The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed Nida Dar as captain for the upcoming Asia Cup despite recent defeats in England. The team will feature new additions like Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Tasmia Rubab, while some players from the England tour have been left out. The team will undergo a training camp in Karachi before departing for Sri Lanka.
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has defended his actions after a video of him confronting a group of men surfaced online. The incident occurred following Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, with fans allegedly taunting him for the team’s performance. Rauf stated that while he is open to criticism, he will not tolerate disrespect towards his family.
In a thrilling encounter on Friday, Ireland pulled off a stunning five-wicket victory over Pakistan in their first T20I in Dublin. Facing a formidable target of 183, Ireland showcased a brilliant batting display, led by Andy Balbirnie’s commanding 77 off 55 balls. Supported by Harry Tector’s gritty 36, Balbirnie steered Ireland past the 100-run mark with ease. Curtis Campher emerged as the hero of the hour, smashing 15 runs from seven balls to seal a historic win. The victory sets the stage for an exciting showdown between the two teams at the T20 World Cup in just a month’s time.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Australian pace bowler Jason Gillespie as head coach of the men’s Test team and ex-South African batter Gary Kirsten as head coach of the one-day side. Gillespie will coach the team during England’s Test tour of Pakistan later this year, while Kirsten will take charge of the white-ball sides during their tour of England in May. Both coaches have signed two-year deals, with former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood assisting them across all formats.
Bismah Maroof, Pakistan’s most renowned women’s cricketer and former captain, has announced her retirement from international cricket. The 32-year-old left-handed batter has represented Pakistan in over 270 matches across ODIs and T20Is, scoring over 6,000 runs and taking 80 wickets. Maroof made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman cricketer to avail a 12-month maternity leave with pay policy, allowing her to balance her cricketing career with her role as a mother.
Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Irfan Khan have been ruled out of the ongoing T20 International series against New Zealand due to hamstring injuries. The duo sustained the injuries during the third match in Rawalpindi, which New Zealand won to level the five-match series 1-1. With wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan also ruled out, Haseebullah Khan is expected to take over the wicketkeeping duties for Pakistan in the remaining two matches.
Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi has ascended to the pinnacle of T20I bowling, ranking 17th globally according to the latest ICC rankings. Thriving in Pakistan’s home series against New Zealand, Afridi’s impressive performance, including pivotal wickets, has elevated him above Haris Rauf. England’s Adil Rashid retains the top spot, while Ish Sodhi of New Zealand rises to 18th. India’s Suryakumar Yadav dominates the batting rankings, with Tim Seifert and Mark Chapman of New Zealand making notable gains.
Team India may not participate in the ICC Champions Trophy next year if it is held in Pakistan, according to sources. The venue may be changed or a hybrid model may be used, and a bilateral series between the two countries is also considered unlikely anytime soon.
