Liverpool ‌talisman Mohamed Salah will captain the squad and combine with Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush to lead the attack at the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to ​July 19 in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Coach Hossam Hassan will ​drop one player to reduce the squad to the FIFA-mandated ⁠26 players after Egypt takes on Russia in Cairo on May 28 ​in their last home friendly before heading to the United States.

Mohamed was a ​surprise omission, even if he has struggled for form with only four goals in 24 matches this season for Nantes, as the French club were relegated from Ligue 1.

Abdelkarim, ​by contrast, has been in great form for the Barcelona youth team ​and is one of the most promising forward talents in Egyptian football.

Egypt will play Brazil ‌in ⁠a friendly in Cleveland on June 6 before opening their World Cup campaign against Belgium in Seattle nine days later.

They then face New Zealand in Vancouver on June 21 before returning to Seattle five days later to round ​out their Group ​G matches against ⁠Iran.

Egypt squad:

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna)

Defenders: Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Tarek ​Alaa (Zed), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Yasser Ibrahim (Al ​Ahly), Hossam ⁠Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonemn (Nice), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), Karim Hafez (Pyramids)

Midfielders: Marwan Ateya (Al Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Nabil Emad (Al Najma), Mahmoud Saber (Zed), Ahmed Zizo (Al Ahly), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Ziko (Pyramids), Mahmoud ⁠Trezeguet (Al Ahly), ​Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Haissem Hassan (Real Ovideo)

Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester ​City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona U19)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that both players are currently recovering from injuries and have been advised to continue their rehabilitation programmes under the supervision of the PCB medical panel.

Consequently, they have been ruled out of selection for the ODI series, a PCB statement said.

The PCB wishes both players a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing them return to competitive cricket at the earliest opportunity, the statement added.

The PCB statement did not disclose the nature of Zaman and Ayub’s injuries or provide an estimated recovery time.

However, sources indicate that both players are dealing with knee and ankle issues.

The hosts secured the series-clinching victory during the morning session on the final day, with Bangladesh’s bowlers taking the last three Pakistan wickets to deny the visitors a record chase of 437 runs, according to an ICC statement.

This series win marks Bangladesh’s first home series triumph over Pakistan and their second consecutive 2-0 sweep against the same opponents, following their victory in Pakistan in 2024.

The victory propels Bangladesh to fifth place on the World Test Championship table with a win-loss percentage of 58.33, while India drop to sixth.

Pakistan remain in the eighth place following the defeat, the statement added.

Chasing a mammoth 437, Pakistan were bowled out for 358, handing the hosts a comprehensive 78-run victory in the second and final Test in Sylhet.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 94, while captain Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha contributed 71 runs each.

Former skipper and experienced Babar Azam scored 47.

For Bangladesh, Tej Islam was the standout bowler, taking six wickets, while Nahid Rana claimed two.

Sharaf Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one wicket each.

Bangladesh posted 278 in their first innings and 390 in the second. Pakistan scored 232 in the first innings and 358 in the second.

After the match, Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted that mistakes cost the team dearly.

“We made a lot of errors. In Test cricket, mistakes are punished,” he said.

He added, “In a Test match, you need to play consistently for all five days.”

Earlier, Bangladesh had defeated Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test, making this series sweep a repeat of their earlier whitewash.

The series highlighted not only Bangladesh’s strong batting performance but also exposed weaknesses in Pakistan’s bowling.

Under the leadership of Shan Masood, Pakistan faced their twelfth Test series defeat.

Leaders for almost the entire season, ‌Mikel Arteta’s side are now four points clear with one game remaining, and Sunday’s clash at Crystal Palace will now be a coronation.

Arsenal had beaten Burnley 1-0 on Monday, meaning City had to win on the south coast to extend the race to the final day.

But City trailed to ​Eli Junior Kroupi’s first-half goal, and Erling Haaland’s stoppage-time reply was too late for the visitors, who are ​reportedly set to say goodbye to manager Pep Guardiola at the end of the season after a ⁠glittering decade.

Arsenal had been dubbed the nearly men under Arteta after finishing runners-up in the previous three seasons.

But they have finally got ​over the line, delivering the club’s 14th English title, behind only Manchester United and Liverpool, who share the record with 20.

It is Arsenal’s ​first title since 2003-04 when Arsene Wenger’s side went through the season unbeaten, and their first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup in Arteta’s first season after taking over from Unai Emery.

A memorable campaign could get even better for Arsenal as they face Paris St Germain in ​the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30, bidding to win the trophy for the first time.

Do that, ​and Arteta’s team will go down as one of the greatest in the club’s 140-year history.

Celebrations in North London

Arsenal’s triumph sparked huge celebrations ‌in ⁠North London and even at 10 Downing Street, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a keen Gunners fan, posted on X: “22 long years for Arsenal. But finally we’re back where we belong.”

