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ISLAMABAD: Zimbabwe national cricket team has landed in Pakistan ahead of the T20I tri-nation series featuring the hosts and Sri Lanka, slated to take place in Rawalpindi from November 18 to 29.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Sikandar Raza-led side will take a day’s rest before beginning training on Friday as preparations ramp up for the week-long tournament.

The series, initially scheduled to begin on November 17, was pushed back by a day following uncertainty surrounding Sri Lanka’s ongoing white-ball tour of Pakistan.

The revision came after several Sri Lankan players expressed a desire to return home, citing security concerns in the aftermath of a recent bomb blast in Islamabad.

In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the situation, saying the team management had informed the board about the players’ concerns.

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The SLC, however, assured its squad that all safety measures were being taken in close coordination with the PCB and local authorities to ensure their well-being.

“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was informed by the team management that several members of the national team touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns,” the board said.

“Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the PCB and the relevant authorities.”

The statement further clarified that any player opting to return home despite the board’s assurances would be replaced, with their decision to be formally reviewed.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Pakistan–Sri Lanka ODI series has also seen a minor adjustment, with the remaining two fixtures in Rawalpindi now set to take place on November 14 and 16, both postponed by a day each.

READ: PCB reschedules remaining Sri Lanka-Pakistan ODI fixtures

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced new dates for the remaining two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) of the Sri Lanka tour.

This comes after Sri Lankan players sought an early exit from the Pakistan tour due to security concerns.

The second ODI, originally scheduled for Thursday, 13 November, will now be played on Friday, 14 November, while the final fixture is set for Sunday, 16 November.

The announcement came via PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi’s social media handle.

“Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour.
The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright,” the post read.

“The ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on 14th and 16th November in Rawalpindi,” it added.

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Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had instructed its players and support staff to continue the ongoing Pakistan tour, following several members of the touring squad’s expressed desire to return home due to safety concerns.

Following the development, SLC stated that it had prioritized players’ safety and discussed the matter with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party,” the statement read.

“In this context, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled,” it added.

The board further clarified that any player or support staff choosing to return home would be replaced immediately to ensure the series proceeded without disruption.

For the unversed, Sri Lanka is currently touring Pakistan for a three-match ODI series and a T20I tri-series.

Pakistan leads the ODI series 1-0, with the remaining two ODIs to be scheduled on 13 and 15 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The ODI series will be followed by a T20I tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

Sri Lanka tour to Pakistan Updated Schedule

14 November – Second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

16 November – Third ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

READ: SLC issues statement on Pakistan tour amid safety concerns

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has instructed its players and support staff to continue the ongoing Pakistan tour, following several members of the touring squad’s expressed desire to return home due to safety concerns.  

This comes after Sri Lankan players sought an early exit from the Pakistan tour due to security concerns.

Following the development, SLC stated that it had prioritized players’ safety and discussed the matter with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party,” the statement read.

“In this context, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled,” it added.

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The board further clarified that any player or support staff choosing to return home would be replaced immediately to ensure the series proceeded without disruption.

“However, should any player or member of the touring party decide to return to Sri Lanka despite the directive issued by SLC to continue with the tour, Sri Lanka Cricket will immediately send replacements to ensure that the tour continues without interruption,” the board said.

“If any player, players, or member of the support staff return despite SLC’s directives, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and an appropriate decision will be made upon the conclusion of the review.”

Earlier today, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements after meeting with Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PCB Chairman Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Rear Admiral (R) Fred Siriweera, and the team manager, assuring them of full-proof security throughout their stay.

For the unversed, Sri Lanka is currently touring Pakistan for a three-match ODI series and a T20I tri-series.

Pakistan leads the ODI series 1-0, with the remaining two ODIs to be scheduled on 13 and 15 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The ODI series will be followed by a T20I tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

READ: Sri Lanka envoy hails team’s security arrangements

DUBAI: Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana has been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct during the second day of the first Test against Ireland at Sylhet.

Rana violated Article 2.9 of the cricket governing body’s Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, the governing body stated.

The article relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment) at or near a player in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during an International Match.”

The ICC stated that Level 1 offences carry a minimum sanction of an official reprimand and can lead to a fine of up to 50 percent of the player’s match fee.

“Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points,” it said in a statement.

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Consequently, Nahid Rana has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point, marking the 23-year-old’s first offense in 24 months.

The incident happened in the 27th over of Ireland’s innings when Rana, in his follow-through, threw the ball back towards Cade Carmichael, which hit him on the pads. The batter, however, did not move off the popping crease.

Rana admitted the offence and accepted the charge proposed by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Sam Nogajski and Ahsan Raza, alongside third umpire Richard Illingworth and fourth umpire Tanvir Ahmed.

