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Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test series: Sarfaraz named head coach; four uncapped players included in squad  Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been named head coach of the Pakistan Test team as selectors named four uncapped players on Saturday for next month’s two-Test series in Bangladesh.Sarfaraz, who won the Champions Trophy in 2017, retired from international cricket last month. The Pakistan Cricket Board also appointed former Test batter Asad Shafiq as the new batting coach while Umar Gul will be bowling coach.Left-handed batter Shan Masood will continue to lead the Test team with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq the other experienced batters in the side.Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Mohammad Ghazi Ghori are the four uncapped players in the Test side.ALSO READ: Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha considering break from T20 format to focus on 2027 ODI World CupFazal and Awais are both left-handed batters and have been rewarded after impressing the selectors in domestic cricket. Butt, who made his first-class debut in 2015, is a seasoned all-rounder and carries over a decade of playing in domestic cricket.The first Test will be played in Dhaka from May 8-12 with Sylhet hosting the second Test from May 16-20.The series is part of World Test Championship (WTC) where Pakistan stands at No. 5 after drawing the home series against South Africa 1-1 last October.Bangladesh lost its opening WTC series in Sri Lanka 1-0 and is eighth in nine-team even.Pakistan squad:Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah AfridiPublished on Apr 18, 2026  #Bangladesh #Pakistan #Test #series #Sarfaraz #named #coach #uncapped #players #included #squad

Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test series: Sarfaraz named head coach; four uncapped players included in squad

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been named head coach of the Pakistan Test team as selectors named four uncapped players on Saturday for next month’s two-Test series in Bangladesh.

Sarfaraz, who won the Champions Trophy in 2017, retired from international cricket last month. The Pakistan Cricket Board also appointed former Test batter Asad Shafiq as the new batting coach while Umar Gul will be bowling coach.

Left-handed batter Shan Masood will continue to lead the Test team with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq the other experienced batters in the side.

Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Mohammad Ghazi Ghori are the four uncapped players in the Test side.

ALSO READ: Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha considering break from T20 format to focus on 2027 ODI World Cup

Fazal and Awais are both left-handed batters and have been rewarded after impressing the selectors in domestic cricket. Butt, who made his first-class debut in 2015, is a seasoned all-rounder and carries over a decade of playing in domestic cricket.

The first Test will be played in Dhaka from May 8-12 with Sylhet hosting the second Test from May 16-20.

The series is part of World Test Championship (WTC) where Pakistan stands at No. 5 after drawing the home series against South Africa 1-1 last October.

Bangladesh lost its opening WTC series in Sri Lanka 1-0 and is eighth in nine-team even.

Pakistan squad:

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Bangladesh #Pakistan #Test #series #Sarfaraz #named #coach #uncapped #players #included #squad

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been named head coach of the Pakistan Test team as selectors named four uncapped players on Saturday for next month’s two-Test series in Bangladesh.

Sarfaraz, who won the Champions Trophy in 2017, retired from international cricket last month. The Pakistan Cricket Board also appointed former Test batter Asad Shafiq as the new batting coach while Umar Gul will be bowling coach.

Left-handed batter Shan Masood will continue to lead the Test team with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq the other experienced batters in the side.

Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais and Mohammad Ghazi Ghori are the four uncapped players in the Test side.

ALSO READ: Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha considering break from T20 format to focus on 2027 ODI World Cup

Fazal and Awais are both left-handed batters and have been rewarded after impressing the selectors in domestic cricket. Butt, who made his first-class debut in 2015, is a seasoned all-rounder and carries over a decade of playing in domestic cricket.

The first Test will be played in Dhaka from May 8-12 with Sylhet hosting the second Test from May 16-20.

The series is part of World Test Championship (WTC) where Pakistan stands at No. 5 after drawing the home series against South Africa 1-1 last October.

Bangladesh lost its opening WTC series in Sri Lanka 1-0 and is eighth in nine-team even.

