Cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is poised to become the next President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) later this year, as per the organization's rotation policy. The matter was discussed at a recent ACC meeting, with Naqvi emerging as the frontrunner for the position."When the ACC meets later this year, it will confirm that Naqvi will be the next president for a two-year term," a source revealed.Naqvi's appointment will follow the tenure of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who has held the ACC presidency for three consecutive terms. Shah received a one-year extension in January this year.The ACC has recently awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Asia Cup to India, which will be played in the T20 format. The 2027 edition will be held in Bangladesh in the ODI format.This development sets up two major events in 2025: the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February-March, followed by the Asia Cup. The proximity of these events has reignited discussions and speculations about whether India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy or whether Pakistan will travel to India for the Asia Cup.Pakistan last toured India for the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2016 T20 World Cup. India, on the other hand, has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.The potential for political tensions to overshadow these events remains a concern. However, the ACC's decision to award the hosting rights to both countries suggests a desire to promote cricket diplomacy and foster goodwill between the two nations.

India has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Men's Asia Cup cricket tournament in the T20 format, serving as a precursor to the T20 World Cup scheduled in the country in 2026. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced this decision in its Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI).The Asia Cup has traditionally been used as a dress rehearsal for the global event and is played in the same format as the World Cup. The 2023 edition, hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board, was held in a 'Hybrid Model' due to India's refusal to travel to Pakistan. Instead, India played its matches in Sri Lanka.The 2027 Asia Cup will be held in Bangladesh in the ODI format, aligning with the 50-over World Cup scheduled in South Africa that year. Both the T20 Asia Cup in India and the 50-over continental event in Bangladesh in 2027 will comprise 13 games each, with 26 matches allocated in the said period.The ACC's IEOI statement defines the "Men's Asia Cup Tournament" as a biennial senior men's cricket tournament organized and administered by the ACC involving designated Members. It includes participation from Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and one Non-Test playing Member of ACC selected through qualifying events.

Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu Guides Team to Asia Cup Final with Resolute Half-CenturyIn a thrilling encounter at Dambulla, Sri Lanka's skipper Chamari Athapaththu led her team to a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second semifinal of the Women's Asia Cup. The win propelled Sri Lanka into the championship match against India, who had earlier defeated Bangladesh by 10 wickets.Athapaththu, the tournament's leading run-scorer, played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's triumph. Her well-timed 63 off 48 deliveries, studded with nine fours and a six, singlehandedly steered the Lankans towards the 141-run target. Her crucial partnership of 61 runs with Kalisha Dilhari (17 off 18 balls) for the third wicket provided Sri Lanka with a solid foundation.Anushka Sanjeevani's unbeaten 24 off 22 balls, including a four and a six, also played a significant role in Sri Lanka's successful chase. The hosts reached the target of 141 for 7 in 19.5 overs, securing their place in the final.Pakistan's bowling attack was led by the experienced left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal, who claimed an impressive 4 wickets for 16 runs in her four overs. However, she lacked adequate support from her fellow bowlers, allowing Sri Lanka to overcome the challenge.Earlier, Pakistan's innings was anchored by useful contributions from Muneeba Ali (37), Gull Feroza (25), captain Nida Dar (23), and Fatima Sana (23 not out). Despite getting starts, none of them managed to convert their scores into more substantial ones, resulting in Pakistan posting a total of 140 for four in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan Clash in Women's Asia Cup 2024 Semi-FinalSri Lanka and Pakistan will lock horns in the second semi-final of the Women's Asia Cup 2024 on Friday in Dambulla. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams.Sri Lanka has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten in the group stage. They topped Group B with three wins and a tie, showcasing their consistency and resilience. Their batting lineup has been led by Chamari Athapaththu, who has scored two half-centuries, while the bowling attack has been spearheaded by Oshadi Ranasinghe, who has taken seven wickets.Pakistan, on the other hand, finished second in Group A with two wins and a loss. Their only defeat came against arch-rivals India, who they will face in the final if they can overcome Sri Lanka. Pakistan's batting has been anchored by Nida Dar, who has scored 102 runs in the tournament, while their bowling has been led by Fatima Sana, who has taken six wickets.The winner of this semi-final will face India in the summit clash on Sunday. India has been the dominant force in women's cricket in the region, having won the last six editions of the Asia Cup. However, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be determined to upset the favorites and claim the title.The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Sri Lanka will be looking to continue their unbeaten run, while Pakistan will be eager to avenge their loss to India. The outcome of the match will have a significant impact on the tournament and will set the stage for an exciting final.

