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SYDNEY: Former Australia opening batsman David Warner has been convicted and fined A$1,500 for a mid-range drink-driving offence, with a Sydney court also ordering the retired cricket star to use a vehicle breathalyser interlock for the next 12 months. The 39-year-old Warner pleaded guilty last month after being accused of driving a van in April and stopping short of a random breath-testing site. He was subsequently breath-tested, arrested and taken to a police station. Judge Clare Farnan formally convicted Warner at Waverley Local Court on Tuesday, according to court records. Along with the fine, Warner was ordered to hold an “interlock” licence for one year. The licence condition requires him to use a breathalyser device installed in a vehicle. The system prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. Warner’s lawyer, Awais Ahmad, acknowledged that his client’s decision to drive after drinking was poor judgment. According to Australia’s ABC, the lawyer described it as “impaired, impulsive and frankly foolish decision-making”. Ahmad told the court that Warner had accepted responsibility for his actions and had completed a traffic offender programme. He also highlighted the intense media attention surrounding the case, including what he described as personal attacks against the former international cricketer. Police reportedly said Warner had consumed three glasses of wine before driving towards his family home. During sentencing, Judge Farnan stressed the potential danger of making a poor decision behind the wheel. She noted that Warner’s actions could have resulted in serious consequences for other road users. “Thankfully, on this occasion that decision did not have consequences for other people,” the judge said, while noting that Warner himself had faced consequences as a result of the incident. Warner, one of Australia’s most recognisable modern cricketers, built an illustrious international career as an aggressive left-handed opener. He represented Australia across all three formats and became particularly renowned for his attacking batting at the top of the order. His career included major international triumphs and numerous memorable performances, establishing him as one of Australia’s most prominent cricketers of his generation. Warner left the Sydney court without speaking to reporters, according to AFP journalists present at the hearing. The conviction now adds a legal setback to the former Australia star’s post-playing career, with the 12-month interlock requirement set to remain in place as part of his sentence.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Hockey World Cup campaign reaches a decisive moment on Wednesday when the Green Shirts face arch-rivals India in a must-win Group D encounter at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. The match, scheduled for 6pm Pakistan Standard Time, carries enormous significance for Pakistan. After suffering a 4-1 defeat against England and being held to a 3-3 draw by Wales, Pakistan have only one point from two matches. India, meanwhile, have three points after defeating Wales 3-1. The equation is simple for Pakistan: win or exit. India can secure their place in the next stage with a draw, putting additional pressure on Pakistan to produce their first victory of the tournament. England currently lead the group after winning both of their opening matches and have already secured qualification for the top-eight stage. The high-pressure contest is expected to bring out the intensity traditionally associated with one of international hockey’s most closely followed rivalries. Former Pakistan captain and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics gold medallist Nasir Ali believes the psychological battle could be just as important as tactics and fitness. “Both nations feel pressure when they play against each other,” Nasir said, stressing that India’s three-point advantage gives them greater room for error. Pakistan’s opening two matches have produced mixed results. The heavy defeat against England exposed weaknesses in finishing, while the comeback against Wales showed encouraging signs of improvement. However, Pakistan surrendered a lead late in the Wales match and were forced to settle for a draw. Nasir believes missed opportunities could prove costly against India. He pointed to chances wasted against England, including Rana Waheed’s effort that struck the post, and urged the players to be more clinical in front of goal. Despite the results, the former Olympian sees progress in Pakistan’s overall play. He highlighted the team’s improved possession compared with their performances in the Pro League, suggesting that the side is beginning to regain confidence and control. But possession alone will not be enough against India. Pakistan must turn their control into goals while maintaining composure during a fast-paced encounter. “Today’s hockey is very fast,” Nasir said, urging the players to remain accurate and deal with pressure professionally. The tournament’s new top-eight format has added another layer of importance to the group-stage results. The top two teams from each group progress to the next phase, with results against fellow qualifiers carried forward. For Pakistan, however, calculations have little value now. They need a win. With World Cup survival at stake and the India-Pakistan rivalry providing an emotional backdrop, Wednesday’s clash promises to be one of the most eagerly watched matches of Pakistan’s tournament campaign.