Category: Cricket

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Thursday reiterated that the team will not travel to India for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) verdict.

The decision was taken by Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Nazrul following a meeting with the national team players and board officials.

“There is no scope to change our decision. We are not giving up yet. Our team is ready, and we still hope that the ICC will deliver justice. We want the ICC to take our genuine security risk into consideration and allow us to play in Sri Lanka,” he told reporters.

“There has been no change in the security risk situation regarding playing in India at present. This concern is not based on any abstract or hypothetical idea; rather, it stems from a real incident in which the Indian cricket board failed to provide security to one of our top players [Mustafizur Rahman] under pressure from extremists, and he was asked to leave India,” he added.

He highlighted security concerns, noting that the Indian government and cricket apex body have provided no guarantee of players’ safety.

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“Since the Indian cricket board is effectively an extended arm of the government and could not ensure the safety of even a single player, no assurance has been given by the ICC or the Indian government that they would be able to guarantee the security of our entire team, journalists, and spectators,” he concluded.

A day earlier, ICC turned down Bangladesh’s plea to relocate World Cup matches from India, keeping the tournament’s schedule unchanged, a decision taken during a board meeting.

For the unversed, the whole situation arose after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India for the tournament, citing safety concerns for players and support staff, and had requested that the ICC shift the matches outside India.

The decision followed an IPL-related dispute involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman, which triggered strong reactions in Dhaka.

Despite multiple discussions, the ICC’s proposal to change venues within India was rejected by the BCB, which remains firm on playing its matches in Sri Lanka, prolonging the standoff.

READ: Dominant Pakistan bundle Zimbabwe for 128 in U19 World Cup

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been declared fully fit after successfully clearing his fitness test, sources confirmed on Thursday.

The news came as a major boost to Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming home T20I series against Australia and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

According to sources, Shaheen underwent a comprehensive physical fitness test two days ago, conducted with a specific focus on his workload management and long-term availability for the Australia series and the global tournament.

The left-arm pacer has now been deemed fit to return to competitive cricket and is expected to feature in Pakistan’s plans going forward.

Shaheen Afridi had suffered a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 while representing Brisbane Heat in a match against Adelaide Strikers on December 27.

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The 25-year-old was forced to leave the field during the 14th over after experiencing discomfort in his right knee and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.

Brisbane Heat later named Zaman Khan as his replacement.

The injury also kept Shaheen out of Pakistan’s recent T20I series against Sri Lanka, as he failed to regain full fitness in time for the assignment.

However, his recovery now appears to be on track, with the pacer reportedly set to make his return during the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, 31 and February 1.

The series is being viewed as vital preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

READ: Dominant Pakistan bundle Zimbabwe for 128 in U19 World Cup

HARARE: Ali Raza and Sameer Minhas starred as Pakistan produced a commanding display to seal a victory over Zimbabwe in the 19th fixture of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield on Thursday.

The Green Shirts chased down a mere 129 target in 26.2 overs, losing two wickets in the process.

Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas added 19 for the opening wicket in 3.3 overs before the former was caught, after scoring three.

After an early wicket, Usman Khan then paired up with Sameer Minhas, stitching a 49 run parntership.

The pair made lightwork of the chase as Pakistan’s scorecard read 68 in 10.5 overs.

Michael Blignaut provided Zimbabwe much-need breakthrough, cleaning up Usman, who scored 26 from 23 balls with the help of five fours.

Despite the wicket, Minhas cruised on and forged an unbeaten 64-run partnership off 83 balls alongside Ahmed Hussain, who made 24 from 53 balls.

Minhas eventually finished the game with two back-to-back sixes off Michael Blignaut’s over.

The right-hander’s dream run in the Youth ODIs continued as he scored 74* from 75 with the help of half a dozen fours and three sixes.

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For Zimbabwe, Michael Blignaut and Panashe Mazai took one wicket each.

Despite the loss, Zimbabwe advanced to the Super Six stage courtesy of their superior run rate over Scotland.

Earlier, Pakistan’s pace bowlers produced a disciplined collective display to bundle co-hosts Zimbabwe to a modest 128-run total.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf opted to field first, a decision that quickly paid off as Zimbabwe’s batting lineup collapsed under sustained pressure.

The home side managed to score a meagre 128 runs in 35.5 overs against a well-rounded Pakistani bowling attack.

Zimbabwe opener Nathaniel Hlabangana was the lone bright spark for the hosts, battling hard to score 59 off 85 balls, featuring seven boundaries.

However, his efforts went largely unsupported, with Brandon Senzere being the only other batter to reach double figures, making 15.

Pakistan’s bowling unit was led by Ali Raza, who delivered a sensational spell of 3 for 16 in eight overs, keeping the pressure constant and not allowing Zimbabwe to build any meaningful partnerships.

He was well backed by Mohammad Sayyam, Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan, who claimed two wickets each, while Ahmed Hussain chipped in with one.

Notably, the Pakistan U19 team have already secured their place in the Super Sixes, but a win here would guarantee them a second-place finish in Group C with four points.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, face a must-win situation if they are to stay alive in the tournament.

A victory would enable them to leapfrog Scotland and clinch the final Super Sixes spot from Group C, joining England and Pakistan in the next round.

READ: PCB unveils match officials for Pakistan-Australia T20I series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the match officials for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, starting 29 January.

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.

ICC International Panel Match Referee Ali Naqvi will lead the playing control team in all three matches.

The second game will be his 50th T20I as match referee, as he officiated his first game in the format at the same venue in April 2023.

Ahsan Raza, member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, will be one of the on-field umpires during the first two T20Is, while Asif Yaqoob of the ICC Emerging Panel of Umpires and Rashid Riaz of the ICC International Panel of Umpires will join him on the field in the first and second T20Is, respectively.

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Rashid, the fourth umpire in the first T20I, will join Nasir Hussain of the ICC International Panel of Umpires in the third T20I to perform the on-field duties with PCB National Elite Panel of Umpires member Zulfiqar Jan being the fourth umpire.

Apart from being the fourth umpire in the second game, Nasir will begin the series as the third umpire, while Asif and Tariq Rasheed of the PCB National Elite Panel of Umpires will perform the third umpire duties in the second and third T20I, respectively.

1st T20I – 29 January – Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob – on-field umpires, Nasir Hussain – third umpire, Rashid Riaz – fourth umpire, Ali Naqvi – match referee

2nd T20I – 31 January – Ahsan Raza and Rashid Riaz – on-field umpires, Asif Yaqoob – third umpire, Nasir Hussain fourth Umpire, Ali Naqvi – match referee

3rd T20I – 1 February – Rashid Riaz and Nasir Hussain – on-field umpires, Tariq Rasheed – third umpire, Zulfiqar Jan – fourth umpire, Ali Naqvi – match referee

READ: Bangladesh firm on venue change request despite ICC rejection

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has refused to back down from its decision not to send the national men’s team to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejecting its request to relocate matches to Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh have consistently raised concerns over the safety and security of their players in India and have demanded that their fixtures be shifted to Sri Lanka, the co-host of the tournament.

However, the ICC has remained unmoved, insisting that the World Cup schedule will not be altered so close to the start of the event.

Following an ICC board meeting on Wednesday, BCB president Aminul Islam revealed that Bangladesh had been warned of replacement if they refused to travel to India.

Despite the firm stance from the global body, Islam said he had requested additional time to consult the Bangladesh government before taking a final call.

“I asked the ICC board for time to talk to my government for one last time,” Aminul said. “They said it’s a valid point and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to them.”

The BCB president acknowledged the ICC’s position but reiterated Bangladesh’s concerns, stressing that the board does not believe India is a safe destination for its players.

“I don’t want to put pressure on the government. We know that India is not secure for us. We remain in the stance that we want to play in Sri Lanka,” he added.

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Aminul also confirmed that Bangladesh players are scheduled to meet the country’s sports adviser, Asif Nazrul, on Thursday afternoon as discussions intensify behind the scenes.

While holding firm on the security issue, Aminul admitted that all stakeholders in Bangladesh want the team to participate in the World Cup and expressed hope that the ICC might still reconsider.

“I am hoping for a miracle from the ICC,” he said.

“The Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup. The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play the World Cup. But a government doesn’t only consider players, it considers everything when taking a decision.”

In a statement issued after the board meeting, the ICC said Bangladesh’s request was rejected after extensive security assessments, including independent reviews.

“The decision was taken after considering all security assessments conducted, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, officials, media personnel or fans at any of the tournament venues in India,” the ICC said.

The governing body added that making changes at this stage was not feasible and warned that altering the schedule without a credible security threat could set a dangerous precedent for future ICC events.

READ: Babar Azam thanks Sydney Sixers fans after BBL 15 exit

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has expressed gratitude to Sydney Sixers fans and teammates after his maiden Big Bash League (BBL) campaign came to an early end due to national team commitments.

