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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly weighing a significant leadership change in the ODI setup, with left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi emerging as the frontrunner to replace Mohammad Rizwan as captain.

According to reports, the move is being discussed following Pakistan’s string of disappointing ODI performances this year.

The Men in Green failed to advance beyond the first round of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, before suffering a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand and a 2-1 series defeat to the West Indies.

With the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 already on the horizon, the PCB is said to be considering sweeping changes aimed at reinvigorating the team’s approach and results in the 50-over format.

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Shaheen Afridi, who has enjoyed remarkable success as captain of the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), leading them to three title wins, is viewed as a strong contender to bring fresh energy and direction to the ODI side.

Interestingly, this would not be Shaheen’s first stint as national captain. He previously led Pakistan in the T20I format but was replaced after just one series.

The PCB’s decision-making group is expected to finalise discussions in the coming week, with the squad announcement for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa also on the horizon.

READ: PCB confirms tri-Series will go ahead despite Afghanistan withdrawal

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the upcoming home T20I tri-series will go ahead as planned, despite the withdrawal of Afghanistan following cross-border tensions.

A PCB spokesperson told a local news channel on Saturday that the series, scheduled from November 17 to 29, will proceed according to the original timeline.

The board is currently exploring options to bring in a replacement team, with a final announcement expected soon.

According to sources, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has been approached as a potential participant to fill the void left by Afghanistan.

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The series was originally set to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

The withdrawal from Afghanistan came late on Friday, reportedly in response to recent cross-border unrest that resulted in the deaths of three local cricketers in the Urgun district.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) stated that the players had travelled from Urgun to Sharana, in Paktika province near the Pakistan border, to take part in a friendly match when the attack occurred.

Despite the setback, the PCB remains committed to hosting the series and ensuring uninterrupted international cricket at home.

READ: John Cena quashes WWE retirement U-turn, confirms retirement date

COLOMBO: Nonkululeko Mlaba’s three-wicket haul, followed by gutsy half-centuries from Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, propelled South Africa to victory over Sri Lanka in the rain-hit 18th encounter of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

Set 121 Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) adjusted target in 20 overs, South Africa hit the winning runs on the last ball of the 14th over without losing any wicket.

Skipper Laura Wolvaardt made 60 from 47 balls, striking eight fours, while Tazmin Brits’ 42-ball 55 featured two sixes and four boundaries.

The duo forged an unbeaten 125-run stand, powering the Proteas to their fourth successive win, moving them into the second spot with an inch closer to the semi-final.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, Sri Lanka were 45-2 when the rain arrived. After the rain break, the Islanders could only manage to score 105-7 in 20 overs.

The hosts’ innings could not get going as they lost wickets at regular intervals,  with Vishmi Gunaratne remaining the top-scorer with 34 from 33 balls. She struck six fours in her knock.

For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba scalped three wickets in her four overs while giving away 30. Masabata Klaas also bowled well, picking up two in her five overs.

The defeat was Sri Lanka’s third, slimming their chances of advancing into the semi-final. They now languish on the points table with their remaining two fixtures against Pakistan and Bangladesh.

READ: John Cena quashes WWE retirement U-turn, confirms retirement date

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star John Cena has quashed the speculation surrounding his retirement, reiterating that he will make his final appearance in the ring at the end of this year.

WWE has confirmed that Cena’s final match will take place in Washington DC on Saturday, December 13.

Earlier, the veteran player had announced during the last summer that 2025 would be his final year in the ring.

However, in September, WWE Hall of Fame Bubba Ray Dudley remarked that John Cena should extend his retirement tour to WrestleMania 42.

With speculations growing about his retirement, Cena took to social media and confirmed his final appearance date, dashing the hopes of extending his WWE career.

“Despite any speculation or rumors, on July 6, 2024, I announced I would retire from WWE in-ring participation,” he wrote.

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“I am far from perfect but strive to be a person whose word has value. 12/13/25 will be my final match. I am beyond grateful for every moment WWE has given me. I am excited for 12/13 & look forward to seeing all of you one last time,” he said.

Meanwhile, WWE has not confirmed the 17-time champion opponent in the final match; however, reports suggest he could potentially face two-time world champion Gunther.

For the unversed, John Cena has four dates remaining before he calls time on his in-ring career.

The 48-year-old’s next appearance will be on the November 10 episode of Raw in Boston, followed by a match on the November 17 edition of Raw, and again at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29.

