Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed captain of the West Zone squad for the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Shams Mulani has been named vice-captain for the season-opening domestic tournament. The 15-member squad features a strong Mumbai contingent, with six players earning selection. Among them are experienced all-rounder Shardul Thakur and batter Sarfaraz Khan. Former Mumbai opener Prithvi Shaw has also secured a place after an impressive debut Ranji Trophy season for Maharashtra, where he amassed 537 runs in 11 innings at an average of 48.84. His campaign included a blistering 222 off 156 balls against Chandigarh, which featured the third-fastest century in Ranji Trophy history. Promising Mumbai batter Aayush Mhatre has not been considered for selection as he continues to recover from hamstring and wrist injuries. The 19-year-old, who missed the remainder of Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 campaign after six appearances, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Gaikwad is expected to bat in the middle order during the tournament, reflecting the role he envisions for himself in red-ball cricket. The 29-year-old recently represented India A, contributing to the team's victories in both the one-day tri-series and the four-day series in Sri Lanka. Saurashtra wicketkeeper Harvik Desai is likely to be the first-choice gloveman, with Gujarat's Urvil Patel serving as the backup. Mumbai all-rounder Musheer Khan has also been rewarded with a call-up after an impressive 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, during which he scored 446 runs and claimed 16 wickets. West Zone's spin attack will be spearheaded by Mumbai duo Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian, while Gujarat left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai provides another potent option after taking 45 wickets at an average of 18.42 in the previous Ranji Trophy season. The six-team Duleep Trophy will be played from August 23 to September 10 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. West Zone will aim to improve on last season's performance after being knocked out by eventual champions Central Zone in the semi-finals. West Zone Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Shams Mulani (vice-captain), Shardul Thakur, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Tanush Kotian, Harvik Desai (wk), Jaymeet Patel, Urvil Patel, Siddharth Desai, Atit Sheth, Prithvi Shaw, Shivalik Sharma and Mukesh Choudhary.

Sri Lanka have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming home ODI series against Pakistan, with opener Vishmi Gunaratne making a return to the national setup. Her comeback could see Sri Lanka revive the successful opening combination of Gunaratne and captain Chamari Athapaththu. Wicketkeeper-batter Anushka Sanjeewani and uncapped fast bowler Rashmika Sewwandi have also earned recalls as Sri Lanka look to strengthen their squad ahead of the three-match ICC Women’s Championship 2025-2029 series. The selections come with four players from the squad that completed a 3-0 ODI sweep against Bangladesh in April being left out. Kaushini Nuthyangana, Piumi Wathsala, Malki Madara and Sugandika Kumari have all been omitted from the latest squad. Among the exclusions, seamer Malki Madara’s absence stands out. The 25-year-old had enjoyed her best run in ODI cricket since making her debut in 2025, claiming eight wickets in six matches this year. However, Sri Lanka have chosen to give 19-year-old Rashmika Sewwandi an opportunity as they continue to build their pace resources. Sugandika Kumari’s omission also raises questions, especially with the series scheduled to be played in Hambantota, where conditions are not expected to heavily favour spin. Sri Lanka still have several spin options available, including Inoka Ranaweera, Dewmi Vihanga, Kavisha Dilhari, Nimasha Meepage and captain Athapaththu. Gunaratne’s return creates a selection challenge at the top of the order. Hasini Perera has performed strongly since moving back to the opening position earlier this year, scoring 229 runs at an average of 38.16, including two half-centuries. A possible solution could see Perera move back to the No. 3 position, allowing Gunaratne to partner Athapaththu at the top. The middle order remains largely unchanged, while Sanjeewani’s return adds experience and depth to the lower batting order. Sri Lanka’s pace attack will feature a youthful look, with 23-year-old Kawya Kavindi the most experienced seamer in the group with five ODIs. Chethana Vimukthi has played three matches, while Sewwandi is yet to make her ODI debut. The three-match ODI series against Pakistan will be played at Hambantota on July 23, 25 and 28. The matches will form part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-2029 cycle. Sri Lanka Women’s ODI Squad vs Pakistan Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Chethana Vimukthi, Inoka Ranaweera, Nimasha Meepage, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kawya Kavindi.

Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali has been appointed captain of Pakistan's women's T20I team for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, with regular skipper Fatima Sana set to miss the shortest-format matches due to her participation in The Hundred. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has permitted Sana to skip the T20I series, allowing her to become the first Pakistani woman cricketer to feature in the prestigious English franchise tournament. She will, however, lead the national side during the three-match ODI series before departing for England. Major Squad Overhaul After T20 World Cup Disappointment Pakistan have made significant changes to their T20I squad following a disappointing Women's T20 World Cup campaign, where the team managed just one victory in five matches. Their lone win came against the Netherlands after both teams had already been eliminated from the tournament. Experienced players Aliya Riaz and Iram Javed, whose selections had attracted criticism during the World Cup, have been dropped from the T20I setup. Fast bowler Diana Baig has also been left out of both the ODI and T20I squads after playing only a limited role during the tournament. Eight Players Receive Call-Ups The PCB has introduced fresh faces into the squad, handing opportunities to eight players for the Sri Lanka tour. Teenage batters Eman Naseer and Maham Anees, along with left-arm spinner Momina Riasat, have earned their maiden T20I call-ups. Naseer and Momina are yet to make their international T20 debuts. Meanwhile, Najiha Alvi, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar return to the national setup after earning recalls. Muneeba Returns to Leadership Role This will be Muneeba Ali's second stint as Pakistan's T20I captain. She previously led the side in a T20 International against Australia in 2024. As one of Pakistan's most experienced players, Muneeba will be tasked with guiding a youthful squad looking to rebuild after their underwhelming World Cup performance. Series Schedule Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka begins with a three-match ODI series, scheduled from July 23 to July 28, followed by a three-match T20I series from July 31 to August 4. All six matches will be played at Hambantota. Pakistan ODI Squad Fatima Sana (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper), Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar. Pakistan T20I Squad Muneeba Ali (captain & wicketkeeper), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar. With a new-look squad and several emerging talents earning opportunities, Pakistan will aim to begin a fresh chapter as they prepare for an important white-ball assignment against Sri Lanka.

Indian batting all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma has signed for Hampshire for the 2026 One-Day Cup, with the tournament set to begin on July 21. The 27-year-old, who represents Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will strengthen Hampshire's squad as the county aims to improve on last season's runner-up finish in the competition. Ashutosh has earned a reputation as a powerful finisher in domestic and franchise cricket. He holds the record for the fastest T20 half-century by an Indian batter, reaching the milestone in just 11 balls. Welcoming the signing, Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White expressed confidence that the Indian all-rounder would make a valuable contribution. "We're really pleased to sign Ashutosh for the One-Day Cup. He is a player of great potential and has done well for Delhi Capitals in the IPL recently, so he knows what it's like to perform at a high standard. We look forward to welcoming him into the group and seeing what he can do in a Hampshire shirt as we look to go one step further than last year in the competition," White said. Ashutosh has featured in 21 List A matches, scoring 458 runs while also claiming six wickets. However, it is in the IPL where he has established himself as one of the most exciting lower-order hitters. After beginning his IPL career with Punjab Kings, he has represented Delhi Capitals over the past two seasons, scoring 350 runs across the 2025 and 2026 editions at an impressive strike rate of 170. The move will not be Ashutosh's first experience of English cricket. He previously represented Middlesex Titans in 2017 before playing club cricket for Gravesend in 2022 and 2023. In 2025, he impressed while playing for Wigan in the Liverpool League, making headlines with a blistering century just hours after arriving in England. Hampshire, who finished as runners-up in last season's One-Day Cup, will begin their 2026 campaign against Yorkshire at Scarborough on Tuesday. The county will hope Ashutosh's explosive batting and all-round abilities can help them go one step further and lift the title this season.

