Sports Bulletin

ICC announced World Cup 2027 Schedule, Johannesburg to host final on November 21Sports Bulletin ReportCape Town (South Africa): The International Cricket Council (ICC) today unveiled the schedule for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 at a spectacular ceremony in Cape Town, officially setting the countdown in motion to the world’s biggest ODI cricket event as the ticket ballot opened to fans across the globe. Under the banner of “Three Nations, One Heartbeat”, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will come together to host a World Cup that will unite fans across the region and around the world through a shared passion for cricket.Held at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), the ceremony marked the official one-year countdown to the tournament and brought together representatives of the ICC, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the three host nations. The 14-team tournament will feature 57 matches across 12 venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from 2 October to 21 November 2027.The tournament will burst into life with a blockbuster opening weekend, headlined by a heavyweight clash between defending champions Australia and 2023 finalists India on 7 October. The two cricketing powerhouses will open the tournament matches at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, with the highly anticipated encounter.World Cup fever will then sweep across the three host nations. On 8 October, Afghanistan will take on Pakistan in Centurion, while England face Bangladesh in Windhoek.Co-hosts Zimbabwe will mark their return to the Men’s Cricket World Cup after a 12-year absence when they take on Qualifier-A at Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday, 9 October. In Cape Town, South Africa will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand at Newlands.The opening weekend will reach a crescendo on Sunday, 10 October, when traditional rivals India and Pakistan renew their iconic competitiveness at Wanderers Stadium. In Windhoek, Sri Lanka will also begin their World Cup campaign against Qualifier-B, bringing the opening weekend to a thrilling close.Zimbabwe will break new ground at the Mosi-oa-Tunya Stadium at the iconic Victoria Falls when they host India in Match 33.The semi-finals will take place in Cape Town and Centurion on 17 and 18 November respectively, before Johannesburg’s iconic cityscape provides the backdrop for the 21 November final, bringing the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 to a spectacular close in the City of Gold.Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, said: “The announcement of the schedule and opening of the ticket ballot are major milestones on the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, bringing fans one step closer to a spectacular celebration of cricket across the three nations.“The ICC remains committed to making its World Cup events accessible to as many fans as possible, with affordable ticket prices and options that bring families, young people and local communities closer to the action.“South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will provide an unforgettable stage for the world’s best teams, combining a deep passion for cricket, extraordinary destinations and a renowned warmth of welcome. We look forward to welcoming fans from across the world and creating memories that will last long beyond the final.”The World Cup will be staged across eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia, bringing the competition to Johannesburg, Tshwane (formerly Pretoria), Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Bloemfontein, Paarl and KuGompo City (formerly East London) in South Africa; Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe; and Windhoek in Namibia.The tournament will kick off with a Super Series hosted in Namibia, featuring the three lowest ranked of the 14 qualified teams. These teams will compete in a round robin format, with the team finishing top of the standings progressing to the Group Stage.Following this, 12 teams (including a direct entrant from a preceding World Cup Qualifier tournament) will be divided in two groups: India, Australia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Qualifier A in Group A and New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and Qualifier B in Group B.The first few matches between top-ranked teams will be a showdown between last time’s finalists India (A1) and Australia (A2) in Cape Town on Thursday, 7 October, and a faceoff between New Zealand (B1) and South Africa (B2) in Tshwane on Friday, 8 October. India face Pakistan (A3) in Johannesburg on Sunday, 10 October.This will be followed by a Super Sevens tournament to determine the semi-finalists. Cape Town (17 November) and Tshwane (18 November) will be the host cities for the semifinals while the final will be played in Johannesburg on 21 November.Trevor Manuel, independent chairperson of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 LOC Board, said: “South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia are ready to welcome the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and supporters from around the world back to our continent. Southern Africa has a proud tradition of hosting major global sporting events, and we approach 2027 with the same confidence, ambition and determination to deliver a tournament worthy of the occasion.“While the cricket will rightly take centre stage, this World Cup is also an opportunity to showcase the people, places and spirit that make Southern Africa so remarkable. We hope supporters will arrive in their multitudes for the cricket and leave with lasting memories of the warmth, energy, diversity and extraordinary welcome of our region.”

