Cricket
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.
Samad’s unbeaten 110 hands Shaheens 73-run win over Renegades
Darwin (SBR): Abdul Samad’s unbeaten 110 off 63 balls helped Pakistan Shaheens bag their second win in the Top End T20 Series as they beat Melbourne Renegades by 73 runs here at the TIO Stadium in Darwin on Monday evening.Pakistan Shaheens will face Chicago Kingsmen in their next fixture on Tuesday with the first ball expected to be bowled at 1pm local time.Shaheens dismissed Renegades for 105 in 19.2 overs after posting 178-5 in their allotted 20 overs on the back of Samad’s 56-ball century. The right hander walked in to bat in the first over and found Shaheens reeling at 2-2 as both opening batters returned for ducks.Samad stitched a 32-run stand with Mohammad Faiq (21, 18b, 2x4s, 1x6) before the latter fell in the seventh over, while Maaz Sadaqat followed him in the 10th over with the scorecard reading 55-4.From thereon, Samad and skipper Mohammad Irfan Khan put on a game-changing 109-run stand. Samad struck six fours and as many sixes during his unbeaten stay at the crease, while Irfan returned for a run-a-ball 23 comprising one four and a solitary six.For Renegades, Oliver Peake, Fergus O’Neill, Will Sutherland, Callum Stow and Michael Archer picked up one wicket each.In turn, Renegades slid to 66-8 and then 105 all out after being 25-1. Apart from opening batter Josh Brown (36, 30b, 5x4s, 1x6) none of the top eight batters entered double figures.Xavier Crone (11, 17b), Callum Stow (15, 16b, 1x4) and Michael Archer (14 not out 19b) pushed their team past the 100-run mar batting at no.9, 10 and 11, respectively.For Shaheens, Maaz Sadaqat returned figures of 4-0-22-3, while Faisal Akram backed up his five-for from previous game with 2-19 in four overs. Mubasir Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Ubaid Shah and Saad Masood dismissed one batter each.Scores in brief:Pakistan Shaheens beat Melbourne Renegades by 73 runs at the TIO Stadium, DarwinPakistan Shaheens 178-5, 20 overs (Abdul Samad 110, Muhammad Irfan Khan 23, Mohammad Faiq 21; Oliver Peake 1-12)Melbourne Renegades 105 all out, 19.2 overs (Josh Brown 36; Maaz Sadaqat 3-22, Faisal AkrramPlayer of the match – Abdul Samad (Pakistan Shaheens)Pakistan Shaheens’ Top End T20 schedule:14 Aug – Pakistan Shaheen won by 79 runs16 Aug – Perth Scorchers won by two wickets18 Aug – Pakistan Shaheens won by 73 runs19 Aug – vs Kingsmen, DXC Arena (1pm local time)20 Aug – vs Strikers, DXC Arena (7pm local time)22 Aug – vs Nepal, DXC Arena (7pm local time)
Pakistan announce squads for UAE T20I tri-series and Asia Cup
Lahore (PR)::The Men’s National Selection Committee has announced Pakistan squads for the upcoming T20I tri-series and Asia Cup scheduled to take place in the UAE from 29 August to 28 September. The tri-series, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan and UAE will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from 29 August to 7 September.The eight-team ACC Asia Cup T20I tournament will be staged in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from 9 to 28 September. Pakistan are placed in Group ‘A’ alongside India, Oman and UAE.17-member squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufyan Moqim.Tri-series schedule (all matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium):29 August – Afghanistan v Pakistan – 7pm local time30 August – UAE v Pakistan – 7pm local time1 September – UAE v Afghanistan – 7pm local time2 September – Pakistan v Afghanistan – 7pm local time4 September – Pakistan v UAE – 7pm local time5 September – Afghanistan v UAE – 7pm local time7 September – Final – 7pm local timeACC Asia Cup T20 2025 (Pakistan fixtures, Super Fours and Final)12 September – Oman v Pakistan, DICS, 6pm local time14 September – India v Pakistan, DICS, 6pm local time17 September – UAE v Pakistan, DICS, 6pm local time20-26 September – Super Fours fixtures (Abu Dhabi and Dubai)28 September – Final, DICS, 6pm local time
CAM STRIKERS EMERGE VICTORIOUS IN JASHN-E-AZADI CUP
TAXILA (Sports Report): In a thrilling match played at the Faisal Hills Cricket Ground, Cam Strikers defeated URCC by 19 runs to lift the Jashn-e-Azadi 35 overs cup.Batting first, Cam Strikers set a challenging target of 276 runs, thanks to a brilliant century by Sohail Afiridi. The team's innings was marked by significant contributions from Qadeer Haider (29), Hasan (27), and Tahir Naqash (17), with Najeeb providing a quick finish with 25 not out.In response, URCC put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short of the target, scoring 257 runs in 33rd overs. Junaid top-scored for URCC with 44, while Aizaz contributed 43 and Rohan added 28. The Cam Strikers bowling unit was led by Farman Senior, who claimed 3 crucial wickets. Idrees chipped in with 2 wickets, while Tahir Naqash, Saleem Jr., Abdul Rehman, and Sohail each picked up 1 wicket.Sohail Afiridi's all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. The Faisal Hills Management congratulated both teams on a game well played and commended the efforts of the players and officials involved.
Saliya Saman banned for five years under Anti-Corruption Code
Dubai (PR): Former Sri Lankan domestic cricketer Saliya Saman has been banned from all cricket for five years after an ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal found him guilty of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Anti-Corruption Code.Saman was among eight people charged in September 2023 for breaching the Code.The charges relate to the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 Cricket League and attempts to corrupt matches in that tournament which were disrupted by the ICC, the Designated Anti-Corruption Official (DACO) for the purposes of the ECB’s Code for the tournament.
Samad, Nafay and Yasir half-centuries give Shaheens winning start
Darwin (PCB Report): Half-centuries from Abdul Samad, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay and Yasir Khan, followed by a combined seven wickets from the spinners, powered Pakistan Shaheens to a resounding 79-run win over Bangladesh ‘A’ in the opening match of the Top End T20 Series at the TIO Stadium in Darwin on Thursday evening.After opting to bat first, Shaheens posted a formidable 227 for four in 20 overs. Openers Khawaja Nafay (61, 31b, 8x4s, 2x6s) and Yasir Khan (62, 40b, 7x4s, 2x6s) provided a blazing 118-run stand in just 11.1 overs. Abdul Samad then played an unbeaten knock of 56 off 27 balls (1x4, 5x6s), adding 36 runs for the fourth wicket with captain Muhammad Irfan Khan (25, 12b, 1x4, 3x6s) to take the total past 200.In turn, Bangladesh ‘A’ made a brisk start despite losing their first wicket in the opening over, reaching 92 for one in seven overs. Left-arm spinner Maaz Sadaqat struck a decisive blow in the eighth over, removing opener Jishan Alam (33, 17b, 5x4s, 1x6) and breaking an 86-run second-wicket stand.From there, Shaheens’ spinners took control. Faisal Akram (3-19) and Saad Masood (3-30) led the charge, while fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jnr chipped in with 2-24 to dismiss Bangladesh ‘A’ for 148 in 16.5 overs. Shaheens will now take on the Scorchers in their next fixture on Saturday, 16 August, at the same venue. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 4pm local time.Scores in brief:Pakistan Shaheens beat Bangladesh ‘A’ by 79 runsPakistan Shaheens 227-4, 20 overs (Yasir Khan 62, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay 61, Abdul Samad 56 not out, Mohammad Irfan Khan 25)Bangladesh ‘A’ 148 all out, 16.5 overs (Mohammad Saif Hassan 57, Jishan Alam 33; Faisal Akram 3-19, Saad Masood 3-30, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-24)Player of the match – Yasir Khan (Pakistan Shaheens).
Gill and Dunkley named ICC Players of the Month for July 2025
Islamabad (Sports Desk): India captain Shubman Gill and England batter Sophia Dunkley have been declared the ICC men’s and women’s Players of the Month for July 2025 following an elaborate process that included votes from an esteemed selection panel as well as those of fans worldwide.Gill became the first male player to win the Player of the Month award four times after a stupendous run in England saw him score 567 runs at an average of 94.50 in the three Tests played in July. His previous ICC Player of the Month awards were in January 2023, September 2023 and February 2025.The highlight for Gill during this period was his aggregate of 430 runs in the second Test in Birmingham, the second highest ever in a Test match. His scores of 269 and 161 in that Test helped level the series 1-1 and he also chipped in with a useful 103 in the second innings of the fourth Test in Manchester that helped draw the match and keep the series alive.The Indian skipper, who won the award ahead of his England counterpart Ben Stokes and South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, said he was hoping to continue his good form in the season ahead.Shubman Gill said: “It feels great to be named the ICC Player of the Month for July. This time it holds a lot more significance since it has come for my performances during my first Test series as captain. “The double ton in Birmingham is obviously something I will cherish forever and will be one of the highlights of my tour to England. The Test series against England was a learning experience for me as captain and we had some outstanding performances from both sides, which I am sure players from both sides will remember for a long time.”England batter Dunkley edged her team-mate Sophie Ecclestone and Ireland captain Gaby Lewis for the award, showing a fine run during this period in ODIs as well as T20Is. She played in all seven matches at home against India across the two formats, aggregating 126 runs in three ODIs and 144 runs at a strike-rate of 134.57 in four T20Is. Dunkley was England’s leading scorer in the T20I series and smashed a superb 92-ball 83 in the first ODI in Southampton.Dunkley said: “I am delighted to win the ICC Player of the Month award off the back of a really hard-fought series against India. We would have loved to have won the series, but I think we’ll take a lot from it moving towards the ICC Women’s World Cup. India deserved their win, and it was a great series to be a part of.”
