ABDULLAH SHAFIQUE BECOMES FIRST PAKISTANI BATTER IN 49 YEARS TO SCORE 150 IN WEST INDIES

Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique has ended a 49-year wait by becoming the first Pakistani batter since 1977 to score more than 150 runs in a Test match in the West Indies.

Shafique struck a commanding 160 in the Port of Spain Test, playing a key role in Pakistan’s eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test.

The milestone placed Shafique in distinguished company in Pakistan’s Test history. Before him, Majid Khan was the last Pakistani batter to score 150 or more runs in a Test in the West Indies. He made 167 in Guyana in 1977.

Shafique’s innings also highlighted his growing impact in overseas Test cricket. Three of Pakistan’s last four individual scores of 150 or more in Test matches played outside the country have been recorded by the right-handed batter.

His 160 proved particularly valuable as Pakistan chased down the target comfortably to complete an eight-wicket win in Port of Spain.

The victory also marked another significant overseas Test success for Pakistan. The national side had last won a Test series away from home in 2023, when it defeated Sri Lanka in a two-match series.

Shafique’s latest century-plus performance will therefore be remembered as both a personal milestone and an important contribution to Pakistan’s success in the Caribbean.

- Pakistani Observer 

BABAR AZAM EQUALS IMRAN KHAN'S HISTORIC PAKISTAN RECORD

 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has equalled a historic record previously held by former captain Imran Khan after being named the joint Player of the Series in the two-match Test series against the West Indies.

Pakistan defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the second Test to level the series 1-1.

Babar finished as the leading run-scorer of the series, scoring 193 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 96.50. He shared the Player of the Series award with West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves.

The award was Babar’s first Player of the Series honor in Test cricket and his 10th overall in international cricket, allowing him to equal the Pakistan record jointly held by Imran Khan and Wasim Akram.

Before this, Babar had won five Player of the Series awards in T20 Internationals and four in One-Day Internationals.

Most Player of the Series Awards for Pakistan

Babar’s latest achievement places him alongside two of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers, Imran Khan and Wasim Akram, as the joint record-holder for the most Player of the Series awards in Pakistan’s international cricket history.

- Abdul khalique

LADY CHEVRONS RETURN HOME

THE Zimbabwe senior women’s cricket team returned to Harare yesterday morning following their tour of Pakistan and will take a week-long break before regrouping for a high-performance camp in Bulawayo.

The camp, held at the high-performance centre run by Zimbabwe Cricket in Bulawayo, will bring together senior national team players and selected prospects from the high-performance programme.

Technical director Steve Mangongo confirmed the programme will begin in a week.

“Training starts in a week,” Mangongo told NewsDay Sport.

The break allows the squad time to recover from the demanding tour of Pakistan before resuming intensive training.

The Bulawayo camp is expected to focus on fitness, skills development and tactical work in a centralised environment aimed at raising standards across the national women’s cricket pathway.

It will also allow emerging players to train alongside established internationals as Zimbabwe continues efforts to strengthen its talent pipeline.

The move is part of Zimbabwe Cricket’s broader strategy to consolidate high-performance programmes outside Harare and expand opportunities for players across the country.

- AUSTIN KARONGA

BANGLADESH BEAT PAKISTAN BY 78 RUNS TO CLINCH HISTORIC TEST SERIES WIN

Taijul Islam’s six-for helps Bangladesh bowl out the visitors for 328 in their first home series win over Pakistan.

Bangladesh's Taijul Islam was their leading wicket-taker in the second Test against Pakistan [Munir uz Zaman/AFP]

Bangladesh have sealed a historic home Test series win over Pakistan after handing the visitors a 78-run defeat in their second Test in Sylhet.

Spinner Taijul Islam took six wickets to lead the spirited home side’s series win on the fifth day of the match on Wednesday.

Pakistan, who started the day on 316-7 while chasing a record 437, were bowled out for 328 in the first session after Mohammad Rizwan hit a valiant 94.

It was Bangladesh’s first Test series win at home against Pakistan and their second successive sweep after their 2-0 triumph on Pakistani soil in 2024.

Wicketkeeper Rizwan kept Pakistan in the hunt for an unlikely win with a 166-ball stay after the visitors had slumped to 162-5 on day four.

Rizwan put on an eighth-wicket partnership of 54 with overnight partner Sajid Khan, who made 28.

Taijul broke through to dismiss Sajid for his 18th Test five-wicket haul, and Shoriful Islam had Rizwan caught in the next over to end Pakistan’s resistance.

Taijul took the final wicket of Khurram Shahzad to return figures of 6-120 and trigger Bangladesh celebrations.

The left-arm spinner also took 3-67 during Pakistan’s first-innings 232.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das scored 126 in their first-innings 278.

Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim scored 137 in the second to guide Bangladesh to 390, with contributions from Mahmudul Hasan Joy (52) and Litton (69).

Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, won the opening Test by 104 runs.

- AFP

PAKISTAN NAME 16-MEMBER SQUAD ANNOUNCED FOR BANGLADESH TEST SERIES

Pakistan name 16-member squad announced for Bangladesh Test series
©PCB

Pakistan has named a 16-member squad for the two-Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh set to take place in Bangladesh in May

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

Shan Masood will continue to lead the Test side, while four uncapped players – Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori are part of the squad.

Among the squad, five players – Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan are currently taking part in the ongoing NCA Red-Ball Camp in Lahore.

The players will undergo a camp in Karachi and will assemble on Monday, 27 April. The camp will conclude on 1 May, with the players scheduled to fly to Bangladesh on 2 May. Players who are part of the Test squad and are currently taking part in HBL PSL Xl will join the camp following the conclusion of their team’s campaign. Players whose teams qualify for the final will depart for Bangladesh after the conclusion of the tournament.

The PCB also confirms the appointment of red-ball coaches for the Bangladesh tour, with former Test captain Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed as head coach. Sarfaraz, who won two ICC titles as captain of Pakistan – ICC U19 World Cup 2006 and ICC Champions Trophy 2017 also guided Pakistan U19 to the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title as mentor/manager five months ago. He was also mentor/manager of Pakistan Shaheens against England Lions series earlier this year.

Former Test cricketers Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul will work as batting and bowling coaches, respectively, on the tour. Asad featured in 147 international matches (77 Tests, 60 ODIs, 10 T20Is), scoring 6,188 runs, including 12 centuries and 36 half-centuries. Right-arm fast bowler Umar featured in 237 international matches (47 Tests, 130 ODIs, 60 T20Is), taking 427 wickets.

Squad

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Team Management

Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

©Cricket World 2026

- PCB & Cricket World 

BLESSIN MUZARABANI HANDED TWO-YEAR PSL BAN AFTER PULLING OUT OF IPL

Blessing Muzarabani had been signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL edition, but later opted out to take up an opportunity in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Muzarabani was signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL season but later decided to pursue an opportunity with KKR in the IPL. (KKR)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years after he backed out of a contract for the 2026 season.

Muzarabani was signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL season but later decided to pursue an opportunity in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 29-year-old joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026, leading the PCB to take disciplinary action against the pacer.

The PCB released a statement highlighting the importance of honouring contracts in franchise cricket.

“After a thorough review, the PCB has declared that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is ineligible to participate in the next two editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately. This decision results from his failure to honor agreed commitments, which undermines the league’s professional structure.

“The PCB believes that professional cricket depends on trust and the certainty of agreements. In this case, despite a clear offer and a definite acceptance of the essential terms, the player chose to ignore these obligations for another opportunity,” the statement said.

Muzarabani quickly made a mark for KKR in IPL 2026, taking 4/41 in his second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The development comes at a time when T20 leagues are tightening rules around player withdrawals. The IPL introduced a regulation ahead of the 2025 season stating that any player who pulls out after being picked at the auction, without a valid reason, would face a two-season ban.

England’s Ben Duckett, who withdrew from the 2026 season despite being signed by Delhi Capitals, and Harry Brook, who had taken a similar call earlier, are among those impacted.

This season marks a rare overlap of the PSL and IPL, with both leagues running simultaneously, creating scheduling conflicts and forcing players to choose between commitments.

- Express News Service

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NASSER HUSSAIN BLASTS ICC FOR PRESSURIZING BANGLADESH, PAKISTAN

LAHORE – Former English cricket captain Nasser Hussain has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its double standards and political influence in the sport.

Speaking out against the ICC’s handling of the Bangladesh and Pakistan situation, Hussain questioned, “If India had demanded a venue change like Bangladesh did, what would the ICC have done? Would they have excluded India from the event as well?”

He stressed that the ICC needs to treat Bangladesh and Pakistan equally, just as it does with India.

Hussain praised Bangladesh for standing firm on their position and for supporting their players. He also commended Pakistan for backing Bangladesh, calling it a commendable action.

 “Someone has to stand up and say enough with the politics, let’s play cricket,” he added.

Furthermore, Hussain pointed out that India’s sudden decision to exclude Misbah-ul-Haq from the squad due to political pressure was a clear example of politics interfering with cricket.

He emphasized that if Pakistan and Bangladesh are constantly pressured, the future of cricket itself could be jeopardized.

“Despite all the restrictions, Pakistan continues to perform exceptionally well,” he concluded.

- Pakistan Observer 

INDIA FAVOURITES AS T20 WORLD CUP TO BEGIN AFTER CHAOTIC BUILD-UP

Co-hosts India are the defending T20 World Cup champions (Indranil Mukherjee) (Indranil Mukherjee/AFP/AFP)

Cricket's T20 World Cup begins Saturday after an acrimonious build‑up overshadowed by political turmoil, with Bangladesh kicked out and Pakistan refusing to face arch-rivals and co-hosts India.

When the first ball is finally bowled after a chaotic lead-in, Pakistan will open the tournament against the Netherlands in Colombo.

Defending champions and tournament favourites India will make their tournament bow in the night match on day one against the United States in Mumbai, carrying the hopes of a billion-plus home cricket supporters.

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India will start as firm tournament favourites and are expected to ease into the Super Eight stage from Group A.

But they will be wary of the United States, who are looking to take down another cricketing powerhouse, having shocked Pakistan to make the Super Eights in 2024.

Former champions Australia and England are also strong contenders to lift the trophy and deny holders India the title for a record second straight time.

The 2021 winners Australia have been hit hard by the absence of pace spearhead Pat Cummins, who was ruled out with a lower back injury.

Pace bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the early stages as he recovers from hamstring and Achilles injuries.

Led by Mitchell Marsh, the Australians should still ease into the next round from Group B against Ireland, who they play first on Wednesday, plus co-hosts Sri Lanka Oman and Zimbabwe.

Harry Brook's England, full of confidence after a 3-0 T20 series win in Sri Lanka this week, are expected to make the Super Eights from a Group C that also features two-time winners West Indies, debutants Italy, Nepal and Scotland.

Brook, under intense scrutiny after having to apologise for an incident with a night club bouncer in New Zealand last year, takes charge at a global tournament for the first time since he replaced Jos Buttler as white ball captain.

England, who start with a match against Nepal on Sunday in Mumbai, won the tournament in 2010 and 2022.

Scotland, after their 11th-hour call-up to replace Bangladesh, will take guard on the opening day when they face the West Indies in Kolkata.

Football powerhouse Italy will make an appearance at a cricket World Cup for the first time, and will kick off against the Scots in Kolkata on Monday.

South Africa, the runners-up in 2024, have never won a white ball World Cup, but are buoyed by winning the World Test Championship last year.

They will be a threat but must first emerge from a tough-looking Group D that contains dangerous opponents in New Zealand and Afghanistan.

They begin against Canada on Monday in Ahmedabad, with the UAE the other team in that group.

The top two teams from each of the four groups of five teams will advance to the Super Eights, with the top four making the semi-finals.

- Politics, pullouts -

There will be relief at the weekend when the action gets under way finally after weeks of political posturing that has dominated the build-up to 10th edition of the showpiece tournament.

Bangladesh refused to play in India, citing security concerns, as relations between the two countries soured and were kicked out by the International Cricket Council (ICC) from England's Group C.

The ICC is led by Jay Shah, the former Indian cricket board secretary and son of the powerful Indian home minister Amit Shah.

Pakistan, who had backed Bangladesh's plea to have their games moved to Sri Lanka, were cleared to play by the Islamabad government but they ordered the team not to play the marquee group clash against fierce rivals India on February 15.

