Cricket

Jafer Chohan, the 22-year-old Yorkshire legspinner, has been recalled from England's white-ball tour of the Caribbean to manage his workload ahead of the upcoming Lions tour of South Africa. Chohan made history last month as the first graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) to be named in an England squad.Chohan's opportunity with Yorkshire arose after he was released by Middlesex as a 17-year-old in 2019. He has since flourished under the guidance of Adil Rashid, his mentor at Yorkshire. Chohan's fast-tracking into the England set-up is a testament to his talent and the progress he has made in recent years.However, the England management has decided to prioritize Chohan's long-term development by sending him home before he has a chance to make his international debut. The team has a wealth of spin options available, including Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Dan Mousley, and Will Jacks.Chohan's release from the England squad is also a reflection of the team's current success in T20Is. England has taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series against the West Indies, with Chohan playing a supporting role in the nets.Despite not making his international debut on this tour, Chohan's inclusion in the England squad is a significant milestone for British South Asian cricketers. The SACA, launched in 2021, aims to address the under-representation of South Asian players in the professional game. Chohan's journey is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers from all backgrounds.In addition to the Lions tour, Chohan is also set to play for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, which commences on December 15. His release from the England squad will allow him to focus on these upcoming commitments and continue his development as a legspinner.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering appointing Jason Gillespie as the all-format head coach of the national team, according to sources. The decision hinges on the results of the ongoing white-ball tour of Australia.Gillespie, who is currently the Test team head coach, has taken charge of the white-ball side in Australia following Gary Kirsten's sudden resignation. The PCB is reportedly impressed with Gillespie's performance so far and is considering offering him the all-format role."For the moment, the Board is working on a plan to appoint Jason Gillespie as all-format head coach instead of advertising for new candidates," a PCB source told PTI. "If Pakistan performs satisfactorily in the remaining games in Australia, then in all probability, Gillispie would be asked to take over as all formats head coach."Pakistan lost the opening ODI against Australia in Melbourne but has a chance to redeem itself in the remaining two ODIs and three T20Is. The team will then travel to Zimbabwe for another white-ball series.The PCB is confident that Gillespie will agree to become an all-format head coach, at least until next April. However, the board has also drawn up a shortlist of three former Pakistan players, including ex-Test spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, as potential alternatives."But, the PCB's preference is to have Gillespie to also be white-ball head coach if he agrees," the source said.Gillespie's appointment would mark a significant change in the PCB's coaching structure. In recent years, the board has appointed separate head coaches for the Test, ODI, and T20I teams. However, the PCB believes that a single head coach would provide greater consistency and stability to the national team.

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been recalled to the national team for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia, following a brief hiatus due to inconsistent form. The decision to reinstate Azam, who was dropped for the final two Tests of the home series against England, has sparked optimism among experts who believe a single impactful performance could reignite his brilliance.Ramiz Raja, a former Pakistan captain and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), expressed confidence in Azam's ability to rediscover his form and establish himself as a true legend. "Babar has the potential to achieve even greater heights in Test cricket," Raja said. "He excels in white-ball cricket, averaging over 50 in both T20Is and ODIs. Now, he must demonstrate his temperament and prove to the world that he is a modern-day Viv Richards."Raja's comparison to Richards, the legendary West Indian batsman known for his aggressive and match-winning performances, highlights the high expectations placed on Azam. The upcoming tour of Australia, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is, will provide Azam with an opportunity to showcase his talent on a global stage.Alongside Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah have also been recalled to the squad after being rested for the Test series. The white-ball teams will be led by newly-appointed skipper Mohammad Rizwan, with the exception of the T20I series in Zimbabwe, where Salman Agha will take the reins.Raja expressed his hope that Azam will rediscover his form during the upcoming series, which hold significant importance for Pakistan's cricketing future. "I am confident that Babar will bounce back stronger after his break," Raja said. "He has the talent and determination to lead Pakistan to success."

Mitchell Santner has been appointed as New Zealand's interim captain for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, scheduled for November. The 15-man squad includes two debutants: bowling allrounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay.Smith, 25, has impressed with his performances for Wellington in domestic white-ball competitions, earning him the NZC's Men's Domestic Player of the Year award in March. Hay, who made his New Zealand A debut last year, has also shown promise.The pace attack will be led by Lockie Ferguson, supported by Smith, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Josh Clarkson. Tim Robinson, who excelled on his maiden international tour to Pakistan, has also been included.Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips will provide spin-bowling allround support, while Dean Foxcroft offers offspin options. Legspinner Ish Sodhi, with 117 T20I appearances, brings experience to the squad.Glenn Phillips, Will Young, and Henry Nicholls will bolster the batting lineup. Nicholls had a strong Ford Trophy campaign last summer, scoring 301 runs in six games.Six members of the New Zealand Test squad in India will join the white-ball team in Sri Lanka after the conclusion of the third Test in Mumbai. The New Zealand-based players will depart for Sri Lanka on November 4 ahead of the first T20I in Dambulla on November 9.Chief selector Sam Wells emphasized the importance of building depth for future events, including the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and the 2027 ODI World Cup.Head coach Gary Stead will lead the group, assisted by bowling coach Jacob Oram. Former England international James Foster will rejoin New Zealand as their batting coach, while Luke Ronchi focuses on the start of the New Zealand home summer.