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Jurgen Klopp believes Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool as one of the “all-time greats”, with his “unmatched numbers” likely to prove tough to top for future generations at Anfield.

Egypt forward Salah announced on Tuesday he would bring the curtain down on a brilliant nine years with Liverpool at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old arrived from Roma in 2017 and has made 435 appearances for Liverpool to date, scoring 255 goals to be third on the club’s list of all-time goalscorers behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.

“In the moment when you work with him, it is the same as every other player: ‘You can’t lose the ball here, you have to defend here’, all these kind of things,” Klopp told the Anfield Wrap on Thursday.

“But with the bigger view, it is just ridiculous. Unmatched numbers — will we be talking in 10 years and someone else has them? (Hugo) Ekitike or whoever. I think it will be really difficult (to surpass Salah).

“I think he is one of the all-time greats.”

Under Klopp, Salah won the Champions League, Premier League, three domestic cups, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.

The bulk of those trophies came with Salah on the right of a front three also featuring Brazilian Roberto Firmino and Senegal’s Sadio Mane.

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Together, the trio scored 338 goals in five seasons. Mohamed Salah led the way with 156 of those goals,  49 more than Mane and 81 ahead of Firmino.

“He (Salah) was part of the best front three in world football for a long time — the one with the most numbers. That says something,” said Klopp.

“It is not easy to be slightly above the other two guys. They all had their specific skills, but Mo was the one for the final moment. He wanted it more than anybody.”

Klopp stunned Liverpool fans two years ago by announcing he would resign at the end of the 2023/24 season after “running out of energy”.

He went on to receive an emotional farewell from the Anfield faithful following his last game in charge, at home to Wolves.

Klopp now hopes Salah gets a similar reception come his last game for Liverpool.

“We (Salah and Klopp) texted last night,” said the former Reds boss. “I really hope he enjoys the rest of the season. I know Mo will only enjoy it if he is winning football games and scoring.

“I hope on this last matchday you (Liverpool fans) all will have a smile on your face and just be happy and thankful that you were part of one of the most incredible careers we will ever be part of.”

READ: Marnus Labuschagne breaks silence on Maaz Sadaqat’s exclusion

LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne has clarified the absence of promising youngster Maaz Sadaqat from his side’s playing XI in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 opener, confirming the batter was ruled out due to injury.

The Kingsmen made their much-anticipated debut against defending champions Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday but endured a difficult start, suffering a heavy 69-run defeat.

However, the omission of Maaz Sadaqat, one of Pakistan’s most talked-about emerging talents, drew significant attention even before the first ball was bowled.

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The top-order batter, known for his aggressive stroke play and useful spin bowling, has been making headlines following his performances for Pakistan Shaheens and his recent ODI debut.

Addressing the situation in the post-match press conference, Labuschagne confirmed that the youngster was unavailable due to a side strain.

“Yeah, he was injured with… I don’t know if I’m meant to say what sort of injury that was,” Labuschagne said.
“A side. He had a side strain. I don’t know the severity, but hopefully we’ll have him back very soon.”

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Hyderabad’s struggles on the field only amplified the impact of his absence, as their batting unit faltered in pursuit of a daunting 200-run target.

Labuschagne himself top-scored with a cautious 26 off 22 deliveries, while Riley Meredith contributed an unbeaten 19 from the lower order. Apart from them, only Saim Ayub (17), Hammad Azam (10) and Mohammad Ali (10) managed to reach double figures in an underwhelming chase, as the Kingsmen were bundled out for 130.

READ: Dominant Lahore Qalandars thump Hyderabad Kingsmen in PSL 11 opener

LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars began their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 campaign in commanding fashion, registering a comprehensive 69-run victory over debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a daunting 200-run target in their maiden PSL outing, the Kingsmen never found momentum and were eventually bowled out for 130 in their 20 overs.

Captain Marnus Labuschagne top-scored for Hyderabad with a modest 26 off 22 deliveries, while No.9 batter Riley Meredith remained unbeaten on 19.

Apart from them, only Saim Ayub (17), Hammad Azam (10) and Mohammad Ali (10) managed to reach double figures in an otherwise underwhelming chase.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

For Lahore, the bowling effort was evenly shared, with Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza and Ubaid Shah claiming two wickets apiece, while Mustafizur Rahman and skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with one each.

