Cricket Corner (2025)

30/06/2025

Azhar Mahmood Appointed Acting Head Coach of Pakistan Test Team

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s national team. His tenure will cover Pakistan’s upcoming home Test series against South Africa in October and Sri Lanka between December and January, aligning with the duration of his current contract.

Azhar Mahmood, a former international allrounder, brings with him two decades of global cricketing experience. He played 21 Tests and 143 ODIs for Pakistan between 1996 and 2007, scoring three international centuries and taking 162 wickets. He also has a proven track record in the English County Championship, winning two red-ball titles with Surrey, which further highlights his credentials in the format.

The PCB, in an official statement, emphasized Mahmood’s value to the setup:

“A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar has been a central figure in our coaching unit. His leadership, red-ball pedigree, and tactical acumen are assets we are excited to harness as we build for the future.”

Azhar has previously served as Pakistan’s assistant coach and recently stepped in as head coach for the home T20I series against New Zealand. His elevation to the Test role comes at a crucial time as Pakistan aims to rebuild its red-ball structure after a poor performance in the previous World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, where they managed just five wins in 14 matches, finishing last.

The position had remained vacant since Jason Gillespie’s resignation in December 2024, with Aaqib Javed filling the interim role during the tours of South Africa and West Indies. While Mike Hesson has since been appointed full-time for the white-ball formats, Azhar Mahmood's appointment reflects the PCB’s intent to bring clarity and structure back into Pakistan's red-ball cricket.

30/06/2025

Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down as Bangladesh Test Captain After Sri Lanka Defeat

Najmul Hossain Shanto has officially stepped down as captain of Bangladesh’s Test team following their heavy defeat against Sri Lanka in the second Test. Bangladesh lost the match by an innings and 78 runs, prompting Shanto to relinquish the leadership role in the red-ball format.

According to cricket sources, Shanto’s decision was also influenced by his recent removal from Bangladesh’s ODI captaincy. He reportedly no longer felt motivated to continue leading in the longer format. Speaking to the media, Shanto stated:

“I don’t want to continue as Test captain. This decision was made in the best interest of the team.”

He further added that having three separate captains for three formats is not an ideal model, explaining:

“I don’t think it’s wise to have different captains for every format. It creates complications and challenges in team management and consistency.”

Shanto’s leadership in the Test side was seen as part of Bangladesh’s attempt to build a long-term structure, but his sudden exit leaves the board with a new leadership dilemma in red-ball cricket. As of now, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not named a successor.

28/06/2025

ICC Introduces New Playing Conditions: Stop Clock, Saliva Ban Penalty, and Catch Review Rule Among Key Changes

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially introduced a set of new rules that revise key playing conditions across all formats of cricket, aiming to enhance fairness, improve over-rate efficiency, and tighten discipline in the game. These regulations have come into effect with the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Here’s a breakdown of the major changes:

1. Stop Clock in Test Cricket
In a significant move, the ICC has extended the “stop clock” rule to Test matches (already used in white-ball cricket). The fielding side must start a new over within 60 seconds of the previous over ending.

If the over doesn’t begin in time, umpires will issue two warnings.

On the third violation, a five-run penalty will be awarded to the batting side.
This rule addresses long-standing concerns regarding slow over rates in Test cricket.

2. Saliva Use on Ball – Now a Penalty
Deliberate use of saliva on the ball will now be penalized.

If saliva is intentionally applied, and it alters the condition of the ball, the umpire may award five penalty runs to the batting team.

Unlike before, the ball will not be changed unless its condition is significantly altered.

3. Deliberate Short Runs – 5-Run Penalty + Strike Decision
If batters are found to have intentionally run short, the umpire can:

Award 5 penalty runs to the bowling side.

Give the bowling team the choice of which batter will take strike after the illegal run.
This adds a tactical dimension to fielding captaincy and encourages honest running.

4. Catch Fairness Review Enhanced
In the case of a disputed catch, third umpires will now review both the no-ball and the fairness of the catch simultaneously.

Previously, if the delivery was ruled a no-ball, the catch wasn't reviewed further.

Now, even on a no-ball, if a fair catch is completed, the batting team gets only one run for the no-ball.

If the catch is not fair, the batters keep all runs completed before the delivery ended.

These changes mark a progressive step by the ICC to promote discipline, fairness, and pace in all formats of cricket, especially as the sport evolves with changing audience expectations and broadcast needs.

28/06/2025

Sunil Gavaskar Slams Team India After Historic Loss to England Despite Five Centuries

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has voiced strong criticism following India’s dramatic loss to England in the first Test at Leeds, where despite scoring five individual centuries, India suffered a five-wicket defeat — marking a historic low in Test cricket.

India posted massive totals of 471 and 364, with centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (twice), and KL Rahul. However, England chased down a target of 371 runs with five wickets in hand, finishing on 373/5 in the final innings. This made India the first team in Test history to lose a match after scoring five centuries.

