Category: Cricket

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday reprimanded Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh for violating the code of conduct during the final against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026.

The 27-year-old was fined 15 per cent of the match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Article 2.9 of the ICC code of conduct relates to throwing a ball or any other item of cricket equipment at or near a player in an inappropriate manner.

Arshdeep threw the ball towards New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell on his follow-through, hitting the batter on the pads during the 11th over of the match.

The pacer walked back to his mark without apologizing, resulting in a confrontation with the batter.

Following the completion, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav intervened to speak with Daryl Mitchell while the umpire Richard Illingworth was also seen having a brief word with Arshdeep

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Eventually, the left-arm pacer apologised to Mitchell after the completion of the over.

Arshdeep accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, denying a need for a formal hearing.

The charge was brought by the match officials — on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf, third umpire Allahuddien Palekar, and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock.

This was Arshdeep Singh’s first offence in a 24-month period with a level 1 breach carrying a minimum penalty of a reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s march fee and one or two demerit points.

READ: Karachi Kings announce David Warner as captain for PSL 11

Karachi Kings have retained Australian legendary batter David Warner as captain for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, set to begin on March 26. 

The announcement was made via the franchise’s social media handle, accompanied by an animated graphic.

“The leader, the legend, the King, David Warner returns as captain, ready to take the #KingsSquad to new heights in the upcoming season of the #HBLPSL,” the caption of the post read.

Warner’s retention as captain underscores the franchise’s confidence in his vision and ability to inspire the squad both on and off the field.

After taking the helm in HBL PSL 10, Warner’s second consecutive term as captain aims to turn last season’s momentum into a championship run.

 

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Last year, Warner made his debut in the PSL, amassing 368 runs in 11 matches, including three half-centuries at a strike rate of 153.97.

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Earlier today, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the complete schedule of PSL 11.

This will be the first time eight teams will feature in the tournament since its inaugural edition in 2016.

The tournament will begin on March 26, with the opening match scheduled between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

The 2020 champions, Karachi Kings, will begin their campaign against Quetta Gladiators on March 27 in Lahore.

Overall, 44 matches will be played across the tournament, including the final, which will also have a reserve day.

READ: PSL 11 to commence from March 26 as PCB unveils schedule

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the schedule for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, set to commence on March 26. 

The eight-team tournament will see 44 matches played from March 26 to May 3.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the event’s season opener and final, with a reserved day scheduled for the summit clash.

The opening match of the tournament will be played between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

“For the first time, eight teams will participate in the PCB’s marquee event, HBL PSL, which has successfully completed 10 years and is set to enter a new era with its 11th edition,” the board said in a press release statement.

“The eight participating teams in the 39-day event are Hyderabad Kingsmen, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, and Rawalpindi Pindiz,” it added.

According to the schedule, each outfit will play 10 matches with the top four sides qualifying for the playoffs.

“The tournament will also see 12 double-headers taking place with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting three double-headers,” the statement said.

PSL 11 schedule

March 31 – Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 1 – Multan Sultans vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 2 – Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
April 2 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 3 – Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 4 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 5 – Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 6 – Multan Sultans vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 8 – Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Peshawar Zalmi at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 9 – Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
April 9 – Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 10 – Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 11 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
April 11 – Karachi Kings vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 12 – Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Islamabad United at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 13 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 15 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 16 – Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
April 16 – Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 17 – Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 18 – Lahore Qalandars vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 19 – Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 19 – Quetta Gladiators vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

April 21 – Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 21 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Multan Sultans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 22 – Karachi Kings vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 22 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 23 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
April 23 – Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

April 24 – Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 25 – Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 25 – Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 26 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 26 – Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 28 – Qualifier at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 29 – Eliminator 1 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

May 1 – Eliminator 2 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

May 3 – Final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Shaheen Afridi comments on Babar Azam, Saim Ayub omission from ODI squad

DHAKA: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi addressed questions over the exclusion of key players Babar Azam and Saim Ayub from the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, set to begin tomorrow at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

All three ODIs, scheduled for March 11, 13, and 15, will be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Afridi stressed that no one has been “dropped” and that the selections are aimed at testing bench strength and giving opportunities to emerging talent.

“Look, no one has been dropped for this series. We just wanted to give our youngsters a chance to show their skills,” Afridi explained.

“They are our future, and this series against Bangladesh is the perfect opportunity for them to understand their roles ahead of bigger events like the World Cup next year.”

