unbeaten century in the fifth Ashes Test against England.

Leading the side in Pat Cummins’ absence, Smith struck his first hundred of the series and remained unbeaten on 129 at stumps on day three, guiding Australia to 518 for 7 in reply to England’s 384.

The hosts ended the day with a commanding 134-run lead as Smith once again dictated terms in cricket’s oldest rivalry.

With this knock, Smith moved past England legend Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, taking his tally to 3682 runs, now trailing only Sir Don Bradman’s seemingly untouchable mark of 5028.

Most Runs in Ashes History

• Don Bradman (AUS) – 5028 runs in 37 matches

• Steve Smith (AUS) – 3682* runs in 41* matches

• Jack Hobbs (ENG) – 3636 runs in 41 matches

• Alan Border (AUS) – 3222 runs in 42 matches

• Steve Waugh (AUS) – 3173 runs in 45 matches

It also lifted him to second place on the list of most Ashes centuries, with 13 hundreds, again behind only Bradman, who scored 19.

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The century was Smith’s 18th as captain, six of which have come against England, the most by any skipper against a single opponent.

Most Ashes Hundreds

• Don Bradman (AUS) – 19

• Steve Smith (AUS) – 13

• Jack Hobbs (ENG) – 12

• Steve Waugh (AUS) – 10

• Wally Hammond & David Gower (ENG) – 9

Smith’s run aggregate against England across formats now stands at 5085, placing him behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli on the list of most international runs scored against a single opponent.

Additionally, Smith has now amassed 1225 runs at the SCG at an average of just over 72, including five centuries, figures surpassed only by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Moreover, Smith also moved past Rahul Dravid to climb to seventh on the all-time list of Test centuries and is now just one hundred shy of equalling Kumar Sangakkara.

Most Test Hundreds

• Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 51

• Jacques Kallis (SA) – 45

• Ricky Ponting (AUS)/Joe Root (ENG) – 41

• Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 38

• Steve Smith (AUS) – 37

• Rahul Dravid (IND) – 36

READ: PCB unveils fourth qualified bidder for PSL 11 auction

SYDNEY: Run-machine Travis Head hit a swashbuckling 163 and Steve Smith a composed unbeaten 129 as Australia built a 134-run lead over England to seize control on day three of the fifth and final Ashes Test on Tuesday.

It was a destructive opener Head’s third ton of the series, to go with the phenomenal match-winning 123 he made in Perth and 170 at Adelaide.

Smith was equally impressive, with his first hundred of the series driving the hosts to 518-7 by stumps at a packed Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in reply to England’s 384.

Beau Webster was alongside him on 42 at the close.

Australia lead the series 3-1 and have already retained the Ashes, with England desperate for another morale-boosting win after victory at the previous Test in Melbourne.

Head brought up three figures off just 105 balls and seemed destined to score 200.

But he came undone in the third over after lunch by the part-time spin of Jacob Bethell, who was bowling for the first time in the series.

In his second over, Bethell trapped the 32-year-old lbw attempting a sweep shot to end a magnificent knock.

Skipper Smith treated Bethell with contempt, launching him for a big six on his way to a 37th Test hundred.

It was Smith’s 13th Ashes century to move past England legend Jack Hobbs. Only Donald Bradman with 19 has more.

Usman Khawaja, in his 88th and last Test after announcing his retirement, fell lbw to Brydon Carse for 17 while Alex Carey made 16 before Josh Tongue enticed an edge.

Nightwatchman Michael Neser made 24 and Cameron Green 37.

Head resumed on 91 and Neser on one after Jake Weatherald (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (48) were out on Monday.

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Head clattered an early midwicket boundary off Ben Stokes and reached three figures with his 17th four, crunched through the covers from Tongue, windmilling his bat in celebration.

It was his 12th century and first in Sydney to cement his reputation as one of the game’s most versatile batsmen.

Head only moved to the top of the order in the second innings of the first Test in Perth due to Khawaja’s back injury, but he has made the position his own.

With his hundred secure, he banged three straight fours off Matthew Potts then had a massive let-off on 121 when he pulled Carse and Will Jacks dropped a sitter near the ropes.

Neser ably stuck around for 90 balls to foil England, who wasted their last two reviews on him.

Batting like a top-order batsman, he smacked four boundaries before getting a thin edge to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith off Carse.

Smith, on 12, was dropped at leg slip by Zak Crawley but safely made it to lunch and passed 50 with a drive down the ground.

When Khawaja departed, Carey produced a series of textbook strokes before being dismissed in similar fashion to his last two Tests.

Unruffled, Smith slammed Stokes to the ropes for four to put Australia in the lead for the first time and, steely eyed, kept going to yet another stylish century.

All-rounder Green came into the Test under increasing pressure after failing to fire with either bat or ball through the series, with his automatic selection being questioned.

He produced a glorious cover drive and a big six to show flashes of what he can do.

But he then needlessly spooned Carse to Ben Duckett in the deep to throw away his wicket.

