Category: Sports

DUBAI: Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been fined 10 per cent of match fee during the International League T20 (ILT20) final played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on January 4.

According to a press release on the ILT20 website, Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the final between Desert Vipers and MI Emirates.

The article relates to the use of language, actions, or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal.

“Shah was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to the use of language, actions or gestures that could disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal,” the press release stated.

 

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The incident happened during the 11th over of the match when Naseem bowled a delivery that Pollard defended.

Naseem picked up the ball and smiled at Pollard, who responded aggressively, prompting a verbal exchange between the two players.

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Pollard appeared visibly angry while exchanging words with the right-handed pacer.

The umpires, along with Vipers batter Jason Roy, intervened to break up the confrontation. Naseem was also seen firing back, leaving both players visibly upset.

However, Naseem got his revenge in the first delivery of the 16th over, dismissing Pollard, who had scored a run-a-ball 28.

The sanction was imposed by Match Referee Simon Taufel.

Nonetheless, Desert Vipers clinched their maiden ILT20 title after skittling MI Emirates for 136 in 18.3 overs.

Naseem Shah starred with the ball as he picked three wickets in his quota of four overs.

Earlier, put into bat first, Desert Vipers managed to score 182-4 in their 20 overs, courtesy of skipper Tom Curran’s 74 from 51 balls that not only lifted them out of trouble but helped them set a winning total.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

SYLHET: Adam Rossington’s 58 from 41 and Hasan Nawaz’s 46 off 38 lifted Chattogram Royals to a competitive total against Rangpur Riders in the 14th fixture of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-2026.

Put into bat first, Royals racked up 169 for 5 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

The opening wicket partnership added 22 in 3.4 overs before Mustafizur Rahman trapped Mohammad Naim lbw for 16.

Meanwhile, Rossington, fresh from a half-century in the previous outing, continued his fine form. The right-handed batter first added 26 with Mahmudul Hasan Joy for the second wicket, which brought the score to 48 in 5.5 overs.

Joy stay was cut short as he made 12 from seven balls.

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However, the highlight of the Royal innings was Hasan Nawaz’s and Adam Rossington’s partnership of 82 runs for the third wicket.

The pair batted briskly and propelled the score to 130 in 16 overs.

With the Royals cruising towards a big total, Rangpur Riders managed to hold things back with three wickets in quick succession.

Rossington, Hasan, who played his first game of the tournament after representing Desert Vipers inthe ILT20 final yesterday, and Asif Ali (1) were removed in a span of three overs.

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As a result, the Royals slumped to 136-5 from 130-2 before Aamer Jamal and the skipper’s vital runs took their score to over the 150-run mark.

For Rangpur Riders, Mustafizur Rahman and Akif Javed remained the pick of bowlers as they took two apiece.

READ: Wasim Akram names Pakistan’s surprise package for T20 World Cup

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has lavished high praise on off-spinner Usman Tariq, calling him Pakistan’s surprise package for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The mega event will be played from 7 February to 8 March in Sri Lanka and India.

Wasim, who was part of the commentary panel in the recently concluded International League T20 (ILT20), praised Usman’s bowling skills.

“He is a wonderful bowler, and I hope Pakistan use him in the T20 World Cup because nobody has played against him,” Akram said.

He also recalled how Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis burst onto the scene in 2008 when batters had no idea what he was doing.

“If you remember, Sri Lanka’s Ajanta Mendis came in 2008,  nobody had a clue what he was doing.”

“If the selectors are monitoring him, he could be very useful on Sri Lankan wickets,” he said.

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For the unversed, Usman Tariq, who has so far played two T20Is for Pakistan, has made headlines for his unconventional bowling action.

He was roped in as a replacement for Afghanistan’s Noor Ahme,d and he made an immediate impact with the ball during the business end of the tournament.

Usman was instrumental in Desert Vipers’ qualification for the final, scalping 3 wickets in the Qualifier.

His spell also included the notable wicket of Tom Banton, who pointed out Tariq’s action after getting dismissed.

Nevertheless, Usman Tariq backed his Qualifier performance in the final with a clinical four-over spell, snaring two wickets while giving away only 20.

