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Cricket - Int News

CRICKET - Int News 31 Jan, 2025

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan name squad
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-player squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan from 19 February to 9 March. The PCB has until 11 February to make any changes to the squad; thereafter, replacements will only be permitted on medical grounds, subject to approval by the ICC Event Technical Committee. The same squad will also feature in the tri-nation ODI series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore and Karachi, in the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.The squad, to be captained by Mohammad Rizwan with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain, includes three members from the 2017 title-winning side - Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf and Fakhar Zaman. Babar and Fakhar, along with Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saud Shakeel had also featured in the last 50-over ICC event - the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 2023.Pakistan’s 15-player squad: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah AfridiOpener Fakhar Zaman, who scored a century in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final against India, makes a comeback after overcoming injury and illness that had sidelined him from international cricket since June 2024. Fakhar demonstrated his return to complete fitness and form during the Champions T20 Cup 2024 in December, where he was the third-highest run-scorer with 303 runs at an impressive strike-rate of over 132. In 82 ODIs, Fakhar has scored 3,492 runs with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries at an average of 46.5 and strike-rate of 93.4.Asad Shafiq, member, National Selection Committee: “The selectors have continued to adopt a horses for courses approach in assembling this squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Our focus has been on selecting players who have consistently excelled in domestic competitions under similar conditions, demonstrating their readiness to perform in a global event. One of the standout qualities of this side is its flexibility - an essential trait in today’s modern-day cricket. We are confident that this squad strikes the right balance between youth and experience, and has all bases covered. Each player has been chosen with a clear role in mind, ensuring the captain has versatile options at his disposal.“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence.“Saim Ayub has not been included in the squad due to an ankle injury, but we remain optimistic about his recovery. We understand how much he was looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and recognise how devastating it must be for him to miss a global event, especially when he is in such exceptional batting form. However, as a valuable asset to our team, we are committed to prioritising his long-term health over making any rushed decisions.Player support personnel: Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Hina Munawar (team operations manager), Aqib Javed (interim head coach), Azhar Mahmood (assistant coach), Shahid Aslam (batting coach), Mohammad Masroor (fielding coach), Abdul Rehman (spin bowling coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saiman (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Butt (analyst), Irtiza Komail (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media and digital manager) and Sergio Basil Mullins (masseur).Upcoming ODIs:8 Feb – vs New Zealand, Lahore (tri-nation ODI series)12 Feb – vs South Africa, Karachi (tri-nation ODI series)19 Feb – vs New Zealand, Karachi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)23 Feb – vs India, Dubai (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)27 Feb – vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)

CRICKET - Int News 29 Jan, 2025

Shane Warne's Legacy Lives On : Brother Shares Memories of Galle
BIPIN DANIThe highly anticipated Warne-Murali Trophy Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia is underway, and it has already begun to evoke fond memories and excitement among cricket enthusiasts. In an exclusive conversation with this Reporter, Jason Warne, the brother of the late legendary cricketer Shane Warne, shared his thoughts and cherished memories related to the series. This Reporter also played a pivotal role in arranging Jason's previous visit to Sri Lanka through the Sri Lanka Promotion Tourism Board.Jason Warne expressed his excitement and anticipation about the current series, even though he won't be in Sri Lanka to witness the matches in person this time around. He said, "I am looking forward to watching the ongoing series between Sri Lanka and Australia. Unfortunately, I will be watching from Australia this time, unlike the last tour when I was fortunate enough to be in Galle to watch the opening match."He fondly reminisced about Galle, describing it as a beautiful place with a ground that holds special significance. "Galle is such a beautiful place and ground, and it brings back great memories of my brother's performances on the ground and how much it meant to him to do what he could to help with the rebuilding of the ground and the wider region following the Tsunami."Jason touched upon the fitting nature of the Murali-Warne Trophy, particularly given the spin-friendly conditions. "It’s fitting that they are playing for the Murali-Warne trophy in such spin-friendly conditions! I am sure Shane would love to be watching this test and see which spinner can make their mark this year!!"Encouraging cricket fans to visit Galle, Jason shared his own positive experiences: "For anyone thinking of heading to Galle to watch a test match, please do. I really enjoyed the beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, historic fort area, the elephant safari, as well as Kalu’s hideaway and the wonderful Galle cricket ground."Jason concluded his reflections with a hopeful note, "Here’s hoping for another great Test match and some spin bowling performances to make Murali and Shane proud."

