Author: PTV Sports HD

LAHORE: Salman Ali Agha is being seriously considered for Pakistan’s Test captaincy as the future of current skipper Shan Masood remains uncertain, sources revealed on Friday. The development comes after Pakistan’s recent poor displays in the Test format, including consecutive whitewashes in series against Bangladesh, which has increased the pressure on Masood’s captaincy. Sources reported that during the Bangladesh tour, communication between Masood and a few players had significantly decreased. Sources said the Pakistan captain was mostly with his family members during the team’s journey back home and had little interaction with his teammates. Amid Pakistan’s ongoing struggles in Test…

LAHORE: Experienced wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan has been excluded from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) ODI squad for the forthcoming three-match home series against Australia, the board announced on Friday. Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the 16-member squad, with a host of senior players, including Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, and Sufiyan Muqeem, making a comeback after missing the away ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this year. Pakistan has also provided opportunities to uncapped players Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir, who have all been part of ODI squads but are yet to make their international…

SYLHET: Bangladesh produced a historic 2-0 Test series whitewash over Pakistan after clinching a 78-run victory in the second match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Pakistan, chasing a daunting target of 437, were bowled out for 358 despite a fighting 94 from Mohammad Rizwan. It was Bangladesh’s first-ever whitewash of a home Test series against Pakistan, following their historic whitewash of the same opposition on Pakistan’s tour in 2024. Taijul Islam, the Bangladesh spinner, excelled with the ball, claiming six wickets in the fourth innings, effectively extinguishing Pakistan’s hopes of a challenging chase. They resumed on Day…

SYLHET: Pakistan batting coach Asad Shafiq said he has faith in his team even though they are facing a tough job on the final day of the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. They require 121 more runs and have only three wickets in hand chasing a target of 437. While Mohammad Rizwan 75* gives them a glimmer of hope, Sajid Khan (9*) also chips in with a cameo in the first innings to contribute to their cause. Asad hoped that Pakistan could avoid being whitewashed in the series and achieve a record-breaking victory. We can…

SYLHET: Mohammad Rizwan’s and Salman Ali Agha’s battling half-centuries kept Pakistan in contention for a record chase against Bangladesh in the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Pakistan hit back to finish on 316-7 at the close of the fourth day’s play. He was unperturbed and scored 75 off 134 balls with eight fours. On the other hand, Sajid Khan remained unbeaten by nine, with two boundaries. Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan added a further 96 runs to their solid stand after tea to keep the scoreboard ticking. Both the batsmen batted fluently and scored…

SYLHET: Shan Masood hit a fighting half-century, but Pakistan continued to be under pressure at 200-5 at tea on Day 4 of the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Pakistan needs another 237 runs to chase a daunting 437-run target and level the two-match Test series. Salman Ali Agha was unbeaten on 25, and Mohammad Rizwan was on 15 when the visitors looked to keep their slim hopes alive at the interval. Shan Masood and Babar Azam carried Pakistan’s recovery after lunch, after a difficult morning session, taking the third-wicket stand to 92 runs.…

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s star forward Neymar Jr. got the loudest cheer of the night when Carlo Ancelotti confirmed his inclusion in the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 during a gala ceremony here on Monday. The veteran forward made a dramatic return to the national side after almost three years out, with his inclusion being the biggest talking point from the announcement of Brazil’s 26-man squad. Ancelotti announced Neymar’s name soon after confirming the selection of Matheus Cunha, sparking a giant reaction inside the venue. As soon as the Italian coach said “Neymar Jr.,” the crowd erupted into…

Brazil dramatically recalled superstar Neymar to its squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, reintroducing the star to the national team after almost three years away. The biggest surprise from coach Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad was the inclusion of Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 games. Ancelotti announced Neymar’s selection at a gala ceremony in Rio de Janeiro to loud cheers as the veteran attacker’s call-up was confirmed. The 34-year-old, who previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, has been the subject of speculation for months over whether he would force his…

MADRID: Jose Mourinho has agreed to return to Real Madrid on a two-year deal, sources have told ESPN, with the veteran manager set for a second spell at the Santiago Bernabéu. The 63-year-old is due to take over from Alvaro Arbeloa, who stepped in earlier this year after Xabi Alonso left. Sources have informed us that Mourinho and Madrid have reached an agreement, but they have yet to sign the contract. Mourinho is now at Benfica, where he has led the club through an unbeaten domestic league campaign this season. For Benfica, the strong run just fell short of a…

Multiple reports on Monday suggested Pep Guardiola will end his trophy-laden decade as Manchester City boss this weekend. The 55-year-old has won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and City’s maiden Champions League crown, since arriving in England in 2016. He could add one more to his tally if City win their final two matches of the season against Bournemouth and Aston Villa and Arsenal fail to beat Crystal Palace in the final round of Premier League fixtures on Sunday. Guardiola will leave after Villa’s trip to the Etihad, according to The Daily Mail and The Athletic. There has…