Category: Sports

KARACHI: Babar Azam chose to steer clear of comparisons with Virat Kohli, responding firmly to a question on the subject after his team, Peshawar Zalmi, registered a tense last-ball victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium.

Chasing a modest yet tricky 146-run target, Zalmi were pushed to the limit on a challenging surface before eventually getting over the line on the final delivery with four wickets in hand.

Babar played a key role in the chase with a composed 43 off 37 balls but fell at a crucial juncture, leaving his side needing 30 runs from the final five overs.

The post-match press conference, however, shifted focus from the result to an all-too-familiar debate of Babar’s ability to finish games and his frequent comparisons with Kohli.

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The Zalmi skipper appeared unimpressed with the line of questioning and quickly dismissed the comparison.

“Leave that topic. You can end it there,” Babar said, cutting short the question before elaborating on his approach instead.

He emphasised that match situations, rather than comparisons, dictate his style of play, highlighting the importance of reading conditions and building partnerships.

“The main thing is the scenario, what the team requires, what the run rate is, how to play, and how the pitch is behaving. You have to plan your game accordingly and build partnerships for the team,” he explained.

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Babar Azam also pointed out that execution is not always straightforward, especially on difficult surfaces where even well-timed shots may not yield results.

“Sometimes you think it is an easy pitch, but you cannot execute, shots are hit, but not finding the gaps. You try but do not get the runs,” he said.

Reflecting on criticism around his finishing ability, the right-hander insisted that improvement is a gradual process and backed his record in pressure situations.

“In those moments, I remind myself of my strengths and my game plan, my best way of playing. Improvement comes with time; sometimes it takes months. I have finished a lot of matches; you may think I have not, but I have finished many,” he added.

READ: Hassan Khan breaks silence on decision to leave Pakistan for USA

Holders Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) took a 2-0 lead over Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final tie as Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in Wednesday’s first leg in the French capital.

Doue’s shot in the 11th minute looped over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and, thanks to a big touch off Ryan Gravenberch, Kvaratskhelia then rounded his compatriot to double PSG’s lead 65 minutes into a game they bossed from start to finish.

It only remains to be seen whether the reigning European champions, who had a second-half penalty in their favour overturned after a VAR review, might regret not scoring more goals against a Liverpool side that lined up with three centre-backs and were run ragged.

Liverpool’s game plan could not stop them slumping to a second emphatic loss in five days, even if the scoreline was not as bad as the 4-0 mauling inflicted by Manchester City in the FA Cup last weekend.

It is just one win in six in all competitions for Liverpool, and this was a 16th reverse in total in a difficult campaign.

Slot’s team must try to repeat what they did in the last 16, when they overturned a 1-0 first-leg loss away to Galatasaray by winning 4-0 in the return.

This will be a far tougher task, however, as the sides clash again next Tuesday on Merseyside, where PSG won 1-0 in the second leg of their last-16 tie last season before advancing on penalties.

That was a significant step on their way to winning the Champions League, coming after they somehow lost 1-0 at the Parc des Princes despite completely dominating.

A string of Alisson Becker saves helped Liverpool smash and grab their way to victory a year ago, but the Brazilian was absent here, meaning Mamardashvili started in goal.

Mohamed Salah was also left out of the line-up by Slot, instead taking a place on the bench alongside Alexander Isak with the Swede involved again after suffering a leg fracture in December.

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Hugo Ekitike started up front for Liverpool against the club where he spent 18 months earlier in his career and failed to escape the shadows of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Joe Gomez slotted in alongside Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk as a third central defender, as Liverpool set out to press high but spent the night chasing the ball.

PSG were well in control before they scored, as Doue collected the ball just outside the box, advanced into the area and tried a shot which struck Gravenberch’s boot and took a looping trajectory which left the goalkeeper flummoxed.

Mamardashvili did later save from Kvaratskhelia and Doue, meaning there was just one goal in a one-sided first half in which PSG had 70 percent possession, and Liverpool’s only attempt came from Jeremie Frimpong when he was offside.

The pattern of the contest did not really change after the break, with Ousmane Dembele blazing over before the second goal arrived.

A superb Joao Neves pass released Kvaratskhelia through the inside-left channel, and the Georgian held off Gravenberch before rounding the goalkeeper to tuck in.

Liverpool were then rescued by the Spanish referee’s decision to change his mind after initially awarding a penalty when Konate brought down Warren Zaire-Emery, while also taking the ball.

Small mercies for Slot, who sent on Isak in a quadruple substitution on 78 minutes, but left Salah on the bench.

Dembele hit the post late on for PSG, although they are firmly in control after a ninth win in a game against Premier League opposition since the start of 2025.

