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Gemini_Generated_Image_hb9uszhb9uszhb9u Pakistan will boycott their February 15 match of the Twenty20 World Cup against arch-rivals India in Colombo, the Pakistan government said yesterday while approving the team’s participation in the global showpiece. “The government… grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the post on the government’s official X account said without elaborating on reasons behind the decision. Pakistan would forfeit two points if they boycotted the India match. There was no clarity on what would happen should the bitter neighbours meet in a knockout game. Pakistan are scheduled to play their Group A matches in Sri Lanka in keeping with their policy of not touring India due to geopolitical tensions. Bilateral cricket remains suspended between the nuclear-armed neighbours, who engaged in a military conflict that nearly snowballed into a fully-fledged war last year.Their fraught political relations prompted the governing International Cricket Council (ICC) to broker an arrangement allowing them to play at a neutral venue when their neighbour hosts a global tournament. The 2009 champions had earlier announced their squad for the 20-team tournament beginning on February 7, maintaining that their participation was subject to government approval. Their decision to boycott the India match is a serious blow to the tournament because an India-Pakistan clash remains cricket’s greatest blockbuster, which is why they are clubbed together in the same group in ICC events. This is not the first example of geopolitical tension affecting the tournament though.Bangladesh have been replaced by Scotland in the global showpiece following their refusal to travel to India over safety concerns. The latest setback is a continuation of the soured India-Pakistan relations which manifested in last year’s Asia Cup in Dubai.India beat Pakistan three times in the tournament, including in the September 28 final, but declined to shake hands with their opponents and refused to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi,who is also Pakistan’s interior minister. Namibia, United States and the Netherlands are also in Group A from which two sides will advance to the tournament’s Super Eight stage.“I extend my best wishes to the Pakistan team for the World Cup,” Naqvi, also the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, was quoted as saying by Geo TV. “I hope the team will return with the T20 World Cup trophy.” The PCB supported Bangladesh’s demands to shift their matches to Sri Lanka. The ICC ruled out any threat to Bangladesh players or fans in India and rejected their late demand for a schedule change. An ICC spokesperson did not immediately reply to a Reuters message seeking comments on the development. Source link
Book fair organised in collaboration with Ministry of Culture The Third Qatar University (QU) Book Fair 2026 was launched yesterday. It has been organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, with wide participation from local and international publishing houses and the attendance of university officials, academics, students, and the general public. The fair reflects QU’s continued commitment to supporting knowledge, promoting a culture of reading, and reinforcing scientific research as a cornerstone of its academic mission and community role, highlighting the university’s position as a leading national academic institution that actively contributes to enriching the country’s cultural and intellectual landscape. It serves as an integrated knowledge platform bringing together local, regional, and international publishers and stakeholders in the publishing industry, supporting intellectual and scientific production, opening avenues for collaboration in authorship, translation, and academic publishing, and enhancing academic content in Arabic and other languages. Director of QU Press, Sheikha Shaikha bint Ahmed al-Thani, stated that the press’s participation in the third edition reflects the university’s ongoing mission to support scientific research and strengthen the standing of rigorous academic knowledge, noting that this year’s focus is on peer-reviewed academic books, given their central role in serving the academic and research community. Sheikha Shaikha explained that academic books are not only scholarly references for students and faculty, but also a fundamental pillar in building critical thinking, advancing research, and enhancing the quality of knowledge production across disciplines. QU Press is committed to making these publications available through an open cultural platform for researchers and interested readers. She further noted that the fair provides an important opportunity to highlight the value of peer-reviewed publications, raise students’ awareness of the importance of relying on credible academic sources, and foster a culture of scientific research while emphasising the role of university publishing in knowledge dissemination and development. Sheikha Shaikha confirmed that QU Press continuously works to advance its academic publications in line with the evolving needs of teaching and research, serving the scientific community locally and regionally. Regular participation in the fair reflects the press’s commitment to supporting cultural and scientific activity