READ: Ruben Amorim wants sense of urgency at Man Utd despite Ratcliffe backing

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said the support of co-owner Jim Ratcliffe will mean little if he fails to turn around the club’s fortunes.

During an interview with a news outlet, British billionaire Ratcliffe said Amorim has to “demonstrate he is a great coach over three years”.

Amorim is approaching a year in the Old Trafford hotseat and is yet to win back-to-back Premier League games.

Doing so away to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday would be a major step in the right direction, and the Portuguese knows he will be under intense pressure until results improve.

“You know, I know, and Jim knows that football is not like that,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference on Friday, referring to Ratcliffe’s timescale.

“The most important thing is the next game.”

Manchester United ended the season 15th in the Premier League last term — their lowest finish for 51 years — and squandered a chance to qualify for the Champions League when they lost the Europa League final to Tottenham.

They have fared little better this season, sitting 10th in the Premier League after losing three of their first seven league games and crashing to a shock League Cup defeat at fourth-tier Grimsby.

Yet Amorim has so far retained the support of Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada, and director of football Jason Wilcox.

“First of all, I can feel it. It’s not just that thing that people talk, I feel it every day. Sometimes the pressure that I put on the team, on myself, is so much bigger than them,” said Amorim.

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“I know that it’s going to take a while, but I don’t want to think like that. I said that last year. I think it also helps our fans to understand that the leadership understands that it’s going to take a while.

“But, at the same moment, I don’t like that because it will give a feeling that we have time to work things out. I don’t want that feeling here in our club.

“It’s good to feel the support but we need to prove in football, and especially in big clubs, that in every weekend we are ready to win games.”

A 2-0 victory over Sunderland before the international break eased the scrutiny on Amorim’s position.

Goalkeeper Senne Lammens made a positive impression on his debut against the Black Cats — sections of the United support even compared him with club great Peter Schmeichel.

United have been hampered by numerous goalkeeping errors from both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir during Amorim’s reign.

“The first impression in this club is really important. To maintain the level is even more important and is really difficult,” said Amorim.

“He’s not Schmeichel, yet, he’s a young guy with talent, he showed a lot of composure and the fans liked it, but that is in the past and we need to prove in the next game.”

READ: WATCH: Pakistan, South Africa squads arrive in Rawalpindi ahead of second Test

JOHOR BAHRU: Pakistan junior hockey team made a strong comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against Australia here at the Taman Daya Stadium in the Sultan of Johor Hockey Cup 2025.

Pakistan will now face Great Britain tomorrow for the third spot in the tournament.

The 15th match of the tournament between Pakistan and Australia ended in a 3-3 draw. The Kookaburras started the match in dominant fashion, with Oscar Sproule and captain Toby Mallon scoring the goals in the first quarter.

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Meanwhile, Green Shirts made a much-needed comeback in the third quarter with captain Hannan Shahid scoring their first goal. Australia, who were 2-1 till the third quarter, notched another in the 47th minute of the game to consolidate their position.

However, Shahid Hannan struck for Pakistan again in the next minute, followed by an equalizer from Saif Ullah. Both teams tried hard in the last quarter, yet the last group stage fixture for Green Shirts ended in a stalemate.

 

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Pakistan had a topsy-turvy campaign as they opened their account dominantly with a win against hosts Malaysia; however, they suffered defeats against Great Britain and New Zealand.

The final will be played between unbeaten Australia and India, who topped the group standings.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan, South Africa squads arrive in Rawalpindi ahead of second Test

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and South Africa squads arrived here on Friday for the forthcoming second Test, set to be played on October 20 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Upon arrival from Lahore, players from both teams received a warm reception at the hotel.

Pakistan and South Africa will hold practice sessions tomorrow (12:30 to 15:30) for three hours and on Sunday (10:00 to 13:00) for two hours at the Islamabad club.

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Following training on Sunday, captains from both teams will hold the pre-match press conference at the Stadium.

Meanwhile, the second Test is scheduled to begin on October 20 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the hosts holding an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

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Pakistan is riding high on their 93-run victory in the opening Test at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

The hosts defended a target of 277, bowling out South Africa for 183 on the fourth day to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Noman Ali starred for the home side with the ball, picking up ten wickets in the match — 6/112 in the first and 4/79 in the second innings.

For his outstanding performance, Noman was adjudged player of the match.

