Category: Top Picks

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has urged the teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to work hard on his game ahead of the Champions League clash against Paris-Saint-Germain.

The holders visit Barcelona on Wednesday, and 18-year-old winger Yamal is keen to shine after finishing as runner-up at the Ballon d’Or gala last week, behind PSG’s Ousmane Dembele.

Yamal returned from a groin injury on Sunday against Real Sociedad in La Liga and provided an assist a minute after coming off the bench during a bright second-half cameo.

“(Calling him) super, super, super… I don’t like this… he’s 18 years old and for me he also has to focus on working hard,” Flick told reporters.

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“It’s not always easy, with talent you can get to this point, but to reach the next level, one or two steps more — and I think he’s able to do that — he has to work hard.”

Last season, Barcelona won a domestic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, but fell just short in the Champions League, beaten in the semi-finals by Inter Milan despite two sensational displays by Yamal.

Against Luis Enrique’s attacking PSG side Flick demanded Yamal and his team-mates knuckle down when the French champions are in possession.

“It’s not only about playing with the ball, it’s also defending,” continued Flick.

“This is what we need from every player — even a great player with the ball like him — and this makes the difference.”

Flick said to beat PSG, his team had to concentrate from “the first second to the end of the match” and play at their highest level.

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

Bangladesh’s sports advisor Asif Mahmud has declared that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will not be allowed to wear the national jersey again following his social media post on Sunday.

On Sunday, September 28, Shakib wished the deposed former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, on her birthday in a social media post

Following Shakib’s post, Asif replied without mentioning the all-rounder’s name and reaffirmed his stance on not allowing him to play for Bangladesh.

“All of you have abused me a lot for not rehabilitating one person. But I was right. End of the discussion,” he said in a post, which later became unavailable on his Facebook page.

Shakib Al Hasan also replied to Asif’s remarks and hoped to represent Bangladesh again in the future.

“So someone has finally accepted that it’s because of him that I can never put on the Bangladesh jersey again, because of whom I can’t play for Bangladesh again. Maybe I will return to my motherland one day. Love you, Bangladesh,” said Shakib.

Following this, the sports advisor spoke to a private channel, in which he stated his views regarding Shakib’s political involvement.

“We cannot let him carry the Bangladesh flag,” Asif said. “It won’t be possible for me to allow him to wear the Bangladesh jersey. Maybe I haven’t told the BCB before, but now my clear direction for the BCB would be that Shakib Al Hasan can never again play for Bangladesh.

Shakib Al Hasan did not hold back and explained the reason behind wishing the former prime minister.

“[Hasina] was deeply involved with cricket. We had a relationship through that, even before politics. I wished her from that point of view. There was no other motive, or trying to instigate anyone,” Shakib Al Hasan said.

It is pertinent to mention that Shakib Al Hasan is a former lawmaker from the party of the autocratic former leader, Sheikh Hasina. The all-rounder has been in hot water since Shaikh Hasina’s ouster in a student-led uprising last year.

Earlier this year, a Dhaka court issued an arrest warrant for Shakib Al Hasan in connection with a cheque fraud case.

Nonetheless, Shakib Al Hasan last represented Bangladesh in the Test series against India in October 2024. He has one of the most distinguished careers in Bangladesh cricket, having played 71 Test matches, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is.

Throughout his career, he has scored 14,730 runs and taken 712 wickets across all formats.

READ: PCB suspends players’ NOCs for overseas T20 leagues

Two-time Big Bash League (BBL) champions Brisbane Heat have announced to honor Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi, naming a stand at the Gabba ‘Shaheen’s Fan Bay’.

Shaheen will make his debut in the upcoming edition of the tournament after being picked in the overseas draft earlier this year.

The ticket for the Shaheen Bay will go on sale soon, with the dedicated zone active during all five of the Brisbane Heat’s home fixtures at the Gabba. The matches are set to be played on December 19, December 27, January 2, January 10, and January 18.

“Best seats in the Gabba to cheer on Shaheen Shah Afridi!”, the franchise wrote in the social media post.

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“Cheer on Shaheen Shah Afridi as he brings the heat in BBL15. These are the best seats in the house to support one of the world’s most exciting fast bowlers – surrounded by passionate fans, music, and cultural pride. Show your cultural flair. Make some noise for Shaheen and the Heat!”, it added.

Earlier, Melbourne Stars announced “House of Rauf”, a stand dedicated for Pakistani cricket fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suspended players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas leagues.

According to Cricinfo, Sumair Ahmad Syed has informed the players and agents of the decision on September 29.

“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the report quoted the notification.

However, the reason behind the decision is unknown. The report further stated that the PCB wants to link the NOCs to a performance-based system for which the criteria have not been made public.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistani players were among the popular selections in the BBL 15 overseas draft held earlier this year.