Gavaskar, reacting to the loss, acknowledged England’s resilience but didn’t hold back in criticizing India’s performance.

“The credit goes to England. Despite India scoring five hundreds, England showed belief. India missed key opportunities, and the extra runs conceded made a huge difference,” he said.

He also pointed out India’s poor fielding, stating that it lacked international standards — not just in dropped catches but also in mediocre ground fielding.

Regarding the pitch conditions, Gavaskar added:

“It was a very good pitch for batting, so blaming the bowlers is unfair. But I hope the players have learned from this defeat.”

Gavaskar urged the team to ditch optional practice sessions and focus on high-intensity preparation ahead of the next Test:

“There are 8 days before the next match. Take two days off, then train seriously. You're here to play for India, so prepare like professionals.”

His comments reflect the growing concern among experts and fans regarding India’s inconsistency in converting strong performances into victories, especially on foreign soil.

28/06/2025

ICC Revises T20 Powerplay Rules: Scaled-Down Overs Introduced for Shortened Matches

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially introduced a significant change to the powerplay rules in T20 cricket, particularly aimed at shortened matches due to weather interruptions or other constraints. The new regulation will come into effect from July 2025 and is designed to maintain fairness and match balance across varying innings lengths.

Under the new rule, the powerplay duration will now be proportionally adjusted based on the total number of scheduled overs in an innings. For a full 20-over innings, the powerplay remains 6 overs, where only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. However, for innings shorter than 20 overs, the powerplay will be approximately 30% of the total overs, and may begin or end in the middle of an over.

For example:

In an 8-over innings, the powerplay will be 2.2 overs

In a 5-over innings, the powerplay will be 1.3 overs

This rule ensures that teams still face a competitive fielding setup in shorter matches, preserving the aggressive batting dynamic that defines T20 cricket. The decision was finalized and approved by the ICC Cricket Committee, reflecting the governing body’s intent to adapt to modern-day match scenarios and increasing rain-affected games.

The move has been welcomed for bringing consistency, clarity, and fairness to truncated T20 encounters across international and domestic tournaments.

28/06/2025

Dominant Sri Lanka Close in on Series Win as Bangladesh Collapse Despite Fight

Sri Lanka moved to the brink of a series victory in the second Test against Bangladesh, ending Day 3 with the hosts still 96 runs behind and only four wickets in hand. After taking a commanding first-innings lead of 211 runs, Sri Lanka’s spinners, particularly Prabath Jayasuriya and Dhananjaya de Silva, dismantled Bangladesh’s top and middle order during the evening session.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 247 in their first innings, replying to Sri Lanka’s 458, which was powered by Pathum Nissanka’s 158, Chandimal’s 93, and Kusal Mendis’ 84. Despite a glimmer of hope in the morning when Taijul Islam picked up a five-wicket haul and helped restrict Sri Lanka’s tail, Bangladesh’s batters faltered again under pressure in the second innings. At stumps, they were reeling at 115 for 6.

Jayasuriya spun a relentless spell, troubling batters with sharp turn and angles, while Dhananjaya chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Mushfiqur Rahim was the only batter to resist briefly, but even he fell late in the day to Jayasuriya’s turn.

Earlier, Bangladesh had managed to remove key Sri Lankan batters on Day 3 morning, but their efforts were blunted by partnerships lower down the order. Kusal Mendis held firm before being run out by a direct hit from Ebadot Hossain. The innings concluded with Sri Lanka firmly in control, and their bowlers ensured that the momentum carried over.

Unless the lower order stages an unlikely fightback on Day 4, Bangladesh appear set for an innings defeat, despite some excellent individual performances. The match has also highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing strength in the spin department and Bangladesh’s continued struggle to build pressure across full innings.

27/06/2025

India Sets Unwanted Record After Leeds Test Loss Despite 5 Centuries

In a shocking outcome at Headingley, Leeds, India has become the first team in Test cricket history to lose a match despite scoring five individual centuries.

During the high-scoring first Test against England, India posted impressive totals of 471 in the first innings and 364 in the second. England responded with 465 in their first innings and successfully chased down a target of 371 runs, finishing at 373/5, clinching victory by 5 wickets.

What makes this defeat particularly bitter for India is the unprecedented statistical anomaly:
No team in over 150 years of Test cricket had ever lost a match after scoring five centuries.

📊 India’s Centurions in the Match:

Yashasvi Jaiswal – 101

Shubman Gill – 147

Rishabh Pant – 134 & 118 (twin centuries)

KL Rahul – 137

Despite these stellar individual performances, India failed to stop England’s aggressive counterattack and became part of an unwanted chapter in Test cricket history.

Previously, the most centuries by a losing side was four, recorded back in 1929 when Australia lost to England in Melbourne. That mark stood for nearly a century — until now.

India’s record, unfortunately, may be remembered more for the collapse in ex*****on than for the centuries it featured.

