Category: Featured

MUMBAI: Defending champions India have sprung a major surprise ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, leaving out star batter and vice-captain Shubman Gill from the 15-member squad announced for the home tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the squad on Saturday as India prepare to defend their crown in the global event, which will run from February 7 to March 8.

The Men in Blue will be aiming to lift the T20 World Cup for a record third time, having defeated South Africa in the final of the 2024 edition.

Gill’s omission is the headline decision from the selection panel, with the prolific right-hander failing to make the cut despite being a regular feature in recent white-ball squads.

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Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in his first ICC tournament as captain; meanwhile, all-rounder Axar Patel has been named vice-captain in Gill’s absence.

The selectors have also opted for a fresh balance in the batting group, leaving out Jitesh Sharma while backing Rinku Singh.

Another notable inclusion is Ishan Kishan, who returns to the T20I setup after last featuring for India in November 2023 against Australia. His recall adds depth to the wicketkeeping options alongside Sanju Samson, while also bolstering the left-handed presence in the top order.

Before the World Cup, India will face New Zealand for three ODIs and five T20Is. The same squad will feature in the T20I series, scheduled from January 21 to January 31 in preparation for the marquee event.

India squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.

READ: Kavem Hodge ton sees West Indies save follow-on in New Zealand Test

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the opening of the registration window for foreign players for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

PSL 11 is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, 2026, a timeline earlier confirmed by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the league’s second global roadshow in New York on December 14.

In an official press release, the PCB invited international cricketers from around the world to register for what it described as the largest edition of the tournament to date.

“As the league enters a historic new era of expansion, cricketing talent from around the world is welcome to join for what promises to be the biggest season yet,” the PCB stated.

“With the addition of two new franchises, the league has expanded to eight teams, creating significantly more roster spots and earning opportunities for international players.”

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The board further clarified that both player agents and independent overseas cricketers must complete their registration by January 20, 2026, in order to be included in the official player pool for the season.

“Agents and independent players are encouraged to complete their registration before the 20 January 2026 deadline to be included in the Player Pool. Interested players and agents can register through the link available here,” the PCB added.

PSL, which began in 2016 with five teams and expanded to six in 2018 with the addition of Multan Sultans, is set to grow further in the upcoming season 11.

Two new franchises will be auctioned in Islamabad on January 8, with the proceedings to be broadcast live.

READ: West Indies openers hold firm after New Zealand declare on 575-8

Pakistan cricket team will tour the West Indies for a two-match Test series in July-August 2026, Cricket West Indies (CWI) vice-president Azim Bassarath confirmed on Wednesday.

Bassarath, who is also the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), made the announcement during the board’s executive luncheon at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain.

He revealed that the series will run from July 15 to August 7, 2026, and will form part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

According to Bassarath, Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) before the start of the Test series.

The first Test will be staged at the Queen’s Park Oval, while the second Test will be played at the BLCA.

“We will also host the Pakistan tour of the Caribbean from July 15 to August 7, 2026, comprising the four-day warm-up match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the first Test match at the Queen’s Park Oval and the second Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy,” Bassarath said during his address.

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He also confirmed that the BLCA has now achieved full international accreditation, enabling it to host matches across all formats of the game.

The upcoming red-ball tour aligns with Pakistan’s Future Tour Programme (FTP), although the detailed match schedule is yet to be released.

Pakistan and the West Indies have shared a competitive recent Test history.

The two sides last met in a Test series in January this year, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Pakistan had also toured the Caribbean for a Test series in 2021, with that contest also finishing level.

Earlier this year, Pakistan visited the West Indies for limited-overs cricket, featuring in three ODIs and three T20Is.

READ: Pakistan squad for ICC U19 World Cup announced

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 will be played under a new format, with the expanded eight-team tournament set to unfold in two phases, according to reports.

Scheduled from March 26 to May 3, 2026, PSL 11 will comprise 44 matches across a 39-day window.

According to the details, the redesigned structure moves away from the traditional league system to accommodate the expanded field without significantly extending the tournament’s duration.

