Category: Sports

KARACHI: Rawalpindiz fast bowler Mohammad Amir and Islamabad United all-rounder Faheem Ashraf were involved in a heated argument during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

In the 17th over of the United innings, Amir got rid of Ashraf with a short ball. Soon after the dismissal, the fast bowler pointed the all-rounder to leave the ground.

The gesture did not sit well with Ashraf, who responded in anger and pointed his bat at Amir. However, he was restrained by Asif Afridi and Saad Masood.

Nonetheless, Rawalpindiz decided to bowl first, which proved advantageous as they bundled out Islamabad for 137 in their 20 overs.

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— mediaa 🗂️ (@archive_PCT) April 23, 2026

United had a cautious start, with openers Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas struggling to accelerate, resulting in a slow run rate early on.

Mohammad Amir struck in the second ball of the fifth over, dismissing Minhas for six off 11 balls and ending a 20-run opening partnership.

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Naseem Shah further weakened United during the powerplay by getting Mohammad Faiq out for five off six balls, leaving them at 29-2 after 5.5 overs. Saad Masood then took a wicket in the seventh over, dismissing Shadab Khan for just one run, and Islamabad fell to 30-3.

Conway and Mark Chapman built a crucial partnership that pushed the score beyond 50, but Daryl Mitchell ended the 49-run stand by dismissing Conway for 40 off 33 balls, including three fours and two sixes, bringing the score to 79-4 in 11.3 overs.

Asif Afridi quickly removed Chapman for 23 off 18 balls, and wickets kept falling as Haider Ali was dismissed for six off 13 balls by Saad Masood.

Amir returned to dismiss Faheem Ashraf for 11 off 12 balls, leaving Islamabad at 99-7 in 16.3 overs. Chris Green added a late push with 29 off 16 balls, including two fours and two sixes, but was run out in the final over.

Dian Forrester then finished the innings, taking the wickets of Mohammad Hasnain for a first-ball duck and Richard Gleeson, completing his second wicket.

READ: Lahore Qalandars to face THIS team in Global Super League 2026 opener

The schedule for the 2026 edition of the Global Super League (GSL) has been officially released, with Lahore Qalandars set to begin their campaign against Perth Scorchers in the tournament opener.

The competition will run from July 23 to August 1 in Guyana, with all matches scheduled to take place at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

This will mark Lahore Qalandars’ second appearance in the tournament, having featured in the inaugural 2024 edition, where they finished fourth in a five-team event.

The upcoming season will be the third edition of the GSL, featuring five franchises from across different T20 leagues.

Alongside Qalandars and Scorchers, the tournament will also include Desert Vipers, San Francisco Unicorns and defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors.

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Qalandars will kick off their campaign on July 23 against Scorchers before facing Desert Vipers the following day.

They will then take on Guyana Amazon Warriors on July 26 and conclude their league stage fixtures against San Francisco Unicorns on July 29.

The tournament format will see the team finishing at the top of the standings advance directly to the final.

The second and third-placed sides will meet in a qualifier on July 31, with the winner progressing to the title clash scheduled for August 1.

The GSL has seen two different champions, with Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) side Rangpur Riders lifting the inaugural title, while Guyana Amazon Warriors clinched the second edition and will now defend their crown on home soil.

Global Super League 2026 schedule

July 23 (Thursday)

• Lahore Qalandars vs Perth Scorchers XI

• Guyana Amazon Warriors vs San Francisco Unicorns

July 24 (Friday)

• Lahore Qalandars vs Desert Vipers

July 25 (Saturday)

• Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Desert Vipers

July 26 (Sunday)

• San Francisco Unicorns vs Perth Scorchers XI

• Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Lahore Qalandars

July 27 (Monday)

• San Francisco Unicorns vs Desert Vipers

July 28 (Tuesday)

• Desert Vipers vs Perth Scorchers XI

July 29 (Wednesday)

• Lahore Qalandars vs San Francisco Unicorns

• Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Perth Scorchers XI

July 31 (Friday)

Qualifier: Second Place vs Third Place

August 1 (Saturday)

Final: First Place vs Winner of Qualifier

READ: Cristiano Ronaldo could play alongside his son at Al-Nassr: report

Saudi Arabian football club Al-Nassr FC are considering integrating Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. into their senior setup, raising the possibility of a historic on-field link-up with his father Cristiano Ronaldo, according to recent reports.

