Category: Sports

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced a comprehensive ticket refund policy for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, following the decision to stage the tournament without spectators.

The move comes after a major revision to the event’s original plans, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirming earlier that the entire tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, behind closed doors due to the prevailing regional situation.

As a result, fans who had already purchased tickets for matches will now be eligible for refunds, with the board clarifying that the process will be automatic for online bookings.

According to the PCB, all tickets purchased through digital platforms will be refunded directly to the original payment method used at the time of booking. This includes transactions made via debit and credit cards, as well as mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board and HBL PSL appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming you back to the stadiums for an even more exciting cricketing experience in future,” the PCB stated in a press release.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“For any ticket refund related queries get in touch at [email protected].”

The refund process is set to begin on March 30, 2026, and is expected to be completed within 15 working days. However, the board noted that timelines may vary slightly depending on individual banks or payment service providers.

Importantly, ticket holders are not required to take any action to initiate the refund. In case of delays beyond the stated timeframe, customers have been advised to contact their respective banks or payment platforms for further assistance.

The PCB also expressed appreciation for the fans’ understanding amid the changes and reiterated its commitment to bringing spectators back to stadiums in future editions.

READ: PSL 11: Rawalpindiz bring in Usman Khawaja as replacement signing

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) newcomers Rawalpindiz have strengthened their squad ahead of the landmark 11th edition by signing Australian veteran Usman Khawaja as a replacement for Laurie Evans.

The franchise confirmed the development through its official social media platforms, welcoming the experienced left-hander to the side.

“@Uz_Khawaja joins The Pindiz! A world-class batter with top-level experience comes in as the replacement for Laurie Evans. Welcome to Pindi, Uzzie,” the franchise announced.

Khawaja brings a wealth of experience to the newly-formed outfit, having featured in 121 T20 matches, scoring over 3,400 runs at an average of 30.35 and a strike rate of 131.32. His T20 career spans multiple leagues, including Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), England’s Vitality Blast, and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The left-hander is also no stranger to the PSL, having previously represented Islamabad United in the 2021 edition. During that campaign, he enjoyed an impressive run, amassing 246 runs in seven matches at an average of 49.20 and a strike rate exceeding 150.

Khawaja’s inclusion adds stability and experience to the Rawalpindiz batting unit as they prepare for their debut season in the competition.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

READ: David Warner confident new additions will strengthen Karachi Kings in PSL 11

LAHORE: Karachi Kings captain David Warner expressed confidence in his side’s preparations and squad strength ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, vowing to build on last season’s performance and push beyond the playoffs.

Speaking at the pre-tournament captains’ press conference in Lahore, Warner highlighted the importance of continuity while also welcoming the new additions to the squad.

“It’s always great to have players like Adam Zampa and Salman Ali Agha in our group,” Warner said. “For us, it’s about trying to replicate what we did well last year and then improve on areas where we fell short. Hopefully, we can do better this season and go beyond the playoffs.”

Warner also expressed satisfaction with the squad assembled during the player auction, backing his side to compete strongly in the expanded eight-team tournament.

“We’ve got a really good group of players, and I think we did a great job at the auction. We’re ready to compete against the best teams,” he added with a smile.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Karachi Kings had an encouraging campaign in PSL 10, where Warner led from the front with the bat, scoring 368 runs in 11 innings at an average of 33.45 and an impressive strike rate of 153.97.

Addressing questions about his fitness at the age of 39, Warner dismissed any concerns, underlining his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition.

“Look, at 39, I’m extremely fit—probably fitter than most people my age playing this game,” he said. “It’s all about maintaining a healthy diet, training hard, and putting in the work on the field. Hopefully, I can score good runs again and put the team in strong positions.”

With a balanced squad and renewed intent, Karachi Kings will be aiming to make a deeper run in PSL 11 under Warner’s leadership.

READ: Mir Hamza backs David Warner’s leadership as Karachi Kings gear up for PSL 11

CHRISTCHURCH: South Africa sealed a hard-fought 3-2 T20I series victory over New Zealand after registering a convincing 33-run win in the decider at Hagley Oval on Wednesday.

Put into bat, the visitors posted a formidable 187 for four in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a dominant middle-order display led by Connor Esterhuizen, who turned the game on its head with a blistering knock.

