Cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its new batch of central contracts, with notable omissions of former captain Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz. The contracts, which were pending approval for some time, have been awarded to 16 players, with Fatima Sana, the current captain, moving up to Category A.Dar, who was in Category A last year, and Riaz, who had been demoted to Category B, have been omitted due to concerns about their form and attitude within the team. Eyman Fatima, Anoosha Nasir, Sidra Nawaz, and Shawaal Zulfiqar also miss out on contracts this season, while Bismah Maroof's retirement earlier this year means she no longer features.The PCB stated that these players will remain available for selection as the board shifts its focus towards developing the next generation of cricketers in alignment with the ICC's Women's FTP (Future Tours Programme) for 2025-29.Sana's promotion to Category A is a reward for her outstanding all-round performances in the run-up to and at the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka at the tournament but lost their three other group games to India, Australia, and eventual champions New Zealand.Muneeba Ali, the wicketkeeper-batter, has also been promoted to Category A, joining Sidra Amin, who retains her position. Gull Feroza and Rameen Shamim return to the central contracts list for the first time since 2018 and 2022-23, respectively, while Tasmia Rubab is included for the first time.The contracts have been backdated to the end of July, when the previous contracts expired. The delay in the contracts is part of a general trend of upheaval and uncertainty in Pakistan women's cricket, where the PCB has struggled to get projects off the ground, including the long-promised women's PSL."The 2024-25 central contracts reflect our forward-looking strategy as we prepare for the new ICC Women's Future Tours Programme," said PCB's new chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed. "By further investing in established players through significantly enhanced retainers and offering clear pathways to the emerging cricketer, we aim to strike a balance between nurturing future stars and sustaining competitiveness at the highest level."

India's T20 World Cup Triumph: Nida Dar's Delayed Congratulatory Message Sparks ControversyOn June 29, 2024, India emerged victorious in the T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final. The triumph marked the end of a 13-year wait for an ICC title for the Indian team. However, over two months later, a post by former Pakistan women's cricket team captain Nida Dar has sparked controversy.In her post, Dar congratulated the Indian men's cricket team on their victory and praised star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, the timing of the post raised eyebrows, as it came more than two months after the final.Dar later clarified that she had initially made the post on June 30, 2024, but due to restrictions on Twitter in Pakistan, it was posted on August 11 instead. Despite her explanation, Indian fans were not impressed and proceeded to troll the former Pakistan captain.The controversy surrounding Dar's post highlights the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket. The two nations have a long history of political and sporting tensions, and any interaction between them is often met with scrutiny and criticism.Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to return to action in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The series opener will take place at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on September 19, followed by the second Test at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium on September 27.

