Category: Sports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Friday that it is investigating Cricket Canada over allegations of match-fixing, including the team’s loss to New Zealand at the recent T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The game in Chennai, which Canada lost by eight wickets, is under scrutiny following allegations of corruption highlighted in a documentary aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on Thursday.

“The ACU (anti-corruption unit) is aware of the programme broadcast by CBC,” Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, said in a statement.

The documentary by the public broadcaster made wide-ranging accusations of corruption and poor governance against Canada Cricket.

In the Chennai game, suspicion is focused on the fifth over bowled by captain Dilpreet Bajwa during New Zealand’s chase, according to the ESPN Cricinfo website.

He started with a no-ball, bowled a wide, and ended up conceding 15 runs in the over.

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Canada scored 173 for four wickets in 20 overs, while New Zealand replied with 176 for two off 15.1 overs.

The ICC, the game’s world governing body, is also investigating a telephone call involving then-Canada coach Khurram Chohan in which he claims that senior board members put pressure on him to select certain players, it said.

“Governance matters in relation to ICC Members are considered by the ICC, where they fall under its jurisdiction, in accordance with the ICC’s standard constitutional processes,” Ephgrave said.

Cricket Canada said it was treating the matter with “utmost importance”.

“Recent promotional material alludes to allegations related to organized crime and match-fixing — issues that Cricket Canada takes extremely seriously,” the organisation said on its website.

“Where matters are raised, we are committed to reviewing them responsibly and taking appropriate steps as needed.”

READ: PCB, Cricket Australia in talks over white-ball series schedule in Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in active discussions with Cricket Australia (CA) regarding the scheduling of Australia’s upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan, with both boards working to finalise dates and venues.

According to sources, Pakistan are set to host Australia for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series, with the visitors expected to arrive towards the end of May.

The matches are tentatively planned between May 31 and June 5, with one fixture likely to be held in Rawalpindi and the remaining two in Lahore.

Australia last toured Pakistan earlier this year in January, when they featured in a three-match T20I series.

Following their Pakistan assignment, they are scheduled to travel to Bangladesh for another white-ball tour, with the first ODI there expected to begin on June 9.

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Pakistan, meanwhile, are gearing up for a busy international window. Before hosting Australia, they are set to tour Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, provisionally scheduled from May 8 to 20.

This will mark their first red-ball assignment since their home series against South Africa in October last year, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Looking further ahead, Pakistan’s schedule in the ongoing ICC Future Tours Programme (2023–27) includes a tour of the West Indies for a two-Test series in July-August, followed by a three-match Test series in England from August 19 to September 13.

Later in the cycle, Sri Lanka are set to visit Pakistan for a two-Test series in November, while New Zealand are scheduled to tour in March 2027 for another red-ball assignment.

READ: Bernardo Silva to leave Manchester City at end of the season

Bernardo Silva will leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season, the Premier League club announced Thursday as they hailed his “incalculable” contribution to our “greatest sustained period of success”.

The 31-year-old Portuguese playmaker, who is the current club captain, joined City from Monaco for £43 million ($58 million) in 2017 and has gone on to make over 450 appearances for manager Pep Guardiola’s side, winning 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League, as well as this season’s League Cup.

He has also scored 76 goals and provided 77 assists to date, with Silva also involved as City won the ‘treble’ of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the 2022/23 season.

Silva recently moved into the top 10 of all-time City appearance holders, overtaking several notable former players, including David Silva, Paul Power and Willie Donachie.

“Manchester City can confirm Bernardo Silva will leave the club this summer,” said a City statement.

“Bernardo will now focus on seeking to try and ensure his remaining time at City ends with even more silverware, with Pep Guardiola’s side still very much in the hunt to win both the Premier League title and the FA Cup.

“In short, he will be deservedly remembered both as one of City’s finest and most popular players of all time.”

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Confirming his departure from the Etihad on his Instagram page, Silva wrote: “When I arrived nine years ago, I was following a dream of a little boy, wanting to succeed in life, wanting to achieve great things.

“This city and this club gave me much more than that, much more than I ever hoped for. What we won and achieved together is a legacy that will forever be cherished in my heart.

“The Centurions, the domestic quadruple, the Treble, the Four In A Row and much more… It wasn’t that bad.

