Category: Top Picks

Pakistan duo Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah have been picked up for a whopping price in the inaugural auction of the International League T20 (ILT20).

The ILT20’s fourth edition is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah will host a total of 34 matches. The six-team tournament will run from December 2 until January 4.

During the first-ever auction of the tournament, the Desert Vipers roped in Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah at their base price of $80,000, approximately PKR 23 million.

Both players were picked without competition, as most franchises in the ILT20 are owned by Indian investors.

 

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Fakhar was the first overseas player to be picked up in the auction. The 35-year-old will be playing for the second time with Desert Vipers in the tournament, whereas Naseem Shah will be featuring for the first time in the league.

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Among other players, UAE fast bowler Junaid Siddique attracted a massive  $170,000 from Sharjah Warriors. Afghanistan’s right-arm fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq was sold to MI Emirates for $100,000.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s mystery spinner, Usman Tariq, has been selected as a wildcard by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

 

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However, some prominent names remained unpicked at the auction. These include former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, England’s James Anderson, Jason Roy, and India’s Ravichandran Ashwin. Moreover, Shakib Al Hasan also remained unsold in the auction.

Overall, nearly 300 players from over 20 countries are registered for the auction, including star international players, promising emerging talent, and regional players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistani Players in ILT20 2025 auction

Fakhar Zaman – $80,000

Saim Ayub – $80,000

Faheem Ashraf – $80,000

Imad Wasim – $80,000

Abdul Samad – $80,000

Naseem Shah – $80,000

Mohammad Nawaz – $80,000

Mohammad Haris – $40,000

Hassan Nawaz – $40,000

Mohammad Wasim – $40,000

Mohammad Hasnain – $40,000

Usama Mir – $40,000

Zaman Khan – $40,000

Hussain Talat – $10,000

Salman Irshad – $10,000

Sufiyan Muqeem – $10,000

READ: Marsh’s sublime knock powers Australia to victory in T20I opener

INDORE: Skipper Sophie Devine’s ton went in vain as Australia humbled New Zealand by 89 runs in the second fixture of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 here at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The defending champions started their title defence with a 16th straight victory over New Zealand.

“The defending champions started their title defence on a perfect note, as Australia’s opening World Cup win marked their 16th straight victory over the Black Caps.”

Set a daunting 327-run target, New Zealand’s batting faltered and were bundled out for 237 in 43.2 overs.

Australia’s bowlers endured a miserable start in New Zealand as they lost both of their openers on ducks. As a result, they were reduced to 0-2 in 1.3 overs.

However, Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine put New Zealand back on course in the chase with a 75-run partnership. However, Australia chipped in with regular wickets in the middle, which never allowed the Black Caps to play with freedom.

Devine remained the top-scorer with 111 off 112 balls, laced with 12 fours and three sixes.

For Australia, Annabel Sutherland and Sophie Molineux starred with the ball, picking up three wickets each.

Earlier, Ashleigh Gardner rose to the occasion with a masterful century, rescuing her side as Australian women posted a strong total.

After opting to bat first, Australia were bowled out for 326 runs in 49.3 overs.

The openers were off to a flyer with 40 on the board at the end of five overs. Skipper Alyssa Healy scored 19 from 17 balls with the help of three fours before getting dismissed by Bree Illing.

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Australia batters kept up the run rate despite the wickets tumbling, and at the end of the powerplay, they were 81-1. However, New Zealand made a strong comeback once the fielding restrictions were lifted.

Phoebe Litchfield was bowled on the first ball after the power play. She made 45 from 31 balls, striking two sixes and half a dozen fours.

The wickets in the middle over shifted momentum towards New Zealand until Ashleigh Gardner’s arrival, who added a string of partnerships with the lower order, which steadied Australia’s innings.

The 28-year-old was involved in 64, 47, and 69 runs stands with Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, and Kim Garth, respectively.

She was eventually removed in the 46th over after scoring 115 from just 83 balls, peppered with 16 fours and a six.

For New Zealand, Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr shared six wickets between them.

