Maradona says Messi is not a leader for Argentina

Lionel Messi "is not a leader," said Diego Maradona of the current Argentina talisman in an interview in Mexico.

"It's useless to try and make a leader out of someone who goes to the bathroom 20 times before a game," Maradona said on Fox Sports.

"Before speaking to the coach and players he will be on the PlayStation. Then, on the field, he wants to be the leader," Maradona said as he answered questions in a stumbling voice, sometimes seeming to contradict himself.

"He is the best in the world along with Cristiano [Ronaldo]," Maradona said. "But he's not a leader."

Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in the 1986, said Messi, who was again unable to emulate that feat in Russia this summer was expected to be "the saviour of the fatherland."

"Let's stop making a god out of Messi. Messi is Messi for Barcelona, but playing in an Argentina shirt he is another Messi."

Maradona, who is in Mexico coaching second-division Sinaloa, said that if he was Argentina coach he would "not call on Messi" before adding "never say never."

"You have to take the leadership away for him to be the Messi we want him to be," Maradona said.

Messi, who is 31, has not played for Argentina in three low-key friendlies since a 4-3 loss to eventual champions France in the first knock-out round at the World Cup, but has not officially retired from the national team.

 

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PSL draft to take place on November 20 in Islamabad

The much-awaited Pakistan Super League Player (PSL) draft for the fourth edition will take place on Tuesday, November 20 in Islamabad.The player draft has been moved out of Lahore in a bid to make more cities part of PSL activities.

In the lead up to this year’s draft, all six teams will finalise their player retentions by November 13. The trade window will close a day earlier on November 12. As per the rules for this season, each team can retain a maximum of 10 players.

This season’s pool of top-tier player roster includes foreign stars such as AB de Villiers, Steve Smith, Kieron Pollard, Colin Munro, Shane Watson, Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn and Daren Sammy.

This galaxy of foreign stars will team up with Pakistan’s leading talent including the likes of national skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali and Fakhar Zaman.

Players who took part in last year’s season can be retained, traded or released back into the draft pool.Following the PSL final in Karachi this year, there are a total of eight games scheduled to take place in Pakistan (Karachi and Lahore).Pakistan Super League returns to action on February 14, 2019.

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Pakistan's Imam out of second Test with finger injury

Pakistan's fast-rising opener Imam-ul-Haq was Thursday ruled out of the second Test against Australia after injuring his little finger during the Dubai match.

The 22-year-old left hander injured his finger while fielding in Australia s second innings on Thursday which was later found to be fractured.

"Imam has fractured the fifth finger of his left hand while fielding and has been ruled out of the second Test starting in Abu Dhabi from October 16," a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman said.

Imam scored a brilliant 76 and then 48 in the ongoing Test, fourth of his career started in Ireland in May this year.

Imam will continue to be monitored before the three-match Twenty20 series against Australia starting in Abu Dhabi from October 24.

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First Test between Pakistan and Australia ended in a draw

The first Test match of two-match series between Australia and Pakistan ended in draw as Australian skipper Paine defied odds to survive nearly fifteen overs with the tail.

Usman Khawaja played a brilliant innings of 141.

Earlier, Pakistan had declared their second innings at 181 thus setting a target of 462 runs to win. In reply, Australia managed 362 runs on the loss of eight wickets.

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Australia's batting weakest I've seen in a long time: Shane Warne

Spin legend Shane Warne on Wednesday said that this is the weakest Australian batting line-up that he has ever seen.

In an interview with The Canberra Times Warne said, “Australian cricket at the moment is struggling. I think we have got a fantastic bowling unit, good reserves and back up but our batting is as weak as I have seen in a long long time.”

The 49-year-old further said the batting line-up is missing the experience of Steve Smith and David Warner.

Earlier this year, Cricket Australia banned Smith and Warner from cricket for 12 months.

“Two of our top five batsmen in the world, Warner and Smith have been banned for 12 months. The Australian batting revolves around them."

"Without them, the batting line-up is dependent on Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh. They are now our two leading batsmen, carrying the workload of the batting line up,” he added.

Warne further said, “I hope they stick with Aaron Finch and he continues to make some runs. He is someone that could captain the side.”

Australian are currently touring the United Arab Emirates from September to October 2018 to play two Tests and three T20I matches against Pakistan.

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Disheartened Rehman retires from international cricket

Former Pakistan left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, who along with teammate Saeed Ajmal famously stunned England during a 3-0 defeat in 2012, announced his retirement from international cricket Wednesday.

The 38-year-old took 19 wickets and Ajmal finished with 24 when Pakistan whitewashed the then-world number one Test team in United Arab Emirates six years ago in one of the finest performances of his career.

However, Rehman said he was disheartened as of late after being ignored by national selectors.

"I am announcing retirement from international cricket with a heavy heart," Rehman told media in Lahore. "It was a tough decision but I have decided to call it a day."

A wily spinner, Rehman finished his 22 Test career just one short of a deserved hundred wicket mark, while he took 30 in 31 one-days and eight wickets in 11 Twenty20 internationals.

His last Test was in Sri Lanka in 2014 before the selectors began picking younger players in his place to form a new team.

Rehman said dismantling the English batsmen in 2012 was his most memorable moment as a professional.

"The partnership with Saeed was really great and I can´t ever forget that England series when we clean swept them," said Rehman.

"I played in World Cups, in T20s so am very grateful I managed all that," said Rehman, who will continue playing first-class cricket in Pakistan.

"I´m sad I couldn´t get that 100th wicket, that would´ve really been something, but I´m still grateful for 99 wickets in 22 Tests. Very few left-arm spinners have that," he added.

Rehman´s reputation was also briefly hit by a 12-week ban after failing a drugs test during a stint with Somerset just a few months after his brilliant bowling against England in 2012.

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Australia 136-3 in chase of 462-run target by Pakistan

Australia, chasing a daunting target of 462 runs, were 136-3 at close on the fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai on Wednesday.

Usman Khawaja was unbeaten on 50 and Travis Head 34 not out at close with Australia still needing an improbable 326 runs for victory while Pakistan need seven wickets on the final day for a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Medium pacer Mohammad Abbas took all three wickets for 26 runs. Pakistan had declared their second innings on 181-6 after resuming at 45-3.

Jon Holland took 3-83 while Nathan Lyon finished with 2-58.

Earlier Pakistan declared their second innings for 181 for six and set a target of 462 for Australia to chase on day four of the first Test in Dubai on Wednesday.

Pakistan lost two early wickets but still built a formidable lead over Australia. They went to the interval at 155 for five in their second innings, with Asad Shafiq on 22 and Babar Azam unbeaten on 23.

Pakistan made 482 in their first innings while in reply Australia were dismissed for 202.

Jon Holland, who took the key wicket of Azhar Ali for four on Tuesday, dismissed opener Imam-ul-Haq for 48, caught and bowled off a flighted delivery.

Debutant Marnus Labuschagne then had Haris Sohail caught close to the slips for 39, leaving Pakistan at 110-4. Sohail and Imam had added 65 runs for the fourth wicket.

Holland has figures of 3-71 from 16 overs while off-spinner Nathan Lyon has yet to take a wicket.

In the first session, Holland and Labuschagne dismissed Imam and Haris as Pakistan continued to add to their overnight score of 45.

Despite being jolted by spinner Holland's two key wickets of Mohammad Hafeez (17) and Azhar Ali (four), Pakistan closed day three on 45-3, having an overall lead of 325 with seven second-innings wickets intact to force a win.

Opener Imam was unbeaten on 23 while nightwatchman Asif was dismissed for nought, unable to guard Azhar from coming to bat in a crucial stage.

Test debutant Bilal Asif snatched six wickets to spark a spectacular Australian collapse from 142-0 to 202 all out and put Pakistan in firm command of the first Test in Dubai on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old off-spinner overshadowed his more experienced team-mate Yasir Shah by finishing with 6-36 as his efforts, the third best figures for a Pakistani bowler on Test debut, derailed Australia on a pitch which started to assist spinners on the third day.

It was a day highlighted by Asif who triggered a memorable Australian collapse against spin in Asia to mark a long-awaited Test debut.

"I knew that my chance would come, so I waited and waited and thanks God I have done myself proud by getting six wickets on debut, it´s a tremendous feeling," said Asif.

"I was struggling a bit in the first session, but all my team-mates and coaches gave me confidence and that increased my energy which helped me get six wickets."

Asif, who had previously played three one-day internationals in 2015, came into his own after pacer Mohammad Abbas removed Finch following an opening stand of 142.

In a spell of 22 balls Asif took four wickets as Australia slumped to 180-5 by tea.

The second session belonged to Asif, who dismissed Khawaja, Shaun Marsh (seven), Travis Head (nought) and Marnus Labuschagne (nought) in the space of 29 runs.

