Category: Top Picks

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday unveiled the ODI and T20I squads of the Pakistan Women’s team for the upcoming tour to South Africa, which is scheduled to commence on 10 February in Potchefstroom.

Fatima Sana will continue to lead the side in both formats as Pakistan build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in June.

Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, and Tasmia Rubab are part of both squads.

Meanwhile, uncapped batter Saira Jabeen and right-arm fast bowler Humna Bilal have earned their maiden T20I call-ups.

Opening batters Ayesha and Gull, along with left-arm pacer Tasmia and wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, have been called up to the 15-member ODI squad after missing out on the ODI World Cup selection.

Diana Baig, Najiha, Sadaf Shamas and Syeda Aroob Shah are just part of the 50-over squad, while Humna, Saira, Tuba Hassan and Eyman Fatima are in the T20I squad only.

During the tour, mentor Wahab Riaz will be assisted by a seasoned team of coaches, including Imran Farhat (batting coach), Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), and Abdul Majeed (fielding coach).

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The pre-series training camp will commence on Sunday, 1 January at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, Karachi.

The T20Is will be played in Potchefstroom, Benoni and Kimberley from 10 to 16 February, with all being day-night fixtures.

Pakistan will warm up for the ODI series with a 50-over game at Kimberley, followed by the three ODIs at Bloemfontein, Centurion and Durban from 22 February to 1 March.

The second ODI will begin in the afternoon and will also be played under lights, while the warm-up, first, and the third ODI will be day games.

Pakistan Women’s team is set to return to South Africa for a bilateral series after January 2021, when they took part in a three-match ODI series in Durban.

In February 2023, Pakistan took part in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa and played their matches in Cape Town and Paarl.

Pakistan women’s T20I squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza (wicket-keeper), Humna Bilal, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Tasmia Rubab, and Tuba Hassan

Pakistan women’s ODI squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tasmia Rubab

Player support personnel: Wahab Riaz (mentor), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Umaid Asif (fast bowling coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Moeen (strength & conditioning coach), Waleed Ahmad (performance analyst), Ayesha Ashar (Team manager), Tehreem Sumbal (physiotherapist) and Raza Rashid Kitchlew (media manager)

Pakistan Women’s tour of South Africa Schedule

• 1st T20I – 10 February – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom (day/night)
• 2nd T20I – 13 February – Willowmoore Park, Benoni (day/night)
• 3rd T20I – 16 February – Kimberley Oval, Kimberley (day/night)
• 50-over warm-up match – 19 February – Kimberley Oval, Kimberley (day)
• 1st ODI – 22 February – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein (day)
• 2nd ODI – 25 February – SuperSport Park, Centurion (day/night)
• 3rd ODI – 1 March – Kingsmead Stadium, Durban (day)

READ: PCB unveils schedule for Pakistan-Australia T20I series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday confirmed the schedule for the three-match home T20I series against Australia.

The three-match T20I series will take place on 29, 31 January and 1 February at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Australia’s T20I squad will arrive in Lahore on Wednesday, 28 January. The coin toss in all three matches is set to take place at 5.30 pm PST (Pakistan Standard Time) with the first ball expected to be bowled at 6:00 pm PST.

The series serves as crucial game time for both sides ahead of the all-important ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2026, where Pakistan are placed in Group A and Australia in Group B.

This will also be Australia’s third trip to Pakistan since March-April 2022, when they played a three-match Test and ODI series followed by a solitary T20I.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

They played three of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the country as well.

Australia bagged a close three-wicket win in the only T20I they played at the Gaddafi Stadium on 5 April 2022

“We are excited and look forward to hosting Australia for the three-match T20I series here in Lahore,” said COO PCB, Sumair Ahmed Syed.

“The tour marks a blockbuster beginning of the year for Pakistan Cricket fans, and I urge them to turn out in numbers during the series to support both the teams as they put the final touches to their T20 World Cup preparations.

“I’m sure the Gaddafi Stadium has become a familiar sight for the Australian Cricket team as they have played a Test, five ODIs and a T20I here since March 2022.”

Pakistan vs Australia series schedule

• 1st T20I – Thursday, 29 January – 6pm PKT
• 2nd T20I – Saturday, 31 January – 6pm PKT
• 3rd T20I – Sunday, 1 February – 6pm PKT

READ: U19 Warm-Up: Minhas shines in Pakistan’s victory over USA

BULAWAYO: Sameer Minhas red-hot form continued as he struck 74* off 55 balls to propel Pakistan to a victory over USA in the U19 World Cup warm-up fixture here at the Bulawayo Athletic Club on Tuesday.

Set 295, USA were bowled out for 225 in 43.5 overs, thanks to an all-round bowling effort from Pakistan bowlers.

Amrinder Gill and Sahil Garg started positively in pursuit of the target, adding 45 in 7.4 overs before the latter was caught behind. Gill scored 18 with the help of three fours.

Garg held firm at one end with the USA’s second wicket falling on the fourth ball of the 13th over.

