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                        <title>Cricket news | Latest Cricket Updates | The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>CRICKET</description>
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			<title>PCB eyes Saudi stadium to take PSL beyond borders</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603955/pcb-eyes-saudi-stadium-to-take-psl-beyond-borders</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603955/pcb-eyes-saudi-stadium-to-take-psl-beyond-borders#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 26 09:41:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleem Khaliq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2603955</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Various venues in Saudi Arabia are currently being reviewed]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to construct a cricket stadium in Saudia , which could potentially host Pakistan Super League matches in the future. According to details, the PCB aims to promote cricket in Saudi Arabia, where a large population of Pakistanis and other Asian expatriates have a strong interest in the sport. The Saudi government is also actively encouraging sports activities within the country and is taking various initiatives in this regard.

The PCB has formally expressed its interest in building a cricket stadium in Jeddah. In a recent Board of Governors meeting, approval was granted to explore this opportunity in collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation.

Sources indicate that various venues in Saudi Arabia are currently being reviewed to select a suitable location for the stadium. However, the project is still in its early stages. If negotiations with local authorities are successful, a formal agreement will be signed, after which construction work will begin.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is known for his swift decision-making and speed. If progress continues at this pace, the stadium could be completed within a year of signing the contract. Officials envision a venue equipped with floodlights and sufficient seating capacity for spectators.

In the future, the stadium could host PSL matches and other Pakistan cricket fixtures in Jeddah. This initiative would not only provide fans in Saudi Arabia the opportunity to watch live cricket but also help young cricketers develop their skills and advance their careers.]]>
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			<title>Fakhar didn’t take recent controversy to heart</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603416/fakhar-didnt-take-recent-controversy-to-heart</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603416/fakhar-didnt-take-recent-controversy-to-heart#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 26 01:06:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleem Khaliq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2603416</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He insists the incident didn’t affect him even “one percent”]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman has said that the recent ( ball-tampering) incident did not affect him at all, adding that it did not impact even &ldquo;one percent&rdquo; of his performance. While he prefers opening the innings, he emphasized that the final decision always rests with the captain and coach.

In an exclusive interview with the Express tribune, Fakhar Zaman said that he hasn&rsquo;t played many matches since his ban was lifted. &ldquo;In T20 cricket, if you perform well in even 3 or 4 out of 10 matches, that is considered a success. As a professional player, if minor incidents like these begin to affect your performance or personality, survival becomes very difficult. Players go through much bigger challenges in their careers. It would be wrong to say that this recent incident affected my performance even by one percent.&rdquo;

When asked about his batting position, he said:
&ldquo;I prefer opening. I&rsquo;ve done it all my life&mdash;club cricket, Pakistan team, PSL. It is my preference, but ultimately the captain and coach know better where a player fits best. If Lahore Qalandars think I perform best as an opener, I play there. If the Pakistan team management thinks someone else is better suited for that role, they adjust me accordingly. You often see such experiments in PSL too. Not all experiments succeed, but players must remain flexible about their batting positions.&rdquo;

Lahore Qalandars Will Bounce Back

Fakhar said that except for one or two seasons, Lahore Qalandars usually start slowly but recover strongly.
&ldquo;Half the matches are already done&mdash;you&rsquo;ll see how our team takes flight. We are ready to defend our title. Every team in PSL comes to win, no one is here just to participate. Over the last 4&ndash;5 years, Lahore Qalandars have developed a different level of performance, and that has made our mindset more positive.&rdquo;

He added:
&ldquo;In the past, when we kept losing, we thought we might never win a trophy. But once we started winning, everything changed. I told Hyderabad Kingsmen players the same thing&mdash;you lose because you haven&rsquo;t experienced winning yet. Once you start winning, confidence builds and victories follow. Lahore&rsquo;s story is similar. We&rsquo;ve won three titles, and that has strengthened our belief.&rdquo;

Shaheen Is a Fantastic Captain

Praising Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar said:
&ldquo;He is an excellent captain. As a bowler, he appears aggressive, but as a leader, he is very different. A good leader must have that balance. He carries the team along. Winning is easy, but leadership is tested during losses. Even when we aren&rsquo;t winning, the captain and management maintain a positive environment, which keeps the team united.&rdquo;

PSL Feels Incomplete Without Crowds

Fakhar said the absence of crowds takes away the charm of the Pakistan Super League.
&ldquo;It feels strange playing in empty stadiums, and we don&rsquo;t enjoy it as much. Of course, there are circumstances beyond control. As sportsmen, we aim to inspire the next generation. When young fans watch stars live, it motivates them more. I hope things improve and spectators are allowed back.&rdquo;

Fitness Has Not Been a Constant Issue

He clarified that fitness hasn&rsquo;t always been a problem:
&ldquo;I had a knee injury before the 2022 World Cup, but overall I am fully fit now.&rdquo;

Focus on Next Year&rsquo;s World Cup

Fakhar said he doesn&rsquo;t make long-term plans:
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve spent 10 years like this, and I still don&rsquo;t set big long-term goals. My focus is on next year&rsquo;s ODI World Cup. After that, I&rsquo;ll think about the future. I&rsquo;m not someone who plans to play for the next 10 years.&rdquo;

Dismissing rumors about moving to the United States, he said:
&ldquo;There are always rumors. Even my family sometimes asks me about things they see in the news. I tell them I have no idea&mdash;many of these stories aren&rsquo;t true.&rdquo;