Asif´s feats on debut had only been bettered by fast bowler Mohammad Zahid (7-66 vs New Zealand in Rawalpindi in 1994) and spinner Mohammad Nazir (7-99 against New Zealand in Karachi in 1969).

Asif is the 11th Pakistani bowler to take five or more wickets in an innings on Test debut.

Before Asif's brilliance, Abbas had forced Finch to drive straight into the hands of Asad Shafiq at short mid-on.

Khawaja hit eight fours before miscuing a premeditated sweep and was caught at short leg while Finch had five boundaries and a six in his knock.

Leg-spinner Yasir was unlucky not to be amongst wickets, having dropped Mitchell Marsh off his own bowling for two and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed missing a stump in the first session with Khawaja on 17.

Yasir went wicketless after 28 probing overs.

Earlier in the day, Finch was more confident as he punched two boundaries and a six off Yasir before sweeping Asif for a boundary to reach his half-century.

Khawaja, the Pakistan-born batsman, improved upon his previous best score in Asia of 26, made against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2011, by reaching his 13th Test half-century.

The second and final Test starts in Abu Dhabi from October 16. Both teams will also play three T20 internationals after Tests.

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Tahir bowls South Africa to victory over Zimbabwe

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir bowled South Africa to a 34-run win in the first Twenty20 international against Zimbabwe at Buffalo Park on Tuesday.

Tahir took five for 23 as South Africa, defending a modest total of 160 for six, bowled out the tourists for 126.

The damage was done in the first four overs as Tahir, sharing the new ball, took the first three wickets.

"I’ve been practising with the new ball to see if I can get more accurate (in case) I get a chance to bowl with it," he said after claiming his best figures in 20-over internationals.

He came back later to take two wickets off successive balls to reduce Zimbabwe to 65 for six.

Peter Moor hit four successive sixes off left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi as he and Brandon Mavuta briefly raised Zimbabwean hopes with an eighth wicket stand of 53 off 19 balls. Moor made 44 off 21 balls and Mavuta hit 28 off 14 balls.

New cap Rassie van der Dussen steadied South Africa s innings, scoring 56 after coming in with his team struggling on 11 for two in the second over.

Van der Dussen and David Miller (39) put on 87 off 66 balls for the fourth wicket but South Africa were unable to dominate against a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling attack on a slow pitch.

"The bowlers continued their good work. They did brilliantly," said Zimbabwe captain Hamilton Masakadza, who admitted that the batting had failed again after Zimbabwe were beaten 3-0 in a one-day series before the T20 games. "We haven t had any sort of foundation," he said.

Kyle Jarvis took three for 37 and Chris Mpofu took two for 24. Both claimed early wickets and bowled well in the death overs, with South Africa able to score only 36 runs while losing three wickets in the last four overs.

Leg-spinner Mavuta, 21, a former Zimbabwe under-19 captain, showed outstanding control, taking one for 19 in four overs. He dismissed South African captain Faf du Plessis for a hard-hit 34 off 20 balls.

"We thought 155 was par," said Du Plessis. "It was a nice challenge for us because there was quite a bit of dew out there."

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Pakistan 45-3 at close against Australia

Pakistan were 45-3 in their second innings of the first Test against Australia in Duabi on Tuesday, having an overall lead of 325 runs.

Imam-ul-Haq was unbeaten on 23 while Azhar Ali was dismissed for four in the last over of the day, after Australia were bowled out for 202 in their first innings, conceding a lead of 280 runs.

Earlier Debutant Pakistan off-spinner Bilal Asif led an Australian collapse with six wickets on the third day of the first Test in Dubai on Tuesday.

Australia were all out for 202 after a solid opening stand of 142-0 on a Dubai stadium pitch which started to take a sharp turn.

Pakistan decided not to enforce follow-on and are batting again with a lead of 280 runs.

Pacer Mohammad Abbas claimed four wickets.

It was a total contrast from the pre-lunch session when Australia -- resuming at 30-0 - reached 137 without loss with both Usman Khawaja and debutant Aaron Finch defying Pakistani spinners during their resistance-packed stand.

But the second session belonged to Asif, who dismissed Usman Khawaja (85), Shaun Marsh (seven), Travis Head (nought) and Marnus Labuschagne (nought) in the space of 29 runs.

