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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday moved closer to expanding the Pakistan Super League (PSL), unveiling all 10 qualified bidders for the auction of two new teams ahead of season 11.

The board has been revealing each bidder individually through the league’s official social media channels since Monday.

The lineup of bidders has now been finalized, with the highly anticipated auction scheduled for Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, as the upcoming edition of the PSL runs from March 26 to May 3.

Inverex Solar Energy was the first bidder revealed, followed by OZ Group of Companies and VGO TEL Mobile.

Subsequent announcements introduced Jazz, DSM, i2c, Prism Estate & Builders, while Walee emerged as the eighth qualified bidder.

 

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The ninth and 10th were bidders were also revealed today, with USA-based Aim Next Inc and Southeast Asian holding company FKS joining the list.

“All 🔟 confirmed. The stage is set. FKS announced as the 🔟th and final qualified bidder for the HBL PSL Teams Auction,” the caption of the PSL social media post read.

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It is pertinent to mention that as part of the league’s expansion from six to eight teams, the PCB has been conducting technical and financial evaluations of proposals submitted by interested groups.

The process aims to ensure long-term stability and commercial strength as the league enters a new phase.

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.

Adding further significance to the event, legendary former Pakistan captain and brand ambassador for PSL 11, Wasim Akram, will oversee the auction proceedings.

Akram also shared his views on the upcoming auction, calling the auction a big day in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.

‘Big Day tomorrow, PSL is one of Pakistan’s biggest brands, and we will be there for the new teams. Exciting day tomorrow for Pakistan and Pakistan cricket,” he said in a video message.

READ: ICC considering Bangladesh request over T20 World Cup games in India

DAMBULLA: Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the T20I series opener here at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.

The three-match T20I series serves as a preparatory platform for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which will begin on 7 February in Sri Lanka and India.

Notably, this will be Pakistan’s first T20I on Sri Lankan soil in a decade, with the last one coming back in 2015.

Head to Head 

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have squared off 27 times in the limited-overs format, with the Green Shirts winning 16 out of those encounters.

Total: 27, Pak 14, SL 13

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka XI: 1 Nissanka, 2 Mishara, 3 K Mendis, 4 De Silva, 5 Asalanka, 6 Shanaka, 7 Liyanage, 8 Hasaranga, 9 Chameera, 10 Theekshana, 11 Thushara

Pakistan XI: 1 Ayub, 2 Farhan, 3 Agha, 4 Fakhar, 5 Usman, 6 Shadab, 7 Nawaz, 8 Faheem, 9 Wasim, 10 Mirza, 11 Abrar

READ: Weather forecast for Dambulla ahead of first Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20I

PERTH: Oliver Peake hit a last-ball six to seal a thrilling victory for Melbourne Renegades over Perth Scorchers in the 26th fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Perth Stadium on Wednesday.

Set 128, Renegades hit the winning runs on the last ball of the final over with four wickets in hand.

Tim Seifert and Josh Brown added 26 for the opening wicket partnership before a middle-overs collapse left them tottering at 72-5 in 12.3 overs.

Mohammad Rizwan could not get going as his sluggish 21 from 25 balls ended in the 10th over,

Nonetheless, it was Oliver Peake’s brilliant knock that held the Renegades innings together.

The 19-year-old partnered with skipper Will Sutherland for a 42-run partnership that brought the score to 114 in 18.3 overs.

Sutherland made 15 off 18 balls with the help of a six.

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With 10 required of the last six deliveries, Aaron Hardie had the ball in his hands. Peake took a double on the first two balls, which was followed by two singles and another double run.

With four needed off the final ball, Peake launched a six over covers to win it for his side.

He remained unbeaten on 42 from 30 balls with the aid of a single boundary and four fours.

For Perth Scorchers, David Payne, Jhye Richardson, and Joel Paris scalped one wicket apiece.

Earlier, put into bat first, Gurinder Sandhu led the bowling attack skittled Perth Scorchers for 127 in 19.2 overs.

