Category: Top News

Peshawar Zalmi has named Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie as a direct signing for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

The signing was confirmed via the franchise’s social media accounts.

“After much anticipation, we are proud to announce Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie as our direct signing for PSL11. A proven match-winner, Hardie brings balance, power, and versatility to the squad.” the caption of the post read.

Hardie, 27, has represented Australia in 15 ODIs and 16 T20Is. Overall, he has played 99 T20s, scalping 56 wickets and scoring 1855 runs.

 

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A post shared by Peshawar Zalmi (@peshawarzalmipk)

A few days earlier, the franchise had picked Afghanistan’s opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz as a direct signing. However, he opted out of the league, citing personal commitments.

The 24-year-old Afghan opener confirmed his unavailability through a message in Pashto.

“After the World Cup, I won’t be available for the PSL this season due to my schedule,” Gurbaz said. “I will be focusing more on my foundation work in Afghanistan. Thank you for all the love and support.”

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His sudden withdrawal prompted a detailed response from the 2017 PSL champions, who clarified that Gurbaz’s signing had been completed strictly in accordance with league regulations and after obtaining the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

“We would like to clarify to our valued and loyal fan base that the recent direct signing of Afghanistan cricketer Mr Rahmanullah Gurbaz was completed strictly after he received full NOC clearance from both the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Afghanistan Cricket Board,” the franchise stated.

Peshawar Zalmi emphasised that Gurbaz was selected purely on professional and cricketing grounds and was among the top options available on the official player list provided to franchises.

“At the time of selection, he was among the best available options on the official list provided, and his signing followed the prescribed process accordingly,” the statement added.

“This decision was taken purely on professional and cricketing grounds, in full compliance with PSL regulations, PCB guidelines and the established framework of the HBL PSL. No consideration beyond merit, team requirements, and due process was involved.,” it concluded.

For the unversed, the PSL 11 will kick off on March across five cities in Pakistan.

READ: T20 World Cup: New Zealand suffer major injury blow

COLOMBO: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha stressed the importance of bowling better in the Powerplay despite a resounding 32-run win over the USA in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan outplayed USA by 20 runs in their second match of the mega event while chasing a daunting 191.

Sahibzada Farhan starred with the bat, scoring 73 from 41 balls. His batting performance was backed by a disciplined bowling display with Usman Tariq taking three wickets.

Babar Azam and Shadab Khan also chipped in with the bat, powering Pakistan to a strong total of 190-9.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Agha lauded a resounding performance, noting that they have quality bowlers in the lineup who could defend totals.

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“Clinical performance, we started well with the bat and batted really well in the middle. When we come to bowling, we have a world-class attack and scoring 190, we know we could defend that,” he remarked.

“I would have batted as well, if we score 160-170, we know we can defend that. We are Pakistani, we do it differently. We are comfortable chasing, but we try to bat first and put up above par, then try to defend,” he added.

The skipper emphasized the middle-order, stressing the need to bowl better in the Powerplay.

“We have a flexible order, first three ready to go and then finishers can go early, or if we lose wickets we have batters who can take the game deeper. Always room for improvement, we’d like to bowl better in the powerplay, be more clinical. These are the things we want to improve,” he explained.

Pakistan will play their next fixture against India at RPS, Colombo on Sunday, February 15.

READ: T20 World Cup: New Zealand suffer major injury blow

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Cole McConchie named as his replacement.

The all-rounder picked up an injury while carrying out support staff duties during New Zealand’s fixture against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.

“Bracewell rehabilitated the calf tear he sustained during the 3rd ODI against India last month but reinjured the muscle during warm-ups on Sunday,” the New Zealand cricket board said in a statement.

“Subsequent scans confirmed the injury which is expected to require approximately three weeks of recovery before returning to play,” it added.

According to the board, his like-for-like replacement, Cole McConchie, alongside travelling reserve pacer Ben Sears, will join the squad in India.