Retirement Plan Changed

Fakhar revealed he had once considered retiring after the T20 World Cup and had discussed it with selector Aqib Javed:
&ldquo;But I didn&rsquo;t get much chances to play in the tournament. So I told him there&rsquo;s no point in retiring without playing. I changed my decision. Whenever I retire, I will clearly announce it. I want to leave cricket on a high, not be pushed out.&rdquo;

Fan of Saim Ayub

Fakhar praised Saim Ayub:
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m a big fan of his. He is a great player. I always tell him he is capable of achieving much more. In international cricket, failures are more frequent. During the World Cup, he was playing in my position. When I got a chance, both I and Sahibzada Farhan performed well. I&rsquo;ll keep working on my technique and fitness to secure a permanent place in the team.&rdquo;

Regret Over Limited Test Career

Fakhar admitted disappointment over playing only three Test matches:
&ldquo;I wish I had played at least 20&ndash;30 Tests. But at that time, there were better red-ball players available, and they deserved their opportunities. I&rsquo;m happy that deserving players got chances.&rdquo;

Shamil Hussain Has Great Potential

Fakhar highlighted young talent Shamil Hussain:
&ldquo;He impressed me in domestic cricket. I even spoke to selector Aqib Javed about him. I&rsquo;ve rarely seen such command and aggressive batting in four-day cricket. If he gets consistent opportunities, he can represent Pakistan for a long time in modern cricket.&rdquo;

Praise for Sahibzada Farhan

Speaking about Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar said:
&ldquo;He has been playing first-class cricket for a long time. I was one of his earliest fans. I remember watching him in Peshawar and recommending him to selector Tauseef Ahmed for my Domestic team. His ability has always been there. Sometimes players don&rsquo;t get opportunities or fail initially, and people start doubting them. But Farhan never gave up. He kept scoring heavily in domestic cricket and made a strong comeback. Very few players can hit sixes with such control.&rdquo;

Personal Life

Fakhar said he doesn&rsquo;t use social media much but plans to be more active.
He said &ldquo;My son isn&rsquo;t just into cricket&mdash;he enjoys football, golf, and swimming as well.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Gujarat survive final-over chaos</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2601884/gujarat-survive-final-over-chaos</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2601884/gujarat-survive-final-over-chaos#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 26 14:22:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2601884</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[They claimed one-run victory over Delhi Capitals]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Gujarat Titans survived a ferocious late assault from David Miller to clinch a nerve-shredding one-run win over Delhi Capitals in an Indian Premier League (IPL) thriller on Wednesday.
Asked to bat, Gujarat stacked up 210-4 and appeared &zwnj;to have the game in the bag after Delhi&#39;s chase wobbled when KL Rahul departed after a 52-ball 92.

Miller, who had earlier retired hurt with a hand injury, returned to transform a canter into a cliff-hanger before Delhi finished on 209-8, agonisingly short.
The decisive moment came in the final over. With two needed off the last two balls, ⁠Miller refused a single on the fifth delivery, sending back Kuldeep Yadav in search of the winning boundary.
Miller then failed to connect with the final ball, and though the pair set off, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler nailed a direct hit to run out a diving Kuldeep.
Miller remained unbeaten on 41 off 20 as Delhi slumped to their first defeat this season.
Earlier, Gujarat built their total on a trio of half-centuries.
Captain Shubman Gill, back after a neck sprain, set the tempo with a poised 70. Buttler&#39;s 52 and Washington Sundar&#39;s 55 powered a breezy middle &zwnj;phase ⁠after the early loss of Sai Sudharsan.
Lungi Ngidi dragged Delhi back with a disciplined spell at the death, restricting Gujarat to just 58 from the final six overs.
Delhi&#39;s pursuit roared to life through Rahul and Pathum Nissanka (41), who blasted 76 for the first wicket.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Multan Sultans top PSL table</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2601337/multan-sultans-top-psl-table</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2601337/multan-sultans-top-psl-table#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 26 10:53:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2601337</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[They beat Quetta Gladiators by six wickets]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Multan Sultans eased to a convincing six‑wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League on Sunday night, dominating with bat and ball at the Gaddafi Stadium. The result underlined the Sultans&rsquo; intentions as they moved back to the top of the PSL 2026 points table with their third win in four matches. &nbsp;

Quetta Gladiators, sent in to bat, managed 166 for seven in their 20 overs &mdash; a total that looked competitive on paper but was ultimately insufficient on a batter‑friendly wicket. Saud Shakeel was the standout for Quetta with 56 off 41 balls, anchoring the innings alongside Bevon Jacobs, who scored 49 not out off 31 deliveries, but regular breakthroughs from the Sultans bowlers kept the scoring in check. &nbsp;

Mohammad Nawaz was named player of the match after claiming three wickets for 30 runs, while off‑spinner Arafat Minhas backed him up with two wickets, applying pressure in the middle overs and preventing the Gladiators from building late momentum. The disciplined bowling effort ensured Quetta could not push their total into threatening territory. 

In reply, Multan Sultans got off to a flying start as Steven Smith struck a fluent 53 off 35 balls, setting the platform for a swift chase. Smith and Sahibzada Farhan put on a 71‑run opening stand, with Farhan contributing a brisk 32 off 14 balls before falling to Quetta&rsquo;s Alzarri Joseph. The powerplay dominance effectively put the match beyond Quetta&rsquo;s reach. 

