Category: Featured

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi have won the toss and decided to field first against Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday. 

Head to Head

Zalmi lead the head-to-head with 13 wins, while the Gladiators have won 10 games.

Matches: 24 Peshawar Zalmi 13, Quetta Gladiators 10

Playing XIs

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousuf, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Aaron Hardie, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit Ali, Ali Raza

Quetta Gladiators: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Tom Curran, Jahandad Khan, Ahsan Ali, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to continue with Shan Masood as the captain of the Test side, while former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to be appointed as the red-ball head coach, according to reliable sources.

An official confirmation regarding both decisions is expected once the schedule for Pakistan’s upcoming Test tour of Bangladesh is finalised.

Sources suggest that the two-match series is tentatively slated to begin on May 8 and May 16, although venues are yet to be confirmed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

If appointed, Sarfaraz Ahmed will take charge of the Test side for the first time, replacing Azhar Mahmood, who had served as interim head coach.

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The role has remained vacant since Azhar’s departure in October 2025, despite his contract initially running until March 2026.

Sarfaraz is expected to continue his responsibilities as a national selector alongside the coaching role.

Meanwhile, the decision to persist with Shan Masood as red-ball captain reflects the board’s emphasis on stability within the longest format.

The left-handed batter was handed the Test leadership in November 2023 and is set to remain at the helm as Pakistan navigate the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

Pakistan are expected to play three Test series in the current cycle, against Bangladesh, the West Indies and England, as they look to build consistency in red-ball cricket.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has slapped a two-year ban on Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for breaching his Pakistan Super League (PSL) contract with Islamabad United.

The 29-year-old pacer was bought by three-time champions United for PKR 1.1 crore for the 11th edition of the PSL; however, he later withdrew to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Bangladesh left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman.

The PCB, following a disciplinary review, announced that the Zimbabwean cricketer is declared ineligible to participate in the next two editions of the PSL, effective immediately.

The board maintained that professional cricket operates on the bedrock of trust and the certainty of agreements. In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favour of a conflicting arrangement.

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In a statement regarding the sanctions, the PSL emphasized that the integrity of the HBL PSL depends on the consistent and ethical behaviour of all participants:

“Professionalism in franchise-based leagues requires participants to act with transparency and consistency. Entering into a conflicting engagement while a prior binding agreement subsists represents a departure from the expected standards of the game.

“Such conduct, if left unaddressed, erodes the reliability of dealings and the confidence that franchises, regulators, and stakeholders place in professional engagements.”

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KARACHI: Kusal Mendis half-century and Sufiyan Muqeem’s three-wicket haul helped Peshawar Zalmi ease past Multan Sultans in the 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Monday.

Chasing 197, Multan Sultans batting lineup crumbled under pressure and could only muster 172-8 at the end of 2o overs.

Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith were quick off the blocks in the chase, adding 30 in 2.4 overs.  However, Iftikhar Ahmed removed him for 17 to lift Peshawar Zalmi.

Following the wicket, Josh Philippe joined hands with Smith. The pair made the chase look easy, particulary the former who hit 32 from 17, hitting seven fours.

As a result, Multan Sultans were well poised at 85 in 9.3 overs before a double-wicket over from Sufiyan Muqeem changed the momentum. Smith made 31 from 29, including three fours.

It was Muqeem again who provided his side’s breakthrough in the 13th over. Ashton Turner was bowled for 20, leaving the Sultans four down for 123 runs in 13.3 overs.

Meanwhile, Shan Masood tried to put chase back on track with a quick-fire 35 on 19 deliveries, but his dismissal dashed the Sultans’ hopes of winning the game.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Sufiyan Muqeem scalped three, whereas Iftikhar Ahmed took two wickets.

The victory kept Peshawar Zalmi at the top spot with 11 points out of six games.

Earlier, Mohammad Haris’ gritty innings, ably backed by Kusal Mendis half-century, propelled Peshawar Zalmi to a big total

Put into bat first, Peshawar Zalmi racked up 196-6 in their 20 overs.

Mohammad Haris gave a flying start, scoring the bulk of runs in the opening overs, bringing the score to 48 in 4.3 overs. The right-hander took Mohammad Nawaz to the cleaners, accumulating nine and 21 runs in his first and third over, respectively.

Haris (38 off 17) departed to Peter Siddle after hitting three sixes and four boundaries.

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His wicket, however, did not stem the flow of runs as Babar Azam and Farhan Yousuf stitched a brief partnership of 24. The duo brought the score to 72 in 7.5 overs before Nawaz dismissed Babar cheaply.

The skipper made 18 off 20 with the aid of a single boundary.

With Peshawar Zalmi two down, in came youngster Farhan Yousaf, who put on a 63-run stand off 39 balls with Kusal Mendis to put his side into a strong position. The pair brought the team’s total to 135 in 14.2 overs.

