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Author: Muhammad Usman

These top unsold IPL players create big opportunities for PSL franchises

Posted on by Muhammad Usman

Several well-known overseas cricketers went unsold in the latest Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction, creating a strong opportunity for Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises ahead of PSL 11.

The IPL held a relatively smaller mini-auction this year at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, marking the third straight time the event took place outside India.

With only 77 total slots available, including a limited number for overseas players, many established foreign names failed to attract bids despite impressive T20 credentials.

As a result, the PSL now has a wide pool of experienced international players to choose from.

These cricketers bring proven skills, global exposure, and the ability to strengthen team combinations, especially in key areas such as power-hitting, fast bowling, and spin options.

The list of unsold players includes top talents from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.

Top foreign players who went unsold in the latest IPL auction include Jake Fraser-McGurk, Devon Conway, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Jonny Bairstow, Jamie Smith, Gerald Coetzee, Spencer Johnson, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Michael Bracewell, and Daryl Mitchell.

Other notable names include Gus Atkinson, Wiaan Mulder, Maheesh Theekshana, Wahidullah Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Sean Abbott, Dasun Shanaka, Waqar Salamkheil, Dan Lawrence, Taskin Ahmed, Richard Gleeson, Alzarri Joseph, Riley Meredith, Jhye Richardson, Connor Esterhuizen, Daniel Lategan, Nathan Smith, and Will Sutherland.

Many of them have performed consistently in international cricket and major T20 leagues around the world.

With PSL 11 approaching, franchises are expected to closely monitor these players.

The league has often attracted overseas stars who value regular playing time and a competitive environment.

In previous seasons, several high-profile players opted for the PSL due to its growing reputation and strong viewership.

The availability of these foreign players could significantly raise the quality and excitement of the upcoming PSL season, while also giving unsold IPL players a chance to showcase their skills on a major stage.

The PSL 11 auction will be held on January 8 2026.

PSL 11 set to feature 44 matches across five cities: reports

Posted on by Muhammad Usman

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 format has been revealed, with the eleventh edition set to take place from March 26 to May 3 across five cities in Pakistan, according to Geo News.

The report says a total of 44 matches are expected to be played during the tournament.

According to details, the event will feature eight teams competing in a single-league format, with each team set to play at least 10 matches.

The entire tournament is expected to be completed in 39 days.

Geo News further reported that the first phase of PSL 11 will include 28 matches, after which the eight teams will be divided into two groups of four for the second phase.

In the Super Four stage, each team will play three matches.

The top two teams from each group are then expected to advance to the playoffs.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also said that international cricket will be played at the Muzaffarabad Stadium, adding that efforts are underway to host Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 matches at the venue.

According to Geo News, Naqvi made the remarks while chairing a PCB Board of Governors meeting held via video link.

During the meeting, members praised the successful PSL roadshows held in London and New York, commending the chairman and his team for their hard work and professional approach.

Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said, “The success of the PSL roadshows is a collective achievement of the PCB and the entire PSL team, and everyone worked tirelessly day and night to make PSL an international brand.”

The meeting also approved the second phase of renovation work at the National Cricket Stadium Karachi.

In addition, it was decided that the LCCA Ground would be upgraded on the lines of the Oval Ground.

The Board of Governors praised Mohsin Naqvi’s personal efforts in ensuring the continuation of Sri Lanka’s recent tour of Pakistan.

Responding to this, the PCB chairman said, “The credit for continuing the Sri Lankan tour does not go to me alone but to the entire team. We worked with sincerity, and Allah Almighty helped us.”

The meeting was attended by Board of Governors members Ismail Qureshi, Tariq Sarwar, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, Anwar Ghani, Zaheer Abbas, and Tanveer Ahmed.

Zafarullah, Mustafa Ramday, Adnan Malik, the Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, and PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer were also present.

Senior officials, including the Chief Financial Officer, directors of infrastructure, domestic cricket, commercial departments, and other relevant officers, also attended the session.

PSL 11 set to start on same day as IPL 19

Posted on by Muhammad Usman

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026, the same day as the Indian Premier League (IPL 19), raising anticipation and potential challenges for franchises, according to ESPNCricinfo.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the eleventh edition of the PSL will run until May 3, giving the tournament a 39-day window, while the IPL 2026 is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 31.

This PSL season will feature eight teams, following the addition of two new franchises.

Despite the expanded lineup, the PCB has decided to keep the schedule compact rather than extending the tournament.

In previous seasons with six teams, the PSL followed a double round-robin format with 34 matches, where each team played the others twice before the top four advanced to the playoffs.

While the full fixture list for PSL 11 has yet to be announced, the shorter timeframe is expected to include more double-headers and could see a modified competition structure.

The PSL calendar has faced disruptions in recent years.

Last season, the tournament was split into two legs after the Pakistan-India conflict delayed proceedings by 10 days, although all matches were eventually completed within 34 days.

Earlier editions of the league, up to PSL 9, were usually held in February and March.

However, ICC tournaments and Pakistan’s busy home schedule have shifted the PSL into the April–May window in the last two seasons.

The overlap with IPL 19, expected to run until the end of May, may create challenges for player recruitment, as many top overseas cricketers often prioritize the IPL.

Nevertheless, the PCB believes the clash could have advantages, allowing franchises to retain players who commit to the PSL for the entire season.

Shaheen, Rizwan, Babar struggle to shine in BBL

Posted on by Muhammad Usman

Pakistan’s top cricket stars Shaheen Shah Afridi, Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam endured a difficult start to their Big Bash League (BBL) debut as all three failed to make the desired impact during their opening matches.

Shaheen Shah Afridi disastrous BBL debut:

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi had a disastrous beginning to his BBL campaign while representing Brisbane Heat against Melbourne Renegades in Victoria.

Playing his first-ever BBL match, Shaheen struggled with controlling the rhythm, conceding runs freely against aggressive Renegades batters.

He bowled only 2.4 overs, leaking 43 runs without taking a wicket, placing significant pressure on his side early in the innings.

Shaheen’s outing worsened when he delivered two beamers during his third over, forcing umpires to disallow him from bowling further in the match.

The left-arm pacer, who was the overall first pick in the BBL draft, looked unsettled and failed to execute his usual pace and swing effectively.

Cricket analysts noted that nerves and unfamiliar conditions may have played a role in Shaheen’s uncharacteristically erratic performance.

Babar Azam falls for single digit:

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam also experienced a disappointing start to his Big Bash League career with Sydney Sixers.

Opening the innings against Perth Scorchers at Perth Stadium, Babar scored just two runs off five deliveries before being dismissed early.

He lost his opening partner Daniel Hughes on the third ball, putting immediate pressure on him to anchor the innings.

Babar showed initial caution, blocking his first delivery, but struggled to rotate the strike and failed to find timing against the new ball.

Despite surviving a brief scare in the following over, he could not build momentum and eventually departed cheaply.

Muhammad Rizwan dismissed for 4:

Muhammad Rizwan also faced a challenging debut, failing to adjust quickly to the conditions during his first BBL appearance.

Rizwan was dismissed for a low score after attempting a slog sweep against spinner Paddy Dooley at GMHBA Stadium.

The shot resulted in a top edge, allowing Max Bryant to complete a straightforward catch in the deep.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, in the commentary box, questioned Rizwan’s shot selection.

Expectations were high from Rizwan, given his international reputation, but he appeared uncomfortable during his brief stay at the crease.

Experts believe adapting to Australian pitches and conditions remains a key challenge for overseas players in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Despite the poor starts, fans remain hopeful that the Pakistani trio will bounce back strongly in upcoming matches.

Pakistan Army crowned champions of 35th National Games in Karachi

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Pakistan Army emerged as the champions of the 35th National Games after finishing on top of the medal table, while WAPDA secured second place and Pakistan Navy ended third.

Among the provinces, Punjab claimed the top position, followed by Sindh in second place.

National Games 2025 Final Medal Table:

Sr. No.UnitsGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1ARMY2009756353
2WAPDA857374232
3NAVY363935110
4PUNJAB163872126
5HEC143965118
6SINDH11265996
7PAF10162753
8KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA5184669
9BALOCHISTAN4143048
10RAILWAYS342229
11ISLAMABAD251118
12POLICE122528
13GILGIT BALTISTAN0077
14AJK0077
Total 3873715361,294

The closing ceremony of the Games is scheduled to be held today, December 13 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The seventh day of the competition delivered several thrilling contests.