Earlier, opting to bat first, Lahore Qalandars posted an imposing 199-6, thanks largely to a fluent half-century from Fakhar Zaman and a strong finish from the middle order.

The hosts made a flying start as Fakhar and Mohammad Naeem stitched together an 84-run opening stand, putting immediate pressure on the Kingsmen bowlers.

Naeem’s brisk 30 off 19 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six, set the tone before he was dismissed by Hassan Khan in the ninth over.

The innings, however, briefly lost momentum as Lahore suffered a mini-collapse, losing Abdullah Shafique to a run-out and then Fakhar shortly after he completed his half-century. The left-hander remained the standout performer, scoring 53 off 39 deliveries, laced with nine fours.

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A steady 37-run stand between Haseebullah Khan and Parvez Hossain Emon helped stabilise the innings before the latter departed for 14.

Lahore then accelerated in the death overs, with Haseebullah combining with Sikandar Raza for a quick 45-run partnership. Raza provided the late impetus with a 10-ball 24, striking two sixes and two fours, while Haseebullah remained unbeaten on a well-crafted 40 off 28 deliveries.

Cameos from Asif Ali (9) and Shaheen Afridi (12 not out) ensured the Qalandars finished just one run short of the 200-mark.

For Hyderabad, Riley Meredith and Hassan Khan picked up two wickets each, while Mohammad Ali accounted for one dismissal.

READ: PSL 11 final squads revealed

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and decided to bat first against Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. 

Playing XIs

India will host Australia in a high-profile five-match Test series starting January next year to end the 2026/27 home season, the country’s cricket board announced on Thursday.

“The season will culminate with the prestigious and much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, featuring a five-match Test series against Australia, beginning on January 21, 2027, in Nagpur,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said.

“The contest will then move to Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad,” the board said.

India suffered a 2-0 Test whitewash against South Africa at home last year and are placed sixth in the World Test Championship (WTC) table, led by Australia.

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India’s home season will begin with a white-ball series, comprising three one-day matches and five T20 Internationals against the West Indies, starting on September 27.

The cricketing powerhouse will host Sri Lanka in December 2026 for a white-ball series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is.

Zimbabwe will be in India for three 50-over matches in January.

India home fixtures 2026/27

West Indies Tour of India (2026)

• 1st ODI: Sun 27 Sep, 2:00 PM – Trivandrum
• 2nd ODI: Wed 30 Sep, 2:00 PM – Guwahati
• 3rd ODI: Sat 03 Oct, 2:00 PM – New Chandigarh
• 1st T20I: Tue 06 Oct, 7:00 PM – Lucknow
• 2nd T20I: Fri 09 Oct, 7:00 PM – Ranchi
• 3rd T20I: Sun 11 Oct, 7:00 PM – Indore
• 4th T20I: Wed 14 Oct, 7:00 PM – Hyderabad
• 5th T20I: Sat 17 Oct, 7:00 PM – Bengaluru

Sri Lanka Tour of India (2026)

• 1st ODI: Sun 13 Dec, 2:00 PM – Delhi
• 2nd ODI: Wed 16 Dec, 2:00 PM – Bengaluru
• 3rd ODI: Sat 19 Dec, 2:00 PM – Ahmedabad
• 1st T20I: Tue 22 Dec, 7:00 PM – Rajkot
• 2nd T20I: Thu 24 Dec, 7:00 PM – Cuttack
• 3rd T20I: Sun 27 Dec, 7:00 PM – Pune

Zimbabwe Tour of India (2027)

• 1st ODI: Sun 03 Jan, 2:00 PM – Kolkata
• 2nd ODI: Wed 06 Jan, 2:00 PM – Hyderabad
• 3rd ODI: Sat 09 Jan, 2:00 PM – Mumbai

Australia Tour of India (2027) – Border-Gavaskar Trophy

• 1st Test: Thu 21 Jan – Mon 25 Jan, 9:30 AM – Nagpur
• 2nd Test: Fri 29 Jan – Tue 02 Feb, 9:30 AM – Chennai
• 3rd Test: Thu 11 Feb – Mon 15 Feb, 9:00 AM – Guwahati
• 4th Test: Fri 19 Feb – Tue 23 Feb, 9:30 AM – Ranchi
• 5th Test: Sat 27 Feb – Wed 03 Mar, 9:30 AM – Ahmedabad

READ: PSL 11 final squads revealed ahead of season opener

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 has reached its final stage of preparation, with all eight franchises locking in their squads ahead of the opening match between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen.

