Pakistan have taken an unconventional approach to their preparations for the Women's T20 Asia Cup, playing competitive T20 matches against the men's side of the Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy during their pre-tournament camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. With the Asia Cup scheduled to begin in Dubai on August 28, Pakistan are hoping the matches against teenage and senior male cricketers will help them improve their decision-making and ability to handle pressure in crucial moments. Rather than using the games as scenario-based training exercises, Pakistan played full 20-over matches to recreate the pressure and uncertainty of competitive cricket. The tougher opposition also provided the players with a chance to test themselves against higher levels of skill and fitness. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana believes the approach has strengthened the team's preparations. "We are well prepared for the tournament," Sana said. "We have played competitive matches against boys in which we were put under pressure. These learnings will help us adapt to the challenges of the competition." Pakistan have struggled to close out tight matches in recent T20Is, with a lack of attention to detail and inconsistent performances under pressure becoming recurring concerns. At this year's T20 World Cup, Pakistan managed just one victory from five matches, defeating the Netherlands. They were criticised after letting opportunities slip against South Africa and Bangladesh, while their fielding and performances against stronger opponents India and Australia also raised concerns. Sana was one of the few standout performers for Pakistan during the tournament. The allrounder finished with 11 wickets, the joint second-highest tally overall and the most by a fast bowler. She also scored an unbeaten 55 off 38 balls against South Africa, finishing the tournament with a batting average of 21.25 and a strike rate of 110.38. The Pakistan captain said the recent training matches were specifically designed to address the team's struggles in high-pressure situations. "We needed to understand how to handle the pressure better, and that is something which is highlighted whenever there is a big tournament," Sana said. "These matches have helped us on that front, and the difference will be visible. It is very important to stay calm in pressure situations rather than pressing the panic button. We have told the girls to stay calm in the crunch moments, and stay in control by trusting their hard work and executing the plans." Sana returns to Pakistan's T20I side after missing the three-match series in Sri Lanka in July and August, which Pakistan lost 2-1. She had opted to play in the Hundred instead, representing Birmingham Phoenix after being selected in the replacement draft. Her stint in England also made history, as she became the first Pakistan women's cricketer to play in the Hundred. Sana took three wickets at 37.66 and scored 57 runs at an average of 19 for Phoenix. "It was exciting to play in the Hundred as all eyes were on me because I was the first ever woman cricketer [from Pakistan] to play in the competition," she said. "It is always a great honour to represent Pakistan. I wanted to do my best, and thankfully, I was able to do good, which I hope will open the doors for more women in the competition." Pakistan will enter the Asia Cup looking to improve on their recent record in the tournament. They last reached the final a decade ago, while in the previous edition they were eliminated in the semi-final by eventual champions Sri Lanka. The Women's Asia Cup will be played in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Thailand and Hong Kong. They will begin their campaign against Thailand on September 1 before facing India on September 5. Their final group-stage match will be against Hong Kong on September 7. Sana believes Pakistan's familiarity with conditions in Dubai could also work in their favour. "Definitely the conditions [in Dubai] are similar [to Pakistan], and we are well-aware about how we have to play in them," she said. With their intensive preparations complete, Pakistan will now look to translate the lessons from their matches against the men's side into performances under pressure when their Asia Cup campaign gets underway.

Melbourne Stars have appointed former Yorkshire allrounder Richard Pyrah as their new head coach for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season. Pyrah, 43, will take over from Andy Christie, who has moved back into an assistant coaching role after guiding the Stars to the WBBL Knockout last season. The Stars were eliminated by Perth Scorchers at that stage. Christie's move back to an assistant role was announced in July as he prepares to concentrate on his responsibilities as head coach of Victoria's women's team in the Women's National Cricket League (WNCL). Pyrah is currently in his third season as Yorkshire women's coach. He also worked as an assistant with Sunrisers Leeds during this season's women's Hundred, where he worked closely with Melbourne Stars captain Annabel Sutherland. Sutherland enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning the Player of the Season award as Sunrisers Leeds reached the final before losing to Trent Rockets. Pyrah also has previous experience in Australian domestic cricket, having worked as a consultant with Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers between 2015 and 2017. Melbourne Stars general manager James Rosengarten welcomed Pyrah's appointment and highlighted his experience across both men's and women's cricket. "He is an experienced coach across both women's and men's programs and will bring a diverse skillset to the team," Rosengarten said. "This move is all about strengthening our club." Rosengarten also praised Christie's contribution last season and said retaining him within the coaching structure would provide valuable continuity. "Andy did a sensational job last season guiding our team to the WBBL finals, and having him remain a part of the program was important to us," he said. "He already coaches a number of our players across the Victorian women's team, so to have that continuity leading into the WBBL season will be an asset for us." Pyrah's appointment comes amid a reshaping of coaching staff across Melbourne's WBBL teams. Melbourne Renegades recently appointed Australia women's assistant coach Gavan Twining as their new WBBL head coach. Twining replaces Simon Helmot, who left the Renegades after leading them to the WBBL title and has since taken up a coaching role with Gulf Giants in the ILT20. With Pyrah now at the helm, the Stars will look to build on last season's finals appearance and push further in the upcoming WBBL campaign.

