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KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi delivered a record-shattering performance in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, piling up a massive 246 for 3 against Karachi Kings before sealing a historic 159-run victory at the National Bank Stadium.

Asked to bat first, Zalmi recovered from an early setback, losing Mohammad Haris for a duck on just the second ball, to produce one of the most dominant batting displays in PSL history.

The turnaround was orchestrated by Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis, who stitched together a staggering 191-run partnership for the second wicket.

That stand is now the highest for any wicket in PSL history, eclipsing the previous best of 176 set by Babar and Sharjeel Khan back in 2021.

Highest partnerships in PSL

• Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 191 runs against Karachi Kings in 2026
• Sharjeel Khan and Babar Azam (Karachi Kings) – 176 runs against Islamabad United in 2021
• Saim Ayub and Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 162 runs against Quetta Gladiators in 2023
• David Warner and James Vince (Karachi Kings) – 162 runs against Peshawar Zalmi in 2025
• Liam Livingstone and Babar Azam (Karachi Kings) – 157 runs against Multan Sultans in 2019

Zalmi’s total of 246/3 also entered the record books as the highest ever at the National Bank Stadium, surpassing the previous mark of 238/3.

It is now the sixth-highest total in PSL history and the franchise’s highest-ever score, improving on their previous best of 242/6.

Notably, the record for the highest total in PSL history belongs to Quetta Gladiators, who posted 263/3 last season against Islamabad United.

Highest totals in PSL history

• Quetta Gladiators – 263/3 against Islamabad United in 2025
• Multan Sultans – 262/3 against Quetta Gladiators in 2023
• Quetta Gladiators – 253/8 against Multan Sultans in 2023
• Islamabad United – 251/5 against Karachi Kings in 2025
• Islamabad United – 247/2 against Peshawar Zalmi in 2021
• Peshawar Zalmi – 246/3 against Karachi Kings in 2026

In response, Karachi Kings crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 87 in 16.1 overs, which is their lowest total in PSL history.

The collapse also marked the lowest-ever total recorded at the National Bank Stadium, underlining the one-sided nature of the contest.

The defeat margin of 159 runs is now the biggest in PSL history, surpassing the previous unwanted record held by Multan Sultans, who had suffered a 120-run loss against the same opposition last season.

READ: Babar Azam breaks Chris Gayle’s record during Karachi Kings clash

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have suffered a major setback in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, with Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out due to injury.

The development was confirmed by LSG’s director of cricket, Tom Moody, who revealed that the franchise is already in the process of finalising a replacement, expected to be announced within the next 24 to 48 hours.

“We are preparing for the fact that he isn’t going to be able to join us,” Moody said while speaking during LSG’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata. “We are looking at replacements, and that should be announced soon.”

Hasaranga has been out of action since suffering a left hamstring tear during Sri Lanka’s opening game of the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

His situation was further complicated after reports suggested he had not completed the mandatory fitness assessments required by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for IPL participation.

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LSG had secured Hasaranga’s services for INR 2 crore, but the leg-spinner has been unable to link up with the squad due to his ongoing rehabilitation.

He previously featured for the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in his IPL career.

South African spinner George Linde is currently understood to be the leading candidate to replace Wanindu Hasaranga.

Despite yet to make his IPL debut, Linde brings extensive T20 experience, having played across multiple franchise leagues, including SA20, The Hundred, Major League Cricket, and the Pakistan Super League.

The left-arm spinner has picked up 218 wickets in 250 T20 matches at an economy rate of 7.42, though his recent international form has been modest, managing just one wicket in four outings against New Zealand.

READ: Babar Azam breaks Chris Gayle’s record during Karachi Kings clash

Former AC Milan and Japan star Keisuke Honda said he wanted to set a new record after signing for a Singapore Premier League club, FC Jurong, on Friday to resume his colourful playing career aged 39.

FC Jurong announced that the attacking midfielder, who appeared and scored at three World Cups, would play for them next season.

Honda appeared most recently for the Bhutan club Paro FC, playing in two games and scoring two goals in the 2024/25 season.

Before that, he played for Lithuania’s FK Suduva in 2021 and has also turned out for clubs in Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Italy, Mexico, Australia, Brazil and Azerbaijan.

Honda said in a statement that he was “pursuing several personal challenges”, including trying to score in more domestic top leagues than anyone else.

“However, my primary goal with this club is to win the league title,” he said. “There are a couple of very strong rivals, so it will be a tough challenge, but I am determined to achieve it.”

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For the unversed, Keisuke Honda retired from the Japan national team with 98 caps and 38 goals after playing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Outside football, he heads a venture capital fund, owns a non-league club in Japan and has also dabbled in management, taking charge of Cambodia’s national team from August 2018 to January 2023.

FC Jurong, formerly known as Albirex Niigata Singapore, said bringing Honda to the club “goes beyond the signing of a single player”.

“To build a great castle, you need a solid cornerstone,” said Chairman Daisuke Korenaga.

“Into that cornerstone, we pour world-class experience, vision, and passion. Together with Keisuke Honda, we are determined to build a legacy that will carry this club forward for the next 100 years.”

READ: Babar, Mendis star in Peshawar Zalmi win over Karachi Kings

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), under its newly formed ad-hoc committee headed by Tamim Iqbal, has approved a significant increase in domestic match fees and monthly salaries, with a particular focus on improving earnings in women’s cricket.

The decision marks the first major policy move by the Tamim-led committee since it became operational earlier this week, signalling an early intent to reform player compensation structures across the board.

The revised package comes after the committee discovered that women cricketers in domestic one-day competitions had been earning as little as BDT 1,000 per match in previous years, a figure that was later marginally increased but still widely regarded as insufficient.

Under the new structure, women players will now earn BDT 10,000 per T20 match, BDT 15,000 for 50-over games, and BDT 20,000 for first-class fixtures.

In addition, the monthly salary for the top 36 women cricketers has been raised from BDT 30,000 to BDT 40,000.

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While acknowledging that the revised payments are still not ideal, Tamim Iqbal reportedly stressed that the move represents a necessary and meaningful step forward within existing financial constraints.

The committee has also implemented a parallel revision for men’s domestic cricket. Players in Category A will now receive BDT 65,000 per month, while Category B and C players will earn BDT 50,000 and BDT 40,000 respectively. First-class match fees for men have also been increased from BDT 70,000 to BDT 100,000.

The changes will officially come into effect from January 1, 2026.

Tamim highlighted that domestic players had long gone without meaningful pay increases and emphasised that those who sustain the structure of the game deserve fairer financial recognition.

The reforms come amid wider administrative restructuring within the board, as the BCB also begins defining roles for members of its 11-person ad-hoc committee.

Meanwhile, the board is also working to resolve ongoing disputes between club sides and the governing body, with plans underway to stage the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League in the coming weeks as part of efforts to stabilise domestic cricket operations.

READ: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick rages over VAR handball non-intervention

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was furious at the decision not to review a strange handball incident in his team’s 2-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat by Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Atletico defender Marc Pubill touched a ball passed to him by goalkeeper Juan Musso with his hand, to set it still in order to take the goal-kick himself, which Flick said should have been a red card and a penalty.

In the first half, VAR intervened to get referee Istvan Kovacs to review an incident involving Barca defender Pau Cubarsi, who was booked for fouling Giuliano Simeone as he ran through on goal.

After the review, Barcelona defender Cubarsi was sent off, leaving the Catalans with 10 men for the second half.

“The VAR was very focused today for Atletico, he’s a German guy, so thanks Germany,” former German national team coach Flick told reporters. “It’s for me a clear red card.”

In 2024, Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings was punished for a similar infringement in a Champions League defeat against Club Brugge.

Flick said the VAR officials should have asked Kovacs to review the incident.

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“For my perspective, it’s clear, he has to call and say okay come on, look at this, the same like before. I don’t understand,” added Flick.

“I haven’t spoken with the referee. I think it was better not to speak with him. We have to accept it, and focus in the match next Tuesday in Atletico. We have the quality, the players who can decide (this game), and we have to fight.”

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo said it was “absurd but a clear penalty”.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone said the officials were correct not to intervene.

“There’s common sense,” said the Argentine. “If Marc, who was supposedly receiving a pass to start the play, interpreted it the way he did, and the referee interpreted it the same way Marc did, it’s because there is only common sense about the play.”

Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth’s goals earned Atletico a significant advantage ahead of the second leg next Tuesday in the Spanish capital.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan released from Multan Sultans squad

KARACHI: Multan Sultans have granted opening batter Sahibzada Farhan a short break from the squad ahead of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash against Peshawar Zalmi, scheduled to be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on April 13.

According to the franchise, the decision has been taken as part of their internal workload and rest policy, which allows players to take time off during breaks in the tournament to recover physically and mentally.

A spokesperson for the Sultans said the move aligns with the team’s broader approach under owner Gohar Shah and head coach Tim Paine, who have emphasised player welfare and balanced workload management throughout the season.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“As per the policy, players are given complete freedom to relax and spend personal time during rest periods,” the spokesperson stated.

The management believes the system helps players remain mentally fresh and better prepared for high-intensity matches.

Along with Sahibzada Farhan, batting coach Sohaib Maqsood has also been released from the squad for a short period under the same policy.

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Notably, Farhan has been one of the standout performers in PSL 11 so far, emerging as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

The right-hander has accumulated 232 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 58.00 and a strike rate of 181.25, including a century and a half-century.

The opener’s form has been a key factor in Multan’s strong campaign so far, with the side currently sitting at the top of the table. Led by Ashton Turner, the Sultans have won four of their five matches, collecting eight points with a healthy net run-rate of 0.941.

READ: Rashid Khan may miss India Test as red-ball future remains unclear

Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan has admitted that playing Test cricket on a regular basis may no longer be realistic for him, as he continues to manage ongoing back issues that have significantly shaped his workload across formats.

The 27-year-old, one of the most influential white-ball bowlers in world cricket, said medical advice has played a key role in his decision to step back from red-ball cricket, with a long-term focus now on preserving his career in limited-overs formats.

Speaking after a match-winning spell for the Gujarat Titans against the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 in Delhi, Rashid opened up about the physical challenges that have forced him to rethink his involvement in Test cricket.

“Red-ball cricket is a little difficult because that was the first thing my doctor told me to stay away from red-ball cricket,” Rashid said. “I still went ahead and played.”

He revealed that following his back surgery in 2023, he was specifically advised to avoid the longest format due to the strain it places on his body.

“The doctor told me that if you don’t want to play cricket, you can keep playing red-ball cricket. He said it’s not going to help me and that I won’t be able to play for long,” he added.

Rashid Khan, who captains Afghanistan in T20Is, underwent surgery in the United Kingdom after playing through the ODI World Cup in 2023 while carrying an injury.

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Although he made a return to competitive cricket in 2024, the demands of continuous franchise and international cricket soon took a toll again, forcing him to reassess his schedule.

The spinner also reflected on the workload he has carried in the longest format, revealing how physically demanding his limited Test experience has been.

“In my last two Test matches, I bowled 126 overs, which is simply too much,” he said. “If I bowl a spell of 20–25 overs, I have to bowl the whole day. You can’t do that to yourself.”

Rashid has now indicated that he may restrict himself to just one Test per year, while prioritising ODI cricket and major tournaments such as the 2027 World Cup, where Afghanistan will be looking to build on their recent progress in the format.

“So yes, I will think about it. But ODI cricket, I really enjoy that format. I am in good shape to play ODIs for a longer period for Afghanistan,” he said. “Red-ball cricket is something that looks a bit difficult for me.”

Since Afghanistan gained Test status in 2017, opportunities in the format have been limited, and Rashid Khan himself has played only six Tests, though he has still managed to take 45 wickets at an impressive average of 20.44.

He briefly returned to red-ball cricket in early 2025 against Zimbabwe, where he produced a standout performance with 11 wickets in the match, but recurring back problems soon resurfaced later in the season, again affecting his rhythm.

READ: Daryl Mitchell backs Rawalpindiz to bounce back despite winless PSL start

KARACHI: New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell remains optimistic about Rawalpindiz’s chances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, despite the franchise’s winless start to the season.

The 34-year-old, who is featuring for Rawalpindiz, said he is hopeful the team can turn things around in the coming matches and build momentum as the tournament progresses.

“It’s awesome to be back here,” Mitchell said while speaking to PCB Digital. “I’m really happy to be back in Pakistan. The people here are very welcoming, and I’ve really enjoyed my time so far.”

Rawalpindiz have endured a difficult start, losing all four of their matches to sit at the bottom of the points table. However, Mitchell is backing his side to bounce back and keep their playoff hopes alive.

“Hopefully we can get off the mark in the next game and get on a bit of a roll,” he said. “You never know what might happen in a tournament like this.”

Mitchell also believes that adapting to conditions and building a better understanding within the group will be key moving forward.

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“It’s always challenging cricket coming here,” he noted. “Conditions can vary, from fast and bouncy to slow and turning, so as a cricketer, trying to adapt is always a challenge, but it’s also good fun.”

Daryl Mitchell, who made his PSL debut last season with eventual champions Lahore Qalandars, has so far scored 124 runs in four matches this season at a strike rate of over 150.  Last year, he accumulated 241 runs in nine games, playing a key role in Qalandars’ title-winning campaign.

Sharing his thoughts on Pakistan’s cricketing landscape, the right-hander was full of praise for the country’s fast-bowling depth, calling it one of the most impressive aspects of the PSL.

“Pakistan has some of the best fast bowlers in the world,” he said. “Every season, a new bowler seems to come through. I don’t know what it is, tape ball or whatever, but it’s incredible to see.”

Mitchell added that overseas players have an important role in guiding younger cricketers, particularly in a competitive league like the PSL.

“As overseas players, we try to share our experience with the younger guys to help them improve and take their game to another level,” he said.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The New Zealand international also spoke about settling into a new environment, highlighting the importance of building team chemistry early in the tournament.

“The first week is about getting to know the players and understanding how they operate,” he explained.

“You try to have some fun along the way, and as the tournament goes on, you start having more conversations about the game and how to improve together.”

Reflecting on his favourite PSL memory, Mitchell pointed to Lahore Qalandars lifting the trophy last season as a special moment, even though he missed the final stages of the tournament.

“Anytime you’re winning games is special,” he said. “Watching Lahore lift the trophy last year was a great moment, especially seeing some close friends succeed.”

READ: Babar Azam brushes off Virat Kohli comparisons after Hyderabad Kingsmen victory

Holders Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) took a 2-0 lead over Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final tie as Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in Wednesday’s first leg in the French capital.

Doue’s shot in the 11th minute looped over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and, thanks to a big touch off Ryan Gravenberch, Kvaratskhelia then rounded his compatriot to double PSG’s lead 65 minutes into a game they bossed from start to finish.

It only remains to be seen whether the reigning European champions, who had a second-half penalty in their favour overturned after a VAR review, might regret not scoring more goals against a Liverpool side that lined up with three centre-backs and were run ragged.

Liverpool’s game plan could not stop them slumping to a second emphatic loss in five days, even if the scoreline was not as bad as the 4-0 mauling inflicted by Manchester City in the FA Cup last weekend.

It is just one win in six in all competitions for Liverpool, and this was a 16th reverse in total in a difficult campaign.

Slot’s team must try to repeat what they did in the last 16, when they overturned a 1-0 first-leg loss away to Galatasaray by winning 4-0 in the return.

This will be a far tougher task, however, as the sides clash again next Tuesday on Merseyside, where PSG won 1-0 in the second leg of their last-16 tie last season before advancing on penalties.

That was a significant step on their way to winning the Champions League, coming after they somehow lost 1-0 at the Parc des Princes despite completely dominating.

A string of Alisson Becker saves helped Liverpool smash and grab their way to victory a year ago, but the Brazilian was absent here, meaning Mamardashvili started in goal.

Mohamed Salah was also left out of the line-up by Slot, instead taking a place on the bench alongside Alexander Isak with the Swede involved again after suffering a leg fracture in December.

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Hugo Ekitike started up front for Liverpool against the club where he spent 18 months earlier in his career and failed to escape the shadows of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Joe Gomez slotted in alongside Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk as a third central defender, as Liverpool set out to press high but spent the night chasing the ball.

PSG were well in control before they scored, as Doue collected the ball just outside the box, advanced into the area and tried a shot which struck Gravenberch’s boot and took a looping trajectory which left the goalkeeper flummoxed.

Mamardashvili did later save from Kvaratskhelia and Doue, meaning there was just one goal in a one-sided first half in which PSG had 70 percent possession, and Liverpool’s only attempt came from Jeremie Frimpong when he was offside.

The pattern of the contest did not really change after the break, with Ousmane Dembele blazing over before the second goal arrived.

