LAHORE: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Management Committee, Najam Sethi, has thanked the Asian Cricket Council for accepting his hybrid model for the ACC Asia Cup 2023.
Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Nepal will contest the 16th edition of the competition, which runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 17. A total of 13 matches will be played as one-day internationals, four of them in Pakistan and the rest in Sri Lanka.
The tournament will feature two groups of three teams, with the first two in each making it through to the Super Four stage. The top two teams of the Super Four will then meet in the final.
Pakistan has not hosted a multi-nation cricket tournament since the six-team ACC Asia Cup 50-over event in 2008.
In an official statement, Sethi said: “I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan, with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan.
“Our passionate fans would have loved to see the India cricket team in action in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, but we understand the BCCI’s position. Like the PCB, the BCCI also requires government approval and clearance before crossing borders,” he said, referring to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
“In this background, the hybrid model was the best solution and that’s precisely why I advocated for it so strongly. The acceptance of the hybrid model means the event will take place as originally planned, the ACC will stay together and united, and the great game of cricket will continue to thrive and move forward in what will be interesting and exciting times for the subcontinent cricket fans in the coming 20 months.”
He continued: “In the past 15 months, the PCB has delivered high-profile bilateral series as well as two immensely successful HBL Pakistan Super League events in which some of the world’s leading cricketers participated and enjoyed Pakistan’s outstanding arrangements and unprecedented hospitality. We look forward to providing a similar experience to the participating sides in the ACC Asia Cup, which will be a prelude to the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February/March 2025.
“I now look forward to continuing our discussions and deliberations with the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket to iron out a few minor operational and logistical details so that we can launch our event planning and preparations.
“I want to assure the ACC, its commercial partners, participating countries and the cricket fans in Pakistan and Sri Lanka that the PCB, as event hosts, will not leave any stone unturned in the successful delivery of the event that is so very critical to the sides featuring in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in October/November in India,” the statement added.
“I appreciate the efforts of ACC President Jay Shah to strengthen the council so that we can collectively continue to protect each other’s interests and also provide opportunities and platforms to emerging Asian nations.”
Pakistan to host four matches of ACC Asia Cup 2023
https://arab.news/jxgwe
Pakistan to host four matches of ACC Asia Cup 2023
- Asian Cricket Council accepts proposal for hybrid model
- Pakistan has not hosted a multi-nation tournament since 2008
Bangladesh goes into bat for cricket in Saudi Arabia, ambassador says
- M. Delwar Hossain: I look forward to meeting the SACF chairman and discussing how we can work together for better cooperation
- Former Pakistan captain, and one of the great allrounders, Shahid Afridi, was recently in the Kingdom, and met SACF CEO Tariq Ziad Sagga
RIYADH: Bangladesh Ambassador M. Delwar Hossain says that his country is looking forward to working with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and extending all cooperation as the sport’s popularity in the Kingdom grows.
The ambassador told Arab News: “Cricket is an important area developing in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi cricket team is doing well at the Asian Cricket Council events. We are following up the developments, and are in touch with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation.”
The Saudi cricket team won the ACC Men’s Challenger Cup, both the first and the second competition, played in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2023 and 2024. The tournament is a part of the qualification pathway for the Asia Cup. The finalists qualify for the Premier Cup, whose winner goes on to the Asia Cup.
Hossain said that his predecessor, ambassador Mohammad Javed Patwary, met SACF Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud last year, and they had signed an agreement between the Bangladesh and Saudi cricket boards.
The SACF chief was also invited to visit Bangladesh to see cricket developments there and decide what kind of cooperation could be extended from the Bangladeshi side. He was a keen supporter, according to the embassy officials who accompanied the previous ambassador during the meeting.
“I am new here, and look forward to meeting the SACF chairman and discussing how we can work together for better cooperation,” Hossain told Arab News.
Bangladesh is a good cricket side, currently ranked in the top ten across all formats: Test, ODI and T20 internationals.
Many Bangladeshi expatriates play cricket at different clubs in Saudi Arabia. Bangladeshi expatriates have been invited to join matches organized by the SACF with employees of various companies as part of corporate cricket.
Recently Bangladeshi international schools have also been engaged in the game — both male and female students — for separate matches organized by the SACF.
With the game growing by leaps and bounds in the Kingdom, many developments are taking place. The Red Sea city of Jeddah hosted the TATA IPL mega auction at the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in November 2024, which attracted international cricket stars and the celebrity owners of the IPL franchises.
The SACF described the TATA IPL mega auction as “a historic sporting achievement in Jeddah.”
Former Pakistan captain, and one of the great allrounders, Shahid Afridi, was recently in the Kingdom, and met SACF CEO Tariq Ziad Sagga, describing it as an inspiring experience, at King Abdullah University Of Science And Technology (KAUST) Winter Enrichment Program 2025.
“Honored to be invited to the @kaust_news Winter Enrichment Program 2025! Thrilled to champion cricket and sports empowerment alongside our star Olympian @ArshadOlympian1, CEO @Cricketsaudi @tzsagga and GM Iqbal Sikandar. A pleasure engaging with the brilliant faculty, students and community here, alongside @ZafarxMalik, CEO of @SAFoundationN. Together, we continue to drive the spirit of sports forward!,” Afridi posted on X.
Pakistani cricketing legends, including Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar, have also been visiting the Kingdom and held meetings with the SACF chairman to discuss the development of cricket and ways to cooperate.
Indian cricket legend and former captain Rahul Dravid, head coach of the Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals, also attended the NEOM cricket program recently.
Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz set for DP World ILT20 playoffs
- Desert Vipers face the Capitals in qualifier 1, while MI Emirates take on the Warriorz in the eliminator
- Vipers have emerged as the standout team of the season, securing their playoff berth early with a dominant run that included four consecutive victories
DUBAI: The DP World ILT20 Season 3 enters a decisive phase with the Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz securing their places in the playoffs.
The tournament, boasting a total prize pool of more than $1 million, will see the Desert Vipers and Dubai Capitals face off in qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final. Meanwhile, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz will meet in the eliminator, following which, the winner will take on the loser of qualifier 1 for the remaining spot in the final.
The Desert Vipers have emerged as the standout team of the season, securing their playoff berth early with a dominant run that included four consecutive victories. Their campaign has been powered by strong performances from Alex Hales (286 runs) and Sam Curran (267 runs), who have been instrumental with the bat. On the bowling front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Mohammad Amir have been equally impactful, claiming 11 wickets each.
Hasaranga’s economy rate of 5.33 across 30 overs remains the best in the tournament. However, the Vipers have shown slight vulnerability in their recent matches, suffering two losses in their past three games. They will aim to restore their authority against a resurgent Dubai Capitals side who have beaten them on both occasions earlier this season.
Reflecting on the season so far and looking ahead to the playoffs, Tom Moody, director of cricket, Desert Vipers, said: “There’s been a lot of positive things to reflect on in the seven wins that we’ve had, a lot of great team performances, a lot of good individual performances as well. For us our focus is on just bringing our best game come Wednesday night.”
After enduring three consecutive losses early in the season, last season’s runners-up, Dubai Capitals, found their momentum, registering five victories in six matches to finish second on the points table. Shai Hope currently holds the green belt (most runs) with 467 runs in ten innings at an average of 66.71, including three half centuries and a century.
Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera has led the team’s endeavours with the ball, claiming 12 wickets in eight matches. The Capitals have also been bolstered by the performances of Gulbadin Naib, who has also struck three half centuries for his 314 runs in 10 innings, along with nine wickets as well.
With the Dubai Capitals heading into a third consecutive playoff in the DP World ILT20, Sikandar Raza said: “The extra cushion of being in the top two helps, but hopefully we can make it straight to the final and not have to play the eliminator. Regardless, our goal is to win the final this year.”
Reigning champions, MI Emirates, were the second team to book a slot in the playoffs. Their season has ebbed and flowed with five victories in 10 matches. Tom Banton has been their standout performer, amassing 464 runs, including two centuries — a first in the DP World ILT20. Captain Nicholas Pooran has also contributed significantly with three half-centuries.
MI Emirates’ Fazalhaq Farooqi comfortably leads the race for the white belt (most wickets) with 20 wickets in 10 matches, including figures of 5 for 16 against the Dubai Capitals, a league record.
The Sharjah Warriorz snapped out of a four-match losing streak to secure three victories on the trot and finish fourth on the points table, with 10 points in just as many games. Their top order has done much of the heavy lifting, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles each scoring three half-centuries with 347 and 305 runs respectively. Adam Milne and captain Tim Southee have spearheaded the bowling attack, accounting for 11 and eight wickets respectively.
The Sharjah Warriorz head into the eliminator following a comprehensive eight-wicket triumph against the MI Emirates in their final group-stage match. Earlier in the season, the Warriorz losing streak had begun with a nine-wicket loss to the MI Emirates.
The DP World ILT20 offers a total prize pool of $1.3 million, with the champions set to receive $700,000 and the runners-up $300,000.
Individual excellence will also be recognized through the tournament’s signature belts; the green belt for the highest run-scorer, the white belt for the leading wicket-taker, the red belt for the most valuable player, and the blue belt for the best UAE player. Each belt winner will be awarded $15,000, along with the DP world dispatch of the season. Additionally, the player of the match and DP world dispatch of the day during the playoffs and final will receive $6,000.
In the previous edition, James Vince claimed the green belt, Waqar Salamkheil secured the white belt, Sikandar Raza earned the red belt, and Muhammad Waseem won the blue belt for the second consecutive year.
Qualifier 1 will see the Desert Vipers take on the Dubai Capitals on Feb. 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while MI Emirates will face Sharjah Warriorz in the eliminator on Feb. 6 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The winner of the eliminator will then meet the loser of qualifier 1 in qualifier 2 on Feb. 7 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The action will return to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the final on Feb. 9.
Dubai Capitals romp to nine-wicket win over Desert Vipers to finish second in DP World ILT20 table
- Dubai Capitals will now face the Desert Vipers again in Qualifier 1 on Wednesday
SHARJAH: Dubai Capitals delivered a commanding performance on Monday as they dismantled the Desert Vipers with both bat and ball, cruising to a resounding nine-wicket victory in the final group-stage clash of the DP World International League T20 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Qais Ahmad was the standout performer for the Capitals, claiming an exceptional four wickets for 25 runs to dismantle the batting lineup.
Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib underlined his all-round credentials with a blistering unbeaten 55 to help guide his side to a comfortable win. The victory marked a remarkable turnaround for the Capitals, who began their campaign with just one win in their first four matches but rallied to claim four victories in their last five outings and secure second place in the table.
With the group stage now complete, the Capitals will face the Vipers once again on Wednesday in Qualifier 1, with the winner progressing to the final on Sunday. Meanwhile, MI Emirates will take on Sharjah Warriorz in the Eliminator on Thursday, the winner of which will meet the loser of Qualifier 1 on Friday for the remaining spot in the final.
Chasing a target of 138, Capitals openers Adam Rossington and Shai Hope set the tone early with an aggressive approach. The duo raced to 34 runs within four overs, with Rossington smashing a quickfire 20 off 15 balls before falling to David Payne.
Naib entered at No. 3 and immediately stamped his authority on the game, hitting Sam Curran for a boundary. The Capitals powered their way to 50 for 1 at the end of the powerplay. Although Wanindu Hasaranga briefly stemmed the flow of runs with some tight overs, Hope and Naib kept the scoreboard ticking over, reaching 76 for 1 at the 10-over mark.
A stroke of luck allowed Naib to survive not one but two mistimed shots in the 11th over, with both top edges carrying over the boundary. The Vipers missed a crucial fielding opportunity when Hope skied a slower delivery, only for the catch to be put down.
With momentum firmly in their favor, the Capitals breezed past the 50-run mark for the second wicket. Naib reached his half-century in style, launching Khuzaima Tanveer for a massive six over deep midwicket. Another dropped catch followed, emphasizing the Vipers’ poor fielding display. Hope, unfazed by the opponents’ missed opportunities, reached his fourth 50 of the tournament as he steered the Capitals to victory in the 15th over.
Earlier, the Capitals’ bowlers delivered a scintillating display that left the Vipers all out for 137. Obed McCoy struck with his very first ball, removing Azam Khan, before dismissing Alex Hales with a cleverly disguised slower delivery. At 39 for 2 after five overs, the Vipers tried to steady the ship through Curran and Dan Lawrence, who put together a 45-run partnership.
Curran’s six into the Sharjah streets off Naib briefly swung the momentum back in the Vipers’ favor, but Qais had other plans. The leg-spinner dismissed Curran with a well-disguised wrong ’un, sending him packing for 28 off 20 balls. Lawrence battled on but was trapped by Qais for a well-made 44.
His departure triggered a collapse, with the Vipers losing their final seven wickets for only 36 runs. Qais continued to dominate, removing Sherfane Rutherford for a duck before claiming two more wickets in the 14th over, bowling Adam Hose and trapping Michael Jones LBW.
With the Vipers struggling on 104 for 7, the runs dried up in the final overs and they were eventually bowled out for a modest 137.
Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson remained optimistic despite the heavy defeat.