CRICKET - Int News 29 Jan, 2025

Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi visits Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Rawalpindi (SBR): The upgradation work of main pavilion and media boxes of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been completed while installation of chairs in enclosures is in final stage. Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi visited Rawalpindi Cricket stadium.Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi inspected various parts of the stadium including pavilion, media box, VIP boxes and observed the finishing work. Chairman PCB expressed satisfaction over the progress on the upgradation project. Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi also reviewed the proposed security arrangements for the teams. He said that an ICC tournament is being held in Pakistan after a long time and all preparations are complete for the mega event.The ICC Champions Trophy is set to begin from 19 February, with three matches to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. At this venue, Bangladesh will play New Zealand on 24 February, Australia to play against South Africa on 25 February while the hosts Pakistan will take on Bangladesh at the same venue on 27 February

CRICKET - Int News 18 Jan, 2025

Pakistan take lead after Noman and Sajid spin a web around West Indies
Multan (PCB Report): Pakistan finished the day two of the first Multan Test against West Indies with a 202-run lead after the spin twins Noman Ali and Sajid Khan wreaked havoc with the ball here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday.Pakistan were 109-3 in the second innings at stumps in 31 overs when bad light forced stumps. Skipper Shan Masood returned after scoring a 70-ball 52 with the help of two fours and two sixes, while Mohammad Huraira stayed at the crease for 58 balls accumulating 29 runs with the help of three fours.Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel will be on the crease as Pakistan resume their second innings on day three.Earlier in the day, Noman and Sajid shared nine wickets among them to dismantle the West Indies batting line-up who were restricted for 137 all out in 25.2 overs. Noman starred with figures of 5-39 in 11 overs, his seventh Test five-for.Sajid started the damage with four wickets upfront while bowling with the new ball as West Indies slipped to 22-4. After opening the bowling, he took back to back wickets on the first two balls of the third over of innings and then struck twice in the fifth over.For West Indies, No.10 batter Jomel Warrican top-scored with an unbeaten 31 off 24 balls hitting four boundaries and one six. Jayden Seales, batting at No 11, contributed with a 13-ball 22-run cameo clubbing three sixes, while Gudakesh Motie chipped in with 19 runs.Warrican and Seales also came together for a valuable 21-ball 46-run last wicket partnership.At the beginning of the play, Pakistan resumed from their overnight score of 143-4 and could only add 87 runs to their total as the two half-centurions Saud Shakeel (84, 157b, 6x4s) and Mohammad Rizwan (71, 133b, 9x4s) were removed by Kevin Sinclair. Seales and Warrican picked up three wickets each.Scores in brief (Day 2 of 5)1st Test – Pakistan vs West Indies at the Multan Cricket Stadium, MultanToss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat firstPakistan 230 all out, 68.5 overs (Saud Shakeel 84, Mohammad Rizwan 71; Jayden Seales 3-27, Jomel Warrican 3-69, Kevin Sinclair 2-61, Gudakesh Motie 1-48) and 109-3, 31 overs (Shan Masood 52, Mohammad Huraira 29; Jomel Warrican 2-17)West Indies 137 all out, 25.2 overs (Jomel Warrican 31 not out, Jayden Seales 22, Gudakesh Motie 19; Noman Ali 5-39, Sajid Khan 4-65)