Sri Lanka have replaced injured allrounder Dewmi Vihanga with left-arm spinner Nimasha Meepage in their squad for the Women's T20 Asia Cup in the UAE. Vihanga was ruled out after suffering a right-knee injury during a practice match before the team travelled to the UAE. The injury means the young allrounder will have to wait for her T20 International debut. Meepage, who made her T20I debut in December 2025, has been called up as her replacement. She has represented Sri Lanka 14 times across formats and has taken six wickets in nine T20I innings at an average of 38.33, with an economy rate of 7.66. The remainder of Sri Lanka's squad remains unchanged, with Chamari Athapaththu continuing as captain and Harshitha Samarawickrama serving as vice-captain. Kaushini Nuthyangana is the only wicketkeeper in the 15-member squad. The defending champions have been placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Indonesia and the UAE. Sri Lanka will begin their title defence against hosts UAE on August 29. Sri Lanka are the reigning Asia Cup champions after defeating India in the final in Dambulla in 2024. They will be aiming to retain the title with a squad led by the experienced Athapaththu. Sri Lanka squad for the Women's T20 Asia Cup Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Imesha Dulani, Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama (vice-captain), Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper), Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Chethana Vimukthi, Kawya Kavindi, Mithali Ayodhya, Nimasha Meepage

Melbourne Stars have appointed former Yorkshire allrounder Richard Pyrah as their new head coach for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season. The 43-year-old Englishman will take charge of the Stars after spending the past three seasons as head coach of Yorkshire Women. Last season’s coach, Andy Christie, will return to an assistant coaching role as he focuses on his responsibilities as head coach of Victoria’s women’s team in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL). Christie guided the Stars to the WBBL Knockout last season, where they were eliminated by the Perth Scorchers. The club announced in July that he would step back into an assistant role while continuing his work with Victoria. Pyrah brings extensive experience across both men’s and women’s cricket. He was also an assistant coach with Sunrisers Leeds in this season’s Women’s Hundred, where he worked alongside Stars captain Annabel Sutherland. Sutherland enjoyed an outstanding campaign, earning Player of the Season honours as Sunrisers reached the final before losing to Trent Rockets. The former Yorkshire allrounder also has previous experience in the Big Bash League, having worked as a consultant with Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers between 2015 and 2017. “Richard is an experienced coach across both women's and men's programs and will bring a diverse skillset to the team,” Stars general manager James Rosengarten said. “This move is all about strengthening our club. Andy did a sensational job last season guiding our team to the WBBL finals, and having him remain a part of the program was important to us.” Rosengarten also highlighted the continuity provided by Christie’s existing role with Victoria, where he coaches several Stars players. “He already coaches a number of our players across the Victorian women's team, so to have that continuity leading into the WBBL season will be an asset for us,” he added. Pyrah’s appointment comes amid a wider reshaping of coaching roles in the WBBL. Melbourne Renegades recently appointed Gavan Twining, an assistant coach with the Australia women’s team, as their new head coach after Simon Helmot left the club to take charge of Gulf Giants in the ILT20. With Pyrah now at the helm and Christie continuing as an assistant, the Stars will look to build on last season’s finals appearance and push for a stronger WBBL campaign.