Arteta, at 44, the youngest Arsenal manager to win the English top-flight title, said the previous day that he would be Bournemouth’s “biggest fan” for a couple of hours on Tuesday.

Fittingly, the title was delivered with the help of close friend Andoni ​Iraola, whose Bournemouth side held City.

Arteta’s ​sentiments would have been ⁠echoed by Arsenal fans watching the game in pubs and bars before descending en masse to the Emirates Stadium for a party that was set to go on late into the night.

Minutes after the final whistle ​at Bournemouth, large crowds of Arsenal fans were gathering, many with red flares.

The first-team squad ​and staff had ⁠gathered at the club’s training ground, north of London, with videos posted of wild celebrations as the final whistle at Bournemouth confirmed the title was in the bag.

Arsenal’s success has been built on the fierce intensity, defensive discipline and attention to detail instilled by ⁠the innovative ​Arteta, who has revamped the club culture on and off the field.

Even ​when they were knocked off the top of the table by Manchester City in April after 200 days in first place, Arsenal’s belief never wavered, and ​they can now enjoy their triumph after a gripping title race.

Needing another 121 runs for victory on the final day, Pakistan have only three wickets remaining, while Bangladesh are closing in on a historic series sweep on home soil.

Pakistan’s chase began poorly as openers Azan Owais and Abdullah Fazal failed to provide a solid start. Fazal was dismissed by Naheed Rana for six with the score at 27 runs, while Azan Owais fell lbw to Mehidy Hasan Miraz after scoring 21 runs, leaving Pakistan at 41 runs for two.

Captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam steadied the innings with a partnership that carried the total to 133 runs before Babar was dismissed by Taijul Islam for 47 runs off 52 balls.

Vice-captain Saud Shakeel managed only six runs before departing at 154 runs, and Shan Masood followed soon after for 71 runs as Taijul struck again to reduce Pakistan to 162 runs for five wickets.

With the threat of a whitewash looming, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan mounted a recovery through a 134-run sixth-wicket partnership that lifted Pakistan to 296 runs. Salman was eventually bowled by Taijul Islam after making 71 runs, while Hasan Ali was dismissed without scoring.

At stumps, Rizwan remained unbeaten on 75 runs with Sajid Khan on eight.

For Bangladesh, Taijul Islam claimed four wickets, while Naheed Rana took two and Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up one.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 278 runs in their first innings, powered by a century from wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das. Khurram Shahzad was Pakistan’s leading bowler with four wickets, while Mohammad Abbas took three and Hasan Ali claimed two.

Pakistan replied with 232 runs in their first innings, with Babar Azam top-scoring with 68 runs. No other batter reached a half-century as Bangladesh secured a first-innings lead of 46 runs.

Naheed Rana and Taijul Islam took three wickets each for Bangladesh, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed two apiece.

In their second innings, Bangladesh were bowled out for 390 after Mushfiqur Rahim scored 137 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 69, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy added 52, setting Pakistan a target of 438 runs.

Khurram Shahzad took four wickets for Pakistan, Sajid Khan claimed three, Hasan Ali took two, and Mohammad Abbas picked up one.

Bangladesh had already secured an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series after winning the opening Test in Dhaka.

If Bangladesh dismiss Pakistan before they reach the target on the final day, they will complete their first-ever Test series whitewash over Pakistan on home soil.

Bangladesh had previously whitewashed Pakistan during a two-Test series in Pakistan in 2024, while Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test of the current series ended their unbeaten record against Bangladesh in Test cricket.

The 34-year-old, Brazil’s ‌all-time leading scorer, comes back following a prolonged absence due to a series of injuries that kept him out for much of the qualifying campaign, as the five-time champions pursue a record-extending sixth title.

As dozens of journalists gathered at Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Tomorrow for ​a ceremony featuring music acts and celebrity guests, all eyes were on Ancelotti’s decision on whether to ​include Neymar in the squad.

The 66-year-old Italian, who took charge of Brazil’s men’s national team last year, had ⁠not previously called up the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain player.

He told Reuters earlier this month that Neymar’s inclusion would be ​based on fitness and form, not sentiment.

“We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing ​consistently and has improved his physical condition,” Ancelotti said at a press conference on Monday.

“He has the same role and responsibilities as everyone else, but he is an experienced player. It’s true that in some positions we prioritised experience.”

Neymar, who has 79 international goals but ​has not featured for Brazil since 2023, has faced questions about his fitness and form following an injury-marred spell at ​Al Hilal and an underwhelming return to his boyhood club Santos last year.

The forward said on Sunday he was satisfied he had ‌done ⁠all he could to prove he was fully fit and deserved a place in the squad.

“Physically, I feel great. I’ve been improving with every game,” he told reporters after Santos’ 3-0 defeat to Coritiba.