CRICKET - Int News 11 Jan, 2025

PCB names squad for Multan Test against West Indies.
 Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced a 15-player squad for the two ICC World Test Championship Tests against the West Indies, scheduled to be played in Multan from 17-21 January and 25-29 January.The squad features seven changes from the 15-member Test team that toured South Africa. The retained players are: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali and Salman Ali Agha.To strengthen the spin department, off-spinner Sajid Khan and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed have been recalled to partner with left-arm spinner Noman Ali. As part of workload management, the pace quartet of Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza and Naseem Shah has been rested. In their place, the selectors have retained Khurram Shahzad, but recalled Mohammad Ali and included uncapped Kashif Ali.Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Huraira have also been brought back, replacing an injured Saim Ayub and an out-of-form Abdullah Shafique.In the absence of wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah, who sustained a split in his right-hand webbing during the Cape Town Test and requires two more weeks to fully recover, former Pakistan U19 and Shaheens captain Rohail Nazir has been added to the squad.Pakistan squad for the West Indies Tests:Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/batter), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper/batter), Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.

CRICKET - Int News 10 Jan, 2025

Athanaze hits 99 as West Indies begin prep for two-match Test series
Sports ReportIslamabad:West Indies closed the opening day of the three-day warm-up match against Pakistan Shaheens with 273-7 in 74 overs on the back of Alick Athanaze’s 99 at the Islamabad Club on Friday. The toss was uncontested as the teams mutually decided for the West Indies to bat first in this non-first-class fixture. Left hander Athanaze, batting at No.5, faced 142 balls, which included 15 fours and one six. He was dismissed by Ahmed Safi Abdullah one shy of century. Earlier in the day, opening batters Kraigg Brathwaite (34, 39, 5x4s, 1x6) and Mikyle Louis (34, 63b, 4x4s, 1x6) stitiched a 47-run opening partnership before the former fell to Ahmed Safi. Louis, Keacy Carty (22, 46b, 3x4s) and Kavem Hodge (17, 22b, 2x4s) became Mohammad Rameez Jnr’s preys, as the right-arm leg-spinner returned figures of 3-40 in 13 overs. Amir Jangoo (29 not out, 42b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Joshua Da Silva (11 not out, 28b) will resume batting for West Indies on day two with 16 overs remaining in the first innings as the first dig for both the teams has been restricted to 90 overs for maximum practice. Apart from Rameez Jnr and Ahmed Safi, Hussain Talat was the other wicket-taker for Shaheens as he dismissed Tevin Imlach (13, 36b, 1x4). Scores in brief Warm-up match (Day 1 of 3): Pakistan Shaheens vs West Indies at the Islamabad Club Ground Toss – Uncontested West Indies 273-7, 74 overs (Alick Athanaze 99, Kraigg Brathwaite 34, Mikyle Louis 34, Amir Jangoo 29 not out, Keacy Carty 22; Mohammad Rameez Jnr 3-40, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-91).

CRICKET - Int News 09 Jan, 2025

From Hat-Trick to Wedding Bells: Maheesh’s eventful January
(By: BIPIN DANI) On Wednesday, Maheesh Theekshana, the talented Sri Lankan spinner, made headlines when he took a sensational hat trick against New Zealand in the second ODI match at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Despite his heroics, Sri Lanka lost the match by a huge margin. Theekshana's hat trick, which included dismissing Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, and Matt Henry in consecutive deliveries (in split overs) was a historic moment as he became the first spinner from Sri Lanka to achieve this feat against New Zealand.Theekshana's remarkable performance earned him praise from fans and cricket pundits alike. However, the loss was a tough blow for the Sri Lankan team, who struggled to keep up with New Zealand's dominant performance.Amidst the highs and lows of his cricketing career, Maheesh has something else to look forward to. On January 17th, he will be tying the knot with his girlfriend, Arthika Yonali, at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo. Arthika is a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Siyambalapitiya. The wedding is set to be a grand affair, with many of his friends and seniors from the cricketing world are expected to attend.In his wedding invitation, which is seen by this reporter, it is written, "True love is the greatest adventure". Arthika, a beautiful and supportive partner, has been by Maheesh's side through his journey in cricket. Their love story has been a source of inspiration for many, and their wedding is eagerly anticipated by fans and well-wishers.As Maheesh prepares for his big day, he reflects on his journey from a young boy in Sedawatta, Colombo, to becoming a key player for Sri Lanka and the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. His dedication and hard work have paid off, and now he looks forward to a new chapter in his life with Arthika.

