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West Indies players depart India on commercial flights

West Indies players have begun leaving India in batches on commercial flights after delays to a planned charter flight following the conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Cricket West Indies confirmed the players’ departure in a press release, raising concerns about the team’s travel amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The squad was left stranded following their last Super Eight fixture on March 1 against India.

Their head coach, Daren Sammy, also posted on social media regarding the situation, urging attention to the matter.

“As is customary for both men’s and women’s ICC World Cups, all travel and accommodation arrangements for participating teams are coordinated and managed by the ICC,” the statement wrote.

The charter flight, intended to transport both the West Indies and South Africa teams, was repeatedly delayed,” it added.

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The board said that after completing their matches, the squad remained in India for nine days while awaiting travel on the ICC-organized charter.

“After completing play, the West Indies squad remained in India for nine (9) days awaiting travel,” the board explained.

“However, ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ICC-organized charter, as a result of global tensions and aviation regulations, made the situation increasingly distressing,” the board said.

Cricket West Indies said it advised the ICC that waiting for charter arrangements was no longer prudent due to player safety concerns, adding that efforts were made with the ICC to secure commercial flights, with some players already departing and the rest scheduled to leave on March 10 and 11.

“Cricket West Indies appreciates the concern and interest of fans and key stakeholders in the resolution of this matter and wishes to thank all parties for their support and patience,” it concluded.

READ: BCCI announces record prize money for victorious Indian team

Walker retires from international football after 96 England caps

Kyle Walker announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday after winning 96 caps for England and featuring at five major tournaments.

The 36-year-old was part of the sides that reached the European Championship final in 2021 and 2024.

But the former Manchester City defender has been a shadow of his former self since joining Burnley this season, making selection for the upcoming World Cup unlikely.

“I am sad to be making this decision, but I’m also very proud of what I’ve achieved with England,” said Walker, whose last appearance for his country came in a friendly against Senegal in 2025.

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“To represent my country at five major tournaments, to get to the finals that we’ve reached and to be surrounded by this England team, especially the players and the managers that I’ve had the privilege of working under, has been a great honour.

“But today is the time that comes to an end. It’s good for me to have a little bit of closure to my career on the international stage.”

Walker is the 10th most capped England men’s player of all time.

The English Football Association said a tribute will be made to his international career at a fixture after the World Cup.

“I know all England fans will join me in congratulating Kyle on an incredible international career,” said England manager Thomas Tuchel.

“I was always aware that he was one of England’s greats who fully embraced the highest honour of representing his country.

“An international career spanning 14 years and five major tournament is testament to Kyle’s dedication.”

READ: BCCI announces record prize money for victorious Indian team

BCCI announces record prize money for victorious Indian team

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a whopping $14 million in prize money for India’s men’s cricket team after they lifted the T20 World Cup for a record third time.

The co‑hosts and pre‑tournament favourites swept aside New Zealand by 96 runs in Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad to become the first team to retain the trophy and the first to win it on home soil.

Cricket commands an unrivalled following in the world’s most populous country, with top players enjoying star status and the game serving as a rare unifying force in an otherwise diverse nation.

BCCI praised the players, support staff, and selectors for the “historic achievement” as it announced the cash reward.

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The victory cemented India’s place “among the most successful teams in the history of the format”, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.

The prize money will be shared among the entire team, including coaches and support staff.

The announced prize money is roughly $3m higher than the tournament’s overall prize pot of $11.25m.

The Indian team will separately receive $2.34 million from the International Cricket Council, while runners-up New Zealand will earn $1.17 million.

Midnight celebrations broke out across the country on Sunday as delirious fans in blue Indian shirts took to the streets, beating drums and dancing to Bollywood hits.

READ: Arshdeep Singh fined for Daryl Mitchell incident

Muhammad Shahzad joins Multan Sultans for PSL 11

Multan Sultans have strengthened the squad with the signing of emerging all-rounder Muhammad Shahzad ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The franchise announced the signing through social media handles in a press release statement.

