Al Nassr will play their final group-stage match of the AFC Champions League Two against Al Zawraa on Wednesday in Riyadh. The match will be played at Al Awwal Park and will decide the final standings in Group D. Al Nassr have already sealed qualification for the knockout stage. They have won all five of their group matches so far and are assured of finishing first in the group. The Saudi club has not played a competitive match for nearly a month but remains in strong form in the tournament. All of Al Nassr’s five group-stage wins came in November. Their most recent competitive outing was a 4-0 away victory against FC Istiklol. Goals in that match were scored by João Félix, Mohamed Simakan, Sadio Mané, and Ayman Ahmed. During the break, Al Nassr also played a friendly against Al Wahda, winning 4-2. Goals in that match came from Cristiano Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman, Haroune Camara, and Saad Al Nasser. Al Zawraa come into the match after a home win over FC Goa. Goals in that game were scored by Kadhim Raad Hatem and Hasan Abdulkareem. The Iraqi side is second in Group D with nine points and needs at least a draw to confirm their place in the next round. Where to Watch Al Nassr vs Al Zawraa The match will kick off at 11:00 a.m. ET and 8:00 a.m. PT in the United States. In Saudi Arabia, the game will begin at 7:00 p.m. local time. Fans can watch the match on the following platforms: OneFootball App (USA and other countries) AFC Hub YouTube Channel (USA and other countries) beIN Sports / Alkass (Saudi Arabia) The fixture is expected to attract attention as Al Zawraa fight for qualification, while Al Nassr look to complete a perfect group-stage campaign.
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games organisers announced on Monday that fans can register from January 14 for a random ticket draw covering all Olympic sports. The organisers said at least one million tickets will be available at a starting price of $28, aiming to keep the Games accessible to a wide audience. According to LA28, fans who register through the official tickets page will be entered into a draw to secure a time slot to buy tickets in April. Those who are not selected in the first round will be automatically included in future ticket releases. Registration will remain open until March 18, and no payment or purchase is required at the sign-up stage. LA28 senior vice president for Games delivery revenue Allison Katz-Mayfield said every sport will have tickets starting at $28. She explained that this pricing will apply to a meaningful number of seats across venues. She added that around one-third of all tickets will be priced under $100, helping more fans attend the Games. Katz-Mayfield said the random draw system is designed to be fair. She noted that registering early does not increase a person’s chances. According to officials, all registered users will have the same opportunity, whether they sign up on the first day or closer to the deadline. The process is also meant to prevent tickets from being taken by brokers or automated bots. Local residents living near Olympic venues will receive special consideration. Those who register will be eligible for a locals’ presale, allowing them to buy tickets before sales open to the general public. Organisers said this step is meant to support communities hosting the events. The announcement comes at a time when high ticket prices for major global events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup, have drawn criticism. Officials noted that Paris 2024 sold a record 12 million tickets. LA28 has opened registration about a year earlier than Paris did, with ticket sales expected to generate nearly one-third of the Games’ total revenue. LA28 said ticketing will be handled by AXS and Eventim, and all tickets will be digital. Tickets for the Paralympic Games will go on sale in 2027. Fans were also advised to subscribe to the LA28 newsletter for updates on the January 14 launch.
