FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver that there should be no ambiguity over Iran’s participation and match locations.

According to the schedule, Iran will open its campaign on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, face Belgium on June 21 at the same venue, and conclude the group stage against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

The decision comes amid strained US-Iran relations, with reports citing the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli operation earlier this year, which significantly escalated regional tensions.

FIFA has not commented on those reports.

Despite speculation that Iran’s matches could be relocated due to political concerns, the governing body has maintained the official schedule, stating that host nations are responsible for border and entry decisions.

However, uncertainty remains over Iran’s participation.

The head of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, said recent military tensions and visa-related issues have raised doubts about whether the team can travel to the United States.

Canada has also reportedly denied entry to some Iranian football officials, adding further complications ahead of the tournament.

Experts say Iran’s fixtures, particularly in Los Angeles with its large Iranian diaspora, are likely to draw significant attention and could become politically sensitive during the global tournament.

FIFA acknowledged the challenges but reiterated that logistical and political matters relating to entry remain under the jurisdiction of host countries.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the delegation members, including federation president Mehdi Taj, ‌secretary general Hedayat Mombeni and his deputy Hamed Momeni, turned back upon arrival despite holding valid visas, citing what was described as the “unacceptable behaviour of immigration officials.”

“While Mehdi Taj, president, Hedayat Mombeni, secretary general, and Hamed Momeni, deputy secretary general of the federation, had travelled to Toronto with official visas to attend ​the FIFA Congress, they returned to Turkey on the first available flight due to the unacceptable behaviour of immigration officials at the airport and the insult to one of the most honourable organs of the ​Iranian nation’s armed forces,” the Iran football federation said in a statement carried by Tasnim News Agency.

Taj is a former member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC).

“While we cannot ⁠comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” the Canadian government said in a statement.

“We have taken strong ​action to hold the IRGC to account and will continue to do so, while protecting the safety of Canadians and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.”

The incident that occurred on Tuesday underscores the practical and political obstacles surrounding ​Iran’s participation in the World Cup, the most politically sensitive item on FIFA’s agenda since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran in February.

Iran’s qualification has not removed hurdles tied to travel, visas and security in a tournament staged in three countries.

IRGC members not welcome: Canada

Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said he could not speak about specific cases due to privacy legislation but Revolutionary Guard members were not welcome in Canada.

In 2024, Canada listed the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

“The Canadian government had ​granted Taj special permission to enter Canada for a FIFA event. He would otherwise have been inadmissible due to his affiliation with the IRGC, which Canada formally recognised as a terrorist entity in June 2024,” the Raoul Wallenberg Centre ​for Human Rights said in a statement.

“This case should have been straightforward. The decision to grant him entry at all was profoundly troubling. It undermines Canada’s designation of the IRGC as a terrorist entity and contradicts our country’s commitment to combatting impunity ‌for serious ⁠human rights abuses in Iran.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week that Washington had no objections to Iranian players participating in the World Cup, but added that the players would not be allowed to bring with them people with ties to the IRGC.

While FIFA has insisted fixtures will proceed as scheduled, the delegation’s withdrawal deepens doubts over whether Iranian players, officials and supporters will be able to move freely across borders during the tournament.

FIFA has since contacted the Iranian delegation to express regret over the incident and indicated that President Gianni Infantino would arrange a meeting with them at the organisation’s headquarters, the Tasnim report added.

FIFA did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

A source at ​the FIFA Congress told Reuters that FIFA had sent a ​representative to mediate in Toronto, but their efforts were ⁠in vain.

Cup less than two months away

The FIFA Congress is usually a routine gathering but carries greater weight this year with the World Cup less than two months away and several questions, including cost and Iran’s participation, still hanging over the first 48-team edition of the tournament.

The Iranian officials were also unable to attend Tuesday’s Asian Football ​Confederation Congress, which was also held in Vancouver.

“If it’s like this in Canada, where it’s supposed to be easy, how is it going to be for the ​World Cup in the US?“ a ⁠delegate at the AFC Congress told Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub told Reuters in Vancouver that the issue of visas had clouded the FIFA Congress.

“No one knows whether they will issue visas for this or that,” he said.

“Building a wall between politics and this world (of sport) is a benefit for everybody, including the three countries who are hosting the World Cup. Let us at least present something united to the ⁠world.”

Concerns over security, ​travel restrictions and the broader geopolitical climate have prompted officials in Tehran to seek guarantees for the Iran team at the World Cup ​and, in some cases, explore the possibility of alternative venues for their matches in the United States.

FIFA has so far resisted any changes, reiterating that participating teams are expected to adhere to the established match schedule.

The Congress was expected to focus on operational and financial questions linked ​to the World Cup.

Hakimi went ​down clutching his right thigh during Tuesday’s 5-4 win in the first leg, ​during which he assisted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to ​score PSG’s fourth goal, and the Morocco international will be sidelined for the next few ​weeks, the club said in a ​statement.

The 27-year-old completed the game as PSG had ‌already ⁠made all their substitutions while holding on to secure a one-goal advantage in the tie ahead of next Wednesday’s ​return leg.

