Author: A Sports

KARACHI: Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and opted to bat first against Rawalpindiz in the 27th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.

This will the first time that both teams will be taking the field against each other as Rawalpindiz are playing for the first time in the tournament.

Playing XIs

Rawalpindiz: Mohammad Rizwan (c and wk), Shahzaib Khan, Yasir Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Dian Forrester, Saad Masood, Cole McConchie, Razaullah Khan, Asif Afridi, Mohammad Amir

Lahore Qalandars: M. Farooq, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Charith Asalanka, Haseebullah (wk), Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Daniel Sams, Shaheen Afridi (c), Usama Mir, Haris Rauf

READ: PSL 11: Islamabad United name Dipendra Singh Airee’s replacement

Islamabad United have confirmed the replacement of Nepal batter Dipendra Singh Airee for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

The outfit confirmed the signing through social handles.

“Pavan Rathnayake replaces Dipendra Singh Airee,” the caption of the post read.

Dipendra Singh Airee was bought for PKR 42 lac in the PSL 11 auction and had yet to play a match for the team. The right-hander was released from the squad to perform national duty.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka top-order batter Pavan Rathnayake has been roped in for PKR 18 lac. This will be the first time he will play in an overseas league.

 

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Previously, he has represented Kandy Falcons in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). The right-hander made his T20I debut on November 25 and has played 12 matches, amassing 266 runs with a strike rate of 146.96.

Overall, Pavan Rathnayake has played 44 T20s, scoring 512 runs with the aid of two half-centuries.

Following the signing, United head coach Luke Ronchi revealed the reason behind the signing of the Sri Lankan batter.

“It is important for us to have players who understand Asian conditions and can play spinners well,” said Luke Ronchi

“Rathnayake has the experience and expertise of spinners and Asian conditions. We welcome Pavan Rathnayake to Islamabad United,” he concluded.

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For the unversed, Islamabad United have won four out of seven games and are in second position on the PSL 11 points table.

They will face Rawalpindiz on April 23 at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.

Islamabad United Updated Squad

Shadab Khan (captain), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Chris Green, Mark Chapman, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Pavan Rathnayake , Mohammad Faiq, Mohsin Riaz, and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

READ: Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi seal PSL 11 playoff berth

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi, led by star batter Babar Azam, have officially secured their place in the playoffs of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The 2017 champions, currently sitting at the top of the eight-team points table with 13 points from seven matches, confirmed their qualification after Quetta Gladiators defeated Lahore Qalandars by six wickets on Friday.

The result ensured that Zalmi’s tally can no longer be overtaken by any side outside the top four by the conclusion of the league phase.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Zalmi began their campaign with an impressive five-wicket win over debutants Rawalpindiz in a high-scoring encounter.

Their following match against Islamabad United was washed out due to rain, but that proved to be only a minor interruption in what has otherwise been a dominant run.

From there, Zalmi stitched together a series of victories, overcoming Hyderabad Kingsmen, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators in succession to strengthen their grip on the top spot.

With qualification secured, Peshawar Zalmi will now turn their focus towards maintaining form heading into the knockout stages.

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They are scheduled to face Quetta Gladiators next on Sunday before travelling to Lahore for their remaining league fixtures against Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars on April 22 and 25, respectively.

This marks Zalmi’s 10th appearance in the PSL playoffs, underlining their consistency as one of the league’s most competitive sides.

Their only group-stage exit came last season, while their best moment remains the title-winning campaign in 2017. They have also finished as runners-up on three occasions, in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

READ: PSL 11: Glenn Maxwell creates history with rare T20 milestone

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday officially appointed former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the head coach of the national Test side ahead of the upcoming tour of Bangladesh.

Sarfaraz will begin his tenure during the two-match Test series, part of the current cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

The opening Test is scheduled to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 8 to 12, while the second fixture will take place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 16 to 20.

The appointment ends a prolonged vacancy in Pakistan’s red-ball coaching setup following the departure of Azhar Mahmood in October 2025.

Azhar had served as interim head coach since June last year, overseeing a home Test series against South Africa that ended in a 1-1 draw. With no red-ball fixtures scheduled until mid-2026, both parties mutually agreed to conclude his stint earlier than planned.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed recently guided Pakistan’s Under-19 side to the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 title and also served as mentor during the Pakistan Shaheens’ series against England Lions earlier this year.

During his playing career, Sarfaraz enjoyed notable success as captain, leading Pakistan to two ICC titles, the U19 World Cup in 2006 and the Champions Trophy in 2017.

The PCB also confirmed additions to the support staff, with Asad Shafiq appointed as batting coach and Umar Gul taking charge as bowling coach for the tour.

Asad featured in 147 international matches (77 Tests, 60 ODIs, 10 T20Is), scoring 6,188 runs, including 12 centuries and 36 half-centuries, while Umar featured in 237 international matches (47 Tests, 130 ODIs, 60 T20Is), taking 427 wickets.

Pakistan team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

READ: Four uncapped players named in Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Tests

LAHORE: Pakistan have announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh, set to begin from 8 May at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

The first of the two matches, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), will be played in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test from 16 to 20 May.

Shan Masood will continue as Test captain, 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.

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The players will undergo a camp in Karachi and will assemble on Monday, 27 April.  The camp will conclude on 1 May, with the players scheduled to fly to Bangladesh on 2 May.

Notably, the players who are currently taking part in PSL 11 will join the camp following the conclusion of their team’s campaign. Meanwhile, players whose teams qualify for the final will depart for Bangladesh after the conclusion of the tournament.

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Test series

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

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

READ: New Zealand edge Bangladesh in ODI series opener

KARACHI: Usman Tariq’s three wickets, backed by Rilee Rossouw’s unbeaten half-century, propelled Quetta Gladiators to a six-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars in the 26th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

The Gladiators chased down 135 in 16.2 overs, losing only four wickets in the process.

Lahore Qalandars piled on a miserable start on Quetta Gladiators as they lost their openers in the first two overs. Shamyl Hussain was caught for a duck while Shakeel was run out for one.

With the side in deep trouble at 11-2, Hassan Nawaz and Rilee Rossouw launched a recovery, forging a 104-run partnership that took the game away from Qalandars.

The pair batted with great composure and took the score to 115 in 13.4 overs. Nawaz made 49 off 32, striking two sixes and six fours.

Meanwhile, Rossouw remained until the end, ensuring his team crossed the line. The left-handed batter struck five fours and two sixes in his 60* off 49 balls.

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For Lahore Qalandars, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, a three-wicket haul from Usman Tariq bundled out Lahore Qalandars for a mere total. Qalandars could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as were bowled out for 134 on the final ball of the innings.

Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman added 20 for the opening wicket partnership before both batters fell in quick succession.

Naeem made four while Fakhar hit three boundaries in his 20 from 11 balls.

Quetta Gladiators continued to check Qalandars’ progress as they lost their third wicket in the powerplay. Charith Asalanka was caught for six as the defending champions were reduced to 36-3 in 4.4 overs.

The Qalandars continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with none of their batters getting going. At the halfway mark of the innings, they were in dire straits with six down for 60 runs.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Haseebullah Khan top-scored with 33 off 37 balls, hitting four boundaries.

The pattern continued till the final over for Qalandars, but thanks to some lusty blows from Usama Mir, who took them to a fighting total. Mir scored 22 from seven with the aid of three sixes.

For Quetta Gladiators, Jahandad Khan and Usman Tariq took three wickets each.

READ: Shahid Afridi voices concern as Shapoor Zadran battles illness

KARACHI: Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and have decided to bat first against Quetta Gladiators in the 26th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Head to Head

Playing XIs

Quetta Gladiators: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (capt.), Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Jahandad Khan, Saqib Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Naeem, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Charith Asalanka, Haseebullah (wk), Sikandar Raza, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Farooq, Shaheen Afridi (capt.), Usama Mir, Haris Rauf

READ: Shahid Afridi voices concern as Shapoor Zadran battles illness

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed deep concern and extended his support for former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who is currently in critical condition in the hospital.