READ: PCB unveils fourth qualified bidder for PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the fourth qualified bidder for the auction of two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams ahead of season 11.

The development was shared through the PSL’s official social media platforms, where Jazz was confirmed as the fourth bidder to clear the qualification process.

The auction becomes more exciting 🔥@jazzpk confirmed as Bidder #4⃣ out of 🔟 for the HBL PSL Teams Auction.
🗓️ 8 January 2026#HBLPSL | #NewEra pic.twitter.com/WJFSsVbRgN

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 6, 2026

The telecom giant, Jazz, joins Inverex Solar Energy, OZ Group of Companies and VGO TEL Mobile, who were previously revealed as the first three qualified bidders for the PSL auction.

The much-anticipated auction for the two new teams is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

The upcoming edition of the PSL is set to be held from March 26 to May 3.

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As part of the league’s expansion from six to eight teams, the PCB has been conducting technical and financial evaluations of proposals submitted by interested groups.

The process aims to ensure long-term stability and commercial strength as the league enters a new phase.

Successful bidders will also be granted the right to select a home city from a PCB-approved list, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.

Adding further significance to the event, legendary former Pakistan captain and brand ambassador for PSL 11, Wasim Akram, will oversee the auction proceedings.

READ: PCB reveals first three qualified bidders for PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday took another step towards expanding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by unveiling the first three qualified bidders for the auction of two new teams ahead of season 11.

The board confirmed the development through a series of announcements on the league’s official social media platforms, revealing three names from a pool of ten parties that have cleared the initial qualification process.

Inverex Solar Energy were announced as the first qualified bidder, followed by OZ Group of Companies and VGO TEL Mobile.

The much-anticipated auction for the two new teams is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

The upcoming edition of the PSL is set to be held from March 26 to May 3.

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As part of the league’s expansion from six to eight teams, the PCB has been conducting technical and financial evaluations of proposals submitted by interested groups.

The process aims to ensure long-term stability and commercial strength as the league enters a new phase.

Successful bidders will also be granted the right to select a home city from a PCB-approved list, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.

Adding further significance to the event, legendary former Pakistan captain and brand ambassador for PSL 11, Wasim Akram, will oversee the auction proceedings.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

Players at this month’s Australian Open will be competing for a record prize money, with organisers on Tuesday announcing a 16 percent increase in the total purse to Aus$111.5 million (US$75 million).

The winners of the men’s and women’s singles at the first Grand Slam of the year will each take home Aus$4.15 million (US$2.79 million), up 19 percent from last year’s Aus$3.5 million.

Players beaten in the opening round will get Aus$150,000 (US$100,750), while even those knocked out in the first round of qualifying receive Aus$40,500 (US$27,200).

Tournament director Craig Tiley said it reflected Tennis Australia’s commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level, from rising stars to Grand Slam champions.

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“From boosting qualifying prize money by 55 percent since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors,” he said.

“By supporting players at all levels, we’re building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans.”

The tournament gets underway at Melbourne Park on January 18, with Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys defending their titles.

READ: Manchester City’s Gvardiol to undergo surgery on broken leg

Manchester City have confirmed defender Josko Gvardiol suffered a broken leg in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

Gvardiol was one of two City centre-backs who went off injured in the second half, along with Ruben Dias, before Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time equaliser for the visitors.

The draw left second-placed City six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

“The defender will have surgery later this week, and assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis,” Manchester City said in a statement issued on Monday.

Before the extent of Croatia international Gvardiol’s injury was confirmed, City manager Pep Guardiola said it “doesn’t look good” for either player.

The extent of Dias’ injury has yet to be made public. Their absences add to City’s problems in defence, with John Stones out for the past month with a thigh injury and Rayan Ait-Nouri away with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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City midfielder Nico Gonzalez also missed the Chelsea game, and Guardiola is also without Savinho, Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovacic and Omar Marmoush for Wednesday’s clash at home to Brighton.

Better news for Manchester City came with the return of Rodri, who played the full 90 minutes against Chelsea in what was his first start since October.

The influential midfielder suffered several setbacks, the latest a hamstring problem, while attempting to recover from the severe knee injury that ruled him out for much of last season.

“It’s been a terrible, terrible time for me,” said the Spain international. “Everything that comes right now is a gift, every minute that I’ve been on the pitch, it’s a joy for me.

“Thank you to God for giving me this second opportunity to enjoy my profession and recover my smile.”

READ: Mohamed Salah seals AFCON last-16 victory for Egypt over brave Benin

Captain Mohamed Salah scored after 124 minutes to clinch a 3-1 extra-time victory for Egypt over plucky minnows Benin in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 thriller in Agadir on Monday.

Marwan Attia put the Pharaohs ahead in the second half, and Jodel Dossou equalised for the Cheetahs, who are 58 places below the record seven-time AFCON champions in the world rankings.

Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt back in front in the first half of extra time, then Salah broke clear and beat goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou with a shot from outside the area for his 10th AFCON goal.

