Category: Cricket

DHAKA: Bangladesh have named an unchanged squad for the opening two ODI matches against New Zealand, with Peshawar Zalmi pacers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam retaining their spots following their recent involvement in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The 15-member squad, announced by the new selection panel headed by Habibul Bashar, will continue under the leadership of Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

The selectors have opted to stick with the same group that secured a 2-1 ODI series victory over Pakistan at home last month.

The first two ODIs are scheduled to be played in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, while the third and final match will take place in Chattogram on April 23, followed by a three-match T20I series.

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In a notable move, the selectors have resisted their recent trend of rotating fast bowlers, instead backing a consistent pace attack comprising Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam.

Several members of the squad are currently featuring in the PSL, underlining the growing overlap between international and franchise commitments.

Alongside Nahid and Shoriful, Rishad Hossain (Rawalpindiz), Tanzid Hasan (Peshawar Zalmi) and Mustafizur Rahman (Lahore Qalandars) are also part of the ongoing tournament.

Bangladesh squad for ODI series against New Zealand:

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana.

READ: Glenn Maxwell joins Hyderabad Kingsmen ahead of Karachi Kings clash

KARACHI: Glenn Maxwell has arrived in Pakistan and linked up with Hyderabad Kingsmen ahead of their crucial Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 fixture against Karachi Kings on Saturday.

The franchise confirmed the Australian all-rounder’s arrival through their official social media platforms, sharing a picture of Maxwell settling into his hotel room with a caption welcoming their high-profile addition.

Maxwell, widely regarded as one of the most explosive T20 players in modern cricket, is set to make his PSL debut this season, bringing both experience and firepower to a struggling Kingsmen outfit.

The right-handed batter boasts an impressive T20I record, having scored 2897 runs in 129 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 158.42, including five centuries and 12 half-centuries. His all-round credentials further strengthen his value, with 49 wickets to his name in the format.

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In 503 T20 matches, he has accumulated 10986 runs at a strike rate exceeding 154, alongside 196 wickets, making him one of the most sought-after players in leagues around the world, including the Big Bash League (BBL), Indian Premier League (IPL), The Hundred and the Vitality Blast.

His arrival comes at a critical juncture for the Marnus Labuschagne-led Kingsmen, who are yet to register a win in the ongoing season. The side has endured a tough start, losing all four of their matches and sitting near the bottom of the points table with a negative net run rate.

READ: Mohammad Rizwan opens up after Rawalpindiz fifth straight loss

KARACHI: Rawalpindiz captain Mohammad Rizwan has vowed to overcome shortcomings after suffering fifth consecutive defeat in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Quetta Gladiators 61-run victory on Friday night kept Mohammad Rizwan’s side winless in the tournament.

The skipper highlighted the shortcomings in the post-match presentation, stating that his side is working on weaknesses

“We certainly recognize the need for change; it’s clear that adjustments are required to get us back on track. We’ve had our share of struggles, but we are actively working to overcome them,” he said.

“We brought in Ben Sears specifically to strengthen our death-bowling options and included Usman Khawaja to bolster the lineup. There have been ups and downs, and we are constantly trying to fix those gaps,” the skipper explained.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

He credited Hassan Nawaz and Jahandad Khan for their impressive batting that helped Quetta Gladiators reach a winning total.

“On this pitch, we felt we were restricting them well to around 140 or 150, but Hasan Nawaz and Jahandad deserve a lot of credit—they took the score from 150 to 180, which was a bit excessive for these conditions.”

The right-hander has struggled in the ongoing tournament with 83 runs in five matches at an average of 16.60.

“Regarding my personal form, I know how important it is to maintain self-belief. I realize that if I don’t lead from the front, the team will struggle, the 33-year-old maintained.

“I am working hard on my shortcomings and putting in the effort; I believe in showing courage and working hard, leaving the ultimate results in the hands of the Almighty. It is a tough period right now, but I am committed to fighting through it,” he continued.

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He expressed confidence despite losing five games on the trot, noting that they will bounce back in the upcoming games.

“The message in the dressing room is that in this sport, players are exposed to failure 60% of the time. We have to meet that reality with energy and bravery.”

“I truly believe that if we play the next five games to the best of our potential, the results will follow. It’s all about taking our courage to that next level and staying united as a group,” he concluded.

READ: Jahandad Khan reflects on all-round display against Rawalpindiz

KARACHI: All-rounder Jahandad Khan addressed the media after an impressive all-round performance that helped Quetta Gladiators beat Rawalpindiz by a hefty margin of 61 runs in the 18th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Set 183 under lights at the National Bank Stadium, Rawalpindiz were bowled for 121 in 17.3 overs.

Jahandad Khan, who made his debut for Quetta Gladiators, delivered with both bat and ball.

The all-rounder came in when Gladiators were 156-4 in 18 overs. The left-hander struck 21 from nine deliveries, including two sixes and two fours that helped his side finish strong.

After impressing with the bat, he also delivered with the bowl, picking up two wickets in 2.3 overs while giving away eight runs.

Talking to reporters at the post-match press conference, Jahandad said he had been waiting for an oppurtunity for the past year.

“I had been waiting for an opportunity for a year,” he said. “This time, I got the chance to play in the PSL and proved my selection right,” he added.

He further said his simple plan was to contribute to victories whenever given an opportunity.

“My simple plan is that whenever I play, I try to win matches for my team,” the 22-year-old revealed.

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“Last year, I couldn’t play cricket in Pakistan at all. I did not represent Pakistan Shaheens or the national team, and I did not play in the PSL. ”

He added that he had worked hard over the past year, particularly on his batting and finishing skills, while expressing confidence in his abilities and future prospects.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“I have prepared well over the past year, particularly with the bat, and have worked on finishing matches. I consider myself Pakistan’s best all-rounder, and in the future I will prove myself,” said the all-rounder.

Jahandad also credited his experience in the Bangladesh Premier League for his recent performances.

“I have played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for the past two years. My experience in the BPL is also helping me.”

“I played my natural game; no one gave me any specific instructions,” he concluded.

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Opening batter Fakhar Zaman has thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his heartfelt birthday wish.

Earlier today, Mohsin Naqvi sent Fakhar a bouquet with a heartfelt note.

“Warmest Happy Birthday Fakhar Zaman from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi”, the note on the bouquet read.

The left-hander who turned 36 today has represented Pakistan in three Tests, 92 ODIs, and 120 T20Is.

“Thank you very much, Chairman [Mr Mohsin Naqvi], for such a wonderful gesture. Your kind birthday wishes and the beautiful flowers truly meant a lot. Grateful for your warmth and thoughtfulness,” Fakhar said in a video message.

Thank you very much, Chairman @MohsinnaqviC42 Sb for such a wonderful gesture. Your kind birthday wishes and the beautiful flowers truly meant a lot. Grateful for your warmth and thoughtfulness. pic.twitter.com/Rh3k1ojt15

— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) April 10, 2026

For the unversed, Fakhar was penalised by the PCB after being found guilty of a Level 3 breach of the tournament’s Code of Conduct, relating to ball-tampering during Lahore Qalandars’ clash against Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium.

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The left-handed batter had denied the charge and opted for a full disciplinary hearing, which was conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama. Following a review of the evidence and Fakhar’s defence, the referee imposed a two-match suspension, the maximum penalty for a first Level 3 offence.

In response, Fakhar Zaman lodged a formal appeal, seeking a reassessment of the decision.

The matter was then revisited by the PSL Technical Committee, which conducted a fresh review before arriving at the same conclusion. The board confirmed that the original sanction would stand.

Following this, Fakhar missed Lahore Qalandars’ upcoming fixtures, including their match against Multan Sultans on April 3 at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by an away game against Islamabad United on April 9.

Fakhar Zaman will return to action for Lahore Qalandars against Peshawar Zalmi here at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.

