Category: Sports

The Spanish football federation banned Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada for 13 matches on Wednesday after he punched a Huesca player in the face.

The federation’s disciplinary committee said in a statement both the Argentina international and his club would also be fined, after he was first sent off and then “attacked” Huesca’s Jorge Pulido in the second tier derby clash last Sunday.

Andrada was issued a 12-match ban for the punch itself, while his initial red card carries an automatic one-match ban, ruling him out for the rest of the season dealing a blow to Zaragoza’s hopes in their battle to avoid relegation.

The 35-year-old, on loan from Mexican side Monterrey, shoved over Pulido and was shown a second yellow card for the incident.

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Andrada then became enraged, running to hit Pulido and sparking a brawl on the pitch in stoppage time.

“The truth is I’m very, very sorry for what happened,” said Andrada afterwards.

“It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I’m very sorry.”

Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende were also sent off in the aftermath of the brawl, with hosts Huesca holding on for a 1-0 win. Jimenez was banned for four matches and Tasende two.

“We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred,” said Zaragoza in a statement on Sunday.

READ: Hammad Azam criticizes Rizwan’s remarks on Hyderabad Kingsmen

Hyderabad Kingsmen all-rounder Hammad Azam has launched a scathing attack on Rawalpindiz skipper Mohammad Rizwan over comments made during a press conference. 

A few days earlier, Rizwan remarked that Hyderabad did not deserve a place in the playoffs, while acknowledging it could be his personal opinion.

“The last match played in Hyderabad, they didn’t deserve it. This can be my own wrong thinking, I’m sorry for this. This is my own opinion. If they go from here properly, if they oust us from here, then they deserve it. The matches that are going on in Lahore, they are doing very well. The rhythm that they are playing, I think it was their luck,” Rizwan said in a press conference.

Now, Hammad has reacted to the statement and expressed disappointment over Rizwan’s statement, saying a former Pakistan captain should not have made such remarks.

“It was a very bad statement, to be honest. When I heard this thing and saw their press conference, I was very disappointed because I wasn’t expecting that a captain who has been the captain of PSL for a long time, you have been the ex-captain of Pakistan, you have decided that we don’t deserve it because one game went bad,” Hammad said.

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He also highlighted Rizwan’s performance as captain over the last two seasons of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), urging the batter to focus on his own performances.

“Now, if we come to personal performances, I think he [Rizwan] have won two matches in the last 18 matches, one this year and one last year. So, they should also do self-analysis that what they deserve and what they don’t deserve,” he stated.

“One game can go bad, there is nothing like that in that. And against them, the first match we played, we bowled them out for 125. In this match, we defeated them by more than 100 runs. So, that thing should go in our positive. So, I think we deserve it. We are at this stage, at this place.” Hammad Azam concluded.

READ: Usman Khan opens up about struggles after Pakistan snub

LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. 

Head to Head

Hyderabad and Sultans have met twice in PSL 11, with each team winning one game.

Playing XIs

Hyderabad Kingsmen: Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Irfan Niazi, Hassan Khan, Hunain Shah, M Ali, Akif Javed

Multan Sultans: Sahibzada Farhan, Steven Smith, Ashton Turner, Shan Masood, Josh Philippe, Mohammad Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, M Imran Randhawa, Peter Siddle, Faisal Akram, M Ismail

READ: Usman Khan opens up about struggles after Pakistan snub

Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Usman Khan opened up about his exclusion from the national side, saying he never blamed his country for his struggles. 

During an interview with a private channel, Usman reflected on his exclusion from the national side, saying that he received comments suggesting he would never return and go back to UAE.

“When I was dropped from the Pakistan team, people told me that I would never make a comeback and that I had already been given enough chances, so I should go back to the UAE,” Usman said.

He admitted that it was his mistake that he couldn’t perform despite being given ample chances and used to tell others that Pakistan had provided him with sufficient opportunities.

“But I used to tell people that Pakistan had given me enough chances, it was my fault. It was my mistake that I couldn’t perform. Then I hired a personal trainer and improved my diet and fitness,” he added.

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It is worth noting that Usman was banned by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for violating obligations and misrepresenting his intention to play for the UAE.

Yet, he made headlines in his breakthrough season in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 as a foreign player, accumulating 430 runs at an average of 107 in seven matches, including two centuries.

The breakout season earned him a place in the squad for the home series against New Zealand and later in the T20 World Cup 2024 team.

The 30-year-old was dropped from the national side after the away series against New Zealand in 2025.

