The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted its preliminary squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup to the International Cricket Council (ICC), naming several senior players while leaving at least one major star out at this stage. The provisional list includes key figures such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, reflecting continuity in Pakistan’s core T20 setup. Also included are Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmad, and Usman Tariq, giving the selectors a mix of experience and emerging talent. The PCB will announce the final World Cup squad after the conclusion of the Pakistan–Sri Lanka series later this month. All participating teams are allowed to make unrestricted changes to their squads until January 31, 2026. Any changes after that deadline will only be permitted in cases of verified injury or exceptional circumstances, subject to approval by the ICC Technical Committee. One area of concern for the selectors is the fitness of Shaheen Shah Afridi. According to media reports, his place in the final squad remains conditional on his recovery from injury. Should the left-arm pacer fail to regain full fitness in time, Mohammad Waseem Jr has been identified as a like-for-like replacement. The biggest surprise in the provisional list is the absence of Mohammad Rizwan, who is not currently part of the submitted squad. For the wicketkeeper-batter role, the team management is closely monitoring Khawaja Nafay and Usman Khan, with a direct competition emerging between the two based on form and fitness. Another player pushing for selection is Abdul Samad. Strong performances in the upcoming Sri Lanka series could significantly boost his chances of breaking into the final World Cup lineup. Meanwhile, left-arm wrist-spinner Sufyan Muqeem and young batter Hassan Nawaz are being considered as backup options, providing the selectors with additional cover in case of late injuries or dips in form. With weeks still to go before the final squad deadline, the PCB’s selections remain fluid, setting the stage for intense competition as players fight to secure their place in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign.
Why 2026 Is One of the Biggest Years in Global Sports
Sports fans enter 2026 with a packed global calendar that promises high stakes, fierce rivalries, and record-breaking audiences. From cricket to football, this year delivers events that already shape headlines and expectations. Cricket dominates the early months. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka, stands as the biggest attraction. Teams have already begun preparing spin-heavy squads due to subcontinental conditions. For Pakistan, India, Australia, and England, this tournament carries more than silverware. It defines rankings, careers, and leadership futures. Football fans also look ahead to a decisive year. Qualification campaigns for the 2026 FIFA World Cup enter their final stages across continents. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, several nations see a realistic path to qualification for the first time. This shift has already intensified competition in Asia and Africa. Women’s sports continue their strong rise. Major women’s cricket series, international football tournaments, and growing broadcast deals show a clear trend. In 2025, women’s sporting events consistently broke viewership records, and 2026 builds on that momentum with bigger sponsorships and wider coverage. Technology plays a visible role this year. Real-time analytics, AI-assisted umpiring reviews, and player load management systems now influence selection decisions. Teams rely less on instinct and more on data-driven strategies. Fans notice this shift through smarter broadcasts and deeper insights. Another major storyline involves athlete welfare. After several high-profile injuries and burnout cases in 2025, sports bodies introduced stricter workload rules. In 2026, player rest policies no longer feel optional. Administrators now treat them as performance necessities. Overall, 2026 feels less experimental and more decisive. Championships, rankings, and reputations all sit on the line. For fans, this year offers not just entertainment, but moments that shape sporting history.
From SCG Debut to SCG Farewell: Usman Khawaja Announces Test Retirement
Usman Khawaja has confirmed he will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the final Test of the Ashes series in Sydney, bringing an end to a remarkable and often hard-fought Test career. The 39-year-old left-hander will play his final international match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, finishing with 87 Test appearances, 6,206 runs and 16 centuries to his name. Speaking to reporters with his family present, Khawaja said the decision had been weighing on him throughout the series. He admitted he entered the Ashes with a strong sense that this would likely be his farewell tour, even though he kept the option of continuing open until recently. Khawaja said discussions with his wife Rachel helped him reach clarity, while Australia head coach Andrew McDonald had continued to back him, even considering plans for future tours. Ultimately, however, he felt the time was right to step aside, especially after a difficult start to the series and being left out of the Adelaide Test initially. Reflecting on the criticism he faced over the past two years, Khawaja pushed back against suggestions that he had overstayed his welcome. He revealed that he had openly told team management he would retire immediately if they felt it was best for the team, but was repeatedly encouraged to continue due to his value in major assignments, including the World Test Championship and overseas tours. Although his international career will conclude in Sydney, Khawaja is not stepping away from cricket entirely. He confirmed he will continue playing domestic cricket, featuring in the Big Bash League for Brisbane Heat and aiming to represent Queensland in the Sheffield Shield later this summer. The SCG holds deep significance for Khawaja. It was the venue of his Test debut against England in 2011 and later the ground where his career was revived more than a decade later with twin centuries during the 2021–22 Ashes after a surprise recall. Khawaja’s journey has been defined by resilience. After early struggles to secure a permanent spot, he reinvented himself multiple times, overcoming repeated omissions, particularly on the subcontinent. His career-defining phase came after a recall in Sydney, from which he went on to average over 60 across nearly two years, play a key role in Australia’s return to Pakistan, and dominate bowling attacks in England and India. Cricket Australia praised his impact both on and off the field, highlighting not only his elegant batting but also his leadership and contributions beyond the game. As Australia prepares for life after Khawaja, questions remain over the future of the opening combination, but his departure marks the end of one of the most inspiring late-career resurgences in modern Australian cricket.