Former Pakistan women's cricket team captain Nida Dar's belated social media post congratulating the Indian men's team on their T20 World Cup victory has sparked amusement and confusion among fans.On September 5, 2024, Dar posted on Twitter, "Congrats to India on winning the @T20WorldCup 2024! A special shoutout to @ImRo45 @imVkohli for their immense contributions to world cricket. Your leadership, skill, and dedication have inspired millions around the world. Happy retirement, legends!"The post, which included photos of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rahul Dravid, caught everyone by surprise as the T20 World Cup had been won by India on June 29, 2023.Dar's post was met with a flurry of comments, with many users questioning her tardiness. "Nida Dar travelled back in time and got stuck there?" tweeted Saba S. Sheikh. "Nida Dar has just now landed from Mars!!" exclaimed Amitava.Dar later deleted the post from her social media account.Meanwhile, in men's cricket, Pakistan's Test team has dropped two places in the ICC rankings to eighth position after a 0-2 series defeat at home to Bangladesh. This is Pakistan's lowest rating points in the Test rankings since 1965.Pakistan was ranked sixth before the series against Bangladesh, but back-to-back losses on home soil have seen them slide below the West Indies. Pakistan has now lost six and drawn four of their last ten home Tests, with series defeats against Australia, England, and Bangladesh.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed fast bowler Fatima Sana as the captain of the 15-member squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October. Sana takes over the captaincy from all-rounder Nida Dar.This will be the first time that the 22-year-old Sana will lead Pakistan in T20Is and at any ICC event. She has previously captained the national team twice in ODIs, including a memorable Super Over victory against New Zealand at Hagley Oval when she stood in for the concussed Dar.Apart from the captaincy change, the Pakistan squad remains largely unchanged from the one that toured Sri Lanka for the Women's T20 Asia Cup last month. The only alteration is the inclusion of batter Sadaf Shamas, who was also part of the Women's T20 World Cup in 2023, in place of wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi.Ten players from the previous T20 World Cup assignment in 2023 have been retained in the 15-member squad. These include Aliya Riaz, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Shamas, Dar, and Fatima. Left-arm spinner Sadia's selection is subject to fitness, while uncapped left-arm seamer Tasmia Rubab has also been included in the squad.Pakistan has also named Alvi, who was omitted from the main squad, as the traveling reserve. Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani are the non-traveling reserves.The Women's T20 World Cup will commence in the UAE on October 3. Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. The revised schedule for the tournament has yet to be announced after it was shifted from Bangladesh last week.

Pakistan Elects to Bat First Against India in Women's Asia Cup OpenerIn the inaugural match of the 2024 Women's Asia Cup, Pakistan captain Nida Dar opted to bat first after winning the toss against India in Dambulla. The decision was influenced by the dry and used pitch, which had witnessed Nepal's victory over UAE earlier in the day.India made three alterations to their lineup from their previous encounter with South Africa. Richa Ghosh returned as wicketkeeper after recovering from a concussion, while Renuka Singh and D Hemalatha replaced Arundhati Reddy and Sajeevan Sajana. The bowling attack featured three spinners (Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil) and two pacers (Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka).Pakistan, on the other hand, fielded a spin-heavy side with Tuba Hassan, Sadia Iqbal, and Nashra Sandhu as frontline spinners. Syeda Aroob Shah and Dar provided additional spin options, while Fatima Sana and Aliya Riaz handled the fast bowling duties.India holds a 5-1 advantage over Pakistan in Asia Cup matches, but Pakistan secured a victory in their last encounter in Sylhet in 2022.India's Playing XI:* Shafali Verma* Smriti Mandhana* D Hemalatha* Harmanpreet Kaur (c)* Jemimah Rodrigues* Richa Ghosh (wk)* Deepti Sharma* Pooja Vastrakar* Shreyanka Patil* Radha Yadav* Renuka Thakur SinghPakistan's Playing XI:* Sidra Ameen* Gull Feroza* Muneeba Ali (wk)* Nida Dar (c)* Aliya Riaz* Iram Javed* Fatima Sana* Tuba Hassan* Sadia Iqbal* Nashra Sandhu* Syeda Aroob Shah

The Women's Asia Cup 2023 kicks off with a highly anticipated clash between defending champions India and arch-rivals Pakistan on Friday. The tournament serves as a crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in October.India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, enters the competition as the team to beat. They have won the Asia Cup three times in the T20 format and four times in the 50-over format. Their record against Pakistan in T20Is is also impressive, with 11 wins in 14 matches.Pakistan, on the other hand, has undergone a significant squad overhaul since their disappointing tour of England in May. They will be short on game-time and confidence, but they will be eager to prove their mettle against their arch-rivals.India's batting will be spearheaded by Smriti Mandhana, who has been in excellent form. The bowling attack has also been impressive, with pacers Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Singh leading the charge. Spinners Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma, and Shreyanka Patil provide depth and variety.Pakistan will rely on skipper Nida Dar, who is a seasoned campaigner. Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana are key players in the batting lineup, while Nashra Sandhu and Diana Baig are experienced bowlers.Group A also includes Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. Nepal is returning to the competition after a six-year absence, while UAE is making their second consecutive appearance. Both teams will be aiming to make an impact and qualify for the semifinals.The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, which will be played on October 11 and 12. The final is scheduled for October 14.