READ: Atletico Madrid punish Barcelona in Champions League quarter-final

Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth’s goals earned Atletico Madrid a commanding 2-0 lead over 10-man Barcelona in a tense Champions League quarter-final first leg clash on Wednesday.

The La Liga leaders were on top in the all-Spanish tie at Camp Nou before Pau Cubarsi was sent off for bringing down Atletico’s Giuliano Simeone, who was through on goal.

Alvarez whipped home the resulting free-kick, and Sorloth doubled their advantage with 20 minutes remaining to give Atletico a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Diego Simeone’s side, who have never won the competition, reached the 2014 and 2016 finals but were beaten by rivals Real Madrid on both occasions.

Barcelona, semi-finalists last season, need to make a huge comeback next Tuesday in Madrid if they are to stand a chance of lifting the trophy they last won in 2015.

Barca coach Hansi Flick was upset by the use of VAR to punish his side for Cubarsi’s red card but not to analyse a potential handball incident against Atletico’s Marc Pubill in the second half.

The defender touched the ball with his hand after goalkeeper Juan Musso passed it to him to take the goal kick himself, which Flick said should have been reviewed.

“The VAR was very focused today for Atletico, he’s a German guy, so thanks Germany,” complained the former German national team boss. “It’s for me a clear red card, then it (can) change (things) totally.”

Diego Simeone said the decision that was made was “common sense”.

Atletico knocked Barca out of the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals in March, and this was the second of three meetings between the sides in the space of a fortnight.

Barcelona started well, with Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, their main threat down the left.

On the right flank, Atletico tried to suffocate teenage star Lamine Yamal with defensive numbers, allowing Rashford more room.

The first chances fell to the England international, who scored against Atletico in La Liga on Saturday, but Musso denied him.

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At the other end, Alvarez, who has been linked with a switch to Barcelona in recent months, tested Joan Garcia.

The busy Rashford, constantly escaping beyond Nahuel Molina, volleyed narrowly wide and then rolled a shot into the bottom corner, but it was disallowed for offside in the build-up.

Even though the 18-year-old Yamal was up against three Atletico defenders, he produced some superb skill to break free of their shackles, but Robin Le Normand blocked his shot.

Veteran Atletico midfielder Koke was fortunate to stay on the pitch after fouls on Dani Olmo, Pedri and Yamal were only punished with a yellow card, to Barca supporters’ fury.

Flick’s side were controlling the game with Atletico talisman Griezmann quiet against his former team, but a moment of clumsiness from Cubarsi dramatically gave the visitors the upper hand before half-time.

The 19-year-old centre-back, chasing Giuliano Simeone as he ran through on goal to reach a ball in behind Barca’s defence from Alvarez, clattered the Atletico coach’s son from behind.

Although referee Istvan Kovacs only produced a yellow card for Cubarsi, he upgraded it to a red after a VAR review.

Worse was to come for Barca, with former Manchester City striker Alvarez whipping the free-kick into the top corner.

Barca battled well with 10 men, continuing to create chances for Rashford. Yamal sent the forward through on goal, but after rounding Musso, he could only hit the side netting, and he had a free-kick tipped over.

It was against the run of play again that Atletico snatched their second.

Griezmann and Matteo Ruggieri combined, and the latter crossed for target man Sorloth, who outmuscled Gerard Martin and fired past the helpless Garcia.

Barca tasted defeat at home for the first time since Camp Nou reopened in November 2025, and Atletico coach Simeone won at the stadium for the first time in his 14-year career at the helm of the Rojiblancos.

It was Atletico’s first win at Camp Nou since 2006 and a potential stepping stone towards the trophy they crave most.

READ: Japan to host T20 World Cup 2028 qualifiers at new cricket venue

DUBAI: Japan is set to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 Qualifier in May at its new cricket venue, built for this year’s Asian Games, said the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Baseball-mad Japan has constructed a cricket stadium for the Asian Games, which are being held in Nagoya and the wider Aichi region from September 19 to October 4.

The new ground in Nisshin, outside Nagoya, will stage the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) qualifiers for the 2028 men’s T20 World Cup from May 8-18.

The biggest East Asia-Pacific qualifying tournament ever will see nine teams battling to move a step closer to the T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Matches will also take place at the Japan Cricket Association’s headquarters in Sano, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) outside of Tokyo.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Japan to show our capacity to host pathway events for the EAP Region across multiple venues,” said JCA chief operations officer Alan Curr.

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“We will be stretched like no time ever before, but are confident we can deliver an event that will showcase the best of the EAP region as well as create excitement for cricket at the Asian Games later this year.”

Hosts Japan will be joined at the tournament by the Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Samoa and Vanuatu.

The tournament will take place in two stages: a Group Stage from 8-10 May, followed by a Super Six Stage from 12-18 May.

Teams are split into three groups of three, and the top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage.