According to media reports, the ICC is still waiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board on the boycott, leaving the door slightly ajar for a last-minute deal to get the game on.

If India are awarded a walkover, Pakistan will lose two points and take a big hit to their net run rate.

If any of their other three Group A games are lost to the weather then it could make it almost impossible for Pakistan to qualify.

Pakistan's pullout will result in a loss of millions of dollars in revenue for broadcasters, and will be a huge letdown for fans on both sides.

The crisis was triggered last month when India's cricket board ordered the IPL's Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, a move that deepened political strains between the neighbours.

The tournament will conclude with the final on March 8 in Ahmedabad or Colombo, depending on whether Pakistan go that far.

- Faisal KAMAL

THE KHANS OF PAKISTAN 🇵🇰 | A SQUASH DYNASTY

 

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SQUASH LEGEND JANSHER KHAN

 

🇵🇰 While Jahangir Khan is hailed as the greatest, Jansher Khan is celebrated as the fastest man in squash — a symbol of unmatched speed, focus, and determination.

🏆 𝟖× 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝟔× 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 | 𝟗𝟗 𝐏𝐒𝐀 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 | 𝟗𝟕 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐍𝐨.𝟏

His epic rivalry with Jahangir Khan captivated the world and inspired generations. Despite humble beginnings, Jansher proved that grit and hard work can conquer any obstacle.

#JansherKhan #SquashLegend #PakistaniHeroes #ConnectedPakistan

Disclaimer: This content is shared solely for educational, informational, awareness and journalistic purposes as per the available reports.

STATS: PAKISTAN'S ASIF AFRIDI BECOMES THE OLDEST BOWLER TO BAD FIVE WICKETS ON TEST DEBUT, BREAKS 92-YEAR OLD RECORD IN RWALPINDI

PAK vs SA: Afridi broke a 92-year-old world record held by England's Charles Marriott who picked two five-wicket hauls on debut against the West Indies on successive days at the Oval in 1933.

Pakistan's Asif Afridi became the oldest bowler to pick five wickets on Test debut. (AP Photo)

Pakistan left-arm spinner Asif Afridi on Wednesday became the oldest bowler in Test history to bag a five-wicket haul on debut, achieving the feat on the third day of the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi.

Afridi recorded the landmark when he dismissed South Africa spinner Simon Harmer leg-before on 10, reducing the visitors to 210 for seven in their pursuit of Pakistan’s first-innings score of 333.

Afridi broke a 92-year-old world record held by England’s Charles Marriott who picked two five-wicket hauls on debut against the West Indies on successive days at the Oval in 1933. Marriott was 37 years and 334 days old when he bagged the feat, nearly a year younger than Afridi who is 38 years and 301 days old as of Wednesday.

Afridi surpassed the Pakistan record held by his current teammate Noman Ali, who claimed figures of 5/35 against the Proteas during his Test debut in 2021.

The remarkable record for the oldest player to achieve a five-wicket haul in Test cricket belongs to the Australian spin bowler, Bert Ironmonger. He was 49 years and 311 days old when he accomplished this feat by taking 6 wickets for just 18 runs against South Africa in Melbourne on February 12, 1932.

38 YEARS OLD ASIF AFRIDI GETS A FIFER ON TEST DEBUT! 🤩🙌 pic.twitter.com/phz8KJqVdj

— PCT Replays 2.0 (@ReplaysPCT) October 22, 2025

Afridi’s teammate Noman also continues to hold the record as the oldest bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul for Pakistan. The spinner was 39 years and 5 days old when he claimed 6 wickets for 112 runs against South Africa. He set this mark during the first innings of the ongoing series’ first Test, played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

From ban to debut

Afridi’s selection by the PCB had raised eyeballs after the 38-year-old left-armer was once banned for two years for his involvement in spot-fixing in Pakistan’s domestic cricket. However, he was allowed to return after serving just over a year of the ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board, who had not given any reason for relaxing the suspension. This is Afridi’s first ever international appearance. He made his first class debut in January 2009 and has taken 198 wickets in 57 matches. List A matches and 78 wickets in 85 T20s.

- Sports Desk, The Indian Express 

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