The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024 is set to kick off the tournament on July 19 in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Here's an in-depth analysis of the match:Recent Form:India has enjoyed a strong run in T20Is over the past year, winning 10 out of 17 matches. They clinched the Asian Games gold and swept Bangladesh 5-0. However, they faced setbacks in series against England and Australia.Pakistan, on the other hand, has struggled in T20Is, winning only seven out of 19 matches. They lost series in Bangladesh, West Indies, and England. Their lone series win came against New Zealand.Head-to-Head Record:India holds a dominant edge in the head-to-head record against Pakistan, winning 11 out of 14 matches. At the Asia Cup, India has won five out of six encounters. However, Pakistan emerged victorious in their last meeting at the 2022 Asia Cup in Sylhet.Players to Watch:For India, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma are key players. Mandhana is a prolific run-scorer with over 3300 T20I runs, while Verma is a destructive opener with a high strike rate.Pakistan's star is captain Nida Dar, an all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. Sidra Amin has also been in impressive form, scoring 205 runs in eight innings this year.Broadcast Information:In India and Sri Lanka, the Women's Asia Cup 2024 will be telecast on the Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website in India.Conclusion:The India vs Pakistan match at the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling encounter. India will be looking to maintain their dominance, while Pakistan will be eager to upset their rivals. With both teams boasting talented players, the match is sure to deliver excitement and drama.

Pakistan's women's cricket team, led by Nida Dar, has undergone a significant overhaul ahead of the Women's Asia Cup 2024. The squad, which will compete in Dambulla, Sri Lanka from July 19 to 28, features several notable changes from the team that struggled in England last month.Batters Ayesha Zafar and Sadaf Shamas have been omitted, while Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, and Syeda Aroob Shah have been recalled. Rising star Tasmia Rubab, a 22-year-old left-arm fast bowler, has also earned her maiden international call-up.The changes reflect Pakistan's recent struggles, which have seen them endure a string of poor results over the past 18 months. Despite series wins against South Africa and New Zealand, the team has consistently underperformed, including a winless tour of England in May.The team's new head coach, Mohammad Wasim, has been tasked with turning things around, but he has only been given a short-term contract for the Asia Cup. Assistant coach Junaid Khan and spin-bowling coach Abdur Rehman will also serve in temporary roles.Despite the team's struggles, the PCB has yet to deliver on its promise of a women's T20 league in Pakistan. The league was originally promised by former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja in late 2022, but administrative changes have stalled progress.Pakistan's squad for the Women's Asia Cup 2024:* Nida Dar (capt)* Aliya Riaz* Diana Baig* Fatima Sana* Gull Feroza* Iram Javed* Muneeba Ali* Najiha Alvi* Nashra Sandhu* Omaima Sohail* Sadia Iqbal* Sidra Amin* Syeda Aroob Shah* Tasmia Rubab* Tuba Hassan

England captain Heather Knight has urged her team to "put on a show" with the bat in the third and final T20I against Pakistan at Headingley. The hosts have already secured the series after winning the first two matches, but Knight is keen for her side to maintain their momentum."We were back to our best in Northampton," said Knight, referring to England's 65-run victory in the second T20I. "That was a proper performance."England have made one change to their team, bringing in the extra pace of Lauren Filer for Lauren Bell. Knight believes the pitch at Headingley may offer some assistance to the seamers, but she expects it to dry out quickly on a sunny afternoon.Pakistan, meanwhile, have also made one change, adding opener Ayesha Zafar to their batting lineup in place of spinner Nashra Sandhu. Captain Nida Dar acknowledged that her team needs to improve their batting performance."We have been doing well in the fielding and bowling," said Dar. "We need to work on the batting side."