Sports Bulletin

 Lahore(SBR):The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle, who is a member of ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control teams for the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Lahore.Madugalle, who has also officiated the most international cricket matches (804) across three formats as Match Referee, also led playing control teams in seven matches of the recently concluded HBL PSL X.For the first T20I, Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz – both part of the PCB International Panel of Umpires, will be the on-field umpires. Ahsan Raza, member of ICC Elite Panel of Umpires will be the third umpire, while Faisal Khan Aafreedi – an ICC International Panel Umpire, will act as the fourth umpire.In the second T20I, Rashid Riaz will join Faisal Khan Aafreedi to perform the on-field duties while Ahsan Raza will be the third umpire. Asif Yaqoob will be the fourth umpire.For the third T20I, Ahsan Raza will be joined by Asif Yaqoob to perform on-field duties, while Faisal Khan Aafreedi will be the third umpire. Rashid Riaz will work as the fourth umpire for the final T20I of the series.

Dubai(UAE): The Emirates Cricket Board’s (ECB) Chairman Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan has congratulated the UAE Men’s team on their historic series win over Bangladesh at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The Mohammad Waseem-led UAE stunned their experienced rivals in the last two matches of the series, with the victory sealed with a comfortable seven-wicket win on Wednesday night – 21 May – courtesy a stunning bowling performance by Haider Ali (three wickets for seven runs) and an unbeaten 87-run fourth-wicket partnership between Alishan Sharafu (68 not out) and Asif Khan (41 not out). Chairman Emirates Cricket Board Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan: “The Emirates Cricket Board is delighted with the outstanding performance of the UAE Men’s team in the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The team played brilliantly in the whole series while the support staff put in the hard yards to make the victory possible.“I want to congratulate the entire squad and wish them the very best in their upcoming international assignments. The ECB will continue to provide the best possible facilities and exposure to our immensely talented players, UAE continues to impress in the T20I format and the Bangladesh series win is another glorious chapter in our cricketing history. “In the recent past, the team has defeated formidable Test playing opponents like Afghanistan and New Zealand, the series win will give immense confidence and self-belief to our players and make them take on bigger and more established opponents.”

 Lahore(PCB Report):The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the revised schedule for the highly anticipated three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The series will take place at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium from 28 May to 1 June 2025. The action-packed series will kick off with the first T20I on Wednesday, 28 May, followed by the second fixture on Friday, 30 May. The third and final T20I is set to take place on Sunday, 1 June.Bangladesh are scheduled to arrive in Lahore on 25 May, with training sessions planned for 26 and 27 May to ensure optimal preparation ahead of the series. All three matches will begin at 8pm local time.The PCB looks forward to hosting Bangladesh and delivering an exciting series that promises high-quality cricket under lights at Gaddafi Stadium. 

Lahore(PR): The selection committee has named a 16-member men’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with Salman Ali Agha continuing as captain of the team.All three matches will be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the schedule set to be announced soon.The squad has been selected based on players’ performances in the ongoing HBL PSL X, which concludes on 25 May. This series also marks the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Mike Hesson. Squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper) and Saim Ayub.

Dubai(SBR): Seasoned opening batter Mohammad Waseem will lead the 15-member UAE squad for the two-match T20I series against Bangladesh which will be staged at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The matches will be played on Saturday, 17 May and Monday, 19 May – 7:00pm local time.  Squad: Mohammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’ Souza, Haider Ali, Matiullah Khan, Mohammad Jawadullah, Mohammad Zohaib, Mohammad Zuhaib, Rahul Chopra, Saghir Khan, Sanchit Sharma and Simranjeet Singh. scheduleSaturday, 17 May, 1st T20I – 7:00pm Sharjah Cricket StadiumMonday, 19 May, 2nd T20I – 7:00pm Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Dubai(UAE) Fourth edition of the second-most watched T20 league in the world to be played from Tuesday, 2 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2025• “We are delighted to confirm that the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will commence on the UAE National Day – Eid-Al-Etihad – which is one of the most important days on the UAE calendar,” says Chairman ILT20 and Vice-Chairman Emirates Cricket Board Khalid Al Zarooni• “Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in early February hence it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty. In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide the teams’ the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players,” says CEO DP World ILT20 David WhiteDubai, 14 May 2025: The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with the six-team, 34-match tournament set to conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.The biggest T20 league in the Gulf region has moved out of its traditional January-February window as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in February-March 2026.*Chairman ILT20 and Vice-Chairman Emirates Cricket Board Khalid Al Zarooni:* “We are delighted to confirm that the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will commence on the UAE National Day – Eid-Al-Etihad – which is one of the most important days on the UAE calendar.“The UAE National Day is the day where we celebrate the United Arab Emirates which is home to people from around the world including millions of diehard cricket fans. It is a real honour for us to join the nation in the UAE National Day 2025 celebrations with the launch of the region’s biggest T20 league – the DP World ILT20 Season 4, on the same day.”*CEO DP World ILT20 David White:* “Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in early February hence it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty. In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide the teams’ the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players.“Season 3 was a big success with outstanding broadcast and digital numbers as the fans enjoyed a step-up in the quality of cricket. The teams gave their absolute all across the hugely competitive 34-tournament matches which concluded with a nail-biting final won by the Dubai Capitals in the last over of the match in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium. We are now fully focused on making an even bigger impact as we turn our attention to Season 4.”*DP World ILT20’s Season 3 featured some of the biggest T20 stars including; Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran (player of the tournament – red belt winner), Shai Hope (most runs in the tournament – green belt winner), Fazalhaq Farooqi (highest wicket-taker – white belt winner), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder, Alex Hales, Fakhar Zaman, Lockie Ferguson, David Warner, Rovman Powell, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, James Vince, Shimron Hetmyer, Tom Banton, Romario Shepherd, Tim Southee, Tim Seifert, Matthew Wade, Jason Roy, Adil Rashid and Adam Zampa.The Dubai Capitals won the glittering trophy, edging out the Desert Vipers in a thrilling final which was played in front of a full house at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, 9 February 2025. 