Loaded offence, few surprises

The rest of Brazil’s squad was largely retained from the qualifying campaign and recent friendlies, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha and ​Endrick shouldering attacking duties alongside ​Neymar.

Real Madrid striker Rodrygo, defender ⁠Eder Militao and Chelsea winger Estevao were left out due to injuries.

Chelsea’s forward Joao Pedro, midfielder Andrey Santos — who had been called up on previous occasions — also surprisingly missed ​the final squad.

“Some of the players who were with us this year won’t be ​happy with this ⁠list. I’m sorry, and I want to thank everyone who was with us,” Ancelotti said.

Brazil will open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. They also face Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), ⁠Weverton (Gremio).

Defenders: Alex ​Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), ​Wesley (Roma).

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius ​Jr (Real Madrid).

The domestic Persian Gulf Pro League season was suspended after the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran in late February and will not resume until after the World ​Cup.

Of the 30-man squad Ghalenoei named on Saturday, 22 play for Iranian clubs and ​have been restricted to a Tehran national team training camp since ⁠friendlies against Costa Rica and Nigeria in Antalya in late March.

“Naturally, I am not ​fully satisfied with the players’ level of readiness,” Ghalenoei told the Iranian FA (FFIR) magazine before ​the departure for Turkiye on Monday.

“But with a training camp that is approximately two and a half to three weeks long, we can make up about 20 to 25% of this shortfall.

“We need to ​raise our domestic-based players to the level required by the modern game,” he added. “In ​terms of age profile, I believe our domestic players are in a good position, but there are ‌still ⁠areas that need improvement.

“We must continue our work in the Turkiye camp with determination and optimism.”

Iran will play Gambia in a friendly on May 29 before Ghalenoei names his final 26-man squad for the World Cup campaign by the FIFA deadline on June 1.

The ​FFIR still hope to ​schedule another friendly in ⁠Turkiye and will play a behind-closed-doors match against Puerto Rico at their US base in Arizona, providing they are able to enter ​the country without any issues.

“I hope that in the first four or ​five days ⁠before our opening World Cup match, we can reach suitable physical conditions,” Ghalenoei said.

“The training camp in Turkiye, despite all the surrounding distractions and side issues, has become a crucial ⁠stage of ​our preparation.”

At the World Cup, Iran will take ​on New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles before rounding out their group ​fixtures against Egypt five days later in Seattle.

The 55-year-old will ⁠reportedly announce his departure shortly after ​City’s final game of the season against ​Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, capping a campaign that included winning both the League ​Cup and the FA Cup trophies.

Saturday’s ​FA Cup victory over Chelsea secured Guardiola his 20th ‌trophy ⁠with the club.

Maresca, who left Chelsea four months ago, has been rumoured for months to be the top contender ​for the ​Spaniard’s ⁠job. Guardiola’s contract at City is set to expire in ​June 2027.

Guardiola shrugged off questions ​about ⁠his future after the FA Cup final. When asked about the rumours by ⁠TNT ​Sports, Guardiola replied, “What rumours?” ​and then ended the interview, saying, “Have a lovely evening.”

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom told Reuters on Saturday that he ​held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran’s FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj, expressing ⁠confidence about the country’s participation in the World Cup.

The players and officials filed out ​of Antalya Airport in black team outfits, many pulling black suitcases, before heading to waiting buses ​to travel to their hotel at the training base in the nearby resort of Belek, where several national teams have held camps in recent years.

Iran is scheduled to play all three group matches in the United ​States, but the team’s participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been ​in question since the attacks by the US and Israel.

Iranian officials and FIFA have said US visa ‌applications for ⁠the team would be handled in Turkiye. Uncertainty over the visas was fuelled after FFIRI’s Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver this month because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The US and Canada, which are co-hosting the ​World Cup with Mexico, ​classify the IRGC as ⁠a “terrorist entity” and have made clear they will not admit people with links to the elite military force.

Iran had asked for their World ​Cup matches to be switched to Mexico, but FIFA President Gianni ​Infantino insists that ⁠all games must be played at the grounds originally scheduled.

Iran’s squad is scheduled to move to their US base at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, in early June.

Iran is scheduled ⁠to ​get their World Cup campaign underway against New Zealand ​in Los Angeles on June 15. They are also due to play Belgium and Egypt in Group G.

In their second innings, Bangladesh have reached 361 for the loss of seven wickets, extending their lead over Pakistan to 409 runs.

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim scored a century, while wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das contributed 69 runs before being dismissed by Hasan Ali.

Bangladesh scored 278 runs in their first innings, with Liton Das top-scoring with a fluent 126 runs.

For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad claimed four wickets, Mohammad Abbas took three, while Hasan Ali and Sajid Khan picked up two and one wicket respectively.

Bangladesh remained in a strong position in the match, putting Pakistan under pressure during the second innings.