READ: Nuwan Thushara issues apology to Sri Lanka Cricket

KARACHI: Rilee Rossouw’s half-century and a dominant bowling performance helped Quetta Gladiators defeat Rawalpindiz by 61 runs in the 18th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Set a stiff 183 to chase, Rawalpindiz innings folded on a mere 121 run total in 17.3 overs.

The chase started on a shaky note as skipper Mohammad Rizwan was sent back for a golden duck on the first ball of the innings.

After an early wicket, opener Yasir Khan decided to take on the bowlers and accumulated 14 runs in the second over.

Rawalpindiz were 27 in 2.5 overs before Usman Khawaja (7) was run out, putting them in further trouble.

Meanwhile, Yasir continued on as Rawalpindiz reached 45 in the fifth over. However, his innings ended on 22 after holing out to deep wicket.

With Rawalpindiz in deep trouble, Daryl Mitchell and Abdullah Fazal came to the fore, putting the chase back on track with a 33-run partnership.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The scorecard read 77 in 11 overs when Usman Khan removed Abdullah Fazal ( 20) to break the threatening stand.

In the very next over, Saud Shakeel picked up two wickets, removing Daryl Mitchell (30 off 32) and Sam Billings for one run to put Quetta Gladiators into a winning position.

Rawalpindiz innings quickly unraveled after the quick wickets as they lost control of the game and were bowled out for a modest score.

For Quetta Gladiators, Saud Shakeel, Usman Tariq, and Jahandad Khan picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, Rilee Rossouw composed half-century and Hassan Nawaz’s blistering knock powered Quetta Gladiators to a strong total.

Asked to bat first, Quetta Gladiators managed to post 182-6 on the board in their 20 overs.

After a quiet power play, Rilee Rossouw and skipper Saud Shakeel added 87 off 67 balls for the second wicket partnership to put the Gladiators in a strong position.

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Rossouw made 53 off 42 with the aid of six boundaries and a maximum before getting caught off Mubasir Khan’s bowling.

Saud Shakeel soon followed him after scoring 42 from 39, including three boundaries.

At this stage, Gladitors were 123-3 in 15.3 overs with Hassan Nawaz at the fore.

The right remained instrumental in helping his side reach a commendable total. He struck five sixes on his way to 39 from only 16 balls.

For Rawalpindiz, Ben Sears picked up three wickets in his quota of four overs.

READ: Abrar confident of Quetta Gladiators comeback after shaky start

KARACHI: Rawalpindiz have won the toss and have decided to bowl first against Quetta Gladiators in the 18th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

This will be the first time the two teams will be facing each other, with Rawalpindiz playing in the tournament for the first time.

Quetta Gladiators have won only one out of three matches while Pindiz are in search of their first win.

Playing XIs

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (capt), Sam Harper, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Rilee Rossouw, Jahandad Khan, Khalil Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Kashif Bhatti, Usman Tariq

RawalPindiz: Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk), Usman Khawaja, Yasir Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Abdullah Fazal, Saad Masood, Mubasir Khan, Asif Afridi, Ben Sears, Mohammad Amir

READ: Abrar confident of Quetta Gladiators comeback after shaky start

KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators spinner Abrar Ahmed has expressed confidence in his side’s ability to recover from a shaky start in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

While giving an interview on a private channel, Abrar expressed confidence in the team despite winning only one out of three matches in the Lahore leg.

“We have left the previous stage behind because it wasn’t good for us. Now we want to begin again from here,” he said.

“We were winning some matches but lost them due to mistakes in the middle order. In a couple of games, including against Islamabad and Karachi Kings, we had control but couldn’t finish,” he added.

The mystery spinner is hopeful of lifting the trophy for his side with a strong bowling performance.

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“My personal goal is simple — to win the trophy for Quetta Gladiators,” he explained.

Maintaining a good economy rate and bowling consistently matter more than topping the wicket charts if it helps the team reach the final.

Abrar remarked about bowling with a plan and expressed hope that he would soon see the crowd in the PSL.