The Scorchers’ innings started on a shaky note as Finn Allen and Cooper Connolly were dismissed in a cheap manner.

Mitchell Marsh was also sent back for 27, leaving Perth Scorchers 49 for 3 in 7.3 overs.

Wickets continued to tumble in the middle overs with Aaron Hardie remaining the highest scorer for his side. He made 44 off 40 balls with the aid of four boundaries and a six.

Gurinder Sandhu starred with the ball as he picked up his consecutive four-wicket haul. Hassan Khan supported him well with two wickets in his four overs.

READ: ICC considering Bangladesh request over T20 World Cup games in India

DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday revealed that they are in talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking a “practical” solution to move the national team’s T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India.

India forced Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman to quit the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday, prompting anger in Dhaka.

With ties tense between the two countries, Bangladesh wants the ICC to shift their World Cup games from India to co-hosts Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.

The World Cup begins on February 7 and Bangladesh are scheduled to play their four group matches in India.

Senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official Nazmul Abedeen Fahim told AFP on Wednesday that talks were ongoing with the ICC “regarding security issues”.

A BCB statement said it would “continue constructive engagement with the ICC and relevant event authorities”, seeking an “affable and practical solution that ensures the smooth and successful participation of the team”.

The ICC have not commented.

Bangladesh international Mustafizur was snapped up at IPL auction in December by the Kolkata Knight Riders for more than $1 million.

But he was let go on the Indian cricket board’s “advice” after what it called “recent developments”.

Political relations between India and Bangladesh soured after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 toppled then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi.

India’s foreign ministry last month condemned what it called “unremitting hostility against minorities” in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, has accused India of exaggerating the scale of the violence.

The BCB on Wednesday said it was “firmly committed to placing the highest priority on the safety, security and well-being” of the team.

READ: Nasir Hossain’s 90* powers Dhaka past Noakhali in BPL 2026

SYLHET: An imperious unbeaten knock from Nasir Hossain guided Dhaka Capitals to a commanding seven-wicket victory over winless Noakhali Express in a one-sided Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 clash here on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest target of 134, Dhaka suffered an early wobble as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdullah Al Mamun departed cheaply, leaving the Capitals struggling at 14 for two.

However, Nasir Hossain steadied the innings with a decisive third-wicket partnership alongside Irfaan Shukkur, adding 59 runs to wrest control back from Noakhali.

Shukkur contributed 12 off 11 deliveries before falling to Zahir Khan, but Nasir found an able partner in Imad Wasim thereafter.

Watch BPL 2026 matches LIVE Here!

The pair stitched together an unbeaten 61-run stand, comfortably steering Dhaka to victory with 35 balls to spare.

Nasir was the standout performer, finishing unbeaten on 90 off 50 balls, laced with 14 boundaries and two sixes. Imad provided brisk support, scoring 29 off just 16 deliveries to seal the chase emphatically.

Earlier, Noakhali Express endured another difficult outing with the bat after being sent in. Their innings faltered early as they slipped to 40 for five inside 10 overs.

Skipper Haider Ali and Mohammad Nabi then attempted a rescue act, adding 90 runs for the sixth wicket to lift their side to a respectable total.

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Haider scored 47 off 36 balls, including three fours and a six, before being dismissed in the final over, while Nabi remained unbeaten on 42 off 33, striking two fours and two sixes.

Despite the late recovery, Noakhali could only manage 133 for six in their 20 overs.

Dhaka Capitals’ bowling effort was a collective one, with Imad Wasim, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Ziaur Rahman, Nasir Hossain and Abdullah Al Mamun all picking up a wicket apiece.

The victory marks Dhaka Capitals’ second win from five matches, placing them fifth on the points table.

Noakhali Express, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom, still searching for their first win after five outings in their debut season.

READ: Weather forecast for Dambulla ahead of first Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20I

DAMBULLA: The stage is set for the first T20I of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Wednesday at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), kicking off the cricketing year 2026.

