Match Fees
Australia is making a significant humanitarian contribution by allocating a five-figure sum from their match fees in the World Cup 2026 qualifier against Palestine in Kuwait City to support efforts in Gaza.
This donation, facilitated through the Professional Footballers Australia Footballers’ Trust, will be directed to Oxfam and matched by Football Australia.
Originally planned for the occupied West Bank, the match venue moved to Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait due to heightened tensions in the region.
The funds are intended to assist those affected by recent events in Gaza. Australia, ranked 27th globally and fourth in Asia, leads their qualifying group, while Palestine, ranked 96th globally, holds the third position after a draw with Lebanon.
Cricket Legend Mohammad Yousuf Takes The Helm As Pakistan U19 Head Coach
Meanwhile,
On Saturday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the appointment of former Test captain Mohammad Yousuf as the head coach of Pakistan U19. Yousuf’s initial assignments include the Asian Cricket Council U19 Asia Cup 2023 in the UAE (December 8 to 17) and the 2024 ICC U19 World Cup in Sri Lanka (January 13 to February 4).
Expressing his anticipation, Yousuf stated, “I am eagerly looking forward to the upcoming U19 Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup tournaments, which are crucial to the players’ growth, and we will be aiming to do our best in these events,” as per a statement by the PCB.
Yousuf, who previously served as the batting coach for the Pakistan Men’s Team and at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, emphasized bringing his coaching experience to the U19 setup.