Rawalpindi (Sports Reporter): Rawalpindi U19 edged Abbottabad U19 by one wicket, Mohammad Bilal returned six for 34 to help Islamabad U19 beat Karachi Whites by 149 runs, while Taj Mohammad followed his first-innings five-for with six wickets in the second innings as Lahore Whites U19 beat Larkana U19 by 176 runs on the third and final day of the National U19 Championship third round.Group A: At the HPC Faisalabad Cricket Ground, Rawalpindi resumed their second innings at the overnight score of 58 for three, requiring another 160 runs to beat Abbottabad. Mohammad Sohaib scored 54 and Mohammad Ahmad contributed 52 as Rawalpindi reached 218 for nine in 115.3 overs to complete a tense one-wicket win. Essa Khan took four for 69 for Abbottabad.At Saeed Ajmal Academy, Faisalabad resumed on 86 for seven after Sialkot Whites had posted 272 for nine in their first innings. Muhammad Saim, unbeaten on 53 overnight, extended his innings to 84 before Faisalabad were dismissed for 126. Muhammad Abdul Qadeer finished with six for 42. Sialkot Whites then achieved the target of 21 without loss in 4.5 overs.Group B: At Ashfaq Cricket Ground in Charsadda, Peshawar resumed on two without loss after Bahawalpur had been dismissed for 139 in their second innings. Chasing 86, Peshawar reached the target for the loss of three wickets in 15.1 overs, with Huzaifa Khan unbeaten on 34, to register a seven-wicket win.At Mir Awais Cricket Ground, Karachi Whites resumed on 59 for two in pursuit of 386 against Islamabad. Mohammad Humza Malik fought with 89, but Mohammad Bilal took six for 34 as Karachi Whites were bowled out for 236 in 73.1 overs, giving Islamabad a 149-run win.Group C: At CSS Cricket Ground, Quetta resumed on 125 for eight and were eventually dismissed for 211, with Wadanullah making 52. Mohammad Talha returned four for 42. Multan then achieved the target by reaching 160 for four in 28.3 overs, with Mohammad Ahmad Shahid unbeaten on 50 and Ghulam Abbas also scoring 50.At Faraz Cricket Ground, Lahore Whites declared their overnight second-innings score of 230 for four, setting Larkana 339 to win. Taj Mohammad took six for 64 as Larkana were dismissed for 162, completing a 176-run win for Lahore Whites.Scores in brief: Third Round (Day 3 of 3) Group A:Rawalpindi U19 beat Abbottabad U19 by one wicket at HPC Faisalabad Cricket GroundAbbottabad 203 all out, 47 overs (Zafar Abbas 83, Mamoon Ur Rasheed 61; Hasan Khan 6-69, Mohammad Zulqurnain Asghar 4-25) and 162 all out, 48.4 overs (Ubaid Ullah 67; Husnain 5-53, Mohammad Hasan Khan 4-49)Rawalpindi 151 all out, 59.2 overs (Mohammad Sohaib 46; Zeeshan Ahmad 5-45, Essa Khan 2-24, Sohail Khan 2-31) and 218-9, 115.3 overs (Mohammad Sohaib 54, Mohammad Ahmad 52; Essa Khan 4-69)Sialkot Whites U19 beat Faisalabad U19 by 10 wickets at Saeed Ajmal Academy, FaisalabadFaisalabad 163 all out, 65.3 overs (Hanzallah Amin 70; Shehryar Waqar 4-45) and 126 all out, 52.4 overs (Mohammad Saim 84; Mohammad Abdul Qadeer 6-42)Sialkot Whites 272-9, 70 overs (Mateen ul Rehman 78; Muhammad Hussnain Jayed 4-44) and 21-0, 4.5 oversGroup B: Peshawar U19 beat Bahawalpur U19 by seven wickets at Ashfaq Cricket Ground, CharsaddaBahawalpur 282 all out, 62 overs (Mohammad Hamza 60, Tayyab Mukhtiar 46; Mohammad Sudais 3-59, Umar Sohail 3-68) and 139 all out, 36.2 overs (Tayyab Mukhtiar 32; Umar Sohail 3-31, Zia Ur Rehman 3-36)Peshawar Whites 336 all out, 69.1 overs (Mohammad Ameer Hamza Khan 110, Muhammad Zohaib 51, Faisal Aziz 50; Sahil Ali 4-91) and 86-3, 15.1 overs (Huzaifa Khan 34 not out)Islamabad U19 beat Karachi Whites by 149 runs at Mir Awais Cricket Ground, PeshawarIslamabad 334-8, 70 overs (Zakirullah 167, Mohammad Abdullah Malik 70; Huzaifa Bin Sajid 6-138) and 177-8 (decl), 47.5 overs (Umar Hayyat 62; Huzaifa Bin Sajid 4-50)Karachi Whites 126 all out, 35.4 overs (Saad Murtaza 44; Mohammad Bilal 3-23, Zakria Sher 3-30, Jawad Ullah Shinwari 3-46) and 236 all out, 73.1 overs (Muhammad Humza Malik 89; Mohammad Bilal 6-34)Group C: Multan U19 beat Quetta U19 by six wickets at CSS Cricket Ground, SialkotQuetta 198 all out, 62.4 overs (Arbaz Khan 48; Ali Husnain Badshah 3-37) and 211 all out, 70.4 overs (Mohammad Zeeshan 52, Wadanullah 52; Mohammad Talha 4-42, Ali Husnain Badshah 3-66)Multan 251 all out, 63.4 overs (Sufyan Amin 53, Mohammad Talha 52, Mohammad Ahmad Shahid 35 not out; Ahsan Ullah 4-31) and 160-4, 28.3 overs (Mohammad Ahmad Shahid 50 not out, Ghulam Abbas 50)Lahore Whites U19 beat Larkana U19 by 176 runs at Faraz Cricket Ground, SialkotLahore Whites 277 all out, 67.5 overs (Ali Khokhar 81, Naveed Ayub Khan 63; Faizan Shabir 4-37) and 230-4 decl, 47.2 overs (Ali Khokhar 101 not out; Haseeb 2-14)Larkana 169 all out, 43.4 overs (Shahjahan 35; Taj Mohammad 5-26) and 162 all out, 53.5 overs (Moharam Ali 39; Taj Mohammad 6-64)Group D: Karachi Blues U19 beat Hyderabad U19 by an innings and 102 runs at Railways Cricket Ground, LahoreHyderabad 106 all out, 33.4 overs (Abdul Ahad 26; Rizwan Ullah 4-20, Niqab Shafiq 3-13) and 98 all out, 31.4 overs (Mohammad Asad 36; Niqab Shafiq 6-18)Karachi Blues 306-6, 70 overs (Huzaifa Ahsan 100 not out, Muhammad Azaan 68, Aun Abbas 46)Sialkot Blues U19 beat DMJ U19 by an innings and 40 runs at Azhar Ali Academy Ground, LahoreDMJ 182 all out, 51.4 overs (Khalid Shah 39; Ahmad Bashir 3-30, Mohammad Ikrash 3-39) and 85 all out, 20.3 overs (Allah Baksh 22; Umar Farooq 5-15, Mohammad Ikrash 5-42)Sialkot Blues 307 all out, 69.2 overs (Mohammad Taha Tariq 118 not out, Hayyam Khan 64; Ishratulebad 5-82, Nadir Ali 3-78).

