Pakistan Recalls Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam for Second Test Against Bangladesh

Pakistan Recalls Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam for Second Test Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s Test squad for the second Test against Bangladesh has undergone significant changes, with the recall of Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, and Aamir Jamal. The trio had been released from the squad for the first Test but have now been brought back to bolster the team’s performance.

Abrar Ahmed, a leg-spinner known for his exceptional control and ability to extract turn on subcontinent pitches, is expected to provide Pakistan with additional spin options. He has been in impressive form, contributing in a four-day match for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh ‘A’ at the Islamabad Club from August 20 to 23.

Kamran Ghulam, a middle-order batsman, brings depth and stability to the batting lineup. He has also been in good form, contributing to Pakistan Shaheens’ performance in the four-day match.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s spearhead fast bowler, has also rejoined the squad after being released at the conclusion of the first Test. His return will provide a significant boost to the bowling attack.

Aamir Jamal, an emerging all-rounder with promising potential, has been recalled to the squad, although his participation in the second Test will depend on his fitness clearance. He had been working on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after being released from the squad earlier.

The changes to the squad come after Bangladesh scripted history by registering their first-ever victory over Pakistan in Test cricket through a ten-wicket win in the series opener at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The victory was largely due to the stellar show from spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Pakistan will be hoping to bounce back in the second Test and level the series. The match is scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 30 to September 3.

Sanjay Manjrekar Advocates for Inclusion of Rohit, Kohli, and Bumrah in Duleep Trophy

Sanjay Manjrekar Advocates for Inclusion of Rohit, Kohli, and Bumrah in Duleep Trophy

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his opinion that star players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah should have been included in the first round of the Duleep Trophy. The tournament, which marks the beginning of India’s domestic season, will commence on September 5 in Bengaluru and Anantapur.

Manjrekar’s suggestion stems from the fact that these players have had ample rest in recent times. He pointed out that Rohit Sharma has played only 59% of India’s 249 international matches in the last five years, while Virat Kohli has played 61% and Jasprit Bumrah has played only 34%.

“I see them as well-rested India players. Could have been selected for the Duleep trophy,” Manjrekar said on ‘X’.

The BCCI has announced that Ravindra Jadeja has been released from participation in the Duleep Trophy without providing a reason. Additionally, Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik will not feature as they are recovering from recent illness. Navdeep Saini and Gaurav Yadav have been named as replacements.

The Duleep Trophy is crucial in identifying key players for India’s packed Test calendar and their readiness for the World Test Championship final. India’s home season will commence with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai, followed by a second game in Kanpur beginning on September 27. Following this series, India will play three Test matches against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Subsequently, the team will travel to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22 in Perth.

Krishan Pathak Named Main Goalkeeper for Indian Hockey Team in Asian Champions Trophy

Krishan Pathak Named Main Goalkeeper for Indian Hockey Team in Asian Champions Trophy

Krishan Bahadur Pathak has been appointed as the main goalkeeper of the Indian hockey team for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy, following the retirement of veteran PR Sreejesh. The tournament will be held in Hulunbuir, China, from September 8-17, and will feature defending champions India alongside Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, and hosts China.

Pathak, who served as India’s standby goalkeeper at the Paris Olympics and in previous tournaments, will now take on the primary role, with Suraj Karkera as the reserve custodian. Experienced midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad has been named vice-captain, replacing Hardik Singh, who has been rested along with Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Shamsher Singh, and Gurjant Singh.

The tournament presents a significant opportunity for promising drag-flicker Jugraj Singh, who traveled to the Paris Olympics as a standby and will aim to prove his credentials alongside the formidable Harmanpreet Singh. Jugraj has demonstrated his abilities in limited appearances in the Pro League and will seek to solidify his place in the team. Araijeet Singh Hundal will serve as the third drag-flicker.

The Indian defense will be anchored by Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, and Sumit. The midfield will comprise Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Manpreet Singh, and Mohammed Raheel, while a young forward line featuring Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Hundal, junior India captain Uttam Singh, and debutant Gurjot Singh will lead the attack.

