The participants reviewed the 11th edition, which ran from March 26 to May 3 in Lahore and Karachi. The tournament marked another milestone for the league. It successfully operated in a revised playing window for the second straight season. Officials assessed the quality of cricket across all 44 matches. They also reviewed new broadcast features, fan engagement initiatives and record viewership on television, streaming platforms and social media. The PCB said it will release detailed broadcast, digital and commercial figures at a later stage. The meeting also celebrated the league’s continued expansion. HBL PSL added two new franchises, taking the total number of teams to eight. Officials also discussed the successful sale of three franchises. They praised the smooth organisation of the tournament at just two venues despite what they described as “unprecedented circumstances.” The participants also brainstormed ideas for off-season and pre-season activities. They want to keep fans engaged throughout the year. HBL PSL 12 Planning Gains Momentum League officials and franchise owners also discussed scheduling options for HBL PSL 12. The PCB has not announced the final tournament window yet. It expects to reveal those details after the HBL PSL Governing Council meeting in late August. Officials will now hold workshop sessions to finalise player retentions, direct signings, the tournament schedule and playing conditions. The meeting also approved plans for an official HBL PSL merchandise platform. The PCB and all eight franchises will jointly launch it. Fans in Pakistan and overseas will be able to buy authentic league and team merchandise through a dedicated online store. League Eyes Stronger Commercial Growth The latest review highlights the PCB’s strategy to increase HBL PSL’s commercial value. It also aims to improve the fan experience. The league has expanded its digital reach and commercial partnerships in recent seasons. Those efforts have strengthened its position among the world’s leading franchise T20 competitions. Franchise owners, league management and the PCB now agree on the next phase of preparations. Attention will now shift to the HBL PSL Governing Council meeting. Officials are expected to finalise the tournament window and make other key decisions for HBL PSL 12. The PCB also reminded media organisations to use the league’s official name, HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL), in all reports, headlines and broadcasts.
PTCL Approves Bid to Buy Majority Stake in Mystery Company
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited has approved a binding offer to acquire a majority stake in an unidentified company, advancing a transaction first disclosed three years ago. PTCL’s board approved the submission at its meeting on July 30, 2026. The company informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange through a notice signed by Company Secretary Zahida Awan. The disclosure cited Rule 5.6.1 of the PSX Rule Book and Sections 96 and 131 of the Securities Act, 2015. PTCL did not reveal the target company’s name, sector, valuation or proposed purchase price. Binding Offer Does Not Complete the Deal PTCL said the offer covers a majority of the target’s issued and paid-up ordinary share capital. However, the board’s approval does not confirm that the acquisition will proceed. “The Proposed Transaction remains subject to, among other matters, successful negotiations, completion of due diligence, execution of definitive transaction documents, and the receipt of all requisite corporate, regulatory, and statutory approvals and consents,” PTCL said. The parties must settle legal, financial and operational issues before closing the transaction. Regulators may also review its ownership and competition implications. PTCL added: “The proposed consideration and other commercial terms remain subject to finalisation and no definitive agreement has been executed at this stage.” The disclosure gives investors no timetable for negotiations or completion. Proposal Traces Back to 2023 Microfinance Review The latest notice refers to PTCL’s letter dated July 21, 2023. In that earlier disclosure, the board authorised management to explore potential investment opportunities in Pakistan’s microfinance sector. That reference suggests the latest offer may relate to the same strategic review. However, PTCL has not confirmed whether the target operates as a microfinance bank or another financial services business. Read More: PTCL and Ufone Launch Free Mental Health Support for Mothers PTCL already owns U Microfinance Bank, which it acquired and renamed in 2012. The subsidiary supports the group’s financial inclusion strategy through branch banking and digital commerce services. A successful deal could expand PTCL’s financial services portfolio. Yet its impact will remain unclear until the company identifies the target and publishes the transaction terms. PTCL Continues Broader Expansion Drive The proposed acquisition follows a major period of expansion for PTCL. The company completed its purchase of 100% of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers on December 31, 2025. Those businesses joined PTCL’s existing portfolio, which includes Ufone 4G and U Microfinance Bank. The Islamabad High Court also approved the planned amalgamation of Telenor Pakistan into Pak Telecom Mobile Limited in June 2026. PTCL has not linked the latest offer to the Telenor transaction. The new disclosure presents it as a separate process with its own approvals and negotiations. Read More: PTCL Reports 12% Revenue Growth in FY2025, Completes Telenor Pakistan Acquisition “The Company shall keep the PSX informed in respect of material developments in this respect, if any,” PTCL said. Until then, the target’s identity, final stake, payment structure and transaction value will remain undisclosed.
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia to Host 2027 World Cup
The International Cricket Council has confirmed 12 venues for the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The 50-over tournament will run in October and November 2027. It returns to Africa after 24 years, bringing together the world’s top 14 teams for 57 matches. Twelve Venues Across Three Countries South Africa will use Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Centurion in Tshwane, Newlands in Cape Town and Kingsmead in Durban. Its other venues are St George’s Park in Gqeberha, Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, Boland Park in Paarl and Buffalo Park in KuGompo City, formerly East London. Zimbabwe will host matches at Harare Sports Club, Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo and the new Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls. Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek completes the list. Fans can register for ticket-sale information and other tournament updates. Read More: ICC Unveils New World Cup Formats. Here’s What Will Change “This marks an exciting milestone on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027,” ICC Chairman Jay Shah said. “The unveiling of the host cities and the tournament brand signals the beginning of a journey that will unite fans around the world and build anticipation for one of our sport’s biggest global events. “The return of this prestigious tournament to Africa after 24 years is a landmark moment for cricket. We are confident that South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will deliver an unforgettable event, showcasing the warmth, passion and rich diversity that make this region truly unique.” Brand Celebrates African Identity The theme “Three Nations, One Heartbeat” embraces Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are.” The “Make the Circle Bigger” campaign reflects unity, 29 officially recognised languages and a shared passion for cricket. A traditional African wire bowl inspired the visual identity. Its palette includes Zimbabwe Chilli, African Root, Fynbos Pop, Namib Dune, Harare Dawn and Two Oceans. Destiny awaits across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia at #CWC27 🤩 pic.twitter.com/lPjnozfZiT — ICC (@ICC) July 30, 2026 “The vibrant brand unveiled today reflects the energy, ambition and spirit of the event, while every host city offers fans a unique opportunity to experience the warmth and diversity that make Africa truly memorable,” ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said. He said the World Cup would help grow cricket and inspire future generations across the region. Graeme Smith, Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Hamilton Masakadza and Rudolf Jansen van Vuuren attended the launch. New Three-Stage Format A Super Series involving teams ranked 12th to 14th will determine the final side entering the main round. The remaining 12 teams will play 30 matches in two groups of six. The top three from each group and the next best side will enter a 21-match Super Seven. The leading four will reach the semi-finals. First will face fourth, while second will play third. Read More: South Africa Stars Accuse ICC of Unfair Treatment During T20 World Cup South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya hosted the 2003 World Cup. South Africa later staged major ICC tournaments in 2007, 2020, 2023 and 2024. Namibia will now host its first senior ICC global tournament. It staged this year’s Under-19 World Cup with Zimbabwe.
UEFA Threatens World Cup Boycott Over FIFA Investor Plan
UEFA and its 55 national associations have threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions unless FIFA abandons plans to bring private investors into its major tournaments. “No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership,” UEFA said Thursday. UEFA Declares World Cup ‘Not for Sale’ FIFA announced plans Tuesday to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial subsidiary managing events including the World Cup and Club World Cup. Private investors could buy minority, non-controlling stakes. FIFA hopes to raise up to $4.2 billion at a $20 billion valuation. Each of its 211 associations could receive a one-off $20 million payment in early 2027. Funding for 2027 to 2030 could rise from $8 million to $20 million. Read More: World Cup Business Up for Sale as FIFA Targets $4.2 Billion FIFA President Gianni Infantino called it a “golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.” UEFA rejected that case. “The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.” UEFA Attacks FIFA’s Governance UEFA said FIFA developed the proposal in secret and moved it towards approval without meaningful consultation. “This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the custodian of world football,” it said. UEFA added: “This is not a ‘democratic decision’, but governance by intimidation, an act of coercion unworthy of an institution entrusted with the stewardship of the global game.” Statement on behalf of UEFA and its 55 National Associations — UEFA (@UEFA) July 30, 2026 It warned that investors would create permanent pressure for commercial returns. “Football’s future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return. Nor can the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters become subordinate to investor returns. Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain.” “Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy. No one has the moral authority to sell what they merely hold in trust for the next generation,” UEFA said. Opposition Spreads Across Confederations Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation also criticised the lack of consultation. The Confederation of African Football asked members to review the plan. Leading European federations and European Union officials raised concerns about conflicts of interest and further commercialisation. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin had already skipped the World Cup final to signal his anger. Read More: FIFA Names Best XI as Major Spain Omissions Spark Debate “Nobody should be in any doubt: UEFA and its national associations will oppose these plans with absolute determination,” the statement said. It concluded: “Some things are simply too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”
Oprah’s South African Girls’ Academy Closing After 20 Years
Oprah Winfrey will close the residential school she founded in South Africa nearly 20 years ago. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls will end operations in its current form after the 2027 academic year. Winfrey plans to replace the single-campus model with a wider scholarship programme for academically talented girls across South Africa. Her representative said the approach could roughly double the number of students receiving educational support. Academy to Complete Final Two Classes The tuition-free boarding school opened in 2007 in Henley-on-Klip, Gauteng. Winfrey created it with former South African president Nelson Mandela to support talented girls from disadvantaged communities. The academy will graduate two more classes before ending residential operations. Students who remain after 2027 will transfer to other top-tier schools. Winfrey will cover their full tuition until graduation. Read More: No Signal, No School: Internet Crisis Hits Girls’ Education in KP Gauteng’s Department of Education will then take control of the campus and continue operating it as a public school. The handover follows the original partnership agreement behind the academy. “The dream was never simply to build a school. It was to invest in the limitless potential of young women,” Winfrey said. She added that her mission “doesn’t end with one campus. It continues in every girl whose future can be transformed through education.” Scholarships to Reach More Girls The expanded scholarship programme will support students at leading schools throughout South Africa. Winfrey’s team expects it to reach about twice as many girls as the residential model. The programme will begin after current academy students complete their studies. Officials have not released details about annual intake, participating schools or the selection process. Winfrey said the change would allow her education initiative to operate beyond one location. She said the next chapter would continue a promise that began more than 20 years ago. The academy has graduated more than 1,000 students since opening, according to the announcement. Many graduates later pursued higher education and entered professional fields. A study cited by the academy found that almost all surveyed graduates continued into higher education. A School Built From Mandela Partnership Winfrey developed the academy after visiting under-resourced schools in disadvantaged South African communities. She wanted financial hardship to stop limiting academic talent. The media entrepreneur invested about $40 million in the 22-building campus. It includes classrooms, science and computer laboratories, boarding facilities, a theatre, sports spaces and student support services. The project grew from discussions with Mandela about opportunities for South African girls. Winfrey, Mandela and then education minister Kader Asmal later broke ground for the school. Read More: Airblue Offers Cabin Crew Careers to Multan and Sialkot Women The campus will continue serving students after the academy ends its current model. Winfrey’s education work will move toward scholarships and partnerships across the country. The transition closes a major chapter but does not end Winfrey’s involvement. Her team said the new system would preserve the mission while giving more young women access to high-quality education.
MG Pakistan to Export 5,800 Vehicles to Bangladesh
MG JW Automobile Pakistan has signed an agreement with Bangladesh’s RANCON Group to export locally assembled MG vehicles. The deal opens a new regional market for Pakistan’s automotive industry. The companies signed the memorandum of understanding on Thursday. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan witnessed the ceremony. MG JW plans to ship 100 Pakistan-made vehicles to Bangladesh during 2026. Total exports could reach 5,800 units over the next four years. Deal Targets Regional Expansion The agreement gives MG JW a route into Bangladesh through RANCON. The Bangladeshi conglomerate has maintained a strong presence in the automotive business for decades. It also operates in electronics, real estate, motorbikes, telecom and several other industries. RANCON Group Executive Director Muhammad Mostafizur Rashid Bhuiyan said the partnership would add competition to Bangladesh’s automobile market. He also said Pakistan’s auto industry had achieved international manufacturing standards and held considerable export potential. Read More: MG Launches Three ZS Variants, Prices Start at Rs6.59 Million MG JW Automobile Pakistan Chief Executive Officer Jianqiang Shao said the agreement reflected the company’s long-term export commitment. He added that MG JW wanted to expand its presence across regional and international markets. Chief Operating Officer Amir Nazir also attended the ceremony. Senior government officials, representatives of both companies and members of the business community joined him. Government Links Deal to Export Growth Khan described the agreement as part of the government’s vision of “transforming Pakistan into an export-oriented and industrially competitive economy.” He said the vehicle shipments would “generate millions of dollars in foreign exchange for Pakistan.” The project also supports the government’s export-led industrial growth agenda. Read More: Upgrade to Hybrid: MG Announces Limited Trade-In Deal According to Khan, the government is promoting exports and strengthening domestic manufacturing. It also wants to attract investment and create a business-friendly environment for industry. He linked those measures to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s economic and industrial strategy. The SAPM said Pakistan’s automotive sector had improved quality, localisation and production capacity. Those gains now allow locally manufactured vehicles to compete more effectively in overseas markets. New Auto Policy Focuses on Localisation Khan said the government was finalising a comprehensive auto policy. The framework will seek to increase vehicle exports, deepen localisation and strengthen Pakistan’s automotive manufacturing base. The Ministry of Industries and Production has placed local parts manufacturing at the centre of its policy work. In April, the ministry said it was compiling a list of components that Pakistani companies could produce. Officials also discussed possible incentives for electric-vehicle parts. Khan said the government would continue supporting industries that contribute to exports, employment and technological advancement. The first batch of 100 vehicles will establish the commercial pathway between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Reaching the four-year target would make the deal one of Pakistan’s larger recent passenger-vehicle export initiatives.
