Category: Sports

England Test captain Ben Stokes has said he feels “quite lucky” to be alive after being hit in the face by a cricket ball.

All-rounder Stokes suffered a broken cheekbone after being hit by the ball during a net session while he was coaching academy players at his county side Durham in February.

Stokes underwent surgery and is set to play in two first-class County Championship games next month, but he revealed the incident could have been so much worse.

“I copped one straight in the face,” the 34-year-old told the England and Wales Cricket Board.

“Pretty nasty but, funnily, probably the best result of a bad situation, to be honest. Just a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview, if I didn’t turn my head round.

“All things considered, although I had pretty major facial surgery to sort it out, it was a bit of a mess under here (cheekbone), I’ve got out quite lucky. So pretty thankful for that.”

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He added: “Obviously it set everything back about a month, five weeks, with getting back to where I wanted to be to play at the start of the season for Durham, but just had to sort of quickly go back to the drawing board and put a plan together to get me ready to play a couple of games for Durham before the Test summer starts.

“At the back end of all that now but it was a pretty scary situation. Thankfully still here and everything’s all right.”

Stokes is expected to be fit to lead England in the first Test of their home season against New Zealand at Lord’s starting on June 4 as they look to recover from their woeful 4-1 Ashes humiliation in Australia.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan breaks silence on Iftikhar Ahmed’s strike-rate remark

Pakistan top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan has revealed how criticism from Iftikhar Ahmed on his strike-rate played a pivotal role in reshaping his batting approach, helping him evolve into a more aggressive and modern-day T20 opener.

Speaking in a recent interview, Farhan reflected on a period where he consistently dominated domestic cricket but still struggled to earn recognition at higher levels.

Despite finishing as the leading run-scorer in multiple editions of the National T20 Cup, the right-hander admitted he often felt overlooked.

I finished as the leading run-scorer across the last four seasons of the National T20 Cup, but I was not considered good enough for high-level T20 cricket,” Farhan said, highlighting the frustration he experienced despite his consistency.

A turning point came during a candid dressing-room conversation with Iftikhar, who questioned Farhan’s scoring rate at the top of the order. The remark initially did not sit well with him.

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“After the first two seasons, Iftikhar Ahmed told me you cannot play as an opener with a strike rate of 132. I did not like him saying that and found it odd that he was criticising my low strike rate despite me scoring the most runs across two editions,” Farhan recalled.

However, similar advice from coach Abdur Rehman reinforced the need to adapt to the evolving demands of T20 cricket. Sahibzada Farhan admitted that he initially struggled to understand why strike rate was being prioritised over aggregate runs.

“Abdur Rehman, our coach from Peshawar, also told me that scoring at a strike rate beyond 140 would be beneficial for me. I did not truly understand the logic behind it and thought that being the leading run-scorer should be significant in itself,” he said.

That mindset gradually shifted as he began focusing on power-hitting and increasing his scoring tempo. The opener revealed that he consciously worked towards pushing his strike rate beyond 150, while also targeting dominance in six-hitting charts.

“But I [slowly] realised I need to improve my strike rate and push it closer to 150. I began aiming to be the leading six-hitter in every tournament from that point. I started to practise power-hitting,” he said.

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The results followed quickly. In the 2023 National T20 Cup, Farhan amassed 492 runs at a staggering strike rate of 178.90, smashing 29 sixes in just 12 innings.

He continued that momentum in 2025, where he once again emerged as the leading six-hitter, clearing the ropes 40 times in just seven innings while also scoring three centuries. Overall, he scored 605 runs in only seven innings during the 2025 tournament.

Sahibzada Farhan believes these improvements have translated into performances at higher levels as well, claiming success in international tournaments and franchise cricket through his more aggressive approach.

He also shed light on the work behind the transformation, revealing an intense training routine focused on range-hitting across different match scenarios.

“There is a lot of effort behind my six-hitting. I practise range-hitting with new balls, old balls, and worn-out balls,” he said, adding that such preparation has been key to his evolution as a batter.

READ: Shan Masood to stay Test captain; Sarfaraz Ahmed in line for head coach role

Former Real Madrid player and Spain’s 1982 World Cup coach Jose Emilio Santamaria has died at the age of 96, Los Blancos said on Wednesday.

Centre-back Santamaria, who joined Real Madrid in 1957 from Uruguayan side Nacional, played in one of the most decorated eras in the club’s history.

“Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his wife Nora, his children Nelson, Nora, Beatriz, José, Silvia, and Javier, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all his family, teammates, and loved ones,” said Real Madrid in a statement.

He won 4 European Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 6 La Liga titles, and 1 Spanish Cup with Real Madrid, across 337 matches.

He was part of that legendary team that won the first European Cups in history consecutively, initiating the universal legend of Real Madrid.