The Sixers confirmed on Thursday that Babar will not be available for the Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes on Friday, with the right-hander required to return to Pakistan to join the national camp ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Babar had initially been cleared to play the full BBL season and was notably left out of Pakistan’s recent three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

However, he is now expected to be part of Pakistan’s home T20I series against Australia, which will serve as a crucial build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The Pakistan batter wrapped up his first BBL stint with 202 runs from 11 matches, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries.

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While it was a challenging tournament statistically, Babar remained upbeat about his experience in Australian conditions and his time with the Sixers.

“First of all, thank you so much Sydney Sixers for having me, all the boys, all the coaches and I have very (sic) enjoyed my time,” Babar said in a farewell message.

“Unfortunately, I will now have to leave the team, to go to the national duty. I have a lot of things I have to take back home- a lot of fun, a lot of positive things, so I have enjoyed it a lot.”

Babar Azam also reserved special praise for the Sixers’ supporters, highlighting the atmosphere at the SCG as one of the standout aspects of his stint.

“Especially, thank you to the Sydney Sixers fans there is always support there, lot of support, lot of encourage (sic), a lot of fun, so I have very enjoyed that vibe at Sydney Cricket Ground, so thank you so much,” he added.

READ: T20 World Cup schedule intact as ICC rejects Bangladesh plea

Sydney Sixers have confirmed that Pakistan star batter Babar Azam will not feature in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 Challenger against Hobart Hurricanes, scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

The Sixers made the announcement just over 24 hours before the knockout fixture, stating that Babar has been instructed to return to Pakistan to join the national team camp ahead of upcoming international commitments.

“The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches,” the franchise said in a statement.

“As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection for the remainder of the BBL|15 Finals Series.”

The Challenger clash will determine who faces the Perth Scorchers in the BBL final, scheduled to be held in Perth on Sunday.

Babar Azam had initially been cleared to play the full tournament and was notably not selected for Pakistan’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka earlier this month.

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However, he is reportedly set to play the home T20I series against Australia, which will serve as the final preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes confirmed that the franchise had expected the Pakistan batter to be available throughout the finals.

“The Sydney Sixers are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have had Babar represent the club during his time in Australia,” Haynes said.

“While we had initially planned for Babar to be available throughout the Finals, he has been an immensely valued member of our group, and we fully understand that the commencement of Pakistan’s national camp means preparations are now underway for upcoming matches.”

Babar Azam concludes his maiden BBL campaign with 202 runs from 11 matches, averaging 22.44 at a strike rate of 103.06, including two half-centuries.

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DUBAI: Afghanistan sealed an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series with a commanding 39-run victory over West Indies, thanks to a hat-trick-laden four-wicket haul from Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Set a daunting 190 run target here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, West Indies batting lineup faltered and were bowled out for 150 in 18.5 overs.

West Indies’ chase started on a shaky note as Alick Athanaze was run out in the second over for eight.

After an early wicket, Evin Lewis and skipper Brandon King revived the chase with a 29-run partnership.

However, Mujeeb ran through the middle order as he picked up both Lewis and Johnson Charles in successive deliveries to leave himself on a T20I hat-trick.

As a result, the West Indies were reduced to 38-3 in eight overs.

With the team in deep trouble, Shimron Hetmyer joined hands with Brandon King, and together they steadied the West Indies ship with a 68-run partnership from 33 balls.

The pair launched a recovery and brought the total to 106 in 13.3 overs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi broke the threatening stand with Hetmyer’s wicket, who was caught after scoring 46 from just 17, which included six maximums.

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Mujeeb came back to bowl his final over and picked up Brandon King’s wicket to complete a hat-trick, and then followed it by cleaning Quentin Sampson.

King top-scored with 50 off 41 balls, striking four sixes and two fours.

His spell broke the back of West Indies batting lineup and handed Afghanistan an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match to spare.

For Afghanistan, Mujeeb was the pick of the bowlers, returning with figures of 4 for 21.

Earlier, put into bat first, Afghanistan racked up 189-4 in their allotted 20 overs.

After losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (1) and Ibrahim Zadran(220) in the first five overs, Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli stabilized the innings.

Both batters display authority at the crease, stitching an imperious 115-run stand to power their side to a commanding total.

Atal hit three sixes and two fours, whereas Rasooli’s 68 from 39 was laced with three sixes and five fours.

For West Indies, Matthew Forde took two wickets.

The third and final T20I of the series will be played on Thursday.

READ: Williamson, Neesham, Fernando steer Rajshahi into BPL final

Opener Abhishek Sharma struck 84 off 35 balls to set up a convincing 48-run win for India in the first of five T20 internationals against New Zealand on Wednesday.

Abhishek smashed eight sixes to get India off to a flying start before a late unbeaten cameo of 44 by Rinku Singh helped the hosts reach 238-7 after being invited to bat first in Nagpur.

