Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportBrisbane (Australia): Australia beat Pakistan by 29 runs in the rain-hit seven-over opening game of the three-match T20I series at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday. Pakistan managed 63-9 in the allotted overs after Australia raced to 93-4 off the 42 balls they faced.Earlier, bad weather delayed the start of play before Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first. After Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf removed the Australia opening batters for single digits, Glenn Maxwell hit five fours and three sixes in his breezy 19-ball 43.Marcus Stoinis struck an unbeaten 21 off seven balls including two fours and one six to propel Australia to a formidable total. Mohammad Abbas Afridi picked up two wickets in his solitary over.In turn, Pakistan were reduced to 24-6 in 3.2 overs before Abbas top scored with 20 not out off 10 balls hitting two fours and one six. Haseebullah (12, 8b, 1x4, 1x6) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (11, 6b, 1x6) were the other batters to enter double figures for Pakistan. Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis picked up three wickets each while Adam Zampa returned figures of 2-9.Scores in brief:Australia beat Pakistan by 29 runs at the Gabba, BrisbaneAustralia 93-4, 7 overs (Glenn Maxwell 43, Marcus Stoinis 21 not out; Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-9)Pakistan 64-9, 7 overs (Mohammad Abbas Afridi 20 not out; Nathan Ellis 3-9, Xavier Bartlett 3-13, Adama Zampa 2-11)Player of the match – Glenn Maxwell (Australia)Remaining matches:16 Nov – 2nd T20I vs Australia; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7pm local time start)18 Nov – 3rd T20I vs Australia; Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7pm local time start) 

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: A couple of notable performances, Suleman (86) and Ali Zaryab (83) not out helped Shaheens to achieve the 222 runs target against Sri Lanka A here at Pindi Cricket Stadium in the first 4-day match of Series on Thursday.Earlier, Test fast bowler Khurram Shahzad picked up the last Sri Lanka wicket on the fourth ball of the day without any addition to the overnight score of 364 to finish with impressive figures of five for 70 and match figures of nine wickets for 102 runs.Suleman and Ali had joined hands after Pakistan Shaheens had slipped to 32 for two following the departures of Mohammad Huraira (9) and Abdul Faseeh (22). When Suleman departed at the score of 190 after hitting 11 fours in a 129-ball knock with Shaheens requiring 32 runs for victory, Haider Ali belted two sixes and a four in a rapid 14-ball 19 not out.Ali returned 83 not out from 125 balls with 11 hits to the fence. The highly-rated batter had scored 55 in Pakistan Shaheen’s 258 in response to Sri Lanka ‘A’ 115.While Suleman and Ali took the second innings honours, Test fast bowler Khurram Shahzad was in sparkling form throughout the match. In his third competitive match since returning from injury after successful completion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Stadium, the fast bowler returned figures of 10.1-3-32-4 and 25.4-4-70-5.Khurram’s fellow new ball partner, Kashif Ali, also had a good match, recording figures of five for 31 and two for 79. The second and last four-day match will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 18 November.Scores in brief (day 4 of 4):Pakistan Shaheens beat Sri Lanka ‘A’ by seven wicketsSri Lanka ‘A’ 115 all out, 33.1 overs (Sonal Dinusha 30, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 28; Kashif Ali 5-31, Khurram Shahzad 4-32) and 364 all-out, 96.4 overs (Wanuja Sahan 73, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 64, Sonal Dinusha 62, Pavan Rathnayake 60, Ahan Wickramasinghe 53, Nipun Dhananjaya 28; Khurram Shahzad 5-70, Mohammad Suleman 2-21, Kashif Ali 2-79)Pakistan Shaheens 258 all out, 82.1 overs (Hussain Talat 56, Rohail Nazir 55, Ali Zaryab 55, Abdul Faseeh 26, Mohammad Suleman 24; Vishwa Fernando 4-44, Isitha Wijesundara 2-49, Nisala Tharaka 2-57) and 222-3, 53 overs (Mohammad Suleman 86, Ali Zaryab 83 not out, Abdul Faseeh 22, Haider Ali 19 not out)Player of the match – Ali Zaryab (Pakistan Shaheens)Next match: 18-21 (2nd four-day, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium) 