Pakistan, though, were put on track by Abbas who forced Finch to drive straight into the hands of Asad Shafiq at short mid-on after scoring 62.

Khawaja hit eight fours before miscuing a premeditated sweep and was caught at short leg while Finch had five boundaries and a six in his knock.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah was unlucky not to be amongst wickets, having dropped Mitchell Marsh off his own bowling for two and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed missing a stump in the first session with Khawaja on 17.

Earlier in the day Finch was more confident as he punched two boundaries and a six off Yasir before sweeping Asif for a boundary to reach his half-century.

Khawaja, the Pakistan-born batsman, improved upon his previous best score in Asia of 26, made against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2011, by reaching his 13th Test half-century.

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'My face when they say they didn't like my jump' - Khabib posts 'apology' for UFC fracas

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov says he hopes he didn't 'hurt anyone's feelings' in a post to social media for his jump over the octagon, and subsequent brawl after his UFC 229 win over Conor McGregor.

Nurmagomedov submitted MMA superstar McGregor by rear naked choke in the fourth round of their megafight in Las Vegas, after which he hopped over the octagon and became involved in a brawl with members of McGregor's team.

"My face when someone says that they didn't like my jump, but I tried so hard," Nurmagomedov posted, adding: “I hope I didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings with this jump.”

The fighter, 30, reportedly went after McGregor's jiu-jitsu coach Dillon Danis, who had allegedly targeted him with taunts from the side of the cage.

The Dagestani fighter apologized for his actions at the post-fight press conference, but claimed McGregor's past behavior had been far worse, including attacking a bus carrying Nurmagomedov and other UFC fighters in April, as well as frequent insults in the run-up to the bout.

Nurmagomedov, who extended his flawless professional record to 27-0 with the win on Saturday night, could be stipped of his belt over the brawl, according to UFC chief Dana White.

White said that the Nevada state authorities would likely take action, while Nurmagomedov has also had his prizemoney withheld.

Several members of his team are also reportedly facing sanctions - including fellow UFC fighter Zubaira Tukhugov.

The Russian is due to arrive home to a hero's welcome in his native Dagestan later on Monday, where he will meet fans at Makhackala's Anzhi Arena - home to the fighter's favorite football team.

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Pakistan Bowled Out For 482 Runs in first Test against Australia

Pakistan were bowled out for 482 in their first innings on the second day of the first Test against Australia in Dubai on Monday.

Haris Sohail scored 110 for his maiden hundred while Asad Shafiq scored 80 after Pakistan resumed the day at 255-3 in Dubai, losing their last six wickets for 72 runs.

Fast bowler Peter Siddle finished with 3-58 while off-spinner Nathan Lyon took 2-114

Earlier Sohail and Shafiq ensured Pakistan built on a solid foundation laid by opener Mohammad Hafeez who made 126 on the opening day. The opening wicket produced 205 runs with Imam-ul-Haq who scored 76.Pakistan lost nightwatchman Mohammad Abbas in the fifth over of the day, bowled by fast bowler Peter Siddle for one in the fifth over of the day.

Siddle was the pick of the bowlers with 2-28.

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Hafeez hits century as Pakistan dominate against Australia

Mohammad Hafeez (113) and Imamul Haq (69) are unbeaten on day one as Pakistan reach 193/0 against Australia.

Earlier Pakistan had won the toss and decided to bat first in the first of the two-match Test series in Dubai.

Travis Head, Aaron Finch and Marnus Labuschagne are making their debut for Australia. This is the first time that the Aussies are playing with three debutants in a Test in Asia.

Meanwhile Bilal Asif gets his maiden Test cap for the hosts Pakistan.

Lineups

Australia:

Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Tim Paine (captain and wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Jon Holland and Nathan Lyon.

Pakistan:

Mohammad Hafeez, Imamul Haq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (captain and wicketkeeper), Haris Sohail, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Abbas.

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Sarfraz wants Yasir Shah to attack new-look Australia

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has warned that his ace leg-spinner Yasir Shah will attack a depleted and new-look Australia when they meet in the first of two Test matches starting in Dubai from Sunday.

Australia face a trial by spin as has so often been the case on their tours to Asia.

In the space of six years, they have lost 12 of their 15 Tests with only two wins and one draw on tours of India (twice), one each to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

They lost 2-0 to Pakistan in UAE in 2014, with Yasir taking 12 and left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar 14 wickets. But Yasir will now be the lone experienced bowler after Babar faded last year.

