Author: A Sports

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has expressed gratitude to Sydney Sixers fans and teammates after his maiden Big Bash League (BBL) campaign came to an early end due to national team commitments.

The Sixers confirmed on Thursday that Babar will not be available for the Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes on Friday, with the right-hander required to return to Pakistan to join the national camp ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Babar had initially been cleared to play the full BBL season and was notably left out of Pakistan’s recent three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

However, he is now expected to be part of Pakistan’s home T20I series against Australia, which will serve as a crucial build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The Pakistan batter wrapped up his first BBL stint with 202 runs from 11 matches, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries.

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While it was a challenging tournament statistically, Babar remained upbeat about his experience in Australian conditions and his time with the Sixers.

“First of all, thank you so much Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys, all the coaches and I have very (sic) enjoyed my time,” Babar said in a farewell message.

“Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team, to go to the national duty. I have a lot of things I have to take back home- a lot of fun, a lot of positive things, so I have enjoyed it a lot.”

Babar Azam also reserved special praise for the Sixers’ supporters, highlighting the atmosphere at the SCG as one of the standout aspects of his stint.

“Especially, thank you to the Sydney Sixers fans there is always support there, lot of support, lot of encourage (sic), a lot of fun, so I have very enjoyed that vibe at Sydney Cricket Ground, so thank you so much,” he added.

READ: T20 World Cup schedule intact as ICC rejects Bangladesh plea

Sydney Sixers have confirmed that Pakistan star batter Babar Azam will not feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes, scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

The Sixers made the announcement just over 24 hours before the knockout fixture, stating that Babar has been instructed to return to Pakistan to join the national team camp ahead of upcoming international commitments.

“The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches,” the franchise said in a statement.

“As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.”

The Challenger clash will determine who faces the Perth Scorchers in the BBL final, scheduled to be held in Perth on Sunday.

Babar Azam had initially been cleared to play the full tournament and was notably not selected for Pakistan’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

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However, he is reportedly set to play the home T20I series against Australia, which will serve as the final preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes confirmed that the franchise had expected the Pakistan batter to be available throughout the finals.

“The Sydney Sixers are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have had Babar represent the club during his time in Australia,” Haynes said.

“While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan’s national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches.”

Babar Azam concludes his maiden BBL campaign with 202 runs from 11 matches, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries.

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DUBAI: Afghanistan sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series with a commanding 39-run victory over West Indies, thanks to a hat-trick-laden four-wicket haul from Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Set a daunting 190 run target here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, West Indies batting lineup faltered and were bowled out for 150 in 18.5 overs.

West Indies’ chase started on a shaky note as Alick Athanaze was run out in the second over for eight.

After an early wicket, Evin Lewis and skipper Brandon King revived the chase with a 29-run partnership.

However, Mujeeb ran through the middle order as he picked up both Lewis and Johnson Charles in successive deliveries to leave himself on a T20I hat-trick.

As a result, the West Indies were reduced to 38-3 in eight overs.

With the team in deep trouble, Shimron Hetmyer joined hands with Brandon King, and together they steadied the West Indies ship with a 68-run partnership from 33 balls.

The pair launched a recovery and brought the total to 106 in 13.3 overs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi broke the threatening stand with Hetmyer’s wicket, who was caught after scoring 46 from just 17, which included six maximums.

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Mujeeb came back to bowl his final over and picked up Brandon King’s wicket to complete a hat-trick, and then followed it by cleaning Quentin Sampson.

King top-scored with 50 off 41 balls, striking four sixes and two fours.

His spell broke the back of West Indies batting lineup and handed Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match to spare.

For Afghanistan, Mujeeb was the pick of the bowlers, returning with figures of 4 for 21.

Earlier, put into bat first, Afghanistan racked up 189-4 in their allotted 20 overs.

After losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (1) and Ibrahim Zadran(220) in the first five overs, Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli stabilized the innings.

Both batters display authority at the crease, stitching an imperious 115-run stand to power their side to a commanding total.

Atal hit three sixes and two fours, whereas Rasooli’s 68 from 39 was laced with three sixes and five fours.

For West Indies, Matthew Forde took two wickets.

The third and final T20I of the series will be played on Thursday.

READ: Williamson, Neesham, Fernando steer Rajshahi into BPL final

MIRPUR: James Neesham’s brisk knock and Kane Williamson’s composed innings, complemented by Binura Fernando’s four-wicket haul propelled Rajshahi Warriors into the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 final with a victory over Sylhet Titans here at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Set 166, Titans’ batting lineup struggled and could eventually muster 153-8 at the end of their innings.

