Category: Sports

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been ranked third among the top 10 franchise leagues around the globe, according to rankings released by the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) on Thursday.

According to the WCA, England’s ‘The Hundred’ and South Africa’s ‘SA20’ were ranked first and second, respectively.

India’s marquee T20 competition earned the most points for average payment and payment reliability, but it could not secure the top spot due to lagging in areas like ‘right to organize’ and ‘dispute resolution’.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) held the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

After rankings were announced, WCA CEO Tom Moffat highlighted the growth of domestic leagues while stressing the need for improvement.

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“WCA is fortunate to have a birds eye view of the global game, and daily engagements with players competing in leagues around the world. The growth of the domestic leagues landscape has been overwhelmingly positive for our sport, but it has the potential to be even better,” he said.

“We want all sanctioned leagues to be successful, and to provide fair protections and standards for people within them,” Moffat added.

He further remarked on reaching out to each league to work on the sport’s betterment and to promote its ongoing professionalisation.

“We have reached out to each league, inviting them to work with us to meet best practice benchmarks, and to continue to advance the professionalisation and growth of our sport,” he continued

“We intend to provide consistent updates, including on both good practice, and on issues, as they arise during the year,” he concluded.

Top 10 franchise leagues

The Hundred – 75.2
SA20 – 68
IPL – 62.6
BBL – 62.5
PSL – 48
MLC – 43
ILT20 – 39.1
CPL – 38.9
Abu Dhabi T10 – 30.1
BPL – 22.6

READ: Paul Stirling quits as Ireland T20I captain

DUBLIN: Paul Stirling has stepped down as Ireland T20I captain, ending his three-year term.  

The decision came on Thursday after a month of Ireland’s T20 World Cup campaign.

Stirling’s campaign ended prematurely after he sustained a right knee injury during the Australia clash, ruling him out of the tournament. In his absence, Lorcan Tucker led the side.

Following the announcement, he expressed pride in leading Ireland in T20Is and thanked his fellow players for their support during his tenure as captain.

“It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format and something I have been incredibly proud to do,” he said in a statement.

“Captaining your country is a privilege that carries great responsibility, and I’m very grateful for the trust and support I have received during my time in the role,” the most capped player in T20I history continued.

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Despite relinquishing the captaincy, the 35-year-old still aimed to lead the side in the 50-over format.

“While I will be stepping away from the T20 captaincy, I remain fully committed to the Ireland team and will continue in my role as ODI captain.”

I still have a huge amount of ambition as a player and feel this decision will allow me to fully focus on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the field,” he concluded.

Overall, Paul Stirling captained Ireland in 48 T20Is, winning 20 and losing 26, with two fixtures ending in no results.

The Belfast-born batting all-rounder led the side in 2024 and 206 T20 World Cups, with the team exiting in the group stage on both occasions.

READ: Bangladesh players receive conditional NOCs for PSL 11

Michael Carrick has told his Manchester United side to ready themselves for an awkward encounter away to Bournemouth on Friday as they look to maintain their challenge for a Champions League place.

The Red Devils have enjoyed a resurgence since former United and England midfielder Carrick was appointed caretaker boss in January until the end of the season.

United are now third in the Premier League ahead of their trip to south coast side Bournemouth after recovering from their first loss under Carrick, away to Newcastle, by beating top-four rivals Aston Villa 3-1 on Sunday.

Bournemouth, however, are 10th in the table and have made life difficult for United in recent seasons, with December’s remarkable 4-4 draw at Old Trafford extending their recent unbeaten run in this fixture.

Cherries boss Andoni Iraola, tipped as a possible permanent manager of the Red Devils has not lost in five previous matches against United.

But such has been the club’s revival under Carrick, appointed after former United team-mate Darren Fletcher’s two-game spell in temporary charge following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, that the Old Trafford hierarchy may well stick with the 44-year-old come the end of the current campaign.

“It’s a tough game,” Carrick said of Bournemouth, undefeated in their last 10 matches in the Premier League.

“It’s a tough place to go. They’re on a really good run of form, so, yeah, a difficult game,” he also told a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

“We’re obviously going down there, we’ve had a good run and the boys are in good shape but, yeah, always a difficult game. Always has been and probably always will be.

