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    Gull Feroza stars as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in OD…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Gull Feroza and Sidra Amin’s half-centuries helped Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The Green Shirts comprehensively chased down 211 in 43 overs, losing only five wickets in the process. Sadaf Shams and Gull Feroza added 58 runs for the opening wicket partnership at the end of the first powerplay, with Shams contributing 20 off 27 balls, including three fours. The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was the second-wicket stand of 90 runs off 114 balls, which made light work of the chase, taking the total to 148 in 28.5 overs. Feroza eventually departed after scoring a free-flowing 78 off 77 balls, including 11 fours. Sidra Amin continued and raised her half-century before getting castled by Inoka Ranaweera on 57, hitting five fours in her measured knock. The visitors eventually reached home in the 43rd over. For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari picked up two wickets. With their fifth ODI win in a row, Pakistan moved up to second position in the ICC Women’s Championship Points table. Earlier, Sri Lanka could not capitalise on the decision to bat first as they were limited to 210-9 in 50 overs despite a strong opening foundation. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne stitched a 56-run stand in 11 overs, with Gunaratne contributing 28 off 34 balls, hitting four boundaries. Despite the wicket, Sri Lanka carried on as Athapaththu and Hasini Perera stitched a 53-run partnership to take the total over the 100-run mark. However, once Pakistan introduced spinners, the momentum quickly shifted in their favour. The visitors removed well-set Athapaththu (46) and Perera (35) in quick succession to make a comeback. The home side could not recover after the quick wickets, losing wickets in clusters and eventually being limited to a below-par total. For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu starred with the ball, scalping three wickets in her 10 overs. The victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second ODI scheduled to take place in the coming days. The team will be looking to build on this momentum and secure a series win, while Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back and level the series. Pakistan’s batting depth and bowling attack were on full display, highlighting their potential as a formidable side in the ICC Women’s Championship. The series continues to provide exciting cricketing action, with fans eagerly awaiting the next fixtures as both teams battle for supremacy in the ODI format. The win also boosts Pakistan’s position in the championship standings, keeping them in contention for a top spot as they continue their campaign. The Green Shirts will be hoping to carry this form into the remaining matches and secure a comprehensive series victory.

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    PCB announces domestic season 2026-27 with New One…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the comprehensive schedule for the men’s domestic season 2026-27, introducing a new One-Day tournament to help prepare players for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The season will commence on August 11 in Multan with a week-long four-team National Champions Cup, a 50-over tournament designed to strengthen Pakistan’s one-day preparations and assess the country’s ODI talent. The teams will be selected by the National Selection Committee. The domestic season will also include one List A tournament, three first-class competitions, two non-first-class three-day tournaments, two T20 tournaments, and age-group events for U19, U17, and U15 players. After the National Champions Cup, the President’s Cup for departmental teams will begin. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the National T20 Cup will now feature 20 teams after the addition of teams from Sialkot and Peshawar, with Lahore and Karachi fielding four teams each. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will begin on November 1 and will be split into Gold and Silver divisions, with both running simultaneously. The Gold division will have eight teams, while the Silver Division will feature 12 teams, including the new sides from Sialkot and Peshawar. The format of Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament has changed again, with last season featuring 10 teams and 18 teams competing in the 2024-25 season. The Hanif Mohammad Trophy, a non-first-class three-day tournament introduced in 2023-24 for lower-ranked regional teams, has been discontinued. Before the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy commences, the President’s Trophy first-class tournament for eight departmental teams and the non-first-class President’s Trophy will be played concurrently from September 12. The domestic season will conclude with the National T20 Cup, played in February and March, with its Silver division featuring 12 teams preceding the Gold division, which will run from February 23 until March 6. The introduction of the National Champions Cup reflects the PCB’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s ODI talent pool ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The tournament will provide players with valuable 50-over experience, which is crucial for the success of the national team in the global tournament. The addition of teams from Sialkot and Peshawar to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and National T20 Cup is expected to increase competition and broaden the talent base across the country. The PCB’s focus on both first-class and limited-overs competitions highlights its efforts to develop a well-rounded domestic structure that can produce players capable of performing at the highest level. As the season approaches, teams and players will be gearing up for a busy and competitive schedule, with the hope of contributing to Pakistan’s success on the international stage. The domestic season is set to be an exciting one, with plenty of opportunities for players to showcase their skills and earn selection for the national team. The PCB’s proactive approach to scheduling and format changes underscores its commitment to the long-term development of cricket in Pakistan, ensuring that the country remains competitive in all formats of the game.

