India wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma has joined Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) as a replacement for Yastika Bhatia, who has left the 2026 Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) to join India A for their upcoming series against Australia A. Bhatia, currently the second-highest run-scorer in WCPL 2026, will return to India ahead of the three-match one-day series against Australia A, which begins on September 20. She will captain India A in the ODI series and will also feature in the four-day match that follows. For Sushma Verma, the move represents a return to top-level competitive cricket. The 31-year-old last featured in India's squad during the T20I tri-series in South Africa in 2023, although she did not get an opportunity to play. Verma's only previous franchise experience came in the inaugural Women's Premier League season in 2023, when she represented Gujarat Giants. She scored 42 runs across five innings at a strike rate of 79.24. The wicketkeeper-batter has recently focused on improving her power-hitting. Her progress was evident during the 2025-26 domestic one-day tournament, where she struck nine sixes in six innings — the third-highest tally in the competition. "It's special to be part of the WCPL and I am grateful to the Knight Riders set-up for this opportunity," Verma told ESPNcricinfo. "I feel it is the fruit of the hard work I have put into my T20 game." Verma becomes the sixth Indian player to feature in WCPL 2026. Alongside her and Bhatia, Shikha Pandey is part of TKR, while Kiran Navgire, Pooja Vastrakar and Harleen Deol represent Barbados Tridents. TKR have already booked their place in the WCPL final after finishing at the top of the four-team league stage. The second finalist will be decided in the playoff between Barbados Tridents and Guyana Amazon Warriors. The WCPL 2026 final is scheduled to be played in Bridgetown on September 17.

Australia captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and elected to bat first against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club under clear blue skies. The decision comes despite a pitch offering considerably more grass than usual, with Zimbabwe stand-in captain Sikandar Raza admitting he would have preferred to bowl first. Marsh, who spent part of his childhood in Zimbabwe, returns to the country with fond memories and will open the innings alongside Travis Head. The pair are reunited at the top of the order after missing Australia's previous two series, with Cooper Connolly moving into the No. 3 position. Australia have made two notable changes to their playing XI. Allrounder Cameron Green has been ruled out because of shoulder soreness, while fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been rested as Australia manage his workload during a busy season. ODI captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc remain at home after being rested for the Zimbabwe leg of the tour. Nathan Ellis will spearhead Australia's attack, supported by Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson. Johnson returns to the ODI side for the first time since the 2025 Champions Trophy. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have opted for three specialist seamers, with Blessing Muzarabani, Newman Nyamhuri and Brad Evans included in the XI. Evans, despite his ability to contribute with the bat and finish innings, has been listed at No. 8. Raza is leading Zimbabwe in the absence of injured captain Richard Ngarava. The home side will hope the grass on the surface and possible moisture in the air provide assistance to their seamers early in Australia's innings. The Zimbabwe XI also features a notable blend of experience. Raza, Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine are all 40 years old, while veteran spinner Graeme Cremer, who turns 40 next week, has been named among the substitutes. Teams Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (capt), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani. Australia: Mitch Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.

Melbourne Stars have suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season, with South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp withdrawing from the tournament due to international commitments. Kapp, 36, had one year remaining on her contract with the Stars but informed the club that she would not participate in the upcoming WBBL season. Her decision comes as South Africa prepare for a Test match against India beginning on December 9, just four days after the WBBL final. Despite losing one of the world’s leading all-rounders, the Stars have strengthened their squad by re-signing England internationals Dani Gibson and Amy Jones for the 12th edition of the WBBL. Kapp Prioritises South Africa Commitments Kapp has opted to focus on her international career as South Africa’s schedule clashes with the latter stages of the WBBL. “We are of course disappointed to be without someone of Marizanne's calibre this season,” Stars general manager James Rosengarten said. “She is one of the world's finest all-round players but we understand her priorities at this stage and it will present another list opportunity for the Stars.” Kapp has established herself as one of the most accomplished all-rounders in women’s cricket and her absence will leave a significant gap in the Stars’ squad. Gibson and Jones Return The Stars have moved quickly to strengthen their international contingent by securing the services of Dani Gibson and Amy Jones, who both played for the Melbourne-based franchise during the previous season. Jones was the Stars’ second-highest run-scorer in WBBL 2025, scoring 234 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 125.80. Gibson contributed 170 runs from 11 games at an impressive strike rate of 139.34. However, the Stars’ campaign ended in the Knockout stage, where they suffered defeat against the Perth Scorchers. Rosengarten said retaining both England players had been a priority for the franchise. “It was a priority for us to have both Dani and Amy return this season, so we're really pleased with this outcome,” he said. “They are both very talented cricketers in multiple ways, which is so valuable in this format.” Stars Still Have One International Spot The return of Gibson and Jones gives the Stars added depth across multiple areas. Jones provides wicketkeeping options, while Gibson adds another bowling option alongside her batting ability. “We are bolstering our batting line-up with two different skillsets, while also gaining a wicket keeper and bowler,” Rosengarten said. “They both really enjoyed their time in Melbourne which is a great sign for our club and they're committed to having success here.” The Melbourne Stars can still sign one additional international player before the start of the 2026 WBBL season, giving the club an opportunity to further strengthen its squad following Kapp’s withdrawal.