“We know that, they’re a really good team, well coached, really well coached, and good energy. We know we’ll be in for a game down there on Friday.”

United have won just two of their last seven away matches following a last-gasp 2-1 loss at Newcastle.

But Carrick said: “Whether it’s home or away, it’s not something we kind of look at too much. It’s the next game, really.”

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He added: “It’s been nice to be able to win at home and put that in place, and to go and play at Old Trafford with a real feeling of confidence and looking forward to the game and for the supporters to feel that as well and leaving with a good feeling.”

Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez remain sidelined for Friday’s match, but the latter is expected to be available when United return to action against Leeds on April 13.

The international break, lack of European fixtures and an early FA Cup exit mean United have an unusually long, 24-day, wait for a game after the Bournemouth match.

“You’ve got to be really flexible, you know, to come off the back of it in good shape,” Carrick said.

“The boys will have a break, in some way, but we’re definitely mindful of it for sure and it’s a little bit unique in some ways, having the week after the internationals to prepare for the next game.”

READ: Norris calls Madame Tussauds wax figure ‘surreal’

Formula One world champion Lando Norris has said it feels “surreal” he will soon be joining other sports stars and celebrities by having a waxwork likeness unveiled at London’s Madame Tussauds.

The 26-year-old British driver has been working with the design team at the nearly 200-year-old attraction to create a detailed replica of Norris from helmet to toe.

Norris, born and raised in Somerset, southwest England, burst onto the Formula One stage in 2019 and last year the McLaren driver won his maiden Formula One world title.

“It’s pretty surreal to think I’ll have a figure in Madame Tussauds, it’s such a big honour,” said Norris.

“Working with the artists has been awesome, and seeing all the detail they’ve put into the figure is really impressive. I can’t wait for fans to come and see the finished figure in London this summer.”

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Steve Blackburn, general manager at Madame Tussauds London added: “From the moment we started working with Lando, it was clear we were creating something really special, and our team have been working at full throttle to ensure an exact likeness.

“He’s been fantastic throughout the process, patiently sitting still and not racing around as usual!

“We’re busy ensuring his figure is podium-ready and are incredibly excited to welcome guests to meet Lando’s likeness in the coming months.”

The new figure of Norris will feature in Madame Tussauds London’s Culture Capital zone, alongside fellow British Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, and other sports stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Mo Salah, and Anthony Joshua.

READ: Bangladesh players receive conditional NOCs for PSL 11

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to its players for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, but with strict conditions to ensure national commitments remain unaffected.

According to reports, the board has issued partial NOCs, making it clear that player participation in the T20 league will be subject to availability for Bangladesh’s crucial home ODI series against New Zealand.

A BCB official underlined the importance of the 50-over fixtures, stating that the series carries significant weight in the context of World Cup qualification, prompting the board to carefully manage player workloads and availability.

New Zealand are scheduled to play three ODIs in Bangladesh on April 17, 20 and 23, followed by a three-match T20I series on April 27, 29 and May 2.

The national side’s preparatory camp is set to begin on March 27, which means several players will initially miss out due to PSL commitments.

Six Bangladesh players, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Shariful Islam, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan and Rishad Hossain, have secured PSL contracts and will feature in the early phase of the tournament.

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However, the board has imposed clear timelines on their participation. Mustafizur Rahman’s NOC has been split into two phases, allowing him to play from March 26 to April 12 before returning for national duty.

He will then be exempt from the T20I series against New Zealand and is expected to rejoin the PSL from April 24 to May 3.

Meanwhile, Tanzid Hasan, Shariful Islam, Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain have been granted NOCs only until April 12, ensuring their availability for the ODI series.

Parvez Hossain Emon has received a slightly extended window, with clearance valid until April 21.

“The board has issued partial NOCs to all the players. They have been instructed to remain available for the ODI series,” a BCB official confirmed.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi unveil ‘Next Gen’ jersey ahead of PSL 11

Former champions Peshawar Zalmi have unveiled their new jersey for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, introducing a bold “Next Gen” design that reflects a shift towards modern aesthetics and digital culture.

