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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.

Pakistan wrapped up a truly dominant campaign by winning the Central Asian Volleyball Association Championship on Wednesday. The home side defeated Bangladesh in straight sets during the final, played at the Liaquat Gymnasium within the Pakistan Sports Complex. This victory extended Pakistan’s unbeaten record across the entire six-nation tournament, which also included Kazakhstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. Throughout the match, Pakistan looked in complete control. Their serving was powerful, their blocking well organized, and their attacking play sharp and consistent. Bangladesh struggled to find any rhythm against such a well-rounded performance. Pakistan took the opening set 25-20 before stepping things up even further in the second, winning it comfortably 25-16 through disciplined, coordinated play. Bangladesh showed some fight in the third set and briefly threatened a comeback. Pakistan, however, refused to let the momentum slip and closed out the match 25-20, sealing the championship in front of a jubilant home crowd. The win marked a perfect end to the tournament for Pakistan, who finished all seven matches unbeaten and did not drop a single set throughout the competition. Following this achievement, Pakistan climbed eight spots in the FIVB world rankings, moving up to 38th place globally. This also makes them the sixth-ranked team in Asia, sitting just behind Japan, Iran, Qatar, South Korea, and China. In the other major result of the day, Sri Lanka secured the bronze medal after a hard-fought five-set win over Uzbekistan in the third-place playoff. Kazakhstan finished the tournament in fifth position, while Nepal ended up at the bottom of the standings. Following the win, Pakistan Volleyball Federation chairman Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob offered his congratulations to the team. He praised the players, coaches, and support staff for their contribution to the victory, describing it as the result of consistent hard work and discipline. He also thanked everyone involved in organizing the event, including sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who helped make it a success. Federation president Sohail Khawar Mir echoed similar sentiments, calling the achievement a strong reflection of Pakistan’s talent and preparation. He pointed out how difficult it is to win an entire tournament without dropping a single set, calling it a rare and impressive feat. Sohail also praised Bangladesh’s performance throughout the event and thanked the other competing nations for making it a strong, competitive championship. He added that the tournament had helped grow the sport’s presence in the region while boosting Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable host for international sporting events.

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has weighed in on national team selections. He believes players should not be picked based on just one or two standout PSL performances. According to him, there is a significant gap between franchise cricket and the international game. The 35-year-old pointed out a growing trend. Several young players have made it into the national side after impressing in only a few PSL matches. He said that if a youngster is truly good enough to take his spot in the white-ball team, they should get that chance without hesitation. However, he added an important condition. Such players still need to prove their quality and consistency over time, not just deliver one strong performance. Fakhar also spoke about the gap between league and international cricket. He explained that many domestic performers only understand this difference once they step onto the international stage themselves. He suggested that regular development camps could help close this gap. At the same time, he cautioned against calling any player extraordinary after just one or two good PSL games. League cricket, he stressed, is simply not the same as international cricket. Turning to team matters, Fakhar revealed that batting order discussions have already taken place with the management. He was careful to note that not every detail from those conversations can be shared publicly. His personal approach, he said, has always been to prioritize what the team needs. He acknowledged that individual players naturally have their own preferences. Still, he pointed out that not everything can be aired through the media. What matters most, according to him, is that the entire squad stays united and aligned moving forward. Looking ahead, Fakhar also shared some thoughts on his history in South Africa. He said he has fond memories of playing there in the past. He credited the pace and bounce of South African pitches for suiting his natural batting style. He added that his current preparation is already focused on the 2027 World Cup. As selection debates continue to swirl around PSL performances, Fakhar’s comments offer a timely reminder. Consistency, not a single flash of brilliance, remains the real benchmark for making it at the international level, a point he seems keen on reinforcing as competition for spots heats up.