READ: Marsh’s sublime knock powers Australia to victory in T20I opener

Mitchell Marsh’s swashbuckling knock overshadowed Tim Robinson’s maiden ton as Australia cruised to a comfortable six-wicket win over New Zealand in the opening T20I at Bay Oval on Wednesday.

Skipper Mitchell Marsh led Australia’s chase with 85 off 43 balls as they raced to 185-4 off 16.3 overs in response to the home side’s 181-6.

The powerful Marsh struck nine fours and five sixes in cold, windy conditions at Mount Maunganui.

He was caught in the deep in the 15th over to fall short of what would have been his first century in 74 T20 internationals.

Fellow-opener Travis Head scored 31 in an electric opening stand of 67 off just 5.3 overs that set up victory and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

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Marsh said he and Head complemented each other as opening batters.

“We’ve got a great relationship off the field and I’m hoping that translates into good partnerships,” he said.

“Tonight was a lot of fun.”

Robinson plundered 106 not out off 66 balls after a dreadful New Zealand start when they were asked to bat first.

The hosts collapsed to 6-3, with seamer Ben Dwarshuis removing Devon Conway and Mark Chapman off successive balls in the second over.

The fightback was launched by Robinson and Daryl Mitchell (34), whose fourth-wicket stand of 92 came from just 55 deliveries.

Robinson, 23, became the second-youngest New Zealander to score a T20 century when he blasted a four and then a six from the last two balls of the innings from Dwarshuis.

“I got streaky through the middle there and got away with a few chances but that’s cricket,” Robinson said.

“Those Aussies bowled really well at the top and Daryl and I spoke about getting through that really tough period when the ball was nipping around.”

Both teams had a key player ruled out of the series in training incidents on Tuesday.

New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra suffered facial cuts when he collided with a boundary fence during fielding practice.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell broke his arm when struck by a shot from team-mate Mitchell Owen while bowling in the nets.

The remaining two games are also day-night fixtures in Mount Maunganui on Friday and Saturday.

READ: Never apologised to BCCI nor will I: Mohsin Naqvi dismisses Indian media reports

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi has slammed the Indian media for claims about his apology to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the Asia Cup trophy fiasco.

On Sunday, the closing ceremony of the Asia Cup final saw unprecedented scenes when the Indian cricket team refused to collect the winner’s trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi.

Following this, the Indian media claimed that Naqvi had himself refused to hand the trophy over to the Indian team.

Today, several Indian media outlets reported that Mohsin Naqvi had now apologised to the BCCI over the trophy row.

In response to the Indian media’s claims, Mohsin Naqvi hit back at the fabricated claims in a social media post.

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“This fabricated nonsense is nothing but cheap propaganda, aimed only at misleading their own people,” Naqvi wrote on X.

“I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI nor will I ever do so.”

He clarified that he is ready to hand over the silverware, and India should take the trophy from his office.

“I was ready to hand over the trophy that very day, and I am still ready now. If they [India] truly want it, they are welcome to come to the ACC office and collect it from me,” he remarked.

For context, the Asia Cup had its share of twists and turns from the start. The first of the three encounters between India and Pakistan began with a handshake row, as both captains did not shake hands during the match.

Mohsin Naqvi had also lamented disappointment over the ‘lack of sportsmanship’ from the Indian side during the tournament.

READ: BCCI chief demands Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi: sources

LAHORE: The national wrestling team has departed for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS Games) 2025, currently underway across seven cities in Azerbaijan.

According to the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF), Asian Gold Medalist Hasan Ali (71kg) will compete on October 3rd, whereas International Wrestler
Abdul Rehman (65kg) will be in action on October 4th.

Coach Fareed Ali will be traveling alongside the team. Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Deputy Director General Syed Naveed Rehman will lead the delegation.

According to PWF, before the event began, wrestlers underwent intense preparation through a specialized two-month training camp in Gujranwala.

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Pakistan Wrestling Federation Secretary General Inam Butt and President Arshad Sattar expressed confidence in wrestlers to shine at the CIS Games.

