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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially unveiled its 20-member national squad and team management for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, signaling the country’s determination to make a strong impression on hockey’s biggest stage after securing qualification for the prestigious tournament. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced the squad on Wednesday, blending experienced international campaigners with a promising group of emerging young talents. The selection reflects the federation’s strategy of balancing experience with youth as Pakistan aims to revive its rich hockey legacy on the world stage. Squad The announced squad includes Waqar, Muhammad Abdullah, Muhammad Sufyan Khan, Moeen Shakeel, Abdul Waheed Ashraf Rana, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakariya Hayat, Arshad Liaqat, Adil Latif, Ahmed Nadeem, Ghazanfar Ali, Imad Shakeel Butt, Muhammad Hamaduddin Anjum, Rehman Abdul, Afraz, Umar Mustafa, Abu Bakar Mahmood, Ali Raza, Abdul Matan, and Muhammad Imad. Goalkeepers Among them, Waqar and Ali Raza have been named as the team’s two goalkeepers, entrusted with guarding Pakistan’s goal against some of the world’s strongest attacking sides. The Pakistan Hockey Federation also announced the complete support staff for the global event. Muhammad Owais Qarni will serve as team manager, while experienced Dutch coach Bob Johan Veldhof will lead the side as head coach. He will be assisted by British coach Christopher John Bowen and Pakistani assistant coach Adnan Zakir. Ashraf Sultan has been appointed as the team’s video technician to provide technical and tactical analysis throughout the tournament. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani expressed complete confidence in the selected squad, saying the players have the talent, commitment and determination to compete at the highest level of international hockey. He extended his best wishes to both the players and the support staff, urging them to represent Pakistan with pride and passion. Wani also appealed to fans across the country to stand behind the Green Shirts and encourage them as they prepare for one of the sport’s biggest competitions. Pakistan, one of the most successful nations in hockey history, will be looking to regain its place among the world’s elite after qualifying for the World Cup. The upcoming tournament offers a valuable opportunity for the Green Shirts to showcase their progress and reignite hopes of restoring Pakistan’s former glory in international hockey. With a refreshed squad, experienced coaching staff and growing public support, expectations are rising that Pakistan can produce a memorable campaign at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026.

LONDON: Pakistan’s preparations for the highly anticipated three-match Test series against England will begin with a vital four-day warm-up fixture against a Professional County Club Select XI, offering the visitors an opportunity to fine-tune their game in English conditions before the opening Test. The Pakistan men’s cricket team is scheduled to arrive in London on August 8, with the warm-up match set to take place from August 12 to 15 at the County Cricket Ground, Beckenham. The fixture will be organized by Kent Cricket and will feature a Select XI comprising experienced first-class players from various English county sides. The practice match is expected to play a crucial role in helping Pakistan’s batters and bowlers adapt to the swinging and seam-friendly conditions that have traditionally challenged touring teams in England. Team management will also use the game to assess combinations and finalize the playing XI ahead of the Test series. Pakistan will begin the Test campaign on August 19 at Headingley in Leeds. The second Test will be played at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from August 27, while the third and final match is scheduled for September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The upcoming tour marks Pakistan’s fourth Test visit to England since 2016. During that period, Pakistan have produced several memorable performances, drawing two Test series while losing one in 2020. Their ability to compete in English conditions has earned praise from cricket experts and fans alike. Overall, Pakistan and England have contested 29 bilateral Test series since their first meeting in 1954, creating one of cricket’s most respected rivalries. With a challenging series on the horizon, the Beckenham warm-up fixture could prove decisive in shaping Pakistan’s preparations. Supporters will be hoping the team builds confidence early and carries that momentum into what promises to be another fascinating chapter in the historic Pakistan-England Test rivalry. Pakistan squad for England Tour: Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah Pakistan tour of England (All matches to begin at 3pm PKT): 1st Test – 19-23 August at Headingley, Leeds 2nd Test – 27-31 August at Lord’s, London 3rd Test – 9-13 September at Edgbaston, Birmingham

TRINIDAD: West Indies endured a significant setback on day three of the second Test against Pakistan after opener Brandon King was forced off the field with a painful lower back injury moments after producing a brilliant run-out to dismiss Babar Azam. The dramatic incident unfolded during Pakistan’s first innings when Babar, who resumed play on an overnight score of 84, looked well placed to end his long wait for a Test century. However, a costly mix-up with fellow batter Abdullah Shafique brought his innings to an abrupt end. Attempting a quick single after guiding the ball into the off side, Babar found himself stranded halfway down the pitch as King reacted sharply from cover. The West Indies fielder gathered the ball cleanly and unleashed a direct hit that caught the Pakistan star well short of his crease. While the dismissal gave the hosts a much-needed breakthrough, it came at a heavy price. King appeared to injure his lower back during the throwing action and immediately collapsed to the ground in visible pain. Medical staff rushed onto the field, and after several minutes of treatment, the 31-year-old was taken off on a stretcher, leaving teammates and spectators concerned. Cricket West Indies later confirmed that King had suffered lower back muscle spasms and would take no further part in day three’s play as a precaution. Team officials added that his condition would continue to be monitored by the medical staff before a decision is made on his availability for the remainder of the match. Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed on 266-2, with Babar and Abdullah adopting a cautious approach as the West Indies bowling attack maintained disciplined lines and restricted scoring opportunities. The pressure eventually paid off with Babar’s dismissal in the 75th over after he added just two runs to his overnight total. King’s injury has added fresh concern for the West Indies camp at a crucial stage of the Test, with the hosts now awaiting further medical updates while trying to keep Pakistan’s batting lineup under control. The coming days could prove decisive not only for the outcome of the match but also for King’s immediate cricketing future.

