Category: Sports

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026, capping off a remarkable run with the bat during the T20 World Cup.

Farhan’s award-winning performances came despite Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament, as the right-hander emerged as the standout batter of the competition.

He amassed a tournament-high 383 runs in just six innings at an impressive average of 76.60, striking at 160.25.

The 29-year-old’s campaign was highlighted by two centuries and two half-centuries, making him the first batter to score multiple hundreds in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.

In the process, he also surpassed Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for the most runs in a single edition of the tournament.

Farhan’s consistency saw him register scores of 47, 73, 0, 100*, did not bat, 63 and 100 across seven matches, earning him a place in the ICC Team of the Tournament.

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Reflecting on the accolade, Farhan expressed gratitude for the recognition on cricket’s biggest stage.

“It’s an incredible feeling to win this ICC award, especially for performances on the World Cup stage, where fans from all over the world are watching every moment. That makes it even more special,” he said.

“It was truly a tournament I’ll always cherish, and I’m determined to carry this momentum forward in the series and competitions ahead.

“I’m deeply grateful to my teammates for their constant support and belief in me – this wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

The prolific run also propelled Farhan to a career-best second position in the ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings following his century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

Notably, this marks Farhan’s first ICC Player of the Month award, making him the first Pakistan men’s cricketer to receive the honour since Haris Rauf in November 2024.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi rope in Bangladesh batter for PSL 11

Former champions Peshawar Zalmi have bolstered their squad for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 with the signing of young Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim.

The franchise confirmed the development through their official social media platforms, welcoming the left-handed batter with a brief announcement that highlighted his addition as a boost to their top order.

 

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Tamim joins fellow Bangladesh pacers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam in the Zalmi setup.

While Nahid was picked during the PSL auction, Shoriful was brought in through a direct signing later, further strengthening the franchise’s overseas contingent.

With Tamim’s inclusion, the number of Bangladeshi players in this year’s tournament has risen to six, underlining the growing presence of Bangladesh talent in the PSL.

Among the others, Mustafizur Rahman had secured a deal prior to the draft, while Parvez Hossain Emon was later picked up by Lahore Qalandars.

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Spinner Rishad Hossain, who impressed in the previous edition, has been picked by new entrants RawalPindiz.

The 11th edition of the PSL is set to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz. The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across 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, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

READ: Vinicius double helps Real Madrid edge Atletico thriller

Vinicius Junior struck twice as Real Madrid shaded Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling derby clash on Sunday to stay on leaders Barcelona’s tail at the top of La Liga.

After the Catalan giants edged Rayo Vallecano 1-0 earlier on, Madrid ensured the gap to the champions stayed at four points by beating Diego Simeone’s side at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ademola Lookman put Atletico ahead in the first half, but Vinicius and Federico Valverde’s strikes gave the hosts the lead soon after the interval.

Nahuel Molina equalised for Atletico, fourth, with a spectacular effort from distance, but Vinicius netted again to claim the three points for Los Blancos.

Valverde was sent off for hacking Alex Baena in the final stages, but his side held on to win in Alvaro Arbeloa’s first derby clash with Atletico since taking over in January.

After ousting Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, victory against Atletico completed a successful week for Arbeloa and his team.

A pulsating clash began with chances for both sides, with Valverde hitting the post after bursting in behind the Atletico defence.

At the other end, Andriy Lunin, playing in place of the injured Thibaut Courtois, fumbled Marcos Llorente’s drive but recovered quickly to grab the loose ball.

Vinicius came close to putting Madrid ahead, but Giuliano Simeone blocked twice in quick succession in his own six-yard box from the forward.

Atletico took the lead after 33 minutes with a slick team move, Giuliano Simeone backheeling the ball to Lookman, who slotted home.

Real Madrid netted two quickfire goals early in the second half as Atletico imploded.

Brahim Diaz showed fleet footwork in the area, and the unbalanced David Hancko felled the Morocco international.

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Vinicius tucked home from the spot in the 52nd minute, sending Juan Musso the wrong way.

Three minutes later, and Los Blancos were ahead, with Valverde charging down Jose Gimenez’s attempted pass and then firing past Musso with the outside of his boot.

Atletico pulled level with a brilliant Molina effort, rifled into the top corner from outside the box.

However, Madrid reclaimed the lead through Vinicius once more after Trent Alexander-Arnold fed him, and the Brazilian curled home.

It was Vinicius’s 10th goal in his last 11 matches across all competitions, with the forward in superb form.

Julian Alvarez almost levelled once more for Atletico, but his effort from the edge of the box crashed back off Lunin’s upright.

Arbeloa sent on Jude Bellingham as a substitute for his first appearance since February 1 after a hamstring injury, along with French superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Neither had much of an influence as Madrid were forced to defend after Valverde’s foul on Baena brought him a red card.

Madrid protested that it was not severe enough of an offence to merit a dismissal, but to no avail.