“The Pakistan Wrestling Federation, along with the entire nation, hopes that these young wrestlers will deliver outstanding performances and raise the national flag high at the CIS Games,” they said.

For context, the third edition of the CIS games is currently being held across Azerbaijan in Ganja, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Gabala, Sheki, Goygol, and Khankendi.

The first edition of the games was held in Russia in 2018, while the second edition took place in Belarus in 2023.

The goals of the Games are to preserve CIS national sports as a historical legacy, their popularisation and development at the international level, promote a healthy lifestyle, develop positive physical and moral qualities in young people, and cultivate patriotism.

READ: Saim Ayub dethrones Hardik Pandya to top T20I all-rounder rankings

DUBAI: Pakistan top-order batter Saim Ayub has dethroned India’s Hardik Pandya to become the No. 1 all-rounder in the latest ICC T20I rankings, announced on Wednesday.

The southpaw who had a horror run with the bat in the recently concluded Asia Cup climbed the ladder after an impressive showing with the ball.

Saim only managed to score 37 runs in seven innings with four ducks to his name. On the contrary, he stood up with the ball when Pakistan needed him the most, picking up eight scalps in the same number of matches.

The 23-year-old climbed four spots to reach the summit position and now has 241 rating points, whereas Hardik Pandya, who missed the Asia Cup final due to fitness concerns, is now in second position with 233 points.

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In batting, India’s Abhishek Sharma is in the top spot and now has the all-time highest ranking points. The southpaw who was named as the player of the tournament for his stellar run in the continental tournament has 931 rating points.

He has surpassed England’s David Malan, who achieved the best rating of 919 in 2020.

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan has made massive strides and jumped 11 places to secure the 13th spot. The 29-year-old notched up two half-centuries against India and remained crucial in helping his team in reaching the final.

In the bowlers’ ranking, fast bowler Shaheen Afridi moved 12 spots to 13th place, while Faheem Ashraf has made a significant leap, moving up 26 places to 93rd position with 418 points.

India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy continues to hold the No.1 spot with 803 points.

READ: BCCI chief demands Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan team’s training camp commenced in the provincial capital ahead of the forthcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on October 12.

The training session started under the supervision of the interim red-ball head coach, Azhar Mahmood, and National Cricket Academy (NCA) coaches.

During the practice session, national cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan batted in the nets. Left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram and off-spinner Sajid also bowled.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared the video on its social media handles.

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Earlier in the day, PCB announced an expanded 18-member squad for the forthcoming two-Test series at home against South Africa.

The squad includes three uncapped players: 38-year-old Asif Afridi, wicket-keeper batter Rohail Nazir, and left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram.

Notably, the expanded squad will be trimmed ahead of the first Test.

Shan Masood will continue to lead the side, while the Asia Cup returnees Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Salman Agha, and Shaheen Shah Afridi will join the training camp on October 4.

The opening match of the series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, marking the beginning of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 for Pakistan and South Africa.

The second Test will commence in Rawalpindi from October 20, followed by three T20Is and three ODIs.

READ: Three uncapped players named in Pakistan squad for South Africa Tests

DUBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Rajeev Shukla has asked Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi to hand over the Asia Cup trophy, sources told Ary News on Wednesday.

The development came during the ACC meeting held in Dubai, chaired by ACC President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

As per the sources, the Asia Cup trophy was not on the agenda of the recent ACC meeting, but Shukla insisted on receiving it.

In reply, Mohsin Naqvi reportedly said that if the Indian cricket team wanted the trophy, Suryakumar Yadav should personally visit his office to collect it.

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For context, the Asia Cup 2025 final ended with a Trophy fiasco as the Indian cricket team refused to accept the silverware from ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The presentation ceremony started an hour late, reportedly due to India’s refusal, stemming from the fact that the trophy was to be handed over by the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.

The stage for the post-match ceremony was not set for an extended period. At last, the stage was set up with Mohsin Naqvi and other dignitaries taking their place.

However, the ceremony ended without the silverware, as the Indian team celebrated the moment by mimicking the trophy.