The incident took place while Mushfiqur was batting cautiously in Bangladesh’s second innings.

According to reports, Shan expressed frustration over the slow pace of play, leading to a verbal exchange between the two players.

The argument escalated to the point where on-field umpires intervened and briefly halted play before calming both sides and restoring order.

Some social media users claimed Bangladeshi batters were deliberately slowing the game, prompting Shan’s reaction, though the exact cause of the dispute was not officially confirmed.

Bangladesh later extended their lead to 425 runs over Pakistan in the second Test.

Replying to Bangladesh’s first innings of 278 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for 232 runs as the home side tightened its grip on the match.

Pakistan made a poor start to the day as Abdullah Fazal was dismissed for 9 runs and debut centurion Azan Owais fell for 13 runs.

Captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam attempted to steady the innings with a 38-run partnership before Mehidy Hasan removed Shan for 21 runs.

Saud Shakeel managed only 8 runs as Pakistan’s batting line-up came under increasing pressure.

Babar Azam stood out with a fluent 68 runs off 84 balls, striking 10 boundaries, but lacked support from the other end. He was eventually dismissed by Naheed Rana with Pakistan on 142 runs.

Salman Ali Agha contributed 21 runs while Mohammad Rizwan added 13.

Lower-order batter Sajid Khan briefly revived Pakistan’s hopes with an aggressive 38 runs off 28 balls, including four sixes. He struck three consecutive sixes in one over from Taijul Islam before Naheed Rana dismissed him in the following over.

Pakistan’s innings ended at 232 runs, handing Bangladesh a first-innings lead of 46 runs.

For Bangladesh, Naheed Rana and Taijul Islam claimed three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan took two apiece.

Earlier, Bangladesh were powered by wicketkeeper-batter Liton Das, who scored a brilliant 126 runs after Pakistan captain Shan Masood elected to bowl first.

Khurram Shahzad led Pakistan’s bowling effort with four wickets, Mohammad Abbas took three, Hasan Ali claimed two, and Sajid Khan picked up one wicket.

Bangladesh entered the match with a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

The ​delegation of 27 players and 12 staff entered the country ahead of Wednesday’s match against ​South Korea’s Suwon FC Women in Suwon.

The visit has been approved under the ⁠inter-Korean exchange law and covers their stay through next weekend, though the team could leave earlier ​if eliminated, according to Seoul’s Unification Ministry.

Public interest has been strong, with all 7,087 tickets made ​available to the general public selling out within a day, according to Yonhap News Agency, citing South Korea’s football federation.

The rare visit comes as North Korea has in recent years labelled the South its “most hostile state” and ruled ​out reuniting the nation split by the 1950-1953 Korean War.

By contrast, South Korean President Lee ​Jae Myung has called for improved ties.

South Korea’s government has said it would keep its role limited, given ‌that the fixture ⁠is an international club competition, but would provide logistical support for the visiting team.

The Unification Ministry said it has set aside 300 million won ($200,000) from an inter-Korean cooperation fund to support a cheering squad for both sides, citing the event’s potential to promote mutual understanding between the two Koreas.

But ​as the match is ​between clubs and not ⁠national teams, it will not feature national anthems or political symbols, including the Korean Unification flag, in line with Asian Football Confederation rules.

The Korean Unification ​flag, a white flag bearing a blue silhouette of the peninsula, was ​often used ⁠in international sports fixtures involving both sides to represent unity.

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young is also considering attending the match, according to South Korean media.

The semi-final is scheduled to kick off at 7pm ⁠on Wednesday ​in Suwon.

The winner will face either Melbourne City or ​Tokyo Verdy in the final on Saturday.

If Naegohyang lose, the North Korean team is expected to return home the following ​day, the ministry said.

Pakistan reached 21-0 at stumps in reply with Azan Awais on 13 and Abdullah Fazal on 8 in Sylhet.

Batting at number six, Litton struck 16 fours and two sixes in his 159-ball 126, his sixth Test century, after Bangladesh had been reduced to 116-6 after lunch.

Pakistan, trailing 1-0 in the two-match series after a 104-run defeat in Mirpur, opted to bowl and the decision immediately paid off.

Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell for a duck, edging Mohammad Abbas to second slip off the second ball of the match.

Debutant Tanzid Hasan made a bright start, striking three boundaries in a fluent 26 off 34 balls, but threw his wicket away attempting an ambitious pull shot off Abbas, who took the catch off his own bowling.

Mominul Haque was bowled for 22 by Khurram Shahzad.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship with a 43-run stand.

But both fell after lunch as Bangladesh lost three wickets for 15 runs.

Shanto edged Abbas behind for 29, Mushfiqur departed lbw for 23 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was caught at deep fine leg for four to leave the hosts 116-6.

Litton added 60 runs with Taijul Islam (16) off 114 balls for the seventh wicket and brought up his fifty off 93 balls.

