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SYLHET: Moeen Ali’s all-round brilliance and Salman Irshad’s three-wicket haul powered Sylhet Titans to a 20-run victory over Dhaka Capitals in the 18th match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 here at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Set 181, Capitals fell short, ending on 160-8 after their 20 overs despite a strong start.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdullah Al Mamun added 56 in 5.5 overs before quick wickets jolted their chase.

Mamun made 24 from 11 with the help of five fours.

Titans bowlers made a comeback with the wickets of Nasir Hossain and Shamim Hossain, both dismissed for three and one run respectively.

As a result, Dhaka Capitals were reduced to 67-3 in 8.5 overs.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

But it was Gurbaz who held firm and kept the scoreboard ticking. The right-hander stitched a 37-run stand with Saif Hassan to put the chase back on track.

Gurbaz reached his half-century, but Azmatullah Omarzai and Salman Irshad struck in successive overs, which removed both of the set batters.

The opener remained the top scorer with 51 off 44, striking two sixes and three fours, whereas Saif’s 22 off 14 included a boundary and a six.

With the asking rate mounting, Salman Irshad kept chipping with the ball and dented the Capitals’ chase. Consequently, they slumped to 113-6 from 104-3 in 14.3 overs.

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Eventually, Capitals fell short with Sabbir Rahman remaining unbeaten on 25 off 16 with the aid of two sixes.

For Sylhet Titans, Salman Irshad topped the wickets chart with three wickets. Moeen Ali also delivered with the ball, picking up two wickets.

Earlier, put into bat first, Sylhet Titans managed to put `180 for 6 on the board in their allotted 20 overs.

The highlight of Sylhet Titans innings was Moeen Ali’s fireworks late down the order as he hit 28 off just eight deliveries, laced with three sixes and two fours.

Meanwhile, Ariful Islam and Parvez Hossain Emon were the other notable contributors with the bat, scoring 32 and 38 runs, respectively, which helped Titans reach a winning total.

For Dhaka Capitals, Ziaur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers, scalping three wickets.

Earlier in the day, Rajshahi Warriors defeated Noakhali Express by four wickets in the 17th fixture of the BPL.

Warriors chased down 152 run target in the final over, losing six wickets in the process.

Muhammad Waseem starred with the bat, scoring 60 off 35, studded with four sixes and four boundaries.

Mehedi Hasan Rana picked up three wickets for Noakhali Express.

READ: Hyderabad, Sialkot join PSL ahead of landmark season 11

England Test vice-captain Harry Brook has issued a public apology following the late-night altercation with a bouncer during the New Zealand tour.

The incident took place before the third ODI in Wellington, as Brook was denied entry to a nightclub because he was suspected of being too drunk.

The batter was involved in an argument with a bouncer and was not injured by the physical contact.

Brook, who is set lead England in the T20 World Cup 2026, self-reported the incident to the team’s security, and later on, he was fined £30,000 by the English Cricket Board (ECB).

The 26-year-old has now issued a public apology for his behaviour during the New Zealand tour.

“I want to apologise for my actions. I fully accept that my behaviour was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team,” he said in a personal statement.

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“Representing England is the greatest honour of all, which I take seriously, and I am deeply sorry for letting down my team-mates, coaches and supporters. I have reflected on the lessons it has taught me about responsibility, professionalism, and the standards expected of those representing your country.

Meanwhile, the ECB acknowledged the apology and revealed that the incident was dealt with a confidential inquiry process.

“We are aware of this incident and it has been dealt with through a formal and confidential ECB disciplinary process. The player involved has apologised and acknowledged their conduct fell below expectations on this occasion,” the board said.

For the unversed, Australia defeated England in the Sydney Test to seal a 4-1 Ashes series win, extending their record dominance at home since England’s 2011 triumph.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed reacts to inclusion of new teams in PSL

Former Pakistan captain and U19 team manager Sarfaraz Ahmed has hailed the inclusion of two new teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ahead of the landmark 11th season.

Sarfaraz took to his X account and extended congratulations to the new team owners and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“Well done, PCB and PSL, on a successful auction. Congratulations to KingsmenCricket and OZGroupOfficial on their bids,” he wrote.

“Great to see the league expand to 8 teams—welcome Hyderabad and Sialkot. Pakistan Zindabad,” he added.

Earlier today, PSL officially expanded ahead of season 11, with Hyderabad and Sialkot confirmed as the two new franchises following a high-stakes auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

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The two teams will make their debut in PSL season 11, joining the existing six franchises, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, and Multan Sultans.

The official names of the Hyderabad and Sialkot teams will be announced at a later stage.

