Rawalpindi to host first Pakistan-Australia Test
Cricket Australia have confirmed the tour to Pakistan for three Test matches, three ODIs and a T20I. Rawalpindi will host the first Test of the three-match series from 4 March. The next two Tests will be played in Karachi and Lahore. All three ODIs and a T20I match will be staged in Rawalpindi.
'We are pleased that the Cricket Australia Board has formally approved their side's five-week tour itinerary and confirmed that their best available players will visit Pakistan for the first time in 24 years,' PCB Chief Executive Faisal Hasnain said.
No spectators for India-West Indies T20Is
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the three-match T20I series between India and West Indies will be played behind closed doors, without spectators. The announcement came despite the West Bengal government allowing the ground to be at 75% capacity. The first T20I will be played on 6 February.
'Let me put this on record. We are not allowing spectators at the Eden Gardens for the three T20 Internationals. There will not be any tickets for the general public. The only people allowed are CAB officials and representatives of the various units,' Ganguly told PTI.
Mohammad Hasnain suspended from bowling
Mohammad Hasnain has been suspended from bowling after his bowling action was deemed illegal by an ICC-approved laboratory in Lahore. Hasnain has played three T20s for Quetta Gladiators in this season's Pakistan Super League, but will not be allowed to bowl further. His action was reported by umpire Gerard Abood in the Big Bash League 2021.
Chris Silverwood sacked but Root stays on
England Cricket Board (ECB) has sacked Chris Silverwood as the head coach of the men's senior team. A day before Silverwood's expulsion, Ashley Giles was also sacked from his role as a director of cricket. Andrew Strauss is likely to fill in as an interim head coach.
'During his time in the role Chris has given absolutely everything to make a success of it. He is a man of great integrity, who players and staff alike have enjoyed working with,' ECB CEO Tom Harrison said.
However, ECB interim managing director Andrew Strauss has confirmed that Joe Root will stay on as England's Test captain.