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Pakistan, India Stay on Course for Asian Games Cricket Final

TFD — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:52:33 +0000

NAGOYA: Arch-rivals Pakistan and India remained on course for a possible showdown in the Asian Games men’s cricket final after their respective quarter-finals were abandoned on Monday due to persistent rain and a waterlogged outfield.

Pakistan were the first to advance after their quarter-final against Hong Kong was called off without a ball being bowled. Under competition regulations, Pakistan progressed to the next stage as the higher-seeded team.

A few hours later, India also advanced after their quarter-final against Afghanistan suffered the same fate, with rain and poor ground conditions leaving no possibility of play at Korogi Athletic Park.

The washout disappointed spectators hoping to see India’s 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in action. The teenager entered the tournament after topping the batting charts in the T20 Indian Premier League earlier this year.

Afghanistan’s Mohammad Akram expressed disappointment over the abandonment, saying his team had been looking forward to facing India after gaining experience of the conditions during two previous matches at the venue.

“We are here for the match, but unfortunately it rained,” Akram said. “We would have been happy to play here with India — our players are in form.”

He said Afghanistan had become familiar with the ground conditions but persistent rain ultimately ended their hopes of progressing.

“We played two matches here on this ground, so we know the condition very well. But unfortunately, the rain has ruined everything,” he added.

Akram said the players had been monitoring the weather forecast on their mobile phones and were disappointed when it became apparent that the match could not take place.

Attention will now turn to the remaining two quarter-finals scheduled for Tuesday, with Sri Lanka facing Nepal and Bangladesh taking on Malaysia, subject to weather conditions.

With Pakistan and India both advancing, the possibility of another high-profile cricket encounter between the traditional rivals remains alive as the Asian Games tournament moves towards its decisive stages.

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Late Bloomer: 38-Year-Old Asif Afridi Earns Pakistan Test Cap

TFD — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:29:30 +0000

In a story that has captured the imagination of cricket fans nationwide, 38-year-old left-arm spinner Asif Afridi made his Test debut for Pakistan during the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi. The veteran, who has spent nearly two decades in domestic cricket, received his Test cap from team captain Babar Azam in an emotional pre-match ceremony.

Afridi’s selection reflects a growing openness by selectors to reward domestic consistency rather than just youth potential. Over his long career, he has taken more than 500 first-class wickets and has been a reliable performer for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the domestic circuit. Despite his performances, he had never been seriously considered for national selection — until now.

“I never gave up,” Afridi said in a brief statement after receiving his cap. “It has taken years of hard work, discipline, and belief. Wearing the Pakistan Test shirt is a dream come true.”

The decision to field Afridi came as Pakistan looked to strengthen its spin department on a dry and turning Rawalpindi pitch. Injuries to frontline bowlers and a desire to add variety to the attack created the opening that finally allowed Afridi to step onto the international stage.

Former cricketers praised the selection, calling it a refreshing change from the trend of picking young, inexperienced players for long-format cricket. “He brings maturity, control, and temperament—things you can’t teach overnight,” said former captain Misbah-ul-Haq. “This is a great message for domestic players that hard work is eventually rewarded.”

Pakistan’s cricket selectors, led by Wahab Riaz, have also defended the move as part of a balanced squad strategy. “Our aim is to field the best possible team, regardless of age,” Wahab said. “Afridi has been among the top wicket-takers for years.”

Fans on social media have rallied behind the 38-year-old, calling him “the people’s cricketer” and celebrating his perseverance. His debut also raises questions about Pakistan’s domestic talent pipeline and the timing of player promotions to the national team.

As Pakistan faces South Africa in a crucial match that could impact its position in the ICC World Test Championship standings, Afridi’s story adds a compelling human element to the contest — a reminder that dreams in cricket don’t have an expiry date.

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FIFA World Cup draw in Vegas on December 5: reports

TFD — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:29:42 +0000

LOS ANGELES, United States: Las Vegas will play host to the 2026 World Cup draw on December 5, according to multiple reports on Tuesday.

ESPN and TUDN’Mexico said Vegas had been picked for the draw of the expanded 48-team event, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In all, 12 groups of four nations will be drawn.

When the United States played host to the 1994 World Cup, the draw ceremony was also conducted in Las Vegas.

