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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.

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“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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“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

NAVI MUMBAI: Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal’s sparkling centuries powered India to a comfortable win over New Zealand, sealing a semi-final spot for the hosts in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

After India’s win here at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on Thursday, New Zealand and Sri Lanka were eliminated from the mega-event.

Set 325 in 44 overs as per DLS method in a rain-affected encounter, the White Ferns could only manage 271-8.

After losing Suzie Bates in the second over, Brooke Halliday and Georgia Plimmer
added a 50-run stand for the second wicket.

Plimmer made 30 from 25 balls, striking five fours, while Amelia Kerr scored 45 from 53 deliveries with the aid of four boundaries.

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However, India made a roaring comeback, removing set Plimmer and Sophie Devine in quick succession. As a result, New Zealand slumped to 59-3 in 11.3 overs.

Despite brief partnerships in the middle-order, New Zealand were unable to chase the target due to the mounting required run rate.

Brooke Halliday fought hard with her valiant 81 from 84 balls; however, it was not enough to take her side home.

For India, Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud scalped two wickets each.

Earlier, after being put into bat, India piled up 340-3 in 49 overs, courtesy of Pratika Rawal’s and Smriti Mandhana’s imperious opening stand.

The duo added 212 for the opening wicket, which threw New Zealand out of the game. Mandhana 109 from 95 balls was laced with 10 fours and four sixes, while Rawal 122 from 134 deliveries included 13 fours and two sixes.

Jemimah Rodrigues was the other notable contributor, making 76 off just 55, which helped India finish strong at the back end of the innings.

For India, Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, and Rosemary Mair picked up one wicket each.

Playing XIs

India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani

New Zealand XI: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Lea Tahuhu

READ: Pakistan withdraw from Junior Hockey World Cup in India

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Thursday announced its withdrawal from the Junior Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India next month.

PHF secretary Rana Mujahid confirmed that the federation has officially informed the International Hockey Federation (IHF) that Pakistan would not feature in the tournament due to tensions between the two nations.

“It is by no means appropriate to travel to India and play under the current situation,” he said.

He also lamented the handshake saga that occurred during the Asia Cup 2025 and condemned receiving the trophy.

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“The incident of not shaking hands with the Pakistan cricket team is regrettable,” he continued.

“Not receiving the trophy from President ACC and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is also condemnable. In such a situation, one cannot go to India,” he remarked.

This comes after the heightened tension between both countries since the terrorist attack on tourists in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Pahalgam area.

For the unversed, the Junior Hockey World Cup will run from November 28 to December 10 across Chennai and Madurai.

With 23 teams competing, the pool stage will run over five days, with December 3 set aside as a rest day. The crossover stage will take place afterward, leading up to the final match on December 10.

READ: Lionel Messi signs new contract with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has agreed a contract extension with Inter Miami, which will see the Argentine superstar remain in Major League Soccer until the end of the 2028 season, the club confirmed on Thursday.

Inter Miami’s X feed posted a video of Messi signing a contract sitting at a table in the middle of the club’s new Freedom Park stadium, which is under construction, with the simple caption: “He’s Home.”

“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi, 38, said in a club statement.

“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here,” Messi added.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said Messi’s decision to extend reflected his “commitment to the city, to the club, to the game”.

“He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win,” Beckham said. “As owners to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”

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The World Cup-winner’s current contract expires at the end of the 2025 MLS season.

A new deal had been viewed as a formality after club sources told AFP last month that the franchise had reached an agreement on an extension.

Messi’s contract ensures he will remain in competitive action until and long after the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The tournament gets under way on June 11, with the final to be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

Messi moved to Inter Miami in 2023 after an unhappy spell at Paris Saint-Germain, but the bulk of his stellar career was spent at Barcelona, where he played from 2004 to 2021 after coming through the youth system at the Spanish giants.

At Barcelona, he won the La Liga title 10 times and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy on four occasions.

In 2022, he led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar and has expressed a desire to try to retain the trophy next year.

He has scored 114 international goals and also won the Copa America twice with Argentina, in 2021 and 2024.

READ: Bangladesh thump West Indies to clinch ODI series

MIRPUR: Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan’s gutsy knocks, backed by a clinical bowling performance, powered Bangladesh to a 179-run victory over West Indies in the final ODI of the three-match series here on Thursday.

With this victory, the Tigers won the series 2-1, marking their first after losing four consecutive away series.

Set 297, West Indies batting faltered under pressure and were bowled out for a mere 117 in 30.1 overs.

The visitors’ chase started on a shaky note as they lost their top three batters inside eight overs.

Nasum Ahmed ran through the top-order, trapping Alick Athanaze and Ackeem Auguste for 15 and nought respectively. As a result, West Indies were reduced to 28-2 in 6.2 overs.

Soon after, Nasum castled Brandon King for 18 to put Bangladesh on top of the game.

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Following the early hiccups, the visitors’ batting lineup could not handle the slide, with Bangladesh spinners tormenting through the middle-order.

Akeal Hosein remained the top-scorer with 27 from 15, striking four boundaries and a maximum.

For Bangladesh, it was an all-round bowling effort; however, Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain — player of the series, stood out with three wickets each.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Bangladesh racked up 296-8 in their allocated 50 overs.

Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar forged a 176-run partnership for the opening wicket, which set the tone for Bangladesh to finish strong.

Hassan made 81 from 72 balls, studded with half a dozen fours and the same number of sixes, while Sarkar struck seven fours and four maximums on his way to 91 from 81 balls.

For West Indies, Akeal Hosein starred with the ball, picking up four wickets in his quota of 10 overs while giving away 41.

READ: PCB issues termination notice to Multan Sultans