Australia will also be under pressure to overcome the loss of their regular captain Steve Smith and dashing opener David Warner along with Cameron Bancroft after they were banned for up to a year for their part in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March.

Sarfraz said he will attack Australia in their first Test since the ball-tampering saga.

“When we played Australia in 2014 we played some attacking cricket,” said Sarfraz. “Yasir is our main bowler so we will want him to attack and get us wickets to win the series.

“But similarly we will not put extra pressure on him and will not want him to go in a defensive mode so other bowlers will have to support him.” Pakistan will also have 33-year-old off-spinner Bilal Asif who played three one-day internationals in 2015 but has yet to play a Test.

Another leg-spinner in the squad, Shadab Khan, is unlikely to feature in the eleven having not fully recovered from a groin injury, but recalled allrounder Mohammad Hafeez will turn his arm over as a back-up spinner.

Hafeez's action was cleared as legal in May this year and could prove dangerous for Australian left-handers.

Sarfraz admitted Pakistan's batsmen will also face a challenge against Australia's veteran spinner Nathan Lyon who took 8-103 in the drawn tour game in Dubai earlier this week.

“We attacked him four years ago and at that time we had great batsmen in Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq,” said Sarfraz of the 2014 series when Lyon got only three wickets in two Tests.

“Four years on he is a better bowler so he will be their main bowler and a challenge for us,” said Sarfraz of Lyon, who grabbed 41 wickets in six matches in India and Bangladesh last year.

Without Younis and Misbah — both retired last year — Pakistan may succumb to their own medicine, as they did in their 2-0 defeat against Sri Lanka last year — their first series defeat in UAE since making it their neutral venue in 2009.

Sarfraz said Australia's challenge would to improve their performance in Asia.

“Australia want to focus on an improved performance in Asia, so that's their challenge while our focus and challenge is to play good cricket and win the series,” said Sarfraz, whose team drew their last series in England 1-1 in June this year.

Austlian captain Tim Paine admitted Yasir will pose challenge for his team.

“Yasir is clearly a world-class bowler who's got a phenomenal record at this ground in Dubai. We're going to have to take everything we've been working on,” said Paine.

“We've faced a hell of a lot spin, there's no doubt about that and Australian touring sides always do,” said Paine.

Sriram brought two Indian wrist spinners, Pardeep Sahu and left-arm wrist spinner KK Jiyas, to UAE for net practice ahead of the Tests.

Pakistan did not include any spinner in the warmup game allowing Mitchell Marsh to score a brilliant 162 while Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh and Travis Head all scored 90s to tune up for the Test.

Finch, Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Michael Neser are all likely to make Test debuts in Dubai. The second Test will be played in Abu Dhabi from October 16.

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ICC World Cup Trophy put on display in twin cities

The 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup Trophy was put on display in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday as a part of its worldwide trophy tour.

The trophy had arrived in the Capital on late Thursday. The trophy was put on display for fans at two places – Beacon House Campus at Sector H-8 Islamabad and Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi.

Former leg-spin wizard Abdul Qadir and wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal, who were present at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium lifted the trophy.

Talking to media Abdul Qadir expressed the optimism that Pakistan would win the world cup. He said Imran Khan was a great captain under whom Pakistan won the 1992 world cup. “Now he is Prime Minister of Pakistan and I hope that he will take decisions for the betterment of cricket in the country”, he added.

Kamran Akmal said that he was thrilled to lift the trophy. “I wish my country to win the world cup. However for winning the mega event Pakistan’s preparations should start right now”, he added.

The trophy will be put on display for fans at various places in the Capital on Saturday including Faisal Mosque and Daman-e-Koh. The final stop of the trophy in Pakistan will be Karachi. It will be put on display at the National Stadium Karachi on Sunday. It will be taken to Mohatta Palace and Frere Hall as well.

The trophy journey had kicked off in Dubai from ICC headquarters on August 27. “Travelling across five continents, 21 countries and over 60 cities the ‘most connected Trophy Tour ever’ will allow fans around the world to get up close to the coveted prize that will be lifted at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 14 July, 2019,” said the ICC in a statement.

The cricket World Cup will kick off on May 30, 2019.

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PCB imposes 4-month ban on Ahmad Shahzad for doping

Ahmad Shahzad has been banned for four months for violating the Pakistan Cricket Board’s anti-doping rules, a press release said on Friday.

