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MELBOURNE: Tom Curran’s career-best bowling figures helped Melbourne Stars crush Hasan Ali Adelaide Strikers in the 34th fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Tuesday.

Stars chased down a mere 84-run target in 15.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process, keeping their hopes alive for reaching the BBL finals.

After the defeat, Adelaide Strikers were eliminated with three wins out of nine games.

Although Stars started the chase cautiously, they eventually reached home with Thomas Rogers top-scoring with 32 from 40 with the help of two fours.

Sam Harper and Campbell Kellaway were sent packing for nine and duck, respectively, in the first three overs, which provided Adelaide Strikers with a glimmer of hope.

However, Blake Macdonald and Rogers’ 30-run partnership made light work of the chase.

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The scorecard read 43-3 in 8.3 overs when skipper Marcus Stoinis arrived at the crease and hit a 23 off 20 before getting retired hurt.

For Adelaide Strikers, Liam Scott picked up two wickets.

Earlier, Melbourne Stars capitalized on the decision to bowl first as Curran led the attack, skittling Adelaide Strikers for 83 in 19.3 overs.

It was Tom Curran’s burst with the new ball that broke the back of Stikers batting lineup.

The right-arm pacer kept the Strikers on their toes as they were reduced to 21-4 at the end of the powerplay.

The Strikers could not get going despite a brief partnership of 19 between Jamie Overton and Liam Scott that brought the score near 40 run mark.

However, Curran sparked a collapse that the Strikers never recovered from.

For Melbourne Stars, Tom Curran earned the player of the match award, scalping four in his quota of four overs while giving away only 10. Mitchell Swepson also chipped in with the ball, with three wickets to his name.

READ: USA pacer Ali Khan posts cryptic message amid World Cup visa row

All-rounder Shadab Khan has announced that he will not be returning to Sydney Thunder for the remainder of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Shadab was due to return to Australia after joining the Pakistan squad for the three-match T20I series.

However, the leg-spinner has confirmed not returning to the league in a social media message.

“Thank you to Sydney Thunders for having me. I had a great time with the group. We couldn’t quite get over the line this time, but I enjoyed every moment of the journey and would love to go further in the future,” he wrote.

“A big thank you to the players, management, and support staff for the support throughout. May you all have a great year ahead,” Shadab said.

While the exact reason has not been confirmed, it is widely understood that the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching and Sydney Thunder already eliminated from the competition with one fixture remaining, Shadab has opted not to return.

Overall, Shadab Khan played six matches for Sydney Thunder, picking up seven wickets and scoring 104 runs.

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The all-rounder made an impressive comeback for Pakistan in the T20I series opener against Sri Lanka, earning the player of the match award for all-around performance.

He remained instrumental in the team’s success, picking up two wickets in his four overs, backing it with an unbeaten 18 off 12 balls, which guided his side home in the run chase.

For the unversed, the series against Sri Lanka was Shadab’s first appearance for Pakistan since June 2025.

The 27-year-old subsequently underwent surgery on his right shoulder in England on July 5, following multiple consultations due to persistent discomfort.

The surgery eventually ruled him out of several key assignments for Pakistan, including the Asia Cup 2025.

Shadab returned to competitive cricket with his appearance for Sydney Thunder during the ongoing BBL 15.

READ: USA pacer Ali Khan posts cryptic message amid World Cup visa row

USA pacer Ali Khan has shared a meaningful video message on social media handle ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.

The right-arm pacer who hails from Punjab, Pakistan, has played 15 ODIs and 18 T20Is for the USA. Although, USA is yet to announce the squad for mega event, the pacer is set to be included in the team.

The 35-year-old Ali has shared a message on his Instagram account, raising questions over his participation in the World Cup.

“Indian visa denied, but KFC for the win,” he wrote.

