Author: A Sports

MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan, which will serve as a crucial tune-up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

All three matches of the series will be staged at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, January 31 and February 1, marking Australia’s latest white-ball assignment on Pakistani soil ahead of the global event next month.

Experienced all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will continue as captain, with several senior figures returning to the setup following their involvement in the Ashes series against England.

Travis Head, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis headline a squad that blends established internationals with emerging talent.

The series, however, overlaps with the knockout stages of the Big Bash League (BBL), meaning players still active in the domestic competition will link up with the national side once their franchise commitments conclude.

Several high-profile players will miss the Pakistan tour as Australia manage workloads and fitness concerns.

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis have all been rested, with Cummins, Hazlewood and David continuing their rehabilitation from recent injuries.

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In their absence, selectors have opted to expand the squad with several backup and development options, including Sean Abbott, Mahli Beardman, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe and Matthew Renshaw.

Fast bowler Beardman and all-rounder Edwards have been rewarded for standout performances in the ongoing BBL.

Despite remaining uncapped at the international level, both have previously spent time with Australian squads and are viewed as long-term prospects.

Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, said the Pakistan series offers a timely opportunity to test depth ahead of the World Cup.

“This series is a great opportunity for players on the fringe and some younger cricketers we rate highly to gain experience with the World Cup group in Pakistan,” Bailey said.

“Some are already established internationals, while Mahli Beardman has been around the group a few times, and Jack Edwards was part of the squad for the final ODI against India in Sydney last year.”

Australia squad for Pakistan T20Is

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.

READ: PSL 11 to feature first-ever player auction in league’s history

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced a significant structural shift in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), confirming that the tournament will move to a Player Auction Model ahead of its season 11.

“In a historic move after a decade of success, the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 11) will transition to a Player Auction Model, replacing the traditional Player Draft system,” the cricket board said in a statement.

“This 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.

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In another major development, the PCB confirmed an increase in the player salary purse to USD 1.6 million per franchise, underlining the league’s intent to remain commercially attractive while rewarding both domestic and overseas cricketers.

The board stated that these changes reflect the PSL’s evolving vision as it looks to strengthen its global standing, boost fan engagement and set new benchmarks in franchise cricket.

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: Bangladesh standoff prompt Pakistan to review World Cup plans: sources

MIRPUR: Saif Hassan’s 73 from 44 balls, backed up by impressive bowling from Mohammad Saifuddin and Taskin Ahmed, helped Dhaka Capitals crush Chattogram Royals in the 30th fixture of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26.

Chasing a stiff target of 171, Chattogram Royals were skittled for 128 in 19.4 overs.

Taskin Ahmed inflicted a poor start on Royals as Mohammad Haris was sent back for a golden duck in the first over.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy followed him for six while Shadman Islam was caught behind, leaving Royals 19-3 in 2.3 overs.

After early hiccups, Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Naim tried to arrest the slide with a brief 25-run partnership.

The scorecard read 44 in 7.4 overs before another collapse slumped them to 54-6 in 11.3 overs.

The game was done and dusted a long time ago, but Aamer Jamal resisted with a brisk 42 from 26 balls with the help of four boundaries and two sixes.

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His valiant effort ended on the third ball of the final over, resulting in an all-out and a comprehensive win for Dhaka Capitals.

For Dhaka Capitals, Mohammad Saifuddin took four wickets while Taskin Ahmed was equally good for his three scalps.

Earlier, after being given the oppurtunity to bat first, Dhaka Capitals were bowled out for 170 in 19.5 overs.

Saif Hassan was the star batter with 73 from 44 balls, laced with five sixes and five fours.

The right-hander stitched a crucial partnership of 90 runs with Zubaid Akbari, which kept the Dhaka Capitals innings afloat.

Meanwhile, Zubaid scored 29 from 30 balls with the help of two sixes and a four.

For Chattogram Royals,  Tanvir Islam picked up three wickets.

READ: Kohli 124 in vain as New Zealand seal historic ODI series win

WINDHOEK: All-round Afghanistan sealed a comprehensive 138-run victory over the West Indies in the 11th match of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup here at the High Performance Oval on Sunday.

Set 262: West Indies batting lineup folded for 124 in 33.2 overs.

Afghanistan bowlers applied pressure from the onset, with spinner Wahidullah Zadran cutting through the top-order.

At the end of the five overs West Indies were 21-3 with Jewel Andrew and skipper Joshua Dorne at the crease.

The pair stabilized the innings with a 30-run partnership, bringing the total to over 50 run mark.

However, Apple’s dismissal sparked another collapse that West Indies could not recover from.

Jewel Andrew was the silver lining for West Indies, top scoring with 56 from 70 balls with the aid of four boundaries and three sixes.

For Afghanistan, Nooristani Omarzai starred with the ball, picking up four wickets while Wahidullah Zadran and Khatir Stanikzai shared six wickets between them.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, Afghanistan put up 262-6 at the end of their 50 overs.

Osman Sadat and Mahboob Khan starred with the bat, both scoring vital 88 and 86 runs respectively.