Youngsters Jack Hope-Bell and Alex Horton announced themselves in spectacular fashion with maiden centuries as Glamorgan pulled off a remarkable 12-run victory over Sussex in their opening Metro Bank One-Day Cup match at Neath. After slumping to 54 for 5, Glamorgan staged a stunning recovery through a record-breaking 240-run sixth-wicket partnership between 19-year-old debutant Hope-Bell and Horton, guiding the hosts to 295 for 8 before their bowlers sealed a hard-fought win. Making his professional debut, Hope-Bell produced a composed 123, while the 22-year-old Horton, whose previous highest List A score was an unbeaten 44, struck 122. Their partnership transformed Glamorgan's innings from a position of crisis into one of dominance and ultimately proved decisive. Sussex all-rounder Fynn Hudson-Prentice starred with the ball despite ending on the losing side, claiming 5 for 62 to dismantle Glamorgan's top order. He had earlier reduced the hosts to 54 for 5 after dismissing Callum Nicholls, whose promising debut innings ended on 13. As the pitch eased for batting, Hope-Bell settled into his innings with fluent back-foot strokes and well-timed leg glances, while Horton played the anchor role before accelerating. Horton survived a dropped catch on 63 when Dom Goodman spilled a chance at long-off, and both batters capitalised. The pair brought up their maiden centuries in style, with Hope-Bell reaching three figures from 102 deliveries and Horton following in 110 balls. Glamorgan added an impressive 106 runs in the final 10 overs, giving themselves a competitive total. Both centurions have previously represented England Under-19s. Sussex's chase began on a shaky note as Timm van der Gugten dismissed Charlie Tear for six. George Thomas struggled to build momentum, but Tom Price provided stability with a well-crafted 55, his maiden List A half-century batting at No. 3. The visitors appeared to be back in contention when Hudson-Prentice and Jack Carson put together a century partnership after Sussex had slipped to 106 for 5. The duo counterattacked effectively, taking young spinner Romano Franco for multiple sixes to keep the required rate in check. However, Franco returned to break the crucial stand by dismissing Hudson-Prentice for 63, shifting the momentum back in Glamorgan's favour. Carson continued to fight, finishing with 81, but his dismissal in the penultimate over effectively ended Sussex's hopes. Despite dropping three catches during the chase, Glamorgan held their nerve in the closing stages. Captain Andy Gorvin, leading the side for the first time, successfully defended 24 runs in the final over to complete a memorable victory. The win gives Glamorgan a perfect start to their Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign, with Hope-Bell and Horton's record partnership providing one of the standout performances of the opening round.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy believes his Test side is beginning to make steady progress despite a difficult World Test Championship (WTC) campaign, expressing confidence ahead of the two-match Test series against Pakistan that begins on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Currently placed eighth in the nine-team WTC standings with just one win from 10 matches, West Indies are only a few points away from breaking into the top six. Sammy said the team has started to show encouraging signs after securing a 1-0 series victory over Sri Lanka earlier this month. Reflecting on the team's journey since taking over as head coach, Sammy pointed to the challenging schedule his side faced against Australia, India, and New Zealand before finally gaining momentum. "Everything is a process," Sammy said. "We had three very difficult Test series to begin with, but now we are seeing some light coming through, especially after the Sri Lanka series. The players understand our goals and the roles they have to play in achieving them." Sammy reiterated that his long-term vision remains building a competitive team capable of challenging for the 2027–29 World Test Championship title. He emphasized that the current focus is on developing a consistent squad rather than reacting to outside criticism. The West Indies camp, however, faces an injury concern ahead of the Pakistan series, with wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo nursing a shoulder injury sustained during the ODI series against New Zealand. Although Jangoo has resumed batting in the nets and remains available for selection, his fitness will be monitored closely. Should Jangoo be unavailable, experienced batter Shai Hope could once again be asked to keep wicket, a role he performed during the second Test against Sri Lanka. Joshua Da Silva is also part of the squad, giving the selectors multiple options behind the stumps. "We're discussing the best way forward," Sammy said. "Shai has been willing to help the team, but we also have to manage his workload across all three formats." West Indies have also strengthened their squad with the inclusion of left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop, who has earned his maiden Test call-up after consistent domestic performances. Top-order batter Kirk McKenzie has returned to the squad following an impressive comeback in domestic cricket after losing form last year. Sammy said the spin-friendly conditions expected in Trinidad could allow the hosts to field two specialist spinners alongside captain Roston Chase. He also highlighted the importance of building a larger pool of players capable of stepping into the side without disrupting the team's balance. Looking ahead, Sammy stressed that the objective is to create depth in the squad so that injuries or absences do not significantly impact team performance. The upcoming series against Pakistan will also carry emotional significance for the Caribbean side following the recent passing of West Indies legend Sir Garry Sobers. Sammy said the team would dedicate its performances to honouring one of the greatest cricketers in history. "We've lost a great of the game," Sammy said. "Sir Garry contributed so much to cricket and inspired generations of players and fans. Throughout this series, we'll be playing to honour his legacy with performances that would make him proud."