READ: Babar Azam’s Sixers edge past Heat in low-scoring thriller

Top seed Daniil Medvedev cruised into the second round of the Brisbane International on Monday, while defending champion Jiri Lehecka outlasted fellow Czech Tomas Machac over three sets.

World number 13 Medvedev looked in ominous form as he demolished Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-3 in just 69 minutes in the warm-up tournament for the Australian Open, which begins on January 18.

“Sometimes you can play well and lose, but I know that also when I play well, I win a lot of matches,” said the Russian Medvedev.

“So I’m happy to play well today and to win the match,” added Medvedev, who next plays American Frances Tiafoe.

Lehecka, the third seed, saw off Machac 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in almost two-and-a-half hours.

The 24-year-old has won two tournaments in his career, both in Australia.

“The weather and the court conditions here are things that I look forward to,” he said.

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“There’s no better place to start the season than here.

“It was a great match — I think the level was high for a first match of the season for both of us, so I’m super happy for the win.”

Lehecka now plays American Sebastian Korda, who beat Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 7-6 (7/1), 6-3.

Alex Michelsen survived a tough battle against Australian qualifier James Duckworth 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 and will next face fellow American Learner Tien.

In the women’s draw, qualifying lucky loser Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan beat American Hailey Baptiste 6-2, 6-4 to set up a second-round clash with Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk.

Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai, 36, turned back the clock when she beat Ashlyn Krueger of the US 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

She will now face former champion and world number five Elena Rybakina.

READ: Babar Azam’s Sixers edge past Heat in low-scoring thriller

COFFS HARBOUR: Babar Azam failed to make his mark again as Joel Davies and Hayden Kerr’s crucial partnership helped Sydney Sixers edge past Brisbane Heat by three wickets in the 24th fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Set only 115 here at the International Sports Stadium in a low-scoring encounter, Sixers stumbled in the chase before they got over the line on the fourth ball of the 18th over.

Oli Patterson inflicted a poor start on the Sixers with back-to-back wickets in the third over. Babar was the first to go for two while Josh Philippe † followed him after for a duck, leaving the side 15-2.

After early blows, skipper Moises Henriques and Daniel Hughes tried to steady the innings with a brief 17-run partnership. However, Xavier Bartlett removed Daniel Hughes for 15 to put Heat in command.

Brisbane Heat continued to mount pressure with clinical bowling, which reaped high rewards in the form of Jordan Silk (6) and Jack Edwards (0) wickets, both getting dismissed in the same over.

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The Sixers were further in dire straits as Henriques and Ben Manenti were also sent back to the pavilion. As a result, Sydney Sixers were 56-7 in 10.3 overs.

With Brisbane Heat in a dominant position, Joel Davies and Hayden Kerr batted with responsibility, stitching an unbeaten 62* run partnership that propelled them to victory.

Davies hit three fours and a six on his way to 35 from 26, whereas Kerr struck a six and a four in his 27* from 25 balls.

For Brisbane Heat, Oli Patterson and Matthew Kuhnemann shared four wickets each. Xavier Bartlett, Jack Wildermuth, and Matt Renshaw picked up one each.

Earlier, put into bat first, Sydney Sixers bowlers demonstrated an excellent bowling display, limiting the opposition to 114-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

Jack Wildermuth and Lachlan Hearne provided a brisk start of 27 runs in three overs before Sean Abbott and Jack Edwards combined to send back both batters in successive overs.

Wildermuth was looking dangerous with 31 off 17, striking two fours and two sixes. Hearne could only add one to the total.

With Heat 33-2 in four overs, with inform Matt Renshaw and Max Bryant at the helm. But Sixers bowlers did not allow them to free their hands.

The former and latter were sent packing in the span of two overs for two and three runs respectively.

Nonetheless, Hugh Weibgen top-scored with 24 from 25 balls with the help of a boundary that took the Heat’s score over the 100-run mark.

Eventually, the whole team was limited to a below-par score at the end of their innings.

Matthew Kuhnemann and Oli Patterson were the notable contributors with the ball as they took two wickets each.