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s next generation of women cricketers will get a major opportunity to showcase their talent when the National Women’s U19 Tournament begins in Karachi on Thursday, with 75 players from 24 cities set to compete in a two-format competition. Organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the tournament will be held from August 20 to September 4 at the NBP Sports Complex and HPC Oval Ground. Five teams — Conquerors, Challengers, Strikers, Stars and Invincibles — will compete in a double round-robin league. Each side will play eight matches, with the top two teams progressing to the final. The competition will introduce players to both 30-over and Twenty20 cricket. The opening 10 matches will be played over 30 overs, while the remaining 10 league games and the September 4 final will be contested in the T20 format. Fizza Fiaz will captain Challengers, while Samiya Afsar, Ravail Farhan, Komal Khan and Zoofishan Ayyaz will lead Conquerors, Strikers, Stars and Invincibles respectively. The squads arrived in Karachi on August 16 and completed three days of training ahead of the tournament. Several players earned selection through trials conducted by the women’s national selection committee in different parts of the country. Members of Pakistan’s U19 squad that recently featured in a five-match T20 series against South Africa will also take part, giving the tournament an additional competitive edge. Beyond the title, the event is designed as an important pathway for identifying players who could represent Pakistan at upcoming international competitions, including the ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup and ICC Women’s U19 World Cup. The tournament also carries a financial incentive. The champions will receive Rs1 million, while the runners-up will earn Rs750,000. All league matches are scheduled to begin at 9:30am Pakistan time, giving fans and selectors an early look at some of the country’s emerging women’s cricket talent. National Women’s U19 Tournament 2026-27 – squads Conquerors: Samiya Afsar (captain), Nasreen Ashraf (vice-captain, wk), Abeera Riaz, Areeqa Fatima, Amna Shahnawaz, Eashal Emaan, Eeshal Saif (wk), Hadia Mina, Mah Noor, Malaika Suhani, Maryam Sajjad, Narjis Bibi, Nasreen Ashraf (vice-captain, wk), Noor-e-Sahar, Syeda Batool Fatima, Zainab Irfan Challengers: Fizza Fiaz (captain), Memoona Khalid (vice-captain), Aleena Aslam Shah, Esha Tir Razia, Farya Sadaqat, Huba Nadeem, Laiba Karim, Mahnoor, Mahnoor Zeb, Maryam Ahmed, Pakeeza Shabbir, Sualeha Haroon (wk), Urooj Gul, Zainab Fatima (wk), Zala Ali. Strikers: Ravail Farhan (captain), Ifrah Mehroz (vice-captain), Adieyah Noor, Areeba Noor (wk), Areesha Ansari (wk), Maria, Meerab Shaikh, Minahil binte Nasrullah, Raima Imran, Samia Ashraf, Shahar Bano, Toufeeq Fatima, Ume Mayesha, Zahra Ali, Zainab Khanam Stars: Komal Khan (captain, wk), Aqsa Habib (vice-captain), Afsheen Khan, Alishba Yaseen, Anfal Malik, Barirah Saif, Emaan Afridi (wk), Fizza Ameen, Mehak Arif, Meerab Khan, Nabiha Amir, Qamrosh Farhan, Rozina Akram, Rukhsar Arif, Sawera Ramzan. Invincibles: Zoofishan Ayyaz (captain), Alzoha Hammad (vice-captain), Aashal Saeed (wk), Anaya Khan, Anosha Karim, Asma Bint-e-Azad, Ayesha Imran Riaz, Laraib Nizakat, Lubaba Mahmood, Maha Abbas, Maham Nazakat, Maryam Fatima (wk), Minahil Parvaiz, Quratulain Zehra, Raahima Syed Tournament Schedule (All matches to begin at 9.30am PKT) First leg – 30-over matches 20 August Invincibles v Stars at NBP Sports Complex Challengers v Conquerors at HPC Oval Ground 21 August Strikers v Conquerors at NBP Sports Complex Challengers v Stars at HPC Oval Ground 23 August Invincibles v Strikers at NBP Sports Complex Conquerors v Stars at HPC Oval Ground 24 August Challengers v Strikers at NBP Sports Complex Invincibles v Conquerors at HPC Oval Ground 26 August Stars v Strikers at NBP Sports Complex Invincibles v Challengers at HPC Oval Ground Second leg – 20-over matches 27 August Invincibles v Stars at HPC Oval Ground Challengers v Conquerors at NBP Sports Complex 29 August Strikers v Conquerors at HPC Oval Ground Challengers v Stars at NBP Sports Complex 30 August Invincibles v Strikers at HPC Oval Ground Conquerors v Stars at NBP Sports Complex 1 September Challengers v Strikers at HPC Oval Ground Invincibles v Conquerors at NBP Sports Complex 2 September Stars v Strikers at HPC Oval Ground Invincibles v Challengers at NBP Sports Complex 4 September – Final Top two teams – Venue – TBC