He took just 42 balls more to reach three figures with a cover drive off Shahzad, and then hit the next ball for six.

He added 38 with Taskin Ahmed and a crucial 64 with Shoriful Islam off 73 balls for the ninth wicket.

“The most important thing in this innings is that Taijul, Taskin and Shoriful all batted well and faced a lot of balls,” Litton said.

Pakistan missed two review opportunities when replays showing faint edges off Mushfiqur and Litton that went unchallenged by captain Shan Masood.

“We were getting wickets early on. Unluckily, we missed a couple of reviews,” said Shahzad.

“If we had gotten them out there, the situation would have been completely different.”

Ghana’s Semenyo turned and ‌back-heeled the ball past Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez from an Erling Haaland cross.

The goal sparked what had been a cautious game into life with both sides having chances in the last 20 minutes, Rayan Cherki forcing ​a fine save from Sanchez and teammate Matheus Nunes hitting the post.

City ​captain Bernardo Silva, who is leaving the club at the end ⁠of the season, described the victory as “very special … it’s really nice to finish ​this way, and maybe we can still have a small dream that we can ​still fight for the Premier League.”

Pep Guardiola’s City trail leaders Arsenal by two points in the title race going into the last two games of the season.

“It’s just special to me in ​my last season to give them another trophy,” Portugal midfielder Silva said in a ​pitchside TV interview.

“In the beginning of the second half, it was really tough for us, and ‌they ⁠put us under a lot of pressure and made it very difficult.”

It was City’s eighth FA Cup triumph and followed victory in the League Cup in March.

But it was a seventh domestic cup final defeat in a row for Chelsea, who had ​looked to the ​showpiece match for ⁠some relief after a turbulent season and two managerial changes.

Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap all had chances to score ​for Chelsea in what, for long periods was an even, if ​unexciting, clash.

But ⁠the club’s hopes of European football next season now look very slim, while their American BlueCo owners search for a new manager to replace interim boss Calum McFarlane, ⁠who took ​over from the sacked Liam Rosenior.

Rosenior lasted less ​than four months following the new year departure of Enzo Maresca as Chelsea having plunged down the Premier ​League to ninth place.

Sources say the decision is being viewed as another opportunity for India to host a major cricketing event.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has received an invitation to attend the meeting, along with an invitation to watch the IPL final.

However, the final decision regarding the PCB chairman’s travel to India will be made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The ICC meeting is expected to focus on potential changes to the World Test Championship (WTC) format.

Under the current structure, every series must include a minimum of two Test matches.

Sources say the inclusion of Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan in the WTC is also under consideration.

According to cricket websites, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will conduct its meetings in two phases this month.

The ICC’s Chief Executive Committee will hold a virtual session on May 21, while the board meeting is scheduled for May 30-31 in Ahmedabad, India.

The Women’s National Selection Committee has named a 15-member squad for both tournaments.

Pakistan will feature in a tri-series in Ireland, where hosts Ireland and the West Indies are the other two participating teams.

The tri-series will be played in Dublin from May 28 to June 4, with Pakistan set to play four matches in the event.

The tournament will help Pakistan and the other two sides gear up for the 12-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 12 to July 5.

Among the 15 players selected, Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Saira Jabeen and Tasmia Rubab will feature in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time.

Fatima, who will feature in her third ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, will captain the side for the second successive T20 World Cup after having led the team in the previous edition held in the UAE in 2024.

Pakistan recently enjoyed a successful T20I series against Zimbabwe in Karachi, where the hosts secured a convincing 3-0 clean sweep.

The series provided players with an opportunity to showcase their skills and prepare for the upcoming tournaments.

Ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, the Pakistan women’s team will play two warm-up fixtures against Sri Lanka on June 6 and Scotland on June 9.

Both matches will take place in Derby.

Pakistan will begin their campaign against arch-rivals India on June 14 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

They will take on South Africa in their second fixture on June 17 at the same venue.

Pakistan will then travel to Southampton to face Bangladesh at the Hampshire Bowl on June 20.

Their fourth fixture will be against Australia at Headingley in Leeds on June 23, while their final group-stage match will be against the Netherlands at the Bristol County Ground in Bristol on June 27.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for June 30 and July 2.

The final will be staged at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on July 5.

15-member squad:

Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan

Pakistan fixtures in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 

June 14 vs India, Birmingham

June 17 vs South Africa, Birmingham 

June 20 vs Bangladesh, Southampton 

June 23 vs Australia, Headingley 

June 27 vs Netherlands, Bristol

In turn, left-arm spinners Sadia Iqbal (3-20) and Nashra Sundhu (2-21) shared five wickets to skittle Zimbabwe for 90 all out in 17.1 overs as Pakistan secured a 133-run win — their third largest winning margin by runs in the format.

