Sports

The Irish Men’s cricket team will tour Pakistan to play a test series against the Men in Green in August – September 2025

The Irish Men’s cricket team is set to tour Pakistan for a test series against the Men in Green in August-September 2025, as announced during a meeting between Brian MacNeice, Chairman of Cricket Ireland, and the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), held in Dublin.

According to a press release issued by PCB’s Rafiullah Khan, this decision was made during discussions between the two cricket boards, with the PCB Chairman being hosted by his counterpart on the day of the second T20I between the two teams. Additionally, both boards discussed organizing a series among women’s cricket teams, reaching an agreement for a series in the near future.

MacNeice warmly welcomed Naqvi and presented him with an Irish team jersey and cap as souvenirs.

Expressing his views, the Irish Cricket Chair welcomed the decision to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, stating that Pakistan has consistently provided excellent security for international tournaments.

Chairman PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed gratitude to MacNeice for the outstanding arrangements made during the Pakistan team’s tour of Ireland, noting the tremendous support and affection received by the Pakistan team during the tour.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Warren Deutrom and other senior officials from Cricket Ireland were also in attendance during the meeting.

DP World International League T20 season 3 will begin from Saturday, 11 January 2025. The 34-match tournament will run for a month with the final to be played on Sunday, 9 February 2025.

The announcement of Season 3 comes on the heels of a tremendously successful Season 2, which saw the MI Emirates claim victory and lift the DP World ILT20 trophy in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Stadium on February 17, 2024.

One of the standout achievements of Season 2 was the remarkable increase in broadcast viewership, with a staggering 348 million unique viewers tuning in from around the globe via Zee Network’s linear and online platforms, as well as their broadcast syndication partners across various territories.

Additionally, Season 2 witnessed a significant surge in crowd attendance across all three tournament venues – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The cumulative increase in crowd numbers amounted to nearly 300% compared to Season 1, indicating a growing interest and enthusiasm for the tournament among fans.

These impressive numbers reflect the growing popularity and global appeal of the ILT20 tournament, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated Season 3. With such momentum behind it, Season 3 promises to deliver another thrilling display of cricketing excellence and captivate audiences worldwide.

Returning all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan claimed 4-35 to help Bangladesh recover from a batting collapse and beat Zimbabwe by five runs in Friday’s fourth Twenty20 international in Dhaka

Returning all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan made a significant impact, claiming 4-35 to assist Bangladesh in recovering from a batting collapse and securing a five-run victory against Zimbabwe in Friday’s fourth Twenty20 international in Dhaka.

Mustafizur Rahman also played a key role with the ball, taking 3-19, as the home side bowled out Zimbabwe for 138 runs in 19.4 overs.

Chasing a modest target of 143, Zimbabwe faced an early setback with opener Brian Bennett departing for a duck in the first over. The team quickly found themselves at 57-4. However, they fought back with a middle-order partnership, with Johnathan Campbell and Ryan Burl adding 35 runs.

Mustafizur’s dismissal of Burl, who scored 19 runs, and Shakib’s removal of Campbell for 31 tilted the game in Bangladesh’s favor. Wellington Masakadza’s quickfire 19 runs from eight balls kept Zimbabwe’s hopes alive, but he fell in the final over when his team needed 14 runs to win.

In the last over, Shakib dismissed Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava to seal the victory for Bangladesh.

Batting first after losing the toss, Bangladesh had a strong start with openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Soumya Sarkar putting on a 101-run partnership for the first wicket. Tanzid scored 52 off 37 balls before being dismissed by Luke Jongwe, who also claimed the wicket of Soumya for 41 in the same over.

Despite the promising start, Bangladesh collapsed, losing their remaining eight wickets for just 35 runs and getting bowled out for the first time in the series.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza removed Towhid Hridoy for 12, while Bennett took two wickets in one over, dismissing Shakib for one run.

Having already secured the series with three consecutive wins, Bangladesh will face Zimbabwe in the fifth and final match of the series in Dhaka on Sunday.

The remaining two matches will also take place at the Castle Avenue on Sunday and Tuesday, before the team heads to Headingley, Leeds, on Wednesday for a series of four T20Is against England.

The Pakistan men’s cricket team is set to commence its Europe tour with the first of three T20Is against Ireland on Friday.

These matches will all be held at the Castle Avenue, with the subsequent games scheduled for Sunday and Tuesday. Following this series, the team will proceed to Headingley, Leeds, for a series of four T20Is against England starting on Wednesday.

After the England series, both teams will participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. England will kick off against Scotland in Barbados on 4 June, while Pakistan will begin their campaign against the USA in Dallas on 6 June.

This marks the first time Ireland will host Pakistan for a T20I series. Their previous encounter was in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009, where Pakistan emerged victorious by 39 runs, with Kamran Akmal earning the player of the match award.

