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Former England captain Nasser Hussain has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the T20 World Cup 2026, backing Pakistan and Bangladesh in their stand against what he described as inconsistent and biased decision-making by the global governing body.

The debate intensified after the Pakistan government announced on February 1 that the national team would boycott their group-stage clash against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the move a protest against the ICC’s decision to remove Bangladesh from the tournament after they refused to play in India over security concerns.

Bangladesh were subsequently replaced by Scotland, a decision that sparked criticism from several quarters of the cricketing world.

Hussain, speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, questioned the ICC’s consistency and suggested that the governing body has shown preferential treatment towards India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“There has always been a link between sports and politics, but what used to be an exception now feels like the norm,” Hussain said.

“It’s very depressing, not shaking hands, not lifting trophies. Cricket used to unite countries; now it’s pushing people apart.”

He raised concerns over whether the ICC would apply the same strict stance if India were to make a similar request regarding venues in future tournaments.

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“If India, a month before a World Cup, said their government didn’t want them to play in a particular country, would the ICC really be so firm and say, ‘You know the rules, bad luck, you’re out’?” Hussain questioned.

The former skipper emphasised that consistency should be the guiding principle in dealing with politically influenced decisions by member boards.

“All sides ask for is consistency. You have to treat Bangladesh the same as Pakistan, and Pakistan the same as India,” he said.

Nasser Hussain also warned that repeatedly sidelining Pakistan and Bangladesh could have damaging consequences for the sport in those nations, ultimately affecting the competitiveness of major cricketing rivalries.

“With power comes responsibility. If you keep knocking Pakistan and Bangladesh into a corner, their cricket diminishes, and the great contests we’ve seen over the years risk becoming one-sided,” he added.

The 57-year-old further pointed to the growing influence of politics in franchise cricket, questioning whether teams with Indian ownership are willing to sign Pakistani or Bangladeshi players, while praising the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for ensuring inclusivity in The Hundred.

Highlighting the broader impact on the sport, Hussain applauded Bangladesh for standing by Mustafizur Rahman and Pakistan for showing solidarity, urging cricket’s powerbrokers to prioritise the game over politics.

“The game is shooting itself in the foot. At some point, someone had to say enough with the politics, can we just get back to playing cricket?” he concluded.

READ: Lahore Qalandars announce Mustafizur Rahman as direct signing for PSL 11

LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have roped in Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman as a direct signing for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The Bangladeshi star bowler, who was previously picked by the Qalandars in 2016 and 2018, is now set to return to the franchise for the 2026 edition, after he was signed for PKR 6.44 crore.

“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur is not just a player; he’s a brother, a key part of our family who never left,” said Sameen Rana, Owner, Lahore Qalandars.

“We are thrilled to welcome him back to our dressing room. His talent, experience, and dedication will be invaluable as we aim to defend our title and make a statement in PSL 11.”

Mustafizur Rahman has represented Bangladesh in 15 Tests, 116 ODIs and 126 T20Is, taking 366 wickets across all formats.

Moreover, the 30-year-old pacer has played franchise cricket across the globe, taking 412 wickets in 322 matches at an average of 21.03.

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Earlier, Lahore Qalandars had retained captain Shaheen Afridi, key batter Abdullah Shafique, dynamic all-rounder Sikandar Raza, and skilled youngster Mohammad Naeem.

Notably, Mustafizur’s signing comes in the backdrop of a turbulent few weeks for the bowler, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders last month.

The decision was reportedly taken at the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sparking controversy in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) responded strongly to the development, and the matter escalated to the point that the national cricket team opted not to travel to India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Subsequently, Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the mega-event after multiple meetings between BCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Adding to the strained situation, Bangladesh’s government also announced a ban on the broadcast and coverage of the IPL within the country.

READ: Pakistan PM Shehbaz reaffirms decision to boycott India clash

Manchester City will face Arsenal in the League Cup final after ending Newcastle’s reign as holders with a first-half blitz in their 3-1 victory on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola’s side were already in pole position after winning the semi-final first leg on Tyneside in January and they finished the job in ruthless fashion at the Etihad Stadium.

Omar Marmoush struck twice in the first half of the second leg before Tijjani Reijnders put the result beyond doubt.

Anthony Elanga reduced the deficit after the interval, but City’s 5-1 aggregate win sent them back to the League Cup showpiece for the first time since 2021.

