Sports

LAHORE: Taking into account performance of past two years, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the six provincial squads from which First XI and Second XI teams will be picked by the respective coaches for the next season, which starts with the National T20 Cup on Sept 30. The first round of the T20 event will be staged in Multan …

TAUNTON: Pakistan star batsman Babar Azam will rejoin Somerset for this year’s domestic Twenty20 Blast, the English county announced on Saturday. Babar, the world’s top-ranked Twenty20 batsman, was the leading run-scorer in the 2019 edition. Babar, currently captaining Pakistan in their T20 series in England after featuring in all three Tests earlier in the tour, had agreed to return to …

Former cricketer Azhar Mahmood has no qualms about coaching England during the ongoing Twenty20 series, saying he is happy to “pass on my experience” regardless of nationality. Mahmood, 45, appeared in 164 international matches for Pakistan and was the bowling coach under Mickey Arthur before a new regime led by former captain Misbahul Haq was installed last year after a …

LONDON: Olympic officials thanked outgoing Japanese premier Shinzo Abe on Friday for his commitment to bringing the Games to Tokyo and said they would work closely with his successor as Japan bids to overcome the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic to hold the event next year. Abe, 65, announced his resignation due to poor health on Friday three weeks after the …

MANCHESTER: England captain Eoin Morgan has urged his players to seize their chance against a dangerous Babar Azam-led Pakistan side in the three-match Twenty20 International series that provides an early audition for next years World Cup. The teams were due to meet at Old Trafford on Friday night with England much changed from what would be considered their first-choice squad …

NEW DELHI: Several members of the Chennai Super Kings contingent have tested positive for coronavirus, local media reported Friday, dealing a blow to their preparations for the Indian Premier League starting in the United Arab Emirates next month. “A right-arm medium fast bowler, who has recently played for India, along with a few staff members have tested positive for Covid-19,” …

LONDON: Jurgen Klopp said on Thursday there is “no chance” of Liverpool signing Lionel Messi, but the German admits the unsettled Barcelona star would be a great addition to the Premier League. Messi has told Barcelona he wants to leave after growing unhappy with the club’s problems on and off the pitch. The Argentina forward has been linked with a …

LAHORE: Pakistan limited-overs captain Babar Azam vowed on Thursday his main focus is to win the Twenty20 series against second-ranked England instead of worrying about positives from the three matches at Old Trafford in Manchester. Addressing a virtual media conference on eve of the first game, the 25-year-old Babar — who has won two and lost as many T20 Internationals …

Manchester: Pakistan’s limited-overs captain Babar Azam has aimed to score a century in the upcoming T20I series against England, starting from August 28th in Manchester. While talking to reporters, the 25-year-old was disappointed on his performances in Test series but he has analyzed his mistakes and will try to rectify in the upcoming Test matches. “I always try to play …

Manchester: Eoin Morgan believes England must field their strongest Twenty20 side as often as possible if they are to triumph at next year’s T20 World Cup and replicate their 50-over global triumph. The coronavirus pandemic has led England to name separate red-ball and white-ball squads this season, with the likes of all-format stars such as Test captain Joe Root, Ben …