Pakistan batter and Test captain Babar Azam is set to return to domestic first-class cricket after nearly seven years as he looks to regain his form in the longer format of the game. Babar has been signed as a guest player by Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) for the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade 1 tournament. According to reports, the Pakistan Test captain had requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to place him in a domestic squad so he could remain in touch with first-class cricket. The move comes amid growing concerns over Babar’s recent Test form. He has not scored a Test century since December 2022, when he made 161 against New Zealand in Karachi. Since the beginning of 2023, Babar has averaged just 30.43 in Test cricket, significantly below his career average. He has managed only eight half-centuries in 39 innings during this period, including an 18-innings stretch in which he failed to score more than 41. His highest score since his last Test century is 88, which came in Pakistan’s victory over the West Indies in the second Test of their tour last month. The win was Pakistan’s first away Test victory since July 2023 and ended a run of eight consecutive overseas Test defeats. Domestic Cricket Return Babar has largely stayed away from domestic first-class cricket in recent years. His last appearance came in 2019, when he captained Central Punjab to victory over Northern in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final. That season, Babar played only two domestic first-class matches, with Pakistan also touring Australia and hosting Sri Lanka. In fact, since 2015, he had featured in more than one domestic first-class match in only one season. His return comes at a time when several Pakistan internationals have opted to play in the President’s Trophy. Among the most notable names are fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and all-rounder Salman Agha. The PCB has also introduced minimum domestic first-class match requirements for centrally contracted players. Category A players are required to play at least six first-class matches annually, while Category AB players must feature in at least four. White-ball specialists in Category BC are required to play at least two. Pressure Mounts on Babar Babar's prolonged struggle with the bat has become one of the biggest talking points in Pakistan cricket. Former cricketers and analysts have regularly scrutinised his technique, particularly his struggles against short-pitched bowling. Pakistan’s recent Test tour of England further intensified the debate after the team suffered a 3-0 series defeat. England’s fast bowlers repeatedly targeted Babar with short deliveries during the series. He missed the opening Test at Headingley because of injury. Pakistan’s disappointing results have also increased calls for leading international players to participate more regularly in domestic cricket and work on their game in demanding first-class conditions. The national team currently sits ninth in the ICC Test rankings and bottom of the nine-team World Test Championship standings. Pakistan also failed to reach the knockout stages of the last four ICC tournaments. OGDCL Receive Major Boost Babar’s arrival is expected to provide a significant boost to OGDCL, who struggled in the opening round of the President’s Trophy. The team faced Pakistan Television (PTV) in their opening match, which began on September 12. At the end of the third day, OGDCL were trailing by 132 runs with three wickets down while following on. The side was also without regular captain Imam-ul-Haq, who was withdrawn from the squad. According to reports, his absence was linked to his failure to appear for a scheduled fitness test. OGDCL were relegated last season after finishing at the bottom of the eight-team President’s Trophy table. However, they returned to the competition after the PCB removed WAPDA and Sahir Associates for failing to meet the regulations for the current season. Kingsmen Academy also benefited from the PCB’s decision and earned a place in the first-class competition after initially missing qualification following their defeat to Markhor IT Solutions (MITS) in the President’s Trophy Grade-II Gold final. Aamer Jamal Joins MITS Meanwhile, Pakistan fast-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal has joined first-class debutants Markhor IT Solutions as a guest player. Jamal is expected to feature in MITS’ second-round match against Khan Research Laboratories in Rawalpindi. He represented SNGPL last season and also played for Lahore Whites in the 2025-26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Jamal was among seven players sent home early from England by the PCB following Pakistan’s Test series defeat. However, he had not played in either of the first two Tests. MITS endured a difficult opening round against Hyderabad Kingsmen Academy. After conceding a huge total of 565 for seven declared, powered by Salman Agha’s unbeaten 300, MITS were forced to follow on after being dismissed for 330. They finished the third day on 203 for five in their second innings, still trailing by 32 runs. Babar’s return to first-class cricket therefore comes at a crucial stage for both the player and Pakistan cricket. With Test performances under increasing scrutiny, the domestic tournament will provide the star batter with an opportunity to spend more time at the crease and rebuild confidence ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming international commitments.

