Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The highly anticipated launch ceremony of the Global Celebrity League (GCL), a groundbreaking cricket league merging legendary cricketers and renowned celebrities, concluded with grandeur at an exclusive event in Dubai. Hosted by the vibrant and dynamic Shifali Bagga, the event was attended by distinguished dignitaries, celebrated cricketers, and prominent film and television stars from India and Pakistan.The evening commenced on a solemn note with attendees observing a moment of silence in tribute to the late founding chairman of GCL, His Excellency Sheikh Saud Abdullah Al Thani, who passed away last week, honoring his vision and contribution.Highlighting the event were the spectacular jersey and logo reveals of the five participating teams—Pakistan Firefox, Indian Thunders, Afghan Warriors, Bangal Tigers, and Qatar Global—generating immense enthusiasm among the attendees and setting the stage for an exhilarating competition ahead.A major attraction of the ceremony was the official signing of two iconic teams, Pakistan Firefox owned by Mr. Waqas Alvi . Indian Team owner Mr. Sumit Rajpal was represented by Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and film stars, Neha Sharma, Arbaaz Khan, and Sohail Khan proudly represented their team, while cricket legends Imran Nazir, Wahab Riaz, and Shahid Afridi championed the Pakistan side. Team owners accompanied their respective stars and celebrities, marking the official beginning of intense cricketing rivalry.President of GCL, Arif Malik, addressed the esteemed gathering, articulating the vision and strategic objectives of the league. He officially announced the league dates, revealing that the much-awaited T10 GCL matches will be held from May 27th to June 4th, 2025, at the renowned Asian Town Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The highlight fixture, the opening clash between cricketing giants India and Pakistan, will immediately follow a grand opening ceremony. With that being said, Naghma khan League Director of GCL has made this event a huge success through hard work and diligence. Her goal was always to ensure a seamless collaboration of all the teams and make this cricket league reach heights of success.Shikhar Dhawan and Wahab Riaz delivered passionate speeches, expressing their excitement and enthusiasm for the upcoming matches in Doha, Qatar, and promising a highly entertaining and competitive league.Global Celebrity League's brand ambassador, cricketing sensation Shahid Afridi, virtually joined the event via video call, engaging the audience with a promise of thrilling cricket action and friendly competition, particularly highlighting the anticipated India-Pakistan encounters. Afridi's lively interaction with Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and other celebrities amplified the excitement. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the match officials for HBL Pakistan Super League X, scheduled to take place across four venues – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11 April to 18 May. A total of 13 umpires and seven match referees will be involved in 30 matches, while the match officials for the Qualifier, two eliminators and final, will be announced in due course.Elite Panel of ICC Umpires – Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel and Kumar Dharmasena are among the 13 umpires officiating in the six-team tournament. Also included are Alex Wharf and Chris Brown. From Pakistan, Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Rashid Riaz Waqar are part of the PCB International Panel of Umpires.Abdul Moqeet, Nasir Hussain, Tariq Rasheed and Zulfiqar Jan – part of PCB Elite Panel of Umpires will also be officiating matches during this edition of the HBL PSL. Among the match referees, ICC Elite Panel of Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle will officiate matches alongside his fellow Sri Lankan Roshan Mahanama. Also serving as match referees are Ali Naqvi and Muhammad Javed Malik – both from the PCB International Panel of Match Referees. Iftikhar Ahmed, Iqbal Sheikh and Nadeem Arshad will also officiate during the tournament.