Veteran spinner Graeme Cremer has been recalled to Zimbabwe's T20I squad for the upcoming tri-series against South Africa and Namibia, marking his first international appearance in the format since the T20 World Cup in February. The 39-year-old has recovered from a left-arm injury and has been named in Zimbabwe's 15-member squad, which will be led by allrounder Sikandar Raza. Fast bowler Richard Ngarava has been left out as he continues his recovery from a lower-back injury. Ngarava, who serves as Zimbabwe's Test and ODI captain, is being closely monitored ahead of the team's upcoming assignments. Tanaka Chivanga will also miss the tri-series after undergoing surgery for an Achilles tendon injury. Cremer made his return to international cricket at the T20 World Cup earlier this year after a seven-year absence from the Zimbabwe side. However, a left-arm injury ruled him out of selection following the tournament. His return provides Zimbabwe with experience and an additional spin option for the upcoming competition. Batter Brendan Taylor has also been omitted from the squad after failing to feature in Zimbabwe's T20I series against Bangladesh and India earlier this year. Taylor last played a T20I against Oman at the T20 World Cup but remains part of Zimbabwe's Test setup. He featured in the team's most recent Test, a one-off match against Bangladesh in June. Zimbabwe will begin their tri-series campaign against Namibia and South Africa on August 28 in Windhoek. The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final on September 6. Ngarava's recovery will remain an important focus for Zimbabwe, with the pacer expected to return to captain the team in their ODI series against Australia in September if he regains full fitness. Zimbabwe are also expected to travel to the UAE in November for a series against Afghanistan, comprising two Tests and three ODIs, following their Australia assignment. Zimbabwe squad for T20I tri-series Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Innocent Kaia, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Kundai Matigimu, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Newman Nyamhuri, Tafadzwa Tsiga.

England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been withdrawn from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s after being arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in Derby on Saturday night. Carse had been released from England duty to play for Durham in the County Championship after missing selection for the opening Test at Headingley. Durham defeated Derbyshire on Saturday, after which Carse celebrated with teammates. A video that emerged on Sunday showed Carse surrounded by police officers and being led away from a venue in Derby, widely reported to be Molly Malone’s Irish Tavern. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that it would investigate the incident and referred the matter to the independent Cricket Regulator. The regulator has since confirmed that it will conduct its own investigation. With the investigation ongoing, Carse will not be available for selection for the second Test. Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker has been called up as his replacement. “Following a referral from the ECB, the Cricket Regulator have confirmed that they will investigate events on Saturday night in Derby,” the ECB said in a statement. “Brydon Carse will no longer be available for selection for the second men's Rothesay Test match while this investigation is ongoing and the full facts are obtained. Brydon will be replaced in the squad for this match by Sonny Baker.” A spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed that a man in his 30s had been arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in Derby city centre on Saturday night. He was released shortly afterwards after agreeing to leave the area. The incident adds to a growing list of off-field controversies involving England players over the past year and is likely to reignite discussions surrounding alcohol and player behaviour within the England setup. England's recent disciplinary issues include Harry Brook's nightclub incident in Wellington last year, which resulted in a fine and questions over his position as white-ball captain. England's drinking culture also came under scrutiny during last winter's Ashes series in Australia. Earlier this summer, Test captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were suspended while the ECB investigated their involvement in celebrations following England's opening Test against New Zealand. Both were later cleared of involvement in violent conduct at a nightclub but received written warnings for breaching specific contractual obligations. England managing director Rob Key subsequently introduced updated guidance on alcohol consumption. However, the policy has since been relaxed, with Joe Root recently saying the team's midnight curfew had been eased and backing players to behave responsibly. Carse's latest controversy comes against the backdrop of his own previous disciplinary history. He made his Test debut in late 2024 after serving a ban for historic betting offences. Carse had placed 303 bets on various matches between 2017 and 2019, although he did not play in any of the matches involved. English cricketers are prohibited from betting on cricket under the sport's integrity regulations. England's squad is scheduled to assemble in London on Monday and will train twice at Lord's ahead of the second Test, which begins on Thursday. England currently lead the three-match series 1-0 after securing a dominant innings-and-103-run victory over Pakistan at Headingley inside three days.