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“Alongside Di Stefano, Puskas, Gento and Kopa, that team began to build the legend of Real Madrid,” said Los Blancos chief Florentino Perez.

He played 25 times for Uruguay before becoming a naturalised Spaniard and playing at the 1962 World Cup for Spain, whom he went on to coach.

As a coach, Santamaria began his career the year after retiring as a player, in Real Madrid’s youth academy.

He managed the Spanish Olympic team at the 1968 Mexico Olympics and the 1980 Moscow Olympics. In 1982, he was the Spanish national team coach at the World Cup in Spain.

From 1971, for seven seasons, he managed R. C. D. Espanyol in 252 matches, becoming the coach with the most official matches in the club’s history.

READ: PSG beat Liverpool to reach Champions League semi-finals

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to continue with Shan Masood as the captain of the Test side, while former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to be appointed as the red-ball head coach, according to reliable sources.

An official confirmation regarding both decisions is expected once the schedule for Pakistan’s upcoming Test tour of Bangladesh is finalised.

Sources suggest that the two-match series is tentatively slated to begin on May 8 and May 16, although venues are yet to be confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

If appointed, Sarfaraz Ahmed will take charge of the Test side for the first time, replacing Azhar Mahmood, who had served as interim head coach.

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The role has remained vacant since Azhar’s departure in October 2025, despite his contract initially running until March 2026.

Sarfaraz is expected to continue his responsibilities as a national selector alongside the coaching role.

Meanwhile, the decision to persist with Shan Masood as red-ball captain reflects the board’s emphasis on stability within the longest format.

The left-handed batter was handed the Test leadership in November 2023 and is set to remain at the helm as Pakistan navigate the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

Pakistan are expected to play three Test series in the current cycle, against Bangladesh, the West Indies and England, as they look to build consistency in red-ball cricket.

READ: Fatima Sana requests PCB to launch women’s cricket league

Pakistan women’s team captain Fatima Sana has called on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi to introduce a long-awaited women’s franchise league, terming it a crucial step for the development of the game in the country.

Speaking to the media, the 24-year-old all-rounder stressed that the absence of a domestic franchise structure has limited exposure for women cricketers, both locally and internationally.

With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, she believes the timing is ideal to invest in the future of the women’s game.

“We have long been awaiting the Pakistan Women’s Cricket League,” Fatima said.

“I would request PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to launch our league. It will attract foreign players to Pakistan, while our players will also get opportunities abroad. This will greatly benefit women’s cricket.”

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Fatima also pointed to the global landscape, where leading cricketing nations have already established successful women’s franchise tournaments.

India’s Women’s Premier League (WPL), launched in 2023, has quickly emerged as one of the fastest-growing leagues in the sport, drawing top international talent and significant commercial interest.

Similarly, Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), which began in 2015, remains the longest-running women’s franchise competition, while England’s The Hundred has also played a key role in promoting women’s cricket since its introduction in 2021.

The Pakistan skipper underlined that the success of these leagues is closely tied to the rise of their respective national teams, reinforcing her argument that a similar structure is now essential for Pakistan to keep pace with the global game.

READ: Sikandar Raza responds to Imad Wasim’s ‘money motivation’ remark

Lahore Qalandars all-rounder Sikandar Raza has broken his silence on remarks made by Imad Wasim last year, firmly dismissing suggestions that financial incentives drove his dramatic return for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 final.

The controversy dates back to the final last year, when Raza made a last-minute arrival at Lahore Qalandars’ camp just minutes before the toss at Gaddafi Stadium.

The 39-year-old had been in England representing Zimbabwe in a one-off Test against England in Nottingham, casting serious doubt over his availability for the title clash.

Despite the tight turnaround, Raza joined the squad in time to feature against Quetta Gladiators and played a decisive role in securing Qalandars’ third PSL title. Chasing a tricky target, he held his nerve in the final over, smashing a boundary and a six to seal a memorable victory with one ball remaining.

However, his commitment was questioned soon after when Imad Wasim, during an interview, suggested that financial rewards often influence such decisions.

Referring broadly to the demands of franchise cricket, he had remarked that “money can make different things happen,” implying that players are willing to travel extensively and endure fatigue for lucrative opportunities.

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“Like Shoaib Akhtar said, money can do things for you,” Imad had remarked.

“If you’re getting paid, you’ll go. I travel a lot too. Sometimes one match ends, and the next day you’re playing another. I have travelled 24 hours straight and gone directly into a match. So yes, money can make different things happen.”

Sikandar Raza has now responded to those comments, making it clear that his decision was rooted in values beyond financial gain. Speaking in a recent interview, the Sialkot-born all-rounder emphasised that respect, honour, and loyalty were the driving forces behind his return.