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the latest players in contention to win the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards following a blockbuster month of action in March. Two stars of New Zealand’s busy month feature on the ICC Men’s Player of the Month shortlist alongside a key figure in India’s trophy-winning campaign at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.Shreyas Iyer was in formidable form in the latter stages of India’s run to a record-breaking third ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, and seeks to win his first ICC Men’s Player of the Month award since February 2022 as a result. On the opposing side in a memorable final was New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, also nominated after another stellar ICC event where he was crowned the Player of the Tournament. Completing the lineup is his compatriot Jacob Duffy, the pacer earning a place atop the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings following a fruitful series in the victory over Pakistan.Jacob Duffy (NZ): With a spot at the summit of the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings to his name, Duffy was rewarded for a brilliant March which saw him take 13 wickets at an impressive average of just 8.38 in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan. Among a string of consistent returns, his standout performances came with four-wicket hauls in Christchurch (four for 14) and Mount Maunganui (four for 20), and sees him land his maiden nomination for the Player of the Month crown.Shreyas Iyer (IND): Notching 172 runs at an average of 57.33 in the final three matches of the competition, Shreyas was a shining light for India at the business end of their Champions Trophy-winning campaign. A match-winning 79 in the final group stage match against New Zealand preceded vital scores of 45 and 48 in the semi-final and final, providing sufficient support for India to successfully chase down challenging totals under the lights in Dubai and lift their third Champions Trophy.Rachin Ravindra (NZ): The Blackcaps talismanic batter seeks to win his second Player of the Month award after inspiring the Champions Trophy finalists with stirring performances with bat and ball during March’s contests. With 151 runs and three wickets to his name only telling part of the story, the Player of the Tournament registered a memorable 108 in the semi-final win over South Africa in Lahore before his economical bowling and dazzling fielding in the blockbuster finale in Dubai almost turned the tables in New Zealand’s favour.Chetnaa Prasad (USA): The 19-year-old was a driving force as the USA stormed to Americas Qualifier success in March, first by taking four wickets against Brazil and more importantly, recording her best international figures of four for 5 and winning the Player of the Match prize as they overcame Canada in the winner-takes-all matchup on the final day in Buenos Aires.Annabel Sutherland (AUS): The two-time ICC Women’s Player of the Month has enjoyed an extended period of excellence in recent times, and while her previous wins came thanks to her batting brilliance, in March it was her bowling prowess that stole the headlines. Climbing to a career best rating of 736 in the Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings in the process, the 23-year-old lit up the series against New Zealand with four wickets for 8 runs in the second match and four for 35 in the third and final encounter to secure the series sweep over their rivals.Georgia Voll (AUS): Having made her international debut less than six months ago, Voll is already making a name for herself, and in March the 21-year-old struck two brisk half-centuries in Australia’s 3-0 T20I series win over New Zealand. Chasing down 138 for victory in double quick time in the Auckland opener, Voll smashed her maiden fifty in T20Is in just 30 balls at the top of the order. 