and contributing to building a generation aware of the value of academic books in comprehensive knowledge-based development. The fair further featured 35 Qatari publishing houses out of 45 participating publishers, reflecting the strong local presence of the cultural sector. Participation expanded compared to the previous edition with the inclusion of several international publishing houses, enabling the exchange of expertise and perspectives on publishing and the importance of peer-reviewed academic works. The fair is accompanied by a cultural and knowledge-based programme, including panel discussions and specialised activities, reflecting the University’s mission to support science and knowledge, reinforce its role as a scientific and intellectual institution locally and internationally, and strengthen its engagement with the community. Source link
Mohammed Abdulhadi al-Hajri-owned Maysara returned to winning ways as she clinched the Marmi Cup at the Al Uqda Racecourse Saturday.Settled at the rear for much of the contest, the six-year-old chestnut mare produced an electrifying turn of foot in the home straight to sweep past the leaders and score impressively by two lengths, providing trainer Hamad al-Jehani with a double on the card, with Pierre Charles Boudot in the saddle. The mare’s victory in the Local Thoroughbred Open Race for four-year-old and up over 1200m (Class 2), contested by six runners, came after consecutive runner-up finishes to register her third success from five starts this season.Al Nasr Al Washeek pressed forward to set the pace in the early stages, tracked closely by Mutamarrid, with Maysara racing just behind them. As the race developed, Maysara was eased back toward the rear while Barq Al Atam moved up into third, allowing the leader to establish a modest advantage through the middle stages.Approaching the home turn, the tempo began to lift and Maysara was brought back into contention, improving smoothly to enter the straight in third. Once asked to quicken, she produced a decisive and electrifying turn of foot. Inside the final 300m, she swept past the leaders with ease, opening up rapidly and putting the outcome beyond doubt. Al Nasr Al Washeek, representing Injaaz Stud and trained by Jihad El Ahmad, stayed on under Ivan Rossi to take second, holding off his stablemate Mutamarrid, who carried the same colours, ridden by Lukas Delozier, by just a neck. Mutamarrid completed the frame in third, as Maysara’s powerful late burst proved the defining moment of the feature contest.Traine al-Jehani was in the winners enclouser earlier in the day when Washington Street continued his upward trajectory with a convincing victory in the sixth race, a Thoroughbred Handicap (70–90) for four-year-olds and up over 1200m (Class 3). The four-year-old chestnut gelding, owned by Al Ghaf Stud added a second win to a season that has already produced two placed efforts from four starts, drawing clear by 2½ lengths with Pierre Charles Boudot in the saddle.Neebrook, Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki and partnered by Tomas Lukasek, opened the card with a polished success in the first race, a Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for three-year-olds over 1400m (Class 6) contested by nine lightly raced runners. The chestnut gelding, having just his second career start and his first appearance in Qatar, built on a debut fifth at Navan, Ireland, to get off the mark by a length for owner Abdulrahman Mohammed al-Attiyah.RESULTS44th Al Uqda Race Meeting – Marmi CupWINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey)1 – Marmi Cup, Local Thoroughbred Open RaceMaysara, Hamad al-Jehani, Pierre Charles Boudot2 – Thoroughbred Maiden PlateNeebrook, Ibrahim Saeed al Malki, Tomas Lukasek3 – Local Purebred Arabian Maiden PlateAnika, Alban de Mieulle, Megane Peslier4 – Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-45)Mabsam, Jihad El Ahmad, Salman Fahad al-Hajri5 – Purebred Arabian Novice PlateWaseelh, Julian Smart, Marco Casamento6 – Thoroughbred Handicap (65-85)Loaded Gun, Jassim al-Ghazali, Marco Casamento7 – Thoroughbred Handicap (70-90)Washington Street, Hamad al-Jehani, Pierre Charles Boudot8 – Purebred Arabian Handicap (80-100)Samsa Al Shahania, Rudy Nerbonne, Lukas Delozier Related Story Source link
Dortmund’s Guinean forward #09 Serhou Guirassy reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and Heidenheim in Dortmund, western Germany, on February…
Tottenham Hotspur’s Dominic Solanke celebrates scoring their second goal with Xavi Simons against Manchester City in London Sunday. (Reuters) Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge hit a fresh stumbling block as Dominic Solanke’s acrobatic strike salvaged a 2-2 draw for struggling Tottenham Sunday, while Benjamin Sesko secured another thrilling 3-2 win for Manchester United over Fulham.City were cruising towards what would have been another damaging defeat for Spurs boss Thomas Frank as they led 2-0 at half-time.But Solanke scored twice in the second half to leave Pep Guardiola’s men six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.City have won just one of their six league games in 2026 to allow the Gunners to move closer to a first title in 22 years.Rayan Cherki fired the visitors into an early lead and was only denied a spectacular second by a brilliant