La Liga action returns this weekend as Barcelona face Osasuna at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, 13 December 2025. The two sides have had very different seasons so far, and both will be looking for a result. Barcelona come into the match sitting top of the La Liga table. In their last outing, they beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League. The win extended their strong recent run, and they will want to carry that form into the league. Osasuna, meanwhile, are placed 15th in the standings and have struggled for consistency. Still, they arrive with confidence after a 2-0 win over Levante last week. The away side will hope that result helps them stay competitive against a high-flying opponent. Recent history favours Barcelona. The Catalan club have won 27 of the last 39 matches between the two teams, while Osasuna have managed only five victories in that period. Those numbers suggest Barcelona usually find a way through in this fixture. Form trends show both teams have picked up results lately. Osasuna are unbeaten in their last three matches in all competitions, with their last defeat being a 3-1 loss to Real Sociedad in La Liga last month. Barcelona have won four straight matches in all competitions since a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League last month. One area Barcelona will want to improve is defence. They have scored 13 goals in their last four matches across competitions, but they have not kept a clean sheet in that run. They have also conceded at least one goal in each of their last five matches, which could give Osasuna some hope of getting on the scoresheet. Based on the provided details, Barcelona have the stronger squad and should be favourites at home, even with recent defensive issues. Osasuna can be difficult to beat on their day, but they face a tough test at the Camp Nou. Prediction: Barcelona 4-1 Osasuna.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached Abu Dhabi to captain Al-Nassr in a high-profile friendly against Al Wahda on Monday night. The game is part of a mid-season training camp designed to sharpen tactics and fitness ahead of the final phase of the Saudi Pro League campaign. Now 39 years old, Ronaldo continues to play at an elite level. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has already scored 10 goals this season for Al-Nassr and is still pushing towards the historic target of 1,000 career goals for club and country. For many fans in the UAE, this friendly offers a rare chance to watch one of the modern greats live, a draw similar to how Pakistan cricket followers closely track events like the pakistan t20 world cup 2026 squad developments on PakistaniBano News. The match will see UAE Pro League side Al Wahda test themselves against one of the strongest teams in the region. Their home fans will expect a committed display, while Al-Nassr’s coaching staff will focus on game patterns, pressing structure and link-up play in attack. The club also views this fixture as key preparation before their next league outing, scheduled for Sunday, December 21. Analysts in the Gulf football circuit have stressed that this is not a simple exhibition. They believe both teams are likely to treat it as a serious tactical workout, with intensity close to a competitive fixture. For Al Wahda, it is an opportunity to measure their level against top-class opposition. For Al-Nassr, it is a chance to keep rhythm and test squad depth during the camp. Off the pitch, interest has been just as strong. Ticket demand surged as soon as Ronaldo’s participation in Abu Dhabi was confirmed, with local supporters eager to see the Portugal star lead Al-Nassr once again. The presence of a global icon has turned a routine mid-season friendly into a major event for fans across the Middle East and for international followers tracking developments through platforms like Pakistani Bano. With Ronaldo wearing the armband and both sides expected to field strong line-ups, the clash between Al-Nassr and Al Wahda is set to provide a useful measure of each team’s tactical readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