In football, Pakistan Air Force lifted the trophy after defeating Pakistan Army in the final.

WAPDA finished third in the event, while Pakistan Navy claimed fourth place.

The match was officiated by FIFA-approved referee Ahmad Rauf, who represented the Pakistan Football Federation.

Pakistan Army continued its dominance in boxing by winning both the men’s and women’s championships.

The Army collected a total of 12 gold medals across the two categories.

In men’s boxing, Army boxers won five gold and four silver medals, while in the women’s event they secured seven gold and one silver medal, earning the overall boxing title.

Pakistan Navy finished second in boxing with three gold, two silver and two bronze medals, while WAPDA placed third with two gold, two silver and three bronze medals.

Strong performances were also seen in karate, where Pakistan Army won a total of 10 gold medals.

Six gold medals came from the men’s events and four from the women’s competitions, placing Army at the top in both categories.

In men’s karate, Army finished first, followed by WAPDA, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In the women’s category, Army claimed first place, Punjab finished second, Balochistan third, Sindh fourth and WAPDA fifth.

In shooting, Pakistan Army secured 17 gold medals, along with 16 silver and five bronze medals, to finish ahead of Pakistan Navy, who earned 15 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze medals.

Pakistan Air Force, Sindh and HEC also won medals in the event.

Pakistan Army defeated WAPDA to win the men’s baseball competition, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa claimed third place after beating Punjab.

In badminton, WAPDA’s Irfan Saeed and Mahoor Shehzad won the men’s and women’s singles titles respectively.

The doubles titles were claimed by Pakistan Army’s Raja Hasnain and Amara Ishtiaq.

The Games also featured inaugural exhibition matches of throwball, led by Secretary Culture and Tourism Khair Muhammad Kalor.

In hockey, Pakistan Army won the men’s championship, while WAPDA lifted the women’s title.

Pakistan Olympic Association President Arif Saeed and Pakistan Hockey Federation Secretary Rana Mujahid Ali Khan distributed medals and prizes at the finals.

The 35th National Games showcased high-quality competition across multiple sports and highlighted the depth of talent and strong organizational efforts by participating departments and provinces.

PCB sets base price for two new PSL franchises: reports

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has significantly increased the valuation of all six existing Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, while setting a hefty base price of Rs. 1.30 billion per year for each of the two new franchises, according to Dawn News.

Unlike previous years, the PCB has not yet made an official announcement about the revised valuations, marking a departure from the practice followed during the league’s launch in 2016.

Reports said the new prices reflect nearly a threefold increase, with all league-related financial dealings now being conducted in Pakistani rupees instead of US dollars.

In the inaugural season, Quetta Gladiators, champions of the 2019 edition, were the lowest-valued franchise at USD 1.1 million per year for a 10-year ownership period.

At the time, the exchange rate was Rs. 105 per dollar, compared to over Rs. 280 today.

According to details, Quetta Gladiators remain the lowest-priced franchise, now valued at around Rs. 360 million per year.

Peshawar Zalmi, winners of the 2017 edition, have seen their valuation rise to approximately Rs. 480 million per year, up from USD 1.6 million previously.

Karachi Kings, 2020 champions, are now priced at Rs. 650 million annually, while Lahore Qalandars, winners in 2022, 2023, and 2025, have been valued at Rs. 670 million per year.

Multan Sultans, who joined the league after the first two editions and previously held the highest price tag at USD 6.3 million, now carry a revised valuation of Rs. 1.08 billion per year.

The franchise, which won the 2021 title, underwent an ownership change after former owner Ali Tareen publicly criticised the PCB over administrative issues.

All other franchises have retained their ownership rights for the next 10 editions.

Reports confirmed that the annual player budget for franchises will remain capped at USD 1.4 million per team.

To attract investors for the two new franchises and for Multan Sultans, the PCB has held a roadshow in London.