Babar Azam was roped in by the Sydney Sixers, whereas Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi were drafted by the Melbourne Renegades and the Brisbane Heat.

Haris Rauf, a regular in the BBL, was retained by Melbourne Stars, the franchise where he has become a fan favourite over the years with his pace and aggression.

READ: PCB suspends players’ NOCs for overseas T20 leagues

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has barred national players from participating in overseas T20 leagues following the Asia Cup 2025 final.

According to Cricinfo, Sumair Ahmad Syed has informed the players and agents of the decision on September 29.

“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the report quoted the notification.

However, the reason behind the decision is unknown. The report further stated that the PCB wants to link the NOCs to a performance-based system for which the criteria have not been made public.

The move came a day after Pakistan’s last-over defeat against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

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The decision puts Pakistan’s key players Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi’s participation in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025 in doubt.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistani players were among the popular selections in the BBL 15 overseas draft held earlier this year.

Babar Azam was roped in by the Sydney Sixers, whereas Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi were drafted by the Melbourne Renegades and the Brisbane Heat.

Haris Rauf, a regular in the BBL, was retained by Melbourne Stars, the franchise where he has become a fan favourite over the years with his pace and aggression.

Shadab Khan will return to the BBL circuit as well, having been drafted by the Sydney Thunder. Meanwhile, in-form pace bowler Hasan Ali found a new home in Australia, picked by the Adelaide Strikers to bolster their bowling attack.

Notably, Pakistan’s gap in the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) from November to February provides their top cricketers a window of opportunity to participate in the BBL 15.

READ: Nepal thrash West Indies to seal historic series win

LAHORE: Pakistan have announced an 18-member expanded squad for the forthcoming two-Test series at home against South Africa, set to begin on October 12 here at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

The uncapped players in the squad are 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 players who participated in the Asia Cup will join the training camp, which will run under the supervision of red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood and NCA coaches.

The camp will begin today and conclude on October 8, with the Asia Cup returnees Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Salman Agha and Shaheen Shah Afridi, will joining on October 4.

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Among the notable omissions is fast bowler Naseem Shah. The fast bowling lineup comprises Khurram Shehzad, Shaheen Afridi, Aamir Jamal, and Hasan Ali.

In batting lineup, Pakistan will rely on regulars, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, alongside captain Shan Masood.

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

South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada heaped high praise on Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam, describing him as a ‘rock’ in the team’s batting lineup.

Appearing on a ‘Beard Before Podcast’, co-hosted by England’s Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, Rabada reflected on his cricketing career and different aspects of the game.

Speaking about the toughest batters to bowl at, Rabada singled out Babar’s resilience and grit.

“Babar Azam is a rock, especially in Pakistan. It’s like, ‘man, how do you get this guy out? ‘” stated Rabada.

The right-arm pacer has dismissed Babar Azam four times in international cricket, with three of those wickets coming in Tests and one in ODIs.

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Moreover, despite having success against former Australia opener David Warner, the pacer named him as the toughest batter to bowl at, emphasizing his unique batting ability.

“I actually found David Warner quite tough to bowl to. I think he’s the hardest because he was so unorthodox. He used to cut a lot of balls, and whenever I dropped my length short, he would just latch onto it and cut,” said Rabada.

“He was the only guy who could do that against me. He was very hard. As much as I had a lot of success against him, I thought he was very tough to bowl to,” Rabada remarked.

The 30-year-old also picked the Fab four: India’s Virat Kohli, England’s Joe Root, Australia’s Steve Smith, and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson as the most difficult batters to bowl at.

READ: ‘This will haunt them for years’: Shoaib Malik on India’s refusal to accept trophy

SHARJAH: Asif Sheikh and Sandeep Jora’s brisk half-centuries, followed by a clinical bowling performance powered Nepal to a historic T20I series win over two-time World Champions West Indies here at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday.

With this victory, Nepal claimed an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match remaining.

This marks the first time that Nepal has beaten a Test-playing nation in a bilateral series.  Notably, Nepal failed to qualify for the Asia Cup 2025.

Set 174, West Indies were skittled for a mere 83 runs in 17.1 overs.

West Indies’ chase started on a shaky note as they lost their opening wickets inside the first three overs. Jewel Andrew was bowled by Dipendra Singh Airee after scoring two, whereas Karan KC removed Keacy Carty, who scored one.

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Nepal continued to pile up the pressure as Mohammad Aadil Alam got the better of Kyle Mayers in the seventh over. Mayers managed to add just six to the total. As a result, they were reduced to 23-3.