Napoli beat Juventus 2-1 with two goals from Rasmus Hojlund, moving to the top of Serie A ahead of Inter Milan after a tense league match. .ms-box{ max-width:600px; margin:20px auto; font-family:system-ui, sans-serif; background:#fff; border:1px solid #ddd; border-radius:10px; padding:15px; } .ms-center{text-align:center;} .ms-title{font-size:18px;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:10px;} .ms-score{ display:flex;justify-content:space-between; font-size:22px;font-weight:700; padding:10px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #eee; } .ms-team{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;} .ms-small{color:#666;font-size:12px;} .ms-section-title{ font-size:17px;font-weight:600; margin:15px 0 10px;border-left:4px solid #333;padding-left:8px; } .stat-row{ display:flex;justify-content:space-between; padding:6px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #eee; font-size:14px; } .bar-row{ margin:4px 0 10px; } .bar-bg{ width:100%;height:8px;background:#eee;border-radius:5px;position:relative; } .bar-left{ height:100%;background:#ffd54f;border-radius:5px; } Sun 7 Dec 2025 · Serie A Napoli 2 - 1 Juventus FT · HT 1-0 Scorers: R. Højlund (7', 78'), K. Yildiz (59') Assists: D. Neres (7'), W. McKennie (59') Venue: Stadio Diego Maradona · 53,000 Attendance Match Stats Match Stats Possession 49.7% - 50.3% Shots9 - 5 Shots on target4 - 2 Total touches in box16 - 8 Goalkeeper saves1 - 3 Aerial duels won8 - 11 Fouls committed6 - 15 Corners9 - 0 In-depth match stats Total shots9 - 5 Shots off target4 - 2 Attempts outside box2 - 3 Hit woodwork1 - 0 Offsides1 - 4 Distribution Total passes497 - 511 Pass accuracy83.3% - 86.9% Backward passes76 - 80 Forward passes142 - 152 Long balls45 - 38 Final third passes89 - 84 Total crosses22 - 8 Defence Total tackles15 - 15 Won tackle %40% - 73.3% Fouls committed6 - 15 Yellow cards2 - 1 Clearances13 - 21 Napoli moved to the top of Serie A after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Juventus, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring both goals in a tense match. The game took place on Sunday, and the Danish forward once again proved decisive as the defending champions continued their strong league run. Juventus tried to stay in the contest but were unable to match Napoli’s pressure in the final stages. Hojlund, who is on loan from Manchester United, opened the scoring with a sliding finish inside the box. The lead did not last long, as Kenan Yildiz struck for Juventus on a quick counter-attack to level the match. Napoli kept pushing, and the winner arrived in the 78th minute when Hojlund headed in from close range, securing all three points for the home side. The young striker now has six goals across Serie A and the Champions League since joining Napoli on a season-long loan in September, according to PakistaniBano News. His form has given Napoli a major boost as they aim to keep control of the title race. Meanwhile, former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay came close to scoring just before half-time, but his header drifted narrowly wide. He later required treatment several times but continued to play. With this win, Napoli now sit on 31 points, holding a one-point lead over Inter Milan. Juventus have slipped to seventh place with 23 points, adding more pressure as their inconsistent season continues. Napoli will now look to maintain their momentum as the league campaign intensifies in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid lose at home to Celta Vigo, finish with nine men and stay four points behind Barcelona ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City. :root{ --rm-bg:#121212; --rm-card:#1c1c1c; --rm-border:#2a2a2a; --rm-soft:#a0a0a0; --rm-white:#ffffff; --rm-accent:#3f6cff; --rm-radius:16px; } .rm-widget{ max-width:650px; margin:25px auto; background:var(--rm-bg); color:var(--rm-white); border-radius:var(--rm-radius); border:1px solid #000; font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"Segoe UI",sans-serif; overflow:hidden; } .rm-header-area{ padding:20px; } .rm-league{ font-size:13px; color:var(--rm-soft); margin-bottom:4px; } .rm-header h2{ margin:0; font-size:23px; font-weight:600; } .rm-header span{ font-size:13px; color:var(--rm-soft); } .rm-tabs{ display:flex; background:#1a1a1a; padding:4px; border-radius:999px; margin-top:10px; width:max-content; border:1px solid #222; } .rm-tab{ background:transparent; border:none; padding:7px 18px; border-radius:999px; cursor:pointer; font-size:14px; color:var(--rm-soft); } .rm-tab.active{ background:var(--rm-accent); color:white; font-weight:500; } .rm-content{ padding:20px; } .rm-panel{ display:none; } .rm-panel.active{ display:block; } /* Match Cards */ .rm-match{ background:var(--rm-card); border:1px solid var(--rm-border); border-radius:15px; padding:15px; margin-bottom:15px; } .rm-row{ display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center; } .rm-teams{ display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap:10px; } .rm-team{ display:flex; align-items:center; gap:8px; font-size:15px; } .rm-team img{ width:26px; height:26px; } .rm-divider{ width:1px; background:var(--rm-border); height:52px; margin:0 12px; } .rm-right{ text-align:right; color:var(--rm-soft); font-size:14px; } @media(max-width:600px){ .rm-row{ flex-direction:row; gap:5px; } } La Liga · Club Real Madrid CF 2nd in La Liga OverviewMatches Real Madrid currently sit 2nd in La Liga. Last match result: Real Madrid lost 0–2 to Celta Vigo. Real Madrid Man City Wed, Dec 10 11:00 PM Alavés Real Madrid Sun, Dec 14 11:00 PM Sevilla Real Madrid Sat, Dec 20 11:00 PM Real Madrid Real Betis Jan 4 6:15 PM Atlético Madrid Real Madrid Jan 8 TBD Levante Real Madrid Jan 18 TBD Monaco Real Madrid Jan 20 11:00 PM Villarreal Real Madrid Jan 25 TBD Benfica Real Madrid Jan 28 11:00 PM Rayo Vallecano Real Madrid Feb 1 TBD Valencia Real Madrid Feb 8 TBD Real Sociedad Real Madrid Feb 15 TBD Osasuna Real Madrid Feb 22 TBD Getafe Real Madrid Mar 1 TBD Celta Vigo Real Madrid Mar 8 TBD Elche Real Madrid Mar 15, 26 TBD Atlético Madrid Real Madrid Mar 22, 26 TBD Mallorca Real Madrid Apr 5, 26 TBD Girona Real Madrid Apr 12, 26 TBD Real Betis Real Madrid Apr 19, 26 TBD const tabs=document.querySelectorAll(".rm-tab"); const panels=document.querySelectorAll(".rm-panel"); tabs.forEach(btn=>{ btn.addEventListener("click",()=>{ tabs.forEach(x=>x.classList.remove("active")); btn.classList.add("active"); panels.forEach(p=>p.classList.remove("active")); document.getElementById(btn.dataset.tab).classList.add("active"); }); }); Real Madrid suffered a shock home defeat against Celta Vigo in La Liga as they finished the match with nine men at the Santiago Bernabeu. The loss has increased pressure on head coach Xabi Alonso just days before a key Champions League tie against Manchester City. Celta took full advantage of Real’s indiscipline and poor form to leave Madrid under heavy scrutiny. The result leaves Real still four points behind Barcelona in the league table after another frustrating night. Alonso’s side have now managed only one win in their last five La Liga games, a run that has raised serious questions over their title challenge, according to the sports desk at PakistaniBano News. Earlier in the week, Alonso held talks with club president Florentino Perez about this dip in form, and the tense mood around the Bernabeu was visible throughout the game. After a goalless first half, substitute Williot Swedberg broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second period. The Celta forward met a low cross and guided a clever flick into the bottom corner, marking his first league goal of the season and giving the visitors an unlikely lead. Deep in stoppage time, Swedberg struck again to seal the win as Real, already down to nine players, could not recover and the home support watched their side collapse late on. Real’s problems worsened in the 64th minute when full-back Fran Garcia received two yellow cards within moments of each other, leaving Madrid with 10 men. In added time, they were reduced to nine after Alvaro Carreras was also dismissed for dissent and abusive language towards the officials. Celta’s victory was historic, as it marked their first La Liga win over Real Madrid since May 2014, ending a run of 22 league games without beating the Spanish giants. Alonso himself was shown a yellow card as frustration boiled over on the touchline. Despite creating several good chances, Real could not find a way back. Arda Guler went close from short range, while Kylian Mbappe lifted a chipped effort just over the bar as the home side pushed for an equaliser. The night also highlighted Real’s fitness concerns, with Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out for two months with a thigh injury in his disrupted debut season and Éder Militao forced off in the 23rd minute after a hamstring problem, further weakening their defensive options. Speaking after the match, Alonso said the squad were angry and accepted that this was not the performance or result they wanted. He stressed that they now have to move on quickly, calling it “only three points” and urging his players to respond in Europe. Real’s focus now turns to their home Champions League meeting with Manchester City on Wednesday night, where they will look to lift the mood and steady their season.