With last-minute adjustments due to injuries, player withdrawals and late inclusions of domestic performers, the teams have now been finalised for what is set to be a landmark edition of the league.

The official PSL social media channels confirmed the squads with the caption: “𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏. 🏏 With the latest changes confirmed, here is how the teams look for HBL PSL 11. 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅, 𝒍𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏!⚡”

 

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This year’s edition marks a major expansion in PSL history, with eight teams competing for the first time. Alongside established franchises, newcomers RawalPindiz and Hyderabad Kingsmen add a fresh dimension to the tournament.

The 44-match event will begin on March 26, with each team scheduled to play 10 league-stage matches. The top four sides will then qualify for the playoffs, leading up to the final on May 3.

The opening fixture will see Lahore Qalandars begin their title defence against Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore, setting the tone for a highly competitive season.

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PSL 11 Squads

Lahore Qalandars

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan, Ryan Burl, Shahab Khan

Hyderabad Kingsmen

Marnus Labuschagne (c), Hassan Khan (vc), Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Glenn Maxwell, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, Tayyab Arif, Maheesh Theekshana, Ahmed Hussain

Islamabad United

Shadab Khan (c), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq, Mohsin Riaz, Chris Green, Mohammad Salman Mirza

Karachi Kings

David Warner (c), Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, Moeen Ali, Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shahid Aziz, Mir Hamza, Adam Zampa, Hamza Sohail, Aqib Ilyas, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Muhammad Waseem, Haroon Arshad, Reeza Hendricks, Ihsanullah, Rizwanullah

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Quetta Gladiators

Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, Shamyl Hussain, Alzarri Joseph, Rilee Rossouw, Ahmed Daniyal, Jahanzaib Sultan, Jahandad Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Khan Zeb, Bismillah Khan, Saqib Khan, Ahsaan Ali, Brett Hampton, Sam Harper, Bevon Jacobs, Ben McDermott, Tom Curran

Multan Sultans

Ashton Turner (c), Shan Masood (vc), Mohammad Nawaz, Shehzad Gul, Faisal Akram, Imran Randhawa, Arafat Minhas, Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Potgieter, Josh Philippe, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Shahzad, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ismail, Atizaz Habib Khan

Peshawar Zalmi

Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, Tanzid Hasan, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Kashif Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousuf, Brian Bennett, Mohammad Basit, Shoriful Islam

RawalPindiz

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Yasir Khan, Naseem Shah, Rishad Hossain, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Dian Forrestor, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Razaullah, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Cole McConchie, Usman Khawaja, Saad Masood

READ: PCB outlines ticket refund process after PSL 11 moves behind closed doors

LAHORE: The opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen is set to be played under heavily overcast conditions, with weather concerns lingering ahead of the curtain-raiser.

Three-time champions Lahore Qalandars will begin their title defence against a new-look Hyderabad Kingsmen side in what marks the start of the expanded 11th edition of the tournament, scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3.

While rain has already disrupted preparations, including a recently abandoned practice match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators at the LCCA Ground, conditions on match day are expected to remain dry but far from clear.

At around 6:00 PM, Lahore is forecast to experience fully cloudy skies with temperatures hovering near 26°C and a RealFeel of 25°C, indicating relatively comfortable playing conditions. Winds will blow from the west-northwest at around 15 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 22 km/h, providing a steady breeze across the venue.

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Humidity levels are expected to stay in the low-to-mid 50s, gradually rising as the evening progresses, while cloud cover is predicted to remain near total, leaving no room for sunlight. Visibility is expected to remain fair at around 8 km, with low UV exposure due to night conditions.

However, air quality remains a concern, with forecasts indicating poor conditions that may cause discomfort, particularly for players and spectators with respiratory sensitivities.

By 7:00 PM, conditions are expected to remain largely unchanged, with temperatures slightly rising to 27°C and humidity edging higher, making the atmosphere a bit more moisture-heavy but still within playable limits.

Lahore Qalandars squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan, Ryan Burl and Shahab Khan.

Hyderabad Kingsmen squad: Marnus Labuschagne (c), Hassan Khan (vc), Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Glenn Maxwell, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, Tayyab Arif, Maheesh Theekshana and Ahmed Hussain.

