Sports
AFC Chief Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa attend college girls match | The Express Tribune
He also held a press conference promising cooperation with Pakistan Government to promote football
The Asian Football Confederation President and Vice President of FIFA, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa in group picture after football match at Islamabad College for Girls. PHOTO COURTESY: ZULFIQAR BAIG
ISLAMABAD:
The President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Vice President of FIFA, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, witnessed an exciting girls’ football match at Islamabad College for Girls, F-6/2, Islamabad on Thursday.
The event showcased the growing talent and enthusiasm of young female footballers in Pakistan.
During his visit, Sheikh Salman was impressed by the confidence and excitement of the young girls as they showcased their skills on the field. He interacted with the players, coaches, and school administrators, praising their dedication to the sport.
“It’s heartening to see the passion and talent of these young girls. Football has the power to empower and inspire, and I’m delighted to see it being played at the grassroots level in Pakistan,” said Sheikh Salman.
The AFC President also visited the school, meeting with students and faculty members. He commended the school’s efforts in promoting girls’ education and sports, particularly football.
Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa’s visit highlights the AFC’s commitment to developing football in Pakistan and promoting women’s football in the region.
He also held a press conference with the Charman Prime Minister Yotuh Program Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Wednesday.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsin Gillani was also present at the press conference at the at PTV Headquarters in Islamabad.
Rana Mashhood said that the government will develop football in the country with the cooperation of FIFA and AFC.
Rana Mashhood said that the government is providing opportunities to the youth in sports and other fields.
Meanwhile, FIFA Vice President Sheikh Salman said that he was very happy to visit Pakistan after many years. His last visit to was in 2017.
He added that the elected body under the leadership of PFF President Syed Gilani is welcome. A clear roadmap is needed for the promotion of football in Pakistan and there is a lot of potential for football in Pakistan.
The FIFA Vice President further said that the international bodies will provide all possible cooperation to Pakistan for the promotion of football.
Rana Mashhood said that they will work with FIFA to find the talent available in Pakistan through the Prime Minister’s Talent Hunt programs, and football is among 30 sports which are of special focus for the government.
Sports
Imad Wasim announces divorce after over six years of marriage
Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim on Sunday announced his divorce after more than six years of marriage.
Citing privacy, the cricketer requested fans and followers not to share the couple’s old photos on social media.
Taking to the social media platform Instagram, Imad urged fans and media outlets to refrain from sharing old pictures of the couple.
“After much thought, and due to repeated conflicts that could not be resolved over the past few years, I have filed for divorce,” Imad wrote. “I sincerely request everyone to respect our privacy and avoid using or sharing any old couple photos.”
The 37-year-old further asked people not to refer to Sania as his spouse going forward and cautioned against speculation or misinformation surrounding the matter.
“I request everyone not to engage in or believe any misleading narratives. Any attempt to defame or involve others in this personal matter will be addressed through the proper legal channels if necessary,” he stated.
Imad also addressed the situation regarding their children, reaffirming his responsibilities as a father.
“Regarding the children, I remain their father and will continue to care for them fully and responsibly,” he added, concluding the statement by thanking supporters for their understanding and respect.
Meanwhile, Imad’s wife also took to Instagram and said, “Like many marriages, ours had difficulties, yet it continued to exist.”
Imad Wasim and Sania Ashfaq tied the knot in 2019, and they have three children.
Sports
PCB to operate Multan Sultans for PSL 11: Mohsin Naqvi – SUCH TV
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday said that the cricket board would “operate Multan Sultans” this year, with plans to auction the franchise after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.
The announcement comes a month after Ali Tareen said he was parting ways with the PSL franchise as his relations with the PCB had strained over the past year.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the PCB chief confirmed that the cricket board would operate the franchise this year, saying “the franchise will be auctioned after the PSL concludes”.
Sultans were originally awarded as the sixth PSL team to the Schon Group under a $5.2 million agreement, making it the most expensive franchise at the time.
However, the PCB terminated the agreement after the inaugural season when franchise payments were not made.
In 2018, Alamgir Tareen, along with his nephew Ali, acquired the franchise for $6.3 million.
Meanwhile, Naqvi said that the board wanted to begin the upcoming PSL season earlier than planned.
“We want to start the PSL from March 23 instead of March 26, and a final decision will be made after consultation with all franchises,” he added.
