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India opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised with a stomach infection, casting serious doubt over his availability for Thursday’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against Namibia in the capital, according to Indian media reports.

The left-handed batter has reportedly been admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi for the past two days, where medical tests are ongoing to determine the exact nature of his illness.

“Abhishek has been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi due to a stomach infection,” a source close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was quoted as saying.

“Some tests are being conducted to ascertain the exact problem. It is still unclear whether he will be discharged today. As of now, his participation in the match against Namibia looks doubtful.”

Concerns over Abhishek’s health first emerged during India’s tournament opener against the United States in Mumbai.

After being dismissed for a first-ball duck, the opener did not return to the field during the USA’s chase. India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate later confirmed that the batter had been dealing with a stomach bug.

“Abhi still has a few issues with his tummy,” ten Doeschate had said at the time, expressing hope that the youngster would recover in time for the next match.

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Should Abhishek fail to regain fitness, India could reshuffle their top order, with wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson emerging as a potential opening option.

Samson recently lost his place as the first-choice wicketkeeper to Ishan Kishan after a lean run of form during the New Zealand series.

“We’re waiting on Abhi’s fitness more than anything, and that could open up a few different combinations,” ten Doeschate added during the same press conference.

Meanwhile, India have received encouraging news on the injury front, with pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah set to return.

Bumrah missed the opening match against the USA due to illness but trained at full intensity in Delhi on Tuesday, signalling his readiness for the Namibia clash.

All-rounder Washington Sundar has also rejoined the squad after recovering from a side strain suffered during the New Zealand series.

He bowled in the nets and faced throwdowns late in Tuesday’s training session, indicating he is close to full match fitness.

READ: Rawalpindi franchise unveil retentions ahead of PSL player auction

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Rawalpindi on Wednesday announced their retained players ahead of the highly anticipated player auction for season 11, marking a new chapter following a historic ownership change.

Earlier this week, Walee Technologies secured the rights to the Multan franchise with a record bid of PKR 2.45 billion, the highest in PSL history, and subsequently rebranded the team as Rawalpindi.

The franchise retained former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan in the Platinum category for PKR 5.60 crore.

England’s hard-hitting batter Sam Billings was picked in the Diamond category for PKR 3.08 crore, while pacer Zaman Khan was placed in the Gold category for PKR 1.12 crore.

Young batter Yasir Khan completes the retained list in the Silver category for PKR 60 lakh.

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Following these retentions, Rawalpindi have PKR 34.60 crore remaining in their purse as they head into the PSL 11 player auction scheduled later today.

For context, each franchise has been allocated a total budget of PKR 45 crore (PKR 450 million) for squad building, along with an additional PKR 5.5 crore reserved for direct signings under the league’s newly introduced auction-based system.

PSL 11 marks a historic shift as the tournament moves away from its traditional draft model to a full-fledged auction for the first time.

All other franchises, including the two new teams, Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen and Sialkot Stallionz, have already confirmed their retentions and direct signings.

PSL 11 team retentions

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), Mohammad Naeem (Silver)
Direct signing: Mustafizur Rahman

Quetta Gladiators: Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hasan Nawaz (Gold), Shamyl Hussain (Emerging)
Direct signing: Spencer Johnson

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (Platinum), Salman Irshad (Gold), Andries Gous (Silver)
Direct signing: Devon Conway

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (Platinum), Sufyan Muqeem (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), Ali Raza (Emerging)
Direct signing: Aaron Hardie

Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali (Platinum), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), Saad Baig (Emerging)
Direct signing: Moeen Ali

Sialkot Stallionz: Mohammad Nawaz (Platinum), Salman Mirza (Diamond), Ahmed Daniyal (Gold), Saad Masood (Emerging)
Direct signing: Steve Smith

Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen: Saim Ayub (Platinum), Usman Khan (Diamond), Akif Javed (Gold), Maaz Sadaqat (Emerging)
Direct signing: Marnus Labuschagne

READ: PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi sign Australian all-rounder to replace Gurbaz

Peshawar Zalmi has named Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie as a direct signing for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

The signing was confirmed via the franchise’s social media accounts.

“After much anticipation, we are proud to announce Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie as our direct signing for PSL11. A proven match-winner, Hardie brings balance, power, and versatility to the squad.” the caption of the post read.

Hardie, 27, has represented Australia in 15 ODIs and 16 T20Is. Overall, he has played 99 T20s, scalping 56 wickets and scoring 1855 runs.

