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Pakistan’s top-order batter Imam-ul-Haq has moved to clear the air after his recent social media post, regarding marriage, sparked widespread speculation about his personal life, insisting that his remarks were taken out of context.

Earlier this week, the left-handed opener shared a story on Instagram, describing marriage in the current era as “actually scary.”

The post quickly went viral, prompting fans to speculate about potential issues in his marriage, with some even suggesting that he had unfollowed his wife, Anmol Mehmood, on social media.

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However, Imam has now issued a clarification, stating that his post was merely a general observation about trends he has noticed online and not a reflection of his own relationship.

“You [all] took that post way too seriously just to clarify my recent post was a general observation about what we’re seeing on social media these days, not about my own marriage,” he wrote on Instagram.

He further reassured fans that his personal life remains stable, adding, “Everything’s perfectly fine on my side, Alhamdulillah,” while urging people to avoid jumping to conclusions or spreading unverified rumours.

Imam-ul-Haq, who got married in November 2023, has been a regular feature in Pakistan’s batting lineup across formats since making his debut in 2017.

The 30-year-old has represented the national side in 26 Tests, 75 ODIs and two T20Is, amassing 4,860 runs with 12 centuries and 30 half-centuries to his name.

READ: Karachi Kings provide update on Waseem, Khuzaima return

KARACHI: Karachi Kings are set to receive a timely boost as United Arab Emirates (UAE) players Muhammad Waseem and Khuzaima Bin Tanveer are expected to rejoin the squad ahead of their next fixture in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Team director Haider Azhar confirmed that both players will arrive back in Karachi on Tuesday and will be available for selection for the Kings’ upcoming clash against Peshawar Zalmi at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

The duo had earlier left the PSL midway after being recalled by the Emirates Cricket Board to participate in the domestic D50 tournament.

The directive required both players to return immediately and feature in the ongoing 50-over competition in the UAE.

However, in a development that comes as a relief for the Kings, Waseem and Khuzaima have now been granted permission to rejoin their franchise after completing two matches in the domestic tournament.

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Waseem has already featured in three matches this season, registering mixed returns with scores of 0, 38 and 23. Meanwhile, Khuzaima is yet to make his debut in the ongoing edition.

The return of the two players strengthens an already in-form Karachi Kings side, led by David Warner, who currently sit in the second position of the points table with three wins from three matches and a net run rate of 0.486.

READ: Pakistan’s Samar Khan finishes 300km Fjällräven Polar 2026 expedition

Pakistani adventure athlete and snowboarder Samar Khan has successfully completed Fjällräven Polar 2026, becoming THE ARCTIC EXPLORER.

It’s one of the world’s most challenging Arctic expeditions, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan in global adventure sports.

The expedition, organised by Fjällräven, takes participants across the harsh Arctic wilderness, where they complete a 300km dogsled expedition & endure extreme weather conditions, sub-zero temperatures, and physically demanding terrain over multiple days.

Completing this expedition requires not only physical endurance but also mental resilience and survival skills.

Samar Khan represented Pakistan on this prestigious international platform, pushing beyond limits and overcoming the challenges of the Arctic environment to cross the final finish line.

Her achievement highlights the growing presence of Pakistani athletes in global adventure sports and serves as an inspiration for young women and aspiring athletes across the country to pursue unconventional paths.

This accomplishment not only adds to her list of achievements but also places Pakistan on the global map of endurance and exploration-based sports.

READ: Hardik Pandya targets ODI comeback ahead of 2027 World Cup: report

India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya has set his sights on a return to the ODI setup as he looks to secure a place in the squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, according to a report by the Times of India.

Pandya, who has not featured in an ODI since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, is understood to have communicated his intentions to the selectors and team management.

The 32-year-old has reportedly been working over the past few months to rebuild his bowling fitness, which remains the key factor in his comeback bid.

During the Champions Trophy campaign, Pandya’s bowling workload was carefully managed as he delivered just 24.3 overs across five matches and did not complete his full quota in any game.

Concerns over his ability to consistently bowl 10 overs have since influenced selection decisions.

Earlier this year, Pandya was omitted from India’s ODI squad for the home series against New Zealand, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming that he had not yet been cleared by the Centre of Excellence to handle a full bowling workload.

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However, with the World Cup 2027 set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where conditions traditionally favour seam bowling, the team management sees Hardik Pandya as a potentially crucial asset if he can meet fitness expectations.

“He can lend the perfect balance, but he has to convince the selectors and the team management that he will be available to bowl 10 overs,” a BCCI source told TOI.

“He may not be required to do so in every match. The captain may end up bowling him for 6-7 overs in most matches. But he should be available if the captain needs more from him.”