Pakistan also concluded the first-ever white-ball bilateral series against Zimbabwe women in an emphatic manner, winning all six games across the ODI and T20I series, according to a PCB statement.

This is only the fourth time that Pakistan has completed a series sweep in a three-match WT20I series.

Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first and posted their second-highest total in the format and only the second total in excess of the 200-run mark.

The highest came in the first match of the series, with the hosts posting 237-5 in the allotted 20 overs.

Fatima walked in to bat when Pakistan were 152-4 in 16.2 overs after the departure of Iram Javed (29, 20b, 2x4s, 1x6).

She blazed a total of 10 fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 71-run fifth-wicket stand off just 22 balls with Saira Jabeen, who notched her maiden half-century finishing 50 not out off 32 balls on the back of eight fours.

Saira’s contribution in the breezy partnership was only seven off three as Fatima dominated the last three overs.

Pakistan skipper opened her account with a boundary and didn’t look back as she struck Kudzai Chigora for four fours in the 18th over and her counterpart Nomvelo Sibanda for three fours and two sixes in the penultimate over.

Fatima made the world record for the fastest women’s T20I fifty and joint-fifth fastest in all T20Is, including men’s cricket, on the second ball of the last over, taking two off Adel Zimunu.

The record was previously jointly held by Sophie Devine of New Zealand, Phoebe Litchfield of Australia and Richa Ghosh of India, who all got to the milestone off 18 balls.

At the start of the innings, player of the series Ayesha Zafar (45, 28b, 9x4s) and Muneeba Ali (22, 17b, 3x4s) put on a 58-run opening stand in 6.1 overs.

Both the openers were pinned leg-before by Lindokuhle Mabhero as she finished with two for 36.

Ayesha collected 150 runs in the series, including a record-breaking century in the opening match of the series, along with one scalp against her name.

After Natalia perished for one and Pakistan 93-2 in 10.2 overs, Saira and Iram joined forces to stitch a 59-run stand off 36 balls to steady the innings.

In reply to Pakistan’s total, Zimbabwe raced to 36-1 in 2.3 overs with opening batter Kelis Ndhlovu scoring 32 off 14 balls, striking six fours and one six before Sadia Iqbal struck twice in the third over to stop the visitors’ run flow.

Zimbabwe slipped from their powerplay score of 44-3 to 90 all out in 17.1 overs with Pakistan spinners applying the squeeze as Tuba Hassan (3-0-8-1) and Rameen Shamim (4-1-11-1) only gave away 19 runs in their seven overs combined.

Iran is scheduled to play all ​three World ​Cup group matches in the ‌United ⁠States, but the team’s participation in the June 11 ​to ​July ⁠19 tournament has been in ​question since the ​US ⁠and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

The tour includes one four-day match and four one-day matches between Pakistan U19 and England U19, scheduled to take place from 2 to 16 September, according to a PCB statement.

The only four-day match will be played from September 2 to 5 in Arundel, while the first one-day match of the series will also be held at the same venue on September 9.

The second one-day match will take place in Guildford on September 12.

The third and fourth one-day fixtures of the series will be played in Wormsley on September 14 and 16, respectively.

Pakistan U19, in their recent assignments, defeated India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai on 21 December 2025 to lift the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup trophy.

The side then went on to win the tri-series in Zimbabwe, featuring Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe in January 2026.

Pakistan U19 also featured in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia earlier this year, where they played five matches and won three of them.

The players, who will continue their preparations at a training camp in ‌Turkiye next week, were cheered by the crowd as they made patriotic statements from a stage, and the kit they will wear at the June 11 to July 19 tournament was unveiled.

“This is the best send-off in the last four ​World Cup campaigns,” Iranian FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj told state TV.

“The players are with the people, ​and the crowd stands with the country’s dignity, honour, and strength. Whatever the ⁠result, may Iran’s flag be raised there and defended.”

Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been in ​question since the US and Israel started the regional war by launching air strikes on the Islamic Republic in ​late February.

Taj was refused entry to co-host nation Canada for the FIFA Congress two weeks ago because of his connection to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), triggering fears there may be issues for some of the Iranian delegation getting into ​the US.

As in Canada, the IRGC is classified as a “terrorist entity” in the US, and Secretary of ​State Marco Rubio has said no one with ties to the organisation would be admitted to the country.

Iran has placed ‌responsibility ⁠for getting the players and team officials into the US, where Team Melli are scheduled to play all three World Cup group matches, firmly in the hands of tournament organisers FIFA.

“Nothing has arrived yet regarding the visas. We hope it will definitely be handled within this timeframe,” Hedayat Mombeini, the FFIRI secretary-general, told ​state TV at the rally ​on Wednesday.

“FIFA has made ⁠promises, and hopefully those promises will lead to results, and the players will receive their visas on time.”

