Tag: Shehbaz Sharif

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has granted approval for spectators to attend the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final, offering fans a chance to witness the title decider live at the stadium.

The confirmation was made by Mohsin Naqvi, who revealed that the decision came after multiple requests from franchise owners. The final is scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium on May 3.

The ongoing edition of the tournament has been played behind closed doors due to government-imposed austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption amid a broader regional crisis.

Matches were also limited to fewer venues, with Karachi and Lahore hosting fixtures instead of the originally planned six-city format.

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Naqvi shared that he had personally requested the prime minister to reconsider the no-spectator policy. While the government remained cautious due to ongoing resource conservation efforts, an exception has now been made for the final.

“Dear cricket fans, I requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow spectators in the stadiums,” Naqvi posted on his official X account.

“While he was also inclined to permit fans, he emphasized that austerity measures are currently in place across Pakistan, with efforts underway to minimize fuel consumption.

“However, on the request of franchise owners, he has graciously approved the presence of fans for the PSL 11 Final. I sincerely thank him for this decision and for facilitating the fans.”

READ: Islamabad United script PSL history against Hyderabad Kingsmen

ISLAMABAD: The owners of the new franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here at the PM house on Friday.

The owners were accompanied by the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi.

While the meeting was also attended by the Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, the PSL CEO, Salman Naseer, and the PCB Chief Operating Officer, Syed Samir Ahmed.

“Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif meets and congratulates PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, COO Sumair Ahmed and CEO PSL Salman Naseer, along with the new HBL PSL team owners, FKS Group (Hyderabad) and OZ Group (Sialkot), on the successful HBL PSL Teams Auction,” the video caption wrote on PCB’s social handle.

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For the unversed, PSL officially expanded ahead of season 11, with Hyderabad and Sialkot confirmed as the two new franchises following a high-stakes auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on 8 January.

The two teams will make their debut in PSL season 11, joining the existing six franchises: Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, and Multan Sultans.

The official names of the Hyderabad and Sialkot teams will be announced at a later stage.

The Hyderabad franchise was secured by the FKS Group, owned by Fawad Sarwar, after a successful bid of Rs 1.75 billion.

Later, OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed, clinched the Sialkot franchise with a record-breaking bid of Rs1.85 billion, the highest figure of the auction.

PSL 11 is set to be the biggest edition of the tournament to date with the addition of two new franchises.

The upcoming edition will be played from March 26 to May 3, 2026.

READ: Haider Ali’s Noakhali Express register first BPL win in seven attempts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 cricket team received a hero’s welcome and a generous cash reward from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following their historic victory over India to claim the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025.

The young Green Shirts clinched the ACC U19 Asia Cup title emphatically, defending a mammoth 348-run target by bundling out India for just 156 in 26.2 overs, sealing a commanding 191-run win.

On Monday, the Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honour of the victorious squad, personally congratulating the players and management for their remarkable achievement.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with several federal ministers, also attended the event.

Shehbaz Sharif announced a cash reward of Rs 10 million for each player in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Speaking after the event, former national captain and Pakistan U19 mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed reiterated the Prime Minister’s announcement and praised the team’s efforts.

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“The Prime Minister has announced a reward of Rs 10 million for each player, and in the future, these young players will make the country proud,” he said.

Sarfaraz also highlighted the individual brilliance in the final, singling out Ahmed Hussain for a gutsy 56 off 72 balls, while Sameer Minhas top-scored with a sensational 172 off 113 deliveries, including 17 fours and nine sixes.

Pakistan U19 head coach Shahid Anwar also praised the preparation behind the triumph.

He revealed that a talent hunt starting June 17 involved seventy players undergoing trials, with each given four matches to impress selectors before being invited to the final camp.

The ten-day camp in Karachi featured guidance from former cricketers who helped refine the squad’s skills.

“Our goal upon leaving the country was clear: to win the trophy and, more importantly, to win the hearts of cricket fans,” Anwar stated, summarising the team’s dedication and focus.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed slams India’s conduct in U19 Asia Cup final

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday hosted a luncheon in honor of the Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe cricket teams participating in the ongoing T20I tri-nation series.

The reception was held at the Prime Minister’s House in the federal capital, attended by various dignitaries, including Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

On this occasion, Shehbaz Sharif praised the teams for showing their skill and passion for the game.

“The passion, skill, and dedication shown by the cricket teams of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe in participating in the tri-nation Series in Pakistan is commendable,” PM told the players.

“All the players are representing their respective countries in the best possible way,” he said.

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The PM further said that the steady return of international cricket highlighted Pakistan’s positive image.

“I hope the matches set a standard of sportsmanlike spirit that becomes a guiding light for our younger generation,” he remarked.

“The continuous hosting of international cricket in Pakistan reflects the nation’s positive image, as well as its peace and stability,” he stated.

He noted that cricket would continue to strengthen friendship and cooperation among the three nations, and said Pakistan looked forward to hosting more international teams in the same spirit.

“I believe that cricket will further strengthen friendship and mutual co-operation among the three nations. Pakistan looks forward to hosting international teams in the same spirit in the future,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the tri-series commenced on November 18 and will run until November 29. Each side is scheduled to play four league matches, with the top two teams meeting in the final.

T20I Tri-Series Schedule:

• November 18: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 20: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 29: Final

READ: Bangladesh announce new vice-captains across formats

Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has shared a special piece of advice for the ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The premier inaugurated the stadium with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and other officials beside him.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz said that it was a happy day for everyone that the stadium’s reconstruction was completed with “such grandeur”.

