SPORTS NEWS

 LAHORE, 26 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has said his goal is to perform consistently with both bat and ball after scoring an unbeaten century against England in a Tri-Nation Series match at Gaddafi Stadium. Speaking to the media after the match, Shadab said he would dedicate his century to his family and give them credit for his achievement. He added that he could not hear the crowd during his innings because he was completely focused on his performance. “My goal is to perform well with both bat and ball,” he said, adding that as a senior player, he was not concerned about his batting position and was simply happy to have played a good innings. Commenting on comparisons with Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell’s famous innings, Shadab said Maxwell’s ...

ISLAMABAD, 26 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): An Islamabad court has issued a show-cause notice to a man accused of allegedly defrauding national wrestler Athar Zahid of Rs5 million after reportedly submitting a fake transaction receipt. Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich heard a petition filed by Zahid seeking registration of a case at the Islamabad District and Sessions Court. The wrestler’s counsel, Sher Afzal Marwat, appeared before the court and stated that Zahid had given Rs5 million to Pir Asim Ali Shah for investment. According to the petition, the accused allegedly paid profits for some time but, when Zahid demanded the return of his principal amount, had him arrested with the alleged connivance of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Marwa...

Lahore, 25 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Moqim from the national men’s squad for the ongoing One-day International tri-series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, citing the nature of the pitches in Lahore, while including left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat as cover for players carrying minor injuries. In a brief statement on Sunday, the PCB said Moqim had been released from the squad in view of the conditions at Lahore’s pitches and would return to domestic cricket. Maaz has been added as cover for players experiencing minor fitness concerns. The decision comes as the tri-series moves to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore following the opening three matches in Rawalpindi. Pakistan have won both their league matches so f...

Rome, 25 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): AS Roma maintained their unbeaten run in Serie A after Leonardo Balerdi scored a dramatic 89th-minute equaliser to secure a thrilling 3-3 draw against Napoli on Saturday, while Lazio climbed to the top of the league table with a victory over Parma. Roma, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, remain in third place, four points behind Lazio, who hold a three-point advantage over reigning champions Inter Milan ahead of their match against Fiorentina on Sunday. Napoli took the lead in the 28th minute when Frank Anguissa scored a spectacular bicycle kick following a free-kick. Scott McTominay doubled Napoli’s advantage shortly after half-time with a header from Matteo Politano’s cross. However, Roma fought back as Matias Soule ended his seven-game goal drought w...

Baku, 25 October, 2026 (Nosheen): Pakistan suffered a 4-2 defeat against Gambia in the opening match of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan, despite taking an early two-goal lead. Pakistan started strongly, with Amir Hamza opening the scoring in the fifth minute before Boxi Hamal Khan added a superb second goal to put the Shaheens 2-0 ahead. However, Gambia fought back by reducing the deficit in the first half and scoring three additional goals after the break to secure a 4-2 victory. Pakistan’s Kaleemullah also made several attempts to find the net but failed to convert his chances, as the national side could not maintain its early advantage. Despite the disappointing result, Pakistan displayed attacking potential in the opening stages, with Hamza and Hamal Khan scorin...

 Lahore, 25 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi achieved a major milestone on Sunday, becoming the fastest Pakistani pacer to claim 150 wickets in One-Day International (ODI) cricket during the fourth match of the tri-series against England at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Bowling first, Shaheen dismissed England opener Tom Banton to secure his 150th wicket in the 50-over format. At the age of 26, he became the fastest Pakistani fast bowler and the second-fastest Pakistani bowler overall to reach the landmark. Shaheen achieved the feat in his 80th ODI, two matches more than former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who holds the national record for the fastest 150 ODI wickets in 78 matches. However, Shaheen moved ahead of legendary fast bowlers ...

 Lahore, 24 October, 2026 (Nosheen): Pakistan have announced an initial 14-member Test squad for their upcoming two-match ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka, with three uncapped batters earning their maiden call-ups following impressive performances in domestic first-class cricket. Babar Azam will continue to captain the national side, while former captain Shan Masood has been left out of the squad for the home series. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad on Saturday, confirming that the two Tests will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 9 to 21. Left-handed batters Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman have been rewarded for their performances in domestic cricket and included in the initial squad. Left-arm spinner Ali Usm...

 Johor Bahru, 24 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan’s junior hockey team has qualified for the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup after securing a 2-2 draw against Japan in their final round-robin match at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Friday. Hamza Fayyaz scored in the 34th minute, while Ghulam Mustafa found the net in the 43rd minute as Pakistan twice came from behind to earn a draw and secure their place in the title clash. Pakistan and Japan both finished the league stage with seven points and an identical goal difference of plus eight. However, Pakistan advanced to the final by scoring more goals, netting 18 compared with Japan’s 16. The Green Shirts concluded the preliminary round with two victories, one draw and one defeat. Pakistan began their campaig...

 Madrid, 24 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has received Spain’s prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in recognition of his outstanding football career and his efforts to improve disadvantaged children’s access to healthcare and education. The 39-year-old forward was named the award’s winner in June, with the jury describing him as “the most successful footballer of all time” while acknowledging his social contributions. Dozens of fans wearing Argentina football shirts cheered and chanted his name as he arrived at the ceremony in Oviedo, the capital of Spain’s northern Asturias region. Messi received the award’s formal parchment from Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, who praised his unique career and ability to make extra...

LAHORE, 24 October, 2026 (Ghufran): The University of Central Punjab (UCP) has offered its sports facilities and nationwide educational network to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for a joint cricket talent hunt programme aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging cricketing talent across the country. Punjab Group Chairman Mian Amer proposed the collaborative initiative to improve training opportunities for young players and establish a structured pathway for university cricketers to progress into higher levels of the game. The proposal was presented at UCP’s annual sports prize distribution ceremony in Lahore, attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and HEC Chairman Dr Niaz Ahmad. Mian Amer welcomed the initiative launched under the leadership of t...