England’s Stokes out of second Test against Sri Lanka

LEEDS: England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka with a knee injury, team management confirmed Monday. Stokes has been replaced in England’s 12-man squad by Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes. Durham star Stokes injured himself during England’s crushing innings and 88-run win in the first Test at Headingley. He will now miss the second of the three-match series, which starts at his Chester-le-Street home ground on Friday. Woakes is now in the hunt for a seventh Test cap. His last appearance came against South Africa at Centurion in January, a match where England lost but won the series. He will compete for a place in England’s X1 against uncapped Nottinghamshire quick Jake Ball, in the squad at Headingley. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have confirmed that Kusal Perera will be joining their squad. Perera was cleared to play again two weeks ago after the International Cricket Council lifted a provisional doping ban and all associated charges against him following concerns over the reliability of the drug test carried out by a World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratory in Qatar. The wicket-keeper/batsman’s arrival, possibly in time for the second Test, will change the balance of Sri Lanka’s squad as he is replacing injured paceman Dhammika Prasad, who has returned home with a shoulder injury. “Kusal will join the team as soon as possible and acclimatise, so he can do some serious work with the bat,” Sri Lanka chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya told Cricinfo. England squad for 2nd Test: Alastair Cook (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow ( wkt), Jake Ball, Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Joe Root, James Vince, Chris Woakes.

Shahid Afridi Likely to appoint as Sports wing Chairman in PTI

Sponsored ads Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) director Imran Khan has bemoaned that he is being rebuked for instructing the national group ahead regarding the conflict with India amid the World T20 match in Kolkata. "My recommendation to the group is being reprimanded for the thrashing [against India]," Imran said while tending to a question and answer session on Friday. Afridi 'totally dumbfounded's in strategies and initiative, says Pakistan group administrator In a "spilled" report submitted to the Pakistan Cricket Board's truth discovering panel on Friday, group chief Intikhab Alam said Imran's recommendation to the group "never permitted the likelihood of thrashing enter their cognizance". On March 19, India beat Pakistan by six wickets in a high-voltage World T20 match held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Imran, a previous commander of the Men in Green, had given a spirit boosting talk preceding the amusement on a welcome from captain Shahid Afridi, encouraging the players to stay positive till the last ball was rocked the bowling alley. Alam additionally said that Imran was "not very acquainted with the requests and strategies utilized in this dense, post-present day configuration of the diversion. Intra-party surveys: PTI boss decision official Tasneem Noorani leaves Imran further said Najam Sethi won't resign from his position regardless of the fact that other people [responsible for the defeat] tendered their abdications. "Toward one side, we have Najam Sethi while at the flip side we have Shaharyar Khan," Imran said holding those in charge of the issues for the group's slamming massacres in Asia Cup and World T20. Intra-party races In the interim, the PTI executive said they chose to lead direct races in the gathering in the wake of gaining from their own errors, and took after a US-British like discretionary framework. Equity Wajihuddin's PTI participation suspended Tasneem Noorani, the gathering's boss decision chief, requesting that we hold intra-party races through cell telephones and we acknowledged, Imran said, asking "in what capacity can races be held through cellular telephones." The cricketer-turned-government official likewise condemned party nonconformist Justice (retd) Wajeehuddin Ahmed, saying he chose to invalidate decisions on only three to four petitions [against it]. On March 26, Noorani surrendered from the post in the wake of creating contrasts with the gathering administrator. Additionally, Justice Wajihuddin fundamental participation was suspended "over his request to examine the gathering's inside matter freely and insulting some senior gathering pioneers". While censuring Najam Sethi, the PTI pioneer said, "With such nepotism occurring with Najam Sethi made the Executive Committee Chairman, I propose that [Prime Minister] Nawaz Sharif and Najam Sehti be made openers in the group," Imran commented amid a casual talk preceding the question and answer session identifying with the intra-party races.

Kohli announces shock retirement due to ‘stress-induced cardiomyopathy’

In maybe the most stunning games advancement this year, Indian cricket prodigy Virat Kohli declared his retirement from the amusement owning to "wellbeing concerns".

In an announcement discharged through BCCI, Kohli, whose heroics in the progressing World T20, transformed his harshest pundits into adherents, expressed he was determined to have "stress-prompted cardiomyopathy" in the wake of encountering mid-section torments toward the end of last night.

Anushka has offered Kohli some assistance with growing: Sunil Gavaskar

West Indies crushed India in a nail-gnawing match Thursday night, fitting the bill for the finals where they will meet England. The last over of the match was knocked down some pins by none other than Kohli, and with 3 required off 3, a sixer took care of business.

"To every one of my fans, I am sad I couldn't experience your desires however I have to deal with myself now," he deduced in the announcement.

Indian chief MS Dhoni, who stole the show in the post-match interviews by getting a correspondent to impugn bits of gossip about his own acquiescence, was obviously shaken by the news of the marvel kid's judgments and ensuing retirement, and declined to remark.

