Cricket
Match officials named for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Final
Islamabad (Sports News): Eloise Sheridan and Jacquline Williams of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires will be the on-field umpires in Sunday’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Final between India and South Africa.The match takes place at DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, where both nations are bidding to become champions for the first time.Sheridan and Williams were in the middle for South Africa’s memorable 125-run victory over England in the semi-final.Williams also umpired the group game between the two finalists on 9 October, which South Africa won after a brilliant run chase.Sue Redfern is in place as Third Umpire, Nimali Perera is Fourth Umpire and Michell Pereira is the Match Referee.The match begins at 15h00 local time.Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 FinalTeams: India v South AfricaOn-field Umpires: Eloise Sheridan & Jacquline WilliamsThird Umpire: Sue RedfernFourth Umpire: Nimali PereraMatch Referee: Michell Pereira
Abu Dhabi T10: Mohammad Amir Appointed Captain of Quetta Cavalry
DUBAI (SBR): Star fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been named the captain of the new franchise Quetta Cavalry for the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2025. The franchise management has expressed full confidence in Mohammad Amir by entrusting him with the leadership of the team.Mohammad Amir is participating in the T10 format as a captain for the first time and is being hailed as the best choice to guide the young squad. The team management stated that Amir's experience, aggressive bowling style, and fierce competitive spirit on the field will help Quetta Cavalry emerge as a strong team.Quetta Cavalry has assembled a balanced squad this year, including key players such as Sikandar Raza, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, and Arafat Minhas. According to the team management, Mohammad Amir will not only be a threat with the new ball but will also play a crucial mentoring role for the bowlers.Expressing his happiness at being given the captaincy, Mohammad Amir said that he will present Quetta Cavalry as a fighting unit on the field and that fans will witness excellent cricket. He mentioned that the T10 format is fast-paced, exciting, and decisive, and he will work diligently with the team.The Abu Dhabi T10 League will commence on November 18, with renowned cricketers from around the world in action. Cricket fans are anticipating a spectacular performance from Quetta Cavalry under the leadership of Mohammad Amir.
PMYP: Qalandars Provincial Cricket League kicks off in Quetta
Quetta (SBR): The Prime Minister Youth Programme-Qalandars Provincial Cricket League has officially commenced in Quetta, marking the beginning of a landmark national cricket initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing young talent from across Pakistan. The opening phase of the league, being held from October 27 to 31 at the Bugti Stadium, Quetta, features five teams representing Quetta, Turbat, Khuzdar, Loralai, and Dera Murad Jamali. Players for these teams were selected through open merit-based trials conducted across Balochistan, ensuring that every talented cricketer received an equal opportunity to participate.
Match officials named for Women’s World Cup semi-finals
Islamabad (Sports Desk): The match officials have been announced for this week’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-finals.Eloise Sheridan and Jacquline Williams of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires will be the on-field umpires for England’s clash with South Africa in Guwahati.Sheridan was in the middle when the two sides met in the group stage, a match England won by 10 wickets, while she also oversaw South Africa’s victory against Pakistan.Williams was in charge for two matches apiece involving the two teams in the group stage – South Africa’s successes against India and Bangladesh, and England’s victory over India and defeat against Australia.Vrinda Rathi is in place as third umpire, with Claire Polosak as fourth umpire and GS Lakshmi of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees as the referee for the match.Attentions then turn to Navi Mumbai, where Lauren Agenbag and Sue Redfern will be in the middle for reigning champions Australia against hosts India.South African Agenbag is no stranger to the Indian side, having overseen their group clashes against Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Redfern was among the on-field umpires for the group stage match between the two nations, when Alyssa Healy’s sparkling century led Australia to the highest successful run chase in women’s ODIs.They are joined by Kim Cotton as third umpire, Nimali Perera as fourth umpire and Michell Pereira as match referee.Semi-Final 1: Guwahati, Wednesday 29 OctoberTeams: England v South AfricaOn-field Umpires: Eloise Sheridan & Jacquline WilliamsThird Umpire: Vrinda RathiFourth Umpire: Claire PolosakMatch Referee: GS LakshmiSemi-Final 2: Navi Mumbai, Thursday 30 OctoberTeams: Australia v IndiaOn-field Umpires: Lauren Agenbag & Sue RedfernThird Umpire: Kim CottonFourth Umpire: Nimali PereraMatch Referee: Michell Pereira
DP World ILT20 Schools Cup 2025 begins in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah
Dubai (SBR): The DP World ILT20 Schools Cup began this week across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Now in its third edition, the competition stands as the premier national schools’ cricket tournament in the UAE, designed to encourage participation and nurture young cricketing talent. The DP World ILT20 Schools Cup is part of the long-term vision to strengthen the foundations of UAE cricket, the event plays a crucial role in identifying and developing the next generation of players. Past champions include GEMS Modern School (2023) and Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi (2024). This year’s edition introduces an exciting new addition — a girls’ competition, which will feature nine school cricket teams for the first time – matches to be played with proper leather cricket balls, reflecting the rapid growth of the sport among girls across the Emirates. The DP World ILT20 Schools Cup provides a direct pathway from schools to the DP World ILT20, offering young and aspiring cricketers a platform to showcase their skills. A total of 39 school teams are participating, each vying for the coveted title of DP World ILT20 Schools Cup Champion. The tournament, open to school XI players, begins this week and will culminate on 22 November 2025 at the ICC Academy, Dubai. The final match will form part of the DP World ILT20 Junior Cricket Festival, adding to the excitement in the lead-up to DP World ILT20 Season 4 which will be played from Tuesday, 2 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026. Through this initiative, the DP World ILT20 franchises will also partner with schools to foster stronger connections with students and build a loyal fan base for their home city teams. The winner of the final stage will be crowned the DP World ILT20 Schools Champion for the year 2025.
Pakistan squads announced for white-ball series
Lahore (SBR): The Men’s National Selection Committee has named a 15-member squad for the T20I series against South Africa and the T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, while a 16-member squad has been announced for the ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka.The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 28 October to 1 November, while the T20I tri-series will be staged at the same venues from 17 to 29 November. In the T20I squad, Abdul Samad, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah make a comeback to the side after missing out on the previous events. Usman Tariq is the only uncapped player in the T20I squad.Pakistan and South Africa, who are currently playing the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, will also feature in a three-match ODI series to be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 4 to 8 November. The ODI series will be followed by another three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 11 to 15 November.In the ODI squad, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf and Haseebullah return to the side.15-member T20I squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman TariqReserves:Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim16-member ODI squad:Shahen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali AghaSchedule:South Africa tour to Pakistan28 October – First T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi31 October – Second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore1 November – Third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore4 November – First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad6 November – Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad8 November – Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, FaisalabadSri Lanka tour to Pakistan11 November – First ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi13 November – Second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi15 November – Third ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, RawalpindiT20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Zimbabwe to feature in T20I tri-series in Pakistan
Lahore (SBR): Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.The tri-series will commence on 17 November, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second fixture will also be played at the same venue on 19 November, when Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe.Following the two matches in Rawalpindi, the action will shift to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will stage the remaining five matches, including the final on 29 November.Earlier today, Afghanistan expressed their inability to participate in the tournament.T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
UAE secure ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 spot
Dubai (SBR): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have claimed their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after an emphatic, eight-wicket victory over Japan in their Super Six clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Asia/East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier in Oman on Thursday.Mohammad Waseem and his charges join Nepal and Oman as the three qualifiers of the regional qualification competition with guaranteed top three finishes before the tournament’s scheduled conclusion on Friday.The 20 teams for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are now finalized and they are as follows: India (tournament host), Sri Lanka (tournament host), Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, Ireland, Italy, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa, UAE, USA, West Indies and Zimbabwe.The UAE eliminated hopefuls, Japan, Samoa and Qatar from contention, who were still in with a mathematical chance.In the match, Japan were restricted to 116/9 after being put into bat by the UAE. Only Wataru Miyauchi – at number nine – made a significant contribution to the scoreboard, returning unbeaten for 45 off 32 deliveries. Other scores in the double figures came from Esam Rahman (23) and Abhishek Anand (10) at the top of the order and Abdul Samad (11 not out) at number 11.The UAE’s Haider Ali (three for 20) and Mohammad Arfan (two for 24) did the most damage with the ball in hand, setting up a simple chase for their batters.Openers, Alishan Sharafu and Mohammad Waseem did not disappoint, they shared a 70-run stand before it was broken by Declan Suzuki (one for 14) who removed the skipper, Waseem for 42 at the start of the eighth over.Sharafu departed for 46 at the hands of Ibrahim Takahashi (one for 16) in the 11th over, but the foundation was firmly laid, giving Mayank Kumar (13 not out) and Rahul Chopra (14 not out) a smooth pathway to batting their team victory with 47 balls to spare.
