Category: Cricket

Ben Stokes reckons the past three months have been the “hardest period” of his time as England captain, but is determined the current leadership group can oversee a revival in the Test team’s fortunes.

Earlier on Monday, the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Richard Gould, confirmed that Stokes, managing director Rob Key, and coach Brendon McCullum would all remain in their posts despite the team’s 4-1 loss on their five-Test tour of Australia, which concluded in January.

Key denied suggestions that Stokes and McCullum had fallen out in Australia, despite the pair offering contrasting messages during a desperately disappointing series loss.

Stokes, in an emotional Instagram post, said he was determined to learn from his mistakes following the lowest period of his near four-year spell as England captain, with Key and McCullum still the right men to be alongside him.

“Being England captain is the greatest honour a player can be given, and I do not take it for granted,” Stokes wrote.

 

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“It has its highs, and it has its lows; it makes you want to smile, it makes you want to cry. It completely and utterly consumes you and feels like it’s the only thing in your life at times.

“The last 3 months has without a doubt been the hardest period of my captaincy journey, it’s tested me in so many different ways, and I’m sure every other captain has gone through this as well.

“Baz (McCullum), Rob and myself have the passion and desire to take this team forward, we are going to give you everything we have, we know we made mistakes along the way and we have learnt from those mistakes, you learn more from failure than success.”

In addition to England’s poor performances on the field, there were reports of excessive drinking by players on a break, raising concerns about the dressing-room culture.

Revelations followed that vice-captain Harry Brook had been involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer on the pre-Ashes visit to New Zealand.

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A midnight curfew has since been enforced, while the ECB are trying to recruit a new national selector after Luke Wright resigned for family reasons.

Ben Stokes has not played since suffering a groin injury in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney in January, but is set to feature for Durham in the County Championship ahead of this season’s home Test programme.

England have three Tests against McCullum’s native New Zealand in June, followed by a trio of matches against Pakistan in August and September.

“We all appreciate every single person who supports us. We do what we do for many reasons but one of those reasons is to bring our supporters and fans happiness and a sense of pride and we will aim to do those things as much as we can in the future,” Stokes said.

“See you all in June for the start of the Test Match summer.”

READ: PSL 11 official anthem ‘Khelenge Beat Pe’ released

The much-anticipated anthem for Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, titled ‘Khelenge Beat Pe’, featuring Atif Aslam, Aima Baig, Sabri Sisters and Daniya Kanwal, was released on Tuesday.

The anthem premiered across PSL’s social media platforms, accompanied by the caption, “The wait is over. The official Pepsi x HBL PSL 11 Anthem has arrived to define a #NewEra. Ab rukna nahi hai, kyunke maidan main aag laga dein ge! Are you ready to Khelenge Beat Pe?”

“The anthem reflects the journey of the league across 10 years as it expands to eight teams for the first time,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.

“As the HBL PSL has become a passion for the cricket fans throughout the country, Khelenge Beat Pe tells the story of the tournament that runs through the veins of a whole generation now.

“It is also a vivid rendition of Pakistan’s love for the game of cricket as the sport continues to rule the hearts of millions across the length and breadth of the country.

“And once every year since 2016, the whole nation comes together to celebrate the sport through its own world-class cricketing extravaganza, the HBL PSL.”

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Notably, Atif Aslam has brought his stunning vocals to the PSL for the second time after starring in the PSL 2022 anthem “Agay Dekh”.

Meanwhile, this season will mark Aima’s fourth appearance after entertaining the fans in the 2021 anthem “Groove Mera”, the 2022 anthem and the 2024 anthem “Khul ke khel”.

“The HBL PSL has always stood for world-class cricket, unforgettable entertainment and the incredible passion of our fans,” said PSL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer.

“As we step into Season 11, this anthem represents the evolution of the league and the exciting journey ahead. It reflects where PSL stands today: confident, dynamic and ready to inspire a whole new generation of players and fans.”

READ: Rawalpindiz reveal Jake Fraser-McGurk’s replacement for PSL 11

Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel has set his sights firmly on securing a place in Pakistan’s ODI World Cup 2027 squad, stating that the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 presents a crucial opportunity to impress selectors.

Shakeel has been a mainstay in Pakistan’s Test team; however, he failed to cement a regular place in the ODI format.

He has represented Pakistan in 19 ODI games since his debut in 2021, featuring in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

He has been out of the ODI team since the Champions Trophy match against arch-rivals India in February 2025.

Speaking ahead of the PSL 11, the left-handed batter made it clear that his performances in the league could play a defining role in shaping his international future.

“This season is very important for me. The ODI World Cup is coming up [next year], and I will aim to perform well to get the selectors’ attention,” Shakeel said.

Quetta Gladiators, who finished as runners-up in the previous edition after losing the final to Lahore Qalandars, will begin their campaign against Karachi Kings on March 27 in Lahore.

Under Shakeel’s leadership, the franchise will be looking to build on last season’s momentum while navigating a more competitive format.

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“We had a good performance in the last edition, but now we are starting afresh. Our effort will be to once again play a good brand of cricket,” he said.

Notably, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Despite the absence of crowds, Shakeel remains optimistic about maintaining intensity and delivering quality cricket.

“Our passion and energy come from the fans. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to attend, but we would request them to watch from home and support us,” he said.

The upcoming edition marks a significant shift in the league’s structure, with eight teams participating for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz.

“Our aim will be to play a strong brand of cricket again. The competition will be tougher this time with more teams, but we are ready for the challenge,” he added.

With a relatively new pace attack in place, the Gladiators’ skipper also emphasised the importance of finding the right combination early in the tournament.

Quetta Gladiators will begin their PSL 11 campaign against Karachi Kings on March 27 in Lahore, as they aim to go one step further this time and clinch the title.

Quetta Gladiators squad for PSL 11

Saud Shakeel (c), Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, Shamyl Hussain, Alzarri Joseph, Rilee Rossouw, Ahmed Daniyal, Jahanzaib Sultan, Jahandad Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Wasim Akram Jnr, Khan Zeb, Bismillah Khan, Saqib Khan, Brett Hampton, Sam Harper, Bevon Jacobs, Abrar Ahmed, Ben McDermott and Tom Curran.

READ: T20 World Cup 2026 smashed viewing figures: ICC

Viewer figures of the T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 final smashed digital streaming records with 72.5  million peak users at the same time in India alone, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday.

Cricket commands an unrivalled following in the world’s most populous country with 1.4 billion people.

“The event was a showcase of just how much the sport is loved in cricket’s most passionate market,” ICC Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta said, in a commentary published in WPP Media’s Sporting Nation.

More viewers watched the game on traditional broadcasters, as well as around the world.

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India, co‑hosts and pre‑tournament favourites, lifted the T20 World Cup for a record third time in the March 8 match, sweeping aside New Zealand by 96 runs.

“The final… hit 72.5 million digital concurrent users, breaking the global streaming record,” Gupta added, according to figures from Indian streaming partner JioHotstar.

That broke the previous record set three days earlier — the nerve-shredding semi-final in Mumbai when India beat England by seven runs.

That match drew 619 million views on streaming platform JioHotstar, according to the company, including a 65 million peak at the same time. Total viewing figures for the final are yet to be released.

READ: PSL 11: Rawalpindiz reveal Jake Fraser-McGurk’s replacement

Pakistan Super League (PSL) newcomers Rawalpindiz have confirmed the signing of New Zealand all-rounder Cole McConchie as a replacement for Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk ahead of the 11th season of the tournament.

The franchise announced the development on Monday, stating that Fraser-McGurk had withdrawn from the competition due to personal reasons, paving the way for McConchie’s inclusion.

The 34-year-old brings valuable experience to the squad, having represented New Zealand in 20 T20 Internationals since making his debut in 2021.

In those appearances, he has scored 188 runs and taken 12 wickets, showcasing his utility as a multi-dimensional player.

At the domestic level, McConchie boasts an impressive T20 record, amassing over 2,000 runs, including nine half-centuries, while also claiming 88 wickets in 141 matches.

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Rawalpindiz will begin their PSL campaign on March 28 against Peshawar Zalmi.

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The 11th edition of the PSL is set to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz. The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Rawalpindiz  Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Yasir Khan, Naseem Shah, Rishad Hossain, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, Cole McConchie, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Dian Forrester, Laurie Evans, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Fawad Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan and Saad Masood.