The slide continued as Nepal bowlers continued to tear through the middle order, with Jason Holder emerging as a top-scorer. The all-rounder made 21 from 15 with the help of two sixes in an otherwise shambolic batting display.

Eventually, Zishan Motara’s wicket on the first ball of the seventeenth over gave Nepal a memorable series victory.

For Nepal, Mohammad Aadil Alam picked up four wickets in his four overs while giving away 24 runs. Kushal Bhurtel was also excellent with the ball, taking three wickets in just 2.1 overs.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Nepal racked up 173-6 in their 20 overs, thanks to an outstanding batting display from Aasif Sheikh and Sundeep Jora.

Nepal were 43-3 in 6.4 overs when the duo paired up and arrested the slide. The pair forged a century stand and put their team in a commanding position.

Asif hit eight fours and two sixes in his knock, while Jora’s innings was laced with five sixes and three fours.

For West Indies, Akeal Hosein and Kyle Mayers picked up two wickets.

Playing XIs

Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(w), Rohit Paudel(c), Kushal Malla, Gulsan Jha, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sundeep Jora, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Mohammad Aadil Alam, Lalit Rajbanshi.

West Indies: Kyle Mayers, Amir Jangoo(w), Ackeem Auguste, Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Navin Bidaisee, Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein(c), Zishan Motara, Jediah Blades.

READ: ‘This will haunt them for years’: Shoaib Malik on India’s refusal to accept trophy

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik has criticized the Indian team for refusing to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from the Asian Cricket Council President and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup final. However, the drama unfolded after the match, with the post-match presentation delayed by an hour.

The delay was 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 their victory without their trophy.

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Speaking in a post-match show, Shoaib talked about the post-match presentation ceremony of the final.

“Think about the pressure on players, the heat they battled, and the effort they gave. All of it was for one reason – to win the trophy and the tournament,” he said.

“And after all their hard work, they still didn’t step forward to collect the trophy. For now, they might celebrate the choice in their own way, but down the line, after a few years, this will haunt them. We won the trophy, gave our best, yet never took it,” he continued.

He called it a missed opportunity for the Indian team and mentioned the impact of a sportsman on the field.

“At the end of the day, they are athletes, they are players. Their role is to step onto the field and give everything they have. This was a huge achievement, a tight contest, and not taking the trophy, it means missing out on the moment. It was a massive moment,” he concluded.

READ: Alzarri Joseph ruled out of India tour, Holder declines selection

South Africa have forfeited a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, world football governing body FIFA announced on Monday.

South Africa’s 2-0 victory on March 21 in Polokwane has been replaced with a 3-0 defeat, meaning they drop to second place in Group C of the African qualifiers, behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho remain fifth.

South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing Teboho Mokoena after the midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and then Zimbabwe, the football body’s disciplinary committee said.

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The South African FA, which has still 10 days to appeal the decision, must also pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,536).

The ruling offers a lifeline to Nigeria and Rwanda of reaching the finals, with both teams now only three points behind South Africa.

Only the nine group winners qualify automatically for next year’s World Cup. The four best runners-up will advance to play-offs, which could secure Africa a 10th spot in the finals.

For context, the FIFA 2026 World Cup will be historic as 48 teams will participate for the first time, expanding from 32 teams, and will be played across three countries in North America: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

READ: Alzarri Joseph ruled out of India tour, Holder declines selection

ST JOHN’S: West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the two-match Test series against India due to a lower back injury.

According to the Cricket West Indies (CWI), Joseph experienced discomfort, and follow-up scans revealed the degeneration of a lower back injury.

“Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming test series against India due to a lower back injury,” the CWI wrote on X.

Following the 28-year-old’s injury, West Indies approached all-rounder Jason Holder, who is currently featuring in the T20I series against Nepal in the UAE.

However, he declined to be part of the squad, citing a planned medical procedure. Jason Holder last Test appearance came against
South Africa at Providence in August 2024.

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Subsequently, Jedia Blades, who is yet to make his Test debut, has been called up to the side. The 23-year-old is also in the UAE and will join the squad after completing the three-match series against Nepal.

For the unversed, Joseph is the second fast bowler to be ruled out of the series.  Last week, ace pacer Shamjar Joseph was ruled out with an injury, with uncapped  Johann Layne named as his replacement.

The injuries have left a void in the West Indies fast bowling attack, with Jayden Seales the only one to have played more than ten Tests.

Notably, this will be the West Indies’ first tour of India since 2018. The opening Test is scheduled to begin in Ahmedabad on October 2, whereas the second match is slated to commence in Delhi from October 10.

Updated West Indies squad for India Test series

Roston Chase (capt), Jomel Warrican (vice-capt), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Johann Layne, Jediah Blades, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales

READ: India refuse Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi