Category: Sports

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced plans to host Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium.

Speaking at the historic PSL roadshow at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, Naqvi revealed the board’s commitment to developing cricket infrastructure across Pakistan.

“We are going to prepare Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium in an excellent manner. There is also a five-star hotel of international standard in Muzaffarabad for international players,” Naqvi said.

He added that PSL matches along with other international matches will be held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The chairman emphasized transparency in the league’s operations. “The new bid for PSL will be open and transparent,” he promised. 

Speaking during a panel discussion at the roadshow, Naqvi outlined the board’s vision for the league. “PCB and PSL management are working together for the betterment of cricket. We want to make PSL the number one league in the world. Our national cricketers have a lot of talent.”

He highlighted the league’s role in nurturing young talent. “Young talent gets the opportunity to hone their skills in the Pakistan Super League. The prizes given to players boost their morale. We have worked for the betterment of cricket while facing all kinds of challenges.”

Naqvi stated his priorities clearly. “Pakistan comes first for me. Investors in PSL get satisfactory benefits.”

The chairman also shared plans for expanding cricket infrastructure. “We are going to build a cricket stadium in Islamabad. There will be musical concerts for fans at every stadium. We are also going to do a cricket roadshow in New York, USA. We will provide an OTT platform very soon.”

PSL 11 will mark a major expansion for the league, with the Pakistan Cricket Board set to add two new franchises. The PCB has shortlisted six cities for the expansion: Hyderabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad and Sialkot.

Reports suggest that Gilgit and Faisalabad have emerged as the leading candidates for the new teams, though the PCB has not officially confirmed the final selections. 

Auction for the two new franchises will take place on January 6, 2026.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has finally addressed the controversy surrounding Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian forward’s explosive comments came to light over the weekend.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Slot made it clear he will not tolerate public criticism from his players, regardless of their status at the club.

“It’s hard for me to know what Mo [Mohamed Salah] exactly means. Usually I’m calm and polite but I’m not weak. We needed to react and that’s why Mo is not here,” Slot said.

When asked about claims that their relationship had broken down, Slot rejected the notion. “I haven’t felt that at all. He’s been very respectful to teammates and staff members. It was a surprise to me when I heard his comments. He has every right to feel what he feels, but if he shares it with the media then we have to react.”

Liverpool left Salah out of their squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Inter Milan, deciding on the omission in consultation with and with the full support of Slot.

The decision came in the wake of comments Salah made after Saturday evening’s 3-3 Premier League draw at Leeds United, where Slot benched him for a third time in a week.

In a stunning interview, Salah accused Liverpool of breaking promises and suggested someone at the club wanted him out.

“It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” Salah told reporters.

The 33-year-old forward expressed frustration over his lack of playing time. “The club made me a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am on the bench for three games, so I can’t say they keep the promise.”

Salah also addressed his relationship with Slot directly. “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”

Salah hinted at uncertainty about his future at Anfield. “We’ll see what’s going to happen. I don’t know what is going to happen now. I will be at Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON]. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”

Foreign media reports suggest Slot made the decision to leave Salah at home with full support from the club. Sources indicate it is in the best interest of all parties involved for the player to have a brief period away from selection given the nature and timing of his public comments.

However, the club will not take formal disciplinary action against Salah.

The star forward departs for the Africa Cup of Nations next Monday and also looks likely to miss Liverpool’s Premier League home game against Brighton on Saturday.

Salah has scored 250 goals for Liverpool since signing from Roma in 2017, but has just five in 19 games this season.

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has landed in Sydney ahead of the Sydney Sixers’ first BBL match of the season against the Perth Scorchers in Perth this Sunday.

The former skipper has attracted unprecedented interest in the Sydney Sixers, with his signing causing an internet storm of support from his loyal fan base.

After a 26-hour flight from Pakistan, Babar Azam touched down in sunny Sydney, excited about playing in the Magenta this weekend in the West.

“I am looking forward to playing over there in Perth, the faster wicket over there,” he said.

The international superstar will have a dedicated stand at the SCG. Babaristan will feature at all SCG home fixtures for the Sydney Sixers.

Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes said the Sixers were excited to welcome Babar Azam to the club.

