Category: Cricket

LAHORE: Amid the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the PCB is exploring contingency plans should it withdraw from the tournament.

According to sources, the decision is expected today after the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, meets with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the evening.

Additionally, Pakistan has linked the launch of the T20 World Cup kit after the final decision. The kit unveiling ceremony was originally scheduled for 31 January, Friday, during Pakistan and Australia’s second T20I.

Sources familiar with the matter also say that, if Pakistan decides to withdraw from the T20 World Cup, the PCB has devised a plan to hold a domestic tournament, including Pakistan’s senior team, Pakistan Shaheens, and the U19 squad, divided into four teams.

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For the unversed, speculation has been rife about Pakistan’s World Cup participation following the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejection of Bangladesh’s venue change request, which has led to the team’s boycott of the mega event.

The situation surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified last week when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament after Bangladesh refused to travel to India.

Notably, Pakistan are currently scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, and have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, as well as the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, even though India is one of the co-hosts.

The move has caused unease within the PCB, which publicly backed Bangladesh’s stance during the dispute.

READ: Cameron Green makes ‘chucking’ gesture after Usman Tariq dismissal

LAHORE: A fresh debate has erupted around the bowling action of Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq after Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture widely interpreted as an accusation of “chucking” during the second T20I in Lahore.

The moment occurred right after Green’s dismissal in Tariq’s very first over of the match.

Green, who looked in control during his stay at the crease, was dismissed for 35 when Shadab Khan completed a catch off Tariq’s delivery, giving Pakistan a crucial breakthrough at a key stage of the innings.

However, what followed quickly became the bigger talking point.

As Green walked back to the pavilion, broadcast cameras caught him making a gesture that many fans and social media users interpreted as suggesting an illegal bowling action, commonly referred to as “throwing” or “chucking.”

While the incident has drawn widespread attention, it is not the first time Tariq’s action has come under scrutiny.

The spinner has previously faced questions over his bowling mechanics and was reported for a suspected action during PSL 9 and PSL 10.

On both occasions, Usman Tariq underwent official testing at the PCB-accredited biomechanics lab and was subsequently cleared, with his action declared legal.

In earlier remarks while addressing the controversy, Tariq had maintained that his bowling falls within the ICC’s permitted 15-degree elbow extension limit, explaining that the structure of his elbow naturally prevents him from fully straightening his arm, a factor which, he said, can sometimes lead to misconceptions about his release.

Tariq also stressed that whenever a spinner is accused of throwing, the most appropriate response is to undergo lab testing and correct the action if required.

He revealed he has already completed two official tests in Pakistan, both of which cleared him without the need for any changes.

“I was confident from the beginning that I don’t throw the ball,” Tariq had said, while urging critics to better understand the sport before making allegations.

READ: Usman Tariq cleared of suspect bowling action

LAHORE: Pakistan produced a ruthless all-round performance to outclass Australia in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, sealing the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Defending a competitive 198-5, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by a dominant spin effort, dismantled Australia for just 108 in 15.4 overs, handing the visitors a crushing 90-run defeat.

Cameron Green top-scored for Australia with a 20-ball 35, followed by Matthew Short, who made 27 off 23 deliveries.

Other than them, only skipper Mitchell Marsh (18) and Xavier Bartlett (10) managed to reach double figures.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claimed three wickets each, while Usman Tariq bagged two.

Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz also contributed with one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made the most of winning the toss and opting to bat first, as the hosts posted a commanding total on the back of his aggressive knock and a late surge from wicketkeeper Usman Khan.

Pakistan had a shaky start, losing Sahibzada Farhan for 5 in the second over with only 17 on the board. However, Agha quickly took control alongside Saim Ayub, and the pair ensured the innings did not lose momentum in the powerplay.

Agha dominated the stand, while Ayub played a brisk cameo before falling on the penultimate ball of the powerplay. The left-hander struck 23 off 11 balls, hitting four boundaries, before being dismissed by Cooper Connolly.

Pakistan then suffered another setback when Adam Zampa trapped Babar Azam lbw for 2, briefly putting pressure on the hosts at 76/3 in 7.1 overs.

But Agha continued his counter-attack and shifted the momentum decisively with a rapid partnership with Shadab Khan.

The Pakistan skipper brought up his sixth T20I fifty in just 25 balls, eventually top-scoring with a blazing 76 off 40 deliveries, featuring eight fours and four sixes.

Australia finally got relief when Sean Abbott removed Agha in the 13th over, ending a threatening 49-run stand.