 

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A post shared by Peshawar Zalmi (@peshawarzalmipk)

A few days earlier, the franchise had picked Afghanistan’s opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz as a direct signing. However, he opted out of the league, citing personal commitments.

The 24-year-old Afghan opener confirmed his unavailability through a message in Pashto.

“After the World Cup, I won’t be available for the PSL this season due to my schedule,” Gurbaz said. “I will be focusing more on my foundation work in Afghanistan. Thank you for all the love and support.”

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His sudden withdrawal prompted a detailed response from the 2017 PSL champions, who clarified that Gurbaz’s signing had been completed strictly in accordance with league regulations and after obtaining the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

“We would like to clarify to our valued and loyal fan base that the recent direct signing of Afghanistan cricketer Mr Rahmanullah Gurbaz was completed strictly after he received full NOC clearance from both the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Afghanistan Cricket Board,” the franchise stated.

Peshawar Zalmi emphasised that Gurbaz was selected purely on professional and cricketing grounds and was among the top options available on the official player list provided to franchises.

“At the time of selection, he was among the best available options on the official list provided, and his signing followed the prescribed process accordingly,” the statement added.

“This decision was taken purely on professional and cricketing grounds, in full compliance with PSL regulations, PCB guidelines and the established framework of the HBL PSL. No consideration beyond merit, team requirements, and due process was involved.,” it concluded.

For the unversed, the PSL 11 will kick off on March across five cities in Pakistan.

READ: T20 World Cup: New Zealand suffer major injury blow

COLOMBO: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha stressed the importance of bowling better in the Powerplay despite a resounding 32-run win over the USA in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan outplayed USA by 20 runs in their second match of the mega event while chasing a daunting 191.

Sahibzada Farhan starred with the bat, scoring 73 from 41 balls. His batting performance was backed by a disciplined bowling display with Usman Tariq taking three wickets.

Babar Azam and Shadab Khan also chipped in with the bat, powering Pakistan to a strong total of 190-9.

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Agha lauded a resounding performance, noting that they have quality bowlers in the lineup who could defend totals.

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“Clinical performance, we started well with the bat and batted really well in the middle. When we come to bowling, we have a world-class attack and scoring 190, we know we could defend that,” he remarked.

“I would have batted as well, if we score 160-170, we know we can defend that. We are Pakistani, we do it differently. We are comfortable chasing, but we try to bat first and put up above par, then try to defend,” he added.

The skipper emphasized the middle-order, stressing the need to bowl better in the Powerplay.

“We have a flexible order, first three ready to go and then finishers can go early, or if we lose wickets we have batters who can take the game deeper. Always room for improvement, we’d like to bowl better in the powerplay, be more clinical. These are the things we want to improve,” he explained.

Pakistan will play their next fixture against India at RPS, Colombo on Sunday, February 15.

READ: T20 World Cup: New Zealand suffer major injury blow

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Cole McConchie named as his replacement.

The all-rounder picked up an injury while carrying out support staff duties during New Zealand’s fixture against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.

“Bracewell rehabilitated the calf tear he sustained during the 3rd ODI against India last month but reinjured the muscle during warm-ups on Sunday,” the New Zealand cricket board said in a statement.

“Subsequent scans confirmed the injury which is expected to require approximately three weeks of recovery before returning to play,” it added.

According to the board, his like-for-like replacement, Cole McConchie, alongside travelling reserve pacer Ben Sears, will join the squad in India.

Following the injury, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over Bracewell’s injury and wished him a speedy recovery.

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“We’re all feeling for Michael,” said Walter.

“It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him,” he added.

“Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this set back. “We wish him a smooth recovery.”

New Zealand, who are strong contenders for the World Cup, began their campaign in emphatic fashion with a win over Afghanistan.

They then followed the victory with a rout of the UAE in a commanding batting display, led by openers Tim Siefert and Fin Allen, who put on a record stand in Black Caps’ 10-wicket victory.

New Zealand Updated T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.Cole McConchie

READ: Nepal captain wants India, England, Australia to play in Kathmandu

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel on Tuesday called for cricketing powers India, England and Australia to tour his country to play a T20 series.

Nepal came within a nail-biting single ball of one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history on Sunday when they lost to Harry Brook’s England by four runs in Mumbai.

Lokesh Bam could only hit a single off Sam Curran’s final delivery when he needed a six.

“My message would be a warm welcome to all those teams,” Paudel said as his side prepared to face Italy in Mumbai on Thursday.

“They will love in Kirtipur and Kathmandu to play against us, and they will get a warm welcome in Nepal.

