Former West Indies fast bowler and renowned cricket commentator Ian Bishop believes Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique has the temperament and technique to succeed in English conditions, saying he is eager to watch the young batter during the upcoming Test series against England. Shafique has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most dependable red-ball batters following his remarkable performances against the West Indies, and Bishop feels the 26-year-old has all the qualities needed to handle one of cricket’s toughest challenges. Speaking about the Pakistani opener, Bishop described Shafique as a calm and composed batter who remains patient even in difficult situations. “Abdullah Shafique is a composed batter who knows how to build an innings under pressure,” Bishop said, adding that such qualities are crucial for success in England, where swinging conditions and disciplined bowling regularly test even the world’s best players. The former West Indies pacer acknowledged that English pitches present a unique challenge but noted that Shafique already has valuable experience after representing Yorkshire in county cricket. Although that exposure will help him adapt more quickly, Bishop stressed that delivering consistently in England remains a demanding task for any international batter. Shafique’s confidence has soared after his outstanding performance in the recently concluded Test series against the West Indies. Drafted into Pakistan’s squad after Shan Masood suffered an injury, the right-handed opener seized the opportunity in spectacular fashion. He remained unbeaten on 160, producing one of the finest innings of his career and becoming the first Pakistani batter in 49 years to score 150 or more runs in a Test innings in the West Indies. The memorable knock not only strengthened Pakistan’s batting lineup but also reinforced Shafique’s reputation as one of the country’s brightest Test prospects. With Pakistan set to face England in a highly anticipated Test series, fans and cricket experts alike will be watching closely to see whether Abdullah Shafique can carry his superb form into English conditions and establish himself among the world’s elite opening batters.

MULTAN: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi believes the National Champions Cup 2026 has played an important role in helping the national selectors assess players ahead of the ICC World Cup 2027. Shaheen, who led Pakistan Gold during the tournament, said the competition provided valuable opportunities to examine the fitness, form and potential of players who could become part of Pakistan’s ODI plans. Pakistan Gold endured a difficult start, losing their opening two matches, but produced a convincing turnaround against Pakistan Whites. Shaheen spearheaded the bowling attack, taking three wickets as Whites were dismissed for 172. Gold then chased down the target comfortably in the 28th over to secure a place in the final on the basis of a superior net run rate. They finished level on two points with Pakistan Blues and Whites but advanced because of their better NRR. Speaking to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s digital platform, Shaheen admitted that his team had struggled initially but said the players responded when qualification was still within reach. “The first two games were not in our favour, but we then sensed an opportunity to qualify,” he said, explaining that the team had decided to bowl first against Whites to maximise their chances. Shaheen praised his teammates for their disciplined display and singled out Fakhar Zaman for his impressive batting during the tournament. He also highlighted the broader importance of the Champions Cup, saying the competition allowed Pakistan to test players in competitive conditions rather than relying solely on domestic performances. “The tournament has been very good,” Shaheen said, noting that several close matches had provided valuable experience. According to the left-arm pacer, the event also helped the team management gauge players’ fitness levels and evaluate the available talent pool. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, Shaheen believes the Champions Cup has therefore served as more than just a domestic competition. It has offered Pakistan an early opportunity to identify reliable options, build depth and prepare a stronger ODI squad for the global event.

FIFA’s plan to bring private equity investment into global football is opening a new chapter in its long-running struggle with Europe over the sport’s power, finances and commercial control. The world football governing body, led by President Gianni Infantino, is considering the creation of a subsidiary valued at around $20 billion. The proposed company would manage the World Cup and other major FIFA events. Under the plan, outside investors could acquire stakes of up to 20% in the new entity. The proposal has already triggered strong opposition from European football authorities. UEFA has criticised the idea and accused FIFA of putting the “soul” of football at risk by allowing private investors greater access to the sport’s most valuable competitions. Infantino has defended the proposal as an effort to make football’s financial system more inclusive. He has described the initiative as a form of “democratisation” that could allow more football nations to benefit from the sport’s growing commercial revenues. The plan could also provide financial incentives to FIFA’s 211 member associations. Under the proposal, each association could receive up to $20 million in immediate funding for special projects. Further grants of $20 million or more could be provided during subsequent four-year cycles. Such funding could prove particularly attractive to smaller and emerging football nations that depend heavily on FIFA for financial support. FIFA already generates billions of dollars through broadcasting rights, sponsorships and other commercial agreements. The organisation had set a revenue target of $13 billion for its previous four-year cycle, which included the latest World Cup and the Club World Cup. However, FIFA’s financial strength remains smaller than the overall commercial value of European football. UEFA reported that Europe’s top club competitions generated around €4.4 billion during the 2024-25 season alone. Football competitions across Europe generated more than €40 billion during the same period, according to Deloitte’s annual football finance review. The continent’s five major domestic leagues — the Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Serie A and Ligue 1 — accounted for more than half of that revenue. FIFA has spent decades trying to reduce Europe’s dominance over the global game. The organisation’s leadership has repeatedly sought to give greater influence to football associations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Former FIFA president João Havelange was a major figure in that effort. He expanded the World Cup and built political support among smaller football nations, helping shift the balance of influence within FIFA. Successive FIFA presidents continued that approach. Infantino has expanded the World Cup from 32 teams to 48, increasing opportunities for countries outside Europe’s traditional football powers. The FIFA president has also suggested that a 64-team World Cup could be considered for the 2030 centenary tournament. The idea followed calls from South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL for an expanded competition. The proposal has faced criticism from European football officials. LaLiga president Javier Tebas has accused FIFA of damaging the sport. His criticism reflects wider concerns in Europe about the growing number of international competitions and the commercial expansion of FIFA. FIFA has previously attempted to attract external investment into its competitions. A proposed expansion of the Club World Cup backed by a consortium led by SoftBank in 2018 failed to materialise after strong resistance from UEFA. The latest private equity proposal could face a similar challenge. However, Infantino has a major advantage within FIFA’s political structure. The organisation’s decisions are determined by its global membership rather than European football alone. FIFA has 211 member associations, meaning support from Africa, Asia, Latin America and other regions could allow Infantino to advance the plan despite European opposition. Experts believe the financial incentives could make the proposal attractive to developing football nations. Eric Windholz, an associate professor at Monash University’s law faculty, said countries in the Global South could find the plan appealing because their domestic football competitions generate far less commercial income than major European leagues. The regional football authorities have also reacted cautiously

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has revealed that one of Wasim Akram’s greatest World Cup performances is motivating him as the Proteas prepare for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup on home soil. Rabada, speaking at the official World Cup 2027 venue and brand announcement event in Johannesburg, acknowledged that hosting cricket’s biggest tournament brings an added sense of responsibility. However, the experienced pacer said he prefers to view home advantage as an opportunity rather than a burden. “I think there’s a lot more to it at the moment with us hosting it,” Rabada said. Rather than feeling pressured to deliver a title in front of home supporters, the 31-year-old wants South Africa to embrace the occasion and protect what he described as their “fortress”. “For me, it’s about representing the badge,” Rabada said, stressing the pride that comes with playing a World Cup in front of South African fans. The fast bowler also looked back at the 1992 World Cup final, identifying Pakistan great Wasim Akram’s devastating spell against England as one of the tournament moments he remembers most vividly. Akram changed the final with two remarkable deliveries that removed Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis in successive balls, helping Pakistan seize control before eventually lifting the trophy. For Rabada, the performance represented everything he admires about fast bowling: pace, skill, intensity and the ability to rise to the biggest occasion. “He was fast, had so much skill, and just had this presence, this heightened energy about him,” Rabada recalled. The South African pacer hopes his team can create a similarly memorable moment in 2027. South Africa have repeatedly shown the ability to reach the latter stages of major ICC tournaments but have struggled to convert those appearances into a world title. Rabada believes that barrier is no longer psychological. “We’ve shown that we can go and play in finals and in the semi-finals,” he said. The remaining challenge, he added, is taking that final step. With the 2027 World Cup set to be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Rabada and his teammates will have a major opportunity to write their own chapter in cricket history. And if Rabada can channel even a little of Akram’s 1992 magic, South African fans may have plenty to celebrate.