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Babar leaves Sixers to join Pakistan camp | The Express Tribune

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Babar leaves Sixers to join Pakistan camp  | The Express Tribune


Former Pakistan Captain and Star batter Babar Azam. Photo: X

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has left the Sydney Sixers squad ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes, returning home to join Pakistan’s national team training camp.

The Sixers confirmed Babar’s departure on Thursday, just over 24 hours before the Challenger clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), with the winner set to face Perth Scorchers in the BBL final.

Babar, who was signed as a direct overseas recruit, was initially expected to be available for the entire BBL 15 season. The former Pakistan captain was also not named in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming three-match home series against Australia, scheduled to begin on January 29, which had raised expectations that he would see out the tournament.

However, the Sixers said they had been informed that Babar was required to return to Pakistan immediately as preparations begin for forthcoming international assignments.

“The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches,” the club said in a statement.

“As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.”

Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said the club respected Babar’s national commitments, despite initially planning for his availability throughout the finals.

“While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan’s national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches,” Haynes said.

Babar’s maiden BBL season proved underwhelming by his lofty standards. The Pakistan batter scored 202 runs in 11 innings at an average of 22.44, with a strike rate of 103.06, as he struggled to adapt to Australian conditions and the league’s high-tempo demands.

His departure leaves the Sydney Sixers without their marquee overseas signing at a crucial stage of the BBL 2025-26 Finals Series, while Pakistan gain one of their premier batters ahead of a busy international calendar.



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Florida judge rules prosecutors can access Tiger Woods’ prescription drug history after DUI arrest: report

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Florida judge rules prosecutors can access Tiger Woods’ prescription drug history after DUI arrest: report


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A Florida judge reportedly ruled that prosecutors will have access to Tiger Woods‘ recent prescription drug history.

An April court filing showed that a subpoena was to be issued for Woods’ prescription drug records following his DUI arrest in March, but his attorneys fought it. But according to the TC Palm, the records will be released to prosecutors only and not made available to the public.

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Tiger Woods was handcuffed after a sobriety test. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

Woods was arrested for driving under the influence after taking field sobriety tests following a two-vehicle crash in which his Range Rover turned onto its driver’s side.

The aforementioned court filing showed that a subpoena will be issued to “seek copies of any and all prescription medication on file” for Woods from Jan. 1 through March 27, the date of his car crash and arrest.

Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, wrote in a motion that the subpoena goes against Woods’ constitutional rights to privacy, requesting Tuesday’s hearing to determine whether prosecutors should be allowed to obtain the records.

Woods told law enforcement that “I take a few” prescription medications amid seven back surgeries and “over 20 operations” on his leg. In 2021, he got into a wreck that resulted in serious leg injuries that kept him off the golf course for the entire year.

Tiger Woods sobriety tesr

Tiger Woods went through several exercises before getting handcuffed. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

USGA SHARES TIGER WOODS STATUS UPDATE WITH US OPEN FAST APPROACHING

He also mentioned that his ankle was fused, and he walks with a limp due to the injuries. Due to the nature of his injuries, authorities made him do a field sobriety test while sitting down. He blew “triple-zeroes,” authorities said, but “lethargic” movements warranted exercises anyway.

Woods participated in four exercises before a deputy placed him in handcuffs. The deputy stated she believed Woods was under an “unknown substance.”

Deputies found two white pills on Woods, which were later identified as hydrocodone, an opioid used to treat pain.

Woods has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge but announced several days after the wreck he would “seek treatment.” At the scene of the crash, he said he was “hoping to” play in the Masters, but his treatment put his eventual return to the course on hold.

Tiger Woods in cop car

Tiger Woods sits in the back of a cop car after getting arrested on March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

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Woods was granted permission on April 1 to travel out of the country “to enter into comprehensive inpatient treatment.”

Woods was charged with driving under the influence, property damage, refusal to submit to testing and careless driving. He pleaded not guilty and waived his arraignment, demanding a trial with a jury.

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2025-26 NBA Title Odds: Thunder, Spurs Favored; Knicks Rising

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2025-26 NBA Title Odds: Thunder, Spurs Favored; Knicks Rising


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It’s NBA playoff time.

Let’s take a look at the latest NBA title futures at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 12. 

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NBA Finals winner 2025-26 season

Oklahoma City Thunder: -175 (bet $10 to win $15.71 total)
San Antonio Spurs: +390 (bet $10 to win $49 total)
New York Knicks: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Detroit Pistons: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Cleveland Cavaliers: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Minnesota Timberwolves: +7000 (bet $10 to win $710 total)

Here is what to know about the NBA title oddsboard:

West Update: The two teams favored to win the title both reside in the Western Conference: OKC and San Antonio. The Thunder swept the Suns in Round 1 and swept the Lakers in Round 2, while the Spurs gave up just a single game to Portland in the first round and are tied 2-2 with Minnesota in the second round. While the Thunder pulled off a second straight sweep, the Spurs are in a dogfight. 

East Update: The Knicks have become the class of the conference, having won seven consecutive playoff games. They finished off a sweep of Philly in the second round, and apparently can’t be stopped. As for the East’s top seed, the Pistons, they are tied with the Cavs 2-2. Neither team has been able to get a win in the others’ home arena in that series.



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Noman Ali becomes oldest player to complete 100 Test wickets

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Noman Ali becomes oldest player to complete 100 Test wickets


Pakistan’s Noman Ali celeberate after taking a wicket during first Test against South Afica at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 14, 2025. — AFP

Pakistan left-arm spinner Noman Ali completed 100 Test wickets, becoming the oldest player in history to reach the milestone during the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

He claimed the milestone by dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz, joining an elite group of Pakistan bowlers and becoming the ninth spinner and 20th overall to achieve the feat.

The left-arm spinner also picked up the crucial wickets of Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Taijul Islam.

At 39 years and 217 days, Noman became the oldest player in Test history to reach the 100-wicket milestone. He surpassed former England spinner Bobby Peel, who reached the mark in 1896 at the age of 39 years and 180 days.

The 39-year-old also reached another landmark by becoming the joint fourth-fastest Pakistan bowler to claim 100 Test wickets, achieving the feat in his 22nd Test match.

England great George Lohmann holds the world record for the fastest to 100 Test wickets, having reached the milestone in just 16 matches, while several Pakistan bowlers also feature among the quickest to the landmark.

Oldest players to reach 100 Test wickets

  • Noman Ali (Pakistan) – 39y 217d
  • Bobby Peel (England) – 39y 180d
  • Ray Illingworth (England) – 39y 30d
  • Clarrie Grimmett (Australia) – 39y 22d
  • Sydney Barnes (England) – 38y 310d

Fastest Pakistani bowlers to 100 Test wickets

  • Yasir Shah – 17 matches
  • Saeed Ajmal – 19 matches
  • Waqar Younis – 20 matches
  • Mohammad Asif – 20 matches
  • Noman Ali – 22 matches*
  • Fazal Mahmood – 22 matches
  • Saqlain Mushtaq – 23 matches





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