READ: Richie Richardson set for PSL debut as PCB unveils match officials

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the match officials for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, with former West Indies captain Sir Richie Richardson set to make his debut in the tournament as a match referee.

Richardson, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, headlines a diverse officiating line-up for the 44-match tournament, which will be played across Lahore and Karachi from March 26 to May 3.

The veteran official is no stranger to Pakistan conditions, having previously overseen four Tests and three T20Is in the country between 2017 and 2024, including the historic T20I series between Pakistan and the World XI at Gaddafi Stadium.

The umpiring panel features a strong blend of elite international officials and experienced local names.

Members of the ICC Elite Panel, Ahsan Raza, Chris Gaffaney, Allahudien Palekar and Alex Wharf, will be joined by overseas umpires Sharfuddoula Saikat and Chris Brown.

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Palekar and Saikat are set to make their PSL debuts, adding further international flavour to the officiating group.

The domestic panel includes Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Zulfiqar Jan, Abdul Muqeet, Alay Haider, Imran Jawed and Tariq Rasheed.

Meanwhile, former Sri Lanka captain Roshan Mahanama will continue his long-standing association with the PSL, returning as a match referee.

Having officiated in 71 PSL matches since 2017, he will lead the playing control team, beginning with the tournament opener between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

For the opening fixture, Wharf and Ahsan Raza will serve as on-field umpires, with Asif Yaqoob appointed as the TV umpire and Tariq Rasheed taking on fourth umpire duties.

Match officials for PSL 11

Umpires: Ahsan Raza, Chris Gaffaney, Sharfuddoula Saikat, Allahuddien Palekar, Alex Wharf, Chris Brown, Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Zulfiqar Jan, Abdul Muqeet, Alay Haider, Imran Jawed and Tariq Rasheed

Match Referees: Roshan Mahanama, Sir Richard Richardson, Ali Naqvi, Kamran Chaudhary, Bilal Khilji, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aleem Moosa, Sohail Idrees

READ: PCB unveils star-studded commentary panel for PSL 11

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 23-member bilingual commentary panel for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, bringing together a mix of international voices and experienced local analysts for the tournament.

Among the notable inclusions is former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, who is set to make his debut in the PSL commentary box this season.

Former Australia women’s cricketer Lisa Sthalekar will also return for another stint in the league’s broadcast team.

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who has featured in every previous edition of the PSL as a player, will take on a new role this time as part of the Urdu commentary panel.

He will be joined by former Pakistan captains Salman Butt and Sana Mir.

The seven-member exclusive Urdu panel also includes seasoned commentator Tariq Saeed, former Pakistan women’s international Marina Iqbal, Shah Faisal and Ayaz Chaudhary, the winner of Pepsi Voice of Pakistan 2022.

On the English commentary side, Brathwaite will be joined by a host of international names, including South Africa’s Jean-Paul Duminy, England’s Dominic Cork, Nick Knight and Mark Butcher, New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Australia’s Greg Blewett and Bangladesh’s Athar Ali Khan, alongside the experienced broadcaster Michael Haysman.

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A strong Pakistani presence will also feature in the English panel, with former captains Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, Aamir Sohail and Urooj Mumtaz Khan set to provide analysis, while former international Bazid Khan is also part of the line-up.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Sikandar Bakht will take on a dual role this season, appearing as an English commentator while also joining the four-member presenting team.

The presentation line-up will feature international broadcasters Jess Crowe and Neroli Meadows, both making their PSL debut, alongside regular host Zainab Abbas.

PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer welcomed the announcement, expressing confidence that fans will enjoy the experience.

“We are excited to announce a star-studded and insightful commentators’ panel, which comes with years of valuable experience of calling the game behind the mic. I’m sure our fans will enjoy the commentary lineup and their calls over exciting action from home as we inch closer to the beginning of the landmark 11th edition of the HBL PSL.”

Full List of Commentators

English Panel: Aamir Sohail, Athar Ali Khan, Bazid Khan, Carlos Brathwaite, Dominic Cork, Greg Blewett, Jean-Paul Duminy, Lisa Sthalekar, Mark Butcher, Martin Guptill, Michael Haysman, Nick Knight, Ramiz Raja, Sikandar Bakht, Urooj Mumtaz Khan and Wasim Akram.