The club is exploring plans to include the teenage forward in first-team training from the 2026/27 season, with a gradual pathway that could eventually lead to a senior squad appearance.

While no official confirmation has been made, the idea has gained traction given Ronaldo Jr.’s steady rise through the youth ranks.

Currently part of Al-Nassr’s academy system, he has been one of the standout performers at the U-16 and U-17 levels.

The timeline also aligns with a key eligibility milestone. Ronaldo Jr., born on June 17, 2010, will turn 16 this summer, the minimum age required to sign a professional contract and feature in senior football.

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This opens a realistic window for a potential father-son partnership, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo’s current deal at Al-Nassr running until 2027. The veteran forward, still performing at the highest level in his 40s, could share the pitch with his son if the club proceeds with its plans.

Sources indicate that Al-Nassr’s hierarchy is closely monitoring the youngster’s development, with an emphasis on easing him into the senior environment rather than rushing his progression.

Importantly, Ronaldo Jr.’s rise has not been built on reputation alone. The teenager has delivered consistent performances at the youth level, including a recent hat-trick in a 4-3 win for Al-Nassr’s U-16 side against Al Fayha.

On the international stage, he has also made notable strides, helping Portugal’s U-16 team secure the Algarve International Tournament title earlier this year, his third youth trophy, already surpassing his father’s tally at the same age.

READ: Chelsea sack Liam Rosenior after horror run

Notably, Islamabad United are currently at the third spot in the PSL 11 points table, with four wins in seven games, while one of their games was abandoned due to weather.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindiz have failed to leave their mark in their maiden season, having lost eight games and currently lying at the bottom of the table without any point.

READ: Usman Khan creates history with record PSL century

Barcelona moved a step closer to winning La Liga with a tight 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Wednesday, but lost their goalscorer Lamine Yamal to an apparent hamstring injury.

The teenage Spanish star won and converted a penalty to clinch a narrow triumph, but hurt himself as he took it and was replaced before half-time.

Joao Cancelo also went off injured for a Barca team who moved nine points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table with six matches remaining, including a Clasico on May 10.

“We have to win every game and seal La Liga as soon as possible. It was important to win today,” Pedri told Movistar.

“I hope (Lamine’s injury) is for as few weeks as possible. Tomorrow he’ll be tested, and we’ll see what it is. I wish him the best of luck, and he should stay calm — he’s young and will surely recover well.”

Hansi Flick’s side, playing for the first time since their Champions League quarter-final elimination by Atletico Madrid last week, lacked their usual attacking spark.

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia saved well from Pablo Duran and Ferran Jutgla in the opening exchanges at Camp Nou.

With little between the teams, it came down to Yamal’s fleet footwork to help Barca open the door.

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The forward skipped into the box, exchanging passes with Dani Olmo, and was felled by Yoel Lago as he tried to evade the Celta defender.

Lamine Yamal beat Ionut Radu with a low penalty, with the goalkeeper diving the right way. However, he pulled up hurt immediately, calling for treatment and lying on the turf as his teammates came over to celebrate.

The match was delayed for over 15 minutes because of a medical incident in the stands at the same time, and when Celta kicked off again, Yamal had been replaced by Roony Bardghji.

Barca battled through the second half without creating much until Ferran Torres lashed home with a volley from Pedri’s pass.

The Catalans’ joy was short-lived, though, as the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside call against the Spanish forward.

Former Barca defender Marcos Alonso smashed a free-kick into the wall as the hosts held on to claim three potentially vital points.

Defeat left Celta seventh and still hoping to qualify for European football next season.

“We were very good in the first half, we had chances and they didn’t have so many… but individual talent made the difference,” said Jutgla. “La Liga is very competitive and we will fight until the end.”

READ: Manchester City go top of Premier League as Burnley relegated

Manchester City edged ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League as a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor condemned Burnley to relegation on Wednesday.

The defeat confirmed the Clarets’ third Premier League relegation in five seasons, consigning them to the Championship alongside Wolves next season.

Erling Haaland scored the only goal as Pep Guardiola’s men ended the day top of the table for the first time since August, but the City boss was frustrated at his side’s inability to win by a greater margin.

City go ahead of the Gunners only on goals scored, with five games left for both the title contenders. However, City have on paper the tougher run-in as they aim to snatch a seventh league title in nine years.

Fresh from beating Arsenal 2-1 in what was billed as a title decider on Sunday, the visitors roared out of the blocks.

