Zahid Noor, Author at ASports.tv

Pakistan Shaheens to play white-ball series with England Lions

The Pakistan Shaheens are set to play eight white-ball matches against England Lions in Abu Dhabi in early 2026.

The series will consist of three T20s and five 50-over matches. It will be the first away white-ball series for England Lions since touring Sri Lanka in February 2023.

The opening T20 will be played on Friday 20 February, before the five-match 50-over series begins on Friday 27 February.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

All matches will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

“This tour presents an invaluable opportunity for the highest potential England players to develop their white-ball skills,” said ECB Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney.

“With a relative absence of top-tier 50-over cricket for the future England players, we know this, and future white-ball tours will play an invaluable role in developing the skills and experience to thrive on the world stage, particularly with one eye on the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.”

Tour schedule

1st T20: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Friday 20 February 2026
2nd T20: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Sunday 22 February 2026
3rd T20: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Tuesday 24 February 2026
1st 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Friday 27 February 2026
2nd 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Sunday 1 March 2026
3rd 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Wednesday 4 March 2026
4th 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Friday 6 March 2026
5th 50-over match: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Monday 9 March 2026

READ: Virat Kohli sets unwanted record during second Australia ODI

England name pace-heavy squad for Ashes 2025

LONDON: The England Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday named a 16-member pace-heavy squad for the Ashes tour to Australia with Harry Brook replacing Ollie Pope as vice-captain.

Alongside Ashes, England have also named IT20 and ODI squads for the white-ball tour of New Zealand, which precedes the Ashes.

The squad features five 90mph seamers: Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue. Among the notable inclusions is the recall of all-rounder Will Jacks, whose last appearance in the longest format came against Pakistan in 2022.

The 26-year-old, who will provide England with an attacking option with the bat, is picked ahead of Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, and Jack Leach.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Besides the inclusion of Jacks and the change of Ben Stokes’ deputy, the squad is largely as expected.

The decision to change Pope as vice-captain was looming since Brook took over the captaincy reins from Jos Buttler in white-ball cricket. Notably, Pope has captained the Three Lions five times in the absence of Ben Stokes in the past five months.

England Test squad vs Australia:

Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.

England T20I squad vs New Zealand:

Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.

England ODI squad vs New Zealand:

Jofra Archer, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Jamie Smith replace Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, and Phil Salt from the T20I squad.

New Zealand fixtures (all D/N):

T20Is: October 18, 20 (both Christchurch) and 23 (Auckland).
ODIs: October 26 (Mount Maunganui), 29 (Hamilton), and November 1 (Wellington).

Ashes fixtures:

1st Test: November 21-25 (Perth)
2nd Test: December 4-8 (Brisbane, D/N)
3rd Test: December 17-21 (Adelaide)
4th Test: December 25-29 (Melbourne)
5th Test: January 3-7 (Sydney)

READ: PCB chief meets Shan, Azhar ahead of Test series against South Africa

England announce squad for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

The England Women’s selectors have named their 15-member squad to represent the Three Lions at the ICC Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The 13th edition of the marquee event is set to run from 30 September to November 2. It marks the first ICC tournament for both Head Coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Among the notable inclusions is former captain Heather Knight, who has been recalled as she continues her comeback from injury.

Sarah Glenn and Danni Wyatt-Hodge return to the ODI squad having missed out against India this summer.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Glenn is one of four specialist spinners and one of six players embarking on their first ODI World Cup.

Following the squad announcement, head coach Charlotte Edwards shared her thoughts.

“Being selected to play for your country in a World Cup is one of the biggest honours in sport, and I’m delighted for all the players named in the squad,” she remarked.

“Like all global tournaments, it will be a huge challenge, but we want to go as far as we possibly can in India, and I believe that if we play our best cricket, we can compete with anyone,” she concluded.

England Women’s Squad

Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

READ: Liverpool suffer major blow as key player ruled out with injury

England confirm Sri Lanka tour as T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday revealed the schedule of their tour to Sri Lanka in 2026, which will serve as preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later that year.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The England men’s cricket team will play three ODIs on January 22, 24 and 27, followed by three T20Is on January 30, February 1 and February 3.

The venues for the matches will be revealed in due course.

The series will give England vital exposure to subcontinental conditions ahead of the showpiece event.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

England, having previously won the T20 World Cup in 2010 and 2022, will be eyeing their third title in the 2026 edition in India and Sri Lanka.

It’s worth noting that the tour of Sri Lanka will mark England’s first white-ball tour of the island in over seven years.

Their previous visit came in 2018, when they won the ODI series 3-1 and the solitary T20I.

The sides last clashed in the shortest format during the T20 World Cup 2022, where England beat Sri Lanka in the group stage before going on to lift the trophy.

Prior to the Sri Lanka tour, England are scheduled to face South Africa (September 2–14), Ireland (September 17–21) and New Zealand (October 18–November 1) in a string of white-ball series, before a five-Test Ashes battle in Australia from November 21 to January 8.