In 2023, Baena, then at Villarreal, accused Valverde of punching him after a game.

“It’s hard to understand…” said Arbeloa of Valverde’s red card. “But (afterwards) there were 15 minutes of teamwork, solidarity, defending well, and it didn’t end up being a problem.”

READ: Mohsin Naqvi responds to Gary Kirsten’s ‘interference’ claims

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the recent allegations made by former white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, who cited external “interference” as a key reason behind his premature exit from the role.

Kirsten, who was appointed in April 2024 alongside Test head coach Jason Gillespie, stepped down just six months into what was initially a two-year contract.

His resignation came shortly after the PCB announced squads for the ODI and T20I tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, decisions reportedly made without his involvement.

In a recent interview, Kirsten openly criticised the working environment within Pakistan cricket, highlighting what he described as excessive outside influence.

“The thing that surprised me more than anything was the level of interference. I don’t think I have ever seen it at that level before,” Kirsten said.

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“It is quite difficult for a coach to come and formulate a way that you can work with the players when there is just this constant noise from the outside.”

He further pointed out that coaching staff often become easy targets when results do not go a team’s way.

Kirsten further stated that coaches are always in the firing line when a team ends on the losing side. He noted that removing coaches is often seen as the easiest option and questioned the very purpose of appointing them.

Responding to these claims during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Mohsin Naqvi adopted a measured stance, distancing himself from the controversy and indicating limited direct involvement with the former coach.

“I didn’t have many interactions with Gary Kirsten, so it would be better if those people who were co-ordinating things with him and involved regularly with him responded in detail to his allegations,” Naqvi stated.

READ: Lahore Qalandars confirm Dasun Shanaka replacement for PSL 11

Lahore Qalandars have named Australia all-rounder Daniel Sams as a replacement for Dasun Shanaka in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

The outfit confirmed the squad changes on social media handles.

“Daniel Sams is set to play for Lahore Qalandars. Bat, ball, impact—get ready for fireworks,” the caption wrote.

Sams, 33, has extensive T20 experience with 216 matches, amassing 2266 runs and seven half-centuries. His strike rate is notable at 152.90. In addition to batting, he has taken 262 wickets.

 

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Previously, he played for Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the PSL.

The replacement comes after Shanaka decided to withdraw from the tournament to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The Sri Lankan T20I captain will play for the Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran.

Earlier today, it was announced that PSL 11 will be held behind closed doors and at fewer venues.

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Originally, six cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, were scheduled to host matches in the expanded eight-team edition.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the decision during a press conference on Sunday, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and an emerging oil crisis as key factors behind the move.

“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.

“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”

Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled, with PSL set to begin directly with the opening match on March 26.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to face Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in the curtain-raiser.

Lahore Qalandars Updated squad for PSL 11

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan, and Shahab Khan.

READ: Major update regarding Maxwell’s availability for PSL 11

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a revised schedule for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The tournament will begin with the opening match scheduled on March 26 between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

“The number of host venues for HBL PSL 11 has been streamlined from six to two. All matches will now be staged in Lahore and Karachi,” the board said in a press release statement.

“In the updated schedule 44 matches will be taking place in a space of 39 days with Lahore and Karachi each hosting 22 matches,” it added.

The qualifier will be played at the National Stadium Karachi, with the Eliminator 1, 2, and the final to be played at Gaddafi Stadium.

“The opening match between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Lahore Qalandars remains intact, while Lahore will also see Eliminator 1, 2, and the final. Qualifier will be played in Karachi,” it added.

 

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The updated schedule comes after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the league would be held behind closed doors amid austerity measures taken in light of the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

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Originally, six cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, were scheduled to host matches in the expanded eight-team edition.

“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.

“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”

Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled, with PSL 11 set to begin directly with the opening match on March 26.

He also expressed regret over the change in plans but emphasised that the board would aim to deliver high-quality coverage to ensure fans remain engaged.

Despite the changes, the tournament will continue to run until May 3, with the PCB opting to proceed with the league while adapting to the prevailing circumstances.

READ: Major update regarding Maxwell’s availability for PSL 11

Hyderabad Kingsmen owner Fawad Sarwar provided an update on the availability of star batter Glenn Maxwell for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

The tournament will run from March 26 behind closed doors across two venues in Pakistan.

Sarwar confirmed during a live stream on the franchise’s social handle that Maxwell will be available during the second half of the tournament.

“Due to the geopolitical situation, Maxwell will join Hyderabad Kingsmen in the second half and will stay until the end of the season,” Sarwar said.

This will be the talismanic batter’s first appearance in the PSL, having previously represented several teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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Glenn Maxwell, 37, has extensive experience with 129 T20I matches and scored 2,897 runs at a strike rate of 158.42.

Overall, he has played 502 T20s, amassing 10,986 runs at an average of 27.53, including eight centuries and 58 half-centuries. The right-hander has also recorded the highest score of 154.

For those unaware, PSL 11 will be played from March 26 behind closed doors at two venues, Lahore and Karachi.

Hyderabad Kingsmen will play their debut match against the defending champions Lahore Qalandars at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Hyderabad Kingsmen Squad for PSL 11:

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

READ: Spinners help South Africa level T20I series against New Zealand

Midfielder Idrissa Gueye said his Senegal side deserved to be the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, but he was ready to “hand back the medals” to Morocco if it eases tensions between the two countries.

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in extra-time in the January final in Rabat, but CAF punished them last week for their 15-minute walk-off during the match, overturning the result and awarding a 3-0 win and the title to hosts Morocco.

“I personally commit to collecting the medals and maybe giving them back to Morocco if that can ease tensions between the two countries,” Gueye told Canal+ on Saturday after his Everton side’s 3-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League.

“It’s just ridiculous… a football match is won on the pitch, that’s what we did in Morocco.

“We did what we had to do on the pitch, we won that match.

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“We deserve to be African champions. We are the African champions as far as we’re concerned. Titles are won on the pitch, not in offices.”

Idrissa Gueye, who captained Senegal in the AFCON final in place of the suspended Kalidou Koulibaly, took issue, however, with his federation’s decision to appeal CAF’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“If it were up to me, I would have told the federation not to appeal,” he said.

The continent’s showpiece football final on January 18 descended into chaos when Senegal players walked off in protest after the hosts were awarded a controversial penalty late in second-half stoppage time.

Play resumed after a quarter of an hour of confusion and tension, with Senegal supporters throwing objects and trying to invade the pitch.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed his penalty before Senegal went on to win with a goal from Pape Gueye in extra-time.

READ: Spinners help South Africa level T20I series against New Zealand

South Africa’s spinners played a decisive role as the tourists won the fourth Twenty20 international against New Zealand by 19 runs on Sunday to square the five-match series 2-2.

New Zealand were well placed to clinch the series midway through their chase in Wellington after the Proteas scored 164-5.

However, from 88-3 after 10 overs, they lost wickets in rapid succession to be all out for 145 off 18.5 overs.

It sends the series, played between weakened sides from both countries, to a decider in Christchurch on Wednesday.

The match swung in favour of South Africa when spinners Keshav Maharaj and Prenelan Subrayen turned the screws through the middle stages of the chase.

Captain Maharaj is comfortably the most experienced member of an experimental tour squad and proved hard to score from as he took 2-22 off four overs.

Subrayen, playing his first T20 international, bowled Dane Cleaver for 26 to spark New Zealand’s middle order crumble and finished with 2-13 off three overs.

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Maharaj said his side played with more energy than in defeats in Hamilton and Auckland.

“It was a perfect response to two disappointing losses in a row,” he said.

“Coming into this game, you could see there was a little bit more energy and hunger.

“We are a young team, finding our way in international cricket so it takes a little bit of time.”

Opener Tim Robinson top-scored with 32 for New Zealand while Proteas paceman Gerald Coetzee took 3-31.

South Africa’s innings were dominated by 57 off 36 balls from wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen.

He was dismissed by a spectacular outfield catch from Katene Clarke, on his international debut, off Ben Sears’ bowling.

Paceman Sears impressed, taking 1-22 off four overs, which included conceding just two runs off the last over of the innings.

READ: Karachi Kings add emerging batter Haroon Arshad for PSL 11

Karachi Kings have added emerging top-order batter Haroon Arshad to Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 squad.

The signing was confirmed through the franchise’s social handles in an animated poster.

“Welcoming our newest star. After shining in domestic cricket with 3 First-Class hundreds, Pakistan U19 sensation Haroon Arshad is now ready to shine brightest on the PSL stage,” Kings wrote on ‘X’.

 

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The 20-year-old has represented Pakistan U19 and scored his maiden first-class century on debut while returning for Karachi Blues in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26.

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He ended his impressive debut season with 748 runs in 13 matches at an average of 29.92 with the help of three centuries.

For the unversed, PSL 11 will be played from March 26 behind closed doors at two venues, Lahore and Karachi.

The decision comes as an austerity measure in the wake of the global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel’s war on Iran and aimed at fuel saving measures.

The opening match will be played between the defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Karachi Kings will open their campaign against Quetta Gladiators at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on March 28.

Updated Karachi Kings squad for PSL 11:

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

Karachi Kings fixtures:

27 March – vs Quetta Gladiators, Lahore
29 March – vs Lahore Qalandars, Lahore
2 April – vs RawalPindiz, Rawalpindi
9 April – vs Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi
11 April – vs Hyderabad Kingsmen, Karachi
16 April – vs Islamabad United, Karachi
19 April – vs Multan Sultans, Lahore
22 April – vs Hyderabad Kingsmen, Lahore
23 April – vs Lahore Qalandars, Lahore
25 April – vs Quetta Gladiators, Lahore

READ: Naqvi confirms action against players withdrawing from PSL