Reports that some Iraqi players had been refused US ​visas, which were quickly refuted by the White House and Iraq Football Association on ​Wednesday, further ⁠fuelled Iranian concerns.

“I just heard that news as well,” Mombeini added.

“I hope FIFA steps in … we have always believed sport should be separate from politics. So in my view, FIFA has a duty to step in and ⁠make sure ​entry for all members of all World Cup teams is ​facilitated.”

Iran will play Gambia in a World Cup warm-up in Antalya on May 29, and Mombeini said the FFIRI was in the ​process of arranging another friendly for the training camp in Turkiye.

An ‌analysis by climate research group World Weather Attribution found that roughly a quarter of the 104 matches at the expanded tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada are likely to be played in conditions exceeding safety limits recommended by FIFPRO, almost twice the risk seen at the 1994 World Cup in the US.

Around five matches could take place in ​conditions considered unsafe, where postponement would be advised, the researchers said.

Scientists assessed the risk using kickoff times and the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) ​index, which measures how effectively the body can cool itself.

“The calculations to estimate the likelihood of 2026 FIFA World ⁠Cup games being played in high WBGT conditions are in line with FIFPRO’s calculations published in 2023,” said FIFPRO’s medical director, Vincent Gouttebarge.

“These estimations justify ​the need for - and implementation of - a series of mitigation strategies with a view to better protecting players’ health and performance when they are exposed to ​hot conditions.”

FIFPRO recommends cooling measures when WBGT rises above 26 degrees Celsius and says matches should be postponed if it exceeds 28 °C, which is equivalent to roughly 38 °C in dry heat or 30 °C in high humidity.

FIFA told Reuters that it has carried out heat-risk planning, with measures including three-minute hydration breaks in each half of games, cooling infrastructure for ​fans and players, adapted work-rest cycles, and enhanced medical readiness that scale according to real-time conditions.

“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of ​players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff,” the global governing body said in a statement.

‘More conservative Football’

Chris Mullington, consultant anaesthetist at Imperial College London NHS Trust and clinical senior lecturer ‌at Imperial ⁠College London, said extreme heat is more likely to influence how games are played than trigger widespread medical emergencies among players.

“It will be more of a performance issue than a health issue,” he said. “These players are elite athletes and acclimatised. You’ll see players self-pacing. That behavioural thermoregulation is very difficult to override.

“So you may end up with more conservative football.”

Cooling systems are expected to reduce some of the risk at three of the 16 host venues, according to ​the analysis.

However, more than a third of ​games with at least a ⁠10% chance of exceeding 26 C WBGT are scheduled at stadiums without air conditioning, including Miami, Kansas City, New York and Philadelphia.

That includes the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which now faces a one-in-eight chance ​of exceeding the 26 C threshold and a roughly 3% risk of reaching the more dangerous level – about ​double the risk it ⁠would have carried in 1994, the analysis said.

Friederike Otto, professor of climate science at Imperial College London, said the findings highlighted the need for FIFA to reconsider when future World Cups are scheduled, particularly in regions vulnerable to extreme summer heat.

“From a health point of view, it would be advisable to have these (World Cups) ⁠either earlier or ​later in the year, so you can have a football party rather than something that ​is a massive health risk for the whole city,” said Otto.

FIFPRO also warned that while air-conditioned stadiums in cities such as Dallas and Houston may help protect players, fans attending matches and ​outdoor fan festivals could remain exposed to prolonged periods of dangerous heat.

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Graeme La Brooy, who played nine Tests and 44 ODIs between 1986 and 1992, will serve as match referee for all three matches.

ICC Elite Panel umpires Ahsan Raza of Pakistan, England’s Richard Kettleborough, and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Dharmasena will officiate as on-field umpires during the series.

In the opening ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30, Dharmasena will partner Pakistan’s Asif Yaqoob, a member of the ICC Emerging Umpires Panel, as on-field umpires.

Kettleborough will serve as the third umpire, while Faisal Khan Aafreedi will be the fourth umpire.

For the second ODI at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on June 2, Kettleborough and Faisal Khan Aafreedi will officiate on the field.

Dharmasena will take over third umpire duties, with Asif Yaqoob serving as fourth umpire.

In the final ODI at the same venue on June 4, Dharmasena and Ahsan Raza will stand as on-field umpires.

Kettleborough will be the third umpire, while Pakistan’s Nasir Hussain, a member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, will serve as the fourth umpire.

Coldplay singer Chris Martin will curate the extravaganza scheduled for ​July 19, the tournament’s organiser added.

“The ​FIFA World Cup 2026 Final halftime show ⁠will be a truly special moment, bringing ​together music, football and a shared commitment to ​improving the lives of children around the world,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on social media.

“Together, we will ​support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund ​and help create greater access to quality education and ‌football ⁠for children worldwide.”

The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19.

