Sending a message of peace after helping to broker a US-Iran ceasefire, Pakistan released a dove ahead of the Pakistan Super League 2026 clash between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday 8
Alongside PSL Chairman Salman Naseer, Zalmi captain Babar Azam and Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne attended the symbolic gesture. Former Pakistan cricketer Urooj Mumtaz made the announcement before the match.
“Pakistan is proud to play its role in promoting world peace. As a powerful symbol of this message, I would like to present the two captains, Marnus Labuschagne and Babar Azam, along with PSL CEO Salman Naseer. On the occasion of tonight, we will also release a beautiful white dove as a symbol of peace,” Mumtaz said.
PAKISTAN – Peacemaker….!!!
– Marnus Labuschagne, Babar Azam and PSL CEO come together to release the white dove that symbolizes Pakistan’s commitment to world peace. pic.twitter.com/Z8P8aZGyWY— Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) April 8, 2026
HOW PAKISTAN HELPED BROUGHT US AND IRAN Ceasefire
Earlier, Pakistan claimed a major diplomatic breakthrough helping to broker a US-Iranian ceasefire. Hours before a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face massive strikes, Islamabad made a final de-escalation move, seeking more time for diplomacy instead of further military action.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly urged Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks and support a temporary ceasefire. Trump finally stepped back from the precipice on Tuesdayhe agreed to a two-week truce just hours before his self-imposed deadline expired.
The move opened a diplomatic window to de-escalate the nearly six-week conflict, with both Washington and Tehran agreeing to negotiate a longer-term settlement. Iran has also indicated it could conditionally reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical bottleneck that controls about 20 percent of global oil and gas flows.
ZALMI BEATS KINGSMEN
Zalmi held their nerve to beat the Kingsmen by four wickets in a last-ball thriller in Karachi. Iftikhar Ahmed played in a stunning all-round show and first destroyed Hyderabad’s top order with figures of 4 for 21 in four overs.
Playing tight lines and changing pace smartly, Iftikhar removed Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Sharjeel Khan and Usman Khan to leave Hyderabad 34 for four in five overs. Although Kusal Perera’s 58 helped the Kingsmen recover to 145, the damage was already done.
In reply, Babar Azam top-scored with 43, but Hyderabad pulled the game deep by reducing Zalmi to 125 for six in the 18th over. Iftikhar then kept his composure with an unbeaten 15 off 10 balls and shared a match-winning wicket with Aamer Jamal to seal the victory in the last ball.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
09 Apr 2026 12:56 IST
