Author: A Sports

A decision on Pakistan participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to be held in India and Sri Lanka, is expected within days, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday.

Naqvi took to his X handle, revealing the details regarding the decision following a ‘producitve meeting’ with the PM Shehbaz Sharif.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” he wrote.

The development comes in the wake of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns.

The ICC’s stance has triggered unease within the PCB, which has publicly backed Bangladesh during the dispute.

Speculation about Pakistan’s participation intensified after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Saturday that the final call will be made by the federal government.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February, with Pakistan originally set to open their campaign against the Netherlands.

Pakistan are drawn in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia, with all of their group matches to be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model.

Pakistan are due to face the USA on 10 February, followed by the much-anticipated clash against India on 15 February, before concluding the group stage against Namibia on 18 February.

If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals and final, both matches are slated to be played in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout fixtures will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

READ: Pakistan considering boycott of T20 World Cup clash against India: sources

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering boycotting its high-profile group-stage match against arch-rivals India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources revealed on Monday.

The development comes in the wake of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns.

The ICC’s stance has triggered unease within the PCB, which has publicly backed Bangladesh during the dispute.

Speculation about Pakistan’s participation intensified after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Saturday that the final call will be made by the federal government.

According to insiders, the PCB is currently evaluating multiple protest options and intends to keep all avenues open, even if Pakistan ultimately take part in the tournament.

One of the scenarios under discussion is skipping the marquee clash against India. This move would cost Pakistan just two points in the group stage but could result in significant commercial and broadcast losses for the ICC.

Sources further revealed that Naqvi is scheduled to meet the national squad later today.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The PCB chairman is expected to brief the players on the evolving situation, discuss team strategy and outline broader plans in light of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the tournament.

Naqvi has previously made it clear that the PCB will adhere strictly to the government’s instructions, even if that results in Pakistan withdrawing from the event.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February, with Pakistan originally set to open their campaign against the Netherlands.

Pakistan are drawn in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia, with all of their group matches to be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model.

Pakistan are due to face the USA on 10 February, followed by the much-anticipated clash against India on 15 February, before concluding the group stage against Namibia on 18 February.

If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals and final, both matches are slated to be played in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout fixtures will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

READ: Shahid Afridi slams ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh at T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for replacing Bangladesh with Scotland at the T20 World Cup 2026, calling the decision unfair and inconsistent.

The ICC on Saturday confirmed Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns.

Despite several rounds of discussions, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, eventually opting to replace them with Scotland.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Afridi voiced his disappointment through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, questioning the ICC’s approach and accusing the governing body of applying double standards.

“As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by today’s ICC’s inconsistency,” Afridi wrote.

The former all-rounder drew a comparison with the ICC’s stance on India’s decision not to tour Pakistan in 2025, arguing that Bangladesh deserved similar consideration.

“It accepted India’s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh,” Afridi added. “Consistency and fairness are the foundation of global cricket governance.”

Shahid Afridi further stressed that the decision goes beyond administrative matters and directly affects players and supporters.

“Bangladesh’s players and millions of its fans deserve respect – not mixed standards. The ICC should build bridges, not burn them,” he concluded.

READ: Pakistan could face major penalties over T20 World Cup boycott: report

WINDHOEK: Dominant Australia sealed another win at the U19 World Cup as Charles Lachmund and Steven Hogan starred against South Africa, leading their side to a six wicket win here at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Put into bat first, South Africa were skittled for mere 118 in just 32.1 overs.

The Proteas were put into early trouble as opener Armaan Manack was trapped lbw for duck on the second ball of the first over.

After an early wicket, skipper Muhammed Bulbulia joined hands with Jorich Van Schalkwyk and added 27 for the second wicket partnership.

The stand was broken in the fifth over as Bulbulia was cleaned after scoring 19. The wicket triggered a mini collapse as both Jason Rowles and Daniel Bosman, were dismissed cheaply.

As a result, South Africa were 37-4 in 10 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The slide was briefly halted as Paul James and Jorich Van Schalkwyk put on a 30 run partnership. However, a total misunderstanding ended in Van Schalkwyk’s run out. He made 26 from 55 balls with the aid of three fours.

