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Auction to decide two new PSL teams | The Express Tribune

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Auction to decide two new PSL teams  | The Express Tribune


HBL PSL CEO Salman Naseer was addressing to a press conference. Photo: PCB/File

The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to expand to eight teams, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) preparing to auction two new franchises ahead of PSL 11. 

The development was confirmed by PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer while speaking to reporters at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

According to Naseer, the tender process for the new teams will begin in November, with interested investors allowed to choose from a designated pool of city names.

“An auction will be held for two new PSL franchises. Bidding parties will be given a pool of city names from which they can select one team,” said Salman Naseer.

Along with the addition of new teams, discussions are underway to expand the league’s footprint across Pakistan. The PSL is currently played across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan, but the PCB is working toward including:

“We are seriously considering hosting PSL 11 across six venues. Peshawar’s Imran Khan Stadium only needs minor upgrades and should be ready soon,” Naseer stated.

“Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium is also being prepared, and matches have already been scheduled there leading up to PSL 11.”

He added that the goal is for teams to play true home games, with each franchise returning to its home venue, something that has not always been possible in previous seasons.

“There is strong interest for the two new teams. We are expecting healthy competition among bidders,” Naseer confirmed.

The league currently features, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, and Multan Sultans.

The addition of two new sides will mark the first major expansion since the inclusion of Multan Sultans in 2017.

HBL retains title sponsorship 

Both parties today announced a major partnership renewal, confirming that the two forthcoming editions of Pakistan’s biggest cricket brand shall be known as HBL PSL 11 and 12.

In a landmark deal, HBL exercised its right to match the Fair Market Value determined by an independent expert valuer for the Title Sponsorship of the forthcoming two editions of PSL.

This renewal further solidifies a decade-long association, as HBL has been the PSL’s exclusive and proud title sponsor since the League’s inception in 2016 and signifies HBL’s enduring trust and investment in the PSL brand which continues to experience commercial growth.

Since PSL 1, the value of Title Sponsorship Rights has increased by 505%.

PSL CEO, Mr. Salman Naseer, said: “We are absolutely delighted and extremely grateful to HBL for extending their historic association with the Pakistan Super League for HBL PSL 11 and 12. HBL’s decision to continue their phenomenal journey with the 

PSL is a powerful statement of confidence in the league’s immense commercial value, its strategic importance to the nation and recognises the league’s position as one of the world’s leading T20 cricket tournaments.

“HBL has been more than a sponsor; they have been a dedicated partner in the journey to develop and showcase the best of Pakistan cricket to the world. We look forward to working closely with them to make the next two seasons our most successful yet.”

Commenting on the partnership, Abrar Ahmed Mir, Chief Information & Transformation Officer – HBL said: HBL is pleased to renew its commitment as a Title Sponsor to Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) flagship platform, the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL) for two more years till 2027. The Bank remains committed to amplifying the success of this tournament, ensuring the HBLPSL remains a platform that inspires the youth of our cricket loving nation and support the communities that the Bank serves.

HBL Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Mr. Ali Habib, added: The HBL PSL has evolved into a powerhouse brand and a national institution. Our decision to extend the title sponsorship reflects HBL’s core philosophy of ‘enabling dreams’ – a promise delivered through the PSL platform by launching numerous national and international stars. HBL has and always will support and nourish national endeavors.

As the proud title sponsor, we are dedicated to supporting the PCB in delivering the most exciting and world-class cricketing experience in 2026 and 2027, further elevating the stature of HBL PSL on the global stage.

 



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Pakistan Shaheens announce squad for T20’s, ODI’s – SUCH TV

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Pakistan Shaheens announce squad for T20’s, ODI’s – SUCH TV



Pakistan Shaheens have announced their squad for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against England Lions to be played in the United Arab Emirates, with Shamil Hussain named captain for both formats.

All matches of the series will be held at the Oval Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The three-match T20 series will begin on February 20, followed by a five-match ODI series from February 27 to March 9.

Abdul Samad, Hassan Nawaz, Moaz Sadaqat and Saad Khan have been included in the squad, along with Sameer Minhas and Arafat Minhas.

Rohail Nazir and Saad Baig will share wicketkeeping duties.

Spin bowlers Saad Masood and Sufyan Muqim are also part of the team, while the fast bowling unit includes Ali Raza, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Muhammad Salman and Shahid Aziz.

Pakistan Shaheens will hold a seven-day training camp in Karachi from February 11 to February 17.

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed mentor and manager of the Shaheens.

Ijaz Ahmed will serve as head coach, with Mansoor Amjad named fielding coach and Aizaz Cheema as bowling coach.



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NHL outdoor game sees its 1st goalie fight between Vasilevskiy, Swayman

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NHL outdoor game sees its 1st goalie fight between Vasilevskiy, Swayman


TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning credited the first goalie fight in an NHL outdoor game for helping to spark their historic Stadium Series comeback win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday.

