Author: A Sports

England captain Harry Brook has responded to mounting speculation that Pakistan players could be overlooked in the upcoming edition of The Hundred, saying it would be “a shame” if the tournament misses out on their presence.

Reports in English media have suggested that franchises with Indian Premier League (IPL)-linked ownership may refrain from picking Pakistan cricketers at next month’s auction.

While the development has triggered debate across the cricketing world, Brook made it clear that England’s focus lies elsewhere.

“Our main focus now is what’s coming up in the T20 World Cup. It’s not really any of our business, to be honest,” Brook said in a recent interview.

Even so, the England skipper did not shy away from acknowledging Pakistan’s stature in the game. He described the country as one of cricket’s most influential forces and stressed that the global circuit benefits from their involvement.

“Pakistan have been a great cricket nation for many years. I think there’s about 50, 60 players in the auction, and it would be a shame to not see some of them in there,” he remarked.

Harry Brook further underlined the broader impact Pakistani players bring to franchise tournaments, not just through skill, but through fan engagement and atmosphere.

“There’s some amazing cricketers and they bring some great crowds as well. It would be a shame to not see some of the Pakistan players in there and make the tournament and competition even better,” he added.

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The speculation stems from reports indicating that four franchises, Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds, all partially owned by IPL-linked investors, could bypass Pakistan players in the men’s auction scheduled for March 12 in London, following the women’s auction on March 11.

According to the reports, a senior England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) official informed an agent that interest in Pakistan players would likely be limited to franchises not associated with IPL ownership.

Another agent reportedly described the situation as an “unwritten rule” in leagues influenced by IPL investments.

The claims appear to contradict assurances previously made by ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould, who had stated that Pakistani players would not face restrictions in England’s 100-ball competition.

“We are aware of the challenges Pakistani players face in other regions, but that won’t be happening here,” Gould had said last year, reaffirming the board’s commitment to inclusivity.

Pakistan cricketers have not featured in the IPL since 2008 and have also had limited opportunities in other IPL-linked leagues such as SA20, ILT20 and Major League Cricket (MLC).

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COLOMBO: Weather could play a significant role in Saturday’s Super Eight clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

Weather reports indicate overcast skies and light showers this afternoon, creating a warm, humid and potentially disruptive atmosphere ahead of play.

Current temperatures hover around 30°C, but with humidity near 80%, it feels closer to 37°C, while shaded areas record a RealFeel of 34°C.

Winds are gusting up to 26 km/h from the west-northwest, adding an occasional breeze to the conditions.

Rainfall measured so far stands at 7.6 mm, with a 75 percent chance of further showers, and cloud cover close to complete at 99 percent.

Visibility is moderate at around 5 km. The high dew point of 24°C further reflects the moisture-laden air, conditions that could influence both bowling and batting strategies.

By evening, conditions are expected to improve slightly, with temperatures dropping to around 25°C and a RealFeel of 29°C.

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While skies will remain fully cloudy, chances of rain are forecast to fall to 25 percent.

Winds will ease, blowing from the east at around 7 km/h, and humidity is likely to rise further to 86 percent, keeping the atmosphere sticky as dew becomes a possible factor later in the night.

For Pakistan, this match carries considerable importance after a strong Group A performance that saw them finish second with three wins from four games, their only loss coming against India.

In the Super Eights, they find themselves in Group 2 alongside the co-hosts Sri Lanka, New Zealand and England.

Historically, Pakistan have enjoyed the edge over New Zealand in T20 World Cup meetings, leading the head-to-head 5-2 across seven encounters.

In all T20 internationals between the two teams, Pakistan hold a narrow advantage with 24 wins to New Zealand’s 23, while two matches ended without a result.

READ: Mike Hesson explains Babar Azam demotion in Namibia clash

COLOMBO: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has revealed reason behind Babar Azam’s demotion in the batting order during the Namibia clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking to the media ahead of New Zealand fixture, Hesson cited Babar Azam’s strike rate in the first six overs, stating that the batter is aware of his strike rate in the World Cup.

“I think Babar is well aware that his strike rate in the power play in the World Cup is less than 100 and that’s clearly not the role we think we need,” Hesson told reporters after Pakistan’s final practice session on Friday was washed out by rain.

“We brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup,” he added.

The head coach also said that there are several other options available to step in and fulfill that role, and Babar himself recognizes this.

“We’ve got plenty of other options who can come in and perform that role towards the end. Babar is actually the first to acknowledge that, ” he continued.

“He knows that he’s got a certain set of skills that the team requires and there are certain times where other players can perform that role more efficiently,” the 51-year-old said.

Mike Hesson also emphasizes Pacer Salman Mirza’s recent performance, calling him unlucky to miss out on the high-stakes India-Pakistan fixture.

“We made a call that Salman Mirza was coming in for Shaheen, and he bowled incredibly well,” he said.

“To be fair, he was probably really unlucky to not be playing the second and third games.”

He concluded by acknowledging that New Zealand is well aware of the conditions and they must do their best to emerge victorious.

“New Zealand have played a huge amount in the subcontinent in recent times so we have to play at our best.”

READ: England Lions outplay Pakistan Shaheens in series opener

ABU DHABI: Asa Tribe’s 64* guided England Lions to a four-wicket win over Pakistan Shaheens in the opening T20 fixture here at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery One on Friday.

After being put into bat, Pakistan Shaheens posted 152 for seven in their allotted 20 overs.

Skipper Shamyl Hussain led from the front with 57 off 39 balls, including four boundaries and four maximums.

The opening stand of Shamyl and Maaz Sadaqat added 56, with Maaz Sadaqat scoring 17 from 18 balls.

Meanwhile, Saad Baig (21, 20b, 2x4s) and Abdul Samad (21,12b, 2x6s) provided momentum through the middle overs.

Arafat Minhas, coming to bat at number seven, finished strongly with an unbeaten 13 off nine balls, which included two fours, helping Shaheens cross the 150-run mark.

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For England Lions, James Coles and Saqib Mahmood picked up two wickets each.

Pakistan Shaheens made early inroads as Akif Javed struck twice inside the powerplay to remove Will Smeed and England Lions captain Jordan Cox, leaving the opposition under pressure in the chase.

Ahmed Daniyal, Saad Masood, and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with a wicket apiece, keeping Shaheens in the contest through the middle overs.

However, unbeaten 64 from Asa Tribe, including six fours and a six, took Lions over the line in 19.1 overs.

The second match will be played at the same venue on Sunday, March 22.

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COLOMBO: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has clarified a video that appeared to show a heated exchange with captain Salman Ali Agha, stating that the situation was misunderstood.

On February 18, Hesson appeared to be engaged in a heated exchange with Salman Ali Agha during Pakistan’s clash against Namibia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The video, widely circulated online, showed Agha throwing his bottle to the ground in anger.

The visuals soon caught the attention of fans on social media, with various speculations about the conversation between them.

Speaking ahead of the New Zealand clash, Hesson explained that the situation had been misunderstood, noting that he had approached Salman Ali Agha to ask Nawaz to put on his pads.

“I’ve seen the video that was sent to me, and you’ve got it completely wrong. Let me explain what actually happened. I was walking over to speak to Salman and to ask Nawaz to put his pads on as a left-hander,” he told reporters in the pre-match press conference.

“Agha had just gotten out and was understandably upset, so he threw his bottle to the ground. It had nothing to do with the conversation we were having,” he added.

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The coach further said that it was just a simple discussion, and Agha was not involved at all.

“Once the left-arm spinner had finished his over, we discussed Shadab getting his pads on to come in. It was a very straightforward conversation, and Agha wasn’t even part of it,” he continued.

He was simply disappointed about his dismissal and happened to be nearby. It’s remarkable how easily situations can be misinterpreted,” Hesson concluded.

The 2009 champions are scheduled to play New Zealand tomorrow and England on February 24 before taking on hosts Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight encounter on Feb 28.

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan Super Eights schedule

February 21: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Colombo

February 24: England vs Pakistan – Kandy

February 28: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – Colombo

READ: WATCH: Saqlain Mushtaq hilarious Pakistan XI for New Zealand clash

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq took a humorous approach while announcing Pakistan XI for New Zealand clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, leaving everyone amused.

Saqlain was asked to pick an XI for Pakistan’s upcoming Super Eight fixture against New Zealand during a sports program. The picks in the XI left everybody in the studio laughing.

 

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Former cricketer Mohammad Hafeez also joined in the fun, joking that Mushtaq’s lineup would go down as a “record.”

Saqlain replied with a smile that it’s worth trying this playing XI.

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“Since all the chaos is already made, we might as well give this a try,” further entertaining the audience.

Pakistan is set face New Zealand in their opening fixture in the Super Eight at RPS Stadium, Colombo.

For those unaware, Pakistan finished second in Group A, winning three out of four games. They faced a 61-run defeat against India while securing wins against Namibia, USA, and the Netherlands.

The 2009 champions are scheduled to play England on February 24 before taking on hosts Sri Lanka in their final encounter on Feb 28.

Pakistan Squad

Salman Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan Super Eights schedule

February 21: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Colombo

February 24: England vs Pakistan – Kandy

February 28: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – Colombo

READ: Heavy rain cancels Pakistan practice before New Zealand clash

LAHORE: Pakistan’s men’s cricket team is set to tour Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series, starting on March 11 in Dhaka.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the schedule in a press release.

“Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on March 9 and will undergo a training session on March 10 ahead of the opening ODI against the hosts at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Dhaka on March 11,” the statement said.

“The second and third ODIs are scheduled for March 13 and March 15, respectively, with all matches at the same venue,” it added,

The second match of the series will be played on March 13, while the last ODI will be played on March 15.

All three fixtures are scheduled to be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

The Green Shirts will return home and will tour Bangladesh again in May after the completion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

The two sides will meet for a two-match Test series in May, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

The first Test is slated to take place in Dhaka from May 8 to 12, while the second Test will be held in Chattogram from May 16 to 20.

Pakistan’s visit forms part of Bangladesh’s packed home international calendar for the 2026 season.

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The Tigers are scheduled to host four Tests, 12 ODIs, and nine T20Is across the year, beginning with Pakistan’s tour immediately after the T20 World Cup.

After Pakistan ODIs, the New Zealand men’s cricket team will arrive for a white-ball series starting April 17.

Later in the season, Australia are also set to tour Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is, with matches scheduled around mid-June.

Bangladesh are further expected to host India for a limited-overs series in August-September 2026, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is, following a two-match Test series against the West Indies men’s cricket team under the WTC.

However, uncertainty surrounds India’s tour after recent tensions, including Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the T20 World Cup in India, where they were replaced by Scotland.

Schedule of Pakistan-Bangladesh series

• First ODI – March 11
• Second ODI – March 13
• Third ODI – March 15
• First Test – May 8 to 12
• Second Test – May 16 to 20

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COLOMBO: Pakistan men’s cricket team practice session ahead of their Super Eight opening match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand has been cancelled due to rain. 

The Green Shirts were scheduled to hold a training session before locking horns against the BlackCaps at the RPS Stadium tomorrow. However, the weather has forced them to change their plans.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson is set to hold a press conference at 6:30 pm PKT.

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For those unaware, Pakistan finished second in Group A, winning three out of four games. They faced a 61-run defeat against India while securing wins against Namibia, USA, and the Netherlands.

The 2009 champions are scheduled to play England on February 24 before taking on hosts Sri Lanka in their final encounter on Feb 28.

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan Super Eights schedule

February 21: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Colombo

February 24: England vs Pakistan – Kandy

February 28: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – Colombo

Other Super Eight Fixtures

February 22: Sri Lanka vs England – Kandy

February 22: India vs South Africa – Ahmedabad

February 23: West Indies vs Zimbabwe – Mumbai

February 25: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand – Colombo

February 26: South Africa vs West Indies – Ahmedabad

February 26: India vs Zimbabwe – Chennai

February 27: England vs New Zealand – Colombo

March 1: South Africa vs Zimbabwe – Ahmedabad

March 1: India vs West Indies – Kolkata

READ: Marnus Labuschagne ‘excited’ ahead of PSL debut

Australia top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne has expressed his excitement ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Marnus, 31, has been roped in by Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen as a direct signing for the landmark season of the tournament.

Labuschagne shared a video message, expressing his delight at being part of the marquee league for the first time.

“I am excited to join Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen for this season of the PSL,” he said.

 

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“I want to thank the club and fans, it is going to be a great year. Can’t wait to be a part of it. I can’t wait to join the team,” he added.

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Earlier today, the franchise also announced the signing of ace Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell for PSL 11.

The right-hander will strengthen the squad that also includes some other notable names, including Pakistan all-rounder Saim Ayub.

For those unaware, Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen was acquired by Fawad Sarwar’s Kingsmen Group, who won the franchise rights with a bid worth Rs1.75 billion (approximately $6.25 million).

On the field, the franchise has begun shaping a competitive squad.

They retained promising talents Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Akif Javed.

The team has also assembled an experienced coaching staff. Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been appointed head coach, with Grant Bradburn set to serve as fielding coach under his leadership.

The landmark PSL 11 season is scheduled to begin on March 26, while the much-anticipated player auction will take place on February 11.

Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen squad:

Saim Ayub, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (Direct Signing), Glenn Maxwell, Usman Khan, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Hassan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Ottniel Baartman, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, and Tayyab Arif.

READ: PSL 11: Hyderabad boost squad with Glenn Maxwell signing

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated on Thursday that he will continue supporting the national men’s hockey team players throughout the current turmoil. 

Naqvi’s remarks came following his meeting with Pakistan hockey players amid the accommodation row they faced during the Pro League leg in Australia.

“We will accommodate hockey players in every possible way. We will extend complete cooperation to streamline hockey affairs,” Naqvi stated.

“You should focus only on the game. Pakistan’s honour comes first. We will not allow the country’s dignity to be compromised under any circumstances,” Naqvi told Hockey players.

He also clarified that he is not becoming the next president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).

“I am not becoming Hockey Federation President, but we will assist players till this turmoil ends,” Naqvi wrote on X.

The PCB chairman clarified after Tariq Bugti sent his resignation to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

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Earlier in the day, Tariq Bugti stepped down as President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), with captain Ammad Shakeel Butt handed a two-year ban by the federation.

Bugti submitted his resignation to Shehbaz Sharif and defended his performance in a farewell statement, highlighting improvements in Pakistan’s global standing.

The resignation comes amid fallout from viral videos during the FIH Pro League leg in Australia, which showed Pakistan players living in substandard accommodation due to logistical and financial complications.

Initial hotel bookings were reportedly cancelled over non-payment, forcing team management to arrange alternative lodging with the help of the local community, often with four to five players sharing a single room and bookings falling short of covering the full stay.

On the field, Pakistan endured a disappointing campaign, remaining winless in Australia with defeats against Australia (3-2, 3-0) and Germany (5-2, 6-1).

Looking ahead, Pakistan are scheduled to continue their FIH Pro League campaign with matches against Belgium on June 13 and 20, Spain on June 14, followed by high-profile clashes with arch-rivals India on June 23 and 26, and England on June 24 and 27.

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