Afghanistan U19 team to visit Bangladesh for a Five-Match Youth ODI Series
Kabul (SBR): The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirms that the Afghanistan National U19 Cricket Team will visit Bangladesh for a five-match Youth ODI series, scheduled from October 28 to November 9, 2025, in Bogura, Bangladesh.The team will leave Kabul for Bangladesh on October 20 and will engage in a week-long conditioning camp before meeting the home U19 side in the opening match of the series on October 28.The first two matches are set to be played in Bogura, while the last three will take place at the RDS Cricket Ground in Rajshahi. The matches are scheduled for October 28, 31, and November 3, 6, and 9 respectively.This series marks a crucial phase in Afghanistan’s youth cricket development, providing valuable international exposure and competitive experience ahead of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, stated: “We are committed to ensuring that our Future Stars remain consistently engaged alongside the National and A teams. This series will play a crucial role in preparing our U19 squad for the upcoming World Cup and could well unearth promising talents who may later advance to higher levels, including the A team and the senior national side.”Afghanistan Future Stars have recently completed a series of intensive preparatory camps held across Nangarhar and Khost provinces over the past three months, where players focused heavily on physical conditioning, skill development, and participated in several intra-squad practice matches designed to strengthen team cohesion and match readiness.
U19 Cup final: Lahore beat Rawalpindi by seven wickets
Multan (Salman Khan): Three wickets each from Naqeebullah and Ibtisam Azhar led Lahore Blues to a seven-wicket win over Rawalpindi in the final of the National U19 Cup at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Right-arm off-spinner Ibtisam finished the tournament with 20 wickets from eight matches.The match, which was live-streamed on Tapmad across Pakistan and on PCB’s YouTube channel for viewers outside Pakistan, saw Rawalpindi opting to bat first after winning the toss. They were bowled out for 142 in 44.1 overs, with Ali Mehdi top-scoring with 36.For Lahore Blues, left-arm spinner Naqeebullah and right-arm off-spinner Ibtisam took three wickets apiece for 16 and 25 runs, respectively.In reply, Lahore Blues lost three wickets in their chase and achieved the target in 39.4 overs. Jahangir Bilal top-scored for the winning side with an unbeaten 56 off 97 balls, hitting seven fours.Lahore Blues’ captain, Ali Hassan Baloch, who missed out on a big score in the final, was named player of the tournament and best batter for scoring 603 runs from eight matches at an average of 75.38, including three centuries and two half-centuries.Faisalabad’s Momin Qamar was declared bowler of the tournament for his 22 wickets in eight matches. The left-arm spinner had two five-wicket hauls to his name.Scores in brief:Lahore Blues beat Rawalpindi by seven wickets at Multan Cricket StadiumRawalpindi 142 all out, 44.1 overs (Ali Mehdi 36; Naqeebullah 3-16, Ibtisam Azhar 3-25)Lahore Blues 143-3, 39.4 overs (Jahangir Bilal 56 not out, Khizer Butt 46)Player of the match – Naqeebullah (Lahore Blues)Player of the Tournament – Ali Hassan Baloch (Lahore Blues)
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