Following the injury, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over Bracewell’s injury and wished him a speedy recovery.

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“We’re all feeling for Michael,” said Walter.

“It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him,” he added.

“Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this set back. “We wish him a smooth recovery.”

New Zealand, who are strong contenders for the World Cup, began their campaign in emphatic fashion with a win over Afghanistan.

They then followed the victory with a rout of the UAE in a commanding batting display, led by openers Tim Siefert and Fin Allen, who put on a record stand in Black Caps’ 10-wicket victory.

New Zealand Updated T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.Cole McConchie

READ: Nepal captain wants India, England, Australia to play in Kathmandu

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel on Tuesday called for cricketing powers India, England and Australia to tour his country to play a T20 series.

Nepal came within a nail-biting single ball of one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history on Sunday when they lost to Harry Brook’s England by four runs in Mumbai.

Lokesh Bam could only hit a single off Sam Curran’s final delivery when he needed a six.

“My message would be a warm welcome to all those teams,” Paudel said as his side prepared to face Italy in Mumbai on Thursday.

“They will love in Kirtipur and Kathmandu to play against us, and they will get a warm welcome in Nepal.

“I think if Australia, England, India whoever comes, I think our cricket will grow and it will help to globalise the cricket more, so I think it’s very important.”

Not only did the associate nation run England close on Sunday, but they lost by just one run to eventual finalists South Africa at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Paudel said the two results had raised the profile of Nepali cricket.

“Against South Africa, it was the first time we came so close,” he said, adding that the “last game against England has given us a lot more spotlight”.

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India, Pakistan and England were all given big scares by non-Test playing nations in their first group matches.

England’s Jos Buttler said Tuesday that the T20 format was a great leveller.

“I think in T20 World Cups, T20 cricket, generally, the games are closer,” said Buttler.

“One or two players can win games for their side on the day. So I think you’re going to see some close games of cricket.”

The West Indies played a T20 series against Nepal last year, losing 2-1 and their head coach Darren Sammy said such encounters were important.

“I think it’s our responsibility to grow the game in whatever way we can,” Sammy told reporters in Mumbai ahead of the next West Indies match against England on Wednesday.

“If that is Australia playing Nepal or India playing Nepal or West Indies playing Nepal, it is our job to help spread the game.

“And if giving or playing against the associate teams gives them more exposure … I think it is only good for the game.”

READ: T20 World Cup: Siefert, Allen brush UAE aside in imperious display

Peshawar Zalmi have named former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq as their new batting coach ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Misbah, 51, has played 75 Tests and 162 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 39 T20Is for Pakistan between 2001 and 2015.

As a captain, he led Pakistan in 151 matches, amassing 7392 runs at an average of 48.31 with eight centuries and 62 half-centuries to his name.

The franchise made the announcement on its social media handles.

“We are delighted to welcome the legendary @captainmisbahpk back to Peshawar Zalmi, this time as our Batting Coach for PSL11,” the caption wrote.

“A former Zalmi stalwart and one of Pakistan cricket’s most respected minds, Misbah-ul-Haq brings with him a wealth of experience, leadership, and deep tactical insight, ” it added.

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It is worth mentioning that Misbah-ul-Haq led Islamabad United to success in the inaugural edition of the PSL in 2016.

Later on, he represented Peshawar Zalmi in 2018 edition of tournament where he played three matches for the franchise before hanging his boots from international cricket.

Earlier in the day, the franchise also strengthened the coaching staff with the inclusion of former all-rounders Azhar Mahmood and Ottis Gibson.

Babar Azam leads the retentions in the Platinum category with a fee of PKR 70 million, followed by Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond, PKR 44.8 million), Abdul Samad (Gold, PKR 28 million), and Ali Raza (Emerging, PKR 19.6 million).

The franchise had also signed Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz through a direct signing, but the player later pulled out ahead of the season.

READ: New Zealand set new T20 World Cup record partnership to crush UAE

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert posted a T20 World Cup record partnership of 175 as New Zealand crushed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 10 wickets with almost five overs to spare in Chennai on Tuesday.

Chasing the UAE 173-6, Seifert struck an unbeaten 89, and Allen scored 84 not out as they pummelled the UAE bowling to all parts of the ground in an unbroken opening stand.

The opening pair crashed 78 from the first six-over power play and posted their century stand off only 8.3 overs.

Seifert hit one of his three huge sixes to clinch the contest after just 15.2 overs, he also struck 12 fours. Allen had five sixes and five fours.

They beat the previous record for any wicket at a T20 World Cup — an unbroken 170 by England openers Alex Hales and Jos Buttler against India in the semi-final of the 2022 edition at the Adelaide Oval.

“The main thing is that we’re playing how we want to play, especially me and Finn putting pressure on the bowlers in the power play,” said Seifert, who was named player of the match.

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“Every game’s going to be a little bit different, every ground’s going to be different.

“So in a World Cup, you’ve just got to be able to adapt to the conditions you’re playing in.”

Seifert said he was unaware the pair had posted a new World Cup record partnership for any wicket.

“No, I didn’t know that,” he said. “I’m not much of a stats guy, but look, we’ll take it.”

The UAE’s 173-6 was largely thanks to their captain Muhammad Waseem’s 66 not out.

Choosing to bat first, Waseem and Alishan Sharafu put on 107 for the second wicket.

It took a sensational piece of New Zealand fielding to break the partnership.

Mark Chapman intercepted a Sharafu slog-sweep a whisker inside the boundary and before he stepped over the ropes relayed the ball to Daryl Mitchell to complete the dismissal.

The 31-year-old Waseem, who was one of only three current UAE players to play in their last appearance in a T20 World Cup in 2022, hit four fours and three sixes in facing 45 balls.

READ: T20 World Cup: Siefert, Allen brush UAE aside in imperious display

CHENNAI: Fin Allen and Tim Siefert’s imperious knocks powered New Zealand to a commanding 10-wicket win over the depleted UAE bowling attack in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.

The BlackCaps chased down 175 in only 15.2 overs, without breaking a sweat, thanks to a record-breaking opening stand between Fin Allen and Tim Siefert.

The pair provided New Zealand a rollicking start, ending the PowerPlay on 78. Both batters batted aggressively and capitalized on the fielding restrictions.

Despite the fielding restrictions being lifted, the pair continued to dominate with Siefert reaching his half-century on 23 balls.

Allen also followed him in the next two overs, depositing two sixes and fours to reach the milestone.

The charge continued on as UAE bowlers looked clueless, as New Zealand easily accumulated more than 10 runs per over.

Eventually, Siefert finished off the match in style with a six over long-off, marking New Zealand’s second win.

Earlier, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made 173-6 against New Zealand in their opening T20 World Cup match in Chennai,  largely thanks to their skipper Muhammad Waseem’s unbeaten 66 from 45 balls.

The UAE missed out on the last T20 World Cup in 2024 and arrived in India with an inexperienced squad containing only three players from their 2022 campaign.

They only just made it through Asian qualifying behind Nepal and Oman and lost to Italy, the lowest-ranked side in the tournament, in a warm-up match.

Choosing to bat first, UAE shrugged off losing an early wicket as Waseem and Alishan Sharafu put on 107 for the second wicket.

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It took a sensational piece of New Zealand fielding to break the partnership.

Mark Chapman intercepted a Sharafu slog-sweep a whisker inside the boundary and, before he stepped over the ropes, relayed the ball to Daryl Mitchell to complete the dismissal.

That left the UAE 119-2 after 14.2 overs, and though they lost another wicket soon after, Waseem powered on.

The 31-year-old, who was one of those who featured at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, hit four fours and three sixes in facing 45 balls.

