There is a strong possibility that Pakistan will tour Sri Lanka in January 2026, with discussions currently underway between the two cricket boards. If finalized, the series could see Pakistan play three T20 internationals in Colombo on January 8, 10, and 12. However, sources have indicated that the final schedule will be confirmed only after resolving certain pending matters.

This proposed series could further complicate the issue of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Pakistani players participating in the Big Bash League (BBL). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously suspended players’ NOCs after the Asia Cup, and with a January series on the cards, several players might be forced to miss part of the Australian league.

The BBL is scheduled from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, with seven Pakistani players lined up to participate. Babar Azam is set to play for the Sydney Sixers, Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan for Melbourne Renegades, Shaheen Afridi for Brisbane Heat, Hasan Ali for Adelaide Strikers, Haris Rauf for Melbourne Stars, and Shadab Khan for Sydney Thunder. While Babar and Rizwan are currently not in Pakistan’s T20I setup, both could make a return ahead of the T20 World Cup. Shadab, who is recovering from injury, and Shaheen remain key figures in the national side.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s immediate focus remains on their upcoming home season. They are set to host Sri Lanka for three ODIs from November 11 to 15, followed by a proposed T20 tri-series from November 17 to 29 involving Afghanistan. However, with tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalating, the latter’s participation is now uncertain, and PCB may need to find a replacement team.

The January tour will also serve as crucial preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which Sri Lanka will co-host. For Pakistan, the series could provide an ideal opportunity to acclimatize to local conditions ahead of the mega event.

In a major update for fans of Australian cricket, star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell provided the good newsthat he's optimistic he can return to full fitness to play in the final three T20Is against India. The Men in Blue will tour Australia for three ODIs and five T20Is, starting on October 19. Maxwell, who continues to focus on T20 cricket following his ODI retirement, was sidelined from the squad for the New Zealand series due to a wrist injury.

The injury occurred when Maxwell was struck on the hand by a powerful shot from Mitchell Owen during a practice session, forcing him to undergo surgery. Speaking about his recovery, the Australian all-rounder shared that the operation was necessary to improve his chances of participating in the India series.

"I think having the surgery last week sort of gives me a little bit more hope of playing some part in that India series, if I can get myself right. The only reason I had the surgery was that the options they gave me were to miss that series completely or have surgery, and it gives me a slim chance to hopefully play a part. And if not, I'll be ready earlier for the BBL, and I think it leaves me in good standing to get the rest of my body right," Maxwell said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Maxwell Opens Up on His Injury and Recovery Process

It is worth noting that Cricket Australia has so far announced the squad only for the first two T20Is against India. Maxwell revealed that the injury was purely accidental and unfortunate, as the ball hit directly on the bone rather than on the flesh, which would have made a big difference.

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Reflecting on the incident, he humorously added that he now prefers not to bowl to big-hitters like Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Mitchell Owen, to avoid any similar accidents in the future. Despite the setback, Maxwell remains optimistic about making a strong comeback later in the series or at the very least before the Big Bash League.

The Indian cricket team will depart for Australia in two separate batches on October 15 from New Delhi to play a three-match ODI series followed by a five-match T20I contest. The decision to split the travel schedule was made due to logistical challenges and limited availability of business-class tickets for the long-haul journey.

According to sources in the BCCI, one group of players will fly out in the morning, while the second batch is expected to leave later in the evening. The team will travel to Perth, where the first ODI of the series will be played on October 19.

This white-ball tour comes immediately after India’s ongoing home assignment against the West Indies, with the second and final Test in Delhi scheduled to conclude on October 14. Players part of both the Test and ODI squads will regroup in the capital before departure.

Rohit, Kohli and Iyer to join in Delhi

Former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, along with newly appointed vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, are expected to join the rest of the ODI squad in New Delhi ahead of the team’s departure. “Virat and Rohit will touch down in the capital either on the day of departure or a day prior,” a source told PTI.

If the ongoing domestic or international commitments end earlier than anticipated, some players might be granted a short break to visit their families before assembling in Delhi.

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Shubman Gill takes charge of ODI side

In a major decision, Shubman Gill has been named captain of India’s ODI team, succeeding Rohit Sharma. The move reflects the selectors’ focus on future planning and leadership transition. Despite speculation surrounding their ODI futures, both Rohit and Kohli are understood to have conveyed their intent to continue until the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Team dinner hosted by Gautam Gambhir

Before the squad’s departure, head coach Gautam Gambhir has invited all players for a team dinner at his residence in Rajinder Nagar, Delhi. The informal gathering aims to build team spirit and unity ahead of what promises to be a challenging overseas tour.

India’s ODI squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Dhruv Jurel (WK)

India’s T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

On the eve of their T20I series against New Zealand, Australia have copped a major blow, with star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell ruled out with a right wrist fracture sustained in a training session in Mount Maunganui. 

The injury happened in the nets when Maxwell was rolling his arm over to Mitchell Owen, who smashed a ball straight back at Maxwell, hitting him flush on the wrist while the 36-year-old was in extreme pain. Maxwell withdrew from training, where he was later ruled out of the three-match series that commences Wednesday at Bay Oval. 

Teammate Matthew Short, who witnessed the incident, said it was a bad hit. “I just saw it out of the corner of my eye. Owen smoked it, then the aftermath was the ball hit maxi on the wrist. It didn’t sound good,” Short told cricket.com.au. “He’s done injuries before, he was disappointed but he’ll be fine.”

Cricket Australia announced that Maxwell will return home and consult a specialist in the next few days. The indication is he may recover in time for the Big Bash League in December, however his availability for the upcoming T20I series against India later this month, is still very much up in the air.

Another injury in an already injury hit period

With Maxwell unavailable, it only adds to Australia’s concerns, after already losing Josh Inglis with a calf injury, leading to Alex Carey being brought back into the fold. Australia also are without Cameron Green, who has turned his attention to Sheffield Shield cricket, ahead of the Ashes. Pat Cummins has been given some time off due to his ongoing lower back complaints, and Nathan Ellis, who is going to miss a couple of games because he stayed at home as his wife was having their first baby.

In recent years, Maxwell has been on the end of some unfortunate injuries, including a freak leg fracture whilst at a birthday party in 2022 and suffering a concussion after falling from a golf cart during the 2023 World Cup, However, he remained an integral part of Australia’s white ball setup, and had only a few weeks ago, contributed in an important role against South Africa.

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Philippe earns surprise recall

Selectors have named Josh Philippe, the wicketkeeper-batter for the Sydney Sixers, to replace the absent Maxwell. Philippe has not played for Australia since last December and has earned his recall after performing well on the recent Australia A tour of India, where he scored a century in the unofficial Tests.

While Abbotsford is a backup wicketkeeping option along with Carey, Philippe adds depth to the batting group. His international T20 record is not overly impressive to this point–150 runs in 12 innings at an average of 12.5. This series offers Philippe an outstanding chance to resurrect his T20I career and solidify a place for next year’s T20 World Cup.

Updated Australia squad for NZ T20Is

Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

It seems Pakistan’s Babar Azam experiment didn’t last too long. After being left out of the Asia Cup 2025 squad due to concerns over his strike rate, the former captain is now on the verge of making a comeback for the upcoming home T20I series against South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had taken a bold step by sidelining Babar and Mohammad Rizwan, hoping that a fresh batting approach would carry the team forward. But back-to-back defeats against India exposed the fragile top order, forcing selectors to reconsider their stance.

Pakistan’s struggle without Babar

Pakistan’s batting in the Asia Cup has been far from convincing. While bowlers and middle-order players have kept the side afloat, the top-order failures have become a glaring issue. Mohammad Haris, who was given the gloves and a crucial batting role, has failed to justify his place. According to reports, Rizwan could also be recalled if Haris doesn’t improve in the remaining matches.

Interestingly, Saleem Khaliq of The Express Tribune revealed that the PCB had already explored the possibility of sending Babar to the UAE midway through the Asia Cup. However, organisers ruled that squad changes could only be made in case of injury, leaving Pakistan stuck with their initial choices.

Captaincy uncertainty

Another key development surrounds Salman Ali Agha. Appointed as T20I captain for the Asia Cup, his future in both leadership and playing roles depends heavily on his performances. If he fails to deliver, PCB may not hesitate to remove him from the setup altogether.

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The return of stability

Babar Azam’s return seems almost inevitable now. Despite criticism over his strike rate, he remains one of Pakistan’s most reliable run-getters and is currently the second-highest run scorer in T20I history, just behind Rohit Sharma. His calm presence at the crease is something the current Pakistan batting unit has sorely missed.

Head coach Mike Hesson has always maintained that the door for Babar’s return was never shut, and insiders suggest he too supported the decision to bring him back. With the 2026 T20 World Cup approaching, stability in the batting lineup is essential and Babar is expected to provide just that.

South Africa series the turning point?

If all goes as expected, Babar will return for the three-match T20I series against South Africa in Pakistan, scheduled from October 28 to November 1. It will mark his first T20I appearance since December 2024 and could be the start of Pakistan reshaping its team balance with an eye on the future.

For now, the big question remains, will Babar walk straight back into his role as an opener, or will Pakistan look to slot him in differently? Either way, his comeback is set to be one of the most closely followed storylines in Pakistan cricket this season.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) might have to shorten their only men’s home series this summer against West Indies to ensure both teams can reach the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on time. The Proteas are scheduled to host the West Indies for five T20Is between January 27 and February 6. However, the T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with the ICC’s support period, when teams arrive and play optional warm-up matches, starting January 31, earlier than the initially planned February 3.

CSA had originally planned their home fixtures assuming there would be enough time for South Africa to travel to the World Cup hosts. While it’s not mandatory for teams to use the entire support period at the venues, the ICC asks nations to specify how many warm-up matches they want, ranging from zero to two. Only if a team opts for two warm-up matches does the support period extend to one week before the tournament.

CSA is currently discussing with Cricket West Indies when the visitors want to arrive in the subcontinent and how many warm-up games they plan to play. If no warm-up matches are requested, the support period would start February 3, giving South Africa limited time to complete the series.

Impact on the SA vs WI Series

Even if West Indies feel the series in South Africa is enough preparation for the World Cup, the Proteas may have to cancel at least the last two T20Is, scheduled for February 4 and 6. Preponing the series isn’t possible since the SA20 league ends on January 25.

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South Africa also have a relatively light home schedule this summer as venues are being prepared for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with drop-in pitches being developed. CSA's calendar will be busier next season, as it will draw on ten home Tests (eight men’s, two women’s), including a series against Australia and England. This careful planning shows CSA is trying to maintain its home series while preparing for a World Cup.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced its squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Bangladesh, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates from October 2 to 14. The squad selections contain some meaningful inclusions and omissions as the Afghanistan team heads into preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup next year.

Senior players Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, and Karim Janat were omitted from both squads, which the selectors responded to by adding new players to strengthen the team moving forward. Bashir Ahmad, a tall left-arm pacer who has yet to make his international debut, was added to both squads as a like-for-like replacement for Farooqi. Bashir has played 14 T20 matches, taking 12 wickets at an economy of 9.06. Wafiullah Tarakhil earns a T20I call-up following a strong Shpageeza Cricket League season, scoring 298 runs in nine innings at an average of 37.25 and a strike rate of 155.20.

Pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai returns to the T20I squad after being in the reserves for the Asia Cup. Fast bowler Mohammad Saleem Safi has been selected for the ODI squad, with Bilal Sami and Faridoon Dawoodzai as reserve pace options. Spinner AM Ghazanfar has been included in the ODI side but is a reserve for the T20Is, while the addition of Nangeyalia Kharote alongside Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Ghazanfar further strengthens Afghanistan’s spin-heavy ODI lineup.

Leadership and CEO Statement

Hashmatullah Shahidi will continue as captain of the ODI team, with Rahmat Shah as his deputy. In the T20I squad, Rashid Khan retains the captaincy, with Ibrahim Zadran as vice-captain. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan emphasized the importance of the upcoming series following a long gap in international cricket for Afghanistan:

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"After a long six-month break from international cricket following the ICC Champions Trophy, we are now entering a packed season with many T20I games scheduled. This provides the team with an incredible opportunity to prepare for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup next year. The performances in the Asia Cup 2025 were not as expected, but ups and downs are part of the game. As always, we remain hopeful that AfghanAtalan will bounce back strongly and make our nation proud in the upcoming events," Khan said.

Afghanistan squads for upcoming white-ball series

T20I Squad: Rashid Khan (capt), Ibrahim Zadran (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Abdullah Ahmadzai. Reserves: AM Ghazanfar, Rahmat Shah.

ODI Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi. Reserves: Bilal Sami, Faridoon Dawoodzai.

Zimbabwe cricket has received a massive boost with the inclusion of veteran wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor back in their T20I squad. Taylor hasn't played a T20I since April 2021 against Pakistan, and is now back nearly three years later after receiving a lengthy ban earlier this year.

Taylor is 38 years old and was suspended from all forms of the game back in 2022, as he did not report a corrupt approach in time. He has had his ban since August this year and gradually been reintegrated into to Zimbabwe unit, with him playing in a Bulawayo Test against New Zealand earlier this year and then taking part in an ODI series against Sri Lanka. Taylor is recalled in the T20I, where Zimbabwe is looking to bolster its squad prior to some important qualifying events.

Zimbabwe recall veterans for Sri Lanka T20I series

In addition to Taylor, another veteran, Sean Williams, also returns in T20I and last played a game in Zimbabwe's T20I against Algeria in May 2024, whereby he can also be expected to bring balance to the middle order. His comeback is also a timely inclusion as Zimbabwe prepares for the  Africa regional qualifiers later this month, where there are two spots for the T20 World Cup next year, 2026.

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Zimbabwe could not secure a berth at the T20 World Cup 2024 after losing matches to Namibia and Uganda in the regional qualifiers. With experienced players such as Taylor, Williams, and captain Sikandar Raza on board, this time they will be looking to ensure they do not repeat failure. 

Zimbabwe's T20I squad vs Sri Lanka:

Sikandar Raza (capt), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams.

It will be tough for Zimbabwe, as they face Sri Lanka, and of course, they have only faced the Sri Lankans six times previously in T20Is. Their last match-up was in January 2024, when they met for a three-match T20I series in which Sri Lanka won 2-1. With Taylor and Williams back in the fold, Zimbabwe supporters will be hopeful that they show more competitiveness this time around.

In August of 2025, the South African men's cricket team will be touring Australia for a white-ball series featuring three T20Is and three ODIs to make this a rare white-ball international cricket tour during the South African winter. The tour will be a critical preparation for both teams for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka in early 2026.

Match Schedule

Squads

Australia Squads

T20I Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

ODI Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

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South Africa Squads

T20I Squad: Aiden Markram (c), 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 (c), 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

Where to Watch

• Live TV: Foxtel
• Streaming: Kayo Sports
• Radio: ABC Sport
• Online: Live updates and highlights on Cricket.com.au and the CA Live App

The T20I leg should be an exciting series where both Australia and South Africa work through their combinations for the World Cup. With Cummins and Starc not in the side now is the opportunity for Owen, Ellis, and Dwarshuis. South Africa is using the series to build experience for Dewald Brevis and Kwena Maphaka. Unusual venues like Darwin and Cairns add an element of fun to the series, and there will be plenty of local action and excitement as both teams prepare for global glory in 2026.

After both teams recently experienced the horrible T20I series, West Indies and Pakistan are ready for the three-match T20I series, which will be hosted by Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground at Lauderhill in Florida, in the United States of America.  

Recently, West Indies suffered a 5-0 whitewash in the home T20I series against Australia. On the other hand, Pakistan suffered a 2-1 T20I series defeat against the hosts Bangladesh, where Pakistan lost both the first two T20Is of that series. So, the Caribbean and Men in Greens are both seriously looking to improve their performances to boost their preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will host between February and March 2026. 

After the T20I series, West Indies will host a three-match ODI series against Pakistan, as the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, will organise these ODI fixtures. 

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West Indies vs Pakistan, 2025 T20I series - Complete Schedule

July 31: 1st T20I (Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill) - Starting time 20:00 local time (05:30 IST on August 1)

August 2: 2nd T20I (Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill) - Starting time 20:00 local time (05:30 IST on August 3)

August 3: 3rd T20I (Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill) - Starting time 20:00 local time (05:30 IST on August 4)

West Indies vs Pakistan, 2025 T20I series - Indian timings

While all three matches of the T20I series will officially begin at 8 PM local time, the official starting time for the Indian fans of all these matches will be 05:30 AM the next day. 

West Indies vs Pakistan, 2025 T20I series - Live Streaming Details in India

Where To Watch West Indies vs Pakistan T20I Series in India?

There is no live telecast opportunity for India to experience the West Indies vs Pakistan live T20I series. However, the FanCode website and app will provide the live streaming opportunity to the Indian fans during this T20I series.

West Indies vs Pakistan, 2025 T20I series - Complete Squads

West Indies cricket team (yet to be confirmed officially): Brandon King, Evan Lewis, Keacy Carty, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jewel Andrew, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jediah Blades, Matthew Forde

Pakistan cricket team: Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim