Cricket
PCB announces an 18-member squad for South Africa Test series
Lahore (SBR):The national selection committee has named an 18-member squad for the two-Test match series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 against South Africa, commencing on 12 October. The squad will be further trimmed before the start of the first Test.Shan Masood will continue to lead the side, while three uncapped players – Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram and Rohail Nazir have also been included.South Africa, champions of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, will take on Pakistan in the first Test at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from 12 to 16 October, while the second Test will be staged at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi from 20 to 24 October.The two-Test match series will be followed by three T20Is and as many ODIs to be played from 28 October to 8 November. The squad for the white-ball series will be announced in due course.The players for the pre-series camp will undergo training under red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood and NCA coaches later today till Wednesday, 8 October. The players who featured in the recently concluded ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup will join the squad on 4 October.Pakistan squad:Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah AfridiSouth Africa tour to Pakistan12-16 October – First Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore20-24 October – Second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi28 October – First T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi31 October – Second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore1 November – Third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore4 November – First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad6 November – Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad8 November – Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
U19 One-Day Cup: FATA, Dera Murad Jamali, Bahawalpur and Rawalpindi clinch wins
Peshawar (SBR): Four more matches have been decided in the National Men’s Under-19 One-Day Cup. FATA Region defeated Islamabad Region by 223 runs at Mir wais Ground, Shah Alam to secure their fourth victory. Batting first, FATA Region scored 308 runs for the loss of seven wickets. In-form batsman Usman Khan scored his second consecutive century of the tournament. He played a brilliant and captivating innings of 151 runs. The innings of 140 balls included eleven fours and six sixes. Apart from him, Mohammad Abbas Afridi scored 37 runs. Taimur Ali scored 23, Mohammad Tahir scored 22 and Jiyad scored 18. Mohammad Nayyar took three wickets.In reply, Islamabad were all out for 85 runs. Owais Ahmed was the top scorer with 23 runs. Naveed Khan captured three wickets while Taimur, Jamshedullah and Mohammad Tahir each took two wickets apiece. Usman Khan was declared the man of the match. The match was supervised by Alae Haider and Abdul Karim Nesvi. The match referee was Ghulam Mustafa and the scorer was Noor Mohammad. At the Hayatabad Stadium, Dera Murad Jamali unexpectedly defeated Hyderabad Region by two wickets and achieved its first victory. Hyderabad team was bowled out for 167 runs. Ibad Ali scored 43 and Abdul Ahad scored 29 runs. Farhanullah took four wickets for Dera Murad Jamali, giving away 32 runs. Muzammil Ali took three wickets and Qudratullah took two wickets. In reply, Ishratul Ibad’s brilliant innings Thanks to the century, Dera Murad Jamali achieved the target in the last over for the loss of 8 wickets. Ishratul Ibad remained unbeaten on 113 runs, which included twelve fours and two sixes. Ali Waris dismissed two players for Hyderabad. Majid Hussain and Aqeel Adil umpired in the match, while Nadeem Akhtar was the official scorer of the match. Bahawalpur defeated Karachi by seven wickets in the match played at Shamma Ground. Batting first, Karachi's team was bowled out for 198 runs. Sajjad Ahmed scored 62 and Huzaifa scored 38 runs. Hammad Alam scored 24 and Asad Umar scored 21 runs. Mohammad Huzaifa and Mohammad Makki took two wickets. In reply, Bahawalpur achieved this target for the loss of three wickets. Waleed Iqbal scored 69 and Sameer Akhtar scored 63 runs. Rawalpindi defeated Azad Jammu and Kashmir by 135 runs. Rawalpindi batted first and the entire team was bowled out for 233 runs. Abdul Qadir played an aggressive innings of 121 runs and saved his team from complete destruction. His innings included ten fours and eight sixes. Arsh Zaman, Zain Jamil and Bilal Waheed took three wickets each. In reply, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir team was bowled out for 98 runs. Bilal Waheed scored fifty and Uzair Naveed scored 18 runs. Mohammad Hussain and Syed Ali Mehdi took two wic
Wheelchair T20 Cricket: Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets
Sports Bulletin ReportKarachi: Pakistan wheelchair cricket team defeated Afghanistan by 5 wickets in the opening fixture of the 4-match T20 Cricket Series here at UBL Sports Complex. Chasing 146, the hosts sealed victory in just 15.5 overs. Usama Tariq dazzled with a quick-fire 66, while leg-spinner Imran Arain delivered a match-winning spell, claiming five wickets to earn the Player of the Match award.Batting first, Afghanistan posted 145 in 19.4 overs after winning the toss. Asif top-scored with 28, Raheem made 26, and Zar Alam chipped in with 13. Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Imran Arain taking 5 wickets, Muhammad Fayyaz 3, and Ayub 1.Pakistan’s chase was anchored by Usama Tariq’s 40-ball 66, supported by Mohammad Fayyaz’s unbeaten 37. Ahmed added 16 runs, while contributions from Misal (5), skipper Mohammad Zeeshan (5), and Mubeen (6) ensured a smooth pursuit. Imran Arain remained not out alongside Fayyaz as Pakistan reached the target with ease.Speaking after the match, captain Mohammad Zeeshan expressed pride: “After 20 years, we are finally hosting international wheelchair cricket on home soil. Later this year, Pakistan will also stage the Wheelchair Asia Cup featuring six teams.Afghanistan’s captain Mansoor Adil praised the occasion: “Pakistan’s hospitality has been excellent. This series is a valuable preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup.The second T20 will be played on Tuesday at 7:30 PM at the UBL Sports Complex, Karachi.
New Era starts in Islamabad’s Hills: Inauguration of Ambani Cricket Stadium
Imran SattiISLAMABAD: A historic milestone was achieved as the long-awaited Ambani Cricket Stadium was officially inaugurated on Simly Dam Road, Islamabad. Nestled in the foothills, this state-of-the-art stadium is being hailed as a revolutionary step towards the promotion of sports in the Region. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a large number of locals, youth, and dignitaries, including Raja Ghalib of Charrah, Advocate Raja Aftab, and the well-known Raja Zia alias "Pappu." The stadium was inaugurated by Raja Abdul Khan and Raja Master Rasheed, father and uncle of stadium owner Raja Munawar Zaman۔Speaking to the media on the occasion, Raja Munawar Zaman said: “Ambani Cricket Ground was once a dream, and today it has become a reality. Our foremost priority is to provide healthy recreational activities and high-quality sports facilities to our youth.”He revealed that the project, which was initiated two years ago, has now been completed with international-level facilities, including floodlights, practice pitches, and a professional-grade cricket field.Launch of Hardball Cricket League & Cricket Academy During the event, the management also announced the launch of a Hardball Cricket League, set to begin on October 3rd and run until October 16th. Six prominent local teams will participate, with the goal of nurturing local talent and offering a platform for young players.In addition, plans were unveiled to establish a Cricket Academy at the venue, further solidifying the stadium’s role as a hub for cricketing excellence.The administration also revealed an upcoming Tape Ball Cricket League at the union council level in Islamabad, with participation open to teams from across the country. Each team will be allowed to include two guest players.The local community warmly welcomed the development, calling the stadium a "great gift" for the area. Residents praised the initiative and lauded Raja Munawar Zaman for turning a long-held dream into a tangible asset for the youth of the region.Facilities of this standard are rarely seen in rural or hilly areas,” said one attendee. “Ambani Cricket Ground is a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, commitment, and community spirit.”
PCB grants first-ever Scorer contracts for 2025-26 season
Lahore (SBR): In a groundbreaking move, the Pakistan Cricket Board has introduced first-ever Scorer contracts, which run from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, it was confirmed on Saturday.Before this development the scorers only received remuneration in the form of match fees but the announcement of the monthly retainers will strengthen them financially as they aim to serve Pakistan Cricket with more dedication.A total of 20 scorers from 16 regions have been granted the contracts for the 2025-26 season.Aamir Sharif (Abbottabad), Aamer Manzoor Faridi (Multan), Adnan Farooq (Islamabad), Arif Abdul Majeed (Hyderabad), Azhar Hussain (Lahore), Faiz Muhammad Baloch (Dera Murad Jamali), Farrukh Ilyas Raja (Sialkot), Hafeez-ur-Rehman (Bahawalpur), Junaid Shah (Kohat), Muhammad Ammad (Quetta), Muhammad Aslam Sahto (Larkana), Muhammad Atiq (Sahiwal), Muhammad Zeeshan (Rawalpindi), Nadeem Akhtar (Peshawar), Najmus Saeed (Lahore), Nasir Khan (Sargodha), Salman Hussain Kazmi (Karachi), Shakeel Ahmed (Rawalpindi), Syed Imran Ali (Karachi), Tahir Suhaib (Faisalabad)Director Domestic Cricket Operations PCB, Abdullah Khurram Niazi said:“The PCB is delighted to offer first-ever annual contracts to 20 of our esteemed scorers across the country. I’m confident this move will contribute towards the strengthening of our domestic cricket ecosystem as we look to safeguard all those who contribute towards its well-being and conduct.“It is also a testament of the PCB’s vision to recognise all the cogs of the wheel in Pakistan’s Cricket fraternity and help them grow and give back to our sport with more enthusiasm and dedication than before.”
U19 One-Day Cup. FATA, Peshawar, Lahore White and Lahore Blues post wins
Peshawar (SBR): Four more matches have been decided in the third round of the National Men’s Under-19 One-Day Cup. Fata defeated Hyderabad by 7 wickets to claim their third consecutive victory.At the Ashfaq Ground, Charsadda, Hyderabad batted first and the entire team was dismissed for 151 runs. Abdul Wahab scored 29, Yahya Shah scored 28 and Abdul Ahad scored 24 runs. Jamshed ullah and Naveed Khan took three wickets each. Taimur Ali, Mohammad Tahir, Usman Khan and Abdul Basit grabbed one wicket each.In reply, FATA Region achieved the target for the loss of three wickets. Usman Khan, who represented Pakistan U-19, maintained his form and scored a magnificent unbeaten century as he hit 10 fours and 5 sixes. Usman Khan was dismissed for 96 runs in the previous match. Haris Shah was not out on 31 runs. Mohammad Salman captured 2 wickets for Hyderabad . The match was supervised by Majid Hussain and Dilshad Ali.In the 2nd match played at Hayatabad stadium peshawar, Lahore White batted first and scored 303 runs for the loss of five wickets. Opener Alian Salman scored 136 runs and remained unbeaten. His innings included thirteen fours. The other opener Hamza Zahoor scored 54 runs. Mohammad Farhan scored 48 runs. Islamabad's Zeeshan, Mujahid Ali, Owais and Faisal Afridi dismissed one player each.In reply, the Islamabad Region team could score 125 runs. Fahad Saleem scored 26, Munib scored 19 and Ajmer scored 15 runs. Hussain Abbas and Mohammad Ayyas took three wickets each. Lahore White's Hamza Zahoor took six catches behind the stump. Man of the match was Aalian Salman. Aale Haider and Abdul Karim were the umpires and Nadeem Akhtar was the scorer. Fazal Akbar Shah was the match referee.In the third match, Peshawar batted first and scored 213 runs. Ahmed Hussain scored 56, Mohammad Zubair scored 49 and Zainullah scored 48 runs. Mohammad Musa took four wickets. In reply, Sialkot was bowled out for 154 runs. Hayam Khan scored 55 runs. Haroon Khan took three wickets while Muhammad Siam, Mohammad Owais and Ahmed Hussain took two wickets each. Ahmed Hussain was declared the man of the match for his all-round performance.In the 4th match Lahore Blues defeated Abbottabad by 61 runs at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura. Ali Hassan Baloch scored a brilliant 143 runs to help his team score 284 runs for the loss of six wickets in 50 overs. Ali Hassan Baloch's 143 runs were hit by 13 fours and 7 sixes. In reply, Abbottabad's team was bowled out for 223 runs in 44.2 overs despite Mohammad Shayan's 53 runs. Jahangir Bilal took five wickets for 26 runs.
