Category: Sports

KARACHI: Karachi Kings pacer Abbas Afridi has shed light on the influence of his uncle and former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul, crediting his mentorship as a key factor in shaping his bowling and overall career.

Speaking on the sidelines of a training session ahead of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash against Peshawar Zalmi, Abbas emphasised that consistent hard work remains central to his progress as he looks to make a strong impact in the tournament.

“I have been playing cricket for a long time, including at the U-19 level, and performed well there to reach this stage. Even now, I am working hard every day. I am grateful to Allah for where I am today,” Abbas said.

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The young pacer highlighted the dual nature of having an experienced cricketer in the family, noting that while it brings valuable guidance, it also comes with accountability.

“Having a Test cricketer in the family definitely helps; you learn a lot, but you also get scolded,” he shared.

“In the last match, when I didn’t bowl well, he pointed it out and guided me on how to bowl in different situations. I often receive calls from him where he advises me and helps me improve.”

Gul, widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest T20 bowlers, enjoyed a distinguished career, including becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in T20 internationals during the 2009 World T20.

Abbas Afridi also spoke about the benefits of sharing the dressing room with international stars at Karachi Kings, particularly under the leadership of David Warner.

“It’s a great experience playing under Warner and alongside players like Moeen Ali and Adam Zampa. You learn a lot from them; they guide you and share their experience,” he added.

The pacer also acknowledged the role of team director Haider Azhar in building a positive environment within the squad, something Abbas believes is crucial for success in a high-pressure tournament.

“A lot of credit goes to Haider bhai for creating such a good team environment. It really depends on how the atmosphere is within the team, and ours is very positive. InshaAllah, we will try our best to win the trophy this season,” he said.

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While primarily known for his bowling, Abbas revealed he is also working on his batting to contribute in crunch moments.

“I am often told [by my uncle] to focus more on my bowling, but I also work on my batting because there are situations where quick runs are needed in the final overs. I try to be ready for any situation.”

Looking ahead, the right-arm pacer sees the PSL as a crucial pathway back to international cricket.

“PSL is a great platform for players to reach international cricket. My goal is to make a comeback to the Pakistan team through strong performances in this tournament,” he concluded.

READ: ICC reveals Men’s Player of the Month nominees for March 2026

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday unveiled the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026, with India’s star duo Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson joined by South Africa’s emerging wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen.

The shortlist reflects standout performances during a high-stakes month of T20 cricket, headlined by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Sanju Samson emerged as one of the biggest stories of the tournament, turning his late inclusion into a dream run.

The right-hander delivered under pressure with an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in a must-win Super Eight clash, before producing back-to-back 89s in the semi-final against England and the final against New Zealand.

His remarkable consistency not only powered India to a successful title defence but also earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

Across three matches in March, Samson piled up 275 runs at an astonishing average of 137.50, coupled with a strike rate nearing 200, underlining his dominance on the biggest stage.

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Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, once again proved why he is regarded as one of the finest bowlers in world cricket. The pace spearhead played a decisive role in India’s title-winning campaign, delivering crucial spells in the knockout stages.

He struck twice against the West Indies in the Super Eight, including the key wicket of Shimron Hetmyer, before producing a disciplined outing in the semi-final against England, where he stood out in a high-scoring contest.

Bumrah then delivered a match-winning performance in the final, claiming four wickets for just 15 runs against New Zealand to seal the trophy and earn Player of the Match honours.

Completing the trio is Connor Esterhuizen, who enjoyed a breakthrough month in international cricket. The Proteas batter impressed in his debut T20I series against New Zealand, amassing 200 runs in five matches at an average of 50.

After starting with an unbeaten 45, he registered his maiden T20I half-century with a 57 off 33 deliveries.

He capped off the series with a blistering 75 in the decider, guiding South Africa to a 3-2 series victory and earning multiple Player of the Match awards.

READ: Hardik Pandya targets ODI comeback ahead of 2027 World Cup: report

Southampton will face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley after their shock win against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The Championship side beat the Gunners 2-1 in the quarter-finals at St Mary’s on Saturday. Meanwhile, City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the competition for an eighth successive season.

Pep Guardiola’s side are bidding to make the final for a fourth consecutive year, having lost to Manchester United in 2024 and Crystal Palace in 2025 following their last win in 2023.