Islamabad (Sports News): The England Men selectors have named a 16-player squad for the One Day International (ODI) tri-series, which will be played in Pakistan this month. Sri Lanka will be third team in the competition for a title. The matches will be played at two different venues including Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi and Qaddafi Stadium Lahore.Names of Selected Players (16 players):Harry Brook (Yorkshire – captain), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), James Coles (Sussex), Jordan Cox (Essex), Mason Crane (Glamorgan), Henry Crocombe (Sussex), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)Adil Rashid is fit again after a hand injury ruled him out of the recent 2-1 Metro Bank ODI Series win over Sri Lanka, while Sam Curran returns from a groin injury. Jofra Archer is rested for the tour while Jos Buttler misses out with the hamstring injury he sustained in the second Metro Bank ODI against Sri Lanka.Glamorgan leg-spinner Mason Crane, who is uncapped in the ODI format, is called into the squad eight years after making his previous England appearance in the 2018 fifth Men’s Ashes Test in Sydney. Crane has additionally made two IT20 appearances in 2017.Uncapped Sussex pair James Coles and Henry Crocombe, who were both part of white-ball squads this summer, are also included.Marcus North, England Men’s National Selector, said: “The tri-series in Pakistan provides another valuable opportunity for our ODI squad to test themselves against quality opposition in different conditions. Adil Rashid and Sam Curran return to the squad following their respective injuries while Jofra Archer has been rested to manage his workload following a busy summer. Mason Crane has been performing consistently for Glamorgan across both formats during the summer. He’s an experienced, high-class leg-spinner who thoroughly deserves another opportunity at international level.”England will play Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the tri-series with matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The final is to be staged at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday 31 October.ODI tri-series (England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) – schedule:18 October – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi20 October – Pakistan v England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi22 October – Sri Lanka v England, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi25 October – Pakistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 October – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore29 October –Sri Lanka v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore31 October – Tri-series final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Lahore (Sports Reporter): The tickets for the upcoming T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will go on sale online from Saturday, 3 October, the PCB announced today. The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be staged at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 9 to 13 October.The tickets will be available online at pcb.tcs.com.pk from 3pm onwards on Saturday. Physical tickets will be available at TCS Express Centres from Monday, 5 October from 3pm onwards (infographic attached). For the first and second T20Is, general tickets will be available from PKR 300, while first-class tickets will be available from PKR 500. Premium tickets will be available from PKR 700, while VIP tickets will be available from PKR 1,000 for both matches.For the third T20I, general tickets will be available from PKR 200, while first-class tickets will be available from PKR 400. Premium and VIP enclosure tickets will be available from PKR 600 and PKR 800, respectively.For the T20Is, PCB Gallery and Platinum Box/Seat tickets will also go on sale (details attached).Tickets for the ODI tri-series, featuring hosts Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, will be available online from Saturday, 10 October from 3pm onwards at pcb.tcs.com.pk.Physical tickets for the tri-series, which will be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 18 to 31 October, will be available from Wednesday, 14 October from 3pm onwards.Following the tri-series, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will feature in a two-match Test series, which will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The first Test will be staged at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 9 to 13 November, while the second Test will take place at Gaddafi Stadium from 17 to 21 November.Tickets for the two-match Test series will be available at TCS Express Centres. The date for the commencement of ticket sales will be announced in due course.