READ: Sri Lanka limit India to 269 in ICC Women’s World Cup opener

GUWAHATI: All-round Deepti Sharma powered India to a victory against Sri Lanka women in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 opener here at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Set a revised 271-run target as per the DLS method, Sri Lanka were booked for 211 in 45.4 overs.

After losing Hasini Perera in the sixth over, skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama added 52 runs for the second wicket to revive the Islanders’ chase.

Once, Chamari Athapaththu fell, Sri Lanka’s momentum dipped, and India seized control of the innings with wickets at regular intervals.

She remained the top-scorer with 43 from 47 balls, striking three sixes and four boundaries.

For India, Deepti Sharma stood tall up with the ball, picking up three wickets which set the tone for an impressive victory.

Earlier, Inoka Ranaweera took an impressive four-wicket haul, but fighting half-centuries from Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma helped India women set a strong total.

Put into bat first, India chalked up 269-8 in a rain-affected clash reduced to 47 overs per side.

Sri Lanka removed dangerous Smriti Mandhana in the third over before a 67-run stand between Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol lifted the team’s total to 81 in 19.2 overs.

The stand eventually culminated with Rawal’s wicket, who managed to score 37 from 59 balls with the aid of three fours and a six.

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Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur arrived at the crease and added a brief 39-run partnership with Deol, which brought the total to 120 in 25 overs.

However, Inoka Ranaweera’s three-wicket over sparked a collapse that slumped India to 124-6 in 27 overs.

Left-arm spinner Ranaweera removed Harleen Deol (48 from 64 balls) and Jemimah Rodrigues (0) on successive deliveries, followed by a massive wicket of captain Kaul on the last ball of the 25th over.  Kaur departed after scoring 21 from 19 balls.

In the next over, Chamari Athapaththu removed Richa Ghosh for two to peg back India.

Yet, India managed to post a good total, courtesy of Deepti Sharma’s and Amanjot Kaur’s 103 partnership. Sharma made 53 from 53 with the aid of three fours, whereas Kaur was impressive with her gutsy 57 from 56 balls, striking five fours and a six.

For Sri Lanka, Inoka Ranaweera stood up with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul. Udeshika Prabodhani supported her well with two scalps.

READ: PCB unveils schedule of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday unveiled the schedule of the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, which is slated to commence on October 6.

The 10-team Pakistan’s premier domestic tournament is all set to commence in four cities, Abbottabad, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi.

Sialkot Region will defend its title. Overall, 46 first-class matches, including the final, will be played in the tournament. Each team will play nine matches in the tournament.

The final of the tournament will be played from November 29 to December 3.

“The four-day first-class tournament will be played on a single-league round-robin format as a total of nine rounds have been penciled in from 6 October to 26 November, while the five-day final between the two top teams will take place from 29 November to 3 December,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

The venues for the 46-match QeA Trophy are Abbottabad Cricket Stadium in Abbottabad, Shoaib Akhtar Stadium in Rawalpindi, Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, and Diamond and Marghzar Cricket Grounds in Islamabad. The venue for the final will be announced later,” it added.

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The newly renovated Imran Khan Stadium, previously known as Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar, will host an event after a long time.

Meanwhile, the venue for the final and the squads for the teams will be announced in due course.

The teams are Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, FATA, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Karachi Blues, Lahore Whites, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot, whereas FATA, Faisalabad, Karachi Blues, and Multan have qualified for the QeA Trophy after finishing with the most number of points in the recently concluded Hanif Mohammad Trophy.

Quaid Azam Trophy Teams

Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, FATA, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Karachi Blues, Lahore Whites, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot.

Hanif Mohammad Trophy Qualifying Teams

FATA, Faisalabad, Karachi Blues, Multan

First round fixtures

6-9 October

Abbottabad v Bahawalpur at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium

Lahore Whites v Islamabad at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Peshawar v Sialkot at Imran Khan Stadium, Peshawar

FATA v Multan at Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

Faisalabad v Karachi Blues at Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

READ: Shakib will never play for Bangladesh again: Sports advisor