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KARACHI: Glenn Maxwell has arrived in Pakistan and linked up with Hyderabad Kingsmen ahead of their crucial Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 fixture against Karachi Kings on Saturday.

The franchise confirmed the Australian all-rounder’s arrival through their official social media platforms, sharing a picture of Maxwell settling into his hotel room with a caption welcoming their high-profile addition.

Maxwell, widely regarded as one of the most explosive T20 players in modern cricket, is set to make his PSL debut this season, bringing both experience and firepower to a struggling Kingsmen outfit.

The right-handed batter boasts an impressive T20I record, having scored 2897 runs in 129 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 158.42, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries. His all-round credentials further strengthen his value, with 49 wickets to his name in the format.

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In 503 T20 matches, he has accumulated 10986 runs at a strike rate exceeding 154, alongside 196 wickets, making him one of the most sought-after players in leagues around the world, including the Big Bash League (BBL), Indian Premier League (IPL), The Hundred and the Vitality Blast.

His arrival comes at a critical juncture for the Marnus Labuschagne-led Kingsmen, who are yet to register a win in the ongoing season. The side has endured a tough start, losing all four of their matches and sitting near the bottom of the points table with a negative net run rate.

READ: Mohammad Rizwan opens up after Rawalpindiz fifth straight loss

KARACHI: Rawalpindiz captain Mohammad Rizwan has vowed to overcome shortcomings after suffering fifth consecutive defeat in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Quetta Gladiators 61-run victory on Friday night kept Mohammad Rizwan’s side winless in the tournament.

The skipper highlighted the shortcomings in the post-match presentation, stating that his side is working on weaknesses

“We certainly recognize the need for change; it’s clear that adjustments are required to get us back on track. We’ve had our share of struggles, but we are actively working to overcome them,” he said.

“We brought in Ben Sears specifically to strengthen our death-bowling options and included Usman Khawaja to bolster the lineup. There have been ups and downs, and we are constantly trying to fix those gaps,” the skipper explained.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

He credited Hassan Nawaz and Jahandad Khan for their impressive batting that helped Quetta Gladiators reach a winning total.

“On this pitch, we felt we were restricting them well to around 140 or 150, but Hasan Nawaz and Jahandad deserve a lot of credit—they took the score from 150 to 180, which was a bit excessive for these conditions.”

The right-hander has struggled in the ongoing tournament with 83 runs in five matches at an average of 16.60.

“Regarding my personal form, I know how important it is to maintain self-belief. I realize that if I don’t lead from the front, the team will struggle, the 33-year-old maintained.

“I am working hard on my shortcomings and putting in the effort; I believe in showing courage and working hard, leaving the ultimate results in the hands of the Almighty. It is a tough period right now, but I am committed to fighting through it,” he continued.

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He expressed confidence despite losing five games on the trot, noting that they will bounce back in the upcoming games.

“The message in the dressing room is that in this sport, players are exposed to failure 60% of the time. We have to meet that reality with energy and bravery.”

“I truly believe that if we play the next five games to the best of our potential, the results will follow. It’s all about taking our courage to that next level and staying united as a group,” he concluded.

READ: Jahandad Khan reflects on all-round display against Rawalpindiz

KARACHI: All-rounder Jahandad Khan addressed the media after an impressive all-round performance that helped Quetta Gladiators beat Rawalpindiz by a hefty margin of 61 runs in the 18th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Set 183 under lights at the National Bank Stadium, Rawalpindiz were bowled for 121 in 17.3 overs.

Jahandad Khan, who made his debut for Quetta Gladiators, delivered with both bat and ball.

The all-rounder came in when Gladiators were 156-4 in 18 overs. The left-hander struck 21 from nine deliveries, including two sixes and two fours that helped his side finish strong.

After impressing with the bat, he also delivered with the bowl, picking up two wickets in 2.3 overs while giving away eight runs.

Talking to reporters at the post-match press conference, Jahandad said he had been waiting for an oppurtunity for the past year.

“I had been waiting for an opportunity for a year,” he said. “This time, I got the chance to play in the PSL and proved my selection right,” he added.

He further said his simple plan was to contribute to victories whenever given an opportunity.

“My simple plan is that whenever I play, I try to win matches for my team,” the 22-year-old revealed.

