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Kane Williamson will continue his pursuit of 10,000 Test runs after being named Thursday in New Zealand’s squad to play Ireland and England in May and June.

The squad features a shock omission from the England leg of the tour, Will Young left out in favour of Henry Nicholls.

The 19-man squad will play a one-off Test against Ireland starting May 27 in Belfast before a three-Test series against England starting June 4.

Williamson has 9,461 runs at an average of 54.7 in 108 Test matches, and said in December he was considering retirement.

“As you get to the latter stages (of your career) those thoughts certainly enter your mind,” said Williamson, who added his future commitment to the Black Caps would be “series by series”.

As it turns out the 35-year-old has committed to New Zealand’s next four Tests, while New Zealand will also play India at home and Australia away later in the year.

Young’s omission for the England Tests comes as a shock given he’d been the long-standing preferred back-up to New Zealand’s batting group.

With limited opportunities, Young had four 50-plus scores in his last nine Test innings, including 74 opening the batting against a fiery spell from fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani on a lively pitch against Zimbabwe.

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Nicholls, who had earned a recall after 18 months in the international wilderness, came in the next day on a then-placid pitch and scored 150 not out, but having barely faced Zimbabwe’s best bowler.

Young is part of the squad for the Ireland Test but will head home at its conclusion.

Black Caps coach Rob Walter named two potential debutants in seamer Kristian Clarke and spin-bowling all-rounder Dean Foxcroft.

“To be able to test ourselves against some of the very best Test teams in the world is an exciting challenge and with the added carrot of the fourth edition of the World Test Championship,” Walter said.

“I know it’s something the players and staff alike have been looking forward to for some time and we’re determined to meet the opportunity head on.”

New Zealand are bolstered by the return of Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke, while Jacob Duffy will sit out the tour as he awaits the birth of his child.

All-rounder Michael Bracewell said he will no longer play Test cricket, instead focusing on limited-overs formats.

New Zealand Squad

Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Kristian Clarke (IRE only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (IRE only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (IRE only).

READ: PCB confirms schedule for Australia ODI tour of Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday the schedule for the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, set to begin on May 30. 

The 2023 World Cup winners will touch down in Islamabad on 23 May ahead of the first ODI, which will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The last two matches of the series are scheduled at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on June 2 and 4. All three ODIs will start at 4:30pm local time, with the toss at 4pm.

“Australia will arrive in Islamabad on 23 May and take on the hosts in the first ODI scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 30 May,” the board said in a press release statement.

“The second and third ODIs of the series between both sides will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 2 and 4 June, respectively,” it added.

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After completing the tour, Australia will head to Bangladesh for a three-match ODI and T20 series.

For the unversed, it will be Australia’s first bilateral ODI series in Pakistan since March-April 2022. The series is continuation of Australia’s tour of Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in January and February, where Pakistan completed a 3-0 clean sweep over them.

Australia also visited Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, registering a five-wicket win over England at the same venue on 22 February.

Pakistan-Australia Series schedule

23 May – Australia arrive in Islamabad
30 May – First ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
2 June – Second ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
4 June – Third ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Sri Lanka confirm participation in Pakistan ODI tri-series

LAHORE: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have reportedly confirmed their participation in the proposed tri-nation ODI series in Pakistan that will also feature England, sources revealed on Wednesday.

According to sources, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had already agreed in principle earlier to take part in the series, which is being planned for the October-November window.

With Sri Lanka’s confirmation now in place, the structure of the tri-series is expected to be formally locked in, with scheduling discussions entering their final phase. Sources added that the detailed fixtures for the ODI tri-series will be announced shortly once logistical arrangements are completed.

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Ahead of the ODI tri-series, Sri Lanka are also scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-match T20 International series. As per the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), the Sri Lankan side are also expected to play a two-match Test series in Pakistan as part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

For the unversed, Pakistan featured in two T20I tri-nation series last year, one involving UAE and Afghanistan, and another on home soil featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Pakistan went on to win both events, first defeating Afghanistan in the final in August 2025 in the UAE, and later overcoming Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi in November to lift the trophy.

READ: Babar Azam, Shan Masood register gains in ICC Test rankings

Champions League elimination of Atletico Madrid, at the hands of Arsenal, condemned Diego Simeone’s side to a fifth straight season without silverware, inevitably raising questions over the Argentine coach’s future.

Asked if he had the strength to continue after Tuesday’s defeat in London, Simeone’s answer was an unusual one.