Guglielmo Vicario save.Antoine Semenyo did double City’s advantage before the break to spark uproar from the furious Spurs support at half-time.However, Tottenham flipped the script in the second period to give Frank some breathing space.Solanke’s absence for most of the season due to injury has played a major part in Spurs’ struggles.The England international’s finish from close range halved the deficit before he produced a stunning moment of athleticism to hook the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma with a scorpion kick.Sesko rides to Man Utd rescueA third consecutive win since Michael Carrick took the reins at Old Trafford propelled United back into the top four at the expense of Chelsea and Liverpool.A week on from a 3-2 win at Arsenal, it was another throwback to United’s glory days during Carrick’s playing career as they snatched victory in dramatic fashion after a Fulham fightback.Goals from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha either side of half-time put United in command.Just a second defeat in nine league games dealt a blow to Fulham’s own hopes of European football next season.The visitors showed plenty of fight as Raul Jimenez’s penalty five minutes from time began a frantic finale before Kevin’s spectacular strike looked to have salvaged a point.But United went straight down the other end and Sesko spun onto Bruno Fernandes’ pass before blasting into the top corner.”It’s the best feeling I have to say,” Carrick said.”Some of the best moments I’ve been part of here, you can dissect performances and there are plusses and not, and then you get a moment of elation and excitement like that.”Villa’s title dreams fadeTo cap a fine day for Arsenal, third-placed Aston Villa were beaten 1-0 at home by 10-man Brentford to remain seven points off the top.Kevin Schade was sent off for kicking out at Matty Cash on 42 minutes.But in first-half stoppage time, the Bees took the lead when Dango Ouattara blasted in from a narrow angle.Villa laid seige to the Brentford goal after the break but lacked the invention to break the visitors down.Tammy Abraham did have the ball in the net but was denied a debut goal on his return to Villa after a VAR review found the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.Crystal Palace also failed to make the most of a man advantage in a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.Morgan Gibbs-White’s early strike put Forest in front, but Neco Williams’ decision to punch the ball clear off his own goal-line just before half-time was the break the visitors needed.Ismaila Sarr netted from the penalty spot after Williams was shown a red card.However, Palace failed to end their 12-game wait for a win and remain just three points above Forest and nine clear of the bottom three. Related Story Source link
The organising committee for the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026, scheduled to take place from 11 to 22 May with the participation of athletes from all six GCC countries, Sunday held its Chef de Mission Meeting.The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid al-Thani, Director General of the Organizing Committee, Mohammed al-Subaie, Director of the Sports Department at the GCC General Secretariat, and several heads of key organizing committees.Discussions focused on the latest updates regarding organizational and technical preparations, including the operational plans of relevant committees, readiness of sports venues, competition schedules, and athlete/official accreditation processes.The meeting also reviewed registration procedures, venue allocations, and contingency measures aimed at delivering a seamless experience for all participants. It provided a platform for open dialogue to address any anticipated challenges and strengthen coordination among all stakeholders.On Monday, the participating Chefs de Mission will tour key competition venues to assess their readiness and familiarize themselves with the facilities that will host athletes and delegations during the Games.More than 2,000 athletes will compete across 20 sports: handball, athletics, table tennis, squash, padel, fencing, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, karate, swimming, billiards & snooker, basketball (5×5 and 3×3), shooting, archery, volleyball, equestrian, and bowling.The competitions will be held at 10 venues across Doha, including Aspire Dome, Qatar Sports Club, Women’s Sports Hall, Lusail Shooting Range, Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex, Qatar Billiards & Snooker Hall, Al Gharafa SC, Qatar Bowling Federation Hall, Al Arabi SC, and Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club.On the occasion, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director General of the Organizing Committee, said: “Today’s meeting marks an important milestone in our journey of preparing for this edition of the GCC Games. We take pride in hosting this platform that brings together the people of the GCC in a spirit of unity, brotherhood, and fair competition.”He added: “The Organizing Committee reaffirms its full commitment to delivering the highest technical and organizational standards, in close coordination with all participating delegations. We are keen to listen to your feedback and suggestions, as we firmly believe that the success of these Games depends on our shared collaboration and collective commitment.