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Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed on Tuesday that he has signed a new two-year contract with the club, with an option for a third season.

The 61-year-old German secured a second consecutive La Liga title with the Catalan club on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid.

“Obviously I’m very happy; it gives me the confidence to keep working for another year or two,” Flick said at the press conference ahead of Wednesday’s league visit to Alaves.

“I think many coaches would be very happy to sign a three, four or five-year contract, but in this case, with Barca, I think it’s good to keep it limited and I appreciate that.

“We’ll continue until 2028. If all goes well, we’ll decide to carry on. I have the right to stop, and so does the club.”

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Flick joined Barcelona in the summer of 2024 and, in two seasons at the club, has won two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups.

The Champions League, which Flick won in 2020 with former club Bayern Munich, has eluded him since arriving in Catalonia, however.

Barcelona were edged out by Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals this season, after last year going down 7-6 on aggregate to Inter Milan in the last four.

“It’s also a commitment on our part to work even harder than we did this season, if that’s possible, and to continue reaching the highest possible level with the team, achieving new goals and winning new titles,” Flick said.

“This is important for Barca, because everyone has this dream of winning the Champions League. We’ve tried, we’ll try again, and that’s all I can say.”

READ: Shan Masood admits Pakistan let game slip against Bangladesh

MIRPUR: Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted his side failed to capitalize on key moments after a painful defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Bangladesh sealed a commanding 104-run win over Pakistan on the final day of the Test match, largely due to Nahid Rana’s five-wicket haul. The speedster rattled Pakistan’s batting lineup in defense of 268, handing the home side a victory.

Speaking after the match, Shan lamented the outcome, noting that Pakistan could have pushed for a draw with two set batters at the crease.

“For us, it’s disappointing. I thought we were in the game with two set batters, and they could have batted longer to take the game towards a draw,” he said.

The skipper praised debutants Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, with the former scoring a century on debut while the latter registered half-centuries in both innings.

“It’s always a silver lining to look at the bright side and see what went well in this game, and those two  [Azan, Abdullah] were exceptional. I thought about how they played in the first innings, particularly Azan was outstanding,” he added.

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Shan urged consistency from both batters, saying both batters will improve further with more Test cricket under their belts.

“When we picked them, we picked them seeing potential that they can play at this level. Their maturity was great. For them, the thing is can they be consistent in Test cricket? I think they have the potential to do that. When you get opportunities to stamp your authority we have to do that,” Shan explained.

“Abdullah did not know that he was playing till very late that night, before the Test match. Still, to go out there, play with maturity, be positive, and also be mindful of the situation. Once they start playing more Test cricket, they will be more better at decision making.”

Regarding the decision to bowl first, Shan said Pakistan made good use of the pristine bowling conditions but failed to capitalize afterward.

“We looked at the conditions and in terms of seam bowling we had the best conditions. We got two early wickets. But in the first innings we didn’t capitalise on that and then we didn’t capitalise with the bat either. We could have pushed for more runs. But in the first innings, with bat and ball, we needed to do better,” he said.

“You can never question the effort, especially when you are playing Test cricket after six months. Test cricket on surfaces like this teaches you that when you have the game in your hands you have to push the opposition away, but we failed to do that,” Shan concluded.

READ: Pakistan set unwanted Test record after defeat to Bangladesh

MIRPUR: Pakistan registered an unwanted record after a 104-run defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Nahid Rana produced a sensational fast-bowling display to guide the home side to a commanding victory on the fifth and final day of the opening Test.

Rana completed a memorable five-wicket haul by dismissing Shaheen Shah Afridi for a 13-ball duck to wrap up Pakistan’s innings at 163 while defending a target of 268.

With this defeat, Pakistan became the second team after Zimbabwe to lose three consecutive Tests to Bangladesh. Last year, Bangladesh clean-swept Pakistan in a memorable triumph, sealing the series 2-0.

In addition to this, Shan Masood now has the joint second-most defeats as Test captain in Pakistan’s history, with 11 defeats in 15 matches. Misbah ul Haq, who led Pakistan in 56 Tests, is the only man to lose more Tests than Shan Masood.

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Nahid finished as the standout performer for Bangladesh, while Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam claimed two wickets apiece. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also chipped in with one scalp.

