Cricket
PCB announces a 15-member squad for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
Lahore (SBR):The Women’s National Selection Committee has named a 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 set to take place from 30 September to 2 November. The same squad will also feature in a three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from 16 to 22 September.Uncapped right-handed batter Eyman Fatima, who recently made her T20I debut against Ireland, is part of the ODI squad. Fatima Sana, who represented Pakistan in the previous edition of ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, will lead the side for the first time in the mega event.23-year-old had previously captained the side in the ICC Women’s CWC Qualifier held in Lahore this year, where the team maintained a 100 per cent win record to secure qualification for this year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup set to take place in India and Sri Lanka.Pakistan will play all their group-stage matches at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Should Pakistan qualify for the 29 October semi-final and the 2 November final, then both the matches will take place in Colombo.Also, six players - Natalia Parvaiz (8 ODIs, 24T20Is), Rameen Shamim (8 ODIs, 11 T20Is), Sadaf Shamas (15 ODIs, 12 T20Is), Sadia Iqbal (27 ODIs, 50 T20Is), Shawaal Zulfiqar (3 ODIs, 9 T20Is) and Syeda Aroob Shah (2 ODIs, 15 T20Is) are set to feature in their maiden ODI World Cup.Moreover, 21-year-old Aroob, 20-year-old Shawaal alongside 20-year-old Eyman featured for Pakistan in the inaugural edition of ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup held in South Africa in January 2023.Additionally, two changes have been made from the 15-member squad that featured in the ICC Women’s CWC Qualifier. Eyman and Sadaf come into the squad in place of Gull Feroza and Najiha Alvi, who have been named in the five-member non-travelling reserves alongside Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar.The 15 players alongside five reserves players will take part in a 14-day pre-South Africa series camp from Friday, 29 August. The players under the coaching staff led by Muhammad Wasim will undergo practice sessions as well as 50-over practice matches. More details regarding the camp will be announced in due course.South Africa women’s cricket team will arrive in Lahore on 12 September.15-member squad:Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper) and Syeda Aroob ShahNon-traveling reserves:Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarPlayer support personnel:Hina Munawar (manager), Mohammad Wasim (head coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach bowling), Tahir Khan (assistant coach bowling), Abdul Saad (fielding coach), Mohammad Rafi Ullah (media manager), Mohammad Asfand Yar (strength and conditioning coach), Waleed Ahmed (analyst), Tehreem Sumbal (physiotherapist), Kiran Shahzadi (masseuse) and team doctor (tbc)Pakistan v South Africa women series:16 September – First ODI19 September – Second ODI22 September – Third ODIPakistan team fixtures:2 October – vs Bangladesh5 October – vs India8 October – vs Australia15 October – vs England18 October – vs New Zealand21 October – vs South Africa24 October – vs Sri Lanka
Perth Scorchers beat Pakistan Shaheens to qualify for Top End T20 Series final
Darwin, Australia (SBR): Perth Scorchers beat Pakistan Shaheens by 48 runs in the first semi-final of the Top End T20 Series at the Gardens in Darwin on Sunday morning. This was Shaheens’ second successive loss at the semi-final stage, having lost to Adelaide Strikers in the first semi-final of last year’s edition at the DXC Arena.After being put into bat, Scorchers scored 155 for eight in their 20 overs. They were in a spot of bother in the middle of their innings, as they lost six wickets for 69 courtesy of complete domination by the spin trio of Faisal Akram, Mehran Mumtaz and Saad Masood.At that point, Nicholas Hobson was joined by Matthew Kelly, and the pair added 44 runs for the seventh wicket to take their score beyond the 100 mark. They eventually finished on 155 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Hobson top-scored with a 43-ball 59, which included seven fours and two sixes, while Kelly contributed 23 off 19 balls, hitting one four and two sixes.Shaheens’ right-arm leg-spinner Saad was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 21 runs, while Mehran and Mohammad Wasim Jnr bagged two wickets each. Left-arm spinner Faisal managed to pick up a wicket, conceding 36 runs in the process.In reply, Shaheens lost three wickets inside five overs with only 17 runs on the board. Khawaja Nafay and captain Muhammad Irfan Khan then came together and added 38 runs for the fourth wicket before right-handed batter Nafay was run out for 26 off 24 balls, which included one four