After Farhan&rsquo;s dismissal, Josh Philippe added 18, but it was Shan Masood who provided calm assurance with an unbeaten 46 off 30 balls to see the Sultans home in 17.3 overs with 15 deliveries to spare. His ability to rotate the strike and pick gaps around the field ensured there was no late drama in the chase. &nbsp;

Multan&rsquo;s decision to field first paid dividends as their bowlers adapted well to the conditions, mixing pace and spin effectively. Although Quetta&rsquo;s batting showed moments of resistance, particularly through Shakeel&rsquo;s half‑century, they struggled to maintain consistent partnerships after early breakthroughs. &nbsp;

The Sultans&rsquo; balanced performance &mdash; combining early aggression in the chase with disciplined bowling &mdash; saw them reclaim the top spot in the PSL standings. The win also provided a timely response after their only loss of the season, showcasing depth throughout the lineup. 

Quetta Gladiators, by contrast, remain in the lower half of the points table, having lost three of their four matches so far. Their inability to accelerate effectively in the latter stages of their innings and a lack of penetration with the ball contributed to their defeat. &nbsp;

Multan Sultans now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures with confidence, aiming to maintain momentum in the competitive PSL campaign. Their mix of explosive batting at the top and incisive bowling across the attack makes them one of the favourites as the tournament progresses. &nbsp;

Scoreboard:
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Quetta Gladiators 166/7 (20 overs): Saud Shakeel 56, Bevon Jacobs 49*; Mohammad Nawaz 3‑30, Arafat Minhas 2‑14.
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Multan Sultans 167/4 (17.3 overs): Steven Smith 53, Shan Masood 46*; Hasan Nawaz 2‑17, Saud Shakeel 1‑25.
Sultans won by six wickets.]]>
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			<title>Islamabad United dominate Rawalpindiz in first twin cities PSL clash</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2601148/islamabad-united-dominate-rawalpindiz-in-first-twin-cities-psl-clash</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2601148/islamabad-united-dominate-rawalpindiz-in-first-twin-cities-psl-clash#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 26 22:08:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tayyaba Khurram]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2601148</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Shadab's team chase down 157-run target with 34 balls to spare]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Islamabad United produced a commanding performance to beat Rawalpindiz by seven wickets in their first-ever Pakistan Super League (PSL) meeting, chasing down the 157-run target with 34 balls to spare at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

The newly inaugurated &ldquo;Twin Cities&rdquo; derby, hyped on PSL social media channels throughout the day, ultimately lacked the close contest organisers had teased, as United&rsquo;s batters and bowlers combined for a convincing victory.

Rawalpindiz, playing their maiden PSL season after the league expanded to eight teams, posted 156 for 7 in their 20 overs. Kamran Ghulam top-scored with a composed half-century, scoring 50 off 37 deliveries, but regular dismissals prevented the hosts from posting a formidable total.

Islamabad&rsquo;s bowlers struck early after captain Shadab Khan elected to field first following the toss. Richard Gleeson and Salman Irshad claimed key wickets in the powerplay, restricting Rawalpindiz to 35 for 2 inside six overs. Faheem Ashraf also chipped in to keep the scoreboard in check, ensuring Rawalpindiz could not build sustained momentum beyond Ghulam&rsquo;s innings.

In response, Islamabad United&rsquo;s chase was anchored by young opener Sameer Minhas, who struck 70 from 36 balls with seven fours and three sixes. His innings earned him the official Player of the Match award and set the tone for a comfortable run chase.

Minhas provided the backbone of the innings as Islamabad raced to 62 for 1 in the powerplay. Although Devon Conway, his opening partner, was dismissed for a modest score, the experienced middle order ensured there was no pressure in completing the victory. Contributions from Haider Ali (26 not out off 16 balls) and Mark Chapman (24 not out off seven balls) sealed the win with authority.

The result marks a third consecutive loss for Rawalpindiz, who remain without a PSL win. It also extends a difficult run for captain Mohammad Rizwan, whose team has now suffered 13 defeats in 14 games across PSL campaigns dating back to the 2024 final.

The victory was the latest affirmation of Islamabad United&rsquo;s balanced squad depth and batting firepower this season. Their chase was aggressive yet calculated, reflecting confidence in executing run chases on batting-friendly surfaces such as the one on offer in Lahore.

