LAHORE : Pakistan football has received a major international boost as three-time Pakistan Super League champions Lahore Qalandars and HRL Group have entered into a landmark partnership with Saudi investment company The Real Advice (TRA) to help establish and develop professional football in the country.

The agreement aims to bring Saudi investment, expertise and international football connections to Pakistan while keeping ownership and control of football-related programmes firmly in Pakistani hands. The partnership will support the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) in rebuilding the sport from grassroots level to a professional structure and, if desired by the federation, assist in the development of the proposed professional National League.

Under the agreement, open trials will be conducted across Pakistan to identify talented players, while coaches will receive specialised training. The partners will also establish a dedicated football training centre and invest in women’s football, youth development and community programmes.

A major feature of the partnership will be creating pathways for Pakistani players and coaches to Saudi Arabia through training camps, academy exchanges, club partnerships and friendly matches. Pakistani football will also be connected with opportunities surrounding the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and FIFA World Cup 2034, both scheduled to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

The partnership will further seek to connect Pakistani football with Saudi and Gulf-based sponsors and television networks, potentially bringing greater investment and exposure to the sport and reaching millions of Pakistanis living in the Gulf.

The agreement builds on a February 2026 understanding between the PFF and Lahore Qalandars, under which the Qalandars committed to introducing their successful Player Development Programme to football. The programme has previously used open trials to identify cricketing talent from towns and communities across Pakistan.

The partners stressed that the PFF will retain sole authority over football in Pakistan. All programmes will operate with the federation’s approval and in accordance with FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regulations. The PFF alone will decide which clubs participate in any National League.

Lahore Qalandars owner and CEO Atif Naeem Rana said the organisation would use the same open-trial model in football that had helped discover leading cricketers. He expressed the hope that youngsters from every part of Pakistan would eventually have a pathway from local trials to the professional National League and international football.

HRL Group Vice Chairman Jehanzaib Zahid said Pakistan had a huge population, widespread passion for football and abundant talent, but lacked investment and an organised system. He said the partnership would bring one of the world’s strongest football networks to Pakistan while ensuring that ownership and control remained in the country.

TRA Chairman Muhammad Amir Khan said Saudi Arabia had demonstrated what vision and investment could achieve in football in a short period. He described Pakistan as a brotherly country with a strong football following and highlighted the large Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia.

The partnership’s first initiative, open trials in collaboration with the PFF, is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Further announcements regarding club partnerships, training camps and international matches will follow.

HRL Group, also known as Habib Rafiq Engineering (Private) Limited, is a major Pakistani company involved in engineering, infrastructure and real estate.

Lahore Qalandars are three-time PSL champions and have developed a player-development model that has expanded internationally, including programmes and initiatives in Australia, England, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Guyana.

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By Nawaz Gohar ;  When the final act played out under the grey skies of Birmingham, the scorecards recorded an eight-wicket victory for England in the third Test, completing a unprecedented 3-0 home whitewash against Pakistan. But standard match figures fail to capture the sheer magnitude of the decay exposed during this tour.

This was not merely a tactical misstep or a string of bad sessions. This was, comprehensively, the single worst performance by a Pakistani Test side on English soil in modern history, an absolute collapse of technical competence, administrative sanity, and competitive spirit.

The humiliation suffered across this three-Test series was built long before the toss at Edgbaston. Between an embarrassing innings loss in the opener, a comprehensive drubbing at Lord’s, and the bizarre mid-series purge where seven squad members alongside head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed were abruptly dropped and sent home, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) transformed a marquee international tour into a soap opera.

When captain Babar Azam openly admitted post-match that he was not even consulted regarding these mid-series replacements, the institutional anarchy was laid bare for the world to see. A team cannot fight on the field when the ground beneath them is being constantly pulled away by an erratic management culture.

If a team surrenders the first innings by getting bundled out for a miserable 133 runs, they forfeit the moral right to complain about the result.The technical shortcomings of Pakistan’s established top-order were exposed with ruthless efficiency by the English seam attack.

While Shan Masood (95) and Babar Azam (76) produced half-centuries in the second-innings trail-fight, these knocks served as mere band-aids on an open wound. The fundamental issue remains: when the pitch offers lateral movement or high bounce, the top order plays with heavy hands, zero defensive discipline, and an alarming lack of game awareness.

If anything spared Pakistan from complete, unmitigated ignominy, it was the raw, unbridled courage of two men: Mohammad Abbas and debutant Razaullah Khan. Where elite specialist batters succumbed meekly to the English pace battery, 21-year-old Razaullah walked out at No. 9—having already taken four crucial wickets in the first innings—and produced a masterclass in fearless hitting.

Razaullah’s blistering 81 off 63 balls—featuring nine towering sixes that equaled Ben Stokes’ record for the most sixes in a Test innings on English soil—was nothing short of spellbinding. Alongside Abbas, who scored a gritty 42 and bowled with incredible heart to snag early wickets in England’s final chase, the duo put on a heroic 121-run stand.

Their defiance did more than just avoid an embarrassing back-to-back innings defeat—it won the hearts of cricket purists from Edgbaston to Melbourne. It was a stark, almost poetic irony that a lower-order debutant with barely any first-class experience and a veteran pacer showed more spine, technical clarity, and tactical bravery than the entire specialist batting lineup combined.

The final World Test Championship (WTC) points table paints an ugly picture. Sitting dead last at 9th place with a pathetic 14.81% win rate, Pakistan Test cricket has hit rock bottom.

To move forward, Pakistan must stop treating deep structural flaws with cosmetic fixes: End the Musical Chairs: Sacking coaches, dropping half the squad mid-tour, and blaming green-top pitches are deflections.Rebuild First-Class Standards: Domestic pitches must prepare batters for seam and bounce, not pad individual averages. Empower Modern Intent: The fearless, unfiltered approach shown by Razaullah should be the blueprint, not the exception.

England deserved their historic 3-0 sweep; they were professional, clinical, and relentless. Pakistan, meanwhile, must look in the mirror. Unless radical, structural reforms replace cheap rhetoric and chaotic selection policies, this historic low in Birmingham won’t be an anomaly—it will be the new normal.

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BIRMINGHAM: England secured a historic 3–0 series victory over Pakistan after clinching an eight-wicket win in the third and final Test at Edgbaston, marking their first-ever home Test series sweep against the visitors.

Chasing a modest target of 130 runs in their second innings, England experienced a brief early scare when pacer Mohammad Abbas struck twice to remove both openers cheaply.

However, Joe Root and Jordan Cox neutralized the threat with a composed, unbeaten third-wicket partnership. Cox top-scored with a fluent 59*, while Root anchored the chase with 62*, guiding England home with minimal fuss.

Pakistan avoided an innings defeat earlier on Day 4, courtesy of a fighting second-innings total of 449. The highlight of the innings was a blistering debut by Razaullah, who smashed 81 off just 63 balls, including 9 sixes and 4 fours.

Contributions across the order helped set England a target, with Shan Masood scoring 95, Babar Azam adding 76, and Azaan Awais making 59. Mohammad Abbas also contributed a valuable 42 runs lower down the order. For England, Gus Atkinson was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, while Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and Dan Lawrence claimed two apiece, alongside a solitary wicket for Jofra Archer.

The match had tilted heavily in England’s favor during the first innings. Pakistan were bundled out for a meager 133, to which England responded with a massive total of 453, taking a commanding 320-run first-innings lead. Despite Razaullah’s fireworks and solid top-order half-centuries in the second innings, the initial deficit proved insurmountable.

Speaking after the match, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam acknowledged England’s dominance while citing key factors behind the result. “Joe [Root] and Jordan [Cox] played exceptionally well after we managed those early wickets,” Babar said. “We selected three fast bowlers anticipating assistance from the green top. Playing in England is always challenging for both batters and pacers, requiring constant adaptation.”

“We need to learn from our mistakes and settle on our best Playing XI moving forward. On a positive note, the newcomers showed encouraging signs and performed well under pressure,” Babar asserted.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; Renowned Pakistani wrestler and sports administrator Muhammad Inam Butt has voluntarily resigned from his key administrative posts—Secretary General of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) and Chairman of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Athletes’ Commission—pending the final decision in his ongoing doping case.

Inam Butt confirmed on Wednesday that he has formally notified the President of the Wrestling Federation and POA officials of his decision. He stated that the step was taken in the broader interest of sports integrity, transparency, and impartiality, ensuring that the investigation remains unhindered and that national wrestlers do not face unnecessary disruption.

As part of his decision to step away from all wrestling activities until the matter is resolved, Inam Butt has also withdrawn as head coach for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, where he was originally scheduled to lead the national squad.

A final decision from anti-doping authorities and United World Wrestling (UWW), the global governing body for the sport, is expected within the coming days.

Inam Butt’s departure leaves the Pakistani wrestling contingent with a single official for the Asian Games. Arshad Sattar, who was initially included in the delegation as manager, will now assume dual responsibilities as both team manager and coach.

The four-member wrestling squad representing Pakistan at the Games includes: Muhammad Abdullah (65 kg), Inayatullah (74 kg), Noman Zaka (86 kg) and Muhammad Gulzar (97 kg).

The national wrestling training camp is currently underway in Islamabad under the supervision of coaches Usman Shahid and Azhar Hussain. The team is scheduled to depart for Japan on September 27, with wrestling events set to commence on October 3.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; The 13-day World Athletics Coaches Education and Certification Level-1 Coaching Course successfully concluded in Peshawar, drawing participation from over 30 male and female coaches across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and other provinces.

KP Sports Secretary Muhammad Asif attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest and distributed certificates among the successful participants. Prominent officials present at the event included Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Athletics Association President Zaheer Islam, Director General Sports Ashfaq Khan,

Director Female Sports Nazia Zaki, Assistant Director Sports Ashfaq Ahmad, Chief Coach Shafqatullah, Director Jafar Shah, Administrator Abid Nazim, Zafaran Afridi, and Yousaf Afridi.

Addressing the audience, Sports Secretary Muhammad Asif highlighted the region’s vast potential, noting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possesses abundant athletic talent that requires modern training and proper guidance to flourish. He emphasized that sports not only showcase youth capabilities but also contribute significantly to the national economy and bolster Pakistan’s global identity.

Zaheer Islam, President of the KP Athletics Association, described the organization of the World Athletics Level-1 course in Peshawar as a major milestone for promoting athletics in the province.

He noted that modern coaching techniques will enhance the technical skills of local trainers, enabling them to mentor emerging athletes according to international standards. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to continuing coach education, talent identification, and sports promotion initiatives in the future.

DG Sports Ashfaq Khan emphasized the pivotal role of trainers in athletic development, likening coaches to skilled craftsmen who polish raw talent. He assured that the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will continue to support modern capacity-building courses and sporting events across the province.

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By Nawaz Gohar ;  National cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan have appeared before the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore following an official summons regarding their performance during the recent series against England.

Reports indicate that investigators are questioning both players about the factors behind their alleged poor performances, the underlying motivations, and the circumstances surrounding the team’s conduct during the tour.

The probe aims to determine the root causes of the drop in their performance, examining whether the players were subjected to undue pressure and investigating any potential link to alleged dressing room leaks or mobile phone data.

The NCCIA is expected to query the cricketers regarding their contacts, messaging records, and overall activity during the specified period.

Officials emphasized that the inquiry remains at the questioning stage, with no charges or definitive findings established against either player thus far. The complete facts of the case are expected to be disclosed once the investigation concludes.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, has approved a Rs. 5.7 billion development package aimed at upgrading national sports infrastructure ahead of the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games.

The decision marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s preparations to host the regional multi-sport tournament.

Under the sanctioned plan, substantial funds will be directed toward modernizing facilities at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad alongside key venues in other major cities. The upgrades focus on improving venue functionality, safety, and operational readiness to meet international standards.

Welcoming the decision, Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani described the approval as a crucial step for the country’s athletic landscape, commending the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Planning Commission.

“The approval of the Rs. 5.7 billion package is a major step forward for the successful hosting of the SAF Games,” Wani said. “InshaAllah, the comprehensive overhaul of the Pakistan Sports Complex and regional facilities will ensure top-tier venues for both local and visiting athletes. These modernized facilities will serve as a lasting legacy for Pakistan’s sporting community long after the Games conclude.”

The Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination confirmed it will collaborate closely with the Planning Commission and key stakeholders to guarantee the timely execution of all development projects ahead of the event.

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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), in collaboration with FIFA, has launched the Football for Schools programme in Pakistan, setting an ambitious target of reaching 3 million schoolchildren and distributing 162,000 footballs to more than 3,000 government schools across the country.

The landmark initiative aims to take football to the grassroots, provide children with greater access to sporting opportunities and create a sustainable pathway for developing Pakistan’s next generation of football talent.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside FIFA Football for Schools Programme Manager Antonio Sanchez, PFF President Syed Mohsin Gilani said the programme marked the beginning of a major effort to promote football at the school level and bring more children into organised sports.

“We have no shortage of football talent or young people in Pakistan; what we need is to provide them with proper opportunities,” Gilani said, adding that the PFF’s objective was to promote football in schools and establish regular school-level competitions.

He said more than 50 government school teachers had already received master football training, while international coaches would also be brought to Pakistan to provide young players with training based on international standards.

Gilani further announced that the PFF, in partnership with FIFA, was launching a Football Centre of Excellence, which would be developed to international standards and feature two football pitches, providing an important platform for youth development and high-quality training.

Sanchez said the development of football in Pakistan was only at the beginning and expressed confidence in the work being undertaken by the PFF. He assured that FIFA would extend all possible support to strengthen the programme and expand football opportunities for children across the country.

He said the Football for Schools initiative was primarily focused on Pakistan’s youth and aimed to give children greater opportunities to play, learn and develop through football. He appreciated the efforts of PFF President Mohsin Gilani in promoting and developing the sport in Pakistan, assuring that FIFA stood fully behind the country’s football development.