Overall, Usman has played 110 T20s, amassing 2767 runs at a strike rate of 145, including six centuries. On the contrary, he has struggled on an international level, managing only 474 runs in 38 T20Is at a strike rate of 121.

READ: PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi receive timely boost ahead of final

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag could face disciplinary action from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after he was seen vaping in the dressing room during his team’s win over Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Images of Parag, 24, using an e‑cigarette during Tuesday’s match in Chandigarh were broadcast live on television and quickly went viral on social media.

E‑cigarettes are banned in India under a 2019 law that prohibits their manufacture, import, sale and storage, regardless of nicotine content.

Violations can attract fines of up to 500,000 rupees ($6,000) and jail terms. Personal possession and vaping in public is also banned.

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Riyan Parag scored 29 runs as Rajasthan handed table‑toppers Punjab their first defeat of the season, successfully chasing down 222.

The captain has struggled with the bat this season, scoring just 117 runs in nine matches at an average of 14.62.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could fine Parag for breaching IPL rules and setting a poor example.

Rajasthan, winners of the inaugural IPL in 2008 under late Australian great Shane Warne, recently had their team manager, Ravinder Singh Bhinder, fined 100,000 rupees for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi receive timely boost ahead of PSL 11 final

Chelsea captain and former England international Millie Bright announced her retirement from football with immediate effect on Wednesday.

Signed from Doncaster Belles, the 32-year-old defender began her Chelsea career in 2015 and made 314 appearances for the Blues.

Bright, who will take on a new role as a Chelsea ambassador, lifted 20 trophies and ended her career as the Women’s Super League club’s longest-serving player.

“Representing Chelsea over the last 12 years has been everything to me, but I’m now ready to say goodbye to playing football,” she said. “I’ve given all I can, and I never wanted to fight for any other badge.”

“It is now time, and I’m ready to go into a new era. I’m always going to be Chelsea, but just in a different way.”

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Millie Bright, who has not played since February because of an ankle injury, won 88 caps for England.

She won the European Championship on home soil in 2022 before skippering the Lionesses to the World Cup final the following year, in the absence of injured captain Leah Williamson.

“Everyone at Chelsea is so proud of Millie’s contribution to the club and the women’s game during its unprecedented period of growth,” Chelsea said in a statement.

“We look forward to continuing to work with her as she moves into her roles off the pitch with the club.”

READ: Peshawar Zalmi receive timely boost ahead of PSL 11 final

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has confirmed the availability of Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final, scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium here on Sunday.

The right-arm pacer was initially given a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to feature in the league until April 13. He later returned home alongside other Bangladesh players after being called up for national duty during the ongoing white-ball series against New Zealand.

He was part of Bangladesh’s squad against New Zealand but was not selected for the first two T20Is, with selectors prioritising his workload management ahead of a busy Test calendar.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), on Wednesday, reinstated Rana’s NOC, allowing him to rejoin the Zalmi squad for the final.

“This decision has been made considering the significance of participating in the final of a major global franchise competition, which is viewed as an important step in the continued development of the player,” the BCB said in a statement.

“More importantly, the team management and BCB medical team has provided clearance, confirming that his participation in the match will not adversely affect his fitness, workload management or availability for national duty.”

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Javed Afridi took to social media and extended his gratitude to the BCB president, Tamim Iqbal, for reinstating the NOC of the right-arm pacer, who set the PSL 11 on fire with his fiery bowling display.

“Thank you Brother Tamim for permitting Nahid Rana to feature for Peshawar Zalmi in the #PSL11 final match InshaAllah,” Afridi posted.

During his brief PSL stint, Rana made a strong impression, picking up seven wickets at an average of 10.85 in four matches at an economy rate of 5.42 for Zalmi.

READ: Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed addresses criticism over his role

KARACHI: Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has responded to criticism surrounding his appointment, saying he remains focused on his responsibilities despite external opinions ahead of the national side’s upcoming red-ball assignment.

Speaking to the media during a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre on Wednesday, Sarfaraz said he was aware of the discussions around his transition into coaching but insisted it does not affect his mindset as he begins his tenure with the national team.

“Former cricketers and my ex-colleagues have their own opinions. I am very positive about making the most of this new opportunity,” Sarfaraz said.

He further expressed confidence in the team’s support staff, highlighting the collective effort being put in ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

“My team management, including Umar Gul, Asad Shafiq, Grant Luden and Abdul Saad, and I are very confident about coaching the team to success,” he added.

The series will begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, with the second Test scheduled to take place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed also addressed questions regarding Babar Azam’s form, praising the batter’s technical improvements and consistency across formats. Babar recently led Peshawar Zalmi to the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 and is expected to join the national squad after May 3.

