Category: Top News

LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan on Monday expressed confidence ahead of the T20I series against Australia and T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

The national team is currently involved in a training camp ahead of three match T20I series against Australia.

Speaking after scenario based practice match, Shadab said he welcomes praise when he performs well but is aware of the criticism he often faces.

“When you do well, you get praise. I know there’s a lot of criticism directed at mem but I focus on my game,” Shadab told reporters.

Talking about conditions in Sri Lanka, he noted that the weather keeps changing but expressed confidence in the team’s approach while praising ace batter Babar Azam.

“Wherever we play, we aim to play good cricket.” “Babar Azam is our biggest player. I have seen him grow into the player he is today,” he added.

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“I am a bowler who can also contribute with the bat. There’s been talk that I focus too much on batting, but I balance both aspects of my game,” Shadab explained.

He admitted he had been away from cricket for some time but is now back and ready to contribute.

“Modern cricket demands that you adopt new strategies and adapt accordingly,” he said.

On conditions in Sri Lanka ahead of the T20 World Cup, he predicted that putting up a big score on the board will be a challenge.

“Big scores will be difficult to come by.”

“The upcoming series against Australia is the best preparation for the World Cup. Our spinners performed well in the Asia Cup, and I hope they continue to perform in the World Cup as well,” he concluded.

For those unaware, Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, 28 January and will play just their second series in the format on Pakistan soil after a solitary T20I in April 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan squad for Australia series

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq

READ: West Indies reveal T20 World Cup 2026 squad

ANTIGUA: Cricket West Indies have named a strong 15 member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, slated to begin on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

Shai Hope, who missed out on Afghanistan series due to SA20, will lead the 2016 and 2012 edition winners in the mega event with plenty of names to look out for.

With 11 players from the previous edition in 2024, the squad carries considerable depth.

The batting lineup will be bolstered by Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles and Shai Hope whereas the all-round department features former captain Jason Holder and Sherfane Rutherford.

Shamar Joseph will lead the bowling attack alongside Jayden Seales and Quentin Sampson. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie will provide support to the fast bowlers with their spin bowling.

Among the notable exclusions are opener Evin Lewis and pacer Alzarri Joseph who were unable to recover from their injuries.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup, West Indies will play five T20Is against South Africa, which will begin tomorrow at Paarl.

It is worth mentioning that West Indies second string side suffered a 2-1 defeat in their recent T20I series against Afghanistan, which was held in the UAE, while most of their experienced players were engaged in SA20.

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West Indies are slotted in Group C alongside England, Nepal, Scotland and Italy.

They will begin their campaign on 7 February against Scotland at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Their second match will be against England on 11 Feb at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

The West Indies will play  their last matches against Nepal and Italy on 15 and 19 Feb at Eden Gardens and Wankhede Stadium respectively.

West Indies squad

Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

READ: Pakistan considering boycott of T20 World Cup clash against India: sources

Former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has suggested that Pakistan should participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to commence on 7 February across India and Sri Lanka.

Hafeez opined on the decision in ‘X’ post amid the uncertainty regarding the team’s partcipation in the mega event.

“Pakistan should participate in World Cup 2026. @TheRealPCB,” former captain wrote.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for replacing Bangladesh with Scotland at the T20 World Cup 2026, calling the decision unfair and inconsistent.

Afridi voiced his disappointment through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, questioning the ICC’s approach and accusing the governing body of applying double standards.

“As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by today’s ICC’s inconsistency,” Afridi wrote.

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Meanwhile PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has provided a timeline regarding the decision to play in the forthcoming event.

Naqvi took to his X handle, revealing the details regarding the decision following a ‘producitve meeting’ with the PM Shehbaz Sharif.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” he wrote.

The whole development comes in the wake of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns.

The ICC on Saturday confirmed Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns.

Despite several rounds of discussions, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, eventually opting to replace them with Scotland.

For the unversed, The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February, with Pakistan originally set to open their campaign against the Netherlands.

READ: Pakistan considering boycott of T20 World Cup clash against India: sources

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering boycotting its high-profile group-stage match against arch-rivals India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources revealed on Monday.

The development comes in the wake of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland after the former refused to travel to India for the tournament, citing security concerns.

The ICC’s stance has triggered unease within the PCB, which has publicly backed Bangladesh during the dispute.

