Pakistan sport witnessed contrasting fortunes in recent months. The Lahore Qalandars clinched their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title on 25 May, staging the highest-ever run chase in a T20 final—204/4 in 19.5 overs. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi became the first PSL skipper to lift the trophy three times. Standouts included Kusal Perera’s unbeaten 62 and Sikandar Raza’s stunning finish, arriving just 10 minutes before the toss and sealing the win with a four and six. Afridi also finished as the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 19 scalps, while Hasan Nawaz of Quetta scored 76 in the final and earned Player of the Series honors.
In global cricket news, England announced Pakistan’s return for a three-match Test series starting mid‑August 2026, marking their first full tour since 2016. This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle and reflects renewed confidence in bilateral cricket ties. Pakistan also gears up for the Asia Cup in UAE from 9 to 28 September 2025, with the marquee India‑Pakistan match scheduled for 14 September. Fans could witness as many as three clashes if both teams make the Super Four and final stages.
However, while cricket flourishes, Pakistan’s field hockey, once a global powerhouse, faces acute challenges. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) was invited to join the 2025–26 FIH Pro League after New Zealand withdrew—but is struggling to raise the required USD 2.5 million from the Pakistan Sports Board. With a deadline of 12 August to confirm participation amid funding constraints, Pakistan’s return to elite hockey competition remains uncertain.
On the political-sporting interface, debates surrounding the Asia Cup India‑Pakistan matches have ignited controversy. Former spinner Danish Kaneria questioned India’s consistency in participating in the Asia Cup while addressing broader political conflicts, drawing criticism and public debate in cricketing circles.
The soaring prominence of cricket contrasts sharply with concern over hockey’s future. Pakistan’s absence from the Pro League would mark a significant decline for the sport, highlighting systemic mismanagement and dwindling institutional support in what was once a national symbol.
Together, these developments illustrate Pakistan sporting at a crossroads: cricket is riding high, rebuilding reputational resilience and securing major international tours, while other disciplines struggle to compete—underlining an urgent need for strategic reform and funding equity in the national sports ecosystem.