South Africa’s innings began on a cautious note as Tony de Zorzi departed early for 12, but Wiaan Mulder and Rubin Hermann steadied things with a crucial 55-run stand.

Mulder made a composed 31 before falling in the 11th over, while Hermann followed soon after for 39, leaving the innings delicately poised.

However, Esterhuizen’s arrival shifted the momentum dramatically. The right-hander launched a counter-attack, stitching together a rapid 61-run partnership with Dian Forrester in just 27 deliveries.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Esterhuizen was particularly destructive, smashing 75 off 33 balls, laced with five fours and six sixes, to propel South Africa to a commanding total. Forrester remained unbeaten on 21 as the visitors finished strongly.

Ben Sears was the standout performer for New Zealand with figures of 2 for 37, while Zak Foulkes and Josh Clarkson picked up a wicket each.

In reply, New Zealand never quite found the required momentum as South Africa’s bowlers maintained control throughout the chase.

Tim Robinson’s 25 and Dane Cleaver’s 22 offered some resistance, while Bevon Jacobs provided late fireworks with a quickfire 36 off 19 balls.

Captain James Neesham chipped in with 24, but the hosts ultimately fell short, finishing on 154 for eight.

South Africa’s bowling unit delivered a collective effort, with Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder and Ottniel Baartman claiming two wickets apiece, while Keshav Maharaj added one to cap off a disciplined performance.

READ: Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool at the end of the season

Mohamed Salah will leave Premier League champions Liverpool at the end of the season, the Egyptian forward announced on Tuesday as he started a farewell to what the club said were nine “illustrious” years at Anfield.

The 33-year-old arrived from Roma in 2017 and has made 435 appearances for Liverpool to date, scoring 255 goals to be third on the club’s all-time goalscorers chart behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.

Salah has won four Premier League Golden Boots and starred for Liverpool in both their 2019/20 and 2024/25 title triumphs, as well as lifting the 2019 Champions League trophy.

His Liverpool honours also include a Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups.

Salah has scored just five Premier League goals this season, compared with 29 in last term’s title-winning campaign.

His Anfield future became the subject of intense speculation after a dramatic bust-up with Liverpool manager Arne Slot in December.

He accused Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus” after he was benched for three games in a row and said he had no relationship with the Dutch boss.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Salah, in a video on social media featuring highlights of his time with Liverpool, said: “Hello everyone. Unfortunately, the day has come.

“This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

“I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club.

“It’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit. I can’t explain in words to anyone not of this club.”

Salah, who, in common with many Liverpool players and staff, was deeply affected by the death of team-mate Diogo Jota in a car crash in July, added: “We celebrated victory, we won the most important trophies, and we fought together through the hardest time in our life.

“I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates, past and present.

“And to the fans, I don’t have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career, and you stood by me in the toughest times. It’s something I will never forget and something I will take with me always.

“Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will always be one of you. This club will always be my home, to my family, and to me.

“Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone,” insisted Salah in a reference to the Liverpool fans’ anthem.

READ: Mir Hamza backs David Warner’s leadership as Karachi Kings gear up for PSL 11

LAHORE: Karachi Kings pacer Mir Hamza has thrown his support behind captain David Warner, calling his leadership a major boost for the franchise ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

Warner, who returns to lead the side for a second consecutive season, guided Karachi Kings to the playoffs in the previous edition, where they were knocked out by eventual champions Lahore Qalandars.

With a revamped squad and added depth, the Kings will be aiming to go a step further this time around.

“Having David Warner as captain again this season is a big positive for us. He is very supportive and a natural leader,” Hamza said while speaking to the media ahead of the team’s training session.

The left-arm pacer also highlighted the balance within the squad, particularly pointing out the addition of Salman Ali Agha as a key asset.

“We also have a strong middle-order option in Salman Ali Agha, who can contribute with both bat and ball and is capable of playing long innings,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Mir Hamza noted that the team’s preparations are now gathering momentum after a slow start due to the Eid break.

“Our preparation is going well, and the warm-up match has come at the right time. We needed match practice as a team, and today’s game helped us a lot in getting into rhythm,” he said.

With the league expanding to eight teams this season, the competition is expected to intensify. Hamza acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic.

“All franchises have built strong squads, so we will see a good competition. My focus is to perform for my team and contribute wherever needed,” he remarked.

He also downplayed concerns over weather conditions, stating that players must adapt to different situations.

“Weather always has an impact, but as professionals, we have to adjust. Most of our matches are at night, so conditions won’t affect us much,” he explained.

Karachi Kings will begin their PSL 11 campaign on Friday against Quetta Gladiators, with a squad featuring a mix of international stars and local talent.

Karachi Kings squad for PSL 11

David Warner (c), Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, Moeen Ali, Azam Khan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shahid Aziz, Mir Hamza, Adam Zampa, Mohammad Hamza Sohail, Aqib Ilyas, Khwaja Bin Tanveer, Reeza Hendricks, Muhammad Waseem, Ihsanullah and Rizwanullah.

READ: Hyderabad Kingsmen sign star Sri Lanka spinner for PSL 11

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen have bolstered their squad ahead of the tournament’s 11th edition with the signing of Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana.

The franchise confirmed the addition through their official social media platforms, welcoming the mystery spinner with a message that highlighted his reputation as a “wily operator.”

Theekshana arrives with a wealth of experience in T20 cricket. The 25-year-old has featured in 83 T20 internationals for Sri Lanka, picking up 82 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.08.

Across all T20 competitions, he has claimed 230 wickets in 225 matches, underlining his effectiveness in the shortest format.

Set to make his PSL debut, Theekshana also brings extensive franchise experience, having plied his trade in leagues around the world, including the IPL, ILT20, SA20, CPL and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Hyderabad Kingsmen Squad for PSL 11

Marnus Labuschagne (c), Hassan Khan (vc), Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Glenn Maxwell, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, Tayyab Arif, Maheesh Theekshana and Ahmed Hussain.

READ: India-US consortium buys IPL Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.7bn

A consortium of investors, including US asset management giant Blackstone, on Tuesday announced the takeover of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the founding clubs of the Indian Premier League (IPL), for nearly $1.8 billion.

The announcement comes just days before the start of the lucrative T20 tournament on Saturday.

The franchise, which won the IPL for the first time last year, was sold by United Spirits Limited, the Indian unit of British alcoholic beverage giant Diageo, for 166.6 billion rupees ($1.77 billion).

In a statement, the acquiring consortium said it was “proud to become custodians of RCB.”

The group includes Bolt Ventures, run by leading sports investor David Blitzer, Indian media conglomerate The Times of India Group, along with Blackstone and Indian corporate giant Aditya Birla Group.

RCB’s “championship-winning culture” and its connection to the southern city of Bengaluru and “one of the most passionate fanbases in world sport make this an extraordinary opportunity.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We are committed to taking RCB to new heights, on the pitch and beyond.”

Praveen Someshwar, chief executive at United Spirits Limited, said the deal was a milestone “as we sharpen focus on our core beverage alcohol business to unlock its true potential with sustained growth.”

The sale announcement came hours after RCB announced it will keep 11 seats at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium empty in memory of the fans crushed to death in title celebrations last year.

Eleven supporters, aged between 14 and 29, died in a stampede outside the stadium in June a day after RCB won the final against Punjab Kings and returned to a homecoming trophy parade.

Earlier this year, RCB’s women’s team won their second Women’s Premier League title.

READ: Griezmann to leave Atletico for Orlando at end of season

Antoine Griezmann will leave Atletico Madrid for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Orlando City at the end of the season, the two clubs announced on Tuesday.

Atletico’s all-time record goalscorer has agreed a two-year deal with Orlando and will become the latest veteran star to move to North America.

“The forward travelled to Orlando, with the club’s permission, during the two days of rest granted to the first team, to finalise his contract with the Florida side,” Atletico said in a statement.

The 35-year-old Griezmann will be hoping to sign off in style and cap his 10th season as an Atletico player with a second major trophy at the Rojiblancos, after the 2018 Europa League.

“Let’s leave the future in the future for now: because I’m not leaving yet,” he said in an Instagram post.

“I have months left with this shirt, months to give my all in this stadium and away, to lift that Copa del Rey and to dream of going as far as possible in the Champions League.”