“In a few months, it’s time to say goodbye to the city where not only we won so much as a football club, but also where I started my marriage and my family. From the bottom of my heart, Ines and Carlota, thank you!”

Bernardo Silva, who thanked fans for their “unconditional support” and said he would leave the Etihad as a “Man City supporter for life”, added: “To the club, Pep, the staff and all my team-mates these nine years, thank you for all the memories and for letting me be a part of this journey for so long.

“The atmosphere we created every day in the training ground made me feel at home and a part of a big family. Let’s enjoy together these last weeks and fight for what this season still brings us.”

READ: Saudi wealth fund sells football club Al-Hilal

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund announced Thursday the sale of its majority stake in Saudi Pro League football club Al-Hilal, where French striker Karim Benzema plays.

The PIF, which also owns English Premier League side Newcastle United, sold 70 percent of Al-Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), the firm run by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a billionaire businessman and member of the Saudi royal family.

The deal values the share capital of Al-Hilal at 1.4bn Saudi riyals ($373m).

The sale comes amid scrutiny over the PIF’s investment in LIV Golf, with reports circulating that the breakaway tour is on the verge of collapse due to the possible withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financing.

“Al-Hilal is a national symbol and a source of pride for the Saudi people,” Bin Talal said in a statement.

“This acquisition expresses our deep belief in the power of sports as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development.

“By applying our global investment standards and cultivating strategic partnerships, we will unlock Al-Hilal’s full potential while preserving its history and identity.”

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The PIF, a wealthy public fund managed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, acquired a majority stake in the Riyadh-based club in 2023, along with three other teams in the Saudi league, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, as part of the kingdom’s sports investment policy.

This capital injection enabled Al-Hilal to attract numerous foreign players, notably Brazilian star Neymar, before his departure in January 2025.

French striker Benzema joined Al-Hilal most recently after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad.

“The sale aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximize returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy,” the PIF statement read.

“This strategy supports PIF’s wider efforts to drive the development and diversification of Saudi Arabia. PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”

The PIF added that it had “led the transformation of Al-Hilal… empowering it to achieve significant value growth. “As a remaining shareholder, PIF will continue supporting Al-Hilal’s growth journey.”

READ: Umar Gul, Asad Shafiq likely to join Pakistan coaching staff

Former Test cricketers Umar Gul and Asad Shafiq are likely to be added to Pakistan’s coaching setup for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, as the team prepares for its first red-ball assignment in several months.

According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering a revamped coaching panel for the two-match Test series, with Gul expected to take charge as bowling coach, while Shafique is set to be appointed batting coach.

In addition, Abdul Saad is also in line to join the men’s setup as fielding coach, having previously worked with Pakistan’s women’s team in the same role.

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is tipped to lead the coaching group as head coach for the Bangladesh tour, marking a significant shift in the team’s backroom staff.

The Test series, provisionally scheduled from May 8 to 20, will be Pakistan’s first outing in the format since their home series against South Africa in October last year.

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Preparations for the tour are already underway, with an 18-player training camp currently in progress at the National Cricket Academy.

The camp is set to continue until April 20, with selectors closely monitoring performances before finalising the squad.

Pakistan are expected to depart for Bangladesh on May 3, while discussions regarding the final squad composition and support staff appointments remain ongoing.

The red-ball camp features a mix of emerging and experienced domestic performers, including Mohammad Huraira, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Rohail Nazir, as the team looks to build depth ahead of a crucial phase in the ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Players participating in red-ball camp: Afaq Afridi, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Hasan Raza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Suleman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Naqeebullah, Niaz Khan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Saad Khan, Saifullah Bangash, Sajid Khan, Salman Khan and Waqar Ahmed.

READ: Salman Ali Agha hints at T20I break ahead of ODI World Cup 2027

KARACHI: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has indicated that he could step away from the shorter format for a period as he looks to manage his workload and refocus on long-term goals, particularly the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027.

Speaking after Karachi Kings’ clash against Islamabad United in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, the Pakistan T20I captain opened up about his recent struggles and evolving priorities across formats.

Agha admitted that his performances in both franchise and international cricket have not met expectations, prompting him to reassess his approach moving forward.

“There is a lot of concern. I have been thinking that my T20 World Cup did not go the way I wanted, and my PSL has also not been as good as I expected,” he said during the post-match press conference.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The right-handed batter highlighted that Pakistan do not have a packed T20I calendar in the coming months, which could allow him the flexibility to shift focus towards red-ball and 50-over cricket after the PSL concludes.