Goalkeeper ​Lucas Chevalier, ⁠who last appeared for PSG in January, has also ​suffered a thigh injury, during Wednesday ​morning’s ⁠training session and will miss the next few weeks, the European champions added.

Ligue ⁠1 ​leaders PSG will host ​Lorient on Saturday before flying to Munich.

Chasing a target of 160, Hyderabad Kingsmen completed the run chase in just 15.2 overs, losing only two wickets at Gaddafi Stadium.

The victory ended Multan Sultans’ campaign and kept Hyderabad’s title hopes alive.

Earlier, Multan Sultans managed 159 for 9 in their 20 overs after being put in to bat.

Captain Shan Masood anchored the innings with an unbeaten 69 off 46 balls, but received little support from the rest of the batting line-up.

Sahibzada Farhan scored 15, Mohammad Nawaz added 18, while Steve Smith contributed 13. The remaining batters failed to make an impact as Hyderabad bowlers kept the pressure on.

Aaqib Javed, Hunain Shah and Mohammad Ali picked up two wickets each, while Saim Ayub and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with one apiece.

In response, Hyderabad Kingsmen’s batters adopted an aggressive approach from the outset. Muaz Sadaqat and Usman Khan both struck 64 runs, putting on a match-winning partnership that effectively sealed the contest.

Captain Marnus Labuschagne scored 11, while Saim Ayub added an unbeaten 15 to finish the chase comfortably.

For Multan Sultans, Mohammad Ismail and Steve Smith claimed one wicket each.

With this win, Hyderabad Kingsmen move on to face Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 on Friday. The winner will meet Peshawar Zalmi in the HBL PSL 11 final on Sunday.

Peshawar Zalmi had earlier qualified for the final after defeating Islamabad United by 70 runs in the qualifier.

Chasing a daunting 222-run target, Islamabad United were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs despite a brisk start, handing Zalmi a one-sided win and a direct ticket to the final.

Earlier, Zalmi posted 221-7 in their 20 overs after being sent in to bat. Captain Babar Azam led from the front with a superb 103 off 59 balls, smashing 12 fours and four sixes. It marked his 13th T20 century and fourth in PSL history.

Support came from Kusal Mendis (41), Mohammad Haris (35) and Aamer Jamal (20), helping Zalmi set a formidable total. For United, Shadab Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 3-42, while Richard Gleeson claimed two wickets.

In reply, United got off to a strong start with a 58-run opening stand between Devon Conway (20) and Sameer Minhas (44). However, once the partnership was broken, the innings unraveled quickly.

Mohsin Riaz added 25, but no other batter could build momentum. Skipper Shadab managed just six, while Mark Chapman, Faheem Ashraf and others fell cheaply. A late 22 from Imad Wasim proved insufficient.

For Zalmi, Aamer Jamal starred with the ball as well, taking three wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Zeeshan grabbed two each.

The victory sends Zalmi into their fifth PSL final, making them the most frequent finalists in the league’s history.

Despite the loss, Islamabad United remain in contention and will get another chance to qualify for the final in Eliminator 2, where they will face the winner of Eliminator 1.

Member of ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees Sir Richard Richardson will lead the playing control team for the qualifier between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.

Earlier, he made his HBL PSL debut as the match official on April 15 and will bow out for this season, having officiated 10 games.

Christopher Gaffaney of New Zealand will be joined by Alexander Wharf of England as an on-field umpire for the qualifier. Both are part of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.

Faisal Khan Aafreedi, ICC International Panel Umpire, will serve as the third Umpire, while PCB’s National Elite Panel Umpire Zulfiqar Jan will be the fourth umpire for the all-important 41st HBL PSL 11 match.

Roshan Mahanama of Sri Lanka will lead the playing control team in both eliminators.

He has the honour of officiating in all 11 HBL PSL seasons, and his tally of games as match referee in the league currently stands at 127.

In the Hyderabad Kingsmen v Multan Sultans eliminator 1 in Lahore, ICC Elite Panel Umpire Shahid Saikat from Bangladesh will join ICC Emerging Panel Umpire Asif Yaqoob as on-field Umpire, while Rashid Riaz Waqar of ICC Emerging Panel of Umpires will be the third Umpire.

Nasir Hussain of ICC International Panel of Umpires will perform duties as the fourth Umpire.

The eliminator 2 on May 1 between the winner of eliminator 1 and the losing team of qualifier will be officiated on-field by ICC Elite Panel Umpires Ahsan Raza and Shahid Saikat, while Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz will carry out the duties of third and fourth Umpire, respectively.

The match officials for the highly anticipated May 3 final will be announced in due course.

The decision was approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after a meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday.

Announcing the development on social media, Naqvi said the premier had given the green light for fans to attend all playoff fixtures, calling it “good news” for cricket supporters across the country.

He added that the approval comes with an austerity condition, urging spectators to use public transport or minimise fuel consumption while travelling to stadiums.

During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, officials reviewed the overall security situation, including arrangements for the PSL final.

The premier also commended Naqvi for security management during the recent Islamabad Dialogue.

Authorities said enhanced security measures will remain in place to ensure the safety of players, officials and fans.

The decision follows sustained public demand on social media for allowing spectators at the remaining matches.

According to the PCB, the physical tickets will be available at 18 designated TCS Express Centres in Lahore from Tuesday at 10am.

Fans should aim to reach the stadium by 6.30pm to witness the curtain closing ceremony before the final match of the tournament, the PCB said in a statement.

Fans can buy VIP enclosures (Fazal Mahmood and Imran Khan) tickets for Rs6,000, while the premium enclosures (Rajas and Saeed Anwar) will be available for Rs4,000.

First-class enclosures, which comprise Abdul Hafeez Kardar, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad and Sarfaraz Nawaz, are priced at Rs2,000.

Seats in the Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Saeed Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq, which are categorised as General enclosures, will be available for a minimum of Rs1,500.

The thrilling action of the HBL PSL 11 final can also be enjoyed from the VVIP enclosure (Waqar Younis) at the Iqbal End, whose tickets can be bought for Rs8,000.

The tickets for the Zaheer Abbas enclosure at the Jinnah End will carry a price of Rs10,000, while the PCB Gallery tickets are priced at Rs12,000, the statement added.

According to the PCB, the Women’s National Selection Committee named the 15-member squad for the series scheduled to take place at National Bank Stadium in Karachi from May 4 to 9.

The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I series, and the squad for the T20I series will be announced in due course.

Fatima Sana will continue to lead the side in the three ODIs — part of ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29.

The ODIs will be played on May 4, 6 and 9, with the first ball of each ball set to be bowled at 3.30pm, the PCB said.

Pakistan are currently placed fifth in the ICC Women’s Championship with two points after featuring in an away ODI series against South Africa earlier this year.

Uncapped Momina Riasat has been included in the 15-member squad.

Zimbabwe women’s team will embark on their maiden tour of Pakistan for the series and will arrive in Karachi on April 29.

Both teams will train at the National Bank Stadium from April 30 to May 3.

The T20I series will follow at the same venue on May 12, 14 and 15, with matches set to begin at 7.30pm.

Pakistan women’s squad:

Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tasmia Rubab

Reserves: Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Saira Jabeen, Tuba Hassan and Ambar Kainat.

Series schedule (All matches at National Bank Stadium, Karachi):

May 4 – First ODI (3.30pm)

May 6 – Second ODI (3.30pm)

May 9 – Third ODI (3.30pm)

May 12 – First T20I (7.30pm)

May 14 – Second T20I (7.30pm)

May 15 – Third T20I (7.30pm)

An announcement in this regard was made by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday.

According to Mohsin Naqvi, he had requested the prime minister to allow fans into the stadium for the final match.

Naqvi said the prime minister was in favour of permitting spectators and approved the decision following requests from franchise owners.

He added that the prime minister had emphasised the importance of austerity measures but agreed to allow fans to attend the final as a special case.

Naqvi thanked the prime minister for the decision.

The PSL 11 final is scheduled to be held in Lahore on May 3.

Earlier, as part of cost-cutting measures, spectators had not been allowed to attend PSL matches this season.

The warning, which came less than two months before the sporting ‌event kicks off in Mexico, was signed by dozens of groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP.

The event will take place against a backdrop of widespread immigration crackdown by the Trump administration and the erosion ​of federal protections for racial minorities.

Fans, players, journalists and ​other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of ⁠cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.

The ​groups added that people from immigrant communities, racial and ethnic minority groups, and individuals are “most ​vulnerable to serious harm” when travelling to the US.

For this reason, they said, visitors should exercise caution and have an emergency contingency plan.

“FIFA has unique leverage right now to pressure the US government to respect the fundamental ​human rights of every person visiting and attending the games, as well as those working and ​living in the 11 US host cities,” the ACLU said in a statement referring to the sport’s global ‌governing ⁠body.

“That’s why the ACLU and other members of the Dignity 2026 Coalition have been urging FIFA to act. But FIFA has yet to offer meaningful assurances.”

The US State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In a statement, the world soccer organisation said: “As per article 3 of the ​FIFA Statutes, FIFA is ​committed to respecting all ⁠internationally recognised human rights and shall strive to promote the protection of these rights.“

It cited several actions and a special rights advisory group as “evidence ​of FIFA’s commitment to human rights across all key activities and actors ​connected to ⁠the tournament.”

Thursday’s warnings follow a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event originally promised by FIFA.

The World Cup is set to hold 104 matches across ⁠the United ​States, Mexico and Canada, starting in June. Eleven US ​cities will host matches for the sporting event, including East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York, where the championship ​match will be held.

Donald Trump’s US special envoy, Paolo Zampolli, told the Financial Times that he made the suggestion to the US president and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” said Zampolli, an Italian-American who is Trump’s envoy for “Global Partnership” but ​has no official connection with the World Cup or Italian football.

The plan seems to be an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy’s Prime ​Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out amid the American president’s attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.