Following his wicket, South Africa innings quickly unraveled as Australia bowlers dominated the proceedings.

Paul James remained the top-scorer for South Africa with 34 to his name with the help of a four and a six.

For Australia, Charles Lachmund led the bowling attack with a three wicket haul to his name.

In reply, Australia reached the target without any major hiccups in 32.5 overs, losing four wickets.

South Africa snared an early wicket in the second over as Will Malajczuk  departed for four. Yet, Australia cruised in pursuit with a string of partnerships.

Steven Hogan remained the highest scorer for them as he managed 43 from 73 deliveries, striking five boundaries in the process.

For South Africa, JJ Basson shined with ball as he took three wickets in his quota of 10 overs.

With this win, Australia remained undefeated, winning three out of three games.

READ: PSL 11 auction: All you need to know about players, base prices and team purse

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday revealed key details regarding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 player auction, including the base prices, team composition and the minimum purse of each franchise.

The details were  revealed following the conclusion of the PSL 11 auction workshop designed to familiarize the stakeholders with the process.

Among the key details, the base prices of players and the minimum incremental bids were confirmed, all in Pakistani Rupees. The top bracket base prices are PKR 4.2 crore, PKR 2.2 crore, PKR 1.1 crore, and PKR 60 lacs.

Minimum incremental bids are as follows:

• PKR 250,000 for bid amounts under PKR 1.1 crore
• PKR 500,000 for bid amounts under PKR 2.2 crore
• PKR 1,000,000 for bid amounts under PKR 4.2 crore
• PKR 1,500,000 for bid amounts above PKR 4.2 crore

According to the cricket board, the outfits are free to bid higher than the specified minimum increments.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pakistan Super League (@thepsl)

Additionally, each team will be required to have minimum of 16 and maximum 20 players in their roster, including five to seven foreign players, determined by the total squad size.

It is mandatory for each franchise to included a minimum of two uncapped U23 players in their squad, with one featuring  in the starting eleven.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The picked or retained players in PSL 11 auction will be signed on two-year contracts, with each outfit allowed to retain a maximum of seven players for the 12th edition of the tournament.

After PSL 12, a grand auction will be held, allowing teams to retain up to five players, with any released player entering the player auction pool.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pakistan Super League (@thepsl)

As it was announced earlier, each team will also be allowed to directly sign one foreign player who did not feature in PSL X. Meanwhile the franchise team purse of PKR 45 crore could be increased to PKR 50.5 crore to accommodate directly signed foreign players.

The PCB will additionally support teams in signing top international players.

For those unaware, the expanded edition of the PSL 11 is scheduled to get underway on March 26, 2026.

READ: PCB reveals date for historic PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The historic auction for the landmark Pakistan Super League (PSL)  11 edition will be held on Wednesday, 11 February, the PCB announced in a press release on Sunday.

The date was revealed during the PSL player auction workshop organized to familiarize stakeholders with the auction process.

During the workshop, star cricketers including Babar Azam and all the stakeholders of PSL were present.

“Workshop was presided by Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi and CEO PSL Salman Naseer and was attended by HBL PSL officials, all eight franchise representatives, members of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad, PCB officials and other capped players,” the board said in a press release statement.

On this occasion, Mohsin Naqvi praised the initiative and tipped the upcoming auction as a cornerstone for improving players growth.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I’m delighted that a consultative and productive session was held between the franchises, players and management today resulting in informed and strategic decisions which will pave the way for bright future for the HBL PSL,” he said.

“The Player Auction model is a landmark step for the HBL PSL, offering players better financial opportunities through an increased salary purse and a transparent acquisition process, while making the league more competitive and attractive, he added.

Meanwhile, PSL  Salman Naseer also shared his thoughts on this occasion, calling the auction a landmark event in tournament’s growth.

“The HBL PSL’s highly-anticipated New Era is finally here. The player auction system modernises player recruitment by promoting fairness, transparency, and market-driven value, strengthening the HBL PSL’s appeal for both players, franchises and most importantly meets the expectations of our loyal fans,” he said.

“Today’s workshop saw all views being taken into consideration and this rich feedback will be reflected in our execution of a successful player auction scheduled next month. More excitement is on the way,” he explained.

For the unversed, the expanded edition of the PSL Will get underway on March 26, 2026, and will mark Faisalabad’s first-ever stint as a host city. The venue will join Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, expanding the league to five host cities.

READ: WATCH: Babar Azam among stars at PSL player auction workshop

PERTH: Mitchell Marsh and Fin Allen led Perth Scorchers to a resounding victory over Sydney Sixers to lift the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 title here at the Perth Stadium on Sunday.

Scorchers chased down a modest target of 133 in front of a packed home crowd, losing four wickets in the process with `15 balls to spare.

With this win, Perth Scorchers sealed record sixth title in the tournament’s history.

Mitchell Marsh and Fin Allen made light work of the chase with a blistering 80 run stand in 8.2 overs.

Allen continued his red-hot form and scored 36 from 22, striking four boundaries and a maximum. The right-hander innings ended in Mitchell Starcs over, thanks to a stunning catch from Jack Edwards at covers.

Sydney Sixers sniffed an opening with another wicket in the ninth over as Aaron Hardie departed for five.

As a result, Scorchers were 85-2 in 9.1 overs in BBL final.

However, Marsh held firm and kept the scoreboard ticking and put his side insight of victory in BBL final.

He was eventually removed on the first ball of the 15th over after scoring 44 from 43 balls laced with four boundaries and two sixes.

With 15 required from five overs, it was only a matter of time as Perth Scorchers cruised to victory.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Josh Inglis who remained unbeaten on 29 from 26 finished it in style with a six of Ben Dwarshuis bowling.

For Sydney Sixers, Sean Abbott picked up two wickets.

Earlier, put into bat first, Sydney Sixers shambolic display with the bat ended their innings on 132 at the end of their 20 overs.

Daniel Hughes was the first to be dismissed, caught after only managing seven.

Sydney Sixers were 7-1 in 2 overs when Josh Philippe joined Steve Smith at the crease.

The pair added 27 before Aaron Hardie trapped Smith lbw to put his side on top. Smith made 24 from 13 with the aid of three fours and a six.

After Smith’s wicket, Perth Scorchers turned the screws on Sixers, limiting their scoring. As a result, Sixers were reduced to 66 at the half-way stage of the innings.

The slow scoring resulted in Josh Philippe’s wicket whose sluggish 24 from 24 ended in the 11th over.

In the last five overs, Sixers lost their way, thanks to David Payne’s double wicket over which sent skipper Moises Henriques (24) and Lachlan Shaw (14) packing.

Consequently, Sydney Sixers were 103-6 in 15.4 overs and their innings evetnually folded for a mere total.

For Perth Scorchers, Jhye Richardson and David Payne shared wickets between them.

READ: WATCH: Babar Azam among stars at PSL player auction workshop

LAHORE: Pakistan ace players Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and several other cricketers attended the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 player auction workshop, which is organized to familiarize stakeholders with the auction process.

The workshop is held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, with all stakeholders of PSL invited to the workshop for the player auction.

The purpose of the workshop is to familiarize stakeholders with the auction process. Moreover, the briefing will also help determine the players’ categories and base prices.

Ahead of the workshop, the national team players, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and several others, were seen greeting each other.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pakistan Super League (@thepsl)

It is worth mentioning that this will be the first time since PSL’s inception that a player’s auction will be held instead of the traditional Draft system.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The strategic shift is aimed at enhancing competitive balance, increasing transparency, and providing players’ greater earning opportunities.

Under the revised framework, each franchise will be allowed to retain a maximum of four players, with only one retention permitted per category.

This marks a sharp departure from previous seasons, where teams could retain up to eight players, along with additional provisions such as mentors, brand ambassadors and the Right to Match (RTM) option.

For PSL 11, the PCB has abolished the mentor, brand ambassador and RTM clauses altogether, streamlining the squad-building process ahead of the auction.