Binura Fernando inflicted a poor start on Titans as they lost the opener, Zakir Hasan and Ariful Islam for a duck.

As a result, Sylhet Titans were reduced to 7-2 in 2.4 overs.

Following the early hiccup, Parvez Hossain Emon and Sam Billings put the chase back on track with a 69-run partnership.

The duo brought the total to 76 until the 10th over of the game when a miscommunication between both batters resulted in a runout.

The well-set batter Emon had to go after scoring 48 from 34 balls, which included two sixes and five fours. With this wicket, Rajshahi Warriors sniffed an opening.

The game turned on its head in the 12th and 13th over when Moeen Ali and Sam Billings were sent back to pavilion. Moeen made seven while Billings made 37 from 28, featuring three fours and a six.

As a result, Sylhet Titans slumped to 107-5 in 13.2 overs with Afif Hossain and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the crease.

The duo tried to arrest the slide, adding a brief 19-run partnership. Yet they were dismissed in quick succession, with the asking rate soaring.

Therefore, with wickets tumbling at the end, Sylhet Titans required 24 off the last over. But Binura Fernando held his nerve and conceded just 11 runs to guide Rajshahi into the final.

For Rajshahi Warriors, Binura Fernando starred with the ball and picked up a four-wicket haul.

Earlier, put into bat first, Rajshahi Warriors scored 165-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

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Sahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Hasan provided a rapid start, adding 41 in 4.4 overs. Farhan hit four boundaries and a six before getting caught.

Despite the wicket, Tanzid kept the scoreboard ticking until his departure in the sixth over. He made 32 off 15, striking four sixes and a four.

After a solid start, Rajshahi Warriors stuttered in the middle as they lost three quick wickets in the ninth and 10th over.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (7) and Mushfiqur Rahim (0) were dismissed on consecutive deliveries, which was followed by another wicket of SM Meherob (0).

As a result, Rajshahi Warriors were reduced to 80-5 in 10.3 overs.

With the Warriors in dire straits, the New Zealand duo of Williamson and James Neesham held the innings together with a 77-run partnership.

Kane Williamson played the second fiddle while Neesham remained the core aggressor.

The pair took the total to 157 in 18.5 overs as Neesham departed after scoring 44 from 26 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

Meanwhile, Williamson remained unbeaten on 45 from 38 with the help of two sixes and a boundary.

For Sylhet Titans, Salman Irshad topped the wicket charts with three wickets to his name.

The tournament final will be played between Chattogram Royals and Rajshahi Warriors on 23 January at the same venue.

READ: Dominant England, Afghanistan seal victories in U19 World Cup

HARARE: Ben Mayes’ record 191 powered England to a crushing 252-run victory over Scotland, while Afghanistan continued their winning run with a resounding nine-wicket win against Tanzania in the U19 World Cup group stage fixtures.

Batting first, England racked up a massive 404-6 in their 50 overs, thanks to a monumental second wicket partnership between Joseph Moores and Ben Mayes.

After opener Ben Dawkins got out in the second over for five runs, Mayes joined Moores and forged an 188-run stand, which laid a foundation for a big total.

The pair batted briskly and kept the Scottish bowlers at bay with Mayes scoring his half-century on 32 balls. At this stage, the scorecard read 102-1.

Meanwhile, Dawkins also provided support from the other end and kept the scoreboard ticking.

The stand eventually culminated on the first ball of the 24th over as Moores got out after scoring 81 from 65, which was laced with four boundaries and five sixes.

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Despite the wicket, Mayes remained unfazed and stitched a couple of stands with middle-order batters.

There were some other brief contributions from England batters, but Ben Mayes remained dominant and posted a record score for the Three Lions in Youth ODIs.

He was eventually dismissed in the 45th over after amassing 191 from 117 balls. His record-breaking knock was peppered with 18 fours and eight sixes.

At the time of his dismissal, England’s scorecard read 354-5 in 45.2 overs.

For Scotland, Jake Woodhouse stood out with three wickets to his name.

In reply, Scotland could not get going and were bowled out for 152 in 44.5 overs.

After a positive 38-run start from the openers, Scotland lost their way and lost wickets in heaps.

Luke Hands and Alex Green combined to rattle the top order, with Caleb Falconer and Ralphie Albert cutting through the rest of the batting lineup.

Finlay Carter was the only silver lining for Scotland, who top scored with 34 from 55 with the aid of four boundaries.

Ethan Ramsay was the other batter to impress, who remained unbeaten on 20 from 23 balls. The right-hander struck four boundaries.

For England, all-rounder Caleb Falconer scalped three wickets.

Earlier, in a Group D fixture, Afghanistan sealed a nine-wicket victory over Tanzania.

Tanzania could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as Nooristani Omarzai led the bowling attack, skittling them for 85 in 36 overs.

Augustino Mwamele remained Tanzania’s top scorer with 14 goals.

For Afghanistan, it was Nooristani who wreaked havoc with the ball and tore through the opposition’s batting lineup.

The right-arm medium pacer returned with the figures of 5/9 in seven overs. Uzairullah Niazai also supported him well with two wickets to his name.

In reply, the Young Afghan Atlans chased down a mere 86-run target in 12.4 overs. The result marked Afghanistan’s third consecutive victory.

READ: Hurricanes eliminate Haris Rauf’s Stars in rain-hit BBL 15 knockout

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday confirmed there would be no changes to the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule or groups despite Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches to Sri Lanka amid security concerns.

The marquee event is set to commence on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

The decision came following an ICC Board meeting earlier in the day, held to discuss Bangladesh’s participation in the mega event.

According to the global cricket governing body, the decision was taken after security threats were cleared.

“Considering all security assessments conducted, including independent reviews, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials, and fans at any tournament venues in the country,” ICC said.

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“It was noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body,” the statement added.

Bangladesh are slotted in Group C alongside West Indies, Nepal, and England.

As per the original itinerary, the Tigers’ first three matches are scheduled at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with their last group stage fixture to be played in Mumbai.

For those unaware, the whole situation arose after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for the tournament, citing safety concerns for players and support staff, and had requested that the ICC shift the matches outside India.

The decision followed an IPL-related dispute involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman, which triggered strong reactions in Dhaka.

Despite multiple discussions, the ICC’s proposal to change venues within India was rejected by the BCB, which remains firm on playing its matches in Sri Lanka, prolonging the standoff.

READ: Hurricanes eliminate Haris Rauf’s Stars in rain-hit BBL 15 knockout

HOBART: Defending champions Hobart Hurricanes kept their hopes of consecutive titles alive with a thrilling win over Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 knockout.

Chasing 85 as per the DLS method in seven overs, the Stars fell short in the final over despite Hilton Cartwright giving them hope.

Melbourne Stars chase started on a shaky note with opener Thomas Rogers sent back in the second over. He made four from six balls.

After an early wicket, Joe Clarke and Sam Harper steadied the innings with a 36-run partnership. The pair brought the total to 41 in 4.3 overs with Clarke’s dismissal derailing the chase.

The right-hander made 31 off 17 with the help of four boundaries and a six. He was soon followed by Harper (10), who could not get going and was eventually retired out.

Nonetheless, with 26 required of Mitchell Owen’s final over, Marcus Stoinis tonked the first ball for a maximum, followed by a wide delivery.

Stoinis was bowled on the third ball, which brought Hilton Cartwright to the crease with the Stars requiring 19 from four.

With an uphill task to climb, Hilton Cartwright revived hopes by striking the next two balls for fours and then smashing a length ball for six, leaving the equation to five off the final ball.

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However, Owen held his nerve and fired in a wide yorker, from which Cartwright could manage only a single.

For Hobart Hurricanes, Riley Meredith picked up two wickets.

Earlier, put into bat first, Hurricanes racked up 114-5 in their allotted 10 overs.

Mitchell Owen was stumped in the first over for seven as Tim Ward and Beau Webster stabilized the innings with a brisk 30-run partnership.

Haris Rauf broke through for Stars with the wicket of Ward, who scored 10 from 10. The dismissal followed another quick wicket of skipper Ben McDermott, who departed for 12.

As a result,  Hurricanes were reduced to 54-3 in 5.3 overs.

However, it was Beau Webster’s knock that held the innings together and laid a foundation for a winning total.

He was involved with a 37-run stand off 20 balls with Nikhil Chaudhary, which brought the total to 91 in 8.5 overs.

Chaudhary made 24 off 11 with the help of three sixes while Webster departed on the second last ball of the innings after top scoring with 47 from 27, striking three fours and three maximums.

For Melbourne Stars, Haris Rauf remained the standout bowler as he took two wickets.

READ: Daryl Mitchell dethrones Virat Kohli as No.1 ranked ODI batter

DUBAI: New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell on Wednesday surpassed Virat Kohli to claim the No.1 spot in the latest ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings.