“Not now, definitely not now,” Simeone said, leaving doubts over his intentions this summer.

There have been similar queries put to Simeone over the years, 14-and-a-half of them, since he took over at the helm of the Rojiblancos.

Usually they have surfaced in moments like these, painful knock-outs, that Atletico have suffered repeatedly. None hurt more than the two final defeats by rivals Real Madrid in 2014 and 2016.

Simeone almost walked away after the second of those, on penalties at the San Siro, admitting it would be difficult to lift the players mentally after such a crushing blow.

Those matches came in the early years of Simeone’s reign, Atletico’s best period. The seasons since have largely been frustrating, despite landing La Liga in 2021, even though the task of competing with Spain’s two giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, is a difficult one.

“We’ve grown enormously in every aspect, we’re a club recognised in Europe and the world,” said Simeone, after the 1-0 loss at the Emirates, resulting in a 2-1 aggregate defeat. “But the fans want to win. Getting to a semi-final isn’t enough.”

Since that title triumph half a decade ago, Atletico Madrid have been waiting for silverware while wrangling with their own identity.

Diego Simeone, who still has a reputation as an ultra-conservative coach, has pointed out many times this season that his Atletico team attacks better than it defends.

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Not well enough to break down Mikel Arteta’s rock-solid Arsenal, but Atletico have improved in that regard, and Simeone has evolved too, seeking a more expansive style without sacrificing the intensity that defined his best years.

Although the ever-lengthening time since they won a trophy adds pressure, increases speculation and murmuring among supporters who adore Simeone but cannot help but wonder if another coach could get more out of the team, there have been signs of improvement.

Atletico got to the Copa del Rey final, for the first time since they won it with Simeone in 2013, although they were beaten on penalties by Real Sociedad in April.

Simeone’s son, Giuliano, is showing promise, Ademola Lookman has hit the ground running after arriving in January, and defender Marc Pubill has shone under Simeone to the extent he might be called into Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Although they fell short in Europe, the run to the semi-finals will leave some fond memories for fans, especially defeating Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

It allowed veterans Antoine Griezmann, departing for MLS side Orlando City, and Koke, whose future is also uncertain, a possible last chance to shine on the biggest stage in club football.

“I hope our fans give Antoine the backing he’s earned in these last few matches,” said Simeone. “Koke was incredible, a masterclass in how to play football at his age.”

Replacing Griezmann is a huge task for the club this summer, which, if they get it right, can propel the team on to the success they crave. Get it wrong, as with Joao Felix’s ill-fated 126 million euro ($148 million) move in 2019, and Atletico’s drought will go on.

Whether Simeone will oversee the project is yet to be definitively answered, but every time there have been doubts over the past decade and a half, he has always chosen to stay.

READ: Shaheen Afridi targets WTC final as Pakistan gear up for Bangladesh Tests

The sun was blazing as the Karachi Kings squad went through its preparations ahead of the Pakistan Super League’s 10th season in Karachi. Near the boundary that separates the media from the players, a tall, strapping youngster approached me. He seemed certain I could help him get a step closer to the action.

With quiet confidence, he introduced himself and spoke from the heart.

“I want to bowl to David Warner and others in the nets,” Rizwanullah said, with the conviction of a genuine fast bowler. “I have come from far-flung Landhi and want to make a name for myself in cricket.”

I reached out through my contacts and returned to the young net bowler with good news—his wish would be granted the very next day. True to his word, he arrived early, long before others, and spent the day doing exactly what he had dreamed of. What stood out immediately was his determination—and the raw pace he generated.

By the end of the season, Rizwanullah had already caught the attention of Karachi Kings’ assistant coach Masroor Ahmed, whose sharp eye for talent had once again delivered. During the off-season, Masroor invited him to train across various venues, working on his lengths, speed, and variations.

When the PSL auction came around in February, Rizwanullah’s name appeared on the list—and he was picked by Karachi Kings as an emerging player. His journey, from net bowler to franchise cricketer, remains one of the most inspiring pathways in modern cricket.

Such transitions demand resilience, discipline, and the ability to seize opportunities when they arrive.

Cricket history offers several examples. West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph famously impressed Australian coach Justin Langer during a net session in the Caribbean. India’s T Natarajan is another modern-day story of rise—from obscurity to international recognition through sheer persistence.

Karachi Kings, too, have previously unearthed talent such as Mushtaq Kalhoro and Fawad Ali. So when Rizwanullah was promoted to the main squad, there was both excitement and expectation.