At the back end, Usman Khan ensured Pakistan finished strongly, registering his second T20I half-century with a composed yet fluent 52 off 35 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

He also stitched a crucial 63-run partnership with Shadab, who contributed 28 off 20 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with a quick 10 off 4 to push Pakistan to 198.

For Australia, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Cooper Connolly and Sean Abbott picked up a wicket each.

In reply, Australia never looked settled as Pakistan’s bowlers struck regularly and kept the scoring under control, eventually bundling the visitors out for 108 to wrap up the series with a match to spare.

READ: Aryna Sabalenka ‘really upset’ at blowing chances in Melbourne final loss

South Africa’s experienced batter David Miller has been medically cleared to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, ending concerns over a groin injury sustained during the SA20.

Miller had missed the Paarl Royals’ playoff matches and was rested from South Africa’s ongoing T20I series against the West Indies to manage his recovery.

With full fitness restored, he is now ready to travel with the squad to India, marking his sixth appearance in a T20 World Cup.

At 36 years old, Miller remains a pivotal figure in South Africa’s batting line-up, expected to slot in at No. 5 behind Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Dewald Brevis.

Though Miller has not publicly addressed it, this tournament could potentially be his last T20 World Cup.

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He came agonisingly close to leading South Africa to their maiden T20 title in Barbados 2024, only to be caught on the boundary with 16 runs required in the final over as India claimed victory by seven runs.

South Africa have already faced injury disruptions ahead of the tournament.

Donovan Ferreira, who suffered a broken shoulder in the SA20, and Tony de Zorzi, sidelined by a hamstring tear, were replaced by Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton, respectively.

The South African squad will depart Johannesburg for Mumbai on Sunday and play a warm-up fixture against India on Wednesday.

Their World Cup campaign begins against Canada on February 9, followed by matches against Afghanistan (February 11, Ahmedabad), New Zealand (February 14, Ahmedabad), and the UAE (February 18, Delhi).

READ: Ali Tareen to participate in Multan franchise auction

LAHORE: Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bat first in the second T20I against Australia here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Playing XIs

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HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and Australia have played a total of 29 T20I matches, with both teams winning 14 games each, while one match ended without a result.

Matches 28, Pakistan 13, Australia 14, NR 1

Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, while Australia will feature in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.

Pakistan kicked off the three-match T20I series with a 22-run victory in the opening match, with Saim Ayub stealing the limelight with his all-round performance.

The left-handed batter scored a quick 40 off 22 before returning to take two key wickets of Matthew Short and Travis Head.

READ: PCB postpones Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 jersey launch: sources

Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen is reportedly interested in reclaiming the ownership rights of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, sources revealed on Friday.

Tareen, who previously owned the 2021 champions, had opted not to renew the franchise agreement after PSL 10, citing differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

However, insiders now claim that he has decided to participate in the upcoming auction, expected to be held on February 8 or 9, to acquire the South Punjab-based city franchise again.

Sources further revealed that Tareen has already submitted the required documentation to participate in the bidding process.

Notably, Tareen was also among the qualified bidders for the two newly-added PSL franchises earlier this month, but withdrew at the eleventh hour.

The teams were eventually secured by FKS Group and OZ Developers, who later announced their franchises as Hyderabad and Sialkot, respectively.

Following his withdrawal, Tareen took to the social media platform X to explain his decision, while reflecting on what the Multan Sultans meant to him beyond cricket.

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“After careful consideration, my family and I have decided not to participate in today’s PSL franchise auction,” he had written.

“Our time with Multan Sultans was never just about owning a cricket team. It was about South Punjab. About giving a voice to a region that had been overlooked for too long. That’s what drove everything we built,” he added.

Tareen also hinted that any return to the PSL would remain tied to the same emotional connection.

“If I come back to PSL, it has to be for the same reason. South Punjab is where my heart is. It is home. This year, I’ll be in the stands, cheering for the players and celebrating with the fans. And when the Multan team is being sold, we’ll be ready,” he stated.

“Wishing all the bidders the best. May the most outspoken owner win,” he concluded.

Interestingly, the PCB had not initially planned to auction the Multan franchise this year.

However, after the successful sale of the two new teams, which were acquired for record prices, the board has reportedly decided to also auction Multan Sultans’ ownership rights ahead of the landmark PSL 11 season.

READ: Australia’s injured Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

Cricket Australia (CA) had to make last-minute changes to their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad after star pacer Pat Cummins was ruled out of the tournament on Saturday.

Meanwhile, batter Matthew Renshaw has come into the squad at the expense of Matt Short, thanks to the former’s impressive showing in the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) season 15.

Test skipper Cummins only played one of the five Ashes Tests against England over the Australian summer as he slowly recovers from a lower back injury.

He was hoping to be fit for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka beginning on February 7, but has run out of time and been replaced by Ben Dwarshuis.

“With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury, Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left-arm pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late-order hitting,” selector Tony Dodemaide said.

“We believe his ability to swing the ball at a good pace, along with clever variations, will be well-suited to the conditions we expect and overall structure of the squad.”

The only other change to the provisional squad named this month sees Renshaw come in for Short, who has paid the price for his ordinary performances in the Big Bash League (BBL).

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“Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat,” Dodemaide said.

“With the top order settled and spin-heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, with Tim David completing his return to play programme in the early phase of the tournament.”

Big-hitter David is on the comeback trail from a hamstring injury.

The squad is spin-heavy in preparation for the sub-continent conditions, with left-armer Matt Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly complementing chief tweaker Adam Zampa and part-timer Glenn Maxwell.

Australia’s group-stage matches are all being played in Sri Lanka. They open their account against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.

Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

READ: PCB postpones Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 jersey launch: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed the unveiling ceremony of the team’s official jersey for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources confirmed on Thursday.

According to details, the PCB was planning to reveal the players’ official kit after the toss of the second T20I against Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

However, the ceremony has now been delayed due to what insiders described as unavoidable circumstances.

The development comes at a time when uncertainty continues to surround Pakistan’s participation in the mega event, which is set to begin on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka.

Sources further revealed that the PCB is expected to make its final decision regarding Pakistan’s participation on Monday, following key consultations at the highest level.

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Notably, Pakistan are currently scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, and have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, as well as the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are planned to be held in Sri Lanka, despite India being one of the co-hosts.

The situation surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified last week when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the tournament after the former refused to travel to India.

The move has caused unease within the PCB, which publicly backed Bangladesh’s stance during the dispute.

READ: Former Pakistan all-rounder joins UAE coaching staff for T20 World Cup 2026

Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has been appointed as the fast bowling coach of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Friday.

The appointment was announced as part of the ECB’s official statement while unveiling the UAE squad for the 20-team tournament, which will be played across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

In its statement, the board highlighted Arafat’s international background and coaching experience.

“Former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat (27 international matches for Pakistan) has joined the squad as fast bowling coach for the tournament. Since taking up coaching at the end of his playing career, Yasir has coached various national teams and prominent franchises from around the world,” the ECB said.

The board further confirmed that the 43-year-old will also work with the UAE side in the build-up to the mega event.

“The 43-year-old will work with the UAE team during the World Cup and the preceding two-match T20I series against Ireland,” the statement added.

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Arafat, who represented Pakistan in three Tests, 11 ODIs and 13 T20Is, brings a strong coaching resume to the UAE setup.

Notably, he is the first cricketer from Pakistan to complete an ECB Level 4 coaching course from Loughborough University.

The former all-rounder has previously worked as a bowling coach with county sides Sussex and Surrey, and also served in the coaching staff of Big Bash League (BBL) powerhouse Perth Scorchers.

He has also held roles as Pakistan’s High-Performance Coach, bowling coach of the Hong Kong national team, and a bowling consultant for South Africa.

Meanwhile, Arafat joins a UAE support staff led by head coach Lalchand Rajput as the team gears up for the World Cup challenge.

UAE support staff for T20 World Cup 2026

Amjad Ezzi (team manager), Lalchand Rajput (head coach), Yasir Arafat (fast bowling coach), Stanley Chioza (fielding coach), Azharuddin Qureshi (strength and conditioning coach), Dr Abhijeet Salvi (team doctor), Manipreet Sidhu (video analyst), Emmad Hameed (media manager) and Manish Pardeshi (physiotherapist).

READ: UAE reveal squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Lahore: Pakistan’s right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr has been released from the squad for the remaining matches of the three-game T20I series against Australia.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) statement, the pacer will not be part of the remaining fixtures.

“Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jnr has been released from Pakistan’s T20I squad for the remaining two matches of the series against Australia,” the statement read.

Wasim, 24, is also not part of the Pakistan squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.

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The pacer was part of the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up five wickets in two matches at an average of 12.20. Moreover, the pacer did not feature in the playing XI for the T20I series opener against Australia, which the Green Shirts won by 22 runs.

Pakistan updated T20I squad

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

READ: WATCH: Official song for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 revealed