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PCB announces HBL PSL XI players’ auction on Feb 11 | The Express Tribune

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PCB announces HBL PSL XI players’ auction on Feb 11 | The Express Tribune


Sets base prices of top bracket at Rs40.2 million, Rs20.2 million, Rs10.1 million and Rs6 million

PCB conducts a detailed workshop regarding the upcoming HBL PSL player auction at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 25. PHOTO: PCB

The auction for the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held on February 11, with the base prices of the top bracket set at Rs40.2 million, Rs20.2 million, Rs10.1 million and Rs6 million, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

According to an official release, the board conducted a detailed workshop regarding the upcoming HBL PSL player auction at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday. The session was presided over by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and HBL PSL CEO Salman Naseer.

Among the players present were the top two leading run-scorers in HBL PSL history, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, and the top two leading wicket-takers, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The HBL PSL management shared a detailed presentation on the mechanics of the retention and auction process and consulted with all participants. It was agreed that the HBL PSL Player Auction will take place on Wednesday, February 11.

The base prices of the players were also revealed, and it was decided that the auction prices and minimum incremental bids would be in Pakistani rupees.

The base prices of the top bracket were set at Rs40.2 million, Rs20.2 million, Rs10.1 million and Rs6 million.

The minimum incremental bids for each base price were also decided, as follows:

Rs250,000 for bid amounts under Rs10.1 million
Rs500,000 for bid amounts under Rs20.2 million
Rs1,000,000 for bid amounts under Rs40.2 million
Rs1,500,000 for bid amounts above Rs40.2 million

According to the official statement, franchises will be permitted to bid higher than the prescribed minimum incremental bids for each base price.

Each franchise squad will comprise a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 20 players. The number of foreign players allowed in a squad will range from five to seven, depending on overall squad size. It will be mandatory for franchises to field at least three and no more than four foreign players in the playing XI.

Teams must also include a minimum of two uncapped under-23 players in their squads, with at least one required to feature in the playing XI.

Players retained or selected in the HBL PSL 11 Player Auction will be contracted to their respective franchises for a period of two years. After the conclusion of HBL PSL 11, franchises will be allowed to retain a maximum of seven players for the 12th edition of the tournament.

A grand auction will be held following HBL PSL 12, at which point franchises may retain a maximum of five players. Any players not retained will return to the general auction pool.

The official release further stated that each franchise will be entitled to directly sign one foreign player for HBL PSL 11 who did not feature in HBL PSL X.

To facilitate this, the franchise purse of Rs450 million may be extended to Rs500 million, inclusive of the directly signed foreign player. The PCB will also provide financial support to assist franchises in securing elite foreign players.

“I’m delighted that a consultative and productive session was held between the franchises, players and management today, resulting in informed and strategic decisions which will pave the way for a bright future for the HBL PSL,” PCB chairman said.

He noted that the Player Auction model is a landmark step for the HBL PSL, offering players better financial opportunities through an increased salary purse and a transparent acquisition process, while making the league more competitive and attractive.

“The HBL PSL’s highly anticipated New Era is finally here. The player auction system modernises player recruitment by promoting fairness, transparency and market-driven value, strengthening the HBL PSL’s appeal for players and franchises, and, most importantly, meeting the expectations of our loyal fans,” HBL PSL CEO added.





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New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announces another NJ Transit World Cup ticket cut days after first reduction

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New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announces another NJ Transit World Cup ticket cut days after first reduction


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Just days after NJ Transit reduced 2026 FIFA World Cup train ticket prices after backlash, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced yet another cut. 

Last week, the round-trip tickets from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey were cut from the initial cost of $150 to $105. 

Now, Sherrill announced the tickets have gone down to $98 round-trip ahead of them going on sale Tuesday night.

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Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., narrowly carried Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s battleground district in 2025. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)

“Good news: Ahead of NJ TRANSIT World Cup train tickets going on sale tonight, @NJTRANSIT is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money,” Sherrill wrote on X.

 “Thank you to our partners — DoorDash, Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries, and American Water — for helping make this possible. 

“We’re excited to host a world-class event this summer and showcase New Jersey on a global stage.”

NJ TRANSIT REDUCES WORLD CUP TRAIN TICKET PRICES AFTER BACKLASH, CITING MORE MONETARY SUPPORT: REPORT

NJ Transit and the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee caught flak after the originally announced $150 price of the round-trip tickets. Their argument was it would eventually cost taxpayers if they didn’t have that abnormal price set for the influx of those getting to MetLife Stadium from New York City.

Then, NJ Transit announced last week it received monetary support from “sponsors and other sources” in able to get prices lowered. Now we know those sponsors after Sherrill’s statement on social media. 

Sherrill and FIFA got into a spat after the $150 price came out as well. The governor said FIFA should help pay for train tickets, while the governing body criticized Sherrill’s “unprecedented” plan and added that the expensive train tickets would have a “chilling effect” on the fan experience. 