The auction saw intense competition among qualified bidders, with aggressive bids reflecting the league’s growing commercial value.

The Hyderabad franchise was secured by the FKS Group, owned by Fawad Sarwar, after a successful bid of Rs 1.75 billion.

Later, OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed, clinched the Sialkot franchise with a record-breaking bid of Rs1.85 billion, the highest figure of the auction.

PSL Teams Auction LIVE HERE

As per PSL auction rules, successful bidders were given the option to choose their home cities from a PCB-approved list that included Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.

Hyderabad and Sialkot ultimately emerged as the preferred choices.

With the addition of two new teams, PSL 11 is set to be the biggest edition of the tournament to date. The upcoming season is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3.

READ: Hyderabad, Sialkot join PSL ahead of landmark season 11

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) officially expanded on Thursday ahead of season 11 as Hyderabad and Sialkot were confirmed as the two new franchises following a high-stakes auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre.

The two teams will make their debut in PSL season 11, joining the existing six franchises, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United and Multan Sultans.

The official names of the Hyderabad and Sialkot teams will be announced at a later stage.

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The auction witnessed intense competition among qualified bidders, with aggressive offers reflecting the growing commercial value of the league.

The Hyderabad franchise was secured by the FKS Group, owned by Fawad Sarwar, after a successful bid of Rs 1.75 billion.

Later, OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed, clinched the Sialkot franchise with a record-breaking bid of Rs1.85 billion, the highest figure of the auction.

PSL Teams Auction LIVE HERE

As per PSL auction rules, successful bidders were given the option to choose their home cities from a PCB-approved list that included Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.

Hyderabad and Sialkot ultimately emerged as the preferred choices.

With the addition of two new teams, PSL 11 is set to be the biggest edition of the tournament to date. The upcoming season is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3.

READ: ICC reveals Men’s Player of the Month nominees for December

MELBOURNE: Melbourne Stars skipper Marcus Stoinis did not mince words before trapping Sydney Sixers opener Babar Azam in the 27th match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday.

Sixers chased down a partly target of 129, losing four wickets in the process with 17 balls to spare.

Josh Philippe remained the top scorer with 35 from 25 balls, striking two fours and the same number of sixes.

For Melbourne Stars, Haris Rauf picked up one wicket, whereas Stoinis scalped two wickets in his quota of four overs.

However, their star overseas batter Babar faltered again as he managed to score 14 off 17 balls with the help of a single boundary.

 

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Interestingly, he was trapped lbw by pacer Marcus Stoinis on the third ball of the sixth over.

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The right-arm pacer bowled a full and straight delivery on the stumps as Babar closed the face of the bat early and missed the line and length.

Following the conclusion of the match, Stoinis revealed his words to Babar Azam before getting him trapped on the crease.

“It’s good to know those stump mics are on,” Stoinis said in a light-hearted manner after the match.

Nonetheless, Babar’s struggle continued in BBL 15, as he is yet to make his mark.

The right-hander has so far scored 145 runs in seven matches at an average of 24.16 with the help of two half-centuries.

READ: Ali Tareen reveals reason for not participating in PSL teams auction

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday revealed the men’s player of the month nominees for the month of December 2025, including Australia ace pacer Mitchell Starc.

Besides Starc, West Indies Justin Greaves and New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy are among the shortlisted players.

Starc was inducted into the list on the back of his stellar Ashes series. The left-arm pacer picked up 16 wickets in the month of Dec alongside scoring 139 runs in first three Tests.

The tall left-arm quick was named player of the match in second Ashes Test for taking eight wickets and scoring 77 runs which set up Australia’s win.

Overall, Starc remained instrumental in Australia’s 4-1 success over England as  picked up 31 wickets in five matches and scored 156 runs.

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Meanwhile, Justin Greaves displayed his batting prowess in the Test series against New Zealand, amassing 283 runs at an average of 56.60 in three matches.

The right-hander was at his best during the opening match of the series at Christchurch where he scored an unbeaten 202 in the fourth innings, salvaging a memorable draw for his side.

Apart from batting, he also took five wickets in a time when West Indies needed most.

New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy had a stellar 2025 where he remained BlackCaps leading wicket-taker across formats — 81 wickets, surpassing Richard Hadlee’s record of 79 set in 1985.

He remained the leading wicket taker in the home series agianst the West Indies, scalping 23 wickets at a moutwatering average of 15.43 in three matches.

The 31-year-old was pivotal in New Zealands’ 2-0 series victory, earning him the Player of the Series award.