With the defeat, Rawalpindiz face growing pressure to find momentum as they look to climb off the bottom of the standings. United, meanwhile, will aim to build on the comprehensive performance as the PSL season progresses.]]>
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			<title>Rashid to lead Afghanistan in T20 World Cup</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2584804/rashid-to-lead-afghanistan-in-t20-world-cup</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2584804/rashid-to-lead-afghanistan-in-t20-world-cup#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 25 14:26:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2584804</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mujeeb Ur Rahman returned for the marquee tournament]]>
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				<![CDATA[All-rounder Rashid Khan will lead a strong Afghanistan side in the Twenty20 World Cup after seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi and off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman returned for the marquee tournament set for February-March.
All-rounder Gulbadin Naib and seamer Naveen-ul-Haq also found places in the 15-member squad for the 20-team tournament that will be played in India and Sri Lanka.
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Afghanistan reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup in 2022, registering victories against fancied sides including New Zealand, West Indies and Australia.
The same side will play a three-match T20 series against West Indies in the United Arab Emirates next month.
&ldquo;Afghanistan had a terrific run in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup,&quot; Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive Naseeb Khan said in a statement on Wednesday.
&quot;We cherish excellent memories from the past and hope for even better results this year, which will be played in Asian conditions.
&quot;Hosting the West Indies team provides us with an incredible opportunity to fine-tune our combination and prepare adequately for the World Cup.&quot;
Afghanistan&#39;s T20I series against West Indies runs from January 19 to 22. At the T20 World Cup, they are placed in Group D, alongside New Zealand, South Africa, UAE and Canada. Afghanistan start their campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
They will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on February 8 in Chennai.
Afghanistan squad vs West Indies, and T20 World Cup 2026: Rashid Khan (capt), Ibrahim Zadran (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Abdullah Ahmadzai.]]>
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			<title>Head hopes for post-series drinks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2584803/head-hopes-for-post-series-drinks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2584803/head-hopes-for-post-series-drinks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 25 14:23:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2584803</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Both teams routinely meet for drinks at the end of Ashes]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Opening batsman Travis Head hopes Australia and England will share a drink after the Ashes winds up in Sydney to revive a tradition that fell by the wayside after the 2023 series.
Players and staff from both teams routinely meet for drinks at the end of an Ashes series but extended farewells for several England players and staff prevented it at The Oval after the fifth test in 2023.
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Australia batter Head said he looked forward to the prospect of post-series drinks at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and that both teams had played the game &quot;in the right way&quot;.
&quot;There&#39;s definitely mutual respect,&quot; he said in comments published by The Australian newspaper on Wednesday.
&quot;I get along with a couple of them really well.
&quot;There&rsquo;s some really good relationships with both teams. I&#39;m looking forward to having a beer with Ducky (Ben Duckett).
&quot;So, yeah, it&rsquo;d be a nice moment. It&#39;s obviously nice going there knowing that we&#39;ve won the series.&quot;
Australia lead the five-test series 3-1, having retained the urn with victory in the third test in Adelaide.
Relations between the teams soured during the 2023 series due to a &quot;spirit of cricket&quot; furore after Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey threw down the stumps in a controversial run-out of Jonny Bairstow.
Australia players were abused by England fans in the Long Room at Lord&#39;s, and England head coach Brendon McCullum told the BBC he could not imagine his team meeting the tourists for beers any time soon.
McCullum later changed his tune after England won the final test at The Oval by 49 runs to draw the series 2-2, saying England would meet the Australians for a beer.
It never happened, though, triggering criticism of England in some Australian media reports.
England captain Ben Stokes subsequently denied any snubbing of the Australians in a post on social media, saying his team&#39;s post-series wrap-up at The Oval had taken longer than expected due to player and staff farewells.
The fifth test starts in Sydney on January 4.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Waqar backs Naseem for T20 comeback</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2581655/waqar-backs-naseem-for-t20-comeback</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2581655/waqar-backs-naseem-for-t20-comeback#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 25 11:34:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleem Khaliq]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2581655</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The former fast bowler also paid tribute to Mitchell Starc]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Waqar Younis continues to have high hopes for Naseem Shah, saying that the ILT20 is a great opportunity for the pacer and that the selectors will surely be keeping an eye on him.
The former legendary fast bowler also paid tribute to Mitchell Starc, stating that the Australian can continue playing for another two to three seasons. He added that comparing Wasim Akram and Starc is not possible.
According to details, Naseem Shah played only one match for Pakistan in the triangular series held last month.
He is currently representing Desert Vipers in the ongoing ILT20 in the UAE. Speaking in Dubai, former pacer Waqar Younis said that Naseem Shah remains a talented bowler.
&ldquo;Sometimes a player loses form, and if he doesn&rsquo;t perform well, he can be dropped from the team,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;However, the ILT20 is a good opportunity for Naseem Shah. The selectors always keep an eye on players performing in different leagues, and such performances can pave the way for a comeback.&rdquo;
Talking about Mitchell Starc, who recently broke Wasim Akram&rsquo;s record of 414 wickets, Waqar Younis said, &ldquo;He is 35 years old but still performing brilliantly. I believe Starc can play for another two or three seasons. When he retires, he will remain among the best left-arm pacers in history. Wasim Akram was also a dangerous bowler, but there&rsquo;s really no comparison between the two &mdash; each has his own strengths and weaknesses.&rdquo;
Waqar Younis praised the ILT20 as a top-quality league, saying that its popularity was evident right from the opening ceremony.
&ldquo;So many people were eagerly waiting for the event to begin,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Leagues usually take time to establish themselves, but the ILT20 has made remarkable progress in just four years.
&ldquo;Saudi Arabia and Kuwait also want to join it, and I&rsquo;m sure that in the coming years, many more countries will associate themselves with the ILT20, which will further promote the sport in the region.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Shakib wants home farewell series</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2581131/shakib-wants-home-farewell-series</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2581131/shakib-wants-home-farewell-series#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 25 09:34:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The all-rounder says he is officially not retired]]>
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				<![CDATA[Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan wants to return home to play a match in all three formats before ending his international career, the 38-year-old said.
Considered the greatest cricketer ever produced by Bangladesh, Shakib left the country after the toppling of the Sheikh Hasina-led government last year.
The all-rounder had been a member of parliament for the Awami League led by Hasina, whose 15-year rule as prime minister ended with her fleeing to India following deadly protests.
&quot;I am officially not retired from all formats,&quot; Shakib said on the Beard Before Wicket podcast on Sunday.
&quot;This is the first time I&#39;ll be revealing that. My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of ODI, test, and T20, and retire.
&quot;I mean, (I can) retire from all formats in a series ... I want to play a whole series and retire. That&#39;s what I want.&quot;
Shakib has not played international cricket since his 71st test in India last year, after which he announced his retirement from T20 Internationals.
He then requested to play a farewell test at home in the series against South Africa but the interim government was unable to guarantee his safety due to his political past.
The all-rounder said been playing franchise cricket around the world in the hopes he will be able to play for Bangladesh again.
&quot;I am hopeful. That&#39;s why I&#39;m playing (T20 leagues). I think it will happen,&quot; he added.
Shakib has not played for Bangladesh since October 2024, when he featured in the second Test against India in Kanpur.
His long absence has been tied to political unrest in Bangladesh, where the Awami League, the party he represented as an MP, was ousted from power in August.
After the regime change, Shakib remained outside the country while continuing to feature in away Tests in Pakistan and India.
Shakib Al Hasan had previously announced a step back from T20Is and said he wished to play his final Test during the home series against South Africa last October.
However, protests around the Shere Bangla National Stadium and security concerns led the BCB, under the interim government, to omit him from the squad.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Bangladesh U19 beat Pakistan by seven wickets</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2580988/bangladesh-u19-beat-pakistan-by-seven-wickets</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2580988/bangladesh-u19-beat-pakistan-by-seven-wickets#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 25 11:07:52 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The visitors were restricted to 86 for eight in their 20 overs]]>
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				<![CDATA[Bangladesh Women&rsquo;s U19 beat Pakistan Women&rsquo;s U19 by seven wickets in the third match of the five-match T20 series at the Cox&rsquo;s Bazar Academy Ground on Sunday.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan managed to score 86 for eight in their 20 overs. Captain Eman Naseer provided a brisk start with a 16-ball 23, striking five fours. However, regular wickets halted momentum as Pakistan slipped to 31 for five in the seventh over.
Zoofishan Ayyaz (14, 33b, 2x4s), Rozina Akram (8, 14b, 1x4) and Mahnoor Zaib (12, 15b, 1x4) attempted to rebuild, while Memoona Khalid returned unbeaten on 18 off 25 balls, which included two fours to guide the side past 80.
For Bangladesh, Otoshi Mojumder and Habiba Islam Pinky claiming two wickets each.
In turn, Bangladesh achieved the 87-run target in 13.3 overs. Despite losing two early wickets for eight runs, the hosts recovered through an unbeaten 30 from Achena Jannat Emanta.
Captain Sadia Islam scored 35 off 28 balls with three fours and three sixes to steer her side to win. For Pakistan, Mahnoor Zaib, Memoona Khalid, Rozina Akram bagged one wicket apiece.
With today&rsquo;s win, the hosts lead the five-match series 2-1. The fourth match will take place on 10 December, followed by fifth match on 12 December.
Scores in brief:
Bangladesh beat Pakistan by seven wickets
Pakistan 86-8, 20 overs (Eman Naseer 23; Otoshi Mojumder 2-12, Habiba Islam Pinky 2-25)
Bangladesh 87-3, 13.3 overs (Sadia Islam 35, Achena Jannat Emanta 30 not out)
Player of the match &ndash; Sadia Islam (Bangladesh)]]>
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			<title>Shubman Gill emerges as front-runner for India ODI captaincy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2560945/shubman-gill-emerges-as-front-runner-for-india-odi-captaincy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2560945/shubman-gill-emerges-as-front-runner-for-india-odi-captaincy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 25 06:18:28 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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				<![CDATA[A formal decision by BCCI is expected after clarity on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI futures]]>
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				<![CDATA[Shubman Gill is being tipped as the likely successor to Rohit Sharma as India&rsquo;s One Day International captain,&nbsp;according to Indian media reports.