Dubai (UAE): The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has congratulated the UAE U16 team on their remarkable victory in the ACC Men’s U16 West Zone Cup. The Ayaan Misbah-led side remained undefeated in the six-team tournament that also featured hosts Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia.In last night’s final, UAE posted a massive 317 for nine total courtesy Ayaan’s 143-run innings off 131 balls, laced with 15 fours and 4 sixes. Kuwait were bundled out for 172 in 43.1 overs in reply Nasim Khan (4-20) and Aryan Thapar (3-21) starred with the ball for the winners.ECB statement for UAE U16 team: “The Emirates Cricket Board is delighted with the U16 team’s performance in Doha which has resulted in the successful defence of the ACC Men’s U16 West Zone Cup which the team had won last year in Sharjah. “The Emirates Cricket Board will continue to provide opportunities to these youngsters who are the future stars of UAE cricket. We wish the players and the coaching staff the very best in the pursuit of their cricketing dreams and ambitions.” (PR)

BIPIN DANIPunjab's 24-year-old batting all-rounder, Abhishek Sharma, etched his name in IPL history with a phenomenal maiden century, dedicated to the loyal Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fans—the Orange Army. The left-handed batter's scintillating knock on Saturday night electrified the Hyderabad crowd and shattered multiple records.In an extraordinary display of power-hitting, Abhishek scored an awe-inspiring 141 runs off just 55 balls. His innings included a stunning 24 boundaries—14 fours and 10 sixes—making it a spectacle to remember in the T20 world. But what added an emotional touch to this iconic moment was what came next. Right after his remarkable performance, Abhishek pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket, which bore the heartfelt message: "This one is for the Orange Army (SRH's fans)."Speaking exclusively to this reporter, the following morning, Abhishek's father, Rajkumar Sharma, shared, "We were totally unaware about this paper. Even his team members were not aware." Rajkumar and his wife, Manju Devi, had arrived in Hyderabad a day prior to the match, a gesture aimed at lifting their son's morale and supporting the team during tough times. "The confidence level of the team members was so low, so we decided to go and boost the morale of my son, Abhishek," the proud father said.The presence of family has proven to be a lucky charm for Abhishek in the past as well. Rajkumar fondly recalled, "In one of his earlier knocks, my daughter (a physiotherapist) was on the ground. It seems to have worked wonders for him." Abhishek himself attributed his spectacular knock to his parents' support. "I was waiting for my parents to be at the stadium. Our entire team was waiting for them," he revealed with a smile after the match.This memorable innings has cemented Abhishek Sharma's place as a star in the making, while also underscoring the significance of family and fans in an athlete's journey. The Orange Army, no doubt, will cherish this tribute for years to come. 