ESPN’s original report said that The Sphere, a 17,500-seat venue which opened in 2023, was seen as the front-runner for the draw site.

But Sphere sources confirmed to AFP the World Cup draw would not take place there, and ESPN later reported Sphere sources told the sports network it would not be held there.

In 1994, the draw was staged in Las Vegas even though it was not a host city for any matches, a situation that is also the case for next year’s event.

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Starc takes fastest five wickets as Australia dominate West Indies

TFD — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:29:32 +0000

Making Test record, Starc surpassed Ernie Toshack (1947), Stuart Broad (2015), and Boland (2021)
KINGSTON: Mitchell Starc produced a stunning spell of fast bowling on Monday, grabbing five wickets in just 15 balls — the quickest five-for in Test cricket history.

His fiery burst left the West Indies reeling and helped Australia cruise to a 176-run victory in the third Test, completing a 3-0 series whitewash in Kingston.

Starc took 15 balls to wreck the West Indies top order in a brilliant display that left the home side’s run chase in tatters, before returning to take his sixth wicket after Scott Boland’s hat-trick.

West Indies were bowled out for 27, the second-lowest total in Test history after New Zealand’s 26 against England in 1955.

Starc shattered the previous record for a five-for by four balls, surpassing Ernie Toshack (1947), Stuart Broad (2015), and Boland (2021), who needed 19 deliveries to achieve the feat.

The drama began on the first delivery of West Indies’ second innings, when Starc enticed John Campbell to nick an outswinger to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.

Debutant Kevlon Anderson shouldered arms to a ball that jagged back and struck his pad four balls later, before Brandon King edged on to his stumps as the hosts found themselves three wickets down with no runs on the board.

Starc then trapped Mikyle Louis lbw to become the fourth Australian to reach 400 Test wickets alongside Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Nathan Lyon.

Two balls later, he trapped Shai Hope lbw and he finished with figures of 6-9.

At tea, the West Indies stood at a precarious 22-6, needing 182 runs for victory and staring down the barrel of cricket’s ultimate embarrassment, with five runs needed to avoid the lowest-ever total.

And the drama was far from over.

Boland dismissed Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph, and Jomel Warrican to claim a hat-trick that left West Indies at 26-9, level with New Zealand’s record.

In the end, it was a narrow escape for the hosts as they added another run before Starc returned to bowl Jayden Seales.

Earlier, Australia were dismissed for 121, their lowest score against West Indies in 30 years, with Alzarri Joseph completing career-best figures of 5-27 and Shamar Joseph 4-34.

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India skipper Gill praised at home after Edgbaston Test triumph

TFD — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:26:54 +0000

This is India’s first win in 9 Tests at the Birmingham venue, following 7 previous defeats and 1 draw

NEW DELHI: India’s new captain Shubman Gill was widely praised on Monday for leading by example as India clinched their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, levelling the five-match series against England 1-1. Gill, who had struck a century in a losing effort during the opening Test at Headingley, delivered a commanding performance this time with scores of 269 and 161, laying the foundation for a thumping 336-run victory.

The result marked India’s first win in nine Tests at the Birmingham ground, where they had previously suffered seven defeats and managed one draw.

“New captain, new India”, The Indian Express newspaper splashed across its front page.

Gill, 25, became the youngest Indian Test skipper to register an overseas win in just his second match in charge following the retirement of Rohit Sharma.

He eclipsed Sunil Gavaskar, who was 26 when he led India to victory over New Zealand at Auckland in 1976. Gill came into the series with concerns over his batting average overseas, which had been less than 30, but he has shut down all the noise by stroking a remarkable 585 runs from four innings.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar called it a “Shublime innings from the man of the moment,” offering his congratulations for “powering India to a brilliant Test victory.”

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Pakistan qualify for U18 Asia Cup 2025 semi-final after China win

TFD — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:20:14 +0000

With unbeaten run of four matches, national side top Group A standings with 12 points

DAZHOU: Continuing their unbeaten run in the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan secured a commanding 2-1 victory over China at the Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre to qualify for the semi-finals.

The Green Shirts got off to a flying start to the high-stakes clash as Hassan Shahbaz netted the opener in just the 11th minute through a field goal.