Pakistan’s resistance was led by debutant Abdullah Fazal, who top-scored with 66, but the visitors suffered a dramatic collapse in the final session.

Senior batters Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to steady the innings with a brief partnership and looked set to drag Pakistan back into the contest.

However, Nahid Rana struck in consecutive overs to dismiss both batters after they scored 15 runs each, effectively ending Pakistan’s hopes of survival.

The visitors then lost their final three wickets for just 10 runs as Bangladesh sealed an emphatic victory.

The second Test will be played from 16 to 20 May at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

READ: Abdullah Fazal joins elite Pakistan list with rare feat on Test debut

SYLHET: Bangladesh have named an unchanged 15-member squad for the second Test against Pakistan, set to be played on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead the side with Mehidy Hasan Miraz as his deputy for the series.

The squad also includes two uncapped players —Tanzid Hasan and Amite Hasan. Tanzid has played 34 ODIs and 45 T20Is, amassing more than 1900 runs while 24-year-old Amite Hasan is included for the first time in the national team.

The right-handed batter has so far managed to score 3650 runs in 49 first-class matches at an impressive average of 49.32.

Earlier on Tuesday, Bangladesh sealed a 104-run victory over Pakistan in the series opener, thanks to Nahid Rana’s five-wicket haul.

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Chasing 268 on day five, Pakistan stumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 163.  Debutant Abdullah Fazal remained the top-scorer for Pakistan, managing 66 off 113 balls with the aid of 11 fours.

Najmul Hossain Shanto was awarded player of the match for his 101 and 87 in the first and second innings, respectively.

In the current World Test Championship (WTC) standings, Bangladesh are placed eighth, having registered one defeat and one draw from three matches. Pakistan, meanwhile, sit fifth with one win and two losses, holding 12 points.

Bangladesh squad for second Test

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Das (wk), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Amite Hasan, Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Nayeem Hasan and Ebadot Hossain.

READ: Nahid Rana takes five as Bangladesh defeat Pakistan in first Test

Former South Africa fast bowler Shabnim Ismail has reversed her retirement and is set for a surprise return to international cricket after being named in the squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.

The 37-year-old had retired from international cricket in 2023 but will now make her comeback for the global event, strengthening South Africa’s pace attack with her vast experience and express speed.

Ismail’s return will see her reunite with long-time new-ball partner Marizanne Kapp, who has also been included after recovering from illness.

Former captain Dane van Niekerk retained her place in the squad as well after returning from retirement last year and featuring in nine internationals since her comeback.

South Africa will be captained by Laura Wolvaardt, while experienced players including Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon and Ayabonga Khaka were also named in the squad.

There was also a maiden Women’s T20 World Cup call-up for young batter Kayla Reyneke, the former South Africa Under-19 captain known for her aggressive batting approach.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso returned to the national side after recovering from a wrist injury. Meso was previously part of the Under-19 team led by Reyneke that reached the final in 2025.

Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi welcomed Ismail’s comeback and said her presence would add valuable experience to the squad.

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“Having someone like Shabnim back adds a lot of value to the group,” Mashimbyi said in a Cricket South Africa release.

“We had good conversations, and you could see the hunger she still has to represent South Africa and help this team achieve something special. We’re also pleased to have players like Marizanne, Dane and Karabo available again.”

Despite retiring from international cricket, Ismail remained active on the franchise circuit and continued to feature in tournaments such as the Women’s Premier League, Women’s Big Bash League and The Hundred.

Mashimbyi added that South Africa remain focused on their process despite entering the tournament with title ambitions.

“Every team goes to a World Cup wanting to win it, and we are no different,” he said. “But for us it’s about staying in love with the process, taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as the tournament advances.”

South Africa women’s convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez also stressed the importance of continuity while explaining the squad selection.

“Keeping the core of the group together was important to us because this is a squad that has built strong experience, combinations and understanding over time,” he said.

Notably, batter Anneke Bosch, who played a major role in South Africa’s run to the previous Women’s T20 World Cup final, was left out of the squad.

South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup squad

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon and Dane van Niekerk.

READ: Abdullah Fazal joins elite Pakistan list with rare feat on Test debut

MIRPUR: Young Pakistan batter Abdullah Fazal achieved a rare milestone during the opening Test against Bangladesh after registering half-centuries in both innings of his debut match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The left-handed batter, who scored 60 in the first innings, followed it up with another composed fifty in the second innings as Pakistan chased a target of 268 runs.

