Category: Sports

Shoaib Malik is 43-years-old, yet he’s still active in franchise cricket, playing for Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the moment. However, his involvement in PSL has raised eyebrows, especially after he was named as a mentor for a domestic team last year.

Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf has questioned whether Malik should still be playing in the league. Speaking on a cricket show on Samaa TV, Yousuf said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) needs to decide who should be allowed to play in the PSL.

“The PCB needs to draw a line regarding Shoaib Malik playing the PSL. If you ask me to play, even I’ll play,” said Yousuf.

“I think the Board needs to decide who can play and who can’t. The board needs to make some decisions. Everyone wants to play,” he added.

For context, Shoaib Malik was appointed as a mentor for the domestic team Stallions during the Champions One-Day Cup last year. Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed were also named mentors. Now, his return as a player in the PSL is being viewed by some as a conflict of interest.

During the TV show, the host asked Yousuf and Shahid Afridi, “When will Shoaib Malik stop playing cricket,” leading to the discussion.

However, Shahid Afridi responded in Malik’s favour, saying, “He can play till whenever he wants to. I recently met him at Moin Khan Academy. He was coming back from training. At that time, the National T20 Cup was going on. Shoaib Malik can play some matches, but he should also miss a few games so that youngsters get their chance as they have performed well to get here.”

The anchor then argued, “What will happen to the kid who is missing out? Shoaib Malik is playing in his place. A line must be drawn. You are the mentor, and you must decide whether you want to be a mentor or play.”

To this, Afridi replied, “Yes, you are right. What else can I say?”

So far in PSL 2025, Malik has played two matches but hasn’t performed well. He has scored only 14 runs and hasn’t taken any wickets with the ball.

Malik last played for Pakistan in 2021 in a T20I against Bangladesh.

Quetta Gladiators’ spinner Usman Tariq has been reported for a suspect bowling action during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10.

According to reports, on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown flagged Tariq’s action during a match between Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars. Despite the report, the spinner remains eligible to bowl in upcoming matches.

However, officials have clarified that if his action is reported again in the coming games, he will be suspended from bowling until he is cleared. In such a scenario, Usman Tariq would be required to undergo testing and receive clearance from an ICC-accredited biomechanics lab.

Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has received recognition from across the border after his remarkable gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

In a rare gesture, an Indian official Instagram page acknowledged his outstanding performance and featured his journey as a source of inspiration for young people. 

The Indian platform not only praised Arshad’s Olympic triumph but also highlighted his video as motivational content, calling his story a powerful example of resilience and dedication. 

The video shows the Pakistani athlete’s performance in the javelin throw event at the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021, where he qualified for the final but missed out on winning a medal for the country.

At that time, India’s Neeraj Chopra took the gold with a throw of 87.58 metres — marking a historic moment as India’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics.

In the Instagram post, Nadeem is seen heartbroken after his disappointment in Tokyo. The video then shifts to the unforgettable scenes from the Paris 2024 Olympics, capturing the emotional moment when Arshad, visibly moved, raises his arms in celebration after winning gold with a massive throw of 92.97 metres — setting a new Olympic record.

Arshad, who hails from Mian Channu in Punjab, made history by becoming the first Pakistani javelin thrower to achieve consistent international success. His gold medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a silver at the 2023 World Athletics Championship already cemented his status as a national hero.

However, it was his gold medal at the Paris Olympics that truly elevated his legacy. After missing out on a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Arshad staged a remarkable comeback, defying all odds to bring glory to Pakistan.

To enhance fan interest and attendance during the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), a multitude of exciting rewards has been announced for spectators.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), every PSL 10 match will offer valuable prizes to cricket fans, including a brand-new motorbike for one lucky spectator. The initiative aims to make the live match experience more thrilling and rewarding.

One lucky ticket holder will be awarded a motorbike through a lucky draw. Fans can participate in the draw by using the Golootlo mobile app, which is available for download on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

To enter the draw, fans must scan the QR code on their match ticket using the Golootlo app. The name of the winner will be announced during the innings break of the match.

With this unique initiative, the PSL hopes to attract larger crowds and offer fans more reasons to enjoy the action live from the stadiums.

A stunning performance by James Vince in the third match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 turned heads, but it was the post-match gift that truly stole the spotlight.