Masroor Ahmed himself was optimistic.

“I watched him in a local match and was impressed by his pace and control. I invited him to Karachi Kings’ training sessions and worked on refining his strengths and weaknesses,” he said.

Before his PSL induction, Rizwanullah had made his T20 debut for Karachi Whites in the National T20 2026, though he managed just one wicket in two matches. In his debut outing, he bowled a solitary over, conceding just six runs.

Soon after his elevation, Rizwanullah expressed his joy at joining the Karachi Kings setup for PSL 11.

“Everyone was very welcoming. They gave me the kind of support a young player needs. I knew I would get a chance, so I stayed ready and waited with full focus,” he said.

His opportunity finally came in Lahore against the Qalandars, where he was handed his Karachi Kings debut cap. Nerves did not seem to trouble him. Although his three overs went for 41 runs, he picked up a key wicket—Abdullah Shafique—in a five-wicket victory for his side.

Showing quick learning and composure, he bounced back strongly in his second outing, returning figures of 2 for 28 against Quetta Gladiators, dismissing in-form batters Saud Shakeel and Hasan Nawaz.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” Rizwanullah said. “The first experience has been a positive one. I will work even harder so that in the next PSL I can get more chances and take more wickets. My aim is to play a leading role in helping my team win the trophy, In Shaa Allah.”

READ: Shaheen Afridi targets WTC final as Pakistan gear up for Bangladesh Tests

MIRPUR: Star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has set his sights firmly on guiding Pakistan towards the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, stressing that consistency across a demanding Test calendar will be key to achieving that goal.

Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, the left-arm pacer stressed the importance of consistency, preparation, and adaptability in what he described as a long and challenging Test cycle.

“We are looking forward to the challenge of the Test series. Tests are very important for us, and this is a long Test season for us, perhaps for the first time like this. We are fully prepared and ready to give our best,” Afridi said.

Pakistan are set to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, with the first Test scheduled at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 8 to 12, followed by the second in Sylhet from May 16 to 20.

Shaheen acknowledged that home conditions naturally provide an advantage to hosting teams, but emphasised that execution and preparation remain the real deciding factors in Test cricket.

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“We hope the conditions will be good for us and we will play excellent cricket. Every team is strong in its home conditions, but what matters most is how well you prepare and execute,” he added.

He also underlined Pakistan’s broader ambitions in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, making it clear that the team’s focus extends beyond individual series.

“We are not only focused on this Test series but also on the ICC World Test Championship. Our target is to reach the final, and for that we must play our best cricket consistently,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the upcoming series against Bangladesh, Afridi noted the challenge posed by spin-friendly conditions but insisted Pakistan are well prepared for all scenarios.

“Bangladesh have previously done well on spin-friendly tracks, and every team uses home advantage. We have prepared accordingly, both for spin conditions and for a green wicket, and we are ready for every challenge,” he said.

READ: Ahmedabad to host IPL 2026 final after Bengaluru switch

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final will be held in Ahmedabad on May 31, instead of Bengaluru as originally planned, the country’s cricket board announced on Wednesday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that the venue was shifted due to “certain requirements” from local authorities and the state association.

“Owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been shifted and reassigned,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Bengaluru was cleared to host five games this IPL season despite a stampede last year outside its main cricket stadium that killed 11 young fans.

Qualifier 1, featuring the top two teams in the standings, will be played on May 26 at Dharamsala, with a direct berth in the final at stake.

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Chandigarh will host the Eliminator on May 27 between the third and fourth-placed teams. The same venue will also stage Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the loser of Qualifier 1 will face the winner of the Eliminator to determine the second finalist.

“Owing to certain operational and logistical considerations, the IPL 2026 Playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case,” the statement said.

The title clash will be held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium, with a capacity of 130,000.

The IPL, the world’s richest cricket league, attracts leading international players and is broadcast globally, with several franchises backed by Bollywood stars.

It is also a top revenue earner for the BCCI and was estimated in 2020 to generate more than $11 billion a year for the Indian economy.

READ: Babar Azam, Shan Masood register gains in ICC Test rankings

DUBAI: Pakistan batters Babar Azam and Shan Masood were among the notable movers in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings released on Wednesday.

Among Pakistan’s batters, Saud Shakeel continues to lead the way, retaining ninth position with 734 rating points. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan also held his ground, remaining 21st with 664 points.