The scoreline remained intact at 1-0 until halftime despite four penalties shared between the two teams in an eventful second quarter.

The goal drought eventually culminated late in the third quarter when Ali Hanzala doubled Pakistan’s lead through another well-executed field goal.

China, however, were quick to pull one back as Jiaxing Lin converted a penalty corner in the same minute.

The hosts then made several efforts to net the equaliser but Pakistan goalkeeper Ghulam Mustafa denied them any chance of forcing their way back into the game, ensuring the scoreline remained intact at 2-1.

The victory extended Pakistan’s unbeaten run to four matches as they topped Group A standings with 12 points and a goal difference of 21, scoring 25, while conceding only four.

The Green Shirts will face Malaysia in the semi-final, scheduled to be played at the same venue on Friday.

Pakistan started their Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a ruthless 8-0 victory over Hong Kong before routing Sri Lanka 9-0.

They then faced Bangladesh in their third match and prevailed 6-3, which had put them within touching distance of semi-final qualification.

Squad
Mohammad Usman, Atif Ali, Asam Junaid, Mohammad Abdullah Farooq, Abdullah Awan, Zubair Lateef, Mohammad Yaseen, Mohammad Ali Taj, Ghulam Mustafa, Ali Hamza, Ali Hanzala, Aamir Sohail, Adeel Afzal, Mohammad Zaman, Mohammad Hussain, Mohammad Shaheer, Hasan Shahbaz, Yaseen Jamshaid

Team Management
Shafqat Malik (Manager), Mukhtar Ahmed, Touseeq Ahmed, Masood-ur-Rahman (Coaches)

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PCB unveils 15-man squad for T20Is against Bangladesh

TFD — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:02:56 +0000

Series scheduled to take place from July 20 to 24 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Bangladesh.

The series is scheduled to take place from July 20 to 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

According to a statement issued by the PCB, Men’s National Selection Committee has finalised the 15-member players squad and the team management officials for the tour.

Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side in the T20Is.

The PCB also confirmed that the squad for the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies will be announced separately at a later date.

The squad includes a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. Notable names such as Fakhar Zaman and Faeem Ashraf have been retained, while youngsters like Hassan Nawaz and Salman Mirza have also been given opportunities to prove their mettle at the international level.

Two wicketkeepers — Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan — have been named in the squad, giving the team flexibility in both batting and behind the stumps.

Meanwhile, the team will be supported by a full-strength management unit led by manager Naveed Akram Cheema and head coach Mike Hesson. The coaching staff also includes Ashley Noffke (bowling), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting), and Shane McDermott (fielding).

Other members of the support staff include a physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, analyst, media and security managers, team doctor, and a masseur.

Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza and Sufyan Moqim

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).

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Aaqib Javed Promises Revival of Pakistan Cricket Through National Academies

TFD — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:46:59 +0000

LAHORE: Aaqib Javed, the newly-appointed Director of High Performance at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has vowed to reinvigorate cricket development across the country through a revitalised network of academies. Addressing media at the LCCA Ground on Monday, Aaqib shared his vision as a skill development camp for senior national players got underway.

Aaqib revealed that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is being revamped with year-round, format-specific training programs targeting not just the men’s national side, but also women’s and youth teams. He said that visible improvements could be expected within six months.

A total of 15 players have been invited to the camp, including seasoned campaigners Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. When questioned about the inclusion of such experienced players, Aaqib stressed the importance of constant technical refinement in modern cricket.

“Today’s players go from tournament to tournament with little time to focus on skill-building. This camp gives them a much-needed break to focus on fitness and technique,” he said, adding that selection remained merit-based and open. “No one is excluded. Whether it’s Babar or any other player, performance is the key.”

On the decline of club cricket, Aaqib highlighted the erosion of grassroots structures. He called for the PCB’s intervention to support existing clubs, which continue to nurture talent despite infrastructural challenges.

“Back in our time, club, school, and college cricket provided a strong foundation. Now, with reduced facilities and ground closures, club cricket has faded. The PCB must help the institutions that are still producing players,” he said.

Reflecting on the early days of the NCA in the 2000s, Aaqib noted its crucial role in grooming regional talent. However, he lamented its inactivity over the past decade, which he believes contributed to the national team’s inconsistency.