“We highly value the tremendous efforts you are all making in preparation for this event, and we hope this meeting contributes to addressing all operational aspects to ensure the successful delivery of the Games.”Mohammed Al Subaie, Director of the Sports Department at the GCC General Secretariat, said: “This meeting is a key step in the preparatory process and an important opportunity to exchange ideas and coordinate efforts to ensure the best possible conditions for a successful edition of the Games.”He added: “The GCC Games represent a cornerstone in promoting regional sports cooperation, strengthening the values of brotherhood and fair play, and empowering Gulf youth – aligned with the aspirations of our wise leadership. I wish this meeting every success and look forward to a distinguished and successful edition that reflects the ambitions and capabilities of our nations.” Related Story Source link
West Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer (right) looks on as South Africa’s wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock makes an appeal during the third Twenty20 international in Johannesburg. (AFP) Shimron Hetmyer smashed an unbeaten 48 in 22 balls to help West Indies to a six-run victory over hosts South Africa in a Twenty20 International reduced to 10 overs per side at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on Saturday. South Africa had already wrapped up the three-match series going into the final fixture on Saturday, when the threat of lightning on the Highveld shortened the contest.South Africa won the toss and sent the tourists into bat for the third time in the series, with Hetmyer and opener Shai Hope (48 from 25 balls) helping the West Indies to 114 for three in their 10 overs. The target for the home side was adjusted to 125 via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, but the West Indies applied early pressure through their spinners. Akeal Hosein (1-25) and Gudakesh Motie (3-17) put the home side on the back foot and as the rate grew, they lost wickets at regular intervals. South Africa needed 16 runs off the last over from Shamar Joseph, who bowled a succession of yorkers to close out the game for the visitors. Both countries now head to the T20 World Cup where the West Indies start against Scotland on February 7, while South Africa’s first match is against Canada on February 9. BRIEF SCORESWest Indies 114 for 3 (Hetmyer 48, Hope 48) beat South Africa 118 for 6 (de Kock 28, Motie 3-17) by 6 runs – DLS …
England’s Tom Banton in action during the second Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka Sunday. (Reuters) England completed a convincing six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second T20 international to wrap up the three-match series with a game to spare at Pallekele Sunday. The series, a warm-up for the upcoming T20 World Cup to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, underlined why England remain among the contenders for the title. Having edged the opener by 11 runs, the tourists produced another clinical display to take an unassailable 2-0 lead. “It was an outstanding performance. We are gearing up well for the World Cup and couldn’t have asked anything better from the lads,” said England captain Harry Brook. “Our batting looks good and so is our bowling, especially the spin department as we know spin will be a key factor playing in this part of the world.” A rain interruption with England on 57 for two in 7.2 overs saw an original target of 190 revised to 168 in 17 overs under the DLS method. At that stage, the hosts sensed an opening as their spinners tightened the screws and dragged England behind the required rate. However Brook changed the complexion of the chase in the blink of an eye. Brook launched a brutal counter-attack, smashing 36 off just 12 deliveries, peppering the stands with two fours and four towering sixes to swing the momentum firmly England’s way. Brook’s assault reduced the equation to a manageable 39 off 27 balls and from there it was a matter of milking the bowling and punishing anything loose. Tom Banton played the finisher’s role to perfection, anchoring the chase with a fluent 54 off 33 balls as England crossed the line with two balls to spare. Sri Lanka had done well earlier to post 189 for five after being sent in, but against a versatile and deep England batting line-up it was always a total that needed something extra. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara provided a rollicking start, adding 56 off 33 balls while Pavan Rathnayake impressed with 40 off 22 balls. BRIEF SCORESEngland 173 for 4 (Banton 54*, Buttler 39, Brook 36) beat Sri Lanka 189 for 5 (Rathnayake 40, Mishara 36, Nissanka 34, Mendis 32, Archer 2-42) by 6 wickets (DLS method) Related Story Source link
Saim Ayub and Babar Azam hit half-centuries and Mohammad Nawaz took five wickets as Pakistan thrashed Australia by 111 runs to sweep the T20 series 3-0 Sunday.Ayub hit 56 off 37 balls at the top of the order and Azam added an unbeaten 50 as Pakistan posted 207-6 before spinner Nawaz’s career-best 5-18 helped skittle Australia for 96 in Lahore. The series gives Pakistan another T20 whitewash of Australia, following a 2-0 victory in 2010 and a 3-0 sweep in 2018, providing a timely boost ahead of next week’s T20 World Cup. The tournament, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7. Australia, who lost the first match by 22 runs and the second by 90, were jolted early when skipper Mitchell Marsh was bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi for one. Nawaz removed the other opener Matthew Short cheaply and also accounted for Cameron Green (22) and Marcus Stoinis (23). Shaheen, who took 2-16, bowled Matt Renshaw as Australia slumped to 63-5. Nawaz then dismissed Josh Philippe for 14 and Cooper Connolly without scoring to improve on his previous best T20I figures of 5-19 against Afghanistan in Sharjah last year.Skipper Salman Agha praised his team’s performance in the series. “We have been excellent in all departments; I can’t find any mistakes,” said Agha. “We dominated them. I am in a great frame of mind right now. “I know how to handle the captaincy when I go out to bat and I really want to do that in the World Cup as well.” Marsh admitted his team had not been good enough. “Pakistan certainly outplayed us throughout the whole series. “As I said yesterday, there are learnings for us in this series,” said Marsh. Pakistan, who won the toss and batted for the third time in a row, were led by Ayub and Azam. Once opener Fakhar Zaman went for 10 and Agha for five, Ayub and Azam steadied the innings during their third-wicket stand of 69 off 45 balls. Ayub smashed two sixes and six fours in his sixth T20I fifty while Azam’s knock included a six and three fours. Shadab Khan ignited the innings with a blistering 46 off just 19 balls, hammering five sixes and two fours as he added 57 from 28 deliveries with Azam. Pakistan piled on 70 runs in the final five overs to surge to a commanding total. BRIEF SCORESPakistan 207 for 6 (Ayub 56, Babar 50*, Shadab 46, Dwarshuis 2-39) beat Australia 96 (Stoinis 23, Green 22, Nawaz 5-18, Shaheen 2-16) by 111 runs Related Story Source link
Amid an incredible attendance of spectators marked by epic success, the curtain fell on the 8th Katara Boxing Championship in Doha on Saturday. The three-day competition, organized by the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation (QBWF), was held in both the amateur and professional categories. The amateur bouts took place over the first two days, featuring around 65 boxers across the three age groups (open, youth, and juniors), representing 15 clubs from Qatar and a team from Lebanon, competing across 10 weight divisions. As for the professional category bouts, which took place in the evening on the final day of the championship, they showcased six intense matches on both the technical and tactical levels, with world champions competing for 5 Asian and World titles under the WBC, as well as the Diamond Belt. In the first match, Russian Kerim Khan Kerimkhanov claimed victory on points over Lebanese Abdulwahab Mashareqi after a balanced contest between the two sides. In the second match, another Russian, Ruslan Satiev, secured a quick win by defeating his Azerbaijani opponent, Bairam Shammadov, in the second round by knockout. The third bout, featuring Philippine boxer Jadalie Carolina Medeiros and her Iranian opponent, Shirin Shabani, was fierce and lasted eight rounds, before Medeiros claimed victory on points. In the fourth match, Algerian Idriss Labidi won decisively over his Indonesian opponent, Rivo Rengkung, finishing the bout in the second round by knockout. In the fifth bout, Iranian Sajad Sattari defeated his Thai opponent, Kaonar, in the second round by knockout. Finally, in the sixth and concluding bout, Russian Ali Aliev triumphed on points over American Chip Moraza-Pollard after a strong contest from both fighters. Speaking to Qatar News Agency, HE President of QBWF Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid Al-Thani said that throughout the three-day saga, the event featured participation from all age categories -Prep, Junior, Youth, and Elite/Professional -with the first and second days dedicated to amateur competitions in the men’s, youth, and junior divisions, featuring 15 clubs from Qatar and a team from Lebanon, competing across 10 weight divisions for 26 gold medals. The final day was reserved for professional bouts in various combat sports, featuring world-ranked fighters competing for 4 Asian and World WBC titles, as well as the Diamond Belt, Sheikh Fahad highlighted. He added that the event is one of the key tournaments in QBWF’s calendar, affirming that the federation is committed to holding it annually to discover new boxing talent for the different age-group national teams, while also giving clubs and centers across the nation the opportunity to participate, gain experience, and develop their competitive level. This was a record-breaking participation and stronger than previous editions, with the number of participants increasing to encompass multiple clubs and academies in the nation, as well as Lebanon’s team, Sheikh Fahad noted. Sheikh Fahad emphasized that QBWF’s plan is based on organizing a substantial number of events to promote the level of boxers and their talent. He stressed that QBWF’s strategy underpins the development of all elements -boxers, trainers, clubs, academies, and special centers -with the objective of enlarging the base and attracting younger people and emerging talent to represent Qatar on all stages. Source link