Babar climbed one place to 22nd with 656 points, while Pakistan captain Shan made a more notable jump, moving up two spots to 42nd with 576 points. In contrast, Salman Ali Agha slipped one position to 28th in the updated list.

Further down the rankings, Imam-ul-Haq held on to 51st place, while Abdullah Shafique dropped to 57th. Kamran Ghulam remained at 85th in the latest update.

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At the top of the batting rankings, Joe Root retained the number one position, followed by Harry Brook in second, while Australia’s Travis Head moved up to third.

In the bowling charts, Shaheen Shah Afridi is Pakistan’s highest-ranked pacer, placed 24th with 632 points. Both Mohammad Abbas and Sajid Khan dropped one spot each to 29th and 30th, respectively.

Hasan Ali registered a slight improvement, moving up to 43rd, while Abrar Ahmed slipped to 51st. Khurram Shahzad retained his 70th position, whereas Asif Afridi dropped to 96th.

India’s Jasprit Bumrah continues to lead the Test bowling rankings, with Pakistan spinner Noman Ali holding second place, while Australia’s Mitchell Starc slipped to third in the latest update.

READ: BCB makes ‘special announcement’ for Pakistan-Bangladesh series

KARACHI: Najiha Alvi drew widespread praise from the team management after her record-breaking innings powered Pakistan women’s team to a dominant win over Zimbabwe earlier this week, with the wicketkeeper-batter also being awarded the ‘Star of the Match’ for her efforts.

Alvi’s explosive knock came in Monday’s ODI against Zimbabwe at the National Bank Stadium, where she smashed an unbeaten 56 off just 30 deliveries.

Her innings included eight fours and a six and saw her register the fastest half-century in Pakistan Women’s ODI history, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls.

The team management acknowledged her performance as a standout moment, with mentor Wahab Riaz particularly appreciating the aggressive intent shown by the batter in the closing stages of the innings.

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Pakistan had posted a formidable 330 for five in their allotted 50 overs, the highest women’s ODI total at the venue, before completing a comprehensive 168-run victory.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 162 in 36.4 overs despite fighting contributions from Beloved Biza (53) and Kelis Ndhlovu (31), as Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout the chase.

Fatima Sana, Tasmia Rubab and Syeda Aroob Shah claimed two wickets each.

Meanwhile, the match also marked a significant milestone for Momina Riasat, who made her ODI debut. The management extended their congratulations and best wishes to the youngster for her future.

READ: ICC releases latest Men’s T20I team rankings

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Tuesday defended World Cup 2026 ticket prices, insisting that football’s global governing body was obliged to take advantage of US laws that allow tickets to be resold for thousands of dollars above face value.

FIFA has faced searing criticism over the cost of World Cup tickets, with fan organisation Football Supporters Europe (FSE) branding the pricing structure “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal”.

FSE filed a lawsuit with the European Commission in March targeting FIFA over “excessive ticket prices” for the tournament.

FIFA’s own World Cup resale website, FIFA Marketplace, last week advertised four tickets to the July 19 final in New York at a cost of more than $2 million each.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino said the eye-watering prices reflected demand to watch the World Cup.

“If some people put on the resale market, some tickets for the final at $2 million, number one, it doesn’t mean that the tickets cost $2 million,” Infantino said.

“And number two, it doesn’t mean that somebody will buy these tickets,” Infantino said. “And if somebody buys a ticket for the final for $2 million, I will personally bring him a hot dog and a Coke to make sure that he has a great experience.”

Fan groups have contrasted the difference in price of tickets for this summer with the Qatar World Cup in 2022.

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The most expensive ticket for the final in 2022 was around $1,600 at face value, while in 2026, the most expensive ticket for the final is about $11,000 at its original price.

Gianni Infantino was adamant that the steep increase in face-value prices were justified.

“We have to look at the market, we are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world. So we have to apply market rates,” Infantino said.

“In the USA, it is permitted to resell tickets as well. So if you were to sell tickets at a price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price.

“And as a matter of fact, even though some people are saying that the ticket prices we have are high, they still end up on the resale market at an even higher price, more than double our price.”

Infantino said that FIFA received in excess of 500 million ticket requests for 2026, compared with fewer than 50 million combined for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The FIFA leader added that 25 percent of tickets for the group phase were priced at under $300.

“You cannot go to watch a college game in the US, not even speaking about a top professional game of a certain level, for less than $300,” Infantino said. “And this is the World Cup.”

READ: Arsenal beat Atletico to reach Champions League final after 20 years