CRICKET - Physically Handicap 26 Sep, 2025
KARACHI (SBR): The Pakistan-Afghanistan Wheelchair T20 Cricket Series is set to kick off on September 29 at the UBL Sports Complex, Karachi. The opening match will be played on Monday at 6 PM, while the trophy unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Sunday. According to the Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Council, this marks Afghanistan’s first-ever wheelchair cricket tour to Pakistan—an important step in strengthening sports diplomacy between the two countries. The series will also provide Pakistan valuable preparation ahead of the Asia Cup. The four-match series will continue with fixtures on September 30, October 1, and October 2.Pakistan will be led by captain Muhammad Zeeshan, with Imran Arain as vice-captain. The squad features Mohammad Fayaz, Ahmed Yar Senior, Misal Khan, Sadar Ayub, Tauseef Malik, Mubeen Iqbal, Osama Tariq, Jumma Khan, Ayaz Khan, Zawar Khan, Waqas Saeed, Saeed Bannu, and Sajid Khan. Reserves include Saeed Khan, Shah Faisal, and Gohar Afridi. Syed Faizan Baqir Naqvi will serve as head coach, while Rizwan-ul-Haq has been appointed as team manager. Pakistan will also host the 3rd Wheelchair Asia Cup in November, with six teams set to compete.
Asia Cup: Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 11 runs to reach in final
Dubai (SBR): Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed three wickets and hit a brisk 19 off 13 balls, while Haris Rauf claimed a three-fer as Pakistan defended 135 to beat Bangladesh by 11 runs in the ACC T20 Asia Cup Super-Four game at Dubai International Stadium on Thursday night and set up a final against India on Sunday.The pace duo of Shaheen and Haris returned combined figures of 6-50 in their eight overs as Pakistan defended their joint-second lowest T20I total against Bangladesh.Defending the 136-run target, Shaheen provided his side with the perfect start, removing Parvez Hossain Emon for a two-ball duck – his 22nd first-over wicket in T20Is – followed by the scalp of Towhid Hridoy (5) to leave Bangladesh 23-2 in 4.2 overs.Haris Rauf then eked out the prized scalp of Saif Hassan (18, 15b, 1x4, 2x6s) on the first ball of the sixth over, reducing Bangladesh to 36-3 at the end of the powerplay.Nawaz sent Mahedi (11) back in the hut on the final delivery of the eighth over as Bangladesh were left reeling on 44-4. Nurul Hasan (16, 21b, 1x6) and Shamim Hossain (30, 25b, 2x6s) then put on 19 runs for the fifth wicket, before the former fell prey to Saim Ayub with Bangladesh requiring another 72 runs from the last eight overs.Saim, continuing his fine form with the ball, got rid of skipper Jaker Ali (5, 9b) when Nawaz grabbed his third catch of the night in the 14th over, reducing Bangladesh to 73-6.Shaheen ended Shamim’s 25-ball resistance in the 17th over, while Haris struck twice in the following over as Bangladesh slumped to 101-9.Haris defended 23 runs in the final over, handing his side the victory. Saim returned figures of 4-0-16-2 taking his tournament tally of wickets to eight.Earlier, Pakistan were asked to bat first and lost their opening duo within first ten balls of the game with just five runs on the board. Pakistan finished the Powerplay with Fakhar Zaman (13, 20b, 2x4s) and Salman Ali Agha in the middle with the score at 27-2. Fakhar fell in the subsequent over, while Hussain Talat followed him nine balls later.Trouble deepened for Pakistan when Agha was dismissed with scorecard reading 49-5 in 10.5 overs. Shaheen, at no.7, played a crucial cameo of 13-ball 19 hitting two sixes, before losing his wicket to Taskin in the 14th over with 71 runs on the board.Mohammad Haris (31, 23b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Nawaz then stitched a 38-run partnership off 24 balls for the