Category: Cricket

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday unveiled the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026, with India’s star duo Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson joined by South Africa’s emerging wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen.

The shortlist reflects standout performances during a high-stakes month of T20 cricket, headlined by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Sanju Samson emerged as one of the biggest stories of the tournament, turning his late inclusion into a dream run.

The right-hander delivered under pressure with an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in a must-win Super Eight clash, before producing back-to-back 89s in the semi-final against England and the final against New Zealand.

His remarkable consistency not only powered India to a successful title defence but also earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

Across three matches in March, Samson piled up 275 runs at an astonishing average of 137.50, coupled with a strike rate nearing 200, underlining his dominance on the biggest stage.

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Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, once again proved why he is regarded as one of the finest bowlers in world cricket. The pace spearhead played a decisive role in India’s title-winning campaign, delivering crucial spells in the knockout stages.

He struck twice against the West Indies in the Super Eight, including the key wicket of Shimron Hetmyer, before producing a disciplined outing in the semi-final against England, where he stood out in a high-scoring contest.

Bumrah then delivered a match-winning performance in the final, claiming four wickets for just 15 runs against New Zealand to seal the trophy and earn Player of the Match honours.

Completing the trio is Connor Esterhuizen, who enjoyed a breakthrough month in international cricket. The Proteas batter impressed in his debut T20I series against New Zealand, amassing 200 runs in five matches at an average of 50.

After starting with an unbeaten 45, he registered his maiden T20I half-century with a 57 off 33 deliveries.

He capped off the series with a blistering 75 in the decider, guiding South Africa to a 3-2 series victory and earning multiple Player of the Match awards.

READ: Hardik Pandya targets ODI comeback ahead of 2027 World Cup: report

Pakistan’s top-order batter Imam-ul-Haq has moved to clear the air after his recent social media post, regarding marriage, sparked widespread speculation about his personal life, insisting that his remarks were taken out of context.

Earlier this week, the left-handed opener shared a story on Instagram, describing marriage in the current era as “actually scary.”

The post quickly went viral, prompting fans to speculate about potential issues in his marriage, with some even suggesting that he had unfollowed his wife, Anmol Mehmood, on social media.

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However, Imam has now issued a clarification, stating that his post was merely a general observation about trends he has noticed online and not a reflection of his own relationship.

“You [all] took that post way too seriously just to clarify my recent post was a general observation about what we’re seeing on social media these days, not about my own marriage,” he wrote on Instagram.

He further reassured fans that his personal life remains stable, adding, “Everything’s perfectly fine on my side, Alhamdulillah,” while urging people to avoid jumping to conclusions or spreading unverified rumours.

Imam-ul-Haq, who got married in November 2023, has been a regular feature in Pakistan’s batting lineup across formats since making his debut in 2017.

The 30-year-old has represented the national side in 26 Tests, 75 ODIs and two T20Is, amassing 4,860 runs with 12 centuries and 30 half-centuries to his name.

READ: Karachi Kings provide update on Waseem, Khuzaima return

KARACHI: Karachi Kings are set to receive a timely boost as United Arab Emirates (UAE) players Muhammad Waseem and Khuzaima Bin Tanveer are expected to rejoin the squad ahead of their next fixture in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Team director Haider Azhar confirmed that both players will arrive back in Karachi on Tuesday and will be available for selection for the Kings’ upcoming clash against Peshawar Zalmi at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

The duo had earlier left the PSL midway after being recalled by the Emirates Cricket Board to participate in the domestic D50 tournament.

The directive required both players to return immediately and feature in the ongoing 50-over competition in the UAE.

However, in a development that comes as a relief for the Kings, Waseem and Khuzaima have now been granted permission to rejoin their franchise after completing two matches in the domestic tournament.

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Waseem has already featured in three matches this season, registering mixed returns with scores of 0, 38 and 23. Meanwhile, Khuzaima is yet to make his debut in the ongoing edition.

The return of the two players strengthens an already in-form Karachi Kings side, led by David Warner, who currently sit in the second position of the points table with three wins from three matches and a net run rate of 0.486.

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India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya has set his sights on a return to the ODI setup as he looks to secure a place in the squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, according to a report by the Times of India.

Pandya, who has not featured in an ODI since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, is understood to have communicated his intentions to the selectors and team management.

The 32-year-old has reportedly been working over the past few months to rebuild his bowling fitness, which remains the key factor in his comeback bid.

During the Champions Trophy campaign, Pandya’s bowling workload was carefully managed as he delivered just 24.3 overs across five matches and did not complete his full quota in any game.

Concerns over his ability to consistently bowl 10 overs have since influenced selection decisions.

Earlier this year, Pandya was omitted from India’s ODI squad for the home series against New Zealand, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirming that he had not yet been cleared by the Centre of Excellence to handle a full bowling workload.

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However, with the World Cup 2027 set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, where conditions traditionally favour seam bowling, the team management sees Hardik Pandya as a potentially crucial asset if he can meet fitness expectations.

“He can lend the perfect balance, but he has to convince the selectors and the team management that he will be available to bowl 10 overs,” a BCCI source told TOI.

“He may not be required to do so in every match. The captain may end up bowling him for 6-7 overs in most matches. But he should be available if the captain needs more from him.”

Notably, Hardik Pandya has reportedly intensified his preparations, focusing on increasing his bowling workload and refining his skillset. He has also worked on adding variations, including developing an inswinger, while maintaining his pace.

“Hardik has been increasing his workload. He has worked on his action to bowl in-swingers as well without compromising on pace,” the source further added.

“He feels his body is ready to cope with the rigours of bowling 10 overs in ODIs. He understands his body well enough and is working towards staying fit to bowl 10 overs.”

Since making his ODI debut in 2016, Pandya has played 94 matches, scoring 1904 runs and picking up 91 wickets, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder when fully fit.

READ: Virat Kohli comments on being called RCB’s ‘overseas player’ in IPL 2026

Indian batting icon Virat Kohli has responded with humour to the viral chatter labelling him as an “overseas player” for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

The light-hearted debate gained traction among fans due to Kohli’s increased time spent in London with his family in recent years, leading to jokes that RCB are effectively fielding an extra overseas player.

Despite scaling down his international commitments, having stepped away from Tests and T20Is and now featuring only in ODIs, the former India captain continues to remain a central figure for his franchise.

Addressing the speculation in a video shared by RCB, Kohli was quizzed by content creator Danish Sait, known for his popular ‘Mr. Nags’ persona.

The host referenced fan claims about RCB playing with “five overseas players,” prompting a witty response from Kohli.

“I don’t know why you’re asking me. Ask the overseas players. I am not an overseas player,” Virat Kohli said with a laugh, before playfully turning the question back, “Am I an overseas player?”

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The 37-year-old began the ongoing IPL season in commanding fashion, scoring an unbeaten 69 to guide RCB to victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening fixture as defending champions.

Reflecting on last season’s long-awaited title triumph, Kohli admitted the victory brought a sense of relief after years of near misses with the franchise he has represented since the league’s inception.

“That night, I really felt what it means. Everything became light,” he said, describing the emotional weight lifted after finally securing the title.

He also offered insight into his mindset around success and failure, emphasising the importance of perseverance.

“Victory is the accumulation of hard work, all the sacrifices you’ve made, to be committed to the sport. It all comes together as a form of assurance, a reward, to know that you haven’t wasted your time,” Kohli added.

“A lot of people learn from losses, but a lot of people can get very disheartened as well. So when you win after a lot of hard work, it makes you feel a sense of justice for the work that you put in, and also gives you motivation to work harder.”

READ: Azam Khan opens up on fitness transformation

Pep Guardiola has remained tight-lipped over his future at Manchester City, refusing to clarify whether he will continue beyond the ongoing season amid increasing speculation surrounding his long-term plans.

Reports, including one from ESPN, suggest the City boss was expected to make a decision during the recent international break regarding his stay at the Etihad Stadium, where he is currently contracted until 2027.

While the club is keen for him to remain in charge next season, there is also an acceptance internally that the 55-year-old could opt to step away earlier than expected.

Addressing the media on Friday, Guardiola avoided offering any fresh insight into his situation.

“I spoke many times about that,” he said, offering a brief response when questioned directly about his future.

Despite the uncertainty, Guardiola’s immediate focus remains firmly on the pitch, with City preparing for a crucial FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool.

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The upcoming encounter presents a significant test, even though Liverpool arrive with inconsistent form, having managed just two wins in their last six matches across all competitions.

They also face a demanding schedule, including a UEFA Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

However, Pep Guardiola was quick to dismiss any notion of complacency, highlighting Liverpool’s pedigree and long-standing rivalry with his side.

“They have been the biggest rival,” he said. “It is a team that made an incredible investment last season to compete at the highest level for many years. They are a top contender with top-class players.”

He further stressed the importance of maintaining high standards, referencing the City’s recent performances as a benchmark.

“Hopefully we can perform at the level that we did against Arsenal to reach the next step,” he added.

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LAHORE: A blistering half-century from Mohammad Naeem propelled Lahore Qalandars to a commanding victory over Multan Sultans in a rain-shortened Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

In a contest reduced to 13 overs per side due to persistent rain, the Qalandars produced a batting masterclass to post a daunting 185-5 after being put into bat by Sultans skipper Ashton Turner.

The defending champions came out all guns blazing, with Naeem and Parvez Hossain Emon dismantling the Sultans’ bowling attack in a breathtaking opening stand. The duo racked up 86 runs in just five overs, setting the tone for a massive total.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Emon was eventually dismissed for a fiery 45 off 19 deliveries, but Naeem continued the onslaught, anchoring the innings with a rapid 60 off 28 balls, laced with boundaries and clean hitting.

He found further support in Abdullah Shafique, who chipped in with a quickfire 33, as the Qalandars maintained their aggressive tempo.

Despite a couple of late breakthroughs, Lahore finished strongly, thanks to Sikandar Raza (13*), who ensured the total remained well beyond par in a shortened contest.

In reply, Multan Sultans struggled to keep pace despite a spirited effort. Early setbacks saw Steve Smith (9) and Josh Philippe (1) depart cheaply, putting the chase on the back foot.

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A counter-attacking knock from Shan Masood briefly revived hopes, as he struck a brisk 44 off 18 balls, while Sahibzada Farhan added 24. However, regular wickets prevented the Sultans from building sustained momentum.

Captain Turner led from the front with an unbeaten 52 off 22 deliveries and shared a fighting stand with Arafat Minhas, but the required rate proved too steep in the end as the Sultans finished on 165-5.

The defeat marked Multan’s first loss of the season, dropping them to third on the table, while Lahore Qalandars climbed to second with their second win.

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LAHORE: Persistent rain has forced a reduction in overs for the much-anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 fixture between Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, with the contest now set to be played as a 13-overs-a-side match at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

The toss, initially delayed due to steady showers in Lahore, is now scheduled for 8:30 PM local time, with the first ball expected to be bowled at 8:45 PM.

The weather interruptions come at a crucial stage of the tournament, with both teams eyeing momentum early in the campaign.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Multan Sultans, led by Ashton Turner, have made a strong start, winning both of their opening matches to sit second on the points table.

The Sultans began their season with a comfortable win over Islamabad United, powered by Josh Philippe’s fluent half-century and a composed finish from Turner.

They followed it up with a remarkable chase of 226 against Hyderabad Kingsmen, thanks to a stunning unbeaten century from Sahibzada Farhan.

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In contrast, defending champions Lahore Qalandars, under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, have had a mixed start.

They opened their title defence with a commanding win over Hyderabad Kingsmen, but fell short in a closely fought contest against arch-rivals Karachi Kings in their second outing.

READ: ‘Hard work is paying off’: Azam Khan opens up on fitness transformation

Karachi Kings wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has opened up on his fitness and weight loss journey, crediting months of disciplined training for his resurgence after delivering a match-winning performance in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Azam played a pivotal role in Karachi’s victory over Rawalpindiz, smashing a blistering 74 off just 34 deliveries to guide his side to a five-wicket win.

After the game, Azam, while reflecting on his journey, revealed that the past several months had been both challenging and transformative.

“Since last year’s PSL, I haven’t played much professional cricket, but I’m in a good zone because I’ve trained really hard over the past few months, and it’s showing on the ground,” he said.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The right-hander shared that relocating from Karachi to Lahore proved to be a turning point in his routine, as he became more disciplined and has been training regularly at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

“The last seven to eight months have been tough. I have shifted to a different city. I live in Karachi, but now I have moved to Lahore. I have been training at the National Cricket Academy. I’ve been putting in daily effort, repeating drills, and that’s really helped my confidence,” he stated.

“When you shift to a different city, you have to work hard enough and be more disciplined. So I have felt that I have been more disciplined with my training as well as my diet.”

According to Azam Khan, a significant part of his improvement has come through a stricter approach to fitness and diet. He admitted to working closely with professionals to address his weight and conditioning.

“I had to make serious changes, hire a dietician, consult doctors for my weight loss, and stay disciplined with my diet. There are cheat days, of course,” he joked, “but overall, I’ve lost a lot of weight, and I’m moving much better on the field.”

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Azam acknowledged that his previous fitness levels had impacted key aspects of his game, particularly his ability to run between the wickets and his wicketkeeping mobility.

“Last year, I was slow while running, and my lateral movement behind the stumps wasn’t great. Now, I feel quicker and more agile, which is very satisfying,” he noted.

Interestingly, the change in physique has also influenced his equipment and approach at the crease.

“I had to reduce the weight of my bat after losing weight. Like when I was heavy i was using a heavier bat, but when I got lighter, I had to change my bat weight as well, but I haven’t lost any power. In fact, I don’t get tired as much while batting now, and I feel more comfortable overall,” he explained.

READ: PSL 11: Toss of Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans delayed

LAHORE: The toss for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans has been delayed due to persistent rain at Gaddafi Stadium here on Friday.

Notably, Ashton Turner-led Multan Sultans have enjoyed a strong start to their campaign, sitting second on the points table with two wins from two matches.

The new-look Sultans kicked off their PSL 11 campaign with a dominant five-wicket victory over Islamabad United, courtesy of the brilliant batting efforts of Josh Philippe (55) and Turner (43*).

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In their second match of the season, Sahibzada Farhan smashed an unbeaten 106 to help the Sultans chase down a 226-run target against Hyderabad Kingsmen.

In contrast, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Lahore Qalandars find themselves in the fifth position with one win and one loss.

They commenced their title defence with a thumping 69-run victory over the Kingsmen, thanks to a combined team effort. However, they suffered a four-wicket defeat against arch-rivals Karachi Kings in their second match.

SQUADS

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan, Ryan Burl, Shahab Khan

Multan Sultans: Ashton Turner (c), Shan Masood (vc), Mohammad Nawaz, Shehzad Gul, Faisal Akram, Imran Randhawa, Arafat Minhas, Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Potgieter, Josh Philippe, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Shahzad, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ismail, Atizaz Habib Khan

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