Italy’s ⁠main sports news websites have given the story only a passing reference.

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi told the Italian news agency La Press: “Firstly, it is not possible, secondly, ​it is not appropriate … You qualify on the pitch.”

Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti went further, saying the idea was “shameful”.

Leading Italian coach Gianni De Biasi told Reuters it was an ​unlikely proposal with any theoretical Iranian absence logically filled by the team behind them in their qualification group.

“Furthermore, I believe Italy doesn’t need Trump’s support on an issue like this. I think we can manage on our own,” he said.

Soccer’s world governing body, FIFA, responded by pointing to Infantino’s previous comments on Iran’s participation.

“The Iranian team is coming, for sure,” he told last week’s ​CNBC Invest in America Forum: “Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They really want to play, and they should play. Sport should be ​outside politics.”

Italy missing fourth successive World Cup

The White House, the Italian Football Federation and the Asian Football Confederation did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Currently, there is no suggestion that ‌Iran will ⁠withdraw or be banned from the tournament, which Italy missed out on after losing in a playoff for the third World Cup in a row.

Iran qualified for a fourth successive World Cup last year but, after the start of the war, requested that FIFA move the team’s three group matches from the US to Mexico, which was rejected.

Iran is seemingly proceeding as planned. “We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities,” Iranian football federation ​President Mehdi Taj told reporters at a ​pro-government rally in Tehran on Wednesday.

“For ⁠now, the decision is for the national team to be fully prepared for the World Cup.”

Four years ago, Zampolli, when he was a United Nations ambassador, wrote to Infantino saying that “the world is demanding” that he disqualify Iran because of the country’s ​poor human rights record and replace it with Italy.

The request was ignored as Iran took part and went out ​after the group stage, ⁠having lost to England and the US and beaten Wales.

In the seemingly unlikely scenario of Iran being excluded from this year’s tournament, the decision on who would replace them lies in the hands of FIFA, which, under Article Six of the World Cup regulations, is at liberty to call up any nation it chooses to fill the vacancy.

The AFC ⁠would be expected ​to lobby hard for the replacement to come from Asia, with the United Arab Emirates, which ​lost a qualifying playoff to Iraq last November, the obvious choice.

The World Cup, which is also being co-hosted by Mexico and Canada, gets underway on June 11 with Iran scheduled to kick off their campaign ​against New Zealand in Los Angeles four days later.

Chasing a daunting 214-run target in HBL PSL 11 on Wednesday, Usman smashed 101 off just 47 balls. The knock, laced with aggressive stroke play, helped his side reach the target in the final over with six wickets down.

The century was Usman’s fourth in the Pakistan Super League, making him the leading century-scorer in the tournament’s history.

He has played 33 PSL matches, scoring one century in 2023 and two in 2024 before this latest milestone.

He now moves ahead of Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Akmal and Rilee Rossouw, all of whom have scored three PSL centuries each.

High-scoring contest

Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen won the toss and invited Multan to bat. Multan posted 213 for seven in their 20 overs.

Steve Smith led the charge with a blistering 106 off 47 balls, hitting six sixes and 12 fours. Sahibzada Farhan added 66, while Josh Philippe chipped in with 19. For Hyderabad, Akif Javed picked up three wickets.

In reply, Hyderabad rode on Usman’s brilliance, with Marnus Labuschagne contributing 61. Hassan Khan provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 24 off just six balls.

Hyderabad Kingsmen completed the chase in the final over, sealing a four-wicket victory and earning two crucial points.

Usman Khan was named Player of the Match for his match-winning century.

Points table update

The win lifts Hyderabad to fourth place with eight points from eight matches, while Multan Sultans remain second on 12 points.

All preparations for the match have been completed, and foolproof security arrangements have been put in place at the venue, the report said.

Excitement has intensified as the PSL reaches its closing stage, with fans rushing to secure tickets and expressing visible enthusiasm at obtaining seats in their preferred enclosures.

Crowd attendance has surged in the final phase of the tournament, bringing renewed energy to the event.

According to the report, tickets priced at Rs1,500 have already sold out during online booking, while only tickets above Rs4,000 remain available for the final match.

According to reports, Muhammad Nawaz’s doping test was conducted during the T20 World Cup, in which Sample A came back positive. Sources say that the PCB may send its initial report to the ICC in this regard today; however, the ICC has so far refrained from making a formal comment on the matter.

Muhammad Nawaz rejected the results of Sample A and said he did not use any illegal drugs during the World Cup. According to close sources, the player has also undergone a re-test for Sample B.

The report of Sample B is likely to be available by April 30, which could prove to be a significant breakthrough in the case.

It was reported that the possibility of an error in the report of Sample A is also being considered, due to which a second test was conducted.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Nawaz’s contract with the English county club has also been cancelled.

According to officials, after the investigation is completed, a future course of action will be decided under the rules and regulations.

In a statement, the board said Shanaka’s unilateral withdrawal from the tournament on March 21, 2026, constituted a clear violation of both the Player Registration terms and the Tripartite Agreement. The withdrawal, it added, was made on grounds not recognised within the contractual framework.

Shanaka had been picked by Lahore Qalandars during the PSL players’ auction but later opted out, citing personal reasons.

While acknowledging the player’s apology and his expressed desire to play in Pakistan again, the PCB said regulatory action was necessary to protect the integrity and exclusivity of the league.

“I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the HBL PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan and the fans,” Shanaka said in a statement, adding that he had no intention of joining any other tournament at the time.

The PCB reiterated its commitment to enforcing professional standards and ensuring strict adherence to player contracts.

PFF President Mohsin Gilani said a modern mini football pitch will be built at a government school in Lahore’s Sabzazar area in collaboration with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), as work on a second pitch in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will begin soon.

According to Mohsin Gilani, 11 FIFA Arena pitches are approved in Pakistan, while 15 more have been requested. The Government of Pakistan has also assured to provide full facilities for the project.

He said the federation is committed to giving every child a chance to play football.

Sociedad last won ‌the Cup in 2021, when the delayed 2020 final was also played at the La Cartuja stadium in Seville, but there were no supporters present due to the Covid pandemic.

This time, the Basque side’s fans were behind the goal to witness Marrero save Atletico’s first two penalties from Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez.

Atletico keeper Juan Musso then stopped Orri Oskarsson’s kick but ​Pablo Marin kept his nerve to net the winning penalty.

“I tried to clear my mind. Calm and serene,” Marin told RTVE.

“Real is my ​life, I’ve lived here since I was a child. This is the greatest thing I could ever dream of — winning ⁠a title with the team of my life.”

The last time the two sides met in the final was 1987, when it also finished 2-2 with Sociedad coming ​out on top on penalties, and they repeated the job to deny Atletico, who were looking for their first Copa del Rey win since 2013.

Ander Barrenetxea had ​given Sociedad the lead after 14 seconds, but Ademola Lookman levelled in the 19th minute.

Mikel Oyarzabal then put the Basque side back in front with a penalty on the stroke of halftime.

Alvarez drew Atletico level with seven minutes remaining to force the extra period in a dramatic final.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico were fresh from reaching the Champions League semi-finals, but Sociedad, ​managed by American Pellegrino Matarazzo, triumphed despite twice losing the lead.

Fast start

Sociedad stunned Atletico from the start. After a punt downfield from Marrero, Goncalo Guedes ​crossed into the box, and Barrenetxea rose above his marker to send a looping header beyond Musso.

Atletico levelled with Lookman collecting a pass from Antoine Griezmann and sending a precise ‌low strike ⁠through the legs of a defender and into the far bottom corner.

Some Sociedad fans were celebrating as they thought their side had retaken the lead when Guedes’ deflected shot flew into the side netting, but when Musso later fouled Guedes, captain Oyarzabal converted the penalty in first-half added time.

“I’ve never walked on water, but it must feel something like this,” said Oyarzabal, who scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot when his side won their last ​Copa.

Late drama

Sociedad looked like hanging on until ​Alvarez struck an unstoppable shot from ⁠just inside the area, letting Thiago Almada’s pass through his legs before turning to send the ball into the top corner.

In the opening period of extra time, Musso pulled off a double-save from Luka Sucic and Oskarsson, with Alvarez hitting ​the upright at the other end, as both sides created chances before running out of steam and penalties ​beckoned.

Marrero danced across his ⁠line as the Atletico players lined up their penalties, and his mind games paid off.

“I knew that if it went to penalties, I had a lot of confidence in myself,” he said.

“The team and the fans did too. I still can’t believe it.”

Matarazzo has worked a remarkable turnaround at Sociedad since taking over in December, with ⁠the club hovering ​above the relegation zone but now seventh in the standings and, even more importantly, with ​a trophy to show for their work.

Simeone’s Atletico have one final chance of silverware, with a last-four meeting against Arsenal in the Champions League.

“We have a beautiful challenge ahead of us. We want ​the Champions League and we’ll do everything possible to win it,” Atletico captain Koke said. “But tonight is a sad night.”

The victory helped Quetta bounce back from an earlier defeat to Peshawar Zalmi, while Lahore slipped further down the table after another heavy loss in Karachi.

Electing to bat first, Lahore were restricted to 134 all out in 19.5 overs after a disciplined bowling performance.

Usman Tariq (3-18) and Jahandad Khan (3-35) led the attack, while Alzarri Joseph also chipped in with key wickets as the Qalandars collapsed to 42-4 early in their innings.

A late cameo from Usama Mir (22 off 7 balls) helped Lahore cross 130, but it was not enough to challenge Quetta’s chase.

In reply, Quetta recovered from an early setback after Shaheen Shah Afridi struck in the opening over.

Rilee Rossouw (60 not out) and Hasan Nawaz (49) then dominated with a 104-run partnership to put the chase on track.

Rossouw’s unbeaten half-century anchored the innings, while Nawaz fell just short of his fifty as Quetta reached 138-4 with 22 balls to spare.

Usman Tariq was named Player of the Match for his three-wicket haul.