Speculation about Pakistan’s participation intensified after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Saturday that the final call will be made by the federal government.

According to insiders, the PCB is currently evaluating multiple protest options and intends to keep all avenues open, even if Pakistan ultimately take part in the tournament.

One of the scenarios under discussion is skipping the marquee clash against India. This move would cost Pakistan just two points in the group stage but could result in significant commercial and broadcast losses for the ICC.

Sources further revealed that Naqvi is scheduled to meet the national squad later today.

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The PCB chairman is expected to brief the players on the evolving situation, discuss team strategy and outline broader plans in light of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the tournament.

Naqvi has previously made it clear that the PCB will adhere strictly to the government’s instructions, even if that results in Pakistan withdrawing from the event.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February, with Pakistan originally set to open their campaign against the Netherlands.

Pakistan are drawn in Group A alongside India, the Netherlands, the USA and Namibia, with all of their group matches to be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model.

Pakistan are due to face the USA on 10 February, followed by the much-anticipated clash against India on 15 February, before concluding the group stage against Namibia on 18 February.

If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals and final, both matches are slated to be played in Colombo. Otherwise, the knockout fixtures will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

READ: Shahid Afridi slams ICC’s decision to replace Bangladesh at T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for replacing Bangladesh with Scotland at the T20 World Cup 2026, calling the decision unfair and inconsistent.

The ICC on Saturday confirmed Bangladesh’s removal from the tournament after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns.

Despite several rounds of discussions, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to shift their matches to Sri Lanka, eventually opting to replace them with Scotland.

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Afridi voiced his disappointment through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, questioning the ICC’s approach and accusing the governing body of applying double standards.

“As a former international cricketer who has played in Bangladesh and in ICC events, I’m deeply disappointed by today’s ICC’s inconsistency,” Afridi wrote.

The former all-rounder drew a comparison with the ICC’s stance on India’s decision not to tour Pakistan in 2025, arguing that Bangladesh deserved similar consideration.

“It accepted India’s security concerns for not touring Pakistan in 2025, yet appears unwilling to apply the same understanding to Bangladesh,” Afridi added. “Consistency and fairness are the foundation of global cricket governance.”

Shahid Afridi further stressed that the decision goes beyond administrative matters and directly affects players and supporters.

“Bangladesh’s players and millions of its fans deserve respect – not mixed standards. The ICC should build bridges, not burn them,” he concluded.

READ: Pakistan could face major penalties over T20 World Cup boycott: report

Manchester United dealt a blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title charge as Matheus Cunha’s superb strike clinched a thrilling 3-2 win over the leaders on Sunday.

Lisandro Martinez’s own goal put Arsenal ahead at the Emirates Stadium, but Bryan Mbeumo equalised before half-time.

Patrick Dorgu’s brilliant blast gave United the lead after the interval, until Mikel Merino’s late leveller looked to have rescued a point for Arsenal.

In a dramatic finish, Brazilian forward Cunha bagged the winner with an eye-catching drive three minutes from full-time.

It was Arsenal’s first defeat in 13 games in all competitions since losing at Aston Villa in December.

The Gunners lost at home for the first time in 18 matches in all competitions since losing to Bournemouth in May.

Arsenal are now just four points above second-placed Manchester City and third-placed Aston Villa, who both closed the gap with wins against Wolves and Newcastle, respectively, this weekend.

City boss Pep Guardiola this week called Arsenal the “best team in the world”, but Arsenal’s three-game winless run in the league has breathed new life into the title race.

Arsenal still control their destiny, but goalless draws against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest had sparked concerns from their anxious fan base, and this was another alarming result for boss Mikel Arteta.

Arteta has not lifted a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, and Arsenal, who have not won the title in 22 years, face a test of their nerve in the coming weeks after blowing significant leads at the top in previous title races.

United’s first win at the Emirates Stadium since December 2017 continued Michael Carrick’s impressive start to his interim reign.

Former Middlesbrough boss Carrick, hired to temporarily replace the sacked Ruben Amorim, started his tenure with a surprise 2-0 win against Manchester City last weekend.

He has already masterminded victories over the top two to lift United into fourth after Amorim’s turbulent spell in charge.

Arsenal’s relentless early pressure was rewarded in the 29th minute.

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It was a shambolic goal for United to concede, starting with Dorgu’s failure to head clear from Piero Hincapie’s cross.

Bukayo Saka pounced and clipped his cross towards Martin Odegaard, and although the Arsenal captain miscued his shot, Martinez made a hash of clearing under pressure from Jurrien Timber, and the ball bounced in off the United defender’s heel.

Arsenal had not allowed a shot on target in their previous two league games.

Yet if Arsenal’s opener had come gift-wrapped by United, the Gunners returned the favour with an even more careless blunder in the 37th minute.

Zubimendi’s woefully under-hit back pass was seized on by Mbeumo, who glided around Arsenal keeper David Raya to fire home.

Mbeumo’s ninth goal in all competitions since arriving from Brentford maintained the Cameroon forward’s gradual improvement in his first season with United.

Arsenal had completely lost their momentum, and Carrick’s men took full advantage five minutes after the interval.

Bruno Fernandes picked out Dorgu, and he took a touch before lashing into the top corner from 20 yards.

Arsenal appealed for a handball against Dorgu, but VAR allowed the goal to stand as a worried silence descended on the Emirates Stadium.

The 21-year-old’s second goal in successive games vindicated Carrick’s decision to move him from defence into a more attacking role.

To their credit, Arsenal refused to surrender, and they snatched an equaliser in the 84th minute.

Once again, it was an Arsenal set-piece that did the damage as Lammens failed to catch Saka’s corner and Merino bundled home from close-range.

However, there was a sting in the tale for Arsenal in the 87th minute.

Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo teed up Cunha for a superb strike that flashed past Raya from 25 yards.

READ: Lamine Yamal nets stunner as Barcelona reclaim top spot

Barcelona reclaimed top spot in La Liga with a 3-0 win over Real Oviedo on Sunday, thanks to goals from Dani Olmo, Raphinha and an acrobatic Lamine Yamal effort.

After Real Madrid beat Villarreal on Saturday to take pole position overnight, the Catalans edged a point ahead again.

Although Oviedo are bottom of the table with just two victories all season, Barca had to scrap for their victory as the visitors worked hard defensively to keep Hansi Flick’s team at bay until the second half.

Eventually, the hosts’ quality shone at the partially reopened Camp Nou, and after Olmo opened the scoring, Barcelona never looked back.

The pick of the goals was Yamal’s strike, an impressive volley from Olmo’s cross to secure Barca’s triumph.

“I know we didn’t play on our highest level in the first half… but the team has done a fantastic job in the last few weeks, months,” Flick told DAZN.

The coach praised Yamal for his hard work in terms of pressing and also hailed his fine strike.

“It was great… I’m happy that he scored such a (good) goal, and the third goal for us was really important,” added Flick.

Barcelona struggled to make inroads in a dry first half, and their passing was unusually imprecise.

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Injured midfield maestro Pedri Gonzalez watched on from the stands with an unimpressed expression.

Real Oviedo sought to attack on the counter, and Haissem Hassan drew a save from Joan Garcia from a long distance.

At the other end, Aaron Escandell made a fine stop at his near post to thwart Raphinha before half-time.

Barca came out with renewed energy for the second half and soon took the lead.

After Yamal and Raphinha pressed in the box, the ball broke loose to Olmo, who steered home.

Oviedo gave away a poor second goal after 57 minutes, with Raphinha running on to an undercooked back-pass from David Costas and lofting the ball over Escandell.

Barcelona’s third was expertly taken by Yamal, as Olmo’s cross was falling behind him, he produced an eye-catching sideways scissor-kick to wrap up the victory.

A huge downpour hit the stadium, sending fans scurrying as there is no roof yet, and those who remained saw Escandell deny Robert Lewandowski a potential fourth with a fine save.

“I think we were not at our best in the first half, (but) in the second we could score the goals, and that is the most important thing,” said Raphinha.

READ: Australian Open: Anisimova silences Chinese fans to set up Pegula showdown

Amanda Anisimova swept past China’s unseeded Wang Xinyu into the Australian Open quarter-finals on Monday and set up a showdown with fellow American Jessica Pegula.

The fourth seed, who contested two Grand Slam finals last year, kept her cool as temperatures soared to down Wang 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 on John Cain Arena.

She will play Pegula for a place in her first Melbourne Park semi-final after the 31-year-old disposed of defending champion Madison Keys in straight sets.

Anisimova and Pegula have met three times before, with the sixth seed winning them all.