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    Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hits maiden fifty as India be…

    ByJustpaste.in

    India wonderkid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored a maiden Twenty20 international half-century in a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday. Put in to bat after losing the toss, Zimbabwe made a meager 125-7 in 20 overs, with all-rounder Wessly Madhevere top-scoring with 39. Led by the 15-year-old prodigy, who struck four sixes and four fours in an 18-ball 50, India cruised to 126-3 with 40 balls to spare. Sooryavanshi became the youngest cricketer to represent India by debuting in a 4-0 T20I drubbing by England this month, scoring 42 runs in three innings. After his whirlwind 50 in Harare, he was out when he got a thick outside edge to a Richard Ngarava delivery and was caught at deep third man by Ben Curran. He departed with the tourists at 68-2. Then, wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan (35) and unbeaten captain Shreyas Iyer (28 not out) ensured India ended a dismal recent T20I run. Before four losses in England, one by an Indian record 125 runs, the reigning T20I world champions lost another series 2-0 in Ireland. Victory at Harare Sports Club was a welcome relief for Iyer, ending a seven-match winless run since he inherited the captaincy. “I think the boys were tremendous. Could not have been happier with my first win,” the skipper told reporters. “There was bounce from a good length and it was also variable. I felt it was there in both innings. We are going to play two more matches here, so this performance gives everyone some confidence.” Earlier, Madhevere was run out after a 58-run sixth-wicket stand with Tadiwanashe Marumani (27 not out). An unwise attempt to secure a second run led to his downfall. India’s bowlers kept Zimbabwe’s batsmen in check, limiting them to a below-par total that proved insufficient against a strong Indian batting lineup. The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second T20I scheduled to take place in the coming days. Sooryavanshi’s explosive innings has been the talk of the cricketing world, with many hailing the teenager as a future star. His ability to score at a rapid pace and play fearless cricket has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. The Indian team will be looking to build on this momentum and secure a series win, while Zimbabwe will aim to bounce back and level the series. The match also marked a positive start for Iyer’s captaincy, as he looks to lead India to success in the shortest format. The series continues to provide exciting cricketing action, with fans eagerly awaiting the next fixtures as both teams battle for supremacy. The win also boosts India’s confidence as they prepare for future challenges, with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. The young Indian team has shown its potential, and Sooryavanshi’s emergence adds depth and excitement to the squad, promising a bright future for Indian cricket.

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    Galle Gallants go top with 60-run win over Jaffna …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Sahan Arachchige’s fifty, backed by a resounding bowling effort, powered Galle Gallants to a 60-run victory over Jaffna Kings in the 10th fixture of the Lanka Premier League 2026 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Thursday. Set a daunting 194, Kings were bowled out for 133 in 17.5 overs. Tharindu Ratnayake tore through Jaffna Kings’ batting lineup, leaving them at 50-5 at the end of the powerplay. Kamil Mishara scored 15 while Avishka Fernando managed only six. Seasoned batter Shakib Al Hasan was castled without scoring, while Ibrahim Zadran made 11 before holding out to deep square leg. David Wiese and Dunith Wellalage tried to arrest the slide with a 39-run stand, but Wiese departed after scoring 27 from 20 balls. Kings slipped from 89-6 to 99-8 in 12.3 overs. Wellalage resisted with a half-century and eventually emerged as the top scorer with 56 off 39 balls, hitting four fours and sixes. For Gallants, Eshan Malinga and Tharindu Ratnayake remained impressive with the ball, both picking up three wickets. Earlier, Arachchige’s gutsy half-century and Mohammad Nawaz’s cameo propelled Galle Gallants to a strong total. Asked to bat first, Gallants racked up 193-8 in 20 overs despite a jittery start. They slipped to 16-2 and then 86-5 at the halfway mark. Chris Lynn remained the bright spot in the top order, scoring 46 off 22 balls, including four sixes and three fours. With the side in dire trouble at 110-6 in 14.1 overs, Nawaz and Arachchige added 68 off just 30 balls to put Gallants into a strong position. Arachchige hit 63 from 36 balls, including three sixes and four fours, while Nawaz contributed 27 from 16 deliveries, with the aid of two sixes and two fours. Lizaad Williams and Dilshan Madushanka shared four wickets between them. Earlier in the day, Colombo Kaps secured a 23-run win over Kandy Royals in the ninth match played at the same venue. Set 193, Kandy Royals fell short and could only manage 169-8 in 20 overs. Skipper Angelo Mathews top-scored with 53 off 39 balls, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Kaps’ total. The results have shaken up the LPL standings, with Galle Gallants moving to the top of the table. The tournament continues to provide thrilling cricketing action, with teams battling for supremacy in the competitive league. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming fixtures as the race for the playoffs intensifies. The win for Galle Gallants highlights their strong form and depth in both batting and bowling, making them a formidable side in the competition. As the LPL progresses, the performances of players like Arachchige and Ratnayake will be crucial for their team’s success. The league has showcased the talent of Sri Lankan and international players, contributing to the growth of cricket in the region.

