Category: Cricket

Australia pacer Kane Richardson has announced his retirement from professional cricket, bringing down the curtain on a 17-year-long career.

The 34-year-old revealed his decision on Tuesday, sharing the news first through an Instagram post before issuing an official statement via the Australian Cricketers’ Association.

Richardson had signed a one-year deal with the Sydney Sixers ahead of the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) season 15 but was limited to just two appearances, picking up a solitary wicket.

Richardson was among the original cast of the BBL, having been part of the league since its first season. He enjoyed lengthy stints with Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades, lifting the title with the Renegades in the 2018-19 season.

Over the years, Richardson became one of the most reliable fast bowlers in the tournament. He finished his BBL career as the fifth-highest wicket-taker, claiming 142 wickets at an average of 23.21 and an economy rate of 7.87.

Reflecting on his decision, Richardson said he had given his all throughout his career and felt it was the right time to move on.

“From making my debut back in 2009 until now, I feel like I have squeezed every drop out of myself, and it is the right time to finish such an enjoyable part of my life,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He also thanked coaches, administrators, and teammates who helped shape his journey, particularly those from his early days in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to represent my country, along with many franchise teams around the world, and in Australia,” Richardson added.

“I have never taken the opportunity lightly, and I hope the people watching knew that I had dreamt about being a cricketer since I was a kid in Darwin.”

Kane Richardson’s international career included 25 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Australia, yielding 84 wickets across both formats.

He was part of the Australian squad that won the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, and also featured in the 2019 ODI World Cup.

His franchise career was equally impressive, featuring in four IPL seasons and stints in the T20 Blast, The Hundred, and ILT20.

Overall, Richardson retires with 241 wickets in 201 T20 matches across domestic and franchise competitions, maintaining an average of 23.58.

READ: U19 World Cup: Pakistan’s semi-final qualification scenario explained

HARARE: Pakistan have kicked off their Super Six campaign at the ongoing ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand, with an aim to book their place in the semi-final.

The ongoing match against New Zealand is a virtual knock-out for Pakistan, knowing that a slip-up could seriously dent their qualification hopes in a tightly-packed Super Six Group 2.

For the unversed, the tournament structure sees the top three teams from each group advancing to the Super Six stage, but teams do not start on equal footing. Points earned against fellow Super Six qualifiers during the group stage are carried forward.

At this stage, each team plays only two matches, both against teams from the other group whose group-stage ranking differed from their own.

This means a team that finished second in its group will not face the team that also finished second in the other group.

Groups B and C have combined to form Super Six Group 2, while Groups A and D make up Super Six Group 1. The top two teams from each Super Six group will progress to the semi-finals.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Pakistan finished second in Group C, behind England, while Zimbabwe also progressed from the group.

As a result, Pakistanare set to face Group B toppers India and Group B third-placed New Zealand in the Super Six stage, but will not play Bangladesh, who finished second in Group B.

Pakistan sit third in Super Six Group 2 with a 0.629 net run rate, while England occupy the top spot after their dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh yesterday, which significantly boosted their NRR to 1.989.

India, who entered the Super Six with an already strong NRR of 2.751, are sitting at second position.

Considering Pakistan’s low net run rate, they must defeat New Zealand and then overcome an in-form India on February 1 by substantial margins to leapfrog into the top two.

READ: Bangladesh journalists denied ICC accreditation for T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has denied accreditation applications from Bangladesh journalists aiming to cover the T20 World Cup 2026, effectively preventing media representatives from the country from accessing on-ground coverage of the tournament.

The development comes amid already strained relations between the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) following their refusal to travel to India for the World Cup, citing security concerns, a decision that eventually led to their replacement by Scotland.

BCB media committee chairman Amzad Hossain confirmed the matter on Monday, revealing that none of the Bangladeshi journalists who applied were granted accreditation.

“As far as I know, all Bangladeshi journalists were rejected. Around 130 to 150 journalists applied this year, but none received accreditation,” Amzad said.

The situation has further fueled controversy after several Bangladeshi journalists claimed their accreditation approvals were initially granted and later withdrawn.

A handful of photojournalists reportedly received confirmation emails and visa support letters in mid-January, only to be informed days later that their applications had been rejected.

Local journalist Mir Farid said he was among those affected.

“I received an approval email from the ICC media department on January 20, which included a visa support letter. But today I received another email saying my application was rejected,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Bangladeshi journalists have consistently covered ICC events since the country’s involvement in World Cups began in 1999, regardless of whether Bangladesh were active participant in the tournament.

Veteran journalist Arifur Rahman Babu, who was among the Bangladeshi reporters covering the 1996 World Cup, expressed strong disappointment over the ICC’s move.

“Even if a team is not playing, journalists from an ICC Associate Member nation can still receive accreditation. I find no reason why everyone was rejected. I am surprised, and I strongly condemn and protest this decision,” said Arifur, who is also the president of the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA).

Arifur further indicated that the BSJA would consult with the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) and the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community (BSJC) to decide on a collective response.

“It appears the ICC is unhappy that Bangladesh are not participating and has shut the door on Bangladeshi sports journalists. This goes beyond courtesy and professionalism. I believe this episode has exposed a dark side of the ICC,” he said.

He also suggested that alternative arrangements could have been made, particularly with Sri Lanka being a co-host.

“A strong protest letter should be sent to the ICC through the Ministry of Information and the BCB, seeking an explanation. Since Sri Lanka is a co-host, arrangements could have been made for us there,” he added.

READ: Last-minute entrants Scotland name squad for T20 World Cup 2026

EDINBURGH: Cricket Scotland (CS) on Monday announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

38-year-old batter Richie Berrington will continue to lead the European side at the 20-team marquee event, with selectors largely backing experience as 11 players from the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA retained their places.

The squad also sees fresh faces, with Tom Bruce, Finlay McCreath and Oliver Davidson set to make their World Cup debuts.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan-born fast bowler Zainullah Ihsan earned his maiden international call-up after recently becoming eligible to represent Scotland.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In addition to the main squad, Cricket Scotland named two travelling and three non-travelling reserves, while clarifying that all selections remain subject to visa approvals, following Scotland’s late inclusion in the tournament after replacing Bangladesh.

Scotland will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the West Indies on February 7 in Kolkata, followed by group-stage fixtures against Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 at the same venue.

The European side will then head to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17 in their final group match.

Scotland squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal.

Travelling reserves: Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis

Non-travelling reserves: Mackenzie Jones, Chris McBride, Charlie Tear

READ: West Indies reveal T20 World Cup 2026 squad

A baggy green cap worn by Donald Bradman fetched A$460,000 (US$319,000) at public auction in Australia on Monday, a record price for a cap worn by the Australian cricket legend.

The price paid for the cap, once a 16.5% buyer’s premium of A$75,900 is added, totals A$535,900, beating the previous record holder, a baggy green from the same series — against India in 1947/48 — that was sold in 2024.

That cap was bought for A$479,700, including the buyer’s premium, at auction.

Bradman, who died aged 92 in 2001, had given the cap sold on Monday to Indian all-rounder Sriranga Wasudev ‘Ranga’ Sohoni.

Inside, it bears the inscriptions: ‘D.G. Bradman’ and ‘S.W. Sohoni’.

Back in Bradman’s day the baggy green cap was awarded for each series they played — a contrast to the present day where only one is handed out on Test debut.

Sohoni’s family looked after the cap until it was put up for auction — Sohoni died in 1993 aged 75.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The buyer requested anonymity but it will go on display at an Australian museum.

“That’s over three generations under lock and key,” said Lee Hames, the chief operating officer of Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers, who held the auction.

“If you were a family member you were only allowed to look at it when you were 16-years-old for five minutes.”

The series was notable for being India’s first as an independent country and Bradman’s last on home soil.

Bradman made it a memorable one, scoring 715 runs — including his 100th first-class century — as the Australians romped to a 4-0 series win.

Bradman is widely regarded as cricket’s greatest-ever batter and averaged 99.94 in his 52-match Test career.

READ: U19 World Cup: England edge closer to semis, Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan

England continued their dominant run with a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh while Sri Lanka handed Afghanistan their first defeat in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 Super Six fixtures.

Set a partly 137 to chase at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, England hit the winning runs on the first ball of the 24th over, losing three wickets in the process.

With this victory, England moved one step closer to sealing a semi-final berth, going top of Group 2 with six points from three matches.

After opener Joseph Moores was sent back for one in the second over, Ben Mayes and Ben Dawkins stabilized the innings with a 36 run partnership.

Dawkins made 27 from 29 with the help of five fours before getting caught.

As a result, England were reduced to 39-2 at the end of nine overs with skipper Thomas Rew and Ben Mayes at the crease.

Both batters put the chase back on track with a steady 78 run partnership with the Three Lions nearing the victory.

Mayes made 34 from 50 balls with the help of a six and two fours.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

At this stage England were 117 in 20.2 overs as Caleb Falconer partnered with Rew to get his team over the line.

Thomas Rew remained unbeaten 59* from 50, striking five fours and two sixes whereas Falconer made 9*, finishing the match with a boundary.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Bangladesh were bowled for 136 in 38.1 overs.

Zawad Abrar was sent back in the first over, which was followed by a half-century stand between Rifat Beg (31 off 36) and captain Azizul Hakim (20 off 46).

As a result, Bangladesh score crossed the 50 run mark, however England bowlers tore through the middle-order as the Tigers slumped from 53-2 to 90-5 and then all-out in 38.1 overs.

For England, Sebastian Morgan was the pick of the bowlers. Ralphie Albert and Manny Lumsden picked up a brace each.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by four wickets in a close encounter in Group 1 of the Super Sixes, ending the Young Atlans unbeaten run in the tournament.

After choosing to bowl first at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek, Sri Lanka folded Afghanistan innings for 193 in 49.5 overs.

Osman Sadat top-scored with 61 from 107, hitting three fours whereas Azizullah Miakhil also contribute the bat, scoring 43 off 58 with the help of five fours.

For Sri Lanka, Viran Chamuditha and Kugathas Mathulan shared four wickets between them.

In reply, Sri Lanka huffed and puffed before reaching towards the target. The Islanders eventually managed to get over the line, losing six wickets in the process with 19 balls to spare.

Senuja Wekunagoda remained the highest scorer for them who hit five fours in his 43 off 79 balls.

Dimantha Mahavithana and Dulnith Sigera also chipped in with the bat, both scoring 37 and 30 runs respectively.

For Afghanistan, Roohullah Arab scalped two wickets.

In 16th place playoff played at the Harare Sports Club, USA defeated Scotland by seven wickets to finish their campaign in style.

USA chased down 237 in only 38.4 overs, thanks to Adnit Jhamb’s century, who hit 17 boundaries and a six in his unbeaten 116 from 93 balls.

Skipper Utkarsh Srivastava also scored a brisk half-century with the help of eight fours and a six.

READ: Saim Ayub hits ton in scenario-based practice match

LAHORE: Pakistan opening batter Saim Ayub dazzled with a century during the scenario based pracitce match ahead of the three match T20I series against Australia. 

The national team is currently involved in a training camp, commenced on Sunday. The Green Shirts will undergo another three hour training session tomorrow.

On day two of the training camp, the T20 squad played a scenario-based practice match in which both teams were assigned different targets.

Opening batter Saim Ayub showcased his batting prowess, scoring 106 runs, including eight sixes and nine fours.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Faheem Ashraf was hurt and went back to the pavilion, after being hit by an attempted shot from Babar Azam.

For the unversed, the series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from 29 January to 1 February. The games will start at 4pm PKT with the coin toss set to take place at 3.30pm PST.

Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, 28 January and will play just their second series in the format on Pakistan soil after a solitary T20I in April 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan squad for Australia series

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq

READ: Shadab reflects on Pakistan preparations ahead of T20 World Cup

LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan on Monday expressed confidence ahead of the T20I series against Australia and T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

The national team is currently involved in a training camp ahead of three match T20I series against Australia.

Speaking after scenario based practice match, Shadab said he welcomes praise when he performs well but is aware of the criticism he often faces.

“When you do well, you get praise. I know there’s a lot of criticism directed at mem but I focus on my game,” Shadab told reporters.

Talking about conditions in Sri Lanka, he noted that the weather keeps changing but expressed confidence in the team’s approach while praising ace batter Babar Azam.

“Wherever we play, we aim to play good cricket.” “Babar Azam is our biggest player. I have seen him grow into the player he is today,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I am a bowler who can also contribute with the bat. There’s been talk that I focus too much on batting, but I balance both aspects of my game,” Shadab explained.

He admitted he had been away from cricket for some time but is now back and ready to contribute.

“Modern cricket demands that you adopt new strategies and adapt accordingly,” he said.

On conditions in Sri Lanka ahead of the T20 World Cup, he predicted that putting up a big score on the board will be a challenge.

“Big scores will be difficult to come by.”

“The upcoming series against Australia is the best preparation for the World Cup. Our spinners performed well in the Asia Cup, and I hope they continue to perform in the World Cup as well,” he concluded.

For those unaware, Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, 28 January and will play just their second series in the format on Pakistan soil after a solitary T20I in April 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan squad for Australia series

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq

READ: West Indies reveal T20 World Cup 2026 squad

ANTIGUA: Cricket West Indies have named a strong 15 member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, slated to begin on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

Shai Hope, who missed out on Afghanistan series due to SA20, will lead the 2016 and 2012 edition winners in the mega event with plenty of names to look out for.

With 11 players from the previous edition in 2024, the squad carries considerable depth.

The batting lineup will be bolstered by Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles and Shai Hope whereas the all-round department features former captain Jason Holder and Sherfane Rutherford.

Shamar Joseph will lead the bowling attack alongside Jayden Seales and Quentin Sampson. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie will provide support to the fast bowlers with their spin bowling.

Among the notable exclusions are opener Evin Lewis and pacer Alzarri Joseph who were unable to recover from their injuries.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup, West Indies will play five T20Is against South Africa, which will begin tomorrow at Paarl.

It is worth mentioning that West Indies second string side suffered a 2-1 defeat in their recent T20I series against Afghanistan, which was held in the UAE, while most of their experienced players were engaged in SA20.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

West Indies are slotted in Group C alongside England, Nepal, Scotland and Italy.

They will begin their campaign on 7 February against Scotland at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Their second match will be against England on 11 Feb at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

The West Indies will play  their last matches against Nepal and Italy on 15 and 19 Feb at Eden Gardens and Wankhede Stadium respectively.

West Indies squad

Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

READ: Pakistan considering boycott of T20 World Cup clash against India: sources

Former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has suggested that Pakistan should participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to commence on 7 February across India and Sri Lanka.

Hafeez opined on the decision in ‘X’ post amid the uncertainty regarding the team’s partcipation in the mega event.

“Pakistan should participate in World Cup 2026. @TheRealPCB,” former captain wrote.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for replacing Bangladesh with Scotland at the T20 World Cup 2026, calling the decision unfair and inconsistent.

Afridi voiced his disappointment through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, questioning the ICC’s approach and accusing the governing body of applying double standards.

“As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by today’s ICC’s inconsistency,” Afridi wrote.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has provided a timeline regarding the decision to play in the forthcoming event.

Naqvi took to his X handle, revealing the details regarding the decision following a ‘producitve meeting’ with the PM Shehbaz Sharif.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” he wrote.

The whole development comes in the wake of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns.

The ICC on Saturday confirmed Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns.

Despite several rounds of discussions, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, eventually opting to replace them with Scotland.

For the unversed, The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February, with Pakistan originally set to open their campaign against the Netherlands.

READ: Pakistan considering boycott of T20 World Cup clash against India: sources