Salah, whose goals have helped Liverpool win many trophies, is seeking a first AFCON winners’ medal, having twice been a runner-up.

Record seven-time champions Egypt stay in Agadir to face title-holders Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso on Saturday in the quarter-finals.

Egypt changed 10 of the team that drew with Angola in their final group match seven days ago, with only midfielder Ibrahim Adel retained.

Benin lacked captain and former Premier League striker Mounie, who had not recovered from an undisclosed illness.

Egypt had a great chance to go in front after only eight minutes through Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush.

He darted forward from the Egyptian half, gained possession and stayed ahead of two pursuing defenders only to be foiled by Dandjinou, who blocked the ball with his legs, then grasped it.

A collision between Hamdy and Rodolfo Aloko led to a long delay, which ended with the Egyptian being carried off the field. Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh took his place in midfield.

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An incident deep in added time illustrated how wary Benin were of Salah. When the captain gained possession just outside the box, he was immediately surrounded by three opponents.

Dandjinou rescued Benin 10 minutes into the second half when he bravely parried a close-range shot from Ramy Rabia after the ball ran loose to the defender following a corner.

As the match passed the hour mark, it began to open up. A Salah attempt to chip the ball into the net was foiled by leaping Dandjinou.

Then, a parry from 37-year-old Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy prevented substitute Dossou from giving Benin a shock lead.

Attia ended the goalless stalemate when Marmoush pushed the ball back to the midfielder and, from just outside the box, he side-footed it into the roof of the net.

Benin refused to accept defeat, though, and continued to attack, levelling on 83 minutes through 33-year-old Dossou.

El Shenawy did superbly to palm a Mohamed Tijani cross away from his goal, but the ball fell invitingly for Dossou, and he pushed it into the net.

Egypt regained the lead seven minutes into extra time, and this time Attia was the creator. He crossed after a short corner, and a looping Ibrahim header evaded Dandjinou and landed in the net.

Salah then put the outcome beyond doubt with his third goal of the tournament.

READ: Shaheen Afridi starts rehab at NCA ahead of T20 World Cup: reports

LAHORE: Ace pacer Shaheen Afridi has started his rehabilitation programme here at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after suffering a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Shaheen was ruled out of BBL 15 after a knee injury sustained on Saturday, 27 December, during Brisbane Heat’s clash against Adelaide Strikers.

The left-arm pacer limped off while pointing to his right knee during the 14th over.

Eventually, he was ruled out and thanked fans for supporting him through his short stint.

“I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support,” he wrote on his X post.

“Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the fields soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”

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According to reports, Afridi’s rehabilitation programme will also include regular assessments to monitor his recovery and ensure he regains full fitness ahead of the mega event.

For those unaware, Shaheen, along with Babar Azam, was not included in the squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka due to their commitment to the BBL 15.

It is pertinent to mention that the severity of Shaheen’s injury could potentially hinder his participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, which will commence on 7 February.

Earlier today, Brisbane Heat announced pacer Zaman Khan as Shaheen’s replacement.

The 24-year-old right-arm pacer has received clearance from the BBL Technical Committee and is set to be available for the Heat’s fixture against Sydney Thunder at the Gabba on Saturday.

The match will see Zaman come up against his former franchise, having previously represented the Thunder during BBL 13.

Known for his distinctive slingy action and effectiveness at the death, Zaman featured in four matches for Sydney Thunder, claiming eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.38.

Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha expressed confidence that Zaman’s inclusion would add a cutting edge to the bowling unit as the tournament reaches a crucial phase.

“He’s a genuine wicket-taker up front, but he can also control an over with his variations and pace,” Botha said.

“He complements our attack nicely and gives us additional options in the key bowling periods. Zaman was a handful when he first came on the scene and has continued to evolve his game,” he concluded.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

DUBAI: Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been fined 10 per cent of match fee during the International League T20 (ILT20) final played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on January 4.

According to a press release on the ILT20 website, Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the final between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates.

The article relates to the use of language, actions, or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal.

“Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to the use of language, actions or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal,” the press release stated.

 

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The incident happened during the 11th over of the match when Naseem bowled a delivery that Pollard defended.

Naseem picked up the ball and smiled at Pollard, who responded aggressively, prompting a verbal exchange between the two players.

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Pollard appeared visibly angry while exchanging words with the right-handed pacer.

The umpires, along with Vipers batter Jason Roy, intervened to break up the confrontation. Naseem was also seen firing back, leaving both players visibly upset.

However, Naseem got his revenge in the first delivery of the 16th over, dismissing Pollard, who had scored a run-a-ball 28.

The sanction was imposed by Match Referee Simon Taufel.

Nonetheless, Desert Vipers clinched their maiden ILT20 title after skittling MI Emirates for 136 in 18.3 overs.

Naseem Shah starred with the ball as he picked three wickets in his quota of four overs.

Earlier, put into bat first, Desert Vipers managed to score 182-4 in their 20 overs, courtesy of skipper Tom Curran’s 74 from 51 balls that not only lifted them out of trouble but helped them set a winning total.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup