Category: Top Picks

Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Brisbane Heat has lauded Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi for his standout all-round performances in the ongoing ACC Asia Cup 2025.

Shaheen has made a strong impact with both bat and ball in recent outings. Against India, he smashed a quickfire 33 off just 16 deliveries, including four sixes, at a strike rate of 206.25. Although wicketless on that occasion, his cameo kept Pakistan in contention in what turned out to be a low-scoring defeat.

In Pakistan’s must-win clash against the UAE, he once again rose to the occasion. Coming in during a collapse, he struck 29 off 14 balls with three boundaries and two sixes, lifting Pakistan to 146/9 in 20 overs.

With the ball, he followed it up with a decisive spell of 2/16 in three overs, helping bowl UAE out for 105 and sealing Pakistan’s place in the Super Four.

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Impressed by his all-round display, Brisbane Heat took to social media to applaud their upcoming recruit, posting: “The Eagle! A true all-rounder performance on the big stage. #AsiaCup” alongside a photo of Shaheen.

Shaheen was the first overall pick in the BBL player draft on June 19 and will represent Brisbane Heat in the 15th edition of the tournament later this year.

The draft saw six of the eight franchises target Pakistan players, with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan snapped up third in the platinum category, while England’s Luke Wood went second.

This marks Shaheen’s maiden BBL stint, though he is no stranger to franchise cricket, having previously featured in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), ILT20, and The Hundred.

The 2025–26 BBL season will run from December 14 to January 25, 2026, featuring 44 matches.

READ: Son bags first MLS hat-trick as LAFC beat Real Salt Lake

Son Heung-min scored his first Major League Soccer (MLS) hat-trick to propel Los Angeles FC (LAFC) to a 4-1 victory over Real Salt Lake in Utah on Wednesday and continue his spectacular start to life in the United States.

South Korea’s Son, the former Tottenham captain who signed with LAFC in August for a reported MLS record $26 million, struck twice in the first half and again in the second.

A former English Premier League golden boot winner, Son has had an instant impact in America after a decade at Tottenham, scoring five goals in six MLS matches.

Denis Bouanga got the fourth to become the all-time leading scorer for LAFC, who moved into fourth place in the Western Conference, two points above Seattle Sounders.

Diego Luna came close to firing Real Salt Lake ahead in the second minute when he charged on to a cross in the penalty area, but his left-footed shot went wide.

Just a minute later, Son punished the miss by putting the visitors in front.

Timothy Tillman intercepted in midfield and threaded a short pass to Son, who raced alone toward the box and unleashed a shot past the advancing Salt Lake keeper, Rafael.

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Son doubled the advantage 13 minutes later with a long-range blast that ripped between defenders and past a diving Rafael.

LAFC’s French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who had also been Son’s teammate at Tottenham, produced a string of first-half saves to keep the Angelenos 2-0 up at the break.

Real Salt Lake’s Rwan Cruz missed a penalty in the 56th minute, his shot bouncing off the post and nearly tripping Lloris.

Xavier Gozo finally got Real on the board with a goal in the 76th.

Son responded with his third, slotting home a pass from Bouanga who got free after a counter-attack on the right.

Bouanga sealed the match in the 88th minute after another fast break.

Latching on to a pass from David Martinez, Bouanga scored his 94th goal for the club in all competitions to move ahead of Carlos Vela as LAFC’s all-time leading scorer.

READ: Messi, Inter Miami agree to extend contract beyond 2026: source

Inter Miami and Lionel Messi have agreed to extend the Argentine star’s contract to remain in Major League Soccer (MLS) beyond the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to a source close to the matter.

The contract extension would ensure that 38-year-old Messi remains active through next year’s FIFA showpiece hosted by the United States of America (USA), Canada, and Mexico.

An official announcement is expected to take place within the next two weeks, said the source contacted by AFP late Wednesday.

Lionel Messi, 38, joined Inter Miami during the 2023 season, and his contract runs through the end of the 2025 campaign.

This season, he ranks second in MLS with 20 goals in 21 league games and is tied for sixth with 11 assists. Last season, he also scored 20 goals (tied for second in the league) and provided 16 assists (tied for third).

In a total of 46 league games for Inter Miami, Messi has recorded 41 goals and 27 assists. Across all competitions, he has scored 54 goals in 62 games.

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An eight-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world player of the year, Messi played for Barcelona from 2004 to 2021 and for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from 2021 to 2023.

During his career, he was part of 10 league-title-winning teams in Spain and two in France, and he helped Barcelona secure the UEFA Champions League trophy four times.

Upon joining MLS, Messi immediately contributed to Inter Miami’s victory in the 2023 Leagues Cup.

The team also won the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the club with the best regular-season record, although they lost in the first round of the playoffs.

As of now, Inter Miami (with a record of 14 wins, 6 losses, and 7 draws for a total of 49 points) is in sixth place in the MLS Eastern Conference, entering a Saturday home match against DC United.

Messi is currently Inter Miami’s leading goal scorer, ranking second in MLS with 20 goals. He is also the club’s all-time leader with 62 goals and 29 assists since joining in 2023.

READ: Former Pakistan skipper questions Salman Ali Agha’s post-match comments

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has expressed surprise over the post-match remarks of national T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha following victory against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Asia Cup 2025.

After hours of uncertainty over whether the game would go ahead, Pakistan eventually took the field for their final group-stage clash and secured a commanding 41-run win to book their place in the Super Four.

Batting first, Pakistan managed 146-9 in 20 overs, courtesy of Fakhar Zaman’s half-century and a late rescue act from Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Zaman’s dismissal in the 14th over triggered a collapse, leaving Pakistan reeling at 110-7 in the 17th over.

But Shaheen’s unbeaten 29 off 14 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes, lifted the side to a competitive total, which the bowlers comfortably defended.

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While reflecting on the performance, Salman Ali Agha admitted in the post-match presentation that Pakistan’s batting remains a work in progress, particularly in the middle overs.

“We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern and something we need to work on,” Agha said.

“Apart from that, we did a good job. We haven’t batted at our best yet. We’re still just finding our way to 150. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition.”

However, Misbah-ul-Haq offered a contrasting view, pointing out that Pakistan’s struggles often start right at the top rather than in the middle phase of the innings.

“It was very surprising to hear Agha say the problem lies in the middle overs. For me, our issues begin from the start,” Misbah said in an interview with a local sports platform.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

“Almost every game we lose our first two wickets early, so we’re effectively two down before the innings even settles.”

He further explained that this early collapse leaves Pakistan exposed once spinners come into the attack.

“In these conditions, once the circle opens up and spinners operate, scoring becomes tricky. If you’re already 0–2, then you’re going nowhere,” he added.

Pakistan, having sealed their spot in the Super Four, will now meet arch-rivals India in a high-voltage Asia Cup encounter on Sunday at the same venue.

READ: Saim Ayub equals Shahid Afridi’s unwanted T20I record

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured yet another nightmare outing at the Asia Cup 2025, falling for a two-ball duck against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The 24-year-old left-hander, who had already registered golden ducks against Oman and India earlier in the tournament, was dismissed in identical fashion to his previous failures.

Facing Junaid Siddique in the opening over, Ayub attempted to cut a short and wide delivery but could only find Muhammad Rohid at deep third, leaving Pakistan rocked early in their must-win clash.

This dismissal carried a grim milestone. It marked Ayub’s eighth duck in T20 internationals, placing him level with former captain and iconic all-rounder Shahid Afridi on Pakistan’s all-time list of most ducks in the format.

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Umar Akmal tops the chart with 10, while Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, and Kamran Akmal are tied on seven.

Most T20I Ducks for Pakistan:

• Umar Akmal – 10 in 84 matches
• Shahid Afridi – 8 in 98 matches
• Saim Ayub – 8 in 44 matches
• Kamran Akmal – 7 in 58 matches
• Mohammad Hafeez – 7 in 119 matches
• Babar Azam – 7 in 128 matches

Adding to the unwanted tally, Ayub also became the 62nd batter in men’s T20I history to record three consecutive ducks.

He joins compatriots Mohammad Hafeez and Abdullah Shafique in this category, with Abdullah holding the dubious record of four in a row.

READ: Harry Kane doubles up as Bayern Munich sink Chelsea in Champions League

Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich beat Chelsea 3-1 at home in their Champions League opener on Wednesday.

Michael Olise pressured Trevoh Chalobah into an own goal with 20 minutes gone, before Kane won and converted a penalty seven minutes later.

Cole Palmer finished off a superb team counter-attack just two minutes later to bring Chelsea back into the game.

But Kane stepped up again midway through the second half to wrestle control back Bayern’s way.

“It was a top performance against a really good side,” Kane told DAZN.

“We spoke before the game that we’re playing the club world champions, and we had to be on it from the start, and we were.”

England captain Kane says facing Premier League sides gives him extra motivation to “play better”, and Chelsea were on the receiving end as he climbed up to 10 goals in just six games this season.

Asked if Kane’s goalscoring exploits made him the best in the world, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said: “We can talk about talent and quality, but it’s the hard work that gets him to where he is.

“Based on what I experienced in the best years of my career, that’s a non-negotiable.”

Kompany was, however, eager to pump the brakes on suggestions that six-time champions Bayern were favourites for the competition.

“It’s one game. Steady on now. It’s just the beginning.”

Bayern captain Manuel Neuer, the last survivor from the 2012 Champions League final between the sides, won by Chelsea at the same venue, brought up his 100th win in the competition.

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He now trails just Cristiano Ronaldo, Thomas Mueller, and Iker Casillas.

Bayern have now won their past 22 Champions League openers dating back to a 2002 loss to Spain’s Deportivo La Coruna.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said his side “cannot commit mistakes the way we did,” but added, “we can build something special from this defeat.

“There are seven more games and many more points to get.”

Maresca restored Palmer and three others to the starting line-up, having copped criticism for resting players in Saturday’s limp 2-2 draw at Brentford.

Bayern had won five from five to start the season but were caught off guard early by the visitors’ intensity, with Chelsea pinning the hosts back.

Bayern caught their breath and created some pressure of their own before breaking through when Chalobah failed to deal with an Olise cross, turning it into his own goal.

The hosts were soon two up as Kane struck from the spot.

Moises Caicedo gave away the penalty with an awkward tackle in the box, but helped Chelsea hit back immediately, playing a clever one-two on the break, allowing Palmer to slam home.

Bayern came to life 10 minutes into the second half, with Konrad Laimer, Kane, and Olise all having efforts saved in quick succession.

Kane padded Bayern’s advantage shortly after, pouncing on a poor Malo Gusto pass before sliding the ball into the far corner.

The 32-year-old was taken off to a standing ovation in stoppage time, with Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson coming off the bench to make his Champions League debut against his parent club.

READ: Confident Salman eyes India clash after win over UAE

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha vowed to improve middle-overs batting, stating that his side is ready for the India clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 Super fours.

Set 147-run target, UAE crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 105 in 17.4 overs.

Despite restricting Pakistan to a low total, UAE batters failed to take advantage.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets each.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Salman emphasized the middle overs, highlighting them as a concern.

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“We got the job done, but we still need to improve our batting in the middle order. That’s been a concern and something we need to work on,” he said.

The 31-year-old praised Shaheen Afridi, who played a crucial role with an all-around performance.

“Apart from that, we did a good job. We haven’t batted at our best yet…we’re still just finding our way to 150. If we bat well in the middle overs, we can push it to 170 no matter the opposition. Shaheen’s batting has improved a lot–he’s already great with the ball,” he remarked.

Regarding the India clash, the skipper mentioned Pakistan’s performance in the past few months, stressing on

“Saim is someone who has been bringing us back into games and I hope he can continue like this till the end. We’re ready for any challenge and if we keep playing the way we have over the last four months, we’ll be good against any side,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

READ: ‘Pakistan’s honour preserved’, says Mohsin Naqvi following Pycroft’s apology

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday said that the ‘nation’s honour is preserved’ after Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft apologised to Pakistan cricket team manager and captain.

Addressing the media in a press conference alongside former PCB chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, Naqvi emphasized that cricket must remain free from politics, stressing that the game should not be turned into a political platform.

“Our focus should be on cricket, not politics. Sports and politics cannot go hand in hand; let’s keep cricket as a sport only,” Naqvi said.

