Category: Cricket

LAHORE: Walee Technologies bought the Multan Franchise and announced to rename it Rawalpindi after the highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) auction for a record price of PKR 2.45 billion at the Expo Centre Lahore.

06:45 PM – Auction Begins
The PSL franchise auction for the Multan team has officially started. Five bidders are competing to secure the rights for the latest additions to the league.

Base Price for Multan team: PKR 1,820,000,000

CD Ventures makes the first bid of PKR 1,830,000,000

Walee Technologies counters with PKR 1,900,000,000

CD Ventures counters with PKR 1,910,000,000

Walee Technologies counters with PKR 2,000,000,000

CD Ventures counters with PKR 2,010,000,000

Walee Technologies counters with PKR 2,050,000,000

CD Ventures counters with PKR 2,060,000,000

Walee Technologies counters with PKR 2,070,000,000

Particle Igniter counters with PKR 2,140,000,000

CD Ventures counters with PKR 2,150,000,000

Particle Igniter counters with PKR 2,180,000,000

CD Ventures counters with PKR 2,190,000,000

Walee Technologies counters with PKR 2,200,000,000

CD Ventures counters with PKR 2,210,000,000

Particle Igniter counters with PKR 2,250,000,000

CD Ventures counters with PKR 2,260,000,000

Particle Igniter counters with PKR 2,300,000,000

CD Ventures counters with PKR 2,350,000,000

Particle Igniter counters with PKR 2,370,000,000

Walee Technologies counters with PKR 2,450,000,000

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed a list of five qualified bidders who will compete for the rights to own the Multan franchise.

The bidders are: Walee Technologies, Aim Next Inc., Deharki Sugar Mills (DSM), Particle Igniter, and CD Ventures.

The successful bidder will acquire the Multan franchise, previously known as Multan Sultans, and may choose to retain the existing name or rebrand the team entirely.

Auction Rules

All bids shall be quoted in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).

The minimum incremental bid from the base price announced by PCB shall be PKR 10,000,000 (rupees ten million only).

No bid increase of less than the minimum incremental bid shall be accepted.

Bidders may choose to make a bid in excess of the minimum incremental bid. No limit.

Each bidder shall have the right to exercise one (1) strategic timeout of up to five (5) minutes, only once during each round of the auction.

During this strategic timeout, bidders may consult with their representatives before deciding their future course of action in the auction, but shall not be permitted to communicate with other bidders.

A bidding round shall be declared closed when the highest incremental bid in excess of the base price is not surpassed by any other bidder despite a final call by the auctioneer.

Upon closure of the bidding round, the highest valid bid in excess of the base price shall be provisionally declared the winning bid.

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The franchise is up for sale after former owner Ali Tareen decided not to renew his contract in November 2025, citing strained relations with the PCB that had persisted for over a year.

However, Tareen is once again in the race to take control of the Multan franchise, with his company, DSM, participating in the auction.

For context, Multan Sultans won the PSL title in 2021 under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final.

After winning the title in 2021, they finished as runners-up in the next three seasons.

READ: PSL 11 auction: Base prices of Haris Rauf, Amir, Rizwan revealed

COLOMBO: Dominant Zimbabwe sealed a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Oman in the eighth fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Monday.

Set meagre 105, Zimbabwe hit the winning runs in 13.3 overs, losing only two wickets in the process.

Tadiwanashe Marumani and Brian Bennett added 30 for the opening wicket in 3.1 overs before Oman made a comeback with back-to-back wickets to put the Chevrons in trouble.

After a double blow, veteran batter Brendan Taylor and Brian Bennett steadied the innings with a 68 run parntership.

Taylor made 31 from 30 balls with the help of three fours. He left the crease after retiring hurt with Zimbabwe requiring 11 to win.

Sikandar Raza eventually finished the match with a boundary while Bennett, who top-scored, remained unbeaten on 48 from 36 balls, laced with seven boundaries.

For Oman, Sufyan Mehmood picked up two wickets.

Earlier, Zimbabwe’s quick bowling twin towers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani shared six wickets as Oman, who were asked to bat first, were skittled for 103 in 19.5 overs.

The beanpole pace men extracted lively bounce with the new ball in the Group B encounter, reducing Oman to 27-5 with none of their top order managing to get into double figures.

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A face-saving 42-run stand for the sixth wicket between Sufyan Mehmood and Vinayak Shukla briefly stopped the rot and gave Oman a sniff of respectability.