“These things happen,” he said. “I will still back the boys. Qais bowled exceptionally. We will have to go back to the drawing board and come back again.
“We have been outstanding, and a little blip in the end will not change anything. Max (Holden) had a back twinge but he should hopefully be fine for the playoffs.”
Qais, the player of the match, credited his teammates for his success in the game and throughout the tournament.
“When you are playing with such legendary cricketers like Sam Billings, they always support me and give me confidence,” he said. “He kept saying: ‘You are our main bowler and will take wickets.’
“The wicket was very good for spin, so I tried my best to turn the ball. I am happy for these four wickets.”
Talking about his dismissal of Curran, he said: “Of course, I enjoyed that wicket; Sam Curran is a big wicket.”
Warner’s heroics lead Dubai Capitals to ILT20 playoffs with 26-run victory over Knight Riders
- Win confirms Capitals as fourth and final team to reach knockout stage of the tournament
DUBAI: David Warner delivered a masterclass in power hitting to propel the Dubai Capitals into the playoffs of the DP World ILT20 on Sunday, as they secured a commanding 26-run victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The win confirmed the Capitals as the fourth and final team to reach the knockout stage of the tournament.
Warner, playing his first match of the season, was the game changer with an unbeaten 93, guiding his team to their sixth win in seven encounters against the Knight Riders. He helped the Capitals post a formidable 217 for four — the highest score in the tournament’s history at the venue.
Chasing 218 to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Knight Riders started cautiously before Andries Gous injected momentum with a rapid-fire knock.
Gous smashed six boundaries in his first 11 deliveries, propelling his side to 50/0 at the end of the powerplay. Partnered by Kyle Mayers, the duo laid a strong foundation, reaching 89/0 at the halfway stage of the innings.
However, a crucial bowling change swung the match in the Capitals’ favor. Afghan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib deceived Mayers with a clever slower ball, dismissing him for a well-made 42 off 29.
Gous, undeterred, continued to attack, reaching 55 before teaming up with Joe Clarke, who unleashed a stunning 91-meter six before retiring hurt. The introduction of Andre Russell was expected to shift the game back in the Knight Riders’ favor, but the strategy backfired.
Gous departed for 78 off 47 after mistiming a shot to mid-wicket, while Russell lasted just one ball before being dismissed. David Willey also fell cheaply, leaving the Knight Riders reeling at 153 for five and needing an improbable 65 runs from the final three overs.
Dushmantha Chameera’s outstanding 17th over sealed the result, ensuring the Capitals held on for a crucial victory — marking the first time in seven games at the stadium that a team batting first emerged victorious.
Opting to bat first, the Dubai Capitals made a strong start, with openers Shai Hope and Warner setting the tone early. Despite Willey’s tight spell, which saw him concede just 11 runs in three overs, the Capitals reached 43/0 inside the powerplay.
Warner had an early scare in the seventh over when he holed out to Russell, but the catch was dropped. He capitalized on the lifeline, smashing four boundaries in an over off Gudakesh Motie. Hope contributed with two sixes before being bowled by Roston Chase, ending an 82-run opening partnership.
Warner reached his half-century off 33 deliveries, marking his 116th 50-plus score in T20 cricket — an all-time record. The veteran Australian then shifted gears, dispatching Sunil Narine for a massive six as the Capitals surpassed 100 in 12 overs.
Naib provided further impetus with a brisk 47 off 25 balls, punishing Jason Holder’s wayward deliveries. Despite Narine dismissing Naib, Dasun Shanaka’s late cameo (17 off seven balls) ensured the Capitals surged past 200.
Warner remained unbeaten on 93, anchoring the innings with a mix of calculated aggression and experience. “(The innings) took me back to when I was 21 again. You need to have that positive attitude.
“Shai made my job easier. We got off to a positive start and put up a competitive total. I tried to hit straight. I am still learning. I love this game. I owe this game a lot. Hopefully, I can get one better next game.”
The Knight Riders’ captain Narine acknowledged his team’s effort but admitted the Capitals were the better side on the night. “It was a decent season. We gave it all we could, but it’s not the result we wanted.
“In a must-win game, you don’t want to chase 217. We had a decent start and tried to take it deep, but they bowled brilliantly, and that was the key factor,” he said.
Gulf Giants stay alive in DP World ILT20 playoff race after win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- The Giants won by 7 wickets to sit 3rd in the table after 10 matches
ABU DHABI: The Gulf Giants returned to winning ways as they coasted to a seven-wicket win over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the DP World ILT20 clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
The win sees the Giants climb to third in the table and gives a welcome boost to their playoff chances. The result also confirms the MI Emirates join the Desert Vipers as playoff qualifiers.