World T20: Simmons rides fortunes to convey West Indies into last

Sources, nonetheless, shared that Kohli's companions and partners were not exactly amazed. "He made them come. He was truly worried over the recent days. You saw what happened on Twitter with the entire "disgrace" thing," said an insider.

Another source and close compatriot went ahead to expound "stress-instigated cardiomyopathy is essentially awfulness disorder na. Go figure."

Then, in India, fans responded to the news with displeasure and tears.

"By what means would he be able to … however in what capacity would he be able to?" said Arjum Pamal, 14, from Kolkata, tears running down his cheeks.

Virat Kohli safeguards Anushka Sharma against Twitter trolls

Scores of them faulted one and only individual: Bollywood star and his ex Anushka Sharma. #CallHimBackAnushka began slanting worldwide on Twitter not long after the news broke.

Got tricked? It's alright, pass it on by tricking your closest companion and share the connection!

Indian Actress Arshi Khan's Vulgar Message to Shahid Afridi

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Indian Actress Arshi Khan's Vulgar Message to... by umar-akmal As of late, Sunny Leone showed up in a meeting with Bhupendra Chaubey which was regarded sexist and hostile. At a certain point he really asks Sunny (or tries to remorseful fit her into conceding she laments doing porn): "Do you not now and then get influenced by the way that your past… your past that you were this porn ruler will keep on frequenting you? Alternately perhaps keep on pulling you back? At the point when possibly you could've gone far higher." To this Miss Leone answers with stunning effortlessness, "You're the main individual. It's the press and the media that says keeping down or frequent. I've never said frequent. I've never said kept down. I am not kept down. Perhaps I don't know yet. Possibly one day I get the opportunity to work with some person who is this enormous star. As of now, I don't have a clue about any better so it doesn't influence my life."

PTV Sports, Ten Sports Live Cricket Streaming: Pak vs Ban World T20 2016 Match 14

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Both Pakistan and Bangladesh will be hoping to begin their campaign on a high when they lock horns in the second match of the Super 10 round of ICC World T20 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday. Pakistan endured a poor T20 run in the lead up to the mega event. They were knocked out by hosts Bangladesh in Asia Cup earlier this month and were beaten by New Zealand 2-1 in away series in January. Watch Pakistan vs Bangladesh Live Match on PTV Sports, Ten Sports However, they salvaged some revived some confidence with a 15-run win over Sri Lanka in their only warm-up game in Kolkata on Monday. Bangladesh, meanwhile, made their way into the main draw of the event after topping Group A in the first round. The form of top-order batsmen will be a concern for Pakistan. Sharjeel Khan, who failed to make an impact in Asia Cup upon his return to the international cricket after nearly three years, and Ahmed Shehzad, who was included in the squad as a replacement player after being initially dropped for World T20, will be under pressure to deliver a solid opening stand in this game. Mohammad Hafeez rediscovered his form with an unbeaten 70 in the warm-up match and will be keen to keep it going. The middle-order looks stable in the presence of consistent performers like Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal. Pakistan are likely to go with a three-pronged pace attack, comprising Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir, in the game. Skipper Shahid Afridi, Imad Wasim and Malik will perform the spin duties. The head to head in T20Is between Pakistan and Bangladesh stands 6-2 to former after eight games. Both of Bangladesh’s wins came in the last two bilateral contests. Probable Squads: Pakistan: Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Irfan, Shahid Afridi (capt), Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir Wahab Riaz, Ahmed Shehzad, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Shoaib Malik Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman/Abu Hider, Taskin Ahmed, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Al-Amin Hossain, Mahmudullah

World T20: Pakistani team left for India

KARACHI – Pakistan cricket group left for India to take an interest in World T20 in the early hours of Friday through Dubai in spite of the stop in the middle of Indian and Pakistan government on matter of giving open affirmation with respect to security of the group.

The group alongside ten authorities of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) traveled to Abu Dhabi from Lahore air terminal at 3:30am to at long last achieve Kolkata by 7pm tonight. The group will stay at Taj Hotel, Alipur in the city. The cricketers will have their practice session at Jadavpur University ground.

Head mentor Waqar Younis and administrator Intikhab are with the group. It ought to be specified here this will be the last match for Shahid Afridi as skipper.

Pakistan squad:

Muhammed Irfan, Muhammed Amir, Anwar Ali, Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Shahzad Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Muhammed Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, Sarfraz, Muhammed Sami, Muhammed Nawaz, Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif

Pakistan get green sign for World T20 after "certification" from India

Service has cleared the national cricket group – drove by Shahid Afridi – to go to India join in the ICC World Twenty20. A conceivable pullout was off the cards after the Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Friday endorsed Pakistan's cooperation in the super occasion.

The legislature had before said its men and ladies' groups would go to India when New Delhi gave an open certification on the security of its players. Najam Sethi – the director of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) official advisory group – met Interior Minister Nisar Khan yesterday and later educated the media in Islamabad that the administration had gotten 'strong certifications' from India.

