Category: Top News

Young opening batter Sam Konstas and veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell were axed on Wednesday as Cricket Australia (CA) announced a list of 21 nationally contracted players for the 2026-27 season.

Australia, who will play 20 Tests in a 12-month period from August, have opted to go with opener Jake Weatherald, 31, instead of the out-of-form 20-year-old Konstas.

With Australia facing such a Test-heavy schedule, white-ball specialists Maxwell and Matt Short were also dropped from last year’s list, along with retired opener Usman Khawaja and injured fast bowler Lance Morris.

A surprise was the omission of fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who played his first Test in four years in the Boxing Day Ashes clash.

The 29-year-old had been touted as one of the natural successors to Australia’s ageing pace stalwarts Mitchell Starc (36), Josh Hazlewood (35) and Scott Boland (36).

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Cricket Australia (CA) instead opted to reward fellow Ashes-winning quick bowlers Brendan Doggett, who is 31, and the 36-year-old Michael Neser.

“The next 12 months encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges,” said chair of men’s selectors George Bailey. “This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle.”

Australia start their 2026-27 season with a two-match home series against Bangladesh in August. They will travel for three ODIs in Zimbabwe, plus three ODIs and three Tests in South Africa during September and October.

Australia return home for a white-ball series against England followed by 10 Tests in 14 weeks, starting with four at home to New Zealand in December and January.

A five-Test tour of India begins on January 21, and the season will end with the 150th anniversary Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027.

Cricket Australia central contract list for 2026-27

Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa

READ: Adam Zampa reveals why he opted for PSL instead of IPL

The India cricket team is set to tour Zimbabwe for a three-match T20I series in July, the country’s cricket board said on Wednesday, packing more matches into their already-busy calendar.

The matches will all be played in Harare, on July 23, 25 and 26,  before the teams meet again in January next year for three ODI matches in India.

India last toured Zimbabwe in 2024, winning a five-match T20 series 4-1.

Top-ranked India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, won the T20 World Cup last month at home.

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Zimbabwe are a lowly 11th in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings but were a surprise package at the World Cup, topping their group to make it through to the second stage.

“Matches against India always generate enormous interest, and this is a fantastic opportunity for our players to test themselves against the world champions on home soil,” said Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Managing Director Givemore Makoni.

“Following our encouraging performances at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, this series gives us a strong platform to build momentum and continue growing as a competitive force in international cricket.

“We are looking forward to competitive and high-quality cricket and we believe this engagement will further strengthen the relationship between the two cricketing nations while providing invaluable exposure for our team.”

Zimbabwe-India T20I Series Schedule

1st T20I – July 23

2nd T20I – July 25

3rd T20I – July 26

READ: Fakhar Zaman challenges ban over ball-tampering allegation: sources

LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman has reportedly lodged an appeal against his two-match suspension in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 over ball-tampering charges, sources confirmed on Wednesday.

The Lahore Qalandars opener was handed the ban earlier this week by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after being found guilty of a Level 3 breach of the tournament’s Code of Conduct during their clash against Karachi Kings.

The controversy stems from an incident in the final stages of the match, where on-field umpires imposed a five-run penalty on Lahore Qalandars and ordered a ball change ahead of the last over of Karachi’s innings, a decision that proved decisive in the outcome of the contest.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Following the match, Fakhar was charged under Article 2.14 of the Code, which pertains to altering the condition of the ball in violation of the league’s playing conditions.

The charge was brought forward by umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed.

The left-handed batter denied the allegations and opted for a full disciplinary hearing, which was conducted by match referee Roshan Mahanama.

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After reviewing the evidence and hearing the player’s defence, the referee upheld the charge and imposed the maximum penalty for a first Level 3 offence, a two-match suspension.

According to sources, Fakhar Zaman has now formally challenged the decision by submitting an appeal to the PSL Technical Committee, seeking a review of the sanction.

READ: Adam Zampa reveals why he opted for PSL instead of IPL

Iraq football coach Graham Arnold challenged his players to “shock the world” after they became the 48th and final team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a nerve-shredding 2-1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico on Tuesday.

