Lahore (PR): Pakistan men’s and women’s futsal teams etched their names into the country’s sporting history by securing their first-ever international victories at the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026, marking a significant milestone for a discipline still in its developmental phase in Pakistan.The Pakistan women’s futsal team registered a thrilling 3–2 victory over Sri Lanka, showcasing resilience, tactical discipline, and composure under pressure to seal a landmark win. The result not only boosted team morale but also underlined the growing potential of women’s futsal in the country.Meanwhile, the men’s futsal team produced an equally impressive comeback, overturning an early deficit to defeat Bhutan 4–2. The performance highlighted Pakistan’s attacking intent and adaptability, as the players responded strongly after falling behind to claim a memorable win.Reacting to the historic achievements, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsen Gilani praised the determination and commitment shown by the players and coaching staff. “Our players and coaches have made history. These victories are a proof of their resilience, belief, and hard work despite limited resources,” Gilani said. “We will build on this foundation to take futsal to greater heights and, God willing, make Pakistan a competitive force in futsal. "

Abdullah AsjadISLAMABAD: The friendly matches between Pakistani and Chinese men and women will be played on the inaugural day of the Pak-China Friendship Tenpin Championship, on January 24 at the Leisure City Bowling Club, Safa Gold, F-7 Markaz, Islamabad.This was stated by the President, Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation, Ijaz-ur-Rehman, who is also the Chairman Organizing Committee on Friday.He said that preparations for the championship are in full swing. He said that on the opening day of the championship friendly matches will be played between Pakistan and China men and women, including ten men’s matches and ten women’s matches. Ten men and ten women’s players each from both countries, will participate in these competitions. In addition, matches of the 18th National Tenpin Bowling Championship 2026 will also be played, in which male and female players from all over the country will participate. The Championship will have nine categories, including men's singles, men's doubles, ladies' singles, amateur, deaf men's singles, deaf ladies' singles, team events, media and take-takers. The championship will continue until January 30, at the end of championship, prizes will be distributed among the winning players.

Lahore (Sports News)National golfer Qasim Ali Khan produced a composed and authoritative performance to take the outright lead in the Alfalah Amateur Golf Championship 2026 at the Lahore Gymkhana, reaffirming his status as one of Pakistan’s most promising amateur golfers.Competing under challenging, misty and cold conditions, Qasim displayed exceptional control and maturity in his game to finish the round with an impressive gross score of 70, the best of the field. His round was marked by remarkable accuracy off the tee and an assured touch on the greens, where his putting stood out for its consistency and composure. Despite the demanding weather, Qasim’s calm course management and technical precision set him apart from the rest of the competitors.The championship, restricted to golfers with handicaps of 10 and below, attracted a strong field of over 150 amateur players from across the country. In such a competitive environment, Qasim’s ability to dominate the course and maintain rhythm throughout the round reflected not only his skill but also his growing experience at the national level.Close behind the leader was Saad Habib of Multan, who delivered an encouraging performance to post a gross score of 72. The young golfer’s display highlighted his potential and fighting spirit, earning him well-deserved recognition among the leading contenders. Sam Latif followed in third place, continuing to impress as a consistent amateur capable of mounting a serious challenge as the championship progresses.Another notable performance came from Ahmed Gibran of Lahore Gymkhana, who carded a gross 73. His disciplined play and steady scoring left a strong impression and kept him firmly in contention. A tightly packed group of golfers, Salman Jehangir, Ameer Khawar Khawaja, Abdul Moeez, and Muhammad Maneka, were all clustered on gross 74, underlining the depth and competitiveness of the field.

Karachi (Sports News):The fourth round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025-26 started in Karachi with the four games taking place at KCCA Stadium, SBP Sports Complex, NBP Sports Complex and National Bank Stadium from Thursday onwards. At the KCCA Stadium, Sahir Associates got through 92.1 overs scoring 245-8 against Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) as half-centuries from Mohammad Faiq and Asim Ali Nasir (59, 115b, 5x4s) lifted them from 32-2 in 13.1 overs.OGDCL’s Test spinner Asif Afridi registered his 18th first-class five-wicket haul as he returned figures of 33.1-5-72-5. Faiq fell seven runs short of his maiden first-class century as his 188-ball 93 comprising seven fours ended in the 76th over after he had joined skipper Asim at the fall of second wicket. The duo stitched 97 runs for the third wicket as Asim also went top of the run-scoring charts in the tournament.No.6 batter Mohammad Saleem remained unbeaten for 40 off 131 balls hitting one four, while no.8 Razaullah contributed 29 off 40 balls inclusive of a solitary boundary. State Bank of Pakistan were bundled out for 106 in 38.2 overs against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) as Mohammad Hamza (13-4-17-4), Ahmed Bashir (16.2-4-39-3) and Abdul Wahid (9-1-49-3) shared all 10 wickets among them at the SBP Sports Complex. No.5 batter Muhammad Ghazi Ghori top-scored with a 62-ball 40 hitting six fours, Kashif Bhatti (16, 19b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Niaz Khan (11, 20b, 1x4) were only other SBP batters to enter double figures. In turn, KRL closed the day with 135-3 in 38 overs with Waqar Ahmed unbeaten on 57 off 87 balls hitting seven fours and Imran Rafiq not out on 25 off 61 balls with the help of three fours. Opening batter Saad Baig fell for a 51-ball 29 smashing five fours. For SBP, Rameez Aziz picked up two for 26 in his five overs. Sui Norther Gas Pipelines Limited’s (SNGPL) Shehzad Gul continued his red-hot form as he picked four for 40 off 16.2 overs, on the back of his match haul of 11 wickets in third round, to help his team dismiss Pakistan Television (PTV) for 166 in 66.2 overs at the National Bank Stadium. In reply, SNGPL were 58-3 in 18 overs as they lost three quick wickets after they were 23 for no loss with Ali Usman removing Azan Awais for seven and Saad Khan for a duck, while Ali Zaryab was pinned leg-before by Israr Hussain. In the meanwhile, Omair Bin Yousuf sped to 26 not out off 28 balls hitting four fours, while pacer Mohammad Ali performed night watcher duty with success facing 18 balls for four unbeaten runs. At the UBL Sports Complex, Ghani Glass were bundled out for 142 in 46.4 overs against Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) as Ali Razzaq top-scored with 64 not out off 108 balls hitting nine fours and two sixes. Tayyab Tahir’s 33 at no.4 facing 75 balls also kept one end safe at one point as wickets fell around him. For WAPDA, Naqeebullah picked up three wickets, while Mujtaba Khan, Khalid Usman and Mohammad Zeeshan dismissed two batters each. WAPDA closed the day 13 runs behind Ghani Glass as they posted 129-4 in 33 overs with the help of Ayaz Tasawar’s unbeaten 42 off 60 balls, which he accumulated striking eight fours and one six. Opening batter Muhammad Akhlaq fell after scoring 38 off 45 balls hitting four fours and two sixes. Sharoon Siraj fell prey to Test pacer Khurram Shahzad for a 50-ball 23 at the end of the day as Noman Ali picked up the first three wickets to fall. Scores in brief – Round 4 – Day 1 of 4Sahir Associates v Oil and Gas Development Company Limited at KCCA Stadium, Karachi Sahir Associates 245-8, 92.1 overs (Mohammad Faiq 93, Asim Ali Nasir 59, Mohammad Saleem 40 not out, Razaullah 29; Asif Afridi 5-72) Khan Research Laboratories v State Bank of Pakistan at SBP Sports Complex, Karachi KRL lead by 29 runs with seven wickets remaining in first innings SBP 106 all out, 38.2 overs (Mohammad Ghazi Ghori 40; Mohammad Hamza 4-17, Ahmed Bashir 3-39, Abdul Wahid 3-49) KRL 135-3, 38 overs (Waqar Ahmed 57 not out, Saad Baig 29, Imran Rafiq 25 not out; Rameez Aziz 2-26) Pakistan Television v Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited at National Bank Stadium, KarachiSNGPL trail by 108 runs with seven wickets remaining in first innings PTV 166 all out, 66.2 overs (Amad Butt 46 not out, Mohammad Taha 38, Taimur Khan 24, Mohammad Mohsin 22; Shehzad Gul 4-40, Shahnawaz Dahani 2-23, Sajid Khan 2-75) SNGPL 58-3, 18 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 26 not out; Ali Usman 2-9) Water and Power Development Authority v Ghani Glass at UBL Sports Complex, Karachi WAPDA trail by 13 runs with six wickets remaining in first innings Ghani Glass 142 all out, 46.4 overs (Ali Razzaq 64 not out, Tayyab Tahir 33; Naqeebullah 3-46, Mujtaba Khan 2-12, Khalid Usman 2-21, Mohammad Zeeshan 2-39) WAPDA 129-4, 33 overs (Ayaz Tasawar 42 not out, Muhammad Akhlaq 38, Sharoon Siraj 23; Noman Ali 3-40).

