Pakistan Sports News & Cricket Updates

Shahid Afridi criticizes selection committee after Bangladesh series loss

March 16, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has sharply criticized the national selection committee following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup and a 1-2 series defeat against Bangladesh.

In a statement shared on X, Afridi expressed concerns that the selection committee members, despite having played extensive cricket themselves, lack understanding of which players are suited to captain specific formats.

pic.twitter.com/lKnd2dvQnl
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 15, 2026

He highlighted that senior cricketers were dropped from the squad based on T20 performances, even in the one-day format. Afridi also criticized the inclusion of young players under the pretext of “surgery,” stating that leadership decisions appear to be made by the committee rather than the team itself.

Afridi further argued that some of the selected youngsters have played only a few first-class matches, and Pakistan’s domestic cricket standards are not consistently producing players ready to immediately join the national squad.

These comments came shortly after Pakistan’s recent defeat to Bangladesh in the one-day series, underlining Afridi’s call for more strategic and experience-based selection policies.

Babar, Fakhar ruled out of Bangladesh series due to injuries: Aqib Javed

March 14, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket selection committee member Aqib Javed has said that Babar Azam will miss the upcoming Bangladesh series due to injury, while Fakhar Zaman is also currently unfit.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Aqib Javed said the team had high expectations from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but failed to perform as expected.

He noted that Pakistan’s record against India national cricket team now stands at 8-0 in their favor in recent World Cup encounters, adding that if the India match is set aside, Pakistan only lost one game in the tournament.

“A match was washed out due to rain and we ended up missing the semi-finals. After that people start saying everything is finished and demand sweeping changes,” he said.

Aqib Javed added that both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are injured and will not be part of the series against Bangladesh national cricket team. He said an investigation will be conducted to determine how two key players suffered injuries immediately after the World Cup.

“We need to find out whether they sustained these injuries during the event,” he stated.

He further said that Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Salman Mirza are not currently fit to play and questioned whether they would have been able to participate even if the team had reached the final.

Aqib Javed emphasized that the responsibility for selecting the playing XI rests with the captain and the coach. “We have no desire to sit here and decide the final eleven. The playing XI should be the decision of the captain and coach since they manage the players on the field,” he said.

The former fast bowler also stressed that every stakeholder must take responsibility, adding that frequent changes after every defeat are not a solution.

“We keep saying after every event that there should be scrutiny and everyone should be replaced — the chairman, selectors and the captain. But constant changes are not the answer,” he said.

He noted that Pakistan cricket’s development has not progressed as it should have since the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 victory.

Selection committee member Misbah-ul-Haq said the focus is on identifying the players Pakistan needs for different conditions and formats.

He added that while mistakes can occur in leadership roles, they are part of the game and the aim is always to contribute positively whenever given the opportunity.

Pakistan cricketer Salman Ali Agha penalized for code of conduct breach

March 14, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

DHAKA: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a warning to Pakistani batter Salman Ali Agha following his reaction to a controversial run-out in the second One Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh national cricket team. The ICC has also added one de-merit point to his record.

According to the ICC, Salman Ali Agha was found in violation of Level One of the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically Article 2.2, which relates to inappropriate conduct involving cricket equipment, clothing, or ground facilities during an international match.

The incident occurred at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, where Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz controversially ran out Salman at the non-striker’s end. In response, Salman expressed visible anger as he walked off the field.

The ICC confirmed that Salman Ali Agha has acknowledged his mistake.

Former Pakistani cricketers Ramiz Raja and Hammad Hafeez criticized Mehidy Hasan’s actions on social media, calling them unsporting and against the spirit of cricket.

Bangladesh thrash Pakistan by 8 wickets in first ODI

March 11, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Dhaka: Bangladesh registered a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first match of the three-match ODI series, comfortably chasing down the modest target set by the visitors.

Bangladesh achieved the 115-run target in just 15.1 overs, putting in a dominant batting display at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Tanzid Hasan played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 67 runs, while Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 27 runs to guide the hosts to victory with ease.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr. picked up one wicket each.

Pakistan Bowled Out for Record-Low Total

Earlier, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and elected to field first — a decision that proved decisive as Bangladesh bowlers dismantled Pakistan’s batting line-up.

Pakistan were bowled out for just 114 runs in 30.1 overs, their lowest ODI total against Bangladesh.

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and debutant Maaz Sadaqat started the innings, but Pakistan failed to build momentum. Farhan scored 27 runs, while Shamil Hussain managed only 4 runs. Maaz Sadaqat scored 18 runs in his debut ODI.

Faheem Ashraf was the top scorer for Pakistan with 37 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan made 10, Salman Agha scored 5, Hussain Talat added 4, and Abdul Samad was dismissed without scoring. Shaheen Afridi scored 4, Mohammad Wasim Jr. was out for 0, while Abrar Ahmed remained unbeaten on 0.

Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana delivered the best bowling performance of his ODI career, taking 5 wickets for 24 runs, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed 3 wickets for 29 runs.

Four Pakistan Players Make ODI Debut

Notably, four Pakistani players made their ODI debut in the match — Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Abdul Samad, and Shamil Hussain — marking the first time since 2008 that Pakistan fielded four debutants in a single ODI.

Before the match, Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi had said that if Pakistan had won the toss, they would also have opted to bat first, adding that a score of 270 to 280 runs would have been a competitive total on the pitch.

Iran announces withdrawal from FIFA World Cup 2026 in US

March 11, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Tehran: Iran has officially announced that it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to media reports, Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali stated that under the current circumstances, it is impossible for Iran to compete in the tournament in the United States.

He cited the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader as a factor making participation in the U.S. unsafe and inappropriate.

Minister Donyamali emphasized that the safety of players and young athletes cannot be guaranteed, and given the prevailing situation, there is no justification for sending the national team to the World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see teams from around the globe competing in North America, but Iran’s withdrawal marks a significant development ahead of the tournament.

Five Iranian women footballers seek asylum in Australia after anthem protest

March 10, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Gold Coast: Five players from Iran’s visiting women’s national football team have sought asylum in Australia after they were reportedly branded “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a tournament match.

The players remained silent as the anthem played ahead of a match against South Korea during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Gold Coast, an act widely interpreted as a protest against authorities in Iran.

According to officials, five players — including team captain Zahra Ghanbari — quietly left the team hotel late at night and approached Australian authorities to request protection.

Anthony Albanese confirmed that the players had been granted safety in the country. “Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They’re safe here, and they should feel at home here,” he said.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government had held several days of confidential discussions with the players before transferring them to a secure location after they left the hotel. He added that they were granted special humanitarian visas to remain in Australia.

Following the decision, Burke said the players celebrated and expressed relief, while noting that the rest of the Iranian squad would also be welcome to stay in Australia if they wished.

The situation drew international attention, with Donald Trump urging Australia to grant the athletes asylum, warning it would be a “terrible humanitarian mistake” to send them back to Iran.

The controversy began after the players stood silently during the Iranian national anthem before the match. An Iranian state television presenter later labeled them “wartime traitors,” intensifying fears about their safety if they returned home.

Exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi also called on the Australian government to ensure the players’ safety, saying they were under significant pressure and threat from authorities in Iran.

The issue sparked demonstrations outside the stadium in Gold Coast, where supporters gathered chanting slogans such as “Let them go” and “Save our girls,” while calling for political change in Iran.

It remains unclear whether the rest of the Iranian squad will return home or seek similar protection in Australia.

Schedule announced for HBL Pakistan Super League Season 11

March 10, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: The schedule for the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League Season 11 (PSL 11) has been officially announced, with the tournament set to run from March 26 to May 3.

According to the details, a total of 44 matches will be played during the tournament. For the first time in PSL history, eight teams will participate in the competition. Two new franchises — Hyderabad Kings Men and Rawalpindi Pindis League — have been added to the league.

During the league stage, each team will play 10 matches, while the playoffs will begin on April 28.

The matches of PSL 11 will be held across six cities, with Faisalabad and Peshawar set to host PSL games for the first time. The opening match of the tournament will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including a qualifier, while 15 matches are scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

In a historic development, Faisalabad will host seven PSL matches for the first time, and Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar will also stage PSL games for the first time.

Meanwhile, Multan Cricket Stadium will host four matches, featuring the home team Multan Sultans, while National Bank Stadium in Karachi will stage six matches during the tournament.