England Men’s Tour of Sri Lanka

1st ODI: January 22, 2026
2nd ODI: January 24, 2026
3rd ODI: January 27, 2026
1st T20I: January 30, 2026
2nd T20I: February 1, 2026
3rd T20I: February 3, 2026

READ: Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi slip in ICC ODI Rankings

Bethell named captain as England announce squads for South Africa, Ireland series

Jacob Bethell is set to become the youngest England men’s captain as the Three Lions announces squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa and Ireland, set to commence in September 2025.

England will contest three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against South Africa. The ODI series begins on Tuesday, 2 September at Headingley.

The three-match T20I series against Ireland will be held at Malahide in Dublin, with the opening game scheduled for Wednesday, September 17.

Jacob Bethell is set to become the youngest England captain after being named as deputy for Harry Brook in the Ireland series.

The 21-year-old will surpass the record held by Monty Bowdow, who was 23 and 144 days when he led England.

Among the notable inclusions is off-pacer Sonny Baker, who has won his maiden call-up to the national side for the ODI series against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Rehan Ahmed is set to return to the ODI fold after having a prolific summer with the bat for his county team.

Following the squad announcement, England men’s selector, Luke Wright, shared his views on Jacob Bethell’s appointment.

“Jacob Bethell has impressed with his leadership qualities ever since he has been with the England squads, and the series against Ireland will provide him with the opportunity to further develop those skills on the international stage,” he said.

Wright further commented on Baker’s inclusion and his impressive tour with England Lions.

“Sonny is a player we have identified for a while and he was impressive during the England Lions tours last winter. He has carried that form into this season in white-ball cricket with Hampshire and Manchester Originals and deservedly gets his opportunity,” he remarked.

England ODI squad to face South Africa

Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith

England T20I squad to face South Africa

Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood

England T20I squad for Ireland Series

Jacob Bethell (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood

READ: Steve Smith sends warning to England ahead of Ashes

Fresh details emerge in Haider Ali criminal investigation

New information has come to light in the ongoing police investigation involving Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali, who is under investigation over alleged rape.

According to sources privy to the matter, the hotel in Manchester was booked by the girl who accused Haider Ali of rape.

Sources said the girl travelled to London to meet the Pakistani cricketer three days before filing her complaint with the police.

The accuser went to London by train, spent the entire day with the Pakistani cricketer, and then returned to Manchester, sources added.

It is noteworthy to mention that the Police have summoned Haider Ali again on August 20.

Three days prior, the police had returned Haider Ali’s mobile phone after conducting a forensic examination.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, Haider Ali was reportedly taken into custody on August 4.

News about the criminal investigation emerged after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced its decision to suspend the 24-year-old cricketer.

In a press release a day earlier, the PCB confirmed criminal charges levelled against the Pakistani cricketer and maintained that it ensured that he received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process.

“The PCB fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the importance of allowing the investigation to run its due course,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said.

The PCB also provisionally suspended Haider Ali, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

“Once the legal proceedings are concluded and all facts have been duly established, the PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct, if necessary,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said.

It is worth noting here that Haider Ali made his international debut for Pakistan in 2020. He has since played in 35 T20Is and two ODIs for the national side.

READ: FIH extends PHF Pro league participation deadline: sources

Haider Ali barred from leaving UK after police custody

Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali has been granted bail after being arrested in Manchester during the recently concluded Pakistan Shaheens tour of England.

Despite his release, he faces travel restrictions as authorities continue their investigation, sources confirm.

The 24-year-old, who has represented Pakistan in 35 T20 internationals, was detained for three days.

As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provisionally suspended Haider Ali.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The PCB has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali,” the board said in a statement.

“The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England,” it added.

The PCB mentioned additional steps to provide legal support to safeguard Haider Ali’s rights.

“In line with its duty of care and responsibility to ensure the welfare and legal rights of all its players, the PCB has ensured that Haider Ali has received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process,” the board said.

The board further stated that it fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the need for the investigation to unfold properly.

During the tour, Pakistan Shaheens featured in a three-match one-day series and two three-day fixtures.

Haider Ali was a key player for Pakistan Shaheens during the UK tour, participating in all three 50-over matches against a first-class XI and two three-day games.

READ: Babar Azam eyes major milestone during West Indies ODIs

Shahid Afridi opens up on his availability for WCL 2025 final

Pakistan Champions all-rounder Shahid Afridi has confirmed that he will not feature in the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 against South Africa, scheduled to take place later today at Edgbaston.

The veteran all-rounder has not played a single match in the tournament due to fitness concerns.

Despite his absence on the field, the team has performed impressively, remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage and reaching the final after India Champions forfeited their semi-final clash.

Fans were hoping to see Afridi in action during the final. However, during a press conference in Manchester, the star all-rounder revealed that doctors advised him not to play.

“The doctor has advised me to rest, so I won’t be playing the final,” he said, adding that he had hoped to make a comeback if Pakistan had played India in the semi-final.

“My heart wanted to play, especially if that semi-final had happened. Maybe I would’ve pushed through the pain.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Despite being sidelined, Shahid Afridi has been actively involved in the team’s preparations and mentoring the squad.