Sri Lanka Opts to Bowl First in Women's Asia Cup Semi-Final Against PakistanIn a crucial semi-final clash of the Women's Asia Cup, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu elected to field first after winning the toss in Dambulla. Athapaththu expressed her team's intention to restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 140 or less.Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan fielded unchanged lineups for the high-stakes encounter. Pakistan skipper Nida Dar, on the other hand, preferred to bat first in a knockout match to alleviate pressure. She also stated that a score above 140 would provide a solid foundation for their defense.Sri Lanka, who have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, and Pakistan have experienced contrasting fortunes in T20I cricket this year. Athapaththu's team has triumphed in 12 of their 15 matches, while Pakistan has managed only three victories in 11 outings, with two of those wins coming in the ongoing Asia Cup.The winner of this semi-final will advance to the final to face India, who have already secured their place.Sri Lanka Playing XI:1. Vishmi Gunaratne2. Chamari Athapaththu (c)3. Harshitha Samarawickrama4. Hasini Perera5. Anushka Sanjeewaniu (wk)6. Kavisha Dilhari7. Nilakshika Silva8. Inoshi Priyadharshani9. Udeshika Prabodhani10. Sugandika Kumari11. Achini KulasuriyaPakistan Playing XI:1. Gull Feroza2. Muneeba Ali (wk)3. Sidra Amin4. Nida Dar (c)5. Omaima Sohail6. Aliya Riaz7. Fatima Sana8. Tuba Hassan9. Sadia Iqbal10. Nashra Sandhu11. Syeda Aroob Shah

India's Pakistan Trip for Champions Trophy in Doubt Amid Security ConcernsFormer Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has raised concerns about the Indian cricket team's potential trip to Pakistan for next year's ICC Champions Trophy, citing ongoing security issues in the country. Singh supports the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to seek government approval before finalizing their participation.The BCCI has yet to make a statement on the matter, emphasizing that the government's decision will determine whether the team travels to Pakistan. "Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan is such that incidents occur almost every day. I don't think it's safe (for the team) to go there," Singh told IANS.Pakistan has assured that all of India's matches in the tournament will be held in Lahore, and that the Indian team will stay at the same hotel throughout. They have also stated that keeping the team in one city would allow for more effective and secure arrangements.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently announced its acquisition of land next to the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore for the construction of a 5-star hotel. According to sources, the PCB plans to build the hotel and aims to have it ready by early next year. The new hotel is expected to eliminate the need for teams to stay at distant locations, thereby reducing the need for road closures related to security.The Indian cricket team declined to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup last year, resulting in the matches being held in Sri Lanka instead. Since 2012, Pakistan and India have not played any bilateral series, with the Indian government restricting cricket encounters between the two nations to ICC or ACC events.

The Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024 is reaching its climax, with the semi-finals set to take place in Dambulla on Friday. India, the in-form team, will face Bangladesh, while hosts Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan.India vs BangladeshIndia, the tournament favorites, have won 10 of their 14 T20Is this year. They will rely on their spin-bowling allrounder Deepti Sharma, who has taken eight wickets in three matches. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have struggled with their batting but have found some form in the Asia Cup. Opener Murshida Khatun will be crucial for their chances.Sri Lanka vs PakistanSri Lanka, the hosts, have won 12 of their 15 T20Is this year. They have a strong all-round team and will be confident of winning their maiden Asia Cup title. Pakistan, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency in 2024. However, they will take confidence from their recent 10-wicket victory against UAE. Opener Gull Feroza has been in good form and will be a key player for them.Key Players* India: Deepti Sharma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues* Bangladesh: Murshida Khatun, Nigar Sultana, Jahanara Alam* Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu, Vishmi Gunaratne, Inoka Ranaweera* Pakistan: Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Nida DarWhere to WatchIn 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.

In a thrilling encounter between United Arab Emirates XI and Pakistan XI, Pakistan emerged victorious after winning the toss and electing to bowl first. The match was played on a lively pitch, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.Pakistan's bowlers started strongly, with Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana delivering a series of accurate deliveries that kept the UAE batters in check. Esha Oza, the UAE captain, managed to score a couple of runs off Iqbal in the 1.5th over, but the Pakistan bowlers continued to dominate.Sana, in particular, was in impressive form, bowling with pace and precision. She conceded only one run in her first three overs, while Iqbal also kept the runs down. The UAE batters struggled to find the gaps, with Theertha Satish and Rinitha Rajith both failing to score off Sana's deliveries.As the innings progressed, Pakistan's bowlers continued to apply pressure. Iqbal bowled a maiden over in the 1.2th over, while Sana dismissed Oza for a duck in the 0.1st over. The UAE batters were unable to build any momentum, and Pakistan's bowlers kept them on the back foot throughout the innings.In the end, the UAE XI managed to score only 23 runs in their allotted 20 overs, with Oza top-scoring with 4 runs. Pakistan's bowlers were in excellent form, with Sana taking 2 wickets for 4 runs and Iqbal conceding just 6 runs in her 4 overs.In response, Pakistan's batters chased down the target with ease. Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen opened the innings for Pakistan and put on a solid partnership of 20 runs. Aliya Riaz then came in and scored a quickfire 15 runs off 10 balls to seal the victory for Pakistan.The win takes Pakistan to the second spot in the points table of Group A, while the UAE XI remain at the bottom after losing both their matches.

India's women's cricket team began their title defense in the Asia Cup with a resounding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in Sylhet, Bangladesh.After winning the toss and electing to bowl, India's bowlers led by Deepti Sharma (3/20) restricted Pakistan to a modest total of 108. Pooja Vastrakar (2/22) and Shreyanka Patil (1/17) also contributed with wickets.In response, India's openers Smriti Mandhana (45) and Shafali Verma (40) put on an aggressive 85-run partnership to set the tone for the chase. Mandhana was particularly impressive, hitting five boundaries off Nashra Sandhu in the seventh over.After the departure of Mandhana and Verma, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (16*) and Jemimah Rodrigues (15*) guided India home with 35 balls to spare.