Category: Cricket

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the schedule for Zimbabwe women’s first-ever tour of Pakistan for a six-match white-ball series later this month.

The tour will feature three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals, all scheduled to be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

Zimbabwe are set to arrive on 29 April, with both teams slated to undergo training sessions from 30 April to 2 May ahead of the series opener.

The ODI leg, which forms part of the ICC Women’s Championship, will be played on 3, 6 and 9 May, with each match starting at 3:30pm local time. The T20I series will follow on 12, 14 and 15 May, with evening starts at 7:30pm.

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Pakistan currently sit fifth on the ICC Women’s Championship standings, having earned two points from their only series so far, a three-match ODI tour of the South Africa women’s cricket team earlier this year.

Beyond the bilateral contest, the T20Is will hold added significance for Pakistan as they gear up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July.

As part of their preparations, Pakistan will also participate in a T20I tri-nation series in Ireland, alongside the hosts and the West Indies women’s national cricket team, with matches set to take place from 28 May to 4 June.

Series schedule (all matches at National Bank Stadium, Karachi):

• 29 April – Zimbabwe arrive in Karachi
• 30 April – 2 May – Training sessions for both teams
• 3 May – 1st ODI
• 6 May – 2nd ODI
• 9 May – 3rd ODI
• 12 May – 1st T20I
• 14 May – 2nd T20I
• 15 May – 3rd T20I

READ: Karachi Kings’ David Warner sees wake-up call in Peshawar Zalmi defeat

KARACHI: David Warner has termed the Karachi Kings’ crushing defeat to Peshawar Zalmi as a potential turning point, suggesting that such setbacks can help revive the squad’s energy during a long tournament.

The Karachi Kings suffered a humbling 159-run loss in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 encounter at the National Bank Stadium, after conceding a record 246 for 3 and then being bowled out for just 87 in reply.

Reflecting on the defeat, Warner admitted that his side failed to execute their plans, particularly during the middle phase of the innings when the game slipped away.

“I think our decision to bowl first was what we wanted to do and intended to do. But when you allow two stroke-makers time to settle and hit boundaries consistently every over, it becomes really difficult to pull things back,” Warner said after the match.

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The Kings’ captain pointed out that the contest was still evenly poised at one stage before a costly passage of play shifted momentum decisively in Zalmi’s favour.

“I thought at the 10-over mark we were still in the game, but in the next three overs they scored around 50-60 runs, which is unacceptable at this level,” he added.

David Warner also acknowledged that despite a promising start with the ball, his side failed to maintain pressure, allowing the opposition to fully capitalise.

“In the first six overs, you’ve got to try and stay positive. A couple of good balls led to wickets, and there was also some good fielding in the outfield. But credit to them, they came out and put serious runs on the board,” he noted.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Chasing a daunting target, Karachi never looked in contention, eventually collapsing for their lowest total in PSL history. Warner admitted the scale of the target made the chase increasingly difficult.

“Credit to them, they came out and put serious runs on the board. It was always going to be a tough chase,” he said.

Despite the heavy defeat, their first of the campaign, Warner remained optimistic, insisting that such results can sometimes serve as a catalyst for improvement.

“In tournaments like these, sometimes you need a loss like this to bring the energy back into the group,” he remarked.

“When you’ve had six or seven days off, it can take a bit of time to get back into rhythm. But the boys are in good spirits, we’ve got a great group, and we will take the positives. We will enjoy tomorrow off and come back stronger.”

READ: Peshawar Zalmi rewrite record books in PSL win over Karachi Kings

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi delivered a record-shattering performance in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, piling up a massive 246 for 3 against Karachi Kings before sealing a historic 159-run victory at the National Bank Stadium.

Asked to bat first, Zalmi recovered from an early setback, losing Mohammad Haris for a duck on just the second ball, to produce one of the most dominant batting displays in PSL history.

The turnaround was orchestrated by Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis, who stitched together a staggering 191-run partnership for the second wicket.

That stand is now the highest for any wicket in PSL history, eclipsing the previous best of 176 set by Babar and Sharjeel Khan back in 2021.

Highest partnerships in PSL

• Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 191 runs against Karachi Kings in 2026
• Sharjeel Khan and Babar Azam (Karachi Kings) – 176 runs against Islamabad United in 2021
• Saim Ayub and Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) – 162 runs against Quetta Gladiators in 2023
• David Warner and James Vince (Karachi Kings) – 162 runs against Peshawar Zalmi in 2025
• Liam Livingstone and Babar Azam (Karachi Kings) – 157 runs against Multan Sultans in 2019

Zalmi’s total of 246/3 also entered the record books as the highest ever at the National Bank Stadium, surpassing the previous mark of 238/3.

It is now the sixth-highest total in PSL history and the franchise’s highest-ever score, improving on their previous best of 242/6.

Notably, the record for the highest total in PSL history belongs to Quetta Gladiators, who posted 263/3 last season against Islamabad United.

Highest totals in PSL history

• Quetta Gladiators – 263/3 against Islamabad United in 2025
• Multan Sultans – 262/3 against Quetta Gladiators in 2023
• Quetta Gladiators – 253/8 against Multan Sultans in 2023
• Islamabad United – 251/5 against Karachi Kings in 2025
• Islamabad United – 247/2 against Peshawar Zalmi in 2021
• Peshawar Zalmi – 246/3 against Karachi Kings in 2026

In response, Karachi Kings crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for just 87 in 16.1 overs, which is their lowest total in PSL history.

The collapse also marked the lowest-ever total recorded at the National Bank Stadium, underlining the one-sided nature of the contest.

The defeat margin of 159 runs is now the biggest in PSL history, surpassing the previous unwanted record held by Multan Sultans, who had suffered a 120-run loss against the same opposition last season.

READ: Babar Azam breaks Chris Gayle’s record during Karachi Kings clash

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have suffered a major setback in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, with Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out due to injury.

The development was confirmed by LSG’s director of cricket, Tom Moody, who revealed that the franchise is already in the process of finalising a replacement, expected to be announced within the next 24 to 48 hours.

“We are preparing for the fact that he isn’t going to be able to join us,” Moody said while speaking during LSG’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Kolkata. “We are looking at replacements, and that should be announced soon.”

Hasaranga has been out of action since suffering a left hamstring tear during Sri Lanka’s opening game of the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

His situation was further complicated after reports suggested he had not completed the mandatory fitness assessments required by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for IPL participation.

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LSG had secured Hasaranga’s services for INR 2 crore, but the leg-spinner has been unable to link up with the squad due to his ongoing rehabilitation.

He previously featured for the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in his IPL career.

South African spinner George Linde is currently understood to be the leading candidate to replace Wanindu Hasaranga.

Despite yet to make his IPL debut, Linde brings extensive T20 experience, having played across multiple franchise leagues, including SA20, The Hundred, Major League Cricket, and the Pakistan Super League.

The left-arm spinner has picked up 218 wickets in 250 T20 matches at an economy rate of 7.42, though his recent international form has been modest, managing just one wicket in four outings against New Zealand.

READ: Babar Azam breaks Chris Gayle’s record during Karachi Kings clash

KARACHI: Babar Azam etched his name deeper into the record books on Thursday, becoming the fastest batter in men’s T20 history to reach 12,000 runs, surpassing the long-standing mark held by Chris Gayle.

The milestone came during Peshawar Zalmi’s high-scoring Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash against Karachi Kings at the National Stadium.

Babar, who needed just 13 runs before the match, brought up the landmark in style by launching Khushdil Shah for a six over mid-on in the fourth over.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

In doing so, the Zalmi skipper became the 12th player in men’s T20 cricket to cross the 12,000-run mark, joining an elite list featuring the likes of Kieron Pollard, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, David Warner and Shoaib Malik.

Babar reached the milestone in just 338 innings, bettering Gayle’s previous record of 343 innings, while Kohli sits third on the list, having taken 360 innings to get there.

Fastest to 12,000 Runs in Men’s T20s

• Babar Azam – 338 innings
• Chris Gayle – 343 innings
• Virat Kohli – 360 innings
• David Warner – 368 innings
• Jos Buttler – 405 innings

Despite losing the record, Gayle continues to lead the all-time T20 run charts with 14,562 runs, followed closely by Pollard.

Babar Azam capped off his milestone performance with a dominant unbeaten 87, powering Zalmi to a formidable total of 246 for 3.

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The bowlers then completed a comprehensive performance, skittling Karachi Kings for just 87 to seal a massive 159-run victory.

The emphatic win lifted Zalmi to second place on the PSL 11 points table, with three wins from their first four matches, further underlining their strong start to the campaign.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan released from Multan Sultans squad

KARACHI: Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis’ sublime batting backed by a disciplined bowling effort powered Peshawar Zalmi to a resounding 159-run victory over Karachi Kings in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Set a massive 247 to chase, Karachi Kings’ batting lineup faltered and were bowled out for 87 in 16.1 overs.

Kings were in early trouble right from the start as they lost both of their openers, Mohammad Waseem and David Warner, for ducks.

They were further pegged back when Salman Ali Agha was trapped lbw for five by Iftikhar Ahmed. As a result, they were reduced to 8-3 in 2.1 overs.

Following the early trouble, Saad Baig (14) and Azam Khan (25) tried to stabilize the innings with a brief 27-run partnership. However, a caught and bowled from Nahid Rana sent the former back to the pavilion.

The wickets continued to tumble as Kings never recovered in their big chase.

Eventually, Peshawar Zalmi bowled them out for a modest total and handed Kings their first defeat of the season.

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For Peshawar Zalmi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Nahid Rana, and Iftikhar Ahmed shared nine wickets between them.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi posted a mammoth 246 runs total in a commanding batting display after being invited to bat first.

The cornerstone of the big total was the record 191-run stand between Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis. The duo put on a batting masterclass after the early loss of Mohammad Haris, who was removed for a duck on the second ball of the opening over.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Babar scored 87 from 51 balls with the aid of two sixes and 10 fours, while Mendis scored his maiden PSL century, an innings of 109 off 52 deliveries, laced with 14 fours and four sixes.

Peshawar Zalmi were 197-4 in 17 overs when Abdul Samad provided a late surge. He smashed 40 off just 12 balls with the help of four sixes and three boundaries, propelling the total beyond the 240-run mark.

For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi picked up two wickets while giving away 55 in his quota of four overs.

READ: Devon Conway leads Islamabad United to victory over Lahore Qalandars

KARACHI: Devon Conway produced a composed unbeaten half-century to guide Islamabad United to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars in a low-scoring Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a modest 101-run target, United made light work of the total, reaching it inside 11 overs with 58 balls to spare.

The only hiccup in the chase came early when Sameer Minhas was dismissed for five by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the third over.

From there on, Conway took complete control of the innings. The left-hander stitched together an unbeaten 93-run partnership with Mohammad Faiq, ensuring there were no further setbacks.

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Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 59 off 35 deliveries, striking seven fours and three sixes, while Faiq played an equally fluent hand with a 19-ball 34, laced with six boundaries.

Earlier, Islamabad United’s bowlers laid the foundation for the comfortable win by bundling Qalandars out for just 100 in 18.3 overs.

The innings unravelled right from the start when Imad Wasim dismissed Mohammad Naeem for a first-ball duck.

Although Haseebullah Khan (19) and Abdullah Shafique (10) attempted to stabilise things with a brief stand, regular breakthroughs kept Lahore on the back foot.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Imad struck again to remove Shafique, before Chris Green and captain Shadab Khan further dented the innings with timely wickets.

A short resistance from Sikandar Raza (25) and Asif Ali (15) failed to shift momentum, as the Qalandars kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Green was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of 3 for 19 in his four overs, while Imad, Shadab and Richard Gleeson chipped in with two wickets apiece to wrap up the innings.

READ: Tamim Iqbal-led BCB announces major pay hike for domestic cricketers

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), under its newly formed ad-hoc committee headed by Tamim Iqbal, has approved a significant increase in domestic match fees and monthly salaries, with a particular focus on improving earnings in women’s cricket.

The decision marks the first major policy move by the Tamim-led committee since it became operational earlier this week, signalling an early intent to reform player compensation structures across the board.

The revised package comes after the committee discovered that women cricketers in domestic one-day competitions had been earning as little as BDT 1,000 per match in previous years, a figure that was later marginally increased but still widely regarded as insufficient.

Under the new structure, women players will now earn BDT 10,000 per T20 match, BDT 15,000 for 50-over games, and BDT 20,000 for first-class fixtures.

In addition, the monthly salary for the top 36 women cricketers has been raised from BDT 30,000 to BDT 40,000.

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While acknowledging that the revised payments are still not ideal, Tamim Iqbal reportedly stressed that the move represents a necessary and meaningful step forward within existing financial constraints.

The committee has also implemented a parallel revision for men’s domestic cricket. Players in Category A will now receive BDT 65,000 per month, while Category B and C players will earn BDT 50,000 and BDT 40,000 respectively. First-class match fees for men have also been increased from BDT 70,000 to BDT 100,000.

The changes will officially come into effect from January 1, 2026.

Tamim highlighted that domestic players had long gone without meaningful pay increases and emphasised that those who sustain the structure of the game deserve fairer financial recognition.

The reforms come amid wider administrative restructuring within the board, as the BCB also begins defining roles for members of its 11-person ad-hoc committee.

Meanwhile, the board is also working to resolve ongoing disputes between club sides and the governing body, with plans underway to stage the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League in the coming weeks as part of efforts to stabilise domestic cricket operations.

READ: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick rages over VAR handball non-intervention

KARACHI: Multan Sultans have granted opening batter Sahibzada Farhan a short break from the squad ahead of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash against Peshawar Zalmi, scheduled to be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on April 13.

According to the franchise, the decision has been taken as part of their internal workload and rest policy, which allows players to take time off during breaks in the tournament to recover physically and mentally.

A spokesperson for the Sultans said the move aligns with the team’s broader approach under owner Gohar Shah and head coach Tim Paine, who have emphasised player welfare and balanced workload management throughout the season.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

“As per the policy, players are given complete freedom to relax and spend personal time during rest periods,” the spokesperson stated.

The management believes the system helps players remain mentally fresh and better prepared for high-intensity matches.

Along with Sahibzada Farhan, batting coach Sohaib Maqsood has also been released from the squad for a short period under the same policy.

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Notably, Farhan has been one of the standout performers in PSL 11 so far, emerging as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.

The right-hander has accumulated 232 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 58.00 and a strike rate of 181.25, including a century and a half-century.

The opener’s form has been a key factor in Multan’s strong campaign so far, with the side currently sitting at the top of the table. Led by Ashton Turner, the Sultans have won four of their five matches, collecting eight points with a healthy net run-rate of 0.941.

READ: Rashid Khan may miss India Test as red-ball future remains unclear

Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan has admitted that playing Test cricket on a regular basis may no longer be realistic for him, as he continues to manage ongoing back issues that have significantly shaped his workload across formats.

The 27-year-old, one of the most influential white-ball bowlers in world cricket, said medical advice has played a key role in his decision to step back from red-ball cricket, with a long-term focus now on preserving his career in limited-overs formats.

Speaking after a match-winning spell for the Gujarat Titans against the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 in Delhi, Rashid opened up about the physical challenges that have forced him to rethink his involvement in Test cricket.

“Red-ball cricket is a little difficult because that was the first thing my doctor told me to stay away from red-ball cricket,” Rashid said. “I still went ahead and played.”

He revealed that following his back surgery in 2023, he was specifically advised to avoid the longest format due to the strain it places on his body.

“The doctor told me that if you don’t want to play cricket, you can keep playing red-ball cricket. He said it’s not going to help me and that I won’t be able to play for long,” he added.

Rashid Khan, who captains Afghanistan in T20Is, underwent surgery in the United Kingdom after playing through the ODI World Cup in 2023 while carrying an injury.

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Although he made a return to competitive cricket in 2024, the demands of continuous franchise and international cricket soon took a toll again, forcing him to reassess his schedule.

The spinner also reflected on the workload he has carried in the longest format, revealing how physically demanding his limited Test experience has been.

“In my last two Test matches, I bowled 126 overs, which is simply too much,” he said. “If I bowl a spell of 20–25 overs, I have to bowl the whole day. You can’t do that to yourself.”

Rashid has now indicated that he may restrict himself to just one Test per year, while prioritising ODI cricket and major tournaments such as the 2027 World Cup, where Afghanistan will be looking to build on their recent progress in the format.

“So yes, I will think about it. But ODI cricket, I really enjoy that format. I am in good shape to play ODIs for a longer period for Afghanistan,” he said. “Red-ball cricket is something that looks a bit difficult for me.”

Since Afghanistan gained Test status in 2017, opportunities in the format have been limited, and Rashid Khan himself has played only six Tests, though he has still managed to take 45 wickets at an impressive average of 20.44.

He briefly returned to red-ball cricket in early 2025 against Zimbabwe, where he produced a standout performance with 11 wickets in the match, but recurring back problems soon resurfaced later in the season, again affecting his rhythm.

READ: Daryl Mitchell backs Rawalpindiz to bounce back despite winless PSL start