Surrey have suffered a major setback in their battle to However, he was unable to take the field, with Jordan Cox taking over wicketkeeping duties for Pakistan's second innings. Smith was not required to bat during avoid relegation from the County Championship, with England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith ruled out for the remainder of the season because of a finger injury sustained during the third Test against Pakistan. Smith dislocated his left ring finger while keeping wicket to Ollie Robinson after lunch on the second day of the Test at Edgbaston. Subsequent scans also revealed a crack in his thumb. Despite the injuries, Smith was able to bat in his usual No. 7 position and scored a valuable 69 runs. However, he was unable to take the field, with Jordan Cox taking over wicketkeeping duties for Pakistan's second innings. Smith was not required to bat during England's successful chase of 130 on the fourth day. Surrey had hoped Smith would return for their final two County Championship fixtures, beginning with a crucial clash against fellow relegation contenders Glamorgan at the Kia Oval. The club currently sit sixth in Division One, 21 points clear of the relegation zone. Surrey Escape Pitch Charge Meanwhile, Surrey are also set to avoid disciplinary action over the controversial Kia Oval pitch used during their dramatic one-wicket victory over Yorkshire earlier this month. The surface was described by players as a "roulette-wheeler" because of its unpredictable nature. It produced a dramatic contest, with all four innings taking place on the second day as 23 wickets fell. Under current ECB regulations, a team can lose all the points earned from a match if its pitch is rated "below average" or worse. Such a sanction could have cost Surrey all 19 points they collected from the Yorkshire match. Surrey, however, are understood to have escaped a charge, providing significant relief as they approach the final stages of the Championship campaign. Leicestershire Face Similar Threat Leicestershire are currently facing a very different situation after being charged by The Cricket Regulator over the pitch used for their home match against Glamorgan last month. Leicestershire also collected 19 points from that fixture, points that have kept them within reach of safety. A potential loss of those points could have serious consequences for their survival hopes. With only two Championship matches remaining, Surrey will now have to continue their fight for survival without one of their key players, while keeping a close eye on the relegation battle involving the teams around them.

Zimbabwe have named an experienced squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, with Sikandar Raza set to captain the side in the absence of regular skipper Richard Ngarava. The series begins on September 15 in Harare, with the remaining two matches scheduled for September 18 and 20. It will be Australia's first visit to Zimbabwe in 12 years and the first ODI meeting between the two sides since 2022. Ngarava has been ruled out as he continues his recovery from a lower-back injury. The fast bowler missed Zimbabwe's recent T20I tri-series in Namibia, and his condition could keep him sidelined beyond the Australia series. Zimbabwe are scheduled to travel to the UAE in October for a tri-series involving Afghanistan and Bangladesh, followed by two Tests against Afghanistan. In Ngarava's absence, Blessing Muzarabani is expected to lead Zimbabwe's pace attack, with Brad Evans and Newman Nyamhuri also included. Tanaka Chivanga remains unavailable because of an Achilles injury. Brendan Taylor returns Veteran batter and wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor has been recalled to the ODI squad. Taylor will share wicketkeeping responsibilities with Tadiwanashe Marumani. The 39-year-old last played an ODI for Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in August 2025. His return means Clive Madande misses out on the squad. Taylor's experience will be particularly valuable alongside Craig Ervine in the middle order, as Zimbabwe look to reduce their reliance on young batting all-rounder Brian Bennett. Cremer set for ODI comeback Legspinner Graeme Cremer is also set to make his return to ODI cricket after nearly eight years. His last ODI appearance came in 2018. Cremer returned to international cricket last year during Zimbabwe's campaign to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup and is now available across all three formats. His experience will add depth to Zimbabwe's bowling attack. Zimbabwe also defeated Australia during the 2026 T20 World Cup on their way to the Super Eight stage, a result that helped them secure automatic qualification for the 2028 edition. With Raza leading a squad featuring a blend of experience and emerging talent, Zimbabwe will hope to put up a strong challenge against Australia in the three-match series in Harare. Zimbabwe squad for Australia ODIs Sikandar Raza (captain) Ben Curran Blessing Muzarabani Brad Evans Brendan Taylor Brian Bennett Craig Ervine Ernest Masuku Graeme Cremer Innocent Kaia Newman Nyamhuri Ryan Burl Tadiwanashe Marumani Wellington Masakadza Wessly Madhevere