READ: Second group of Pakistan squad departs for Sri Lanka

Ruben Amorim has been sacked as Manchester United manager 14 months after arriving at Old Trafford, the club announced on Monday.

United said in a statement that the Portuguese had left his role, with the club’s leadership having “reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change”.

The club added, “This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.

“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”

Current Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.

United are currently sixth in the Premier League table after a 1-1 draw at Leeds on Sunday.

After that game, an irate Amorim stressed he was United’s manager rather than just the coach during an eye-catching press conference in which he told the scouting department and director of football, Jason Wilcox, “to do their job”.

The 40-year-old had alluded to frustration behind the scenes in the build-up to the match as the United boss refused to clarify his recent comments about the club’s transfer plans.

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He had looked downbeat when he sidestepped those questions but was more forthcoming when asked on Sunday if he still felt he had confidence from the board.

“Guys, to start with that — and I noticed that you receive selective information about everything — I came here to be the manager of the Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United,” Amorim said. “And that is clear.

“I know that my name is not (Thomas) Tuchel, it’s not (Antonio) Conte, it’s not (Jose) Mourinho but I’m the manager of Manchester United.

“And it’s going to be like this for 18 months or when the board decides to change, so that was my point.

“I want to finish with that. I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me.”

Amorim was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to the Europa League final in Bilbao in May, losing to Tottenham Hotspur, but they finished 15th in the Premier League last season.

His 14-month stint is the shortest reign of a permanent manager at United since David Moyes was sacked just eight months into his tenure in 2014.

United, 20-time English champions, have not won the Premier League since 2013, in Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge.

READ: Bangladesh orders IPL telecast ban after Mustafizur’s release

The Bangladesh government on Monday ordered an immediate ban on the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following the release of national fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the 2026 season.

In an official statement, the local administration said the decision was taken after a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) led to Mustafizur’s exclusion from the KKR squad for the IPL, which is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026.

“No rational reason for such a decision by the BCCI is known, and such a decision has pained, saddened and aggrieved the people of Bangladesh,” the statement read.

“Under these circumstances, until further notice, instructions have been issued to stop the broadcast and telecast of all IPL matches and programmes.”

The government added that the order had been issued in the public interest and with the approval of the competent authority.

“This order is issued with the approval of the proper authority and in the public interest.”

Mustafizur, one of Bangladesh’s most high-profile cricketers, was released by Kolkata after the franchise was “advised” by the BCCI to do so in the wake of heightened diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

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The 30-year-old left-arm pacer had been picked up by KKR for more than one million dollars at the IPL auction in December.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the board’s role in the decision, stating that “considering recent developments”, Kolkata were advised to release the Bangladeshi fast bowler.

Kolkata Knight Riders, which is majority-owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, later said the move was made after due consultations.

“His release has been carried out following due process,” the franchise said in a statement, adding that the BCCI would allow the defending champions to sign a replacement player under IPL regulations.

The situation further intensified on Sunday when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that the national team would not travel to India for its scheduled matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Following an emergency meeting, the BCB said it had formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate Bangladesh’s fixtures to Sri Lanka.

READ: Nasum Ahmed powers Sylhet Titans to crushing win against Noakhali Express

SYLHET: A devastating spell from Nasum Ahmed dismantled Haider Ali-led Noakhali Express as Sylhet Titans cruised to a one-sided victory in the 13th match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 on Monday.

Asked to bat first, Noakhali endured a torrid outing with the bat and were bundled out for just 61 in 14.2 overs, the fourth-lowest total in BPL history and the lowest of the ongoing season.

Left-arm spinner Nasum was the chief architect of the collapse, returning sensational figures of 5 for 7 from his four overs.

Mohammad Amir and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with a wicket apiece, tightening the noose around the struggling batting line-up.

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Only two Noakhali batters reached double figures. Wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon top-scored with a 32-ball 25, striking a boundary and a six, while opener Habibur Rahman Sohan added 18 off 16 deliveries, including three boundaries.

Captain Haider Ali endured a forgettable outing, managing just five runs from 12 balls, as four of his teammates departed without scoring.