and two sixes.Irfan, who was named player of the match in the previous game against Nepal, was dismissed for 17 off 15 balls, hitting one four. After the departure of the skipper, Shaheens lost wickets in quick succession and were bundled out for 107 in 17.1 overs, with Wasim (25, 26b, 3x4s, 1x6) the last man to return to the pavilion.For Scorchers, Keaton Critchell took three wickets, while Bryce Jackson and Kelly bagged two each.Before the semi-final, in the 11-team tournament, Pakistan Shaheens had finished second on the table with four wins from six matches.Scores in brief:Perth Scorchers 155-8, 20 overs (Nicholas Hobson 59, Teague Wills 29, Matthew Kelly 23; Saad Masood 3-21, Mehran Mumtaz 2-18, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-35)Pakistan Shaheens 107 all out, 17.1 overs (Khawaja Nafay 26, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 25; Keaton Critchell 3-13, Matthew Kelly 2-8, Bryce Jackson 2-14)Player of the match – Keaton Critchell (Perth Scorchers)
Sub: ACB to host Bangladesh for a white-ball series in October
Sports Bulletin ReportKabul: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has confirmed that it would host Bangladesh for a white-ball series, consisting of three ODIs and as many T20I matches from October 2 to 14 in the UAE.The series will begin with its T20I leg and will see both teams go head-to-head in the first T20I match scheduled for October 2, with the 2nd and 3rd T20Is scheduled to be played on the 3rd and 5th of October.The T20I series will be followed by three ODIs, which are scheduled to be played on October 8, 11 and 14th of the same month in the UAE. Naseeb Khan, CEO of ACB said: "We are proud to host Bangladesh in this highly anticipated series. This tour highlights the strength of our partnership and our joint commitment to delivering world-class cricket experiences, even in neutral venues. Fans can look forward to exciting matches and top-level competition."Nizamuddin Ch BCB CEO, stated: “We look forward to taking on Afghanistan in what promises to be a competitive and exciting white-ball series in the UAE. This tour not only presents valuable competition following the Asia Cup but also reflects the mutual respect and strong relationship between our two cricket boards. I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Afghanistan Cricket Board for hosting the series and for their continued spirit of collaboration.”Both teams will begin the series just after the completion of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, which will see both teams compete together in group B of the prime Asia event. Series Schedule: Thursday, October 02 1st T20I SharjahFriday, October 03 2nd T20I SharjahSunday, October 05 3rd T20I SharjahWednesday, October 08 1st ODI Abu Dhabi
Revised schedule announced for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
Islamabad (Sports Desk): A revised schedule for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has been announced with Navi Mumbai replacing Bengaluru as one of the five venues for the eight-team tournament.The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host up to five fixtures comprising three league matches, a semifinal and potentially the final after a rejig was necessitated because of the unavailability of Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.The tournament dates remain the same – 30 September to 2 November – as do the other venues, which are the ACA Stadium (Guwahati), Holkar Stadium (Indore), ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam) and R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo, Sri Lanka).Tournament fixtures:Tuesday, 30 Sept: India vs Sri Lanka, GuwahatiWednesday, 1 Oct: Australia vs New Zealand, IndoreThursday, 2 Oct: Bangladesh vs Pakistan, ColomboFriday, 3 Oct: England vs South Africa, GuwahatiSaturday, 4 Oct: Australia vs Sri Lanka, ColomboSunday, 5 Oct: India vs Pakistan, ColomboMonday, 6 Oct: New Zealand vs South Africa, IndoreTuesday, 7 Oct: England vs Bangladesh, GuwahatiWednesday, 8 Oct: Australia vs Pakistan, ColomboThursday, 9 Oct: India vs South Africa, VisakhapatnamFriday, 10 Oct: New Zealand vs Bangladesh, GuwahatiSaturday, 11 Oct: England vs Sri Lanka, ColomboSunday, 12 Oct: India vs Australia, VisakhapatnamMonday, 13 Oct: South Africa vs Bangladesh, VisakhapatnamTuesday, 14 Oct: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, ColomboWednesday, 15 Oct: England vs Pakistan, ColomboThursday, 16 Oct: Australia vs Bangladesh, VisakhapatnamFriday, 17 Oct: South Africa vs Sri Lanka, ColomboSaturday, 18 Oct: New Zealand vs Pakistan, ColomboSunday, 19 Oct: India vs England, IndoreMonday, 20 Oct: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Navi MumbaiTuesday, 21 Oct: South Africa vs Pakistan, ColomboWednesday, 22 Oct: Australia vs England, IndoreThursday, 23 Oct: India vs New Zealand, Navi MumbaiFriday, 24 Oct: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, ColomboSaturday, 25 Oct: Australia vs South Africa, IndoreSunday, 26 Oct: England vs New Zealand, Visakhapatnam (11h00)Sunday, 26 Oct: India vs Bangladesh, Navi MumbaiWednesday, 29 Oct: Semifinal 1, Guwahati/ColomboThursday, 30 Oct: Semifinal 2, Navi MumbaiSunday, 2 Nov: Final, Navi Mumbai