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“Last year, I couldn’t play cricket in Pakistan at all. I did not represent Pakistan Shaheens or the national team, and I did not play in the PSL. ”

He added that he had worked hard over the past year, particularly on his batting and finishing skills, while expressing confidence in his abilities and future prospects.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“I have prepared well over the past year, particularly with the bat, and have worked on finishing matches. I consider myself Pakistan’s best all-rounder, and in the future I will prove myself,” said the all-rounder.

Jahandad also credited his experience in the Bangladesh Premier League for his recent performances.

“I have played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the past two years. My experience in the BPL is also helping me.”

“I played my natural game; no one gave me any specific instructions,” he concluded.

READ: Mikel Arteta opens up on Arsenal contract

Head coach Mikel Arteta has addressed Arsenal contract ahead of the clash against Bournemouth on Saturday. 

Arteta’s side host Bournemouth on Saturday and second-placed City travel to Chelsea on Sunday as the title race approaches a pivotal moment.

The Gunners are nine points ahead of City, having played a game more than Pep Guardiola’s team.

That lead would increase to 12 points if Arsenal defeat Bournemouth, putting City under intense pressure to take maximum points from their tricky trip to Stamford Bridge.

Asked how important it would be to move further ahead of City, Arteta told reporters on Friday: “The closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases, obviously, and tomorrow is a big day for us.

“The players know it, our supporters know it, it’s early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner, as you say in England, and let’s go all together for it because it has to be a big day.”

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After losing to City in the League Cup final and to second tier Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Arsenal bounced back with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-final first-leg on Tuesday.

The Gunners are chasing a first English title in 22 years, as well as their maiden Champions League crown.

And Arteta is convinced that they can finish the season with both trophies, which would finally end their six-year silverware drought since lifting the FA Cup.

“First of all, the capacity we have as a club and as a team, the will to win,” Arteta said to explain his belief.

“We recognise the opportunity ahead and we are going to do our best to achieve it.”

Arteta’s Arsenal contract expires in 2027, and the Spaniard remains fully committed to the club after reports of talks over a new deal.

“There’s no news on that. We have no time to discuss that now. The full focus is on what we have to do from here until the end of the season,” he said.

“I am fully committed and really happy and I feel good. My family is good and I still have so much ambition to do with this football club, and for now we are in a good place.

“This job is about the present and what you do on the day. Give your very best and feel that you are the person that can lead and inspire the group to achieve great things for the club.”

READ: Jannik Sinner romps into Monte Carlo semi-final

Jannik Sinner brushed aside Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets on Friday to set up a Monte Carlo Masters semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

The Italian extended his winning run at Masters 1000 events to 20 matches by seeing off his Canadian opponent 6-3, 6-4.

“I feel like it was a step forwards today,” said Sinner, whose record streak of 36 consecutive sets won in Masters tournaments was snapped by Tomas Machac in the last 16.

“It was a very tough match. I knew I had to get better in certain areas. The serve is not there yet, where I would love it (to be), but all things considered I’m very happy…

“But in any case, very happy to be back in the semis.”

Sinner has never won one of the elite tournaments on clay but will be a strong favourite when he plays Zverev, who edged out Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, after winning their last seven meetings.

The world number two, who completed the ‘Sunshine double’ with wins at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, is still on track for a possible first clash of the year with Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Sinner dropped just seven points on serve in a dominant opening set which he took courtesy of a break in the sixth game.

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The four-time Grand Slam champion also powered through the second set, wrapping up his fifth consecutive win over seventh-ranked Auger-Aliassime.

World number three Zverev sealed a battling 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3 victory over Fonseca to reach the semi-finals in Monaco for the third time.

Zverev is targeting his first ATP title since winning in Munich 12 months ago.

The German could also complete a career sweep of the clay-court Masters 1000 events, having previously won both the Italian Open and Madrid Open twice each.

Big-hitting 19-year-old Fonseca was playing in his first Masters quarter-final but pushed his opponent for long periods.

Three-time Grand Slam runner-up Zverev broke in the 11th game and then served out the opening set to love, before breaking again at the start of the second.

Fonseca reeled off four straight games from 3-1 down to tee up the chance to serve for the set, but he failed to take that opportunity.

