Cricket
Pakistan-Bangladesh to contest three-match T20I series from Sunday
Sports Bulletin ReportDhaka (Bangladesh): Pakistan and Bangladesh will lock horns in a three-match T20I series beginning on Sunday, 20 May with the remaining two games to be staged on 22 and 24 May at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. All matches are set to begin at 5pm PKT with the toss to take place at 4.30pm. Pakistan are visiting Bangladesh for the first time since December 2021 as they arrived in the country on Wednesday, 16 July after taking part in an extensive training camp in Karachi. Salman Ali Agha, who has so far led Pakistan in 12 T20Is, will marshal the side in fourth T20I series.Pace duo of Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Salman Mirza are the two uncapped players in Pakistan’s squad and will be in line to make their international debuts during the series. Earlier, Pakistan had white-washed Bangladesh in a home three-match T20I series bagging 37-run, 57-run and seven-wicket wins at the Gaddafi Stadium in May and June. Litton Das-led Bangladesh will take the field on the back of an away 2-1 T20I series triumph over Sri Lanka last week. The overall T20I record between Pakistan and Bangladesh depicts the former’s domination as they have won 19 out of 22 T20Is since the first clash between both sides in September 2007 in Nairobi. Pakistan T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha: “We have changed the way we want to play but knowing the conditions is going to be the key. If the conditions allow us to play aggressively then we’ll surely play that way and in other case we’ll go accordingly. In our training we have tried to make sure that we experience match-like situations in order to get game ready.“Bangladesh are a tough opposition especially in their home conditions. We know what the challenges are going to be thrown at us and we are very excited to play here.”Pakistan T20I squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza and Sufyan MoqimBangladesh T20I squad: Litton Das (captain), Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Naim Sheikh, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Parvez Hossain Emon, Rishad Hossain, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed and Towhid Hridoy.
Pakistan Shaheens players start training in Kent
Kent (SBR):Pakistan Shaheens held their first training session on Friday afternoon at the Tonbridge School Ground in Kent. The squad led by Test cricketer Saud Shakeel, arrived in England on Thursday evening to feature in a series comprising three one-day matches and two three-day fixtures.The one-day matches will be played against the Professional County Club Select XI on 22, 25 and 27 July, with the first two matches taking place at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham. The third one-day match will be held at the 1st Central County Ground in Hove.The first three-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and the Professional County Club Select XI will be staged at the 1st Central County Ground in Hove from 29 to 31 July. Pakistan Shaheens second three-day match, which will also be the final fixture of the tour, will take place against the South Asian Cricket Academy & MCC Young Cricketers XI at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury from 3 to 5 August.
Markram and Matthews named ICC Players of the Month for June 2025
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): South Africa batter Aiden Markram and West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews have been announced as the winners of the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards for June 2025.Markram won the men’s award ahead of team-mate Kagiso Rabada and Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka for his for Player of the Match effort in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia at Lord’s.The 30-year-old opener struck a solid 136 off 207 balls and featured in a 147-run third wicket stand with captain Temba Bavuma in a successful chase of 282. The five-wicket victory helped South Africa win an ICC Title for the first time since the Champions Trophy in 1998. Markram also picked up a wicket each in the two innings.Matthews, who has previously won the awards in November 2021, October 2023 and April 2024, edged South Africa’s Tazmin Brits and compatriot Afy Fletcher to become only the second player to win the award four times after Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner.The West Indies skipper scored 104 runs in the three ODIs against South Africa, which included a half-century in the third match. She also grabbed four wickets in the series. Her fine run continued in the subsequent 2-1 T20I series win. She was named Player of the Series for her two fifties in an aggregate of 147 runs and two wickets.Markram said: "It is a privilege to receive this award. To contribute to an ICC World Test Championship win for our team and South Africa is something that means a lot to me. “Winning the final at Lord's is a historic moment for South African cricket, and it is something we will all remember forever. This victory was only possible due to the combined efforts of the entire team, with crucial contributions from KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Tembs (Temba Bavuma)."Matthews said: “It’s an honour to receive the Player of the Month award again. I’ve been pleased with my form recently, but more importantly, it’s been great to contribute to the team’s success—especially in a hard-fought T20I series against South Africa. "Recognition like this is appreciated, but my focus remains on what’s ahead. There’s a lot more I want to achieve, both personally and with this team. We’re heading in the right direction, and I’m excited about where we can go from here.”