27/06/2025

Usman Khawaja Refuses Interview in Solidarity with Journalist Fired for Supporting Gaza

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has taken a strong and principled stand in support of Palestinians in Gaza, refusing to give an interview to a media outlet that had previously fired journalist Peter Lalor for expressing pro-Gaza sentiments.

According to Australian media, Khawaja declined to speak with the outlet after spotting their microphone during a scheduled post-match interview on Day 1 of the ongoing Test against the West Indies. He politely apologized to the reporters present but stood firm in his decision.

The outlet in question had earlier terminated Peter Lalor, a respected cricket journalist, after he voiced support for Gaza on social media in February. Khawaja had already shown public support for Lalor at the time, calling out the unjust dismissal.

Lalor himself responded to Khawaja's recent action, stating:

“Usman is a man of principle. His support when I lost my job meant a lot — and I continue to appreciate his ongoing solidarity.”

Despite Khawaja's bold stand, Cricket Australia has confirmed that it will not impose any disciplinary action on the player.

Khawaja, who has been vocal on humanitarian issues, continues to use his platform to highlight causes that matter — even when it means taking a tough stance in the public eye.

27/06/2025

Why More Pakistani Cricketers Are Playing in BBL 2025?

This BBL season has seen a notable surge in the participation of Pakistani players, and the reason goes far beyond individual talent — it’s about rebuilding trust and stronger relations between the PCB and Cricket Australia.

According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s High Performance Centre has actively worked on strengthening ties with boards like Cricket Australia, targeting mutual cooperation, exchange programs, and clearer pathways for player development. As a result, NOCs (No Objection Certificates) — which used to face delays — were issued well in advance before the draft, enabling smooth participation of players.

In total, 7 Pakistani cricketers were picked in the BBL 2025 draft, reflecting this newfound cooperation.

Talks are ongoing regarding A team, U19, and women’s team bilateral tours, while the PCB also hopes to establish academy exchange programs between the two nations. Director of High Performance, Aaqib Javed, has been vocal about exposing players to high-quality cricket environments in countries like Australia and England.

This strengthened relationship is also expected to benefit the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as more Australian players may now be available for the upcoming season. Recently, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed Australia’s commitment to touring Pakistan again in the near future — another sign of restored trust.

27/06/2025

Prithvi Shaw Parts Ways with Mumbai After Ongoing Fitness and Selection Setbacks

India's former U19 World Cup-winning captain, Prithvi Shaw, has officially decided to part ways with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) after facing continuous challenges related to fitness and selection.

According to Indian media, the 25-year-old batter has requested and been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the MCA ahead of the upcoming domestic season. In a letter to the association, Shaw wrote:

“At this stage of my career, I have been given a professional opportunity by another association which I believe will help me grow further as a cricketer.”

The MCA’s secretary Abhay Hadap confirmed the board’s approval of Shaw’s departure. Reports suggest Shaw is likely to join the Maharashtra domestic side in the coming season.

Shaw, once hailed as one of India’s brightest young talents, was dropped from Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad last year due to fitness and disciplinary issues. A report from the team’s trainer cited that Shaw had over 35% body fat, following which his return was made conditional upon achieving adequate fitness levels.

Further disappointment followed when Shaw went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, intensifying speculation around his form and future in Indian cricket.

With this move, Prithvi Shaw hopes to revive his career by finding a fresh start and more consistent opportunities in a new domestic setup.

27/06/2025

Shah Rukh Khan Signs Two Pakistani Stars for CPL Team Trinbago Knight Riders

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who owns multiple cricket franchises across the globe, has signed two Pakistani cricketers for his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) team, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

According to Indian media, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Usman Tariq have officially joined the TKR squad for the upcoming CPL season.

🟢 Mohammad Amir, already a seasoned CPL player, has featured in 39 CPL matches, taking 51 wickets at an impressive average of 18.09. Known for his mastery in death overs and swing bowling, Amir is expected to strengthen TKR’s bowling attack and serve as a role model for younger bowlers.

🟢 Mohammad Usman Tariq, an off-spinner, is set to make his debut in West Indies. Usman rose to prominence in PSL 2025, where he delivered a breakout performance for Quetta Gladiators, claiming 10 wickets in just 5 matches.

Shah Rukh Khan’s investment in cricket continues to grow beyond Bollywood. With Trinbago Knight Riders already having four CPL titles, these new additions aim to further bolster the squad's dominance in the league.

Notably, while Pakistani cricketers still remain banned from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL), international leagues like CPL continue to open their doors for emerging and established stars from Pakistan.

27/06/2025

Former Indian Spinner Dilip Doshi Passes Away at 76

Former Indian left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi has passed away, reportedly due to a heart condition, as confirmed by cricket sources.

Dilip Doshi represented India in 33 Test matches, claiming 114 wickets during his career. He was known for his classical left-arm spin and calm demeanor on the field. Doshi was also part of the Indian squad that toured Pakistan in 1982–83, a series remembered for its intensity and competitiveness.

The cricketing fraternity mourns the loss of a veteran who was part of India’s golden generation of spin bowling.

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