Category: Sports

Arch-rivals Pakistan and India have been drawn into the same pool for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced the complete schedule for the mega event.

The 16-team tournament co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands will be played from August 15 to 30.

The event will begin with the opening match scheduled between India and England at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.

Pakistan are slotted alongside England and Wales, India in Pool B.

Following the annoucement, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) stated about the team’s upcoming fixture in the mega event.

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“The Pakistan hockey team has been placed in the challenging Pool ‘D’, where they will face formidable opponents including traditional rivals India, England, and Wales,” the PHF stated.

Pakistan will face fierce rival India on August 19 at 6pm PKT.

The top two teams from each pool will advance to the next stage, where the eight teams will be reorganized into two new groups of four.

The final of the event is scheduled on August 30 at the Belfius Hockey Arena.

FIH World Cup pools:

Pool ‘A’: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, and Japan

Pool ‘B’: Belgium, Germany, France, and Malaysia

Pool ‘C’: Australia, Spain, Ireland, and South Africa

Pool ‘D’: India, Pakistan, England and Wales.

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

Renowned singer Atif Aslam will perform the official anthem of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, marking the start of a new era for the league.

The news was announced on the PSL social handles, confirming that the song will be performed by Atif Aslam

“A new era. A legendary voice. Atif Aslam leads the HBL PSL anthem,” the caption wrote.

It is worth mentioning that Atif Aslam previously featured in the seventh edition with the anthem ‘Agey Dekh’ alongside Aima Baig.

Previously, Ali Zafar performed the anthems of the first three editions of the tournament — 2016, 2017, 2018 before returning in 2024.

His 2017 anthem, Ab Khel Jamay Ga, remains one of the most popular cricket anthems in Pakistan.

For those unaware, PSL 11 will begin on March 26 across six venues in Pakistan, marking the start of a new era with the addition of two new teams.

Overall, 44 matches will be played, with the opening match scheduled between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium.

Each team will play 10 matches, with the top 4 teams advancing to the playoffs. The final of the event will be played on May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium.

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The fixture list includes six double-headers, three of which will be played at Gaddafi Stadium. This will also be the first time that Faisalabad and Peshawar will be staging matches alongside Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

Gaddafi Stadium will host the most matches (15), followed by Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11) and Faisalabad Iqbal Stadium (7).

Meanwhile, the National Bank Stadium in Karachi will host six matches while Multan Cricket Stadium will host four.

Peshawar’s Imran Khan Cricket Stadium is set to host a single fixture between Peshawar Zalmi and RawalPINDIZ on March 28.

READ: Buttler opens up on retirement after ‘poor’ T20 World Cup

Jos Buttler is refusing to accept his England career is over despite admitting he had a “poor tournament” at the recent T20 World Cup.

Widely regarded as one of the outstanding white-ball batter of his generation, Buttler managed just 87 runs in eight innings at the tournament as England reached the semi-finals before losing to co-hosts and eventual champions India.

“Obviously I had a poor tournament, which is disappointing,” Buttler, who remains on an England and Wales central contract, said on his ‘For the Love of Cricket’ podcast with former England fast bowler Stuart Broad.

“But I have been playing some of the best cricket of my (career) in recent years, so hopefully I can get back to playing my best.

“I certainly have ambitions (to play for England again), but no longer being a captain, I am not a selector and whatever, so what will be, will be.”

Buttler, 35, is set to play for Gujarat Titans in the upcoming Indian Premier League and hopes time away after the World Cup “up the mountains” in France with his family will leave him feeling reinvigorated.

“I couldn’t have been further away from cricket, which for me at the time was just perfect,” said Buttler. “It is exactly what I needed.”

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“Obviously the tournament didn’t go personally how I would have liked it to go, and I just felt like I needed some space from cricket and not to think about the game, and I could not have been further away from cricket where I was in that week.”

Buttler, a member of England’s 2019 one-day international World Cup-winning team and also the skipper for their T20 triumph in Australia three years later, stated that he is starting to reflect on his performance.

“It was really refreshing –- I really enjoyed it, a complete sort of release, and slowly but surely, I would say at the start of this week, (I am) just starting to reflect a bit and have a few thoughts about what is important to me and my cricket, and why it probably didn’t go quite as I would’ve liked.

“There’s elements that I actually don’t really know exactly. For all your best intentions and hard work and efforts to perform, it just didn’t work, and sometimes that is OK as well.

“That is something I have had to realise. It wasn’t for a lack of effort, it just didn’t quite happen,” he concluded.

