![Babar Azam and Hardik Pandya [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784914080510_Babar_Azam_Hardik_Pandya.jpg?type=hq)
Babar Azam and Hardik Pandya [Source: AFP]
The ACB has named Afghanistan’s entire squad. Pakistan team has been struck with a major injury. In other news, Hardik Pandya has commenced a special training routine for the 2027 World Cup.
Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Friday, July 24.
Abdullah Fazal injured, ruled out of West Indies Test series
Young Pakistan opener Abdullah Fazal has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean. As confirmed by the PCB, the 23-year-old has suffered an acute lower back injury during a training session at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Ground in Trinidad.
With just a day remaining for Pakistan’s series-opening Test in Tarouba, the PCB is yet to name an official replacement for the top-order batter.
Fazalhaq Farooqi returns, Rahmat Shah to lead Afghanistan in Ireland
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 15-player Afghanistan squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series in Ireland. The selection committee recalled senior fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, but rested legendary all-rounder Mohammad Nabi.
The series will mark the first international assignment for Rahmat Shah since becoming Afghanistan’s new captain, and he will be accompanied by several star performers like Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai in the side.
Joe Root likely to become England Test captain again
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is actively searching for its next Test captain after legendary all-rounder Ben Stokes abruptly announced his retirement a few weeks ago.
Amidst the ongoing Hundred 2026 season and ahead of England’s home Test series against Pakistan, several reports indicate that former captain Joe Root might be re-appointed as skipper, thus pipping out fellow leading contender Harry Brook. However, the ECB is yet to finalize its decision.
Towhid Hridoy joins Jaffna Kings for LPL 2026
Bangladesh top-order batter Towhid Hridoy has been roped in by the Jaffna Kings franchise for the remainder of the LPL 2026 season in Sri Lanka. The cricketer was signed up as a late replacement for fellow Bangladesh cricketer Taskin Ahmed, who recently opted himself out of the league to prepare for the upcoming Test series in Australia.
Hridoy previously played for the Jaffna Kings franchise back during the 2023 edition of the tournament.
Hardik Pandya begins preparation for World Cup 2027
Hardik Pandya has begun an intensive training programme in a bid to prepare himself for next year’s 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa. Battling an injury concern and getting rested from the series against Afghanistan, Ireland and England, the legendary all-rounder has since shifted to Bengaluru to get closer to the BCCI CoE.
As per a report, the cricketer is bowling 12 overs a day these days, and is batting on tiled surfaces with a plastic ball to prepare for fast and short-pitched deliveries.
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