The season ended with a historic moment as Lando Norris secured his maiden Formula 1 World Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The McLaren driver finished third at the Yas Marina Circuit, a result that was enough to beat Max Verstappen to the title by just two points and deliver McLaren’s first drivers’ crown since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. With this result, Norris became the fourth active driver on the grid to hold the status of World Champion, joining Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. His campaign included heavy pressure, on-track incidents and tight battles inside McLaren, as well as a strong late-season comeback from Verstappen. But consistent scoring and a controlled drive in Abu Dhabi completed a landmark year for the British driver and for McLaren. Among the first to react was childhood rival George Russell, who is still chasing his own title chance. He shared an image of the pair from their junior racing days and wrote that Norris fully deserved to become world champion. Russell added that they had raced together for many years and expressed hope that they could fight each other directly for the 2026 championship, underlining how far both drivers have come from their karting days. Russell’s Mercedes team mate Kimi Antonelli also praised the new champion. In his reaction, he congratulated Norris and said the Briton had earned the title, while also highlighting the seasons of Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. Antonelli described the year-long battle among the leading trio as a strong contest that kept the championship alive deep into the campaign. Former McLaren team mate Carlos Sainz chose social media to share his own message. He posted a compilation of moments from their time together on the grid and congratulated Norris on his first drivers’ title, calling him an outstanding driver who had reached his goals while staying true to his personality. Sainz’s caption stressed that Norris had proved major success is possible without changing who you are, and signed off with a playful note that reflected their long-standing friendship. Speaking later to a television broadcaster, Sainz expanded on his view of Norris’s development. He said that from their McLaren days he had always seen a driver with the raw speed to win multiple championships if results were based purely on pace. According to Sainz, Norris has added racecraft and mental strength over the years, and now has the complete profile of a champion. He also underlined that Norris does not fit the usual stereotype of a title winner, describing him as honest and open about his own struggles, and as proof that a driver can succeed at the highest level without acting ruthless or harsh. There was also a notable moment in the pit lane as fireworks lit up the Yas Marina sky. Hamilton walked into Norris’s post-race interview, smiling as he reminded the new champion that he had predicted this outcome. The brief exchange between the two McLaren title winners was seen as a symbolic link between the team’s past and present success. From the other side of the title fight, Verstappen also sent his congratulations. The four-time world champion said that winning a first title is something all drivers dream about from childhood and work towards through every step of their careers. He noted that the moment is highly emotional, especially with family present at the track, and urged Norris and McLaren to enjoy the celebrations fully after what he described as an impressive season. Verstappen also pointed to McLaren’s wider story, saying the team’s journey showed how difficult seasons can be turned around with hard work and the right people. In his view, the Abu Dhabi result underlined that persistence and steady improvement can restore a team to the very top of the sport after lean years, and that Norris’s title was the reward for that combined effort. Norris’s team mate and title rival Oscar Piastri offered his own assessment of the season. The Australian, who led the championship at various stages, said Norris was a very deserving winner. He explained that sharing a garage with Norris over the past three years had pushed both drivers, and that this season the internal fight had been tighter than ever. Piastri noted that while both of them experienced ups and downs, the balance of results left his team mate as a justified champion. As the paddock packed up in Abu Dhabi, tributes from across the grid underlined how widely respected Norris has become. From childhood rivals and former team mates to direct title opponents, the consensus was that his first crown capped a hard-fought season and signalled a new chapter in the Formula 1 title battle.