“You have to read the wicket, understand the batter, and adjust your plans accordingly. Everything is about situation-based bowling,” Abrar maintained.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“The crowd makes the game more alive. Hopefully, things improve and we see fans back in the stands soon.”

The 27-year-old said his focus is solely on playing cricket, regardless of the venue anywhere in the world.

“My job is to play cricket. Whether I play here or anywhere in the world, my focus remains only on the game,” he concluded.

Quetta Gladiators will face winless Rawalpindiz in the 18th match of the PSL 11.

READ: Moeen Ali highlights rhythm issues after long break

Pace bowler Nuwan Thushara has issued an apology to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and expressed his willingness to withdraw legal proceedings following a dispute over the denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

In a formal email addressed to SLC Chief Executive Officer Ashley de Silva, with copies sent to board president Shammi Silva and another senior official, the fast bowler clarified that his actions were never intended to escalate the matter into a legal confrontation.

“My sole intention throughout this process has been to seek fairness and justice, as I genuinely feel that I have been treated unfairly in this matter,” Thushara wrote.

He further emphasised that his initial steps were motivated by a desire to have his concerns heard, rather than to create conflict or damage the reputation of the board.

“The steps I initially considered were driven by a desire to have my concerns heard and addressed appropriately, rather than to create conflict or bring disrepute to the organization,” he added.

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Nuwan Thushara also expressed regret over any inconvenience caused to the board and its officials during the ongoing dispute.

“I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience, misunderstanding, or distress that my actions may have caused to Sri Lanka Cricket and its officials,” he stated.

In the same communication, the pacer indicated that he remains open to an amicable resolution and is prepared to withdraw legal action altogether.

“With this in mind, I would like to express my willingness to withdraw any legal action and instead seek an amicable resolution to this matter. I remain hopeful that we can move forward in a positive and constructive manner,” he said.

The right-arm fast bowler had earlier approached the Colombo District Court, seeking an order compelling SLC to issue him an NOC for franchise opportunities abroad, including the IPL.

However, the request was rejected by SLC because he had not met the board’s newly introduced fitness requirements, which led to the escalation of the dispute.

READ: Moeen Ali highlights rhythm issues after long break

KARACHI: Karachi Kings all-rounder Moeen Ali has admitted that his side failed to adapt to conditions and were outplayed in their 159-run defeat to Peshawar Zalmi in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday night.

Karachi endured a tough evening after Zalmi posted a towering 246 for 3, driven by a record-breaking 191-run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam.  In response, the Kings collapsed for just 87 in 16.1 overs, marking a heavy setback in their campaign.

Speaking after the match, Moeen pointed to poor adaptation to conditions as a key factor behind the defeat.

“The pitch was fine, we just did not play well, probably did not adapt to the conditions or wicket as much as we should have,” Moeen said in the post-match press conference.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Reflecting on the batting collapse during the massive chase, Moeen stressed the importance of intent in the powerplay while acknowledging the difficulty of balancing aggression with caution.

“You need to have a good start, a good power play. We needed to get off to a flying start and not lose many wickets, which is always difficult when you are playing aggressive cricket,” he said.

“Maybe we should have been a bit smarter with the run rate. But it’s still early in the tournament, winning games is the most important thing. You cannot really think too much about the run rate at this stage.”

He also credited Peshawar Zalmi’s bowling unit for executing their plans effectively.

“I thought they bowled really well. It was just a bad day in the office for us,” he added.

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The England all-rounder further reflected on the challenge of maintaining rhythm in a tournament schedule, especially after Karachi’s seven-day gap between matches, having last played on 2 April before returning to action on 9 April.

“A seven-day break is quite long. It is difficult for players because we cannot really go anywhere, and it can affect rhythm,” Moeen explained.

“Having said that, we still have to be professional, train well, and perform. You can get into bad habits during long breaks, so we have to be careful. But these things can happen in cricket. we just need to come back strong in the next game.”

READ: PCB reveals schedule for Zimbabwe women’s first-ever Pakistan tour