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has confirmed that fast bowler Alzarri Joseph declined selection for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, describing the absence of one of the team's premier pacers as a significant setback. While announcing the 15-member squad, Cricket West Indies had stated that Joseph was unavailable for selection due to personal reasons. However, Sammy clarified that the 28-year-old had been selected before choosing not to join the squad. "Alzarri Joseph has declined selection. That's the reality of the situation," Sammy said ahead of the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. "He was selected and is coming back from injury, but for reasons known to him, he declined the selection." Joseph recently returned from injury and featured in both Test matches against Sri Lanka, claiming six wickets across the series. He also played all five ODIs against New Zealand, producing a match-winning spell of 4 for 41 in the opening game to underline his importance to the West Indies pace attack. Sammy said the decision was beyond his authority, leaving the matter to Cricket West Indies administrators. "That is a decision that is way over my head. I leave that with the directors to determine whatever solutions are appropriate when contracted players decline selection," he said. Despite Joseph's absence, Sammy expressed confidence in the bowling unit available for the Pakistan series, which includes Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, all-rounders Justin Greaves and Keemo Paul, along with spin options Jomel Warrican, debutant Joshua Bishop and captain Roston Chase. The head coach believes the current attack has the ability to dismiss opponents twice and compete with any side in Test cricket. "We have a bowling line-up that we've seen can take 20 wickets, and that's the first requirement for winning Test matches," Sammy said. "We proved our quality with the ball against Australia and New Zealand, and we've also seen encouraging improvement from our batters during the Test series against Sri Lanka." Sammy added that combining consistent batting performances with an effective bowling attack would be crucial as West Indies aim to improve their standing in the World Test Championship. The first Test between West Indies and Pakistan begins on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, with the second Test scheduled to start on August 2 in Port of Spain.

West Indies Test captain Roston Chase believes strong individual performances from a captain inspire greater confidence within the team as he prepares to lead the Caribbean side in the two-match Test series against Pakistan, beginning on Saturday. Fresh from a career-reviving innings of 194 against Sri Lanka, Chase admitted the knock brought him immense relief after enduring a prolonged lean spell with the bat. "It's a good feeling to find some form after struggling for the past year in the batting department," Chase said. "That knock gave me a lot of confidence and a lot of relief, knowing that I can still perform for the team." The 33-year-old emphasized that a captain's performances can have a significant impact on the dressing room. "When you're a leader that goes out there and leads by example, everyone has a different level of respect for you. They believe in you even more and they want to play for you even more," he said. Chase's 194, his sixth Test century and first since February 2019, ended a drought spanning 28 Test matches. The innings played a pivotal role in West Indies' innings victory over Sri Lanka, securing the series and giving the team its first win in the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle after seven defeats and two draws. Despite returning to form, Chase remains uncertain about his bowling fitness after suffering an injury to his right index finger that ruled him out of the ODI series against New Zealand earlier this month. "I'm not 100 percent yet," Chase said. "I bowled a few balls yesterday and there's still a bit of pain. But there's still some time before the first ball is bowled, so hopefully it improves." West Indies currently sit eighth in the World Test Championship standings, one place above Pakistan. Chase revealed that the team's target for the cycle is to finish between fifth and sixth, making the upcoming series crucial. "We wanted to set a realistic goal, and that was to finish around fifth or sixth," he said. "It's very important for us to win this series against Pakistan. If we do that, we'll move closer to those positions in both the World Test Championship table and the Test rankings." The captain added that restoring West Indies to a competitive position in world cricket remains a major objective. "It's been a while since West Indies cricket have been around fifth or sixth in the rankings. We really want to get back up there and make the nation proud," he said. The West Indies squad has undergone a few changes ahead of the Pakistan series. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph opted out of selection, while opener John Campbell is sidelined through injury and Anderson Phillip has been left out. In their place, selectors have recalled top-order batter Kirk McKenzie, who featured in six Tests between 2023 and 2024, and handed a maiden call-up to left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop. McKenzie impressed during the recent West Indies Championship with 323 runs, including two centuries, while Bishop claimed 16 wickets for Barbados. Chase backed both players to make a smooth transition to international cricket. "McKenzie has had a taste of international cricket before, while this is Bishop's first opportunity," he said. "We just want to give them confidence and rally around them because coming into a new environment can be nerve-wracking." He encouraged the newcomers to trust the approach that earned them selection. "They had an outstanding West Indies Championship. I just want them to bring that same mentality into Test cricket. Be yourselves, play naturally and don't put too much pressure on yourselves. If they do that, I think they'll go well." West Indies will open the two-match Test series against Pakistan on Saturday, aiming to build on their recent success against Sri Lanka and improve their standing in the World Test Championship.