Tending to media in Lahore, PCB director Shaharyar Khan said, "The matter has been unraveled and after strong certifications from India the group will leave this evening." "We told every one of the players that in the event that anybody needs to haul out on security grounds then we can take extraordinary consent for him to be supplanted yet every one of the players are consistently ready to go and put forth a valiant effort," he said.

Pakistan will forego their first warm-up match — against a nearby West Bengal group — on Saturday however will tackle Sri Lanka in the second practice match in Kolkata on Monday. Their first match of the competition will be held at Eden Gardens on March 16 against a qualifier group, trailed by a conflict against most despised adversary India at the same venue three days after the fact.

They will then tackle New Zealand (March 22) and Australia (March 25) in their remaining Group B matches — both in Mohali. The main two groups from each of the two pools will fit the bill for the semi-finals.

Australia announce squad for T20 World Cup 2016

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Australia showed their batting might in the comeback series win over South Africa 

Australia had a rough start to the year in the T20 format with India achieving a 3-0 whitewash Down Under that set the visitors on an impressive run of form, so much so that the 2016 ICC World T20 hosts are now seen as the outright favourites for the tournament. 

Australia suffered a further setback after they lost the opening T20 match against South Africa last week but just when people were starting to write off their chances, the reigning ODI World champions came back roaring to prove their might. They might not have the world beaters of yesteryears but they surely boast immensely talented cricketers who can take the game away from the opposition on their own.

The latest ICC T20 rankings see Australia rank a lowly fifth with their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand, as well as West Indies, placed above them. But the team from Down Under have shown time and again what a force they are, especially when it comes to the big tournaments and with Steven Smith leading them from the front, it would be foolish to count them out as title contenders.

chairman of Pakistan tehreek e insaf imran is going to india to watch match between pakistan and india in kolktata

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Pakistan-India World T20 match shifted to Kolkata

KARACHI - The International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson affirmed on Wednesday that the Pakistan-India marquee conflict of the World T20 has been moved to Kolkata from Dharamsala. 

While tending to question and answer session, he said that the measure has been taken rather commandingly as the world body was not in the support of reevaluating the venue. "The stride was taken after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) imparted its worries to us," said Richardson. "The general population who have purchased tickets will be discounted or they can trade them with the tickets for the Kolkata match." 

While noting an inquiry, Richardson said that the ICC has not yet viewed as any punishment or discipline for the state. "We haven't considered discipline for the state starting at this moment," he said. 

"The ICC has been guaranteed by all state powers that satisfactory efforts to establish safety are set up at all venues. The occasion will be arranged in sheltered and secure environment," said Richardson. 

In the mean time, PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan, while tending to the media, said that the takeoff of the groups has been conceded till the confirmation of security from the Indian government is gotten. 

"We consent to play against India in Kolkata," said Shaharyar. "Our worries were instigated by Pakistan-particular dangers. The group won't go to India until we get security confirmation from the Indian government." 

PCB had been squeezing ICC and BCCI to move the match out of Dharamsala, while the security appointment which went by India gave further quality to their position. 

The designation headed by FIA Director Usman Anwar, which likewise incorporated PCB's Security Manager Azam Khan, proposed that it was hazardous for Pakistan group to play in Dharamsala as security was not guaranteed and ICC ought to be requested that give exchange venue. 

"The PCB has been offered Kolkata as the venue for World T20 high voltage experience in the middle of Pakistan and India," a PCB official said. "As the message was gotten, it was sent to Minister for Interior Affairs Chaudry Nisar, who will now choose whether it is alright or not. To the extent the board is concerned, we're satisfied with Kolkata however the choice lies with the legislature of Pakistan," he said.

Rohit, Hardik power India to victory in Asia Cup opener

DHAKA: Rohit Sharma's half-century, Hardik Pandya's cameo and a restrained execution by the bowlers offered India some assistance with registering a 45-run win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup opener here on Wednesday. The guests defeated an unsteady begin to post 166 for six preceding limiting the hosts to 121 for seven in 20 overs. Prior, Rohit hit 83 off 55 balls after Bangladesh, selecting to bowl on a downpour splashed pitch, made great utilization of the conditions to put the guests stuck in an unfortunate situation at a pressed Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Al-Amin Hossain rocked the bowling alley opener Shikhar Dhawan for two preceding captain Mashrafe Mortaza disposed of the in-structure Virat Kohli who offered a simple catch to Mahmudullah at mid-off subsequent to making only eight. With the initial six overs yielding only 31 runs, India started to feel the weight once Mahmudullah castled Suresh Raina for 13 to abandon it battling at 42 for three.