The result lifts Quetta to fourth on the table, ahead of Karachi Kings on net run rate.

Lahore Qalandars remain seventh with only four points.

Score summary:

Lahore Qalandars 134 all out (Haseebullah 33, Usama Mir 22; Usman Tariq 3-18, Jahandad 3-35)

Quetta Gladiators 138-4 (Rossouw 60*, Hasan Nawaz 49)

Quetta won by six wickets

Next match: Lahore Qalandars v Rawalpindiz, Saturday, National Bank Stadium, Karachi.

The 16-member squad was named by the National Selection Committee for the Test series set to take place in Bangladesh next month.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test, which will be played from May 16 to 20, according to a PCB statement.

Shan Masood will continue to lead the Test side, while four uncapped players – Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori are part of the squad.

Among the squad, five players – Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan are currently taking part in the ongoing NCA Red-Ball Camp in Lahore.

The players will undergo a camp in Karachi and will assemble on April 27.

The camp will conclude on May 1, with the players scheduled to fly to Bangladesh on May 2.

Players who are part of the Test squad and are currently taking part in HBL PSL Xl will join the camp following the conclusion of their team’s campaign.

Players whose teams qualify for the final will depart for Bangladesh after the conclusion of the tournament.

The PCB also confirms the appointment of red-ball coaches for the Bangladesh tour, with former Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed as head coach.

Sarfaraz, who won two ICC titles as captain of Pakistan – ICC U19 World Cup 2006 and ICC Champions Trophy 2017 — also guided Pakistan U19 to the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title as mentor/manager five months ago.

He was also the mentor/manager of Pakistan Shaheens against the England Lions series earlier this year.

Former Test cricketers Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul will work as batting and bowling coaches, respectively, on the tour.

16-member squad:

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

“Iran is coming for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful situation, which would definitely help,” Infantino told an economic conference organised by broadcaster CNBC.

“But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play,” he said of the team’s upcoming matches scheduled in the United States in June.

Infantino had made similar comments in March, when he attended an Iran-Costa Rica friendly in Antalya, Turkiye, even though US President Donald Trump had previously suggested that Iranian players might not be “safe” in the United States.

Iran is scheduled to play its three Group G matches in the United States – two in Los Angeles, one in Seattle – with their base for the tournament in Tucson, Arizona.

‘Outside of politics’

Iran’s participation in the global tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico had been thrown into doubt by the conflict launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Iran raised the prospect of a “boycott” of the competition before asking FIFA to move its matches from the United States to Mexico, a request the world governing body rejected.

After several weeks of air strikes on Iran and Iranian reprisals against Israel and other countries in the region, a fragile truce came into effect on April 8.

But Tehran has sealed off the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and since Monday, Washington has imposed a blockade on ships coming from or heading to Iranian ports.

“Sports should be outside of politics,” Infantino said on Wednesday.

“If there’s nobody else that believes in building bridges and keeping them intact and together, we are doing the job,” he said.

The World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, starts on June 11.

Luis Diaz struck in the 89th minute before Michael Olise added another in stoppage time, sealing Bayern’s place in the last four, where they will face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The match began at a frenetic pace, with Real Madrid taking the lead inside the opening minute through Arda Guler following a costly error by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Guler added a second later in the half after Bayern had equalised through Aleksandar Pavlovic.

Harry Kane brought Bayern level again with his 12th goal of the competition, but Real regained the lead before halftime when Kylian Mbappe finished off a move set up by Vinicius Jr.

The turning point came late in the game when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute after receiving a second yellow card, allowing Bayern to capitalise with two late goals to complete the comeback.

Tempers flared at full-time, with Real Madrid players protesting the red card decision.

Guler was also dismissed after confronting the referee, while manager Alvaro Arbeloa criticised the officiating, calling the decision “unbelievable.”

Kane hailed the victory as a reward for the team’s efforts, saying Bayern had to be at their best to overcome Real Madrid’s pedigree in the competition.

Arsenal advance

In the other quarterfinal, Arsenal progressed to the semifinals after a tense 0-0 draw against Sporting Lisbon secured a 1-0 aggregate win at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite a below-par performance, Mikel Arteta’s side held onto their first-leg advantage to book a last-four clash with Atletico Madrid, who advanced 3-2 on aggregate against Barcelona.

In a statement, the PCB said the decision was taken after the pacer violated his PSL agreement, terming the move a serious breach. As a result, Muzarabani will be ineligible to feature in the league for the next two editions.

The fast bowler was part of Islamabad United but chose to skip PSL Season 11 in favour of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

He later signed with Kolkata Knight Riders, a move the PCB deemed a clear violation of contractual obligations.

An enduring presence in Argentina — from towering murals to tattoos — Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at 60, after a heart attack while he was recuperating from brain surgery to remove a blood clot.

A court in ​San Isidro, near Buenos Aires, will hear testimony from just under 100 witnesses ​as it tries Maradona’s medical team over alleged negligence in the death ⁠of the 1986 World Cup champion.