BIPIN DANIIn the high-octane world of cricket, individuality often shines brightest. For Digvesh Rathi, the young leg-spinner making waves in the IPL, his signature "notebook celebration" has drawn both admiration and criticism. While his skill with the ball is undeniable, his choice of celebration has landed him in hot water with the Indian cricket board on two occasions, sparking a debate about where the line between flair and decorum should be drawn.The Evolution of the Notebook Celebration1. The Initial Controversy : The first instance of Rathi's notorious celebration occurred after he dismissed Priyansh Arya during a match against Punjab Kings. Mimicking the act of jotting down notes, Rathi’s gesture was interpreted as provocative. Although Arya, a personal friend, shrugged it off, the cricketing authorities did not. Rathi was penalized 25% of his match fee, with criticism pouring in from various quarters. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar notably remarked, “When you celebrate like this, it implies you didn’t expect to take a wicket. Such behavior borders on arrogance.”2. The Second Incident: Just a few matches later, Rathi repeated his act after claiming the wicket of Naman Dhir. The repeat offense cost him 50% of his match fee and an additional demerit point. The cricket board reiterated its stand against unsportsmanlike conduct, putting the spotlight on Rathi’s actions once again.3. A Theatrical Spin : The most recent chapter in Rathi’s controversial celebrations saw him take it a step further. After dismissing his idol, Sunil Narine, he theatrically bent down to the ground, mimicking the act of signing the grass. According to his coach, Sachin Shukla, this gesture was less of a taunt and more of a symbolic autograph, reflecting a deep respect for the player he idolizes. “It’s more about commemorating his performance,” Shukla explained, adding that Rathi has long maintained a habit of recording his successes.Support from Close Quarters: Despite the growing controversy, Rathi has found steadfast support among those who know him best. Speaking exclusively, Sachin Shukla, his personal coach at Dronacharya Cricket Academy came to his defense: “Yes, the first instance involved some contact with the batter, but it’s important to note that Priyansh Arya is his friend, and there was no animosity. Different players have their own ways of celebrating, and as long as it doesn’t harm anyone, I don’t see an issue with it.”Elaborating further on the notebook celebration done on the ground, the coach said, "Rathi bent down and theatrically signed the grass—more a symbolic autograph than a taunt, perhaps a gesture of respect. After all, Sunil Narine is his idol. His "notebook celebration" likely reflects a long-standing habit of recording his best performances, something he's been doing for years".Rathi’s elder brother, Sunny Rathi, who serves as a constable, also weighed in on the matter. “After his first penalty, we warned him to tone it down. But Digvesh is adamant—he sees himself as an aggressive bowler and insists that his celebrations reflect his mindset. He once told me, ‘If I stop celebrating in my style, I’ll lose my edge. I don’t want to become a defensive player.’”The Man Beyond the Field: Born into a modest family, Digvesh Rathi’s story is one of resilience and ambition. His father, Dharmendra Singh, earns a livelihood working at construction sites, while his mother, Manju Devi, is a homemaker. His younger brother, Nirdosh, shares an interest in cricket, perhaps inspired by Rathi’s own passion and achievements.While the controversies surrounding Rathi’s celebrations continue to divide opinions, they also underscore the fiery personality of a player who is determined to make his mark. For Rathi, every wicket is not just a statistic but a story worth penning down—quite literally. 

BIPIN DANICricket has often showcased extraordinary sibling rivalries, where brothers compete on opposing teams, turning family bonds into thrilling showdowns on the field. Two of the most notable examples in Indian cricket feature the Pandya and Pathan brothers, both of whom have left indelible marks with their intense yet respectful rivalries. Pandya Brothers: IPL 2025 Showdown: In one of the standout moments of the IPL 2025 season, Krunal Pandya, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), faced off against his younger brother Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Mumbai Indians. The match, held on a lively Monday evening at the Wankhede Stadium, was an emotional affair for the Pandya family and an exhilarating contest for fans. Hardik, in his usual aggressive style, smashed a blistering 42 off just 15 balls, threatening to tilt the match in Mumbai’s favor. However, Krunal stepped up when it mattered most, delivering a stellar bowling performance, claiming four wickets for 45 runs. His heroics helped RCB secure a narrow 12-run victory in a match that could have gone either way. While Krunal’s performance stood out, Hardik’s wicket was not among his dismissals that day. Despite this, the emotions of playing against his brother were evident during the post-match presentation, where Krunal reflected on the experience: "The bond that we have, at the end of the day, we knew only one (Pandya) would win. But the love and affection we have for each other is very natural. He batted well. We won, and I also wanted to win. He also wanted to win.” Pathan Brothers: Iconic IPL Rivalry: Years before the Pandya brothers, another sibling rivalry graced the IPL when Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan found themselves on opposite sides. Known for their contrasting styles, Irfan’s swing bowling posed a challenge to Yusuf’s explosive batting. Their duels were moments of pure cricketing drama, blending competition with mutual respect. Although neither consistently dominated the other, their encounters added unique flavor to the game, showcasing the depth of talent in one family and the joy cricket brings to fans who witness these special moments. Sibling rivalries like those of the Pandya and Pathan brothers add a rare emotional depth to cricket. These clashes remind us that cricket is not just a sport but a celebration of relationships, competition, and shared love for the game. Few spectacles are as compelling as the sight of brothers pushing each other to their limits while never letting their bond falter.