He said, “Babaristan will bring together passionate supporters in a high-energy, inclusive space. Whether you’re a die-hard Babar (Azam) fan, a cricket lover, or just keen to experience the electric atmosphere of South Asian culture, this area is for you.”

“I encourage our fans to grab a ticket to Babaristan and experience firsthand the excitement that this international star brings to our club. See you at the SCG on December 17th to give Babar a very warm Sydney welcome,” he added.

The club has already sold out Babaristan for next week’s December 17 home match, however, more tickets remain available across the remainder of the Sixers’ home fixtures.

Seattle’s local organising committee has confirmed it will go ahead with hosting a LGBTQ+ ‘Pride Match’ at the 2026 World Cup, BBC reported.

According to the report, the fixture will feature Egypt and Iran – two countries where homosexuality is illegal and carries severe punishments.

The committee announced earlier that the June 26 match at Lumen Field would celebrate the LGBTQ+ community as part of Seattle’s official Pride weekend. 

However, organisers made the decision before knowing which teams would play in the fixture.

Friday’s World Cup draw and Saturday’s fixture allocation revealed that Egypt will face Iran in this Group G match. 

Iranian law permits the death penalty as the harshest punishment for same-sex relations while Egyptian authorities regularly deploy morality laws to restrict LGBTQ+ rights and relationships.

The local committee runs this event independently without any FIFA involvement.

Organisers have invited artists across Washington state to create artwork celebrating LGBTQ+ people, which will appear around the stadium and throughout the city during the match.

The Seattle Pride Match Advisory Committee, which organisers established specifically for this event, insists the celebration will continue as scheduled.

“The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country, and it was planned well in advance. Soccer has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. We are honoured to host a Pride Match and to celebrate Pride as part of a global football community. This match reflects our ongoing commitment to respect, dignity, and unity for all,” a spokesperson was quoted as saying.

It may be noted that similar controversies have emerged at previous World Cups.

During the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where laws also criminalise same-sex relationships, FIFA threatened yellow cards for any player wearing the OneLove armband supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

Several teams, including England and Wales, had originally planned to wear the armband but abandoned the idea after FIFA issued its warning.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) faces a major financial crisis after Jio Star reportedly informed the organization that it cannot continue with the remaining two years of its broadcast rights contract for ICC events in India. 

According to media reports, Jio Star incurred heavy financial losses under the current four-year agreement.

Reports say Jio Star’s early withdrawal has left the 2024-27 rights cycle incomplete, raising questions about how future ICC events will air or stream in India, particularly the T20 World Cup 2026, which India will host.

In response to the crisis, ICC has launched a fresh sales process for the 2026-29 broadcast rights with expectations to generate approximately $2.4 billion. 

The global body has reportedly contacted several major platforms including Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), Netflix and Amazon Prime, but no platform currently wants to sign an expensive deal. 

The report also reveals that Jio Star has increased its estimated potential losses in sports contracts for 2024-25 from PKR12,319 crore to PKR25,760 crore, highlighting the severe financial pressure from long-term expensive broadcast agreements.

Reports added that the situation points to a major structural challenge in India’s sports broadcasting industry, where advertising revenue and subscription numbers cannot match the expenses of costly cricket event broadcast rights. 

This explains why even strong broadcasters like Jio Star now adopt a cautious approach toward long-term sports deals.

Experts say this development could also affect the pricing of Indian Premier League (IPL) broadcast deals in the future.

The inaugural Twin City Run was a monumental success, bringing together hundreds of runners, families, and community members in a historic Half Marathon (21.1 km) connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad and a 5 KM run. 

The event kicked off with electric energy at the Saddar Metro Station, Rawalpindi. Participants followed a unique, scenic route that was more than just a race—it was a journey through history and modernity. The course passed alongside iconic landmarks like the Army Museum and the historic Raja Bazaar area of Rawalpindi before transitioning onto Islamabad’s wide avenues and culminating in a triumphant finish at the capital’s heart, D Chowk.

The run was defined by its inclusivity, with hundreds of women and scores of families and children participating. 

Runners universally loved the experience, especially running from one city into another, and praised the unique, commemorative medal.