Afghanistan have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, with fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq making his return to international cricket after nearly two years. Naveen last represented Afghanistan in December 2024 and had subsequently missed a number of assignments because of a stress fracture in his right shoulder. The injury kept the fast bowler out of action for more than eight months. The series will also mark the beginning of Ibrahim Zadran's tenure as Afghanistan's T20I captain. He took over the leadership from Rashid Khan following Afghanistan's campaign at the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Rashid remains part of the squad as a player. Veteran allrounder Mohammad Nabi has also returned to the white-ball squad after missing Afghanistan's recent ODI series against Ireland because of his Caribbean Premier League commitments. Afghanistan won that ODI series 4-0. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Noor ul Rahman has been included as the second wicketkeeper behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Spinner Nangeyalia Kharote has also been brought back into the main squad after missing Afghanistan's T20 World Cup campaign. Shahidullah Kamal has been moved to the reserves, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq has been left out of the squad entirely. Gulbadin Naib, who was part of Afghanistan's T20 World Cup squad, has also retained his place. The series will be Afghanistan's first T20I assignment since the T20 World Cup in March, where they failed to qualify for the Super Eight stage. All three matches against India will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17. Afghanistan squad for T20I series against India Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Noor ul Rahman, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Naveen-ul-Haq. Reserves: Ijaz Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Namibia have announced a squad combining experienced campaigners and promising young talent for the upcoming T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe on home soil. Captain Gerhard Erasmus will lead the side, which features established names including Jan Frylinck, JJ Smit, Jan-Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann and Bernard Scholtz. Former South Africa allrounder Justin Kemp, who was appointed Namibia's Director of Cricket in June, will work alongside head coach Craig Williams during the series. One of the major talking points will be the return of left-handed batter Michael van Lingen. Van Lingen retired from international cricket in 2024 but returned during Namibia's recent Cricket World Cup League 2 series in the Netherlands. He last played a T20I at the 2024 T20 World Cup and is expected to open the innings alongside highly rated youngster Junior Taanyanda. Taanyanda, 21, made his Namibia debut during the T20I tri-series against Hong Kong and Nigeria in June and emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer, underlining his growing importance to the national team. Namibia have also included several young bowling prospects. Max Heingo and Waldo Smith, both only 18, have already gained valuable T20I experience, having played 10 and five matches respectively. Offspinner Jan Balt, Namibia's leading bowler in their most recent T20I series, is also part of the squad. Allrounder Alexander Busing-Volschenk, 21, will be another player to watch. He has impressed with an impressive T20I strike rate of 142 and provides Namibia with another explosive option in the middle order. The seven-match series is expected to serve as a precursor to the proposed Africa T20 Cup, which is scheduled to be launched next year. Proceeds from the series will go towards the Africa Cricket Association. It will also mark only the second occasion on which Namibia host South Africa. The Proteas travelled to Windhoek last October for the inauguration of the Namibia Cricket Ground and suffered defeat in a one-off match played before a packed crowd. South Africa will remain in Namibia after the T20I series to play three

India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando have each been fined 25% of their match fees following an on-field confrontation during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo on Sunday. Both players were also handed one demerit point for what the International Cricket Council (ICC) described as "inappropriate physical contact." The incident occurred after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal with the final delivery of the 17th over on the first morning. As Jaiswal began walking back towards the dressing room, he turned and moved towards Fernando, apparently reacting to words exchanged during Sri Lanka's celebratory huddle. According to the ICC, the two players exchanged words before Fernando moved his head towards Jaiswal. Jaiswal then leaned forward, resulting in contact between their heads. Television footage appeared to indicate that Jaiswal initiated the physical contact, having turned around and walked towards Fernando. The Sri Lankan bowler also took a step towards the dismissed batter but did not move away when Jaiswal leaned his helmeted head towards him. The ICC determined that both players had breached Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to inappropriate physical contact with another player or match official. Neither Jaiswal nor Fernando had committed a similar offence resulting in a demerit point during the previous 24 months. As a Level 1 offence, the breach carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50% of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points. Jaiswal scored 45 off 53 deliveries before Fernando dismissed him with India on 66 for 2 after the visitors had elected to bat first. Fernando went on to play a key role in Sri Lanka's efforts, also dismissing Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja as India reached 300 for 5 by the close of play. India lead the two-Test series 1-0 after securing a 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Galle.

Pakistan have named batter Sadaf Shamas as the replacement for wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi in their squad for the Women's T20 Asia Cup after Alvi was ruled out with a knee injury. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Alvi experienced pain in the posterior region of her left knee. Scans subsequently indicated a possible sprain, and following an assessment by the PCB medical team, she will begin a rehabilitation programme immediately. Her recovery is expected to take up to four weeks. Shamas, who was initially included among Pakistan's reserves, has now been promoted to the main squad. The right-handed batter has represented Pakistan in 12 T20 internationals since making her debut in January 2023. Although Shamas has not played a T20I since October 2024, she has been in impressive form in ODI cricket this year. She has scored 488 runs in nine innings, including her maiden international century and four half-centuries. The Women's T20 Asia Cup will be played in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Thailand and Hong Kong. Pakistan will begin their campaign against Thailand on September 1 before taking on India on September 5. They will complete their group-stage fixtures against Hong Kong on September 7. Pakistan Squad for Women's T20 Asia Cup Fatima Sana (captain) Ayesha Zafar Eman Naseer Eyman Fatima Gull Feroza Momina Riasat Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper) Nashra Sandhu Sadia Iqbal Saira Jabeen Shawaal Zulfiqar Tuba Hassan Umm-e-Hani Waheeda Akhtar Sadaf Shamas Reserves: Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees Shamas' inclusion provides Pakistan with an additional batting option as they prepare for the continental tournament, while Alvi will now focus on recovering from her knee injury.