Category: Top News

The Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) newest franchise, Sialkot Stallionz, have reportedly secured the services of former Australia captain Steve Smith ahead of the 11th edition of the marquee league, sources told on Tuesday.

According to reliable sources, Smith has been directly signed by the Sialkot-based outfit before the PSL’s first-ever player auction, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 11.

The development comes just weeks after Sialkot Stallionz were officially introduced as one of the two new franchises in the PSL.

The team’s ownership rights were acquired by OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed and Kamil Khan, during the historic PSL 2026 auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on January 8.

OZ Developers sealed the deal with a record bid of Rs 1.85 billion, making it the most expensive franchise purchase in PSL history.

The Stallionz had earlier appointed former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Tim Paine as their head coach, and sources suggest Smith will now play under his former international teammate in PSL 11.

Notably, Smith has never featured in the PSL before.

However, the veteran batter arrives with strong T20 form, having enjoyed a sensational outing in the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, where he represented Sydney Sixers.

Smith played six matches, scoring 299 runs at an average of 59.80 and a strike rate of 167.97, including a blistering 42-ball century.

Overall, Smith has played 272 T20 matches, scoring 6,242 runs at an average of 32.68 and a strike rate of 131.38, including five centuries and 30 half-centuries.

It is pertinent to note that under PSL 11 regulations, each franchise is allowed one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in PSL 10, a clause that appears to have been utilised by Sialkot Stallionz to land the Australian star.

READ: T20 World Cup: $500m at stake if Pakistan skips India clash

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal are “actively looking” for a replacement for the injured Mikel Merino in the closing hours of the transfer window.

Merino, who has been a valuable contributor in midfield and attack for the Gunners, could miss the rest of the season with a fractured right foot that requires surgery.

Arteta stressed how significant the Spain international’s absence as Arsenal compete to win four trophies.

The Arsenal boss hopes his club can come up with a new signing to fill the void before Monday’s 1900GMT deadline.

“We are actively looking at options and we will continue to do that,” Arteta told reporters on Monday.

“When you lose a big player like this with four months to go, and all the competitions to play for, you need to look and we need to do everything we possibly can to see if a player is available.”

The loss of Merino has been tempered by the return to fitness of Germany forward Kai Havertz.

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There was further good news for Arsenal as Arteta revealed an injury that kept England winger Bukayo Saka out of Saturday’s 4-0 win over Leeds is only minor.

“Today, he (Saka) was better. Let’s see how he responds. It doesn’t look like something too serious,” Arteta added ahead of Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea

“Whether he is available for tomorrow or the weekend, we will have to wait and see.”

Arsenal remain on course for an unprecedented quadruple.

Arteta’s side hold a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, have progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League and face third-tier Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round.

But the Spaniard is focused on reaching the League Cup final as his side’s first opportunity to end a six-year trophy drought.

Arsenal hold a 3-2 lead over Chelsea ahead of the second leg on home soil at the Emirates Stadium.

“The next one is always the most important one. And it is the closest, at least, to reach a final,” said Arteta.

“We really need to create the atmosphere, the energy, the belief that we’re going to do it.”

READ: Barca coach Flick unhappy over Raphinha thigh strain

Barcelona will be without winger Raphinha for the Copa del Rey clash at second-tier Albacete on Tuesday because of a thigh strain, and coach Hansi Flick said something had to “change” regarding the Brazilian’s preparation.

Raphinha’s injury, sustained in the win over Elche on Saturday in La Liga, is expected to keep him out for only a week, but Flick was notably upset by the issue.

The winger missed two months with a hamstring injury earlier this season and is a key player for the Spanish champions.

“To be honest I’m not happy with this, really, because he’s a very important player,” Flick told a news conference Monday.

“We have to see what we have to change and also what he has to change. We’ll speak about that in the next days because it’s important.

“This is the important phase in the season, we need every player to be able to play and when he’s out, it’s not good.”

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Barcelona have not lost a match this season, which Raphinha has started.

Albacete defeated Real Madrid in the previous round of the competition, and Flick said he was not surprised.

“This is why we love (cup games), there are sometimes unexpected results,” said the coach.

“Of course it’s like that — they have nothing to lose, they have only to win.”

According to Spanish reports German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, on loan at Girona, has suffered a hamstring injury which could keep him out for two months.

“I didn’t speak with him but I’m very sorry for him, but we have to wait for the results and we’ll see what happened,” added Flick.

Ter Stegen has played two games for Girona after joining them in January until the end of the season.

READ: PSL 11: PCB finalises five bidders for Multan Sultans auction

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed that it has approved five bidders for the auction of the owner-less Multan Sultans ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

The PCB confirmed the bidders in a press release following the technical evaluation of the proposals.

“A total of six proposals were received from interested parties within the stipulated deadline. The PCB bid committee then carried out a thorough and transparent evaluation process,” the PCB said.

“Out of the six proposals, five (5) bidders have been termed technically qualified, who will now take part in the Auction process of the Multan Sultans. The date and venue for the Auction will be shared in due course,” it added.

Following the announcement, the Chief Executive Officer of PSL, Salman Nasee,r expressed his excitement and shared his thoughts on the evaluation process.

“We are delighted to receive such keen interest in the sale of Multan Sultans’ Franchise Rights,” he said.

“The HBL PSL congratulates the technically qualified bidders and appreciates all parties who engaged with us through-out the tender process; with whom we will continue to explore other exciting opportunities,” he added.

He mentioned the league’s new era and expressed confidence ahead of the PSL 11 auction.

“I’m sure the fans are equally excited for another thrilling Team Auction before the focus shifts to all important Player Auction for HBL PSL 11. The final lineup of the eight HBL PSL team owners is going to set the ball rolling for the New Era of the HBL PSL 11,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the process began after the departure of Multan Sultans’ former owner, Ali Tareen, who announced in November that he was stepping away from the franchise.

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The reason for Tareen’s departure was strained relations with the PCB that had persisted for over a year, ultimately reaching a point of no return.

Subsequently, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board would assume control of the franchise upon expiry of the existing ownership agreement on December 31, 2025.

The initial plan was for the PCB to operate the team for a year before auctioning it in 2027.

However, strong valuations achieved in the recent auction are understood to have encouraged the PCB to proceed with the sale of Multan Sultans earlier than planned.

The landmark auction, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre last month, saw FKS Group and OZ Developers acquire the newly added franchises from Hyderabad and Sialkot for Rs1.75 billion and Rs1.85 billion, respectively, expanding the PSL to eight teams from season 11.

READ: Hosts Sri Lanka unveil T20 World Cup 2026 squad

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday announced a 15- member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to commence on February 7.

The event will run until March 8, with Sri Lanka jointly hosting it alongside India.

All-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who was named as their skipper in their preliminary squad in December, will captain the team.

Overall, the squad is balanced with several experienced inductees. The batting lineup will be bolstered by Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, and Pathum Nissanka.

Whereas the bowling lineup comprises fast bowlers Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, and Dushmantha Chameera, who will be strongly supported by ace spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.

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Notably, the Test skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, who was called up for the England series, has been left out, with in-form batter Pavan Rathnayake taking his place.

The 2014 champions are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe. They will begin their campaign on February 8 against Ireland, followed by a fixture against Oman on Feb 12.

They will face Australia on Feb 16, with their final group-stage fixture against Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga

Sri Lanka’s group stage fixtures:

February 8: v Ireland, Colombo

February 12: v Oman, Pallekele

February 16: v Australia, Pallekele

February 19: v Zimbabwe, Colombo

READ: T20 World Cup: $500m at stake if Pakistan skips India clash

Pakistan’s boycott of the high-stakes India clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 could lead to substantial losses for Indian broadcasters and disrupt the global cricket landscape.

A day earlier, the government of Pakistan approved the men’s cricket team’s participation in the T20 World Cup after weeks of uncertainty, but instructed them not to take the field against India on 15 February.

According to a report by NDTV, the overall commercial worth of a single India-Pakistan T20 fixture is estimated at around $500 millions (approximately Rs 450 billion), encompassing broadcast rights, advertising premiums, sponsorship activations, tickets, and related commercial activities.

The report further states that advertising slots during an India-Pakistan T20 match are priced at around Rs 2.5 million and Rs 4 million for a 10-second spot, which is higher than for knockout fixtures featuring India against other top teams.

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One of the major sufferings would be borne by the official broadcast rights holder, with advertising revenue from India and Pakistan alone projected at Rs 3 billion, the report cites.

Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to incur an immediate loss of approximately Rs 2 billion.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Rashid Latif has highlighted the rationale for not playing India and how the decision could affect finances.

“Whether it is in India or Pakistan, 60–70 percent of people watch the World Cup because of India-Pakistan matches,” he said during an exclusive interview with Times of India.

“When a market of this size is shaken, the impact is not limited to one broadcaster,” Latif added. “India is affected, the BCCI is affected, and ultimately the ICC is also affected.”

He further noted that the decision will also impact Australia and England.

“Now that Pakistan has joined, it will impact Australia and England financially as well,” he concluded.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan squad touches down in Sri Lanka for T20 World Cup

COLOMBO: The Pakistan cricket team on Monday reached Sri Lanka for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7.

In a post on X, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the team’s arrival in Sri Lanka.

“The national squad reached Colombo from Lahore. The team will take rest tommorow and will play a warm-up fixture against Ireland on February 4,” the caption of the post read.

The 15-member squad, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, includes key names such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman, as Pakistan begin preparations for their opening match of the tournament.

The T20 World Cup is set to begin on Feb 7 across Sri Lanka and India.

 

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The Green Shirts are scheduled to play a warm-up game against Ireland on 4 February at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

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The same venue will also host Pakistan’s first two group-stage fixtures, where the 2009 champions will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, followed by a clash against the USA on 10 February.

Pakistan’s third group match will be against Namibia on 18 February.

However, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign will remain overshadowed by the political situation surrounding the high-profile clash against India.

The Green Shirts are set to boycott their group-stage match against arch-rivals India on 15 February, following directives issued by the Government of Pakistan.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (WK), and Usman Tariq.

READ: Is T20 World Cup in India to be moved amid Nipah virus outbreak?

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to begin on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India; however, reports are swirling over potential schedule changes due to the Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal.

Last week, Indian media reported an outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, prompting authorities to quarantine around 100 people as part of an emergency health response.

The Nipah virus is a bat-borne zoonotic disease — it can be spread from animals to humans, and is regarded as particularly lethal, with high fatality rates in severe cases.

Concerns about the virus intensified after several media outlets reported that England and Australia had advised against travel to India due to the outbreak.

However, the reports were downplayed after the Indian Ministry of Health released an official statement.

“Enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and field investigations were undertaken through coordinated efforts of Central and State health agencies, which ensured timely containment of the cases,” the Ministry said in an official statement.

“No additional Nipah Virus Disease cases have been detected so far. The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place,” it added.

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The official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also rejected any proposal to relocate the T20 World Cup fixtures.

“We take any potential health risk seriously, especially ahead of major tournaments. At this stage, we have not identified any credible threat. If the situation changes, decisions will be taken in consultation with local authorities and the government,” a BCCI official told an Indian sports outlet.

“There is absolutely no question of moving matches away from Kolkata,” he added.

The official also dismissed concerns about the virus and stated that no discussions had been held about the intact mega-event schedule.

“Everything is safe at the moment. If the government or local administration advises otherwise, we will respond accordingly. For now, there is no discussion about changing World Cup plans due to Nipah virus concerns,” he concluded.

READ: Bids roll in for Multan Sultans ahead of PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The ownerless franchise of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Multan Sultans has received six bids ahead of the auction, the league’s social media handle confirmed on Monday.

The announcement was made via PSL’s social media accounts, revealing the total number of bidders for the franchise auction.

“The numbers are in. Six bids submitted for Multan Sultans,” the caption of the post read.

On 14 January 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally initiated the process to sell the ownership rights of the PSL franchise Multan Sultans, issuing an advertisement inviting interested parties to submit bids for the auction.

The PCB confirmed that bids are being sought for the franchise rights of the 2021 PSL champions. The deadline for submitting documents for the technical proposal was originally set for January 30 and was later moved forward.

The process began after the departure of Multan Sultans’ former owner, Ali Tareen, who announced in November that he was stepping away from the franchise.

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The reason for Tareen’s departure was strained relations with the PCB that had persisted for over a year, ultimately reaching a point of no return.

Subsequently, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board would assume control of the franchise upon expiry of the existing ownership agreement on December 31, 2025.

The initial plan was for the PCB to operate the team for a year before auctioning it in 2027.

However, strong valuations achieved in the recent auction are understood to have encouraged the PCB to proceed with the sale of Multan Sultans earlier than planned.

The landmark auction, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre last month, saw FKS Group and OZ Developers acquire the newly added franchises from Hyderabad and Sialkot for Rs1.75 billion and Rs1.85 billion, respectively, expanding the PSL to eight teams from season 11.

For the unversed, the PSL 11 is set to kick off from 26 March with the auction to take place on 11 February.

READ: Lahore Qalandars’ David Wiese set to miss PSL 11

Lahore Qalandars on Monday confirmed that experienced all-rounder David Wiese will not take part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 due to unforeseen circumstances and important family commitments.

The franchise, in an official statement, said it fully respects Wiese’s decision to prioritise his family and expressed hope that the veteran will return in future editions of the league.

Wiese has been associated with Lahore Qalandars for the past seven seasons, building a strong bond with the franchise and its fanbase.

The South African-born all-rounder has played a key role in the Qalandars’ rise in the PSL, contributing with both bat and ball and also serving as a senior figure within the team’s leadership group.

The Qalandars highlighted Wiese’s calmness under pressure and his mentorship of younger players as major factors behind his long-standing importance to the side.

“David has been an integral part of the Lahore Qalandars family and our leadership group for many years. His contributions extend far beyond on-field performances,” Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana said.

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“We fully respect his decision to prioritise his family at this time and look forward to welcoming him back in the coming seasons,” he added.

David Wiese, while sharing his sentiments, described his time with Lahore Qalandars as more than just cricket and thanked the franchise and supporters for their love over the years.

“Being part of Lahore Qalandars has been more than just cricket; it’s been a family,” Wiese said.

“The brotherhood within the team, the positive and supportive environment, and the passion everyone brings every day make this franchise truly special,” he added.

The all-rounder also said the respect he received from the Qalandars camp and fans, including being affectionately called ‘Murshad,’ is something he will always cherish, while reaffirming his intention to return in the coming seasons.

“I’m proud to have been part of a group that values teamwork, growth, and the spirit of the game, and I look forward to returning and contributing to the team’s journey in the seasons ahead,” Wiese concluded.

READ: Shahid Afridi comments on Pakistan’s boycott of India in T20 World Cup