A general view of MetLife Stadium and Meadowlands Train Station

Transit officials are preparing for an unprecedented number of riders during World Cup matches this summer. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“Governor Sherrill has been clear that FIFA should contribute to transport its fans to World Cup games. Since it hasn’t, she directed NJ Transit to seek private and non-taxpayer dollars to significantly reduce the fare,” a spokesperson for Sherrill told The Athletic. “The Governor appreciates all the companies that have already stepped up to lower the costs for ticket holders.  She will continue to ensure the World Cup is an experience that benefits fans and all New Jerseyans.”

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri defended the original price, saying the ultimate cost to the public transportation company shouldn’t burden New Jersey commuters. 

“It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey’s diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair,” Kolluri said, reiterating that the tournament will cost NJ Transit $48 million.

“In order to move 40,000 people and to pay for the cost of $6 million (per game), we have to charge $150.”

The regular train fare from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium round-trip is $12.90. 

Commuters walking through NJ Transit section of Penn Station in New York City

Commuters move through the NJ Transit section of Penn Station in New York City on May 20, 2025, after NJ Transit resumed operations following a tentative deal to end a three-day strike by train engineers. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

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Meanwhile, parking has been prohibited at MetLife Stadium, and ride-sharing will be limited, ultimately leading to a natural increase in NJ Transit commutes for World Cup matches.

The first game at MetLife Stadium is June 13 with a group stage match between Brazil and Morocco.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.





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Shan XI in Shambles: How Pakistan Imploded in Mirpur | The Express Tribune

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Shan XI in Shambles: How Pakistan Imploded in Mirpur | The Express Tribune


Senior players failed to deliver as familiar weaknesses resurfaced in another disappointing overseas performance

Pakistan captain Shan Masood speaks at a press conference after their defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on May 12, 2026. PHOTO: PCB/FILE


TORONTO:

Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur was not just disappointing — it was a complete exposure of the flaws that continue to haunt Pakistan Test cricket. From questionable captaincy to a fragile batting lineup and a toothless pace attack, this loss had warning signs written all over it from Day 1.

The first major question must be directed at Shan Masood. On a Mirpur wicket that was always expected to deteriorate and make fourth-innings batting difficult, why on earth did Pakistan choose to bowl first? Surviving on a wearing Day 5 surface — let alone chasing 268 — was never going to be easy for a batting lineup already struggling for consistency. Pakistan simply does not possess the batting temperament or technical solidity to play out two-and-a-half sessions on the final day of a Test match.

The toss decision backfired badly and put Pakistan on the back foot from the outset.

Then comes the pace attack — or rather, the lack of one. Modern Test cricket demands fast bowlers who can intimidate, rush batters, and break partnerships through sheer pace and aggression. Pakistan currently has none. Opposition batters look far too comfortable against Pakistani pacers.

There is no fear factor, no sustained hostility, and no sense that wickets can fall in clusters. In home conditions, Pakistan employs an all-spin attack to mask the weaknesses of the fast bowlers. But outside Pakistan, where pacers are expected to lead the attack and dictate terms, the team’s shortcomings become painfully obvious.

Bangladesh’s batters looked composed for most of the match because the pressure simply was not there. The 37 extras gifted to them in the first innings only made an already strong batting performance look even more commanding.

Pakistan’s batting was not much better either. Apart from debutants Azan and Abdullah making promising starts to their careers, there was very little to praise. Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel failed to make meaningful contributions when the team desperately needed stability and authority.

These are senior batters expected to anchor the innings, yet their performances lacked intent, composure, and responsibility. While Agha and Rizwan’s half-centuries helped avoid a disastrous collapse in the first innings, their contributions were not substantial enough to allow Pakistan to take control of the game.

There came a point when it seemed Pakistan would secure a first-innings lead. But instead of batting with discipline and awareness, the middle and lower order played loose and careless cricket, throwing wickets away and eventually conceding a lead instead. Test matches are often decided in such moments, and Pakistan lost the advantage there.

A huge part of that can be attributed to the tailenders’ inability to offer any resistance with the bat. Contemporary cricket no longer allows bowlers to survive solely on bowling ability. Tailenders across the world contribute valuable runs, frustrate opposition bowlers, and shift momentum through partnerships.

Pakistan’s tail, meanwhile, collapses almost instantly and offers little once the recognized batters are gone. Bangladesh adding 29 runs for the 10th wicket in the first innings proved how valuable lower-order resistance can be. It is hard to remember the last time a Pakistani tail genuinely fought like that, survived crucial periods, and added vital runs under pressure.

That fighting spirit and resilience lower down the order often reflect how badly a team wants to win, and unfortunately Pakistan rarely seems to show that hunger. In the end, this was a thoroughly mediocre performance with both bat and ball by Shan XI.

Pakistan failed to demonstrate planning, discipline, aggression, or mental toughness. When a team carries multiple players who consistently fail to deliver and contribute little to the contest, overseas victories will remain a bridge too far.



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Jacob Fatu chooses to acknowledge violence, AAA Mega Championship makes WWE history and more from Raw

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Jacob Fatu chooses to acknowledge violence, AAA Mega Championship makes WWE history and more from Raw


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Roman Reigns wanted Jacob Fatu in the ring for an “acknowledgement ceremony” on “Monday Night Raw,” despite concerns from general manager Adam Pearce and Jimmy Uso.

Reigns learned the hard way of the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”

Despite the contract signing that Fatu would have to “acknowledge” Reigns after he lost the World Heavyweight Championship, Fatu wouldn’t have any of that.

Instead, he chose violence. He ignored Jey Uso’s pleas to think about what he was doing. Fatu, instead, headbutted Uso multiple times.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Jacob Fatu holds up the World Heavyweight Champion belt during RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Sydney Yonker/WWE)

“What you think? You want me to come and acknowledge you, Roman?” Fatu said. “Hell no! You’re going to beat that acknowledgement out of me.”

Fatu had no time for anyone trying to talk him off the ledge. He was truly all gas and no brakes. He got to the ring, stared down Reigns and the two went to work. The two exchanged blows in the ring and it looked like Reigns was going to gain the advantage. He hit Fatu with a chair multiple times, trying to make Fatu acknowledge him.

But the “Samoan Werewolf” was undeterred. Reigns went for a spear but was met by a superkick and the Tongan death grip. It was all downhill for the “Tribal Chief.” He taunted Reigns as he continued his beating.

He then powerbombed Reigns through the announce table. The assault didn’t stop there. He hit Reigns with another Tongan death grip as officials from the back tried to keep him at bay.

Jacob Fatu takes out Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso during WWE RAW match

Jacob Fatu takes out Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso all at once during WWE RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)

Before he walked to the back, he saw the Usos tending to Reigns. He ran back at full speed and sent all three men through the barricade.

Seth Rollins tries to thaw icy relationship with Street Profits

Seth Rollins helped Street Profits win in six-man tag match against The Vision as he took out Bron Breakker from the outside. Angelo Dawkins rolled up Austin Theory to get the win.

Rollins came into the ring to help Dawkins up. But as Breakker got back into the ring and lined up for a spear, Rollins stepped aside making Dawkins take the damage. Montez Ford came back into the ring and wondered what Rollins was going out there in the first place.

Rollins, Ford and Dawkins talked in the back.

“If you boys are serious about getting the tag titles off The Vision, then it’s time we talked,” Rollins said, addressing Dawkins and Ford backstage.

Ford said there was no “we” in the conversation, while Dawkins wanted to hear out Rollins.

Rollins said he was “wrong” to tell the Street Profits that all parties should keep their business to themselves.

“You know, Seth, you’re every single thing they say about you,” Ford said. “Everybody. The greatest in our generation. A revolutionary. But you know what they also say? You’re not to be trusted. We don’t need your a–  to win the tag team championship. Bet on that.”

The Street Profits will be aiming for tag team gold in two weeks when they take on Logan Paul and Theory.

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AAA Mega Championship defended on Raw

Dominik Mysterio making his entrance during RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee

Dominik Mysterio makes his entrance during RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)

The AAA Mega Championship is the most prestigious title in Lucha Libre Worldwide (AAA) and possibly across all of Lucha Libre depending on who you ask. The title was defended for the first time on WWE programming on Monday night.

Dominik Mysterio put the belt on the line against Original El Grande Americano. Mysterio took advantage of Original El Grande Americano getting distracted by El Grande Americano. He hit the 619 and a frog splash to pick up the win.

The title defense came on the heels of WWE announcing a two-night Triplemania event for September. It will be the first time AAA’s premiere event will be ran over the course of two nights.

Passing of the torch

IYO SKY and Asuka embracing during WWE Backlash event in Tampa, Florida

IYO SKY and Asuka embrace during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE via Getty Images)

Iyo Sky defeated her mentor Asuka in an emotional match at Backlash over the weekend, and on Monday night, Asuka said “goodbye.”

Asuka met with Sky backstage before the “Genius of the Sky’s” match against Sol Ruca. She said she was looking for someone to take over as leader and found it in Sky.

“I was looking for someone to take over my passion. Finally, you’ve become the person. I’m so glad it was you,” Asuka said. “I’m proud of you.”

Sky responded, “Even if we fight, we’ll always be family. Goodbye, Asuka-san.”

Sky later defeated Ruca in an exhilarating singles match.

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Raw match results

  • Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford and Joe Hendry def. Austin Theory, Logan Paul and Bron Breakker.
  • Je’Von Evans def. Rusev.
  • Iyo Sky def. Sol Ruca.
  • Oba Femi def. Angel and Berto as part of Oba’s Open Challenge.
  • Dominik Mysterio def. Original El Grande Americano to retain AAA Mega Championship.



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