A superb Joao Neves pass released Kvaratskhelia through the inside-left channel, and the Georgian held off Gravenberch before rounding the goalkeeper to tuck in.

Liverpool were then rescued by the Spanish referee’s decision to change his mind after initially awarding a penalty when Konate brought down Warren Zaire-Emery, while also taking the ball.

Small mercies for Slot, who sent on Isak in a quadruple substitution on 78 minutes, but left Salah on the bench.

Dembele hit the post late on for PSG, although they are firmly in control after a ninth win in a game against Premier League opposition since the start of 2025.

READ: Atletico Madrid punish Barcelona in Champions League quarter-final

Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth’s goals earned Atletico Madrid a commanding 2-0 lead over 10-man Barcelona in a tense Champions League quarter-final first leg clash on Wednesday.

The La Liga leaders were on top in the all-Spanish tie at Camp Nou before Pau Cubarsi was sent off for bringing down Atletico’s Giuliano Simeone, who was through on goal.

Alvarez whipped home the resulting free-kick, and Sorloth doubled their advantage with 20 minutes remaining to give Atletico a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Diego Simeone’s side, who have never won the competition, reached the 2014 and 2016 finals but were beaten by rivals Real Madrid on both occasions.

Barcelona, semi-finalists last season, need to make a huge comeback next Tuesday in Madrid if they are to stand a chance of lifting the trophy they last won in 2015.

Barca coach Hansi Flick was upset by the use of VAR to punish his side for Cubarsi’s red card but not to analyse a potential handball incident against Atletico’s Marc Pubill in the second half.

The defender touched the ball with his hand after goalkeeper Juan Musso passed it to him to take the goal kick himself, which Flick said should have been reviewed.

“The VAR was very focused today for Atletico, he’s a German guy, so thanks Germany,” complained the former German national team boss. “It’s for me a clear red card, then it (can) change (things) totally.”

Diego Simeone said the decision that was made was “common sense”.

Atletico knocked Barca out of the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals in March, and this was the second of three meetings between the sides in the space of a fortnight.

Barcelona started well, with Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, their main threat down the left.

On the right flank, Atletico tried to suffocate teenage star Lamine Yamal with defensive numbers, allowing Rashford more room.

The first chances fell to the England international, who scored against Atletico in La Liga on Saturday, but Musso denied him.

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At the other end, Alvarez, who has been linked with a switch to Barcelona in recent months, tested Joan Garcia.

The busy Rashford, constantly escaping beyond Nahuel Molina, volleyed narrowly wide and then rolled a shot into the bottom corner, but it was disallowed for offside in the build-up.

Even though the 18-year-old Yamal was up against three Atletico defenders, he produced some superb skill to break free of their shackles, but Robin Le Normand blocked his shot.

Veteran Atletico midfielder Koke was fortunate to stay on the pitch after fouls on Dani Olmo, Pedri and Yamal were only punished with a yellow card, to Barca supporters’ fury.

Flick’s side were controlling the game with Atletico talisman Griezmann quiet against his former team, but a moment of clumsiness from Cubarsi dramatically gave the visitors the upper hand before half-time.

The 19-year-old centre-back, chasing Giuliano Simeone as he ran through on goal to reach a ball in behind Barca’s defence from Alvarez, clattered the Atletico coach’s son from behind.

Although referee Istvan Kovacs only produced a yellow card for Cubarsi, he upgraded it to a red after a VAR review.

Worse was to come for Barca, with former Manchester City striker Alvarez whipping the free-kick into the top corner.

Barca battled well with 10 men, continuing to create chances for Rashford. Yamal sent the forward through on goal, but after rounding Musso, he could only hit the side netting, and he had a free-kick tipped over.

It was against the run of play again that Atletico snatched their second.

Griezmann and Matteo Ruggieri combined, and the latter crossed for target man Sorloth, who outmuscled Gerard Martin and fired past the helpless Garcia.

Barca tasted defeat at home for the first time since Camp Nou reopened in November 2025, and Atletico coach Simeone won at the stadium for the first time in his 14-year career at the helm of the Rojiblancos.

It was Atletico’s first win at Camp Nou since 2006 and a potential stepping stone towards the trophy they crave most.

READ: Japan to host T20 World Cup 2028 qualifiers at new cricket venue