Yousaf made 30 from 22 balls with the help of three sixes, while Mendis continued on his merry way and reached his third consecutive half-century.

Peshawar Zalmi eventually ended their innings with a big total on the board. Kusal Mendis top-scored with 68 from 40 balls, including three maximums and six fours.

For Multan Sultans, Muhammad Ismail and Peter Siddle took two wickets each.

READ: Mohammad Haris achieves THIS milestone during Multan Sultans clash

KARACHI: Multan Sultans have won the toss and have decided to bowl first against Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Monday.

Head to Head

Both teams have faced each other 16 times. Multan Sultans lead with 11 wins, while Zalmi have managed five wins.

Matches: 16 Multan Sultans: 11 Peshawar Zalmi: 5

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Playing XIs

Peshawar Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousaf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Aamer Jamal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana

Multan Sultans XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Ashton Turner (capt), Shan Masood, Josh Philippe (wk), Muhammad Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Peter Siddle, Muhammad Waseem Jnr, Muhammad Ismail, Faisal Akram

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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record-breaking prize money pool for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the tournament set to feature expanded participation and increased financial rewards for teams.

The total prize fund for the 2026 edition has been set at US$8,764,615, marking a 10 per cent increase from the 2024 tournament and highlighting the continued commercial growth of women’s cricket globally.

The competition will also expand to 12 teams for the first time in its history.

Under the revised structure, the champions will receive US$2,340,000, while the runners-up will earn US$1,170,000.

Both losing semi-finalists will take home US$675,000 each, and every group-stage win will be rewarded with US$31,154. All participating teams are guaranteed a minimum of US$247,500.

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant milestone in the continued rise of the women’s game.

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“The growth of women’s cricket continues to accelerate, and the expansion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to 12 teams, combined with a record prize pool, underlines our commitment to building a stronger, more competitive global game,” the CEO said.

“The continued rise of women’s cricket through increased investment and opportunity reflects the growing influence and impact of female athletes on the global stage.”

He further said the expanded format and increased financial incentives reflect the ICC’s long-term commitment to building a more competitive and globally inclusive cricket ecosystem, while also recognising the growing impact of female athletes on the world stage.

Alongside the prize money announcement, the ICC also launched the official trophy tour, which began in London.

The trophy will be showcased at the centre of the square at Lord’s Cricket Ground, where a visual projection of its silhouette will be displayed on the iconic pavilion.

The tour will then travel across qualified European nations, including the Netherlands, Ireland, and Scotland, before moving through host cities across England in the lead-up to the tournament’s opening on June 12.

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KARACHI: Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten half-century and Asif Mehmood’s four-wicket haul powered Hyderabad Kingsmen to a six-wicket victory over Islamabad United in the 21st match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday. 

Kingsmen chased down a partly 154-run target in 18.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process.

The tone was set by opening batter Maaz Sadaqat, who accumulated 20 off Imad Wasim’s opening over.

The charge continued as Hyderabad Kingsmen reached 50 in 4.5 overs.

The stand eventually culminated as Sadaqat was caught after scoring 30 from 16, including four boundaries and two sixes.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Following the wicket, Saim Ayub and Marnus Labuschagne made light work of the chase with a 60-run partnership.

Consequently, Kingsmen reached 110 in 13.1 overs before three quick wickets derailed their chase.

Saim (35) and Usman Khan (1) were in the same over, whereas Kusal Perera departed in the next over. The scorecard read 115-4 in 14.4 overs with Glenn Maxwell and Labuschagne at the fore.

The duo put the chase back on track with an unbeaten 42-run partnership from 22 balls, helping their side cross the finishing line.

The skipper top scored with 61* from 53 balls, striking six fours, while Maxwell hit two sixes and a four in his 21 from nine deliveries.

Earlier, a disciplined bowling display from the Hyderabad Kingmen restricted Islamabad United to 153-9 after 20 overs.

Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas provided a strong start with 55 on the board in the first five overs.

Mohammad Ali provided the much-needed breakthrough in the form of Minhas’ wicket, who scored 22 off 13, hitting three fours and a six.

Despite the wicket, Islamabad United scored freely as Mohammad Faiq and Conway stitched a 31-run partnership.

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The duo brought the score to 87 in 9.3 overs, but things turned quickly for Hyderabad Kingsmen, who were back in the game courtesy of two run outs in the same over.

First, Faiq went back to the pavilion after making 18, followed by a well-set Conway. The left-hander scored 45 off 31 balls, including seven fours.

For Islamabad United, Chris Green and Faheem Ashraf took two wickets each.

The run-outs jolted United’s progress as they lost their way in the middle. As a result, they slumped to 113-5 in 15.3 overs.

With United in a precarious position, Mark Chapman played a measured knock and lifted them out of trouble. Chapman hit two sixes and three fours in his 42 off 30 balls.