Rohit and Yuvraj Singh steadied the innings with a 55-run fourth-wicket organization before Hardik Pandya, who pounded 31 off 18 balls, gave India the highly required force. Rohit was dropped by Shakib on 21 off Taskin Ahmed, and immediately made Bangladesh pay the consequences as he hit two fours and a six off the following three bundles of the over. He struck seven fours and three sixes for his tenth half-century in T20Is. In answer, Bangladesh never got going, losing wickets at standard interims. It made a poor begin, drooping to 15 for two in the fourth over. Its cause was not helped by the actuality Shakib Al Hasan was left stranded after a misunderstanding with Sabbir. By the way, Nehra, Bumrah, Pandya and R. Ashwin all yielded a miserly 23 keeps running in their four-over spells.

‘Under pressure’ Afridi unsure about retirement after T20 World Cup 2016

DUBAI: Pakistan's T20 captain Shahid Afridi on Wednesday indicated at rethinking his choice to resign after the World T20 in India. Afridi, 35, said he is under "a ton of weight" from family, companions and senior citizens who accept "there is no compelling reason to resign from T20s". "For some time now there is a great deal of weight from my family, a ton of weight from my companions, including my seniors, who say there is no requirement for me to resign from T20. That is an immense weight. For the time being, in truth, I am concentrating just on the World Cup. That is a gigantic test for me," Afridi was cited as saying.

Afridi, alongside Test commander Misbahul Haq, resigned from one-day internationals taking after Pakistan's 2015 World Cup excursion Down Under. Misbah keep on driving Pakistan in Tests and Afridi in T20s. Yet, the 35-year-old all-rounder had reported to stop all types of worldwide cricket after the World T20 in India. "To begin with I need to see where Pakistan stand in the World Cup. Whether I am fit for taking the group forward on the back of my exhibitions. I need to check where I am standing myself. Similarly as playing goes my wellness is marvelous. Vitality is additionally there. I can play cricket. Be that as it may, I would have the capacity to tell things plainly after the World Twenty20," Afridi said.

Afridi, who has played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 90 Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan, said that he is under high weight to keep playing cricket as "there is no genuine ability coming through Pakistan". "There is a great deal of weight on me that I shouldn't resign from T20. That I can play on, and all things considered there is no genuine ability coming through in Pakistan whose spot I am taking," Afridi said.

Afridi has been a perpetual part for Pakistan in the T20s and has played all the World T20 versions held as such. In the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he was the chief of the establishment Peshawar Zalmi, he wound up as the second most elevated wicket-taker for his group, with 10 wickets. Notwithstanding, his execution with the bat stayed terrible as he figured out how to score just 87 keeps running in seven innings. The World T20, set to be held in India, commences on March 8 with a qualifying round for the partner groups, while the Super 10 round begins from March 16.

Smith steers Islamabad United to Pakistan Super League crown

DUBAI: Islamabad won the inaugural Pakistan Super League 2016 by six wickets on Tuesday night subsequent to vanquishing top picks Quetta Gladiators in an exciting last at Dubai International Stadium here. Pursuing an imposing focus of 175 runs, Dwayne Smith pounded a sparkling thump of 73 off 51 balls including 07 fours and 04 sixes while Brad Haddin played an undefeated amazing innings of 61 off 39 balls including 02 fours and 05 sixes to lead Misbahul Haq's Islamabad to a dazzling triumph. Quetta however were considered top picks yet Islamabad turned the tables on them. It was an emotional completion for Islamabad who crushed the PSL's enormous weapons Peshawar Zalmi to storm into the last. What's more, Smith guaranteed they proceeded with their walk even in the weight finale viewed by a full house at the Dubai Stadium. Smith, who was dropped on 52 by Anwar Ali, found a just as pugnacious accomplice in Haddin, who scored his third fifty in succession. Misbah, who had termed the PSL verging on like a "World Cup" at the hurl, fixed the triumph with a flick past midwicket and started off wild festivals.

Prior, Quetta, put to bat in the first place, made 174 after Ahmad Shahzad (64) and Kumar Sangakkara (55) scored half-tons. Quetta lost their opener Bismillah Khan for a duck in the first over. Kevin Pietersen, playing his third T20 last this season after the Ram Slam and Big Bash League, guaranteed much before holing out to profound square leg for 18; Asif Ali finishing a magnificent catch. Sangakkara and Shahzad then wedded power and timing in a 87-run organization. Sangakkara specifically played some flawless shots and Quetta could have scored considerably more had it not been for two or three tight overs from quick bowler Mohammad Sami. Sangakkara's way out get under way a whirlwind of wickets as Quetta lost four wickets in four overs at the passing. Andre Russell stowed three wickets while Muhammad Irfan represented two batsmen.

Pakistan's inaugural national cricket group was a surprising achievement, even at the impartial venue of the UAE. Following the PSL was reported last September, the Pakistan Cricket Board sold five establishments for $93 million and pulled in players from 11 distinct nations. In the interim, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has complimented the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on fruitful game plan and execution of PSL. The Prime Minister extended his sincere congrats to every single taking an interest player and groups for playing eagerly through out the competition. The Prime Minister welcomed the part and endeavors of PCB executive Shaharyar Khan, PSL administrator Najam Sethi and every one of the individuals who assumed a part in effectively masterminding the occasion.

India clear favourites to beat Pakistan in Asia Cup: Wasim

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain and fanciful quick bowler Wasim Akram figures India are clear top choices to beat Pakistan in the Asia Cup, which begins on Wednesday in Mirpur, Dhaka. The archrivals will confront one another after over a year when they meet in the prominent round-robin apparatus on February 27. The two sides have not played subsequent to their World Cup duel in 2015 as the proposed reciprocal arrangement in December did not emerge. What's more, passing by India's T20 structure in Australia and against Sri Lanka at home as of late, Akram supposes it may be troublesome for Pakistan to end up as the winner. "That will be a decent amusement to anticipate and given the way India are playing at this moment, they're clear top choices," Akram told the Times of India. Asia Cup 2016 will be played in T20 design interestingly, remembering the World Twenty20 one month from now in India. All the 13 prior Asia Cups have been played as ODI competitions. The fabulous bowler figures it's a decent move by the Asian Cricket Council to permit Asia Cup to switch modes relying upon the world title that takes after - i.e. World T20 or the ODI World Cup.

"The Asia Cup this year accept a considerable measure of criticalness, especially in view of the Twenty20 configuration that it'll be played in. It was an extremely sensible choice on part of the Asian Cricket Council. Out of the last three World T20 champions, three are taking an interest in this Asia Cup, so that remainder alone adds such a great amount of fervor to the competition." Akram is likewise basic about Indian bowlers and said that the BCCI ought to take measures to enhance the rocking the bowling alley gauges. "India has neglected to monitor its bowlers. Most importantly, there are just an excess of individuals that a bowler is conversing with. The BCCI must be extremely strict about it and tell the bowlers that they can just go to a specific institute or a BCCI-delegated mentor and over yonder they ought to collaborate just with determined mentors as to their rocking the bowling alley.

"The more you begin taking exhortation from different individuals, the more probable you are to enter a mess. That is precisely what had happened with Irfan Pathan. He went to an excess of individuals and lost his swing," Akram included. Generally, Mohammed Shami has been one of the Indian quick bowlers who has battled with wounds. The pacer was picked for the Australia visit following a nine-month surgery cutback taking after the World Cup a year ago yet sadly for him he grabbed another harm and needed to fly back home, and after that neglected to recuperate notwithstanding for the Asia Cup. The pacer pulled his hamstring amid preparing Down Under. "When I came to realize that Shami was making a rebound for the voyage through Australia a month ago, I let one know of my co-commentators...'You hold up and watch, this gentleman will presumably pull his hamstring'. That is on account of the weight of knocking down some pins in a practice amusement or in the nets or in a local diversion is distinctive and the weight of rocking the bowling alley in a worldwide match is distinctive. You have to appropriately play a full season of top of the line cricket after a knee harm before worldwide cricket," Akram said.

Islamabad United won Pakistan Super League

DUBAI: Islamabad won the inaugural Pakistan Super League 2016 on Tuesday night in the wake of vanquishing top choices Quetta Gladiators in an exciting last at Dubai International Stadium here. Pursuing a considerable focus of 175 runs, Dwayne Smith pounded a shining thump of 73 off 51 balls including 07 fours and 04 sixes while Brad Haddin played an undefeated astonishing innings of 61 off 39 balls including 02 fours and 05 sixes to lead Misbah-ul-Haq's Islamabad to a shocking triumph.

Quetta however were considered top choices yet Islamabad turned the tables on them. It was a sensational completion for Islamabad who crushed the PSL's enormous firearms Peshawar Zalmi to storm into the last. What's more, Smith guaranteed they proceeded with their walk even in the weight finale viewed by a full house at the Dubai Stadium. Prior, Quetta, put to bat to begin with, made 174 after Ahmad Shahzad (64) and Kumar Sangakkara (55) scored half-tons. Sangakkara specifically played some choice shots and Quetta could have scored much more had it not been for two or three tight overs from quick bowler Mohammad Sami. Andre Russell packed away three wickets while Muhammad Irfan represented two batsmen. Pakistan's inaugural national cricket association was a startling achievement, even at the impartial venue of the UAE. Subsequent to the PSL was reported last September, the Pakistan Cricket Board sold five establishments for $93 million and pulled in players from 11 unique nations. In the mean time, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has complimented the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on effective game plan and execution of PSL. The Prime Minister extended his ardent congrats to every taking an interest player and groups for playing excitedly through out the competition. The Prime Minister welcomed the part and endeavors of PCB administrator Shaharyar Khan, PSL executive Najam Sethi and each one of the individuals who assumed a part in effectively organizing the occasion.

Kohli welcomes Amir’s return, wishes him best

DHAKA - India's star batsman Virat Kohli has respected the arrival of troubled Pakistani player Mohammad Amir to universal cricket, storing acclaim on his rocking the bowling alley and wanting him to enjoy all that life has to offer in front of their Asia Cup challenge in Dhaka.

"He is an extremely able bowler and I want him to enjoy all that life has to offer. He endeavored to come this far and it takes a considerable measure of strength. I am very glad seeing that he understood his flaw and amended it, and additionally went to New Zealand to speak to his nation," Kohli said in Dhaka on Tuesday.

"He had dependably been a world class cricketer and I have undoubtedly in the event that he had played throughout the previous five years he would have been among the main three bowlers on the planet, considering his ability," he included. 

All tickets sold out for Dubai PSL final match

DUBAI – Sarfraz Ahmed (left) of Quetta Gladiators being saluted by Misbahul Haq of Islamabad United subsequent to winning the PSL opener in Dubai.

Tickets for Tuesday's titanic conflict between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) last at Dubai International Stadium have been sold out, as indicated by the coordinators.

"The individuals who don't have tickets to PSL last match in Dubai are asked for not to go to the stadium since every one of the tickets have been sold out," PSL executive Najam Sethi said on his twitter account.

Regardless of the nonattendance of top picks Afridi-drove Peshawar Zalmi, the finale will be no less energizing bringing the blind down on two weeks of high-octane excitement where a sum of 24 matches were played in Dubai and Sharjah. Warriors hold the edge going into the last having stayed reliable all through the competition winning seven out of nine matches so far and overcoming Zalmi to secure their last compartment specifically.

Islamabad who trounced Karachi Kings and afterward dazed Zalmi to book last compartment, have won six out ten matches they played in this way. Peshawar Zalmi topped the focuses table amid the group with 12 focuses on better run rate over Gladiators. Quetta won both the matches against Islamabad in the association phases of the group, winning the PSL opener by eight wickets and the second diversion by seven wickets.

Nonetheless, Islamabad will be supported after their agitated win over Zalmi on account of heroics of Sharjeel Khan (117) and Imran Khalid (4-20). The high-flying Gladiators gloat of Kevin Pietersen, Ahmed Shehzad and Sarfaraz Ahmed while United's batting rotates around Sharjeel Khan, Brad Haddin, Dwayne Smith and skipper Misbahul Haq himself.

The key bowlers for Quetta are Aizaz Cheema, Anwar Ali, M Nawaz and Zulfiqar Babar while United knocking down some pins rotates around Imran Khalid, M Irfan, M Sami and Andre Russell. Quetta skipper Sarfraz Ahmad was sure of winning the PSL title. "All credit goes to young men who truly strived to achieve the last. Every one of the players are submitted and united and have only one point that is to lift the desired PSL trophy," he said.

"Group performed well against Peshawar Zalmi and bowlers and batsman contributed just as in the group's triumph. We will play the last as should be expected match like we played knockout and different matches. We will give our best to win this prestigious occasion," United chief Misbahul Haq said.

Groups

Quetta Gladiators: Kevin Pietersen, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Ahmed Shehzad, Anwar Ali, Jason Holder, Luke Wright, Zulfiqar Babar, Umar Gul, Elton Chigumbura, Bilal Asif, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Nawaz, Saad Nasim, Akbar-ur-Rehman, Bismillah Khan, Kumar Sangakkara, Aizaz Cheema, Ramiz Raja Jr.

Islamabad United: Andre Russell, Misbah ul Haq (commander), Samuel Badree, M Irfan, Brad Haddin, Sharjeel Khan, M Sami, Khalid Latif, Babar Azam, Imran Khalid, Kamran Ghulam, Umar Amin, Sam Billings, Rumman Raees, Amad Butt, Ashar Zaidi, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Siddiq.

Ton-up Sharjeel brings high flying Peshawar down to earth

DUBAI: Opener Sharjeel Khan pounded a sparkling 117 and spinner Imran Khalid guaranteed four scalps as Islamabad United cut down high-flying Peshawar Zalmi sensible by 50 keeps running in the Pakistan Super League play-off tie at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium here on Sunday night. Pursuing a considerable focus of 177, Peshawar drooped to 126-10 in 18 overs. With this win, Islamabad fit the bill for the last to be played against Quetta Gladiators on Tuesday (today). It was an inside and out show by Islamabad batsmen and bowlers as they send a solid, ritzy Peshawar pressing. Peshawar have had an extraordinary competition until playoffs where they lost both of their matches. Quetta, in a nail-gnawing last-ball complete, overcame Peshawar in the principal playoff on February 19.