36 More runs followed in Mount Maunganui before she hit 75 in 57 balls in the third and final match, helping Australia seal the whitewash with an eight-run win in Wellington.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Abubakar Talha (PAK), Amir Mazari (PAK), Nadir Mirza (PAK), Rodion Likashov (KAZ), Luke Jie Xio Ho (SGP), Takaya Ishi (JPN), Haolin Liu (CHN) moved into next round of the ITF Pakistan Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial World Juniors Tennis Championship Leg-1 after beating their respective opponents here at PTF Tennis Complex on Tuesday.As many as 38 boys and 21 girls from 14 countries, including Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Turkey, Japan, China, Austria, Uzbekistan, the UK, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Korea, and Sri Lanka, are participating in the championships.Results: Boys’ Singles (Round-2): Abubakar Talha (PAK) beat Artem Khusanov (UZB) 7-6 (3),6-2; Amir Mazari (PAK) beat Shehryar Anees (PAK) 6-1,6-3; Nadir Mirza (PAK) beat Yupei Liang(CHN) 6-1,6-0; Rodion Likashov (KAZ) beat Alexey Ryabov (RUS) 6-2,2-0(Retd) ; Luke Jie Xio Ho (SGP) beat Diar Amanabek (KAZ) 6-3,6-0; Takaya Ishi (JPN) beat Mikaeel Ali Baig (PAK) 6-4,6-0; Haolin Liu (CHN) beat Chris Jovan Gubza (AUT) 6-4,6-2Girls’ Singles (Round-2): Alissa Korolyova (KAZ) beat Zohan Feng(CHN) 6-3,6-0; Nana Okawa (JPN) beat Malika Bolatova(KAZ) 1-6,6-2,6-3; Serife Pelibn Sari (TUR) beat Da Eun Lee (KOR) 6-1,6-2; Sofiya Malysheva (KAZ) beat Samira Kamalova (UZB) 6-1,6-0; Dicle Izgi (TUR) beat Soha Ali (PAK) 6-4,6-2; Seo Hee Jeon (KOR) beat Amna Ali Qayum (PAK) 6-2,6-2; Yelizaveta Slepchenko (KAZ) beat Rino Shinden (JPN) 6-1,6-4; Haniya Aman Minhas(KSA) beat Xinru Zhong(CHN) 6-0,6-1Boys’ Doubles (Round-1): Ahtesham Humayun / Salar Khan (PAK) beat Mohammad Ali (CAN) / Ayaan Malik (PAK) 6-3,6-0; Mikaeel Ali Baig / Nadir Mirza (PAK) beat Yupei Liang(CHN) / Amir Mazari (PAK) 6-0,6-1; Enzo Kahi (GBR) / Keitaro Ksathra (INA) beat Arjan Singh(SGP) / Nabeel Ali Qayum (PAK) 3-6,6-2(10-4); Diar Amanbek (KAZ) / Danial (KAZ) beat Daler Ilugov (UZB) / Artem Khusanov (UZB) 6-2,7-6(5).

Sports Bulletin ReportKarachi:Women's top seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir made a convincing start to her U23 World Squash Championship campaign as the Egyptian World No.14 dominated Spain's Noa Romero Blazquez to reach the quarter-finals in Karachi.Like the rest of the seeded players in the women's event, Aboelkheir had received a bye through to the last 16 of the inaugural edition of the championships, which features a $60,000 prize pot and a spot in the PSA World Championships for the winner.There was no sign of rust from the 19-year-old today, as she attacked from the beginning against her unseeded opponent.After making a positive start, Aboelkheir never looked in danger of slipping. The Egyptian was completely dominating at the front of the court and rarely moved off 'the T' as she recorded a lightning-fast 11-4, 11-2, 11-4 win, needing just 21 minutes to wrap up the victory.Afterwards, she said: "I'm very happy to get through today and am looking forward. It's the first time we've had this tournament so I'm very excited to be playing here and hope I can get the win tomorrow and keep going all week!"Aboelkheir will face Hong Kong, China's Toby Tse in the quarter-final after the 5/8 seed defeated France's Kara Lincou 3-1.Meanwhile, in the men's draw, home favourites Noor Zaman and Hamza Khan progressed after convincing wins over Poland's Jakub Pytlowany and England's Will Salter.On the glass court at DHA Creek Club, No.2 seed Zaman - grandson to Pakistan legend Qamar Zaman and in red hot form after winning the Liverpool Cricket Club Open last week - was totally dominant in an 11-4, 11-5, 11-3 victory.Khan, World Junior Champion in 2023, was also convincing, with the 19-year-old taking down Salter 11-5, 11-6, 11-5.