Ten players from the Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning squad have been included in this team. Chief coach Craig Fulton emphasized the importance of the tournament for building ranking points and continuing the team’s momentum after their Olympic success. He also highlighted the inclusion of young players who have earned their opportunity through impressive performances in training.

India will commence their campaign against China on September 8, followed by a match against Japan the next day. After a day’s rest, they will face Malaysia on September 11 and Korea the following day. The team will then take on arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for September 16 and 17, respectively.

Harry Brook Soars to Fourth in ICC Test Batting Rankings

Harry Brook Soars to Fourth in ICC Test Batting Rankings

England’s Harry Brook has ascended to the fourth position in the ICC Test batting rankings, a testament to his impressive performances in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Brook’s contributions of 56 and 32 at Old Trafford have propelled him up three spots, surpassing the likes of Babar Azam, Steven Smith, and Rohit Sharma.

Joe Root remains the undisputed leader in the Test batting rankings, followed by Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. Babar Azam’s recent struggles have seen him drop six places to ninth, while Mohammad Rizwan’s heroics in Pakistan’s loss to Bangladesh have earned him a seven-spot jump to joint 10th with Usman Khawaja.

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim has achieved a career-high rating after his match-winning 191 against Pakistan, moving up seven spots to 17th. Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya has also made strides, climbing one place to ninth among Test bowlers after his five-wicket haul in Manchester.

In the T20I rankings, West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran has risen three places to ninth among batters following their 3-0 sweep of South Africa. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie have also made significant gains, moving up to second and third spots respectively among bowlers, behind only England’s Adil Rashid.

These rankings reflect the dynamic nature of international cricket, with players constantly vying for supremacy. Brook’s rise and Babar Azam’s decline serve as reminders that form and consistency are crucial factors in determining the best players in the world.

PCB Appoints Legendary Mentors for Champions Trophy Preparations

PCB Appoints Legendary Mentors for Champions Trophy Preparations

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a proactive step towards preparing for the 2025 Champions Trophy by appointing five legendary cricketers as mentors for domestic and international players. This move aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket and identify and nurture future stars.

The Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to commence on September 12, will serve as a platform for domestic players to showcase their skills alongside senior team members. To ensure the tournament’s success, the PCB has enlisted the expertise of Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saqlain Mushtaq as mentors.

These former stalwarts will provide guidance and support to the teams, focusing on strategic planning, team-building, leadership development, and personal growth. Their vast experience and knowledge will be invaluable in shaping the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of these mentors, stating, “They will play a pivotal role in the development and progression of our emerging cricketers. Their expertise will help us identify, develop, and nurture the next generation of cricketers across all formats.”

The Champions One-Day Cup will be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, marking the return of One-Day cricket to the venue after a two-year hiatus. The tournament will provide a competitive environment for domestic players to impress the selectors and earn a spot in the national team.

The PCB’s decision to appoint these mentors reflects its commitment to improving the quality of domestic cricket and preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy. With their combined experience of over 32,000 runs and 1,500 wickets in international cricket, these mentors will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the development of Pakistani cricket.

Divine Iheme: Teenage Sprinter Breaks World Record, Poised to Challenge Bolt

Divine Iheme: Teenage Sprinter Breaks World Record, Poised to Challenge Bolt

Nigeria-born British athlete Divine Iheme has emerged as a rising star in the world of sprinting, captivating the attention of track and field enthusiasts with his exceptional speed. At the tender age of 14, Iheme has shattered the previous world record for his age group, running the 100m in an astonishing 10.30 seconds.

Iheme’s journey to the top has been marked by remarkable progress. Just two years ago, he completed the 100m distance in 11.3 seconds. However, through unwavering determination and rigorous training, he has shaved off over a second from his time, setting a new benchmark for young athletes.

If Iheme maintains his current trajectory, he has the potential to challenge the legendary Usain Bolt’s record of 9.58 seconds for the 100m. Iheme is not the only teenage sensation making waves in the sport. Australian sprinter Gout Gout, aged 16, has also impressed with his blistering speed, running the 100m in 10.29 seconds.