Pakistan squad:

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Published on Apr 18, 2026

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Deadspin | Emmanuel Sabbi, Whitecaps cruise to victory over Sporting KC <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28755394.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28755394.jpg" alt="MLS: Sporting Kansas City at Vancouver Whitecaps FC" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 17, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Thomas Muller (13) celebrates scoring with defender Mathias Laborda (2) during the first half against the Sporting Kansas City at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Emmanuel Sabbi scored one goal and assisted on another as the Vancouver Whitecaps continued the best start in club history with a dominant 3-0 victory over visiting Sporting Kansas City on Friday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Bruno Caicedo added his first MLS goal in the 21-year-old’s third appearance — and first start — in the league as the Whitecaps raced out to their three-goal lead by the half-hour mark.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Thomas Muller added his fourth goal of the season for Vancouver (7-1-0, 21 points), which has played all but one of its first eight league matches at home while building an exceptional +18 goal differential.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Whitecaps will have one more home game on April 25 against the Colorado Rapids. Then they will play eight straight on the road while BC Place is prepped and used as a 2026 World Cup venue.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Kansas City (1-6-1, 4 points) lost its fourth straight in MLS and fifth straight overall. Manager Raphael Wicky’s Sporting squad have been outscored 13-3 combined in those four league defeats.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Vancouver outshot Kansas City 25-3 and led 6-1 in efforts on target in a game that quickly tilted in the hosts’ favor.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Sabbi scored in the 13th minute on an attack that began when Vancouver intercepted a Kansas City goal kick at midfield.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Eventually it was White who got into the right side of the penalty area and chipped it over charging goalkeeper John Pulskamp but not into the net.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The ball arrived to Vancouver’s Mathias Laborda on the opposite post, who couldn’t direct an effort goal-bound under defensive pressure. Sabbi cleaned up the loose ball with a finish through the scrambling SKC defense, off a defender, off the crossbar and in.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Caicedo created the second goal in the 23rd minute. He snuck up field and intercepted Cielo Tschantret’s ill-advised square pass, then finished low from the edge of the area off the inside of the far right post.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Another long clearance intercepted at midfield led to the hosts making it 3-0 in the 28th minute.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>This time it was Sabbi providing the service from the right wing after doing excellent work to keep the ball in play. His outswinging ball fell at the back post for Muller, who headed it firmly past the flailing Pulskamp.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Emmanuel #Sabbi #Whitecaps #cruise #victory #Sporting

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Pre-match chatter centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the AFC Champions League Two final could finally end his wait for a major trophy with Al-Nassr. But Gamba Osaka had other ideas, beating the Saudi side 1-0 to lift the title on Saturday.

Gamba, the 2008 AFC Champions League winner, had gone into the final seeking to become the first Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League Two trophy. The Osaka side also completed Japan’s domestic treble in 2014, underlining its pedigree on big stages.

The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute after a move that began with a mistake from Ronaldo. Ryotaro Meshino was involved in the build-up before Tokuma Suzuki found Issam Jebali, who played the ball into the feet of Deniz Hummet. The forward, left unmarked inside the box, slotted home calmly to give Gamba the lead.

“I feel amazing. To bring this title for our supporters, I’m happy to score and help the team win,” Hummet told the broadcasters after the match.

ALSO READ: How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. Prakadeswaran

Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.

Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.

Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.

Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.

Published on May 17, 2026

#AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues">AFC ACL Two Final: Gamba Osaka crowned champion, Ronaldo’s wait for major trophy with Al-Nassr continues  Pre-match chatter centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the AFC Champions League Two final could finally end his wait for a major trophy with Al-Nassr. But Gamba Osaka had other ideas, beating the Saudi side 1-0 to lift the title on Saturday.Gamba, the 2008 AFC Champions League winner, had gone into the final seeking to become the first Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League Two trophy. The Osaka side also completed Japan’s domestic treble in 2014, underlining its pedigree on big stages.The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute after a move that began with a mistake from Ronaldo. Ryotaro Meshino was involved in the build-up before Tokuma Suzuki found Issam Jebali, who played the ball into the feet of Deniz Hummet. The forward, left unmarked inside the box, slotted home calmly to give Gamba the lead.“I feel amazing. To bring this title for our supporters, I’m happy to score and help the team win,” Hummet told the broadcasters after the match.ALSO READ: How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. PrakadeswaranAl-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.Published on May 17, 2026  #AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues

How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. Prakadeswaran

Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.

Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.

Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.

Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.

Published on May 17, 2026

#AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues">AFC ACL Two Final: Gamba Osaka crowned champion, Ronaldo’s wait for major trophy with Al-Nassr continues

Pre-match chatter centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the AFC Champions League Two final could finally end his wait for a major trophy with Al-Nassr. But Gamba Osaka had other ideas, beating the Saudi side 1-0 to lift the title on Saturday.

Gamba, the 2008 AFC Champions League winner, had gone into the final seeking to become the first Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League Two trophy. The Osaka side also completed Japan’s domestic treble in 2014, underlining its pedigree on big stages.