T20I Tri-Series: Tickets for sale at Sharjah Cricket Stadium office
Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): Match tickets for the Inverex Solar Energy presents Bank Alfalah T20I Tri-Series 2025 featuring hosts UAE, Pakistan and Afghanistan are now available online and at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and at tournament venue tickets office too.According to an official, the tournament will commence on Friday, 29 August with Pakistan taking on Afghanistan. UAE will play Pakistan on Saturday 30 August followed by Afghanistan’s clash against UAE on Monday, 1 September and their second match against Pakistan on Tuesday, 2 September. The General stands match tickets’ (Nort East, North West, West Stand and East Stand) start at an affordable price of AED 30. The Non-Hospitality tickets start from AED 100 (Gold and Platinum Stand). The Hospitality tickets (Diamond, VIP Suite West (25 persons), VIP Suite-West individual tickets, Royal Lounge and Royal Suite) start from AED 400.T20I Tri-Series 2025 (Schedule):Friday, 29 August – Afghanistan vs Pakistan at 7:00 pmSaturday, 30 August – UAE vs Pakistan at 7:00 pmMonday, 1 September – Afghanistan vs UAE at 7:00 pmTuesday, 2 September – Afghanistan vs Pakistan at 7:00 pm Thursday, 4 September – Pakistan vs UAE 7:00 pmFriday, 5 September – Afghanistan vs UAE 7:00 pmSunday, 7 September – Final at 7:00 pm
Saleema Imtiaz to officiate in Pakistan v South Africa women’s series
Lahore (PR): Pakistan’s Saleema Imtiaz will officiate in her first ODI bilateral series when she takes the field during the upcoming three-match women’s ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa in Lahore, with the PCB confirming the match officials for the series.The three-match ODI series will be staged at the Gaddafi Stadium from 16 to 22 September.Saleema, who is part of the ICC International Panel of Umpires will be joined by Australia’s Claire Polosak, who returns to Pakistan after officiating in the Pakistan v West Indies women’s series last year in Karachi. Polosak, also a member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, will stand in all three ODIs as an on-field umpire.Humairah Farah has been named as the reserve umpire for the series, while Tariq Rasheed from the PCB Elite Panel of Umpires will also perform duty of an on-field umpire during the series. Former Test cricketer Ali Naqvi, a member of the PCB and ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control team.Umpire and match referee appointments (Matches from 16 to 22 September)16 September – First ODI. Claire Polosak and Saleema Imtiaz (on-field umpires), Tariq Rasheed (third umpire), Humairah Farah (reserve umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)19 September – Second ODI. Claire Polosak and Tariq Rasheed (on-field umpires), Saleema Imtiaz (third umpire), Humairah Farah (reserve umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)22 September – Third ODI. Claire Polosak and Saleema Imtiaz (on-field umpires), Tariq Rasheed (third umpire), Humairah Farah (reserve umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)
Maaz Sadaqat’s century helps Shaheens secure third win in Top End T20 Series
Darwin (SBR): Maaz Sadaqat’s century powered Pakistan Shaheens to an emphatic 107-run win over Adelaide Strikers in the 23rd fixture of the Top End T20 Series at the DXC Arena in Darwin on Wednesday evening. This was Shaheens’ third victory in the event, taking their tally to six points from five matches.After electing to bat first, the opening pair of Maaz Sadaqat and Yasir Khan provided a solid foundation with a 149-run partnership for the first wicket. Yasir was the first to return back to the pavilion after scoring 51 off 35 balls, hitting five fours and a six. This was his second half-century of the tournament.Left-handed batter Maaz was then joined by Abdul Samad and the pair added 32 runs for the second wicket. 20-year-old Maaz went on to register his maiden century of the tournament, striking 11 fours and two sixes in his 59-ball knock of 104.Shaheens’ total was further boosted by a quick-fire 25 off 18 balls from Abdul Samad, which included a four and a six as they scored 202 for six in 20 overs.For Strikers, Harry Manenti claimed three wickets for 31 runs in three overs.In reply, Strikers lost wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 49 for five in the eighth over. Opening batter Mackenzie Harvey top-scored with a 17-ball 27, laced with five boundaries.For Shaheens, left-arm spinners Faisal Akram and Mehran Mumtaz bagged two wickets apiece, while right-arm off-spinner Mubasir Khan was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 19 runs in three overs.Pakistan Shaheens will face Nepal on Friday, 22 August, at the same venue. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 7pm.Scores in brief:Pakistan Shaheens beat Adelaide Strikers by 107 runsPakistan Shaheens 202-6, 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 104, Yasir Khan 51, Abdul Samad 25; Harry Manenti 3-31)Adelaide Strikers 95 all out, 16.1 overs (Mackenzie Harvey 27; Mubasir Khan 3-19, Faisal Akram 2-19, Mehran Mumtaz 2-20)Player of the match – Maaz Sadaqat (Pakistan Shaheens)