READ: Ali Tareen reveals reason for not participating in PSL teams auction

ISLAMABAD: In a much-anticipated auction for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), FKS and OZ Developers bought the two new franchise teams for season 11, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre.

06:30 PM – Eighth team name confirmed

OZ Developers owner Hamza Majeed, after buying the eighth team for a record Rs 1.85 billion, confirmed that his franchise will be representing the city of Sialkot.

05:50 PM – Auction for eighth PSL team begins

Base Price for Team 8: PKR 1,700,000,000

• Aim Next Inc. counters PKR 1,710,000,000
• i2c counters PKR 1,720,000,000
• Aim Next Inc. counters PKR 1,730,000,000
• i2c counters PKR 1,750,000,000
• Aim Next Inc. counters PKR 1,760,000,000
• OZ Developers counters PKR 1,780,000,000
• i2c counters PKR 1,800,000,000
• OZ Developers counters PKR 1,810,000,000
• i2c counters PKR 1,820,000,000
• OZ Developers makes the final PKR 1,850,000,000

05:30 PM – Seventh team name confirmed

FKS owner Fawad Sarwar, after buying the seventh team for a record Rs 1.75 billion, confirmed that his franchise will be representing the city of Hyderabad.

05:00 PM – Auction Begins
The PSL franchise auction for the two new teams has officially started. Ten bidders are competing to secure the rights for the latest additions to the league.

Base Price for Team 7: PKR 1,100,000,000

• Inverex Solar Energy counters PKR 1,110,000,000
• Walee counters PKR 1,150,000,000
• Prism Estate & Builders counters PKR 1,170,000,000
• OZ Developers counters PKR 1,190,000,000
• Walee counters PKR 1,230,000,000
• OZ Developers counters PKR 1,250,000,000
• FKS counters PKR 1,400,000,000
• i2c counters PKR 1,420,000,000
• FKS counters PKR 1,540,000,000
• i2c counters PKR 1,550,000,000
• FKS counters PKR 1,680,000,000
• i2c counters PKR 1,700,000,000
• FKS makes final bid PKR 1,750,000,000

Auction Rules

All bids shall be quoted in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).

The minimum incremental bid from the base price announced by PCB shall be PKR 10,000,000 (rupees ten million only).

No bid increase of less than the minimum incremental bid shall be accepted.

Bidders may choose to make a bid in excess of the minimum incremental bid. No limit.

Each bidder shall have the right to exercise one (1) strategic timeout of up to five (5) minutes, only once during each round of the auction.

During this strategic timeout, bidders may consult with their representatives before deciding their future course of action in the auction, but shall not be permitted to communicate with other bidders.

A bidding round shall be declared closed when the highest incremental bid in excess of the base price is not surpassed by any other bidder despite a final call by the auctioneer.

Upon closure of the bidding round, the highest valid bid in excess of the base price shall be provisionally declared the winning bid.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday confirmed a list of 10 qualified bidders who will vie for the rights to own the latest additions to the marquee league, promising an intense and closely watched bidding battle.

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The qualified bidders are:

Aim Next inc – Mr. Umar Mushtaq and Mr. Ali Mushtaq

Deharki Sugar Mills – Mr. Makhdoom Syed Ali Mahmud

FKS – Mr. Fawad Sarwar

Inverex – Mr. Muhammad Zakir Ali

i2c – Mr. Amir Wain

Jazz – Mr. Amir Ibrahim

OZ Developers – Mr. Hamza Majeed

Prism Developers – CEO Mr. Masood Alvi

VGO TEL – Mr. Naveed Gaba

Walee Technologies – Mr. Ahsan Tahir

Successful bidders will also be granted the right to select a home city from a PCB-approved list, which includes Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.

READ: Ali Tareen reveals reason for not participating in PSL teams auction

Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has opened up about his decision to sit out the auction for two new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises ahead of season 11, which is scheduled to take place today at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

Tareen, whose group was notably absent from the list of 10 qualified bidders, took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify the move, emphasizing the emotional connection his family shared with the Multan Sultans franchise.

“After careful consideration, my family and I have decided not to participate in today’s PSL franchise auction,” Tareen wrote.

“Our time with Multan Sultans was never just about owning a cricket team. It was about South Punjab. About giving a voice to a region that had been overlooked for too long. That’s what drove everything we built.”

He further stressed that any potential return to the PSL would have to honor the same purpose.

“If I come back to PSL, it has to be for the same reason. South Punjab is where my heart is. It is home,” he added.

While Tareen confirmed he will be cheering from the stands this season, he left the door open for acquiring the Multan franchise in the future.

“This year, I’ll be in the stands. Cheering for players on and celebrating with the fans. And when the Multan team is being sold, we’ll be ready,” he said.

