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Old and new at the SSC, just like Pakistan

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7 months ago

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This signage is a small detail, but it says something about the SSC. [Cricinfo]
At the outdoor nets of the Sinhalese Sports Club, a laminated notice greets parents of young, aspiring cricketers.

“Please do not remain in this area and watch the children at practice, since both the children & coaches find it difficult to concentrate on their task when parents are watching!”

Dated January 7, 2025 and pinned carefully at eye level, the notice asks parents to move to the upper deck of the main pavilion instead. They can still watch, just not from directly behind the nets.

It is a small detail, but it says something about the SSC.

This is one of cricket’s most old-fashioned venues, tucked away in a quiet, leafy part of Colombo, where wooden staircases still creak underfoot, stone walls wear their age openly, dark green interiors are accented with gold and grassbanks frame the outfield. But, even here, change has begun to find its way in. The advisory at the nets is one such sign, a response to modern hands-on parenting and the desire to stay close to the action.

The six state-of-the-art floodlight towers tell the same story. Installed only recently, they enabled the venue’s first day-night fixture just days ago. They do not quite blend into the Colombo skyline that’s proudly visible beyond the grassbanks, but they signal change. The SSC has not abandoned what it is; it has simply made room for what the present demands.

At this very venue, under those same lights, Pakistan found their own balance between the old and the new.

Coming off a heavy defeat to India, this was a must-win fixture against Namibia. The response was emphatic: a 102-run victory, their biggest margin in T20 World Cups, achieved not through reinvention but through recalibration.

Let’s be honest, Pakistan have been difficult to recognise at first glance in recent months. Since July 2024, they have bowled more than 51% of their overs through spin, the third most among Full Member nations. Against India last Sunday, they leaned even further into that shift, bowling five of the six PowerPlay overs with spin despite allowing India first use of the pitch. For a team historically defined by fast bowling, it felt like a sharp pivot, almost an attempt to become something else. But come this match against Namibia, there was adjustment without over-correction.

Pakistan went back to opening the bowling with pace from both ends, a quiet nod to their past as much as to the conditions. They did not abandon spin but leaned into it gradually, allowing the pitch to slow down and the ball to get scuffed up. The reward was eight wickets for the spinners, the joint-most for Pakistan in a T20 World Cup but it was the early strike from pace in the PowerPlay that set it up.

Finding that balance between old and new also required uncomfortable decisions. Shaheen Afridi, who had struggled for rhythm against India with both the new and old ball, was left out. The new ball instead went to Salman Mirza, a fellow left-arm pacer who justified the call with an early strike.

Pakistan were equally deliberate with the bat. When Salman Agha fell in the 13th over, it was not Babar Azam who walked out. It was Khawaja Nafay. And when Nafay fell, it was Shadab Khan.

The batting order was not accidental. Since returning to the T20I side after missing the Asia Cup, Babar has struck at 101.70 against spin. Each of his five dismissals in 2026 have come against it. Namibia had at least three bowlers who turn the ball away from him.

“As a professional, you should not mind such things,” Shadab Khan said after the match, “The environment in the team is very good. The messaging is quite clear. Every player is trying to help the team win.

“There were clear messages given to every batter. Everyone has been told what their entry point is going to be,” he added. “I think Babar has also been given a clear message about his entry point. The combinations will keep on changing as per the conditions.”

Flexibility showed up in the combination as well. Pakistan went in with an extra batter in Nafay at the cost of Abrar Ahmad, a specialist spinner, trusting that Salman Agha’s overs would provide cover. They still had six bowling options, four of them spinners, but the shape of the side felt less rigid than it had a week ago. Pakistan have played two other matches at the SSC during this T20 World Cup but it was the first time they went in with this combination.

“I think we have the luxury of spinners,” Pakistan captain Salman Agha said at the post-match presentation. “We have all-rounders who can bat and bowl and then we have a proper match winner [Usman Tariq] when it comes to spin bowling. So if you have that much spin bowling in Sri Lanka, you don’t really need to bowl a fast bowler in the middle. And if we need to bowl a fast bowler in the middle, we have the bowlers who can do that as well. But right now, we are fine bowling with the spinners.”

One constant from the older order was Sahibzada Farhan. With Babar waiting out his turn in the dugout Farhan tightened his grip at the top, producing his maiden T20I hundred. It was also his fifth T20 century since 2025, underlining both his form and his growing importance to a side that doesn’t quite clear the ropes as freely as some of the other teams around.

At 30 off 27 balls, it was hardly a fluent beginning. Farhan battled sweaty gloves that made it difficult to grip the handle, and cramps in his right leg, before shifting gears. He needed just 31 more deliveries to bring up his hundred. It was an innings built on patience before power.

Perhaps, it was fitting that it happened here at the SSC. Where parents are not banished but simply asked to step back, and where LED floodlights rise above chandelier-lit dressing rooms. Here, the old and the new have learnt to coexist, and Pakistan found a similar equilibrium against Namibia. They didn’t abandon spin, didn’t stubbornly cling to pace and didn’t let reputation dictate selection or batting order. Under those lights, which lit up for the final time at this T20 World Cup, Pakistan rediscovered how to win without losing themselves.

[Cricbuzz]


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Zimbabwean Tavengwa Mukuhlani appointed Deputy Chair of the ICC until November 2027.

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9 hours ago

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2026/09/17

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Tavengwa Mukuhlani as its Deputy Chairperson through November 2027.

Mukuhlani, who currently serves as the Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket and represents the nation on the ICC Board, is set to take over the position from Imran Khwaja, following the latter’s departure.

Mukuhlani serves on the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) and Nominations Committees, and he chairs the HR and Remuneration Committee. He will become the first Zimbabwean to be appointed as the Deputy Chair of the ICC.

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for African cricket as Zimbabwe prepare to co-host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 alongside South Africa and Namibia. Leveraging his extensive leadership at Zimbabwe Cricket and regional expertise, Mukuhlani will provide valuable direction as the ICC brings the flagship tournament back to Africa for the first time in 24 years.

ICC Chairman, Jay Shah said, “I warmly congratulate Tavengwa Mukuhlani on his appointment as Deputy Chair of the ICC.  “His experience in cricket administration, understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board.

“Tavengwa has earned the confidence of his fellow Directors, and I look forward to working closely with him to strengthen cricket across our Members and create greater opportunities for the game to grow worldwide. His election is also a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, as he becomes the first Zimbabwean to serve as Deputy Chair.

“With cricket expanding globally and returning to the Olympic Games, strong leadership will be vital. I wish Tavengwa every success in his new role.”

Tavengwa Mukuhlani said, “I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by my fellow ICC Board Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chair of the ICC. “I look forward to working closely with our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah, whose leadership, energy and ambition have brought a clear sense of purpose to the ICC, with a strong focus on growing cricket, creating opportunities for our Members and reaching new audiences and markets.

“Cricket is entering an exciting period, particularly with its return to the Olympic Games and continued global expansion. I look forward to supporting our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah and fellow board directors in advancing our shared priorities and serving the best interests of cricket globally.”

[ICC]

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Isle of Man teenage all-rounder Lucy Barnett ICC Women’s Player of the Month for August 2026

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9 hours ago

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2026/09/17

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Lucy Barnett takes home her maiden ICC Women's Player of the Month accolade.[ICC]

Lucy Barnett played a pivotal role in Isle of Man’s run to the Women’s Continental Cup final, finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer.

The 19-year-old beat competitions from Suleeporn Laomi and Nannapt Koncharoenkai of Thailand to the award.

She enjoyed an outstanding campaign, registering a century and two fifties across the competition.

Barnett began with an unbeaten 71 against Romania, guiding Isle of Man to a comfortable run chase in just 13.1 overs.

After scoring only four runs against Greece, she responded in spectacular fashion against Norway, smashing an unbeaten 123 from 64 balls to help her side finish top of the group.

She also made an impact with the ball in those two matches, taking 1/8 against Greece and 1/11 against Norway.

Her strong run continued in the final against Turkey, where she was Isle of Man’s highest scorer with a 59, while also contributing two wickets for 22 runs.

Across four T20Is, Barnett amassed 257 runs at an exceptional average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 178.47.

With the ball, she claimed four wickets at an economy rate of 3.80 and an average of 14.25.

Speaking on the recognition, Barnett revealed the award gives her an added motivation to keep performing at the highest level.

“Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling and, honestly, still feels a little unbelievable as I am making history of sorts for the Isle of Man,” Barnett said.

“I knew I had a strong month, but to be recognised ahead of so many others is something I’m immensely proud of and will cherish for a very long time.

“It’s a fantastic time for women’s cricket, and to have the spotlight on me now is a truly special feeling.

“I’m grateful to the ICC for this honour and to all my team-mates, coaches and officials who have made my international journey such an enjoyable and rewarding one.

“This award gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself, and I hope to carry this form into the matches ahead and create many more special moments for my team.”

[ICC]

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Sonal Dinusha named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2026.

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10 hours ago

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2026/09/17

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Sonal Dinusha [ICC]

Sonal Dinusha has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2026.

This marks Dinusha being crowned with the accolade for the first time in his career.

Having played only three Tests for Sri Lanka coming into the ICC World Test Championship series against India, the left-handed batter was the leading run-getter in the two-match series.

Dinusha finished with 420 runs, averaging a spectacular 140, with three centuries and a half-century to his name.

“This recognition means so much to me, especially so early in my career, and I’m truly grateful to the ICC for this honour,” Dinusha said while reflecting on his latest achievement.

While Sri Lanka lost the first Test by 165 runs, Dinusha managed to score 100 in the first innings, followed by 84 runs in the second.

In the second Test, with the hosts battling to avoid a series sweep, Dinusha scored twin centuries in the two innings (103 and an unbeaten 133) to orchestrate a famous draw.

“The series against India will always hold a special place in my heart,” Dinusha added.

“Scoring three centuries was a dream come true, made even more meaningful by achieving them in Colombo and Galle in front of our home fans.  “Although we didn’t get the overall result we hoped for, the way our team fought back in the second match showed the character, belief and determination we have as a side. I’m proud to have shared that fight with my teammates.

Dinusha made his Test debut for Sri Lanka last year, during the home series against Bangladesh.

In a short time, the all-rounder has made a big impact while representing his team in the longest format, an achievement he isn’t taking for granted.

“Representing Sri Lanka is a privilege I never take for granted, and this recognition gives me even more motivation to keep learning, improving and contributing to the team.

“I’ll continue to give my very best for Sri Lanka in the months and years ahead.”

The hosts managed to keep the series at 1-0, and Dinusha was named the Player of the Match in Colombo.

[ICC]

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