PCB seeks government permission to participate in World Cup 2023 in India 

This picture taken on September 7, 2017 shows pigeons resting on a sign for the Pakistan Cricket Board at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. (AFP/File)
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Updated 02 July 2023
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PCB seeks government permission to participate in World Cup 2023 in India 

  • Pakistan Cricket Board has said in the past it will not travel to India without permission from the government 
  • India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written a letter to the government, seeking permission to participate in the upcoming cricket World Cup which would be hosted by India later this year, a source familiar with the development confirmed on Sunday. 

Pakistan’s participation in the 50-over ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup hangs in the balance as the PCB authorities have categorically said in the past that it cannot guarantee the cricket team can travel to India for the tournament without the government’s permission. 

Political tensions between the governments of India and Pakistan mean both sides have not played a bilateral cricket series at each other’s home grounds since 2013 when Pakistan last toured India for a series. According to the World Cup schedule released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last week, India and Pakistan will square off at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 15. 

“The PCB has reached out to the government for permission [to participate in the World Cup],” the source told Arab News, without disclosing the relevant government department from which the permission was sought. 




Members of the video take images of the trophy of the upcoming Men’s Cricket World Cup during an event announcing the tournament's schedule, in Mumbai, India, on June 27, 2023. (AFP)

Local media reports, however, said the letter has been written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as the interior and foreign ministries of Pakistan. 

Before India and Pakistan face each other in the World Cup, the two sides are slated to play at least two matches in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which would be hosted by Pakistan. After India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, the Asian Cricket Council agreed to a “hybrid model” according to which four of the nine matches would be played in Pakistan while the rest would be played in Sri Lanka. 

A cricket match between India and Pakistan is a big-ticket contest, with millions across the world glued to their television sets to witness the action between the two South Asian giants. 

The nuclear-armed neighbors have fought three wars over the past 75 years, mostly over the disputed Himalayan territory of Kashmir which they both claim in full but administer parts of. This makes a cricket contest between the two sides a spectacle for fans of the sport worldwide. 


Scottie Scheffler rolls to victory at Memorial for 3rd win of year

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Scottie Scheffler rolls to victory at Memorial for 3rd win of year

  • At 10-under 278 for the tournament, Scheffler secured a four-shot victory over Ben Griffin — the only other golfer to win a PGA Tour event that Scheffler started in the past month
  • Scheffler and Tiger Woods are the only back-to-back winners of the Memorial Tournament

DUBLIN, Ohio: Scottie Scheffler showed once again that he’s ready to conquer whatever challenge he’s faced with on the PGA Tour.

The world’s No. 1 golfer had another smooth round and won for the third time in his last four tournaments, successfully defending his title at the Memorial Tournament with Sunday’s 2-under-par 70 in the final round at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

“This is a golf course that is definitely going to expose your weaknesses,” Scheffler said. “Did some really good battling today. ... Put up another really good round on this very difficult golf course.”

At 10-under 278 for the tournament, Scheffler secured a four-shot victory over Ben Griffin — the only other golfer to win a PGA Tour event that Scheffler started in the past month.

Scheffler hadn’t won in 2025 until capturing the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which is considered his hometown event in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and followed that with claiming the PGA Championship. He won seven times in 2024.

Scheffler and Tiger Woods are the only back-to-back winners of the Memorial Tournament. It’s a tournament hosted by legendary Jack Nicklaus, who greeted the current champion as he walked off the green.

“It’s pretty cool,” Scheffler said. “It’s always a hard week. It’s so challenging to play this tournament.”

Much like on Saturday, Scheffler was content with pars as he played the front nine in 1 under with eight pars.

Griffin (73 on Sunday) led for large chunks of the first three days, but lost a share of the top spot with a bogey on Saturday’s final hole. He began Sunday with another bogey, and he was 2 over for the day through 13 holes.

“I’ll learn from some of my swings down the stretch,” Griffin said. “I’ll remember some of the good stuff, and I’ll bounce back and get right back to it.”

An eagle on the par-5 15th with a 12-foot putt followed by a birdie on No. 16 allowed Griffin to extend the suspense. Then the margin went from two strokes to four when Griffin was stuck with a double bogey at No. 17.

“We battled really hard on the weekend,” Scheffler said. “Ben made things interesting down the stretch. Overall, it was a great week.”

A week ago, Scheffler tied for fourth place as Griffin won the Charles Schwab Challenge. Scheffler has secured seven consecutive top-10 finishes.

“The guy’s relentless,” said Sepp Straka, the tournament’s third-place finisher from Austria. “He loves competition, and he doesn’t like giving up shots.”

Griffin said his putting was costly during the weekend. The runner-up spot didn’t seem as rewarding as it would have in previous years.

“I’d take this finish, like, a year ago, two years ago, three years ago,” he said. “I’m definitely a little disappointed to not have made it a little bit closer or gotten it done.”

Straka (70) was third at 5 under and second-round co-leader Nick Taylor of Canada (73) finished fourth at 4 under. Russell Henley (71) and Maverick McNealy (70) shared fifth place at 2 under.

Brandt Snedeker’s 65 was the best score of the final round, moving him to 1 under and into a five-way tie for seventh place.

“I think I probably made 200 feet of putts today,” Snedeker said. “I had the putter working. When you have days like that, it’s just get it on the green, give yourself a chance.”

Also in that cluster at 7 under was Rickie Fowler (73), who qualified for next month’s British Open as a result of his finishing spot.

“We’re heading the right way,” Fowler said. “This week still could have been a lot better, but definitely positive is going over to Portrush. That’s one I’ve wanted on the schedule.” 


Saudi national team steps up preparations for Bahrain World Cup qualifier

Updated 01 June 2025
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Saudi national team steps up preparations for Bahrain World Cup qualifier

  • Several players were sidelined due to injuries
  • Team will hold closed training session on Monday evening

RIYADH: The Saudi national football team resumed training on Sunday evening as preparations intensify for Thursday’s crucial clash against Bahrain in the ninth round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Under the guidance of head coach Herve Renard, the session at Ettifaq Club Stadium featured warm-ups, possession drills, tactical exercises, and stretching routines.

Several players were sidelined due to injuries, including Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, and Jihad Zekr, who was injured during the recent King’s Cup final, as well as Muhannad Al-Saad, who was hurt in a previous friendly.

Mohamed Bakr continued his rehabilitation program, while Muteb Al-Harbi began recovery work with the medical team. Defender Abdulelah Al-Amri took part in recovery drills only.

The team will hold a closed training session on Monday evening as preparations continue.


Shreyas Iyer powers Punjab past Mumbai and into IPL final against Bengaluru

Updated 01 June 2025
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Shreyas Iyer powers Punjab past Mumbai and into IPL final against Bengaluru

  • Iyer hit the winning six as Punjab reached their second IPL final
  • The league was extended by nine days after being paused due to a military conflict between India and Pakistan

AHMEDABAD: Shreyas Iyer led from the front with an unbeaten 87 as Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians by five wickets on Sunday to set up an IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Chasing 204 for victory in a rain-delayed last playoff, Punjab rode Iyer’s 41-ball knock, laced with five fours and eight sixes, to achieve their target with six balls to spare in Ahmedabad.

Iyer hit the winning six as Punjab reached their second IPL final. It will be played at the same venue — the world’s biggest cricket stadium — on Tuesday.

The final will produce a new IPL winner with both Bengaluru, with star batter Virat Kohli, and Punjab in hunt for their first title in the T20 tournament.

Punjab lost opener Prabhsimran Singh for six but England’s Josh Inglis set up the chase with quick scoring as he and left-handed opener Priyansh Arya put together 42 runs in 18 balls.

Arya fell for 20 and Inglis for 38 after three fours and two sixes.

Iyer and left-handed Nehal Wadhera, who hit 48, turned the tide in overs 13 and 14 as the captain smashed England left-arm quick Reece Topley for three straight sixes.

Wadhera departed in the 16th over to raise Mumbai’s hopes, but Iyer stood firm as he finished with a masterclass.

The second qualifier began two hours and 15 minutes late due to persistent drizzle after the toss.

Punjab elected to field first before rain forced the players indoors for more than two hours. Officials did not cut any overs when play resumed.

Five-time champions Mumbai, who posted 203-6, lost veteran opener Rohit Sharma for eight off Marcus Stoinis in the third over but England’s Jonny Bairstow took on the opposition bowlers with regular boundaries.

Bairstow, who joined Mumbai ahead of the playoffs and played a key role in their win in the eliminator against Gujarat Titans, made 38 in a 51-run stand with the left-handed Varma.

Medium-pace bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak dismissed Baristow, who attempted to play a scoop shot but fell caught behind.

Tilak Varma kept up pace with Suryakumar Yadav as the pair put on 72 runs. Both made 44 each.