The 25-year-old opener, who impressed with both bat and leadership during India&rsquo;s recent 2-2 Test series draw against England, has reportedly strengthened his credentials for the 50-over role.

His steady form and growing authority on the field are said to have placed him ahead of other contenders, according to Hindustan Times.





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BCCI&nbsp;is understood to be delaying a decision until the futures of Sharma and fellow veteran Virat Kohli in the format are confirmed.

Both players, key figures in Indian cricket for over a decade now, have already ended their Test and T20 international careers.

Read more:&nbsp;Ganguly opens up about Kohli, Rohit&#39;s retirement

Sharma and Kohli both&nbsp;stepped away from Tests in May, after the duo retired from T20Is last year following India&rsquo;s triumph at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

They remain active in ODIs but are widely expected to conclude their careers in the format following the upcoming home series against Australia in October.

Reports suggest the BCCI does not view the pair as central to plans for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.

To retain selection chances beyond October, they may be required to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India&rsquo;s domestic one-day competition starting in December - a scenario that could accelerate their formal retirements from the format.

An official announcement on the next ODI captain is anticipated once the situation surrounding Sharma and Kohli becomes clear, with Gill seen by many as the natural choice to lead India into the next ICC ODI World Cup.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan cricketers surge in ICC T20I rankings after West Indies series</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2559924/pakistan-cricketers-surge-in-icc-t20i-rankings-after-west-indies-series</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2559924/pakistan-cricketers-surge-in-icc-t20i-rankings-after-west-indies-series#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 25 08:58:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2559924</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan's cricketers rise in ICC T20I rankings, with Sufiyan Muqeem jumping 69 places to 34th among others]]>
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				<![CDATA[Several Pakistan cricketers have made significant strides in the latest ICC T20I rankings, thanks to stellar performances in the recent three-match series against the West Indies.

Sufiyan Muqeem was among the standout performers, making a remarkable leap of 69 places to reach 34th in the bowler&rsquo;s rankings, with 542 points. His performance in the series caught the eye, as he continues to rise through the ranks.

Middle-order batter Hassan Nawaz also enjoyed a notable rise, climbing 24 places to 30th after scoring 79 runs in the series, while top-order batter Saim Ayub, who scored 130 runs, including two half-centuries, moved up 25 places to 37th.

Sahibzada Farhan, another top-order batter, surged 34 spots to secure 63rd with 484 points, following his contribution of 91 runs.