Noor Zaman, Mohammad Hamza claim victories, Mohammad Ammad faces defeat 3-2Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Duo of Pakistan squash guys -Noor Zaman and Mohammad Hamza- jumped into next round of the WSF U23 World Men’s Squash Championship 2025 after beating their respective opponents at Defence Creek Club, Karachi on Sunday. Mohammad Ammad lost his contest 3-2 in a nerve-jangling competition.Second seed local squash player, Noor Zaman overcame his challenger Hussain Alzaatari from Kuwait 3-1 after showing impressive game on the court, as he finished the match with the score-line of 11-6, 5-11, 11-4, and 11-3.Mohammad Hamza Khan outclassed Radu Stefan Pena from Romania in straight games 3-0. He exhibited top-class squash and amused the spectators with his powerful drives and classic drop shorts, The final score-line was just 11-3, 11-1, and 11-5.Result (Men’s Event):Ibrahim Alkabbani (Egypt) beat Leon Krysik (Polad) (3-1) 11-2, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2Matteo Carrouget (Franc) beat Makar Esin (Neutral Athlete) (3-0) 11-6, 11-5, 11-4Duncan Lee (Malaysia) beat Kareem Michael (Canada) (3-1) 3-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-7R. Damming (Netherlands) beat Kijan Sultana (Malta) (3-0) 11-2, 11-6, 11-8David Bernet (Switzerland) beat Yuta Adno (Japan) (3-0) 11-2, 11-8, 11-7Hugo Lafuente Jaen (Spain) beat Kajetn Lipski (Poland) (3-1) 11-6, 13-11, 4-11, 11-1Lap Au (Hong Kong) beat Reuel Videler (South Africa (3-1) 11-2, 11-9, 11-2K. El Torkey (Egypt) beat Hao Cui (USA) (3-0) 11-1, 11-6, 11-5A. Chandaran (Malaysia) beat Mohammad Ammad (Pakistan) (3-2) 10-12, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8Mattew Lam (Hong Kong) beat Pouya Shafiefard (Iran) (3-2) 10-12, 11-9, 11-3, 8-11, 11-3Will Salter (England) beat Jerome Aw (Singapore) (3-1) 11-9, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4Mohammad Hamza Khan (Pakistan) beat Radu Stefan Pena (Romania) (3-0) 11-3, 11-1, 11-5M. Scianimanico (France) beat Nevindo Lakman (Sri Lanka) (3-1) 11-9, 11-3, 12-14, 11-2D. Groenewald Ernesto (South Africa) beat Revrt Escutia (Spain) (3-1) 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-8Jakub Pytlowany (Poland) beat Juan Joce (Columbia) W/oNoor Zaman (Pakistan) beat Hussain Alzaatari (Kuwait) (3-1) 11-6, 5-11, 11-4, 11-3Result (Women’s Event):Noa Romero Blazquez (Spain) beat Mariam Malik (Pakistan) (3-0) 11-3, 11-2, 11-4Kurumi Takahashi (Japan) beat Amana Fayyaz (Pakistan) (3-1) 11-9, 10-12, 11-4, 11-9S. Ingledew (South Africa) beat Yeheni Kuruppu (Sri Lanka) (3-0) 11-7, 11-6, 11-3T. Holzdauerova (Czech Republic) beat Sana Bahdur (Pakistan) (3-1) 13-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8Icia Riveiro (Spain) beat Ana Munos (Franc) (3-1) 11-6, 6-11, 11-8, 11-3Tereza Siroka (Czech Republic) beat Varvara Esina (Neutral Athlete) W/o.

Islamabad, POF, Punjab, Pakistan U-19, WAPDA, Navy, Army, and PAF qualify for quarterfinalsSports Bulletin ReportWah Cantt: WAPDA, Police, Army registered victories in the Golootlo 54th National Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship after beating their respective rivals at the Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF) Wah Cantt on SundayResults: Pakistan U-19 beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (3-0) 25-22, 27-25, 25-15.Army beat Balochistan (3-0) 25-14, 25-16, 25-20.Police beat Sindh (3-0) 25-17, 25-18, 25-20.Pakistan U-19 beat Gilgit Baltistan (3-0) 25-13, 25-12, 25-10.WAPDA beat Islamabad (3-0) 25-10, 25-16, 25-20. Army beat Punjab (3-0) 25-20, 29-27, 25-17.Quarter-Finals Fixtures:Islamabad vs POF – 2:00 PMPunjab vs Pakistan U-19 – 5:00 PMWAPDA vs Navy – 7:00 PMArmy vs PAF – 9:00 PM. 