Under the new format, the opening phase will be played on a single-league basis, with each of the eight teams facing every other side once. This stage will ensure uniform competition before the league progresses to its next phase.

The second phase will adopt a Super Four-style structure, splitting the eight teams into two groups of four.

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Each team will play three matches in this round, resulting in 12 fixtures and shaping the final standings ahead of the knockout stage.

The top two teams from the Super Four phase will advance to the playoffs. As in previous editions, four playoff matches, including the final, will be held to determine the PSL 11 champions.

Despite the revised format and increase in the number of teams, each side will still be guaranteed a minimum of 10 matches, maintaining parity with earlier seasons of the league.

Matches will be staged in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan, while Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is set to make its PSL debut as a host venue.

READ: Alex Carey slams ton as Australia seize upper hand on day one

DUBAI: Ahmed Hussain’s calculated knock, followed by Abdul Subhan’s impressive bowling, steered Pakistan to a 70-run victory over UAE here in the ninth fixture of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup here at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Tuesday.

The result confirmed Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as the four semi-finalists of the tournament.

Set 242, UAE batting lineup could not rise to the occasion as their innings folded for 171 in 37.5 overs.

Skipper Yayin Kiran Rai and Ayaan Misbah started strongly with a 41-run partnership in 7.1 overs. The partnership was broken after Kiran Rai was caught for 14.

The second wicket of the UAE fell in quick time, with Zainullah Rehmani sent back without scoring.

As a result, UAE were reduced to 50-2 in 9.5 overs before Ayaan Misbah and Prithvi Madhu took them out of trouble with a gritty 58-run partnership.

The duo brought the score to 108 in 23.4 overs before a run-out ended Misbah’s innings, who was playing so well. The right-hander made fluent 77 from 74 balls peppered with 12 fours.

After his wickets, there were no other significant contributions from the middle order as UAE lost their way in the middle of the chase. Prithvi Madhu remained the other notable contributor in an innings which saw three run outs.

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Madhu scored 27 from 63 with the help of a boundary.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, whereas Ahmed Hussain, Momin Qamar, and Mohammad Sayyam took one apiece.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan put 241-9 on the board in their allotted 50 overs.

Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan provided a 40-run start in 9.1 overs. Usman made 21 off 22 with the help of three fours.

However, the UAE chipped in with quick wickets at regular intervals, which never allowed Pakistan to score freely. After Sameer Minhas 44 from 63 with the help of five fours, it was Ahmed Hussain’s knock that held Pakistan’s innings together.

He was involved in crucial stands with the middle-order batters, which provided Pakistan’s batting lineup with respite. The left-hander made 65 from 91 balls with the help of four boundaries.

For UAE, Yug Sharma picked up three wickets.

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Brisbane Heat fast bowler Shaheen Afridi aims to take advantage of pace-friendly Australian pitches to limit star batter Babar Azam in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Shaheen talked about his game plan and playing against Pakistan players during ‘The Surge’ Big Bash podcast.

Babar Azam is representing Sydney Sixers in the 15th edition of the BBL.

“We have been playing for the same team for seven or eight years,” he said of Pakistan players.

“It will be more exciting here. I hope the ball helps us more, not like in Pakistan with flat wickets! We will be enjoying it here. It’ll be exciting playing against each other,” Pakistan ODI skipper continued.

The left-arm pacer hailed Babar Azam’s stature as a batter ahead of his outing against Sydney Sixers on January 6.

“I don’t want to say that!,” he laughed when asked how he might try to limit Babar’s flow.

Catch Big Bash League (BBL) 15 news updates here!

“Babar is a world-class player, no doubt about that, and he had a lot of runs for Pakistan for many years. “My plan will be simple: Use the Australian wickets,” he explained.

For those unaware, Shaheen started poorly in his maiden BBL outing as he was removed from the bowling attack during the Brisbane Heat’s clash against the Melbourne Renegades.

Afridi’s debut summed up a rough opening week for Pakistan stars in the BBL this season, with the fast bowler struggling for control at the death.

The Pakistan pacer conceded 43 runs in just 2.4 overs, a disappointing return for a player Brisbane Heat had selected as their first overseas pick in the BBL 15 draft.

Brought back into the attack in the 18th over by Heat captain Nathan McSweeney, Shaheen immediately came under pressure as Oliver Peake launched him for a six over deep midwicket.

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Attempting to respond with fuller deliveries, the 25-year-old repeatedly missed his yorker length.

A low full toss first allowed the Renegades to escape with a single, before things unravelled further when Shaheen overstepped the mark with a waist-high full toss that was called a no-ball.

Eventually, due to two waist-high no-balls in the same over, the umpires stepped in and took Shaheen off the attack, bringing an abrupt end to a forgettable outing.

READ: Shaheen Afridi endures nightmare BBL debut as umpires take him off attack

MUMBAI: Two global sporting icons shared a memorable moment at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, as Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar gifted his iconic No.10 jersey to Argentine football great Lionel Messi during the latter’s GOAT India Tour 2025.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and FIFA World Cup champion, arrived in Mumbai from Hyderabad earlier in the day, with the city’s stop turning into the highlight of his India visit.

The evening at Wankhede Stadium was electric, with chants of “Messi, Messi” echoing around the venue as the Argentine star walked out alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.

The reception reached another level when Mumbai’s homeboy Sachin Tendulkar joined Messi on the field, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.

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The presenter underscored the symbolic bond between the two legends, both synonymous with the iconic No.10 jersey and revered for redefining excellence in their respective sports.

Sachin Tendulkar then presented Lionel Messi with his India No.10 jersey from the historic 2011 World Cup triumph, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans inside the packed stadium.

Messi reciprocated by gifting Tendulkar the FIFA World Cup ball he won with Argentina, turning the exchange into one of the most cherished cross-sport moments witnessed in India.

Addressing the crowd, Tendulkar thanked Mumbai for its overwhelming support and described the occasion as a “dream moment” for the city of dreams.

He also expressed gratitude to Messi, Suarez and De Paul for gracing the iconic venue, while voicing hope that football would continue to grow in India through such global interactions.

The celebrations extended beyond cricket and football royalty, with Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri also sharing the stage with Messi.

The Argentine captain presented Chhetri with a signed Argentina jersey, acknowledging his contribution to Indian football.

Messi and his teammates were later felicitated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who presented the football superstar with a special memento to mark his visit.

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DUBAI: Kanishk Chouhan delivered an all-round performance to help India brush aside Pakistan in the fifth encounter of the ACC U19 Asia Cup here at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy on Sunday.

Set a stiff 241-run target, Pakistan’s innings folded on mere 150 in 41.2 overs.

The Green Shirts were in trouble right from the outset, with previous match centurion Sameer Minhas dismissed for nine. Ali Hassan Baloch (0), Ahmed Hussain (4), and Usman Khan (16) followed him in quick succession.

Consequently, Pakistan were 30-4 in 13.1 overs.

After a shambolic display from the top-order, skipper Farhan Yousaf and Huzaifa Ahsan tried to arrest the slide with a 47-run stand.

Yousaf departed after scoring 23 from 34 with the help of two fours and a six. At this stage, Pakistan were 77-5 in 24 overs.

After the partnership ended, there were no other significant contributions from the lower order except Huzaifa Ahsan, who top-scored with 70 from 83 balls.

The Karachi-born batter scored nine fours and two sixes in his valiant knock, which ended in the 38th over.

Eventually, Pakistan were bowled out, handing India their second win in the tournament.

For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan starred with the ball and picked up three wickets each.

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Earlier, Pakistan pacers Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam picked up three wickets apiece to bundle out India for 240 in 46.1 overs despite a rapid start.

In a match reduced to 49 overs per side due to rain, skipper Ayush Mhatre and  Vaibhav Suryavanshi added 29 in the first four overs. However, Green Shirts managed to scalp the prized wicket of Suryavanshi, who made five.

Despite the wickets, Mhatre scored briskly after pairing up with Aaron George. The duo stitched a 49-run partnership to propel the score to 78 at the end of 9.5 overs.