“It is good to see Babar scoring runs and that too with a technical comeback. He is looking solid. Yes, he has scored runs in T20s but once he joins us, we will see his role here as well,” Sarfaraz said.

Several players, including skipper Shan Masood and Khurram Shahzad, are also expected to join the Test squad after completing their PSL commitments.

Pakistan currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with 12 points, having played only two matches in the current cycle against South Africa at home in 2025.

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Test series

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

READ: Sri Lanka cricket board quits at government’s request: officials

SANYA: Pakistan wrestlers Muhammad Inam Butt and Asad Ullah delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Asian Beach Games, securing two silver medals and further elevating the country’s standing on the international stage.

Inam Butt and Asad Ullah reached their respective finals after an impressive run throughout the tournament. Both wrestlers fought valiantly in the gold medal bouts but were narrowly defeated by strong Iranian opponents, finishing with well-deserved silver medals for Pakistan.

In the 80kg category, Asad Ullah defeated India’s Mor Sachin and China’s Feng Lu in the quarterfinal and semifinal, respectively, to book his place in the final.

However, he suffered a 0-3 defeat against Iran’s Ali Gholami, ending with a silver medal.

In the 90kg category, Muhammad Inam Butt continued his dominant run by overcoming opponents from Bahrain and Mongolia to reach the title clash.

He defeated Bahrain’s Magomed Sharipov in the quarter-final before overcoming Turbold Ganbold in the semi-final. He squared off against Iran’s Amirhossein Kavousi but failed to clinch the gold.

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In the 70kg category, Muhammad Abdullah also impressed by defeating Thailand’s wrestler in the quarterfinal before falling in a hard-fought semifinal against India’s Siddharth.

President of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation, Arshad Sattar, congratulated the athletes, coaches, and officials, praising their fighting spirit and commitment.

He said the wrestlers had made the nation proud by raising Pakistan’s flag high through their exceptional performances.

Secretary General Muhammad Inam Butt also acknowledged the support of the Pakistan Olympic Association, Pakistan Sports Board, WAPDA, and the Pakistan Army, stating that their continued backing has played a vital role in Pakistan’s success.

Pakistan concluded the tournament with three medals overall, two silver medals in wrestling and one bronze medal in beach kabaddi.

READ: PCB unveils ticket prices for PSL 11 Eliminators and Final in Lahore

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the ticket prices for the Eliminator 1 & 2 as well as the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, all set to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Fans can secure their seats through pcb.tcs.com.pk, while physical tickets will be available at 18 designated TCS Express Centres in Lahore

The Eliminator 1 will be played between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Multan Sultans on Wednesday. The winner will progress to Eliminator 2, where they will face Islamabad United on Friday, May 1.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi have already secured their place in the final after defeating Islamabad United in the Qualifier, and will now await the winner of Eliminator 2 for the title clash scheduled on Sunday, May 3.

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For the much-anticipated final, fans can buy VIP enclosures (Fazal Mahmood and Imran Khan) tickets for PKR 6,000, while the premium enclosures (Rajas and Saeed Anwar) will be available for PKR 4,000.

First class enclosures, which comprise Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad and Sarfaraz Nawaz, are priced at PKR 2,000.

Seats in the Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Saeed Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq, which are categorised as General enclosures, will be available for a minimum of PKR 1,500.

The thrilling action of the PSL 11 final can also be enjoyed from the VVIP enclosure (Waqar Younis) at the Iqbal End, whose tickets can be bought for PKR 8,000.

The tickets for Zaheer Abbas enclosure at the Jinnah End will carry a price of PKR 10,000. The PCB Gallery tickets are priced at PKR 12,000.

For Eliminator 1, ticket prices have been set to accommodate a broad range of spectators, starting from PKR 500 for general enclosures.

First Class tickets are priced at PKR 1,000, Premium at PKR 2,000, and VIP at PKR 3,000. Higher-tier seating includes VVIP Far End at PKR 4,500, VVIP New Pavilion at PKR 5,500, while Gallery seats are available for PKR 7,000.

Ticket prices increase for Eliminator 2, with general enclosure seats starting at PKR 1,000. First Class tickets are priced at PKR 1,800, Premium at PKR 3,000, and VIP at PKR 4,000.

VVIP Far End tickets are available for PKR 5,000, while VVIP New Pavilion seats are set at PKR 8,000. Gallery tickets for the second eliminator are priced at PKR 10,000.

READ: Babar Azam breaks multiple records with century against Islamabad United