Lahore (Sports Reporter): Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, has announced the training camp for the national blind team ahead of the Asia Cup Blind Men's T20 Cricket Tournament. Twenty probable players have been invited for the camp, which begins on October 2 at in Lahore under the supervision of Head Coach Mohammad Jameel. Yousuf Haroon will serve as the team coach, while Tahir Mahmood Butt will act as the trainer. A three-member selection committee will select the final 16-member squad on October 7. Sultan Shah stated that the team selection would be based on the players' abilities.Names of players: Zafar Iqbal, Mohammad Shahzeb, Mohammad Idrees Saleem, Junaid Khan, Fakhar Abbas, and Hamza Mahboob in the B1 category; Badar Munir, Nisar Ali, Moeen Aslam, Niamatullah, Babar Ali, and Hifzan Khan in the B2 category; and Mohammad Safdar, Motiullah, Talha Iqbal, Mohammad Rashid, Akmal Hayat Nasir, Naeemullah, Mohammad Raheel, and Sanwal Shahzada in the B3 category. The national team will depart from Lahore for Bangladesh on November 12 to participate in the Asia Cup Blind Men's T20 Cricket Tournament. The opening ceremony is scheduled for November 13, and the event will be played in Dhaka starting November 14. The tournament final will take place on November 20. Teams from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the host nation, Bangladesh, will participate in the Asia Cup.

Islamabad (Sports Reporter): Karachi Blues and Sialkot Blues registered innings wins, while Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Taha Tariq, Mohammad Ameer Hamza Khan and Ali Khokhar score centuries on the second day of the third round of National U19 Championship on Wednesday. Niqab Shafiq, Umar Farooq, Mohammad Ikrash, Taj Mohammad, Zeeshan Ahmad and Husnain also produced five-wicket hauls.Group AAt the HPC Faisalabad Cricket Ground, Rawalpindi resumed at 130-5 in reply to Abbottabad’s 203 and were dismissed for 151 with Zeeshan Ahmad taking 5-45. Abbottabad made 162 in their second innings as Ubaid Ullah scored 67, while Husnain returned 5-53. Chasing 215, Rawalpindi were 58-3 at stumps.At the Saeed Ajmal Academy, Sialkot Whites resumed on 30-1 against Faisalabad’s 163 and reached 272-9, with Mateen ul Rehman scoring 78. Faisalabad ended the day on 86-7 in their second innings as Mohammad Abdul Qadeer took 4-29.Group BPeshawar Whites, resuming at the overnight score of 102-1 against Bahawalpur’s 282, posted 336 with Mohammad Ameer Hamza Khan scoring 110. Bahawalpur were then dismissed for 139, leaving Peshawar 86 to win. At stumps, they were two for no loss.At Mir Awais Ground in Peshawar, Karachi Whites resumed on 73-2 against Islamabad’s 334-8 and were bowled out for 126. Islamabad declared their second innings on 177-8, setting Karachi Whites 386, with the latter finishing on 59-2.Group CIn Sialkot group matches, Multan resumed on 75-3 in reply to Quetta’s 198 and made 251 with Sufyan Amin scoring 53 and Mohammad Talha 52. Quetta, at stumps were 125-8 in their second innings.Larkana resumed on 85-4 against Lahore Whites’ 277 and were dismissed for 169 as Taj Mohammad took 5-26. Ali Khokhar then struck an unbeaten 101 to guide Lahore Whites to 230-4.Group DKarachi Blues completed an