The ban will be effective from July 10, 2018.The PCB states that Shahzad was charged with two anti-doping violations for the presence of a prohibited substance in his sample.

“Ahmad accepts that he has committed the violations of the PCB Rules, but had no intent to cheat or enhance his performance. Pursuant to a request from Ahmad, agreed Sanctions under Article 8.6 of the PCB Rules have been reached,” said the press release.

Apart from the ban, Shahzad will also deliver lectures on anti-doping as part of his rehabilitation.

Chairman PCB, Ehsan Mani, emphasized that “PCB has a zero tolerance policy towards doping in cricket and hopes that in future cricketers will exercise utmost care to ensure that no Prohibited Substances enter their system”.

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Pakistan Women Clinch T20 Series Against Bangladesh

Nashra Sandhu and Nida Dar led Pakistan to a series-clinching seven-wicket win in Cox’s Bazar. The spin duo proved too much for Bangladesh, sharing four wickets while giving away just 32 runs in their combined eight overs.

Nashra removed Fargana Hoque and Nigar Sultana before Nida took the wickets of Sanjida Islam and Fahima Khatun as Bangladesh could make only 81 runs for eight wickets in their 20 overs. There were two run-outs as well, and a wicket each for Aiman Anwer and Anam Amin. For the home side, Nigar top-scored with 19 off 29 balls.
Pakistan banked on two of their top three batsmen to reach their target in 18.1 overs.

Nahida Khan made 33 off 40 balls with three fours while captain Javeria Khan finished unbeaten on 31 off 37 balls. Leg-spinners Rumana Ahmed and Fahima took a wicket each for Bangladesh.

The fourth T20I will be held at the same venue on October 6, before the solitary ODI on October 8.

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Finch to captain Australia for Pakistan T20s in Dubai

Aaron Finch was Friday named Australia's skipper for the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, with Mitch Marsh and Alex Carey chosen as his vice-captains.

Finch, who captained Australia in the recent T20s in Zimbabwe, was among five debutants selected for the two-Test series before the short series.

“I've been extremely impressed with his impact on the Test squad over here in the UAE,” coach Justin Langer said in a statement. “We know he's an exceptional player, and he's arguably the most in-form T20 player in the world at the moment.”

Langer said batsman Chris Lynn and bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile were returning from injury after getting back in form.

“Lynn's... had an outstanding campaign in the JLT Cup to date and reminded us how explosive and powerful a cricketer he can be,” he added.

Rising stars Adam Zampa and Ben McDermott were also named in the squad after impressing in recent tournaments.

The three fixtures will be held in Dubai on October 24, 26 and 28.

Australia squad: Aaron Finch, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Darcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitch Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

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De Villiers and Smith headline PSL player draft platinum roster

South African legend AB de Villiers and prolific Australian batsman Steve Smith will be two of the star attractions at this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) Player Draft.

Some of the world’s most exciting T20 stars are set to dazzle at the PSL once again which re-runs to action on February 14 next year, said a spokesman of the Pakistan Cricket Board here on Thursday.

The list also includes the Windies trio of Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine. Bravo was picked up by Peshawar Zalmi last year but couldn’t join the team due to an injury. Pollard, the Multan Sultans all-rounder, said he was looking forward to play in the PSL once again.

“PSL is an extremely competitive tournament,” said Pollard. “Whenever availability permits, I always look forward to playing at the PSL,” he added.

Sunil Narine, who has been an integral part of the Lahore Qalandars squad, shared his excitement at seeing so many stars sign up for the 2019 edition. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the PSL in all these seasons,” said Narine. “The next year should be even bigger and better with such an impressive player roster.”

Australian star Chris Lynn, who was ruled out of last year’s tournament for Lahore Qalandars due to an injury, has also signed with the PSL again for the upcoming season.

Lynn is joined on the list by fellow Australian star Shane Watson who topped the batting charts for Quetta Gladiators last year with 319 runs in 10 matches.

Black Caps’ wicket-keeper batsman Luke Ronchi goes up from Diamond to Platinum this year, given his prolific form in the last season where he was the highest run-scorer with 435 runs in 11 matches for Islamabad United.

“I had a phenomenal run with at the Pakistan Super League last year and I can’t wait to get back into action,” said Ronchi. “I loved the hospitality of the people when we played in Karachi and we managed to create some very special memories by lifting the trophy last year,” added Ronchi while talking about his experience of playing in Pakistan.

Ronchi’s former New Zealand teammates Brendon McCullum and Mitchell McClenaghan would join him on the list.

