Cricket

The highly anticipated five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to commence on April 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, the series is facing a potential threat from inclement weather, with Geo News reporting that Rawalpindi is expected to experience rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the week.The New Zealand team arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, eager to fine-tune their squad ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. The Kiwis have named experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell as their skipper for the tour, as the majority of their players are currently involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Pakistan, on the other hand, will be led by Babar Azam, who recently regained the captaincy of the white-ball format. The Men in Green will be looking to avenge their 4-1 T20I series defeat against the Blackcaps earlier this year.The series will also mark the return of star pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who have reversed their retirements and made sensational comebacks to the Pakistan squad. Former fast bowler Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the head coach for the series, while Wahab Riaz will serve as the senior team manager.Both teams have announced their squads for the five-match series:Pakistan:* Babar Azam (c)* Abrar Ahmed* Azam Khan* Fakhar Zaman* Iftikhar Ahmed* Imad Wasim* Mohammad Abbas Afridi* Mohammad Rizwan* Mohammad Amir* Irfan Niazi* Naseem Shah* Saim Ayub* Shadab Khan* Shaheen Afridi* Usman Khan* Zaman Khan* Usama MirNew Zealand:* Michael Bracewell (c)* Tom Blundell* Mark Chapman* Josh Clarkson* Jacob Duffy* Dean Foxcroft* Ben Lister* Cole McConchie* Zack Fowlkes* Jimmy Neesham* Will O'Rourke* Tim Robinson* Ben Sears* Tim Seifert* Ish SodhiWith both teams eager to prove their mettle and prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the five-match series promises to be an exciting and competitive affair. However, the weather conditions could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the matches.

Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 is set to witness a star-studded lineup of international players, with several high-profile signings announced on the eve of the tournament.Texas Super KingsThe Texas Super Kings, owned by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, have acquired New Zealand allrounder Daryl Mitchell as their new overseas signing. Mitchell, who was part of CSK's IPL squad in 2023, will join his New Zealand teammates Mitchell Santner and Devon Conway in the USA.MI New YorkThe defending champions, MI New York, have bolstered their squad with the signings of West Indies allrounder Romario Shepherd and South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje. Shepherd, who has been in impressive form for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, will reunite with his former West Indies captain and Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard at MI NY.Seattle OrcasThe Seattle Orcas have signed New Zealand spin-bowling allrounder Michael Bracewell, who has been troubled by injuries in recent times. Bracewell will join his former Wellington Firebirds teammate Finn Allen at the Orcas.San Francisco UnicornsThe San Francisco Unicorns have acquired Australian batter Matt Short. Short, who has played for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, will add depth to the Unicorns' batting lineup.Other Notable SigningsWest Indies wicketkeeper-batter Jahmar Hamilton has been picked by the Unicorns, while former Pakistan international Hammad Azam has joined the Orcas. Former Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter Adithya Ganesh has been selected by the Los Angeles Knight Riders as the No.1 pick in the domestic draft.Super Kings' Head Coach Stephen Fleming's CommentsSuper Kings' head coach Stephen Fleming, who worked with Mitchell during his time with the New Zealand coaching staff, expressed his excitement about the allrounder's signing. "I'm really excited to be part of the Texas Super Kings and to get to yellove again and be part of the CSK family," Mitchell said.Shepherd's Impact on MI NYShepherd's addition to MI NY's squad is expected to strengthen their death bowling. The West Indian has added a Dwayne Bravo-esque slower dipper to his repertoire, which will be a valuable asset for the team.Domestic DraftIn the domestic draft, the Super Kings snapped up Raj Nannan and Josh Tromp, while the Knight Riders selected Adithya Ganesh as their top pick. The Super Kings have also added USA mystery spinner Anirudh Immanuel as a net bowler.