The pair was involved in a 77-run stand for the fourth wicket partnership that drived Afghanistan’s innings.

For West Indies, Jakeem Pollard picked up three wickets.

In the 10th fixture, England romped to an eight-wicket win over the hosts, Zimbabwe.

Set mere 209, England chased down the target with ease in 28 overs, losing only two wickets in the process.

Skipper Thomas Rew and Ben Mayes starred with the bat. Rew made 86* from 66, striking four boundaries and seven fours. While Mayes remained unbeaten on 77 from 72, hitting four sixes and three boundaries.

For Zimbabwe, Shelton Mazvitorera scalped two wickets apiece.

Put into bat first, Zimbabwe only mustered 208-9 at the end of their innings as Skipper Simbarashe Mudzengerere top-scored for them with 45* off 63 balls.

For England, Manny Lumsden took four wickets, whereas Farhan Ahmed and Ralphie Albert shared four wickets between them.

Meanwhile, the Group B fixture between the USA and New Zealand was washed out due to rain.

USA managed to score 253-9 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a sublime century from Nitish Sudini.

Sudini made an unbeaten 117* from 133 balls, coming out to bat at No 07 position.

In reply, New Zealand made 12 in one over before rain arrived and halted the proceedings.

Later, the match was called off due to weather conditions, with no further play possible.

READ: Bangladesh standoff prompt Pakistan to review World Cup plans: sources

PRAGUE: Pakistan’s rising squash star Mehwish Ali is now out of danger after a serious health scare during the semifinals of the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026, currently underway in the Czech Republic.

Mehwish, who was in a dominant position in the semi-final, suffered a health scare during the middle of the match.

The severity of the injury forced an immediate halt to play, and she was subsequently shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close medical monitoring and treatment.

Now, as per the latest reports, Mehwish is out of danger, has regained consciousness, and is stable.

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It was revealed that Mehwish Ali’s heart came under stress, and oxygen wasn’t reaching it, leaving her unconscious for seven hours.

Her recovery brings relief to the Pakistani squash community, who have been closely following her performance in the tournament.

The incident has cast a shadow over an otherwise outstanding tournament for Pakistan, where the Ali Sisters — Mahnoor, Mehwish, and Sehrish Ali — have once again demonstrated Pakistan’s growing strength in international junior squash.

Mahnoor Ali booked a place in the summit clash after beating Tarasova 3–0 in the semifinal, with a dominant performance: 11–5, 11–6, 11–7.

Besides Mahnoor, another Ali sister, Sehrish Ali, also delivered a spirited performance but was defeated by the second seed Johanna Reháková of the Czech Republic.

For the unversed, the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026 is a highly ranked international junior squash tournament under the European Squash Federation Junior Gold Circuit, featuring top young players from across the world and offering valuable international ranking points.

All matches will be streamed live on the ESF Squash website, providing global access for squash fans.

READ: Bangladesh standoff prompt Pakistan to review World Cup plans: sources

BRISBANE: Mitchell Starc’s four wicket haul backed by gutsy half-centuries from Steve Smith and Sam Curran propelled Sydney Sixers to a five-wicket win over Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 knockout fixture.

Sydney Sixers chased down 172 in 18.4 overs, losing five wickets in the process.

The BBL 15 finals — Playoffs will commence on 20 January with Sydney Sixers facing Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier.

Meanwhile, third-placed Hobart Hurricanes will square off against fourth-placed Melbourne Stars in the knockout.

After losing Babar Azam (1) and Josh Philippe (8) in the first three overs, Steve Smith held the innings together with a string of partnerships.

The right-hander, who top-scored with 54 from 40 balls, including five boundaries, steadied the innings, first stitching a 43-run partnership with skipper Moises Henriques.

The pair’s partnership brought the total to 74 in 8.4 overs before Henriques was caught after scoring 20.

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Smith followed the stand with another crucial partnership off 60 runs alongside Sam Curran that took the game away from the Brisbane Heat. Sam Curran hit two sixes and five fours in his 53* from 27 balls.

For Brisbane Heat, Xavier Bartlett picked up two wickets.

Earlier, after put into bat first, Brisbane Heat racked up 171-9 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

Nathan McSweeney starred with the bat, scoring a vital 69 from 54 balls, which was laced with eight fours.

Michael Neser was the other notable contributor as he captilized on the power surge, hitting 35 off 14 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours.

For Sydney Sixers, Mitchell Starc was the star bowler as he picked up the first four-wicket haul of his short BBL career.

READ: WATCH: Babar Azam falls cheaply in must-win clash for Sixers

PRAGUE: Pakistan’s rising squash star Mehwish Ali suffered a serious injury during the semifinal of the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026, currently underway in Czech Republic.

According to available details, Mehwish was in a strong position, leading the match by two games when the injury occurred mid-match.

The severity of the injury forced an immediate halt to play, and she was subsequently shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close medical monitoring and treatment.

Medical staff are attending to her condition, and further updates regarding her health and recovery are awaited.

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The incident has cast a shadow over an otherwise outstanding tournament for Pakistan, where the Ali Sisters — Mahnoor, Mehwish, and Sehrish Ali — have once again demonstrated Pakistan’s growing strength in international junior squash.

The squash community, teammates, and fans have expressed deep concern and solidarity with Mehwish Ali, wishing her a speedy and full recovery.

For the unversed, the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026 is a highly ranked international junior squash tournament under the European Squash Federation Junior Gold Circuit, featuring top young players from across the world and offering valuable international ranking points.

All matches will be streamed live on the ESF Squash website, providing global access for squash fans.

READ: Pakistan’s Ali Sisters shine at WSF Czech Junior Open 2026

BRISBANE: Sydney Sixers opener Babar Azam once again fell cheaply during his side’s must-win encounter against Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Set to chase 172, Babar Azam and Steve Smith opened the innings for Sixers with the latter fresh off a century, quickly finding his rhythm.

Smith crunched three fours off the opening over from Michael Neser, taking the total to 15 in the first over.

However, in the next over, pacer Xavier Bartlett made Babar’s stay short as the right-hander tried to chip a full on leg delivery, handing an easy catch to mid on. The right-hander was caught for one from seven deliveries.

However, in the next over, pacer Xavier Bartlett made Babar’s stay short as the right-hander tried to chip a fuller delivery, offering an easy catch to mid-on. He made one of seven deliveries.

Overall, Babar Azam scored 202 runs in 10 matches at an average of 25.25 with the help of two half-centuries. Notably, his strike rate remained modest at 104.12.

Sydney Sixers will need to win this match to qualify for the final four stage of the tournament and keep their title hopes alive.

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Earlier, after put into bat first, Brisbane Heat racked up 171-9 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

Nathan McSweeney starred with the bat, scoring a vital 69 from 54 balls, which was laced with eight fours.

Michael Neser was the other notable contributor as he captilized on the power surge, hitting 35 off 14 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours.

For Sydney Sixers, Mitchell Starc was the star bowler as he picked up the first four-wicket haul of his short BBL career.

READ: Italy reveal squad for maiden T20 World Cup appearance

PRAGUE: Pakistan Ali Sisters star Mahnoor Ali defeated Ukraine’s Tarasova to qualify for the final of the 17th WSF Czech Junior Open 2026, currently underway in Czech Republic.

The tournament is one of Europe’s most prestigious Junior Gold-level squash tournaments.

Mahnoor booked a place in the summit clash after beating Tarasova 3–0 in the semifinal, with a dominant performance: 11–5, 11–6, 11–7.

Besides Mahnoor, another Ali sister, Sehrish Ali, also delivered a spirited performance but was defeated by the second seed Johanna Reháková of the Czech Republic.

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Sehrish will now compete later today in the bronze medal match.

However, Mehwish Ali suffered a serious injury during her semifinal match.

According to available details, Mehwish Ali was in a strong position, leading the match by two games, when the injury occurred mid-match.

The severity of the injury forced an immediate halt to play, and she was subsequently shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close medical monitoring and treatment.

Medical staff are attending to her condition, and further updates regarding her health and recovery are awaited.

The incident has cast a shadow over an otherwise outstanding tournament for Pakistan, where the Ali Sisters — Mahnoor, Mehwish, and Sehrish Ali — have once again demonstrated Pakistan’s growing strength in international junior squash.

The squash community, teammates, and fans have expressed deep concern and solidarity with Mehwish Ali, wishing her a speedy and full recovery.

For the unversed, the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026 is a highly ranked international junior squash tournament under the European Squash Federation Junior Gold Circuit, featuring top young players from across the world and offering valuable international ranking points.

All matches will be streamed live on the ESF Squash website, providing global access for squash fans.

READ: Italy reveal squad for maiden T20 World Cup appearance

Italy have named a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

Wayne Madsen will lead the side in which the Azzuri would make their first appearance at a major ICC tournament.

Among the notable inclusions are former South Africa all-rounder JJ Smuts, who has played six T20Is for the Proteas. While top-order batter Emilo Gay have missed out due to an injury.

The European nation’s historic campaign in the mega event comes on the back of their impressive performance in the ICC Men’s European Qualifier, where they finished behind the Netherlands.

During the qualifier, Italy outplayed the strong Scottish team alongside Guernsey.

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Interestingly, their ace batter and former captain Joe Burns, who played a pivotal role in Italy’s qualification, was left out of the squad.

The marquee event will run from 7 February to 8 March across Sri Lanka and India, with the opening fixture scheduled between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Italy is placed in Group C alongside two of the tournament’s successful teams, West Indies and England, alongside Bangladesh and Nepal.

Italy will begin their World Cup campaign on 9 February against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Italy squad

Zain Ali, Marcus Campopiano (wk), Ali Hasan, Crishan Kalugamage, Wayne Madsen (c), Harry Manenti, Gian Piero Meade, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart and Thomas Draca.

READ: Damien Martyn issues first statement after ‘miraculous’ recovery