The two newly inducted franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, will also be granted special provisions, allowing them to select and retain four players from the available pool before the player auction.

In addition, every team will be permitted one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in PSL 10, a move designed to inject fresh international talent into the competition.

The PCB also confirmed that PSL 11 will get underway on March 26, 2026, and will mark Faisalabad’s first-ever stint as a host city. The venue will join Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, expanding the league to five host cities.

READ: Naqvi to meet Pakistan T20 WC squad amid doubts over participation

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Director of High Performance and national selector Aqib Javed has dismissed comparisons between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan over a spot in the national team’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to played in India and Sri Lanka. 

While addressing the media, Aqib answered a question regarding the selection of Babar Azam over Mohammad Rizwan in Pakistan’s World Cup squad.

“You have to look at how the batting composition of your team shapes up. Babar is seen by both the coach and the captain as someone who can play a vital role in the team. This doesn’t mean that if one player is given a chance, another is denied one,” he remarked.

“We don’t think in terms of comparing one player to another or why one was chosen and the other wasn’t. There’s no logic in that. What you need to see is who fits better in the squad and which player makes the team stronger,” he explained.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, white ball head coach Mike Hesson praised ‘exeptional’ Usman Khan for his wicket-keeping and emphasized his role in the team amid debate surrounding Mohammad Rizwan’s inclusion.

“When it comes to Usman Khan’s performance, we consider the availability we have and the type of cricket we want to play,” Hesson said.

“You build a composition of 7–8 batsmen, and you need to see what type of players come together to form a batting unit that can perform in any total or under any conditions,” he added.

He highlighted Usman’s performances while revealing the particular role that is required from him during the tournament.

“Usman Khan has been exceptional since he came back. He remained not out in three chases where we were losing wickets, and he has shown experience. His wicketkeeping is going probably better than expected. In Sri Lanka, it was high quality,” Hesson said.

“The role we have for our keeper is someone through the middle, batting at five or six. You are not comparing the same, as Rizwan is a top-order batter. There’s no spot in that role for a wicketkeeper,” Hesson concluded.

Earlier in the morning, Pakistan revealed the squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with skipper Salman Ali Agha set to lead the 15-member side.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

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

READ: Hesson reveals reason behind Haris Rauf’s T20 World Cup exclusion

LAHORE: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has revealed that conditions played a major role behind Haris Rauf omission from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

While addressing the media on the occasion of the team announcement, Hesson revealed that Pakistan’s decision to take only three specialist seamers for World Cup were due to Sri Lanka conditions.

“When we decided to only take three seamers in Sri Lanka, there were obviously going to be some key seamers,” Hesson told reporters.

The head coach furhter elaborated that Haris Rauf was in contention but ultimately missed out due to limited slots.

“Wasim Jr, Ahmed Daniyal and Haris Rauf were certainly considered, but unfortunately there’s no spot. The three that are going — Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Salman Mirza — can all bowl in all three phases of the game, which is really important when you’re potentially going to play two in Sri Lanka,” he explained.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Hesson mentioned the previous editions of the World Cup where conditions allowed an extra seamer, noting that Faheem Ahsraf provides an all-round option incase if a third pacer is required.

“In previous World Cups and previously, we have always taken an extra seamer there because conditions have dictated that, whereas in this situation we haven’t gone down that path,” he stated.

“We have only picked three frontline seamers, with Faheem Ashraf as the all-rounder if we decide to play three, so that was pretty straightforward, and some very good players missed out,” Hesson revealed.

For those unwared, Rauf’s last appearance for Pakistan in T20I cricket came during the Asia Cup final against India on September 28, 2025, a match in which he struggled, conceding 50 runs in 3.4 overs while defending 146.

The performance raised questions about his ability to handle pressure in big moments, and he has not featured in the national T20I team since.

He was also left out of the T20I squads for the away series against Sri Lanka and the upcoming home series against Australia.

Earlier, Pakistan revealed the squad for T20 World Cup 2026 with skipper Salman Ali Agha set to lead the side.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

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

READ: Mohsin Naqvi breaks silence on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 participation