Shehbaz Sharif praised the national cricket team for their recent performances and expressed hope that they would become champions of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“We all are praying for you. We are all waiting for the moment when you will defeat India,” he stated.

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He also advised Shaheen Afridi to take inspiration from his father-in-law, the legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi. Moreover, he shared his high expectations for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

“Babar Azam and [Mohammad] Rizwan, we have lots of expectations from you,” he said. “[Shaheen] Afridi Sb, follow in the footsteps of your father-in-law and pile up wickets Insha Allah.”

Sharif also assured that the government would provide top-tier security arrangements for the matches, allowing cricket fans to enjoy world-class cricket.

The PM congratulated the nation on hosting a major international sports event in Pakistan after 29 years. He also thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for providing facilities to the construction team through the Punjab government.

He appreciated Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi for supervising the stadium’s construction.

READ: South Africa add two key players to squad for tri-nation ODI series

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mohammad Asif for winning the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championship 2024.

Asif clinched his third IBSF World Snooker Championship 2024 title by defeating Iran’s Ali Gharahgozlou with a score of 5-3 in Doha, Qatar.

Asif has previously won the coveted championship in 2012 and 2019. Moreover, he has also clinched two team titles, which makes him the most decorated cueist in the history of Pakistan with five world titles.

For the unversed, the 42-year-old player made his entrance into the tournament as a qualifier, having received a nomination from the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Association (PBSA) to participate as a wild card entrant.

However, he seized the opportunity with remarkable determination, delivering breathtaking performances which earned him qualification for the final against Gharahgozlou.

His extraordinary accomplishment garnered accolades from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who commended Asif for his exceptional efforts that brought honour and pride to the nation.

“Mohammad Asif has made the nation proud by clinching the World Snooker Championship title for the third time,” the prime minister said, according to a PM Office statement. “Asif’s family members and coach also deserve felicitation.”

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Additionally, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the government is committed to prioritizing the establishment of top-notch facilities for sportsmen, ensuring they have the resources needed to excel and compete effectively on the global stage.

During the final against Gharahgozlou, Asif dominated the opening frame with a commanding score of 70-25 with an impressive display of skill. However, Gharahgozlou quickly found his rhythm in the second frame, levelling the contest with a resounding victory of 87-7.

Undeterred, Asif regained his momentum in the third frame, showcasing his talent by winning decisively at 82-8.

The Pakistani cueist then delivered a breathtaking performance in the fourth frame, executing a flawless 106 clearance break, which was his sixth-century break of the tournament.

Asif continued to exhibit his prowess in the fifth frame, further solidifying his advantage with a convincing 82-12 win, bringing his lead to a solid 4-1.

Although Gharahgozlou fought back valiantly, claiming victories in both the sixth and seventh frames, Asif proved too strong. He sealed his victory in the eighth frame with a stellar performance, executing a remarkable 93-point break.

READ: Ghazanfar spins Afghanistan to win over Bangladesh in first ODI

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif met the President of the Pakistan MMA Federation Omar Ahmed along with Asian MMA gold medallists Eman Khan and Bano Butt on Sunday.

Sharif also met Brave 85 winners and celebrated the medal-winning achievements of all athletes and the federation’s role in elevating Pakistan’s global sports status.

Omar Ahmed with his small but dedicated team at the Pakistan MMA Federation successfully organised the largest sporting event in the country’s history hosting over 300 athletes from 18 countries.

This monumental event was broadcast to 144 countries translated into 22 languages and reached 40 million households worldwide.

The Prime Minister commended Omar Ahmed for delivering such a major event without government financial support and praised the Pakistan MMA Federation’s efforts to build a self-sustaining sporting economy similar to cricket.

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Shehbaz Sharif also recognised MMA’s potential for character-building and mental health benefits for recreational practitioners.

Omar Ahmed suggested that making MMA popular could be an excellent tool for deradicalisation and countering extremism in youth across the country by diverting their energies toward bringing national glory.

The event highlighted the growing MMA scene in Pakistan and its ability to host world-class events with excellence boosting the nation’s global standing.

The Pakistan MMA Federation and Omar Ahmed were also commended for their commitment to execute such a landmark event with limited resources, showing great resolve and unmatchable passion a blueprint for other federations and sporting entities to follow.

Sharif expressed his full support for the federation and its vision of creating champions who will bring national pride and enhance the country’s image on the global stage.

READ: Asjad Iqbal stuns world champion Ali Al Obaidli in Mongolia World Cup

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif restored all departmental sports in the country on Thursday to encourage young talent and pave the way for the financial prosperity of the athletes. 

According to the details, PM Shehbaz announced to revoke the ban on departmental sports during a ceremony held in honour of medal-winning athletes of recently held international events.

PM had promised to reinstate the departments during his address to the nation after assuming office in April.

“I am lifting the ban on departmental sports, as it will increase competition. It will provide an opportunity to national male and female athletes to showcase their talents and skills,” he said.

Restoration of departmental sports was one of the pressing demands by the young athletes as thousands of players were left jobless with the ban which asked public departments, corporations and autonomous bodies to stop the funding to sports teams in 30 different disciplines.

PM also distributed cash prizes among the medal-winning athletes including Arshad Nadeem and Nooh Dastagir Butt, who won gold medals in the recently concluded  Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham.

Speaking on the occasion, PM stated that Pakistani sportsmen had made the nation proud with their inspirational achievements in the Commonwealth Games and Islamic Solidarity Games.

Furthermore, he claimed that steps would also be taken to hold sporting events at college and university levels to encourage the students to get involved in healthy activities.

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