The rivalry between Iheme and Gout is reminiscent of the iconic battles between football greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both athletes possess exceptional talent and the potential to dominate the sport for years to come.

Iheme’s achievements have drawn comparisons to Bolt, who is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time. “It’s a great feeling to be compared to Usain Bolt,” Iheme said. “He’s an inspiration to me, and I hope to achieve similar success.”

Gout, too, has expressed admiration for Bolt and other top sprinters. “I like Erriyon Knighton because he’s a youngster competing against the best,” Gout said. “And Noah Lyles because he’s running crazy times.”

The emergence of Iheme and Gout has injected excitement into the world of sprinting. Their rivalry promises to produce thrilling races and push the boundaries of human speed. As they continue to develop and refine their skills, these young athletes have the potential to become the next generation of track and field legends.

Kyrgios Slams Nadal's Defense of Sinner in Doping Case

Kyrgios Slams Nadal’s Defense of Sinner in Doping Case

Nick Kyrgios has taken aim at Toni Nadal for his staunch defense of Jannik Sinner, who recently failed two doping tests. Sinner, the world No. 1, tested positive for low levels of clostebol, a banned steroid, during the Indian Wells Masters in March. However, he avoided a ban after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted his explanation that the substance was accidentally transferred from a team member using a spray.

Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, has vehemently supported Sinner, claiming he would never intentionally use banned substances. He emphasized that Sinner had already faced consequences, including losing ATP points and prize money, and criticized those questioning Sinner’s integrity.

In a column, Nadal expressed disbelief at how some people, including other players, were quick to judge without knowing all the facts. He wrote, “It is absolutely clear to me that the Italian player does not want to commit any infraction, and even more so, not to seek any advantage through the use of prohibited substances.”

“I know the player well enough to be able to say without a shadow of a doubt that he is one of the most correct and well-mannered guys on the circuit. For me it is unthinkable that he could act in an unfair manner. There was a problem within his team that he paid for quite dearly with the financial penalty and the loss of ATP points.”

Kyrgios, known for his outspoken nature, was unimpressed by Nadal’s defense of Sinner. He argued that if he were in Sinner’s position, Nadal wouldn’t have defended him so vigorously.

“If this was me do you think Toni Nadal would come out and defend me? Players know that I ain’t about cheating. Ridiculous,” he wrote. “I’m just wondering as to why they waited five months to fire the physio? If they knew about it so early on.”

Kyrgios’ comments have sparked a debate about the fairness of Sinner’s punishment and the role of coaches in protecting their players. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of anti-doping measures in tennis.

Yash Dhull Returns to Cricket After Heart Surgery

Yash Dhull Returns to Cricket After Heart Surgery

Yash Dhull, the former captain of India’s U-19 team, is making a cautious return to the field after undergoing heart surgery earlier this year. The 21-year-old cricketer had a congenital heart condition that required surgical intervention, which was promptly addressed after being discovered during a routine check-up at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

During the NCA check-up, the medical team detected a congenital condition – a hole in Dhull’s heart. The NCA’s medical team advised immediate surgery, which Dhull underwent in Delhi. According to a News18 report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ensured he received the best possible care and monitored his recovery closely.

“During the NCA check-up, the team, after consulting with a set of doctors, advised him to undergo surgery for the hole in his heart,” said Pradeep Kochar, Dhull’s childhood coach. “He was attending a camp with the rest of the emerging players a couple of months back in Bengaluru. The surgery went well, and Yash has been on a steady path to recovery.”

Dhull’s father, Vijay, explained that the condition was congenital and the surgery was necessary for his son’s long-term health and cricket career. “It wasn’t anything serious. The hole in the heart was a condition from birth, and the NCA team advised a minor surgical procedure. He underwent that in Delhi, and the BCCI continued to keep a check on him during the period,” said Vijay.