The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute after a move that began with a mistake from Ronaldo. Ryotaro Meshino was involved in the build-up before Tokuma Suzuki found Issam Jebali, who played the ball into the feet of Deniz Hummet. The forward, left unmarked inside the box, slotted home calmly to give Gamba the lead.

“I feel amazing. To bring this title for our supporters, I’m happy to score and help the team win,” Hummet told the broadcasters after the match.

ALSO READ: How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. Prakadeswaran

Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.

Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.

Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.

Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.

Published on May 17, 2026

#AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues

Two-time CY Young winner, Tarik Skubal, is on the fast track to returning to baseball, as he recovers from elbow surgery way ahead of schedule. Skubal is already back to some light throwing after receiving arthroscopic surgery that normally sidelines pitchers for three months.

You never want to rush a pitcher back, especially one as good as Skubal, but if you’re the Tigers, you are doing everything in your power to get him back out on the diamond. Currently, the Tigers are tied with the Royals at 19-25 for last place in the AL Central.

Only being 4.5 games back in a weak AL Central isn’t cause for concern, but this window of Detroit baseball hangs in the balance of this season. It seems unlikely that Skubal will be staying in Detroit in 2027, and missing the playoffs in his final season would be an incredibly tough pill to swallow.

The Tigers are dealing with injuries all over the field at the moment, so having an ace like Skubal in the lineup who can steal starts is so important. Keider Montero transforming into a frontline starter has been one of the few bright spots in the Tigers’ starting rotation, as Framber Valdez has been a bit inconsistent when he isn’t suspended.

Outside of a beaten-up pitching staff, a Tigers lineup that was one of the toughest outs in baseball last year has quickly regressed to the mean. Detroit sent four position players to the All-Star Game last year, and I don’t think that will be the case this year.

Riley Greene is having a career year, largely in part due to his massively improved eye at the plate. His walk rate has more than doubled, going from 7% to 14.2% this year, and I think that has improved every other part of his game.

Also, rookie Kevin McGonigle has had a tremendous start to his pro career, but has cooled off in the month of May, slashing just .195/.327/.220 over his last 41 ABs. Outside of these two, it has been an ice-cold start to the year for the Tigers’ offense.

You’d love to make one last playoff run with this group before Skubal likely takes his talents to Los Angeles; however, if the offense doesn’t get going, he could easily be a trade deadline candidate as well. If Skubal is back pitching in only a month, his trade value would go right back to being sky high, and contenders might be willing to overpay for a potential playoff run. It’ll be intriguing to see how the beginning of Summer kicks off for the Tigers, and if they can stay afloat without their ace.

#Tarik #Skubals #Fast #Recovery #Tigers #Hope #Central #Race #Deadspin.com">Tarik Skubal’s Fast Recovery Gives Tigers Hope in AL Central Race | Deadspin.com   Two-time CY Young winner, Tarik Skubal, is on the fast track to returning to baseball, as he recovers from elbow surgery way ahead of schedule. Skubal is already back to some light throwing after receiving arthroscopic surgery that normally sidelines pitchers for three months.You never want to rush a pitcher back, especially one as good as Skubal, but if you’re the Tigers, you are doing everything in your power to get him back out on the diamond. Currently, the Tigers are tied with the Royals at 19-25 for last place in the AL Central.Only being 4.5 games back in a weak AL Central isn’t cause for concern, but this window of Detroit baseball hangs in the balance of this season. It seems unlikely that Skubal will be staying in Detroit in 2027, and missing the playoffs in his final season would be an incredibly tough pill to swallow.The Tigers are dealing with injuries all over the field at the moment, so having an ace like Skubal in the lineup who can steal starts is so important. Keider Montero transforming into a frontline starter has been one of the few bright spots in the Tigers’ starting rotation, as Framber Valdez has been a bit inconsistent when he isn’t suspended.Outside of a beaten-up pitching staff, a Tigers lineup that was one of the toughest outs in baseball last year has quickly regressed to the mean. Detroit sent four position players to the All-Star Game last year, and I don’t think that will be the case this year.Riley Greene is having a career year, largely in part due to his massively improved eye at the plate. His walk rate has more than doubled, going from 7% to 14.2% this year, and I think that has improved every other part of his game.Also, rookie Kevin McGonigle has had a tremendous start to his pro career, but has cooled off in the month of May, slashing just .195/.327/.220 over his last 41 ABs. Outside of these two, it has been an ice-cold start to the year for the Tigers’ offense.You’d love to make one last playoff run with this group before Skubal likely takes his talents to Los Angeles; however, if the offense doesn’t get going, he could easily be a trade deadline candidate as well. If Skubal is back pitching in only a month, his trade value would go right back to being sky high, and contenders might be willing to overpay for a potential playoff run. It’ll be intriguing to see how the beginning of Summer kicks off for the Tigers, and if they can stay afloat without their ace.   #Tarik #Skubals #Fast #Recovery #Tigers #Hope #Central #Race #Deadspin.com