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The first Under-23 World Squash Championship 2025 will roll into action on Sunday (April 6) at DHA Squash Courts Karachi, as the World No. 61 Ibrahim Elkabbani top seed player of the first international U23 lads.Noor Zaman represents the hosts best hope, with the 20-year-old Peshawari – grandson of the legendary Qamar Zaman – the tournament’s second seed and drawn against Kuwait’s Hussain Alzaatari in round one.Also representing Pakistan in Karachi are 2023 World Junior Champion Hamza Khan, who plays Spain’s Hugo Lafuente Jaen in round one, and Muhammad Ammad, who has been drawn against fourth seed Mohammed Naseer.Khan is one of two former world champions in the men’s draw, with the 19-year-old joined by the Netherlands’ Rowan Damming. Damming, World Junior Champion in 2022, is seventh seed and will face Malta’s Kijan Sultana in round one.In the women’s event, World No. 13 Fayrouz Aboelkheir top seed female 19-year-old receiving a bye through to round two and set to play the winner of the round one clash between Spain’s Noa Romero Blazquez and Pakistan’s Mariam Malik. Aboelkheir is one of two Egyptians in the women’s draw and, should the tournament go to seedings, the Alexandrian will take on second seed Malak Khafagy in an all-Egyptian final.Hoping to spoil the party will be Malaysian third seed Aira Azman, a silver medal winner at the 2023 World Junior Championships, and fourth seed Chan Sin Yuk of Hong Kong,. Chan is joined by two compatriots in the top eight seeds, with Heylie Fung seeded fifth and Toby Tse seeded eighth.Completing the seedings are Japan No. 2 Akari Midorikawa, who has been seeded sixth, and seventh seed Xin Ying Yee of Malaysia. Also in action for the hosts are Sana Bahadar and Amna Fayyaz, with Bahadar up against Czechia’s Tamara Holzbauerová and Fayyaz taking on Japan’s Kurumi Takahashi.

Sports Bulletin ReportMount Maunganui (New Zealand): New Zealand beat Pakistan by 43 runs in the third ODI at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday to take the series 3-0.After a delayed start due to wet outfield reduced the game to 42 overs per side, Pakistan won the toss and put New Zealand in to bat. The hosts scored 264 for eight in their 42 overs, courtesy half centuries from captain Michael Bracewell (59, 40b, 1x4, 6x6s) and Rhys Mariu (58, 61b, 6x4s, 2x6s). Daryl Mitchell also scored a 53-ball 43 comprising of three fours and a six. For Pakistan, left-arm pacer Akif Javed grabbed four wickets for 62 runs in eight overs. Naseem Shah dismissed two batters.In turn, Pakistan were dismissed for 221 in 40 overs, with Babar Azam (50, 58b, 4x4s, 1x6) top-scoring for the team. For New Zealand, Ben Sears bagged five wickets for 34 in his nine overs.Scores in brief:New Zealand 264-8, 42 overs (Michael Bracewell 59, Rhys Mariu 58, Daryl Mitchell 43, Henry Nicholls 31, Tim Seifert 26; Akif Javed 4-62, Naseem Shah 2-54)Pakistan 221 all out, 40 overs (Babar Azam 50, Mohammad Rizwan 37, Tayyab Tahir 33, Abdullah Shafique 33; Ben Sears 5-34, Jacob Duffy 2-40)Player of the match – Michael BracewellPlayer of the series - Ben Sears (New Zealand)  

Sports Bulletin ReportTauranga (New Zealand): Pakistan team batter Imam-ul-Haq sustained a mild facial injury during the batting, caused by an accidental throw from a New Zealand fielder. He was immediately attended by medical team and shifted to Tauranga Hospital for a detailed assessment.A CT scan of his head and face was conducted and reported as normal. Based on clinical evaluation, he has been diagnosed with a mild concussion. Imam is feeling better now and remains in stable condition. The specialists at Tauranga Hospital have advised a two-week rest from all sporting activities. He has also been declared fit for air travel.