Iraq, whose preparations were disrupted by the war in the Middle East, sealed their first appearance at the finals in 40 years and will play in Group I against France, Senegal and Norway.

Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured a famous win for Iraq, whose last appearance at the World Cup came at Mexico in 1986.

“With everything going on in the Middle East at the moment, it made it harder for the players,” said the Australian Arnold, who had initially sought to have the fixture postponed due to the disruption caused by the conflict.

“Delighted for the players, very good boys, very happy for the 46 million Iraqis,” he added.

“Hopefully, it will help change the perception of Iraq and football in Iraq. Doing something in the World Cup that nobody expects us to do. Let’s shock the world.”

Because of travel disruption caused by the US-Israel war on Iran, most of the Iraqi squad only reached Mexico after a gruelling three‑day journey from Baghdad that began with an overland crossing into Jordan.

But there was little sign of weariness during a confident start by Iraq, who took the lead after nine minutes through Luton Town striker Al-Hamadi, the 24-year-old who moved to Liverpool as a toddler following the outbreak of the 2003 Iraq war.

Iraq midfielder Amir Al-Ammari won a corner after a superb free-kick that was saved at full stretch from Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.

From the subsequent set piece, Al-Ammari curled a pinpoint corner onto the head of Al-Hamadi, who nodded home for 1-0.

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Iraq were well worth the early goal and looked in control until Bolivia, who had gradually grown into the game, equalized after 38 minutes.

Ramiro Vaca’s shot from the edge of the area was controlled with one touch by Moises Paniagua, and the Morocco-based central midfielder swept it into the roof of the net.

The goal stunned Iraq, and Bolivia looked likely to grab a second after dominating the remainder of the half.

Iraq regained the lead eight minutes after the break, when a long ball forward was nodded into the path of substitute Marko Lawk-Farji.

His cross found captain Hussein, and the veteran striker clipped a first-time finish into the bottom corner.

Bolivia pressed frantically for a goal to force extra-time, but Iraq’s well-marshalled defence held firm during nine minutes of stoppage time.

The 62-year-old Arnold, who took Australia to the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup in 2022, said: “We have two months to get fit.

“For us to do something at this World Cup would be a miracle.”

Oscar Villegas, the Bolivia coach, was visibly distraught.

“Devastated, totally devastated because we believed we could be at the World Cup,” he said.

READ: Iran football players in Turkey pose with photos of Middle East war victims

Iran football players and team officials posed with photographs of children killed in the Middle East war before their friendly match against Costa Rica in Turkey on Tuesday.

Every Iran player held a photo during the national anthem before their 5-0 victory near the city of Antalya.

Iran’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, and the vice-president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, were among the officials who also held up the photographs.

Iranian officials said some of the children pictured were the victims of an airstrike on a school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28, the first day of the US-Israeli assault, that killed at least 170 people, including students and teachers.

“Iran is undergoing an extremely unjust and brutal aggression. It is therefore a responsibility that falls to our national team to show its solidarity with our people,” said Iran’s ambassador to Ankara, Mohammad Hassan Habibollah Zadeh, who was present at the match.

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Before their last game, a friendly against Nigeria last Friday, Iran’s players held up children’s schoolbags in tribute to the victims of the Minab school strike.

The New York Times has reported that the preliminary findings of a US military investigation indicate that a US Tomahawk cruise missile hit the school due to a targeting mistake.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended the game on Tuesday and insisted Iran would be at the World Cup, after their participation was thrown into doubt by the war.

Infantino also said Iran would play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, after the Iranian federation said earlier this month it was “negotiating” with FIFA to try to relocate the country’s matches to Mexico.

Iran are set to play their first Group G game against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are then scheduled to play Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

READ: Iran will play World Cup 2026 matches in USA: FIFA president Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino told AFP on Tuesday that Iran “will be at the World Cup” and will play their group matches in the United States of America (USA) as scheduled, despite the Middle East war.