“The Multan Sultans are proud to announce the signing of dynamic all-rounder Muhammad Shahzad ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season,” the statement read.

“Hailing from Dera Ghazi Khan (DG Khan), Shahzad’s addition to the squad reinforces the franchise’s deep commitment to identifying, nurturing, and showcasing the immense cricketing talent found right here in South Punjab,” it added.

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Shahzad, 22, played six matches for Islamabad United in PSL 10. Overall, he has played 23 T20s, scoring 370 runs at a strike rate of 126.71.

Following the announcement, the new owner of the franchise, Gohar Shah, hailed Shahzad’s talent, calling him the next big all-rounder from the global stage.

“It is incredibly important for us to sign players who truly know what it means to play for our badge, and Muhammad Shahzad embodies the spirit and passion of South Punjab,” he said.

“He is a phenomenal talent, and I firmly believe he has the potential to become one of the top all-rounders in the world. We cannot wait to be a part of his growth and his journey, and we are fully committed to giving him the platform he needs to shine,” Gohar added.

The PSL 11 is set to begin on March 26, with the opening match scheduled between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, and the newly added franchise, Hyderabad Kingsmen.

Overall, 44 matches will be played in the event, including the final.

Multan Sultans Squad

Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal, Saad Masood, Steve Smith, Jahanzaib Sultan, Sahibzada Farhan, Ashton Turner (c), Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Potgieter, Josh Phillippe, Shan Masood, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Shahzad and Muhammad Awais Zafar.

READ: Arshdeep Singh fined for Daryl Mitchell incident

Arshdeep Singh fined for Daryl Mitchell incident

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday reprimanded Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh for violating the code of conduct during the final against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026.

The 27-year-old was fined 15 per cent of the match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Article 2.9 of the ICC code of conduct relates to throwing a ball or any other item of cricket equipment at or near a player in an inappropriate manner.

Arshdeep threw the ball towards New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell on his follow-through, hitting the batter on the pads during the 11th over of the match.

The pacer walked back to his mark without apologizing, resulting in a confrontation with the batter.

Following the completion, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav intervened to speak with Daryl Mitchell while the umpire Richard Illingworth was also seen having a brief word with Arshdeep

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Eventually, the left-arm pacer apologised to Mitchell after the completion of the over.

Arshdeep accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, denying a need for a formal hearing.

The charge was brought by the match officials — on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf, third umpire Allahuddien Palekar, and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock.

This was Arshdeep Singh’s first offence in a 24-month period with a level 1 breach carrying a minimum penalty of a reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s march fee and one or two demerit points.

READ: Karachi Kings announce David Warner as captain for PSL 11

Karachi Kings announce David Warner as captain for PSL 11

Karachi Kings have retained Australian legendary batter David Warner as captain for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, set to begin on March 26.

The announcement was made via the franchise’s social media handle, accompanied by an animated graphic.

“The leader, the legend, the King, David Warner returns as captain, ready to take the #KingsSquad to new heights in the upcoming season of the #HBLPSL,” the caption of the post read.

Warner’s retention as captain underscores the franchise’s confidence in his vision and ability to inspire the squad both on and off the field.

After taking the helm in HBL PSL 10, Warner’s second consecutive term as captain aims to turn last season’s momentum into a championship run.

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Last year, Warner made his debut in the PSL, amassing 368 runs in 11 matches, including three half-centuries at a strike rate of 153.97.

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Earlier today, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the complete schedule of PSL 11.

This will be the first time eight teams will feature in the tournament since its inaugural edition in 2016.

The tournament will begin on March 26, with the opening match scheduled between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

The 2020 champions, Karachi Kings, will begin their campaign against Quetta Gladiators on March 27 in Lahore.

Overall, 44 matches will be played across the tournament, including the final, which will also have a reserve day.

READ: PSL 11 to commence from March 26 as PCB unveils schedule

Shaheen Afridi comments on Babar Azam, Saim Ayub omission from ODI squad

DHAKA: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi addressed questions over the exclusion of key players Babar Azam and Saim Ayub from the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, set to begin tomorrow at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

All three ODIs, scheduled for March 11, 13, and 15, will be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Afridi stressed that no one has been “dropped” and that the selections are aimed at testing bench strength and giving opportunities to emerging talent.

“Look, no one has been dropped for this series. We just wanted to give our youngsters a chance to show their skills,” Afridi explained.

“They are our future, and this series against Bangladesh is the perfect opportunity for them to understand their roles ahead of bigger events like the World Cup next year.”

The Pakistan squad for the series features six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain.

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Afridi confirmed that Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain will make their ODI debuts, with Farhan and Sadaqat opening the innings and Hussain at one-down.

Addressing the expected challenges in Dhaka, Shaheen Afridi highlighted that Pakistan’s strength lies in its pace attack and downplayed the idea of relying heavily on spinners, referencing the West Indies’ spin-heavy strategy at the same venue during an ODI in October 2025.

“This will not be happening. Pakistan is known for fast bowling. I will back our pacers to take wickets, while the spinners will contribute and play their role in the win,” he said.

Afridi also acknowledged Bangladesh’s home advantage but expressed confidence in Pakistan’s preparations.

“Any team is tough in their own conditions. Bangladesh plays very good cricket at home, and we have prepared accordingly,” he added.

“Our recent ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka have been encouraging, and we want to continue that momentum.”

READ: Shaheen Afridi confirms three debutants in first ODI against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka call off Afghanistan white-ball series due to Middle East war

Sri Lanka have indefinitely postponed a six-match white-ball series against Afghanistan that was due to start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week, an official said on Monday.

“We had to cancel because of the flight situation… and the ongoing fighting in the region,” a Sri Lanka Cricket official told AFP.

The teams were scheduled to play three T20 internationals in Sharjah on March 13, 15 and 17, and three one-day internationals in Dubai on March 20, 22 and 25.

It would have been the first time that Afghanistan had hosted Sri Lanka for a bilateral series.

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Fighting has spread across the Middle East since the United States of America (UAE) and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, with Tehran launching retaliatory strikes.

The conflict has disrupted flights across the region, including in Dubai, where the airport was briefly closed on Saturday as Iran fired drones and missiles at targets across the Gulf.

War-ravaged Afghanistan has never hosted an international cricket match, instead having to play its home fixtures in India or the UAE.

READ: Iraq football coach calls for World Cup playoff to be re-scheduled

Iraq football coach calls for World Cup playoff to be re-scheduled

Iraq football coach Graham Arnold pleaded with FIFA on Monday to postpone his team’s intercontinental playoff for the World Cup because many of his players and backroom staff are stranded by the growing Iran war.

The Iraqis are due to face either Suriname or Bolivia on March 31 in the Mexican city of Monterrey for a place in the World Cup finals, but with Iraqi airspace closed until April 1, Arnold’s squad is unable to gather or travel.

“If the game goes ahead in Mexico, we have the difficulties of getting out of Baghdad,” Arnold, an Australian, told CNN.

“About 60% of my players play in Iraq, all my backroom staff live in Iraq, all my medical staff live in Qatar, and we’re having trouble getting Mexican visas at this moment,” he added.

Arnold said he had already been forced to cancel a training camp in the United States.

“That has all been scrapped now, because we can’t get out of Baghdad,” he said. “FIFA need to obviously make a quick decision on this because it is a bit unfair at this moment, with what we would have to go through.”

He suggested that Suriname and Bolivia could go ahead with their playoff in Monterrey on March 26, and the winner of that game could play Iraq in the United States just before the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11.

“Suriname could always play Bolivia if we can’t get there, and we could always play the winner just before the World Cup, and that lets us prepare properly and do everything required to be successful,” Arnold said.

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“Bolivia and Suriname can play in March, they’ve got no complications with flights or anything, they can get there straight away, and we could play the winner

“The winner stays and plays the World Cup, and the loser goes home.”

Graham Arnold said the Iraqi football authorities were in close contact with FIFA, but he admitted the situation was taking its toll.

“It’s one step at a time, it’s stressful, (I’ve had) a lot of sleepless nights worrying about getting that planning right,” he said.

An Iraqi source told AFP the national federation had asked for the change.

“Iraq’s request came due to the inability of the delegation to travel from the capital, Baghdad,” they said.

“As a result of the closure of airspace and the security risks currently affecting the region,” they added.

READ: Carlos Alcaraz battles back to reach Indian Wells fourth round

Carlos Alcaraz battles back to reach Indian Wells fourth round

Carlos Alcaraz had to dig deep to extend his 2026 unbeaten run, rallying from a set and a break down to beat Arthur Rinderknech 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-2 in the third round at Indian Wells on Monday.

The big-serving Frenchman’s aggressive game forced world number one Alcaraz to call on every shot in his arsenal to turn a tense contest his way.

Alcaraz will face 13th-seeded Norwegian Casper Ruud for a place in the quarter-finals.

“Really happy that I was able to turn things around,” said Alcaraz.

The Spaniard nearly managed to steal the first-set tiebreaker, in which he had trailed 2-5, but a wayward forehand on set point gave Rinderknech his chance to pocket the set with a pair of winners.

Rinderknech then produced the first service break of the match to put the top seed in a hole in the opening game of the second set.

Alcaraz responded with an immediate break back, ramping up the pressure on Rinderknech’s serve on the way to a decisive break in the sixth game.

When Alcaraz broke again to open the third set, he was on his way, rolling to his sixth win over 26th-ranked Rinderknech in six career meetings.

“In the beginning, I was a little bit mad with myself because I just had a lot of chances in the first set, a few break points, a set point, and I couldn’t make it,” Alcaraz said.

“I got in trouble, to be honest. But I’m just really happy with the way that I just dealt with everything that was happening, accepted it, kept going, stayed strong mentally.”

Rinderknech had never won a match in Indian Wells in three prior appearances, and he leaves this edition without an on-court victory after enjoying a first-round bye and advancing to the third round by walkover.

Carlos Alcaraz, 22, became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam with his victory at the Australian Open.

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He followed that up with the Qatar Open title, and with two wins under his belt in Indian Wells, is now 14-0 on the season.

He next faces Ruud, who beat Valentin Vacherot 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

It was hard going for world number three Novak Djokovic in his 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 victory over 72nd-ranked American Aleksandar Kovacevic, who peppered Djokovic with 16 aces.

Djokovic made an early break to take the first set, but Kovacevic found his groove and rolled through the second against the clearly frustrated Serb.

Djokovic regrouped in the third but didn’t find the break he needed until the final game.

“Today was really anybody’s game until the last couple of points,” Djokovic said. “That last game in the third, where he missed some first serves, gave me looks on the second, and I used it. That’s pretty much it.”

With five Indian Wells titles, Djokovic is tied for the record with Swiss great Roger Federer, but he’s in the fourth round for the first time since 2017.

Djokovic next faces defending champion Jack Draper, who beat Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 7-5.

Draper’s victory here last year launched his rise to fourth in the world.

But he then missed the better part of six months with an arm injury and arrived in California ranked 14th, his win over Cerundolo marking the first time since June that he’s posted back-to-back ATP victories.

A trio of top-10 players were sent packing.

Britain’s Cameron Norrie ousted sixth-ranked Australian Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4, Alex Michelsen beat seventh-ranked fellow American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) and Australian qualifier Rinki Hijikata, ranked 117th in the world, shocked 10th-ranked Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

READ: Ashton Turner named Multan Sultans captain ahead of PSL 11