The two fell in the space of three deliveries, but number six Naman Dhir hit an 18-ball 37 to boost the total, which in the end proved insufficient.

The league was extended by nine days after being paused due to a military conflict between India and Pakistan and some overseas players including Mumbai imports Will Jacks (England) and Ryan Rickelton (South Africa) left before the playoffs.


Al-Nassr sign Mohamed Simakan on 5-year deal

Updated 01 June 2025
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Al-Nassr sign Mohamed Simakan on 5-year deal

  • Frenchman made 39 appearances for club last season after joining on loan
  • Defender valued at $26.1m

RIYADH: Al-Nassr have completed the signing of French defender Mohamed Simakan on a five-year deal, according to Arriyadiyah.

The 25-year-old center back joined the Saudi Pro League side on loan from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig last summer. That deal included a mandatory purchase clause, which has now been activated following the conclusion of the 2024–25 season.

The report said the loan was structured purely for administrative and financial reasons and with all contractual conditions now fulfilled, Al-Nassr have formalized the transfer.

Simakan made 39 appearances during his debut season, 26 of them in the Saudi Pro League, 11 in the AFC Champions League Elite and two in the King Cup.

A consistent performer and a versatile presence in defense, he quickly established himself as a key figure in Al-Nassr’s back line. He contributed one goal and three assists.

His market value is currently estimated at €23 million ($26.1 million), according to Transfermarkt.


Oscar Piastri wins in Spain with McLaren one-two, Verstappen demoted

Updated 01 June 2025
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Oscar Piastri wins in Spain with McLaren one-two, Verstappen demoted

  • Piastri extends lead to 10 points with fifth win of season with Norris second, Leclerc third
  • Verstappen demoted from fifth to 10th after Red Bull driver clashed with Leclerc and Russell

BARCELONA: Formula One championship leader Oscar Piastri won the Spanish Grand Prix from pole position in a McLaren one-two on Sunday to forge 10 points clear of teammate Lando Norris in the title battle.

The Australian’s win, by 2.4 seconds, was his fifth in nine races this season and McLaren’s seventh.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the podium after passing Max Verstappen’s Red Bull six laps from the end following a safety car period that triggered the main talking point of the afternoon with the champion demoted from fifth to 10th.

“It’s a nice way to bounce back from Monaco. A superb weekend,” said Piastri, who finished third last weekend in a race won from pole by Norris.

Verstappen, who made four stops in total and ended up on the slower hard tires against rivals on softs, collided with Leclerc and twice with Mercedes’ George Russell after the safety car restart.

The angry Dutch driver was given a 10-second penalty added to his overall time for the second Russell collision that was clearly his fault.

He and Leclerc also faced a post-race investigation for their clash that could lead to further sanctions.

“I tried to push him to the left, there was a bit of contact but fortunately no consequences,” said Leclerc. Verstappen claimed the Monegasque had rammed into him and should have given back the place.

Russell finished fourth after eventually being let through by Verstappen, who reluctantly did as his team told him.

Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg finished a surprising and morale-boosting fifth for the future Audi team after passing Ferrari’s seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton on the penultimate lap.

Hamilton was a disappointing sixth, Isack Hadjar seventh for Racing Bulls and Pierre Gasly eighth for Renault-owned Alpine.

FIRST POINTS

Home hero Fernando Alonso scored his first points of the season with Aston Martin, who had only one car on the grid due to Lance Stroll’s withdrawal through injury after Saturday’s qualifying.

Piastri led away cleanly at the start with Verstappen seizing second from Norris while Hamilton and Leclerc moved up to fourth and fifth as Russell lost out.

Hamilton let Leclerc through on lap 10 of 66 after the two Ferraris had run nose to tail.

Norris took back second place from Verstappen on lap 13, the Dutch driver making no attempt to defend against the quicker McLaren and pitting in the next lap for fresh tires.

Verstappen took the lead again on lap 23 after Piastri pitted, with Norris making his first stop on lap 21 and coming out behind the Red Bull, but that lasted only until Verstappen pitted for a second time on lap 30.

He came in for a third stop on lap 47 but Norris pitted the lap after to defend second place.

A safety car deployment on lap 55, after Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli beached his Mercedes in the gravel, bunched up the field and triggered a rash of stops.

The McLarens came in together for fresh tires, double-stacking, and resumed ahead of Verstappen who questioned the switch to a set of hards but was told that was the only option available.