New Zealand could only muster 190-7 in response as regular wickets helped India take a 1-0 lead in the warm-up series ahead of the T20 World Cup starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

Glenn Phillips hit a valiant 78 off 40 balls and briefly threatened a fightback in his 79-run partnership with Mark Chapman, who made 39.

But Phillips’ exit in the 14th over off left-arm spinner Axar Patel ended New Zealand’s hopes despite a sloppy fielding display by the hosts.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy took two key wickets including Tim Robinson, for 21, and Chapman.

Shivam Dube also took two wickets in two balls with his medium pace in the final over.

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Abhishek was in fine flow despite India losing two early wickets — his fellow opener Sanju Samson for 10 and Ishan Kishan, back in the side for the first time since 2023, for eight.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav put on 99 runs for the third wicket with Abhishek, making a 22-ball 32.

Suryakumar, 35, started slowly but gained some momentum as he attempts to end his recent slump in form ahead of the World Cup.

Suryakumar, formerly the ICC’s top-ranked T20I batter, has failed to score a fifty in his 23 innings in the format dating back to October 2024.

He holed out off the left-arm spin of his opposite number Mitchell Santner.

Abhishek kept up the charge and raced to his seventh T20 fifty for India in 22 balls, but finally fell to Ish Sodhi after he mistimed a hit to long-on.

India lost a couple more quick wickets and the run-scoring dipped before Rinku cracked three sixes and four fours in his 20-ball knock to finish with a flourish.

The second match is on Friday in Raipur.

READ: Williamson, Neesham, Fernando steer Rajshahi into BPL final

MIRPUR: James Neesham’s brisk knock and Kane Williamson’s composed innings, complemented by Binura Fernando’s four-wicket haul propelled Rajshahi Warriors into the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 final with a victory over Sylhet Titans here at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Set 166, Titans’ batting lineup struggled and could eventually muster 153-8 at the end of their innings.

Binura Fernando inflicted a poor start on Titans as they lost the opener, Zakir Hasan and Ariful Islam for a duck.

As a result, Sylhet Titans were reduced to 7-2 in 2.4 overs.

Following the early hiccup, Parvez Hossain Emon and Sam Billings put the chase back on track with a 69-run partnership.

The duo brought the total to 76 until the 10th over of the game when a miscommunication between both batters resulted in a runout.

The well-set batter Emon had to go after scoring 48 from 34 balls, which included two sixes and five fours. With this wicket, Rajshahi Warriors sniffed an opening.

The game turned on its head in the 12th and 13th over when Moeen Ali and Sam Billings were sent back to pavilion. Moeen made seven while Billings made 37 from 28, featuring three fours and a six.

As a result, Sylhet Titans slumped to 107-5 in 13.2 overs with Afif Hossain and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the crease.

The duo tried to arrest the slide, adding a brief 19-run partnership. Yet they were dismissed in quick succession, with the asking rate soaring.

Therefore, with wickets tumbling at the end, Sylhet Titans required 24 off the last over. But Binura Fernando held his nerve and conceded just 11 runs to guide Rajshahi into the final.

For Rajshahi Warriors, Binura Fernando starred with the ball and picked up a four-wicket haul.

Earlier, put into bat first, Rajshahi Warriors scored 165-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

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Sahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Hasan provided a rapid start, adding 41 in 4.4 overs. Farhan hit four boundaries and a six before getting caught.

Despite the wicket, Tanzid kept the scoreboard ticking until his departure in the sixth over. He made 32 off 15, striking four sixes and a four.

After a solid start, Rajshahi Warriors stuttered in the middle as they lost three quick wickets in the ninth and 10th over.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (7) and Mushfiqur Rahim (0) were dismissed on consecutive deliveries, which was followed by another wicket of SM Meherob (0).

As a result, Rajshahi Warriors were reduced to 80-5 in 10.3 overs.

With the Warriors in dire straits, the New Zealand duo of Williamson and James Neesham held the innings together with a 77-run partnership.

Kane Williamson played the second fiddle while Neesham remained the core aggressor.

The pair took the total to 157 in 18.5 overs as Neesham departed after scoring 44 from 26 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

Meanwhile, Williamson remained unbeaten on 45 from 38 with the help of two sixes and a boundary.

For Sylhet Titans, Salman Irshad topped the wicket charts with three wickets to his name.

The tournament final will be played between Chattogram Royals and Rajshahi Warriors on 23 January at the same venue.

READ: Dominant England, Afghanistan seal victories in U19 World Cup