Karachi (Sports News): The National Padel Championship 2026 commenced at Neo Maidan, KMC Karachi under the banner of Pakistan Padel Federation (PPF).The opening ceremony was graced by Ahmed Ali Rajput, General Secretary of the Sindh Olympic Association, along with Mohammad Mateen, President of the Pakistan Padel Federation, who were the chief guests.A total of 66 male and 26 female players from across the country are participating in the championship. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played on Friday, while the finals will be played on Saturday.Athletes who perform outstandingly in the championship will be selected for the national padel team, which will represent Pakistan at the Asian Games 2026, to be held in Japan.Results (Day-1):Women’s MatchesSindh MUV Bay defeated Sindh MZ by 6–1Punjab team defeated Sindh Falcon by 6–0Sindh Fairless defeated Sindh S Factor by 6–3Men’s MatchesGilgit Boys defeated Sindh Success by 6–2Sindh DM defeated Sindh Mokal by 6–1Punjab Falcon defeated Sindh S Factor by 6–3

Dubai (Sports News): STARTRADER, a global broker, has announced a renewed partnership with the UAE Men’s National Cricket Team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on February 7, 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. As part of the agreement, STARTRADER’s branding will appear on the official team jerseys throughout the tournament.STARTRADER Chief Executive Officer Peter Karsten said on the occasion, “We have sponsored the UAE National Cricket Team during last year’s Asia Cup staged in the UAE but this time we are going bigger. We know that cricket has a way of reminding us what commitment, trust, and growth can achieve. Continuing this partnership reflects our belief in long-term support for communities and in the human spirit driving both the game and the markets.”As the CEO of STARTRADER stated, this partnership carries a strong message to the audience. It reinforces the pillars on which they operate. In cricket and in trading, trust in the team and in the strategy is the main force that leads participants in each of these fields to achieve more growth. The broker is licensed by five regulatory authorities around the world (SCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, FSC) which further highlights the trust aspect, allowing clients to aim for growth with peace of mind. Emirates Cricket Board Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad: “We are delighted to welcome STARTRADER as our Official Partner for UAE Men’s National Cricket Team for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. We look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership which will help in the growth of the game in the UAE. Our partnership with STARTRADER goes beyond sport, reflecting shared values of discipline, focus, and resilience. The partnership is fully aligned with the Emirates Cricket Board’s vision for our team as they continue to showcase their talent at the world level with impressive performances.”

Lahore (Sports News):Tickets for the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Australia will go on sale from Friday, 16 January at pcb.tcs.com.pk, while the physical tickets can be purchased from Monday, 19 January at TCS Express Centres from 10am onwards, the PCB announced today. Pakistan will take on Australia in three T20Is on 29, 31 January and 1 February at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. All the three matches will begin at 6pm PKT. For the Thursday, 29 January game the VIP enclosure (Fazal Mahmood and Imran Khan) tickets will be priced at PKR 800 followed by PKR 600 for premium (Rajas and Saeed Anwar), PKR 500 for First Class (Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad and Sarfaraz Nawaz) and PKR 400 for the General enclosures (Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saeed Ahmed). Fans can buy first T20I tickets of the VIP enclosures at Iqbal End (Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram) for PKR 1500 and the ones at Jinnah End (Majid Khan and Zaheer Abbas) will cost PKR 2000. The hospitality gallery tickets have been priced at PKR 5,000 for the opening game. The tickets for the second and third T20I for the VIP enclosures have been set to PKR 1,000, Premium at PKR 700, First Class at PKR 600 and for the General stands at PKR 500. The Iqbal End VIP tickets will cost PKR 2,000, while PKR 2,500 for the Jinnah End VIP enclosures. Hospitality Gallery tickets for the last two T20Is can be bought for PKR 6,000 each. Moreover, the price for one seat in the 24-seat Hospitality box in Iqbal End has been set to PKR 20,000 for the first T20I and 25,000 each for the second and third game. 

