Category: Top Picks

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed a key role as manager and mentor of the Pakistan U19 team for the upcoming ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in Dubai from 12 to 21 December.

The announcement came alongside the release of Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the 50-over tournament, with last year’s participant Farhan Yousaf named captain.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Qualifier 1, and Qualifier 3, while Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Qualifier 2, and Sri Lanka.

The tournament will act as vital preparation for the ICC U19 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.

Pakistan will begin their campaign on 12 December against Qualifier 3 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

The high-profile clash against India will follow on 14 December at the ICC Academy Ground, with their final group match against Qualifier 1 scheduled for 16 December.

The semi-finals are set for 19 December, with the final to be held on 21 December.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Sarfaraz Ahmed brings extensive experience to the role, having enjoyed a prolific international career.

In 54 Tests, he scored 3,031 runs, including four centuries and 21 fifties. He also amassed 2,315 runs in 117 ODIs, with two centuries and 11 fifties, and contributed 818 runs in 61 T20Is, including three fifties.

As captain, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, defeating India by 180 runs in the final.

He maintained a 70% win rate in Tests as captain, achieved a 62.5% win rate in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, and recorded a 78.37% win rate in T20Is.

The 38-year-old last represented Pakistan in red-ball cricket during a Test against Australia in Perth in 2023.

Pakistan’s support staff for the U19 Asia Cup includes Shahid Anwar as head coach and batting coach, Rao Iftikhar as bowling coach, Mansoor Amjad as fielding coach, Abrar Ahmed as trainer, Ubaidullah as physiotherapist, and Ali Hamza as analyst.

Pakistan U19 Squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas

Non-travelling reserve players: Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Umar Zaib

Support staff: Sarfaraz Ahmed (manager/mentor), Shahid Anwar (head coach/batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Abrar Ahmed (trainer), Ubaidullah (physio), Ali Hamza (analyst)

READ: Glenn Maxwell withdraws from IPL 2026 auction

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has confirmed he will not be registering for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, bringing an end, at least temporarily, to a remarkable chapter of his T20 career.

Taking to Instagram, Maxwell described the decision as a “big call” and reflected on the impact the IPL has had on him both as a cricketer and as a person.

“After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name in the auction this year. It’s a big call, and one I make with a lot of gratitude for everything this league has given me,” the 37-year-old wrote.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Maxwell, who has been one of the most sought-after overseas players in the IPL for over a decade, expressed his appreciation for the franchises he has represented, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Punjab Kings, as well as the fans whose “passion is unmatched.”

“The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever. Thank you for all your support over the years. Hopefully, see you soon,” he added.

Over 141 IPL matches, Maxwell amassed 2,819 runs at a strike rate of over 155, while also contributing with his off-spin.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Glenn Maxwell (@gmaxi_32)

His IPL journey included standout performances for Punjab Kings and RCB, though he also had stints with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils.

He lifted the IPL trophy once, as a fringe player for MI in 2013.

It’s worth noting that Glenn Maxwell joins a growing list of high-profile players to opt out of the IPL 2026 auction, following Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali, who opted to feature in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season.

READ: PCB confirms Pakistan’s 2026 T20I tour of Sri Lanka

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed the men’s team’s tour of Sri Lanka, where they will play a three-match T20I series in January 2026.

“Pakistan men’s T20I squad will travel to Sri Lanka next month to feature in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka as part of their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” the cricket board said in a press release.

The series will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla on 7, 9 and 11 January.

The upcoming World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan set to play all their matches on Sri Lankan soil under the Hybrid Model.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

This arrangement ensures that Pakistan and India do not tour each other during ICC events and instead compete at neutral venues.

Sources close to the development have revealed that officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) were in constant discussions over the short series, which has now reportedly been confirmed.

The T20I series in Sri Lanka will provide Pakistan with crucial match practice in local conditions just weeks ahead of the global event, allowing the team to fine-tune combinations and acclimatise to pitches similar to those they will encounter during the World Cup.

The decision to stage all three matches in Dambulla has been taken due to ongoing upgradation work at both the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in preparation for the mega event.

Tentative schedule of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka

• 1st T20I – 7 January 2026, Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium
• 2nd T20I – 9 January 2026, Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium
• 3rd T20I – 11 January 2026, Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

READ: New Zealand struggle as West Indies exploit pace-friendly wicket

CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand reached 231-9 at stumps on a rain-shortened day one of the first Test against the West Indies on Tuesday after Justin Greaves triggered a middle-order collapse with the wicket of Kane Williamson.

New Zealand tumbled from 94-1 to 148-6 on a bowler-friendly wicket after Williamson was dismissed for 52, his 38th Test half-century.

Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith arrested the slide with a 52-run stand for the seventh wicket. Smith eventually fell for 23 and Bracewell for 47.

After Matt Henry went for eight, Zak Foulkes and Jacob Duffy were both on four when bad light stopped play after 70 overs of a truncated day.