READ: Major blow for Sri Lanka as Hasaranga ruled out of T20 World Cup

In a significant blow, Sri Lanka ace all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Hasaranga, 28, sustained a hamstring injury during the hosts’ opening game against Ireland in Colombo on Sunday.

He came into the eighth over and bowled two deliveries before pulling his hamstring. The leg-spinner, despite remaining in pain, completed his overs and played a pivotal role with the ball in his side’s 20-run victory.

He scalped three wickets in his quota of four overs while giving away 25 runs.

According to a report, Hasaranga’s MRI scan revealed a serious tear in his left hamstring, subsequently ruling him out of the T20 World Cup.

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Although his replacement is yet to be named, he is likely to be replaced by all-rounder Dushan Hemantha.

The Islanders’ next group fixture is against Oman on February 12 in Pallekele, before they will take on Australia on Feb 16 at the same venue.

Their last group match will be against Zimbabwe in Colombo (RPS) on February 19.

Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga

Sri Lanka Remaining Fixtures

February 12: v Oman, Pallekele

February 16: v Australia, Pallekele

February 19: v Zimbabwe, Colombo

READ: PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi appoint former pacer as head coach

Peshawar Zalmi have officially named former West Indies all-rounder Ottis Gibson as their head coach for the upcoming season 11 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The franchise made the announcement through a social media post on Tuesday, welcoming Gibson to the “Zalmi Fam.”

“We are proud to appoint the battle-hardened 𝐎𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐆𝐢𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐧 as our 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 for PSL 11,” the franchise posted.

“A proven leader with a champion’s mindset, ready to guide our troops with clarity, strength, and purpose. The Yellow Storm’s journey just got stronger. Welcome aboard, Coach!”

Gibson brings a wealth of international coaching experience to the Yellow Storm.

He led the West Indies as head coach from 2010 to 2014, guiding them to the 2012 T20 World Cup title.

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He has also served as bowling coach for England in two separate stints (2007–2010 and 2015–2017), coached Bangladesh in 2020, and was head coach of South Africa between 2017 and 2019.

As a player, Gibson represented the West Indies in 2 Tests and 15 ODIs.

Ahead of the historic PSL 11 players’ auction on February 11, Peshawar Zalmi had already retained four players.

Babar Azam leads the retentions in the Platinum category with a fee of PKR 70 million, followed by Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond, PKR 44.8 million), Abdul Samad (Gold, PKR 28 million), and Ali Raza (Emerging, PKR 19.6 million).

The franchise had also signed Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz through a direct signing, but the player later pulled out ahead of the season.

READ: Tim Brand brace helps Australia edge Pakistan in FIH Pro League

HOBART: Pakistan men’s hockey team endured another setback in their FIH Pro League 2025-26 campaign, falling 3-2 to Australia at the Tasmania Hockey Centre on Tuesday.

Australia took control early, with Tim Brand scoring in the first quarter to put the hosts ahead. Tim Brand doubled the lead in the second quarter, giving Australia a 2-0 advantage as they dominated the opening half of the match.

Pakistan mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter, with Ahmad Nadeem and Sufyan Khan netting goals within five minutes to level the scores at 2-2, raising hopes of a draw.

However, Australia clinched the victory in dramatic fashion when Blake Govers converted a penalty stroke in the dying moments, sealing a 3-2 win.

The defeat leaves the Pakistan hockey team winless in the tournament so far.

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Pakistan will look to regroup as they face Germany on February 11, before taking on Australia again on February 13 and Germany once more on February 14.

For the unversed, before arriving in Australia, the side had suffered four consecutive losses during the Argentina leg, including defeats against hosts Argentina and the Netherlands.

Their campaign began with a 5-2 loss to the defending champions, the Netherlands, followed by a narrow 3-2 defeat to Argentina and a 7-3 loss in a high-scoring rematch against the Dutch.

In their final game of the first leg, Pakistan suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina.

READ: All-rounder Bas de Leede guides Netherlands to first T20 World Cup 2026 win