Spain Crowned 2026 World Cup Champions After Dramatic Extra-Time Thriller Against Argentina

MULTAN: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a star-studded commentary panel for the National Champions Cup 2026, adding further excitement to a tournament that could prove important in shaping Pakistan’s future international squad. The seven-match competition will be played at Multan Cricket Stadium from August 11 to 18, with four teams — Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold — competing in a single round-robin format. Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt will headline the commentary team alongside Ali Younis, Tariq Saeed, Aimen Anwar and Raja Asad. Their experience and analysis are expected to provide viewers with deeper insight into the performances of established players and emerging prospects. Under the tournament format, each team will face the other three sides once. The two teams collecting the most points at the end of the league stage will advance to the final. The Champions Cup carries added significance as the PCB looks ahead to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. Selectors will use the competition to closely monitor players competing for national recognition, while younger cricketers will have an opportunity to make a strong impression. The PCB has selected 44 players across the four squads, with another 13 players included in a reserve pool. Reserve players can replace members of the main squads only in cases involving injury or concussion. With established internationals sharing the field with promising domestic talent, the tournament is expected to offer a revealing look at Pakistan’s emerging cricketing depth. For selectors, every match could become an audition. For players, the Champions Cup may represent a crucial step towards earning a place in Pakistan’s plans for the 2027 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Squads Pakistan Greens Playing XI: Shadab Khan (c), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Farhan Yousuf, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saad Baig (wk) and Sameer Minhas. Pakistan Whites Playing XI: Saim Ayub (c), Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohsin Riaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan (wk). Pakistan Blues Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Jahandad Khan, Rohail Nazir (wk), Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim, Taimur Khan (wk). Pakistan Gold Playing XI: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdul Samad, Abdul Subhan, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Kamran Ghulam, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Muhammad Imran and Saad Khan.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is preparing to appoint a foreign coach for the national women’s hockey team in a move aimed at strengthening player development and improving the team’s international competitiveness. According to sources familiar with the matter, the PHF is currently in discussions with a European coach to take charge of the women’s national side. The negotiations are progressing, and officials are hopeful that an agreement will be finalized by the end of this month. The proposed appointment is part of the federation’s broader strategy to modernize women’s hockey and provide players with greater exposure to international coaching methods and high-performance training. Sources said the incoming coach would also oversee a series of training tours across Europe. These tours are expected to give Pakistan’s women hockey players the opportunity to compete against stronger opposition, gain valuable match experience and adapt to international standards of play. In addition to coaching the national squad, the foreign coach is likely to play a key role in organizing practice matches and training camps during overseas visits. These fixtures are expected to help the team improve its tactical awareness, fitness levels and overall performance ahead of future international competitions. The move reflects the PHF’s growing focus on rebuilding women’s hockey, which has struggled to maintain a consistent presence on the international stage in recent years. Officials believe that exposure to European coaching techniques and competitive environments could accelerate the team’s progress. While the federation has yet to make an official announcement regarding the coach’s identity, insiders say discussions are in the final stages and optimism is high that the appointment will soon be confirmed. If finalized, the hiring of a European coach would mark an important step in Pakistan’s efforts to revive women’s hockey and create a stronger pathway for future success at regional and global tournaments.

MIAMI: Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains one of football’s greatest stars, delivering a brilliant two-goal performance to guide Inter Miami to a thrilling 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis in their opening Leagues Cup 2026 group-stage match on Wednesday. The Argentine captain etched his name into the tournament’s history by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in the Leagues Cup. His latest brace took his tally to 14 goals, surpassing every player to have featured in the competition between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s Liga MX clubs. Inter Miami’s evening did not begin as planned. Atletico San Luis stunned the home crowd when David Rodriguez found the net in just the fourth minute, giving the visitors an early advantage. However, Messi wasted little time responding, calmly equalising only seven minutes later to restore confidence for the hosts. The momentum quickly shifted in Miami’s favour. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia completed the turnaround in the 26th minute with a well-taken goal after sustained pressure from the home side. Just before the halftime whistle, Messi struck again with a trademark finish, extending Miami’s lead and putting the match firmly under their control. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Brazilian defender Micael added another goal, capping off an outstanding opening 45 minutes as Inter Miami entered the break with a commanding 4-1 advantage. Although Rafa Llorente pulled one back for Atletico San Luis in the second half, the visitors were unable to mount a serious comeback as Miami comfortably saw out the contest to collect all three points. Messi’s latest performance highlighted his enduring quality and his ability to influence major matches. Since arriving in Florida in 2023, the Argentine icon has transformed Inter Miami into one of North America’s most competitive clubs, leading them to their first Leagues Cup title that same year. Elsewhere in the Leagues Cup, Dallas secured a 2-0 victory over Queretaro, while Leon claimed a narrow 1-0 away win over Nashville in another tightly contested fixture. With Messi in record-breaking form and Inter Miami starting their campaign in style, the 2026 Leagues Cup promises more excitement as the tournament progresses.

England have made major changes to their Test setup, appointing Joe Root as captain for a second stint and naming former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming as head coach. The decisions come after Brendon McCullum was removed from the Test coaching role and Ben Stokes stepped away from international cricket earlier this month. Root, 35, previously led England in 64 Test matches between 2017 and 2022. He briefly returned to captaincy during the recent series against New Zealand and has now been given the responsibility of guiding England’s next generation of Test players. The Yorkshire batter is among the greatest run-scorers in Test history, sitting second on the all-time list behind India legend Sachin Tendulkar with more than 14,000 runs. Expressing his delight at the appointment, Root said leading England in Test cricket remains a great honour and challenge. He added that he is excited to work with the team and help develop emerging talent. Root also praised Fleming, describing him as an outstanding leader with deep knowledge of the game. Fleming, who enjoyed a successful coaching career with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, has been appointed to lead England’s Test side. Under his guidance, Chennai won five IPL titles, making him one of the most respected coaches in world cricket. The 53-year-old said his focus would be on immediate success while also building a strong foundation for England’s long-term future. He expressed excitement about working with Root and helping him succeed in his second spell as captain. England’s next Test assignment will be a three-match series against Pakistan, starting on August 19. Marcus Trescothick will handle coaching duties on an interim basis before Fleming officially takes charge later this year. England men’s cricket managing director Rob Key praised Fleming’s appointment, saying he has the experience and leadership qualities needed to turn England’s promising squad into a world-class team.