“I’m feeling great. I mean, what a battle out there today. Tough conditions again, against a really good opponent. I’ve never played her before, she’s playing some great tennis,” said Anisimova.

“There were a lot of fans from China today, but honestly, it made the atmosphere so great. I don’t find it disrespectful at all.

“They’re just very loud, so they make the energy really fun.”

Anisimova enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, reaching finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, losing to Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, respectively.

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Should she get past Pegula, Swiatek is a potential last-four opponent.

There was little to split her and Wang in the early stages, staying on serve until the 24-year-old American finally worked the first break point at 3-2.

But Wang saved and served out to keep it level-pegging.

Anisimova was slowly gaining the ascendancy, and after a hold to love, she made her move as Wang was serving to stay alive, earning a set point.

But again, the Chinese player snuffed out the threat to take it to a tight tiebreak, where Anisimova muscled her way through with some searing groundstrokes.

Neither player dropped serve in set one, but there were three breaks to start the next set, with Anisimova snaring two of them before Wang had a medical timeout.

Wang seemingly gestured towards her groin when she called the physio and returned with heavy strapping on her upper right leg.

Despite showing no obvious discomfort, she couldn’t find a way to claw back into the contest, and Anisimova calmly completed the job with an ace.

READ: Senegal goal hero calls AFCON final walk-off ‘a mistake’

Senegal’s Pape Gueye opened up about his team’s walk off at the Africa Cup of Nations final and Morocco’s subsequent missed penalty in an interview on French television on Sunday.

Gueye scored the winning goal In AFCON final as Senegal edged Morocco 1-0 in extra time in a controversial game in Rabat last week.

Morocco were awarded a late penalty sparking a walk-off from the eventual winners, leading to a 20-minute delay.

When Senegal came back Brahim Diaz fluffed his penalty, while Gueye scored the winner in extra-time.

“We are only human, we realised our mistake and came back out,” said the 26-year-old midfielder Gueye.

“Anyone can make a mistake,” he added.

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Gueye praised former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, who remained on the pitch and urged his team-mates to return to the game for the penalty.

Senegal were already furious at having a goal disallowed for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier

“He found the right thing to say at the right moment and it shows just how important he is to us,” he said.

“We owe him a big thank you.”

Gueye also expressed surprise that Diaz dared attempt a panenka penalty that went badly wrong.

“It was daring and I would not have risked that myself,” he said.

The Moroccan Football Federation has formally referred the walkout and supporters’ behaviour to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which organises AFCON, and FIFA.

READ: U19 World Cup: Australia ease past South Africa to stay unbeaten

WINDHOEK: Dominant Australia sealed another win at the U19 World Cup as Charles Lachmund and Steven Hogan starred against South Africa, leading their side to a six wicket win here at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Put into bat first, South Africa were skittled for mere 118 in just 32.1 overs.

The Proteas were put into early trouble as opener Armaan Manack was trapped lbw for duck on the second ball of the first over.

After an early wicket, skipper Muhammed Bulbulia joined hands with Jorich Van Schalkwyk and added 27 for the second wicket partnership.

The stand was broken in the fifth over as Bulbulia was cleaned after scoring 19. The wicket triggered a mini collapse as both Jason Rowles and Daniel Bosman, were dismissed cheaply.

As a result, South Africa were 37-4 in 10 overs.

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The slide was briefly halted as Paul James and Jorich Van Schalkwyk put on a 30 run partnership. However, a total misunderstanding ended in Van Schalkwyk’s run out. He made 26 from 55 balls with the aid of three fours.

Following his wicket, South Africa innings quickly unraveled as Australia bowlers dominated the proceedings.

Paul James remained the top-scorer for South Africa with 34 to his name with the help of a four and a six.

For Australia, Charles Lachmund led the bowling attack with a three wicket haul to his name.

In reply, Australia reached the target without any major hiccups in 32.5 overs, losing four wickets.

South Africa snared an early wicket in the second over as Will Malajczuk  departed for four. Yet, Australia cruised in pursuit with a string of partnerships.

Steven Hogan remained the highest scorer for them as he managed 43 from 73 deliveries, striking five boundaries in the process.

For South Africa, JJ Basson shined with ball as he took three wickets in his quota of 10 overs.

With this win, Australia remained undefeated, winning three out of three games.

READ: PSL 11 auction: All you need to know about players, base prices and team purse