The schedule also includes 12 double-headers, adding more excitement for cricket fans throughout the competition.

ICC announces T20 World Cup team of the tournament

March 9, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the Team of the Tournament for the T20 World Cup 2026, with Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan earning a place after an outstanding performance.

Farhan emerged as the top run-scorer of the tournament, amassing 383 runs in seven matches, including two centuries.

The Team of the Tournament features four players from India national cricket team, while England national cricket team and South Africa national cricket team each have two players in the lineup. One player each has been selected from Zimbabwe national cricket team and West Indies cricket team.

Presenting the #T20WorldCup 2026 Team of the Tournament 🤩👌

More 📲 https://t.co/b4x8qMPUL1 pic.twitter.com/NGInFcYa7S
— ICC (@ICC) March 9, 2026

Interestingly, no player from New Zealand national cricket team, despite reaching the final of the tournament, was included in the Team of the Tournament.

The selected lineup includes Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah from India.

From England, Will Jacks and Adil Rashid made the team, while Lungi Ngidi and Aiden Markram represented South Africa.

The lineup also features Blessing Muzarabani from Zimbabwe and Jason Holder from the West Indies.

Meanwhile, Shadley van Schalkwyk of the United States national cricket team has been named as the 12th player in the squad.

New Zealand ready to ‘Break a Few Hearts’ in T20 World Cup final: Santner

March 7, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

AHMEDABAD: Mitchell Santner says New Zealand would not mind “breaking a few hearts” when they face defending champions and hosts India national cricket team in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the title clash in Ahmedabad, the New Zealand captain acknowledged that his side will enter the match as underdogs but said the team is eager to seize the opportunity to lift the trophy.

More than 100,000 fans are expected to pack the Narendra Modi Stadium for the high-stakes final.

New Zealand reached the final of the tournament in 2021 but lost to Australia national cricket team and are still chasing their first white-ball World Cup title.

“I wouldn’t mind winning a trophy,” Santner said. “Everyone knows we’re probably not the favourites, but I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once.”

New Zealand’s campaign in the tournament has been mixed. They delivered a dominant performance in the semi-final, thrashing South Africa national cricket team by nine wickets after Finn Allen smashed the fastest century of the competition.

However, the Black Caps also suffered defeats to South Africa and England national cricket team earlier in the tournament.

Santner pointed to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, saying one strong performance can turn the tide. “We saw South Africa playing very good cricket throughout, but they had one hiccup against us and were out,” he noted.

Meanwhile, India come into the final in formidable form with three consecutive wins and are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back T20 World Cups as well as the first to lift the title on home soil. A victory would also give them a record third T20 World Cup triumph.

Santner admitted that playing before a packed stadium and millions watching worldwide could put extra pressure on the hosts.

“With such huge expectations, there’s always added pressure,” he said. “If we can go out there and apply that pressure on them, we’ll see what happens.”

India change hotel ahead of T20 World Cup final amid superstition claims

March 7, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

AHMEDABAD: The India national cricket team has reportedly changed its hotel in Ahmedabad ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, with Indian media linking the move to superstition following past defeats.

According to Indian media reports, the team chose not to stay at the same hotel where it had lodged during the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where India suffered a defeat against the Australia national cricket team.

Reports suggest that the decision may have been influenced by the team’s desire to avoid repeating the circumstances associated with that loss. However, no official statement has been issued regarding the change of accommodation.

Indian media also reported that a member of the team’s support staff regularly offers prayers at every venue for the team’s success, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is providing all possible facilities to support the squad.

Earlier, ahead of the semi-final in Mumbai, India reportedly delayed a training session by about 45 minutes to avoid the effects of a lunar eclipse.

Meanwhile, the final in Ahmedabad is expected to be played on a red-soil pitch. India had earlier lost to the South Africa national cricket team on a black-soil pitch at the same venue two weeks ago. The stadium offers a variety of pitches, including red soil, black soil, and mixed surfaces.

Indian media further reported that India may also consider using the visiting team’s dressing room instead of the home dressing room at the venue in an apparent attempt to change their fortunes.

The T20 World Cup final between India and the New Zealand national cricket team is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday.