Category: Sports

LAHORE: Pakistan’s white-ball training camp ahead of the Australia series continued on Wednesday with players taking part in a practice match at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Coaches from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and the Pakistan men’s white-ball team monitored the players’ performances during the match as preparations continued for upcoming assignments.

During the camp, players underwent intensive practice sessions, participated in scenario-based matches, and completed training drills to improve game awareness and decision-making.

The coaching staff also conducted one-on-one sessions with players to help enhance their skills and overall performance. A total of 28 players are attending the white-ball camp. The camp is scheduled to conclude on May 21.

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Pakistan will host Australia for three ODIs in Rawalpindi and Lahore between May 30 and June 4. All three matches are scheduled to begin at 4:30pm local time, with the toss set for 4pm.

Players in Pakistan white-ball camp: Aamir Jamal, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Hamza Nazeer, Haris Rauf, Hunain Shah, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Faik, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Khan.

READ: Former pacer calls Brendon McCullum ‘very lucky’ to keep England job

Tennis stars will protest against perceived low pay by limiting their media duties in the build-up to the French Open, a source said Wednesday.

Certain players, whose names have not been announced, will speak to the press for only 15 minutes on media day at Roland Garros and will then refuse to be interviewed by the Grand Slam tournament’s TV rights holders, according to a source, corroborating reports in the French daily L’Equipe.

Jannik Sinner, earlier this month, called for the Slam events to show “respect” to players in a row over prize money.

Players have claimed they are currently only paid 15 percent of the current revenue from the Grand Slams, asking for 22 percent instead.

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Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka said earlier this month at the Italian Open that players might have to boycott the sport’s four biggest tournaments to “defend our rights”.

The French tennis federation said Wednesday that the players’ decision to cut short media duties “penalises all stakeholders in the tournament — the media, broadcasters, the federation’s staff, and the entire tennis family who enthusiastically follow each edition of Roland Garros”.

A meeting between the French Open organisers and “some of the players’ representatives” is to be held on Friday.

READ: Former pacer calls Brendon McCullum ‘very lucky’ to keep England job

Former England fast bowler Darren Gough believes England coach Brendon McCullum was “very lucky” to remain in post after England’s Ashes flop as he expressed his “hurt” at being overlooked for the role of national selector.

Gough, who took 467 international wickets, previously worked as Yorkshire’s managing director of cricket but lost out to Marcus North in the race to become the new national selector.

Gough, 55, believes a key aspect of the role is to challenge the current England management, all of whom were retained despite a 4-1 Ashes series loss in Australia in 2025/26.

McCullum and red-ball captain Ben Stokes have retained their positions ahead of an upcoming three-Test series at home to New Zealand.

“I think Baz McCullum is realistically very lucky to carry on as England’s head coach,” he told The Overlap’s Stick to Cricket show.

“If you’re not winning games your job is going to come under scrutiny. It’s a four-year cycle, so if you go to Australia on the fourth year of it and you win, or you get really close, you can say there’s been a big change and let’s give it another couple of years.

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“It didn’t happen but I wish them the best of luck. I like the way they play but it needs toning down a bit. We need a bit of steel and I’d like to think we’ll see that this summer.”

Gough, asked if New Zealander McCullum would face increased scrutiny this season, added: “Absolutely. They’re under pressure and they should be, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”

As for his failure to become England’s new national selector, with the England and Wales Cricket Board preferring former Australia bastman North, a frustrated Gough said: “I was disheartened. I’ll be honest, it did hurt me.

“I could have challenged them in the right areas. I’m mature now, I’m not like I was 10 years ago, a hothead. I’ve mellowed a lot, I’ve managed people.

“My honest opinion was, if they went down the route of someone who’d played for England, who has done all the roles in the game, I might just get this.”

READ: Former cricketer compares Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Don Bradman

Former Australia coach Justin Langer compared Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with legendary cricketer Don Bradman after his latest batting display in the IPL 2026. 

Following the match against the Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) coach Langer praised Sooryavanshi’s performance.

“I’ve seen some amazing players in 35 years of cricket,” Langer told reporters in Jaipur. “To see a young man bat like that, not just tonight but throughout the series, is breathtaking.”

He said the left-handed batter had taken some of the world’s best bowlers to the cleaners. Langer added that it was incredible to see him play that way and also noted that he was now wearing the Orange Cap.

“It’s quite incredible, actually, to be able to play that way, and now have the orange cap,” said Langer.

“The scary thing going forward — if the expressions on the face of Mitch Starc [Mitchell] and [Anrich] Nortje and every bowler tells a story now — is what about when he learns how to bat?” Langer highlighted.

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The 55-year-old said it was amazing to watch such a young player bat and described him as a brilliant talent.

“Gosh, he’s so young. He’s a brilliant player, and it’s a real privilege to watch him bat.”

He also drew a comparison with Don Bradman, suggesting that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could adapt to different conditions.