At the end of the Super Six, the top teams will earn their place in the next stage as they look to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 in Australia and New Zealand.

READ: Rawalpindiz sign Ben Sears as injury rules out Naseem Shah

The injury-hit Rawalpindiz have moved swiftly to reinforce their pace attack, announcing the signing of New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears ahead of their upcoming fixtures in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The development comes in the wake of injuries to frontline pacers Naseem Shah and Zaman Khan, forcing the franchise to seek immediate reinforcements.

Sources revealed that Sears, currently touring Sri Lanka with New Zealand A, is expected to link up with the squad soon, pending necessary clearances.

The right-arm pacer is set to make his PSL debut, bringing with him limited franchise experience, having previously featured in Major League Cricket (MLC) for the Washington Freedom.

On the international stage, Sears has represented New Zealand in 27 T20Is, claiming 31 wickets, in addition to picking up 10 wickets in just four ODIs.

Rawalpindiz’s bowling concerns have deepened following confirmation that Naseem Shah has been ruled out for the foreseeable future after sustaining a side injury during a recent clash against Karachi Kings.

While the pacer remains part of the squad, he is undergoing rehabilitation, with further medical assessments scheduled for April 15 to evaluate his recovery timeline.

Earlier, Zaman Khan was sidelined after suffering a dislocation of the acromioclavicular (ACJ) joint in his right shoulder during the National T20 Cup. He has since been replaced in the squad by Jalat Khan.

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Rawalpindiz will now be hoping that Sears can provide immediate impact as they prepare for their next encounter against Quetta Gladiators on April 10.

READ: Hassan Khan breaks silence on decision to leave Pakistan for USA

Former Pakistan U19 captain Hassan Khan has spoken about his decision to shift his professional cricket career to the United States of America (USA), clarifying that the move was not driven by frustration or disappointment over opportunities in Pakistan.

Hassan, who led Pakistan at the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup in 2018, made the switch to USA cricket in 2023 after going unsold in that year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft.

Since then, his career has taken a global turn, with appearances in multiple franchise leagues across continents.

After relocating, the all-rounder began his journey with the Chicago Kingsmen before earning a deal with Major League Cricket (MCL) side San Francisco Unicorns.

His performances soon opened doors to further opportunities, including stints in both the Big Bash League (BBL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

He is currently part of the ongoing PSL season as an overseas player representing Hyderabad Kingsmen, thanks to his registration under USA cricket eligibility.

Addressing speculation around his move, Hassan insisted the decision was sudden and not the result of any long-term frustration or lack of opportunity.

“If I’m honest, there wasn’t any particular moment. It was all very sudden, and the decision was made quite abruptly. I didn’t really think it through in detail, like deciding to leave everything behind or anything like that,” he said while speaking during a training session.

“It wasn’t that sort of situation; I simply got an opportunity, quite unexpectedly. As far as I remember, it all happened within a period of about 10 to 15 days.”

Hassan Khan also reflected on his journey, suggesting that playing for Pakistan at the international level may not have been part of his destiny, while expressing gratitude for the path his career has taken.

“Perhaps it just wasn’t in my destiny to play for Pakistan. God has different plans for everyone. It was a slightly difficult path, but it’s the one I chose,” he said.

He added that he is content with his current career trajectory, highlighting the respect he has earned through franchise cricket around the world and expressing gratitude for his journey.

“By the grace of God, I’ve earned respect, and He continues to bless me with it. I’m playing in leagues around the world, and I have no complaints. Alhamdulillah, I’m satisfied with my decision and my cricket,” he said.

Before his move abroad, Hassan represented Quetta Gladiators across four seasons and also played one season for Lahore Qalandars, featuring in 28 matches where he took 16 wickets and scored 137 runs.

READ: Tamim Iqbal appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board President

Former national captain Tamim Iqbal has been appointed as the new president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following the dissolution of the previous board led by Aminul Islam.

The decision was taken by the government after a five-member investigation committee submitted its findings on alleged irregularities surrounding the BCB elections held in October last year.

Acting on the recommendations, the authorities moved to disband the existing board and install a new leadership structure.

At 37, Tamim becomes the youngest president in the board’s history and will head an 11-member ad-hoc committee tasked with stabilising cricket administration in the country.

The committee includes notable names such as former Bangladesh captain Minhajul Abedin and ex-international cricketer and commentator Athar Ali Khan, alongside several other members.

The National Sports Council (NSC) confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been formally informed about the decision. NSC sports director Mohammed Aminul Ahesan stated that the previous board was deemed improperly constituted and unable to function effectively.

“As part of the NSC’s responsibility, we have informed the ICC that this board of directors was not formed in a proper manner and is not able to complete its work accordingly,” he said, expressing confidence that the global body would support the move.

The development follows weeks of turmoil within the BCB, with mounting pressure from the sports ministry over concerns regarding the legitimacy of the last election, alleged political interference, and governance issues.

The situation was further aggravated by multiple resignations, with six board directors stepping down since January, including four in the past week alone.

Despite the growing crisis, former president Aminul Islam had earlier insisted he would not step down, even after the investigation report was submitted.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest-ever batters, Tamim Iqbal represented Bangladesh in 391 international matches and captained the side to 21 wins in 38 games, including a historic ODI series triumph over South Africa in 2022.

After retiring from international cricket in early 2025, Tamim remained involved in the domestic circuit before a heart attack during a Dhaka Premier League match brought an abrupt end to his playing career.

READ: Fakhar Zaman opens up on T20I retirement plan

Lahore Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman has dismissed ongoing speculation surrounding his future in T20 International cricket, confirming that he has no immediate plans to retire from the format.

The left-handed batter, who has been a consistent performer for both Pakistan and in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), clarified that while he had briefly considered stepping away after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, he ultimately decided against it.

“After the World Cup, I had decided to retire from T20 cricket. However, I no longer intend to retire and want to finish my T20 career on a high note,” Fakhar stated, putting an end to speculation about his future.

Fakhar remains one of Pakistan’s most experienced batters in the shorter format, having featured in 120 T20I matches and scoring 2,494 runs at a strike rate of 132.51, including 14 half-centuries.

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At the franchise level, he has been equally influential for Lahore Qalandars, where he has represented the side for 11 consecutive seasons.

In 99 PSL appearances, he has accumulated 3,018 runs at a strike rate of 141.82, including 24 fifties and two centuries, cementing his status as one of the league’s most dependable openers.

However, his campaign has recently been disrupted, as Fakhar is currently serving a two-match suspension after being found guilty of ball tampering during a PSL 11 clash against Karachi Kings last week.

READ: Steve Smith hails Sahibzada Farhan as key to Multan Sultans’ strong start in PSL 11

Multan Sultans batter Steve Smith has praised opening partner Sahibzada Farhan for his consistent performances and growing influence at the top of the order in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Farhan has been one of the standout performers of the season so far, sitting second on the run-scoring charts with 164 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 154.66.

A strong opening combination between Smith and Farhan has played a major role in Multan Sultans’ rise to the top of the points table, with the pair delivering consistent starts across the campaign.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Reflecting on their partnership after a convincing win over Quetta Gladiators, Smith highlighted the growing understanding between the two at the top of the order.

“My combination with Farhan has become quite strong. Our starts have been good. Farhan is a quality player,” Smith said during a post-match interaction with teammate Peter Siddle.

The duo have already produced significant opening stands this season, including a 104-run partnership while chasing 226 against Hyderabad Kingsmen and a 71-run stand in the win over Quetta Gladiators, setting the platform for successful chases.

Steve Smith also praised the team’s all-round performance, particularly highlighting the impact of the bowling unit in restricting opposition totals.

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“The spin bowling was very good. First, Mohammad Nawaz bowled well, and then Arafat Minhas produced an extraordinary spell. Our captain also bowled well. The opposition could have scored over 160, but we managed to restrict them and then chased the target well,” he noted.

In addition, Smith lauded the contributions of Multan Sultans vice-captain Shan Masood, praising his composed batting and leadership qualities.

“Shan is getting better with every game. He has immense power in his shots. He waits for the right ball and it was a good chase,” Smith added.

READ: Rawalpindiz suffer major blow as Naseem Shah ruled out of PSL 11

The Rawalpindiz have suffered a significant setback in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 after premier fast bowler Naseem Shah was ruled out of action due to injury.

According to a statement issued by the franchise, the right-arm pacer sustained a side strain during their recent match against Karachi Kings, forcing him to be sidelined for the foreseeable future.

The team’s medical staff are currently monitoring his recovery closely, with management hoping for a potential return towards the latter stages of the tournament, subject to progress in rehabilitation and final fitness clearance.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Despite the setback, the franchise expressed full support for the 23-year-old, describing him as a key member of the squad and stressing their commitment to his recovery process.

The management added that they are hopeful of seeing him return stronger once fully fit.

Naseem’s injury comes at an unfortunate time, as he endured a difficult start to the campaign, managing just one wicket in his outing against Karachi Kings after going wicketless while conceding 51 runs in the opening match.

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The development further compounds a challenging start for Rawalpindiz, who have struggled for form in PSL 11.

The side has lost all three of their opening fixtures and currently sit seventh on the points table, just above fellow winless debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen.

Rawalpindiz squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Yasir Khan, Naseem Shah, Rishad Hossain, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Dian Forrestor, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Razaullah, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Cole McConchie, Usman Khawaja, Saad Masood

READ: Abbas Afridi opens up on Umar Gul’s influence on his career