Daily News Pakistan

Shoaib Malik will rejoin the Fortune Barishal squad on February 2, after leaving the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) last week due to commitments in Dubai. Former Pakistan captain will be available for the team's last game of the Sylhet leg, against Khulna Tigers on February 3. As per reports, Malik is joining the side again at the request of Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal. He also talked to Tamim about his batting number since he played at No.6 in earlier matches. The 41-year-old will now bat at No.4 for Barishal. Remember, multiple news outlets reported that Malik left BPL as he was involved in match-fixing while citing three no-balls he bowled in a single over of a BPL match recently. But the franchise confirmed that there is no truth to rumours about the all-rounder's involvement in match-fixing. Fortune Barisal’s owner Mizanur Rahaman confirmed in a video message that Malik left BPL due to personal reasons. "The news about Malik's involvement in match-fixing...

Former Pakistani captain Babar Azam spoke in an interview stating that he is not satisfied with where he is today and has many more milestones to achieve. The 29-year-old is representing Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and has scored 157 runs in four innings at 52.33 average and 112.94 strike rate. Azam recently gave an interview where he stated that he was not satisfied with where he is right now and wants to improve. “I am not satisfied with where I am right now, and there are still more milestones to achieve. When I fail, I talk to many people and learn from my mistakes,” Azam said. He then talked about the quality of spin bowling in the BPL, saying he tries his best to adapt to the conditions wherever he plays. “In the BPL, quality spinners pose a challenge, and I try to adapt my game according to the conditions everywhere. I have arrived here from New Zealand, and there is a difference in conditions between the two,” Azam said. “I make an effort to pl...

Pakistan spinner Usama Mir is facing severe criticism from disillusioned fans following recent setbacks in the 2023 World Cup in India and the recently concluded five-match T20I series against New Zealand. In a recent interview with a local media channel, Usama expressed his frustration with the backlash, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of public opinion. "People talk like this, they even abuse me, so I think they forget everything, and whoever performs well, in a second, you will make them Don Bradman, you will make them Viv Richards, and for one bad performance, you will even call them source (parchi)," Usama Mir said. Clearly disheartened, the leg-spinner questioned the need for such extreme reactions, urging fans to maintain their support regardless of the team's performance. "I don't know which words will be used, but I think you should support because we are playing for your country, not for any other country. If there is something, so you should...

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah was reprimanded on Monday for breaching ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test against England in Hyderabad, which concluded on Sunday. Bumrah breached Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for an incident on the fourth day of India's first Test against England in Hyderabad. “The incident occured in the 81st over of England's second innings when Bumrah deliberately stepped in Ollie Pope's way as he went for a run, leading to inappropriate physical contact,” the ICC said in a press release. “The pacer was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match. “Since it was Bumrah's first offence in 24 months, one demerit point has been added to his record. “The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Paul ...

Atletico Madrid replaced holders Barcelona at the third position in La Liga standings after registering a 2-0 victory over Valencia at Civitas Metropolitan Stadium on Sunday. Barcelona succumbed to a 5-3 loss at the hands of Villarreal on Saturday at home after having a 3-2 lead in the 80 minutes, leaving them at same number of wins with Atletico Madrid. Atletico entered their home ground on Sunday with three points shy of Barcelona, however, the victory over Valencia placed them in the third position with more wins. The home team spent the first half looking for the first goal, which they earned at the stroke of half-time as Samuel Lino hit from the centre of the box to the centre after an assist by Antoine Griezmann with a through ball. Memphis Depay doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half with a header from very close range to the centre of the goal after finding a cross by Nahuel Molina. Valencia made desperate efforts in the second half to reduce the deficit...

Shamar Joseph heroics helped inexperienced West Indies clinch a historic victory at the famous Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday, 28 January. Forced to retire hurt from a toe-crushing Mitchell Starc yorker the previous evening, Joseph bounced back to claim six wickets in a session and 7-68 overall to lift West Indies to their first test win Down Under since 1997, as Australia were bowled out for 207 in pursuit of 216. Australia’s new opener Steve Smith (91 not out) farmed the strike to protect Josh Hazlewood (0), but it was to no avail as Joseph sent the tailender’s off-stump flying to register the win which sent the tourists running in celebration at the Gabba. Before the West Indies were dismissed for 193 in their second dig, Australia skipper Pat Cummins had courageously declared at 289-9 with his side still behind the visitors’ first innings total of 311. Australia prevailed by 10 wickets in the first test in Adelaide, as the series ends 1-1. Joseph, who had been sent to the hospi...

Cristiano Ronaldo, the football maestro currently playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, expressed his gratitude and excitement over winning three awards at the 2023 Globe Soccer Awards on Friday. Taking to Instagram after securing the prestigious awards, the Portuguese star, known for his prolific goal-scoring ability, shared some captivating photos from the awards ceremony. In his Instagram post, Ronaldo conveyed his gratitude and pride, saying, "Proud to have won three awards today. A big thank you to all the staff, teammates, and fans who keep making me better every day!" The post quickly garnered attention from fans and fellow players alike, with many congratulating the football icon on his remarkable achievements. Ronaldo's stellar performance at Al-Nassr has been nothing short of extraordinary since joining the club in January the previous year. Scoring an impressive 54 goals in 59 games, the seasoned striker outperformed other notable players like Kylian Mbap...

Lionel Messi was crowned as the best men’s player for 2023, while Aitana Bonmati added to her collection of individual accolades by winning the women’s award at FIFA’s award ceremony in London. Messi retained the award on Monday night by beating Manchester City’s treble-winning Norwegian striker Erling Haaland in a tie-break as France’s Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe finished third. The 36-year-old was a surprise victor ahead of Haaland as the award covered only the period after Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in December 2022 to August 2023. During that time the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had a subdued end to his career at Paris Saint-Germain, despite winning the Ligue 1 title, before joining MLS side Inter Miami in June. While Messi quickly made his mark in the United States as he helped the franchise to their first trophy by winning the Leagues Cup in August, Haaland was the favourite to win after scoring 52 goals in his debut season with City as the E...

Pakistan on Tuesday announced the playing eleven for the third T20 against New Zealand, making three significant changes. The third T20 match between Team Green and Kiwis is scheduled to take place on January 17 in New Zealand. The hosts lead the three-match series with 2-0. Osama Mir, Amir Jamal, and Abbas Afridi have been excluded from the team. In their places, national team has included Wasim Junior, Muhammad Nawaz, and Zaman Khan. Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the team comprising Muhammad Rizwan, Saimee Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wicketkeeper), and Asif Khan. Furthermore, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Wasim Junior, and Zaman Khan will also be part of the playing eleven.

South Africa has removed U19 captain David Teeger a week before the commencement of a home World Cup following his expressions of support for Israel. Teeger was slated to captain the host country's age-group side in the tournament, scheduled to kick off on January 19. However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on Friday that he has been dismissed from the position, and the organisation is preparing for potential protests surrounding the tournament. Teeger, who will continue to be a part of the squad as a player, had reportedly dedicated an award he received in October to Jewish soldiers, whom he described as the "true rising stars" amidst Israel's attacks in Gaza. “As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup. We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament,” CSA said in a statement. “We have also been advised that they a...

New Zealand amassed 226 runs in 20 over after being put into bat by Pakistan in the first T20 match in Auckland on Friday. In response Pakistan got off to a hot start, scoring 29 in two overs. Kane Williamson scored 57 and Daryl Mitchell scored 61 as New Zealand put up the big total at the loss of six wickets. Aamir Jamal was the most expensive bowler for Pakistan, leaking 55 runs of his four overs. The match saw Shaheen Shah Afridi making his captaincy debut, while Abbas Afridi and Usama Mir also got their caps. The captain dismissed Devon Conway in the first over to get off to a strong start for the green shirts. The batting order is also set to see changes with Saim Ayub opening with Muhammad Rizwan. Azam Khan will keep wickets. Full squad Muhammad Rizwan (VC) Saim Ayub Babar Azam Fakhar Zaman Iftikhar Ahmed Azam Khan (WK) Aamir Jamal Usama Mir Shaheen Aridi Abbas Afridi Usama Mir

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Pakistan T20 team, just ahead of the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand. Currently, Muhammad Rizwan is part of the Pakistan team that will be playing a T20 series against New Zealand under the leadership of Shaheen Afridi. Rizwan has replaced Shadab Khan, who was Pakistan’s previous T20I vice-captain, under the leadership of Babar Azam. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper batter has played 85 T20Is for Pakistan and scored 2,088 runs at an average of 49.07, also smashing a sensational hundred against South Africa in 2021. The first T20 International match between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled to take place in Auckland on January 12th.

David Warner made crucial 57 runs in his farewell Test innings to chase 130 runs set by Pakistan for Australia’s victory that also ensured the hosts clean sweep the series 3-0 on Saturday. Aussies beat the visitors by eight wickets in the last innings, drawing a curtain to the latter’s hopes to end a run of 16 successive losses in Australia since 1995. Pakistan could add just 47 runs to their overnight tally at the cost of the last three wickets, to be dismissed for 115 an hour before lunch. Playing his 112th match before retiring from the format, Warner shared a hug with opening partner and childhood friend Usman Khawaja at the boundary rope and was given a guard of honour by the tourists as he came to the crease. Khawaja departed lbw for a duck in the opening over, but Warner played like a man on a mission and was soon cutting the ball through the covers in trademark style for his first four. He brought up his 37th Test half century with a single to square leg, and Australia w...

Australia were dismissed for 299 to trail Pakistan by 14 runs on the first innings on the third day of the third Test in Sydney on Friday. The hosts collapsed after tea, losing four wickets for 10 runs with paceman Aamer Jamal taking 6-69. The Sydney Cricket Ground pitch is dry and breaking up, with the outcome of the Test match in the balance with more than two days to play. Scoreboard on the third day of the third Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday:  Pakistan 1st innings 313 (M. Rizwan 88, A. Jamal 82, A. Salman 53; P.Cummins 5-61) Australia 1st innings (116-2 overnight) D. Warner c Azam b Salman 34 U. Khawaja c Rizwan b Jamal 47 M. Labuschagne b Salman 60 S. Smith c Azam b Hasan 38 T. Head lbw b Jamal 10 M. Marsh c Masood b Jamal 54 A. Carey b Sajid 38 M. Starc not out 1 P. Cummins lbw b Jamal 0 N. Lyon c Shakeel b Jamal 5 J. Hazlewood c Salman b Jamal 0 Extras (b1, lb7, w2, nb2) 12 Total (all out, 109.4 overs) 299 Fal...

Pakistan were on top in the second Test against Australia in Melbourne after claiming four quick wickets in the second innings but Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith helped the home side get back in the game with a crucial partnership. After the initial setbacks, Australia recovered to reach 187-6 at stumps with a lead of 241 runs. Marsh and Smith's 153-run partnership brought Australia back in the game, after they were reduced to 16-4, on a pitch that was assisting the bowlers. Marsh, who was dropped on 20 by Abdullah Shafique, scored 96 runs in 130 balls with the help of 13 fours. Salman Ali Agha took a sensational catch at first slip as Marsh was dismissed by Mir Hamza. He dived low to his right and completed a one-handed catch to end Marsh’s game-changing knock. Meanwhile, Smith was dismissed on the final ball of the day by Shaheen Afridi after scoring 50 runs. Resuming at 6-2 after lunch, Mir Hamza took two wickets in as many balls to rattle the home side. David Warner (6)...

Pakistan announced 12 players for the second Test Against Australia, which will take place in Melbourne from December 26. Pakistan, who are 1-0 down in the three-Test series, will announce their final XI tomorrow. Sarfaraz Ahmed, who could only score seven runs in the first Test, has been replaced by Mohammad Rizwan. Prior to the Melbourne Test, Sarfaraz played innings of 35 and 10 runs in a two-day match. In contrast, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan demonstrated his batting skills by scoring an impressive 50 runs in the first innings of the two-day match. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf has also been dropped, meanwhile pacers Mir Hamza and Hasan Ali have been included in the squad. Pakistan squad for second Test Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi (vc), Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamir Jamal, Sajid Khan Remember, Pakistan were facing a selection dilemma in the bowling department. Spinner Noman Ali ...

Pakistan spinner Noman Ali was recovering Saturday after being rushed to hospital with acute appendicitis, with the veteran ruled out of the rest of their series against Australia. The 37-year-old, who did not feature during a heavy defeat in the opening Test in Perth, suffered severe abdominal pain on Friday. “Noman Ali complained of sudden and severe abdominal pain yesterday, leading to examinations and scans in emergency that confirmed a diagnosis of acute appendicitis,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said. “On surgeon’s advice, he underwent Laparoscopic Appendectomy today.” Ali, who has played 15 Tests, the last of which was against Sri Lanka in July, was “stable and doing fine,” but will take no further part in the three-Test series which resumes in Melbourne next week. It is another blow for the visitors after pace bowler Khurram Shahzad was ruled out of the series on Thursday. The 24-year-old impressed on his debut in Perth, finishing with match figures of 5-128 in the 360-r...

Pakistan national cricket team Chief Selector Wahab Riaz has announced the 17-member squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour. Addressing a press conference along with cricketer Kamran Akmal, who is also the consultant of the chief selector, the caretaker minister announced that Shadab Khan was unavailable due to an injury, while wicketkeeper Muhammad Haris has also been asked to rest. He further said Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the team during the tour, which will include Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Muhammd Nawaz, Azam Khan, Osama Mir, Abrar Ahmed, Wasim Jr., Zaman Khan, Abbas Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan and Sahibzada Farhan. Clarifying the ouster of Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz said the all-rounder was an asset for the national T-20 squad, adding that Haseebullah Khan has been performing well for two years. Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah were unfit, and have recovered, Riaz said during the press conference, adding th...

Pakistan cricket team suffered a major blow ahead of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand as all-rounder and vice-captain Shadab Khan is likely to miss the tour due to a foot injury. Shadab, 25, sustained a foot injury in the recently-held National T20 Cup and has been sidelined since then. His participation in the upcoming five-match T20I series is highly unlikely and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will look for the 25-year-old’s replacement in the coming days. The PCB aims to announce the squad for the New Zealand tour on December 25. PCB’s selection committee consisting of Wahab Riaz, Kamran Akmal, Asad Shafiq, and Iftikhar Anjum will meet in the coming days and the top performers of the National T20 Cup will also be considered. Remember, the Pakistan cricket team is currently in Australia to play a three-match Test series in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle which will conclude on January 7. Just five days after the conclusion of the Test s...

Pakistan have suffered a heavy defeat against Australia by 360 runs in the first Test at Perth on Sunday, Shan Masood-led side were bowled out for 89 runs in 30.2 overs as they pursue a daunting target of 450 for victory. Following the visitors' dismissal for 271 in response to the hosts' 487, Australia made a declaration at 233-5 in their second innings on day four. Captain Pat Cummins made the decision after opener Usman Khawaja departed for a resilient 90 on a worsening pitch, following a 126-run partnership with Mitchell Marsh. Marsh remained unbeaten at 63 as Pakistan managed to dismiss Steve Smith and Travis Head early in the day, momentarily sparking hope that quickly faded away. Commencing a challenging run chase, Pakistan had a dismal start with Abdullah Shafique dismissed for two in the initial over, edging an unplayable delivery from Mitchell Starc to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Captain Shan Masood, leading in his maiden Test, didn’t stay much longer, nicking one...