“Running directly from the historical heart of Pindi to the center of Islamabad was an amazing feeling, especially with the music powering us on,” commented Usman, who joined the race from Lahore.

 “And the run’s goal to promote environmental protection makes the achievement even more meaningful.” said Maria Memon as the journalist completed her 5K. 

“The enthusiasm was incredible. Seeing women, children, and families run from the historical sites of Pindi to the center of Islamabad was a truly unique and unifying experience,” said Fahad Qureshi, organizer of the Twin City run.

The atmosphere was amplified by live music along the route. Local artists provided non-stop motivation with powerful drumming and traditional dhol performances, fueling the runners’ energy as they progressed.

A unique highlight for many runners was the special privilege of traversing sections of the elevated Metro track. This element reinforced the run’s larger purpose: to actively promote greater utilization of the Metro system as a means to reduce traffic pollution and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment in the twin cities.

At the end of the event, the organizers extended thanks to all partners. “We are deeply grateful to the Rawalpindi and Islamabad Administrations for their comprehensive support,” said Yawar Sidiqqui, the race organizer. 

“A special note of thanks goes to the Metro Transit Authority and their dedicated staff for their immense assistance in securing the route and facilitating this unique cross-city run.”

The Twin City Run was the 1st ever event of its kind, where runners took the metro track for the run.

Indian women’s cricket team’s star opener Smriti Mandhana has officially called off her wedding with popular singer Palash Muchhal.

After weeks of speculation, Mandhana confirmed the decision in a short statement posted on Instagram on December 7, saying that both families mutually agreed to end marriage plans.

“I always wanted to keep my personal life private, but constant rumours made it necessary to clarify,” Mandhana said. “I want to make it clear that the wedding has been cancelled. I want this matter to end here and request everyone to respect the privacy of both families.”

She added that she will now shift her full focus back to her cricketing career. “Representing India remains my top priority, and I will now give my complete attention to the game,” she said.

According to reports, the couple was scheduled to get married on November 23, 2025, in Sangli. 

However, the ceremony was postponed after Mandhana’s father fell ill suddenly on the same day. Palash Muchhal also faced severe mental stress and had to be taken to the hospital. 

Later, both families decided to end the wedding plans. 

During this period, several rumours circulated on social media, including cheating allegations against Palash Muchhal. His family strongly denied these claims.

After Mandhana’s statement appeared online, Palash Muchhal also shared a separate message, saying they were moving forward with mutual respect.

Fans also noticed that Mandhana has unfollowed Palash on Instagram, while he still follows her. 

Her engagement ring was also missing in a recent advertisement video, which further fueled breakup rumours.

Smriti Mandhana will now lead Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming Women’s Premier League, which will begin on January 9 in Navi Mumbai.

A double century from Justin Greaves helped West Indies avoid certain defeat against New Zealand in the first Test at Christchurch on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 531, West Indies scored 457 for six in 163.3 overs. This innings ranks as the second-highest fourth-innings score in Test cricket history.

Greaves scored 202 not out, while Kemar Roach added 58 runs. Both players achieved their career-best scores in Test cricket.

After losing four wickets for just 72 runs, Shai Hope and Justin Greaves built a partnership of 196 runs. Hope scored 140 before getting out, and the sixth wicket fell only nine runs later. 

Roach then joined Greaves to form a historic unbeaten partnership of 180 runs, guiding the team to a draw.

Justin Greaves was named player of the match for his remarkable innings.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy took three wickets, while Matt Henry, Zack Folkes, and Michael Bracewell claimed one each.

Earlier, New Zealand declared their second innings at 466 for eight. Rachin Ravindra scored 176, and captain Tom Latham added 145. 

Kemar Roach took five wickets for West Indies, Ojay Sheldons claimed two, and Jayden Seales took one.

West Indies had won the toss and asked New Zealand to bat first. 

New Zealand was bowled out for 231 in their first innings, with Kane Williamson scoring 52 and Michael Bracewell 47. 

Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Sheldons, Justin Greaves, Johan Lear, and Roston Chase shared the wickets.

West Indies managed only 167 in their first innings, with Shai Hope scoring 56 and Tagenarine Chanderpaul 52. 

Jacob Duffy took five wickets for New Zealand, Matt Henry three, and Zack Folkes two.