Nonetheless, Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s highest Test score of 169* demonstrated a commanding performance from Bangladesh on day two against Ireland.

The Tigers ended their day on a high with 338-1, leading by 52 runs after bowling out Ireland for 286 in the opening hours of the day’s play.

READ: Sri Lanka envoy hails team’s security arrangements

RAWALPINDI: The Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements after meeting with Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi. 

Sri Lanka is currently touring Pakistan for a three-match ODI series and a T20I tri-series.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PCB Chairman Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Rear Admiral (R) Fred Siriweera, and the team manager, assuring them of full-proof security throughout their stay.

He personally guaranteed the team’s safety and emphasized that all necessary measures had been put in place.

“Federal Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met today with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral (R) Fred Siriweera,” the PCB said in its statement.

“‎During the meeting, the Chief Commissioner and the IG Islamabad Police gave a detailed briefing on the security being provided to the Sri Lankan team,” it added.

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This comes after the Sri Lankan players sought an early exit from the Pakistan tour amid security concerns.

Following the assurances, the Sri Lankan Cricket Board instructed the players to complete the remaining matches of the tour. Sources from the board confirmed that any player who leaves the tour prematurely will face a two-year ban.

For the unversed, Pakistan leads the ODI series 1-0, with the remaining two ODIs to be schedule on 13 and 15 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The ODI series will be followed by a T20I tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)

17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Salman Ali Agha soars, Babar Azam slips in ICC ODI Rankings

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics competition schedule was unveiled on Wednesday by organizers, including a showcase spot for the women’s 100 meters and a Super Saturday session.

LA28 revealed a detailed schedule earlier than usual. It starts with the opening ceremony on July 14 and ends with the closing ceremony on July 30.

The biggest-ever Games will feature 11,200 athletes in 51 sports across 49 venues.

Every team sport will feature an equal or greater number of women’s teams compared to men’s teams for the first time, with 50.5 percent of total athletes being women.

On day one, July 15, the most women’s finals ever held on one day will be contested, starting with the women’s triathlon with a spotlight on the women’s 100 meters.

Doing so will mean women must run three 100m heats in one day.

Organizers flipped swimming and athletics from the traditional schedule so the opening ceremony venue, SoFi Stadium, could also host swimming in the second week.

Track and field events will be held during the first week of the Games, with swimming scheduled for the second week.

Swimmers also have a better chance to attend the opening ceremony without the next-morning races to consider.

A “Super Saturday” schedule on July 29 includes 26 finals sessions in 23 sports, including 15 gold and bronze medal team matches and finals in 15 individual sports.

Among Olympic champions to be crowned on that day are those in athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, cricket, golf, football, swimming, and tennis.

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The last Olympic champions will be crowned in swimming just before the closing ceremony.

Organizers scheduled the marathons on the final weekend, the women’s race on July 29 and the men’s marathon on July 30.

About 14 million tickets will be available for Olympic events, with pricing details to be announced later, but dynamic pricing is not being considered, Ferguson said.

Olympic and sports federation officials have helped create the LA28 schedule.

Weather considerations went into the plan, with some sessions moved into the evening to have cooler conditions, including for horses at Santa Anita for equestrian events.

Baseball and softball will return to the Olympic lineup. Baseball will be played at Dodger Stadium, home of the reigning Major League Baseball champion Los Angeles Dodgers, with medal games July 19.

Baseball will begin on July 13, a day ahead of the opening ceremony, with a new competition window to allow MLB players to compete in the Olympics.

Cricket rejoins the Olympic lineup after more than a century, with the women’s final on July 20 and the men’s final on July 29.

Lacrosse, on the 1908 London Olympic calendar and later a demonstration sport, will return with the men’s and women’s finals on July 29.

Los Angeles will also introduce American flag football and squash on July 15 for Olympic debuts.

Details for the Olympic football tournament, to be staged across the United States, and the Los Angeles Paralympics will be announced later.

Ticket registration for the LA Olympics will begin in January.

READ: Barca president opens up on Lionel Messi’s potential return

Barcelona all-time great Lionel Messi returning to the Catalan giants is “unrealistic”, the club’s president Joan Laporta said Wednesday.

The 38-year-old Argentine superstar made a surprise appearance at Barca’s Camp Nou stadium on Sunday night and said he hoped “one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do”.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, Barca’s record goalscorer and appearance maker, left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after two decades there because their precarious financial position meant they could not afford to keep him.