The PCB chief announced that former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram had been appointed as the PSL’s brand ambassador ahead of the upcoming edition.
On the league’s expansion, he said that the bidding for the two new PSL teams will take place on January 8 in Islamabad.
“It is an important day for us, and our teams will sell well,” he said, adding that ten parties have qualified for the second round of the auction.
The PCB confirmed the same a day earlier, saying that its bid committee had shortlisted 10 bidders for the second round of the auction to sell the rights for two new teams in the PSL.
The PSL, which began in 2016 with five franchises and later expanded to six sides in 2018, is set for further expansion with the addition of two new teams from its upcoming 11th edition, set to be played next year.
With the upcoming additions, the PSL will undergo its first major restructuring in seven years, bringing the total number of franchises to eight.
On India-related cricket issues, the PCB chief said that whatever happens with India “will be on an equal footing”.
“If they do not want to shake hands, we have no such desire either,” Naqvi added.
He revealed plans to bring up the conduct of India’s Under-19 team before the International Cricket Council (ICC).
On team management, Naqvi stated that a final decision on the appointment of the red-ball team head coach has not yet been made, adding that a PCB team was currently reviewing the matter.
Sports
Legendary college basketball coach rips NCAA as NBA draft pick is allowed to play for school
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
College basketball coaching legend Tom Izzo didn’t hold back when asked about James Nnaji returning to Baylor after being selected in the NBA Draft but never having played a game for a team.
Nnaji announced he would return to the Bears after a stint at FC Barcelona. He was selected by the Detroit Pistons in 2023 and was traded twice during his career. He was a part of the trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks before the 2024-25 season.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo protests a call that benefitted the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center on Dec. 2, 2025. (Dale Young/Imagn Images)
But Nnaji is part of a growing trend of former college basketball players, with NCAA eligibility remaining, returning to school following stints in the G League or elsewhere. Izzo suggested on Saturday he’s had enough of it.
“Now we’re taking guys that were drafted in the NBA and everything,” the Michigan State men’s basketball coach said, via the Detroit Free Press. “I said it to you a month and a half ago – c’mon Magic (Johnson) and Gary (Harris), let’s go baby, let’s do it. Why not? I mean, if that’s what we’re going to (do), shame on the NCAA. Shame on the coaches, too. But shame on the NCAA, because coaches are gonna do what they gotta do, I guess. But the NCAA is the one. Those people on those committees that are making those decisions to allow something so ridiculous and not think of the kid.

James Nnaji of Barcelona takes a shot during the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 34 match between LDLC Asvel Villeurbanne and FC Barcelona at LDLC Arena on April 12, 2024 in Lyon, France. (Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
FORMER NBA STAR PENNY HARDAWAY SUGGESTS LEAGUE LACKS ELEMENT OF FUN
“So everybody talks about me thinking of my program or I’m selfish. No. Get that straight, for all of you. I’m thinking of, what is best for my son if he was in that position? And I just don’t agree with it.”
Izzo maintained he wasn’t going to fight the growing trend, but he also wasn’t going to let it pass him by without sharing his thoughts on the issue. He maintained that if college basketball is going to be more like the professional ranks, then it should go all in instead of dipping a toe or two in those waters.

James Nnaji of FC Barcelona in action during warm up prior the 2023/2024 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Play Offs match 1 between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos Piraeus at Palau Blaugrana on April 24, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Rodolfo Molina/Euroleague Basketball)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
He expressed similar sentiments in October when the first crop of G League players returned to school.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
-
Sports1 week ago
Alabama turned Oklahoma’s College Football Playoff dream into a nightmare
-
Entertainment1 week agoRare look inside the secret LEGO Museum reveals the system behind a toy giant’s remarkable longevity
-
Business1 week agoGold prices in Pakistan Today – December 20, 2025 | The Express Tribune
-
Business1 week agoRome: Tourists to face €2 fee to get near Trevi Fountain
-
Entertainment1 week agoZoe Kravitz teases fans with ring in wedding finger
-
Entertainment1 week agoIndia drops Shubman Gill from T20 World Cup squad
-
Tech1 week agoWe Tried and Tested the Best Gifts for Plant Lovers With Our Own Green Thumbs
-
Politics1 week agoUS intercepts oil tanker off Venezuelan coast, Reports
