Stories by Mir Shabbar Ali

The fightback in Bandung and Pakistan football’s reality

The 2-2 draw against Philippines in the FIFA Asean Cup is worth celebrating for Pakistan, but a moment of reflection as well.

Updated 30 Sep, 2026 04:21pm

Aaqib dismisses resignation reports as ‘fake news’

KARACHI: National selector Aaqib Javed on Tuesday rejected reports of his impending resignation or removal from the...

Published 16 Sep, 2026 06:51am

PTV coach Wasim calls for Haris Rauf’s Test return

KARACHI: On a flat surface at Islamabad’s Diamond Cricket Ground, where Pakistan Television had earlier plundered...

Updated 16 Sep, 2026 09:23am

Aaqib Javed dismisses reports of resignation, removal as ‘fake news’

Aaqib, a member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning side, has been a central figure in PCB decision-making over the past two years.

Published 15 Sep, 2026 11:47pm

Babar set to return to domestic red-ball cricket after nearly six years

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam is set to return to the country’s domestic red-ball circuit for the first ...

Published 15 Sep, 2026 07:32am

Babar Azam set to return to domestic red-ball cricket after nearly seven years

Babar’s last domestic first-class appearance came when he led Central Punjab to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title in December 2019.

Updated 15 Sep, 2026 01:06am

Under-fire Imam, Rizwan barred from playing in President’s Trophy

KARACHI: Dropped Pakistan internationals Imam-ul-Haq and Moha­mmad Rizwan have been barred from playing in the...

Published 12 Sep, 2026 04:56am

Under fire Imam, Rizwan barred from playing in President's Trophy

Imam was named captain of OGDCL, while Rizwan was included as vice-captain of SNGPL for the departmental first-class tournament.

Published 11 Sep, 2026 11:56pm

Who is Razaullah, Pakistan's latest pace sensation?

The right-armer clocked 90mph consistently and dismissed England captain Joe Root and opener Emilio Gay.

Updated 10 Sep, 2026 08:41am

How Pakistan may line up at Edgbaston after chaotic shake-up

Pakistan will want to curate a playing XI that can salvage the last of an already lost series against England, with a squad markedly different than it was one Test match ago.

Published 07 Sep, 2026 02:48pm

Analysis: How PCB’s most powerful men contradicted themselves after triggering a mid-series crisis

The PCB's claims of sound initial selections do not make for a cohesive diagnosis when held up against the board's mid-series changes and decisions.

Published 04 Sep, 2026 06:04pm

Azhar says lack of vision, instability hurting Pakistan cricket

Former skipper believes hard decisions should not breed insecurity; PCB chief says criticism "personal" rather than driven by genuine concern.

Updated 03 Sep, 2026 08:49am

COMMENT: Trinidad revival gives Pakistan hope, but shadows linger as England loom

With a three-Test series against England beginning at Headingley on Aug 19, Pakistan will have little time to savour their Caribbean breakthrough.

Updated 10 Aug, 2026 09:06am

How Spain made Argentina look ordinary

Spain did not merely outplay the defending champions; they controlled the game so completely that Argentina were reduced to chasing shadows.

Published 20 Jul, 2026 04:02am

From Red Fury to a symphony in red: How Spain made themselves perennial World Cup favourites

The Spain of today is something more complete: technically immaculate, tactically sophisticated and capable of turning possession into sudden, devastating attacks.

Published 19 Jul, 2026 09:00pm

The heir from the bath: Messi, Yamal and the long shadow of La Masia

For one night, the past and the future of Barcelona’s footballing tradition will stand on the same pitch.

Updated 16 Jul, 2026 06:13pm

And then there were four: Football’s elite close in on World Cup glory

For the first time in World Cup history, the world’s top four-ranked teams have all reached the semi-finals.

Updated 13 Jul, 2026 08:26pm

Where do we go from here? FIFA’s showpiece loses its moral high ground

This World Cup has exposed uncomfortable questions about FIFA’s independence, credibility and commitment to its own principles of political neutrality.

Updated 09 Jul, 2026 04:23pm

How Brazil's FIFA World Cup campaign became a journey of healing

Whether Brazil eventually lift a sixth title or not, this tournament may ultimately be remembered for something more fundamental.

Published 06 Jul, 2026 12:17am

The king without a crown: Mohamed Salah's quest for global recognition

The man who conquered Anfield now attempts to add another defining chapter to a career that has already transformed Egyptian football.

Updated 03 Jul, 2026 04:43pm