Captain Salman Ali Agha and experienced batter Fakhar Zaman saw minor improvements, moving up 15 and three places to 76th and 78th positions, respectively.



However, there was some movement in the rankings for Pakistan&rsquo;s established players. Babar Azam, who has been inactive in T20Is since 2024, dropped to 17th, while Mohammad Rizwan slipped to 19th, both losing three places.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who struggled in the Caribbean series, fell 21 places to 86th.

In the bowling rankings, Haris Rauf remains Pakistan&#39;s highest-ranked bowler, holding 26th position with 575 points.

Young pacer Abbas Afridi slipped three spots to 27th, while Shaheen Afridi also fell one position to 36th. Mohammad Nawaz made a remarkable climb of 51 places to 56th.

Meanwhile, New Zealand&rsquo;s Jacob Duffy continues to lead the bowling rankings, followed by England&#39;s Adil Rashid, and West Indies&#39; Akeal Hosein, who moved into third, replacing India&rsquo;s Varun Chakaravarthy.



In the all-rounders&#39; category, Shadab Khan dropped two spots to 19th, while rising star Saim Ayub surged up 70 places to 24th with 119 rating points.

Mohammad Nawaz jumped 13 places to 36th, with Abbas Afridi and Iftikhar Ahmed both slipping down in the rankings.

India&#39;s Hardik Pandya remains the top-ranked T20I all-rounder, with Nepal&rsquo;s Dipendra Singh Airee and Afghanistan&rsquo;s Mohammad Nabi following in second and third, respectively.]]>
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			<title>PCB grants central contracts and salary boost to women cricketers</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2559903/pcb-grants-central-contracts-and-salary-boost-to-women-cricketers</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2559903/pcb-grants-central-contracts-and-salary-boost-to-women-cricketers#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 25 06:20:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The new contracts, effective from July, cover 20 players across five categories, with upgrades for key names]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced new central contracts for the national women cricketers, which include a significant salary increase across all categories.

In a move to promote and support the women&rsquo;s game, the PCB has raised the players&rsquo; retainers by 50 percent.

A total of 20 players were announced to have been awarded contracts, divided into five categories, with notable inclusions and promotions across the board. Sadia Iqbal, the ICC T20I&rsquo;s top-ranked bowler, has been placed in Category A, alongside Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, and Sidra Amin.

Category B includes Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, and Nashra Sandhu, while Rameen Shamim is the only player in Category C.



🚨 Pakistan women&rsquo;s central contracts for the 2025-26 season announced

A total of 20 players have been awarded enhanced contracts for the new cycle 📝

Read more: https://t.co/zVONmNbpcb#BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/eE0x3GA1sC
&mdash; Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 6, 2025



Ten players, including Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, and Omaima Sohail, are in Category D, while Category E comprises Eyman Fatima and Shawaal Zulfiqar.

Among the 20 contracted players, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz, Waheeda Akhtar, Eyman Fatima, and Shawaal Zulfiqar are new inclusions. These players will be under contract from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

The announcement comes ahead of a busy year for the Pakistan women&rsquo;s team, who will participate in two major ICC events - the ICC Women&rsquo;s Cricket World Cup (September-October 2025) and the ICC Women&rsquo;s T20 World Cup (June 2026).

The women&rsquo;s team will also play several bilateral series at home and abroad.

Notable promotions include Diana Baig, who has moved from Category C to B, and Rameen Shamim, who has been promoted from Category D to C. The final list of players was approved by the women&rsquo;s selection committee in consultation with head coach Mohammad Wasim.

The PCB&rsquo;s move to increase the salary structure reflects their continued commitment to supporting and developing women&rsquo;s cricket in Pakistan, ensuring the players are well-equipped for the challenges ahead.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan begin training in Lauderhill for T20I series against West Indies</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2558475/pakistan-begin-training-in-lauderhill-for-t20i-series-against-west-indies</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2558475/pakistan-begin-training-in-lauderhill-for-t20i-series-against-west-indies#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 25 08:04:46 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The squad landed in USA ahead of first T20I scheduled for July 31]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan cricket team has kicked off its preparations for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies with an intense training session at Central Broward Park &amp; Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill.

Currently touring the United States for a three-match T20I series, the squad underwent a comprehensive three-hour practice session under the supervision of their coaching staff.

The session included fielding drills, net practice, and skill-specific routines designed to sharpen the players&#39; match readiness.



https://www.instagram.com/p/DMrxMGTIrj0/




The day began with physical warm-ups before progressing to focused net sessions aimed at improving both execution and technique.

The opening T20I against the West Indies is scheduled for July 31 at the same venue in Lauderhill, with Salman Ali Agha leading the side for the series.

Following the T20I matches, the tour will shift to the Caribbean, where Mohammad Rizwan will assume captaincy duties for the three-match ODI series, starting August 8 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad &amp; Tobago.

Pakistan&#39;s recent white-ball tour of Bangladesh ended in a 2-1 defeat in a T20I series. The series was head coach Mike Hesson&#39;s second assignment, following a 3-0 whitewash over Bangladesh at home in May.