READ: West Indies players depart India on commercial flights

West Indies players have begun leaving India in batches on commercial flights after delays to a planned charter flight following the conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. 

Cricket West Indies confirmed the players’ departure in a press release, raising concerns about the team’s travel amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The squad was left stranded following their last Super Eight fixture on March 1 against India.

Their head coach, Daren Sammy, also posted on social media regarding the situation, urging attention to the matter.

“As is customary for both men’s and women’s ICC World Cups, all travel and accommodation arrangements for participating teams are coordinated and managed by the ICC,” the statement wrote.

The charter flight, intended to transport both the West Indies and South Africa teams, was repeatedly delayed,” it added.

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The board said that after completing their matches, the squad remained in India for nine days while awaiting travel on the ICC-organized charter.

“After completing play, the West Indies squad remained in India for nine (9) days awaiting travel,” the board explained.

“However, ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ICC-organized charter, as a result of global tensions and aviation regulations, made the situation increasingly distressing,” the board said.

Cricket West Indies said it advised the ICC that waiting for charter arrangements was no longer prudent due to player safety concerns, adding that efforts were made with the ICC to secure commercial flights, with some players already departing and the rest scheduled to leave on March 10 and 11.

“Cricket West Indies appreciates the concern and interest of fans and key stakeholders in the resolution of this matter and wishes to thank all parties for their support and patience,” it concluded.

READ: BCCI announces record prize money for victorious Indian team

Kyle Walker announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday after winning 96 caps for England and featuring at five major tournaments.

The 36-year-old was part of the sides that reached the European Championship final in 2021 and 2024.

But the former Manchester City defender has been a shadow of his former self since joining Burnley this season, making selection for the upcoming World Cup unlikely.

“I am sad to be making this decision, but I’m also very proud of what I’ve achieved with England,” said Walker, whose last appearance for his country came in a friendly against Senegal in 2025.

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“To represent my country at five major tournaments, to get to the finals that we’ve reached and to be surrounded by this England team, especially the players and the managers that I’ve had the privilege of working under, has been a great honour.

“But today is the time that comes to an end. It’s good for me to have a little bit of closure to my career on the international stage.”

Walker is the 10th most capped England men’s player of all time.

The English Football Association said a tribute will be made to his international career at a fixture after the World Cup.

“I know all England fans will join me in congratulating Kyle on an incredible international career,” said England manager Thomas Tuchel.

“I was always aware that he was one of England’s greats who fully embraced the highest honour of representing his country.

“An international career spanning 14 years and five major tournament is testament to Kyle’s dedication.”

READ: BCCI announces record prize money for victorious Indian team

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a whopping $14 million in prize money for India’s men’s cricket team after they lifted the T20 World Cup for a record third time.

The co‑hosts and pre‑tournament favourites swept aside New Zealand by 96 runs in Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad to become the first team to retain the trophy and the first to win it on home soil.

Cricket commands an unrivalled following in the world’s most populous country, with top players enjoying star status and the game serving as a rare unifying force in an otherwise diverse nation.

BCCI praised the players, support staff, and selectors for the “historic achievement” as it announced the cash reward.

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The victory cemented India’s place “among the most successful teams in the history of the format”, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.

The prize money will be shared among the entire team, including coaches and support staff.

The announced prize money is roughly $3m higher than the tournament’s overall prize pot of $11.25m.

The Indian team will separately receive $2.34 million from the International Cricket Council, while runners-up New Zealand will earn $1.17 million.

Midnight celebrations broke out across the country on Sunday as delirious fans in blue Indian shirts took to the streets, beating drums and dancing to Bollywood hits.

READ: Arshdeep Singh fined for Daryl Mitchell incident

Multan Sultans have strengthened the squad with the signing of emerging all-rounder Muhammad Shahzad ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.  

The franchise announced the signing through social media handles in a press release statement.

“The Multan Sultans are proud to announce the signing of dynamic all-rounder Muhammad Shahzad ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season,” the statement read.

“Hailing from Dera Ghazi Khan (DG Khan), Shahzad’s addition to the squad reinforces the franchise’s deep commitment to identifying, nurturing, and showcasing the immense cricketing talent found right here in South Punjab,” it added.

 

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Shahzad, 22, played six matches for Islamabad United in PSL 10. Overall, he has played 23 T20s, scoring 370 runs at a strike rate of 126.71.

Following the announcement, the new owner of the franchise, Gohar Shah, hailed Shahzad’s talent, calling him the next big all-rounder from the global stage.

“It is incredibly important for us to sign players who truly know what it means to play for our badge, and Muhammad Shahzad embodies the spirit and passion of South Punjab,” he said.

