PH gets shot at sepak takraw gold, adds bronze to Asian Games haul

LAUSANNE: Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Wasim Khan has taken a major step in his international sports administration career after being appointed Executive Director of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). FIBA confirmed that Khan has already joined its headquarters and will officially assume his new role in January 2027. In his position, he will oversee operations across 44 national basketball federations in the region, helping shape the sport’s strategic development, governance, and growth initiatives. Khan is widely regarded as one of the most experienced sports administrators to emerge from Pakistan. During his tenure as PCB Chief Executive, he played a key role in implementing governance reforms, strengthening domestic cricket structures, and supporting the return of international cricket to Pakistan. Following his time at the PCB, Khan joined the International Cricket Council (ICC) as General Manager – Cricket, where he contributed to the global development of the game. Earlier this year, he announced his decision to step down from that position, paving the way for a new chapter in his career. His appointment to FIBA marks a significant crossover from cricket to basketball, reflecting the growing demand for experienced sports executives capable of leading international organizations beyond a single sport. Sports analysts believe Khan’s leadership experience, strategic planning skills, and track record in sports governance make him well-positioned to contribute to FIBA’s long-term objectives, particularly in strengthening basketball development across member federations. The appointment is also being viewed as another milestone for Pakistani professionals in global sports administration, highlighting the increasing recognition of their expertise on the international stage. With his official tenure beginning in January 2027, Wasim Khan is expected to play a central role in advancing basketball programs, enhancing collaboration among national federations, and supporting FIBA’s efforts to expand the sport’s reach across the region.

TORONTO: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made an emphatic return to hard-court tennis with a straight-sets victory over Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima at the WTA 1000 Toronto Open, reinforcing her status as one of the favourites heading into the North American swing. The Belarusian star defeated qualifier Uchijima 6-3, 6-3 in her opening match on Tuesday, bouncing back strongly after disappointing exits at both the French Open and Wimbledon. The convincing win marked another milestone in Sabalenka’s remarkable hard-court campaign, where she has now won 24 of her last 25 matches on the surface. Her only defeat on hard courts this season came against Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final, highlighting just how dominant Sabalenka has been throughout the year. Despite the comfortable scoreline, the match was far from straightforward. Uchijima stunned the top seed early by breaking serve in the opening game after recovering from a 40-15 deficit, quickly taking a 2-0 lead. However, Sabalenka responded like a champion, winning the next five games to seize complete control and eventually close out the opening set with authority. The second set proved equally competitive, with both players exchanging five service breaks in an entertaining battle. Sabalenka eventually established a crucial 3-2 advantage before tightening her game at the right moment. She held serve confidently to move ahead 4-2 and later sealed victory on her second match point with a powerful overhead winner. Speaking after the match, Sabalenka expressed satisfaction with both her physical condition and mental approach following a short break from competition. “I’m happy with the performance and the fight. I expected some challenges after the break, but I felt mentally and physically ready,” she said. The victory keeps Sabalenka’s momentum alive as she targets another successful North American campaign, including a possible third consecutive US Open title later this month. Awaiting her in the third round is experienced Chinese player Zhang Shuai, who advanced after Jelena Ostapenko retired while trailing 6-0, 4-0. With confidence growing and hard-court form peaking once again, Sabalenka has sent an early warning to the rest of the field that she is ready to challenge for another major title as the road to New York gathers pace.

Galle Gallants have booked their place in the Lanka Premier League 2026 final after a commanding win. They beat Colombo Kaps by six wickets in the second qualifier at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday. Chasing a target of 177, the Gallants completed the win on the fourth ball of the 18th over. They lost just four wickets throughout the entire chase. The innings got off to a shaky start after Thomas Rogers fell for 13 in just the third over. From there, though, Sam Harper and Charith Asalanka took full control of the run chase. The pair added 126 runs together off just 85 deliveries, taking the total to 147 inside 16.3 overs. Asalanka eventually departed after scoring 59 off 42 balls, hitting four sixes and three fours along the way. Harper continued his excellent tournament form, following his wicket with a stylish half-century of his own. The Australian batter finished unbeaten on 77 off 51 balls, striking four sixes and four boundaries in the process. Despite a flurry of late wickets, skipper Dasun Shanaka and Sahan Arachchige steadied the innings from there. The pair remained unbeaten on 8 and 5 respectively, guiding their side comfortably over the line. Ravindu Fernando was the pick of the bowlers for Colombo Kaps, picking up two wickets in the match. Earlier in the day, Kaps had posted 176 in 18.5 overs after being put in to bat first. Rubin Hermann and Ravindu Fernando played key roles with the bat, rescuing their side from an early collapse. Galle Gallants will now face Jaffna Kings in the LPL 2026 final on Saturday, at the same venue.

TAROUBA: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has created a new national record in Test cricket. Abbas has surpassed legendary former captain Imran Khan to achieve Pakistan’s best bowling average among pacers with at least 100 Test wickets. The 36-year-old reached the milestone during Pakistan’s first Test against the West Indies at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. Abbas dismissed Brandon King and Kavem Hodge during the West Indies’ second innings. He had already taken three wickets in the first innings. The performance took Abbas to 115 Test wickets in 30 matches. His bowling average improved to 22.78. Imran Khan previously held the record with an average of 22.81. He took 362 wickets in 88 Tests during his career. Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis is third on the list. He claimed 373 wickets in 87 Tests at an average of 23.56. Abbas made his Test debut against the West Indies in Kingston in 2017. He received his Test cap from then Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq. Despite his strong domestic record, Abbas spent more than three years away from Pakistan’s Test team. He returned to the side during the tour of South Africa in December 2025. Since his comeback, he has once again become an important part of Pakistan’s pace attack. In 2026, Abbas has taken 15 wickets in three Tests. His performances also include a five-wicket haul. Abbas has also built an impressive record in first-class cricket. He has taken 894 wickets in 220 matches at an average of 20.36. Among active first-class bowlers, Abbas ranks fourth for wickets. James Anderson leads the list with 1,181 wickets, followed by Simon Harmer with 1,054 and Malinda Pushpakumara with 1,010. Abbas’ latest achievement adds another milestone to his career. His accuracy and consistency have helped him become one of Pakistan’s most effective Test bowlers.