Author: ali.hassan

MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg has confirmed that the Australian men’s team is scheduled to tour Pakistan for a white-ball series in early 2026.

Speaking during an online press conference, Greenberg expressed optimism about the upcoming tour and reiterated CA’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“I believe it will be another good tour of Pakistan. The series is an important part of our schedule,” said Greenberg.

“There has been good communication between Pakistan and Australia regarding both red-ball and white-ball series. We need to look for more opportunities to play each other, which we certainly will.”

Australia last visited Pakistan in 2022, breaking a 24-year hiatus. The historic tour, which featured Tests, ODIs, and a one-off T20I, was widely praised for its spirit and hospitality.

Greenberg reflected on that experience, describing it as a major success and one that CA would like to replicate.

“In 2022, we toured Pakistan after a long gap and were given a very warm welcome. It would be fantastic to continue such tours,” he added.

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The CA boss also touched upon the involvement of Pakistani players in the Big Bash League (BBL), stating that efforts are ongoing to bring more talent from Pakistan into Australia’s premier T20 competition.

“There is no doubt Pakistani players are very popular within the community. If top Pakistani players come, they will definitely enjoy it here, and the league will benefit immensely from their presence,” Greenberg said.

While player discussions are still underway, Greenberg confirmed CA’s intention to secure participation from leading Pakistani stars in the next BBL edition.

“We hope to welcome more Pakistani players to the BBL. Talks are in progress,” he stated.

It is worth noting that Pakistan last toured Australia in November 2024, where they scripted a memorable 2-1 win in the ODI series under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan — their first ODI series win in Australia since 2002.

However, the hosts bounced back to sweep the T20I series 3-0.

According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2025–27, Australia are slated to tour Pakistan for three ODIs and three T20Is in February–March 2026.

READ: West Indies recall star players for T20I series against England, Ireland

Match-winning all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from one-day international (ODI) cricket to focus on Australia’s campaign to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Maxwell has made the decision to prioritise his preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka, the Big Bash League (BBL) and his other global commitments.

The explosive batter and often underestimated off-spin bowler played 149 ODI matches for Australia, including what is regarded by many as the greatest one-day innings of all time.

Glenn Maxwell came in against Afghanistan at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 with his side reeling at 7-91. In a high-pressure situation and battling severe cramps in searing heat, Maxwell took control.

His 202-run partnership with Pat Cummins, who made 12, got Australia to the 293-run target. Maxwell made 201 from just 128 balls.

Australia went on to win the World Cup 2023, beating favourites India in Ahmedabad.

Maxwell’s strike rate of 126 is the second highest in ODI cricket, behind only the West Indian heavy hitter Andre Russell, including four hundreds and 23 half-centuries along with 77 wickets.

Aside from his feats in Mumbai, Maxwell has played many incredible games across his decorated one-day career, which included two ODI World Cup wins.

Glenn Maxwell says of his ODI career: “I think back to right at the start, I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue. I was just proud just to be playing a couple of games for Australia. I thought I was just going to have that.

“Since then, I have been able to go through the up and downs of being dropped, being brought back, playing in a few World Cups and being a part of some great teams.”

Glenn Maxwell said the physical toll of ODI cricket, on the back of a potentially career-ending leg injury, was beginning to affect his ability to field at his best, which he sensed at the ICC Champions Trophy, with another two years until the next ICC ODI World Cup.

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“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how the body was reacting to the conditions. I had a good chat with (Chair of Selectors) George Bailey, and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward,” he told the Final Word Podcast.

“We talked about the 2027 World Cup and I said to him, ‘I don’t think I am going to make that, it’s time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack at it and make the position their own’. Hopefully, they get enough of a lead-in to hang onto that role.

“I always said I wasn’t going to hand my position over if I felt like I was still good enough to play. I didn’t want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons.

“They are moving in such a clear direction, so this gives them the best look at what the line-up is leading into that next World Cup. I know how important that planning is.”

Todd Greenberg, CA Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one day international careers in the format’s history.

“Glenn’s ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia’s continued success in the 50 over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph.

“As with other greats of the game, crowds have flocked to grounds just to watch Glenn bat and children have been inspired to pick up a bat after seeing him put opposition attacks to the sword with a breathtaking array of shots.

“Australian Cricket is indebted to Glenn for his ODI exploits and excited that he will now focus on our quest to win the ICC T20 World Cup next year.”

Chair of men’s selectors George Bailey said: “Glenn will be known as one of the one-day game’s most dynamic players, who had key roles in two ODI World Cup victories.

“His level of natural talent and skill is remarkable. His energy in the field, under-rated ability with the ball and longevity has been superb. What else stands out is his passion for and commitment to playing for Australia.

“Fortunately, he still has much to offer Australia in the T20 format. All things going well, he will be pivotal in the next 12 months as we build toward the World Cup early next year.”

READ: PCB chairman hails Arshad Nadeem’s gold medal win at Asian Athletics Championship

KARACHI: Pakistan legend cricketer Wasim Akram has backed Younis Khan as a potential candidate for the red-ball coach for the Pakistan team.

Speaking during a ceremony in the provincial capital, Wasim expressed his thoughts on the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The former pacer also revealed an option for the potential candidate to coach Pakistan’s Test team.

“Younis Khan can be a good option as a batting coach for red-ball cricket. The new coach can change the mindset of the new boys,” he said.

“The new coach will work on the Pakistan team with a new mindset,” he added.

Wasim Akram emphasized PSL, stating that some of the players had impressed him while hailing the return of the foreign players after the tournament’s resumption.

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“Hasan Nawaz has impressed in PSL. Salman Mirza and Ali Raza showed good performance in bowling,” he observed.

While hailing players, he also advocated for them, stressing the importance of taking time to adapt to T20 cricket.

“Players should be given some time in T20 cricket,” he said.

Wasim Akram concluded by commenting on the situation of India-Pakistan cricketing ties, “I cannot even comment on what will change in Pakistan-India cricket.”

For the unversed, PCB had appointed Aqib Javed as the red-ball of the Pakistan team following the departure of head-coach Jason Gillespie.

However, Aqib Javed served as Pakistan’s interim head coach for all formats until the tour of New Zealand in April.

Two weeks earlier, he was named as the new Director of High Performance while former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson was appointed as white-ball coach.

READ: Shaheen Shah Afridi to captain PSL 10 Team of the Tournament

Islamabad United have issued an official statement clarifying the sudden departure of star batter Alex Hales from the remainder of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 campaign.

The franchise confirmed that the English opener will not be available for Qualifier 2 or a potential final due to pre-committed personal obligations.

In their statement, United revealed that due to a shift in the PSL schedule, Hales’ availability was only confirmed until May 18.

The 36-year-old is heading to Spain to attend the wedding of a close friend, an arrangement that was mutually agreed upon when his short-term contract was signed.

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“Alex Hales has always been, and will continue to be, part of the Islamabad United family,” the franchise stated.

Hales also shared his thoughts, calling Islamabad United more than just a team.

“It always feels like family playing for United,” he said. “Coming back this season was a great experience, and I’m wishing the team the very best for the playoffs. I’ll be cheering for them from Spain.”

Despite playing just two matches this season, Hales certainly made an impact. His comeback knock against Karachi Kings on May 19 was nothing short of explosive.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

He smashed an 88 off just 35 balls, peppered with six boundaries and eight towering sixes, at a strike rate of 251.42. His onslaught helped Islamabad post a mammoth 251/5, one of the highest totals in PSL history.

However, the joy was short-lived. In the Qualifier 1 clash against Quetta Gladiators, Hales fell for a second-ball duck as United faltered in their 210-run chase, eventually getting bowled out for 179.

With that loss, the defending champions missed their direct route to the final and will now face the winner of the Eliminator between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars in Qualifier 2, scheduled for May 23 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

READ: Zimbabwe win toss, bowl against England in one-off Test

Australian pacer Ben Dwarshuis is set to rejoin defending champions Islamabad United for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The tournament, which was briefly suspended last week due to rising cross-border tensions with India, is all set to resume on May 17 with Karachi Kings facing Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Dwarshuis was selected by Islamabad United in the Gold category during the PSL 10 Draft. He made his debut in the marquee league this year and has so far claimed four wickets in five matches.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“We are delighted to announce that Australian all-rounder Ben Dwarshuis will be returning to Pakistan for the remainder of HBL PSL X,” Islamabad United stated in a media release.

“A familiar face in red, Ben’s return adds further depth and balance to the star-studded lineup of the Pakistan Super League. We look forward to welcoming him back.”

Before Ben Dwarshuis, South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen, and England’s Alex Hales confirmed their return to Islamabad United for the remaining matches.

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Notably, Rawalpindi will host three matches, including a double-header on Sunday, May 18, with Quetta Gladiators taking on Multan Sultans in the afternoon, followed by a clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars in the evening.

The last match at the venue will see defending champions Islamabad United face Karachi Kings on May 19.

After that, the action will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will host the business end of the tournament.

The Qualifier, Eliminator 1, and Eliminator 2 are scheduled for May 21, 22, and 23, respectively, with the grand final to be played on May 25.

READ: Shakib Al Hasan to join Lahore Qalandars for remainder of PSL 10

From the serene valleys of Swat to the electric stadiums of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), fast bowler Fawad Ali is living his dream, thanks to the Karachi Kings’ Talent Hunt Program that first spotted his raw talent in 2023.

Fawad, who made his PSL debut on April 12 against Multan Sultans, expressed overwhelming joy that came with stepping onto the big stage.

“My debut was against Multan Sultans, and I was absolutely overjoyed. Sharing the field with senior players like our captain, David Warner, felt surreal,” he said.

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“Hasoo [Hasan Ali] was at mid-on while I was bowling. He kept guiding me throughout my spell, telling me what to do and how to execute it. I followed exactly what he advised, and that really helped.”

Despite the intensity of playing in front of a massive crowd for the first time, Fawad shared that he remained composed, thanks to the support of his seniors.

“I used to play a lot of tape-ball cricket, so the crowd or big stage didn’t put much pressure on me. Plus, with senior players around me in the field giving advice and support, it all felt manageable,” he stated.

Raised in a region with limited cricket infrastructure, Fawad vividly remembers the impact of Karachi Kings bringing trials to his hometown.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“It felt amazing that Karachi Kings organised trials in our area. We don’t have structured cricket like that in Swat. When they came, it felt like something truly different was happening. I gave the trials and Alhamdulillah, I topped them,” he added.

After being part of the squad in PSL 9 as a replacement for Tim Seifert, Fawad was officially drafted into the Emerging Category for PSL 10 following his growth at the Karachi Kings Academy, where he trained under the franchise’s professional coaching setup.

“My goal this season is to deliver my best performance in the PSL and, Insha’Allah, represent Pakistan in the future,” he concluded.

READ: ‘He is our best player’: Hasan Ali backs Babar Azam amid criticism

KARACHI: Karachi Kings’ all-rounder Arafat Minhas deemed the thrilling victory against Multan Sultans in the third match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 a morale booster for the entire squad.

Karachi Kings successfully chased down a challenging target of 235 runs, losing six wickets in the process with four balls remaining.

The home team started strong in pursuit of the target, with Tim Seifert leading the way by scoring 32 runs off 16 balls, which included two fours and three sixes. However, Multan pegged them back with quick wickets.

Despite this, James Vince and Khushdil Shah forged a remarkable partnership. Both were the stars of the night, helping Kings chase a formidable total.

James Vince scored a remarkable century with a stunning 42-ball hundred, achieving 101 runs off just 43 deliveries.

The right-handed batter hit four sixes and 14 fours. Khushdil Shah also contributed significantly, scoring 60 runs off 37 balls, with four sixes and five fours.

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Karachi Kings completed the target in style on the second ball of the final over, with Abbas Afridi hitting a stunning six straight down the ground.

Minhas, who conceded 24 in his two overs, highlighted the value of the opening match.

“Every player values the first match of the event. A win in the opener has lifted our spirits,” said Minhas.

While discussing his experience, the left-handed player praised the value of playing alongside David Warner and James Vince.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“Training and sharing the dressing room with senior players like James Vince, David Warner and Tim Seifert is very helpful. It is motivating to see them when we practice with them or play with them,” he stated.

Arafat Minhas admitted there was no particular game plan going into the match.

“Our team didn’t have any specific strategy, but the management showed faith in me. I was given a clear role, and I will try to fulfill it to the best of my ability.”

The 20-year-old also acknowledged the Karachi Kings’ lapses in the field while stressing the need for improvement in the upcoming games.

“We made some mistakes in the field, but in the end, credit for the win goes to James Vince. The goal is to perform well in the coming matches, ” he concluded.

READ: PSL 10: Karachi Kings edge out Multan Sultans in high-scoring thriller

Karachi Kings have announced two key squad changes for their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 campaign, bringing in Australia’s Ben McDermott and national U19 captain Saad Baig.

McDermott comes in for Bangladesh’s Litton Das, who has been ruled out of the tournament after picking up an injury during training ahead of Karachi’s opening match.

Das suffered a painful injury to his right thumb. Following the incident, he underwent detailed scans that revealed a hairline fracture. He was picked by the Karachi Kings as their second pick in the silver category during the PSL 10 Draft.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

A seasoned campaigner in the shortest format, McDermott adds firepower to the Kings’ batting unit.

The Australian wicketkeeper-batter brings a wealth of T20 experience with him, having plied his trade in the Big Bash League (BBL), The Hundred, and other T20 leagues around the globe.

Meanwhile, Saad Baig has been added to the squad as a partial replacement for New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, who is unavailable for the Karachi leg of the tournament.

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Baig, who captained Pakistan in the ICC U19 World Cup earlier this year, had already been part of the Kings’ setup last season in the Emerging Category.

His return reflects the franchise’s continued faith in local talent, with the young wicketkeeper-batter touted as one of Pakistan’s most exciting future prospects.

Karachi Kings will start their PSL 10 campaign today, facing Multan Sultans at their home ground, the National Bank Stadium.

Karachi Kings squad for PSL 10

David Warner (captain), Abbas Afridi, Adam Milne, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mahmood, Mir Hamza, Fawad Ali, Riazullah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Kane Williamson, Mohammad Nabi, Saad Baig, Ben McDermott and Mirza Mamoon.

READ: Colin Munro surpasses Rilee Rossouw’s PSL record

KARACHI: Karachi Kings captain David Warner expressed his goal to start the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 with a win against the Multan Sultans.

Warner stated that the Karachi Kings are packed with quality players, and their goal is to move forward step by step, starting with a win against Multan.

“Our immediate focus is to win the opening game. The team is shaping up well, and we’ve had productive training sessions despite the warm weather,” Warner said while addressing the media on Friday.

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He mentioned that the conditions at the National Stadium, especially the grassy wicket, reminded him of Australian pitches. “The surface here gives us something familiar to work with,” he added.

David Warner also shed light on the reason for his absence from the official pre-tournament press conference featuring captains of all six teams.

“I preferred spending that time working with the boys on the ground,” he explained.

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He emphasized the team’s approach to playing positive and competitive cricket while keeping the dressing room environment relaxed and enjoyable.

“The vibe within the group is fantastic. We want to enjoy the tournament while staying focused on our goals,” Warner shared. “We’ll continue to adjust our playing XI based on match conditions and pitch behavior.”

Karachi Kings will be aiming for a strong start as they go up against a well-balanced Multan Sultans side in what promises to be a high-octane clash on Saturday.

READ: Shaun Tait banking on experience in Karachi Kings’ pace attack

Karachi Kings’ fast bowling coach, Shaun Tait, has expressed confidence in the team’s depth and experience as they prepare for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

Tait, who has previously coached Pakistan and Afghanistan and was recently part of Quetta Gladiators’ coaching staff in PSL 9, believes the composition of the Karachi Kings squad will make strategic execution more seamless.

“It’s a strong side with serious experience—not just among the international players but also with the local stars,” he stated.

“You’ve got Pakistan’s Test captain [Shan Masood], and of course, David Warner leading the side. When you have players who’ve seen it all, the strategy side becomes easier. The key is to slot them into the right roles and let them do their job.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Speaking about his approach as a fast bowling coach, Shaun Tait emphasized tailoring tactics based on individual skill sets.

“It depends on the bowler. If someone is an out-and-out pacer, you have to let them unleash and go for wickets. Others might focus more on line and length, slower deliveries, and variations,” he added.

“If you’re lucky enough to have a genuine strike bowler, you just let him bowl as fast as he can.”

Tait, known during his playing days for his raw pace and aggression, has represented Australia in all three formats, claiming 95 international wickets and 598 across his professional career.

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Now, on the coaching front, he’s pleased with the blend of senior pros and emerging talent in the Kings’ setup.

“We’ve had a couple of good training sessions. Many of the players have already represented Pakistan and played in PSL for years,” he further stated.

“There’s not much heavy coaching required with such experienced guys. For the younger ones who might not start in the first couple of games, this is a golden chance to learn from seasoned teammates.”

READ: Islamabad United suffer major blow ahead of PSL 10 opener against Lahore Qalandars