Bracewell and Smith’s partnership was the second face-saving stand for New Zealand after Williamson and Tom Latham put on 93 following the dismissal of Devon Conway on the third ball of the Test.

The green wicket and heavy cloud cover ensured West Indies skipper Roston Chase gave his pace attack first use of the new ball when he won the toss, and it revived memories of Calypso quicks from a previous era.

But after the immediate success of Kemar Roach, who removed Conway, the West Indies were made to wait 29 overs before again tasting success.

In the first session, extended by a 90-minute rain break, Williamson and Latham cautiously inched New Zealand to 17-1 in the 10.3 overs available before a second shower brought lunch.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

When play resumed, the New Zealand pair batted with more freedom until Williamson celebrated his first Test innings in a year by passing the half-century mark.

On 52, a lapse in his normal diligence saw a full delivery from Greaves edged to Alick Athanaze at second slip to ignite the collapse.

In his next over, Greaves removed Latham for a patient 24 off 85 deliveries, and Rachin Ravindra was then bowled for three by Jayden Seales.

In the space of 21 deliveries, the West Indies took three wickets for nine runs as New Zealand slumped from 94-1 to 103-4.

Will Young and Tom Blundell added 17 for the fifth wicket before Young, on 14, gave Johann Layne his maiden Test wicket.

Blundell progressed to 29 before he went early in the final session as debutant Ojay Shields claimed his first Test wicket.

Shields, who earlier believed he had the prized wicket of Williamson for 33, only for a no ball to be declared, also removed Bracewell to finish with 2-34. Greaves took 2-35, and Roach has 2-47.

READ: Pakistan squad for ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 unveiled

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2025, with Farhan Yousaf entrusted with the captaincy for the tournament set to be staged in Dubai from December 12 to 21.

The eight-team, 50-over competition will see Pakistan placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 3, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Qualifier 2.

The event holds added significance as it will serve as a build-up to the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia early next year.

Pakistan will open their campaign on December 12 against Qualifier 3 at The Sevens Stadium before locking horns with India in a blockbuster group match on December 14 at the ICC Academy Ground.

Their final group fixture will be played on December 16 against Qualifier 1 at the same venue.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The semi-finals are slated for December 19, while the final will be contested on December 21.

18-year-old Farhan, who also featured in last year’s edition, comes in on the back of an impressive domestic campaign where he led Lahore Region Whites in the National Men’s Under-19 Cup, amassing 369 runs in seven matches, including a century and two half-centuries.

Usman Khan has been appointed vice-captain after a prolific season with the bat, where he scored 429 runs for FATA, highlighted by two hundreds and a fifty.

The selected squad is set to assemble in Karachi for a preparatory camp before departing for Dubai later this month.

Pakistan were knocked out at the semi-final stage by Bangladesh in the previous edition and will now be aiming for a stronger run under Farhan’s leadership.

Pakistan U19 Squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas

Non-travelling reserve players: Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Umar Zaib

Support staff: Sarfaraz Ahmed (manager/mentor), Shahid Anwar (head coach/batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Abrar Ahmed (trainer), Ubaidullah (physio), Ali Hamza (analyst)

READ: Key pacer sidelined as England unveil playing XI for second Ashes Test

BRISBANE: England made one change to their Playing XI for the second Ashes Test after key fast bowler Mark Wood was ruled out of the pink-ball clash against Australia at The Gabba.

Wood’s absence had been widely anticipated after he skipped England’s first training session in Brisbane due to persistent trouble with his left knee.

The pacer managed only 11 overs in the opening Test at Perth and had already suggested earlier in the tour that playing all five matches was never a realistic option.

He has also been seen wearing a heavy brace on his left leg in recent days, reinforcing concerns over his fitness.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

England have opted to strengthen their lower order by bringing in all-rounder Will Jacks in place of Wood, preferring him over frontline spinner Shoaib Bashir.

Jacks, a versatile option who offers off-spin and explosive batting, will bat at No. 8 despite not having featured in a Test match for the past three years.

His limited red-ball experience includes only two Tests, both on England’s 2022 tour of Pakistan, where he impressed with a five-wicket haul on debut.

The shift away from an all-pace attack remains the only change to England’s combination following their crushing eight-wicket defeat in the series opener in Perth, which was wrapped up inside two days.

England Playing XI for the second Ashes Test

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.

READ: Usman Khawaja ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane

BRISBANE: Usman Khawaja has been officially ruled out of the second Ashes Test against England at The Gabba after his back injury failed to settle, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old was battling discomfort throughout the series opener in Perth and has now been sidelined with a confirmed back injury.

Despite being unavailable for selection, Khawaja will remain with the squad to continue his rehabilitation, with selectors opting not to call in a replacement at this stage.

Khawaja attempted a light fitness test on Monday, completing short running drills on the Gabba outfield before spending around half an hour in the nets against the pink ball.

However, he appeared uncomfortable at various stages and faced only assistant coach Michael Di Venuto’s throw-downs, despite timing several pull shots cleanly.

