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Arch-rivals Pakistan and India are set to square off in the Pro League with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) unveiling the schedule of the marquee event on Monday.

According to the schedule, the nine-team tournament will consist of 144 matches, hosted in 10 countries, across three rounds.

“This season will see the arrival of Ireland women and Pakistan men, both making their debut in the competition, having been promoted via the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024-25, adding further depth and excitement to the Pro League,” the federation said in a statement.

Pakistan will kick off their campaign in Argentina with the matches against the home side before taking on the defending champions, the Netherlands, from December 9 to December 14.

In the second round, Pakistan will head for Australia, where they will be playing against the home side and Germany between February 10 and 15.

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The third round will be played in Belgium from June 13 to 21, 2026, where they will face Spain and Belgium.

Finally, Pakistan will travel to England from June 23 to 28, where they will play the home side and arch-rivals India.

Two months earlier, the Pakistan hockey team received a formal invitation from the FIH to participate in the Hockey Pro League, scheduled to take place in December this year.

The invitation followed New Zealand’s decision not to participate in the FIH Hockey Pro League due to financial constraints.

Consequently, the FIH gave PHF a deadline to inform about its decision to accept or decline the invitation.

Eventually, Green Shirts’ spot in the marquee event came after the federal government approved a financial assistance package of Rs 250 million.

READ: Confident Sana eyes South Africa series for World Cup preparation

DUBAI: Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka shared his thoughts on his side’s narrow win over Hong Kong in the eighth fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Sri Lanka chased down the 150-run target, losing six wickets with seven balls to spare.

At one stage, the Islanders were cruising at 119 in 15 overs. However, three wickets in the 15th and 16th overs halted their progress.

It was eventually up to Wanindu Hasaranga, who struck 20 off nine to help his team cross the finishing line.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Charith Asalanka highlighted areas of improvement and opened up on quick wickets.

“In that moment, I think our heart was in our mouths. Few areas I am really disappointed about. First three overs when we were bowling, and then the 16th over, we lost a couple of wickets, and then I lost my wicket,” he said.

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Asalanka stressed the importance of improvement and stated that they cannot afford for it to happen too often.

“In the shorter format, these things can happen but it cannot keep happening consistently. We have to analyse it and improve ourselves,” he added.

Regarding the first innings score, he expressed confidence, mentioning the conditions and praising Hong Kong for batting really well.

“Felt confident because the pitch was looking good. Credit goes to them, they batted really well and we bowled badly in the first three overs. This is not the way we wanted to play.

When we are playing these sides, there is a pressure always. But we are professionals and as professionals, we have to do much better than this,” Sri Lanka captain concluded.

READ: Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lanka survive scare to beat Hong Kong

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso on Monday stated that ace player Kylian Mbappe feels no anxiety to win the Champions League for the first time as Los Blancos prepare to face Marseille.

Mbappe, 26, left Paris Saint-Germain last summer to join record 15-time winners Madrid, only to see his former club go on to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.

“He’s not anxious, we all feel this is a project that’s just starting,” Alonso told a news conference ahead of Tuesday’s opening match at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“One of the objectives is to win the Champions League hopefully sooner rather than later, Kylian is part of the path to getting there, but I don’t think he’s anxious.

“Today we spoke about what the Champions League means, but we were not talking about May (and the final), we were talking about the near future.”

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Mbappe faced his former club PSG for the first time at the Club World Cup this summer, with Madrid thrashing 4-0 in the semi-finals.

However, the striker was not fully fit at the tournament in the United States because of a stomach bug, and has hit the ground running with four goals in four La Liga games this season.

“Gastroenteritis meant it was Kylian ‘lite’ at the Club World Cup,” said Alonso.

“Without doubt (he’s a leader), for his personality, experience, the influence he has on the others, he’s one of them.”

Real Madrid have won six of the last 12 Champions Leagues, but Alonso said he did not feel extra pressure because of the club’s rich history in the competition.

“It’s a fact, unquestionable, an honour, a motivation, and it is a responsibility you live with and enjoy,” added Alonso. “It’s a privilege.”

READ: Cristiano Ronaldo wins second Golden Boot in Saudi Arabia

DUBAI: Wanindu Hasaranga helped Sri Lanka secure a nervy four-wicket win over Hong Kong in the eighth fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Monday.

Set a 150-run target, Sri Lanka’s lower-order held their nerve as Wanindu Hasaranga starred with a brisk cameo, scoring 20 from just nine balls.

Eventually, the Islanders reached the target in 18.5 overs, losing six wickets in the process.

Sri Lanka lost their opening wicket in the form of Kusal Mendis, who made 11 from 14. As the scorecard read 26-1 in 4 overs, Kamil Mishara joined Pathum Nissanka and steadied the team’s total.

The pair added 36 for the second wicket, not before Mishara’s removal, who added 19 to the total.

Meanwhile, Nissanka held firm and forged a crucial stand with Kusal Perera (20 off 16), which kept Hong Kong bowlers at bay in the middle overs.

