The Cricket Bulletin: Major Talking Points

Pakistan squad for upcoming T20 Women’s World Cup 2026 has been announced

Pakistan named a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Fatima Sana will lead the squad that features five players who are set to make their Women’s T20 World Cup debuts-Eyman Fatima, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Saira Jabeen and Tasmia Rubab. The same squad will be playing the tri-series involving Ireland and West Indies scheduled to begin on May 28, ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Saira Jabeen, Muneeba Ali, Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Tasmia Rubab.

Kohli praises Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues

Former India captain Virat Kohli praised players like Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues for inspiring a new generation and contributing to the growth of women’s cricket in India. “There’s no doubt that Smriti has always had this very unique talent. She’s a very gifted and natural timer of the ball, which is amazing to watch. It was amazing to watch her perform like that in the final,” Kohli said.

He added, “I was proud of Jemmy because of what she had gone through in the tournament. It felt like a meant-to-be moment for her. She looked completely zoned out, in her own world, just watching the ball. It didn’t feel like she was bothered about the record chase, the world champions or the strongest team out there. It showed amazing mental strength and resilience.”

BCB election to be held on June 7

The next election of Bangladesh Cricket Board is to be held on June 7 as announced by the Election Commission on Saturday. Former national captain Tamim Iqbal is currently serving as the interim head of the board. The interim administration is in the charge of conduction the next BCB election. According to the schedule, the draft voters’ list will be published on the BCB website at 4 pm on May 17 from the board office in Mirpur.

“The Election Commission will oversee and conduct all necessary procedures relating to the BCB Board of Directors Election 2026 in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations,” the BCB said in a statement.