The dismal total now sits fourth on the list of lowest scores in BPL history, with the unwanted record still held by Khulna Tigers, who were dismissed for 44 against Rangpur Riders in the 2016 edition.

Sylhet Titans made light work of the modest target but not before a brief wobble at the start of the chase, losing Parvez Hossain Emon for one in the opening over.

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Tawfique Khan and Zakir Hasan then took control, adding a decisive 53-run stand that effectively ended the contest. Tawfique led the charge with a brisk 32 off 18 balls, while Zakir anchored the innings with 24 from 23 deliveries.

Afif Hossain fell cheaply for two, but Moeen Ali calmly struck the winning run off his very first ball to seal the chase in just 8.4 overs. Zahir Khan was the lone bright spot for Noakhali in the field, claiming three wickets.

The emphatic win lifted Sylhet Titans to third place on the BPL 2025-26 points table. Noakhali Express, meanwhile, continue to search for their first victory in their debut campaign, having now suffered four defeats on the trot.

READ: Brisbane Heat sign Pakistan pacer as Shaheen Afridi’s replacement

Brisbane Heat have strengthened their bowling resources for the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 15 by signing Pakistan fast bowler Zaman Khan as an international replacement for the injured Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The 24-year-old right-arm pacer has received clearance from the BBL Technical Committee and is set to be available for the Heat’s fixture against Sydney Thunder at the Gabba on Saturday.

The match will see Zaman come up against his former franchise, having previously represented the Thunder during BBL 13.

Known for his distinctive slingy action and effectiveness at the death, Zaman featured in four matches for Sydney Thunder, claiming eight wickets at an impressive average of 16.38.

 

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Since making his international debut in 2023, he has gone on to represent Pakistan in 10 T20 Internationals and one One-Day International, picking up seven wickets across formats.

Zaman Khan arrives in Australia in good rhythm, having recently made an impact in the Abu Dhabi T10, where he grabbed a hat-trick in his opening match of the tournament.

He also brings experience from multiple leagues around the world, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he plays under Shaheen Afridi at Lahore Qalandars, and England’s The Hundred, where he turned out for Manchester Originals.

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Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha expressed confidence that Zaman’s inclusion would add a cutting edge to the bowling unit as the tournament reaches a crucial phase.

“He’s a genuine wicket-taker up front, but he can also control an over with his variations and pace,” Botha said.

“He complements our attack nicely and gives us additional options in the key bowling periods. Zaman was a handful when he first came on the scene and has continued to evolve his game.”

READ: Second group of Pakistan squad departs for Sri Lanka

LAHORE: The second batch of the Pakistan T20I squad, including captain Salman Ali Agha, departed for Colombo on Monday for the three-match series against Sri Lanka starting January 7.

The travelling party also includes Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Abdul Samad and Khawaja Nafay.

Batting coach Mohammad Hanif and several members of the support staff are also part of the second batch.

پاکستان/سری لنکا ٹی ٹوئنٹی سیریز

قومی ٹی ٹوئنٹی سکواڈ کا دوسرا گروپ لاہور سے کولمبو کے لیے روانہ

دوسرے گروپ میں کپتان سلمان علی آغا ، محمد نواز ، صاحبزادہ فرحان ،عثمان خان ، صائم ایوب ، ابرار احمد ، عبدالصمد اور خواجہ نافع شامل

بیٹنگ کوچ محمد حنیف اور سپورٹ سٹاف کے دیگر… pic.twitter.com/gy1VGAJZFj

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) January 5, 2026

Earlier in the day, the first contingent of the Pakistan team reached Sri Lanka, accompanied by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.

The group featured all-rounders Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf, as well as pacers Mohammad Wasim Jr and Salman Mirza.

Bowling coach Ashley Noffke, the fielding coach and other support staff members also arrived in Colombo.

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Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in a three-match T20I series, scheduled for January 7, 9 and 11.

All matches will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla.

The series holds added significance for Pakistan as it serves as a key build-up assignment ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Pakistan will play all of their World Cup fixtures in Colombo.

Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka T20Is

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.

READ: Travis Head hits back for Australia after England post 384