The 34-year-old now sits in the top position with 845 ranking points, replacing Kohli, who drops to the second spot with 795 points.

Kohli’s stay at the top was short-lived, having held the position for just a week despite an impressive series against New Zealand.

The Hamilton-born batting all-rounder rose to the top spot on the back of his stellar series against India, where he amassed 352 runs across three games, hence playing a vital role in the BlackCaps first ODI series win on Indian soil.

Mitchell rose to the top spot on the back of his stellar series against India, where he amassed 352 runs across three games, hence playing a vital role in the BlackCaps first ODI series win on Indian soil.

Mitchell started the series with an 81 off 71 balls, top-scoring for his side, which was followed by an unbeaten 131 off 117. His century helped New Zealand level the series and earned him the Player of the Match award.

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In the final game, Daryly Mitchell put on a batting masterclass, scoring 137 from 131 deliveries, which propelled his side to a massive 337-run total.

Notably, Mitchell’s tally of 352 runs is the highest ever by a Kiwi player in a three-match ODI series and the third highest of all time.

Only Pakistan’s Babar Azam, who amassed 360 runs against the West Indies in 2016, and India’s Shubman Gill, who scored 360 runs against New Zealand in 2023, sit above him on the list.

Besides Mitchell and Kohli, Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran climbed to third place, replacing Rohit Sharma.

Meanwhile, there were no major changes for Pakistan players in the overall rankings.

READ: Waugh suggests Sydney Sixers to drop Babar ahead of BBL 15 Challenger

Former Australian batter Mark Waugh has suggested dropping Pakistan star Babar Azam ahead of the Sydney Sixers’ crucial Big Bash League (BBL) 15 Challenger clash.

Sydney Sixers will face the winner of Wednesday’s knockout clash between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars in the Challenger to determine the second finalist.

Waugh highlighted the Sixers’ growing dependency on Steve Smith and expressed concerns over the lack of form across the top order.

“I think a bit of tough love. They need to rejiggle their batting because, at the moment, they are almost totally reliant on Steve Smith,” Waugh said.

“Sam Curran got them out of jail in another game. He’s gone. So at the moment, there aren’t a lot of players in form.”

The former player then directly questioned Babar’s impact in the tournament so far, insisting the team needs better returns from its top order if they want to challenge for the title.

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“So, I’m bringing in either Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam,” Waugh added.

“You know, I don’t think he’s done enough at the top of the order. I know he’s world-class, but when you’re thinking about winning this tournament, so far he just hasn’t delivered.”

Waugh also explained his vision for a refreshed opening partnership, suggesting the Sixers could opt for a more aggressive or in-form option at the top.

“So I’m thinking about a new opener. You can either have Moises Henriques to open, or bring in Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk, one of those two. That’s the way I’m thinking,” he said.

Babar’s BBL campaign this season has been below expectations. In 11 matches, the right-hander has scored 202 runs at an average of 22.44, striking at 103.06, with just two half-centuries to his name.

READ: Sialkot franchise reveals name ahead of PSL 11

Sialkot’s newly inducted Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise has officially revealed its name ahead of the landmark season 11, confirming long-standing rumours by branding the team as Sialkot Stallionz.

The announcement was made through a 3D animated video posted on the team’s official X account.

The video introduced the franchise’s identity, with the caption:
“You guessed it. You waited. Now, I am proud to officially introduce SIALKOT STALLIONZ. Excited to be part of the Pakistan Super League journey.”

From the heart of Sialkot,
a name that carries resilience and pride.
Introducing Sialkot Stallionz. 🐎🔥#SialkotStallionz pic.twitter.com/MCyDxyS8Eg

— Sialkot Stallionz (@PSLStallionz) January 21, 2026

The name has strong domestic cricket roots, paying homage to the iconic Sialkot Stallions, a powerhouse of Pakistan’s domestic T20 cricket.

The team claimed six National T20 Cup titles between 2005 and 2012 and remains one of the most successful sides in the country’s domestic history.

Sialkot Stallions also held a world-record 25-match unbeaten run, a feat that still stands as a benchmark in Pakistan’s T20 circuit.

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The team’s legacy includes notable players such as Shoaib Malik, Imran Nazir and Haris Sohail, among others.

The newly named PSL franchise was acquired by OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed and Kamil Khan, during the historic PSL 2026 auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre on January 8.

OZ Developers won the bid with a record price of Rs 1.85 billion, securing the rights to the Sialkot franchise.

READ: PCB backs Bangladesh in T20 World Cup venue dispute, writes to ICC