Afghanistan spin sensation Rashid Khan will be looking to play his first PSL game this year after being called up for national duty last year. He is currently placed on the Quetta Gladiators’ roster. Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera is also in the mix as a Platinum category player, Perera has represented Gladiators in the past.

South African and Karachi Kings batsman Colin Ingram returns as a Platinum signing on the back of a very successful T20 campaign in England where he scored 430 runs in 11 matches this season. “Playing with Karachi Kings gave me a great opportunity to interact with some lovely people from Pakistan,” said Ingram. “The quality of cricket at the PSL stood out for me but, more importantly, I am very proud of the fact that I played in Pakistan and experienced what this game means to Pakistani fans.”

All those foreign players on this list who were a part of PSL squads last season can be retained, traded or released into the Draft Pool. With the trade and retention window currently open, the next few weeks promise to offer great excitement for PSL fans as teams will make key decisions on player retentions, trades and releases.

“This is a very exciting mix of top quality foreign players,” said Mr. Ehsan Mani, Chairman PCB. “In the next few days PSL will continue to announce more foreign player signings in various categories as the excitement grows around what should be an extremely interesting Player Draft.”

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Inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi T20 Cup kicks off today

The inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi T20 Cup will kick off today with six teams competing against each other for the title.

The three-day tournament will feature some of the top names in world cricket such as Imran Nazir, Abdul Razzaq, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Nuwan Kulasekara, Mitchell McClenaghan, Chris Morris, Albie Morkel, Colin Ingram, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Kyle Abbott and Johan Botha.

Lahore Qalandars from Pakistan, Auckland Aces from New Zealand, Hobart Hurricanes from Australia, Yorkshire Vikings from the United Kingdom, Boost Defenders from Afghanistan and Multiply Titans from South Africa will be participating in the tournament.

Speaking to the media, Qalandars vice-captain Abdul Razzaq said, “It is going to be a challenging event for everyone. All the teams comprise exciting players and it will be a treat for cricket fans to watch.”

South Africa’s Albie Morkel who plays for Multiply Titans hailed the tournament and said it can become as huge as the Champions League tournament where domestic teams from different countries play top level cricket.

“Hopefully this competition can grow into something like that [Champions League]. I think it’s important to expose young players to cricket like that,” Morkel added.

The opening match of the tournament will be played between Auckland Aces and Boost Defenders while the second match of the tournament will be played between Lahore Qalandars and Yorkshire Vikings.

 

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Steyn stars on return, Tahir grabs six wickets in South Africa romp

Dale Steyn made a triumphant return to one-day international cricket, starring with bat and ball as South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 120 runs in the second one-day international at the Mangaung Oval on Wednesday.

Playing in his first ODI in two years, Steyn top-scored with a career-best 60 in a South African total of 198, then took the first two wickets as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 78, giving South Africa a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir took six for 24, including a hat-trick, as Zimbabwe collapsed.

Steyn s batting rescued South Africa from a precarious 101 for seven but it was his fast bowling that probably impressed coach Ottis Gibson the most.

He bowled with plenty of pace and his figures of two for 19 in six overs scarcely reflected the problems he caused for the Zimbabwe batsmen on a pitch of uneven bounce.

Steyn said a stint with English county Hampshire had enabled him to start the South African season in good form.

"I ve been playing cricket and I feel cricket-fit," he said.

"The wicket was quite tough but it was nice that the opening bowlers had bowled out quite a lot of overs," he said of a 75-run eighth wicket stand with Andile Phehlukwayo (28).

Steyn hit eight fours and a six in an 85-ball innings. His previous best one-day international score was 35 against India in Jaipur in 2009/10.

Steyn struck with his seventh ball when he trapped Solomon Mire leg before wicket and followed up by dismissing Craig Ervine, who endured a torrid time against the veteran fast bowler before being caught at short midwicket.

"I had a nice breeze behind me and there was pace in the wicket. The wicket was a little up and down. If you run in on a wicket like that things will happen," he said.

Tahir ripped through the Zimbabwe batting when the fast bowlers were rested, trapping Brendan Taylor leg before in his first over, then dismissing Sean Williams, Elton Chigumbura and Peter Moor with successive deliveries before wrapping up the innings.

"The pitch wasn t ideal," said South African captain JP Duminy.

"The way Dale applied himself was exceptional and to see him bowling as quickly as he has is a really good sign for us."

 

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