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Bruno Fernandes has revealed he rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in favour of pursuing his Manchester United dreams.

United captain Fernandes is set to make his 300th appearance for the club in Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton at Old Trafford.

United have struggled for much of Fernandes’ time in Manchester, and last season they finished 15th — which ranked as the club’s worst final top-flight position since 1973-74.

They also lost the Europa League final against fellow strugglers Tottenham to shatter their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Fernandes was offered an escape route during the close-season when Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal reportedly expressed interest.

But he spurned the move to focus on unfinished business with the 20-time English champions, who last won the title in 2013.

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“We always say we have an offer from Saudi because obviously, wherever I have to go, they have to come. They can choose not, but I’d prefer them to come,” he said in reference to wife Ana and his family.

“And obviously the first thing she said was ‘have you achieved everything you wanted to achieve at the club?’ Because she knows that I haven’t.”

Fernandes has sometimes been criticised for an overly emotional attitude on the pitch, with team-mates subjected to frustrated tirades.

But United boss Ruben Amorim accepts the Portugal midfielder’s fiery personality is part of his burning desire to win the Premier League and Champions League.

“The manager spoke with me,” Fernandes said. “He said I was still part of the project. He wanted me to stay. The club said the same.

“I always said that if the club was like ‘Bruno, we want to cash in, we want to make some money, we don’t think you can be part of the future project’ or whatever, I would be like ‘OK, I have to find a solution for myself, whatever is best for me and my family, and I will leave’.

“But obviously that wasn’t the case. I felt that I was still part of the plan, that I could still help the club to achieve whatever was our aims.”

Fernandes has a contract until 2027, with the option of a further year.

And the 31-year-old has no intention of discussing his future with anyone until after the World Cup next year.

“As I’ve always said, I feel good here,” he said. “I want to achieve my dreams still. But obviously I can’t talk by the side of the club.

“I’ve seen a lot of news. I’ve seen a lot of people talking that I had an agreement to go already next season. If the club has done that agreement, it wasn’t made with me, so I haven’t spoken with anyone.

“My agent also knows how I work, so if he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Because until then, I won’t speak to anyone.”

READ: Maxwell returns as Australia ring changes for final ODI, T20Is against India

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced Test skipper Shan Masood as the Consultant for International Cricket and Players’ Affairs.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi made the announcement during a dinner at the Prime Minister’s house.

The decision came after the board had advertised for the Director of International Cricket Operations following Usman Wahla’s stepping down from the role.

Usman Wahla was appointed as the Director in May 2023 after Zakir Khan, whose contract expired on April 3, 2023.

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As per the PCB’s advertisement, the director’s role involves numerous responsibilities, including planning and organizing international cricket events and preparing and finalizing MOUs for home and overseas tours of Pakistan’s national, Shaheens, U-19, U-16, and emerging teams.

“The role also involves preparing for ICC meetings on cricket-related matters and developing logistics and tournament budgets. The director will oversee negotiations, contract execution, and itinerary planning for FTP tours and all formats of matches,” the advertisement read.

Till now, Shan Masood has played 44 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 19 T20Is for Pakistan, having made his international debut against South Africa in 2013.

Overall, he has captained Pakistan in 14 matches so far, winning only four and losing 10. His most recent stint as skipper came against South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

READ: Maxwell returns as Australia ring changes for final ODI, T20Is against India

Australia have tweaked its squads ahead of the final One Day International (ODI) and T20I series against India, with star batter Glenn Maxwell returning to the shorter format after recovering from a wrist injury.

Among the notable inclusions, all-rounder Jack Edwards has earned his maiden call-up to the national side for the final ODI in Sydney, as the home side eyes a clean sweep over India.

Besides Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis is also named in the T20I squad, whereas emerging pacer Mahli Beardman is also drafted in for the five-match series.

Maxwell, who suffered a wrist injury while bowling in the nets before New Zealand T20Is last month, is set to feature in the final three matches of the T20I series.

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The changes were confirmed by Cricket Australia (CA) on Friday, with an eye on Ashes preparations.

From the ODI squad, Marnus Labuschagne has been released to play Domestic cricket. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott will also miss the final matches of the T20I series to play in the Sheffield Shield.

Hazlewood will take part in just the first two T20I matches, while Abbott, currently recovering from a split webbing injury in his hand, will exit the squad after the third T20I hosted in Hobart.

The first T20I between both sides will begin on October 29 at Manuka Oval, Canberra.

Australia ODI squad for the third ODI vs India

Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Australia T20I squad vs India

Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott (first three matches only), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman (last three matches only), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (last two matches only), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (first two matches only), Glenn Maxwell (last three matches only), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

READ: PCB draws up backup plan amid rift with Multan Sultans ownership: reports

Arne Slot said Friday the “last thing” he is worried about is Mohamed Salah finding his scoring touch again after the Liverpool forward’s barren run for the club extended to six games.

The Egypt international has not scored a Premier League goal from open play since the opening weekend of the season and was dropped from the starting line-up for Liverpool’s 5-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League in midweek.

He was also substituted late in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield last week after missing two big chances, even as the home team desperately chased an equaliser.

Liverpool manager Slot, whose team face Brentford on Saturday, said he did not know why Salah, who won the Premier League Golden Boot last season, was struggling.

“In general, in football, players miss chances, and Mo is a human being as well,” he said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“So we’re not used to him missing chances, let alone a few games in a row, but these things can happen.”

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But the Dutchman said he was confident that Salah, who has scored just two Premier League goals in eight matches this season, would re-discover his cutting edge.

“The last thing I worry about is Mo starting to score goals again,” he said.

“Because that’s what he’s done his whole life, and that’s what I expect him to do in the upcoming weeks and months for our club as well.”

Liverpool romped to the Premier League title last season and then splashed out around £450 million ($600 million) on new players in the summer transfer window.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid combined with injuries has resulted in a number of different players being used at right-back, including midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.

Slot admitted his team were taking time to adjust, including 33-year-old Salah, who plays on the right of Liverpool’s attack.

“He’s been in promising positions often enough for him to score goals, but maybe with Trent even more, I don’t know,” he said.

“But I think in general, for every player, if you have quite a few changes in your squad during the summer, then everyone needs to find new connections again, and that goes normally like this a little bit.

“Mo is not an exception to this.”

Liverpool, who started the season with seven straight wins in all competitions, have lost their past three matches in the Premier League and are fourth in the table, four points behind leaders Arsenal.

Jeremie Frimpong and goalkeeper Alisson Becker are out of the Brentford match with hamstring injuries, while Slot is awaiting updates on Alexander Isak, who sustained a groin problem in midweek, and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

READ: PCB draws up backup plan amid rift with Multan Sultans ownership: reports

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly created a backup plan for the potential termination of the Multan Sultans franchise due to ongoing tensions with the franchise owner, Ali Tareen.

According to sources, the PCB has initiated contact with one to two potential investors who have expressed interest in acquiring the Multan Sultans franchise, should the current ownership situation deteriorate further.

“If matters are not settled with the existing management, the franchise could be sold to a new owner,” insiders revealed.

The board, however, is reported to be moving forward with great deliberation.

Officials have stressed that no action will be taken near the league’s valuation process, as the PCB wants to avoid any disruption that could affect the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) credibility.

Relations between the PCB and the Multan Sultans management have reportedly soured over several issues in recent months.

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The latest flashpoint came when the board issued a legal notice to Ali Tareen for allegedly violating the PSL code of conduct and franchise agreement.

The notice warned of potential termination of the franchise and blacklisting of Tareen from future league involvement.

In response, Tareen released a sarcastic “apology” video on his social media platforms, mocking the PCB’s handling of the situation while publicly tearing up the legal notice.

“I didn’t receive a single call, message, or invitation to resolve this matter,” Tareen said in the video. “Instead, I was served a legal notice. If you were more competent, you’d know these matters aren’t handled this way.”

Although Tareen’s video was framed as an apology, it was filled with biting irony. The video concluded dramatically with Tareen tearing the legal notice in half, stating, “So, I hope you like my apology video.”

READ: South Africa T20I squad reaches Rawalpindi for Pakistan series

RAWALPINDI: The South Africa T20I squad has arrived here on Friday ahead of their three-match series against Pakistan, set to begin on October 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the team’s arrival through a video shared on its official social media channels, showing Proteas players checking into their hotel ahead of the series opener.

🛬 South Africa T20I team arrives in Pakistan ahead of the 3-match series starting 28 Oct in Rawalpindi 🏏#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/P5SGprRAU3

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 24, 2025

However, the visitors’ preparations have been dented by injuries to two key players, experienced batter David Miller and pacer Gerald Coetzee, both of whom have been ruled out of the white-ball series.

According to Cricket South Africa (CSA), Miller, who was slated to captain the side in the T20I series, sustained a grade one right hamstring strain. Scans conducted earlier this week confirmed the injury, forcing him to withdraw from the tour.

Meanwhile, Coetzee suffered a pectoral muscle injury during South Africa’s one-off T20I against Namibia earlier this month, ruling him out of both the ODI and T20I series.

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In response, CSA has made several changes to the touring party.

Matthew Breetzke and uncapped Tony de Zorzi have been drafted into the T20I squad, while Donovan Ferreira will lead the side in Miller’s absence.

Additionally, Ottneil Baartman has been named as Coetzee’s replacement in the ODI squad.

Following the Rawalpindi opener, the second and third T20Is will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 31 and November 1, respectively.

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The tour will then shift to Faisalabad, where both teams will contest a three-match ODI series from November 4 to 8 at the Iqbal Stadium, marking the city’s first international fixture in over 17 years.

Faisalabad last hosted an ODI on April 11, 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets.

Updated South Africa squads for Pakistan tour

T20I squad: Donovan Ferreira (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Matthew Breetzke, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

ODI squad: Matthew Breetzke (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

READ: Pakistan to don special kit in first T20I against South Africa

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan men’s cricket team will wear a special pink-themed kit in the opening T20I against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 28, as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) initiative to support breast cancer awareness.

The PCB announced that the entire stadium will “turn pink” for the occasion, with the initiative held in collaboration with Pink Ribbon Pakistan as part of the board’s corporate social responsibility programme.

“The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will turn pink on 28 October when Pakistan take on South Africa in the first T20I of the three-match series,” the PCB said in a statement.

“As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Pakistan Cricket Board is supporting Pink Ribbon Pakistan to create awareness about breast cancer.”

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The home side will sport specially designed pink-themed kits, while South Africa’s players and match officials will wear pink ribbons in solidarity.

Coaching staff, commentators, and broadcasters will also participate by wearing pink ribbons throughout the match.

To further amplify the message, pink-branded stumps will be used for the fixture, and awareness messages will be shared during the live broadcast.

In partnership with the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Trust Hospital located at Kalma Chowk, Lahore, visitors will be offered free clinical examinations and screenings on the same day.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said the campaign reflects cricket’s ability to inspire social change.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board takes immense pride in using the power and reach of cricket to create awareness about causes that affect our society,” he said.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

“Through the Pink Ribbon campaign, we aim to highlight the importance of early detection and regular screening for breast cancer, which can save countless lives.

“This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, and we are grateful to both teams, match officials, broadcasters and fans for joining hands in supporting this vital cause.”

Pink Ribbon CEO Umar Aftab also lauded the PCB’s efforts, calling the collaboration a significant step in raising national awareness.

“We are grateful to the Pakistan Cricket Board for supporting Pink Ribbon through this special cricket match,” he said.

“This collaboration aims to raise national awareness about breast cancer and highlight the importance of early detection.”

“Cricket unites our nation, and today, it’s uniting us for a life-saving cause.”

READ: Afghanistan fined for slow over-rate in Zimbabwe Test

DUBAI: Afghanistan have been fined 25 percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Harare, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Thursday.

The sanction was imposed by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees after Afghanistan were found to be five overs short of their target, even after taking allowances into account.

According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, players are fined five percent of their match fee for each over their side fails to bowl within the allotted time.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Adrian Holdstock and Nitin Menon, with Forster Mutizwa serving as third umpire and Percival Sizara as fourth.

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Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi accepted the sanction, which means no formal hearing was required.

The match itself ended on a high note for Zimbabwe, who recorded their first home Test victory in over a decade, their first since 2013, defeating Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs.

It was a comprehensive all-round display from the hosts, marking a memorable return to red-ball success.

Following the Test, the two sides will now turn their attention to the T20I series, with three matches scheduled at the same venue from October 29 to November 2.

Historically, Afghanistan have dominated Zimbabwe in the shortest format, winning 16 of their 18 encounters, while Zimbabwe have managed just two victories.

READ: Melbourne Renegades reveal ‘Rizwan v Babar Bay’ for Sydney Sixers clash

The Big Bash League (BBL) season 15 will embrace a distinctly Pakistani flavour as the Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers introduce fan zones to celebrate their superstar signings, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.

The Renegades have unveiled the ‘Rizwan v Babar Bay’ at Marvel Stadium ahead of their New Year’s Day clash against the Sixers, marking one of the most anticipated fixtures of BBL 15.

The franchise announced the initiative through its social media platforms, captioning the post: “Kicking 2026 off with a bang! Two icons. One bay. An electric atmosphere. Don’t miss it!”

 

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Meanwhile, the Sixers have launched “Babaristan,” a special fan zone dedicated to former Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

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The franchise made the announcement across its social media platforms with the caption, “Introducing Babaristan — A Fan Zone Like No Other,” sparking excitement among cricket fans both in Australia and Pakistan.

 

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“We’re celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan — a brand-new Sixers fan zone dedicated to welcoming one of the world’s greatest cricketers, Babar Azam,” the franchise said in its official statement.

Fans will get their first glimpse of Babaristan when the Sixers open their campaign against the Adelaide Strikers on December 17.

The BBL’s 15th edition, running from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, will feature 44 matches, all scheduled in early-evening slots to attract maximum viewership.

The tournament kicks off with a blockbuster clash between two powerhouse sides, the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers, at Perth Stadium.

WATCH: Ali Tareen responds to PCB’s legal notice with apology video

Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has issued a sarcastic video “apology” after receiving a legal notice from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over alleged violations of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise agreement.

The PCB had accused Tareen of breaching several clauses of the 10-year contract and demanded a public apology and retraction of his statements, warning of possible termination of the franchise’s contract and his blacklisting from the league.

In a video shared on his social media accounts, Tareen acknowledged the notice but responded with biting irony, criticising the PCB’s management and communication approach while ostensibly complying with the demand for an apology.

He said the board never attempted to resolve the matter through direct discussion.

 

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A post shared by Ali Khan Tareen (@aslitareen)

“I didn’t receive a single call, message, email, or invitation to meet and sort things out,” Tareen remarked. “Instead, I was served a legal notice. If you were more competent, you’d know these matters aren’t handled this way.”

Ali Tareen accused the PCB’s management of being surrounded by “yes-men” and unable to take criticism.

“The PSL belongs to the fans and to all of Pakistan, not just a handful of people currently running it,” he added.

While stating that his legal team saw no reason to issue an apology, Tareen said he would still offer one “because I want the PSL to improve.”

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His apology, however, was laced with sarcasm as he reiterated earlier grievances about the league’s professionalism and management.

He “apologised” for criticising the PSL’s opening ceremony, mockingly praising the “amazing” lip-syncing performances and noting that expecting the event to “start and finish on time” or have “a working mic” might have been asking “too much.”

Tareen also referenced minor complaints cited in the notice, apologising for being ten minutes late to a Zoom meeting and for his remarks about the league’s logistics, sarcastically highlighting how “half of the team was in one hotel and the other half in another.”

The video concluded with Tareen tearing up the legal notice, marking a dramatic end to his “apology.” “So, I hope you like my apology video,” he said.

READ: India overwhelm New Zealand to book semi-final spot in Women’s World Cup