Cricket

BELFAST: Afghanistan secured automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup after defeating Ireland by three wickets in the third ODI at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Monday. Rahmanullah Gurbaz starred with the bat, scoring a fluent 71, while Rashid Khan produced an impressive all-round performance to guide Afghanistan home and give them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Ireland, after being asked to bat first, were bowled out for 2

Former Pakistan batter Umar Akmal has opened up about his prolonged absence from competitive cricket, claiming that doors have repeatedly been closed on him at both domestic and franchise level despite his continued desire to represent Pakistan. In an extensive interview with Sports 21, Akmal spoke candidly about his career, his relationship with the Pakistan Cricket Board, fitness concerns, his exclusion from the PSL, former coaches and captains, and several incidents from h

LAHORE: Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has backed a group of young seamers and batters to play important roles for the national team in the coming years, highlighting Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Ali Raza, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal as players to watch. Speaking during a recent podcast interview with an international sports platform, Amir was asked to name emerging Pakistani cricketers who may not yet be widely known among English-speaking audiences. The former left

Cricket Australia has confirmed that star all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Short will only be granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the SA20 after completing their Big Bash League (BBL) commitments in January. The decision means both players will remain available for their respective BBL franchises before joining their South African T20 League teams later in the season. Marsh is set to represent Sunrisers Eastern Cape, while Short will link up with Pretoria Capi

Pakistan cricketer Hamza Nazar has been banned from all domestic and international cricket for two years and fined PKR 1 million following a disciplinary inquiry conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to the information shared by the PCB, the investigation found that Nazar provided misleading and incomplete information during a visa application. The board concluded that his actions amounted to misrepresentation and non-disclosure, leading to strict disciplin

Pakistan bounced back emphatically to defeat the West Indies by eight wickets in the second Test, ending a miserable run of eight consecutive away Test defeats and leveling the series on a high note. Chasing a modest target of 75, Pakistan reached 77-2 in 23.3 overs with captain Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique guiding the visitors home in an unbeaten partnership. Babar remained not out on 24 from 30 deliveries, sealing the victory spectacularly with back-to-back sixes off sp

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has confirmed that he will register as an overseas player for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2027 auction after obtaining British citizenship, marking a significant change in his PSL status. The 34-year-old left-arm pacer, who currently represents Trent Rockets in The Hundred, revealed that his newly acquired British passport means he will no longer be classified as a local player in the PSL. The change also allows him to participate

Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has withdrawn from the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL), with his franchise confirming that the left-arm pacer will leave the tournament due to personal reasons. Shaheen’s exit comes after a challenging campaign in which he struggled to produce his usual match-winning performances. Across six appearances, the Pakistani speedster claimed seven wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of over 10 runs per over. His figu