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This comes after the reports that cricketers of Pakistan origin or holding green passports could face significant hurdles in securing visas to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Earlier, the sources had told that several associate nation teams, including Italy, Oman, UAE, Canada, and the USA, have players of Pakistani descent or dual nationality, and these players are reportedly encountering difficulties in the visa application process for travel to India.

The sources privy to the matter have revealed that the cricket boards of these five nations have formally approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) for guidance, but have received neither a response nor any assurance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Historically, cricketers of Pakistani origin have encountered similar visa challenges, adding to the apprehension ahead of the 2026 tournament.

With the tournament just weeks away, uncertainty remains over whether these players will be able to participate in matches held in India.

READ: All squads revealed for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

ANTIGUA: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has named a 16-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled to start in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 19 January 2025.

The three-match series — ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 dress rehearsal will be played on 19, 21 and 22 January at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).

“The series will serve as crucial preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled to begin on February 6, with the final squad for this highly anticipated competition to be announced ahead of the three-match T20I series against South Africa set for January 27–31,” CWI wrote in a press release.

Among the inclusions are pacer Shamar Joseph, who remained out of action due to an injury sustained ahead of the India tour. Meanwhile, opener Evin Lewis also made a return from an injury layoff.

Brandon King will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Shai Hope, who is unavailable due to his commitments in the ongoing South Africa 20 (SA20) league, alongside Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein and Sherfane Rutherford.

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The squad also includes Quentin Sampson, who has earned his maiden call-up to the international side after his outstanding performances in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025.

Sampson is included in place of Rovman Powell, who was rested alongside Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd as part of workload management.

Following the announcement, head coach Daren Sammy termed the series as an ideal opportunity to get adapted to conditions.

“The opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is ideal, as it assists with our preparations and confidence building ahead of what will be a competitive T20 World Cup.”

“It also presents a valuable platform to assess players who would’ve missed significant time towards the end of 2025, as well as those stepping into important roles for this series, prior to the selection of the final squad for the international tournament,” he said.

West Indies squad

Brandon King (capt), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer.

READ: Australian great Alyssa Healy announces retirement from cricket

Australia captain Alyssa Healy is set to call time on her international career in March with a home series against India, bringing down the curtain to an illustrious career.

The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been playing for her country for 15 years, making her debut as a teenager.

She has played almost 300 matches across all formats, blasting more than 7,000 runs and taking 275 dismissals.

“It’s with mixed emotions that the upcoming India series will be my last for Australia,” said Healy, whose husband is Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc.

“I’m still passionate about playing for Australia, but I’ve somewhat lost that competitive edge that’s kept me driven since the start, so the time feels right to call it a day.

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“Representing my country has been an incredible honour, and I’m grateful for one last series in the green and gold.”

Taking over as full-time Australian captain in 2023 from Meg Lanning, Healy famously led the side to a historic 16-0 whitewash of England.

One of the most destructive batters and finest wicketkeepers in world cricket, she has been part of eight World Cup titles.

“Alyssa is one of the all-time greats of the game and has made an immeasurable contribution both on and off the field over her 15-year career,” said Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg.

“On behalf of Australian cricket, I’d like to thank Alyssa and congratulate her on an incredible career that has inspired so many and changed the game for the better.”

Healy, the niece of Australian Test great Ian Healy, was in the commentary box during the Australian men’s recent 4-1 Ashes thumping of England and is expected to transition to a broadcasting career.

The February-March series with India features three T20s, two one-dayers and a one-off Test in Perth.

Healy will only play the ODIs and the Test.

READ: ICC says no specific security threat to Bangladesh team in India

Alvaro Arbeloa was named as Real Madrid’s new head coach on Monday, replacing Xabi Alonso, who left the role following a 2-3 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.

Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s academy since 2020.

The Spaniard played 238 times for Madrid between 2009 and 2016, winning two Champions League titles and La Liga once, among other silverware.

Arbeloa also lifted the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, playing alongside Alonso for club and country.

Arbeloa’s first match at the helm is a Copa del Rey last-16 visit to face second-tier Albacete on Wednesday.

Earlier, Real Madrid announced the departure of Xabi Alonso, reached by mutual agreement.

“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end,” the press release wrote.

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“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home,” it added.

“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”

Alonso had signed a three-season deal after leaving Bayer Leverkusen, until June 2028.

The team were thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in July in the Club World Cup semi-finals, which was an early setback for the coach.

Despite a Clasico win over Barcelona in October, it appeared president Florentino Perez had not fully warmed to Alonso, who had intended to bring a modern coaching approach to the team.

The team struggled through a run of poor form amid an injury crisis, with Spanish media reporting some players had fallen out with him and that Alonso would be ousted if they failed to beat Manchester City in the Champions League in December.

Madrid lost but the performance was solid enough that Alonso was given more time to try and save his job.

However, the defeat by Barca in Jeddah was the final straw for Madrid, who agreed a deal with Alonso for him to depart.

READ: Alonso steps down as Real Madrid coach

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) said an internal security assessment found no specific threat to the Bangladesh cricket team in India for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Cricinfo reported on Monday.

According to the report, the cricket apex body shared a security assessment with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in which the team has been cleared to travel to India for the mega event.

The internal evaluation found no overall threat to the team, although it highlighted low to moderate risks in some venues and low to negligible risks in others, which fall within standard ICC security classifications and do not ordinarily constitute sufficient reason to relocate fixtures.

Earlier, the Bangladesh sports advisor claimed that the ICC’s assessment pointed out some difficulties for the Tigers during the World Cup matches.

“We have sent two letters (to the ICC), after which the ICC security team have sent a letter,” Nazrul said.

He claimed that ICC cited three potential security implications for Bangladesh’s travel to India, including Mustafizur Rahman’s presence in the side.

“So this statement of the ICC security team has proven beyond a doubt that there is no situation for the Bangladesh cricket team to play the T20 World Cup in India.

If the ICC expects us to make a cricket team without our best bowler, our supporters will not be able to wear the Bangladesh jersey, and we will postpone the Bangladesh elections to play cricket, then there can be no more bizarre, unrealistic, and unreasonable expectation than this,” he said.

However, as per the report, ICC considers that Nazrul’s claims are a misreading of routine contingency planning and hypothetical scenarios.

Later, BCB statements clarified that the ICC security assessment was not related to Bangladesh’s official request to move their T20 World Cup games out of India.

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“The correspondence cited today by the Adviser for the Ministry of Youth & Sports was in reference to an internal communication between the BCB and the ICC’s Security Department related to threat assessments for the Bangladesh team ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” the BCB said.

“This does not constitute a formal response from the ICC to the BCB’s request for the relocation of Bangladesh’s matches outside India.

“The BCB reiterates that it has formally raised concerns regarding venue arrangements and has requested relocation of Bangladesh’s matches outside India in the interest of the team’s security. The Board confirms that it is still awaiting an official response from the ICC on this matter,” the board concluded.

For the unversed, the entire development follows Bangladesh’s ace pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s release from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The decision was taken in accordance with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), prompting a strong response from Bangladesh.

READ: All squads revealed for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Xabi Alonso has stepped down as Real Madrid coach after mutual agreement, the club announced on Monday.

The news of Alonso’s departure was announced on the club’s website.

“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end,” the press release wrote.

“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home,” it added.

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“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”

This comes after Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona. Meanwhile, former Spanish footballer Alvaro Arbeloa has been named as his replacement.

In a separate statement, Madrid announced Arbeloa would take Alonso’s place, without specifying the length of the 42-year-old’s contract.

The World Cup winner and two-time European Championship winner, Alvaro Arbeloa, will work as the new manager of Real Madrid.

“Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s academy since 2020,” said the club.

Xabi Alonso joined the club in June 2025, replacing Carlo Ancelotti. But the side’s struggles under Alonso’s leadership played a pivotal role in his departure.