The high-scoring thriller took place at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday, where the Karachi Kings faced off against the Multan Sultans. Batting first, Multan Sultans’ captain Mohammad Rizwan played a brilliant unbeaten inning of 105 runs, which included nine fours and five sixes. His efforts helped set a daunting target of 235 runs for the Karachi Kings.

However, the match took a dramatic turn when English batter James Vince stepped in with an explosive knock of 101 runs off just 43 balls, featuring 14 fours and four sixes. He not only turned the tide but also led his team to a stunning victory, snatching the win away from the Multan Sultans.

In recognition of his match-winning innings, Vince was declared Player of the Match. But it was what followed that caught everyone by surprise. The Karachi Kings franchise chose to reward the outstanding performance by the star of the day with an unusual gift: a hairdryer.

The video of Vince receiving the hairdryer inside the team’s dressing room was later shared on social media by Karachi Kings, sparking mixed reactions from fans. While some found the gesture humorous and entertaining, others criticised it, questioning the choice of the gift.

Here’s how social media users reacted:

One user wrote, “Use it to dry the pitch in case of rain. Good choice.”

Another commented, “Absolute joke. Are you guys promoting PSL or insulting Pakistan?”

A sarcastic remark came from a fan saying, “Ya jeeto Pakistan chal rha ??”

Someone suggested humorously, “Next game, give Roti Maker ☺”

Another user expressed frustration, “Are You Serious? Giving Hair Dryer in Prize? Q mzk bnwa rhe ho PSL ka bhai”

While one asked, “Is this a JOKE? The Player of the Match receives a HAIR DRYER?”

This is the first time in PSL history that a franchise has gifted such an item to a player.

Lahore Qalandars on Sunday delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Quetta Gladiators by 67 runs in both teams’ second match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Rawalpindi.

After winning the toss, Quetta Gladiators opted to bowl first. 

Lahore Qalandars took full advantage of the opportunity, posting an impressive total of 219 for the loss of six wickets. 

Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a blistering 67 off 39 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, while Sam Billings played a crucial knock, scoring 50 in the final overs. Abdullah Shafique and Daryl Mitchell also contributed with 37 runs each.

Quetta’s spinners showed some resistance, with Akeal Hosein and Abrar Ahmed claiming two wickets apiece, but the pace attack failed to contain the flow of runs.

Chasing a daunting target of 220, Quetta Gladiators faltered right from the start. Saud Shakeel was dismissed for just one run by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with the team total at 2. Finn Allen followed soon after, falling for a duck — again to Shaheen. Hassan Nawaz also failed to make an impact, getting out for just one run to Asif Afridi, leaving Quetta reeling at 9 for 3.

Kusal Mendis showed some resistance, scoring 28 runs before being caught off Haris Rauf. Rilee Rossouw was the top-scorer for Quetta with 44 runs but was bowled out by Akeal Hosein as the lineup continued to crumble.

Quetta then lost wickets in quick succession —Shoaib Malik, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Amir, and Abrar Ahmed were dismissed at a team total of 106, 107, 108 and 114, respectively. Faheem Ashraf was the last notable contributor with 21 runs.

The Gladiators were eventually bowled out for 140 in 16.2 overs. Akeal Hosein was the pick of the bowlers for Lahore with three wickets. Haris Rauf also chipped in with one wicket.

Amid a boycott campaign against the ongoing edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Multan Sultans have announced a special campaign to help children in Gaza as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

As per the details, the team will donate Rs100,000 for every six hit by their batters and every wicket taken by their bowlers.

The donation will go to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), an international charity working directly with affected children in Gaza, providing them with essential aid and support.

Last year, Multan Sultans hit 76 sixes and took 94 wickets in the tournament. If the team performs similarly this season, the campaign could raise a significant amount for the children in need.

“We believe cricket has the power to bring people together. Through this initiative, we want to support a cause that truly matters. Our goal is to perform well on the field and also make a difference off the field,” team owner Ali Tareen said in a statement.

“This is just a small step for a much bigger mission. I’m thankful to our players, staff and partners for fully supporting this effort,” he added.

However, the buildup to this year’s Pakistan Super League has not been without controversy. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has promised a “bigger and better” tournament, social media has seen a wave of backlash over the choice of sponsors.

Several PSL 10 sponsors are said to be brands linked to Israel or its supporters, according to boycott lists promoted by the BDS Movement. This has led to many fans expressing disappointment and calling for a boycott of the league.

“In Palestine, our brothers are dying, and we are busy celebrating PSL,” one user wrote.

Another posted, “Boycott PSL until they remove sponsorship from Zionist brands. I request everyone not just to post about boycotting but to actually do it—don’t watch a single match until these sponsorships end.”

The PCB and the concerned sponsors have yet to respond to these concerns.

It may be noted that the announcement comes as calls for boycotting the tournament gain momentum over the league’s choice of sponsors.

Quetta Gladiators on Saturday put up quite the performance with both bat and ball to secure a dominating 80-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

After being asked to bat first, Quetta Gladiators piled up an impressive total of 216/3 in 20 overs.

Captain Saud Shakeel led from the front with a classy 59 (42), anchoring the innings. He found an able partner in Finn Allen, who launched a brutal assault with a quickfire 53 (25), smashing the Zalmi bowlers at a stunning strike rate of 212.00.

Hassan Nawaz added valuable runs in the middle overs with 41 (32), while the final flourish came from Kusal Mendis and Rilee Rossouw, who scored 35 (14) and 21 (10), respectively. Their death-over carnage helped Gladiators cross the 200 mark rather comfortably.

Zalmi’s bowlers had a tough outing on a batting-friendly surface. Ali Raza picked up the prized wicket of Saud Shakeel, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Alzarri Joseph took one wicket each, dismissing Finn Allen and Hassan Nawaz, respectively.

Chasing 217 was always going to be a tall order, and Peshawar Zalmi crumbled under pressure, getting bowled out for 136 in just 15.1 overs.

Despite a fighting start from Saim Ayub, who scored 50 (38) with three fours and four sixes, the rest of the batting order collapsed. Star batter and captain Babar Azam returned to the pavilion for duck (0 off 2), and the top order couldn’t recover from the early jolts.

Hussain Talat gave some hope with a breezy 35 (19) while Mitchell Owen showed some resistance lower down with 31 (13). But the damage was too severe, and Quetta’s bowlers didn’t let the Zalmi batters breathe.

Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the lot, spinning a web with his figures of 4 wickets, including key dismissals of Haris, Kohler-Cadmore, Muqeem and Mohammad Ali.

Mohammad Amir struck twice and bowled with great control, while Usman Tariq also picked up two important wickets, including Hussain Talat and Max Bryant.

Karachi Kings have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, as wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining an injury.

The Kings are set to play their first match today, April 12, on home ground against the Multan Sultans. However, ahead of the crucial fixture, they have lost one of their key players.

Liton sustained an injury to his right hand during an intra-squad match on Thursday when a ball struck his thumb, resulting in a hairline fracture.

Reports suggest that doctors have advised a minimum of two weeks’ rest. Consequently, Liton flew back to his home country, Bangladesh, earlier this morning.

The Karachi Kings management is expected to announce a replacement for him shortly.

Pakistan’s Noor Zaman has won the Under-23 World Squash Championship, defeating Egypt’s Karim El-Turki in a thrilling five-game final held at DHA Creek Club in Karachi.

Organised by the Pakistan Squash Federation and Sindh Squash Association, the championship final saw Noor come from two games down to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory, showcasing exceptional grit and determination.

Speaking after the win, Noor Zaman said, “After trailing 2-0, my only focus was to stick to my game and fight till the end. I just wanted to prove all the hard work I had put in.” He added that he now feels “very calm and satisfied” with the result.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah congratulated Noor on his remarkable victory, calling the match “extremely exciting and enjoyable to watch.” He praised Noor’s skill and composure, saying, “He played brilliantly and truly earned the win.”

President Asif Ali Zardari lauded Noor’s performance, stating, “Noor Zaman played exceptionally well throughout the tournament, including the final. He has made the nation proud in the field of squash. I am hopeful and pray for his continued success in the future.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated Noor and the nation, saying, “Noor Zaman has illuminated Pakistan’s name across the world with his game. The entire nation is proud of him. I am confident that Pakistan will reclaim its lost glory in squash.”

Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi echoed the sentiments, saying, “Well done, Noor Zaman! The nation is proud of you. Your hard work has brought honour to Pakistan. This victory belongs to the entire country.”

He added, “I also congratulate Noor Zaman’s coaches and parents. Talented youth like Noor Zaman are a precious asset for Pakistan.”