His medical team has denied wrongdoing. The defendants are ​psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychologist Carlos Angel Diaz, physician Nancy Edith Forlini, nurse ​Ricardo Almiron, head nurse Mariano Ariel Perroni, and physician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna.

An eighth defendant, nurse Dahiana Madrid, will be tried in a separate jury trial, with no date yet set.

Two months into ​the first trial, which started last March, a mistrial was declared when one of three ​judges, Julieta Makintach, resigned after a video surfaced showing her being interviewed by a camera crew in the ‌corridors ⁠of the courthouse and in her office as part of a documentary, in breach of judicial rules.

The retrial will require both prosecutors and defence lawyers to reassess their strategies after the first trial aired photographs, videos, audio recordings and forensic evidence.

Many witnesses, including Maradona’s ​children and his former ​wife, Claudia Villafane, ⁠have already testified.

Prosecutors argued in the initial trial that medical professionals broke treatment protocols and that the home where Maradona was recovering ​from surgery amounted to a “theatre of horror,” where necessary care was ​not provided.

The ⁠defence countered that his death was inevitable given his longstanding health problems.

Maradona struggled for decades with cocaine and alcohol addiction.

The negligence charges emerged in 2021 after prosecutors appointed a medical board ⁠to ​investigate Maradona’s death.

The panel concluded his medical team ​acted in an “inappropriate, deficient and reckless” manner.

If convicted, the defendants could face prison sentences ranging between eight and 25 ​years.

Federico Valverde put Real ahead six minutes after halftime but Girona levelled in the 62nd minute through Thomas Lemar.

Barca have 76 points, six ahead of second-placed Real who have now played a game more.

The Catalan side ​visit Espanyol on Saturday and can move nine clear with seven matches left.

Real began ​the night under pressure, having slipped to a loss at Mallorca last weekend ⁠to trail Barca by seven points.

Coach Alvaro Arbeloa opted for a full strength side despite Wednesday’s ​Champions League quarter-final second leg at Bayern Munich looming next Wednesday in which his side must ​overturn a 2-1 deficit suffered at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr led the line, with Jude Bellingham in midfield, as Real monopolised possession.

Yet for all their territorial dominance, clear chances proved scarce in a ​tepid first half short on tempo and inspiration.

Girona were content to sit deep and spring forward ​when possible.

They came closest before the break when Azzedine Ounahi unleashed a fierce effort from inside the ‌box, ⁠only for goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to produce a sharp reflex save.

The contest finally flickered into life after halftime.

Valverde broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a low strike from the edge of the area that should have posed little threat but Girona keeper Paulo Gazzaniga allowed the ball ​to squirm through his ​arms as he dropped ⁠to try to smother it.

Real’s relief was short-lived however.

In the 62nd minute Lemar surged in from the right and rifled a superb shot from ​the edge of the box that flew just inside the right post ​beyond Lunin’s ⁠despairing dive to level the score.

Real pushed for a winner but urgency curdled into anxiety.

Attacks were hurried, passes rushed and composure lacking.

Girona held their shape with discipline to frustrate the crowd, who booed ⁠the players ​with the sensation that their team’s LaLiga hopes are ​dissipating before their eyes.

The final whistle was greeted with unease around the Bernabeu, as Real’s stuttering form leaves the title ​race tilting ever more firmly towards their old rivals Barca.

Havertz scored the winning goal against Sporting in the tie after coming on as a substitute to give Arsenal ​an advantage heading into next week’s return leg in ​London.

“Definitely a big turnaround for us because we lost ⁠the last two matches. So we wanted to get a ​turnaround today, and we made that happen,” the German told ​Amazon Prime.

Arsenal’s ‘quadruple’ hopes have been downgraded to a ‘double’ this season following their defeat by Manchester City in the League Cup final and shock loss to Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday.

However, Havertz said ​the north London club can still end the season with trophies.

“We stick ‌together ⁠as a group; we have so much more to come this season. Seven weeks to go, we can win big titles, and we’re going to go for that,” he said.

Havertz was ​also full of ​praise for ⁠goalkeeper David Raya, who was the player of the match in the Champions League tie ​as he was forced into making several crucial ​interventions.

“For me, ⁠the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world. He’s (David Raya) outstanding, he’s saved us so many times, and we’re ⁠very ​glad to have him.”

Arsenal, who are ​top of the standings with 70 points, host Bournemouth in the Premier League ​on Saturday.

Iran’s football federation (FFIRI) has been pushing to move ‌the team’s three World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico, citing American military involvement alongside Israel in strikes that sparked an ongoing war in the region.

FFIRI said last month they were in discussions with FIFA about a venue switch, while Iran’s sports ministry has banned national and ​club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile until further notice.

FIFA president ⁠Gianni Infantino said last week, however, that Iran would play their matches as scheduled.

“Our request ​to FIFA to relocate Iran’s games from the US to Mexico is still valid, but we ​have not yet received a response,” Donyamali told Turkish state news agency Anadolu in an interview published over the weekend.

“If accepted, Iran’s participation in the World Cup will be certain. However, FIFA has not yet responded.