City’s final date with Arsenal is set for March 22 at Wembley after the Premier League leaders knocked out Chelsea on Tuesday.

Reaching the final was a welcome tonic for Guardiola following the frustration of blowing a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham on Sunday that delivered a major blow to their title challenge.

With a crucial trip to Liverpool looming this weekend, City trail Arsenal by six points in the Premier League title race.

The League Cup was the first silverware of Guardiola’s City reign when they beat Arsenal in the 2018 final, with current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta then working as the Spaniard’s assistant.

City went on to win the competition for the following three years, but haven’t lifted the League Cup since 2021.

“We will travel to London again, they will wait for us there. They never travel to the north (for finals) but I am really happy to be back. Five (League Cup) finals in 10 years is a big milestone,” Guardiola said.

“It will be good. You have to live this experience. The first title we won here was in the League Cup.

“When you win something, it helps to win more. It’s a pleasure to play against Arsenal, the best team right now in Europe and maybe the world.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe added: “Really annoyed with the first half display. We pride ourselves on being really organised and tactically we want to be able to handle any problem the opposition gives us.

“That first half we weren’t good enough individually and our duels were off and it gave us huge problems.”

Guardiola used sarcasm and statistics this week to defend City against claims the club’s success has been due to the financial muscle of their Abu Dhabi-based owners.

The City manager pointed out six English clubs have spent more than his side over the past five years, but he knows he will never win over the critics.

Guardiola’s only way to silence the outside noise — and mounting suggestions that City are a team in decline — is with silverware.

And after finishing last season without a trophy for the first time in eight years, Guardiola would love to end City’s barren spell at Arsenal’s expense.

Marmoush put City ahead with a stroke of luck in the seventh minute.

He raced into the Newcastle penalty area and when Dan Burn made a last-ditch tackle, the ball bounced off the Egypt forward and looped into the net.

James Trafford preserved City’s lead, saving from Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon in quick succession.

Marmoush struck for the second time in the 29th minute, heading home from virtually on the goal-line after Kieran Trippier made a hash of clearing Antoine Semenyo’s cross.

That was the culmination of an incisive City counter-attack and they pulled Newcastle apart again with another rapid raid in the 32nd minute.

Reijnders led the break, picking out Semenyo and racing into the area to finish the Ghanaian’s return pass with a clinical low drive from 12 yards.

City barely got out of first gear in the second half and Elanga got one back in the 62nd minute, curling into the far corner after slaloming through the defence.

READ: Pakistan PM Shehbaz reaffirms decision to boycott India clash

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s decision to boycott the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture against India, scheduled to be played on February 15, insisting that politics must not interfere in sports.

While addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet, the premier backed the government’s stance of preventing the national team from taking the field against their arch-rivals, describing the move as a “carefully deliberated and appropriate decision” in response to what he termed the growing politicisation of cricket.

“We have taken a clear stand regarding the T20 World Cup that we will not play the match against India,” Sharif said, stressing that sports should remain free from political influence.

He added that the decision was made after thorough consultation at the highest level.

The prime minister also expressed support for Bangladesh in the ongoing controversy surrounding the tournament.

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Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup after requesting their matches be shifted from India to Sri Lanka due to security concerns.

According to government sources, the development played a key role in Islamabad reassessing its participation in the 20-team global event.

Officials in Pakistan have perceived the ICC’s handling of the Bangladesh situation as biased, further straining confidence in the governing body.

The controversy intensified after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, reportedly following directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The move, coupled with the ICC’s subsequent decision regarding Bangladesh’s participation, was viewed by Pakistani authorities as politically influenced.

READ: Karachi Kings announce Moeen Ali as direct signing for PSL 11

KARACHI: Karachi boys and girls teams secured the first place in the Sindh Inter-Division Ring Ball Championship 2026, held at the YMCA Sports Complex in Karachi.

Divisional teams from Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Benazirabad, Sukkur, and Larkana featured around 195 players, team officials, coaches, and technical officials.

All matches were played at the YMCA Sports Complex.

The opening ceremony was attended by Azim Aqili (CEO, SEZMC) as the chief guest, while Farid Ali (District Sports Officer, South Karachi), Imran Syedat (CEO, SIDAT IT Technology), and Madad Ali Shah (Secretary General, Pakistan Shooting Ball Federation) were among the guests of honour.