The board has shortlisted six cities, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Hyderabad, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit, from which two will be selected to expand the PSL to eight teams.

On Wednesday, the PCB announced a roadshow in New York City on Saturday.

According to a press release, the event is part of the board’s global outreach strategy to engage international investors ahead of the auction of the two new franchises, scheduled for January 6, 2026.

“The initiative is designed to highlight the league’s commercial strength, global following and long-term growth potential,” the PCB said.

Six Pakistan men’s team players are expected to attend the New York event, including T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, along with Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Saud Shakeel, and Test captain Shan Masood.

Karachi Blues clinch Quaid-e-Azam Trophy after dominant victory against Sialkot

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Karachi Blues claimed the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in Lahore after defeating defending champions Sialkot by 218 runs, sealing a historic win that highlighted their consistent dominance in national first-class cricket competitions.

The final at Gaddafi Stadium lasted five days, with Karachi Blues setting Sialkot a massive 533-run target. The challengers responded bravely but were eventually dismissed for 314 runs on the last evening.

This triumph marked Karachi Blues’ 10th Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title, while it represented the 22nd overall by any Karachi-based team, strengthening the city’s legacy as a powerhouse of domestic cricket.

Sialkot resumed the final day on 12 without loss and needed another 521 runs to win. Their chase faltered early when Azan Owais fell lbw to Saqib Khan for 11, giving Karachi immediate control.

Mohammad Hurairah contributed 39 before being caught by Saad Baig off Mohammad Umar, and Abdul Rehman added 18 before departing to Abdullah Fazal. Sialkot slipped to 121 for three as pressure increased sharply.

Their difficulties mounted when Mohsin Riaz and Abdullah Shafiq were removed in quick succession for 6 and 59 respectively, both victims of Saqib Khan’s sharp spells that rattled the defending champions.

Afzal Manzoor offered resistance with an aggressive 63 featuring 13 boundaries. His 112-run partnership with Hamza Nazar revived faint hopes until Rameez Aziz removed him, ending a dangerous recovery stand.

Hamza Nazar’s 56, supported by nine fours, kept Sialkot alive briefly before he was caught by Saad Baig off Mushtaq Ahmed. Sialkot then slipped to 281 for seven and lost momentum again.

Mushtaq Ahmed also dismissed Hasan Ali for 25 before Saqib Khan returned to finish the innings, removing Muhammad Ali for six and bowling Hasnain for zero to complete his decisive five-wicket haul.

Saqib Khan ended the match with figures of five for 86, adding to his four earlier, and closed the tournament with 47 wickets. Abdullah Fazal earned Player of the Match for scores of 88 and 114.

PCB announces schedule for Pakistan T20I tour of Sri Lanka

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Pakistan T20I team is set to tour Sri Lanka in January 2026 for a three-match T20I series, serving as preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

All three matches will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on January 7, 9, and 11.

The tour will provide the team with valuable match practice ahead of the global tournament.

Pakistan is drawn in Group A for the T20 World Cup, with all their matches scheduled to be held in Colombo.

The tournament will take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026.

The announcement follows a successful 2025 home season for Pakistan, which included series victories over South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan first hosted South Africa in October, winning both the T20I and ODI series 2-1.

They then faced Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series, winning all three matches.

The team also competed in a T20I tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, finishing as champions while losing only three matches across all series.

After the busy season, the team will take a month-long break before heading to Sri Lanka.

Following the Sri Lanka tour, Pakistan is also expected to host Australia for a T20I series, which will conclude shortly before the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan T20I tour of Sri Lanka schedule:

MatchTeamsDateVenue
First T20IPakistan vs Sri Lanka7-Jan-26Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium
Second T20I Pakistan vs Sri Lanka9-Jan-26Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium
Third T20IPakistan vs Sri Lanka11-Jan-26Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

PCB announces prize money for Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025–26

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced the prize money for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QEAT) 2025–26, with the tournament’s final between Karachi Blues and Sialkot already underway at the Gaddafi Stadium, where Karachi Blues are batting first on day one.

According to the board, the champions will receive Rs 7.5 million, while the runners-up will take home Rs 4 million.