Atletico will face La Liga rivals Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals next month and take on Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final on April 18 in Seville.

Griezmann, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, retired from international football in 2024 after scoring 44 goals in 137 caps for Les Bleus.

He has netted 211 times for Atletico, surpassing the previous record of 173 set by Luis Aragones.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Antoine Griezmann joined Atletico Madrid in 2014 from Real Sociedad and has made 488 appearances for the club, who he left for Barcelona in 2019 before returning two years later, initially on loan.

Griezmann has scored 13 goals in 43 appearances for Diego Simeone’s Atletico this season.

The MLS will add Griezmann to the ranks of well-known players to have made the switch from Europe in recent seasons, including his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

“He is one of the most gifted, accomplished and influential players of his generation, and his decision to choose Orlando City reflects the mission and culture of our club,” said Orlando City owner Mark Wilf.

“Our focus is on consistently building a championship-calibre roster every year, and adding a world-class player like Antoine reinforces that commitment and our belief in what the club can achieve.”

Orlando, who have played in MLS since 2015, have never won the MLS Cup and have lost four of their first five games of the 2026 season.

Atletico sit fourth in La Liga this term, but are comfortably placed to qualify for next season’s Champions League, with a 13-point lead over fifth-placed Real Betis.

Griezmann will make his move to Orlando in July.

READ: Miami Open: Jannik Sinner edges Alex Michelsen to reach quarter-finals

Jannik Sinner powered into the Miami Open quarter-finals on Tuesday, defeating unseeded American Alex Michelsen in straight sets to stay on course for the “Sunshine Double”.

Italian second seed Sinner, who is bidding to follow up his triumph at Indian Wells with victory in Miami, bided his time before completing a 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) win in 1hr 41min.

The four-time Grand Slam champion, who will face 19th seed Frances Tiafoe in the last eight, was made to work hard by the 40th-ranked Michelsen.

After a cagey opening, Sinner began to put pressure on Michelsen’s serve in the ninth game of the first set, carving out three break points.

Michelsen rode out that storm, but Sinner finally broke through in the 11th game before serving out for the first set.

Michelsen hit back in the second set, breaking Sinner for a 4-2 lead before holding to go 5-2 up.

Michelsen appeared to struggle with the bright late afternoon sunlight on the Hard Rock Stadium’s main court, and Sinner came roaring back to force a tiebreak.

Sinner sealed the win with a thumping serve that Michelsen could only return wide.

“I feel like I served very well in important moments and that helped me out, especially in the tough moments,” said Sinner, who unfurled 15 aces to Michelsen’s three.

“But today was not easy, I played a night match yesterday and today in the daytime, so the conditions were very different.”

Home hope Tiafoe advanced to his quarter-final date with Sinner after battling past France’s Terence Atmane 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce, ranked 151st in the world, upset American 32nd seed Sebastian Korda to score a 2-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 victory.

The win marked another impressive victory for the 20-year-old Landaluce, who eliminated Russian 14th seed Karen Khachanov.

Korda, who had beaten world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the previous round, had a match point late in the second set, but Landaluce survived to set up a quarter-final against Czech 21st seed Jiri Lehecka.

Landaluce, who had failed to register a single win at tour level in 2026 before arriving in Miami, dedicated his latest success to his late grandmother.

“She would have been 101 last week, and she passed away a few months ago. I wanted to give her the victory,” Landaluce said.

Lehecka booked his place in the quarter-finals by ousting sixth seed Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2 in 2hr 25min.

“I just felt that in the third set, if I wanted to beat a guy like Taylor, I just needed to go for it and be aggressive,” Lehecka said.

American 22nd seed Tommy Paul set up a quarter-final against France’s Arthur Fils after cruising past Argentina’s Tomas Etcheverry 6-1, 6-3.

Fils beat Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4.

Argentina’s 18th-seeded Francisco Cerundolo followed up his upset of Daniil Medvedev on Monday with a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 defeat of French 31st seed Ugo Humbert.

Cerundolo will face Alexander Zverev in the last eight after the German third seed defeated France’s Quentin Halys 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/1).

READ: Ben Duckett exits IPL 2026 to save England career