Tennis and pickleball facility opens in Hua Hin

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has said he is ready to serve Pakistan cricket in any capacity, provided he is given the freedom to perform his responsibilities without unnecessary interference. Speaking to reporters in Karachi, the legendary batter said he has consistently conveyed the same message to successive Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairmen: if entrusted with a role, he should be allowed to carry it out independently. “I have always told PCB chairmen that if you give me a role, give me the complete opportunity to do the job. Don’t tie my hands,” Younis said. Addressing speculation that he seeks greater authority within the cricket setup, the former skipper dismissed the perception, insisting that his focus has always been on delivering results rather than acquiring power. “I often hear people saying Younis Khan wants power. What would I do with power?” he remarked, adding that he has never pursued positions for influence but has instead emphasized the importance of professional autonomy. Younis said that whenever he discussed working with the PCB, his only condition was to be allowed to build and develop the team according to the responsibilities assigned to him. He also downplayed the importance of financial incentives, saying that freedom to work effectively mattered more than salary or contractual packages. “For me, independence in my work and the ability to deliver are far more important than any package,” he said. “If I were ever to negotiate over financial matters, it would be for the player in the weakest position, not for myself.” Reflecting on Pakistan cricket’s future, Younis expressed confidence that the national team could regain its former strength if players accepted greater responsibility and adopted a long-term mindset. He recalled the period after the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, when the departure of senior players created challenges but also opened opportunities for younger cricketers to step up. “We accepted responsibility after the 2003 World Cup. If today’s players think bigger and take ownership, the results will also be bigger and more positive,” he said. Younis’ comments come amid ongoing discussions about Pakistan cricket’s direction and the role experienced former players can play in rebuilding the national team’s competitiveness.

Pakistan’s Under-21 hockey team has departed for Muscat to take part in a five-match Test series against Oman’s senior national side, giving the country’s emerging players a valuable opportunity to gain international experience against more seasoned opposition. The young Pakistan squad left for Oman on Monday, accompanied by head coach and Olympian Ayaz Mahmood, coach and Olympian Sameer Hussain, and coach Azfar Yaqoob. The series is being viewed as an important step in the development of Pakistan’s junior hockey players, particularly as they prepare to transition from age-group competition to the demands of senior international hockey. The first Test will be played on July 29, followed by the second on July 31. The third match is scheduled for August 1, while the fourth Test will take place on August 2. The five-match series will conclude with the final Test on August 4. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) believes the exposure will help the young players understand the pace, physical demands and pressure associated with international hockey. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani extended his best wishes to the team before its departure and said the decision to send the players to Oman was aimed at boosting their confidence and providing them with meaningful international exposure. “Our junior players will gain confidence when they compete against foreign teams at the international level,” Wani said, stressing the importance of giving promising players opportunities to perform outside the domestic circuit. The series against Oman’s senior team could prove particularly useful for Pakistan’s youngsters because they will be competing against players with greater experience and exposure to high-level hockey. Such matches can help young athletes identify weaknesses, improve decision-making and develop the composure required in competitive international fixtures. For Pakistan, the tour is also an opportunity to assess the depth of its emerging talent. With the national side looking to strengthen its future pool of players, regular international exposure at the Under-21 level could play a key role in preparing the next generation for senior hockey. The five-Test format will provide the players with multiple opportunities to adapt. Rather than relying on a single match, the youngsters will have to recover quickly, learn from mistakes and make tactical adjustments throughout the series. The tour also gives the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate players under challenging conditions and identify individuals capable of progressing to the senior national setup. As Pakistan’s junior players prepare to take on Oman’s senior side, the series promises to be more than a collection of practice matches. It represents a test of character, confidence and readiness—and potentially another important chapter in the development of Pakistan hockey’s next generation.

DAMBULLA: Pakistan women ended their Sri Lanka tour on a positive note as Ayesha Zafar produced an all-round performance to guide her side to a four-wicket victory in the third and final T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday. Although Pakistan claimed the final match, Sri Lanka secured the three-match T20I series 2-1 after winning the opening two encounters. Chasing a modest target of 114, Pakistan reached 117 for six in 18.2 overs, with Ayesha leading the run chase through a composed 39 off 31 balls. Her innings featured six boundaries and came at a crucial stage when Pakistan needed stability after losing early wickets. Young batter Shawaal Zulfiqar provided valuable support with a quick 21 from just 12 deliveries, striking three fours and a six to keep the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari picked up two wickets each, but the hosts were unable to defend their total as Pakistan finished the chase with 10 balls to spare. Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 113 for six in 20 overs. Athapaththu was once again the standout performer for the home side, scoring 34 runs and hitting five fours during her innings. Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by 23-year-old Momina Riasat, who delivered an impressive spell of 2 for 18 in four overs. Ayesha Zafar also contributed with the ball, claiming one wicket before making the decisive impact with the bat. The victory gave Pakistan a much-needed confidence boost after a difficult tour, where they managed two wins from six matches across the ODI and T20I series. Despite losing the T20I series, the final-match triumph offered encouraging signs, particularly through the performances of Ayesha Zafar and Momina Riasat. With several young players stepping up under pressure, Pakistan will take valuable positives from the tour as they begin preparations for upcoming international assignments.