Concerns had emerged over the Dambulla weather after persistent rain on Tuesday forced Pakistan to cancel their training session, casting doubts over whether showers could interfere with the series opener.

The stadium was fully covered as captains Salman Ali Agha and Dasun Shanaka unveiled the series trophy ahead of the match.

Weather forecasts, however, suggest a largely playable day in Dambulla.

Temperatures are expected to hover around 22°C, with a RealFeel of 21°C. Humidity is high at 73%, giving the air a slightly heavy feel, but no rain is expected.

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Skies are fully overcast with 100% cloud cover, which may dim natural light, though visibility remains strong at 11 km, and mist or fog is not anticipated thanks to a high cloud ceiling of 9,100 metres.

Northeasterly winds at 13 km/h, gusting up to 32 km/h, could influence some bowling and fielding moments.

The remaining two T20Is of the series are scheduled at the same venue on January 9 and 11.

Historically, Pakistan leads the head-to-head record, having won 16 of 27 T20Is against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.

Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.

READ: PCB forwards proposed T20I schedule to Cricket Australia: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shared a proposed schedule for the Australia men’s team’s upcoming T20I tour, sources confirmed on Wednesday, as both sides gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

According to sources, the PCB has forwarded two draft schedules to Cricket Australia (CA) for a three-match series, suggesting that the visitors could arrive in Pakistan on either January 26 or 27, with departure planned for February 2 or 3.

The proposed format envisions two back-to-back fixtures, followed by a one-day break before the final T20I.

Two of the three matches are expected to be scheduled over the weekend, with tentative dates set for January 29, 31, and February 1 for the concluding clash.

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Historically, Pakistan and Australia have met 28 times in T20Is, with the Kangaroos winning 14 matches and the Green Shirts securing 12 victories. One match ended in a tie, while another produced no result.

Currently, Pakistan’s men in green are in Sri Lanka for their first international assignment of the year, facing the hosts in a three-match T20I series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS).

The series begins today, with the remaining matches scheduled for January 9 and 11.

The Sri Lanka series also serves as crucial preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will run from February 7 to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka.

READ: PCB unveils eight qualified bidders ahead of PSL 11 auction

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday moved closer to expanding the Pakistan Super League (PSL), unveiling eight of the ten qualified bidders for the auction of two new teams ahead of season 11.

The board has been revealing each bidder individually through the league’s official social media channels since Monday, with the final two bidders expected to be announced later on Wednesday.

The highly anticipated auction is scheduled for Thursday at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, as the upcoming edition of the PSL is set to run from March 26 to May 3.

Inverex Solar Energy was the first bidder revealed, followed by OZ Group of Companies and VGO TEL Mobile.

Subsequent announcements introduced Jazz, DSM, i2c, Prism Estate & Builders, while Walee emerged as the eighth qualified bidder.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As part of the league’s expansion from six to eight teams, the PCB has been conducting technical and financial evaluations of proposals submitted by interested groups.

The process aims to ensure long-term stability and commercial strength as the league enters a new phase.

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.

Adding further significance to the event, legendary former Pakistan captain and brand ambassador for PSL 11, Wasim Akram, will oversee the auction proceedings.

READ: Star pacer named in New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 squad

KATHMANDU: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has revealed the 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with experienced all-rounder Rohit Paudel named captain.

Paudel, who will be leading Nepal in their second T20 World Cup appearance, will be supported by fellow all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee as vice-captain.

The squad features a strong spin contingent led by Sandeep Lamichhane, accompanied by left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi, with Airee and Basir Ahamad providing additional spin options.

All-rounders form the core of Nepal’s line-up, with Gulshan Jha, Aarif Sheikh, and Sompal Kami adding depth to both batting and bowling.

The batting unit is anchored by Kushal Bhurtel at the top, with Aasif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Sundeep Jora, and Nandan Yadav rounding out a flexible middle and lower order.