Chicago Kingsmen beat Pakistan Shaheens by 69 runs
Sports Bulletin ReportDarwin (Australia): Chicago Kingsmen defeated Pakistan Shaheens by 69 runs in the 17th fixture of the Top End T20 Series at the DXC Arena, Darwin, on Tuesday afternoon. This was Shaheens’ second loss in the 11-team tournament.Chasing 207 to win, Shaheens were never in the hunt as they lost four wickets inside the batting powerplay. At 28 for four, opening batter Yasir Khan was joined by captain Muhammad Irfan Khan and the pair added 43 runs for the fifth wicket.Following the dismissal of Irfan (24, 18b, 2x4s, 1x6) in the 10th over, Shaheens suffered regular setbacks and closed on 137 for eight in 20 overs. Yasir top-scored with a 32-ball 38, smashing five fours. For Kingsmen, Scott Kuggeleign was the most successful bowler with three for 19 from four overs, while Ehsan Adil picked up two for 20 in three overs.Earlier, after being put into bat, Kingsmen posted 206 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Milind Kumar, later named player of the match, struck a 37-ball 74, hitting eight fours and three sixes. Tajinder Dhillon contributed a 37-ball 58, which included four fours and two sixes. For Shaheens, Mohammad Wasim Jnr claimed two wickets, while Saad Masood and Shahid Aziz took one wicket apiece.Pakistan Shaheens will now take on Adelaide Strikers at the same venue on Wednesday, 20 August. The match will start at 7pm local time.Scores in brief:Chicago Kingsmen 206-5, 20 overs (Milind Kumar 74, Tajinder Dhillon 58, Shayan Jahangir 30; Mohammad Waseem Jnr 2-57)Pakistan Shaheens 137-8, 20 overs (Yasir Khan 38, Muhammad Irfan Khan 24, Shahid Aziz 24; Scott Kuggeleign 3-19, Ehsan Adil 2-20)Player of the match: Milind Kumar (Chicago Kingsmen).
Men’s Central Contracts announced for 2025-26 international season
Babar, Shaheen, and Rizwan fail to impress PCB, 30 players awarded contractsAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has awarded central contracts to 30 male cricketers for the upcoming 2025-26 international season, as trio Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan bounded in Category B, as they were in the A category last year.According to PCB, the contracts will be effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, reflect the Board’s continued commitment to recognising and supporting national talent. This year’s roster sees 10 players each placed in Categories B, C, and D. Notably, no player has been selected for Category A in this cycle.Compared to last year’s list of 27 contracted players, the PCB has expanded the pool to 30, including 12 fresh additions, highlighting the emergence of promising new talent and the Board’s strategic focus on squad depth and future development.The new entrants are: Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza and Sufyan Moqim.Name of five promoted players: Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan – all promoted from C to B category.Nine players retained positions: Abdullah Shafique (Category C): Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr – all in Category D, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel: all in Category C, Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi – both in Category B.Eight players have missed out: Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan – all in Category (D).List of this year’s centrally contacted players:Category B (10 players): Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah AfridiCategory C (10 players): Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Sajid Khan and Saud ShakeelCategory D (10 players): Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, Shan Masood and Sufyan Moqim
Mohammad Salman replaces Ahmed Daniyal in Top End T20 Series
Lahore (PR):Right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Salman has replaced Ahmed Daniyal in Pakistan Shaheens squad for the ongoing Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia.Ahmed, who has represented Pakistan in two T20Is, sustained a hairline fracture on his right thumb during a fielding session in Darwin. Salman will depart for Australia on Wednesday, 20 August.
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