In the boys’ category, Karachi Division secured first position, followed by Sukkur Division in second place and Mirpurkhas Division finishing third.

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In the girls’ category, Karachi Division clinched first place while Sukkur Division finished second, and Hyderabad Division secured third position.

The closing ceremony of the boys’ event was graced by Dr Nauman Syed (CEO, SI Global Solution Ltd) as the chief guest, while the girls’ event featured Nabila Farhat Junejo (Convent of Jesus and Mary School, Clifton) as the chief guest.

Dr Nauman also assured full support for promoting ring ball in the province.

At the conclusion of the championship, the chief guests distributed prizes among the winning players and congratulated them on their performances.

Results:

Individual Awards (Girls):

Best Shooter: Yeshal Azim (Karachi Division)

Best Centre Player: Rose Maria (Karachi Division)

Best Defender: Hadiya Salman (Karachi Division)

Individual Awards (Boys):

Best Shooter: Saad Haider (Karachi Division)

Best Centre Player: Shehzad Augustine (Karachi Division)

Best Defender: Ahmed (Sukkur Division)

READ: India crush Afghanistan in record chase to reach U19 World Cup final

HARARE: Dominant India humbled Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second semi-final of the U19 World Cup 2026 to secure a place in the final for the record 10th time here at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

India breezed past Afghanistan to chase a 311-run target in 41.1 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.

This was also the highest target chased in the U19 Men’s World Cup’s history.

The foundation of chasing down a big total was laid by openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, adding 90 in just 9.3 overs.

Sooryavanshi played the core aggressor role with a quick-fire 68 from just 33 balls, including four sixes and nine fours.

After his departure, Aaron George, alongside the skipper Ayush Mhatre, held the innings together with a mammoth 114 run parntership that took the game away from Afghanistan.

The pair brought the team’s total to 204 in 26.2 overs. The stand was eventually broken with Mhatre’s wicket, who made 62 off 59 with the help of four sixes and five fours.

Meanwhile, George continued on and went on to score a century. He was involved in another stand of 96 runs with Vihaan Malhotra that put them on the cusp of a victory.

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The right-hander was eventually dismissed when India’s scorecard read 300 in 39.3 overs. He made 115 from 104 balls peppered with 15 fours and two sixes.

Vihaan Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38 from 47, striking three fours that ensured India crossed the finishing line without a major hiccup.

For Afghanistan, Nooristani Omarzai picked up two wickets.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Afghanistan racked up 310-4 in 50 overs.

Afghanistan’s openers provided a steady start with a 53-run partnership in 12.2 overs.

After the opening wicket, Faisal Shinozada put on a 64-run partnership with Khalid Ahmadzai, who made 31.

The highlight of the Afghanistan innings was 148 run stand between Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Shinozada. The pair took the score from 117 to 265 in 45.5 overs.

Shinozada was cleaned bowled after scoring 110 from 93 with the aid of 15 fours.

Meanwhile, Uzairullah Niazai marched on, scoring an unbeaten century which put Afghanistan into a commanding position. Niazai scored 101 from 86, hitting 12 fours and two sixes.

For India, Kanishk Chouhan and Deepesh Devendran scalped two apiece.

READ: T20 World Cup: Pakistan-Ireland warm-up fixture washed out

COLOMBO: Pakistan’s solitary warm-up fixture against Ireland ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was abandoned without a ball bowled here at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Wednesday.

The only warm-up match for Ireland and Pakistan before the T20 World Cup was called off due to persistent rain.

The T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on 7 February with the opening fixture scheduled between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

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Their opening fixture will be followed by a match against their 2024 World Cup nemesis USA at the same venue.

However, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign will remain overshadowed by the political situation surrounding the high-profile clash against India.

Pakistan were scheduled to play arch-rivals India on 15 February; however, they are set to forfeit the clash at the government of Pakistan’s instructions.

Pakistan squad

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.

READ: PSL owner-less franchise Multan Sultans auction date revealed

LAHORE: The auction date for the ownerless Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans has been announced.

The announcement was confirmed through PSL social media accounts.

 

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The auction for the 2021 season winners will be held on February 9 in Lahore.

Two days earlier, PCB announced the five shortlisted bidders in the race to acquire the franchise following completion of the technical evaluation process.