“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino said at half-time as Iran beat Costa Rica 5-0 in a friendly in southern Turkey. “That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.”

“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at Tuesday’s game was unannounced.

Infantino went on to stress that Iran’s “matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”.

The World Cup, being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, starts on June 11.

Iran are set to play their first Group G game against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are then scheduled to play Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Iran’s participation had been thrown into doubt by the war with the USA and Israel that broke out on February 28.

“For us, what matters most are FIFA’s rules and regulations. We will comply with whatever FIFA decides. Every host country has made commitments to FIFA and must honour them,” Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, the vice president of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), told AFP at the match.

The FFIRI had said earlier this month it was “negotiating” with FIFA to relocate the country’s World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also said that her country is prepared to host Iran’s first-round matches at the tournament if needed.

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Infantino initially said that US President Donald Trump had given assurances that the Iranian team would still be welcome. But Trump then stated that Iran’s team should not travel to the tournament “for their own life and safety”.

Iran hit back at Trump’s comments, saying that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup”.

On Tuesday, Mohammad Nabi said Infantino had been en route from Mexico to Qatar.

“Having learnt that we were organising friendly matches here, he came to see us in person, and we had a fruitful discussion,” Mohammad Nabi said.

“Given our history in this competition, it is only natural that FIFA should support the Iranian team. Mr Infantino is providing the necessary support to our national team and has given our players a great boost.”

Asked before the game if Iran would be at the World Cup, back-up striker Dennis Eckert Ayensa told AFP: “Inshallah” (god willing).

Iran, who also played a friendly against Nigeria in the Turkish town of Belek last Friday, crushed Costa Rica, who have not qualified for the World Cup 2026, 5-0 on Tuesday.

Skipper Mehdi Taremi, with two penalties, Ali Gholizadeh and Mohammad Mohebbi put Iran four goals up by the break. Half-time substitute Mehdi Ghayedi added a fifth in the 51st minute, by which time coach Amir Ghalenoei had started to empty his bench.

Before the game, Iran’s players wore black armbands and posed with photos of what officials said were young victims of the war, including those killed in an airstrike on a primary school in Iran on the first day of the conflict.

READ: PSL 11: Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi clash abandoned

LAHORE: The toss for the seventh match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi has been delayed due to persistent rain at Gaddafi Stadium here on Tuesday.

The Babar Azam-led Zalmi are coming off a dominant five-wicket victory over tournament debutants Rawalpindiz. Peshawar Zalmi chased down the massive target of 215 runs, thanks to a combined batting effort.

Mohammad Haris top-scored with a 28-ball 47, while skipper Babar (39) and New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell (35*) were other notable run-getters.

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Meanwhile, the three-time PSL champions Islamabad United suffered a thumping five-wicket defeat at the hands of a new-look Multan Sultans, led by Australia’s Ashton Turner.

The Sultans chased down the target of 172 runs with ease, thanks to Josh Philippe’s 55 and Turner’s unbeaten 43.

SQUADS

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, Tanzid Hasan, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Kashif Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousuf, Brian Bennett, Mohammad Basit, Shoriful Islam

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq, Mohsin Riaz, Chris Green, Mohammad Salman Mirza

READ: PSL 11: Fakhar Zaman handed a two-match ban over ball-tampering

Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that all-rounder Cameron Green will not bowl for the time being in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to a managed lower-back injury, with his franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), fully informed of the situation.

The 26-year-old, who became the most expensive overseas signing in IPL history after being picked by KKR for INR 25.2 crore, is currently undergoing a phased recovery plan. According to a Cricket Australia spokesperson, Green has been advised to temporarily refrain from bowling as part of his rehabilitation.

“Cameron has a lower-back injury, which is being managed, but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period,” the board said. “He is rebuilding his bowling loads in India and is expected to return to bowling in around 10 to 12 days.”

The clarification comes shortly after KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane deflected questions regarding Green’s absence with the ball during their recent six-wicket defeat to the Mumbai Indians, suggesting the matter be directed to Cricket Australia (CA).