Arjun Mahesh could only add seven to the total.

With USA 61-2 in 13.4 overs, Sahil Garg and skipper Utkarsh Srivastava put chase back on the track with a promising 66-run stand.

The pair brought the total to 127 in 26 overs before Pakistani bowlers chipped in with regular strikes and got a foothold on the game.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Ahmed Hussain cleaned up Srivastava (36), whereas Niqabl Shafiq trapped Adnit Jhamb lbw for one in back-to-back overs to reduce USA to 134-4 in 26.5 overs.

The big wicket of Garg came in the 29th over, with Pakistan on the cusp of victory. He top-scored with 75 from 83 balls with the help of nine fours and a six.

Following his dismissal, USA innings quickly unraveled and were eventually bowled out.

For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan, Momin Qamar, and Ahmed Hussain picked up two wickets.

Earlier, put into bat first, Pakistan racked up 294-8 at the end of their 50 overs.

The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was Sameer Minhas’ batting, who continued his sizzling form.

The right-hander top-scored with 74 from 55 balls, laced with eight fours and four sixes.

He remained the lynchpin of the batting order, adding a 105-run partnership with Mohammad Shayan (23).

Minhas eventually retired with Ahmed Hussain and Huzaifa Ahsan scoring crucial runs.

Both batters scored 36 and 38 runs respectively, powering Pakistan to a strong total.

For USA, Utkarsh Srivastava remained the pick of the bowlers as he picked up three wickets.

Pakistan will commence its U19 World Cup campaign against England on 16 Jan, Friday in Harare.

READ: Australia suffer injury scare ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

New Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa insisted Tuesday he would be himself at the helm of the Spanish giants rather than trying to imitate Jose Mourinho.

Arbeloa, who in his playing days at Madrid was an ally of his then coach Mourinho, has drawn comparisons to the Portuguese veteran for his approach to management.

The 42-year-old former defender was appointed to replace Xabi Alonso on Monday after Real Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final against rivals Barcelona on Sunday.

“I have not spoken to Jose yet. For me it was a privilege and an honour to be coached by Jose Mourinho,” Arbeloa told a news conference.

“I have a great relationship with him… and obviously he was someone who influenced me a lot, I carry him within me.

“(However) I am going to be Alvaro Arbeloa, because while it’s true I am not afraid of failing, and have never been, I’m sure that if I tried to be Jose Mourinho, I would fail spectacularly.”

Mourinho, currently coaching Benfica, led Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning one La Liga title.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

During that era, he battled against Pep Guardiola’s dominant Barcelona when the fierce rivalry between the Catalans and Real Madrid was at its most bitter.

Barca currently lead Madrid by four points at the top of La Liga and Arbeloa’s job is to revert the situation, although his first match in charge is at Albacete in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Wednesday.

Arbeloa, who was coaching Madrid’s reserve side and previously working with the club’s youth teams before he was promoted, said success is the most important thing for the record 15-time European champions.

“This club is winning, winning, and winning again. That demand on ourselves, showing the DNA of what brought us here, that has filled our trophy cabinets (is what I want),” continued Arbeloa.

“When I was a player I received those values from the players in the dressing room, and for me that is the most important thing… to be able to excite the fans we have all over the world and try to leave those cabinets even more full.

“That is my work, that is my obsession and what I will be living every day.”

Madrid did not announce how long Arbeloa’s contract as first-team coach would be.

“What I can tell you is that I’ve been here for 20 years, at home, and I will be at Real Madrid as long as they want me here,” added Arbeloa.

“This is my home, that’s how I feel and that’s how it will always be.”

READ: Australia suffer injury scare ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Australia were dealt a worrying blow on Tuesday ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after ace all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was forced to retire hurt during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 fixture.

Stoinis, 36, is part of Australia’s 15-member provisional squad for the forthcoming mega event and is currently leading the Melbourne Stars in the BBL.

The right-hander came out to bat with the Stars struggling at 43-3 in 8.3 overs while chasing a modest 84-run target.

The skipper made 23 of 20 balls with the help of a six and a boundary before a short of a good length ball from Jamie Overton hit his thumb during the 14th over of the game, with Stars requiring just two runs to win.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KFC Big Bash League (@bbl)

After the blow, Stoinis immediately removed the glove and signalled for the physio. He eventually left the field and later provided an update on his injury during the post-match presentation, noting that a scan was needed.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I think I’ll probably be getting the scan, but I think it’s okay,” he said.

“Just sort of precautionary at the end, when you’re right near the end of an innings, I think. Initially, it feels like nothing, and then after about 10 seconds, you feel something.

And it’s probably just not worth the risk at that stage of the game, I guess. And to be honest, their boys were really good. Lynny [Chris Lynn] and Shorty [Matt Short] came up and said, mate, get off. You’ve got two runs to go, so get off. So right decision in the end,” Stoinis concluded.

Provisional Australian squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

READ: Curran’s four-fer routs Hasan Ali’s Strikers out of BBL 15

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“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