Yet, Hong Kong struck, and it was the match’s 15th and 16th over which made things interesting.

First, it was Yasim Murtaza’s 15th over, which yielded two wickets on successive deliveries to halt Sri Lanka’s progress. Perera was the first to go, followed by skipper Charith Asalanka, who could only manage to score two.

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Then, in the very next over, another wicket fell, which reduced them to 127-6 in 17.1 overs. Kamindu Mendis did not trouble the scorers much as he was caught long on after making five.

Nonetheless, Hasranga arrived at the crease, capitalising on the no-ball to hit six four to leave the equation nine required from 12 balls. In the second last over, he sneaked two doubles on third and fourth ball before cracking two consecutive fours to seal an emphatic win.

Patthum Nissanka was awarded Player of the Match for his 68 off 44 balls, an innings laced with half a dozen boundaries and two maximums.

For Hong Kong, Yasim Murtaza picked up two wickets.

Earlier, Nizakat Khan’s composed half-century helped Hong Kong set a competitive total.

Earlier, after being put into bat first, Hong Kong chalked up 149 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allocated 20 overs. They made a strong start as they raced to 41 in 4.5 overs, before losing core aggressor Zeeshan Ali.

Ali scored 23 off 17 balls with the help of two fours.

Sri Lanka made a comeback after the power play, removing Babar Hayat for four runs. As a result, Hong Kong were reduced to 57-2 in 8.4 overs.

Nevertheless, Anshy Rath and Nizakat Khan paired up for a 61-run partnership off 43 deliveries, which brought their total to 118 in 15.5 overs.

Rath departed after scoring 48 from 46 with the aid of four boundaries, whereas Nizakat ensured that Hong Kong finished strong at the end of their 20 overs.

He top-scored with 52 from 38 deliveries, striking four boundaries and two sixes.

For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera picked up two wickets. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka managed to scalp one apiece.

READ: Asia Cup 2025: Waseem shines as UAE cruise to big win over Oman

LAHORE: South Africa women’s team captain Laura Wolvaardt hailed Pakistan spinners as a real challenge ahead of their One Day International (ODI) series opener, scheduled to begin tomorrow.

Ahead of the pre-match press conference, Laura shed light on their preparations ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

“This series will be very beneficial for us. The Pakistan team is quite strong in home conditions,” she remarked.

Regarding conditions, she mentioned hot weather in Pakistan and mentioned Pakistan spinners as a big threat to the Proteas.

“It’s very hot in Pakistan, we’re trying to understand the conditions. We have lost in the knockout matches in the last few ICC World Cups, but this time we are mentally prepared to win,” Laura Wolvaardt said.

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“It will definitely be a challenge to face Pakistan’s spinners,” she stated.

It is pertinent to mention that South Africa and Pakistan will play three ODI matches here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, before heading into the ICC Women’s World Cup.

The ODI series between the two teams will be played from September 16 to September 22.

Fatima Sana, who represented Pakistan in the previous edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, will lead the side for the first time in the mega event.

The opening match of the World Cup will begin with co-hosts India and Sri Lanka facing each other in Guwahati on September 30.

Pakistan women’s cricket team will play all their group-stage matches at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

Should Pakistan qualify for the 29 October semi-final and the 2 November final, then both the matches will take place in Colombo.

READ: Confident Sana eyes South Africa series for World Cup preparation

LAHORE: Pakistan women’s team captain Fatima Sana expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, calling the One Day International (ODI) series against South Africa a vital preparatory ground for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2025.

Speaking in the pre-series press conference, Fatima mentioned the advantage of having a series before a mega event. She emphasized pitches and conditions and remained hopeful of giving their best.

“It is beneficial to have a series before the World Cup. Sri Lanka and Pakistan’s pitches are similar, we will try to perform well,” she said.

Regarding World Cup preparations, the captain remarked that the team comprising new and senior players is shaping up well. Fatima Sana also highlighted the advantage of playing in a single venue.

“Preparations for the World Cup are good. The team has a good rhythm, and the combination of seniors and juniors is good.”

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She also praised South Africa for playing excellent cricket while highlighting the advantage of playing on a single venue.

“South Africa has played good cricket, and we have also played good cricket. Playing at a venue in Sri Lanka will be an advantage,” she concluded.

For the unversed, Pakistan will play South Africa for a three-match ODI series before heading into the World Cup co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

The opening match of the World Cup will begin with hosts India facing Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30.

Fatima Sana, who represented Pakistan in the previous edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, will lead the side for the first time in the mega event.

Pakistan women’s cricket team will play all their group-stage matches at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

Should Pakistan qualify for the 29 October semi-final and the 2 November final, then both the matches will take place in Colombo.

READ: PCB demands removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from Asia Cup

DUBAI: Sri Lanka have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Hong Kong in the eighth fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Monday.

Playing XIs

Hong Kong XI: Zeeshan Ali (wk), Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Nizakat Khan, Shahid Wasif, Kinchit Shah, Yasim Murtaza (capt), Aizaz Khan, Ayush Shukla, Ateeq Iqbal, Ehsan Khan

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (capt), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD: 

This will be the first time Sri Lanka and Hong Kong will be squaring off in the T20I format.