He stressed the importance of science and technology in modern training regimes. “To stay competitive internationally, we must upgrade — from fitness and fielding to diet and communication.”

Sharing the roadmap for academies nationwide, Aaqib outlined the regional structure:

Karachi: Women’s cricket camps
Sialkot: Under-15 programs
Faisalabad: Under-17
Multan: Under-19
Lahore NCA: National, Pakistan A, and emerging players

Specialised camps for various skill sets — including fast bowlers, spinners, wicket-keepers, and openers — are also in the pipeline.

Addressing speculation of a rift with Rizwan, Aaqib dismissed such rumours, affirming mutual respect and unity in decision-making.

“In all my dealings with Rizwan and other captains, we’ve always worked collectively. There’s never been a divide,” he clarified.

In conclusion, Aaqib emphasised the importance of continuity in development systems. “If we invest in 30 Under-15 players today, they’ll rise through the ranks — to Under-19, to Shaheens, and eventually the national team. If this process continues, Pakistan will be well-positioned for future Test championships,” he said.

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Historic Triple Super Over: Netherlands Triumph Over Nepal in T20 Thriller

TFD — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 06:43:51 +0000

GLASGOW: In an unprecedented showdown in T20 international cricket, the Netherlands emerged victorious against Nepal after a nail-biting contest that extended to a third Super Over—an event never before witnessed in T20 or limited-overs history.

After setting a target of 152 for seven, the Dutch seemed poised for a straightforward win. However, Nepal forced a Super Over in dramatic fashion, scoring 16 runs in the final over, with Nandan Yadav hitting a boundary off the last ball to tie the game.

The first Super Over saw Nepal post 19 runs, which the Netherlands matched after Max O’Dowd sent the final delivery over the boundary. This led to only the second double Super Over ever seen in men’s T20 internationals, the first being between India and Afghanistan in 2023.

Batting first again in the second Super Over, the Dutch made 17 runs. Dipendra Singh Airee kept Nepal in the contest by hitting a last-ball six, setting the stage for a historic third Super Over.

The third, however, lacked the earlier drama—Nepal failed to score, and Michael Levitt struck a six off the first ball, securing a thrilling and record-setting victory for the Netherlands.

Following their earlier loss to Scotland in the series, the Netherlands will now take a day’s break, while Nepal prepares to face Scotland in their next match.

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Rizwan Admits Champions Trophy Hopes All But Over

Monitoring desk — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:50:29 +0000

DUBAI: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan conceded that his team’s Champions Trophy campaign is effectively over following a disappointing six-wicket defeat to India on Sunday.

With Pakistan suffering back-to-back losses in the tournament, their semi-final qualification now depends on other results. If New Zealand beats Bangladesh on Monday in Rawalpindi, Pakistan will be officially eliminated.

Rizwan’s Honest Assessment

Speaking to reporters after the match, Rizwan accepted reality:

“Yes, I would say it has ended, that’s the truth. Our Champions Trophy fate now depends on other teams, and as a captain, I don’t like that.”

He emphasized that Pakistan would have preferred to control its own destiny but admitted that losses to New Zealand and India left them in a vulnerable position.

Match Recap: Pakistan’s Struggles Continue

Pakistan opted to bat first but could only manage 241 in 49.4 overs, despite a 104-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (62) and Rizwan (46).

India, led by *Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century (100)**, chased down the target with 45 balls to spare, exposing Pakistan’s inconsistent middle order and bowling unit.

Key Takeaways from Rizwan’s Post-Match Remarks

Mistakes Repeated: “We made the same mistakes that we have been making for the last 3-4 matches. We are working on them, but we are falling short.”
Lack of Bravery: “India worked harder and played bravely, while we lacked that bravery in key moments.”
Bowling Positives: Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (1-28 in 10 overs) impressed, but others leaked runs.
Middle-Order Collapse: “270-280 would have been a good total, but we lost wickets due to poor shot selection, and our middle order crumbled.”

Pakistan’s Next Fixture

Despite the grim outlook, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Thursday, hoping to end their campaign on a high note.

The 2017 Champions Trophy winners now find themselves on the verge of an early exit, raising serious questions about team performance, strategy, and consistency heading into future international tournaments.

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