Category: Sports

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached out to another team to join the upcoming T20 tri-series after Afghanistan announced its withdrawal, media reports have stated. 

According to reports, PCB has contacted the Zimbabwe Cricket Board as a potential replacement. The tri-series is now likely to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in November 2025, while the new schedule is expected to be announced soon.

Earlier, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said its team would not participate in the series in Pakistan. 

Following that announcement, a PCB spokesperson confirmed that the tri-series would go ahead as planned with Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while efforts were underway to find a third team.

Sports journalist Syed Yahya Hussaini has revealed that former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed played a key role in guiding the national team during their Test win against South Africa in Lahore. 

Speaking on a private media channel, Hussaini said that Shan Masood called Sarfaraz Ahmed on the third day of the Test to seek his advice, which helped him make crucial on-field decisions.

“Shaheen Afridi did not bowl in the first innings because he was told to rest,” Hussaini said. “Later, when he bowled in the second innings, people started praising him. But what most fans don’t know is that Shan Masood actually called Sarfaraz on the third day of the Test and asked, ‘Saifi Bhai, what should I do?’”

Hussaini said Sarfaraz shared his experience and guided Shan on how to approach the situation. “Sarfaraz told him not to worry and handle it calmly,” he added. “That’s where experience speaks for itself. The advice from a player under whose captaincy Pakistan won the Champions Trophy made a difference.”

Hussaini said this incident shows why players like Sarfaraz are still important for Pakistan cricket. “You need such experienced players around the team,” he said.

Pakistan defeated South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. The win gave Pakistan a 1–0 lead in the two-match series. 

Shaheen Afridi and Noman Ali took four wickets each in the final innings, while Noman finished with a match haul of ten wickets.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reacted to Afghanistan’s withdrawal from next month’s tri-series.

According to media reports, the board has confirmed that the upcoming T20 tri-series will take place as scheduled despite Afghanistan’s withdrawal.

A PCB spokesperson said in a statement that while Afghanistan has announced its withdrawal, the series will still feature Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The spokesperson added that the board is considering options for a third team and will make a final decision soon. Preparations for the event are underway.

The tri-series is scheduled to be played from November 17 to 29. Earlier, the Afghanistan Cricket Board had announced that its team will not participate in the tournament in Pakistan.

The federal government has taken notice of the lifetime ban imposed by the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP) on Olympian Arshad Nadeem’s coach Salman Butt, and has ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter.

According to reports, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has been directed to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation. The inquiry will examine the reasons and motivations behind the controversial decision made by the Athletics Federation.

Officials said the PSB has also been instructed to submit its findings to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination once the report is completed.

The development comes after the Athletics Federation recently banned coach Salman Iqbal Butt for life, accusing him of “gross misconduct and violation of the federation’s constitution.” The federation alleged that Butt, who was serving as president of the Punjab Athletics Association (PAA), and former secretary Syed Habib Shah, held illegal elections for the association.

According to the AFP, Butt and Shah announced elections for the Punjab Athletics Association on August 29, 2025, giving only one day’s notice. The elections were held on August 31, despite the federation’s official warning on August 30 to halt the process and follow the proper legal framework.

A three-member inquiry committee was later formed by the federation on September 24 to investigate the issue. The committee summoned both officials to explain their actions, but neither appeared nor submitted a written response. After reviewing the records, the AFP’s Executive Committee decided on October 10, 2025, that both individuals had violated the federation’s constitution and disobeyed lawful directives.

The AFP declared the August 31 elections null and void and announced that fresh elections would be held under its supervision. It also directed all member units to end official dealings with Butt and Shah. Copies of the decision were shared with World Athletics, Asian Athletics, and the Pakistan Sports Board.

Salman Butt, however, rejected the accusations, calling the ban “baseless and vindictive.” He said he would continue to guide Arshad Nadeem despite the federation’s decision.

Aston Villa has banned fans of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv from entering Villa Park for their upcoming UEFA Europa League match, citing safety concerns, foreign media reported.

The match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa is scheduled for November 6 as part of the UEFA Europa League, the second biggest club competition in European football after the Champions League.

The Safety Advisory Group (SAG), the authority responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches, advised Aston Villa that Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters should not be allowed to attend the match in Birmingham due to potential protests and security risks.

Aston Villa stated that the safety of all attending fans and local residents remained the top priority.

“Following the meeting, SAG provided a written directive to the club and UEFA that no Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters will be permitted to attend the match at Villa Park,” the club said in a statement.

The West Midlands Police classified the match as “high risk”, citing existing intelligence and previous incidents of violence involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.

A police spokesperson said the decision was made considering recent violent clashes and hate crimes, including those during the 2024 Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam.

Videos that circulated widely on social media in November 2024 showed Maccabi supporters in Amsterdam, vandalising property, attacking a local Arab taxi driver and clashing with law enforcement. Reports also showed Israeli fans burning Palestinian flags both inside and outside the stadium, which led to unrest in the city.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised Aston Villa’s decision, saying that anti-semitism should not be tolerated on British streets.

“The role of the police is to ensure that all football fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or threat,” Starmer said on social media.

Aston Villa maintains that the decision to restrict entry was made purely to prevent possible unrest and ensure public safety.

It may be noted that since the start of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Israeli fans across Europe have been involved in aggressive behaviour and frequent confrontations with pro-Palestinian protesters.

Although Israel’s national football team was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup qualifiers after losing to Italy, anti-Israel demonstrations have continued during their matches, with repeated calls for FIFA and UEFA to ban Israeli clubs and the national team.

A brand-new cricket format, Test Twenty, has been launched on Thursday, October 16, bringing a fresh twist to the game. 

Backed by cricket legends AB de Villiers, Harbhajan Singh, Sir Clive Lloyd, and Matthew Hayden, the format aims to mix the strategy of Test cricket with the fast-paced thrill of T20s.

Created by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of The One One Six Network, Test Twenty is set to become the fourth format in international cricket.

Test Twenty will be played over 80 overs, with two innings of 20 overs per side. The format will keep traditional results such as win, loss, tie, or draw, while ensuring fast, one-day action that suits modern audiences.

At the heart of Test Twenty is an AI Discovery Engine, a technology that uses video analysis, motion sensors, and data science to assess player skills fairly. Through global tech-transfer partnerships, this system will help cricket boards and academies around the world identify talent transparently.

What legends said about Test Twenty

AB de Villiers said the format respects cricket’s roots while looking towards the future.

“Test Twenty is innovation with intent. It honours the traditions of the game while embracing the possibilities of the future. It gives young players a new dream to chase and fans a new story to follow,” he said.

Sir Clive Lloyd called it a thoughtful evolution of the sport. he said, “The game has always adapted, but never this thoughtfully. Test Twenty brings back the art and rhythm of the sport, yet keeps it alive with modern energy.”

Matthew Hayden believes it bridges eras of cricket.

“This format carries the wisdom of the old world into the fire of the new. For young players, it’s a chance to grow not just as athletes, but as people,” Hayden said.

Harbhajan Singh pointed out that the game needed something new to reconnect with the youth: “Cricket needed a fresh heartbeat, something that connects today’s youth with the game’s original spirit. Test Twenty does exactly that.”

The first Test Twenty season will begin in January 2026, featuring six global franchises. Three teams will be based in Indian cities, while the other three will represent Dubai, London, and the United States. Each squad will include 16 players, evenly divided between eight Indian and eight international cricketers, marking the start of a new era in cricket.

In a story that has captured the nation’s heart, Sameer Khan, a 19-year-old McDonald’s Pakistan barista, has made history by winning the UBO Youth World Bantamweight Boxing Title at the World Siam Stadium in Bangkok. 

Sameer defeated India’s Bunty Singh in a fierce final, earning a unanimous decision and becoming the first Pakistani to claim this title. Overwhelmed with pride, Sameer dedicated his victory to Pakistan, calling it “a dream come true and a proud moment for every young Pakistani who dares to believe.” Balancing work shifts and rigorous training, Sameer’s journey reflects pure determination.

To celebrate his achievement, McDonald’s Pakistan hosted a special event in his honor, recognizing his discipline, teamwork, and resilience. The celebration inspired many employees and youth across the country. A McDonald’s Pakistan spokesperson shared that Sameer’s journey from behind the counter to the global boxing stage is a testament to perseverance and belief, adding that the company is proud to support young Pakistanis in realizing their dreams.

Sameer Khan’s story now stands as a shining example of how opportunity, support, and self-belief can turn everyday heroes into world champions.