Sri Lanka have kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant victory over Bangladesh by 6 wickets.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong have suffered crushing defeats against Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

READ: Major blow for Afghanistan as key player ruled out of Asia Cup 2025

ABU DHABI: Mohammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu’s impressive fifties alongside Junaid Siddique’s four-wicket haul helped UAE seal a comprehensive 42-run win over Oman in the seventh fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Set 173 to chase, Oman were bowled out for a mere 130 in 18.4 overs.

Oman started their innings on a poor note as half of their side went back to the pavilion inside seven overs.

Junaid Siddique made early inroads with the new ball, removing openers Jatinder Singh (20 off 10 balls) and Aamir Kaleem for two runs.

Left-arm spinner Haider Ali and pacer Muhammad Rohid supported Junaid well from the other end, cutting through Oman’s middle order.

As a result, Oman were reduced to 50-5 in 6.5 overs. After early hiccups, Vinayak Shukla and Aryan Bisht stitched a brief stand of 38 runs, which took their total to 88.

However, the partnership was the only silver lining in a shambolic batting display from inexperienced Oman. Bisht remained the top scorer for Oman with 24 off 32 balls.

For UAE, Junaid Siddique remained the standout bowler, scalping four wickets in his four overs.

Earlier, after being put into bat first, UAE racked up 172-5 in their allocated 20 overs, courtesy of a strong opening partnership.

Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem stitched an 88-run stand in 11 overs. Both batters scored briskly, finishing the powerplay on 56 with a run rate of 8.00.

Jiten Ramanandi broke the dangerous stand with Sharafu’s wicket, who made 51 from 38 balls. He hit seven fours and a maximum in his half-century.

Oman bowlers made a comeback after being toiled in the first 10 overs. Samay Shrivastava picked up dangerous Asif Khan for one run to lift his team.

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As a result UAE were 96-2 in 13 overs. Meanwhile, Waseem continued from the other end and paired up with Muhammad Zohaib for another partnership of 49 runs, bringing the total to 145 in 17.5 overs.

Zohaib made 21 off 13 balls with the aid of two sixes and a four, whereas Waseem continued until the run-out in the final over. UAE skipper hit three sixes and six fours on his way to 69 from 54 deliveries.

For Oman, Jiten Ramanandi picked up two wickets in his quota of four overs.

READ: Major blow for Afghanistan as key player ruled out of Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan suffered a major blow as fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq was ruled out of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 due to a shoulder injury.

Naveen was initially named in Afghanistan’s Asia Cup squad after missing out on the tri-series featuring UAE and Pakistan. However, he was unable to recover from a shoulder injury and was eventually ruled out of the tournament.

The announcement came via the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) statement.

“The ACB wishes Naveen Ul Haq a speedy recovery and extends its best wishes to Abdullah Ahmadzai for the matches ahead,” the board said in a statement.

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“Naveen will return home to continue to undergo intensive treatment and rehabilitation,” it added.

Naveen-ul-Haq last played for Afghanistan in December 2024 against Zimbabwe in a T20I. He is a regular in global T20 leagues after having announced his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket in 2023.

Nonetheless, fast bowler Abdullah Ahmadzai is inducted into the Afghanistan squad as Naveen’s replacement. The pacer recently made his international debut in the match against UAE.

Afghanistan has started strongly with a big win over Hong Kong in the Asia Cup 2025 after losing the tri-series final against Pakistan. They defeated them comprehensively by 93 runs.

Their next fixtures are scheduled against Bangladesh on September 16 and against Sri Lanka on September 18.

Afghanistan Updated Asia Cup 2025 Squad

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Ishaq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

READ: PCB demands removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from Asia Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended its Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, after the handshake controversy during the Asia Cup 2025 match against India, sources confirmed on Monday.

Insiders reported that Wahla was removed from his position over the delay in issuing a formal response to the match referee’s conduct and India’s actions.

The board was reportedly dissatisfied with the delay of several hours before a protest was lodged.

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The development comes in the backdrop of escalating tensions after the high-profile clash between Pakistan and India in Dubai, which ended with India sealing a seven-wicket victory.

The game sparked widespread controversy when both captains were instructed by match referee Andy Pycroft to avoid the customary handshake at the toss.

Matters worsened after the match when Indian players, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, bypassed Pakistan’s lineup and headed straight into the dressing room, refusing the traditional post-match handshake.

Pakistan players, who had waited for the gesture, were left visibly disappointed.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

In response, the PCB formally lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), demanding Pycroft’s immediate removal from the ongoing Asia Cup.

The board stressed that his directive had violated both the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC’s laws, undermining the “spirit of cricket.”

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, also serving as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President, voiced his disapproval on social media, calling the incident “against the spirit of the game” and urging corrective action.

Sources further revealed that the PCB has even threatened to boycott the remainder of the Asia Cup unless Pycroft is removed from his post.

READ: PCB demands removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from Asia Cup