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Ali Tareen concluded his message by wishing the best to all the bidders: “Wishing all the bidders the best. May the most outspoken owner win.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled all 10 qualified bidders ahead of the auction, starting with Inverex Solar Energy, followed by OZ Group of Companies, VGO TEL Mobile, Jazz, DSM, i2c, Prism Estate & Builders, Walee, and finally, USA-based Aim Next Inc. and Southeast Asian holding company FKS.

Meanwhile, the Multan Sultans franchise will be run by the PCB during the PSL 11.

WATCH: Usman Khawaja performs ‘sujud’ in farewell Test

SYDNEY: Usman Khawaja, Australia’s first Muslim and Pakistan-born Test cricketer, brought down the curtain on his international career with a ‘sujud’ at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday during the fifth Ashes Test against England.

Khawaja’s final innings, though brief, was a deeply emotional moment for fans and family alike.

Opening with a graceful flick for four off Will Jacks, his fairytale ending was cut short when he chopped on to Josh Tongue, finishing with 17 runs.

Despite the early dismissal, the retiring opener received a standing ovation as he walked off the field, culminating in a touching gesture.

Usman Khawaja knelt, kissed the turf, and offered his farewell to the ground that had witnessed much of his cricketing journey.

 

The moment resonated beyond the boundary ropes as Khawaja’s wife, Rachel, was seen shedding tears in the stands.

Reflecting on his final innings, Khawaja shared, “A little bit of annoyance because I chopped on. You don’t always get the fairy tale ending where you score the runs, and I kind of like that in some respect.”

“When it happened, I got over it after a few seconds. I looked over and saw Rachel. My family was up there, I gave them kisses and all my love.”

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He added, “Without her, I wouldn’t be here today. She’s been my biggest support over the years, mental, emotional, everything. She’s the only one I really open up to. And coming out here at the end, that was my final way to say thank you.”

Usman Khawaja concludes his Test career with 6,229 runs at an average of 43.25, placing him 14th on Australia’s all-time run-scorers list.

Across 88 Tests, he amassed 16 centuries while also representing Australia in 40 ODIs and nine T20 internationals.

READ: ICC announces match officials for Men’s U19 World Cup 2026

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the panel of match officials for the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, which is set to get underway on January 15.

A total of 21 officials, comprising 17 umpires and four match referees, have been appointed from the ICC’s Emirates International Panels of Umpires and Referees.

The officiating group reflects the global nature of the tournament, with representatives drawn from 13 different countries.

Zimbabwe, the host nation, will be represented by two umpires in the panel. Former international cricketer Forster Mutizwa, who featured in 21 international matches for Zimbabwe, has been appointed alongside compatriot Iknow Chabi.

Their inclusion adds local experience and familiarity with conditions to the officiating team.

The umpiring panel also includes several well-known and seasoned officials, notably former West Indies international Deighton Butler and England’s Graham Lloyd, who continues the officiating legacy of his father, David Lloyd, a former elite umpire and renowned broadcaster.

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In addition to the umpires, the ICC has named four experienced match referees to oversee the tournament.

Dean Cosker of England, Prakash Bhatt of India, Graeme Labrooy of Sri Lanka and Neeyamur Rahul of Bangladesh will handle referee duties across the event.

Speaking on the announcement, ICC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sanjog Gupta highlighted the importance of the Under-19 World Cup not only for young cricketers but also for emerging officials aiming to progress at the international level.

“The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is a tremendous opportunity for rising stars in the game to shine,” Gupta said.

“It is also an invaluable platform for up-and-coming match officials. We hope this tournament will serve as a springboard for their careers as they progress in their officiating journeys.”

Umpires for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026:

Ahmad Shah Durrani (Afghanistan), Aidan Seaver (Ireland), Cory Black (New Zealand), Deighton Butler (West Indies), Faisal Afridi (Pakistan), Forster Mutizwa (Zimbabwe), Graham Lloyd (England), Iknow Chabi (Zimbabwe), Lubabalo Gcuma (South Africa), Masudur Mukul (Bangladesh), Nitin Bathi (Netherlands), Phillip Gillespie (Australia), Prageeth Rambukwella (Sri Lanka), Russell Warren (England), Shaun Haig (New Zealand), Shawn Craig (Australia), Virender Sharma (India) and Zahid Bassarath (West Indies).

Match Referees:

Dean Cosker (England), Graeme Labrooy (Sri Lanka), Neeyamur Rahul (Bangladesh) and Prakash Bhatt (India).

READ: England cricket board launches immediate review into Ashes debacle