Latest news with #ICCMen'sCricketWorldCup2027
Express Tribune
08-08-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
West Indies name squad for Pakistan ODIs
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the 15-member squad for the 50 over leg of the white ball home series against Pakistan, set to take place at the iconic Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. The series will feature three CG United One-Day Internationals (ODIs) on August 8, 10 and 12. Hunting a fourth consecutive ODI series win at home, the squad has the nucleus of players who were successful during home series wins against England and Bangladesh to end 2024 as well as the tour of the United Kingdom earlier this year. The highly anticipated tour will be the final one of the "Full Ah Energy" home series and provides an opportunity for CWI to focus on building its ODI team ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027. Alzarri Joseph has been given an extended rest to continue workload management while Romario Shepherd makes a return after missing the matches against Ireland and England earlier this year. Head Coach Daren Sammy is excited for the team to continue the momentum of the last 18 months. "Pakistan presents a different test and challenge as we continue our push for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup." "While qualifying is our immediate goal, maintaining a winning mentality and team cohesion is essential for long-term success." Sammy also added, "The upcoming matches against teams like Pakistan, who are ranked higher, provide crucial opportunities to earn valuable ranking points to improve our standing ahead of the World Cup." Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufyan Moqim West Indies Squad: Shai Hope (Captain), Jewel Andrew, Jyd Goolie, Kjorn Ottley, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, and Romario Shepherd. Akram backs Babar Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has called for Babar Azam's return to the national T20 squad ahead of the Asia Cup, emphasising the need for an experienced batter in crucial tournaments. Babar last represented Pakistan in a T20 International against South Africa in December 2024. Following a string of underwhelming performances, including a lower strike rate, he was dropped from the squad. Speaking in a recent interview, Akram expressed his strong support for the senior batter's return to the T20 setup. "If I had the authority, I would definitely include Babar Azam in the national T20 team," Akram said. "The Asia Cup and then the World Cup are approaching, and we need a senior batter. Fans may recall that when he represented Somerset in 2019, he scored runs at nearly a 150 strike rate. He has the ability to adapt his batting according to the situation," he added. The former left-arm pacer stressed the importance of experience in high-pressure matches, particularly in major tournaments, and highlighted Babar's ability to anchor run-chases. "When we're chasing 140 or 160, especially against big teams, we need someone who can take responsibility and carry the other 10 players along with him. Babar is among the world's best players," he stated. "He adjusts his game to the format and match situation — he's done it in the past and can do it in the future as well. Babar still has a lot of cricket left in him and can achieve much for Pakistan. We all need to support him," he added. When asked about Babar's ideal position in the batting lineup, the 59-year-old shared his tactical perspective. "The coach can play Babar at any position he wants. In my opinion, number three is ideal for him, but it will depend on the situation. If there are more overs left, someone else could also go in to bat first," he concluded. It is pertinent to mention that Babar's recent form in T20Is has been under scrutiny. In his last 10 matches, he scored 236 runs at an average of 26 without a single half-century. Notably, he failed to reach double figures in three of his last five innings. For the unversed, the 30-year-old last led the national team during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Pakistan's disappointing campaign led the PCB to prioritise youth development.
United News of India
24-07-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
South Africa bolstered by Bavuma's returns for Australia series
Cape Town, July 24 (UNI) South Africa have named full-strength squads for their upcoming white-ball tour of Australia as the team builds towards the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027. Aiden Markram will lead the T20I side, while Temba Bavuma returns to captain the ODI squad, following heroic performances in the Proteas' ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 triumph. Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who made his Test debut against Zimbabwe earlier this year, earns his maiden call-up in both white-ball formats on the back of an impressive domestic season. Exciting young batting prospects Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dré Pretorius also feature in the two squads, with the latter earning his maiden ODI call-up. Pretorius made a stunning Test debut in Zimbabwe, smashing 153 in his very first outing in the red-ball format. Twenty two-year-old Brevis, who is yet to debut in ODIs, will be looking to build on his growing experience in the T20I and Test setups. Also returning to the fold are squad regulars Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Tristan Stubbs, bringing vital experience to the two squads. Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Wiaan Mulder have also been named in the mix, following impressive exploits in recent months for the Proteas, an ICC report said. Speaking on the squad, head coach Conrad believes South Africa have a strong group of players to prepare with two World Cups coming up. 'It's great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final," he said. 'Their experience and quality add real value to the group as we continue to build a strong core in both formats," Conrad said. 'Every series from here on plays a part in shaping our squads for next year's T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup at home in 2027," he said. 'Touring Australia is never easy. We know their conditions and intensity will test us in every department, and that's exactly the kind of challenge we're after,' Conrad said. T20I squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Rassie van der Dussen ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen Fixtures: 1st T20I - 10 August, Marrara Stadium, Darwin 2nd T20I - 12 August, Marrara Stadium, Darwin 3rd T20I - 16 August, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns 1st ODI - 19 August, Cazalys Stadium, Cairns 2nd ODI - 22 August, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay 3rd ODI - 24 August, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay. UNI BM
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Namibia to play South Africa for first time
Namibia will host South Africa for a historic first meeting between the two sides to mark the official opening of their new ground in Windhoek. The one-off T20I will take place on October 11. Importantly, it will commemorate the opening of Cricket Namibia's first official stadium - previously internationals took place at the Wanderers, also in Windhoek, which is a club ground. The new ground will host the matches during the 2026 Under-19 Men's World Cup and the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup. Namibia is the co-host for the Under-19 World Cup with Zimbabwe and for the ODI World Cup with Zimbabwe and South Africa. The ground has been under construction since 2021 and will have a capacity of 7000. It is also the home of Namibia's high-performance centre. "This truly is a memorable occasion," Johann Muller, Cricket Namibia CEO, said in a statement. "The new ground has been a dream for the last four years and has finally materialised. A match against our neighbours, and one of the top cricketing countries in the world, is the perfect way to open this world-class facility." Despite being neighbours, South Africa have never played an international against Namibia, at bilateral or tournament level, and the trip across the western border indicates the growth in relations in cricket on the continent. South Africa and Zimbabwe are both playing a significant role at the African Cricket Association and there are talks of increased fixtures, such as this one, to grow the game. South Africa will also travel to Zimbabwe for the first time in 11 years later this year to play two Tests and a T20I tri-series. "We are honoured to be part of this historic occasion," Pholesti Moseki, CSA CEO, said. "Namibia are a competitive side, and this fixture reflects the growing strength of cricket on the continent. As a fellow African cricketing nation and the host of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, we are proud to support the official opening of this new cricket ground, which will be one of the host venues of the tournament." By the time the match takes place, Namibia will have also competed in the Africa T20 World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, where there are two spots available for next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Namibia have played in the last three T20 World Cups, and their highest profile win was over Sri Lanka in Geelong in 2022.