HETMYER ANNOUNCED AS THE DESERT VIPERS’ WILD CARD SIGNING FOR SEASON FOUR OF THE DP WORLD ILT20
Dubai, UAE (SBR): The Desert Vipers announced West Indies batting maestro Shimron Hetmyer as the team’s wild card signing for season four of the DP World ILT20. Director of Cricket Tom Moody welcomed the new recruit: “Shimron is a player we rate extremely highly so for us to secure his services is a real coup,” he said.“He has proved a thorn in our side in the DP World ILT20 in the past so to have him in our ranks now is great news.”The left-handed batter, previously a member of the Gulf Giants team, has played some memorable knocks against the Vipers, including smashing 70 off just 35 deliveries in season one. Hetmyer said he was looking forward to joining the squad.“I am so happy to be joining the Desert Vipers. I have enjoyed my battles with the team during the past three seasons. The franchise is filled with quality players and I am looking forward to playing with them rather than against them.”The 28-year-old was part of the Gulf Giants in the first three seasons of the DP World ILT20, including season one where that team won the title by defeating the Desert Vipers in the final. With a strike rate of over 150 across those three seasons, having scored 390 (48 fours and 33 sixes) of his 666 runs in fours and sixes, Hetmyer is a hard hitter who can bring down any opposition on his day. Tom Moody believes he could be a key disruptor for the team: “Shimron is a game-changer with the bat and someone who can fill multiple roles,” he said. “He is capable of batting in the top order and as a finisher, and his power and his ability to clear the fence are attributes we welcome. “But he is also a smart cricketer who knows the T20 format inside-out. I have no doubt Shimron will be a huge asset for the Desert Vipers in the coming season and we look forward to welcoming him to our team later this year.”The Desert Vipers have twice been runners-up in the DP World ILT20 but are yet to win a championship, and Hetmyer is eager to change that statistic.“I have seen the way the Vipers have been run, and the fact the team has reached two finals in three years speaks for itself,” he said. “They have been so close to the trophy and hopefully my arrival will be the final piece of the puzzle to make sure the team finishes season four as winners.“I love the tournament. It is such a great experience as a player, and I cannot wait to link up with the team in Dubai later this year.”Hetmyer brings with him a wealth of experience, having represented the West Indies at junior and senior levels, including leading them to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2016. The left-hander is also in great demand on the franchise circuit and has played across the globe including in The Hundred, the Pakistan Super League, the Indian Premier League, the Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket and the DP World ILT20. Here is a quick reminder of the retained players and direct signings for the Desert Vipers:Retained players:Lockie Ferguson (ENG)Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)Sam Curran (ENG)Max Holden (ENG)Dan Lawrence (ENG)David Payne (ENG)Khuzaima bin Tanveer (UAE)Direct Signing:Andries Gous (USA)
Series win gives Prendergast big gains in ICC Women’s T20I Rankings
Dubai (PR): Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast has made notable progress in the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings after helping her team beat Pakistan 2-1 in Dublin even as several other players from either side also gained in the latest weekly update to the rankings.Prendergast, who was named the Player of the Series, finished with 144 runs and four wickets, progressing in all three lists. She made her first appearance inside the top 20 of the batting rankings after advancing eight slots to joint-19th place, thanks to her scores of 51 and 64 in the second and third matches, amassing career-best ratings points of 602.She has also entered the top 50 of the bowling rankings for the first time after taking three for 28 in the series opener that helped her team to victory by 11 runs. Her all-round performance shot her up to sixth among the all-rounders with personal-best rating points of 298.There were movements for her teammates as well. Amy Hunter climbed up one place to 29th among batters while Laura Delany jumped five slots to 50th thanks to her score of 42 runs in the second match – her first time in the top 50 with career-best rating points of 448.Ava Canning is 48th in the bowlers’ list, while Jane Maguire has moved to 50th from last week’s 54th.Pakistan may have lost the series, but individual performances were rewarded. Left-handed opener Muneeba Ali’s match-winning unbeaten century in the final match helped her advance three slots to joint-32nd in the batters’ list (personal best points of 526), while captain Fatima Sana has hopped four places up to 59th.The skipper also moved up one place to joint-39th in the bowling rankings after her haul of four for 26 in the series opener. She ended the series as the leading wicket taker with a total of six scalps.
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