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Eight years after terror attack on its team, Sri Lanka scheduled to play first international match in Pakistan

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Pakistan-Sri-Lanka

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sri Lanka is the first major cricket team to schedule international fixture in Pakistan since the 2009 bus attack in Lahore.

After eight long years of Pakistan being shunned as sporting event, hosting the T20 match against Sri Lanka will be marking as a milestone event for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Sri Lanka is the first major cricket team to schedule international fixture in Pakistan since their players were targeted in a deadly attack in Lahore in 2009.

Despite Pakistan government’s plan to deploy tens of thousands of security personnel in Lahore on Sunday, several Sri Lankan players and officials, including the team’s head coach Nic Pothas have opted out of the T20 fixture. The players’ decision to not visit Pakistan on Sunday came following alarms suggesting probable security breaches amid the ongoing militant attacks in the country.

International cricket had isolated Pakistan from holding any major cricketing events following a Taliban militant attack on Sri Lanka’s bus convoy near the Gaddafi Stadium on March 3, 2009. The deadly attack on the Sri Lankan team claimed the lives of eight and injured another eight.

Among the people injured in the attack was Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza, a reserve umpire in 2009. Being shot Raza had to go through emergency surgery to repair a collapsed lung and damaged liver. However, Raza will be present on the field during the Sundays T20 match at the Gaddafi stadium of Lahore.

Speaking to AFP, Raza said, “It’s a great honour that I will be umpiring in the match which is bringing Sri Lanka back to Lahore. They have set their every fear aside… their tour will have a great impact on the revival of cricket in Pakistan.”

Terming the upcoming T20 match as a “historical moment”, PCB chairman Najam Sethi stated that despite Pakistan being a cricket-crazy country, a generation of the country grew up seeing no international matches on the home ground.

“Our stadiums have remained empty. Now all that is poised to change, for the better… I foresee a full fledged restoration in the next two years,” Sethi told AFP.

The Sunday’s T20 will be the third major international match hosted by Pakistan in the recent days. The other two major matches were the Pakistan Super League final and the match between Pakistan and World XI, held last month.

The first two matches of the three match T20 series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka were held at the United Arabs Emirates (UAE). Among the players who pulled themselves out from the final T20 to be held in Pakistan, are – regular skipper Upul Tharanga, Lasith Malinga, Niroshan Dickwella, Dushmantha Chamera, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Chamara Kapugedara, the team’s South African head coach Nic Pothas and physiotherapist Nirmalan Thanabalasingham.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Cricket news

Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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Cricket news

At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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Cricket news

Guwahati weather poses threat to RR vs MI blockbuster as rain delays toss

The IPL 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians faces a delay as the Guwahati weather brings persistent rain to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

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Guwahati weather

The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has hit a weather hurdle. Scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the toss for Match 13 has been officially delayed due to persistent rain in the city.

Rain intensifies at Barsapara Stadium

The Guwahati weather has taken a turn for the worse as heavy drizzle forced the groundstaff to keep the pitch and square under covers. While the rain had momentarily eased, allowing for a brief inspection, it returned shortly after, frustrating both fans and players. According to media reports, the probability of rain during match hours has surged to nearly 50%, a significant increase from earlier forecasts.

Cut-off time and over reductions

As the clock ticks, the pressure on the match officials increases. Overs were scheduled to start being reduced from 8:40 PM IST. For those hoping for at least a shortened game, the cut-off time for a minimum five-over-a-side contest has been established at 10:56 PM IST. The city remains under a weather alert, with cloud cover expected to be a major factor throughout the evening.

High-stakes encounter on hold

Rajasthan Royals enter this game with a perfect record, having won their first two matches of the season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to bounce back after a mixed start. A key highlight of this match is the potential battle between 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah.

Historically, the two teams share a fierce rivalry, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to Rajasthan’s 14 in their 31 previous meetings.

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