Laughter Chefs Season 3 has once again turned weekend television into a lively mix of comedy and chaos. The show’s unique blend of cooking challenges and unpredictable celebrity humour has created a strong fan wave, and interest in the upcoming Episode 4 is growing quickly. Viewers are eager to know when and where they can watch the new episode as the series continues to pull attention with its lighthearted kitchen battles. The show arrived this season with high expectations. Fans were curious about what the makers would bring after the success of the previous instalment. The early response confirmed the buzz, as social media filled with clips, reactions, and memes from the first few episodes. The mix of burnt dishes, loud laughter, and surprising kitchen mistakes set the tone for another entertaining run. Episode 4 is now the main focus for viewers. The weekend format has built a steady routine, and many are waiting to see what new challenges and unexpected moments will unfold. The early hype suggests more fast-paced comedy and cooking disasters that have become a trademark of the show. Laughter Chefs Season 3 features a star-studded lineup this time. Tejasswi Prakash, Vivian Dsena, Eisha Singh, and Isha Malviya have entered the kitchen, ready to try a completely different side of performance. Real-life couple Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee have also joined, bringing strong chemistry and fun energy to the show. Fan favourites from previous seasons have returned as well. Aly Goni, Karan Kundrra, Krushna Abhishek with Kashmira Shah, Elvish Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, Samarth Jural, and Jannat Zubair are all back to recreate their earlier charm and compete in the new season’s unpredictable kitchen challenges. Keeping the show’s spirit alive are host Bharti Singh and Chef Harpal Singh. Their humour, guidance, and reactions hold the format together, balancing the fun with expert judgment. Their presence remains one of the strongest elements that keep the audience hooked. The next episode is set to air tonight, November 30. The third episode will be broadcast on television, continuing the Saturday and Sunday release pattern that has worked well for fans who look for weekend entertainment. The makers have kept the rhythm steady, ensuring regular episodes for viewers who follow the show closely. For those who prefer streaming platforms, each episode of Laughter Chefs Season 3 is available on JioHotstar. Viewers can enjoy the show anytime and even rewatch earlier episodes to keep up with the ongoing kitchen madness. The platform makes it easy for users to stay updated even if they miss the television broadcast. Watching Episode 4 online is simple. First, download the JioHotstar app from the Play Store or App Store. Those who do not want to install the app can open the official website instead. After launching the platform, type the show’s name into the search bar to access the episode list. Some episodes may require a subscription. If the episode is locked behind a premium plan, users can select a package that suits their budget. Once logged in with a registered mobile number or email, viewers will get full access to the show’s library. Choosing Episode 4 will start the stream instantly, giving fans a fresh dose of jokes, confusion, and culinary surprises. The show continues to deliver a break from routine, offering a light and entertaining viewing option for the weekend. The excitement around Laughter Chefs Season 3 shows how the mix of celebrity presence, kitchen challenges, and spontaneous comedy keeps audiences engaged. With every new episode, the show manages to bring unexpected moments that viewers enjoy sharing online. The anticipation around the next set of challenges and funny mistakes remains strong, as fans look forward to another weekend filled with chaotic fun and memorable scenes from the kitchen studio.
The Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad is gradually taking shape as the mega event draws closer. Over the last two years, Pakistan’s T20I performance has slipped in key areas such as powerplay control, strike-rate and death-overs impact, and the numbers reflect that decline. According to the latest figures, Pakistan currently sit in 7th position on the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings with a rating of 235. Since the last T20 World Cup, they have played 34 T20 Internationals, winning 21 matches. With the next tournament just months away, attention has turned firmly towards the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad and how it will line up on the opening day. Pakistan are scheduled to start their campaign on 7 February, when they face the Netherlands. Team management will be keen to begin the World Cup on a strong note and reverse recent trends with a more settled and confident unit. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Takes Shape Under Salman Ali Agha Against this background, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has indicated that the core of the side for the World Cup is already clear. He has conveyed to officials that no major changes are expected and that the current balance of the team is likely to be carried into the tournament, providing continuity and stability. This approach means the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad is expected to feature a settled top order, a middle phase strengthened by all-round options, and a bowling unit built around high-quality spin and established pace. According to the present thinking inside the camp, the combination looks structured and aligned with the captain’s longer-term vision for the format. Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad 2026 (Probable) Player Name Primary Role Abdul Samad Top-order batter Babar Azam Batter Hasan Nawaz Top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan Middle-order batter Saim Ayub Top-order batter Usman Khan (†) Wicketkeeper-batter Salman Ali Agha (c) All-rounder (off-spinner) Faheem Ashraf Bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz All-rounder (left-arm orthodox spinner) Abrar Ahmed Leg-spinner / mystery spinner Mohammad Wasim Jnr Fast-medium bowler Naseem Shah Fast bowler Salman Mirza Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi Left-arm fast bowler Usman Tariq Off-spin bowler The probable Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad appears balanced across departments. At the top, names such as Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz offer a mix of stability and stroke-play for the powerplay overs. The middle overs are expected to be controlled by captain Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Nawaz, with Faheem Ashraf adding further depth as a bowling all-rounder. The bowling group stands out as one of Pakistan’s major strengths, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr leading the pace attack alongside left-arm quick Salman Mirza. In spin, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq provide variety and control in the middle overs. Taken together, the structure suggests a clear, strategy-driven approach as Pakistan prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, a topic closely followed by readers of Pakistani Bano and regular visitors of PakistaniBano News.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the full schedule for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, confirming that the much-anticipated match between Pakistan and India will be played on 15 February in Colombo. This will be one of the most watched fixtures of the tournament. The event will begin on 7 February and will end on 8 March, with matches taking place across India and Sri Lanka. According to the ICC, the tournament’s opening day will feature Pakistan vs Netherlands, West Indies vs Bangladesh, and India vs USA at different venues. Pakistan’s group matches will be held entirely in Colombo. The ICC stated that this decision was taken due to security concerns linked to tensions between the two countries. Pakistan have been placed with India, Netherlands, Namibia and USA in the opening stage. Pakistan’s second match will be against the USA on 10 February, also in Colombo. The team will then face India on 15 February in a headline clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Their final group match is scheduled for 18 February, when they will take on Namibia at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. The tournament will continue with daily matches, with fixtures set across Colombo, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Kandy. The schedule also confirms games such as New Zealand vs Afghanistan (8 February in Chennai), England vs West Indies (11 February in Mumbai), and Australia vs Sri Lanka (16 February in Kandy), along with several other league-stage fixtures. The Super Eight round will begin on 21 February, followed by the semi-finals on 4 March in Kolkata and Colombo, and 5 March in Mumbai. The final of the tournament will be held on 8 March, with the venue depending on qualification — either Ahmedabad or Colombo. The ICC said the schedule marks another major global event returning to South Asia and expressed confidence that cricket fans would witness a competitive and high-energy tournament across both host nations. Full T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule (Date-Wise, One Line Per Match) 07 February 2026 – Pakistan vs Netherlands, SSC Colombo 07 February 2026 – West Indies vs Bangladesh, Kolkata 07 February 2026 – India vs USA, Mumbai 08 February 2026 – New Zealand vs Afghanistan, Chennai 08 February 2026 – England vs Nepal, Mumbai 08 February 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Ireland, R. Premadasa Colombo 09 February 2026 – Bangladesh vs Italy, Kolkata 09 February 2026 – Zimbabwe vs Oman, SSC Colombo 09 February 2026 – South Africa vs Canada, Ahmedabad 10 February 2026 – Netherlands vs Namibia, Delhi 10 February 2026 – New Zealand vs UAE, Chennai 10 