“Out of the utmost respect for Messi, the professionals at the club, Barca, and the Barca club members, I believe that now, for me to make speculation that is unrealistic, nor do I think it is fair, well, I believe that is not appropriate,” Laporta told Catalunya Radio.

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The president, who was in charge at the time of Messi’s departure, said he did not regret what happened because “Barca is above everything”.

Laporta confirmed he would love to hold a match in homage to Messi’s career at the rebuilt Camp Nou, once it is fully open.

“Things didn’t end the way we would have liked… if, in some way, this tribute can make up for what wasn’t done, I think it would be a good thing,” explained Laporta.

“It would be right that he has the best tribute (match) in the world, and it would be wonderful to have it here, in front of 105,000 fans,” he continued.

The president said Inter Miami forward Messi’s surprise visit to the stadium on Sunday was a “spontaneous” display of his love of the club.

Messi is currently in Spain with the Argentina national team, where they are training before a friendly against Angola.

READ: PCB turns down Bangladesh’s offer for T20I tri-series: reports

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has declined the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) offer to play a T20I tri-series in December 2025.

According to the sources, the board turned down the proposal due to the players’ workload, who will be involved in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 in December.

The tri-series proposal included Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

For the unversed, BBL 15 will witness a strong Pakistani presence, with some of the country’s biggest names set to feature across franchises.

Babar Azam will turn out for the Sydney Sixers, Shaheen Shah Afridi for Brisbane Heat, Hasan Ali for Adelaide Strikers, Mohammad Rizwan for Melbourne Renegades, Haris Rauf for Melbourne Stars, and Shadab Khan for Sydney Thunder.

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The star-studded season will kick off on December 14, 2025, with a blockbuster clash between defending champions Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers at Perth Stadium.

The tournament will run until January 25, 2026, featuring 44 matches in total.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team is currently playing a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which will be followed by a T20I tri-series.

The tri-series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will commence on November 17 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)

• 17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

  READ: Salman Ali Agha soars, Babar Azam slips in ICC ODI Rankings

DUBAI: South Africa’s left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October 2025, following a series of stellar performances during his team’s Test tour of Pakistan.

Muthusamy, 31, claimed the award ahead of fellow spinners Noman Ali of Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, marking the first time he has won the prestigious monthly honor.

Across the two-match Test series, which ended in a 1-1 draw, he scored 106 runs at an average of 53 and claimed 11 wickets at an impressive 18.36, showcasing his all-round credentials.

“It feels incredible to be named the Player of the Month by the ICC, especially for performances in Test cricket, a format every player aspires to excel in,” Muthusamy said.

“Playing for a side that won the World Test Championship this year is a matter of great pride.

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“I was privileged to be part of such a competitive series in Pakistan and am happy to have contributed with both ball and bat.

“I would like to thank my teammates for their support and look forward to contributing for my team in the years to come.”

His exploits included career-best figures of 11/174 in the first Test, where he took six wickets in the first innings and five in the second.

Senuran Muthusamy also impressed with the bat in the second Test, scoring an unbeaten 89 in crucial lower-order partnerships with Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, helping South Africa secure a vital first-innings lead and ultimately a win.

These performances earned him the Player of the Series award as well.

READ: PCB announces match officials for T20I tri-series

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the match officials for the upcoming T20I tri-series featuring the hosts, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.

The tri-series is slated to commence on November 17, with the final to be played on November 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Reon King, former West Indies fast bowler and a member of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees, will serve as the match referee for the entire seven-match series.

The opening T20I between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be officiated by Asif Yaqoob from the ICC Emerging Panel and Rashid Riaz from the ICC International Panel of Umpires, with Faisal Afridi taking charge as third umpire and Tariq Rasheed serving as fourth.

In the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz will stand on-field while Asif Yaqoob and Tariq Rasheed perform third and fourth umpire duties, respectively.

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As the series moves to Lahore, Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Afridi will officiate on-field during the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash at the Gaddafi Stadium, with Rashid Riaz acting as third umpire and Tariq Rasheed as fourth.

The following day’s fixture between Pakistan and Zimbabwe will see Rashid Riaz and Faisal Afridi on-field, while Asif Yaqoob and Tariq Rasheed take charge of third and fourth umpiring responsibilities.

For the Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe match, Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz will be on-field umpires, with Ahsan Raza officiating as third umpire and Faisal Afridi as fourth.

In the penultimate game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Ahsan Raza and Faisal Afridi will take on on-field duties, while Rashid Riaz and Asif Yaqoob manage third and fourth umpire roles.

The final on November 29 will see Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob as on-field umpires, with Rashid Riaz serving as third umpire and Faisal Afridi as fourth.

T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)

• 17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Pakistan make upward move in ICC Men’s ODI Rankings