Lahore (Sports News:The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed the dates for Australia’s T20I tour of Pakistan later this month. The three-match T20I series scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore will take place on 29, 31 January and 1 February.Australia’s T20I squad will arrive in Lahore on Wednesday, 28 January. The coin toss in all the three matches is set to take place at 5.30pm PKT with the first ball expected to be bowled at 6pm PKT.The series serves as crucial game time for both the sides ahead of the all-important ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026, where Pakistan are placed in Group A and Australia in Group B.This will also be Australia’s third trip to Pakistan since March-April 2022, when they played a three-match Test and ODI series followed by a solitary T20I. They played three of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the country as well.Australia bagged a close three-wicket win in the only T20I they played at the Gaddafi Stadium on 5 April 2022.COO PCB, Sumair Ahmed Syed:“We are excited and look forward to hosting Australia for the three-match T20I series here in Lahore. The tour marks a blockbuster beginning of the year for Pakistan Cricket fans and I urge them to turn out in numbers during the series to support both the teams as they put final touches to their T20 World Cup preparations.“I’m sure the Gaddafi Stadium has become a familiar sight for Australian Cricket team as they have played a Test, five ODIs and a T20I here since March 2022.”Series schedule: (All matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)1st T20I – Thursday, 29 January – 6pm PKT2nd T20I – Saturday, 31 January – 6pm PKT3rd T20I – Sunday, 1 February – 6pm PKT

Lahore (Sports News): The Pakistan Cricket Board has today unveiled the ODI and T20I squads of the Pakistan Women’s team for the upcoming tour to South Africa starting 10 February in Potchefstroom. Fatima Sana will continue to lead the side in both the formats as Pakistan build towards the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup 2026 in June. Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, and Tasmia Rubab are part of both the squads, while uncapped batter Saira Jabeen and right-arm fast bowler Humna Bilal have earned their maiden T20I call-ups. Opening batters Ayesha and Gull along with left-arm pacer Tasmia and wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi have been called up to the 15-member ODI squad after missing out on the ODI World Cup selection. Diana Baig, Najiha, Sadaf Shamas and Syeda Aroob Shah are just part of the 50-over squad, while Humna, Saira, Tuba Hassan and Eyman Fatima are in the T20I squad only. During the tour, mentor Wahab Riaz will be assisted by a seasoned set of coaches including Imran Farhat (batting coach), Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach) and Abdul Majeed (fielding coach). The pre-series training camp will commence from Sunday, 1 January at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, Karachi. The T20Is will be played in Potchefstroom, Benoni and Kimberley from 10 to 16 February with all being day-night fixtures. Pakistan will warm up for the ODI series with a 50-over game at Kimberley followed by the three ODIs at Bloemfontein, Centurion and Durban from 22 February to 1 March. The second ODI will begin in the afternoon and will also be played under lights, while the warm-up, first and the third ODI will be day games. Fast bowling all-rounder Pakistan Women’s team is set to return to South Africa for a bilateral series after January 2021, when they took part in a three-match ODI series in Durban. In February 2023, Pakistan took part in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa and played their matches in Cape Town and Paarl. T20I squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza (wicket- keeper), Humna Bilal, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Tasmia Rubab, and Tuba HassanODI Squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tasmia RubabPlayer support personnel: Wahab Riaz (Mentor), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Moeen (strength & conditioning coach), Waleed Ahmad (performance analyst), Ayesha Ashar (Team manager), Tehreem Sumbal (physiotherapist) and Raza Rashid Kitchlew (media manager) Pakistan Women’s tour of South Africa Schedule: (10 February to 1 March) 1st T20I – 10 February – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom (day/night)2nd T20I – 13 February – Willowmoore Park, Benoni (day/night)3rd T20I – 16 February – Kimberley Oval, Kimberley (day/night) 50-over warm-up match – 19 February - Kimberley Oval, Kimberley (day) 1st ODI – 22 February - Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein (day)2nd ODI – 25 February – SuperSport Park, Centurion (day/night)3rd ODI – 1 March – Kingsmead Stadium, Durban (day).