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Nepal’s pace attack will be led by Sompal Kami and Karan KC, supported by Nandan Yadav and Sher Malla, giving the side a balanced bowling attack across formats.

For the unversed, Nepal are drawn in Group C and will open their campaign against two-time champions England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 8.

Their remaining group-stage fixtures, against Italy, West Indies, and Bangladesh, will also take place at the same venue on February 12, 15, and 17.

Nepal made their T20 World Cup debut in 2024 in the tournament co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA but failed to advance past the group stage, losing all four of their matches.

Nepal squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla and Lokesh Bam.

READ: Jacob Bethell slams maiden ton to leave final Ashes Test on knife edge

SYDNEY: Rock-solid Jacob Bethell plundered a chanceless maiden century on Wednesday as England reeled in Australia, then built a tenuous 119-run lead to leave the fifth and final Ashes Test on a knife-edge.

By stumps on day four at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the tourists were 302-8 with Bethell not out 142 and Matthew Potts yet to score.

The 22-year-old Bethell saved the day after Zak Crawley fell early and veteran Joe Root cheaply, powering to his hundred in style off 162 balls.

But wickets tumbled around him with Harry Brook (42) and Will Jacks (0) removed in the space of three balls by the part-time off-spin of Beau Webster two overs after Bethell reached the landmark.

A calamitous mix-up then saw Jamie Smith (24) run out.

Ben Stokes (1) came in at seven after limping off clutching what appeared to be his groin while bowling the third over of the day, but only lasted five balls with Webster again doing the damage.

England are desperate for another morale-boosting win after victory in the previous Test at Melbourne. Australia lead 3-1 and have already retained the Ashes.

Remarkably, it was not just Bethell’s maiden Test ton but the only one he has scored in red-ball cricket, with his previous best 96 against New Zealand.

Bethell was recalled for Melbourne to replace the under-performing Ollie Pope, scoring a gritty 40 in difficult batting conditions, with the number three position now his to lose.

His exploits came after the hosts were dismissed for 567 before lunch on the back of Travis Head’s 163 and 138 from skipper Steve Smith. That left England chasing a 183-run deficit after their first innings of 384.

They needed a solid start, but chief tormentor Mitchell Starc once again conjured up a first-over breakthrough, his 29th wicket for the series.

The pace spearhead delivered a beautiful inswinger that Crawley misjudged and left, with the ball smacking his pads, and he was out lbw for one.

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Fellow opener Ben Duckett was dropped on 38, but failed to capitalise and was bowled by Michael Neser on 42, his highest score in a wretched series.

Root, fresh from his first innings of 160, was terrorised by Starc and Neser. He finally fell lbw after facing 37 balls for his six runs to the relentless Scott Boland, with the 35-year-old trudging off dejected.

But Jacob Bethell proved unmovable. A single off Neser overhauled Australia’s lead soon after tea, and the youngster passed three figures emphatically with a cracking boundary through midwicket.

But Webster then swung the momentum back to Australia with his double strike, trapping Brook lbw before Jacks inexplicably holed out to Cameron Green in the deep.

Jamie Smith’s run-out compounded England’s problems, the wicketkeeper-batter setting off for a single but sent back by Bethell and caught well short by Jake Weatherald’s throw.

Stokes edged Webster to Smith in the slips with Brydon Carse doing the same off Boland on 16.

Earlier, Australia resumed Day 4 at 518-7, with Steve Smith on 129 after his 13th Ashes century and Webster on 42.

Smith flogged Stokes through the covers for a boundary in his first over, while Webster dished out similar treatment to Carse.

But the Australia skipper did not last long, nicking a fuller length delivery from Josh Tongue to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Webster reached a fifth half-century in his eighth Test with a single and put on 20 with Starc before the big paceman was bowled by Tongue for five.

Boland suffered a golden duck to leave Webster unbeaten on 71. Tongue ended with 3-97 and Carse 3-130.

READ: Star pacer named in New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 squad