The stand eventually culminated with the Indian skipper’s wicket. He made 38 from 25 balls, which included three sixes and four boundaries.

At this point, the Men in Blue were cruising at a brisk scoring rate, but Pakistan made a comeback in the middle overs to curtail the Indian charge.

India lost wickets in quick succession in the middle overs, as Pakistan effectively squeezed the scoring rate. Yet it was George’s 85 from 88 deliveries, peppered with 12 fours and a six, that helped his side post a respectable total.

Kanishk Chouhan, meanwhile, remained the other notable contributor, lower down the order with a run-a-ball 46 laced with three sixes and two fours.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam took three wickets, whereas Niqab Shafiq managed to bag two as well.

READ: Renegades fans eager to see Rizwan in action, says GM James Rosengarten

Melbourne Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten shared that the fans of the team are eagerly waiting to see Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan in action in the upcoming season of the Big Bash League (BBL).

Speaking exclusively to ARY News via video link, Rosengarten highlighted the growing buzz around the tournament, noting that this season marks the first time several of Pakistan’s biggest names will feature across different franchises.

“The Big Bash League is just days away, and the inclusion of Pakistan’s superstar players has truly taken the tournament to another level,” Rosengarten said.

“For the first time, players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will represent different teams, and that has created huge anticipation.”

The Renegades GM said Rizwan’s arrival in Melbourne has generated particular excitement among local fans.

“In Australia, and especially in Melbourne, Pakistani fans are eagerly waiting for the Big Bash League,” he said.

“The fan clubs are ready, everyone is waiting to see when Mohammad Rizwan will step onto the field.”

Rosengarten also underlined the importance of Rizwan’s role within the Renegades setup, pointing to his partnership with Tim Seifert as a key asset.

“The combination of Mohammad Rizwan and Tim Seifert is very important for our team,” he said.

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“Along with that, young Pakistani cricketer Hasan Khan will also be a major point of interest this season.”

Acknowledging the presence of Pakistan’s star players across rival franchises, Rosengarten said the Renegades are prepared for the challenge.

“Babar Azam will be playing for Sydney Sixers, but we will step onto the field fully prepared,” he said. “Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will bring serious pace, but our batters will be ready to compete.”

When asked if he would have liked to sign another Pakistani player, Rosengarten named Saim Ayub as his top choice.

“If I had the opportunity to draft one more Pakistani player, I would definitely choose Saim Ayub,” he said.

Rosengarten also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for facilitating the participation of Pakistani players in the league.

“I want to thank PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi,” he said.

“The decision to issue No Objection Certificates to so many Pakistani superstars is very encouraging. The cricketing relationship between Pakistan and Australia is becoming stronger with each passing day.”

READ: WATCH: Chaos in Kolkata as fans vandalise stadium after Messi exit

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the extension of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams bidding deadline amid growing interest from around the globe.

Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman PCB, wrote about the extension on his ‘X’ handle in which he also mentioned the upcoming second roadshow aimed at attracting investors worldwide.

“Witnessing growing interest from the Europe, USA, the Middle East and beyond in acquiring new HBL PSL teams, we have decided to extend the bid submission deadline by one week to 22 December 2025,” Mohsin Naqvi wrote.

“Good luck to everyone, excited to welcome our new franchise owners to the HBL PSL family.”

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This comes after the PSL’s first roadshow, held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The event was attended by Pakistan star players Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and former cricketers.

After the first roadshow, the PCB is set to host another global roadshow in New York tomorrow, which will engage international investors ahead of the auction of the two new outfits.

“The New York Roadshow is part of the PCB’s global outreach strategy aimed at engaging with international investors ahead of the auction of two HBL PSL franchises, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 6 January 2026,” the board had said in a press release.

“The initiative is designed to highlight the league’s commercial strength, global following, and long-term growth potential,” the statement added.

It is pertinent to mention that PSL, which began in 2016 with five outfits, is set to expand with the addition of two new teams.

Notably, the league expanded to five teams in 2018 with the addition of Multan Sultans.

With the addition of two new teams, the league will undergo its first major restructuring in seven years, taking the total to eight teams.

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