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Where to watch Pakistan vs India U19 Asia Cup final in Pakistan

Posted on by Muhammad Usman

Pakistan will face India in the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup on Sunday, December 21, at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.

The first ball of the match is set for 10 am PST.

Where to watch:

Fans can watch the live broadcast on PTV Sports, while digital streaming will be available on Tamasha for those following online.

Since its inception in 1989, Pakistan, winners of the 2004 and 2006 ICC Men’s U19 World Cups, has yet to claim the U19 Asia Cup title in its 11 editions.

India have won the tournament seven times, while Bangladesh took the title in 2023 and 2024, and Afghanistan lifted it in 2017.

The 2012 final between Pakistan and India ended in a tie, resulting in a shared trophy.

In the ongoing tournament, Pakistan won two of their three Group ‘A’ matches and earned a spot in the final after defeating Bangladesh under 19 by eight wickets in the second semi-final on December 19.

The team will rely on batting star Sameer Minhas, who has scored 299 runs in four matches, including a century and a half-century.

On the bowling side, right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan has taken 11 wickets from three matches, while left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Sayyam has claimed eight wickets.

In their group-stage clash, India defeated Pakistan by 90 runs, adding extra excitement and anticipation to the final showdown.

Pakistan 15-member squad for the final:

Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, and Sameer Minhas.

These top unsold IPL players create big opportunities for PSL franchises

Posted on by Muhammad Usman

Several well-known overseas cricketers went unsold in the latest Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction, creating a strong opportunity for Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises ahead of PSL 11.

The IPL held a relatively smaller mini-auction this year at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, marking the third straight time the event took place outside India.

With only 77 total slots available, including a limited number for overseas players, many established foreign names failed to attract bids despite impressive T20 credentials.

As a result, the PSL now has a wide pool of experienced international players to choose from.

These cricketers bring proven skills, global exposure, and the ability to strengthen team combinations, especially in key areas such as power-hitting, fast bowling, and spin options.

The list of unsold players includes top talents from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.

Top foreign players who went unsold in the latest IPL auction include Jake Fraser-McGurk, Devon Conway, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Jonny Bairstow, Jamie Smith, Gerald Coetzee, Spencer Johnson, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Michael Bracewell, and Daryl Mitchell.

Other notable names include Gus Atkinson, Wiaan Mulder, Maheesh Theekshana, Wahidullah Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Sean Abbott, Dasun Shanaka, Waqar Salamkheil, Dan Lawrence, Taskin Ahmed, Richard Gleeson, Alzarri Joseph, Riley Meredith, Jhye Richardson, Connor Esterhuizen, Daniel Lategan, Nathan Smith, and Will Sutherland.

Many of them have performed consistently in international cricket and major T20 leagues around the world.

With PSL 11 approaching, franchises are expected to closely monitor these players.

The league has often attracted overseas stars who value regular playing time and a competitive environment.

In previous seasons, several high-profile players opted for the PSL due to its growing reputation and strong viewership.

The availability of these foreign players could significantly raise the quality and excitement of the upcoming PSL season, while also giving unsold IPL players a chance to showcase their skills on a major stage.

The PSL 11 auction will be held on January 8 2026.

PSL 11 set to feature 44 matches across five cities: reports

Posted on by Muhammad Usman

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 format has been revealed, with the eleventh edition set to take place from March 26 to May 3 across five cities in Pakistan, according to Geo News.

The report says a total of 44 matches are expected to be played during the tournament.

According to details, the event will feature eight teams competing in a single-league format, with each team set to play at least 10 matches.

The entire tournament is expected to be completed in 39 days.

Geo News further reported that the first phase of PSL 11 will include 28 matches, after which the eight teams will be divided into two groups of four for the second phase.

In the Super Four stage, each team will play three matches.

The top two teams from each group are then expected to advance to the playoffs.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also said that international cricket will be played at the Muzaffarabad Stadium, adding that efforts are underway to host Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 matches at the venue.

According to Geo News, Naqvi made the remarks while chairing a PCB Board of Governors meeting held via video link.

During the meeting, members praised the successful PSL roadshows held in London and New York, commending the chairman and his team for their hard work and professional approach.

Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said, “The success of the PSL roadshows is a collective achievement of the PCB and the entire PSL team, and everyone worked tirelessly day and night to make PSL an international brand.”

The meeting also approved the second phase of renovation work at the National Cricket Stadium Karachi.

In addition, it was decided that the LCCA Ground would be upgraded on the lines of the Oval Ground.