The franchise revealed the jersey through a video on their official social media platforms, highlighting a striking blend of neon and electric gradients combined with a hexagonal matrix pattern.

“Presenting the “𝐙𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐢 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧” Jerseys for #HBLPSL11. Knitted with a bold fusion of neon & electric gradients and a hexagonal matrix, which is very tactically designed to reflect the art of digital illustration and the fearless, energetic colors of generationZ,” the video caption stated.

Presenting the “𝐙𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐢 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧” Jerseys for #HBLPSL11

Knitted with a bold fusion of neon & electric gradients and a hexagonal matrix, which is very tactically designed to reflect the art of digital illustration and the fearless energetic colors of generationZ.… pic.twitter.com/1XX05mBhLq

— Peshawar Zalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) March 18, 2026

The concept, described as “Zalmi Next Gen,” is designed to capture the energy and creativity associated with Generation Z, while incorporating elements inspired by digital illustration.

Zalmi’s traditional yellow remains the base of the home kit, now enhanced with vibrant shades of purple, pink and cyber tones.

According to the franchise, the updated palette symbolises a transition from tradition to technology, with neon accents representing innovation and evolving digital culture.

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Alongside the home jersey, the team confirmed they will retain their black away kit, while also revealing a green training jersey as part of their updated lineup for the season.

Beyond the kit launch, the franchise is also set to mark a historic milestone during PSL 11. For the first time, Zalmi will play a home fixture at their home, Imran Khan Stadium, as Peshawar prepares to host its maiden PSL match.

The venue will stage an afternoon clash on March 28, where Zalmi are scheduled to face Rawalpindiz, making it a landmark occasion for cricket fans in the region.

Peshawar Zalmi squad for PSL 11

Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, James Vince, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mirza Tahir Baig, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousaf, Muhammad Basit and Shoriful Islam.

READ: Fakhar Zaman addresses fitness concerns after National T20 Cup participation

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has addressed the fitness concerns that sparked a public debate over his omission from the national side’s recent ODI series against Bangladesh.

The left-handed batter found himself at the centre of controversy after Pakistan’s selection committee, represented by Aaqib Javed, cited fitness issues as the reason behind his exclusion.

The matter gained traction when former pacer Abdur Rouf questioned the decision publicly, after Fakhar participated in the ongoing National T20 Cup.

Fakhar Zaman, while playing for Abbottabad Region, took a brilliant diving catch against Lahore Whites at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

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Rouf had taken to social media to criticise the selectors, highlighting what he perceived as a contradiction between Fakhar being declared unfit and his on-field participation.

“A day ago, our selection committee declared him injured and demanded an inquiry. What a great mind and visionary people we have to run our cricket,” Rouf wrote with the picture of Fakhar’s diving catch.

Responding directly, Fakhar clarified that he was not fully fit for the demands of 50-over cricket at the time the ODI squad was finalised. He explained that his return to competitive cricket only came after successfully clearing fitness tests.

“Abdur Rouf Bhai, I was not 100% fit to play 50-over games. In that case, Aaqib Javed was right. I am playing these games after clearing the fitness tests on the 15th,” Fakhar stated.

His response effectively defended the selection committee’s stance, suggesting that the timing of his recovery played a crucial role in his omission.

The exchange between the two cricketers concluded on a positive note, with Rouf acknowledging Fakhar’s commitment and reiterating support for national players.

He also indicated that player well-being remains the top priority, moving to defuse the situation.

“Great catch anyway. No need to worry. We are here to support our players like you. Nothing is more important than you guys. I am deleting [the post],” he stated.

READ: Champions League: Bayern Munich edge Atalanta to set up Real Madrid clash

Harry Kane scored in each half as Bayern Munich thumped Atalanta 4-1 at home in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, winning 10-2 on aggregate to book a quarter-final date with Real Madrid.

Captaining Bayern in the Champions League for the first time, Kane converted a penalty with 25 minutes played and added another goal early in the second half, bringing his career Champions League tally to 50 in 66 games.

Lennart Karl and Luis Diaz also got on the scoresheet for the hosts as Bayern again steamrolled the visitors, who picked up a late consolation through Lazar Samardzic.