Southampton are dreaming of emulating their shock 1976 FA Cup final victory against Manchester United. Relegated from the Premier League last season, Southampton are also hoping to win promotion via the Championship play-offs.

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Leeds, who lifted the FA Cup in 1972, will meet Chelsea in the other Wembley semi-final after a dramatic conclusion to their quarter-final clash with West Ham on Sunday.

Daniel Farke’s team led 2-0 at the London Stadium, but West Ham scored twice in stoppage time to force extra time.

Leeds eventually won 4-2 on penalties to earn a place in the last four for the first time since 1987, when they were beaten by Coventry.

Chelsea, 7-0 winners against third-tier Port Vale on Saturday, famously beat Leeds in a brutal 1970 FA Cup final that went to a replay.

READ: Leeds beat West Ham to reach FA Cup semi-finals after 39 years

Leeds reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 39 years as they survived a dramatic penalty shoot-out after squandering a two-goal lead in a thrilling clash with West Ham on Sunday.

Daniel Farke’s side were moments away from victory at the London Stadium after Ao Tanaka’s first-half goal and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second-half penalty put them in control.

But West Ham staged a stoppage-time rally as Mateus Fernandes reduced the deficit before Axel Disasi’s equaliser forced extra time.

With the score still level at 2-2 after the additional period, Leeds keeper Lucas Perri emerged as their shoot-out hero.

Joel Piroe missed Leeds’ first penalty, but Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson, Wilfried Gnonto and Pascal Struijk all converted their kicks.

Perri saved Jarrod Bowen’s opening effort for West Ham and also denied Pablo as Leeds won 4-2 on penalties.

It was their second shoot-out victory in the competition this season, following their fourth-round success at Birmingham.

Leeds will face Chelsea in the semi-finals at Wembley later in April.

“We always do it the tough way, never the easy way. We could have made our lives easier,” Farke said. “We had a late sucker punch when the whole stadium was buzzing. To keep the nerves and win the penalty shoot-out shows great mentality and character.”

“A chapter of Leeds history. It will be a big night for us at Wembley. It’s a great step for this club and a great reward for everyone.”

The Yorkshire club are in the semi-finals for the first time since 1987, when they lost to eventual winners Coventry at Hillsborough.

Leeds have lost on their past three trips to Wembley, in the 2024 Championship play-off final, the 2008 League One play-off final, and the 1996 League Cup final.

FA Cup winners for the only time in 1972, Leeds’ last victory at Wembley was a 4-3 success against Liverpool in the 1992 Charity Shield.

Their win over West Ham was a welcome lift in the midst of a Premier League relegation battle for both clubs.

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Third-bottom West Ham are one point behind fourth-bottom Tottenham with seven games left. Leeds, four points above the Hammers, face a return trip to West Ham for a potentially decisive clash on the last day of the season.

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo made five changes as he prioritised Friday’s vital showdown with bottom-of-the-table Wolves.

Leeds grabbed the opener in the 26th minute thanks to an eye-catching effort from Japan midfielder Tanaka, who cleverly twisted to find space inside the penalty area for a shot that deflected off Disasi and bounced in off the crossbar.

Leeds struck again in the 75th minute after Max Kilman chopped down Aaronson in the area, with referee Craig Pawson changing his decision to a penalty after consulting the pitch-side monitor.

Calvert-Lewin confidently stroked his spot-kick past Alphonse Areola before sprinting to celebrate with 9,000 raucous Leeds supporters crammed behind the goal.

Leeds lost focus in the closing stages, allowing West Ham to stage their remarkable comeback.

Fernandes tapped in the rebound after Bowen hit the post in the third minute of stoppage time.

Stunned by the decision to play 11 minutes of additional time, Leeds were unable to hold their nerve.

Three minutes after Fernandes’ goal, Adama Traore whipped an inswinging cross into the six-yard box, and former Chelsea defender Disasi volleyed home with his outstretched foot.

Thousands of West Ham fans had already left before Disasi’s equaliser, and hundreds flooded back in after the goal, although some found the gates shut, leaving them stuck outside for the rest of the match.

With Areola forced off injured late in extra time, West Ham had to give a debut to reserve keeper Finlay Herrick.

The 20-year-old, who was on loan at non-league side Boreham Wood earlier this season, saved Piroe’s penalty.

But there was no fairytale ending for Herrick as Leeds celebrated a semi-final berth almost four decades in the making.