Needing a win to keep their competition hopes alive, the Gulf Giants were brilliant with the ball as they stifled the Knight Riders for 123. In response, they rode on a superb 70-run partnership between Gerhard Erasmus and Tom Curran and some late pinch-hitting from Shimron Hetmyer to clinch the victory.
The Giants were off the blocks well in what appeared to be a straightforward chase. However, David Willey worked his magic as he picked up two wickets in as many deliveries to put the opposition in a worrisome spot. James Vince played the ball onto his stumps to depart for seven and Willey trapped Jordan Cox LBW on the next to give his side a fighting chance. The Giants scored 27/2 in the powerplay, just three runs more than their opponents at the same stage. A disciplined bowling effort from Willey and Sunil Narine curtailed the Giants’ batting as they were restricted to 50/2 at the halfway point.
But it was just a matter of time before Erasmus and Curran found their groove, which happened in the 11th over. Curran let loose as he hit Andre Russell for a four, a six and another four to amass 17 much-needed runs. That gave the Giants the impetus they needed as they got 12 more runs off Terrance Hinds in the 13th.
The Giants were on track at this point, at 82/2, and needed a run per ball from the remaining seven overs. An impressive 70-run partnership between Curran and Erasmus came to an end when Jason Holder found the breakthrough in the 15th over. Erasmus was caught at mid-off, but Hetmyer joined Curran and made his intentions clear early on with a superb boundary. Narine, uncharacteristically, gave away four runs in extras as the Giants inched closer to the target.
Hetmyer displayed his big-hitting skills as he clobbered Irbar Ahmad for a maximum over deep midwicket and subsequently hit the winning runs to seal a remarkable victory for the Gulf Giants.
Earlier, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders made a poor start when they lost both their openers — Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous — inside the opening three overs. Each made one run as the Knight Riders limped to 4/2. Roston Chase offered some hope as he struck a few boundaries to lead them to 24/2 at the end of the powerplay.
He departed for 15 soon after to Blessing Muzarabani, and Willey entered the fray. The Englishman steadied the ship and teamed up with Joe Clarke to put up 29 runs for the fourth wicket. The runs, though, were hard to come by as the Knight Riders went through four overs without a boundary. They were precariously placed at 55/3 after 12 overs when Clarke fell to Chris Jordan.
The Knight Riders made plenty of changes to their batting order. Russell came in next, his arrival seeming to swing the fortunes in his side’s favor as Willey launched two massive sixes before Russell hit a couple of boundaries. However, his stay at the crease was cut when Curran dismissed him for 15.
With five overs to go, the Knight Riders were at 80/5 and in dire need of some quick runs to put up a competitive total. Willey shouldered the responsibility and hit Mark Adair for a six, but the Irishman struck back on the next delivery. Willey’s resolute display ended after a crucial 41 off 29 deliveries.
Alishan Sharafu, the local boy who has been among the Riders’ better batsmen this season, was tasked with steering his side at the death overs. He got off the mark with a boundary, but the runs then dried up as his team managed just three boundaries in the final four overs to put up a modest total of 123.
Sunil Narine, captain of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, said: “I think they bowled brilliantly and used the conditions to their advantage. We tried to take as many wickets as possible in the powerplay. We couldn’t take many wickets in the middle overs and it became easier for them. Jason Holder has been doing a fantastic job with the bat and the ball. He assessed the conditions as best as possible. We are on the backfoot, but we will be looking forward to that Mumbai-Sharjah game and are hoping for the best.”
Player of the Match Dan Worrall said: “Opening the bowling with Mark, we had to get us off to a good start. Our bowling group prides itself on diversity. Left arm, right arm, tall and short, we have a bit of everything. We’re glad that we’ve at least given ourselves a fighting chance. We’ll be crossing our fingers for the next couple of days.”
Brief scores
Gulf Giants beat Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by seven wickets
Gulf Giants 124/3 in 17.5 overs (Gerhard Erasmus 47, Tom Curran 38 not out, Shimron Hetmyer 20 not out, David Willey 2 for 17, Jason Holder 1 for 17)
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders 123-7 in 20 overs (David Willey 41, Alishan Sharafu 21 not out, Chris Jordan 2 for 20, Mark Adair 2 for 25, Dan Worrall 1 for 13)
Player of the Match: Dan Worrall