But Ngarava returned for a second burst to snap the stand and put Zimbabwe firmly in charge.

Ngarava finished with 3-17 and Muzarabani 3-16.

Brad Evans provided the perfect first-change foil, hitting a nagging line and length to take 3-18 and ensure there was no way back for the associate side, who were bowled out in 19.5 overs.

Shukla top-scored for Oman with 28, and Mehmood got 25.

Playing XIs:

Oman: Jatinder Singh (c), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla(wk), Sufyan Mehmood, Nadeem Khan, Shah Faisal, and Shakeel Ahmed.

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, and Blessing Muzarabani.

READ: ICC, PCB officials meet to revive Pakistan-India T20 World Cup clash

The Pakistan Super League’s newest franchise, Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, have officially unveiled their away jersey for the upcoming 11th edition of the PSL.

The franchise, one of two new teams alongside Sialkot Stallionz, revealed a striking maroon jersey with golden accents through a social media announcement.

“Different threads. Same fierceness. Crafted for battles away from home, this jersey stands for resilience, fearlessness, and the will to conquer anywhere the game takes us. Presenting the official away jersey of the Hyderabad Kingsmen,” the franchise wrote while unveiling the kit.

Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen secured their place in the PSL after being acquired by Fawad Sarwar’s Kingsmen Group, who won the franchise rights with a bid worth Rs1.75 billion (approximately $6.25 million).

On the field, the franchise has begun shaping a competitive squad.

They retained promising talents Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Maaz Sadaqat and Akif Javed, while also strengthening their lineup with the direct signing of Australian star batter Marnus Labuschagne for the upcoming season.

The team has also assembled an experienced coaching staff. Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been appointed head coach, with Grant Bradburn set to serve as fielding coach under his leadership.

The landmark PSL 11 season is scheduled to begin on March 26, while the much-anticipated player auction will take place on February 11.

READ: UAE send Mohammed Zohaib home from T20 World Cup 2026

United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricketer Mohammed Zohaib has been withdrawn from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and sent back home due to a breach of team discipline, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Monday.

In an official statement, the ECB said Zohaib was recalled to Dubai for violating team protocols, adding that further details regarding the matter would be shared at an appropriate time.

The decision comes just as the UAE prepare to begin their campaign in the 20-team tournament.

However, the player has contested the move, alleging that his removal was influenced by nationality.

Zohaib claimed that the team management consists entirely of individuals of Indian origin and insisted he was targeted because he is Pakistani.

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He has called on the ECB to launch a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.

The controversy has emerged at a crucial stage of the tournament, raising concerns about team dynamics and selection stability ahead of important fixtures.

Led by star batter Mohammad Waseem, the UAE are set to open their T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Tuesday in Chennai.

The squad blends youth and experience, with key names including Alishan Sharafu, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique and Rohid Khan expected to play pivotal roles.

Following their opening clash, the team will travel to New Delhi for the remainder of their group-stage matches, where they are scheduled to face Canada, Afghanistan and South Africa on February 13, 16 and 18, respectively.

READ: Scotland thump Italy to register first win in T20 World Cup 2026

KOLKATA: Scotland registered their first victory of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a commanding 73-run triumph over tournament debutants Italy at Eden Gardens on Monday, courtesy of an all-round performance led by Michael Leask.

Defending a formidable total of 207, Scotland bundled Italy out for 134 in just 16.4 overs.

Leask starred with the ball, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 for 17 in his four overs, while Mark Watt chipped in with two wickets.

Brad Currie, Brad Wheal and Oliver Davidson also struck once each to keep Italy under constant pressure.

Italy showed brief resistance through Ben Manenti, who top-scored with a fighting 52 off 31 balls, striking five fours and a six.

Harry Manenti added a brisk 37 from 25 deliveries, including three sixes, while JJ Smuts contributed 22 off just 11 balls.

Anthony Mosca made 11, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered, and skipper Wayne Madsen did not bat after being ruled out mid-match due to a shoulder injury.

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Earlier, Scotland laid the foundation for their big total with a dominant opening stand between George Munsey and Michael Jones.

The pair kept the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate, bringing up the team’s 50 inside seven overs and putting the Italian bowlers on the back foot.

Munsey led the charge with a fluent 84 off 54 deliveries, registering his 14th T20I half-century, while Jones provided solid support with 37 off 30 balls.

Their 126-run partnership was eventually broken by Grant Stewart, and Scotland lost another quick wicket when JJ Smuts dismissed Jones, leaving them at 136-2 in 14.5 overs.

Brandon McMullen and Richie Berrington then accelerated the innings with aggressive stroke play, adding 48 runs to push Scotland beyond the 150-run mark.

Berrington fell for 15, but McMullen continued the onslaught, finishing unbeaten on a blistering 41 off 18 balls, smashing four sixes.

Leask capped off Scotland’s innings in style with a fiery cameo of 22 from just five deliveries, including two fours and two sixes, ensuring Scotland crossed the 200-run mark.

READ: Hyderabad Kingsmen reveal official jersey ahead of PSL 11 debut

The Pakistan Super League’s newest franchise, Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, have officially unveiled their playing jersey for the upcoming 11th edition of the PSL.

The franchise, one of two new teams alongside Sialkot Stallionz, revealed a striking black jersey with golden accents through a social media announcement.

“Designed for conquest. Threaded with legacy. Every stitch tells a story of pride, power, and purpose. Built for the battlefield and crafted for those who play like they own the field. Introducing the official home jersey of the Hyderabad Kingsmen,” the franchise wrote while unveiling the kit.

Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen secured their place in the PSL after being acquired by Fawad Sarwar’s Kingsmen Group, who won the franchise rights with a bid worth Rs1.75 billion (approximately $6.25 million).

On the field, the franchise has begun shaping a competitive squad.

They retained promising talents Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Maaz Sadaqat and Akif Javed, while also strengthening their lineup with the direct signing of Australian star batter Marnus Labuschagne for the upcoming season.

The team has also assembled an experienced coaching staff. Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been appointed head coach, with Grant Bradburn set to serve as fielding coach under his leadership.

The landmark PSL 11 season is scheduled to begin on March 26, while the much-anticipated player auction will take place on February 11.

READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Italy captain Madsen ruled out of Scotland clash

KOLKATA: Italy suffered a major setback in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Scotland as captain Wayne Madsen was forced out of the match after dislocating his shoulder at Eden Gardens on Monday.

The incident occurred during Italy’s historic first appearance at a T20 World Cup.

Fielding at midwicket in the fourth over of Scotland’s innings, Madsen dived in an attempt to stop a powerful pull shot from George Munsey but landed awkwardly on the practice pitches.

The experienced batter immediately signalled for medical assistance and was taken off the field with his left arm supported in a makeshift towel sling before being sent for X-rays at the venue.

At 42, Madsen remains Italy’s most seasoned campaigner and is featuring in his maiden T20 World Cup.

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Shoulder dislocations generally require a recovery period ranging from one to three weeks, although more serious cases can take several months, leaving uncertainty over his availability for the remainder of the tournament.

In Madsen’s absence, all-rounder Harry Manenti assumed captaincy duties for the rest of Scotland’s innings.

Scotland capitalised on the disruption and posted a formidable 207-4 after being put in to bat.

Italy now face a crucial phase in their campaign, with upcoming fixtures against Nepal in Mumbai on February 12, followed by matches against England on February 16 and West Indies on February 19, both in Kolkata.

READ: Dale Steyn offers help to spirited Nepal after near-upset against England

MUMBAI: Former South Africa fast-bowling great Dale Steyn has praised the Nepal cricket team’s fearless display and even offered his services to them after their dramatic performance against England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

Nepal pushed England to the brink in a thrilling contest but fell agonisingly short by just five runs, finishing on 180-6 while chasing a daunting 185-run target.

The spirited effort nearly produced one of the biggest upsets in tournament history and underlined Nepal’s growing reputation on the global stage.

Impressed by their fight, Steyn took to social media platform X and wrote: “Nepal, I offer my services to you if you ever need ’em! Up, up and UP.”

Nepal began the chase with intent as openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh stitched together a brisk 37-run stand.

Sheikh departed for 7, while Bhurtel continued the momentum with a lively 29 off 17 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before falling with the score at 42-2.

Captain Rohit Paudel then partnered Dipendra Singh Airee to revive the innings, adding a crucial 82-run stand in 54 balls.

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Airee led the charge with a fluent 44 off 29 deliveries, striking six fours and a six, before Sam Curran broke the partnership.

Paudel followed soon after for a composed 39 off 34 balls, leaving Nepal at 126-4 in the 16th over.

Nepal’s push suffered another setback when Aarif Sheikh fell for 10, but Lokesh Bam reignited hopes with a counter-attacking cameo.

With 24 needed from the final two overs, Mark Wood conceded 14 runs but removed Gulsan Jha, leaving Nepal requiring 10 off the last over.

Curran held his nerve brilliantly, conceding just five runs to seal a narrow victory for England.

Lokesh Bam remained unbeaten with 39 off just 20 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, bringing Nepal within touching distance of a historic win.

READ: Paul Stirling joins Rohit Sharma in elite T20 World Cup list

South Africa skipper Aiden Markram on Sunday said his team enters the T20 World Cup with confidence and self-belief boosted by their World Test Championship triumph last year.

Runners-up in 2024, South Africa begin their campaign in the 20-team tournament against Canada at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday.

The Proteas in June 2025 beat Australia in the World Test Championship final to win their first major International Cricket Council trophy and shrug off their “chokers” tag.

Pace bowler Kagiso Rabada had recently spoken about the change in public perception about South Africa’s presence in global tournaments and Markram said he thinks the same.

“I think KG is a lot more involved in social media. I’m pretty useless on my phone,” Markram told reporters.

“But it does feel that way — the belief, confidence, monkey off the back and all those things play a role in the language and behaviour within the camp.

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“It definitely helps. But having said that, you don’t come here thinking it’s suddenly going to be easy. We still have to be at our best. The WTC trophy definitely gave us belief and confidence within the group.”

South Africa agonisingly lost the 2024 T20 World Cup final to India when needing 30 off the last 30 balls only to fall short by seven runs.

They are clubbed with New Zealand, Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates and Canada in Group D.

Markram admits playing an associate nation could be tricky in a format where upsets are inevitable.

“The gap between Associate nations and the other countries has become much smaller,” said Markram.

“In this format, it just takes one or two players having a really good day for an upset to happen. Even at the start of this World Cup, we’ve seen some close games that could have gone either way.”

In Group A on the opening day, Pakistan survived a scare against the Netherlands and defending champions India were reduced to 77-6 before they triumphed over the United States.

READ: T20 World Cup: Theekshana, Hasaranga star as Sri Lanka beat Ireland

COLOMBO: Kusal Mendis half-century backed by a clinical bowling effort helped Sri Lanka beat sloppy Ireland by 20 runs in the fifth fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Chasing 164, Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.

Ireland openers added 24 in 3.2 overs as Sri Lanka struck to remove experienced Paul Stirling for six.

After the opening wicket, Harry Tector and Ross Adair put the chase back on track with a 32-run partnership.

The scorecard read 56 in eight overs when set batter Adair (34) departed as Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector combined to steady the innings with a 49-run partnership.

The pair did well to keep Sri Lanka’s bowlers at bay as the scorecard read 105 in 14.2 overs.

Just when Ireland were looking to turn things around, Sri Lanka made a strong comeback as the Irish batters holed out to the outfield at regular intervals.

Eventually, they were bowled out before completing their 20 overs.

Harry Tector remained the top-scorer with 40 from 34 balls, hitting only one boundary.

For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga shared six wickets between them.

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Earlier, put into bat first, Sri Lanka managed to post 163-6 at the end of 20 overs.

Sri Lanka’s openers added 28 in 4 overs before Kamil Mishara (14) holed out to mid-off, resulting in a cheap dismissal.

Following the wicket, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis stitched a cautious 34-run stand to steady the innings.

Ireland’s bowlers kept it tight, not allowing the set batters to capitalize. The disciplined bowling reaped rewards as Sri Lanka lost two batters in quick succession.

Pathum Nissanka was the first to go after managing 24 from 23, whereas Pavan Rathnayake added only five before getting cleaned up.

As a result, Sri Lanka were reduced to 68-3 in 10.1 overs. The Irish bowlers continued to squeeze Sri Lanka despite a brief partnership of 18 between Dunith Wellalage and Kusal Mendis.

The scorecard read 86 in 13.5 overs when Wellalage, who made 10, was sent back to the pavilion.

Ireland managed well to control the first half of the innings, but a vital 67-run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis and some dropped chances from them put the Islanders in a dominant position.

The pair took the total over 150 run mark with Kusal remaining unbeaten on 56 from 43 balls with the help of five fours. On the other hand, Kamindu played a brisk cameo, scoring 44 off just 19, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

For Ireland, George Dockrell and Barry McCarthy took two wickets each.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana.

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy and Matthew Humphreys.

READ: Paul Stirling joins Rohit Sharma in elite T20 World Cup list