READ: Lahore Qalandars sign another Zimbabwe player for PSL 11

Brazil forward Vinicius Jr. has expressed renewed confidence in his form, stating that he is determined to translate his club success with Real Madrid onto the international stage as preparations intensify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

Speaking ahead of Brazil’s international friendly against France, the 25-year-old admitted he is in a much better place mentally and physically after overcoming a difficult phase earlier in the 2025–26 season.

“I feel more at ease, I’m happier, and when I’m happier, everyone around me is happier and more confident too,” Vinicius said.

The winger endured a challenging start to the campaign, going through a 16-match goal drought and facing criticism from sections of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. However, he has since rediscovered his rhythm, contributing 17 goals and 13 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Despite enjoying a decorated spell at club level, including multiple league titles and UEFA Champions League triumphs, Vinicius is yet to replicate that dominance consistently for Brazil. He has scored eight goals in 45 appearances for the five-time world champions.

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With his second World Cup approaching, the forward made it clear that performing for his country remains his ultimate ambition.

“I hope that everything I do for Real, I can go on to do here with the Brazilian national team. That’s my biggest goal. It’s where I’ve always dreamed of being, and I want to bring great pride to our country and a lot of joy to our entire nation,” he added.

Brazil are looking to bounce back after their quarter-final exit at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they were knocked out on penalties by Croatia. Vinicius, however, insisted he is focused on his own preparation and not external expectations.

“I know what I’m capable of and how much I’ve been working to be ready for the World Cup,” he said.

As Brazil continue to rebuild towards another title challenge, Vinicius’ resurgence could prove crucial in their bid to return to the top of world football.

READ: Asif Ali indicates willingness to reverse international retirement

Former Pakistan middle-order batter Asif Ali has hinted at a potential return to international cricket, stating he remains available for selection, but stressed that his immediate focus is on delivering for Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

The 34-year-old, who announced his international retirement in September last year, said his commitment to the game remains unchanged as long as he maintains his fitness.

“Look, my job is to play cricket. You saw in the [2024] World Cup as well that two retired players [Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim] returned to the Pakistan team. If there is a need, I am available. But my first focus is to play in the PSL and perform,” Asif said while speaking to reporters during a training session in Lahore.

Asif, who featured in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is for Pakistan, referenced the returns of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim to underline that comebacks remain a possibility if the team requires experienced players.

Currently part of the Lahore Qalandars squad, Asif Ali emphasised that his primary objective is to help the defending champions retain their title in the upcoming edition.

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“Look, the target and aim are the same for all players; that just as we were champions last time, we aim to be champions again this time,” he stated.

He further made it clear that retirement, for now, is not a closed chapter, insisting he will continue to play professional cricket for as long as he remains physically capable.

“As for retirement, I am still playing cricket, and God willing, as long as I have fitness, I will continue to play,” he added.

Known for his finishing ability, Asif also expressed flexibility regarding his batting position, highlighting his willingness to adapt according to the team’s needs.

“I have played wherever the team needed me, and the number was selected according to the team combination. I was happy there, and this time as well, whatever number they give me, I will be happy with that,” he concluded.

READ: Islamabad United sign THIS young batter to squad for PSL 11

LAHORE: Former champions Islamabad United have finalised their squad for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 after adding young batter Mohsin Riaz to their roster in a late move ahead of the tournament.

The franchise confirmed the signing on Wednesday night through their official social media platforms, welcoming the Sheikhupura-born right-hander to the squad.

“Islamabad United is excited to welcome the dynamic Mohsin Riaz to the ISLU family,” the franchise announced.

 

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The 25-year-old has shown promise in domestic T20 cricket, having featured in eight matches and scoring 106 runs at a healthy strike rate of 137.66. He also impressed in the recently concluded National T20 Cup while representing Sialkot Region, where he accumulated 61 runs in four outings at a strike rate exceeding 135.

Islamabad United have been active in the final days leading up to the tournament, having earlier confirmed the inclusion of Chris Green as a replacement for injured Australian batter Max Bryant. The late adjustments have taken the squad size to 20 players.

Led by Shadab Khan, United will begin their PSL 11 campaign against Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

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The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Islamabad United squad

Shadab Khan (captain), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Chris Green, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq, Mohsin Riaz and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

READ: Lahore Qalandars sign another Zimbabwe player for PSL 11