Babar Azam Outshines Rizwan as Sydney Sixers Down Melbourne Renegades
Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam delivered a calm and commanding performance to steer Sydney Sixers to a six-wicket victory over Melbourne Renegades in their Big Bash League Season 15 clash at Docklands Stadium on Thursday. The highly anticipated contest, which also featured Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, began with the Sixers winning the toss and opting to bowl first — a decision that paid early dividends. Melbourne’s innings stumbled almost immediately as Tim Seifert was dismissed for eight within the opening two overs, leaving the hosts struggling at 10 for 1. Rizwan then attempted to rebuild alongside Josh Brown, but the partnership leaned heavily on Brown’s aggressive stroke play. Brown counter-attacked in style, smashing 43 from just 19 deliveries, including three boundaries and four towering sixes. However, his dismissal by Hayden Kerr ended the brief resurgence. Rizwan failed to find momentum and departed shortly after, managing only six runs off ten balls. Jake Fraser-McGurk provided some stability through the middle overs, compiling 38 from 29 balls with four fours before being removed by Sean Abbott after pushing the total past 100. Hassan Khan injected late energy with a rapid 39, featuring three sixes and a four, but his dismissal in the final over halted the Renegades’ finishing push. Melbourne eventually closed on 164 for 9. Abbott led the Sixers’ bowling attack with three wickets, while Jack Edwards, Ben Dwarshuis and Hayden Kerr chipped in with two each. Chasing 165, the Sixers got off to a steady start as Babar and Daniel Hughes added 46 for the opening stand. Hughes fell for 30 off 23 balls, but Babar remained unruffled at the crease. Josh Philippe and skipper Moises Henriques played useful supporting roles, contributing 16 and a quick 23 respectively, to keep the chase on course. After the fourth wicket fell, Babar found the ideal partner in Joel Davies. The pair stitched together an unbeaten 51-run partnership, guiding the Sixers home with five balls to spare. Babar finished on a composed 58 not out from 46 deliveries, striking four fours and a six, while Davies sealed the win with an explosive 34* off just 15 balls. For the Renegades, Gurinder Sandhu claimed two wickets, with Will Sutherland and Matthew Spoors picking up one each. The victory marked Sydney Sixers’ second win of the season, lifting them to fifth place on the points table. Melbourne Renegades remain seventh, with just one win to their name, ahead of only Sydney Thunder.
Tragedy Strikes Sikandar Raza’s Family as Younger Brother Dies at 13 in Harare
Zimbabwe cricket is mourning the loss of a young life after the 13-year-old brother of national T20I captain Sikandar Raza, Muhammad Mahdi, passed away in Harare on December 29, 2025. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) in an official statement released on Wednesday. The board revealed that Mahdi had been living with haemophilia, a rare inherited medical condition that severely affects the body’s ability to clot blood, making even minor injuries potentially life-threatening. According to ZC, Mahdi succumbed to recent health complications linked to the condition. He was laid to rest the following day at Warren Hills Cemetery in Harare, surrounded by family and loved ones. In its condolence message, Zimbabwe Cricket expressed deep sorrow and extended solidarity to Raza and his family during what it described as an immensely painful time. “Zimbabwe Cricket extends its heartfelt condolences to Zimbabwe T20I Captain Sikandar Raza and his family following the untimely passing of his beloved younger brother, Muhammad Mahdi,” the statement read. “The ZC Board, Management, Players and Staff stand united with the Raza family in this moment of profound grief.” The board also offered prayers for patience and strength for the bereaved family, concluding with a message wishing eternal peace for the departed soul. Sikandar Raza, who is expected to lead Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, reacted quietly to the tragedy. The all-rounder retweeted Zimbabwe Cricket’s condolence message on social media, accompanying it with a broken-heart emoji—his only public response so far. The cricketing community has since rallied around Raza, with fans and fellow players offering prayers and messages of support as he navigates this deeply personal loss.
Australia unveil spin-heavy provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Australia have announced a provisional 15-player squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with conditions in India and Sri Lanka clearly shaping the selectors’ thinking. The side will be led by Mitchell Marsh, who captains a group that welcomes back several senior names. Pat Cummins, Cameron Green and Cooper Connolly all return after missing Australia’s most recent T20 series against India. The provisional squad features a strong spin and all-round options, reflecting expectations of slower pitches and turning tracks across the subcontinent. Specialist leg-spinner Adam Zampa is supported by Matthew Kuhnemann, Connolly, and spin-capable all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short. Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey said the panel benefited from recent success, allowing them to focus on players best suited to conditions in India and Sri Lanka, even as a few squad members manage fitness concerns. Bailey confirmed that Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are progressing well and are expected to be fit for the tournament. He also stressed that the squad remains provisional and could be adjusted ahead of the final submission deadline. Notably, Australia have opted against selecting a left-arm fast bowler. Following Mitchell Starc’s retirement from T20 internationals and an injury to Spencer Johnson, the selectors chose right-arm seamer Xavier Bartlett rather than a like-for-like replacement such as Ben Dwarshuis. Australia are yet to announce a separate squad for the three-match T20 series against Pakistan, which will serve as their final lead-up to the World Cup.
FIFA President Acknowledges Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic Feat in Dubai
Pakistan’s Olympic javelin star Arshad Nadeem had a memorable moment in Dubai when he met Gianni Infantino on the sidelines of the World Sports Summit. The FIFA president surprised many by showing familiarity with Nadeem’s achievements and warmly engaging with the Pakistani athlete. During their brief interaction, Infantino asked Nadeem about the distance of his famous throw. Nadeem replied that it was a 92-metre effort and added that his goal now is to go even further and break his own record. Infantino responded with words of encouragement and posed for photographs with the Olympic champion, a gesture that left a strong impression on Nadeem. The meeting came just days after Nadeem was honoured with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Sports Award in the Global Breakthrough Athlete category. The award recognised his historic performance at the Paris Olympics, where he claimed gold with a massive 92.97-metre throw. That throw not only set a new Olympic record but also ended a 16-year reign of the previous mark held by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen. More importantly, it delivered Pakistan’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in javelin throw, cementing Nadeem’s place in sporting history. Speaking after receiving the award, Nadeem described the moment as a source of immense pride for himself and the country. He said international recognition of this level would inspire young athletes in Pakistan and help bring greater attention to javelin throw as a sport. Looking ahead, Nadeem said his focus is firmly set on the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. He added that being honoured by the Dubai government had renewed his confidence and motivation. In an interview on the sidelines of the summit, Nadeem stressed that recognition alongside global sports stars strengthens an athlete’s belief. “Confidence and motivation are what a sportsman needs the most,” he said, adding that such encouragement pushes athletes to aim higher and dream bigger.
Legal Blow for Egypt International as Ramadan Sobhi Faces Jail and Ban
Egyptian international Ramadan Sobhi has been sentenced to one year in prison with labor after an Egyptian court found him guilty in a high-profile academic fraud case, according to local media reports on Tuesday. The ruling was handed down by the Giza Criminal Court, which convicted the 28-year-old footballer of falsifying official documents and arranging for another individual to sit academic examinations on his behalf at a private tourism and hospitality institute in Giza Governorate. The court also sentenced a second defendant to one year in prison, acquitted a third, and issued a 10-year sentence in absentia to a fourth suspect who remains at large. Sobhi was arrested in July upon his return to Egypt from Turkey, where his club had been holding a pre-season training camp. Prosecutors alleged that the fraud scheme involved forged paperwork and impersonation during exams, prompting authorities to open a criminal investigation that ultimately led to Tuesday’s verdict. Attempts to reach Sobhi’s legal team for comment were unsuccessful. The prison sentence adds to an already turbulent period in the midfielder’s career. In November, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld findings of anti-doping violations against Sobhi, resulting in a four-year suspension from professional football. Despite the legal troubles, Sobhi had enjoyed recent success on the pitch. Last season, he played a pivotal role in guiding Pyramids FC to their first-ever CAF Champions League title, defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. Sobhi has earned 37 caps for Egypt and began his professional career at Al Ahly SC before moving to England in 2016. He featured in the Premier League with Stoke City and later Huddersfield Town. In 2020, he returned to Egypt, joining Pyramids from Huddersfield following a loan spell back at Al Ahly. The latest verdict casts a long shadow over the career of a player once regarded as one of Egypt’s brightest footballing talents.
BBL Shock: Pakistan’s Fast Bowling Star Ruled Out After Painful Gabba Exit
Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 after suffering a knee injury, cutting short what was expected to be an exciting Australian T20 franchise stint just weeks before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The left-arm spearhead, who joined Brisbane Heat as a marquee overseas signing, was forced off the field during his side’s clash against the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on December 27 after experiencing discomfort in his right knee while attempting to field late in the match. Afridi had bowled three overs for 26 runs before limping off, visibly grimacing and pointing to the affected joint, sparking immediate concern among fans and medical staff alike. Despite his early exit, Brisbane Heat managed to secure a narrow seven-run victory, but the mood quickly shifted as scans and medical assessments later revealed a knee cartilage issue. Following consultation between the Brisbane Heat medical team and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), a cautious decision was made to recall Afridi to Pakistan to begin rehabilitation. The PCB revoked his No-Objection Certificate (NOC), effectively ending his BBL campaign and prioritizing his fitness ahead of national team commitments. Shaheen himself confirmed the developments on X, thanking the Heat franchise and fans for their overwhelming support and expressing his disappointment at not finishing the season. The 25-year-old played four matches in this year’s Big Bash, picking up just two wickets with an economy rate above 11, a modest return compared to expectations. While the precise timeline for his return to full fitness remains unclear, both PCB and Heat officials have emphasized a structured rehab plan aimed at ensuring he’s ready for Pakistan’s looming international challenges rather than risking further strain in Australia’s domestic tournament. Shaheen’s premature exit is a blow not just for Brisbane but also for Pakistan, who count on his ability to generate pace and early breakthroughs, particularly with the T20 World Cup starting on February 7, 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Questions now swirl around his availability for the showpiece event, increasing pressure on the PCB’s medical and selection teams to manage his recovery meticulously.
World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices Under Fire as FIFA President Defends Costs
FIFA is facing fresh controversy just months before the 2026 World Cup as fans around the globe push back against ticket prices that many say are “unaffordable” and out of touch with ordinary supporters. The governing body’s president, Gianni Infantino, broke his silence this week in Dubai, defending the pricing strategy by pointing to what he described as “absolutely crazy” demand for tickets and the billions in revenue that help fund football worldwide. When FIFA opened ticket sales for the expanded 48-team tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, prices triggered immediate backlash. Group-stage tickets were reportedly up to three times higher than those for Qatar 2022, and the cheapest seats for the final were listed in the thousands, far above what many fans expected. Critics labelled the costs “extortionate,” warning that regular supporters could be priced out of attending the sport’s biggest event. In response to the uproar, FIFA introduced a Supporter Entry Tier — a limited number of tickets priced at around $60 for every match — aimed at loyal fans of participating nations. While this move was seen as a concession, it represents only a small fraction of overall availability, with most seats still sold at premium rates. Speaking at the World Sports Summit, Infantino said FIFA received about 150 million ticket requests in just 15 days, far outstripping the roughly six to seven million tickets available in this sales phase. He used those figures to argue that high demand justifies the pricing and highlights the global popularity of the sport. “In almost 100 years of World Cup history, FIFA has sold 44 million tickets in total. So in two weeks … we could’ve filled 300 years of World Cups. It’s absolutely crazy,” he said, underscoring his belief that the pricing reflects interest rather than arrogance. Infantino also emphasised that ticket revenue is reinvested into football development, claiming that without these funds, the sport might not thrive in as many as 150 countries. But critics remain unconvinced, arguing that the most loyal and traditional fans are being overlooked in favour of revenue from hospitality packages, resellers and international travellers. As the tournament draws closer, the debate over ticket pricing is likely to intensify, with fans and football organisations calling for greater transparency and fairness. Whether FIFA’s strategy will ultimately dampen enthusiasm for one of the world’s most beloved sporting events remains to be seen.