“I think the World Cup 2027 is still far away. And we don’t have T20Is until December, so after this PSL, the focus will naturally move towards ODIs and Test matches,” he added.

“If I feel that taking a break from T20s will help me prepare better for the ODI World Cup, then I will definitely consider it.”

Salman Ali Agha underlined the significance of the 50-over World Cup in shaping his career ambitions, making it clear that he is prepared to make tough decisions if it enhances his chances of performing on the global stage.

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“The 50-over World Cup is always very special for any player, and it will be special for me as well. If I have to do anything, I will do it to perform well,” he stated.

The upcoming 2027 edition of the tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with 14 teams set to compete across multiple venues.

Currently featuring in his first PSL season for Karachi Kings, Agha has endured a modest run, scoring 84 runs in six matches at an average of 14.00, while also picking up three wickets. His struggles were also evident during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he managed just 60 runs in six innings.

READ: PSL 11: Glenn Maxwell creates history with rare T20 milestone

Karachi Kings top-order batter Salman Ali Agha blamed the lack of execution for his side’s eight-wicket defeat to Islamabad United in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Kings endured a difficult outing against United, as they were completely outplayed across all departments of the game.

Asked to bat first, Karachi Kings scored 150-6 in 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks remained the top-scorer with 51 from 44 balls, including four boundaries.

Islamabad United chased down the 151-run target in 16 overs, thanks to composed half-centuries from Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway.

Agha reflected on the shortcomings in the post-match press conference, rueing the lackluster performance in every department of the game.

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“We have not played good cricket in all departments,” he told reporters.

“We have won three matches and lost three as well. We still have four matches left, and with one win and one loss, momentum could shift, ” he continued.

The 32-year-old also revealed the reason behind the change in his regular batting spot.

“I am also playing at number three for my franchise team. Because of the left and right-hand combination, I changed my batting position today,” the 32-year-old explained.

Salman Ali Agha mentioned that they might have scored between 170 and 180 runs and could have capitalized on the fielding restrictions.

“We probably did not take momentum from the powerplay. In my opinion, we should have scored around 170 runs. We could not stick to our plans. If we had taken wickets in the powerplay, the result could have been different,” he remarked.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Salman Ali Agha is not having a great tournament, as he has only managed 84 runs in six matches so far.

“I am not converting my twenties into bigger scores, which I should be doing. I know my PSL has not gone well after the T20 World Cup,” he admitted while hinting that he might take a rest from the limited-overs cricket in a bid to focus on the ODI World Cup.

“This year, Pakistan does not have much T20 cricket. If I have to take rest from T20s for the ODI World Cup, I can think about it.  I think a 50-over World Cup is off great importance for every player,” Agha concluded.

READ: Moeen Ali rues batting display after defeat to Islamabad United

KARACHI: Stand-in captain Moeen Ali reflected on Karachi Kings batting and fielding performance following an eight-wicket defeat to Islamabad United.

Kings were limited to 150-6 in 20 overs after they were asked to bat first in PSL 11 clash here at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday night. Reeza Hendricks remained the top-scorer with a 51 not out from 44 balls, including four boundaries.

In reply, United chased down the target in 16 overs, largely due to half-centuries from Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway.

Minhas made 58 off 36 balls, whereas Conway scored an unbeaten 53 from 36 deliveries.

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For Karachi Kings, Moeen Ali and Hasan Ali picked up one wicket each.

Speaking after the match, Moeen lamented the batting and fielding display, stating that they leaked many runs in the first six overs.

“Just haven’t seemed to bat well and even in the field. We have leaked a lot of runs in the powerplay and I think the batting today was passive and not taking the chances,” he said.

He also highlighted the batters coming down the order while stressing on tactical changes in the upcoming games.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“You got to use the length of the batting line up. Probably me, Khushi [Khushdil Shah] and even Abbas [Abbas Afridi] can come up. We can tactically see what we can do,” he added.

This was the third straight loss for Karachi Kings following their victories in the first three matches.

Karachi Kings will play Multan Sultans on Sunday, April 19, at the same venue.