On 14 January 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally initiated the process to sell the ownership rights of the PSL franchise Multan Sultans, issuing an advertisement inviting interested parties to submit bids for the auction.

The PCB confirmed that bids are being sought for the franchise rights of the 2021 PSL champions. The deadline for submitting documents for the technical proposal was originally set for January 30 and was later moved forward.

The process began after the departure of Multan Sultans’ former owner, Ali Tareen, who announced in November that he was stepping away from the franchise.

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The reason for Tareen’s departure was strained relations with the PCB that had persisted for over a year, ultimately reaching a point of no return.

Subsequently, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the board would assume control of the franchise upon expiry of the existing ownership agreement on December 31, 2025.

The initial plan was for the PCB to operate the team for a year before auctioning it in 2027.

However, strong valuations achieved in the recent auction are understood to have encouraged the PCB to proceed with the sale of Multan Sultans earlier than planned.

The landmark auction, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre last month, saw FKS Group and OZ Developers acquire the newly added franchises from Hyderabad and Sialkot for Rs1.75 billion and Rs1.85 billion, respectively, expanding the PSL to eight teams from season 11.

For the unversed, PSL 11 is set to kick off on 26 March, with the auction scheduled for 11 February.

READ: Karachi Kings announce Moeen Ali as direct signing for PSL 11

Karachi Kings have directly signed Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali for the much-anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, set to commence on 26 March.

The 2020 winners of the PSL Karachi Kings shared the news on their social media accounts.

“We’re excited to announce England’s explosive force, Moeen Ali, joining the #KingsSquad for PKR 6.44 Crore in the HBL PSL,” the caption read.

 

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The Birmingham-born Moeen has extensive experience and has been a regular on the global T20 circuit.

Notably, Moeen had previously featured in the league, playing nine games for Multan Sultans from 2019 to 2021.

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In addition to the PSL, he has been a regular in the IPL in recent years, appearing in every edition since 2018 across three teams.

Earlier today, Karachi Kings announced the retention prices for their four retained players ahead of the PSL 11 players’ auction, scheduled for February 11.

The retention prices were confirmed through PSL’s official social media accounts, with Hasan being retained for PKR 47.6 million.

Afridi will earn PKR 30.8 million, while Khushdil has been secured for PKR 33.6 million. Saad, who was retained in the emerging category, will get PKR 6 million.

For the unversed, each franchise has been allotted a total budget of PKR 450 million for PSL 11, while an additional PKR 55 million has been reserved for direct signings under the league’s new auction-based model.

Notably, PSL 11 marks a major shift in the league’s player recruitment process as the traditional draft system has been replaced by an auction format for the first time in PSL history.

READ: Islamabad United rope in Devon Conway for PSL 11

Islamabad United have signed New Zealand top-order batter Devon Conway for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, the franchise announced on Wednesday.

The outfit announced the direct signing of the Kiwi batter via the social media account for a whopping prize money of PKR 63 million.

“The 4th Fastest man to reach 1,000 runs in T20I cricket joins Islamabad United.
Devon Conway it is!! The Kiwi star is ready to light up the #HBLPSL11 as our direct signing. Welcome to the #ISLUFamily,” the caption of the post read.

 

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Conway, who is part of New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad, will be playing for the first time in the tournament.

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The left-hander had represented New Zealand in 32 Tests, 43 ODIs, and 66 T20Is. In the shorter format, Conway has amassed 1739 runs at an average of 35.48 with a strike rate of 128.81.

Overall, he is highly experienced in global T20 cricket, having played 229 T20s and accumulated 7033 runs, including two centuries.

In the past, Conway has played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings; however, this time, he will be part of the landmark PSL season.

A day earlier, Islamabad United also announced their retentions for PSL 11, which included skipper Shadab Khan, pacer Salman Irshad, and USA batter Andries Gous.

According to the details, star all-rounder Shadab has been retained in the Platinum category for a fee of PKR 70 million, while fast bowler Salman Irshad, who has been kept in the Gold category, will earn PKR 12 million.

For the unversed, each franchise has been allotted a total budget of PKR 450 million for PSL 11, while an additional PKR 55 million has been reserved for direct signings under the league’s new auction-based model.

Notably, PSL 11 marks a major shift in the league’s player recruitment process as the traditional draft system has been replaced by an auction format for the first time in PSL history.

READ: Quetta Gladiators reveal retention fees of four players