Islamabad (Sports News): Preparations for the ICC Under-19s Men’s Cricket World Cup continued with West Indies, Pakistan and Tanzania all winning their warm-up matches.​Tanzania clinched a nail-biting encounter with Ireland by one wicket, recovering from 21 for six to chase 198, while the West Indies were victorious over Japan by 229 runs.​Pakistan eased past the USA by 69 runs, while Bangladesh’s match with Scotland was eventually abandoned because of rain.​Tanzania fight back to defeat IrelandTanzania elected to field first and their decision paid dividends as they dismissed Ireland for 197, Khalidy Juma leading the way with five for 35.Discipline with the ball repeatedly stopped Ireland from building partnerships, despite defiant knocks from Adam Leckey (38) and Freddie Ogilby (36).Tanzania’s response got off to a difficult start, Dylan Thakrar and Darpan Jobanputra falling for ducks as they slipped to seven for two.Wickets continued to fall early, with Oliver Riley removing all of Tanzania’s top four batters to put his side in control with Tanzania reeling on 21 for six.​However, Mohamed Simba Mbaki was undeterred and sparked Tanzia’s resurgence, scoring 49 from 59 before being removed by Luke Murray having dragged his side to 134 for eight.​Abdulazak Mohamedi continued the resistance with 46 from 68 deliveries, which was backed up by Acrey Hugo’s 29 not out from 48.That put Tanzania in striking distance at 190 for nine and Ally Hafidhi then came in and wrapped up victory.​West Indies dominate JapanWest Indies warmed up in style with a dominant 229-run victory over Japan in Windhoek.West Indies were put into bat first and got off to a fine start as Tanez Francis and Zachary Carter put on 40 for the first wicket in just seven overs.​Francis, who finished on 122 not out, and Shamar Apple later put on 194 for the fifth wicket to take their side out of sight.​Apple’s 124 came from just 65 deliveries, including 10 fours and eight sixes.​West Indies set Japan an imposing target of 347 for victory and Taylor Waugh (32) led the charge but wickets fell consistently around him as they were bowled out for 117.R’Jai Gittens was the pick of the bowlers with figures of four for eight, while Vitel Lawes took a further three wickets.​Pakistan ease past USA​Pakistan defeated the USA by 69 runs in Bulawayo after impressive performances with bat and ball.​Pakistan’s opening pair, Sameer Minhas and Mohammed Shayan, put on 105 before Sameer retired out having made 74 off 55 deliveries with eight fours and four sixes.​Almost all of Pakistan’s batters earned starts, with eight reaching double figures. Ahmad Hussain impressed for his 43 from 62 balls, and Ali Hassan Baloch scored a quick-fire 36 from 19 balls, featuring two fours and three maximums.​Pakistan went on to score 294 from their 50 overs and bowled well in response, bowling the USA out for 225.​The attack shared the load as seven bowlers took wickets, which fell at regular intervals to curb any US momentum.​Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan both made sizeable impacts, taking two for 24 and two for 27, respectively.​There were positives to take for the USA batting line-up, however, particularly Sahil Garg’s knock of 75 from 83.Rain abandons play between Bangladesh and ScotlandBangladesh's contest with Scotland was abandoned late on with the Tigers agonisingly close to victory.The Tigers could sense victory after the Scottish innings was reduced to 20 overs but rain meant there could be no further play.​Bangladesh scored 161 for four from their 29.2 overs, opener Rifat Beg leading the charge with an unbeaten 75.Shreyas Tekale impressed the ball for Scotland, removing Kalam Siddiki (25) and Rizan Hossan (10) to end on two for 19.​In tough conditions, the Scottish batters struggled to respond. Max Chaplin top-scored with 31 from 27 deliveries backed up by Theo Robinson’s 27 from 24.​Only two others reached double figures, with Md Samiun Ratul taking three for 15, including the wickets of Chaplin and Robinson.​That left them on the cusp of victory with Scotland requiring 54 from their final 15 balls but rain meant no result could be reached.Scores in brief:Ireland v Tanzania at Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek​ Ireland 194 all out in 46.1 overs (Adam Leckey 38, Freddie Ogilby 36; Khalidy Juma 5/35, Augustine Mwamele 2/33)Tanzania 201/9 from 44.2 overs (Simba Mbaki 49, Abdulazak Mohamedi 46; Oliver Riley 5/28, Adam Leckey 2/30)Result: Tanzania won by one wicketWest Indies v Japan at United Cricket Club, WindhoekWest Indies 346/6 from 50 overs (Shamar Apple 124, Tanez Francis 122*; Kai Wall 2/36, Gabriel Hinze 1/17)Japan 117 all out in 42.3 overs (Taylor Waugh 32, Chihaya Sekine 28; R’Jai Gittens 4/8, Vitel Lawes 3/28)Result: West Indies won by 229 runsPakistan v USA at Bulawayo Athletic Club, BulawayoPakistan 294/8 from 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 74, Ahmad Hussain 43; Utkarsh Srivastava 3/26, Adit Kappa 2/56)USA 225 all out in 43.5 overs (Sahil Garg 75, Utkarsh Srivastava 36; Ahmad Hussain 2/22, Momin Qamar 2/24)​Result: Pakistan win by 69 runsBangladesh v Scotland at Prince Edward School Ground, Harare​Bangladesh 161/4 from 29.2 overs (Rifat Beg 75, Kalam Siddiki 25; Shreyas Tekale 2/19, Ethan Ramsay 1/24)​Scotland 122/9 from 19.3 overs (Max Chaplin 31, Theo Robinson 27; Md Samiun Ratul 3/15, Rizan Hossan 2/10)Result: Abandoned