Pakistan T20I Squad:

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

Pakistan ODI Squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

Series Schedule:


	
	July 31 &ndash; First T20I v West Indies&nbsp;- USA
	
	
	Aug 2 &ndash; Second T20I v West Indies -&nbsp;USA
	
	
	Aug 3 &ndash; Third T20I v West Indies - USA
	
	
	Aug 8 &ndash; First ODI v West Indies - Trinidad &amp; Tobago
	
	
	Aug 10 &ndash; Second ODI v West Indies - Trinidad &amp; Tobago
	
	
	Aug 12 &ndash; Third ODI v West Indies - Trinidad &amp; Tobago]]>
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			<title>England confirmed as host for next three ICC WTC finals</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2557065/england-confirmed-as-host-for-next-three-icc-wtc-finals</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2557065/england-confirmed-as-host-for-next-three-icc-wtc-finals#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 25 08:40:00 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[ICC confirmed the decision in Singapore, rejecting BCCI's bid in the process]]>
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				<![CDATA[England has been granted the hosting rights for the next three ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finals, dealing a blow to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who had hoped to host the prestigious event in India starting from 2027.

The decision, which was confirmed at the ICC&rsquo;s annual conference in Singapore, follows months of deliberation. England&rsquo;s successful track record in hosting previous WTC finals was a key factor in the outcome, with the country set to host the 2027, 2029, and 2031 finals.





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While the BCCI, led by former secretary Jay Shah, had pushed for the finals to be held in India to capitalise on commercial opportunities, logistical challenges and England&#39;s proven ability to deliver packed stadiums ultimately swayed the decision.

&ldquo;The ECB&#39;s successful history of hosting major finals, including packed stadiums and flawless organisation, made them the obvious choice,&quot; said Richard Gould, CEO of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Though India has featured in the first two WTC finals, both of which ended in defeat, the ICC has resisted pressure to relocate the event to India.

The WTC final takes place in June, a time when England&#39;s climate is more conducive to hosting international cricket than the warmer conditions in India.

Despite the commercial appeal of staging the final in India, where the BCCI&rsquo;s financial power looms large, the ICC favoured England&rsquo;s consistent ability to guarantee sell-out crowds for neutral matches.

While specific venues for the future finals have yet to be confirmed, Lord&#39;s remains a strong contender, having received praise for its atmosphere during the 2025 edition.

Despite England&#39;s dominance in securing the next three WTC finals, the BCCI may continue its pursuit of hosting rights in future cycles, particularly as global dynamics evolve and pressure for greater geographic diversity in hosting major cricket events increases.]]>
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			<title>Mike Hesson labels Mirpur pitch "unacceptable" after Pakistan's defeat</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2557054/mike-hesson-labels-mirpur-pitch-unacceptable-after-pakistans-defeat</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2557054/mike-hesson-labels-mirpur-pitch-unacceptable-after-pakistans-defeat#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 25 07:44:31 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hesson stated the pitch was not up to international cricket standards after Bangladesh's thrashing win over Pakistan]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has criticised the pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, calling it &quot;unacceptable&quot; for international cricket after his side was bowled out for just 110 in the first T20I against Bangladesh.

While Hesson admitted that Pakistan&#39;s batters had misread the conditions, he emphasised that the pitch did not meet the standards expected for international play. &quot;It is not ideal for anybody,&quot; he said.

&quot;Teams are preparing for the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, and this pitch is simply not acceptable,&quot; Hesson continued.

Pakistan&rsquo;s collapse was swift, with the team slipping to 46 for 5 by the eighth over. Many of the batters fell while attempting high-risk shots, and Pakistan&rsquo;s cause was further hindered by three run-outs.

Despite a bright start from Fakhar Zaman, who top-scored with 44 off 34 balls, Pakistan were eventually bowled out in 19.3 overs.

Hesson reflected on the team&#39;s struggles: &quot;Fakhar Zaman played a few good shots, which gave us a false impression of how the surface was playing. We didn&rsquo;t adjust well in the middle overs and made poor decisions. As the ball started to bounce and nip through, we didn&rsquo;t recognise the increased difficulty of playing high-risk shots. The run-outs didn&rsquo;t help either.&quot;





However, Bangladesh&rsquo;s opener, Parvez Hossain Emon, disagreed with Hesson&rsquo;s assessment, pointing to his team&rsquo;s dominant seven-wicket victory.

&quot;We didn&rsquo;t feel it was a bad pitch, as we chased the target down in less than 16 overs,&quot; Emon said. &quot;We could have scored 150-160 runs if we batted the full 20 overs. It may be that Pakistan couldn&rsquo;t adjust to the pitch as well as we did. We adapted quickly, which was part of our strategy.&quot;

Hesson, though, felt such surfaces would not aid Bangladesh&#39;s preparations for tougher conditions abroad. &quot;Good cricket wickets are needed to develop cricketers,&quot; he said.

&quot;While there were better wickets in the BPL, this pitch doesn&rsquo;t meet the standard required for international cricket. It&rsquo;s challenging to bat first when you&rsquo;re unsure of what score is good enough,&quot; he added.

Despite the pitch&#39;s challenges, Hesson acknowledged that his team still needed to perform better, regardless of the surface.

&quot;We&rsquo;ll look at it as a team,&quot; he added.



https://www.instagram.com/p/DMVbDLSotoz/




&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Usman Khawaja continues to speak out for Palestine, urges action</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2556572/usman-khawaja-continues-to-speak-out-for-palestine-urges-action</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2556572/usman-khawaja-continues-to-speak-out-for-palestine-urges-action#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 25 08:47:35 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2556572</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The Australian cricketer shares a powerful video of Palestinian children's suffering, urging action from authorities]]>
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				<![CDATA[Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has once again raised his voice in support of Palestine, highlighting the ongoing violence and its devastating impact on children.

The Test cricket star shared a heart-wrenching video on social media showing injured Palestinian children, condemning the atrocities in Gaza.