A stunning save by Martin Dubravka turned Rayan Cherki’s shot onto the woodwork.

Haaland was then set free by Jeremy Doku and coolly chipped over the advancing Dubravka with just five minutes on the clock.

Manchester City continued to pepper Dubravka with efforts from distance, but Guardiola grew visibly angry as they let the tempo drop in their pursuit of more goals.

Burnley could even have been level by half-time as Zian Flemming dragged a glorious chance wide.

Haaland hit the post after the break, but City’s failure to rack up a more convincing scoreline leaves the title race tantalisingly poised.

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At the other end of the table, Burnley have to rebuild once more in the second tier.

A return of just 20 points from 34 games has left Scott Parker’s men 13 adrift of safety with only four games remaining.

It is the fifth consecutive season that Burnley have either been relegated or promoted as they oscillate between the riches of the Premier League and the Championship.

Three wins from their opening nine games offered hope that they could join Sunderland and Leeds in bucking the trend of promoted sides being immediately relegated back to the second tier. However, just one win in their 25 matches has sealed their fate.

Parker has become a Championship specialist, also winning promotion in the past with Fulham and Bournemouth. But the former Tottenham and Chelsea midfielder has consistently struggled at all three clubs to make an impact in the Premier League.

Bournemouth’s challenge to qualify for Europe for the first time was dented by Sean Longstaff’s 97th-minute equaliser for Leeds in a 2-2 draw. Junior Kroupi’s opener for Bournemouth was quickly cancelled out by a James Hill own goal.

Rayan’s strike had the Cherries on course for the top six until Longstaff’s volleyed leveller.

A point edges Bournemouth above Chelsea, who sacked Liam Rosenior on Wednesday, into seventh. Leeds are now nine points clear of the relegation zone.

READ: Bayern Munich edge past Leverkusen to reach German Cup final

Harry Kane and Luis Diaz scored as Bayern Munich won 2-0 at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday to reach the German Cup final for the first time since 2020.

Just three days after Bayern sealed back-to-back Bundesliga titles with a home win over Stuttgart, Kane and Diaz got the goals to keep hopes of a treble alive.

Bayern’s comfortable victory avenged their defeat by Leverkusen in the round of 16 last season. They will face either holders Stuttgart or Freiburg in the final.

The Bavarian giants have won a record 20 German Cups but had not reached the showpiece in Berlin for six years, their longest drought since the turn of the century.

“We’re going to Berlin. I’m looking forward to it. It was a goal of ours to get to Berlin, to reach the final, experience that, the guys said it’s an incredible experience, so we’ve done nearly all the work,” said Kane.

“We’ve had a lot of away games, tough games, we’ve had to grind it out. Now we’ve got one more to go. In a final, anything is possible. We’re feeling good.”

Leverkusen, the 2024 cup winners, were appearing in a third successive semi-final but struggled under the bright lights as Bayern pinned them back.

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Diaz and Kane forced good saves from Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken inside the opening 20 minutes, but the England captain eventually broke through.

Jamal Musiala threaded a pass through from the right, which was intended for Diaz, but Kane was on hand to smash in when the ball evaded the Colombian completely.

Leverkusen improved after the break. Nathan Tella, who scored the only goal when Leverkusen eliminated Bayern last season, forced a spectacular save from Manuel Neuer early in the second half.

Tella thumped a low shot that required Neuer to fully extend himself to swat the ball away.

In the final half hour, Bayern had the better chances to score with Josip Stanisic, Kane and Diaz all going close to putting the match to bed.

The hosts won a corner in the final minute of normal time, but Bayern launched an immediate counter-attack, with Flekken once more blocking a Diaz shot.

Diaz added gloss to the victory in the third minute of stoppage time, turning in a Leon Goretzka pass. Originally flagged for offside, the decision was overturned after a VAR review, sending the Bayern players streaming from the bench.

READ: Usman Khan creates history with record PSL century

KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen batter Usman Khan on Wednesday etched his name into history books after scoring a sublime century against Multan Sultans in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash.

The right-hander completed his 44-ball century on the final ball of the 16th over.

With this knock, Usman now holds the record for the most centuries in PSL history. achieving the milestone in just his 33th match.

Most Centuries in PSL

Usman Khan — Matches: 33 | Centuries: 4
Kamran Akmal — Matches: 75 | Centuries: 3
Rilee Rossouw — Matches: 103 | Centuries: 3
Fakhar Zaman — Matches: 103 | Centuries: 3
Babar Azam — Matches: 108 | Centuries: 3

Notably, he now has six T20 centuries and is the third-highest Pakistani centurion in the limited-overs format after Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan.

Most Centuries for Pakistan in T20 Cricket

Babar Azam | Centuries: 12

Sahibzada Farhan | Centuries: 9

Usman Khan | Centuries: 6

Earlier, he also reached his half-century off just 20 balls, marking the second-fastest fifty in the tournament’s history. He was eventually caught after scoring 101 from 47 balls, hitting 10 sixes and five fours.

Coming into the fixture, the wicket-keeper batter had scored 149 runs in eight matches at an average of 21.28.

Steve Smith’s century propelled Multan Sultans to a commanding 213-run total. The right-hander top-scored with 106 from 50 balls, striking six maximums and 12 fours.

For Kingsmen, Hassan Khan remained the pick of the bowlers, picking up one wicket while giving away only 28.

READ: David Warner backs Karachi Kings ahead of Lahore Qalandars clash

Liam Rosenior has been sacked as Chelsea manager following a run of five successive Premier League defeats, the club announced on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old had only been in charge for just over three months after being lured away from French side Strasbourg which is affiliated to Chelsea’s American owners.

Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton on Tuesday proved the last straw. It is the first time Chelsea have lost five consecutive league games without scoring since 1912, a run which has left them seven points adrift of the Champions League places.

“Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior,” read a club statement.

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“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.

“This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.”

Calum McFarlane will be in charge in a caretaker capacity, the club added, with his first match an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United on Sunday.

READ: PSL 11: Azam Khan opens up after Karachi Kings defeat

KARACHI: Usman Khan’s record ton guided Hyderabad Kingsmen to a four-wicket win over Multan Sultans in a run-fest during the 33rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Kingsmen chased down a massive 214-run target in the final over, losing six wickets in the process. Usman top-scored with 101 from 47 balls, laced with five fours and 10 sixes.

After losing Maaz Sadaqat in the second over, Saim Ayub and Marnus Labuschagne stabilised the innings with a 34-run partnership, with the latter scoring most of the runs.

However, Mohammad Ismail struck twice in the final over of the powerplay to derail the chase. He was on a hat-trick and nearly had Usman Khan caught behind, but Sultans decided against the review.

As a result, Kingsmen were reduced to 48-3.

From there, Usman and Labuschagne turned the game around with a match-winning 123-run stand off 64 balls. Usman played the core aggressor role while Labuschagne played the second fiddle as the pair rebuilt the innings at a strong tempo.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The pair raised the team’s century in the 10th over and kept the momentum going. There was not enough for Sultan’s bowlers, who could scratch their heads in front of Usman, who took Arafat Minhas to the cleaners in the 14th over, smashing three sixes to bring the equation down to 61 from 36 balls.

Despite losing Marnus Labuschagne for 61 off 41 balls (nine fours), Kingsmen remained in control of the chase.

Peter Siddle swung the contest back briefly in the 18th over, removing Usman and Glenn Maxwell (2) to bring his side back into the game.

But Hasan Khan’s explosive cameo of 24 off six balls sealed the victory in the third ball of the final over.

For Multan Sultans, Peter Siddle and Muhammad Ismail shared six wickets between them.

Earlier, Belligerent Steve Smith’s century propelled Multan Sultans to a commanding total

Asked to bat first, the Sultans posted 213-7 in 20 overs, headlined by Smith’s century and an imposing opening partnership.

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The opening pair of Farhan and Smith put on a batting show, forging a 132-run stand in 12.3 overs.

Sahibzada hit five sixes and four boundaries before getting caught on 66 from 43 balls. Meanwhile, Smith carried on and took the attack to the Kingsmen bowlers.

He was involved in a 53-run partnership with Josh Philippe, with Smith doing the bulk of the scoring, including a 28-run over off Hunain Shah to bring up his maiden PSL hundred.

The right-hander batter eventually departed for 106 from 50 balls, including six maximums and 12 fours.

Hyderabad Kingsmen bowlers did well in the final three overs to curtail the scoring rate and keep Sultans to 213.

For Kingsmen, Hassan Khan remained the pick of the bowlers, picking up one wicket while giving away only 28

READ: PSL 11: Azam Khan opens up after Karachi Kings defeat