innings and a 102-run win over Hyderabad. Resuming on 174-3, Karachi Blues posted 306-6 as Huzaifa Ahsan remained unbeaten on 100. Niqab Shafiq then took 6-18 to dismiss Hyderabad for 98.Sialkot Blues beat DMJ by an innings and 40 runs. Resuming on 148-6, Sialkot Blues reached 307 courtesy Mohammad Taha Tariq’s unbeaten 118 before Umar Farooq took 5-15 and Mohammad Ikrash 5-42 to bowl DMJ out for 85.Scores in brief:Third Round (Day 2 of 3)Group AAbbottabad U19 v Rawalpindi U19 at HPC Faisalabad Cricket GroundAbbottabad 203 all out, 47 overs (Zafar Abbas 83, Mamoon Ur Rasheed 61; Hasan Khan 6-69, Mohammad Zulqurnain Asghar 4-25) and 162 all out, 48.4 overs (Ubaid Ullah 67; Husnain 5-53, Mohammad Hasan Khan 4-49)Rawalpindi 151 all out, 59.2 overs (Mohammad Sohaib 46; Zeeshan Ahmad 5-45, Essa Khan 2-24, Sohail Khan 2-31) and 58-3, 27 oversFaisalabad U19 v Sialkot Whites U19 at Saeed Ajmal Academy, FaisalabadFaisalabad 163 all out, 65.3 overs (Hanzallah Amin 70; Shehryar Waqar 4-45) and 86-7, 38 overs (Muhammad Saim 53 not out; Muhammad Abdul Qadeer 4-29)Sialkot Whites 272-9, 70 overs (Mateen ul Rehman 78; Muhammad Hussnain Jayed 4-44)Group BBahawalpur U19 v Peshawar U19 at Ashfaq Cricket Ground, CharsaddaBahawalpur 282 all out, 62 overs (Mohammad Hamza 60, Tayyab Mukhtiar 46; Mohammad Sudais 3-59, Umar Sohail 3-68) and 139 all out, 36.2 overs (Tayyab Mukhtiar 32; Umar Sohail 3-31, Zia Ur Rehman 3-36)Peshawar Whites 336 all out, 69.1 overs (Mohammad Ameer Hamza Khan 110, Muhammad Zohaib 51, Faisal Aziz 50; Sahil Ali 4-91) and 2-0, 2 oversIslamabad U19 v Karachi Whites at Mir Awais Cricket Ground, PeshawarIslamabad 334-8, 70 overs (Zakirullah 167, Mohammad Abdullah Malik 70; Huzaifa Bin Sajid 6-138) and 177-8 (decl), 47.5 overs (Umar Hayyat 62; Huzaifa Bin Sajid 4-50)Karachi Whites 126 all out, 35.4 overs (Saad Murtaza 44; Mohammad Bilal 3-23, Zakria Sher 3-30, Jawad Ullah Shinwari 3-46) and 59-2, 13 oversGroup CMultan U19 v Quetta U19 at CSS Cricket Ground, SialkotQuetta 198 all out, 62.4 overs (Arbaz Khan 48; Ali Husnain Badshah 3-37) and 125-8, 42 overs (Muhammad Zeeshan 52; Mohammad Talha 3-13)Multan 251 all out, 63.4 overs (Sufyan Amin 53, Mohammad Talha 52, Mohammad Ahmad Shahid 35 not out; Ahsan Ullah 4-31)Larkana U19 v Lahore Whites U19 at Faraz Cricket Ground, SialkotLahore Whites 277 all out, 67.5 overs (Ali Khokhar 81, Naveed Ayub Khan 63; Faizan Shabir 4-37) and 230-4, 47.2 overs (Ali Khokhar 101 not out; Haseeb 2-14)Larkana 169 all out, 43.4 overs (Shahjahan 35; Taj Mohammad 5-26)Group DKarachi Blues U19 beat Hyderabad U19 by an innings and 102 runs at Railways Cricket Ground, LahoreHyderabad 106 all out, 33.4 overs (Abdul Ahad 26; Rizwan Ullah 4-20, Niqab Shafiq 3-13) and 98 all out, 31.4 overs (Mohammad Asad 36; Niqab Shafiq 6-18)Karachi Blues 306-6, 70 overs (Huzaifa Ahsan 100 not out, Muhammad Azaan 68, Aun Abbas 46)Sialkot Blues U19 beat DMJ U19 by an innings and 40 runs at Azhar Ali Academy Ground, LahoreDMJ 182 all out, 51.4 overs (Khalid Shah 39; Ahmad Bashir 3-30, Mohammad Ikrash 3-39) and 85 all out, 20.3 overs (Allah Baksh 22; Umar Farooq 5-15, Mohammad Ikrash 5-42)Sialkot Blues 307 all out, 69.2 overs (Mohammad Taha Tariq 118 not out, Hayyam Khan 64; Ishratulebad 5-82, Nadir Ali 3-78).

Rawalpindi (Sports Reporter): Pakistan is set to host Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I and two-match World Test Championship series, while in between the two series, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will also play a One-Day International tri-series. The match officials’ panel for these upcoming 12 international matches from 9 October to 21 November have been announced today. Jeffrey Crowe, member of ICC’s Elite Panel of match referees and former New Zealand Test cricketer, will lead the playing control team in all the seven matches of the showpiece ODI tri-series from 18 to 31 October in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Crowe made his Test debut as referee in October 2004 in Faisalabad Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.The New Zealander completed 350 ODI matches and also became just the second person to officiate 700 international matches as referee earlier this month. Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid from Bangladesh – both members of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, along with ICC International Panel Umpires including Wayne Knights from New Zealand, Asif Yaqoob, Nasir Hussain, Rashid Riaz Waqar and Faisal Khan Aafreedi will carry out umpiring duties in the ODI tri-series. Knights, who will add to his tally of 37 ODIs as Umpire, will partner with Asif in first match of the tri-series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka as on-field umpire. Ahsan, who will officiate the last two matches of the ODI tri-series as on-field umpire, will be accompanied by Sharfuddoula in Sri Lanka v England match in Lahore before standing in the field with Knights in the final. Faisal, Rashid and Nasir will be on-field umpires for one match each in the tri-series, while Asif will stand in two. Sharfuddoula and Knights will take turns as third umpire throughout the tri-series with the former starting in the series opener. Former English first-class cricketer and member of ICC’s Emerging Match Referees Group Dean Cosker will lead the playing control team for the first time in Tests when Sri Lanka and Pakistan face each other in Rawalpindi and Lahore. He has so far officiated 16 ODIs, 17 T20Is, three WODIs and six WT20Is after starting his career in October 2024. ICC Elite Panel of Umpires members Adrian Holdstock, Allahuddien Palekar – both from South Africa - and Rodney Tucker from Australia will carry out duties as on-field umpires in the two Tests. In the first match in Rawalpindi, Holdstock and Tucker will be on-field umpires, while Palekar will join Holdstock in the second Test. Palekar will be the third umpire in first Test, while Tucker will carry out the third umpire duties in second. Faisal Aafreedi and Asif Yaqoob will be fourth umpires in first and second Test, respectively. In the three-match T20I series scheduled on 9, 11 and 13 October, ICC International Match Referee Ali Naqvi will lead the playing control team. In the first match Rashid Riaz and Nasir Hussain will be on-field umpires, while Faisal Aafreedi will stand with Nasir in the second. Rashid will join Faisal in the third on-field. Faisal, Rashid and Nasir will be third umpires, respectively in the three T20Is, while Tariq Rasheed – PCB National Elite Panel Umpire – will be fourth umpire in all three T20Is. Match officials list:Pakistan v Sri Lanka T20I series Umpires - Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Rashid Riaz Waqar, Tariq RasheedMatch Referee – Ali Naqvi ODI tri-series – Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka Umpires – Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Rashid Riaz Waqar, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Wayne KnightsMatch Referee – Jeffrey Crowe Three-day practice match at Islamabad ClubUmpires – Ahsan Raza and Abdul Moqeet, Zulfiqar JanReferee – Kamran Chaudhary Pakistan v Sri Lanka Test series Umpires – Adrian Holdstock, Allahuddien Palekar, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Rodney TuckerMatch Referee – Dean Cosker Match-by-match appointments: 9 October - 1st T20I – Rawalpindi - Rashid Riaz Waqar and Nasir Hussain (on-field umpires), Faisal Khan Aafreedi (third umpire)11 October - 2nd T20I – Rawalpindi - Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Nasir Hussain (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz Waqar (third umpire)13 October – 3rd T20I – Rawalpindi - Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Rashid Riaz Waqar (on-field umpires), Nasir Hussain (third umpire)18 October – 1st ODI – Rawalpindi – Wayne Knights and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (third umpire), Faisal Khan Aafreedi (fourth umpire), Jeffrey Crowe (match referee)20 October – 2nd ODI – Rawalpindi - Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Faisal Khan Aafreedi (on-field umpires), Wayne Knights (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire), Jeffrey Crowe (match referee)22 October – 3rd ODI – Rawalpindi – Wayne Knights and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (third umpire) Faisal Khan Aafreedi (fourth umpire), Jeffrey Crowe (match referee)25 October – 4th ODI – Lahore – Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Rashid Riaz Waqar (on-field umpires), Wayne Knights (third umpire), Nasir Hussain (fourth umpire), Jeffrey Crowe (match referee)27 October – 5th ODI – Lahore - Wayne Knights and Nasir Hussain (on-field umpires), Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (third umpire), Rashid Riaz Waqar (fourth umpire), Jeffrey Crowe (match referee)29 October – 6th ODI – Lahore – Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Wayne Knights (third umpire), Nasir Hussain (fourth umpire), Jeffrey Crowe (match referee)31 October – tri-series final - Lahore – TBC v TBC – Wayne Knights and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid (third umpire), Rashid Riaz Waqar (fourth umpire), Jeffrey Crowe (match referee)4-6 November – Three-day practice match – Islamabad – Ahsan Raza and Abdul Moqeet (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (fourth umpire), Kamran Chaudhary (match referee)9-13 November – 1st Test – Pakistan v Sri Lanka – Rawalpindi – Adrian Holdstock and Rodney Tucker (on-field umpires), Allahuddien Palekar (third umpire), Faisal Khan Aafreedi (fourth umpire), Dean Cosker (match referee)17-21 November – 2nd Test – Pakistan v Sri Lanka – Lahore - Adrian Holdstock and Allahuddien Palekar (on-field umpires), Rodney Tucker (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire), Dean Cosker (match referee).

Dubai (Anjum Shakeel): Gulf Giants Development have won the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2026, beating Desert Vipers Development by four wickets in the final at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, the UAE. Chasing 144, Gulf Giants reached 144/6 in 18.4 overs, with eight balls to spare, to lift the trophy for the second time.Desert Vipers won the toss and elected to bat, but Gulf Giants’ bowlers kept them in check and dismissed them for 143 in 19.5 overs. Aayan Khan led the attack with 3/33, while Hazret Luqman claimed 2/30.The chase was controlled rather than hurried. Gulf Giants reached the target in 18.4 overs, with Junaid Shamsuddin making a valuable contribution at both ends. He took 1/8 and then scored 29 off 29 balls, earning Player of the Match honours.The victory completed a strong tournament for Gulf Giants Development, who finished top of the group stage with four wins from five matches. It is the side’s second title in the competition, following its 2024 triumph.Gulf Giants Head Coach Simon Helmot said the team delivered “about as complete a performance as we could have asked for”.“We were sharp with the ball from the first over and never let the game get away from us, and then our terrific batters did the rest. To restrict a strong batting unit to 143 and chase it down with overs and wickets in hand tells you everything about the character in this group.”The campaign also brought individual recognition for two Gulf Giants batters. Sagar Kalyan finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, making 280 runs in seven matches at an average of 46.67 and a strike rate of 189.19.Ansh Tandon was third on the tournament’s run-scoring list with 237 runs at an average of 33.86 and a strike rate of 176.87.Helmot said having two of the tournament’s top five run-scorers in the Gulf Giants squad reflected the work being done in scouting and talent development.“Having two of the top five run scorers in the tournament come from our own squad is a testament to our scouting and talent development. Sagar and Ansh have been outstanding throughout the tournament, and the platform provided by this tournament is exactly what UAE cricket needs. It gives the upcoming players a genuine stage to show what they can do in front of the franchises ahead of the DP World ILT20 auctions.”The tournament also gives DP World ILT20 franchises an opportunity to assess emerging players ahead of the auction. Helmot said Gulf Giants had already identified players from across the competition whom they would consider for the next stage of squad-building.“This competition plays a big role in how we build our squad going forward. We’ve already identified our targets for the auction from all the teams that played in the tournament. We've got off to a great start here, and now the focus shifts to the auction and building towards a title charge in the DP World ILT20 as well.”

Lahore (Sports Reporter): Azan Ahmed has been named captain of Pakistan U17 squad that will take on Sri Lanka U17 in a bilateral series scheduled to take place in Multan next month.The series consists of one three-day match and five one-day matches, all set to be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium from 9 to 24 October. Sri Lanka will arrive on Monday, 5 October while both sides will practice at the stadium from 6 to 8 October.17-year-old Azan represented Rawalpindi U17 in the National Men’s U17 Cup held earlier this year. The right-arm leg-spinner took 36 wickets in eight matches with four for 28 his best figures in an innings during the two-day tournament. He also led his side to the title as Rawalpindi defeated Abbottabad by 125 runs in the final held at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 11-13 May.Following the tournament, 48 players were called up for the U17 Skills Development Camp which was held in Faisalabad from 30 July. Among the 48 players, 30 players were later shortlisted to take part in the second phase of the camp.All 16 players alongside four reserve players selected for the series had featured in National Men’s U17 Cup.16-member squad:Azan Ahmed (captain), Abdullah Ahmed Butt, Arsalan Hassan (wk), Daud Tauqeer Rana, Fahad Iqbal, Hamid Raza, Hamza Abbas Baloch, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Essa Baloch, Mohammad Ihsaan, Mohammad Naveed, Mohammad Saim, Mohammad Yaqoob Khan, Mohammad Yousaf, Sher Wali Khan and Sudais AhmedReserve players:Ammar Khan, Imad Ali Shah, Nafees Akhtar and Saqib KhanSeries schedule (all matches at Multan Cricket Stadium):5 Oct – Sri Lanka U17 arrival6-8 Oct – Pakistan U17 and Sri Lanka U17 teams training at MCS9-11 Oct – Only Three-Day match15 Oct – First One-Day17 Oct – Second One-Day19 Oct – Third One-Day21 Oct – Fourth One-Day24 Oct – Fifth One-Day

Lahore (Sports Reporter): State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) opening duo Hasan Raza and Abdullah Fazal dominated the second day of the Al Batal Presents ABS Developers President’s Trophy Grade-I with an unscathed 378-run opening partnership against Ghani at National Ground in Islamabad on Friday. Only 49 overs of play was possible in Abbottabad between Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), while Markhor IT Solutions had a field day against the struggling Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited. Kingsmen Academy responded well to Pakistan Television with the bat at Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad. At National Ground, SBP had collected 378 runs off 68 overs in their first innings after Ghani were bowled out for 322 in 84.1 overs earlier in the day. SBP’s opening batters’ determined display frustrated the Ghani’s bowling attack comprising two Test pacers in Khurram Shahzad and Ubaid Shah and helped them gain a 56-run first innings lead with all wickets intact. Left-handed Hasan, who struck the fastest first-class double ton in Pakistan’s domestic cricket off 190 balls, surpassed his previous best score of 174 in his 203-ball 204-run knock hitting 28 fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, Abdullah, who was playing his first competitive red-ball game since May, registered his fifth first-class century (168 not out, 207b, 19x4s, 4x6s) in his outing. Earlier, Ghani began from overnight score of 263-6 in 72 overs and were bowled out for 322 in 84.1 overs with Ali Razzaq (101, 129b, 13x4s, 3x6s) scoring his second first-class century. For SBP, Arshadullah and Shahid Aziz picked up three wickets each. At Abbottabad Stadium, KRL were 377-8 in 109 overs at close with no.6 batter Sarmad Bhatti unbeaten on 122 off 198 balls with the help of 21 fours. He kept the KRL innings intact by stitching a 145-run partnership with Faheem Ashraf (83, 100b, 16x4s) as the two joined forces at 202-6 after they were 202-5 in 60 overs overnight. Sarmad was 48 not out at start of the day. OGDCL’s Mohammad Hasnain picked up 3-79 in 22 overs, while Razaullah dismissed two batters. At Imran Khan Stadium, SNGPL were reeling at stumps with 32 runs on the board, a further first innings deficit of 402 runs and three batters back in the hut. MIT’s pacer Mohammad Ismail removed Sameer Minhas and Abdullah Shafique, while Mohammad Imran Jnr dismissed Azan Awais. Earlier in the day, MIT declared their innings at 434-9 in 126.5 overs after resuming from overnight score of 258-3 in 79 overs. Centurion Atiq-ur-Rehman fell for 138 – adding just two runs to his score on day two, while his Syed Awad Naqvi’s 258-ball 78-run knock was ended by Sajid Khan. The two had put on a 221-run stand for the fourth wicket.MIT’s lower order batters contributed well with the bat to stretch the score beyond the 400-run mark as Abuzar Tariq (35, 71b, 3x4s), Ismail (35, 46b, 6x4s), Samama Riaz (33, 25b, 5x4s, 1x6) , skipper Khalid Usman (33 not out, 54b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Aamir Jamal (15, 47b) all got starts. For SNGPL, Mohammad Imran (Randhawa) was the standout bowler with figures of 25-7-54-3, Naseem Shah returned figures of 19-6-57-2 and Mohammad Azab 24-3-89-2. At Diamond Ground, Kingsmen Academy’s reply to PTV’s first innings total of 355 was led by Test batter Mohammad Huraira, who struck 133 not out with the help of 20 fours. Kingsmen were 237-2 in 63 overs after Huraira’s 12th first-class ton and his second-wicket alliance of 186 runs with Mohammad Suleman (71, 122b, 4x4s, 3x6s). Test pacer Kashif Ali had claimed the early wicket of previous round’s centurion and Kingsmen skipper Mohammad Tayyab Arif (24, 23b, 3x4s) before giving his team a late breakthrough with the scalp of Suleman. Saud Shakeel saw off 11 balls and was yet to get off the mark when stumps were drawn.  Scores in brief – 3rd round – Day 2 StumpsMatch 9 – State Bank of Pakistan v Ghani at National Ground, Islamabad SBP lead by 56 runs with 10 wickets remaining in first inningsGhani 322 all out, 84.1 overs (Ali Razzaq 101, Mirza Tahir Baig 67, Sharjeel Khan 56, Haseebullah 29, Hussain Talat 27; Arshadullah 3-55, Shahid Aziz 3-60, 2-53)  SBP 378-0, 68 overs (Hasan Raza 204 not out, Abdullah Fazal 168 not out) Match 10 – Khan Research Laboratories v Oil and Gas Development Company Limited v Khan Research Laboratories at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium KRL 377-8, 109 overs (Sarmad Bhatti 122 not out, Faheem Ashraf 83, Abdul Faseeh 36, Iftikhar Ahmed 29, Shahzaib Khan 27, Mohammad Faiq 21; Mohammad Hasnain 3-79, Razaullah 2-103) Match 11 – Markhor IT Solutions v Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium PeshawarSNGPL trail by 402 runs with seven wickets remaining in first innings MIT Solutions 434-9 dec, 126.5 overs (Atiq-ur-Rehman 138, Syed Awad Naqvi 78, Mohammad Ismail 35, Abuzar Tariq 35, Samama Riaz 33, Khalid Usman 33 not out; Muhammad Imran 3-54, Naseem Shah 2-57, Mohammad Azab 2-89)SNGPL 32-3, 9.5 overs (Azan Awais 14; Mohammad Ismail 2-4) Match 12 – Pakistan Television v Kingsmen Academy at Diamond Cricket Ground Kingsmen Academy trail by 118 runs with eight wickets remaining in first innings PTV 355 all out, 73.3 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 114, Sharoon Siraj 72, Mohammad Taha 43, Musa Khan 40, Taimur Khan 31; Muhammad Ilyas 5-129, Muhammad Umar 2-60, Shoaib Afridi 2-92) Kingsmen Academy 237-2, 63 overs (Mohammad Huraira 133 not out, Mohammad Suleman 71, Mohammad Tayyab Arif 24; Kashif Ali 2-57)