READ: Bangladesh team receive hostile reception after Afghanistan whitewash

DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket team players received a hostile reception at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport following their whitewash against Afghanistan in the three-match ODI series, which concluded on October 14, 2025.

Afghanistan, for the first time, clean-swept an Asian Side during the ODI series played at the United Arab Emirates.

Bangladesh, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, were completely outplayed in the series, losing by five wickets, 80 runs, and 200 runs in the three matches, respectively.

Following the team’s return, the players were booed at the airport, and their vehicles were also attacked, according to Bangladesh player Naim Shaikh, who took to social media and penned down an emotional note.

“We who take the field, we don’t just play – we carry the name of our country on our chest. The red and green flag isn’t just on our bodies; it’s in our blood. With every ball, every run, every breath, we strive to make that flag proud,” he wrote.

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“Yes, sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don’t. Victory comes, defeat comes – that’s the reality of sports. We know that when we lose, it hurts you, angers you – because you love this country just as much as we do.

He further revealed the situation they had faced during their reception at the airport.

“But the way hate was directed at us today, the attacks on our vehicles, that truly hurts. We are humans; we make mistakes, but we never lack love or effort for our country. Every moment, we try for the country, for the people, to bring a smile to your faces.

“We want love, not hate. Let criticism come with reason, not anger. Because we are all children of the same flag. Whether we win or lose – may the red and green always be a source of pride for all of us, not anger.

“We will fight, and we will rise again – for the country, for you, for this flag,” Naim Shaikh concluded.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has urged players to refrain from using social media to respond to critics.

Simmons, ahead of the West Indies series, shed light on the matter and said that the players in an individual capacity are allowed to express their views; however, they should avoid doing so as a Bangladesh player.

“It is your right as a person to be on social media, to say what you want on social media. But as an international player, as a national player for Bangladesh, my players should not be on there,” Phil Simmons said.

READ: Test Twenty explained: the game-changing fourth format of cricket

Cole Palmer has been ruled out of action for six more weeks with a groin problem, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said on Friday.

The England midfielder has not played since Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on September 20 — when he came off midway through the first half.

Maresca initially said he hoped Palmer, 23, would be back after this month’s international break.

“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. So, yes, this is the update,” he said.

The Italian, whose team travels to struggling Nottingham Forest on Saturday, said he was confident Palmer would not require surgery.

“We try just to protect Cole as much as we can, and the most important thing is that when he comes back, he’s fully recovered,” he added.

Maresca was asked at his pre-match press conference whether he was confident the extra rest would solve the issue.

“Yeah, but unfortunately, the medical staff are not magicians, you never know that,” he said.

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“Probably you need six weeks. We hope that six weeks will be enough, but it’s a problem that we need to see step by step, week after week. But for sure he’s going to be OK.”

Maresca said replacing “one of the best players in the Premier League” was difficult.

“For sure, we need to find a different solution, we need to find different skills, because we don’t have another player like Cole,” he said. “Because Cole is unique.”

Chelsea have also been beset by injury problems in defence, with the in-form Benoit Badiashile out “until December”.

“He was doing fantastic, he showed how good he is, he showed how we need him, and we’re going to wait for him,” said the Chelsea boss.

However, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, and Reece James have overcome issues to be in contention to face Forest.

Maresca will be suspended for the trip to Nottingham after being sent off for his wild celebrations following Estevao’s late winner against Liverpool on October 4.

“The first reason is because since I joined the club we never won a game at home in the last minute,” he said, explaining his reaction.

“The other reason is because we were playing against the champions of England, they won the last Premier League, so it was an important moment for sure.

“For me personally it was just a reaction, just a passionate moment, just a normal reaction.”

READ: Babar Azam, Naseem Shah in line for T20I return against South Africa: sources

Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah are reportedly in line for a comeback as the national selectors prepare to finalise the squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

A source within the selection committee confirmed on Friday that no player has been ruled out of contention, stressing that all selections will be based purely on team requirements as Pakistan enter the final stretch of their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

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If included, Babar’s return will mark his first T20I appearance since the 2024 tour of South Africa, while Naseem could also feature for the first time in the shortest format since facing Australia in November last year.

The selection committee, according to the source, is focused on assembling a balanced and competitive unit that reflects both recent form and long-term planning for the global event.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

The three-match T20I series will be played between October 28 and November 1, with the opening fixture in Rawalpindi, followed by two games at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The white-ball leg will continue with a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.

READ: AB de Villiers, Matthew Hayden back cricket’s new format ‘Test Twenty’