Category: CRICKET

The curtain will rise on the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on April 11.
Cricket is currently witnessing a wave of technological advancements. From the Decision Review System (DRS) to various other innovations, technology has not only enhanced transparency in the game but also increased its appeal. Continuing this trend, a new technology will now be introduced in the PSL.
The aim is to make umpiring even more transparent and accurate through this new technology. Known as Match Officials Technology (MOT), this system had previously been trialed in the PSL on an experimental basis.

This information was announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) through a press release on Sunday (April 6).

With the implementation of this technology, no-balls will be detected automatically. Multiple screens will be available during replays, making it easier for the third umpire to make decisions.

As part of MOT, there will be an umpire communication system (both on and off the field), a multi-screen replay viewer, auto no-ball detection using ultramotion cameras, real-time DRS and innings timer, tablet-based logging for the third umpire, instant clip access for match referees, and embedded communication and microphone audio for enhanced reviews.

In the opening match in Rawalpindi, defending champions Islamabad United will face Lahore Qalandars.

The Eid holidays are over. From tomorrow (April 6), the sports arena will return to its busy schedule. On this day, the ninth round of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) will begin. From this phase onward, regular captain Tamim Iqbal will no longer be seen in Mohammedan’s jersey. He has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a heart-related issue.

Towhid Hridoy has been appointed as Mohammedan’s new captain in Tamim’s absence. Receiving the responsibility, Hridoy faced the media for the first time on Saturday (April 5). In response to a question, the national team cricketer said,
“Challenges exist in every sector — in your profession, and in mine too. I will try to enjoy this opportunity and contribute as much as I can for the team.”

With Tamim out and several Mohammedan players set to join the national team’s training camp, Hridoy said,
“Firstly, these things are beyond our control. We have to do everything within our capacity and control. Our team has been a big-budget team from the beginning, and it still is.”

Hridoy believes that the absence of senior players for national team duties will open doors for the youngsters,
“Maybe a couple of players will be in and out. Since there are national team commitments, I hope this will be a positive sign for those we have as backups. They are players too, and they deserve opportunities. We will try to ensure that whenever and however they get a chance, they can make the most of it.”

The upcoming qualifiers for the 13th edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup will begin in Pakistan on Thursday. Six teams will compete in this qualifier, with the top two teams securing their spots in the World Cup, which will be held in India.

Yesterday, the ICC announced the names of 10 umpires and three match referees who will officiate the tournament. Among them are two Bangladeshi umpires – Masudur Rahman Mukul and Sathira Jakir Jessy. Additionally, two umpires from the host nation, Pakistan, have also been included.

One umpire each has been selected from New Zealand, South Africa, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Zimbabwe. The three match referees for the qualifiers come from different countries: Ali Naqvi from Pakistan, Shandre Fritz from South Africa, and Trudi Anderson from New Zealand.

To secure a place in the World Cup, which will be held in India this October, teams from Bangladesh, West Indies, Thailand, Scotland, and Ireland will compete alongside hosts Pakistan in this qualifying tournament.

The fear has subsided, but concerns remain. Tamim’s uncle, Akram Khan, mentioned that to ease their worries, they plan to seek advanced treatment abroad after Eid. The family will decide whether to take him to Thailand or Singapore. However, they have not yet finalized the decision on taking Tamim abroad.

BCB director and Tamim’s uncle, Akram Khan, informed the media that Tamim’s health has improved significantly over the past few days. However, he has not fully recovered yet. Before Eid, Akram Khan had stated that they did not want to take any risks with Tamim’s health. Therefore, they have been in contact with doctors in Singapore and Thailand. But the exact date for taking Tamim abroad for advanced treatment has not yet been determined. Akram Khan himself could not provide a specific timeline.

During the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), just before Eid, Tamim suddenly fell ill. He suffered a massive heart attack and narrowly escaped death. Later, it was confirmed that he had suffered a massive heart attack and that blockages were found in his heart. A stent was placed in his artery. Doctors have stated that his health condition has improved significantly, but he is still under observation.

BCB physician Debashis Chowdhury has been in constant contact with Tamim. He confirmed that while Tamim is no longer in critical condition, he remains on complete rest. Following doctors’ advice, the cricketer is staying at home. However, he is now able to move around normally.

With the goal of securing a spot in the World Cup in India, the Bangladesh women’s cricket team, led by Nigar Sultana Joty, has left for Pakistan today. The team boarded a flight to Pakistan at 10:15 AM.

The qualifying tournament will begin on April 9 in Lahore, though Bangladesh will play their first match on the second day, April 10, against Thailand. Following that, Bangladesh will face Ireland and Scotland. On April 17 and 19, they will take on West Indies and Pakistan, respectively. It is anticipated that these two matches will be crucial in determining which two teams secure a place in the World Cup.

Before the tournament begins, Bangladesh will play two warm-up matches—one on Saturday and another on Monday, April 7.

Host nation India, along with Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, have already secured their spots in the Women’s ODI World Cup. Two more teams will qualify through the World Cup qualifiers. The top two teams from the six-team round-robin league will advance to the World Cup in India.

If Pakistan is one of the two qualifying teams, they will not travel to India. According to the agreement made before the last ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan will play in the tournament using a neutral venue under a hybrid model.

The Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers will be held in Pakistan, where Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team will compete to secure their place in the 2025 World Cup. The qualifiers are scheduled to take place in Lahore from April 5 to 19. The Tigresses will depart for Pakistan on Thursday, April 3.

On Wednesday, April 2, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Jyoti spoke to the media at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. She highlighted the team’s preparation, stating, “We regularly play against Pakistan. In comparison, we face West Indies less frequently, but we recently played against them. Before facing them, however, we will play against Thailand and Scotland.”

Jyoti emphasized the importance of strong batting performances, saying, “If we can build momentum early on, it will be beneficial for us.”

Regarding the team’s preparation, she added, “We have done everything within our capacity. Practicing during Ramadan was tough, but we even trained under floodlights because we have two day-night matches. Everyone is very serious, and even today, we are practicing. So far, I would say our preparation has been good. We will also play a practice match after arriving in Pakistan. I believe the team will be fully ready before the tournament starts.”

Jyoti also acknowledged the significance of qualifying for the World Cup. She expressed that playing in the tournament would be an even bigger joy than celebrating Eid, stating, “We all understand how crucial this tournament is for our team. When a team participates in a major ICC event, it gets recognized differently. Playing in the ODI World Cup would open up various opportunities from the ICC. It would be a huge milestone in our careers.”