Sri Lanka white-ball captain Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL) after sustaining a right hamstring injury during Colombo Kaps' six-wicket victory over Kandy Royals on July 19 at the SSC in Colombo. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the setback in an official statement, revealing that Mendis suffered the injury while attempting a run during the match. The wicketkeeper-batter will now report to the National High Performance Centre to begin his rehabilitation program. The injury is a significant setback for both Colombo Kaps, who were being led by Mendis, and the Sri Lanka national team ahead of their highly anticipated two-Test home series against India, scheduled to begin on August 15. While SLC has not provided a timeline for his recovery, his availability for the series remains uncertain. Mendis has been one of Sri Lanka's most consistent performers across formats in 2026. Before his injury, he had begun the LPL season in impressive fashion, scoring a fluent 79 off 53 deliveries in Colombo Kaps' opening match against Galle Gallants. His outstanding form has extended beyond the LPL. During the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL), Mendis amassed 550 runs in 11 innings at a remarkable strike rate of 168.19, establishing himself as one of the tournament's standout batters. At the international level, Mendis has continued to deliver for Sri Lanka. Since the start of 2026, he has accumulated 408 runs in 14 T20I innings at a strike rate of 130.35. In One-Day Internationals, he has scored 211 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 70.33, further underlining his importance to the national side. With the crucial Test series against India just weeks away, Sri Lanka will be closely monitoring Mendis' recovery, hoping their in-form wicketkeeper-batter can return to full fitness in time for the marquee home assignment.

Jamaica Kingsmen have assembled a strong Pakistani contingent for the 2026 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), signing Pakistan internationals Saim Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat, Usman Khan, and Hunain Shah, the younger brother of fast bowler Naseem Shah. The franchise has also recruited Pakistan-born USA internationals Hassan Khan and Shayan Jahangir, along with promising batter Tayyab Arif, giving the squad a significant Pakistani presence. All seven players were previously associated with Kingsmen's parent franchise, Hyderabad, which finished as runners-up in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. The upcoming CPL will mark Maaz Sadaqat's first appearance in an overseas T20 league outside the PSL. The left-handed top-order batter enjoyed a breakthrough PSL season, registering the highest strike rate (178.08) among players who faced at least 100 deliveries. His impressive performances also earned him maiden call-ups to Pakistan's ODI and T20I squads. Saim Ayub returns to the CPL after a three-year gap, having enjoyed a memorable campaign in 2023 with Guyana Amazon Warriors. He finished as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer with 478 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 142.26. In recent years, Ayub has also expanded his skill set by developing into a useful spin-bowling all-rounder, adding deliveries such as the carrom ball, wrong'un, and flipper to his arsenal. However, Ayub, Sadaqat, and Usman Khan will only be available for Jamaica Kingsmen from August 19. They will replace Shayan Jahangir and Tayyab Arif, who are scheduled to leave the squad midway through the tournament after completing their initial commitments. Hassan Khan and Hunain Shah will remain available throughout the competition. The 2026 CPL will run from August 7 to September 20, with matches being played across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, matching the record for the number of host nations. The tournament will overlap with The Hundred, the ETPL, and the knockout stages of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Jamaica Kingsmen will become only the second Jamaican franchise to compete in the CPL following the Jamaica Tallawahs, who ceased operations after the 2023 season. The new franchise is owned by Pakistani-American businessman Fawad Sarwar. Earlier in the player draft, Kingsmen secured Jamaican stars Rovman Powell and Andre Russell. Powell, who captained the Tallawahs to the 2022 CPL title, will lead the new franchise, while both he and Russell arrive after helping LA Knight Riders win the 2026 Major League Cricket (MLC) title. Another notable addition is left-arm wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes, who recently impressed on his international debut against New Zealand in Guyana and is set to make his CPL debut with Jamaica Kingsmen. Jamaica Kingsmen Squad for CPL 2026 Rovman Powell (captain), Andre Russell, Keemo Paul, Keacy Carty, Jediah Blades, Shaqkere Parris, Odean Smith, Vitel Lawes, Romaine Morris, Kirk McKenzie, Kelvin Pitman, Jeavor Royal, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Hassan Khan, Hunain Shah, Shayan Jahangir, and Tayyab Arif.