Known for his advocacy on humanitarian issues, Khawaja&rsquo;s post stressed the continued suffering of innocent civilians, especially children. He urged people not to ignore the violence, sharing UNICEF&#39;s description of the situation as &ldquo;a graveyard for children.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Hard to watch... Imagine living it,&rdquo; Khawaja wrote, expressing his shock at the ongoing killings, starvation, and attacks on aid points.

Read:&nbsp;https://tribune.com.pk/story/2535183/australian-cricketer-usman-khawaja-speaks-out-in-support-of-palestine

He added, &ldquo;I will keep saying it&mdash;if this ever becomes normal for us, we are truly lost. Don&rsquo;t stop speaking up. Always stand for humanity, for equality, for a better tomorrow.&rdquo;



https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMOJ1BHs-eu/




This follows Khawaja&rsquo;s earlier condemnation of the deaths of over 130 Palestinian children in a single day, where he highlighted the lack of global outrage. &quot;These kids have names and families, just like you,&quot; he stated.

Khawaja, born in Pakistan and a practicing Muslim, has consistently used his platform to oppose the violence in Gaza.

During Australia&rsquo;s 2023 Test series, he attempted a silent protest with messages on his shoes, but was reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC), leading him to wear a black armband instead.

Khawaja criticised the ICC for its inconsistent rule enforcement, saying, &quot;Other guys that have religious things on their equipment, under the ICC guidelines, that&rsquo;s not technically allowed, but the ICC never says anything on that.&quot;

Read:&nbsp;https://tribune.com.pk/story/2546195/icc-jay-shah-get-called-out-for-hypocrisy-after-fans-point-out-khawajas-ban

Through his continued advocacy, Khawaja remains a vocal critic of the violence in Gaza, urging the world to not normalise such brutality.]]>
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			<title>Muhammad Masroor confirms his departure as Pakistan's fielding coach</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2554169/muhammad-masroor-confirms-his-departure-as-pakistans-fielding-coach</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2554169/muhammad-masroor-confirms-his-departure-as-pakistans-fielding-coach#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 25 10:15:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2554169</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Masroor confirmed his departure on LinkedIn, with reports suggesting PCB looking at reshuffling coaching setup]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted not to extend Mohammad Masroor&rsquo;s role as the national team&rsquo;s fielding coach, bringing his tenure to an end just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025.

Masroor, who held the position on a series-to-series basis, confirmed his departure through a message on LinkedIn, thanking players, colleagues, and fans.

&ldquo;Though my chapter with the team ends here, I&rsquo;ll always be a part of Pakistan cricket&rsquo;s story,&rdquo; he wrote. &ldquo;I leave with no regrets, only pride.&rdquo;



The 49-year-old had been tasked with addressing Pakistan&rsquo;s long-standing struggles in fielding, an area that has often proved costly in major tournaments.

Despite pockets of improvement, the team&rsquo;s performance in key moments, including the ICC World Cup 2019, T20 World Cups, and the Asia Cup, continued to draw criticism.

Masroor, known for his work with Pakistan&rsquo;s Under-19 side and domestic teams, was seen as a coach with modern techniques and a strong developmental record.

However, the PCB&rsquo;s decision reflects its broader move to restructure the coaching setup ahead of a demanding international calendar.

As part of that restructuring, Australian coach Shane McDermott has been appointed as the new fielding coach. McDermott brings with him international experience from previous roles with Australia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

In a related development, Grant Luden has returned as the team&rsquo;s strength and conditioning coach, a role he has filled in the past and is familiar with the players&rsquo; fitness profile, as per media reports.

Pakistan&rsquo;s preparation now shifts toward the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in India. With match-ups against India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and potentially Afghanistan, the tournament will serve as an early test of the revamped support staff&rsquo;s effectiveness.]]>
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			<title>Shadab Khan set to undergo surgery for shoulder injury: report</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2553598/shadab-khan-set-to-undergo-surgery-for-shoulder-injury-report</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2553598/shadab-khan-set-to-undergo-surgery-for-shoulder-injury-report#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 25 06:14:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Sports Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2553598</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[All-rounder likely to miss three months of action due to shoulder surgery in UK]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan is set to undergo surgery on his right shoulder in the United Kingdom, according to local media reports, a development that is expected to sideline him for approximately three months.

The 26-year-old has reportedly been experiencing persistent discomfort in his shoulder. Following medical consultations, surgery was advised to resolve the issue.

He is likely to travel to the UK soon to proceed with the operation.

This injury setback comes just weeks before Pakistan&rsquo;s scheduled three-match T20 international series against Bangladesh, which is set to begin later in July. Shadab, who last featured in the opening T20I against Bangladesh in Lahore on 28 May, will now miss the upcoming tour.

Pakistan&#39;s squad for the Bangladesh series is expected to be announced later this week. While no major surprises are anticipated, reports have hinted at a possible debut for left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.

The national training camp is slated to begin on 7 July at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

Preparations will take place without some of Pakistan&rsquo;s marquee names &mdash; Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi &mdash; who remain out of the selection frame for the time being, with no official timeline for their return.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that all three T20Is will take place at the Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Each match is scheduled for a 5:00 PM start, Pakistan Standard Time.

Pakistan&rsquo;s squad is due to arrive in Dhaka on 16 July. The series will kick off on 20 July, with subsequent matches on 22 and 24 July.

The two sides last met in May 2025, when Pakistan secured a clean sweep at home, defeating Bangladesh 3-0 in the T20I series.

As Pakistan readies for its next international assignment, Shadab&rsquo;s absence will be a notable void in the squad &mdash; both as a bowler and a seasoned campaigner]]>
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