Lahore Qalandars & PM Youth Program announce boys and girls teams
Karachi(PR): The two-day talent hunt trials, jointly organised by Lahore Qalandars and the Prime Minister's Youth Program, concluded successfully in Karachi, with the announcement of 15-member boys and girls teams.The trials took place at NED University, where thousands of aspiring cricketers participated with hopes of joining the Qalandars system. Following the trials, coaches Marina Iqbal and Riaz Afridi, along with Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana, announced the selected players in a press conference.About the trials PMYP-Lahore Qalandars trials in Karachi, Atif Rana said that the massive turnout reflects the trust of youth in Lahore Qalandars. “Our player development journey began 10 years ago, and many of today's top players emerged from this very program,” he said. “Prime Minister's endorsement of our work empowered us to take this initiative nationwide.”He added that nearly 15,000 male and female players came forward in Karachi, showing their faith in the Qalandars system. “From here, we will move to Hyderabad and eventually form five teams from Sindh,” he added.Lahore Qalandars CEO further elaborated that under the program, five teams each will be formed from every province, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. These teams will participate in regional tournaments, from which the best players will qualify for the national tournament. The top national performers will be trained at the Lahore Qalandars High-Performance Center.Coaches Marina Iqbal and Riaz Afridi praised the raw talent and enthusiasm shown by players during the Karachi trials. They appreciated the PMYP-Lahore Qalandars talent hunt cricket trails initiative at such a huge level, which was widely participated by cricket enthusiasts across Karachi and the best talent earned their placed in the 15-member boys and girls teams. The selected girls team (Karachi) includes Yesri Aamir, Alizeh Sabir, Arija Haseeb, Aamna Zahid, Taskeen Fatima, Kainat Iman, Aneza Arif, Syeda Batool Fatima, Shabnam Hayat, Masooma Jafri, Ubeera Riaz, Faiqa Tariq, Arij Aamir, Maryam Ahmed, Isha Naeem.The selected boys team (Karachi) comprises Arman Shehzad, Abdullah Javed, Mohammad Siddiq, Umar Farooq, Zain Anwar, Hamza Malik, Ali Shoaib, M. Shaheer, Mohammad Furman, Naveedullah, Syed Zain, Abdul Rauf, Muaz Shah Afridi, Abdul Jaleel, Syed Rehan Shah.
Irfan Khan to lead Pakistan Shaheens in Top End T20 Series
Lahore(SBR): Mohammad Irfan Khan, who has featured in nine ODIs and 14 T20Is for Pakistan will lead Pakistan Shaheens in the Top End T20 Series scheduled to take place in Darwin, Australia from 14 to 24 August. Pakistan Shaheens will play the opening match of the 11-team tournament against Bangladesh ‘A’ on 14 August at TIO Stadium in Darwin.The 15-member squad announced includes Abdul Samad (five T20Is), Faisal Akram (three ODIs), Haider Ali (two ODIs, 35 T20Is), Mubasir Khan (one T20I) – all featured for Pakistan men’s team previously, while Ahmed Daniyal and Mohammad Salman Mirza are part of Pakistan T20I squad for upcoming Bangladesh series.Shaheens’ second fixture in the T20 tournament will be against Scorchers at the TIO Stadium on 16 August, with the first ball set to be bowled at 4pm local time. The third Shaheens’ encounter in the tournament will be against Renegades on 18 August at the same venue with the first ball to be bowled at 6pm local time. On 19 August, Shaheens will take on Kingsmen at the DXC Arena with first ball to be bowled at 1pm local time.Shaheens’ fifth fixture in the event will be against Strikers at the DXC Arena, with the first ball to be bowled at 7pm. The sixth and final fixture of Shaheens will be against Nepal on 22 August at the DXC Arena with the first ball to be bowled at 7pm local time.The semi-finals and final of the event are scheduled for 24 August.The training camp for the Darwin-bound squad will be announced in due course.15-member squad:Mohammad Irfan Khan (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wicket-keeper), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Mubasir Khan, Saad Masood, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah and Yasir KhanTeam management:Ghulam Ali (head coach), Sami Ullah Niazi (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Mohammad Ibrahim (analyst) and Mohammad Aleem (physio)Pakistan Shaheens fixtures:14 Aug – vs Bangladesh ‘A’, TIO Stadium (7pm local time)16 Aug – vs Scorchers, TIO Stadium (4pm local time)18 Aug – vs Renegades, TIO Stadium (6pm local time)19 Aug – vs Kingsmen, DXC Arena (1pm local time)20 Aug – vs Strikers, DXC Arena (7pm local time)22 Aug – vs Nepal, DXC Arena (7pm local time)24 Aug – Semi-finals and final
Bat Speed Meets Brainpower : Julian Wood's Formula for Lankan Firepower
BIPIN DANIIn the ever-evolving landscape of modern cricket, where boundary-hitting has become an indispensable art, one man stands out for his scientific approach to unleashing brute force with finesse—Julian Wood. The former Hampshire cricketer turned power-hitting specialist has revolutionized the way batters train to clear the ropes, combining cricketing nuances with cutting-edge biomechanics and baseball-inspired methodologies.Wood’s trademark invention, the Power Hitting Program, isn't just a buzzword—it's a transformation toolkit. With stints at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), various county teams, and IPL franchise Punjab Kings, Wood’s reputation as a hitter-whisperer has crossed continents. His upcoming assignment with Sri Lanka Cricket, set from 30th July to 5th August, marks a strategic investment into sharpening the big-hitting blades of both men’s and women’s national teams.Purpose-Driven PartnershipIn a bid to ready its arsenal for prestigious assignments like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka has roped in Wood to collaborate with National Coaches. His goal? To decode the science behind explosive stroke play and empower the next generation of Lankan finishers.Speaking to this reporter from England, Wood exudes optimism, "Yes, hopefully, the Sri Lankan cricketers will benefit more with this new technique. I have already spoken with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and have worked with Dasun Shanaka and Kusal Mendis in Abu Dhabi during T10 tournaments."He further revealed his special focus on uplifting women’s cricket, "I will be devoting two days with the women players in Sri Lanka. My service will benefit all the Lankan players—men and women—when they play 10-over tournaments. I will make them understand the techniques behind this."Innovation Born of BaseballWood’s methodology isn’t simply about muscle—it’s about mechanics. Years of studying biomechanics in the USA, particularly within baseball training regimes, led him to craft bespoke cricket-specific aids and drills that refine swing efficiency and generate greater bat speed. His patented training techniques are now sought-after by players craving consistency in striking the long ball under pressure.A Global VoyageWhile Wood won’t meet the Indian squad touring England currently, his cricketing footprint continues to expand. He shared, “I’ll be heading to the Cayman Islands next Monday to train players there.”That globe-trotting schedule is a testament to his stature as a pioneer in cricket’s brave new world—a world where power is no longer raw, but refined.