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWAPINDI: Pakistan Shaheens led by Mohammad Huraira will take on Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the first of two four-day games of the series commencing on November 11, 2024 (Monday) here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The four-day matches will begin at 9.30am, with the toss taking place at 9am.The second four-day will be played from 18 to 21 November, while the series also includes three 50-over matches, scheduled to take place at the same venue from 25 to 29 November. The four-day matches will begin at 9.30am, with the toss taking place at 9am.Shaheens will be captained by Mohammad Huraira, who will lead the side for the first time, while Sri Lanka ‘A’, who are making their maiden visit to Pakistan, will be led by Pasindu Sooriyabandara in the four-day games, while Nuwanidu Fernando will lead them in the 50-over series.Five cricketers, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Rohail Nazir in four-day squad have already represented Pakistan at the international level. Additionally, among the 14-member squad, four players - Ali Zaryab, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jnr and Saad Khan had featured in the four-day series against Bangladesh ‘A’ held in Islamabad two months ago.Mohammad Huraira said: “It is an honour to lead Pakistan Shaheens. Our side consists of talented players who have had productive training sessions here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and they are ready to perform in the upcoming series. Playing for Shaheens will provide players a pathway to showcase their skills and impress the selectors to get a chance to represent Pakistan at the international level.”Pasindu Sooriyabandara, captain Sri Lanka ‘A’ said: “Since our arrival here in Pakistan, we have received great hospitality as people are very helpful. We have a good side with a strong batting line-up and also a good bowling attack. We will take it one game at a time and aim to perform well in the series.”Pakistan Shaheens squad: Mohammad Huraira (captain-Sialkot), Abdul Faseeh (Rawalpindi), Ahmed Safi Abdullah (Faisalabad), Ali Zaryab (Lahore), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Hussain Talat (Lahore), Kashif Ali (Rawalpindi), Khurram Shahzad (Faisalabad), Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (Karachi), Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Lahore), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (FATA), Rohail Nazir (Islamabad), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Sameen Gul (FATA)Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad: Pasindu Sooriyabandara (captain), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Ashian Daniel, Chamika Gunasekara, Dinura Kalupahana, Isitha Wijesundara, Nipun Dhananjaya, Nisala Tharaka, Oshada Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Pulindu Perera, Sonal Dinusha, Vishad Randika, Vishwa Fernando and Wanuja SahanMatch officials:11-14 Nov – 1st four-day. Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)18-21 Nov – 2nd four-day. Rashid Riaz and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee).

PCB ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today confirmed the squad for the 50-over tri-series and ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024-25 set to take place in UAE from 13 November to 8 December.Saad Baig, who led the Pakistan U19 team in the last edition of the ACC U19 Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup 2024, has been appointed the captain of the 15-player squad which will be trimmed to 14 for the Asia Cup beginning 29 November.Six players including Saad, Ali Raza, Haroon Arshad, Mohammad Riazullah, Naveed Ahmed Khan, and Shahzaib Khan represented Pakistan at the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 in South Africa while Tayyab Arif is the other player to have played for the Pakistan U19.Pakistan U19 squad for UAE tour: Saad Baig (captain, wicket-keeper) (Karachi), Abdul Subhan (Abbottabad), Ali Raza (Sialkot), Faham-ul-Haq (Lahore), Farhan Yousuf (Lahore), Haroon Arshad (Karachi), Hassan Khan (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Ahmed (Lahore), Mohammad Huzaifa* (Bahawalpur), Mohammad Riazullah (Abbottabad), Naveed Ahmed Khan (Karachi), Shahzaib Khan (Abbottabad), Tayyab Arif (Sialkot), Umar Zaib (Abbottabad) and Usman Khan (FATA)Non-travelling reserves: Ahmed Hussain (Peshawar), Mohammad Huzaifa (Bahawalpur), Rizwanullah (Karachi) and Yahya bin Abdul Rehman (Lahore)Player support staff: Ghulam Ali (head coach-cum-manager), Agha Sabir Ali (assistant/fielding coach), Muhammad Aleem Bajwa (physio), Muhammad Talha (analyst), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Saboor Ahmed (strength & conditioning coach) and Syed Nazir Ahmed (media and digital manager)(Tri-Nation series; all matches to be played at ICC Academy, Dubai)13 November - Pakistan vs UAE15 November - Pakistan vs Afghanistan20 November - Pakistan vs Afghanistan22 November - Pakistan vs UAE26 November - Final (ACC U19 Asia Cup; Group A matches to be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium)30 November – Pakistan vs India2 December – Pakistan vs UAE4 December -Pakistan vs Japan6 December – Semi final 1 (A1 vs B2 - Dubai) & Semi final 2 (B1 vs A2 – Sharjah)8 December – Final. 

Importance of communication in cricket is crucial for maintaining the Integrity: BucknorBIPIN DANIIn the world of cricket, effective communication between players and umpires is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the game. Former ICC West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor recently shared exclusively his thoughts on a recent incident involving Alzarri Joseph, who left the field in anger despite having bowled a wicket-maiden.The primary source of discomfort for the West Indies early in the 3rd ODI match against England at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Wednesday stemmed from an unusual on-field confrontation between Alzarri Joseph and his captain, Shai Hope. The fast bowler appeared dissatisfied with the field arrangement for England’s No. 3, Cox. From the top of his run-up, Joseph was visibly expressing his displeasure to his captain multiple times, and he channeled his frustration towards the batter. Cox barely managed to react to a 148kph/92mph bouncer that grazed his glove on its way to the keeper. Joseph, however, did not celebrate and walked off at the end of the over, temporarily leaving the West Indies with just 10 players on the field.Bucknor emphasized the importance of informing the umpire when a fielder leaves the field for any reason. "A match can continue with ten players. However, if any fielder has to leave the field (for any reasons, injury or otherwise), he must inform the umpire. In case he has not informed the umpire, the word should come from the captain," he said over telephone from New York.In the recent incident, Bucknor noted that the hurried nature of the situation might have prevented the fielder from informing the on-field umpires. "I am not sure but in the above situation, it is the duty of the captain to have informed the umpire as soon as the fielder left the field," he added.Bucknor also highlighted the role of team management in such situations. "If he has not, it will be up to the team management to take action on the captain or fielder or on both," he stated. He further suggested that the match referee might report the incident to the ICC.Bucknor, 78, continues to contribute to the sport, umpiring on weekends in New York and helping school children develop their cricket skills.Bucknor's insights serve as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and respect for the rules of the game. His continued dedication to nurturing young talent also highlights his commitment to the future of cricket.No substitute allowed: According to India's former umpire, Vinayak Kulkurni, who had stood in two ODI games and lLater became an umpire's coach for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), no substitute fielder can be granted for this reason. "As I read, the argument was between Captain and Player and the player left. The captain may have informed the umpire/s. As far as Umpires are concerned for such reasons no substitute will be permitted and will report the matter to the match referee".Latest report suggests that the bowler has publicly apologized and has been suspended by his cricket board (CWI) and not the ICC. There have been instances of on field disagreements between players and or captains over tactical decisions, but Alzarri's dramatic exit during the match certainly stands out due to the intensity of the exchange and his decision to leave the field despite having bowled. 

Haris Rauf (5 for 29), Saim Ayub (84 runs) guide Green Shirts to historical victory against AustraliaSports Bulletin ReportAdelaide (Australia):  Haris Rauf’s second five wicket-haul and half-centuries by Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique led Pakistan to a nine-wicket win over Australia in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. The win also leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1, with the series decider to be played at the Perth Stadium in Perth on 10 November.Chasing 164 to win, Pakistan opening pair of Abdullah and Saim got off to a flying start as they knitted a 137-run partnership for the first wicket. Saim, playing his second ODI, scored his maiden half-century, scoring a 71-ball 82, which included five fours and six sixes. The departure of Saim in the 21st over brought Babar Azam to the crease and the pair of Abdullah and Babar added an unbroken 32 runs for the second wicket take Pakistan over the line. Abdullah’s undefeated innings of 64 off 69 balls, included four fours and three sixes and it was his fifth half-century in this formatEarlier, after being put into bat, the visiting fast bowlers never allowed the hosts to score freely as the wickets continued to fall. Right-arm pacer Haris, playing his 39th ODI, was the most successful bowler, bagging five wickets for 29 runs in eight overs. His fellow fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took two wickets in the first ODI, grabbed three wickets for 26 in eight overs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan grabbed six catches behind the stumps, missing out on a record seven catches.For Australia, former captain Steven Smith, coming to bat at number three scored 35 off 48 balls, which included five fours and a six.Scores in brief:Pakistan beat Australia by nine wicketsAustralia 163 all out, 35 overs (Steven Smith 35; Haris Rauf 5-29, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-26)Pakistan 169-1, 26.3 overs (Saim Ayub 82, Abdullah Shafique 64 not out)Player of the match – Haris Rauf

