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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the fourth qualified bidder for the auction of two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams ahead of season 11.

The development was shared through the PSL’s official social media platforms, where Jazz was confirmed as the fourth bidder to clear the qualification process.

The auction becomes more exciting 🔥@jazzpk confirmed as Bidder #4⃣ out of 🔟 for the HBL PSL Teams Auction.
🗓️ 8 January 2026#HBLPSL | #NewEra pic.twitter.com/WJFSsVbRgN

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 6, 2026

The telecom giant, Jazz, joins Inverex Solar Energy, OZ Group of Companies and VGO TEL Mobile, who were previously revealed as the first three qualified bidders for the PSL auction.

The much-anticipated auction for the two new teams is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

The upcoming edition of the PSL is set to be held from March 26 to May 3.

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As part of the league’s expansion from six to eight teams, the PCB has been conducting technical and financial evaluations of proposals submitted by interested groups.

The process aims to ensure long-term stability and commercial strength as the league enters a new phase.

Successful bidders will also be granted the right to select a home city from a PCB-approved list, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.

Adding further significance to the event, legendary former Pakistan captain and brand ambassador for PSL 11, Wasim Akram, will oversee the auction proceedings.

READ: PCB reveals first three qualified bidders for PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday took another step towards expanding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by unveiling the first three qualified bidders for the auction of two new teams ahead of season 11.

The board confirmed the development through a series of announcements on the league’s official social media platforms, revealing three names from a pool of ten parties that have cleared the initial qualification process.

Inverex Solar Energy were announced as the first qualified bidder, followed by OZ Group of Companies and VGO TEL Mobile.

The much-anticipated auction for the two new teams is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

The upcoming edition of the PSL is set to be held from March 26 to May 3.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As part of the league’s expansion from six to eight teams, the PCB has been conducting technical and financial evaluations of proposals submitted by interested groups.

The process aims to ensure long-term stability and commercial strength as the league enters a new phase.

Successful bidders will also be granted the right to select a home city from a PCB-approved list, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.

Adding further significance to the event, legendary former Pakistan captain and brand ambassador for PSL 11, Wasim Akram, will oversee the auction proceedings.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

Players at this month’s Australian Open will be competing for a record prize money, with organisers on Tuesday announcing a 16 percent increase in the total purse to Aus$111.5 million (US$75 million).

The winners of the men’s and women’s singles at the first Grand Slam of the year will each take home Aus$4.15 million (US$2.79 million), up 19 percent from last year’s Aus$3.5 million.

Players beaten in the opening round will get Aus$150,000 (US$100,750), while even those knocked out in the first round of qualifying receive Aus$40,500 (US$27,200).

Tournament director Craig Tiley said it reflected Tennis Australia’s commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level, from rising stars to Grand Slam champions.

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“From boosting qualifying prize money by 55 percent since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors,” he said.

“By supporting players at all levels, we’re building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans.”

The tournament gets underway at Melbourne Park on January 18, with Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys defending their titles.

READ: Manchester City’s Gvardiol to undergo surgery on broken leg

Manchester City have confirmed defender Josko Gvardiol suffered a broken leg in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

Gvardiol was one of two City centre-backs who went off injured in the second half, along with Ruben Dias, before Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time equaliser for the visitors.

The draw left second-placed City six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

“The defender will have surgery later this week, and assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis,” Manchester City said in a statement issued on Monday.

Before the extent of Croatia international Gvardiol’s injury was confirmed, City manager Pep Guardiola said it “doesn’t look good” for either player.

The extent of Dias’ injury has yet to be made public. Their absences add to City’s problems in defence, with John Stones out for the past month with a thigh injury and Rayan Ait-Nouri away with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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City midfielder Nico Gonzalez also missed the Chelsea game, and Guardiola is also without Savinho, Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovacic and Omar Marmoush for Wednesday’s clash at home to Brighton.

Better news for Manchester City came with the return of Rodri, who played the full 90 minutes against Chelsea in what was his first start since October.

The influential midfielder suffered several setbacks, the latest a hamstring problem, while attempting to recover from the severe knee injury that ruled him out for much of last season.

“It’s been a terrible, terrible time for me,” said the Spain international. “Everything that comes right now is a gift, every minute that I’ve been on the pitch, it’s a joy for me.

“Thank you to God for giving me this second opportunity to enjoy my profession and recover my smile.”

READ: Mohamed Salah seals AFCON last-16 victory for Egypt over brave Benin

Captain Mohamed Salah scored after 124 minutes to clinch a 3-1 extra-time victory for Egypt over plucky minnows Benin in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 thriller in Agadir on Monday.

Marwan Attia put the Pharaohs ahead in the second half, and Jodel Dossou equalised for the Cheetahs, who are 58 places below the record seven-time AFCON champions in the world rankings.

Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt back in front in the first half of extra time, then Salah broke clear and beat goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou with a shot from outside the area for his 10th AFCON goal.

Salah, whose goals have helped Liverpool win many trophies, is seeking a first AFCON winners’ medal, having twice been a runner-up.

Record seven-time champions Egypt stay in Agadir to face title-holders Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso on Saturday in the quarter-finals.

Egypt changed 10 of the team that drew with Angola in their final group match seven days ago, with only midfielder Ibrahim Adel retained.

Benin lacked captain and former Premier League striker Mounie, who had not recovered from an undisclosed illness.

Egypt had a great chance to go in front after only eight minutes through Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush.

He darted forward from the Egyptian half, gained possession and stayed ahead of two pursuing defenders only to be foiled by Dandjinou, who blocked the ball with his legs, then grasped it.

A collision between Hamdy and Rodolfo Aloko led to a long delay, which ended with the Egyptian being carried off the field. Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh took his place in midfield.

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An incident deep in added time illustrated how wary Benin were of Salah. When the captain gained possession just outside the box, he was immediately surrounded by three opponents.

Dandjinou rescued Benin 10 minutes into the second half when he bravely parried a close-range shot from Ramy Rabia after the ball ran loose to the defender following a corner.

As the match passed the hour mark, it began to open up. A Salah attempt to chip the ball into the net was foiled by leaping Dandjinou.

Then, a parry from 37-year-old Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy prevented substitute Dossou from giving Benin a shock lead.

Attia ended the goalless stalemate when Marmoush pushed the ball back to the midfielder and, from just outside the box, he side-footed it into the roof of the net.

Benin refused to accept defeat, though, and continued to attack, levelling on 83 minutes through 33-year-old Dossou.

El Shenawy did superbly to palm a Mohamed Tijani cross away from his goal, but the ball fell invitingly for Dossou, and he pushed it into the net.

Egypt regained the lead seven minutes into extra time, and this time Attia was the creator. He crossed after a short corner, and a looping Ibrahim header evaded Dandjinou and landed in the net.

Salah then put the outcome beyond doubt with his third goal of the tournament.

READ: Shaheen Afridi starts rehab at NCA ahead of T20 World Cup: reports

LAHORE: Ace pacer Shaheen Afridi has started his rehabilitation programme here at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after suffering a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Shaheen was ruled out of BBL 15 after a knee injury sustained on Saturday, 27 December, during Brisbane Heat’s clash against Adelaide Strikers.

The left-arm pacer limped off while pointing to his right knee during the 14th over.

Eventually, he was ruled out and thanked fans for supporting him through his short stint.

“I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support,” he wrote on his X post.

“Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the fields soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”

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According to reports, Afridi’s rehabilitation programme will also include regular assessments to monitor his recovery and ensure he regains full fitness ahead of the mega event.

For those unaware, Shaheen, along with Babar Azam, was not included in the squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka due to their commitment to the BBL 15.

It is pertinent to mention that the severity of Shaheen’s injury could potentially hinder his participation in the T20 World Cup 2026, which will commence on 7 February.

Earlier today, Brisbane Heat announced pacer Zaman Khan as Shaheen’s replacement.

The 24-year-old right-arm pacer has received clearance from the BBL Technical Committee and is set to be available for the Heat’s fixture against Sydney Thunder at the Gabba on Saturday.

The match will see Zaman come up against his former franchise, having previously represented the Thunder during BBL 13.

Known for his distinctive slingy action and effectiveness at the death, Zaman featured in four matches for Sydney Thunder, claiming eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.38.

Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha expressed confidence that Zaman’s inclusion would add a cutting edge to the bowling unit as the tournament reaches a crucial phase.

“He’s a genuine wicket-taker up front, but he can also control an over with his variations and pace,” Botha said.

“He complements our attack nicely and gives us additional options in the key bowling periods. Zaman was a handful when he first came on the scene and has continued to evolve his game,” he concluded.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

DUBAI: Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been fined 10 per cent of match fee during the International League T20 (ILT20) final played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on January 4.

According to a press release on the ILT20 website, Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the final between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates.

The article relates to the use of language, actions, or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal.

“Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to the use of language, actions or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal,” the press release stated.

 

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A post shared by International League T20 (@ilt20official)

The incident happened during the 11th over of the match when Naseem bowled a delivery that Pollard defended.

Naseem picked up the ball and smiled at Pollard, who responded aggressively, prompting a verbal exchange between the two players.

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Pollard appeared visibly angry while exchanging words with the right-handed pacer.

The umpires, along with Vipers batter Jason Roy, intervened to break up the confrontation. Naseem was also seen firing back, leaving both players visibly upset.

However, Naseem got his revenge in the first delivery of the 16th over, dismissing Pollard, who had scored a run-a-ball 28.

The sanction was imposed by Match Referee Simon Taufel.

Nonetheless, Desert Vipers clinched their maiden ILT20 title after skittling MI Emirates for 136 in 18.3 overs.

Naseem Shah starred with the ball as he picked three wickets in his quota of four overs.

Earlier, put into bat first, Desert Vipers managed to score 182-4 in their 20 overs, courtesy of skipper Tom Curran’s 74 from 51 balls that not only lifted them out of trouble but helped them set a winning total.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

SYLHET: Adam Rossington’s 58 from 41 and Hasan Nawaz’s 46 off 38 lifted Chattogram Royals to a competitive total against Rangpur Riders in the 14th fixture of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-2026.

Put into bat first, Royals racked up 169 for 5 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

The opening wicket partnership added 22 in 3.4 overs before Mustafizur Rahman trapped Mohammad Naim lbw for 16.

Meanwhile, Rossington, fresh from a half-century in the previous outing, continued his fine form. The right-handed batter first added 26 with Mahmudul Hasan Joy for the second wicket, which brought the score to 48 in 5.5 overs.

Joy stay was cut short as he made 12 from seven balls.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

However, the highlight of the Royal innings was Hasan Nawaz’s and Adam Rossington’s partnership of 82 runs for the third wicket.

The pair batted briskly and propelled the score to 130 in 16 overs.

With the Royals cruising towards a big total, Rangpur Riders managed to hold things back with three wickets in quick succession.

Rossington, Hasan, who played his first game of the tournament after representing Desert Vipers inthe ILT20 final yesterday, and Asif Ali (1) were removed in a span of three overs.

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As a result, the Royals slumped to 136-5 from 130-2 before Aamer Jamal and the skipper’s vital runs took their score to over the 150-run mark.

For Rangpur Riders, Mustafizur Rahman and Akif Javed remained the pick of bowlers as they took two apiece.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has lavished high praise on off-spinner Usman Tariq, calling him Pakistan’s surprise package for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The mega event will be played from 7 February to 8 March in Sri Lanka and India.

Wasim, who was part of the commentary panel in the recently concluded International League T20 (ILT20), praised Usman’s bowling skills.

“He is a wonderful bowler, and I hope Pakistan use him in the T20 World Cup because nobody has played against him,” Akram said.

He also recalled how Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis burst onto the scene in 2008 when batters had no idea what he was doing.

“If you remember, Sri Lanka’s Ajanta Mendis came in 2008,  nobody had a clue what he was doing.”

“If the selectors are monitoring him, he could be very useful on Sri Lankan wickets,” he said.

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For the unversed, Usman Tariq, who has so far played two T20Is for Pakistan, has made headlines for his unconventional bowling action.

He was roped in as a replacement for Afghanistan’s Noor Ahme,d and he made an immediate impact with the ball during the business end of the tournament.

Usman was instrumental in Desert Vipers’ qualification for the final, scalping 3 wickets in the Qualifier.

His spell also included the notable wicket of Tom Banton, who pointed out Tariq’s action after getting dismissed.

Nevertheless, Usman Tariq backed his Qualifier performance in the final with a clinical four-over spell, snaring two wickets while giving away only 20.

READ: Babar Azam’s Sixers edge past Heat in low-scoring thriller

Top seed Daniil Medvedev cruised into the second round of the Brisbane International on Monday, while defending champion Jiri Lehecka outlasted fellow Czech Tomas Machac over three sets.

World number 13 Medvedev looked in ominous form as he demolished Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-3 in just 69 minutes in the warm-up tournament for the Australian Open, which begins on January 18.

“Sometimes you can play well and lose, but I know that also when I play well, I win a lot of matches,” said the Russian Medvedev.

“So I’m happy to play well today and to win the match,” added Medvedev, who next plays American Frances Tiafoe.

Lehecka, the third seed, saw off Machac 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in almost two-and-a-half hours.

The 24-year-old has won two tournaments in his career, both in Australia.

“The weather and the court conditions here are things that I look forward to,” he said.

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“There’s no better place to start the season than here.

“It was a great match — I think the level was high for a first match of the season for both of us, so I’m super happy for the win.”

Lehecka now plays American Sebastian Korda, who beat Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 7-6 (7/1), 6-3.

Alex Michelsen survived a tough battle against Australian qualifier James Duckworth 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 and will next face fellow American Learner Tien.

In the women’s draw, qualifying lucky loser Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan beat American Hailey Baptiste 6-2, 6-4 to set up a second-round clash with Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk.

Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai, 36, turned back the clock when she beat Ashlyn Krueger of the US 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

She will now face former champion and world number five Elena Rybakina.

READ: Babar Azam’s Sixers edge past Heat in low-scoring thriller