Notably, both teams are in the same group for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and will face each other in Florida on 16 June. Besides Ireland and Pakistan, India, USA, and Canada are also in the same group, with the top two teams advancing to the next stage.

Pakistan head coach, Azhar Mahmood, stated that their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 have been ongoing since the home series against New Zealand. He emphasized the importance of refining their game plans and strategies before arriving in the United States.

However, fast bowler Mohammad Amir will miss the first T20I due to visa issuance delays but is expected to join the side on Friday.

The squads for both teams are yet to be finalized.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the lineup of 26 match officials for the initial round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, to be held in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies.

A press release stated that twenty umpires and six match referees will oversee the ninth edition of the event, featuring 20 teams competing in 55 matches across 28 days at nine locations, making it the largest ICC T20 World Cup to date.

Among the seasoned umpires are Richard Illingworth, recipient of the David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year at the 2023 ICC Awards, along with Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, and Paul Reiffel, who officiated the final of the 2022 edition at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.

It marks a significant milestone for debutants Jayaraman Madanagopal, Sam Nogajski, Allahudien Paleker, Rashid Riaz, and Asif Yaqoob, who will make their senior men’s event debuts.

The match referees’ team includes the return of Ranjan Madugalle, who supervised the 2022 Final, alongside the most experienced T20I referee, Jeff Crowe, with 175 matches under his belt, and Andrew Pycroft, who is one match away from officiating in 150 T20Is.

The list of Match Officials for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup comprises Umpires: Chris Brown, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Allahudien Paleker, Richard Kettleborough, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon, Sam Nogajski, Ahsan Raza, Rashid Riaz, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Shahid Saikat, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel Wilson, and Asif Yaqoob.

Match referees: David Boon, Jeff Crowe, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson, and Javagal Srinath.

An independent three-member Medical Committee has held former PCB Director, Medical and Sports Sciences Dr. Sohail Saleem responsible for delay, wrong diagnosis and hurried surgery from an inexperienced surgeon to the injured fast-bowler Ihsanullah

An independent three-member Medical Committee has attributed the delay, incorrect diagnosis, and rushed surgery performed by an inexperienced surgeon to the injured fast-bowler Ihsanullah to former PCB Director of Medical and Sports Sciences, Dr. Sohail Saleem.

The Committee’s report, submitted to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, criticized the hasty planning of Ihsanullah’s surgery without specialist review or preoperative assessment. It highlighted the inappropriate choice of surgeon recommended by the Director, lacking the necessary academic qualifications and experience in the field.

Mohsin Naqvi had commissioned the independent panel, comprising Prof. Rana Dilawaiz Nadeem, Dr. Mumraiz Naqshband, and Prof. Javed Akram, to review the handling of Ihsanullah’s right elbow injury and propose future actions. Currently, Ihsanullah is undergoing assessment by Prof. Adam Watts in England to evaluate the PCB’s intervention.

The Committee found that Ihsanullah’s elbow pain wasn’t adequately addressed or treated, with delays in diagnosis and investigations, and lacking a formal rehabilitation process.

Furthermore, the Committee noted Ihsanullah’s failure to comply with the prescribed rehabilitation plan.

After a thorough examination, including consultations with various specialists, the Committee recommended aggressive physiotherapy and rehabilitation for Ihsanullah’s right elbow and shoulder. Surgery would be considered as a last resort if significant recovery isn’t seen within six to twelve months.

The Committee also pointed out delays in diagnosis, inappropriate treatment prescriptions, and non-compliance by Ihsanullah with the rehabilitation plan.

Despite recommending treatment plans, the Committee stressed the need for a physical assessment upon Ihsanullah’s return to Pakistan, followed by a multidisciplinary rehabilitation plan, including hydrodilation, to optimize his potential.

Additionally, the Committee reviewed the cases of Arshad Iqbal, Zeeshan Zameer, and women’s cricketer Shawal Zulfikar. Recommendations included a two-month rehabilitation program for Arshad, examination by a foot and ankle specialist for Zeeshan, and a CT scan of Shawal’s right shoulder.

Meanwhile, PCB’s spokesperson confirmed the resignation of Dr. Sohail Saleem, Director of Medical and Sports Sciences, which has been accepted by the PCB.

The national cricket team is due to depart for the England and Ireland tour on May 7th, with matches scheduled to commence shortly after their arrival.

In preparation for the upcoming tour of England and Ireland, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finalized plans on Wednesday to conduct a brief training camp for the national team.

Sources within the PCB revealed that the three-day training camp is set to commence on May 4th in Lahore.

Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood will oversee the camp, which will primarily focus on refining the players’ batting, bowling, and fielding skills.

In addition to on-field training, the coaching staff will dedicate time to team bonding activities and fitness sessions to ensure the squad is in optimal condition for the demanding tour ahead.