“I consulted with former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja regarding the situation. Thank God, Pakistan’s honour has been preserved, and now we expect the team to perform at their best,” he added.

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Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi echoed Naqvi’s views, stating that cricket has won.

“Our stance has always been that politics should not interfere in sports. This has been our clear position from the start. Cricket has won, and we must continue the game. We accepted the apology in the spirit of sportsmanship.”

Ramiz Raja, meanwhile, called it a victory for Pakistan, stressing on team performance.

“This is a victory for Pakistan. Whatever emotions were hurt, the focus now must be on team performance. Cricket should remain cricket, not a political platform. Now everyone’s attention should be on cricket; the team must deliver on the field,” Raja stated.

For context, match referee Andy Pycroft apologised before the toss of Pakistan-UAE to the Pakistan cricket team’s manager and captain after the recent handshake row.

Acknowledging the incident of 14 September, Pycroft termed it a “miscommunication” and expressed regret over the matter.

Pycroft had previously instructed both captains not to shake hands during the high-profile India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, a move that sparked outrage from the PCB.

READ: Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, manager: PCB

DUBAI: Fakhar Zaman’s brisk half-century and a dominant bowling performance propelled Pakistan to the super fours, setting up another India clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Pakistan will face India in the Super Fours on Sunday, September 21, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Set 147-run target, UAE crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 150 in 17.4 overs.

Despite restricting Pakistan to a low total, UAE batters failed to take advantage. Alishan Sharafu and Mohammad Waseem added 21 for the first wicket before the former was castled by Shaheen on the score of 12.

Waseem followed him after making 14 from 15, whereas Saim bamboozled Muhammad Zohaib for four, which left UAE reeling at 37-3 in 5.3 overs.

Following the early wickets, Dhruv Parashar and Rahul Chopra forged a stand of 48 runs. However, the pair took 51 balls for their partnership, and with the required rate creeping up, the hosts slumped and lost wickets in a heave.

Chopra remained the highest scorer, making 35 runs with the aid of a four and a six.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf bagged two wickets each.

Earlier, Simranjeet Singh and Junaid Siddique combined to rattle Pakistan’s batting lineup, not before Shaheen Afridi’s lusty blows, which took them to a competitive total

UAE capitalized on the decision to bowl first as their bowlers displayed a commendable performance, limiting Pakistan to a modest 146-9 in 20 overs.

For Pakistan, it was a miserable start as Saim Ayub fell for his third consecutive and fifth duck in eight innings. Sahibzada Farhan followed him in the third over after managing to score five from 12 deliveries.

After Green Shirts were reduced to 9-2 in 2.4 overs, Fakhar Zaman and skipper Salman Ali Agha launched a brief recovery with a 61-run partnership.

The duo managed to take Pakistan out of trouble as the scorecard read 70 in 11 overs. However, the stand culminated as Salman Ali Agha’s sluggish knock ended, courtesy of a brilliant catch in the covers. He made 20 off 27 with the help of two fours.

The wicket gave UAE an opening, and the hosts penetrated through the middle order with quick strikes. Fakhar Zaman departed after scoring 50 off 36 balls, striking three maximums and two fours.

The wicket sparked a mini collapse until Shaheen Afridi’s cameo (29 off 14 balls), which took Pakistan to a respectable total.

For UAE, Junaid Siddique – who made early inroads with the new ball, remained the standout bowler with four wickets in his four overs. Simranjeet Singh was excellent as well with three scalps to his name in four overs.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed

UAE XI: Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (capt), Asif Khan,  Muhammad Zohaib, Harshit Kaushik, Rahul Chopra (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali,  Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh,  Junaid Siddique

READ: Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, manager: PCB

DUBAI: UAE have the won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in the crucial encounter of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed

UAE XI: Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (capt), Asif Khan,  Muhammad Zohaib, Harshit Kaushik, Rahul Chopra (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali,  Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh,  Junaid Siddique

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Pakistan and the UAE have faced each other twice in the T20I format. Pakistan emerged victorious on both occasions.

Matches 2, Pakistan 2, UAE  0

READ: Javelin ace Arshad books spot in World Athletics Championships final