Since receiving a fitness certificate from the NCA, Dhull has been gradually rejoining competitive cricket. He has been playing in the Delhi Premier League (DPL), but his performances have been subdued, reflecting his ongoing recovery process.

“Certain things have happened in the past, and I have returned after a recovery. It’s taking time, but I am positive and will give 100 percent for my game,” Dhull said after a recent DPL match.

Despite the slow start, Dhull’s determination has impressed both his coaches and teammates. “The NCA has given him the certificate of fitness, so there shouldn’t be an issue in any of the formats going forward. Even going forward, there shouldn’t be any problem for him to play the Ranji Trophy and the longer formats,” Kochar asserted, expressing confidence in Dhull’s ability to bounce back fully.

Dhull’s journey back to the cricket field after heart surgery has highlighted his courage and dedication. As he continues to work on his fitness and form, the cricketing fraternity remains hopeful that he will soon return to his best, fulfilling the immense potential he has shown at a young age.

Dawid Malan Retires from International Cricket at 37

Dawid Malan Retires from International Cricket at 37

Dawid Malan, England’s former top-ranked T20I batter, has bid farewell to international cricket at the age of 37. Malan, who represented England in 22 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, is one of only two English batters (alongside Jos Buttler) to have scored centuries in all three formats.

Malan’s international breakthrough came on the 2017-18 Ashes tour, where he scored his only Test century, a gritty 140 in partnership with Jonny Bairstow at Perth. However, it was in the T20I format that he truly made his mark.

In September 2020, Malan ascended to the top of the ICC’s T20I batting rankings. The following March, he became the fastest men’s player to reach 1000 runs in the format, achieving the milestone in just 24 innings. He was also a member of England’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in Australia in 2022.

Despite his success in T20Is, Malan’s ODI career took longer to take off. However, he seized his opportunity when it came, scoring five ODI centuries in the space of 15 innings between June 2022 and September 2023. This impressive run of form earned him a place in England’s 2023 World Cup squad.

Reflecting on his career, Malan expressed both pride and regret. He acknowledged that he had “exceeded all expectations” in white-ball formats but admitted that his inability to establish himself consistently in Test cricket was a disappointment.

Malan’s departure from international cricket is likely to open up opportunities for younger players. He is expected to remain in high demand on the T20 franchise circuit, having recently played for Oval Invincibles in the Men’s Hundred and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Should Visit Pakistan Before Retirement: Kamran Akmal

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Should Visit Pakistan Before Retirement: Kamran Akmal

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, have a massive fan following worldwide, including in Pakistan despite not playing even a single international match in the country. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal believes that Virat and Rohit, who have already bid adieu to T20Is, should visit Pakistan before retiring from international cricket.

“Virat and Rohit should visit Pakistan before they retire,” Akmal said in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com. “These two are stars of world cricket, traveling across the globe to play the game. Every single fan loves them. They have a massive fan base due to their batting and match-winning performances.”

Akmal believes that the fan following Virat and Rohit will experience in Pakistan will surpass anything they’ve seen elsewhere. “The last series between India and Pakistan took place in 2012-13. Since then, the two teams have only clashed in multination tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC events. The absence of regular bilateral series has left fans longing for the resumption of the thrilling India vs Pakistan contests,” Akmal said.

“Virat is a role model for many around the world, Rohit is the World Cup-winning captain, and Bumrah is currently the best pacer in the world. When players like Virat, Rohit and Bumrah visit Pakistan, it will evoke unique feelings in every fan. Virat has been to Pakistan during his under-19 days, but he wasn’t as popular then,” Akmal said.

“If Virat visits Pakistan now, he will truly see his popularity here. He will receive a different kind of support in Pakistan. No cricketer is more popular than Virat in Pakistan; he has a bigger fan-following than any other cricketer in the world. Pakistani fans love Virat, Rohit and Bumrah more than any of their own cricket team players,” the former wicketkeeper said.

Virat and Rohit will be back in action in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The first Test will begin on September 19 in Chennai, followed by the second Test at Green Park in Kanpur from September 27.

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