The Pakistan squad for the series features six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain.

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Afridi confirmed that Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain will make their ODI debuts, with Farhan and Sadaqat opening the innings and Hussain at one-down.

Addressing the expected challenges in Dhaka, Shaheen Afridi highlighted that Pakistan’s strength lies in its pace attack and downplayed the idea of relying heavily on spinners, referencing the West Indies’ spin-heavy strategy at the same venue during an ODI in October 2025.

“This will not be happening. Pakistan is known for fast bowling. I will back our pacers to take wickets, while the spinners will contribute and play their role in the win,” he said.

Afridi also acknowledged Bangladesh’s home advantage but expressed confidence in Pakistan’s preparations.

“Any team is tough in their own conditions. Bangladesh plays very good cricket at home, and we have prepared accordingly,” he added.

“Our recent ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka have been encouraging, and we want to continue that momentum.”

READ: Shaheen Afridi confirms three debutants in first ODI against Bangladesh

DHAKA: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has confirmed that the Green Shirts will field three debutants in the first ODI of their three-match series against Bangladesh, set to be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, March 11.

Pakistan dropped senior players like Babar Azam and Saim Ayub for the series, giving a platform to several promising talents.

The squad for the series includes six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Afridi revealed that Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain will make their international ODI debuts.

Farhan and Sadaqat are set to open the innings, while Hussain will bat at one-down.

“Sahibzada [Farhan] ofcourse he has been a top performer in T20Is as well as List A domestic cricket in Pakistan. Maaz Sadaqat will also open the innings, and Shamyl Hussain will bat at one down,” he said.

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“I hope that they play their own [natural] game and show their skills. We, as a team, are very excited to see them play.”

The captain highlighted that familiarity with local conditions will be an advantage for the debutants.

“Sahibzada has played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Maaz has also played here. So it should feel like just another game for them. I hope they play their best cricket and express themselves,” he added.

Shaheen Afridi was also asked about Pakistan’s bowling combination and the potential inclusion of Saad Masood, given the spin-friendly nature of Dhaka pitches.

“Only 11 players can play, so we will decide according to the team requirement and pitch conditions. We have one more practice session today, after which the final playing XI will be announced,” he stated.

READ: Pakistan-Bangladesh ODI series trophy unveiled in Dhaka

DHAKA: The stage is set for the highly anticipated three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, as the trophy was officially unveiled on Tuesday.

The series, scheduled from March 11 to 15, will see all matches played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz took part in the unveiling ceremony, presenting the glittering trophy to the media and fans ahead of the opening encounter.

The match officials for the series were confirmed yesterday, with Naeem-ul-Rasheed appointed as the match referee for all three ODIs.

The on-field umpires will include Kumar Dharmasena, Adrian Holdstock, Ghazi Sohail, Tanveer Ahmed, and Masoodur Rahman, ensuring experienced oversight for the series.

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Pakistan’s squad features a mix of established players and promising talents, including six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

Bangladesh will counter with their own strong line-up, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and including Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana.

Pakistan squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain

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

READ: Sri Lanka call off Afghanistan white-ball series due to Middle East war

Sri Lanka have indefinitely postponed a six-match white-ball series against Afghanistan that was due to start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week, an official said on Monday.

“We had to cancel because of the flight situation… and the ongoing fighting in the region,” a Sri Lanka Cricket official told AFP.

The teams were scheduled to play three T20 internationals in Sharjah on March 13, 15 and 17, and three one-day internationals in Dubai on March 20, 22 and 25.

It would have been the first time that Afghanistan had hosted Sri Lanka for a bilateral series.

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Fighting has spread across the Middle East since the United States of America (UAE) and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, with Tehran launching retaliatory strikes.

The conflict has disrupted flights across the region, including in Dubai, where the airport was briefly closed on Saturday as Iran fired drones and missiles at targets across the Gulf.

War-ravaged Afghanistan has never hosted an international cricket match, instead having to play its home fixtures in India or the UAE.

READ: Iraq football coach calls for World Cup playoff to be re-scheduled

Multan Sultans have announced Australia’s Ashton Turner as the new captain of the franchise ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, set to run from March 26 to May 3.

The appointment was confirmed via the team’s official social media channels, alongside the signing of the seasoned middle-order batter and five-time Big Bash League (BBL) champion.