TORONTO: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made an emphatic return to hard-court tennis with a straight-sets victory over Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima at the WTA 1000 Toronto Open, reinforcing her status as one of the favourites heading into the North American swing. The Belarusian star defeated qualifier Uchijima 6-3, 6-3 in her opening match on Tuesday, bouncing back strongly after disappointing exits at both the French Open and Wimbledon. The convincing win marked another milestone in Sabalenka’s remarkable hard-court campaign, where she has now won 24 of her last 25 matches on the surface. Her only defeat on hard courts this season came against Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final, highlighting just how dominant Sabalenka has been throughout the year. Despite the comfortable scoreline, the match was far from straightforward. Uchijima stunned the top seed early by breaking serve in the opening game after recovering from a 40-15 deficit, quickly taking a 2-0 lead. However, Sabalenka responded like a champion, winning the next five games to seize complete control and eventually close out the opening set with authority. The second set proved equally competitive, with both players exchanging five service breaks in an entertaining battle. Sabalenka eventually established a crucial 3-2 advantage before tightening her game at the right moment. She held serve confidently to move ahead 4-2 and later sealed victory on her second match point with a powerful overhead winner. Speaking after the match, Sabalenka expressed satisfaction with both her physical condition and mental approach following a short break from competition. “I’m happy with the performance and the fight. I expected some challenges after the break, but I felt mentally and physically ready,” she said. The victory keeps Sabalenka’s momentum alive as she targets another successful North American campaign, including a possible third consecutive US Open title later this month. Awaiting her in the third round is experienced Chinese player Zhang Shuai, who advanced after Jelena Ostapenko retired while trailing 6-0, 4-0. With confidence growing and hard-court form peaking once again, Sabalenka has sent an early warning to the rest of the field that she is ready to challenge for another major title as the road to New York gathers pace.

OSLO: A 15-year-old Pakistani footballer has gone missing after reportedly leaving the Better Future Pakistan camp in Norway without informing team officials, prompting an immediate police search during the team’s stay in Oslo. According to a statement issued by Better Future Pakistan, the young player departed the camp on his own without seeking permission from the management. The organization said his whereabouts remain unknown despite ongoing efforts to locate him. Officials stressed that preliminary findings suggest the footballer left the camp voluntarily, with no evidence so far indicating foul play, kidnapping or coercion. They urged the public to avoid speculation while authorities continue their investigation. The camp management said police were notified within 20 minutes of the player last being seen. Norwegian authorities responded promptly, launching search operations and initiating the necessary legal procedures to trace the missing teenager. Better Future Pakistan stated that it is maintaining close contact with local law enforcement agencies and is fully cooperating with the investigation. The organization also said it is providing updates to the player’s family and relevant Pakistani authorities as new information becomes available. The incident occurred after the conclusion of the Norway Cup, one of the world’s largest international youth football tournaments, which was held in Oslo from July 25 to August 1. Better Future Pakistan had sent a group of young footballers to participate in the event as part of its youth development program. While the missing player’s disappearance has raised concern, officials confirmed that all other members of the Pakistani contingent have safely returned home following the completion of the tournament. The case has drawn attention in Pakistan’s sporting community, coming shortly after other reports involving Pakistani athletes going missing during overseas tours. However, Better Future Pakistan emphasized that each case is unique and cautioned against drawing premature conclusions. Authorities in Norway continue their search, while the football community hopes the teenager is found safe and reunited with his family as soon as possible. Both police and team officials have appealed for anyone with credible information about the player’s whereabouts to contact the relevant authorities immediately.

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from the Cincinnati Masters as he continues to recover from a wrist injury that has kept him off the ATP Tour since April, casting fresh doubt over his participation in this month’s US Open. Tournament organizers confirmed on Tuesday that the Spanish superstar will not defend his Cincinnati title, citing an “ongoing wrist injury.” The ATP Masters 1000 event, scheduled to begin on August 13, is regarded as the final major warm-up tournament before the US Open. Tournament director Bob Moran expressed support for the 23-year-old, saying everyone at Cincinnati hopes to see him back on court soon. “We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible. We wish him the best with his recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to Cincinnati in the future,” Moran said in an official statement. The withdrawal has intensified speculation surrounding Alcaraz’s fitness ahead of the US Open, which begins on August 30 in New York. As the defending champion, his absence from Cincinnati leaves him with little opportunity to regain competitive rhythm before the year’s final Grand Slam. Alcaraz has not played a competitive match since suffering a wrist injury during the opening round of the Barcelona Open in April. Since then, he has withdrawn from several high-profile tournaments, including the Madrid Open, Italian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and now Cincinnati. When announcing his decision to miss Roland Garros earlier this year, Alcaraz described it as “the most prudent” choice after discussions with his team. Although his rehabilitation has reportedly progressed well, the Spaniard has repeatedly stressed that he would only return when fully fit. His absence from Wimbledon proved particularly significant, as world No. 1 Jannik Sinner successfully defended his title by defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the final. Despite his lengthy spell on the sidelines, Alcaraz enjoyed a remarkable start to 2026. He completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open in January, becoming the youngest men’s player to achieve the feat. He followed that historic triumph with another title in Doha in February, taking his Grand Slam tally to seven. With the countdown to Flushing Meadows underway, tennis fans will now be anxiously waiting for an official update on whether one of the sport’s biggest stars will be fit in time to defend his US Open crown.

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.