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Proteas to face Namibia for the first time in October
Namibia will face South Africa for the first time in a one-off T20 International in Windhoek, in October. The match will be played at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground (NCG) on 11 October. It will be the first match at the newly renovated venue which will host matches in the Under-19 World Cup next year and the senior men's event in 2027. Namibia and Zimbabwe will be joint hosts for that tournament alongside SA. 'We are honoured to be part of this historic occasion. Namibia are a competitive side, and this fixture reflects the growing strength of cricket on the continent,' said Cricket SA's CEO, Pholetsi Moseki. 'As a fellow African cricketing nation and the host of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, we are proud to support the official opening of this new cricket ground which will be one of the host venues of the tournament.' Moseki's counterpart at Cricket Namibia, Johan Muller thanked CSA for agreeing to play the fixture. 'The new FNB NCG has been a dream for the last four years and has finally materialised. A match against our neighbours, and one of the top cricketing countries in the world, is the perfect way to open this world class facility,' said Muller. The match adds to what is already a heavy schedule for the Proteas this year. After next month's World Test Championship final at Lord's they head to Zimbabwe at end of June to play two Tests and in a triangular T2o series with the host nation and New Zealand. Then there are trips to England and Australia for a limited overs series's in August and September and after the clash in Windhoek, SA heads to Pakistan and India for tours involving, Tests, ODIs and T20 matches. They play their last fixture in India on December 19 and a week later most of the players will be involved in the SA20, which starts on Boxing Day. There are no home Tests scheduled for the 2025/26 season and the men's team will on play in five T20 Internationals against the West Indies next January on SA soil, before heading to India for the T20 World Cup.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
New white-ball coach Shukri Conrad wants Proteas to be 'best in the world' across formats
MAIN MAN SHUKS Shukri Conrad will be calling the shots across all three Proteas Men's team after being appointed all-format coach on Friday. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu, BackpagePix Image: Sydney Mahlangu, BackpagePix Cricket South Africa (CSA) has taken a significant step in its strategic restructuring by appointing Shukri Conrad as the head coach of the Proteas Men's all-format team. It confirmed Independent Media's report back on April 1 already stating that Conrad would succeed former Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter after his sudden resignation. Conrad has been at the helm of the Test squad since January 2023 and will now extend his influence on the white-ball formats, starting with the T20 International tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in July. The 58-year-old will lead the national team through to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, which is poised to take place on home soil. This decision comes as part of CSA's broader initiative to revitalise the national team structure, which further includes the return of a National Convenor of Selection. Enoch Nkwe, CSA's Director of National Teams and High Performance, heralded Conrad's appointment. 'Shukri's track record with the red-ball team speaks for itself. He has laid a solid foundation and instilled a strong identity within the Test environment. I'm excited to see him bring the profile and structure to the white-ball space,' Nkwe said. 'Having been part of the national setup over the past two years, he understands the demands of international cricket. He has also established sound relationships with the players and we have no doubt that he is the best person for the job. 'We are confident he will help us maintain our current upward trajectory and remain competitive across all three formats.' Conrad expressed his gratitude for the sizeable responsibility, stating: 'I'm truly honoured to be entrusted with leading the national team across all three formats. Coaching the Test side has been the greatest privilege of my cricket journey, and overseeing the white-ball teams is something unbelievably special. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Conrad is hugely optimistic about South Africa's white-ball talent, highlighting the mix of experienced senior players and promising youngsters. 'I'm genuinely excited about the prospects that lie ahead. South African cricket has incredible white ball talent, from the calibre of our senior players to the emerging group of juniors aspiring to represent the Proteas,' he said. 'There's a strong foundation to build on, and I believe we have what it takes to achieve something special. As Proteas Men's team can look forward with a singular vision under Conrad, the schedule remains packed, with priorities including the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia set for June 11-15 at the iconic Lord's, the T20 World Cup next year, and the anticipated 50-over World Cup the year after. "During this period, planning will be key for us as we look to manage our player base to ensure that the strongest teams can be fielded in every format," Conrad said 'During this period, planning will be key for us as we look to manage our player base to ensure that the strongest teams can be fielded in every format. We want to obviously be the best in the world in all three forms of the game and that is no doubt my number one target and goal for the Proteas.'
