ISLAMABAD: The government has arranged for domestic oil refineries to absorb a monthly burden of approximately Rs15 billion to prevent a Rs15 per litre increase in petrol prices, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Malik said the refineries had agreed to contribute around Rs50 per litre to the petroleum levy for a 30-day period. This step allowed the government to keep petrol prices lower than international market rates amid rising global costs linked to the regional conflict.

“They earned more profit in the last three months than in a year, with the support of the government in arranging crude oil to operate at maximum throughput. They have now helped the government maintain the petrol price, which was set to increase by Rs15 per litre last Friday due to an international price hike,” Malik said.

The minister explained that import premiums on petrol, which stood at around $5–6 per barrel before the crisis, had risen above $20 and in some Pakistan State Oil tenders reached $25–30 per barrel. The government approached the refineries to share the burden so that consumers would not face the full impact.

Under the revised mechanism, the premium, incidentals and customs duty components used to calculate the ex-refinery price of petrol have been temporarily fixed at their March 7, 2026 (pre-crisis) levels for 30 days. The difference between the actual import price and the adjusted ex-refinery price is surrendered by the refineries under the petroleum levy account, with the benefit passed on to consumers through a lower retail price.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the arrangement reflected the government’s effort to protect the public during a difficult period. He also stated that the country has sufficient petroleum stocks and that gas supplies for November are assured, with efforts ongoing for December and January.

However, the country’s major oil refineries have expressed strong opposition to the revised pricing mechanism. In a joint representation, they described the change as unilateral and warned that it forces them to surrender approximately Rs49 per litre without matching recovery in their ex-refinery price. They said the measure threatens their financial viability and could jeopardise planned multi-billion-dollar investments under the Brownfield Refining Policy. The refineries have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the new formula and sought an urgent meeting with the petroleum minister.

The government maintains that the temporary arrangement prioritises consumer relief while the regional situation remains unsettled.

What Happens Next
The 30-day arrangement is already in effect. Officials will monitor international oil prices, freight and insurance costs. Any extension or revision of the mechanism will depend on market conditions and further consultations with the refining sector. Consumers can expect current petrol prices to hold for now, subject to the next fortnightly review.

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain and batting great Mohammad Yousaf has advised Babar Azam to step away from first-class cricket until he addresses his technical issues through specialised coaching, warning that continued struggles in domestic cricket could further damage the star batsman’s confidence and career.

In a post on X on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Yousaf wrote: “I don’t think #BabarAzam should be playing first class cricket until he fixes his technical issues through specialized coaching. Struggling in domestic cricket could further harm his confidence and career. Send him to an academy in #England or #Australia. He is still Pakistan’s top player, and with the right guidance and a little effort, he can return to his best. I said this four years ago, and nobody listened. Please listen now.”

The comments come after Babar endured a lean run in the recently concluded ODI Tri-Nation Series. He scored 118 runs in five matches at an average of 23.60, with a highest score of 45 and a duck in the final against Sri Lanka.

Babar had earlier returned to domestic first-class cricket after seven years, playing for Oil & Gas Development Company Limited in the President’s Trophy. He managed only 58 runs in four innings at an average of 14.50, raising further questions about his form and technique, particularly against the short ball.

Despite the poor returns, Babar is expected to feature for Lahore Whites in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy starting November 3. ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi had indicated that the former skipper would return to domestic cricket to regain rhythm ahead of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.

Yousaf, a former Pakistan captain and one of the country’s most successful batsmen, stressed that Babar remains the team’s leading player but needs focused technical work rather than more match exposure at this stage. He suggested an academy stint in England or Australia as the better path to recovery.

The debate around Babar’s form has intensified in recent weeks, with several former players and analysts pointing to issues with footwork, early shot selection and vulnerability to short-pitched bowling and spin. Pakistan batting coach Mike Smith had earlier expressed confidence in Babar during the tri-series, saying the batsman was still getting starts and that a big score was around the corner.

Yousaf’s intervention adds weight to the discussion about the best way forward for one of Pakistan’s most important players as the team prepares for the home Test series against Sri Lanka later this month.

What Happens Next
Babar is scheduled to play in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy from November 3. Whether the PCB or team management considers Yousaf’s advice or sticks with the domestic exposure plan will become clearer in the coming days. Focus will remain on how Babar performs in the upcoming red-ball matches.

LAHORE: Pakistan clinched the ODI Tri-Nation Series title with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, October 31, 2026, chasing down a target of 326 with nine balls to spare.

Fakhar Zaman led the chase with a blistering 127 off 99 balls, while Arafat Minhas smashed a rapid 61 off 31 deliveries and Saad Baig contributed a composed 74. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi sealed the win in style, hitting a six over midwicket off Dilshan Madushanka in the 49th over. Pakistan finished on 331 for seven in 48.3 overs.

Sri Lanka had posted a competitive 325 for eight earlier in the day. Kamindu Mendis scored a superb 131, his maiden ODI century, and Pavan Rathnayake added a fluent 77. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Agha, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf took two wickets each.

Pakistan’s chase began poorly. Maaz Sadaqat and Babar Azam fell early, leaving the hosts struggling at 14 for two. Fakhar and Saad then rebuilt the innings with a 149-run third-wicket partnership that shifted the momentum. After both set batsmen were dismissed, Arafat Minhas and Hasan Nawaz produced a crucial 94-run stand that took Pakistan to the brink of victory. Arafat was named Player of the Series for his all-round contribution of 149 runs and nine wickets across the tournament, while Fakhar earned Player of the Match honours.

The win marked Pakistan’s first ODI tri-series title since 2008 and their first at home after previous final defeats. The hosts finished the league stage with three wins from four matches, topping the table ahead of Sri Lanka and England.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the team, praising their hard work, teamwork and the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The victory provides a strong boost for Pakistan ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, showcasing both experienced performers and emerging talent under pressure in front of a packed home crowd.

What Happens Next
The focus now shifts to preparations for upcoming bilateral series and World Cup qualifiers. Selectors will assess the performances of young players such as Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig and Hasan Nawaz alongside established stars.