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Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s hopes of returning to international cricket appear to have suffered a major setback after the government ruled out his comeback following his participation in a programme featuring former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. According to international media reports, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque said there was little scope for the government to continue taking a lenient approach towards the veteran cricketer after he appeared alongside Hasina at a media event. Shakib, 39, joined the programme by telephone while Sheikh Hasina addressed journalists in New Delhi on Wednesday. The event was held nearly two years after Hasina was removed from power following mass student-led protests. Speaking about Shakib’s situation, Haque indicated that the government had previously been willing to consider the cricketer’s case with patience and flexibility. However, he suggested that the latest development had changed the situation significantly. “We had been looking at the matter with considerable tolerance and flexibility,” the minister said, according to reports. “But after this, I do not think there is any room to look at the matter in the same way.” The minister further questioned Shakib’s prospects of representing Bangladesh again after his public association with Hasina. Shakib was previously a member of parliament for Hasina’s Awami League and had been politically associated with the former ruling party. His involvement in the programme has therefore attracted renewed scrutiny at a time when his future with the national team remains uncertain. The former Bangladesh captain has also been linked to legal proceedings arising from the deadly crackdown on protesters that preceded Hasina’s departure from power. Shakib has previously said he would be willing to return to Bangladesh and face the cases against him if adequate security were guaranteed. His current circumstances have made a return to international cricket increasingly complicated. Shakib is currently in Sri Lanka and remains among a group of individuals facing investigations connected to the violence during the protests. The latest government stance could now effectively close the door on a comeback for one of Bangladesh’s most successful cricketers. Shakib has enjoyed an illustrious international career, establishing himself as one of the country’s leading all-rounders across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. His experience and record have made him a significant figure in Bangladesh cricket for more than a decade. However, his political links and the legal controversy surrounding the events that followed Hasina’s removal have increasingly overshadowed his cricketing legacy. With the government now taking a much firmer position, Shakib’s return to the Bangladesh national team appears more uncertain than ever. The development could mark a dramatic and potentially final chapter in the international career of one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has reshuffled its recently appointed foreign coaching staff, elevating Bob Johan Veldhof from goalkeeping coach to head coach as Pakistan prepares for the upcoming FIH World Cup. The decision places Veldhof in charge of the national side for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30. PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani confirmed the reshuffle, explaining that Herman Kruis, who was initially appointed as the national team head coach and National Hockey Coaching Advisor, will now focus solely on his advisory responsibilities. Kruis was appointed on July 3 for an initial two-year period. Soon afterwards, Veldhof joined the coaching setup as goalkeeping coach, while David Dwyer was brought in as high-performance coach. Chris Bowen was assigned a dual responsibility as technical coach and sports psychologist, while Adnan Zakir became the only Pakistani among the newly appointed coaches, taking charge of junior talent identification. The latest changes have effectively altered the hierarchy of the coaching group just weeks before the World Cup, with Veldhof now taking on the most important technical role. The PHF has been looking to strengthen Pakistan’s coaching structure as the national team attempts to regain its place among the world’s leading hockey sides. Veldhof’s elevation also gives him a major challenge on the international stage. With the World Cup approaching, he will be expected to prepare the team tactically while ensuring the players are physically and mentally ready for a demanding tournament. Wani also provided an update on the role of former Pakistan captain and Olympian Tahir Zaman. Zaman, who was appointed Director High Performance on May 21, will now serve as an adviser to the PHF president. The latest reshuffle comes at a crucial stage for Pakistan hockey, with the federation relying on its revamped coaching setup to improve the team’s international performances. With the World Cup only days away, attention will now turn to how quickly Veldhof can settle into his new role and guide Pakistan through one of the sport’s biggest tournaments.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Usman Shinwari has urged Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah to play more domestic and first-class cricket, arguing that regular competitive cricket can help the two premier pacers maintain their pace, fitness and longevity. Speaking to the media, Shinwari said Pakistan has traditionally placed too much emphasis on bowling speed, often overlooking the impact of workload and continuous cricket on a fast bowler’s body. “Even if your fitness is like Cristiano Ronaldo’s, bowling continuously can eventually affect your pace,” he said. Shinwari described Shaheen and Naseem as outstanding bowlers and said he was not in a position to offer them personal advice. However, he stressed that playing selected domestic cricket could help them retain their rhythm and speed while reducing the risk of injuries. The former pacer also discussed Pakistan’s upcoming challenges in England, saying tours of the country have historically been difficult for Pakistan. He believes the team can still produce a strong series if it carries its current momentum forward. Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent Test performances against the West Indies, Shinwari said the team’s first-match performance was disappointing but praised the side for making a strong comeback in the second Test. He emphasised the importance of consistency, saying better continuity within the team would ultimately produce better results. Shinwari also backed the decision to restore Babar Azam to the Test captaincy, describing it as a positive move and saying Babar has the ability to lead Pakistan in the longest format. Another major point raised by Shinwari was Pakistan’s approach to selecting players across different opponents. He argued that the same combination should not automatically be used against teams with vastly different playing conditions and strengths. Discussing Mohammad Abbas, Shinwari questioned the excessive focus on speed. He noted that Abbas had taken eight wickets at around 125kph in a recent match, arguing that the pacer’s best years were affected because too much importance had been attached to increasing his pace. “Speed is important, but it should not be given excessive importance,” he said. On Ihsanullah, Shinwari said the fast bowler had expressed grievances and suggested that his disciplinary issues should be addressed. Despite his experience, Shinwari made it clear that he has no plans to become Pakistan’s national team coach. He argued that coaches, like players, should progress through a structured system rather than being appointed directly to the national side. His comments have once again highlighted the debate over workload management, pace, domestic cricket and long-term planning in Pakistan’s fast-bowling system.

HONG KONG: Pakistan’s women’s netball team made an impressive start to their campaign at the Asian Women’s Netball Plate Division Championship, defeating Japan 58-34 in a commanding opening match. Pakistan controlled the contest from the early stages and never allowed Japan to establish a meaningful lead. The Pakistani players maintained pressure throughout the game, combining disciplined defending with effective attacking moves to keep their opponents on the back foot. The victory gave Pakistan a strong opening to the championship and will provide the team with valuable confidence ahead of their next fixture. Japan struggled to match Pakistan’s intensity as the match progressed. Pakistan’s consistent scoring and organized play helped them build a comfortable advantage, which they maintained until the final whistle. The 24-point victory underlined Pakistan’s determination to make an impact in the competition and build momentum for the matches ahead. The Asian Women’s Netball Plate Division Championship is being held in Hong Kong, bringing together teams competing for honours in the regional event. Pakistan will now turn their attention to their second match of the tournament. Pakistan are scheduled to face Thailand on August 10, with the team hoping to carry the confidence from their convincing victory over Japan into the next encounter. The Pakistani side’s emphatic opening win has put them on a positive footing, while another strong performance against Thailand could further strengthen their position in the tournament. With the campaign now underway, Pakistan will be looking to maintain their winning momentum and continue their impressive run in Hong Kong.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup may have ended with Spain lifting the trophy, but a reported police dossier has brought fresh attention to the security threats that allegedly shadowed some of football’s biggest stars during the tournament. According to a report based on an alleged leaked police document, Lionel Messi was repeatedly targeted with threats during Argentina’s campaign, while Cristiano Ronaldo and several other high-profile figures also faced security concerns. The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, was already one of the largest sporting events ever staged. Spain eventually defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to claim the title. However, behind the packed stadiums and celebrations, security agencies were reportedly dealing with a series of alarming incidents. One alleged threat emerged before Argentina’s match against Jordan. According to the report, a caller contacted authorities at Dallas airport and threatened an attack at the stadium, allegedly claiming that grenades and rifles would be used. Another disturbing incident was reportedly recorded before Argentina’s game against Egypt, when a threat targeting Messi was posted on social media. Security concerns escalated during the match after authorities received information suggesting that explosives could have been placed inside stadium waste bins. Bomb-disposal specialists and trained detection dogs were reportedly deployed to search the area. No explosives were found, according to the report. The security concerns were not limited to Messi. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was also reportedly the subject of attempts to obtain information about his accommodation. In another alleged incident, a suspicious individual reportedly managed to reach his hotel while posing as a fan. The pressure extended to match officials and other players. French referee François Letexier reportedly received thousands of threatening messages following decisions made during the Argentina-Egypt match. Players including Alexander Sørloth and Jae-hun Campaz were also allegedly subjected to death threats after missing important opportunities during matches. The reported security breaches prompted authorities to strengthen protection around key World Cup locations. At one media centre in England, security measures reportedly included multiple protective layers, concrete barriers, anti-sniper screens and a no-fly zone. The revelations offer a stark reminder that the spectacle of a World Cup comes with enormous security challenges. While millions of fans experienced football, entertainment and celebration, security teams were simultaneously working behind the scenes to protect players, officials and spectators from potential threats. The security allegations above are presented as reported claims from the supplied report and alleged leaked dossier; they should not be treated as independently established facts unless confirmed by authorities.

Veteran Pakistani boxing coach and former international boxer Arshad Hussain has praised Fatima Zehra for securing a rare bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, saying her achievement reflects the untapped potential of Pakistan’s female boxers. Arshad, who has himself competed at the Commonwealth Games, said winning a medal at the prestigious event was a major accomplishment, particularly in women’s boxing. Speaking about Fatima’s performance, he said she had to overcome strong international competition and win two bouts to secure the bronze medal. He stressed that athletes competing at the Commonwealth level face opponents from countries against whom Pakistani boxers often have limited experience. Arshad also called for greater attention to women’s boxing in Pakistan. He said the country has several promising female fighters who could achieve significant success if provided with proper coaching, international exposure and regular training opportunities. He identified Fatima Zehra, Malaika and Maria among the boxers with considerable potential. According to him, these athletes should be given opportunities to train abroad for several months so they can improve their technical skills and gain valuable international experience. The veteran coach also expressed disappointment over boxer Qudratullah’s decision to leave Pakistan after participating in the Commonwealth Games. He described him as a talented fighter and questioned the circumstances that led to his disappearance from the national setup. While assessing the performance of Pakistan’s male boxers at the Games, Arshad said they produced competitive performances but lacked the required technical and physical sharpness. He maintained that better preparation could help them compete more effectively at the international level. Arshad further highlighted the need for sustained government support for boxing. He recalled Pakistan’s strong history in the sport and argued that short training camps were insufficient to prepare athletes for major international competitions. He questioned how Pakistan could expect medals when boxers were given only a 20-day camp before the Commonwealth Games, saying even much longer preparation does not guarantee success at that level. Looking ahead to the Asian Games, Arshad remained cautious about Pakistan’s medal chances. He said the competition would be significantly tougher, with major boxing nations including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Japan, China and the Philippines expected to compete.

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons began their Caribbean Premier League 2026 campaign with a dramatic two-wicket victory over Jamaica Kingsmen, sealing the opening match on the final delivery after a tense finish. The Falcons successfully chased down a target of 168, but what appeared to be a comfortable pursuit turned into a nail-biting contest during the final over. Jamaica Kingsmen, batting first, posted 167 runs after a competitive innings. Reeza Hendricks provided an aggressive start, scoring 42 off 25 balls, while Rovman Powell played a valuable captain’s knock of 47 from 37 deliveries. For the Falcons, Alzarri Joseph was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets and helping restrict the Kingsmen to a total that remained within reach. The Falcons looked well placed during the chase and entered the final over needing just six runs with four wickets in hand. Victory appeared almost certain, but Jamaica’s young fast bowler Hanin Shah suddenly changed the mood of the contest. Shah conceded three runs from the first two deliveries before producing a stunning response. He struck twice in successive balls, taking two wickets and putting the Falcons under unexpected pressure. With the equation reduced to two runs from the final delivery, Shah delivered another impressive ball into the blockhole, denying the batter the opportunity to play a big shot. However, the dramatic finish ultimately went against Jamaica. The Falcons managed to complete the required two runs after a misfield by Kingsmen captain Rovman Powell at long-on. The fielding error allowed the visitors to cross the line and secure a thrilling two-wicket victory on the final ball. For Shah, the ending was particularly frustrating. His brilliant final over had brought Jamaica back into contention and left the Falcons needing to find a way through under intense pressure. Despite his late heroics, the young pacer could not prevent his side from suffering defeat. The result gave Antigua and Barbuda Falcons a winning start to their CPL 2026 campaign, while Jamaica Kingsmen were left to reflect on a match that had seemingly slipped away before Shah produced a remarkable late fightback. The opening fixture provided exactly the kind of drama expected from the Caribbean Premier League, with powerful batting, timely wickets and a last-ball finish setting the tone for the tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has cleared several national cricketers to feature in overseas franchise leagues and county cricket, giving them an opportunity to gain valuable international experience. According to media reports, the PCB has issued No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to a number of players for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026. Hasan Nawaz, Hanin Shah, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Muaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufiyan Muqeem and Shadab Khan have been permitted to participate in the CPL. Their NOCs will remain effective from August 19 to September 21. The board has also approved overseas commitments for several other players. Veteran spinner Noman Ali has received permission to represent Lancashire County, with his NOC valid until September 27. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has been cleared to play in the CPL from August 7 to September 20. Usman Tariq has received an NOC for the tournament from August 8 to September 18, while Usama Mir has been granted permission from August 7 to September 21. The PCB’s decision is expected to provide the players with an opportunity to test themselves in competitive overseas conditions while gaining experience alongside international stars. For Pakistan’s emerging cricketers in particular, participation in leagues such as the CPL can offer exposure to different playing conditions, coaching methods and high-pressure situations. The NOCs also underline the board’s approach of allowing players to balance domestic responsibilities with selected international franchise opportunities. With several Pakistani players now set to feature in the CPL, fans will be watching closely to see which performers can make the most of their overseas assignments and strengthen their claims for future national selection.

Pakistan’s Test squad has arrived in England for a three-match series, with the team set to begin preparations ahead of the opening Test on August 19. The national side reached England after drawing their recent Test series in the West Indies 1-1. The upcoming tour will present another demanding challenge, particularly with England’s conditions expected to test Pakistan’s batters and bowlers. The Pakistan squad will take a short break on August 8 and 9 before returning to training. The team is scheduled to begin its first practice session on August 10 at the County Ground in Beckenham. Training is scheduled to start at 9:30am local time as the players begin adapting to the English conditions. Before the Test series gets underway, Pakistan will have an important opportunity to fine-tune their combinations during a four-day practice match against a Select XI. The warm-up fixture is scheduled to take place from August 12 to 15. The practice game is expected to help the team management assess players ahead of the first Test while allowing the squad to adjust to the pace, movement and weather conditions in England. Pakistan and England will then begin their three-Test series on August 19. The visitors will be hoping to carry lessons from their West Indies campaign into the tour and make a strong start in England. For Pakistan, the series will also provide an important test of their red-ball depth, with both experienced players and younger members of the squad expected to play key roles. With training, a four-day practice match and the opening Test all lined up, Pakistan’s preparations are now officially underway. The team will be eager to use the coming days wisely before the real contest begins on August 19, when Pakistan and England resume their battle in the longest format of the game.

South Korea’s football association has apologised over a controversial old scandal involving claims that foreign referees were provided inappropriate entertainment during visits to the country more than a decade ago. The apology came after a media report revived allegations surrounding incidents that reportedly took place between 2011 and 2012, including during visits by referees involved in qualifying matches for major international tournaments. According to the report, foreign match officials were allegedly provided inappropriate entertainment on several occasions. It cited a 2016 investigation by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which reportedly found that such entertainment had been arranged seven times between March 2011 and March 2012. The allegations included visits to massage establishments where the costs of sexual services were reportedly covered. The claims have renewed questions over the standards and practices surrounding officials during that period. The Korea Football Association expressed regret over the matter and apologised for the controversy. The governing body also stressed that such practices are no longer taking place and that corporate cards are not being used in a similar manner. The resurfacing of the allegations comes at a difficult time for the association, which is already facing scrutiny over the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. South Korean police reportedly raided the association’s offices on Thursday as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hong’s appointment, which has attracted significant criticism. The latest developments have therefore placed the football body under renewed pressure to address concerns over governance and transparency. While the historical allegations date back more than a decade, the association’s apology has once again brought the episode into the spotlight, raising fresh questions about accountability within South Korean football.