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KARACHI: Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal advanced to the final of the PN Fleet Club Open International Squash Championship after a commanding semifinal victory, while fellow Pakistani Asim Khan bowed out of the tournament following a loss to Egypt’s Salman Khalil. Competing at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex in Karachi, Nasir Iqbal delivered a dominant display against Egypt’s Yasee El Shafey, securing a straight-games victory in just 24 minutes. He won the match 11-5, 11-7, 11-5 to book his place in the final. Earlier, Asim Khan’s campaign ended after he was defeated 3-1 by Egypt’s Salman Khalil in the other semifinal. The Egyptian progressed to the title clash with the win. The $41,000 prize-money tournament, organized by the Sindh Squash Association, will conclude with the final on Tuesday at 4:00 pm, where Nasir Iqbal will take on Salman Khalil for the championship title. Nasir’s impressive performance has kept Pakistan’s title hopes alive, with the experienced squash player producing consistent displays throughout the tournament.

PORT OF SPAIN: Pakistan’s hopes of leveling the two-match Test series remain alive after restricting the West Indies to 344 all out on the opening innings of the second Test, thanks largely to an impressive four-wicket haul from off-spinner Sajid Khan. After winning the toss at Port of Spain, West Indies captain Roston Chase opted to bat first, a decision that paid dividends as his side produced several valuable partnerships to build a competitive first-innings total. Middle-order batter Justin Greaves led the resistance with a composed 73, while captain Chase contributed a determined 70 to anchor the innings. Opener Brandon King added 46, with Shai Hope making 29 and Amir Jangoo chipping in with 26. Pakistan’s bowlers, however, fought back effectively after the hosts appeared set for an even bigger total. Sajid Khan emerged as the standout performer, using sharp turn and disciplined lines to finish with four wickets and halt West Indies’ progress at crucial moments. Fast bowlers Obaid Shah, Mohammad Ali and Ali Usman also made significant contributions, claiming two wickets each to ensure the home side was bowled out for 344. Speaking at the toss, Pakistan captain Babar Azam revealed that he would also have chosen to bat first had he won the toss. He expressed confidence in his squad, saying the team was determined to play positive cricket and bounce back strongly after losing the opening Test. On the other hand, Roston Chase said his team wanted to turn its home ground into a fortress and therefore retained the same playing XI for the crucial encounter. The second Test carries enormous significance for Pakistan, who trail 1-0 in the two-match series. A victory is essential to square the series, while another defeat would hand the West Indies an emphatic series triumph. With the hosts setting a challenging target of 344 in the first innings, all eyes are now on Pakistan’s batting lineup. The visitors will need a disciplined and resilient performance to seize control of the contest and keep their hopes of salvaging the series alive.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal delivered a commanding performance to secure a place in the final of the PN Fleet Club Open International Squash Championship, keeping the country’s title hopes alive with a convincing straight-games victory in the semi-finals. Competing at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Nasir outclassed Egypt’s Yase Al Shafe in an impressive display that lasted just 24 minutes. The Pakistani star dominated throughout the contest, winning 11-5, 11-7 and 11-5 to book his spot in Tuesday’s final. Nasir looked in complete control from the opening game, combining aggressive shot-making with precise movement around the court. His clinical performance left his Egyptian opponent with little opportunity to recover, underlining the form that has made him one of Pakistan’s standout performers in the tournament. The victory has raised hopes of another international title for Pakistan, with Nasir now just one win away from lifting the prestigious trophy. In the other semi-final, Pakistan’s Asim Khan saw his campaign come to an end after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Egypt’s Salman Khalil. Despite a determined effort, Asim was unable to overcome the Egyptian player, who advanced to set up a final showdown with Nasir Iqbal. The championship, organized by the Sindh Squash Association, has attracted top international players and carries a prize purse of $41,000, making it one of the region’s significant squash events. The final is scheduled to be played on Tuesday at 4:00 pm, where Nasir will aim to cap his outstanding run with the championship title. His impressive form throughout the tournament has generated excitement among Pakistani squash fans, who are hoping to see another memorable triumph on home soil. With confidence high and momentum firmly on his side, Nasir Iqbal now stands on the brink of adding another major international achievement to Pakistan’s rich squash legacy.

DUBAI: The Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 is expected to be staged in the United Arab Emirates, with participating teams reportedly being informally notified about the tournament window ahead of the official announcement by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). According to cricket media reports, the ACC is expected to confirm both the venue and the complete schedule in the coming days. The tournament is likely to run from August 28 to September 13, featuring eight of Asia’s leading women’s cricket teams. The competing nations are expected to include Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand and hosts UAE, promising an exciting contest as teams battle for continental supremacy ahead of future ICC events. The UAE has emerged as the frontrunner to host the tournament due to its world-class cricket infrastructure, favorable playing conditions and extensive experience in organizing major international events. Several global tournaments have previously been held in the Emirates, making it a reliable venue for multinational competitions. The tournament is expected to showcase some of Asia’s biggest women’s cricket stars, with traditional rivals Pakistan and India likely to attract significant attention if they meet during the competition. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has already announced India’s squad for the tournament. Veteran batter Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the Indian side as captain, reflecting the board’s confidence in her leadership and experience. Other participating teams are also expected to finalize and announce their squads in the coming weeks as preparations gather pace. With the official schedule still awaited, anticipation continues to build among cricket fans across Asia. The Women’s Asia Cup is regarded as one of the region’s premier tournaments and provides teams with valuable international competition while helping them prepare for upcoming global events. If confirmed, the UAE will once again become the center of Asian cricket, hosting another high-profile tournament that promises thrilling matches, emerging talent and intense regional rivalries.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former South African first-class cricketer Michael Smith as the national team’s new batting coach on a two-year contract, reinforcing the coaching setup ahead of a crucial international season. Smith, 46, will work with both Pakistan’s red-ball and white-ball squads, with his first assignment set to be the upcoming three-match Test series against England, which begins on August 19. The PCB officially confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, expressing confidence that Smith’s extensive coaching background and international experience will strengthen Pakistan’s batting unit across all formats. During his playing career, Smith scored 7,029 runs across first-class, List A and T20 cricket. He also registered nine centuries and 40 half-centuries, establishing himself as a consistent performer in South Africa’s domestic circuit. Beyond his playing achievements, Smith is regarded as an experienced coach with a Level 4 coaching qualification, one of the highest coaching certifications in cricket. He has previously worked with multiple HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, giving him valuable insight into Pakistan’s cricketing environment and many of the country’s leading players. His coaching résumé also includes roles as batting coach for Australia’s Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania, where he earned recognition for developing players and improving batting performances. Smith’s appointment comes at an important time for Pakistan, with the national side preparing for a challenging home Test series against England. The PCB hopes his expertise will help address batting inconsistencies and strengthen the team’s performance in both Test and limited-overs cricket. Pakistan will begin their three-match Test series against England on August 19, with Smith expected to join the squad during its pre-series training camp. The appointment reflects the PCB’s continued focus on building a strong coaching structure as the team prepares for a packed international calendar. Fans will now be eager to see whether the experienced South African can make an immediate impact and help Pakistan’s batters deliver more consistent performances on the international stage.

BANGKOK: Pakistan celebrated another proud moment on the international sporting stage as taekwondo athlete Ehsanullah Mehsud captured the gold medal at the Thailand International Taekwondo Championship after an impressive run through the competition. Mehsud sealed the title with a commanding victory over his Sri Lankan opponent in the final, completing an unbeaten campaign that showcased his skill, determination and consistency against top regional competitors. The Pakistani fighter began his journey with a confident win over a competitor from Kazakhstan in the opening round, setting the tone for an outstanding tournament. He then produced one of his best performances in the semi-finals by defeating an Indian opponent to secure a place in the championship match. Carrying that momentum into the final, Mehsud delivered another composed display to overcome the Sri Lankan contender and clinch the coveted gold medal for Pakistan. Speaking after his victory, Mehsud thanked the people of Pakistan for their prayers and unwavering support throughout the tournament. He dedicated his gold medal to the nation, saying the encouragement he received from fans inspired him to perform at his best on the international stage. “I am grateful for the love, prayers and motivation from the people of Pakistan. This gold medal belongs to the entire nation,” he said after the medal ceremony. The achievement drew widespread praise from across the country. Provincial Assembly member Asif Mehsud congratulated the athlete, saying his remarkable performance had brought pride to both Pakistan and Waziristan by raising the country’s flag on the international stage. Recognizing his success, Asif Mehsud also announced a job for the newly crowned champion, describing the gold medal as a reward for years of dedication and hard work. The latest triumph adds to Pakistan’s growing list of achievements in international taekwondo and highlights the emergence of talented athletes capable of competing successfully on the global stage. Sports enthusiasts hope Mehsud’s victory will inspire more young athletes to pursue martial arts and represent Pakistan with distinction in future international competitions.

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah Khan has reportedly gone missing in Glasgow after representing the country at the Commonwealth Games, raising fresh concerns for sports authorities ahead of upcoming international events. The Quetta-born boxer, who competed as part of Pakistan’s national boxing squad, did not return with the team after the conclusion of the tournament. The squad was scheduled to travel back to Pakistan on Sunday, but Qudratullah was missing when the team prepared for departure. Officials familiar with the matter said the boxer could not be located in his hotel room before the team’s departure. However, his luggage and personal belongings were reportedly found inside the room, leaving team officials uncertain about his whereabouts. Pakistan Boxing Federation officials confirmed that the athlete failed to return with the national contingent. They said the boxer had been selected solely on merit due to his performances and described the incident as unfortunate. Officials added that the matter would now be handled by the department the boxer represents. The incident has created an unexpected challenge for the team management and has once again drawn attention to the recurring issue of Pakistani athletes going missing during international sporting events. This is not the first such case involving Pakistani athletes. In recent years, several sportsmen disappeared while competing abroad. During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, boxers Suleman Baloch and Nazirullah Khan also went missing after the competition. Earlier that year, swimmer Faizan Akbar disappeared in Hungary before the FINA World Championships. In 2024, boxer Zohaib Rasheed left his team hotel in Italy before an Olympic qualifying event. He later stated that financial difficulties had influenced his decision. The latest disappearance is expected to increase concerns among sports authorities regarding athlete management and monitoring during overseas tours. Pakistan is preparing to send another sporting contingent to Japan next month for the Asian Games, and officials are likely to review existing protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

SANTIAGO: Cape Verde’s inspirational goalkeeper Josimar Jose Evore Dias, widely known as Vozinha, has completed a remarkable transfer to Chilean football powerhouse Colo-Colo, capping off an extraordinary rise that began with his unforgettable performances at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Chilean Premier Division leaders confirmed the signing on Monday after the veteran goalkeeper successfully passed his medical examination. The 40-year-old has signed a six-month contract, with the club holding an option to extend his stay for another year if both parties agree. Vozinha became one of the biggest surprise stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Cape Verde made history by reaching the knockout stage in their debut appearance at football’s biggest tournament. Although the African side eventually bowed out after a narrow Round of 32 defeat to eventual finalists Argentina, the team’s fearless performances won admiration across the globe. At the heart of Cape Verde’s historic campaign was Vozinha, whose spectacular reflex saves and commanding presence between the posts frustrated some of the world’s strongest teams. He played a decisive role in helping his nation secure impressive draws against eventual champions Spain and two-time world champions Uruguay during the group stage, earning widespread praise from fans and football pundits alike. His World Cup heroics also transformed him into a global social media phenomenon. Before the tournament, Vozinha had a modest online following of around 50,000 on Instagram. Within weeks of his standout performances, that number had skyrocketed to nearly 29.5 million followers, making him one of the fastest-rising football personalities of the year. According to Chilean media, Vozinha could make his much-anticipated debut for Colo-Colo on August 16 against O’Higgins as the club looks to maintain its lead in the domestic league and strengthen its title challenge. Adding another heartwarming chapter to his story, Chilean football authorities approved Colo-Colo’s request to allow the goalkeeper to wear his famous nickname, “Vozinha,” on the back of his jersey. Rival clubs reportedly supported the application, ensuring the fan-favourite identity remains part of his football journey. Interestingly, the nickname means “little grandmother” in Portuguese. It originated during his childhood when older boys teasingly called him by the name because he would often run home to the grandparents who raised him after losing neighbourhood football matches. Before arriving in Chile, Vozinha represented Portuguese second-division side Chaves and previously played club football in Angola, Cyprus, Moldova and Slovakia. His latest move marks another remarkable milestone in a career defined by perseverance, resilience and an unforgettable World Cup fairytale.

COLOMBO: The Kandy Royals have received a timely boost ahead of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 playoffs, with Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi set to rejoin the squad for the tournament’s decisive knockout stage. Afridi’s return comes as welcome news for the Royals, who are preparing for a high-stakes Eliminator after sealing a dramatic place in the playoffs. The left-arm fast bowler had briefly left the tournament last week due to personal commitments, leading to widespread speculation that his LPL campaign had ended. However, the franchise has confirmed that the Pakistan star will return just in time for the business end of the competition. Adding further firepower to the squad, Kandy have also recruited Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah and explosive batter Hassan Nawaz. The trio is expected to significantly strengthen both the batting and bowling departments as the Royals chase their first LPL title in recent years. The arrivals come following the departure of experienced all-rounder Moeen Ali, Afghanistan opener Sediqullah Atal, and Scotland international Brandon McMullen, who have left the squad after completing their commitments. Despite losing three key overseas players, Kandy management moved swiftly to secure quality replacements capable of making an immediate impact. Kandy Royals’ road to the playoffs was anything but straightforward. At one stage, their qualification hopes appeared to be fading, but fortune smiled on the franchise when a rain-affected clash between Jaffna Kings and Dambulla Sixers produced the result they needed to advance. The dramatic turn of events kept their championship dream alive and set the stage for an exciting knockout campaign. With Shaheen Afridi leading the pace attack once again, expectations among supporters have risen considerably. The Pakistani left-armer has consistently been one of the world’s premier white-ball bowlers, renowned for his ability to strike early with the new ball and deliver under pressure in crunch moments. The LPL 2026 playoffs begin on August 5 at Colombo’s iconic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. The opening day will feature a Qualifier between Jaffna Kings and Galle Gallants, while Kandy Royals will face Colombo KAPS in a must-win Eliminator. Victory would keep Kandy’s title hopes alive and move them one step closer to lifting the LPL trophy. With Shaheen Afridi back in the lineup and two more Pakistani stars joining the squad, the Royals believe they have the experience, balance and firepower needed to challenge for championship glory in Sri Lanka’s premier T20 competition.

DAMBULLA: Pakistan women ended their Sri Lanka tour on a positive note as Ayesha Zafar produced an all-round performance to guide her side to a four-wicket victory in the third and final T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday. Although Pakistan claimed the final match, Sri Lanka secured the three-match T20I series 2-1 after winning the opening two encounters. Chasing a modest target of 114, Pakistan reached 117 for six in 18.2 overs, with Ayesha leading the run chase through a composed 39 off 31 balls. Her innings featured six boundaries and came at a crucial stage when Pakistan needed stability after losing early wickets. Young batter Shawaal Zulfiqar provided valuable support with a quick 21 from just 12 deliveries, striking three fours and a six to keep the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari picked up two wickets each, but the hosts were unable to defend their total as Pakistan finished the chase with 10 balls to spare. Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 113 for six in 20 overs. Athapaththu was once again the standout performer for the home side, scoring 34 runs and hitting five fours during her innings. Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by 23-year-old Momina Riasat, who delivered an impressive spell of 2 for 18 in four overs. Ayesha Zafar also contributed with the ball, claiming one wicket before making the decisive impact with the bat. The victory gave Pakistan a much-needed confidence boost after a difficult tour, where they managed two wins from six matches across the ODI and T20I series. Despite losing the T20I series, the final-match triumph offered encouraging signs, particularly through the performances of Ayesha Zafar and Momina Riasat. With several young players stepping up under pressure, Pakistan will take valuable positives from the tour as they begin preparations for upcoming international assignments.