With the achievement, Fazal became only the sixth Pakistani batter to score 50-plus in both innings of a Test match on debut.

The milestone places the youngster among a distinguished list of Pakistan cricketers who made an immediate impact in red-ball cricket.

Former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood was among the earliest players to achieve the feat after scoring 128 not out and 50 not out against South Africa in Rawalpindi in 1997.

Yasir Hameed later produced one of the finest Test debuts in Pakistan cricket history when he struck 170 and 105 against Bangladesh in Karachi in 2003.

Aggressive batter Umar Akmal also announced himself in style with scores of 129 and 75 against New Zealand in Dunedin in 2009.

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman carried his attacking approach into Test cricket by scoring 94 and 66 against Australia national cricket team in Abu Dhabi in 2018.

More recently, opener Abdullah Shafique joined the list after making 52 and 73 against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2021.

Pakistan batters to score 50-plus in both innings on Test debut

• Azhar Mahmood – 128* & 50* vs South Africa, 1997
• Yasir Hameed – 170 & 105 vs Bangladesh, 2003
• Umar Akmal – 129 & 75 vs New Zealand, 2009
• Fakhar Zaman – 94 & 66 vs Australia, 2018
• Abdullah Shafique – 52 & 73 vs Bangladesh, 2021
• Abdullah Fazal – 60 & 66 vs Bangladesh, 2026

Fazal ultimately got out after scoring 66 runs in 113 balls with eleven boundaries. As of this writing, Pakistan have scored 151-5, needing 117 runs to win in the final session. 

READ: Rahul Dravid to co-own Dublin Guardians in European T20 league

Former India captain Rahul Dravid has been named co-owner of the Dublin Guardians in the new European T20 Premier League (ETPL), starting in August, as part of an Indian consortium.

Indian batting great Dravid is the latest in a string of former cricketers to take an ownership stake in one of the league’s six franchises based in Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is co-owner of Belfast Wolves, while former Australia captain Steve Waugh is among the owners of the Amsterdam Flames.

New Zealanders Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills are owners of Edinburgh Castle Rockers, while West Indies white-ball legend Chris Gayle is a co-owner of Glasgow Cosmic.

South Africans Jonty Rhodes, Faf Du Plessis and Heinrich Klaasen are owners of Rotterdam Dockers.

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“Dublin already has a passionate cricketing community and enormous potential for growth,” said the 53-year-old Dravid, who has also been the head coach of India and Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

“Nurturing the next generation has always been important to me, and I believe the ETPL can play a meaningful role in that journey.”

Organisers of the new league, co-founded by Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, are aiming to establish Europe, outside of traditional heartland England, on cricket’s global map and boost the game across the continent.

Launched in partnership with Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association, the ETPL will be Europe’s first ICC-sanctioned multi-country franchise T20 league.

Du Plessis, Klaasen and Maxwell will also play in the league alongside stars such as Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Santner and Liam Livingstone.

The ETPL’s inaugural edition will feature 33 matches from August 26 to September 20.

READ: Ticket prices for Pakistan-Australia ODI series revealed

LAHORE: The tickets for the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series between Pakistan and Australia will go on sale at affordable prices from Friday, 22 May.

The tickets can be acquired online at pcb.tcs.com.pk, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced today. Meanwhile, the physical tickets can be purchased from TCS Express Centres, which will be announced in due course.

The ODI series will commence on Saturday, 30 May, with the first ODI taking place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the second and third ODIs will be played on 2 and 4 June, respectively, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

To encourage large attendance at the venues, the cricket board has set affordable ticket prices across all categories.

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At both venues, General enclosure tickets will be available for PKR 200, First Class enclosure tickets for PKR 300, Premium tickets for PKR 400 and VIP tickets for PKR 500.

For the Rawalpindi fixture, VIP Gallery tickets will be available at PKR 1,500.

Meanwhile, at the Gaddafi Stadium, VIP enclosures at Iqbal End (Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram) for both matches will be available at PKR 1,000, while Jinnah End (Majid Khan and Zaheer Abbas) will be available for PKR 1,500.