READ: Pep Guardiola dodges Manchester City exit question

Pakistan’s top-order batter Imam-ul-Haq has moved to clear the air after his recent social media post, regarding marriage, sparked widespread speculation about his personal life, insisting that his remarks were taken out of context.

Earlier this week, the left-handed opener shared a story on Instagram, describing marriage in the current era as “actually scary.”

The post quickly went viral, prompting fans to speculate about potential issues in his marriage, with some even suggesting that he had unfollowed his wife, Anmol Mehmood, on social media.

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However, Imam has now issued a clarification, stating that his post was merely a general observation about trends he has noticed online and not a reflection of his own relationship.

“You [all] took that post way too seriously just to clarify my recent post was a general observation about what we’re seeing on social media these days, not about my own marriage,” he wrote on Instagram.

He further reassured fans that his personal life remains stable, adding, “Everything’s perfectly fine on my side, Alhamdulillah,” while urging people to avoid jumping to conclusions or spreading unverified rumours.

Imam-ul-Haq, who got married in November 2023, has been a regular feature in Pakistan’s batting lineup across formats since making his debut in 2017.

The 30-year-old has represented the national side in 26 Tests, 75 ODIs and two T20Is, amassing 4,860 runs with 12 centuries and 30 half-centuries to his name.

READ: Karachi Kings provide update on Waseem, Khuzaima return

KARACHI: Karachi Kings are set to receive a timely boost as United Arab Emirates (UAE) players Muhammad Waseem and Khuzaima Bin Tanveer are expected to rejoin the squad ahead of their next fixture in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Team director Haider Azhar confirmed that both players will arrive back in Karachi on Tuesday and will be available for selection for the Kings’ upcoming clash against Peshawar Zalmi at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

The duo had earlier left the PSL midway after being recalled by the Emirates Cricket Board to participate in the domestic D50 tournament.

The directive required both players to return immediately and feature in the ongoing 50-over competition in the UAE.

However, in a development that comes as a relief for the Kings, Waseem and Khuzaima have now been granted permission to rejoin their franchise after completing two matches in the domestic tournament.

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Waseem has already featured in three matches this season, registering mixed returns with scores of 0, 38 and 23. Meanwhile, Khuzaima is yet to make his debut in the ongoing edition.

The return of the two players strengthens an already in-form Karachi Kings side, led by David Warner, who currently sit in the second position of the points table with three wins from three matches and a net run rate of 0.486.

READ: Pakistan’s Samar Khan finishes 300km Fjällräven Polar 2026 expedition

Pakistani adventure athlete and snowboarder Samar Khan has successfully completed Fjällräven Polar 2026, becoming THE ARCTIC EXPLORER.

It’s one of the world’s most challenging Arctic expeditions, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan in global adventure sports.

The expedition, organised by Fjällräven, takes participants across the harsh Arctic wilderness, where they complete a 300km dogsled expedition & endure extreme weather conditions, sub-zero temperatures, and physically demanding terrain over multiple days.

Completing this expedition requires not only physical endurance but also mental resilience and survival skills.

Samar Khan represented Pakistan on this prestigious international platform, pushing beyond limits and overcoming the challenges of the Arctic environment to cross the final finish line.

Her achievement highlights the growing presence of Pakistani athletes in global adventure sports and serves as an inspiration for young women and aspiring athletes across the country to pursue unconventional paths.

This accomplishment not only adds to her list of achievements but also places Pakistan on the global map of endurance and exploration-based sports.

READ: Hardik Pandya targets ODI comeback ahead of 2027 World Cup: report

India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya has set his sights on a return to the ODI setup as he looks to secure a place in the squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, according to a report by the Times of India.

Pandya, who has not featured in an ODI since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, is understood to have communicated his intentions to the selectors and team management.

The 32-year-old has reportedly been working over the past few months to rebuild his bowling fitness, which remains the key factor in his comeback bid.

During the Champions Trophy campaign, Pandya’s bowling workload was carefully managed as he delivered just 24.3 overs across five matches and did not complete his full quota in any game.

Concerns over his ability to consistently bowl 10 overs have since influenced selection decisions.

Earlier this year, Pandya was omitted from India’s ODI squad for the home series against New Zealand, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming that he had not yet been cleared by the Centre of Excellence to handle a full bowling workload.