“I motivate the boys, remind them of their responsibility. I help arrange nets and practice sessions. That’s my contribution off the field,” he said with a smile.

Shahid Afridi also praised the team’s collective mindset, highlighting that playing for Pakistan remains their sole focus.

“We are here only for Pakistan. This green jersey is our pride, and we will give our best effort in the final, Insha’Allah,” he said. “All the boys trained hard and are match-ready.”

“Every senior here is serious about his performance. This isn’t a small league. When Pakistan’s name is involved, the intensity naturally rises.”

READ: Mohammad Hafeez provides update on Shahid Afridi’s availability for WCL 2025 final

Arshad Nadeem provides rehab update post multiple surgeries

Pakistan’s star javelin thrower, Arshad Nadeem, has provided an update on his rehabilitation programme after undergoing multiple surgeries in the United Kingdom (UK).

The Olympic Gold Medalist was planning to travel to England this month for preparations for the World Championships, before featuring in the Diamond League competition in Silesia and Poland in August.

However, he underwent multiple surgeries on his calf muscle to address a longstanding injury. The surgery was conducted by renowned sports surgeon Dr Ali Sher Bajwa in Cambridge, who diagnosed partial damage to Arshad’s calf muscle.

Arshad Nadeem has expressed confidence in his participation in the Athletics competition.

“I underwent four surgeries, and my rehab is ongoing. There’s only a month and a half left until the World Athletics Championship. I am training and hoping to be able to participate,” said Arshad Nadeem.

“I request the nation to pray for my quick recovery,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Regarding his participation in the event, Arshad Nadeem said that he is trying his best to feature in the forthcoming event.

“There’s not much time left before the World Athletics Championship, and I can’t say for sure whether I’ll be able to take part or not, but I am trying my best to compete at all costs.”

“I’m very thankful to the Pakistani media who have supported me a lot,” Arshad Nadeem concluded.

Arshad Nadeem made a triumphant start to this year with a gold in an 86.40m throw at the Asian Athletics Championship held in May in Gumi, South Korea.

In June, Nadeem was named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia List for stellar display at the Olympics.

Last year, the 28-year-old made headlines after creating history at the Paris Olympics with a record-breaking 92.97-metre throw to win Pakistan’s first-ever athletics gold.

READ: WATCH: Gautam Gambhir involved in verbal spat with Oval pitch curator

England set to host Pakistan for Test series in 2026

LONDON: England will host Pakistan for a three-match Test series in the summer of 2026 as part of a packed international home season that features top-tier cricket across formats for both men’s and women’s teams.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday confirmed the complete home calendar for 2026, with five international teams, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Ireland, set to tour.

England Women will enjoy a historic summer that includes home series against New Zealand, India, and Ireland, along with the milestone staging of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will run from June 12 to July 15.

England is hosting the tournament for the first time since 2009.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In a significant first, Lord’s will also host an England Women’s Test match, with the one-off red-ball clash against India set for July 10.

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes-led England Men’s Test side will play two red-ball series against New Zealand and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Harry Brook’s white-ball side will take on India and Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is.

The Test series between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin on 19 August at Headingley, Leeds. The second Test will be played at Lord’s on 27 August, followed by the final match at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on 9 September.

England’s home international fixtures

England Women v New Zealand

10 May – 1st ODI – Banks Homes Riverside, Durham
13 May – 2nd ODI – The County Ground, Northampton
16 May – 3rd ODI – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
20 May – 1st T20I – The Central Co-op County Ground, Derby
23 May – 2nd T20I – The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury
25 May – 3rd T20I – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove

England Women v India

28 May – 1st T20I – Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford
30 May – 2nd T20I – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol
2 June – 3rd T20I – The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
10 July – Only Test – Lord’s, London

England Women v Ireland

1 September – 1st ODI – The Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester
3 September – 2nd ODI – The Central Co-op County Ground, Derby
6 September – 3rd ODI – Visit Worcestershire New Road, Worcester

England Men v New Zealand

4 June – 1st Test – Lord’s, London
17 June – 2nd Test – The Kia Oval, London
25 June – 3rd Test – Trent Bridge, Nottingham

England Men v India

1 July – 1st T20I – Banks Homes Riverside, Durham
4 July – 2nd T20I – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
7 July – 3rd T20I – Trent Bridge, Nottingham
9 July – 4th T20I – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol
11 July – 5th T20I – Utilita Bowl, Southampton
14 July – 1st ODI – Edgbaston, Birmingham
16 July – 2nd ODI – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
19 July – 3rd ODI – Lord’s, London

England Men v Pakistan

19 August – 1st Test – Headingley, Leeds
27 August – 2nd Test – Lord’s, London
9 September – 3rd Test – Edgbaston, Birmingham

England Men v Sri Lanka

15 September – 1st T20I – Utilita Bowl, Southampton
17 September – 2nd T20I – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
19 September – 3rd T20I – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
22 September – 1st ODI – Banks Homes Riverside, Durham
24 September – 2nd ODI – Headingley, Leeds
27 September – 3rd ODI – The Kia Oval, London

READ: Rishabh Pant set to miss remainder of England Test series