“He is a phenomenal talent, and I firmly believe he has the potential to become one of the top all-rounders in the world. We cannot wait to be a part of his growth and his journey, and we are fully committed to giving him the platform he needs to shine,” Gohar added.

The PSL 11 is set to begin on March 26, with the opening match scheduled between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, and the newly added franchise, Hyderabad Kingsmen.

Overall, 44 matches will be played in the event, including the final.

Multan Sultans Squad

Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal, Saad Masood, Steve Smith, Jahanzaib Sultan, Sahibzada Farhan, Ashton Turner (c), Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Potgieter, Josh Phillippe, Shan Masood, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Shahzad and Muhammad Awais Zafar.

READ: Arshdeep Singh fined for Daryl Mitchell incident

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday reprimanded Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh for violating the code of conduct during the final against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026.

The 27-year-old was fined 15 per cent of the match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Article 2.9 of the ICC code of conduct relates to throwing a ball or any other item of cricket equipment at or near a player in an inappropriate manner.

Arshdeep threw the ball towards New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell on his follow-through, hitting the batter on the pads during the 11th over of the match.

The pacer walked back to his mark without apologizing, resulting in a confrontation with the batter.

Following the completion, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav intervened to speak with Daryl Mitchell while the umpire Richard Illingworth was also seen having a brief word with Arshdeep

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Eventually, the left-arm pacer apologised to Mitchell after the completion of the over.

Arshdeep accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, denying a need for a formal hearing.

The charge was brought by the match officials — on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf, third umpire Allahuddien Palekar, and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock.

This was Arshdeep Singh’s first offence in a 24-month period with a level 1 breach carrying a minimum penalty of a reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s march fee and one or two demerit points.

READ: Karachi Kings announce David Warner as captain for PSL 11

Karachi Kings have retained Australian legendary batter David Warner as captain for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, set to begin on March 26. 

The announcement was made via the franchise’s social media handle, accompanied by an animated graphic.

“The leader, the legend, the King, David Warner returns as captain, ready to take the #KingsSquad to new heights in the upcoming season of the #HBLPSL,” the caption of the post read.

Warner’s retention as captain underscores the franchise’s confidence in his vision and ability to inspire the squad both on and off the field.

After taking the helm in HBL PSL 10, Warner’s second consecutive term as captain aims to turn last season’s momentum into a championship run.

 

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Last year, Warner made his debut in the PSL, amassing 368 runs in 11 matches, including three half-centuries at a strike rate of 153.97.

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Earlier today, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the complete schedule of PSL 11.

This will be the first time eight teams will feature in the tournament since its inaugural edition in 2016.

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

The 2020 champions, Karachi Kings, will begin their campaign against Quetta Gladiators on March 27 in Lahore.

Overall, 44 matches will be played across the tournament, including the final, which will also have a reserve day.

READ: PSL 11 to commence from March 26 as PCB unveils schedule

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the schedule for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, set to commence on March 26. 

The eight-team tournament will see 44 matches played from March 26 to May 3.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the event’s season opener and final, with a reserved day scheduled for the summit clash.

The opening match of the tournament will be played between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

“For the first time, eight teams will participate in the PCB’s marquee event, HBL PSL, which has successfully completed 10 years and is set to enter a new era with its 11th edition,” the board said in a press release statement.

“The eight participating teams in the 39-day event are Hyderabad Kingsmen, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, and Rawalpindi Pindiz,” it added.

According to the schedule, each outfit will play 10 matches with the top four sides qualifying for the playoffs.

“The tournament will also see 12 double-headers taking place with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting three double-headers,” the statement said.

PSL 11 schedule

March 31 – Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 1 – Multan Sultans vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 2 – Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
April 2 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 3 – Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 4 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 5 – Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 6 – Multan Sultans vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 8 – Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Peshawar Zalmi at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 9 – Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
April 9 – Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 10 – Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 11 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
April 11 – Karachi Kings vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 12 – Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Islamabad United at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 13 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 15 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 16 – Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
April 16 – Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 17 – Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 18 – Lahore Qalandars vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 19 – Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 19 – Quetta Gladiators vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

April 21 – Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 21 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Multan Sultans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 22 – Karachi Kings vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 22 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 23 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
April 23 – Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

April 24 – Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 25 – Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 25 – Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 26 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 26 – Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 28 – Qualifier at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 29 – Eliminator 1 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

May 1 – Eliminator 2 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

May 3 – Final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Shaheen Afridi comments on Babar Azam, Saim Ayub omission from ODI squad