The national cricket team is scheduled to depart for the England and Ireland tour on May 7th, with matches set to begin shortly after their arrival.

It’s worth mentioning that the PCB is slated to officially announce the national squad for the Ireland and England tour tomorrow.

The Sultan [king] of Swing has made an interesting caption on his new picture on the photo-sharing App.

Former Pakistan Captain Wasim Akram, renowned as the “king of swing,” captured the hearts of his fans and followers on social media with his new look on Tuesday.

Sharing his latest photo on a photo-sharing app, Wasim Akram accompanied it with the caption, “If you look the part, you get the part 😎.”

In addition to his caption, Wasim Akram also utilized hashtags such as #Hustle #StayFit #StayHealthy #KeepGrinding #Karachi.

Hundreds of fans and followers liked Wasim Akram’s photo and shared interesting comments about his new look.

The sources say the officials from the PCB are expected to be called upon for assistance in the ongoing probe.

According to sources familiar with the matter, an investigation has been launched into alleged irregularities surrounding the sale of tickets for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international cricket matches.

The probe comes in response to complaints of financial misconduct within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with concerns raised regarding fraudulent activities in ticket sales.

Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Lahore have summoned Officer Maosh Umar to provide a statement, and all ticket records have been taken into custody as part of the inquiry.

It is expected that PCB officials will also be called upon to assist in the ongoing probe.

Sources have indicated that there was a significant misappropriation of funds in the ticket sales process.

Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar won their 6th round matches of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament held here on Monday

Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar emerged victorious in their respective 6th round matches of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament, which took place here on Monday.

In the match between Peshawar and Rawalpindi, Sidra Nawaz’s unbeaten 80 off 109 balls, including six fours, propelled Peshawar to a two-wicket victory over Rawalpindi with 16 balls to spare.

Batting first at the Jawad Sports Complex Ground, Rawalpindi managed to post 151 for nine in 50 overs. Peshawar’s captain, Mahnoor Aftab, impressed with three wickets for 18 runs in her allotted 10 overs.

In the second match of the day, Karachi secured a six-wicket win over Quetta at the Bohranwali Ground, thanks to a half-century by Yusra Amir and seven wickets shared between left-arm spinners Anosha Nasir and Maham Manzoor.

Opting to bat first, Quetta was dismissed for 156 in 49 overs, with Khadija Chishti scoring 50 off 77 balls. Karachi’s left-arm spin duo of Maham and Anosha starred with the ball, taking seven wickets between them.

In reply, wicketkeeper-batter Yusra’s unbeaten 64 off 92 balls guided Karachi to chase down the target with 17 overs to spare.

At the Iqbal Stadium, Lahore clinched a four-wicket victory over Multan in a low-scoring encounter, courtesy of a half-century by Iram Javed and three-wicket hauls by Ayesha Bilal and Qurat-ul-Ain.

Multan, batting first, was bowled out for 123 in 39 overs, with opener Sadaf Shamas being the standout performer with an unbeaten 81 off 112 balls.

In response, Lahore achieved the target in the 28th over, losing six wickets in the process, with Iram contributing 54 runs and Noreen Yaqoob adding 33.

Scores in brief:

Peshawar beat Rawalpindi by two wickets at Jawad Sports Complex Ground.
Rawalpindi 151-9, 50 overs (Aqsa Yousuf 28, Aima Saleem 26, Waheeda Akhtar 22, Fajar Naved 20; Mahnoor Aftab 3-18, Aleena Shah 2-38).
Peshawar 152-8, 47.2 overs (Sidra Nawaz 80*; Tania Saeed 3-23, Fatima Zahra 2-28).
Player of the match – Sidra Nawaz (Peshawar).

Lahore beat Multan by four wickets at Iqbal Stadium.
Multan 123 all out, 39 overs (Sadaf Shamas 81*; Qurat-ul-Ain 3-22, Ayesha Bilal 3-23, Zunash Sattar 2-15).
Lahore 124-6, 27.4 overs (Iram Javed 54, Noreen Yaqoob 33; Shameer Rajput 2-20).
Player of the match- Iram Javed and Noreen Yaqoob (Lahore).

Karachi beat Quetta by six wickets at Bohranwali Ground.
Quetta 156 all out, 49 overs (Khadija Chishti 50; Maham Manzoor 4-33, Anosha Nasir 3-21).
Karachi 158-4, 33 overs (Yusra Amir 64*, Omaima Sohail 39; Kinza Wahab 2-20).
Player of the match- Yusra Amir and Maham Manzoor (Karachi).

Wednesday’s fixtures: Quetta Women vs Rawalpindi Women, Jawad Sports Complex Ground; Peshawar Women vs Lahore Women, Iqbal Stadium; Karachi Women vs Multan Women, Bohranwali Ground.