The Player of the Final will be awarded a cheque of one lac rupees, and the Best Bowler, Best Batter, Best Wicket-Keeper and Player of the Tournament will each get Rs 250,000.

Unlike the league stage, the final is being broadcast and live-streamed across multiple platforms.

PTV Sports is broadcasting the tournament final, with live streaming available on Tapmad.

Fans can also watch the match free of cost from the Fazal Mehmood Enclosure.

Ali Younis, Raja Asad, Salman Butt and Tariq Saeed are calling the action during the high-stakes clash.

Sialkot enter the final as defending champions, while Karachi Blues , the most successful side in Pakistan’s first-class competition with nine titles, are aiming to reclaim the trophy.

The last time the two teams met in a QEAT final was in the 2012–13 season, when Karachi Blues won by nine wickets.

Karachi Blues became the first team to qualify for this year’s final after edging the holders by three wickets in the last round.

The battle for the second spot was between Faisalabad and Sialkot.

Faisalabad had a chance to overtake Sialkot by defeating Bahawalpur, but Saifullah Bangash’s side successfully chased a 310-run target to end their campaign with a win.

As a result, Faisalabad missed out, allowing Sialkot to retain second place with 155 points, while Karachi Blues topped the table with 161.

Australia clinch Over-40s T20 World Cup title with win over Pakistan

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Australia clinched the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s T20 World Cup 2025 after a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final at the National Bank Stadium Karachi.

Chasing 151 set by Pakistan, Australia reached 152/3 in 19 overs, sealing the win with an over to spare.

Batting first, Pakistan struggled to build big partnerships, finishing at 150/9 in their 20 overs.

Nadeem Javed and Fawad Alam top-scored with 24 runs each, while Abdul Razzaq contributed 19 before being dismissed by Nasir Jalil.

Humayun Farhat added 19, Tariq Mahmood 18, and Irfan Mushtaq 13, with Sohail Khan making 14 and Sheharyar Ghani 15 not out.

The innings also saw early breakthroughs from Mark Cleary, who produced a spectacular 5-wicket haul, claiming the scalps of Nadeem Javed, Irfan Mushtaq, Sohail Khan, Zulfiqar Babar, and Imran Ali.

Brenton Edwards and Nasir Jalil chipped in with one wicket each.

In response, Australia’s chase was anchored by Steve Nottle, who scored a well-paced 47 off 40 balls, striking seven fours.

Steven Paulsen complemented him with 42 off 34 deliveries, including six boundaries.

Nasir Jalil provided the finishing touch with a quick 25 not out from just 10 balls, striking two fours and two sixes, while Brenton Edwards remained unbeaten on 18 off 11 deliveries.

Jeff Hemming contributed 14 before being run out, and the team comfortably reached their target in 19 overs.

Pakistan’s bowlers tried to halt the chase.

Zulfiqar Babar only conceded 20 runs in four overs, while Sohail Khan gave away 37, Tabish Khan leaked 42.

Imran Ali and Muhammad Suleman were economical, while Fawad Alam managed to take two crucial wickets but could not stop the Australians’ steady progress.

Australia’s victory was built on disciplined bowling, clinical batting under pressure, and sharp fielding.

Mark Cleary’s 5/22 was the standout performance of the match, while the batting contributions of Nottle, Paulsen, and Jalil ensured Australia became the champions

Pakistan fought valiantly with contributions from Javed, and Fawad Alam, but the composure of Australia proved decisive in the high-stakes final.

Mark Cleary was declared Player of the Match.

Humayun Farhat ended as the leading run-scorer of the tournament, hit the most sixes and was deservedly named Best Batsman of the Tournament.

Mark Cleary of Australia ended as the most successful bowler of the tournament with 19 wickets in 7 innings.

Antonnel Atwell of West Indies was named Player of the Tournament, Khalid Qureshi of Hong Kong was awarded Best Wicket-keeper and Harshad Ghodke of Rest of the World was declared Best Fielder.

At the conclusion of the Final, trophies and awards were presented by International Masters Cricket Chairman, Mr. Stirling Hamman and Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association Chairman, Mr. Fawad Ijaz Khan.

The ceremony was attended by other PVCA Officials and dignitaries.