Pakistan Shaheens squad announced for England tour
Lahore(PR):The Pakistan Cricket Board has today announced an 18-member Pakistan Shaheens squad to tour England from 17 July to 6 August for two three-day and three 50-over matches. The dates and venues of the fixtures will be announced in due course.Saud Shakeel (19 Tests) is set to lead the team, while he will be joined by three other Test capped players in Mir Hamza (seven Tests), Musa Khan (one Test) and Sajid Khan (12 Tests). Among other players, Azan Awais (844) and Maaz Sadaqat (646), who finished as the leading run scorers, respectively in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 have been selected.Other batters include Ali Zaryab, Haider Ali, Mohammad Suleman, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shamyl Hussain, while Rohail Nazir will perform the wicket-keeping duties. The pace arsenal consists of Mushtaq Ahmed, who bagged 77 wickets in two recent most first-class competitions (QeA Trophy & President's Trophy), FATA pacer Shahid Aziz and Ubaid Shah.Wrist spinner Faisal Akram will accompany left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz and off-spinning all-rounder Mubasir Khan to form the spin quartet along with experienced Sajid for the Shaheens across the red and white-ball fixtures.The 18-member squad will take part in a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi before departing for England on 16 July.Squad:Saud Shakeel (captain), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain and Ubaid ShahPlayer support personnel:Imran Farhat (head coach), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (fielding coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst) and Ali Sufyan (physio)
T20 World Cup: Cardiff, Derby, Loughborough to host warm-up games
Sports Bulletin ReportLondon, 10 July 2025 – Three elite cricket venues have today been added to the list of grounds that will play their part in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 when it comes to England and Wales next year. Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, The County Ground, Derby, and Loughborough University – home of the ECB’s National Cricket Performance Centre – will play host to a range of warm-up matches before the tournament gets underway on 12th June 2026.All three venues share a rich cricketing pedigree and have played a part in propelling women’s cricket on to the global stage. The warm-up matches will see the best in the world go head-to-head as they prepare for next summer’s groundbreaking tournament. The three venues will play a prominent role in showcasing elite women’s cricket to local fans before the first ball of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is bowled at Edgbaston on 12thJune next year.Tournament Director Beth Barrett-Wild said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Sophia Gardens, The County Ground, Derby, and Loughborough University to the roster of incredible venues that will host the tournament next summer. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 provides an unparalleled opportunity to really shine a spotlight on the excellence in our sport and to launch women’s cricket firmly into the mainstream. We’re delighted to extend that opportunity to even more English and Welsh fans through the warm-up games, and to inspire hundreds and thousands of people across the country to fall in love with women’s cricket.”The expanded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will see 12 teams descend on England and Wales to compete for the prestigious trophy that is currently held by New Zealand. 33 matches will be played across the 24-day competition, at seven iconic venues, before the final takes place at Lord’s on 5th July.
Basit Gymkhana beat Real Time by 38 runs in all Pakistan. T20 Challenge Cup
TAXILA(Sports Report): Basit Gymkhana Cricket Club showcased an impressive all-round performance to defeat Real Time Cricket Club by 38 runs in the All Pakistan HIT Challenge Cup T20 Tournament at the HIT Cricket Ground, Taxila Cantt.Batting first, Basit Gymkhana posted a competitive total of 172 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The star of the innings was Uzair Afridi, who dazzled with a blistering 62 off just 37 balls, smashing five boundaries and four towering sixes. He was ably supported by Ishaq Qazi, who contributed a solid 44 off 33 balls, decorated with three fours and two sixes. For Real Time CC, Saif ur Rehman was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets.In reply, Real Time Cricket Club faltered against disciplined bowling and were bowled out for 134 runs. Sohail Akhtar was the top scorer for his side with 30 runs. Basit Gymkhana’s bowling attack was led by Azaan Ahmed, who ripped through the batting line-up with an outstanding four-wicket haul. He was well-supported by Rana Fasih, who grabbed three wickets, and Raja Awais, who took two.For his match-winning spell, Azaan Ahmed was named Man of the Match.
Pakistan squad announced for Bangladesh T20I series
Lahore (SBR): The Men’s National Selection Committee has announced the 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side in the T20Is.The three-match T20Is series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played from 20 to 24 July at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. The squad for the white-ball series against West Indies will be announced in due course. Names of players: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza and Sufyan MoqimTeam management:Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting Coach), Shane McDermott (fielding Coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor) and Mohammad Ehsan (masseur)
Most Popular