“I think whenever you have a lead like we did, sometimes it’s easy to be a little bit complacent,” Kane, who missed the first leg with an injury, told DAZN.

“But we said before the game that we want to win in the same style that we did in the first leg. It’s sometimes harder to get up for a game like this, but we were there from minute one to minute 95.”

Bayern last faced Real in the semi-finals of the 2023-24 competition, crashing out to two Joselu goals in the dying minutes. Bayern have not beaten the Spanish giants since the 2011-12 semi-finals.

Few doubted Bayern would progress after their dominant 6-1 win in Bergamo — no team has ever overturned a five-goal deficit — but the Bundesliga leaders were forced to pick a weaker side on Wednesday due to injuries and suspensions.

With Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer and Alphonso Davies injured, Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise suspended, Bayern received some rare good news from the medical department when goalkeeper Jonas Urbig overcame a concussion and was cleared to play.

Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino was realistic, saying pre-match his charges were playing for the pride of Italian football as the only Serie A team left in the competition.

The visitors were energetic early, but their resistance was broken midway through the first half when VAR found Giorgio Scalvini had handled the ball from close range, bringing Kane to the spot.

The England captain’s first effort was saved, but he was given another chance as visiting ‘keeper Marco Sportiello had both feet off his line.

Kane obliged, driving a low shot into the corner for his 15th successful penalty in all competitions this season.

Urbig was called into action just before half-time, acrobatically saving a Mario Pasalic attempt to keep Bayern in front at the break.

Starting for the first time since last month, Kane looked sharp and doubled Bayern’s lead with 55 minutes gone, shrugging off the attention of four Atalanta defenders and blasting into the top corner on the turn.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said he “could not explain” Kane’s brilliant strike, gushing: “I’m so happy when he scores the simple goals, but when he does that, it’s unique.

“He’s come back fresh, and you can see how important he is for us.”

With Atalanta suddenly shaky, Bayern marched up the field and struck again, Diaz threading a pass for Karl to fire across the face of the goal and into the corner.

The teenage Bayern forward, tipped by German media for a maiden international call-up on Thursday, repaid Diaz with 20 minutes left, cutting a high pass over the Atalanta defence to the Colombian, who chipped Sportiello to score.

Like they did in Bergamo, Atalanta got a late consolation when Samardzic headed home from close range with five minutes left.

READ: Barcelona demolish Newcastle to reach Champions league quarter-finals

Barcelona stormed to a 7-2 victory over Newcastle on Wednesday to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, winning 8-3 on aggregate.

Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha struck twice each for the Catalan giants as Eddie Howe’s side crumbled under a scintillating attacking display from the hosts at Camp Nou.

Lamine Yamal, Marc Bernal and Fermin Lopez were also on target as Hansi Flick’s side ran riot and recorded a landslide last 16, second leg victory.

The five-time champions are dreaming of lifting the trophy again, 11 years after they last won it, and showcased the attacking firepower which could make their ambition a reality.

By contrast, Newcastle were hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, but the Premier League side departed bruised and battered.

“With the fans supporting us like that for 90 minutes, it’s hard to beat us at home,” Raphinha told Movistar.

Barca led 3-2 at the break after a thrilling first half, but after Lopez netted early in the second, they romped to victory.

After Joan Laporta was reelected president at the weekend, spirits were high around the club, and they came out flying.

They were outplayed in the 1-1 first-leg draw but pledged to improve back on home soil and claimed an early lead through Raphinha.

Teenage star Lamine Yamal turned brilliantly away from Malick Thiaw in midfield, leaving the German defender on the turf and released the Brazilian winger to score.

Barcelona are notoriously fragile defensively, though, and Newcastle quickly forced their way back into the game.

The Catalan giants were carved open with just a couple of passes between Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Elanga timed his run right to stay onside and sweep past Joan Garcia.

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Three minutes later, Barcelona were back in front with 18-year-old midfielder Bernal turning home from close range after Gerard Martin nodded down Raphinha’s diagonal free-kick.

Yamal was so often Barca’s hero on their run to the semi-finals last season, but was guilty of a mistake which led to Newcastle’s second equaliser.

The teenager attempted a backheel in his own final third and gave the ball away, with Elanga profiting at the back post as he turned home Barnes’s cross.

Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski has had a tough season for Barca, looking shorn of confidence, and he spurned two fine chances for the hosts in the first half, with Yamal also blazing over from close range.

The Spain international made amends from the spot to give Barca the lead at half-time when veteran defender Trippier pulled back Raphinha. Ramsdale got his fingertips to Yamal’s penalty, low to his left, but could not claw it out.

Raphinha sent Lopez through on goal to bag the fourth early in the second half, and it broke Toon spirits.

From that point on, Newcastle gave up the ghost, and Barcelona scored to their heart’s content.

Lewandowski nodded home from a corner and celebrated joyously, taking off the mask he had been playing with due to an eye-socket fracture.

The goal was liberation for him, and the next chance he got, he put away too, producing a lethal finish after a superb Yamal assist.

Jacob Ramsey put Barcelona’s seventh on a plate for the swaggering hosts, with a poor pass which Raphinha intercepted and dispatched clinically.

Fans sent a Mexican wave around the stadium, celebrating the biggest win they have had at Camp Nou since it reopened.

Howe said his players were affected “psychologically” by conceding a penalty just before half-time and then by Fermin’s goal early after the break.

READ: Messi scores 900th goal but Miami knocked out of Champions Cup

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi bagged the 900th goal of his glittering career on Wednesday, but could not prevent Inter Miami from crashing out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on away goals after a 1-1 draw with Nashville.

Messi, 38, scored his milestone goal after just seven minutes to put Miami 1-0 up in the second leg of their last-16 clash in the regional club competition.

But Nashville’s Cristian Espinoza lashed in a 74th-minute equaliser to make it 1-1 on aggregate, and after holding Miami at bay for the remainder of the game, the visitors from Tennessee advanced to the quarter-finals on the away goals rule.

Miami’s exit was a bittersweet ending to what had promised to be a night of celebration after Messi’s early opener in what was the club’s final game at their Chase Stadium home in Fort Lauderdale.

Messi’s strike took the Argentine’s tally to 81 goals for the MLS champions following his move to Florida in 2023.

The eight-time Ballon D’Or winner previously scored 672 goals for Spanish giants Barcelona, 32 for France’s Paris Saint-Germain, and a further 115 international goals for Argentina.

Goal number 900 came some 21 years after Messi’s first goal in senior football, when he scored for Barcelona in a 2-0 win over Albacete in 2005 as a fresh-faced 17-year-old.

Messi, widely regarded as the greatest player in football history, still has some way to go before he catches his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar who is on 965 career goals.

Speaking ahead of Messi’s 900th goal, Miami manager and former Argentina and Barcelona team-mate Javier Mascherano described the star’s goals total as “insane.”

“I’ve been lucky enough to see most, or many, of the goals he’s scored, much closer than you all, and that’s a privilege,” Mascherano said.

“The number we’re talking about (900) is insane, and that’s why Leo is a one of a kind.”

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Wednesday’s match carried added significance for Inter Miami, marking a farewell to the team’s Chase Stadium.

The venue has served as Inter Miami’s home since the club entered Major League Soccer in 2020. The team will move into a new purpose-built 26,700-seat facility next month.

Messi is strongly expected to play in his sixth World Cup later this year, when Argentina defend their title in the 48-team tournament being staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Argentine star has already extended his Inter Miami contract through to the end of the 2028 season.

Messi’s prolific goal-scoring has been a hallmark of his career. His 672 goals for Barcelona came in just 778 games — an average of 0.86 per game — helping the Catalan club win 35 trophies before departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

In France, he scored 32 goals in 75 matches, winning three trophies, including two league titles.

In Miami, his 81 goals have come in just 96 appearances, helping the team win the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2025 MLS Cup.

His 115 international goals have come in 196 matches, including two in the 2022 World Cup final victory over France.

Messi’s goals tally leaves him second only to Ronaldo, according to most recognised statistical records.

Brazilian legend Pele is often said to have scored more than 1,000 goals, but those numbers have been the subject of debate. Most statisticians put Pele’s total for Brazil, Santos and New York Cosmos at 762.

READ: Atif Aslam to light up PSL 11 with official anthem