The world number 40 found his rhythm in the tie-break, though, reeling off a string of magnificent groundstrokes to force a decider.

But Fonseca could not maintain that level as Zverev improved.

The 28-year-old broke in the sixth game and confidently served out victory, reaching his third straight Masters 1000 semi-final this year.

Later on Friday, world number one and reigning champion Alcaraz takes on Alexander Bublik, before Alex de Minaur plays Valentin Vacherot.

READ: WATCH: Fakhar Zaman responds to Mohsin Naqvi’s birthday wish

Opening batter Fakhar Zaman has thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his heartfelt birthday wish.

Earlier today, Mohsin Naqvi sent Fakhar a bouquet with a heartfelt note.

“Warmest Happy Birthday Fakhar Zaman from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi”, the note on the bouquet read.

The left-hander who turned 36 today has represented Pakistan in three Tests, 92 ODIs, and 120 T20Is.

“Thank you very much, Chairman [Mr Mohsin Naqvi], for such a wonderful gesture. Your kind birthday wishes and the beautiful flowers truly meant a lot. Grateful for your warmth and thoughtfulness,” Fakhar said in a video message.

Thank you very much, Chairman @MohsinnaqviC42 Sb for such a wonderful gesture. Your kind birthday wishes and the beautiful flowers truly meant a lot. Grateful for your warmth and thoughtfulness. pic.twitter.com/Rh3k1ojt15

— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) April 10, 2026

For the unversed, Fakhar was penalised by the PCB after being found guilty of a Level 3 breach of the tournament’s Code of Conduct, relating to ball-tampering during Lahore Qalandars’ clash against Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium.

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The left-handed batter had denied the charge and opted for a full disciplinary hearing, which was conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama. Following a review of the evidence and Fakhar’s defence, the referee imposed a two-match suspension, the maximum penalty for a first Level 3 offence.

In response, Fakhar Zaman lodged a formal appeal, seeking a reassessment of the decision.

The matter was then revisited by the PSL Technical Committee, which conducted a fresh review before arriving at the same conclusion. The board confirmed that the original sanction would stand.

Following this, Fakhar missed Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming fixtures, including their match against Multan Sultans on April 3 at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by an away game against Islamabad United on April 9.

Fakhar Zaman will return to action for Lahore Qalandars against Peshawar Zalmi here at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.

READ: Nuwan Thushara issues apology to Sri Lanka Cricket

KARACHI: Rilee Rossouw’s half-century and a dominant bowling performance helped Quetta Gladiators defeat Rawalpindiz by 61 runs in the 18th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Set a stiff 183 to chase, Rawalpindiz innings folded on a mere 121 run total in 17.3 overs.

The chase started on a shaky note as skipper Mohammad Rizwan was sent back for a golden duck on the first ball of the innings.

After an early wicket, opener Yasir Khan decided to take on the bowlers and accumulated 14 runs in the second over.

Rawalpindiz were 27 in 2.5 overs before Usman Khawaja (7) was run out, putting them in further trouble.

Meanwhile, Yasir continued on as Rawalpindiz reached 45 in the fifth over. However, his innings ended on 22 after holing out to deep wicket.

With Rawalpindiz in deep trouble, Daryl Mitchell and Abdullah Fazal came to the fore, putting the chase back on track with a 33-run partnership.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The scorecard read 77 in 11 overs when Usman Khan removed Abdullah Fazal ( 20) to break the threatening stand.

In the very next over, Saud Shakeel picked up two wickets, removing Daryl Mitchell (30 off 32) and Sam Billings for one run to put Quetta Gladiators into a winning position.

Rawalpindiz innings quickly unraveled after the quick wickets as they lost control of the game and were bowled out for a modest score.

For Quetta Gladiators, Saud Shakeel, Usman Tariq, and Jahandad Khan picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, Rilee Rossouw composed half-century and Hassan Nawaz’s blistering knock powered Quetta Gladiators to a strong total.

Asked to bat first, Quetta Gladiators managed to post 182-6 on the board in their 20 overs.

After a quiet power play, Rilee Rossouw and skipper Saud Shakeel added 87 off 67 balls for the second wicket partnership to put the Gladiators in a strong position.

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Rossouw made 53 off 42 with the aid of six boundaries and a maximum before getting caught off Mubasir Khan’s bowling.