FIFA’s internal tensions have deepened after senior executive Kevin Lamour left the organisation, weeks after publicly criticising President Gianni Infantino’s controversial plan to sell part of the governing body’s commercial rights. FIFA confirmed on Monday that Lamour’s working relationship with the organisation had ended on August 17, bringing an abrupt close to the tenure of a senior official who had once been part of Infantino’s inner circle. “FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended,” a FIFA spokesperson said. The organisation thanked Lamour for his service but offered no further explanation. Lamour joined FIFA’s senior leadership team in November 2024. He had previously supported Infantino’s campaign for the FIFA presidency in 2016. His departure comes after he openly attacked a proposal to create a commercial subsidiary worth around $20 billion and sell as much as a 20% stake to private equity investors. The plan was designed to raise an estimated $4.2 billion. Lamour criticised the proposal last month, saying FIFA employees had been “deceived” about the plan and describing it as “the project of one person”. He also questioned whether FIFA’s leadership was putting personal interests ahead of football’s wider interests. The controversy intensified after Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, resigned in protest and described the proposed deal as a bad arrangement for football. Infantino subsequently withdrew the proposal. However, the backlash has continued and has increasingly raised questions about Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president. Infantino’s Reelection Faces Growing Opposition Infantino’s reelection, once widely regarded as almost certain, now faces a stronger challenge. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have all expressed concerns and recently called for an independent review of Infantino’s conduct. At the same time, several national football associations have questioned whether they should support another term. The Scottish Football Association has already said it will not back Infantino in next year’s election. The dispute has also moved into FIFA’s governance structures. Human rights organisation FairSquare has asked FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee to rule Infantino ineligible for another presidential term, arguing that FIFA’s rules limit presidents to three terms. Infantino, however, has maintained that his initial period in office from 2016 to 2019 should not count because he completed an interrupted mandate following the resignation of former president Sepp Blatter. He was elected in 2016 and subsequently won uncontested elections in 2019 and 2023. FairSquare director Nicholas McGeehan said the organisation’s complaint presented evidence of what he described as a breach of FIFA’s rules. Former FIFA Governance and Review Committee head Miguel Maduro also backed the complaint, arguing that term limits were a central part of reforms introduced to prevent excessive concentration of power. The dispute now places FIFA under increasing scrutiny ahead of next year’s presidential election. While Infantino retains support from the African and South American confederations, opposition from influential football bodies in Europe, Asia and North and Central America could make his path to another term considerably more difficult. With Lamour’s departure adding to the controversy surrounding FIFA’s leadership, pressure on Infantino is likely to remain intense as football’s governing body approaches a crucial election year.

CHITRAL: A team of Pakistani mountaineers has successfully crossed the historic Phargam An Pass in the Hindu Kush mountain range for the first time in 27 years, marking a major achievement for the country’s mountaineering community. The expedition successfully reached the 5,100-metre-high Phargam An Pass, completing a challenging journey through one of the most remote and difficult mountain routes in northern Pakistan. The expedition also made history as female climbers reached the summit for the first time, highlighting the growing participation of women in Pakistan’s adventure and mountaineering sector. The mission was organised in Upper Chitral with the support of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority. During the expedition, the team also discovered the memorial of Austrian mountaineer George Kronberger, who lost his life in the area in 1975. Despite facing dangerous glaciers, steep snow-covered slopes, rocky terrain and the constant threat of avalanches, the team completed the expedition safely. Expedition guide Zamrud Khan said the route to Phargam An Pass has changed significantly over the years due to the effects of climate change, making the journey more challenging than in the past. Three sisters from Chitral—Mehrosh Akhtar, Ismail Roz and Madhu Shala Akhtar—took part in the historic expedition, setting a new milestone for women in Pakistani mountaineering. Other members of the expedition included Kamran Khan, Samar Khan, Nauman Khan, Noorul Rahman, Zohaib Khan, Umar Khattab Sherani, Sohniya Babar, Amina Shabbir and Madiha Syed. The successful expedition is being seen as an important milestone for adventure tourism and mountaineering in Pakistan, while showcasing the country’s growing potential as a destination for high-altitude exploration.