“As ​the Minister of Sports, together with the Iranian football federation, we will keep the football ​team ready for the World Cup. However, the final decision will be made by our government.”

Iran is scheduled ‌to ⁠play all of their Group G matches on American soil – against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before their final fixture against Egypt in Seattle.

US President Donald Trump said last month that while Iran’s national team were welcome to play in the US, it might not be appropriate for their “life and ​safety”.

He later made it ⁠clear that any threat to players would not come from the United States.

“According to FIFA’s relevant regulations, security must be provided in the ​country concerned,” Donyamali added. “However, the World Cup is taking place soon, and ​providing guarantees ⁠during this period is questionable.

“Under these circumstances, the possibility of Iran participating in the World Cup matches in the US is very low. But, if the relevant security guarantees are provided, our government ⁠will ​make the decision on Iran’s participation in the World ​Cup.”

FIFA did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The World Cup takes place in the US, Mexico and ​Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Chasing 183, Multan Sultans rode on impressive half-centuries from Sahibzada Farhan and Josh Philippe to secure a comfortable victory and shatter Pindiz’s hopes of registering their first win of the tournament.

Farhan scored 68, while Philippe added 56 in a strong batting display. Shan Masood remained unbeaten on 27, alongside Austin Turner, who made 26 not out.

Steve Smith was dismissed early for 5. For Rawalindi Pindiz, Mohammad Amir picked up two wickets, while Aamir Khan claimed one.

Earlier, Pindiz posted 182 for 8 after being put in to bat.

Sam Billings led the scoring with an unbeaten 56, while Kamran Ghulam contributed 35. Dane Forster made 24, Mohammad Rizwan scored 19, Daryl Mitchell added 17, and Abdullah Fazal chipped in with 14.

Multan’s bowling was led by Faisal Akram, who took four wickets. Arafat Minhas claimed two, while Peter Siddle and Mohammad Ismail picked up one wicket each.

Faisal Akram was named player of the match for his match-winning performance.

After a rest day on Tuesday, the second phase of the tournament will begin on April 8 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Sources said the pacer suffered the injury while bowling and was forced to leave the field due to discomfort.

Team management later confirmed that he has been declared unfit and will miss the remainder of the tournament for an indefinite period.

In an official statement, the franchise expressed full support for their star player during his recovery.

Officials added that there remains hope for his return in the latter stages of the competition, subject to rehabilitation and fitness clearance.

The development comes as a significant setback for Rawalpindi, with Naseem regarded as a key component of their bowling attack in the ongoing PSL season.

Champions Liverpool played well in the opening half-hour with Mohamed Salah wasting an early chance, but once Haaland had scored from the spot in the 37th minute after a foul on Nico O’Reilly, their resistance crumbled.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk conceded ​the penalty with a rash challenge, and there was little the Dutch defender could do as City played scintillating attacking football ​for the remainder of the game.

His blond hair swinging behind him in a ponytail, Haaland netted his ⁠second two minutes into first-half stoppage time with a well-placed header from an excellent Antoine Semenyo cross.

Semenyo got on the scoresheet himself ​five minutes after the break, latching on to a ball in behind from Rayan Cherki and chipping it beautifully past Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Haaland ​completed his treble with a shot off the underside of the crossbar in the 57th minute.

Liverpool’s woes continued when Mohamed Salah, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season, capped off a poor performance by having his penalty saved by James Trafford, snuffing out any faint hopes ​Liverpool might have had of a comeback.

Liverpool fans leave early

As the game turned into a victory parade, many Liverpool fans started heading for ​the exits, and City manager Pep Guardiola rang the changes, replacing Haaland with Omar Marmoush, the Norwegian striker receiving a standing ovation as he left ‌the field.

“First ⁠half, we struggled a bit, but then after around 30 minutes we kept going, and in the end it’s an amazing game. Another Wembley trip for us is amazing and important,” he told broadcaster TNT.

“I think (my form this season) has been a bit too much up and down, which is not good enough. I cannot keep on thinking about what I could have done differently, or what didn’t happen, ​or what happened. I have to ​think about the next game.”

Chelsea ⁠had failed to score a goal in over 300 minutes of play in all competitions before Saturday, but went ahead in 64 seconds in their quarter-final against Port Vale when Jorrel Hato pounced on poor ​defending by the visitors.

Port Vale are at the bottom of England’s third tier but had beaten Premier League ​Sunderland in the ⁠previous round.

A close-range strike by Joao Pedro and an own goal by Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel gave the eight-time FA Cup winners a 3-0 lead at halftime before headed goals by Tosin Adarabioyo and Andrey Santos, a poacher’s finish by Estevao and an Alejandro Garnacho penalty wrapped up the win.

The 7-0 ⁠victory offered ​some relief to Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior after four defeats in a row ​in all competitions and ahead of next weekend’s visit of Manchester City in the Premier League.

In the other quarter-finals, Southampton host Arsenal later on Saturday, with Leeds United travelling ​to West Ham United on Sunday. The semi-finals will take place at Wembley.