The Board of Governors praised Mohsin Naqvi’s personal efforts in ensuring the continuation of Sri Lanka’s recent tour of Pakistan.

Responding to this, the PCB chairman said, “The credit for continuing the Sri Lankan tour does not go to me alone but to the entire team. We worked with sincerity, and Allah Almighty helped us.”

The meeting was attended by Board of Governors members Ismail Qureshi, Tariq Sarwar, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, Anwar Ghani, Zaheer Abbas, and Tanveer Ahmed.

Zafarullah, Mustafa Ramday, Adnan Malik, the Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, and PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer were also present.

Senior officials, including the Chief Financial Officer, directors of infrastructure, domestic cricket, commercial departments, and other relevant officers, also attended the session.

PSL 11 set to start on same day as IPL 19

Posted on by Muhammad Usman

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026, the same day as the Indian Premier League (IPL 19), raising anticipation and potential challenges for franchises, according to ESPNCricinfo.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the eleventh edition of the PSL will run until May 3, giving the tournament a 39-day window, while the IPL 2026 is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 31.

This PSL season will feature eight teams, following the addition of two new franchises.

Despite the expanded lineup, the PCB has decided to keep the schedule compact rather than extending the tournament.

In previous seasons with six teams, the PSL followed a double round-robin format with 34 matches, where each team played the others twice before the top four advanced to the playoffs.

While the full fixture list for PSL 11 has yet to be announced, the shorter timeframe is expected to include more double-headers and could see a modified competition structure.

The PSL calendar has faced disruptions in recent years.

Last season, the tournament was split into two legs after the Pakistan-India conflict delayed proceedings by 10 days, although all matches were eventually completed within 34 days.

Earlier editions of the league, up to PSL 9, were usually held in February and March.

However, ICC tournaments and Pakistan’s busy home schedule have shifted the PSL into the April–May window in the last two seasons.

The overlap with IPL 19, expected to run until the end of May, may create challenges for player recruitment, as many top overseas cricketers often prioritize the IPL.

Nevertheless, the PCB believes the clash could have advantages, allowing franchises to retain players who commit to the PSL for the entire season.

Shaheen, Rizwan, Babar struggle to shine in BBL

Posted on by Muhammad Usman

Pakistan’s top cricket stars Shaheen Shah Afridi, Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam endured a difficult start to their Big Bash League (BBL) debut as all three failed to make the desired impact during their opening matches.

Shaheen Shah Afridi disastrous BBL debut:

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi had a disastrous beginning to his BBL campaign while representing Brisbane Heat against Melbourne Renegades in Victoria.

Playing his first-ever BBL match, Shaheen struggled with controlling the rhythm, conceding runs freely against aggressive Renegades batters.

He bowled only 2.4 overs, leaking 43 runs without taking a wicket, placing significant pressure on his side early in the innings.

Shaheen’s outing worsened when he delivered two beamers during his third over, forcing umpires to disallow him from bowling further in the match.

The left-arm pacer, who was the overall first pick in the BBL draft, looked unsettled and failed to execute his usual pace and swing effectively.

Cricket analysts noted that nerves and unfamiliar conditions may have played a role in Shaheen’s uncharacteristically erratic performance.

Babar Azam falls for single digit:

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam also experienced a disappointing start to his Big Bash League career with Sydney Sixers.

Opening the innings against Perth Scorchers at Perth Stadium, Babar scored just two runs off five deliveries before being dismissed early.

He lost his opening partner Daniel Hughes on the third ball, putting immediate pressure on him to anchor the innings.

Babar showed initial caution, blocking his first delivery, but struggled to rotate the strike and failed to find timing against the new ball.

Despite surviving a brief scare in the following over, he could not build momentum and eventually departed cheaply.

Muhammad Rizwan dismissed for 4:

Muhammad Rizwan also faced a challenging debut, failing to adjust quickly to the conditions during his first BBL appearance.

Rizwan was dismissed for a low score after attempting a slog sweep against spinner Paddy Dooley at GMHBA Stadium.

The shot resulted in a top edge, allowing Max Bryant to complete a straightforward catch in the deep.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, in the commentary box, questioned Rizwan’s shot selection.

Expectations were high from Rizwan, given his international reputation, but he appeared uncomfortable during his brief stay at the crease.

Experts believe adapting to Australian pitches and conditions remains a key challenge for overseas players in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Despite the poor starts, fans remain hopeful that the Pakistani trio will bounce back strongly in upcoming matches.