Pakistan international cricketers Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem have officially signed contracts to participate in the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), marking another significant milestone in their professional careers. The two players will represent the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, one of the league’s competitive franchises, during the tournament. According to the announcement, Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shadab Khan and talented left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem have reached an agreement with the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons and are set to feature for the team in the highly anticipated T20 competition. Both players will be available for seven matches each, providing the franchise with valuable experience and skill during the tournament. Shadab Khan is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most accomplished white-ball cricketers. Renowned for his leg-spin bowling, explosive lower-order batting, and exceptional fielding abilities, he has represented Pakistan in all three formats of international cricket. Over the years, he has also become a sought-after player in franchise leagues around the world, thanks to his versatility and leadership qualities. His participation in the Caribbean Premier League is expected to strengthen the Falcons’ squad, particularly in the middle overs where his spin bowling and ability to accelerate the scoring rate can prove decisive. Sufiyan Muqeem, on the other hand, is one of Pakistan’s emerging spin talents. The young left-arm spinner has impressed cricket fans and selectors alike with his control, variations, and ability to take wickets in crucial situations. His inclusion in the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons squad highlights the growing recognition of his abilities on the international franchise circuit. Playing in a prestigious tournament such as the CPL will provide him with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience, compete against some of the world’s finest T20 players, and further develop his game. The Caribbean Premier League is widely regarded as one of the most exciting T20 tournaments in the world. It attracts top cricketers from various countries and offers a competitive platform where experienced international stars and emerging talents perform alongside one another. Participation in such leagues not only enhances players’ exposure but also contributes to their overall development by allowing them to adapt to different playing conditions, strategies, and team environments. For the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, the addition of Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem is expected to strengthen their bowling attack significantly. Shadab’s experience and all-round capabilities, combined with Muqeem’s promising left-arm spin, provide the team with greater balance and tactical flexibility. Their availability for seven matches each is expected to play an important role in the franchise’s campaign as they aim to achieve strong results during the tournament. The signing of these two Pakistani cricketers also reflects the increasing demand for Pakistan’s talented players in global T20 leagues. Their selection demonstrates the confidence international franchises have in Pakistan’s cricketing talent and provides both players with another opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage. Fans will be eager to see how Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem perform for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons as they look to make a strong impact in this season’s Caribbean Premier League.

MADRID: La Liga President Javier Tebas has called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down, accusing world football’s governing body of damaging the sport through controversial decisions and expanding its control over the global football calendar. In an interview with an Italian newspaper, Tebas said he believed Infantino’s leadership had reached its limit and claimed FIFA’s current direction was harming domestic football competitions around the world. The Spanish league chief argued that FIFA was placing too much emphasis on the FIFA World Cup while ignoring the importance of national leagues, which he said provide the foundation of professional football and support thousands of jobs. Tebas criticised proposals to further expand the World Cup, including discussions about increasing the tournament to 64 teams. He said such plans would place unnecessary pressure on players and weaken domestic competitions. He also questioned FIFA’s decision to introduce mandatory hydration breaks during World Cup matches regardless of weather conditions. According to Tebas, the policy was not always necessary and appeared to benefit commercial broadcasting rather than player welfare. The La Liga president also criticised the unusually long half-time show during the World Cup final, saying football should not be altered to accommodate entertainment and commercial interests. Tebas further referred to the controversy surrounding United States forward Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was lifted before a knockout match. He suggested the incident raised serious concerns about FIFA’s decision-making process and governance. He claimed many people within international football privately disagreed with FIFA’s leadership but were unwilling to speak publicly because of the organisation’s political structure. Tebas maintained that football’s future depends on protecting domestic leagues, reducing the growing number of international matches and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the sport rather than commercial considerations