The stage was set for Islamabad United to go big in the final over, but they lost four wickets and were reduced to a below-par score at the end of their innings.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Asif Mehmood starred on debut, taking a four-wicket haul while giving 18 in two overs.

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KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen have won the toss and have opted to field first against Islamabad United in the 21st fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

This will mark the first occasion on which both teams will go head-to-head in the PSL, as Hyderabad Kingsmen will feature in the tournament for the first time.

United are in third spot on the points table with seven points, while Kingsmen have secured one win out of five games and are currently in seventh position.

Playing XIs

Hyderabad Kingsmen XI: Saim Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (capt), Usman Khan (wk), Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Irfan Khan Niazi, Hassan Khan, Hunain Shah, Asif Mehmood, Mohammad Ali

Islamabad United XI: Devon Conway (wk), Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Faiq, Mark Chapman, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Chris Green (capt), Richard Gleeson, Mehran Mumtaz, Salman Irshad

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KARACHI: Irfan Khan and Hassan Khan delivered with the bat to secure the first victory for Hyderabad Kingsmen over Karachi Kings in the 20th fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Set a stiff 189, Hyderabad Kingsmen aced the chase in 19.1 overs, losing six wickets in the process.

Marnus Labuschagne and Maaz Sadaqat provided a rapid start with 35 on the board in 2.5 overs. The skipper made 26 from 10, including three fours and two sixes.

Hyderabad Kingsmen capitalized on a strong start as Sadaqat stitched a 60-run partnership with Usman Khan.

The duo made the chase look easy as Kingsmen’s scorecard read 96 in 7.5 overs. However, Abbas Afridi and Adam Zampa turned things around with consecutive wickets in back-to-back overs.

Afridi first removed Usman, who made 27 off 13 balls, while Zampa got rid of Sadaqat. The left-hander scored 37 off 29, including two sixes and four boundaries.

Karachi Kings bowlers further mounted pressure in the shape of Saim Ayub’s (6) and Glenn Maxwell’s (2) wickets.

As a result, Hyderabad Kingsmen slumped to 112-5 in 11.4 overs.

Following quick wickets, Kusal Perera and Irfan Khan put the chase back on track with a brief 27-run stand. But it was the former’s wicket that gave Karachi Kings a foothold on the match.

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Perera made 17 from 14 deliveries with the help of a single boundary.

Consequently, Hyderabad Kingsmen required 50 from the last five overs with four wickets in hand.

Facing an uphill task, Irfan Khan and Hassan Khan combined to add a match-winning half-century stand to take their team over the line.

Irfan struck two fours and a six on his way to 29 from 20, whereas Hassan quick-fire 33 off 16, included two maximums and two fours.

For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi took two wickets in four overs.

Earlier, Saad Baig’s half-century and Moeen Ali’s late surge powered Karachi Kings to a commanding total

Put in to bat first, Karachi Kings finished their innings at 188 for 8 in their 20 overs.

Karachi Kings’ innings started on a shaky note as Reeza Hendricks was caught at fine leg for two on the fourth ball of the opening over.

After an early blow, Salman Ali Agha and Muhammad Waseem joined hands and added 45 runs in 5.2 overs.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Salman Agha, who was looking fluent, got out after scoring 24 from 16 balls, hitting two sixes and two fours.

Hyderabad Kingsmen bowlers made a good comeback after the power play and got the prized wicket of Muhammad Waseem. The right-hander was lbw, thanks to a deadly yorker from Hunain Shah.

As a result, Karachi Kings were reduced to 59-3 in 7.2 overs.

With the Kings in trouble, Azam Khan and Saad Baig launched a swift recovery with a 61-run stand off 43 balls. The duo batted with authority, helping Karachi Kings reach 120 in 14.3 overs.

Azam made 26 from 19, including two sixes and a boundary.

Nonetheless, the highlight of the innings was stand-in skipper Moeen Ali’s whirlwind knock. The southpaw hit five maximums and a four, bringing the score to 175 in 18.1 overs.

Meanwhile, Baig was time-out after completing his half-century in the 18th over. He made 53 on 37 balls, hitting half a dozen boundaries.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Hunain Shah remained the pick of bowlers, taking three wickets in four overs while giving away only 19 runs.

READ: Babar Azam reflects on Peshawar Zalmi win over Lahore Qalandars

KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen have won the toss and have decided to bowl first against Karachi Kings in the 20th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Karachi Kings and Hyderabad Kingsmen will face each other for the first time, as the latter is making its inaugural appearance in the tournament.

The Kings have lost only one game out of four while Kingsmen are in search of their first win of the tournament after losing four games on the trot.

Playing XI

Karachi Kings: Moeen Ali (c), Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Adam Zampa, Reeza Hendricks, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Waseem

Hyderabad Kingsmen: Marnus Labuschagne (c), Hassan Khan (vc), Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Glenn Maxwell, Hunain Shah,

READ: Babar Azam becomes first batter to achieve historic PSL milestone