February 2026 – Pakistan vs USA, SSC Colombo 11 February 2026 – South Africa vs Afghanistan, Ahmedabad 11 February 2026 – Australia vs Ireland, R. Premadasa Colombo 11 February 2026 – England vs West Indies, Mumbai 12 February 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Oman, Kandy 12 February 2026 – Nepal vs Italy, Mumbai 12 February 2026 – India vs Namibia, Delhi 13 February 2026 – Australia vs Zimbabwe, R. Premadasa Colombo 13 February 2026 – Canada vs UAE, Delhi 13 February 2026 – USA vs Netherlands, Chennai 14 February 2026 – Ireland vs Oman, SSC Colombo 14 February 2026 – England vs Bangladesh, Kolkata 14 February 2026 – New Zealand vs South Africa, Ahmedabad 15 February 2026 – West Indies vs Nepal, Mumbai 15 February 2026 – USA vs Namibia, Chennai 15 February 2026 – India vs Pakistan, R. Premadasa Colombo 16 February 2026 – Afghanistan vs UAE, Delhi 16 February 2026 – England vs Italy, Kolkata 16 February 2026 – Australia vs Sri Lanka, Kandy 17 February 2026 – New Zealand vs Canada, Chennai 17 February 2026 – Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Kandy 17 February 2026 – Bangladesh vs Nepal, Mumbai 18 February 2026 – South Africa vs UAE, Delhi 18 February 2026 – Pakistan vs Namibia, SSC Colombo 18 February 2026 – India vs Netherlands, Ahmedabad 19 February 2026 – West Indies vs Italy, Kolkata 19 February 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, R. Premadasa Colombo 19 February 2026 – Afghanistan vs Canada, Chennai 20 February 2026 – Australia vs Oman, Kandy 21 February 2026 – Super Eight Match (Y2 vs Y3), R. Premadasa Colombo 22 February 2026 – Y1 vs Y4, Kandy 22 February 2026 – X1 vs X4, Ahmedabad 23 February 2026 – X2 vs X3, Mumbai 24 February 2026 – Y1 vs Y3, Kandy 25 February 2026 – Y2 vs Y4, R. Premadasa Colombo 26 February 2026 – X3 vs X4, Ahmedabad 26 February 2026 – X1 vs X2, Chennai 27 February 2026 – Y1 vs Y2, R. Premadasa Colombo 28 February 2026 – Y3 vs Y4, Kandy 01 March 2026 – X2 vs X4, Delhi 01 March 2026 – X1 vs X3, Kolkata 04 March 2026 – Semi-final 1, Kolkata 04 March 2026 – Semi-final 1, R. Premadasa Colombo 05 March 2026 – Semi-final 2, Mumbai 08 March 2026 – Final, R. Premadasa Colombo 08 March 2026 – Final, Ahmedabad
The Pakistan Super League has taken a major step toward expansion, announcing that the auction for two new PSL franchises will take place on 6 January 2026. The move follows the completion of market valuations for existing teams and commercial assets, allowing the league to proceed with its long-awaited growth plans. According to the PSL, only bidders who meet the technical requirements will be allowed to participate in the January auction. Officials say the aim is to ensure that only committed and financially capable groups enter the competition, keeping the league’s standards intact. The inclusion of two new teams is expected to reshape the tournament’s structure. It will expand PSL’s presence across Pakistan, create new rivalries, and open the door for more young cricketers to showcase their talent. This development comes at a time when the league is looking to strengthen its national footprint and improve commercial opportunities. As part of the pre-auction process, the PCB has shortlisted six cities from which bidders can select their franchise identity: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. Successful bidders will be free to choose any of these as their official team name once the auction is complete. PSL and PCB officials said they are excited to welcome new stakeholders into the league’s ecosystem, noting that the expansion reflects Pakistan cricket’s broader ambitions both on and off the field. With the auction date now confirmed, the arrival of two new teams is set to add depth, opportunities, and fresh energy to the country’s biggest cricket event.
The federal government has confirmed two public holidays across Pakistan in December 2025, giving citizens a welcome break before the new year. The holidays will be observed nationwide and apply to all public and private institutions. According to the official notification, December 25 will be a full public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The day also coincides with Christmas celebrations, allowing both events to be observed together throughout the country. In addition, December 26 has been declared a public holiday for the Christian community to continue their Christmas festivities. On this day, government offices, educational institutions, and most private organizations will remain closed, giving citizens an extended two-day weekend. The announcement has been widely welcomed by students, employees, and families who see it as a chance to relax and spend time with loved ones. Many citizens also view it as an opportunity to participate in community events and year-end gatherings before the start of 2026. Officials confirmed that both holidays are part of the national holiday calendar for 2025, ensuring that citizens across all provinces will enjoy the same observance days.