Peshawar began moderate in the Powerplay and were imprinted when Samuel Badree rejected Dawid Malan in the fourth over. Peshawar's fundamental wellspring of resistance was opener Kamran Akmal, who made 45 from 32 balls. Be that as it may, with the following four batsmen scored just in single digits, the composition was on the divider. Imran evacuated Mohammad Hafeez and Kamran in sequential overs, and Brad Hodge and Darren Sammy in the same over - the thirteenth - to decrease Peshawar to 80 for 5. By then, the required run rate had shot up more than 13 for each over. Shahid Afridi gave his group a couple recently strikes, yet it was insufficient. In his 17-ball keep focused wrinkle, Afridi scored 38 runs hitting four monstrous sixes and two fours. Shahid Yousuf made (four), Wahab Riaz (one), Hassan Ali (one) and Mohammad Asghar (zero). Imran completed with 4 for 20 from his three overs and Andre Russell took three lower-request wickets, including Afridi's, to end with 3 for 37.

Prior, put into bat, Islamabad set up together a 108-run opening stand in 13.1 overs, a larger part of the runs falling off Sharjeel's sharp edge. Dwayne Smith, the other opener, attempted to kick it into high gear bat on ball amid his stay of 37 balls to score 19 keeps running without a solitary limit. In the ninth over, Sharjeel unleashed two sixes and a four against left-arm spinner Asghar. He took after that up with an assault on Afridi too in the following over to raise his fifty. The most exciting over, however, was the fourteenth in which Shaun Tait released Smith and Brad Haddin off continuous conveyances, yet Akmal dropped Khalid Latif to deny Tait of a cap trap. Sharjeel then struck the following two bundles of the over for a four and six. He raised his hundred, studded with 12 fours and eight sixes, in style with a straight six in the sixteenth over and helped Islamabad score 46 in the last five overs. He was run-out in the last over of the innings. He was announced the Man of the Match. The Hyderabad-conceived Sharjeel was delighted in backing in death overs by Khalid, who came into bat at number four, and scored a significant 28 off 21 balls.

Hiddink defends FA Cup after Chelsea thrash Manchester City

LONDON: Chelsea's between time administrator Guus Hiddink talked up for the FA Cup as "the sanctuary of football" after his side squashed a for all intents and purposes unrecognizable Manchester City 5-1 to achieve the quarter-finals on Sunday. The Dutchman, who praised the last day of his first brief spell at the Stamford Bridge rudder by lifting the trophy in the wake of beating Everton 2-1 in the 2009 last, conveyed a full-quality side to disassemble a young City.

While his partner Manuel Pellegrini rested a grasp of top names, for example, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling and passed out five senior introductions, Hiddink had unmistakably set his sights on another vital Wembley evening in May. He had some sensitivity for clubs, for example, City who were pursuing flatware on four fronts, however cautioned: "We mustn't overlook the convention of English football.

"I viewed the FA Cup as a youth on TV, it's the sanctuary of football. Winning the FA Cup is wonderful around the world. We should be mindful so as not to downgrade it. "On one hand, the project for some clubs is fairly unforgiving; then again, you can play each three or four days, particularly if your squad is expansive quality-wise." On Saturday, holders Arsenal additionally left out top names in their 0-0 draw with second-level Hull City, who themselves pivoted their squad, while another Premier League group Bournemouth likewise handled a tremendously changed side that lost to Everton. The record books will demonstrate just a robust Chelsea win - an anticipated result after Pellegrini chose wholesale changes with Wednesday's Champions League conflict at Dynamo Kiev and next Sunday's League Cup last versus Liverpool approaching. Second-half objectives from Willian, Gary Cahill, a noteworthy Eden Hazard and Bertrand Traore underlined the bay in experience as a City side containing six adolescents clasped. Yet for some time, when 19-year-old debutant David Faupala counteracted Diego Costa's going opener, City gave stern resistance.

"We knew we would play against a group with a few changes however it is difficult when youths are coming in," Hiddink told journalists. "They had a back four with experienced players, and youths in midfield and assault." Pellegrini protected his choice, saying apparatus clog and wounds to first-cooperative individuals gave him no decision, and recommended that they ought to have been planned to play a day prior so they would have been exceptional arranged for Kiev. "On the off chance that we play on Saturday, it's better for us since we need to play for England in the Champions League on Wednesday so it's better for England," he told columnists.

Unpredictable Pakistan brace up for India humdinger

NEW DELHI: There's dependably a quality of capriciousness encompassing the Men in Green. One day they might play like a group had and the one more day hit a nadir. They can direct terms as underdogs and can likewise get destroyed being the top choices. Like dependably, the group has some uncommon ability, yet their fortunes throughout the years have varied in the middle of adoration and mortification. In any case, this is the same particle of vulnerability that makes them enduring darkhorses in any competition they play. Come the 27th of February, when two-time champions Pakistan start their Asia Cup battle against main adversaries India in abundantly anticipated challenge, Shahid Afridi and his men will hope to transcend a hopeless year passed by and get back fit as a fiddle for the up and coming ICC World Twenty20.

Pakistan have slipped drastically in ICC Rankings in the course of the most recent 12 months. Placing things in context, since the 2104-15 season, Pakistan have figured out how to win only three out of eight T20I matches, with several them coming against minnows Zimbabwe and one against Sri Lanka. Other than that, Pakistan have lost matches against real groups such as Australia, England and New Zealand, furthermore an erratic T20I against Bangladesh a year ago. From being one of the best a couple of years prior to drooping to the seventh spot in the T20I rankings, Pakistan have seen a slide that abandons them with much to contemplate in front of two mega T20 competitions. It is additionally one of the essential reasons why the nation's selectors and mentor Waqar Younis decided on a youthful squad for Asia Cup and World T20, in opposition to their prior squads that included a larger number of seniors than adolescents.

Pakistan have four uncapped players - batsmen Khurram Manzoor and Babar Azam, quick bowler Rumman Raees, and allrounder Mohammad Nawaz separated from the prepared Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez and Afridi. The selectors, be that as it may, dropped experienced opener Ahmed Shehzad and veteran pace bowler Umar Gul. On paper, the group looks crude, having little experience. Be that as it may, it was picked remembering a portion of the late exhibitions. Nawaz, Raees and Manzoor have awed in the residential competitions furthermore amid late Pakistan A group visits. Nawaz, a left-arm spinner and left-gave batsman, has officially won two Man-of-the-Match recompenses in the progressing Pakistan Super League in Dubai.

Interestingly, Azam has scored five half-hundreds of years in nine ODIs however he is yet to play a T20I for Pakistan. Pakistan, that just a year ago saw return of worldwide cricket to its dirt since an assault on Sri Lankan group in 2009, got a jolt by the PSL - an alliance in view of the model of the Indian Premier League. The class has given the selectors a great deal of choices to pick among youthful ability, right when they are in the T20 groove.Although Pakistan don't have a steady squad like India, they are constantly equipped for tossing an amazement on subcontinental pitches, which makes them hazardous.

Quick bowler Mohammad Aamir's arrival has additionally been one of the significant positives for Pakistan and his great show in New Zealand will just support the group's certainty. Without spinner Saeed Ajmal, once a top power for Pakistan, and banned Yasir Shah, the onus will be on chief Afridi to lead the group's assault alongside Wahab Riaz, Aamir and Mohammad Irfan.

While their knocking down some pins assault is free from any significant chink, it is their batting that gives a helpless look. Pakistan's batting request has battled against most adversaries and needs profundity. Likewise, playing four newcomers can be a bet that can go in any case. Pakistan's batting will for the most part rely on upon "Educator" Hafeez, Malik and Afridi while they will likewise expect consistency from Umar Akmal and Sarfaraz Ahmed. In spite of these weaknesses, Pakistan remains an intense risk and a top contender for the Asia Cup trophy.

SQUAD: Shahid Afridi (c), Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Khurram Manzoor, Rumman Raees

Mentor: Waqar Younis

Qualities: Fast bowlers

Shortcoming: Inconsistent batting and poor handling

CHANCES: With flightiness being their real weapon, don't be amazed on the off chance that they achieve the last

Apparatuses 

February 27: Pakistan versus India 

February 29: Pakistan v TBD 

Walk second: Bangladesh v Pakistan 

Walk fourth: Pakistan v Sri Lanka.

Sharjeel, Sami receive Pakistan call-up for Asia Cup, World T20

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday reported the incorporation of Sharjeel Khan and Mohammad Sami in the national squad for the up and coming Asia Cup and World T20 competitions, while Khalid Latif made it just to the World T20 squad.

The adjustments in the national side were made because of the wounds supported by Babar Azam and Rumman Raees amid the on-going Pakistan Super League (PSL), making the players occupied for both of the competitions.

By official statement issued by PCB, Babar Azam endured a crack to his left side lower arm amid a practice session with Islamabad United, CT checks uncovered.

The privilege gave batsman will be back after around three to four weeks as indicated by the specialists.

Azam's United colleague Ruman Raees endured an evaluation one hamstring strain and is attempting to recover his wellness.

"In the wake of having taken a gander at the execution of the players in the PSL, the choice board of trustees alongside Captain Shahid Afridi and Head Coach Waqar Younis chose to incorporate Sharjeel Khan and Mohammad Sami as swaps for harmed Babar Azam and Ruman Raees individually for both Asia Cup and World Cup," said Pakistan boss selector Haroon Rasheed.

Sharjeel scored a 117 off 62 balls in the third qualifying last of the PSL against a solid Peshawar Zalmi assault on Sunday while Mohammad Sami has taken six wickets, giving without end only 23 keeps running in his last two PSL excursions.

"Since we have alternatives accessible to acquire changes in our World T20 squad before the bolster period beginning from March 8, 2016, it has additionally been chosen to utilize this choice and incorporate Khalid Latif, who indicated huge showcase of force hitting in the PSL matches.

Khalid Latif additionally hit shape as of late and has heaped 190 keeps running in eight PSL coordinates as such.

"Khalid Latif couldn't be made part of the Asia Cup squad because of some specialized reasons yet would join the squad for the World Cup," included Rasheed. ‎

The Asia Cup and World T20 kick off on February 24 and March 16 individually.