Jorge Messi, father of football superstar, dies at 68

Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud has entered an elite group featuring Pakistan legend Wasim Akram after producing a match-winning performance in his maiden Test appearance in Australia. The 26-year-old claimed nine wickets as Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets at Marrara Stadium on Sunday, helping the Tigers secure a historic Test victory on Australian soil. Hasan was particularly destructive in Australia’s first innings, ripping through the hosts’ batting order with a six-wicket haul. His spell helped Bangladesh dismiss Australia for just 198 on the opening day. The right-arm pacer continued his impressive work in the second innings, taking another three wickets and finishing the match with nine wickets overall. His performance earned him the third-best Test match figures by a visiting bowler in a maiden Test in Australia, placing his name alongside some of the game’s greatest fast bowlers. Bangladesh’s historic victory was built around outstanding contributions from Hasan and all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mehidy scored a crucial half-century in the first innings before producing a five-wicket haul in the second. Together, the pair dismantled Australia’s batting resistance and played central roles in one of Bangladesh cricket’s most memorable victories. For Hasan, the achievement marks a remarkable arrival on the Test stage in Australia and puts him in distinguished company with legendary pacers, including Wasim Akram. The result not only gave Bangladesh a historic win but also announced Hasan Mahmud as a fast bowler capable of making a major impact on the biggest stages. Best Figures by a visiting bowler in their first Test in Australia Pakistan – Wasim Akram, 11-160 in 1990 England – Maurica Tate, 11-128 in 1924 Bangladesh – Hasan Mahmud, 9-111 in 2026

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.

Persistent rain caused major disruption to professional tennis events in North America on Sunday, forcing officials to suspend the Washington Open women’s final and postpone several matches at the Canadian Open in Toronto and Montreal. The highly anticipated Washington Open women’s singles final between defending champion Jessica Pegula of the United States and rising Philippine star Alexandra Eala was interrupted during the second set after heavy rain made playing conditions unsafe. The match had already faced a delay of nearly three hours before it finally began. Pegula managed to secure the opening set 6-4 after a competitive contest. Eala responded strongly in the second set and had taken a 2-1 lead when rain returned, forcing tournament officials to suspend play. Organisers later confirmed that the final would resume on Monday at 12:00 p.m. local time, with both players returning to complete the unfinished match. The weather also affected the men’s singles final in Washington. The championship clash between American Taylor Fritz and Spain’s Rafael Jodar was postponed and rescheduled for Monday, with organisers announcing that the match would begin no earlier than 1:00 p.m. local time after the completion of the women’s final. Tournament officials issued an update through social media, informing fans that all remaining matches scheduled for Sunday evening had been cancelled because of the adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, the Canadian Open also experienced significant interruptions as rain swept across both host cities. The prestigious tournament, running from August 1 to August 14, features the women’s competition in Toronto and the men’s event in Montreal. In Toronto, action on the Grandstand Court was suspended during the women’s singles match between Poland’s Magdalena Frech and France’s Leolia Jeanjean. After monitoring the weather, officials decided to cancel the remainder of Sunday’s schedule, assuring spectators that play would resume once conditions improved. Tournament organisers expressed optimism despite the disruption, saying they expected clear weather for the following day and looked forward to restarting the competition. Montreal faced similar challenges, with rain first delaying several daytime matches before worsening conditions forced organisers to cancel the entire evening session as well.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a two-year ban on domestic cricketer Hamza Nazar and fined him Rs1 million following disciplinary proceedings related to information submitted during a visa application process. In an official statement issued on Thursday, the PCB said Hamza Nazar has been barred from participating in all domestic and international cricket activities for the duration of the suspension. According to the board, the disciplinary action was taken after a three-member inquiry committee investigated the matter and submitted its findings. The investigation focused on the information provided by the player during a visa application. The PCB stated that Hamza failed to provide complete and accurate information, submitted misleading details and concealed material facts during the application process. The board added that the player was given a full opportunity to present his explanation before the committee reached its decision. Reaffirming its commitment to integrity and transparency, the PCB said it treats cases involving misrepresentation, concealment of facts and misleading information with the utmost seriousness. “The PCB will not allow any individual to damage the reputation of the board, Pakistan cricket or its fans,” the statement said. The decision underscores the board’s emphasis on maintaining high professional and ethical standards among players representing Pakistan’s domestic cricket system. The two-year suspension and financial penalty serve as a reminder of the PCB’s strict disciplinary policy and its determination to uphold the credibility of the game both on and off the field.

Pakistan’s trailblazing boxer Fatima Zehra believes she had the potential to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games if she had access to the same level of training facilities and international exposure as many of her competitors. The 22-year-old made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to win a boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games after claiming bronze in the women’s 60kg category. Although she narrowly missed out on a place in the final, Fatima described the achievement as a proud moment for herself and for Pakistan. Reflecting on her campaign, Fatima said her main objective before the tournament was to secure a medal, while also hoping to progress to the final. She admitted that the competition was extremely challenging, with many of her opponents benefiting from extensive international training and experience. Her journey ended in the semi-finals, where she faced Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh. Fatima acknowledged that her opponent’s speed and international experience proved decisive, making it difficult to overcome the challenge. Despite the defeat, she expressed satisfaction with her bronze medal, saying it was earned against some of the strongest boxers in the competition. She also noted that competing at such a high level allowed her to gain valuable experience by observing other elite athletes and learning from every bout. Fatima highlighted the gap between Pakistan’s sporting infrastructure and that of leading boxing nations. She pointed out that several countries, including regional rivals, organized overseas training camps in the United States before the Games, while Pakistan’s preparations took place entirely at home. According to Fatima, world-class coaching facilities, modern training environments, and regular international competition are essential if Pakistani athletes are to consistently challenge for top honors on the global stage. She believes greater government investment in sports development would significantly improve the country’s chances of success. The young boxer also acknowledged the role played by the Pakistan Army, the Pakistan Boxing Federation, and her coach, Raheel Adnan, crediting them for their guidance and support throughout her preparation. She said their encouragement was instrumental in helping her achieve the historic milestone. Looking ahead, Fatima has already shifted her focus to the upcoming Asian Games, which are scheduled to take place in Japan in September. She hopes the experience gained at the Commonwealth Games will strengthen her performances against Asia’s top competitors. Fatima previously won a bronze medal at the 2025 Islamic Games in Saudi Arabia, and she is determined to build on that success by aiming for an even stronger finish at the Asian Games. Her boxing journey has not been without challenges. She revealed that although boxing now runs in her family, her parents initially opposed her decision to pursue the sport. After competing at the Punjab level, she was forced to step away from boxing because of her family’s concerns. However, her coach Raheel Adnan convinced them to give her another opportunity, a decision that ultimately changed her career. Today, her family fully supports her ambitions, and her two sisters, Dua and Aiman, along with her younger brother Naday Ali, have also taken up boxing. Fatima secured her historic Commonwealth Games bronze after defeating New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson by a unanimous 5-0 decision in the quarter-finals. Under tournament rules, both losing semi-finalists were awarded bronze medals, marking a landmark achievement for women’s boxing in Pakistan.