“I think if Australia, England, India whoever comes, I think our cricket will grow and it will help to globalise the cricket more, so I think it’s very important.”

Not only did the associate nation run England close on Sunday, but they lost by just one run to eventual finalists South Africa at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Paudel said the two results had raised the profile of Nepali cricket.

“Against South Africa, it was the first time we came so close,” he said, adding that the “last game against England has given us a lot more spotlight”.

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India, Pakistan and England were all given big scares by non-Test playing nations in their first group matches.

England’s Jos Buttler said Tuesday that the T20 format was a great leveller.

“I think in T20 World Cups, T20 cricket, generally, the games are closer,” said Buttler.

“One or two players can win games for their side on the day. So I think you’re going to see some close games of cricket.”

The West Indies played a T20 series against Nepal last year, losing 2-1 and their head coach Darren Sammy said such encounters were important.

“I think it’s our responsibility to grow the game in whatever way we can,” Sammy told reporters in Mumbai ahead of the next West Indies match against England on Wednesday.

“If that is Australia playing Nepal or India playing Nepal or West Indies playing Nepal, it is our job to help spread the game.

“And if giving or playing against the associate teams gives them more exposure … I think it is only good for the game.”

READ: T20 World Cup: Siefert, Allen brush UAE aside in imperious display

COLOMBO: Sahibazada Farhan’s gutsy half-century and Usman Tariq’s three-wicket haul helped Pakistan beat the USA in the 12th fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the Sinhaleese Sports Club on Tuesday.

Set stiff 191, USA fell short by 32 runs despite Shubham Ranjane’s valiant half-century.

USA openers started positively with a 42 run parntership in 4.5 overs.

Andries Gous struck two boundaries before getting caught for 13. Meanwhile, Shayan Jahangir played briskly and took USA to a good score at the end of the PowerPlay.

However, the momentum shifted once fielding restrictions were lifted, as Pakistan’s spinners tightened the screws to slow down USA.

The pressure reaped high rewards in the form of skipper Monank Patel and Shayan Jahangir’s wickets. Patel managed only three while Jahangir departed for a well-made 49 from 34 balls, striking two sixes and five fours.

At this stage USA were 69-3 in 10.2 overs as Milind Kumar and Shubham Ranjane came to the fore.

The pair put on a 54-run partnership from 35 balls, with Ranjane playing the core aggressor’s role. However, the asking rate creeping up, it was not going to be an easy task for USA batters.

Consequently, USA fell wickets at regular intervals despite Ranjane reaching his half-century.

He was eventually trapped lbw in the final over, scoring 51 from 30 balls, striking three sixes and three fours.

Usman Tariq remained the pick of bowlers for Pakistan, returning with the figures of 3/27 in four overs.

Earlier, Sahibazada Farhan, Babar Azam, and a late cameo from Shadab Khan took Pakistan to a strong total.

Asked to bat first, Pakistan piled up 190-9 in their 20 overs.

Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provided a strong start with a 54-run partnership in 5.1 overs.

However, USA quickly turned the momentum back with back-to-back wickets. Saim was the first to go, scoring 19 from 17 with the help of two sixes. The second one was skipper Salman Ali Agha, losing his wicket on the final ball of the powerplay.

The right-hander only managed one from three balls.

As a result, Pakistan were 56 at the end of the powerplay with Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan at the crease.

The pair launched a recovery as USA bowled a few tight overs to restrict the new batter Babar Azam from going big.

Pakistan’s scorecard read 85-2 at the halfway mark of the innings.

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After a slowdown, Sahibzada and Babar soon took advantage of Harmeet Singh’s 12th over. The pair accumulated 21 runs from the over to boost the run-rate and took the score from 101 to 122.

Babar Azam finally finds his groove, hitting six and two boundaries in the over to take his runs tally to 32.

However, USA made a comeback in the 15th over as Babar departed after scoring 46 from 32 balls. In the next over, Harmeet nabbed Farhan as USA made a strong comeback.

Sahibzad top-scored with 73 from 41 balls, laced with six fours and five sixes.

Consequently, Pakistan were reduced to 145-4 in 16 overs.

After a brief slowdown, Shadab Khan played a blinder to lift their hopes of reaching the 200-run mark. He made 30 off just 12 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six.

USA bowled well in the final two overs as Pakistan slumped from 177-5 to 190-9 at the end of their innings.

For USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk remained the standout bowler with four wickets to his name.