Mohammad Rizwan to become 31st ODI Captain, Mohammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub to make debutMohammad IsmailMelbourne (Australia): Pakistan will face hosts Australia in the first One Day International of three-match rubber here at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 4, 2024 (Monday).Both sides last met in the 50-over format during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 20 where Australia defeated Pakistan by 62 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The last time both sides featured in a bilateral ODI series was in March/April 2022, when Australia visited Pakistan and the hosts won the series 2-1.Pakistan have also announced their playing XI for the first ODI, with Mohammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub making their debut. 21-year-old Irfan has already featured in three T20Is for Pakistan, while he has played 24 List-A matches, scoring one century and three half-centuries. Left-handed opening batter Saim has been a part of six Tests and 23 T20Is for Pakistan and has featured in 35 List-A matches accumulating 1,472 runs with the help of four centuries and seven half-centuries.Mohammad Rizwan said: “It is an honour to lead the Pakistan team and we are ready to take on Australia in their own backyard. We all know Australia are a very good side, and world champions, but we look forward to competing hard as we have a number of young and exciting players in our squad and it is their chance to grab the opportunities coming their way. We have had productive training sessions here in Melbourne since our arrival and with the support of Almighty, we look forward to produce positive results in the series. We are scheduled to play a good number of ODIs before the next year’s ICC Champions Trophy back in Pakistan. The forthcoming series beginning with Australia, then Zimbabwe, South Africa and the home Tri-nation tournament will help us assemble a right combination going into the mega event at home. We are expecting fans to come in good number to support us in this series, as they have been a huge support for the team wherever we have played in Australia.”Pat Cummins, Australia’s ODI captain: It’s always great to have such high intensity game which makes the start of summer and it’s a great opportunity for youngsters to get going. Pakistan are quite a decent side and they have players who have scored big runs. We have played against them in recent years, so I think it’s always a fairly even match. There is going to be good crowd tomorrow at the MCG as we are playing against Pakistan.”Playing XI for first ODI (in batting order): Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Mohammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad HasnainSchedule of matches:4 Nov – 1st ODI vs Australia; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (2.30pm local time start)8 Nov – 2nd ODI vs Australia; Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (2pm local time start)10Nov – 3rd ODI vs Australia; Perth Stadium, Perth (11.30am local time start)14 Nov – 1st T20I vs Australia; Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane (6pm local time start)16 Nov – 2nd T20I vs Australia; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7pm local time start)18 Nov – 3rd T20I vs Australia; Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7pm local time start).

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed Pakistan’s white-ball captain, while Salman Ali Agha has been named vice-captain as the selectors announced Pakistan’s squads for the ODI and T20I tours of Australia and Zimbabwe from 4 November to 5 December. Salman will lead the T20I side in Zimbabwe as Rizwan is rested under a workload management plan.The 32-year-old Rizwan, who debuted in white-ball cricket in 2015, has played 74 ODIs and 102 T20Is to date, scoring 5,401 runs with four centuries and accounting for 143 dismissals behind the stumps. As he leads the team in the opening ODI against Australia in Melbourne on 4 November, Rizwan will become Pakistan’s 31st captain. For the first T20I in Brisbane on 14 November, he will be the 12th to captain Pakistan in the format.Mohammad Rizwan siad: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. Representing Pakistan on the global stage is the greatest privilege and to now be entrusted with leading such a talented and exciting group of players is a tremendous honour. Joining the ranks of some of Pakistan’s legendary limited-overs captains truly is the icing on the cake.I am committed to giving my absolute best in this role and look forward to working closely with the selectors, coaches and my immensely talented teammates. Together, we aim to meet and exceed the expectations of our fans and supporters. Pakistan cricket holds immense potential across all formats and I am confident that, with the support of God Almighty, we will build on our recent success against England to achieve even greater heights in what promises to be a challenging and busy season of white-ball cricket.”PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi siad: “I want to extend my congratulations to Mohammad Rizwan on his appointment as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. I am confident that Rizwan’s leadership qualities, underpinned by his deep commitment and passion for the game, will help shape this talented team into a consistently successful