“Regarding Imad Wasim’s comments about money being my motivation to return and play the PSL final — money was not the motivating factor,” Raza said. “My priorities are respect, honour, and loyalty.”

He further revealed that his participation in the final actually came at a financial cost, as he incurred deductions for the matches he had missed earlier in the tournament.

“In fact, money was deducted from my contract for the matches I missed, so his opinion doesn’t bother me because it isn’t true,” Raza said.

READ: Lahore Qalandars confirm return to Global Super League in Guyana

Reigning Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Lahore Qalandars are set to take their brand of cricket to the global stage once again, with the franchise confirming participation in the Global Super League (GSL) 2026 in Guyana.

The tournament is scheduled to run from July 23 to August 1, with all matches set to be played at Providence Stadium.

The upcoming edition will mark the Qalandars’ second appearance in the competition, having previously featured in the inaugural 2024 season, where they finished fourth in a five-team contest.

Qalandars owner Sameen Rana expressed excitement over the team’s return, highlighting the importance of the platform in expanding the franchise’s global footprint.

He noted that the GSL offers an opportunity not only to compete at a high level but also to showcase the team’s culture and long-term vision, particularly their widely recognised player development programme.

“We are delighted to return to the [Global Super League]. The inaugural edition was a fantastic platform for high-quality cricket and meaningful global engagement, and we are proud to once again represent Pakistan on this stage,” said Rana.

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“Lahore Qalandars has always stood for pushing boundaries and this tournament allows us to showcase our talent, our culture, and our ambition to a global audience. I am particularly excited to bring our exciting Player Development Program talent to the GSL this year,” he added.

The tournament has also received a strong endorsement from GSL chairman Clive Lloyd, who welcomed the Qalandars back and praised their growing stature in franchise cricket.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lahore Qalandars back to the Global Super League. They are one of the most dynamic and successful T20 franchises in world cricket, with a passionate fan base and a proven track record of excellence,” Lloyd stated.

“Their participation significantly enhances the quality and profile of the tournament, and we look forward to seeing them compete at the highest level once again.”

The 2026 edition will be the third instalment of the Global Super League (GSL) and will feature five teams from different cricketing regions competing across 11 matches.

Guyana Amazon Warriors will enter the tournament as defending champions.

READ: Pakistan fast bowler set to join Yorkshire for T20 Blast

World number two Carlos Alcaraz eased to a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen on Tuesday to begin his push for a third Barcelona Open title.

The Spaniard, who lost the Monte Carlo Masters final to new number one Jannik Sinner on Sunday, can reclaim top spot if he triumphs this week in Barcelona, as he did in 2022 and 2023.

Alcaraz, who finished as runner-up last year in Catalonia, started the first round clash slowly but found his rhythm in a dominant second set.

“I didn’t have much time to adjust in terms of training — this morning was the first practice session I’d done here in Barcelona, which makes it a bit hard to find good sensations at the start,” said Alcaraz afterwards.

“I’m happy to have come through the problems I had in the first set. Little by little, I started feeling maybe a bit better, and I’m happy to win the match in straight sets and give myself another chance to try to feel a bit better in the next round.”

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Alcaraz received some treatment from the physio on his forearm, but said he hoped it was “nothing” and, without time to rest between tournaments, that it was normal to have “little niggles”.

World number 130 Virtanen started strongly in front of a full crowd at the court named after Spanish great Rafael Nadal, pushing hard on Alcaraz’s serve, while holding his own relatively comfortably.

However, Carlos Alcaraz broke in the 10th and final game of the first set to take the lead.

In the second set, the players exchanged breaks before Alcaraz broke to love and consolidated for a 4-1 lead. Alcaraz opened up a triple match point on Virtanen’s serve and hit a cross-court winner to capitalise on the first of those.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner will face Czech Tomas Machac in the second round.

READ: Atletico Madrid resist Barcelona comeback to reach Champions League semis

Atletico Madrid sent 10-man Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League and reached the final four with a 3-2 aggregate victory despite Tuesday’s 2-1 quarter-final second leg defeat.

Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres fired visitors Barcelona ahead inside 24 minutes, but Ademola Lookman’s strike gave Atletico the edge in the gripping all-Spanish tie once again after their 2-0 win in the first leg.

Diego Simeone’s side returned to the semi-finals for the first time since 2017 by holding on against the La Liga champions in a compelling and bloody battle.

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sorloth as he ran in on goal in the final stages, hampering their chances of finding a third goal to force extra time.

Atletico Madrid, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals.

Barcelona last won the Champions League in 2015, and their wait for a sixth crown continues, but midfielder Frenkie de Jong said that the club was on the right path despite their elimination.

Barca coach Hansi Flick benched forwards Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski for workhorses Torres and Gavi, looking to press Atletico relentlessly in the sixth match between these sides this season.

Goalkeeper Juan Musso tipped a Yamal effort around his post after just 32 seconds, with Barca roaring out of the blocks in a fiery atmosphere at the Metropolitano stadium.

The teenage winger fired the visitors ahead after just four minutes when he harried Clement Lenglet into giving the ball away.

Torres nudged it back to Yamal, who slipped a low shot through Musso’s legs to hush the home fans and ignite Barca’s attempted comeback bid.

Dani Olmo nearly grabbed a second, but Musso was able to reach his attempted lob as Barca continued to dominate.

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Antoine Griezmann had a shot deflected wide as Atletico Madrid showed occasional flashes, mostly through enterprising winger Lookman, who gave Jules Kounde a difficult night.

Barcelona doubled their lead in the 24th minute to level the tie on aggregate when Torres left Lenglet trailing, reached Olmo’s pass and fired across Musso into the top corner.

Fermin Lopez could have notched Barca’s third, but Musso clawed out his header and left the midfielder bleeding after his boot caught the Spaniard in the face.

Atletico pulled their way back into the game in the 31st minute after Barca switched off defensively for the first time.

Marcos Llorente charged down the right behind the Catalans’ high defensive line and crossed for Lookman to convert.

Barcelona were frustrated early in the second half when Torres volleyed home, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Flick sent on Rashford and Lewandowski with around 20 minutes remaining to find the goal that last season’s semi-finalists needed.

Barca stopper Joan Garcia made a fine save with his leg to thwart Robin Le Normand from close range as Atletico almost pulled level on the night.

Matteo Ruggieri was left with blood streaming down his face after Gavi caught him with an elbow, with tensions rising.

The game spun away from Barca when Eric Garcia was sent off for clipping Sorloth’s heels as he ran through on goal, similar to Pau Cubarsi’s red card in the first leg.

Flick threw centre-back Ronald Araujo up front for the final stages, but there was no way back, and Atletico gritted their teeth through eight minutes of stoppage time before the celebrations could begin.

READ: PSG beat Liverpool to reach Champions League semi-finals

Ousmane Dembele guided Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) into the Champions League semi-finals as a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday completed a 4-0 aggregate win for the holders.

To compound the English champions’ woes, Hugo Ekitike suffered a serious-looking injury that could end his season and hinder Liverpool’s chances of being back among Europe’s elite next season.

Arne Slot’s men sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign trophyless after being kept at arm’s reach by a PSG side that did not need to be at their brilliant best to reach a third consecutive semi-final.

Defeat means there will be no glorious goodbye for Mohamed Salah after nine memorable years on Merseyside.

Slot showed little sentiment as he dropped the Egyptian to the bench on his final Champions League appearance in red.

Alexander Isak was preferred up front as the most expensive player in Premier League history started for the first time since breaking his leg in December.

However, Salah was forced into action after just half an hour as Ekitike suffered a nasty-looking injury that could ruin his World Cup hopes with France.

The former PSG striker crumpled in a heap, holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles.

Salah nearly made an immediate impact as from his cross, Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Milos Kerkez before Marquinhos produced a remarkable block to deny Virgil van Dijk the opening goal.

PSG had plenty of chances to have put the tie to bed in the Parc des Princes last week and were profligate once more in the first half.

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Giorgi Mamardashvili scrambled back towards his line to punch away Dembele’s attempted chip before the Ballon d’Or winner blazed over from close range with just the Georgian to beat.

Slot admitted before kick-off that Isak could only last for 45 minutes due to a lack of match practice, and the Swede made way for Cody Gakpo at half-time in a further blow to Liverpool’s firepower up front.

Kerkez had the best chance to set up a grandstand finale when he sliced wide another inviting Salah delivery.

Liverpool thought they had been gifted a lifeline when Alexis Mac Allister was awarded a very generous penalty for minimal contact by Willian Pacho, but VAR intervened to instruct referee Maurizio Mariani to reverse his original decision.

But as Liverpool poured forward in desperation, they became a sitting duck for the rapid PSG counter-attack.

Dembele finally killed the tie off 18 minutes from time when he cut onto his left foot and curled into the bottom corner from outside the box.

The French international then inflicted the final blow with a cool finish from Bradley Barcola’s cross in stoppage time.

PSG will face a tougher test against the in-form Bayern Munich or 15-time winners Real Madrid in the last four.

But after ending the Qatari-backed French champions’ long wait to conquer Europe last season, Luis Enrique’s men remain on course to become the only side other than Madrid to retain the competition in the Champions League era.

READ: Ben Stokes breaks silence on rift with coach Brendon McCullum