READ: Sameer Minhas stars as Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings

KARACHI: Sameer Minhas composed a half-century, and a clinical bowling effort sealed a comfortable eight-wicket win for Islamabad United over Karachi Kings in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Islamabad United chased down the 151-run target in 16 overs, thanks to a strong opening partnership.

Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway made the light work of the chase, adding 93 for the opening wicket in the first 10 overs.

Minhas remained the core aggressor and reached his third half-century in PSL 11. Meanwhile, Conway milked the bowlers around.

Minhas was eventually stumped for a well-made 58 from 36 balls, peppered with 10 fours.  The second wicket was off Mohammad Faiq, who only made five.

At this stage, Islamabad United 110-2 in 12.3 overs.

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With a run a ball required, skipper Shadab Khan and Devon Conway added an unbeaten 43 runs from 21 balls to seal victory for their side.

Shadab made a quick-fire 31 off 16, including two sixes and a four, while Conway’s unbeaten half-century featured six fours and a maximum.

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali and Moeen Ali picked one wicket each.

Earlier, Reeza Hendricks’ fifty guided Karachi Kings to a 150-6 in 20 overs.

Asked to bat first, the Kings were jolted early in the form of promoted batter Saad Baig. The left-hander holed out to square leg position after scoring six runs.

Following an early blow, Jason Roy — playing for the first time in PSL 11- built a 62-run partnership with Reeza Hendricks.

Roy batted fluently for his 39 off 27 balls and did not look rusty either. The right-hander struck two sixes and three fours. Meanwhile, Hendricks nudged the bowlers around.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The partnership took the score to 69 in 8.4 overs before Shadab Khan removed Roy, who miscued one and was caught at long-off by Mark Chapman. The third wicket also came in quick time as Salman Ali Agha went back for only four.

With Kings reeling at 77-3, Azam Khan joined hands with Reeza Hendricks and stabilized the innings with a gritty 54-run partnership.

The Kings were ready to go big at the death overs, but Islamabad United’s impressive bowling curtailed the scoring rate.

Azam Khan hit a maximum and three fours on his way to 34 from 29, while Hendricks remained unbeaten on 51 off 44 balls, including four boundaries.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan and Richard Gleeson took two wickets each.

READ: PSL 11: Glenn Maxwell creates history with rare T20 milestone

Bernardo Silva will leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season, the Premier League club announced Thursday as they hailed his “incalculable” contribution to our “greatest sustained period of success”.

The 31-year-old Portuguese playmaker, who is the current club captain, joined City from Monaco for £43 million ($58 million) in 2017.

He has gone on to make over 450 appearances for manager Pep Guardiola’s side, winning 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League as well as this season’s League Cup.

He has also scored 76 goals and provided 77 assists to date, with Silva also involved as City won the ‘treble’ of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the 2022/23 season.

Silva recently moved into the top 10 of all-time City appearance holders, overtaking several notable former players, including David Silva, Paul Power and Willie Donachie.

“Manchester City can confirm Bernardo Silva will leave the club this summer,” said a City statement.

“Bernardo will now focus on seeking to try and ensure his remaining time at City ends with even more silverware, with Pep Guardiola’s side still very much in the hunt to win both the Premier League title and the FA Cup.

“In short, he will be deservedly remembered both as one of City’s finest and most popular players of all time.”

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Confirming his departure from the Etihad on his Instagram page, Silva wrote: “When I arrived nine years ago, I was following a dream of a little boy, wanting to succeed in life, wanting to achieve great things.

“This city and this club gave me much more than that, much more than I ever hoped for. What we won and achieved together is a legacy that will forever be cherished in my heart.

“The Centurions, the domestic quadruple, the Treble, the Four In A Row and much more… It wasn’t that bad.

“In a few months, it’s time to say goodbye to the city where not only we won so much as a football club, but also where I started my marriage and my family. From the bottom of my heart, Ines and Carlota, thank you!”

Silva, who thanked fans for their “unconditional support” and said he would leave the Etihad as a “Man City supporter for life”, added: “To the club, Pep, the staff and all my team-mates these nine years, thank you for all the memories and for letting me be a part of this journey for so long.

“The atmosphere we created every day in the training ground made me feel at home and a part of a big family. Let’s enjoy together these last weeks and fight for what this season still brings us.”

READ: Liverpool confirm Hugo Ekitike out for season, will miss World Cup