unlikely that Skubal will be staying in Detroit in 2027, and missing the playoffs in his final season would be an incredibly tough pill to swallow.

The Tigers are dealing with injuries all over the field at the moment, so having an ace like Skubal in the lineup who can steal starts is so important. Keider Montero transforming into a frontline starter has been one of the few bright spots in the Tigers’ starting rotation, as Framber Valdez has been a bit inconsistent when he isn’t suspended.

Outside of a beaten-up pitching staff, a Tigers lineup that was one of the toughest outs in baseball last year has quickly regressed to the mean. Detroit sent four position players to the All-Star Game last year, and I don’t think that will be the case this year.

Riley Greene is having a career year, largely in part due to his massively improved eye at the plate. His walk rate has more than doubled, going from 7% to 14.2% this year, and I think that has improved every other part of his game.

Also, rookie Kevin McGonigle has had a tremendous start to his pro career, but has cooled off in the month of May, slashing just .195/.327/.220 over his last 41 ABs. Outside of these two, it has been an ice-cold start to the year for the Tigers’ offense.

You’d love to make one last playoff run with this group before Skubal likely takes his talents to Los Angeles; however, if the offense doesn’t get going, he could easily be a trade deadline candidate as well. If Skubal is back pitching in only a month, his trade value would go right back to being sky high, and contenders might be willing to overpay for a potential playoff run. It’ll be intriguing to see how the beginning of Summer kicks off for the Tigers, and if they can stay afloat without their ace.

#Tarik #Skubals #Fast #Recovery #Tigers #Hope #Central #Race #Deadspin.com">Tarik Skubal’s Fast Recovery Gives Tigers Hope in AL Central Race | Deadspin.com

Two-time CY Young winner, Tarik Skubal, is on the fast track to returning to baseball, as he recovers from elbow surgery way ahead of schedule. Skubal is already back to some light throwing after receiving arthroscopic surgery that normally sidelines pitchers for three months.

You never want to rush a pitcher back, especially one as good as Skubal, but if you’re the Tigers, you are doing everything in your power to get him back out on the diamond. Currently, the Tigers are tied with the Royals at 19-25 for last place in the AL Central.

Only being 4.5 games back in a weak AL Central isn’t cause for concern, but this window of Detroit baseball hangs in the balance of this season. It seems unlikely that Skubal will be staying in Detroit in 2027, and missing the playoffs in his final season would be an incredibly tough pill to swallow.

The Tigers are dealing with injuries all over the field at the moment, so having an ace like Skubal in the lineup who can steal starts is so important. Keider Montero transforming into a frontline starter has been one of the few bright spots in the Tigers’ starting rotation, as Framber Valdez has been a bit inconsistent when he isn’t suspended.

Outside of a beaten-up pitching staff, a Tigers lineup that was one of the toughest outs in baseball last year has quickly regressed to the mean. Detroit sent four position players to the All-Star Game last year, and I don’t think that will be the case this year.

Riley Greene is having a career year, largely in part due to his massively improved eye at the plate. His walk rate has more than doubled, going from 7% to 14.2% this year, and I think that has improved every other part of his game.

Also, rookie Kevin McGonigle has had a tremendous start to his pro career, but has cooled off in the month of May, slashing just .195/.327/.220 over his last 41 ABs. Outside of these two, it has been an ice-cold start to the year for the Tigers’ offense.

You’d love to make one last playoff run with this group before Skubal likely takes his talents to Los Angeles; however, if the offense doesn’t get going, he could easily be a trade deadline candidate as well. If Skubal is back pitching in only a month, his trade value would go right back to being sky high, and contenders might be willing to overpay for a potential playoff run. It’ll be intriguing to see how the beginning of Summer kicks off for the Tigers, and if they can stay afloat without their ace.

#Tarik #Skubals #Fast #Recovery #Tigers #Hope #Central #Race #Deadspin.com

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