unit. Rizwan has earned the respect of his peers and colleagues through his dedication and positive attitude, and I have no doubt that these qualities, combined with his game knowledge and performance, will inspire the next generation of Pakistan cricketers. The PCB has always been fully committed to supporting our players and staff, and we will continue to stand by Rizwan as he takes on this important role. We are optimistic that under his leadership, Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team will once again become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.”Pakistan squads for Australia and Zimbabwe tours: ODI SQUAD FOR AUSTRALIA: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah AfridiT20I SQUAD FOR AUSTRALIA: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman KhanODI SQUAD FOR ZIMBABWE: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab TahirT20I SQUAD FOR ZIMBABWE: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Pakistan leveled the score 267 at the tea break against English after losing 8 batters in the 3rd Test match of the series here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Saud Shakeel score hundred to save the home side from a big damage.On Friday, duo of unbeaten left-handed batters, captain Shan Masood (16), and Saud Shakeel (16) resumed Pakistan’s first innings at 73 for 3 in 23 overs.England Batting (First innings) 267 all out in 68.2 oversZak Crawley (c Saim Ayub b Noman Ali) 29 runs (balls 43, 4x3, 6x0)Ben Duckett (lbw b Noman Ali) 52 runs (balls 84, 4x4, 6x1)Ollie Pope (lbw b Sajid Khan) 3 runs (balls 14, 4x0, 6x0)Joe Root (lbw b Sajid Khan) 5 runs (balls 6, 4x0, 6x0)Harry Brook (b Sajid Khan 5 runs (balls 14, 4x0, 6x0)Ben Stokes (c Agha Salman b Sajid Khan) 12 runs (balls 22, 4x1, 6x0)Jamie Smith (c Mohammad Rizwan b Zahid Mahmood) 89 runs (balls 119, 4x5, 6x6)Gus Atkinson (c & b Noman Ali) 39 runs (balls 71, 4x5, 6x0)Rehan Ahmed (b Sajid Khan) 9 runs (balls 14, 4x1, 6x0)Jack Leach (st Mohammad Rizwan b Sajid Khan) 16 runs (balls 21, 4x0, 6x0)Shoaib Bashir (not out) 1 run (balls 5, 4x0, 6x0)Pakistan Bowling: Sajid Khan (6 for 128), Noman Ali (3 for 88), Zahid Mehmood (1 for 44)Pakistan Batting (First Innings):Abdullah Shafique ( lbw b Shoaib Bashir) 14 runs (balls 27, 4x1, 6x0)Saim Ayub (c Root b Leach 19) 36 runs (balls 45, 4x1, 6x0)Shan Masood (c Pope b Shoaib Bashir) 26 runs (4x0, 6x0)Kamran Ghulam (b Atkinson) 3 runs (balls 9, 4x0, 6x0)Saud Shakeel (not out) 106 runs (balls 190, 4x4, 6x0)Mohammad Rizwan( lbw b Rehan Ahmed) 25 runs (balls 46, 4x1, 6x1)Salman Agha (lbw b Rehan Ahmed) 1 run (balls 9, 4x0, 6x0)Aamer Jamal (b Rehan Ahmed) 14 runs (balls 28, 4x1, 6x0)Noman Ali (LBW Shoaib Bashir) 45 runs (balls 84, 4x2, 6x1)Sajid Khan (not out)England Bowling: Jack Leach (1 for 68), Gus Atkinson (1 for 14), Shoaib Bashir (3 for 95), Rehan Ahmed (3 for 25)Match Officials:Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand), Sharfuddoula (Bangladesh)TV Umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)Reserve Umpire: Faisal Afridi (Pakistan)Match Referee: Richie Richardson (West Indies)Pakistan (Playing XI): Shan Masood (Captain), Saud Shakeel (Vice Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafiq, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Kamran Ghulam, Sajid Khan, Nouman Ali, Aamir Jamal, Zahid Mehmood England (Playing XI): Ben Stoke (Captain), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckeet, Olli Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.   

BIPIN DANIBangladesh's Sri Lanka-born head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, who has been suspended on a disciplinary ground, will not enjoy the longer notice period. He has been suspended with just a 48-hour notice. This was revealed by Faruque Ahmed, the new BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) chief. Speaking exclusively over his mobile from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where he was about to board a Dubai-flight to attend the ICC meetings, he said, "Hathurusinghe was entitled to have 45-days paid leave in a year but he took more than 67 days above this and no proper clarification was received from him". His conduct with the players was also not good. His other notable offence was an assault on the player". The BCB chairman didn't reveal the name of the victim player but he is understood to be a good left-arm spinner of the team. Despite repeated phone calls to the player by this reporter, he didn't respond. Maybe he is asked not to comment on the matter.The incident happened during the Bangladesh-New Zealand match in the ODI World Cup held in India last year. During a match in Chennai, where this player was not a part of the final eleven and was sent in as a drinks-man. "In one of the sessions, the two Bangladeshi batters had asked for the drinks (it was very hot then) and the player was late in serving the water bottles to the batters and the coach was annoyed due to this and slapped him", one of the sources said to this reporter. It is not known whether the slap was deliberate or was in gest. But the incident was brought to the notice of Nazmul Hassain Pappon, who was a BCB president then. No action was then taken against the coach. However, the new BCB chairman, who is also known for his strict principles even during his past tenure as a selector, took the matter seriously and suspended his contract which was scheduled to run until the 2025 Champions Trophy.