KARACHI: Former Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie has strongly criticized national team selector Aqib Javed, accusing him of lacking a clear selection strategy and urging him to take responsibility for the team’s current situation.
Gillespie said the Pakistan team was playing with fear and that there appeared to be no clear selection policy in place. He also advised Javed to “look in the mirror” and assess his own role in the team’s struggles.
The former coach said Javed frequently changed his decisions and had been serving as chief selector for about two years. Gillespie said Javed had blamed him and former white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten for the team’s current situation despite both having left their respective roles some time ago.
Gillespie said Javed should accept responsibility for the problems facing the team. He also alleged that communication between Javed and the players was poor.
According to Gillespie, some players who were removed from the squad learned about their exclusion through family members, friends and the media rather than being informed directly by the team management.
The former coach described the failure to communicate such decisions directly to players as highly disrespectful, saying players deserved to be informed about their removal by the relevant officials.
LONDON: Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam’s lighthearted comment after meeting Britain’s King Charles has gone viral on social media, drawing an enthusiastic response from fans.
King Charles hosted a reception for the Pakistan cricket team at Clarence House, where he met players and team officials. Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also present.
During the reception, King Charles encouraged the Pakistani players and, in his conversation with Naqvi, praised efforts aimed at promoting peace in Pakistan and stability in the region.
After the meeting, Babar Azam spoke warmly about the encounter and jokingly said, “It was great to meet the real king today.”
The remark quickly spread across social media and was particularly appreciated by cricket fans, who often refer to Babar as the “King Babar.” His playful reference to King Charles as the “real king” added to the appeal of the moment among supporters.
LONDON: British King Charles III met Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and discussed cricket as well as Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and maintain peace and security.
The meeting took place at Clarence House, the historic London residence of the British royal family, where the Pakistan cricket team and officials attended an event with the king.
King Charles spoke with Pakistani players and team officials during the gathering. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also present at the event.
During his conversation with Naqvi, the British monarch discussed cricket and Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, according to the report.
King Charles also spoke about Pakistan’s efforts to restore and maintain law and order and promote peace in the country.
Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam has developed a fever following the team’s heavy 194-run defeat to England in the Lord’s Test, amid a period of intense pressure surrounding the squad in London.
According to sources, Babar, who scored 8 and 6 in the two innings at Lord’s, has been under significant pressure following Pakistan’s defeat and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to send the head coach and seven players back home.
Sources said Babar is suffering from a high fever. However, team media manager Naveed Akram Cheema confirmed that the captain had informed him about his condition and said there was no reason for concern.
Cheema said Babar remains fit and that there is no need to worry about the fever. He added that the captain is expected to recover soon.
BUENOS AIRES: Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an end to one of the most decorated international careers in the sport.
Messi made the announcement Monday in an emotional post on Instagram, saying the decision was painful but that he believed the time was right to step away from the national team.
Messi’s announcement came after Argentina reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup final under his leadership before losing 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
Messi ends his international career with 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, making him the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
He led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar and also helped the team win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
In his farewell message, Messi said he had always given everything for Argentina and wanted to bring happiness and pride to the country through football. He also acknowledged that a new generation of players was emerging.
The retirement marks the end of more than two decades of Messi representing Argentina and closes a remarkable chapter in the career of one of football’s greatest players.
LONDON: Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in their first innings against England on the second day of the second Test at Lord’s, leaving England with a first-innings lead of 180 runs.
Azan Awais top-scored for Pakistan with 46 runs, while Saud Shakeel made 16. Captain Babar Azam scored eight, Mohammad Rizwan seven and Abdullah Shafique five.
Mohammad Abbas scored two runs, while Ali Usman, Shan Masood and Khurram Shahzad contributed one each. Imam-ul-Haq did not bat because of an injury.
For England, Ollie Robinson took four wickets, Jofra Archer claimed three and Josh Tong took two.
England resumed the second day at 248-9 and were eventually bowled out for 290 in their first innings.
England will now begin their second innings with a 180-run lead over Pakistan.
LONDON: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas reached a major career milestone on Thursday by completing 900 wickets in first-class cricket during the second Test against England at Lord’s.
Abbas achieved the landmark in his 222nd first-class match. He dismissed England opener Ben Duckett for 17 during the opening session to claim his 900th first-class wicket.
The 36-year-old has maintained an impressive first-class record, with a bowling average of 20.43. He has taken 57 five-wicket hauls and 15 10-wicket match hauls in his career.
Abbas also moved to fifth on the list of leading first-class wicket-takers in the 21st century. England’s James Anderson leads the list with 1,157 wickets, followed by South Africa’s Simon Harmer with 1,056, Sri Lanka’s Malinda Pushpakumara with 1,010 and England’s Tim Murtagh with 959.
Abbas made an immediate impact in the opening session at Lord’s, claiming four England wickets as the hosts reached 248 for 9 after 56 overs. He also dismissed England captain Joe Root, adding a major wicket to his impressive spell.
LONDON: Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam said Wednesday there was nothing wrong with leaving a senior player out of the team if it was in the team’s best interest.
“Anyone who is good for the team will play,” Babar said at a news conference in London ahead of the second Test.
Babar acknowledged that Pakistan has struggled to maintain partnerships, with wickets often falling in quick succession after promising stands. He said the team was working to address the issue.
He said a new batter’s arrival at the crease can sometimes coincide with the dismissal of a set batter, making it difficult for the team to build long partnerships.
Babar said the pitch at Lord’s appeared to have grass on it and that the playing XI would be decided later. He added that no player was unimportant and that opportunities were sometimes given to players to build confidence.
Babar also said wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was under no pressure.
The captain said responsibility rested with the entire playing XI and that Pakistan could not expect its bowlers to take all 20 wickets while the batters failed to contribute.
Babar said he was fully fit and would play in the Lord’s Test. He added that Pakistan would aim to complete a hat trick of victories at the venue.
Pakistan could receive a major boost ahead of the second Test against England, with captain Babar Azam progressing well in his recovery from a finger injury and pushing for a return at Lord’s on August 27.
Babar missed Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the opening Test at Headingley after aggravating an existing finger problem during a warm-up match in England.
The latest signs, however, are encouraging.
Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul confirmed that Babar completed a full batting session at Lord’s, facing fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns ahead of the crucial second Test.
Babar Azam Injury: What Happened?
Babar had initially suffered a finger problem during Pakistan’s recent Test series against the West Indies.
His recovery was disrupted when he was struck on the right hand during Pakistan’s three-day warm-up match in Kent on August 14.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said at the time that Babar was assessed by the team doctor and rested from the remainder of the practice match as a precaution.
Despite returning to training ahead of the first England Test, Babar was ultimately left out at Headingley, with Salman Ali Agha taking over as stand-in captain.
That decision meant Pakistan were without both Babar’s leadership and one of their most experienced batters for the series opener.
Babar Completes Full Batting Session at Lord’s
Pakistan’s latest training session has increased expectations that Babar could return to the playing XI.
Umar Gul said the Pakistan captain faced different types of bowling and appeared comfortable during the session.
ICC reported that Babar was in line to return for the second Test, while Reuters reported that Pakistan remained hopeful about his availability.
That distinction is important: as of August 26, his participation looks increasingly likely, but Pakistan had not publicly announced a final playing XI at the time of reporting.
Why Babar’s Return Matters for Pakistan
Pakistan badly need greater stability in their batting after a difficult first Test.
England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Pakistan were bowled out for just 135 in their second innings.
Babar’s return could significantly strengthen the top and middle order.
He entered the England tour after finishing as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the preceding West Indies series with 193 runs and two half-centuries.
His record in English conditions is another reason Pakistan will want him back as quickly as possible.
According to ICC figures, Babar has scored three half-centuries in six Test innings in England and averages 65.75 in the country. Against England overall, he averages 53.83 across 14 innings, including six fifties and a century.
Pakistan Under Pressure at Lord’s
The second Test has major implications for the series.
England enter Lord’s with a 1-0 advantage, meaning another victory would secure the three-match contest before the final Test at Edgbaston.
Pakistan, meanwhile, need at least a draw to keep the series alive.
The Lord’s Test will run from August 27 to 31, with the third and final Test scheduled at Edgbaston from September 9.
England are also dealing with a selection change of their own. Fast bowler Brydon Carse is unavailable for the second Test, with Sonny Baker added to England’s squad.
Can Babar Azam Change Pakistan’s Fortunes?
One player cannot solve every problem Pakistan faced at Headingley, but Babar’s possible return changes the complexion of the batting lineup.
Pakistan struggled to build sustained partnerships in the first Test, while England’s seam attack repeatedly exposed the touring side.
Babar offers experience against high-quality pace bowling and, as captain, gives Pakistan their regular leader back for a match they cannot afford to lose.
His performance in the nets is encouraging, but the final decision will depend on his fitness assessment and Pakistan’s team selection before the match.
For supporters, all attention will now be on the team announcement at Lord’s.
Pakistan vs England Second Test: Key Details
Detail
Information
Match
England vs Pakistan, 2nd Test
Venue
Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Start date
August 27, 2026
Series score
England lead 1-0
Babar Azam status
In line to return; final selection awaited
Injury
Finger/right-hand issue
Pakistan captain
Babar Azam, if fit
What Happens Next?
Pakistan’s final XI will provide the definitive answer on Babar’s availability.
If cleared to play, his return would be one of Pakistan’s biggest changes from the side beaten at Headingley and could provide a much-needed lift as the tourists attempt to level the series at one of cricket’s most historic venues.
For now, the strongest indication is positive: Babar is batting again, completed a full session at Lord’s and is firmly in contention for the second Test.
Questions
Is Babar Azam playing the second Test against England? Babar is in line to return after completing a full batting session, but his place should not be described as officially confirmed until Pakistan announce their final XI.
Why did Babar Azam miss the first Test? He was recovering from a finger injury that was aggravated after he was struck on the right hand during Pakistan’s warm-up match in England.
When is Pakistan vs England second Test? The second Test begins at Lord’s on August 27, 2026 and is scheduled to run until August 31.
Who won the first England vs Pakistan Test? England won at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs to take a 1-0 series lead.
Australia’s Big Bash League has introduced several changes, including removing the requirement for teams to sign overseas players for the next two seasons of the men’s and women’s competitions.
Under the previous rules, BBL teams were required to have at least two or three overseas players on their rosters. The new changes will also remove the requirement for one overseas player to be selected in the Gold or Platinum category.
Players in the Gold category previously received up to $300,000, while Platinum players could earn up to $420,000.
The BBL will also scrap its draft system and introduce an open-market model for overseas player recruitment. Cricket Australia is expected to open a contract window for clubs under the new system.
Officials said removing the mandatory overseas-player requirement could provide greater financial opportunities for local Australian players. Under the previous rules, the combined salary cap for a club’s top six marquee players was set at $1.7 million.
From next season, the marquee player category will be reduced from six to four players. Officials said the change would allow the league’s top performers to earn more, regardless of their nationality.