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However, with the World Cup 2027 set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where conditions traditionally favour seam bowling, the team management sees Hardik Pandya as a potentially crucial asset if he can meet fitness expectations.

“He can lend the perfect balance, but he has to convince the selectors and the team management that he will be available to bowl 10 overs,” a BCCI source told TOI.

“He may not be required to do so in every match. The captain may end up bowling him for 6-7 overs in most matches. But he should be available if the captain needs more from him.”

Notably, Hardik Pandya has reportedly intensified his preparations, focusing on increasing his bowling workload and refining his skillset. He has also worked on adding variations, including developing an inswinger, while maintaining his pace.

“Hardik has been increasing his workload. He has worked on his action to bowl in-swingers as well without compromising on pace,” the source further added.

“He feels his body is ready to cope with the rigours of bowling 10 overs in ODIs. He understands his body well enough and is working towards staying fit to bowl 10 overs.”

Since making his ODI debut in 2016, Pandya has played 94 matches, scoring 1904 runs and picking up 91 wickets, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder when fully fit.

READ: Virat Kohli comments on being called RCB’s ‘overseas player’ in IPL 2026

Indian batting icon Virat Kohli has responded with humour to the viral chatter labelling him as an “overseas player” for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

The light-hearted debate gained traction among fans due to Kohli’s increased time spent in London with his family in recent years, leading to jokes that RCB are effectively fielding an extra overseas player.

Despite scaling down his international commitments, having stepped away from Tests and T20Is and now featuring only in ODIs, the former India captain continues to remain a central figure for his franchise.

Addressing the speculation in a video shared by RCB, Kohli was quizzed by content creator Danish Sait, known for his popular ‘Mr. Nags’ persona.

The host referenced fan claims about RCB playing with “five overseas players,” prompting a witty response from Kohli.

“I don’t know why you’re asking me. Ask the overseas players. I am not an overseas player,” Virat Kohli said with a laugh, before playfully turning the question back, “Am I an overseas player?”

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The 37-year-old began the ongoing IPL season in commanding fashion, scoring an unbeaten 69 to guide RCB to victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening fixture as defending champions.

Reflecting on last season’s long-awaited title triumph, Kohli admitted the victory brought a sense of relief after years of near misses with the franchise he has represented since the league’s inception.

“That night, I really felt what it means. Everything became light,” he said, describing the emotional weight lifted after finally securing the title.

He also offered insight into his mindset around success and failure, emphasising the importance of perseverance.

“Victory is the accumulation of hard work, all the sacrifices you’ve made, to be committed to the sport. It all comes together as a form of assurance, a reward, to know that you haven’t wasted your time,” Kohli added.

“A lot of people learn from losses, but a lot of people can get very disheartened as well. So when you win after a lot of hard work, it makes you feel a sense of justice for the work that you put in, and also gives you motivation to work harder.”

READ: Azam Khan opens up on fitness transformation

Pep Guardiola has remained tight-lipped over his future at Manchester City, refusing to clarify whether he will continue beyond the ongoing season amid increasing speculation surrounding his long-term plans.

Reports, including one from ESPN, suggest the City boss was expected to make a decision during the recent international break regarding his stay at the Etihad Stadium, where he is currently contracted until 2027.

While the club is keen for him to remain in charge next season, there is also an acceptance internally that the 55-year-old could opt to step away earlier than expected.

Addressing the media on Friday, Guardiola avoided offering any fresh insight into his situation.

“I spoke many times about that,” he said, offering a brief response when questioned directly about his future.

Despite the uncertainty, Guardiola’s immediate focus remains firmly on the pitch, with City preparing for a crucial FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool.

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The upcoming encounter presents a significant test, even though Liverpool arrive with inconsistent form, having managed just two wins in their last six matches across all competitions.

They also face a demanding schedule, including a UEFA Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

However, Pep Guardiola was quick to dismiss any notion of complacency, highlighting Liverpool’s pedigree and long-standing rivalry with his side.

“They have been the biggest rival,” he said. “It is a team that made an incredible investment last season to compete at the highest level for many years. They are a top contender with top-class players.”

He further stressed the importance of maintaining high standards, referencing the City’s recent performances as a benchmark.

“Hopefully we can perform at the level that we did against Arsenal to reach the next step,” he added.

READ: Kenya ex-captain Victor Wanyama announces football retirement