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    Pakistan begins Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign with hopes pinned on Arshad Nadeem

    ByJustpaste.in

    GLASGOW: The 2026 Commonwealth Games have officially begun in Glasgow and will continue until August 2, bringing together nearly 3,000 athletes from 74 countries to compete across multiple sporting disciplines. Pakistan has sent a 36-member contingent, including 20 athletes, along with coaches and officials, to participate in this year’s event. The national team will compete in six sports: athletics, boxing, judo, gymnastics, lawn bowls and swimming. Pakistan’s biggest medal hope is Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem, who will defend his Commonwealth Games title. Having achieved historic success for Pakistan on the international stage in recent years, Arshad is widely regarded as the country’s strongest contender for a gold medal. In athletics, Pakistan will be represented by Arshad Nadeem, Faiqa Riaz, Ansar Abbas, Muhammad Akhtar, Muhammad Ismail, Muhammad Yasir and Noreen Hussain. The boxing squad includes Afzal Khan, Fatima Zahra, Malaika Zahid, Qudratullah and Samama Rehman. Shah Hussain Shah will compete in judo, while Shehzad Ali will represent Pakistan in gymnastics. In lawn bowls, Maqsood Waseem Khan and Muhammad Ayub Qureshi will compete, while Hamza Asif, Hareem Malik, Jehanara Nabi and Muhammad Ahmed Durrani will represent Pakistan in swimming. Sports analysts believe Pakistan’s brightest medal prospect is Arshad Nadeem in the men’s javelin throw. If he performs at his best, he is considered a leading favourite to win gold. Pakistan could also challenge for medals in boxing, although the competition is expected to be tough. In judo, Shah Hussain Shah is viewed as another strong contender, given Pakistan’s previous success in the sport at the Commonwealth Games. In gymnastics, lawn bowls and swimming, the main objective for Pakistani athletes will be to reach the final rounds and achieve personal best performances. Overall, experts believe Pakistan has the potential to win one to three medals, with the strongest possibility being a gold medal through Arshad Nadeem. A standout performance in boxing or judo could further improve the country’s medal tally. As the Games get underway, Pakistani fans will be closely following Arshad Nadeem, whose achievements have made him one of the country’s most celebrated athletes and an inspiration for the next generation of sportsmen and women.

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    Nadeem Omar re-elected Karachi cricket chief

    ByJustpaste.in

    Nadeem Omar has been re-elected as President of the Regional Cricket Association (RCA) Karachi, securing a third consecutive term after being elected unopposed. His latest victory extends his leadership of Karachi’s regional cricket body for another three years. The election concluded with a unanimous result, as the Nadeem Omar panel secured all 15 votes cast by eligible voters. With the clean sweep, Omar completed a hat-trick of victories, having now won the presidential election for the third time in a row. The election also saw Ali Hussain elected as Secretary of the Regional Cricket Association Karachi. Like Omar, he received all 15 votes and will serve a three-year term. Following the announcement of the results, the newly elected president and secretary thanked the club representatives, voters and members of their panel for expressing confidence in their leadership. They described the unanimous support as a sign of trust from Karachi’s cricket community. Nadeem Omar said his team would continue working to strengthen cricket across the city. He pledged to promote transparency, merit and accountability in the administration of regional cricket while ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the game. He said one of the administration’s top priorities would be the development of young cricketers through improved coaching programmes, better facilities and increased opportunities at the grassroots level. He added that identifying and supporting talented players from local clubs would remain a key focus during the next three years. Ali Hussain also reaffirmed the new administration’s commitment to improving the overall structure of cricket in Karachi. He said efforts would be made to enhance coordination with clubs, organise competitive tournaments and create a stronger pathway for emerging players to progress to higher levels of the game. The newly elected leadership stressed that all stakeholders, including clubs, coaches, players and cricket organisers, would be taken on board to strengthen the regional cricket system. They said cooperation among all parties would help improve standards and produce more talented cricketers for domestic and international competitions. Speaking after his re-election, Nadeem Omar said the victory belonged not only to him but to every club and cricket enthusiast who had placed their confidence in his leadership

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    Trump link to Balogun decision triggers FIFA backlash

    ByJustpaste.in

    ZURICH: A fresh controversy has erupted around the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Norway’s Football Federation announced it is considering filing a formal complaint with FIFA’s Ethics Committee over the governing body’s decision to reverse the automatic suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun. The dispute centers on FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match ban for 12 months, allowing him to feature in the United States’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium despite receiving a straight red card in an earlier match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under FIFA regulations, the dismissal would normally have ruled the striker out of the knockout fixture. However, the suspension was put on hold, a move that has drawn criticism from several football associations and intensified debate over the integrity of disciplinary procedures. According to international media reports, the decision followed reported intervention by US President Donald Trump, a claim that has fueled accusations of political influence in football governance. Although Balogun was cleared to play, the decision ultimately had little impact on the result, with Belgium defeating the United States 4-1 to advance to the quarter-finals. Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness said the organization is now examining whether to expand an existing ethics complaint against FIFA by including the Balogun case. Klaveness indicated that the issue could be linked with an earlier complaint concerning FIFA’s decision to award Trump a symbolic “Peace Prize,” arguing that both matters raise broader questions about governance, transparency and independence within world football. The controversy has also attracted criticism from Belgium’s Football Federation and European football governing body UEFA, both of which reportedly expressed serious reservations over FIFA’s handling of the disciplinary process. Belgium had sought clarification regarding the decision to allow Balogun to participate, but FIFA reportedly dismissed the request as inadmissible, further adding to frustration among European football officials. The latest dispute has reignited debate over whether external political influence should have any role in decisions affecting international competitions. While FIFA has not publicly addressed the allegations of political pressure, the governing body maintains that its disciplinary and appeals processes operate under established legal frameworks. The controversy comes at a sensitive time for FIFA following the conclusion of the expanded 2026 World Cup, with calls growing for greater transparency in disciplinary decisions involving players and national teams. If Norway proceeds with its complaint, FIFA’s Ethics Committee could face renewed scrutiny over its governance standards and decision-making process, potentially prolonging one of the tournament’s most talked-about off-field controversies.

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    Sania Mirza backs NEET student protesters

    ByJustpaste.in

    Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has expressed support for students protesting over the alleged NEET examination scandal. She urged the Indian government to introduce meaningful reforms to restore confidence in the country’s education system and ensure fairness for students. In a message shared on social media, Mirza said students are the future of the nation and should not have to face uncertainty after spending years preparing for one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations. She said many young people had devoted significant time and effort to achieving their academic goals and deserved a transparent and credible examination process. Mirza called on the government to listen carefully to students’ concerns. She said their complaints should be addressed without delay and that practical reforms should be introduced to strengthen the integrity of the education system. According to her, restoring public trust in national examinations is essential for protecting the future of millions of students. She also appealed for calm and stressed that violence should have no place in resolving public issues. She encouraged all stakeholders to work together peacefully to find a solution that safeguards students’ interests and ensures equal opportunities for every candidate. The protests began after allegations emerged that the NEET medical entrance examination paper had been leaked. The controversy triggered demonstrations in several parts of India, with students demanding greater transparency, stricter accountability and sweeping reforms in the examination system. Many protesters are also calling for the resignation of India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. They argue that the examination controversy has caused serious emotional and psychological stress for thousands of candidates who spent years preparing for the test.

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    Pakistan, West Indies unveil Test series trophy

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    TAROUBA: Pakistan and the West Indies officially unveiled the trophy for their upcoming two-match Test series on Friday, setting the stage for an eagerly awaited contest that begins this week at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Pakistan captain Babar Azam and West Indies skipper Roston Chase posed with the series trophy during a ceremonial event held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. The unveiling marked the official start of the red-ball series between the two cricketing nations. The opening Test is scheduled to begin on July 25 at the same venue, with both teams looking to make a strong start. The second and final Test of the series will be played from August 2, concluding Pakistan’s tour of the Caribbean. Pakistan will enter the series aiming to continue its impressive form in Test cricket, while the hosts will be hoping to capitalize on familiar home conditions and bounce back with a strong performance against the visitors. Meanwhile, Cricket West Indies has announced a 15-member squad for the Test series, with Roston Chase leading the side. The squad includes an exciting new face, as left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop has earned his maiden call-up to the national Test team. Bishop’s inclusion has generated interest among cricket fans, with selectors backing the young spinner to strengthen the West Indies bowling attack against Pakistan’s experienced batting lineup. The series is expected to provide both teams with a valuable opportunity to improve their standing in international Test cricket while giving emerging players a chance to make their mark on the biggest stage. With the trophy now unveiled and preparations complete, anticipation is building for what promises to be a competitive battle between two proud cricketing nations. Fans will be hoping for high-quality cricket as Pakistan and the West Indies renew their long-standing Test rivalry in Trinidad.

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    Former PCB CEO Wasim Khan appointed FIBA Executive Director

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    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.