seventh wicket to take Pakistan past the 100-run mark.Bangladesh landed another blow in the 18th over when Pakistan’s top-scorer Haris was caught and bowled by Mahedi. Nawaz (25, 15b, 1x4, 2x6s) then hit Taskin for a maximum off the first delivery of the penultimate over, but was caught at cover on the very next ball.Faheem Ashraf’s solitary four and three twos in the final over lifted Pakistan to 135-8 in 20 overs. For Bangladesh, Taskin finished with figures of 4-0-28-3. Rishad and Mahedi picked up two wickets apiece.Scores in brief:Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 11 runs at Dubai International Cricket StadiumPakistan 135-8, 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 31, Mohammad Nawaz 25, Shaheen Shah Afridi 19, Salman Ali Agha 19; Taskin Ahmed 3-28, Rishad Hossain 2-18, Mahedi Hasan 2-28)Bangladesh 124-9, 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 30, Saif Hassan 18; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-17, Haris Rauf 3-33, Saim Ayub 2-16)Player of the match – Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
BTK Stars Clinch Shaheed Daniyal Trophy Season 1
Karachi (Sports Report): BTK Stars won the final of the Shaheed Daniyal Trophy Season 1. Pro Pandas set a target of 137 runs in the first innings, which BTK Stars successfully chased with the loss of just five wickets, securing the title.The closing ceremony was graced by social activist Ahmad Chauhan, Kamran Khan Tareen, Sheikh Sajid Kareem, Sports Director of Baqai University Nawab Alam, renowned businessman Ihsanullah Khan, Raas Builders’ Tayyab, Rana Shehryar, and others.At the prize distribution ceremony, the runner-up team received a trophy and Rs. 50,000 cash prize, while the winning team, BTK Stars, was awarded a trophy along with Rs. 100,000. Shields and cash prizes were also given to players for outstanding performances.
UAE Women’s team ready to make history in Zimbabwe
Dubai (SBR): The Esha Oza-led UAE Women’s team are set to make history tomorrow as they start their ODI journey in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The team will play 50-over matches for the first time in their history – the four-match series will be played from 26 September to 2 October. UAE were awarded ODI Status by the ICC in May this year after a series of impressive T20I format which helped them break into the top 15 teams and earn the right to play the 50-over format.All four series matches will start at 9:15am local time. The ODIs will be played on 26, 28, 30 September and 2 October. *Captain UAE Women’s Esha Oza:* “The entire squad is looking forward to making history this week. We have worked very hard to reach here and earn the ICC ODI Status. Since coming here, we have acclimatised well and got a good start as we won the practice game against the High Performance team. “Our preparation has been excellent in the leadup to this series as we had an extensive camp in Dubai which helped us both select a solid 17-player squad and work on our strategies for the series. We have also worked hard on the mental and physical fitness aspects for the demands of the 50-over format. We can’t wait for the series to begin with the first ball to be bowled tomorrow.” UAE Women’s squad for Zimbabwe tour:Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige and Vaishnave Mahesh. Schedule:Friday, 26 September – First ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15amSunday, 28 September – Second ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15amTuesday, 30 September – Third ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15amThursday, 2 October – Fourth ODI, Bulawayo – 9:15amSunday, 5 October – 1st T2oI, Bulawayo – 9:15amMonday, 6 October – 2nd T20I, Bulawayo 9:15am
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