Turner, 33, has established himself as a T20 specialist across multiple global leagues, including the BBL, Men’s The Hundred, IPL, SA20, and the CPL.

In his T20 career so far, he has amassed 4,103 runs in 252 matches at a strike rate of 142.56, including 17 fifties, while also claiming 38 wickets.

Internationally, Turner has featured in 19 T20Is for Australia, scoring 110 runs and taking four wickets.

Turner previously played for Multan Sultans in the last PSL season, appearing in three matches and scoring 15 runs.

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He now succeeds Mohammad Rizwan, who captained the Sultans in 58 matches, winning 33 and losing 25, with a win percentage of 56.89%.

Rizwan notably led the team to their maiden PSL title in 2021, defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final. However, in PSL 11, Rizwan will be leading the new PSL franchise Pindiz.

Notably, the revival of Multan Sultans for PSL 11 comes after a series of last-minute franchise changes.

The original Sultans franchise was acquired by the Walee Group and rebranded as Pindiz, initially raising doubts about the team’s participation.

However, on March 3, the PSL franchise formerly known as Sialkot Stallionz was rebranded as Multan Sultans following a majority takeover by CD Ventures.

Gohar Shah, CEO of CD Ventures, acquired the majority stake from OZ Developers, who had purchased the franchise for PKR 1.85 billion, raising the franchise’s annual valuation to PKR 2 billion.

READ: BCCI announces massive cash reward for India’s T20 World Cup-winning side

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a whopping INR 131 crore cash reward for the Indian squad following their record-breaking defense of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 title.

India etched their name in history by defeating New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, successfully retaining the T20 crown and becoming the first team to win the tournament three times.

With this victory, India also became the first nation to lift successive men’s T20 World Cups, breaking a trend where no defending champion had previously even reached the final.

The BCCI’s announcement did not specify the exact distribution, but the reward is expected to be shared among players, support staff, and selectors.

“The Board congratulates the players, support staff and selectors once again on this historic achievement and wishes them continued success in the future,” the BCCI said in a statement.”

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India’s dominant final performance saw them post 255 for 5, with half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan.

In response, New Zealand’s chase was dismantled by Jasprit Bumrah, who returned figures of 4 for 15 in four overs, as the hosts secured a 96-run victory.

This cash reward surpasses the INR 125 crore handed out after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, where each of the 15 players received INR 5 crore, the coaching staff received INR 2.5 crore each, and the five-member senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, was awarded INR 1 crore apiece.

With this win, India now hold both the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup titles, and will eye the ODI World Cup next year to complete a remarkable collection of major ICC trophies.

WATCH: New Zealand bowler makes history with triple hat-trick

Captain Suryakumar Yadav said gold in 2028 on cricket’s return to the Olympics was India’s next big aim after extending their T20 domination with back-to-back World Cup titles.

Co-hosts India hammered New Zealand by 96 runs in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday to be the first team to retain the T20 world crown and first to win it three times.

It was also the first time a team have won the title on home soil, and they did it with a brand of fearless, attacking cricket.

“It has been very special,” Suryakumar told reporters at a celebratory midnight press conference, as fans across the country flooded into the streets.

“And definitely the next goal is Olympics, Olympic gold and also the T20 World Cup that year.”

Los Angeles 2028 will see cricket return to the Olympics for the first time since 1900.

Led by then captain Rohit Sharma, India won the T20 World Cup two years ago in Barbados for their first major title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Rohit and fellow stalwart Virat Kohli retired from the shortest format after the final against South Africa and Suryakumar took over as captain.

“I think that drought ended in 2024 after a really long time and from there we never looked back,” said the 35-year-old.

“We played a different brand of cricket in 2024, and from there we understood how this team needs to work (going) forward.

“And it’s been a wonderful journey since then.”

Suryakumar added: “We wanted to do something special in front of the home crowd. We want to continue doing that… and never stop.”

India won the 50-over World Cup in 2011 at home under M.S. Dhoni, who led the team to a T20 World Cup in the inaugural edition in 2007.

After that was a comparative drought in the biggest events by India’s sky-high standards.

Two-time World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid as coach after the 2024 World Cup win, wants to carve out his own legacy.

“I don’t believe in inheriting anything, I believe in creating something,” said Gambhir, who has not always been universally popular with fans and pundits as the coach.

“And hopefully we’ve created something which probably all of you guys could be proud of, that the kind of brand of cricket we’ve played.”