Saud Shakeel soon followed him after scoring 42 from 39, including three boundaries.

At this stage, Gladitors were 123-3 in 15.3 overs with Hassan Nawaz at the fore.

The right remained instrumental in helping his side reach a commendable total. He struck five sixes on his way to 39 from only 16 balls.

For Rawalpindiz, Ben Sears picked up three wickets in his quota of four overs.

READ: Abrar confident of Quetta Gladiators comeback after shaky start

KARACHI: Rawalpindiz have won the toss and have decided to bowl first against Quetta Gladiators in the 18th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

This will be the first time the two teams will be facing each other, with Rawalpindiz playing in the tournament for the first time.

Quetta Gladiators have won only one out of three matches while Pindiz are in search of their first win.

Playing XIs

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (capt), Sam Harper, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Rilee Rossouw, Jahandad Khan, Khalil Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Kashif Bhatti, Usman Tariq

RawalPindiz: Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk), Usman Khawaja, Yasir Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Abdullah Fazal, Saad Masood, Mubasir Khan, Asif Afridi, Ben Sears, Mohammad Amir

READ: Abrar confident of Quetta Gladiators comeback after shaky start

KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators spinner Abrar Ahmed has expressed confidence in his side’s ability to recover from a shaky start in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

While giving an interview on a private channel, Abrar expressed confidence in the team despite winning only one out of three matches in the Lahore leg.

“We have left the previous stage behind because it wasn’t good for us. Now we want to begin again from here,” he said.

“We were winning some matches but lost them due to mistakes in the middle order. In a couple of games, including against Islamabad and Karachi Kings, we had control but couldn’t finish,” he added.

The mystery spinner is hopeful of lifting the trophy for his side with a strong bowling performance.

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“My personal goal is simple — to win the trophy for Quetta Gladiators,” he explained.

Maintaining a good economy rate and bowling consistently matter more than topping the wicket charts if it helps the team reach the final.

Abrar remarked about bowling with a plan and expressed hope that he would soon see the crowd in the PSL.

“You have to read the wicket, understand the batter, and adjust your plans accordingly. Everything is about situation-based bowling,” Abrar maintained.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“The crowd makes the game more alive. Hopefully, things improve and we see fans back in the stands soon.”

The 27-year-old said his focus is solely on playing cricket, regardless of the venue anywhere in the world.

“My job is to play cricket. Whether I play here or anywhere in the world, my focus remains only on the game,” he concluded.

Quetta Gladiators will face winless Rawalpindiz in the 18th match of the PSL 11.

READ: Moeen Ali highlights rhythm issues after long break

Pace bowler Nuwan Thushara has issued an apology to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and expressed his willingness to withdraw legal proceedings following a dispute over the denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

In a formal email addressed to SLC Chief Executive Officer Ashley de Silva, with copies sent to board president Shammi Silva and another senior official, the fast bowler clarified that his actions were never intended to escalate the matter into a legal confrontation.

“My sole intention throughout this process has been to seek fairness and justice, as I genuinely feel that I have been treated unfairly in this matter,” Thushara wrote.

He further emphasised that his initial steps were motivated by a desire to have his concerns heard, rather than to create conflict or damage the reputation of the board.

“The steps I initially considered were driven by a desire to have my concerns heard and addressed appropriately, rather than to create conflict or bring disrepute to the organization,” he added.

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Nuwan Thushara also expressed regret over any inconvenience caused to the board and its officials during the ongoing dispute.

“I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience, misunderstanding, or distress that my actions may have caused to Sri Lanka Cricket and its officials,” he stated.

In the same communication, the pacer indicated that he remains open to an amicable resolution and is prepared to withdraw legal action altogether.

“With this in mind, I would like to express my willingness to withdraw any legal action and instead seek an amicable resolution to this matter. I remain hopeful that we can move forward in a positive and constructive manner,” he said.

The right-arm fast bowler had earlier approached the Colombo District Court, seeking an order compelling SLC to issue him an NOC for franchise opportunities abroad, including the IPL.

However, the request was rejected by SLC because he had not met the board’s newly introduced fitness requirements, which led to the escalation of the dispute.

READ: Moeen Ali highlights rhythm issues after long break