The ​tournament will ​feature 104 ⁠matches, up from the previous 64, including an additional knockout round.

Last ​year’s Club World Cup in North ​America, ⁠which served as a test run for the World Cup, also featured a halftime show ⁠including ​performances from American rapper Doja ​Cat, Colombian singer J Balvin and Nigerian singer Tems.

VAR has been under renewed scrutiny this week after West Ham United’s ​late equaliser against Premier League leaders Arsenal was ​disallowed, a decision that could prove crucial in ⁠the title race.

“The only thing we can do is ​do it (perform) better, that is only in your control,” Guardiola ​told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s home game against Crystal Palace.

“We lost the two finals of the FA Cup because the referees didn’t ​do their jobs as they should have, even the VAR. ​When this happens, it is because we have to do better, not ‌the ⁠referees or VAR.

“I never trust anything since I arrived (at City) a long time ago. I learned you have to do it better, be in a position to do ​it better because (if ​not) you ⁠blame yourself for what you have to do, because (VAR) is a flip of a ​coin.”

City trail Arsenal by five points but have ​played ⁠one game fewer than the London side.

“We play in this game, we go to Bournemouth and the last game is at ⁠Aston ​Villa. The important one is tomorrow ​, and we will see what happens in the next games,“ Guardiola said.

The win gives the hosts a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Pakistan’s run chase began poorly, as they lost their first wicket for just 3 runs when Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for 2.

The second wicket fell at 57, with Azan Awais scoring 15.

Captain Shan Masood was out for 2, while Abdullah Fazal contributed 66 runs before being dismissed at 119.

The middle order struggled as Salman Ali Agha fell for 26 at 121, Saud Shakeel for 15 at 152, and Mohammad Rizwan for 15 at 153.

The lower order did not resist much, with Hasan Ali (1), Nauman Ali (4), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (0) lost their wickets cheaply, folding the innings at 163.

Bangladesh’s bowlers were led by Naheed Rana, who took 5 wickets.

Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam claimed 2 wickets each, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 1.

Earlier, Bangladesh had declared their second innings at 240 for nine, setting Pakistan a target of 268 runs after leading by 27 runs in the first innings.

Fans will also be able to purchase tickets online for the three-match series.

The opening ODI will be played in Rawalpindi on May 30, while the second and third matches will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on June 2 and June 4, respectively.

According to the PCB, tickets for the general enclosure will be priced at 200 Pakistani rupees ($0.72), first-class tickets at 300 rupees, premium tickets at 400 rupees and VIP tickets at 500 rupees.

VIP gallery tickets for the Rawalpindi match will cost 1,500 rupees, while Iqbal and VIP enclosure tickets in Lahore will be available for 1,000 rupees. Jinnah and VIP enclosure tickets in Lahore will be priced at 1,500 rupees.

The PCB said fans interested in corporate and hospitality seats could contact the board’s head office for further details.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 87, while Mominul Haque added 56.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Nauman Ali claimed three wickets each.

Resuming at 152 for three, Bangladesh added 88 runs while losing six wickets before declaring.

The morning session saw wickets fall rapidly, particularly as the hosts pushed for quick runs ahead of the declaration.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s dismissal for 87 off Nauman Ali sparked a collapse, with Bangladesh losing four wickets for just 24 runs.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (24) also fell to Nauman, who marked his 100th Test dismissal in the innings.

Overnight batter Mushfiqur Rahim was dismissed early on the final day, having added just six runs to his overnight 16, falling for 22.

Litton Das was next to go, dismissed for 11 by Shaheen Afridi, leaving Bangladesh at 192 for five.

Pakistan will have around 68 overs, lights permitting, to chase down the target.

The three-match T20I series will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 7.30pm.

The three-match ODI series – part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 concluded on Saturday with the hosts securing a 3-0 clean sweep, according to a PCB statement.

The series win also saw Pakistan climb to second spot in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 standings.

Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the T20I series includes two debutants – Amber Kainat and Saira Jabeen.

Right-arm fast bowler Amber recently represented Invincibles in the National Women’s T20 Tournament, where she took 11 wickets in eight matches.

Saira was part of Pakistan’s squad for the away tour of South Africa held earlier this year.

The forthcoming T20I series also marks the return of Iram Javed, who last represented Pakistan during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2024.

The right-handed batter makes a comeback after scoring 257 runs in nine matches for Invincibles at a strike rate of 150.29 in the National Women’s T20 Tournament.

The series will provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills ahead of the team’s upcoming international assignments, including the tri-series in Ireland and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July.

15-member squad:

Fatima Sana (captain), Amber Kainat, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.

Reserves: Diana Baig, Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin and Syeda Aroob Shah

T20I series schedule

May 12 – 1st T20I (7.30pm PKT)

May 14 – 2nd T20I (7.30pm PKT)

May 15 – 3rd T20I (7.30pm PKT)