With 8:59 left in the second period and the Bruins leading 5-2, Lightning forward Brandon Hagel tried to poke the puck from under Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman after a save. Swayman then jumped on top of Hagel next to his crease, leading to a melee between the teams while the Lightning were on a power play. Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy skated from his crease to the opposite blue line during the chaos.

“I just saw Sway was swinging the blocker on [Hagel] a bit, so it was just a reflex to go to the red line and challenge him. He accepted,” Vasilevskiy said.

Swayman spotted the Tampa Bay goalie, dropped his stick and skated out to meet Vasilevskiy as the two engaged near center ice. Swayman took off his gloves and mask and signaled to Vasilevskiy to remember to remove his mask before the fists flew.

“I don’t want to hit his helmet, so I’m glad we didn’t do that,” Swayman said.

The Lightning goalie nicknamed “The Big Cat” grabbed Swayman’s collar and started throwing left hands. The Boston goalie wasn’t able to get much offense in before Vasilevskiy wrestled him to the ice.

Did Swayman know that Vasilevskiy was a lefty before their fight?

“No,” the Bruins goalie said curtly, with a laugh. “Glad we both had our first gig against each other. Really worthy opponent.”

Vasilevskiy gave him a tap on the back and then tapped the back of Swayman’s head in appreciation of the moment, grinning widely as the fans roared inside Raymond James Stadium.

“When we both fell, we just kind of said to each other nice words. It was super nice. It’s one of the biggest moments for me, because I never fought in the NHL,” Vasilevskiy said. “Big thanks to him. He was great in the net all game and great in the fight as well.”

Swayman was also appreciative.

“He wanted to win, which is good. So did I. So that’s game respecting game,” he said. “I’m fighting the biggest, toughest goalie in the league. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but glad we got the first one out of the way. Probably retire after that.”

The crowd of nearly 65,000 fans stood and cheered during the confrontation, and then again when the referee announced the goalies had both received five-minute majors for fighting. Players on both benches were on their feet, too, slapping their sticks against the boards in appreciation and respect for their netminders.

“He was throwing lefts. I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ I didn’t want to be the other guy,” Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov said. “I was so happy. I was so fired up. I think the bench felt it. Everyone in the building felt it. Ever since that fight, the game was turned. Vasy had to do it, I guess. He had to wake us up.”

The Lightning would score twice on 5-on-3 power plays over the next 5:12, cutting the Bruins’ lead to 5-4 heading into the third period. Kucherov tied the score in the third period, and the Lightning eventually won 6-5 in a shootout.

Tampa Bay’s rally from a four-goal deficit to win marked the largest comeback victory in franchise history and the largest in an NHL outdoor game.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper said he could feel the momentum starting to swing before the fight, but the goalie throwdown was an emotional high the Lightning needed at that moment.

“I was like, ‘Thank goodness something positive was going to happen to our game,'” he said. “I give Boston a lot of credit. They took it to us and we weren’t prepared for it. Vasy was pissed.”

Hagel said he felt the fight was “a big turning point in the game.”

So did Kucherov, who was also convinced that his goalie would win the fight.

“I knew he was going to beat the wheels off of Swayman right away,” Kucherov said. “We call him ‘White Tyson’ now.”



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Inter Milan extend Serie A lead | The Express Tribune

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Inter Milan extend Serie A lead  | The Express Tribune



MILAN:

Inter Milan moved eight points clear at the top of Serie A after a comfortable 2-0 victory over hosts Cremonese on Sunday, but the victory was marred by a flare thrown on to the pitch from the away end that narrowly missed home goalkeeper Emil Audero.

The win takes Inter to 55 points from 23 games, eight ahead of city rivals AC Milan, who have a game in hand. Cremonese lie in 16th with 23 points from the same number of games.

Lautaro Martinez and Piotr Zielinski scored first-half goals as the visitors took control of the contest and despite not finding the back of the net again, they never looked unduly troubled by their hosts.

“There’s a long way to go,” Martinez told DAZN. “We made mistakes, especially in the first half, but there’s also a lot to enjoy because the championship is very balanced.”

Early in the second half a flare was thrown from the stands and landed near Audero, who dropped to the floor but did not appear to be injured. The match continued following a short delay.

“These things must not happen, there’s a risk to a person,” Martinez said. “We’re putting on a show that can be seen all over the world. I apologise to Audero and all the Cremonese fans.”

Inter have won 10 of their last 11 Serie A games since losing to AC Milan in November, their only blemish in that run a 2-2 home draw with Napoli.

By contrast, Cremonese are winless in eight, with five defeats in that sequence, which leaves them six points above the relegation zone.

The visitors might have won by a greater margin given their dominance of possession and chances, but did more than enough to secure another three points.

Inter hit the front on 16 minutes thanks to a header from Martinez, who steered Federico Dimarco’s corner into the net. It was just reward for a bright start.

Cremonese had an excellent chance to equalise when Jamie Vardy was sent through on goal. However, a heavy touch allowed Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer to get to the ball ahead of him.

The ball swerved past Audero, who will feel he should have made the save, but the power and the movement through the air left him floundering.



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