READ: Misbah-ul-Haq named Peshawar Zalmi batting coach for PSL 11

Peshawar Zalmi have named former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq as their new batting coach ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Misbah, 51, has played 75 Tests and 162 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 39 T20Is for Pakistan between 2001 and 2015.

As a captain, he led Pakistan in 151 matches, amassing 7392 runs at an average of 48.31 with eight centuries and 62 half-centuries to his name.

The franchise made the announcement on its social media handles.

“We are delighted to welcome the legendary @captainmisbahpk back to Peshawar Zalmi, this time as our Batting Coach for PSL11,” the caption wrote.

“A former Zalmi stalwart and one of Pakistan cricket’s most respected minds, Misbah-ul-Haq brings with him a wealth of experience, leadership, and deep tactical insight, ” it added.

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It is worth mentioning that Misbah-ul-Haq led Islamabad United to success in the inaugural edition of the PSL in 2016.

Later on, he represented Peshawar Zalmi in 2018 edition of tournament where he played three matches for the franchise before hanging his boots from international cricket.

Earlier in the day, the franchise also strengthened the coaching staff with the inclusion of former all-rounders Azhar Mahmood and Ottis Gibson.

Babar Azam leads the retentions in the Platinum category with a fee of PKR 70 million, followed by Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond, PKR 44.8 million), Abdul Samad (Gold, PKR 28 million), and Ali Raza (Emerging, PKR 19.6 million).

The franchise had also signed Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz through a direct signing, but the player later pulled out ahead of the season.

READ: New Zealand set new T20 World Cup record partnership to crush UAE

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert posted a T20 World Cup record partnership of 175 as New Zealand crushed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 10 wickets with almost five overs to spare in Chennai on Tuesday.

Chasing the UAE 173-6, Seifert struck an unbeaten 89, and Allen scored 84 not out as they pummelled the UAE bowling to all parts of the ground in an unbroken opening stand.

The opening pair crashed 78 from the first six-over power play and posted their century stand off only 8.3 overs.

Seifert hit one of his three huge sixes to clinch the contest after just 15.2 overs, he also struck 12 fours. Allen had five sixes and five fours.

They beat the previous record for any wicket at a T20 World Cup — an unbroken 170 by England openers Alex Hales and Jos Buttler against India in the semi-final of the 2022 edition at the Adelaide Oval.

“The main thing is that we’re playing how we want to play, especially me and Finn putting pressure on the bowlers in the power play,” said Seifert, who was named player of the match.

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“Every game’s going to be a little bit different, every ground’s going to be different.

“So in a World Cup, you’ve just got to be able to adapt to the conditions you’re playing in.”

Seifert said he was unaware the pair had posted a new World Cup record partnership for any wicket.

“No, I didn’t know that,” he said. “I’m not much of a stats guy, but look, we’ll take it.”

The UAE’s 173-6 was largely thanks to their captain Muhammad Waseem’s 66 not out.

Choosing to bat first, Waseem and Alishan Sharafu put on 107 for the second wicket.

It took a sensational piece of New Zealand fielding to break the partnership.

Mark Chapman intercepted a Sharafu slog-sweep a whisker inside the boundary and before he stepped over the ropes relayed the ball to Daryl Mitchell to complete the dismissal.

The 31-year-old Waseem, who was one of only three current UAE players to play in their last appearance in a T20 World Cup in 2022, hit four fours and three sixes in facing 45 balls.

READ: T20 World Cup: Siefert, Allen brush UAE aside in imperious display

COLOMBO: USA have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in the 12th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Tuesday.

Notably, this will be the first fixture here at the Sinhalese Sports Club under lights.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Salman Ali Agha (capt), 4 Babar Azam, 5 Shadab Khan, 6 Usman Khan (wk), 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Afridi, 10 Usman Tariq, 11 Abrar Ahmed

USA: 1 Andries Gous (wk), 2 Shayan Jahangir, 3 Monank Patel (capt), 4 Milind Kumar, 5 Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 6 Shubham Ranjane, 7 Harmeet Singh, 8 Mohammad Mohsin, 9 Shadley van Schalkwyk, 10 Ehsan Adil, 11 Saurabh Netravalkar

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HEAD TO HEAD

Historically, Pakistan and the USA have faced each other only once, with the latter scripting a memorable victory in the 2024 World Cup in the Super Over.

Matches: 1, Pakistan: 0, USA: 1

The last time both teams faced each other was in the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, where USA defeated Pakistan in the Super Over.

READ: T20 World Cup: Siefert, Allen brush UAE aside in imperious display