Notably, Hardik Pandya has reportedly intensified his preparations, focusing on increasing his bowling workload and refining his skillset. He has also worked on adding variations, including developing an inswinger, while maintaining his pace.

“Hardik has been increasing his workload. He has worked on his action to bowl in-swingers as well without compromising on pace,” the source further added.

“He feels his body is ready to cope with the rigours of bowling 10 overs in ODIs. He understands his body well enough and is working towards staying fit to bowl 10 overs.”

Since making his ODI debut in 2016, Pandya has played 94 matches, scoring 1904 runs and picking up 91 wickets, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder when fully fit.

READ: Virat Kohli comments on being called RCB’s ‘overseas player’ in IPL 2026

Indian batting icon Virat Kohli has responded with humour to the viral chatter labelling him as an “overseas player” for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

The light-hearted debate gained traction among fans due to Kohli’s increased time spent in London with his family in recent years, leading to jokes that RCB are effectively fielding an extra overseas player.

Despite scaling down his international commitments, having stepped away from Tests and T20Is and now featuring only in ODIs, the former India captain continues to remain a central figure for his franchise.

Addressing the speculation in a video shared by RCB, Kohli was quizzed by content creator Danish Sait, known for his popular ‘Mr. Nags’ persona.

The host referenced fan claims about RCB playing with “five overseas players,” prompting a witty response from Kohli.

“I don’t know why you’re asking me. Ask the overseas players. I am not an overseas player,” Virat Kohli said with a laugh, before playfully turning the question back, “Am I an overseas player?”

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The 37-year-old began the ongoing IPL season in commanding fashion, scoring an unbeaten 69 to guide RCB to victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening fixture as defending champions.

Reflecting on last season’s long-awaited title triumph, Kohli admitted the victory brought a sense of relief after years of near misses with the franchise he has represented since the league’s inception.

“That night, I really felt what it means. Everything became light,” he said, describing the emotional weight lifted after finally securing the title.

He also offered insight into his mindset around success and failure, emphasising the importance of perseverance.

“Victory is the accumulation of hard work, all the sacrifices you’ve made, to be committed to the sport. It all comes together as a form of assurance, a reward, to know that you haven’t wasted your time,” Kohli added.

“A lot of people learn from losses, but a lot of people can get very disheartened as well. So when you win after a lot of hard work, it makes you feel a sense of justice for the work that you put in, and also gives you motivation to work harder.”

READ: Azam Khan opens up on fitness transformation

Pep Guardiola has remained tight-lipped over his future at Manchester City, refusing to clarify whether he will continue beyond the ongoing season amid increasing speculation surrounding his long-term plans.

Reports, including one from ESPN, suggest the City boss was expected to make a decision during the recent international break regarding his stay at the Etihad Stadium, where he is currently contracted until 2027.

While the club is keen for him to remain in charge next season, there is also an acceptance internally that the 55-year-old could opt to step away earlier than expected.

Addressing the media on Friday, Guardiola avoided offering any fresh insight into his situation.

“I spoke many times about that,” he said, offering a brief response when questioned directly about his future.

Despite the uncertainty, Guardiola’s immediate focus remains firmly on the pitch, with City preparing for a crucial FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool.

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The upcoming encounter presents a significant test, even though Liverpool arrive with inconsistent form, having managed just two wins in their last six matches across all competitions.

They also face a demanding schedule, including a UEFA Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

However, Pep Guardiola was quick to dismiss any notion of complacency, highlighting Liverpool’s pedigree and long-standing rivalry with his side.

“They have been the biggest rival,” he said. “It is a team that made an incredible investment last season to compete at the highest level for many years. They are a top contender with top-class players.”

He further stressed the importance of maintaining high standards, referencing the City’s recent performances as a benchmark.

“Hopefully we can perform at the level that we did against Arsenal to reach the next step,” he added.

READ: Kenya ex-captain Victor Wanyama announces football retirement

Former Kenya national team captain Victor Wanyama, the first from his country to join the English Premier League, announced his retirement from football at the age of 34.

The midfielder, whose career spanned nearly two decades, signed for Southampton from Scottish club Celtic for a reported fee of £12.5 million in July 2013.

He made 85 appearances for the Saints, scoring only four goals, before agreeing a £11 million move to fellow League side Tottenham in June 2016.

“Today I announce my retirement from football,” Wanyama said late Friday on X. “Four different countries, six different clubs, a boy from Muthurwa with a big dream, carrying a nation’s pride every time I stepped onto the pitch.”

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Victor Wanyama made 64 international appearances for Kenya before quitting as Harambee Stars captain in September 2021 after being overlooked for Kenya’s unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

He was called out of retirement by the current coach, Benni McCarthy, as the team prepared for the African Nations Championships, which was played in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in August 2025, but did not take up the offer.

In March 2025, Wanyama returned to the Scottish League when he joined Championship club Dunfermline Athletic on a short-term deal after a two-and-a-half spell with the Canadian Major League soccer (MLS) club Montreal Impact.

READ: Mohammad Naeem helps Lahore Qalandars thump Multan Sultans

LAHORE: A blistering half-century from Mohammad Naeem propelled Lahore Qalandars to a commanding victory over Multan Sultans in a rain-shortened Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

In a contest reduced to 13 overs per side due to persistent rain, the Qalandars produced a batting masterclass to post a daunting 185-5 after being put into bat by Sultans skipper Ashton Turner.

The defending champions came out all guns blazing, with Naeem and Parvez Hossain Emon dismantling the Sultans’ bowling attack in a breathtaking opening stand. The duo racked up 86 runs in just five overs, setting the tone for a massive total.

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Emon was eventually dismissed for a fiery 45 off 19 deliveries, but Naeem continued the onslaught, anchoring the innings with a rapid 60 off 28 balls, laced with boundaries and clean hitting.

He found further support in Abdullah Shafique, who chipped in with a quickfire 33, as the Qalandars maintained their aggressive tempo.

Despite a couple of late breakthroughs, Lahore finished strongly, thanks to Sikandar Raza (13*), who ensured the total remained well beyond par in a shortened contest.

In reply, Multan Sultans struggled to keep pace despite a spirited effort. Early setbacks saw Steve Smith (9) and Josh Philippe (1) depart cheaply, putting the chase on the back foot.

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A counter-attacking knock from Shan Masood briefly revived hopes, as he struck a brisk 44 off 18 balls, while Sahibzada Farhan added 24. However, regular wickets prevented the Sultans from building sustained momentum.

Captain Turner led from the front with an unbeaten 52 off 22 deliveries and shared a fighting stand with Arafat Minhas, but the required rate proved too steep in the end as the Sultans finished on 165-5.

The defeat marked Multan’s first loss of the season, dropping them to third on the table, while Lahore Qalandars climbed to second with their second win.

READ: ‘Line crossed’: Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez dropped for two matches

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez will miss Chelsea’s next two matches after he “crossed a line” with comments that cast doubt on his future at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old, linked with Real Madrid, fuelled speculation by telling a podcast he would like to live in the Spanish capital.

Defender Marc Cucurella also spoke openly about “instability” at the club and questioned its recruitment strategy.

Fernandez’s remarks, however, were viewed as the most damaging and the strongest indication yet that he may be considering a move.

After Chelsea’s Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain last month, he said he did not know whether he would still be at the club next season.

Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed Fernandez would not be part of the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Port Vale and next weekend’s Premier League game against Manchester City.

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“I spoke with Enzo about an hour ago,” Rosenior said on Friday. “As a football club, with me as part of the decision, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game or Manchester City next Sunday.

“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. I have got no bad words to say about him, but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build.”

Fernandez joined Chelsea for a then-British record £107 million in 2023 and was named vice-captain the following year. After a challenging start, he has become one of the club’s most influential figures both on and off the pitch.

“Enzo, firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect,” said Rosenior. “He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful.

“In terms of the decision, it’s not all about me, or the sporting directors, the ownership, the players; we are aligned in our decision. The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture and, in terms of that, a line was crossed.”

READ: ‘Hard work is paying off’: Azam Khan opens up on fitness transformation

LAHORE: Persistent rain has forced a reduction in overs for the much-anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 fixture between Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, with the contest now set to be played as a 13-overs-a-side match at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

The toss, initially delayed due to steady showers in Lahore, is now scheduled for 8:30 PM local time, with the first ball expected to be bowled at 8:45 PM.

The weather interruptions come at a crucial stage of the tournament, with both teams eyeing momentum early in the campaign.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Multan Sultans, led by Ashton Turner, have made a strong start, winning both of their opening matches to sit second on the points table.

The Sultans began their season with a comfortable win over Islamabad United, powered by Josh Philippe’s fluent half-century and a composed finish from Turner.

They followed it up with a remarkable chase of 226 against Hyderabad Kingsmen, thanks to a stunning unbeaten century from Sahibzada Farhan.

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In contrast, defending champions Lahore Qalandars, under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, have had a mixed start.

They opened their title defence with a commanding win over Hyderabad Kingsmen, but fell short in a closely fought contest against arch-rivals Karachi Kings in their second outing.

READ: ‘Hard work is paying off’: Azam Khan opens up on fitness transformation