CRICKET - Int News 02 Jan, 2025

From the Pitch to the Community: Cricket's Silent salute to a Senior Sergeant
BIPIN DANIThe minute of silence before the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 3rd T-20I match in Nelson to honor Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming was a poignant moment in the world of cricket. It's not common for sporting events to pause in memory of a police officer, which underscores the depth of respect and solidarity extended by the cricket community.Senior Sergeant Fleming's tragic death on New Year's Day left a significant impact on the Nelson community and the nation. In recognizing her service and sacrifice, the cricket fraternity demonstrated its support for those who dedicate their lives to public safety.This tribute before the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match on Thursday will be remembered as a moment when the cricketing world paused to honor a dedicated officer, reflecting the values of respect and solidarity that transcend the boundaries of the sport.This rare tribute highlighted the strong connection between the cricketing world and wider societal events. By observing a minute of silence, the teams and spectators acknowledged the important role played by law enforcement officers and honored Fleming's contributions.Such gestures in cricket, though infrequent, serve to remind us of the sport's power to unite people and pay homage to those who serve the community. It shows that cricket is more than just a game; it's a platform where humanity and sportsmanship come together.

CRICKET - Int News 26 Dec, 2024

Pakistan Vs South Africa: 13 wickets fell on opening day in Centurion
Centurion (South Africa): South Africa were 82 for three in reply to Pakistan’s 211 all out as 13 wickets fell on the opening day of the first Test match at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.After being put into bat, the tourists on the back of half-century by Kamran Ghulam managed to score 211 all out in 57.3 overs. Kamran, the right-hand batter from Upper Dir, playing his third Test, scored a 71-ball 54, which included eight fours and a six. This was Kamran’s maiden Test half-century, after he had scored his maiden ton, in his first Test innings against England at home.Kamran knitted an 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket with white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan (27, 62b, 2x4s). All-rounder Aamir Jamal (28, 27b, 4x4s) was other notable contributor with the bat. For South Africa, Dane Paterson, playing his seventh Test, bagged second five-wicket haul and ended up with figures of 16-4-61-5. Debutant and fast bowler Corbin Bosch took four wickets.In turn, the hosts lost Tony de Zorzi (2, 8b) and Ryan Rickelton (8, 10b, 2x4s) to Khurram Shahzad inside seven overs. Right-arm fast Mohammad Abbas, making a comeback in the Test side after more than three years, got Tristan Stubbs leg-before wicket for nine in the 16th over. At stumps, South Africa were 82 for three in 22 overs with opening batter Aiden Markram returning unbeaten on 47.Scores in brief (Day-1):Pakistan 211 all out, 57.3 overs (Kamran Ghulam 54, Aamir Jamal 28, Mohammad Rizwan 27; Dane Paterson 5-61, Corbin Bosch 4-63)South Africa 82-3, 22 overs (Aiden Markram 47 not out; Khurram Shahzad 2-28 (SBR). 

CRICKET - Int News 26 Dec, 2024

PCB announces details of West Indies tour to Pakistan
Lahore (SBR): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the West Indies men’s cricket team’s tour of Pakistan for the two ICC World Test Championship matches and announced the schedule of tour.The West Indies cricket team will arrive in Islamabad on 6 January and after playing a three-day match against Pakistan Shaheens from 10-12 January at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, they will take on Pakistan in back-to-back Tests in Multan. The first Test will be played from 17-21 January, while the second Test will be held from 25-29 January.This will be the West Indies’ first Test tour of Pakistan in 19 years when they played three Tests in November 2006, while their last Test away Test series against Pakistan was in the UAE in October 2016. However, the West Indies have thrice toured Pakistan since April 2018 - once for the ODI series (June 2022) and twice for the T20I series (April 2018 and December 2021).Tour schedule:10-12 January – three-day match vs Pakistan Shaheens, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium17-21 January – first Test, Multan Cricket Stadium25-29 January – second Test, Multan Cricket Stadium.
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