The veteran left-hander endured a torrid first Test, where back spasms kept him off the field for extended periods.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

England’s rapid collapse on the opening day meant Usman Khawaja was unable to take his usual opening position, and when early wickets tumbled, he walked in at No.4 but managed just two runs.

On the second day, he returned to the slips, taking one sharp catch before spilling a low chance, during which his back again seized up while attempting another effort.

The episode opened the door for Travis Head, who went on to smash a match-winning century in the chase.

Khawaja’s struggles come at a time when his form was already under the scanner.

Since the end of the 2023 Ashes, he has averaged 31.84 with just one century across 45 innings, placing additional pressure on his position at the top of the order.

READ: Stokes among England trio at risk of police action

BRISBANE: England captain Ben Stokes was among three cricketers who could face police action after riding e-scooters without helmets, The Telegraph reported on Monday.

England arrived in Brisbane ahead of the pink-ball Ashes Test on Wednesday after losing the opening match of the series inside two days.

According to the report, England’s fast bowler Mark Wood, wicket-keeper Jamie Smith, and Stokes rode through the streets of Brisbane and were pictured riding the bike without helmets.

“Some players, such as captain Ben Stokes, have been getting out and about in Brisbane and using Lime e-scooters to see the city,” the report wrote.

“However, it is a legal requirement in Queensland that all riders of e-scooters must wear a helmet, and Stokes, Mark Wood, and Jamie Smith were pictured appearing to flout that law. Smith’s scooter even had a helmet attached to it,” it added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The pacer Wood, who is already ruled out of the second Test due to an injury, was seen with heavy protective strapping on his knee.

As per Queenlands’s road rule, riders without a helmet could face a fine of up to 166 Australian dollars (£82).

For the unversed, this isn’t the first time English cricketers have risked drawing the ire of Australian authorities. During the 2010-11 tour— Kevin Pietersen was fined A$239 for speeding in a Lamborghini on the outskirts of Melbourne.

Nonetheless, England are 1-0 down after losing the Ashes opener by eight wickets at Perth, courtesy of Travis Head’s blistering century.

Head hit a whirlwind 69-ball century and went on to make 123 off just 83 balls, which made a mockery of England’s 205-run target.

The second day-night Ashes Test will commence on Thursday, with three lions eyeing their first victory against Australia down under since 2010.

READ: England urged to ‘use their brains’ ahead of second Ashes Test

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Monday he was uncertain when Spain midfielder Rodri will be fit enough to return to action.

Rodri missed much of last season with a knee injury and has appeared just once — and then only for a minute — in City’s last 10 games due to a hamstring problem.

The 29-year-old has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Premier League trip to Fulham and is doubtful for the home clash with Sunderland on Saturday.

“No, not yet,” said Guardiola, when asked at a press conference on Monday that lasted just a few minutes, if Rodri was available.

Asked if he could feature at the weekend, Guardiola said: “I don’t know.”

Guardiola also spoke about goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was booked for a fourth time in his short City career in the last-gasp 3-2 win over Leeds on Saturday.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke also accused Donnarumma of feigning injury to allow Guardiola to deliver a key team talk. The Italian is now just one yellow card away from a suspension.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Yes, he has a lot (of bookings), he has many,” said Guardiola. “It is what it is.”

Asked if he had spoken to Donnarumma about it, he said: “No.”

Guardiola was more willing to discuss the work of Fulham manager Marco Silva after their impressive 2-1 win away to Tottenham.

“Marco is many, many years there and always (when we) have been there — really, really tough games, difficult,” said Guardiola.

“The organisation is exceptional and every year I have the feeling that with the ball, they are better and better. Tough, tough opponent.

“I saw the games yesterday and today, against Chelsea, against Arsenal, last games against Sunderland.

“Always it’s so, so difficult for the opponents to break them up. It has always been like that in this beautiful stadium (Craven Cottage) in London.”

READ: Barca’s Flick happy to have players back for Atletico clash

COLOMBO: The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday revealed the revised schedule of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which was originally slated to commence in November 2025.

Two months earlier, LPL was postponed in a bid to prepare for the forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March.

“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to announce that the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2025 will not be held this year as originally planned.

The decision was taken after careful consideration of the broader requirement of preparing well in advance for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India during February – March 2026,” the board had said in a statement in October.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

However, the new development has confirmed the Premier League schedule, with the five-team tournament to be played in July.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League will be held from 8th July to 8th August 2026,” the SLC said in a statement.

“The new dates for the sixth edition were finalised following the postponement of the tournament, which was originally scheduled to be held in December 2025,” the statement added.

The board further emphasized venue preparation for the mega event and confirmed the tournament’s mid-year timeline.

“The postponement was made considering the broader requirement of preparing the ‘Host Venues’ well in advance for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India during February–March 2026.

With this decision, the five-team tournament—Sri Lanka’s topmost domestic T20 competition—will return to a mid-year window, as in several previous editions,” the board statement read.

READ: England urged to ‘use their brains’ ahead of second Ashes Test