Pakistan cricket received a major boost as Shadab Khan makes his return to the national side for the T20I series against Sri Lanka. His inclusion adds experience, leadership, and balance to a squad aiming to end the year on a high. Salman Ali Agha has been entrusted with the captaincy, marking a bold step toward grooming future leaders. The squad blends youth with proven performers, signaling Pakistan’s intent to play fearless cricket. Power-hitters and dynamic all-rounders headline the batting unit. The return of senior names strengthens the middle order. Overall, the selection reflects a clear focus on adaptability and aggression.
The bowling attack looks equally exciting with Naseem Shah spearheading the pace department. Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Faheem Ashraf add depth with their all-round abilities. Spin options, including Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz, provide variety on Sri Lankan surfaces. Fakhar Zaman’s presence promises explosive starts at the top. Wicketkeeping duties shared between Sahibzada Farhan and Khawaja Nafay enhance flexibility. The squad showcases Pakistan’s bench strength and evolving T20 strategy. Fans can expect an intense, high-octane contest as Pakistan eye dominance in the series.
Doug Bracewell Announces Retirement from Cricket
New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has officially retired from all forms of cricket, ending a career that spanned more than a decade. Known for his seam-bowling skills, Bracewell played a pivotal role in several key matches for the Black Caps. He is perhaps best remembered for his nine-wicket haul in New Zealand’s famous Hobart Test win in 2011, a performance that highlighted his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Bracewell’s contributions with both bat and ball made him a reliable option in the national setup. His retirement marks the close of an era for New Zealand cricket, leaving fans to celebrate his achievements and commitment to the game.
MCG Pitch Under Fire After Chaotic Two-Day Test
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch used for the Boxing Day Test between Australia and England has been officially rated “unsatisfactory” by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after 36 wickets fell in just two days of play. This rare low rating was handed down because the surface heavily favoured bowlers, making batting extremely difficult and failing to provide a fair contest between bat and ball — a key requirement for Test cricket. As a result, the iconic venue received a demerit point, which stays on its record for five years and could affect future hosting rights if more points are accumulated.
The unusual finish — with no player even reaching a half-century and huge financial losses for Cricket Australia due to refunds for unplayed days — sparked strong reactions from players, pundits and fans. Both captains and former greats criticised the surface as overly bowler-friendly, while the MCG curator admitted the pitch perhaps went “too far” in assisting seamers. Amid the fallout, debates continue over balance in Test surface preparation and the integrity of traditional five-day cricket.