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Despite the setback, Rahane remained optimistic about Green’s eventual return as a full all-rounder, highlighting the balance he could bring to the side.

“Once Green starts to bowl, the combination will look different,” Rahane said. “Right now, we have to assess the balance, particularly with the bowling options. Hopefully, he resumes soon so we can finalise the right combination.”

For the unversed, Cameron Green has not bowled competitively since the conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this month. His workload has been carefully managed following a prolonged injury history, including a stress fracture that ruled him out of bowling for over a year between September 2024 and October 2025.

READ: Lionel Messi to start for Argentina in World Cup send-off: Scaloni

Lionel Messi will start for Argentina in a friendly against Zambia on Tuesday in what is the reigning world champions’ final game on home soil before they defend their FIFA World Cup crown.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi, who began on the bench for Friday’s lacklustre 2-1 win over Mauritania, will spearhead what is expected to be a full-strength side against Zambia.

“Messi will be in the starting lineup tomorrow,” Scaloni said.

Messi, 38, has not formally confirmed whether he plans to play in the 2025 World Cup, but he played a full part in Argentina’s qualification campaign for the finals.

Scaloni indicated that he expects Messi to be part of his squad for what would be the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s sixth World Cup appearance.

“The important thing is that he comes and enjoys being at a World Cup — which, theoretically, will be his last,” Scaloni said of Messi. “We want him to enjoy it, because later on, you really miss playing in events like these.”

Scaloni said Messi on Tuesday will be surrounded by the established core of the team, which topped South American qualifying, and that will start the World Cup among the favourites for the title.

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“Most of the players we know well will be playing. This will be the final test,” Scaloni said.

“Later, we’ll make some changes to take a look at some of the younger guys, but the idea is to field our most familiar lineup,” he said, emphasising that Friday’s scrappy win over Mauritania was not representative of his squad.

“I am convinced that the team’s performance level is not what we saw the other day,” Scaloni said. “If we see that the team isn’t quite there, we’ll look for other options. But they deserve a vote of confidence.”

Scaloni has already submitted a preliminary 55-player list to the Argentina Football Association, with the final 26-man squad to be confirmed at the end of May.

“I have the list pretty well figured out, but if performance levels aren’t up to par, we’ll take measures to ensure we bring the absolute best squad possible; we are striving for something as close to perfection as we can get,” he said.

“The players who have been with us for a while hold a slight advantage simply because we know them well; however, they have to maintain that advantage — and everyone knows what happened the other day (against Mauritania) cannot be repeated.”

READ: PSL 11: Fakhar Zaman handed two-match ban over ball-tampering

LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have been dealt a significant blow after opener Fakhar Zaman was suspended for two matches in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 following a Level 3 breach of the tournament’s Code of Conduct.

The decision was confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday after an incident during Lahore’s high-intensity clash against Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium.

According to the PCB, Fakhar was found guilty of violating Article 2.14, which relates to altering the condition of the ball in breach of the league’s playing conditions. The offence occurred in the closing stages of the match, shortly before the final over of Karachi’s run chase.

During that moment, the on-field umpires inspected the ball, ruled that its condition had been changed, and imposed a five-run penalty on Lahore Qalandars, in addition to replacing the ball, a decision that proved crucial in Karachi’s narrow victory.

The charge was brought forward by umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed.

Fakhar Zaman denied the ball-tampering allegation and opted for a full disciplinary hearing.

Match referee Roshan Mahanama conducted the proceedings, reviewing the evidence and granting the player a personal hearing before reaching a final verdict. Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the hearing.

Under PSL regulations, a Level 3 offence carries a minimum penalty of a one-match ban and can extend up to two matches, with Fakhar receiving the maximum sanction.

The suspension means Fakhar will miss Lahore’s upcoming fixtures, including their clash against Multan Sultans on April 3 at Gaddafi Stadium and the subsequent encounter against Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi.

READ: Erin Holland comments on her absence from PSL 11