Exclusive Urdu Panel: Ayaz Chaudhary, Marina Iqbal, Salman Butt, Sana Mir, Shah Faisal, Shoaib Malik and Tariq Saeed.

Presenters: Jess Crowe, Neroli Meadows, Sikandar Bakht and Zainab Abbas.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan clinches ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026, capping off a remarkable run with the bat during the T20 World Cup.

Farhan’s award-winning performances came despite Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament, as the right-hander emerged as the standout batter of the competition.

He amassed a tournament-high 383 runs in just six innings at an impressive average of 76.60, striking at 160.25.

The 29-year-old’s campaign was highlighted by two centuries and two half-centuries, making him the first batter to score multiple hundreds in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.

In the process, he also surpassed Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for the most runs in a single edition of the tournament.

Farhan’s consistency saw him register scores of 47, 73, 0, 100*, did not bat, 63 and 100 across seven matches, earning him a place in the ICC Team of the Tournament.

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Reflecting on the accolade, Farhan expressed gratitude for the recognition on cricket’s biggest stage.

“It’s an incredible feeling to win this ICC award, especially for performances on the World Cup stage, where fans from all over the world are watching every moment. That makes it even more special,” he said.

“It was truly a tournament I’ll always cherish, and I’m determined to carry this momentum forward in the series and competitions ahead.

“I’m deeply grateful to my teammates for their constant support and belief in me – this wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

The prolific run also propelled Farhan to a career-best second position in the ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings following his century against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

Notably, this marks Farhan’s first ICC Player of the Month award, making him the first Pakistan men’s cricketer to receive the honour since Haris Rauf in November 2024.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi rope in Bangladesh batter for PSL 11

Former champions Peshawar Zalmi have bolstered their squad for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 with the signing of young Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim.

The franchise confirmed the development through their official social media platforms, welcoming the left-handed batter with a brief announcement that highlighted his addition as a boost to their top order.

 

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Tamim joins fellow Bangladesh pacers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam in the Zalmi setup.

While Nahid was picked during the PSL auction, Shoriful was brought in through a direct signing later, further strengthening the franchise’s overseas contingent.

With Tamim’s inclusion, the number of Bangladeshi players in this year’s tournament has risen to six, underlining the growing presence of Bangladesh talent in the PSL.

Among the others, Mustafizur Rahman had secured a deal prior to the draft, while Parvez Hossain Emon was later picked up by Lahore Qalandars.

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Spinner Rishad Hossain, who impressed in the previous edition, has been picked by new entrants RawalPindiz.

The 11th edition of the PSL is set to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz. The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

READ: Vinicius double helps Real Madrid edge Atletico thriller

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the recent allegations made by former white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, who cited external “interference” as a key reason behind his premature exit from the role.

Kirsten, who was appointed in April 2024 alongside Test head coach Jason Gillespie, stepped down just six months into what was initially a two-year contract.

His resignation came shortly after the PCB announced squads for the ODI and T20I tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, decisions reportedly made without his involvement.

In a recent interview, Kirsten openly criticised the working environment within Pakistan cricket, highlighting what he described as excessive outside influence.

“The thing that surprised me more than anything was the level of interference. I don’t think I have ever seen it at that level before,” Kirsten said.

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“It is quite difficult for a coach to come and formulate a way that you can work with the players when there is just this constant noise from the outside.”

He further pointed out that coaching staff often become easy targets when results do not go a team’s way.

Kirsten further stated that coaches are always in the firing line when a team ends on the losing side. He noted that removing coaches is often seen as the easiest option and questioned the very purpose of appointing them.

Responding to these claims during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Mohsin Naqvi adopted a measured stance, distancing himself from the controversy and indicating limited direct involvement with the former coach.

“I didn’t have many interactions with Gary Kirsten, so it would be better if those people who were co-ordinating things with him and involved regularly with him responded in detail to his allegations,” Naqvi stated.

READ: Lahore Qalandars confirm Dasun Shanaka replacement for PSL 11