His tenure would have ended earlier at the end of 2025, but five consecutive wins until the Super Cup repeat kept him in the position.

READ: Guardiola prioritises Man City ‘growth’ over trophies

Pep Guardiola says he cares more about how Manchester City “grow up” than winning trophies as he prepares his side for the first leg of their League Cup semi-final away to Newcastle on Tuesday.

City ended last season without a major trophy for the first time in eight years, though they did lift the Community Shield at the start of the campaign, beating Manchester United on penalties.

Guardiola, asked at his pre-match press conference on Monday if he felt extra pressure after missing out on the big prizes last season, insisted he was not focused on silverware.

“It’s not about winning or not winning trophies, it’s about how the team grows up, how the team is better,” the City manager said.

“Last season we didn’t deserve to win more than just one trophy, because we didn’t play good. So satisfaction to win a trophy when we are not playing good, can happen, you know, knockout stages, (you can be) lucky.

“It’s not about that. Believe me, it’s not about that. We are here to make the team play better, the satisfaction is to make a good performance for ourselves, our fans.”

Guardiola, who has rebuilt his squad over the past year following the departures of key players, said the point was to improve game by game.

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“That is the target, and all the time has been like that,” he explained. “And after, when you are in that process, and you fight for the title, you can win it.

“But after the title, big compliments, the day after, a little bit less compliments, two days after, three days, it’s forgotten. It’s another. So it’s the journey, it’s how you improve. That is what you have to do to live our profession.”

City won the League Cup for four seasons in a row from 2018, with the competition proving a launchpad for a decade of domination of English football under Guardiola.

Last season they were dethroned as Premier League champions by Liverpool and they trail leaders Arsenal by six points in the current campaign.

Chelsea host Arsenal in the first leg of the other League Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

READ: Netherlands name squad for T20 World Cup 2026

SYLHET: Tanzid Hasan played an impressive knock of 76 from 43 balls to help Rajshahi Warriors ease past Dhaka Capitals in the 24th fixture of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26.

With this win, Warriors are now in pole position with 12 points in eight games.

Rajshahi Warriors moved to the top spot after chasing down a partly target of 132 in 16.1 overs, losing three wickets in the process.

Muhammad Waseem and Tanzid Hasan started the chase on a positive note with a 38-run stand in 4.2 overs.

Waseem made 22 off 13 with the aid of a six and two fours.

Meanwhile, Tanzid and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto kept the Capitals bowlers away with a 33-run partnership.

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Tanzid Hasan did the bulk of the scoring, with the latter being dismissed for five in the eighth over of the game. Shanto could only add five to the total.

At this stage, Rajshahi Warriors were 71-2 with seasoned batter Mushfiqur Rahim joining Tanzid. The pair put on a 44-run partnership, which gave the Warriors the insight they needed for the victory.

Imad Wasim eventually broke the stand with Tanzid’s wicket, who was cleaned up after hitting five sixes and seven fours.

Eventually, the Warriors cruised to a victory with Mushfiqur Rahim (12*) and James Neesham (10*) at the crease.

For Dhaka Capitals, Saif Hassan, Nasir Hossain, and Imad Wasim picked up a wicket each.

Earlier, Dhaka Capitals could not capitalize on the decision to bat first as the whole side was skittled out for 131 on the last ball of the final over.

Usman Khan remained the top scorer with 41 off 27 balls, striking five fours and two sixes.

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Despite an opening partnership of 54 runs in the first over, the Capitals’ middle order could not rise to the occasion with wickets tumbling at regular intervals.

Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Ripon Mondol were the chief destroyers as they never allowed Capitals batters to bat freely, resulting in a below-par total.

For Rajshahi Warriors, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain starred with the ball, taking a four-wicket haul. Ripon Mondol continued his impressive run in the tournament with three scalps to his name.

READ: Netherlands name squad for T20 World Cup 2026