Sports

PARIS: Ukrainian fencers, gathered in Paris for a training camp, say they are outraged that Russians and Belarusians have been readmitted to international competition and will not compete against them. “It was a really shocking decision for all fencing family because nothing changed since the war started,” Svitlana Sopit told AFP. “People in my country die every day,” she said. “Militaries …

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has offered 25 acres to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the construction of a cricket stadium in Islamabad. Recently, the CDA approached the PCB with the offer of 25 acres near D-12. “I have spoken to PCB high-ups a few days ago and informed them that CDA has earmarked 25 acres for the project. …

CHATTOGRAM: Pakistan U-19 pacers Amir Hassan and Mohammad Ismail shared seven wickets between them to restrict Bangladesh U-19 to 149 in their one-off four-day match at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Sunday. After being put into bat by Pakistan captain Saad Baig, Bangladesh were undone by the pace and swing by the visiting bowlers, who made the most of …

The prospect of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises becoming primary employers of foreign cricketers over their national boards is moving closer with multi-tournament contracts already being offered to some players. Eight of the IPL’s 10 franchises own at least one team in another league abroad and the owners of Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals have both acquired teams in new …

DOHA: Months after hundreds of thousands of football fans packed into its hotels and stadiums, Qatar is seeking to remedy a bout of the post-World Cup blues by hosting more international events. Along with the departed football crowds, thousands of foreign workers left the Gulf state after Lionel Messi lifted the coveted trophy on Dec 18. Many of those who stayed …

BOCHUM: Borussia Dortm­und handed the advantage in the Bundesliga title race back to Bayern Munich on Friday after they stumbled to a 1-1 draw at struggling VfL Bochum in the mini Ruhr derby. Bochum, who sit one spot and just two points above the relegation zone, scored after just five minutes, Anthony Losilla unleashing a screamer from outside the box. …

ISLAMABAD: Hard-hitting T20 batter Iftikhar Ahmed will replace Haris Sohail in the Pakistan squad for the last three matches of the ongoing ODI home series against New Zealand in Karachi, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Saturday . Right-handed Iftikhar will join the national ODI side in Karachi, the PCB said in a statement. The replacement comes in the wake …

MADRID: Defending champion Car­los Alcaraz survived a major scare before beating Emil Ruusuvuori in three sets to reach the Madrid Open third round on Friday but admitted he “didn’t know what to do” at key parts of the match. World number two and US Open champion Alcaraz fought back to see off the 41st-ranked Finn, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. “It was …

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal in four games on Friday to help Al-Nassr to a 4-0 win over Al-Raed, keeping alive the team’s slim Saudi Pro League title hopes. With five matches remaining this season, Al-Nassr remain second in the league, three points behind leaders Al-Ittihad having played a game more than their rivals. Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr …

RAWALPINDI: Once again, Fakhar Zaman followed Daryl Mitchell in scoring a century. Once again, the result was the same; the Pakistan opener setting up victory for his side. This time though, Fakhar saw it till the end. For the second time in three days, Fakhar put the New Zealand batter’s exploits in the shade; the left-hander smashing a masterful 180 …