“People say to me, ‘Would Bradman have made so many runs on… in the days where, you know, there was… you know, they could wear helmets or blah, blah, blah?’ And I say, well, he would have adapted,” he continued.

“And… and Sooryavanshi is that good, wherever he plays, he’s going to adapt his game because where are they going to bowl to him? Where, honestly, where are they going to bowl to him? So, he’ll adapt. He’ll keep getting better and better, which is scary for world cricket,” Langer concluded.

READ: Could Mohammad Amir play for RCB in IPL 2027?

Southampton said on Wednesday that they had appealed against their expulsion from the Championship play-off final as the punishment was “manifestly disproportionate to every previous sanction in the history of the English game”.

An English Football League independent disciplinary commission on Tuesday kicked the Saints out after they admitted spying on a training session of semi-final opponents Middlesbrough.

Boro have now been reinstated and are set to face Hull at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League, with Championship winners Coventry and second-placed Ipswich having secured automatic promotion at the end of the regular season.

Southampton will also be docked four points next season after admitting multiple breaches of regulations related to the “unauthorised filming of other clubs’ training” sessions, according to a statement from the EFL.

Saints chief executive Phil Parsons apologised on Wednesday “to the other clubs involved, and most of all to the Southampton supporters”, whom he said “deserved better from the club”.

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Southampton’s appeal will be heard by an independent league arbitration panel later on Wednesday.

A club statement added that the Saints “cannot accept a sanction which bears no proportion to the offence”.

Southampton highlighted a £200,000 fine ($268,000 fine) imposed on Leeds in 2019 for spying on Derby as evidence of a precedent the EFL should follow in their case.

However, when Leeds were punished, the EFL’s regulation 127 — which specifically forbids clubs from observing an opponent within 72 hours of a match — did not exist.

It was introduced after Leeds were sanctioned to help clarify what had been an uncertain situation.

READ: Could Mohammad Amir play for RCB in IPL 2027?

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir on Wednesday became eligible to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after obtaining a British passport.

The news was shared through his Instagram handle, revealing that the fast bowler had received his British passport.

“A new journey begins for Mohammad Amir, who officially became a British citizen today and received his passport. Wishing him more success and happiness around,” the story caption read.

With this development, Amir is now eligible to play in the IPL 2027.

Previously, Amir has expressed his desire to feature in the marquee league and revealed his preference for the IPL over the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“Honestly, if I get the chance, I will definitely play in the IPL. I’m saying this openly. But if I don’t get a chance, then I will play in the PSL,” Amir had said.

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“By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL. If given the chance, why not? I will play in the IPL,” he had reiterated.

It is important to note that Pakistani players have not participated in the Indian Premier League since 2008 due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.

Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued any formal directive regarding the participation of Pakistani players, IPL franchises have generally chosen not to bid for them.

The former pacer had also expressed his desire to represent Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) if selected.

Notably, former Pakistan coach Azhar Mahmood remains the only Pakistan-born cricketer to have featured in the IPL while holding British citizenship.

For the unversed, Mohammad Amir decided to step away from international cricket in 2024 after representing Pakistan in 159 internationals. The 34-year-old collected 271 wickets at an average of 27.98 across formats.

READ: Former cricketers react to Pakistan’s whitewash against Bangladesh

Former cricketers have shared their assessments of Pakistan’s latest 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh in the two-match Test series. 

Pakistan were bowled out for 358 while chasing a daunting target of 437 despite a spirited resistance from Mohammad Rizwan on Wednesday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Rizwan struck a fighting 94 before falling prey to Taijul Islam. The victory marked Bangladesh’s first-ever home Test series whitewash over Pakistan and followed their landmark clean sweep against the same opposition during Pakistan’s tour in 2024.

Spinner Taijul Islam starred with the ball, claiming six wickets in the fourth innings to crush Pakistan’s hopes of an unlikely chase.

Following the defeat, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram congratulated Bangladesh for their remarkable victory, praising their approach.

“Really disappointed to see Pakistan beaten for the second time by Bangladesh, but full praise and marks to the winners as they played complete cricket,” he wrote on X.

“Bangladesh used to have low, slow and big turners but now they preparing great test pitches, helping their fast-rising pace bowlers who outpaced Pakistan. Bangladesh are now ready to compete against the best in this format. And what a talent Nahid Rana is treat to watch. Congrats Bangladesh,” he added.

Former Test batter Azhar Ali highlighted the long process behind Bangladesh’s success while urging Pakistan to improve across all forms of the game.

“This success is not overnight, it’s the result of a long process and the work done behind the scenes in developing players, improving systems, and backing them consistently. Pakistan, meanwhile, need improvement in all departments batting, bowling, fielding, and especially match fitness,” he said.

Meanwhile, commentator Ramiz Raja praised Najmul Hossain Shanto’s captaincy and expressed concern about Pakistan’s old fault lines that were widening each day.

“Congratulations to Bangladesh for not only challenging Pakistan in this series but challenging themselves to break the status quo of defensive home grown spin strategy to win on lively pitches . Shanto stands out in this transformation. He is a very impressive leader.”

“For Pakistan old fault lines are getting wider and wider . Action is needed to break the status quo!!,” Ramiz highlighted.

All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez mentioned a visible decline in the last four ICC events with the longer format reflecting actual issues.

“Biggest stakeholder of the game after country name are players as they play inside the ground. Credit & responsibility wise. Last 4 ICC events results & Test format decline are real. Some serious issues are there to resolve by administration,” he said.

READ: Ireland announce squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

DUBLIN: Cricket Ireland have named the squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on June 12 across England and Wales. 

Gaby Lewis will captain the side for the first time in the mega event, which also includes four players making their World Cup debut. Among those are  Ava Canning, Christina Colter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Aimee Maguire, and Lara McBride.

The batting order will be comprised of Leah Paul, Amy Hunter, and Orla Prendergast, alongside Rebecca Stokell.

The most senior member in the squad is former captain and all-rounder Laura Delany. The 33-year-old is set to become the first Ireland Women’s player to take 100 T20I wickets.

Ireland are added to Group 2 alongside hosts England, Sri Lanka, Scotland, West Indies and the defending champions New Zealand.

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They will play their opening game against Scotland on 13 June at Old Trafford before locking horns against England on 16 June.

For the unversed, the 10th edition of the tournament will feature 12 teams and 33 matches spread across seven venues, culminating in the final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5.

Hosts England will kick off proceedings against Sri Lanka on June 12 at Edgbaston, which will also stage the high-voltage India-Pakistan encounter two days later.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for June 30 and July 2 at The Oval.

Ireland squad

Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride

Ireland’s Women’s T20 World Cup fixtures

v Scotland: June 13, Old Trafford, 10:30 AM
v England: June 16, Hampshire Bowl, 6:30 PM
v New Zealand: June 19, Hampshire Bowl, 6:30 PM
v Sri Lanka: June 23, Bristol County Ground, 2:30 PM
v West Indies: June 27, Bristol County Ground, 2:30 PM

READ: Salman Ali Agha reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct in Sylhet Test

Veteran Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka will take part in his seventh successive major international tournament after he was named in the squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old national team captain is one of five players contracted to English Premier League clubs in coach Murat Yakin’s 26-man squad.

Amongst those is Burnley forward Zeki Amdouni, the only real surprise inclusion in the squad, who has played just 45 minutes of football this season in three brief substitute appearances as he works his way back from a ruptured cruciate knee ligament.

“He’s not yet at 100 percent but he knows how we play, he knows the systems, the moves, his role,” said Yakin.

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Switzerland have reached the last 16 of the last three World Cup tournaments and the quarter-finals of the last two European Championships.

They will play warm-up matches against Jordan (May 31) and Australia (June 6), before beginning their Group B campaign against Qatar in San Francisco on June 13.

They will also play against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 18 and Canada on June 24.

Switzerland squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Marvin Keller (Young Boys), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient)

Defenders: Ricardo Rodriguez (Real Betis), Silvan Widmer (Mainz), Manuel Akanji (Inter Milan), Miro Muheim (Hamburg), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Aurele Amenda (Eintracht Frankfurt), Luca Jaquez (Stuttgart), Eray Comert (Valencia)

Midfielders: Johan Manzambi (Freiburg), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Denis Zakaria (Monaco), Ardon Jashari (AC Milan), Michel Aebischer (Pisa), Djibril Sow (Sevilla), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys), Fabian Rieder (Augsburg)

Forwards: Noah Okafor (Leeds), Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest), Zeki Amdouni (Burnley), Breel Embolo (Rennes), Ruben Vargas (Sevilla), Cedric Itten (Fortuna Duesseldorf)

READ: Salman Ali Agha reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct in Sylhet Test

SYLHET: Pakistan all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has received an official reprimand from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching Level 1 of the Code of Conduct during the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

The incident took place during Pakistan’s second innings on Tuesday after Salman was dismissed in the 82nd over of the chase. The all-rounder struck an advertising hoarding with his bat while walking back to the pavilion.

Consequently, he was found guilty of violating Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to the abuse of cricket equipment, ground equipment or fixtures during an international match.

The charge was laid by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Allahuddien Palekar, along with third umpire Kumar Dharmasena and fourth umpire Masudur Rahman Mukul.

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Salman Ali Agha accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

In addition to the official reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Salman’s disciplinary record. It marks his second offence within 24 months, taking his tally to two demerit points overall.

Notably, his previous offence also came under the same article during an ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka earlier this year.

Under ICC regulations, Level 1 offences carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a maximum fine of 50 percent of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points.

READ: Shan Masood comments on captaincy future after Test series whitewash