For corporate customers, hospitality seats will also be available. Interested parties can contact the PCB Head Office for further details regarding hospitality bookings.

READ: Noman Ali breaks 130-year-old record during Bangladesh Test

MIRPUR: Pakistan veteran spinner Noman Ali shattered a 130-year-old record during the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The left-arm spinner achieved the feat after dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 24 in Bangladesh’s second innings to complete 100 wickets in Test cricket.

At the age of 39 years and 217 days, Noman became the oldest player in Test history to reach the milestone. In doing so, he surpassed former England spinner Bobby Peel, who had completed 100 Test wickets at the age of 39 years and 180 days back in 1896.

Oldest players to complete 100 wickets in Test cricket

• Noman Ali (Pakistan) – 39y 217d
• Bobby Peel (England) – 39y 180d
• Ray Illingworth (England) – 39y 30d
• Clarrie Grimmett (Australia) – 39y 22d
• Sydney Barnes (England) – 38y 310d

Noman’s journey in Test cricket has been one of the most remarkable late success stories in Pakistan cricket. The spinner from Sanghar made his Test debut in 2021 against South Africa in Karachi at the age of 34.

He enjoyed a memorable start to his Test career by taking two wickets in the first innings before returning with a five-wicket haul in the second innings, becoming the 12th Pakistani bowler to claim a five-for on debut.

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Since then, Noman has represented Pakistan in 22 Test matches and now has 101 wickets at an average of 25.08. The experienced spinner has registered nine five-wicket hauls in the format, while also claiming 10 wickets in a match on three occasions.

He also became the 21st Pakistani bowler to complete 100 wickets in Test cricket.

Notably, Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket remains legendary pacer Wasim Akram with 414 wickets. Former fast bowlers Waqar Younis and Imran Khan follow with 373 and 362 wickets respectively.

READ: Imam falls early as Pakistan stumble in 268-run chase against Bangladesh

MIRPUR: Nahid Rana produced a sensational fast-bowling display to guide Bangladesh to a commanding 104-run victory over Pakistan on the fifth and final day of the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The young pacer completed a memorable five-wicket haul by dismissing Shaheen Shah Afridi for a 13-ball duck to wrap up Pakistan’s innings at 163 while defending a target of 268.

Nahid finished as the standout performer for Bangladesh, while Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam claimed two wickets apiece. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also chipped in with one scalp.

Pakistan’s resistance was led by debutant Abdullah Fazal, who top-scored with 66, but the visitors suffered a dramatic collapse in the final session.

Fazal, who resumed after Tea on 66, departed in the very first over of the session after falling to Taijul Islam without adding to his score.

In the next over, Taskin Ahmed removed Salman Ali Agha for 26, reducing Pakistan to 121-5 and putting Bangladesh firmly in control.

Senior batters Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to steady the innings with a brief partnership and looked set to drag Pakistan back into the contest.

However, Nahid Rana struck in consecutive overs to dismiss both batters after they scored 15 runs each, effectively ending Pakistan’s hopes of survival.

The visitors then lost their final three wickets for just 10 runs as Bangladesh sealed an emphatic victory.

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Earlier, Pakistan had reached Tea at 116-3, still requiring 152 runs for victory, with Fazal and Salman unbeaten on 66 and 21 respectively.

Before the interval, Fazal and fellow debutant Azan Awais had added a valuable 54-run partnership after Lunch to revive Pakistan’s chase.

Azan, who had scored a century in the first innings, was dismissed for 15 by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood failed to make an impact and was trapped by Nahid Rana after scoring just two runs.

Agha then joined  Fazal, and they ensured that Pakistan went to Tea without any further damage.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed the chase in the second session, needing 262 more runs with nine wickets in hand after losing Imam-ul-Haq early to Taskin Ahmed.

Bangladesh had declared their second innings at 240-9 after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a composed 87 off 150 deliveries.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali picked up three wickets each in Bangladesh’s second innings, while Shaheen Afridi claimed two scalps.

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim added just six runs to his overnight score before Hasan Ali dismissed him for 22.

All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with a brisk 24 off 27 balls, while the lower-order failed to offer significant resistance.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Noman Ali claimed three wickets each to keep the target within reach. Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up two wickets, while veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas contributed with one scalp.

READ: Noman Ali breaks 130-year-old record during Bangladesh Test