Afridi shared an emotional message on the social media platform X, revealing that he had spoken to Zadran’s brother and was deeply saddened upon learning about the former pacer’s health.

“Had a heartfelt call with Shapoor Zadran’s brother today. Truly saddened to hear about his condition. You’ve always been a fighter on the field, and I know you’ll fight this too. Praying for your speedy recovery,” Afridi wrote.

According to recent reports, the 38-year-old has been admitted to intensive care following a serious medical complication.

Updates from family members suggest his condition remains extremely critical, with doctors closely monitoring his progress during crucial periods of treatment.

Zadran, a left-arm pacer, represented Afghanistan in 44 One Day Internationals and 36 T20 Internationals, picking up 43 and 37 wickets respectively.

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He also featured in franchise cricket, including the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he claimed 10 wickets in eight appearances.

Over the course of a career spanning more than a decade, Zadran played a significant role in Afghanistan’s rise on the international stage.

He was part of multiple ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squads and etched his name in history during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he scored the winning runs in Afghanistan’s first-ever victory in the tournament.

READ: Novak Djokovic pulls out of Madrid Open

Cricket Australia (CA) have officially confirmed their schedule for a historic full men’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh in June 2026, marking the first such bilateral visit in 15 years.

According to the board’s statement, Australia will play six white-ball matches on the tour, three One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), in a short but significant subcontinent assignment.

“Australia will end a 15-year gap between one-day matches in Bangladesh this winter with confirmation of six white-ball fixtures in the country in June,” the statement said.

The tour comes after Australia’s last full ODI series in Bangladesh in 2011, when they completed a 3-0 sweep in Dhaka, a series remembered for standout batting performances from Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, and Michael Hussey.

Their most recent T20I tour of Bangladesh came in 2021, where they suffered a surprise 4-1 series defeat despite a debut hat-trick from Nathan Ellis.

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A key development this time is a new broadcast rights agreement, which ensures the series will be available to Australian audiences, unlike the 2021 tour, which was not televised live in Australia.

“With the tour to also include three T20I fixtures, a fresh broadcast rights agreement struck this week will mean there is no repeat of Australia’s previous tour, which was blacked out to Australian viewers, making this the first men’s white-ball bilateral series in Bangladesh that has been viewable in Australia since 2011,” the statement said.

Australia’s ODI leg will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, with matches scheduled on June 9, 11, and 14.

The T20I series will follow in Chattogram, with all three matches set to be played at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium on June 17, 19, and 21.

Australia men’s tour of Bangladesh 2026 schedule

June 9: 1st ODI, Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka

June 11: 2nd ODI, Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka

June 14: 3rd ODI, Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka

June 17: 1st T20I, Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram

June 19: 2nd T20I, Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram

June 21: 3rd T20I, Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram

READ: PCB, Cricket Australia in talks over white-ball series schedule in Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in active discussions with Cricket Australia (CA) regarding the scheduling of Australia’s upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan, with both boards working to finalise dates and venues.

According to sources, Pakistan are set to host Australia for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series, with the visitors expected to arrive towards the end of May.

The matches are tentatively planned between May 31 and June 5, with one fixture likely to be held in Rawalpindi and the remaining two in Lahore.

Australia last toured Pakistan earlier this year in January, when they featured in a three-match T20I series.

Following their Pakistan assignment, they are scheduled to travel to Bangladesh for another white-ball tour, with the first ODI there expected to begin on June 9.

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Pakistan, meanwhile, are gearing up for a busy international window. Before hosting Australia, they are set to tour Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, provisionally scheduled from May 8 to 20.

This will mark their first red-ball assignment since their home series against South Africa in October last year, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Looking further ahead, Pakistan’s schedule in the ongoing ICC Future Tours Programme (2023–27) includes a tour of the West Indies for a two-Test series in July-August, followed by a three-match Test series in England from August 19 to September 13.

Later in the cycle, Sri Lanka are set to visit Pakistan for a two-Test series in November, while New Zealand are scheduled to tour in March 2027 for another red-ball assignment.

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