Sanchez said the programme would initially focus on creating opportunities through school-level tournaments, coaching and structured platforms, while providing children with the skills and environment needed to develop their abilities. He added that FIFA intended to expand the project across Pakistan, stressing that the launch was only the beginning of a broader and long-term commitment to grassroots football development.

“Football talent can emerge from any country, and Pakistan is no exception. Young people simply need the right opportunities and environment to develop their abilities,” Sanchez said.

“I have felt tremendous enthusiasm for football in Pakistan within just a few days of arriving,” he added.

Sanchez said FIFA wanted to see every child playing football while ensuring that girls in Pakistan also received meaningful opportunities to participate and progress in the sport.

The Football for Schools programme is expected to give a significant boost to grassroots football, school sports, youth development and girls’ participation, while creating a broader talent pool for Pakistan’s future football teams.

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The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has conducted the first session of its Injury Prevention and Management Workshop, with Punjab-based coaches taking part in the online session ahead of the District Football Championship (DFC) 2026.

The free workshop forms part of PFF’s preparations for DFC 2026 and its wider efforts, supported by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), to strengthen player welfare, safety and safeguarding at the grassroots and district levels.

The session was led by Dr Adnan Mohammed, physiotherapist for Pakistan’s national football team, who discussed the importance of injury prevention, its growing adoption across the global game, and practical measures coaches can use to reduce injury risks.

A key focus was pre-competition assessment, a standard practice among leading clubs and football programmes worldwide. Dr Adnan explained how medical screening before competition can identify potential injuries or other physical concerns early, allowing players to begin appropriate rehabilitation before taking the field.

He also outlined how the same principles are applied at Pakistan’s national team camps, where players undergo Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA) in line with FIFA’s medical assessment framework. Any injury or medical concern identified during the process can then be addressed through a rehabilitation programme to help ensure players are fit before competition begins.

“Injury prevention is not simply about treating an injury after it happens. It is about identifying risks early and taking the right steps before a player enters competition,” said Dr Adnan. “That is why the world’s leading clubs and football programmes place such importance on this process, and it is important that our coaches understand how to apply these principles at their own level.”

The workshop also highlighted how structured assessment and risk management can support player health and long-term development.

As the DFC begins in Punjab, the first session focused on coaches from the province. Further sessions will be held for coaches from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and AJK, followed by Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, ensuring coaches across the country receive the same guidance.

Muhammad Shahid Niaz Khokhar, PFF Chief Operating Officer, said the initiative reflected the Federation’s commitment to raising professional standards throughout the football pyramid.

“Developing football means developing the people who make the game possible. Our coaches need the technical knowledge to develop players, but they also need the knowledge to protect their health and wellbeing. This workshop is an important step towards bringing that standard of player care to the district level,” he said.

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By Nawaz Gohar ; The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially initiated an internal review into media reports alleging disciplinary breaches and behavioral misconduct among national team players during the ongoing tour of England.

According to a statement issued by the board, the probe is being conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures and applicable regulations. Officials assured that all individuals involved will be given a fair opportunity to present their stance before any final decisions are reached.

Confirming the development, PCB Director of Media and Digital Communications Aamer Mir stated that the board is evaluating the situation thoroughly under established protocols. He emphasized that the inquiry would accord due weight to the perspectives and circumstances of all relevant parties.

Addressing widespread rumors, the board warned against unverified claims circulating on social media and other platforms, specifically cautioning the public and media against believing reports originating from unreliable or hostile external sources. The PCB clarified that it will refrain from making further public comments until the investigation concludes, urging fans and stakeholders to rely exclusively on official announcements for accurate information.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the investigation centers on disciplinary issues following the Lord’s Test, including reports that certain players were sent back home. Unconfirmed reports alleging the temporary confiscation of players’ mobile phones are also reportedly under review, though the PCB has yet to disclose specific details.

The disciplinary probe comes on the heels of a crushing 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord’s, which gave the host nation an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The loss triggered a swift response from the board, resulting in a major squad overhaul that saw seven players replaced.

In a radical coaching shake-up, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were relieved of their duties after managing the side for just six matches. White-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been appointed on an interim basis to oversee the squad.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi signaled that the probe would extend beyond on-field results to determine the root causes of the team’s poor performance. Speaking on the debacle, Naqvi noted that discussions had taken place regarding factors beyond cricket tactics, affirming the board’s resolve to address all underlying issues.

The national squad is currently in Birmingham preparing for the third and final Test of the series, scheduled to begin on September 9. However, with the internal inquiry underway, off-field discipline and administrative oversight remain firmly under the spotlight.

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