Seamer Trent Boult still wants to play for New Zealand at this year’s World Cup and tests next year despite giving up his central contract to allow him to spend more time with his family.

India ended Australia’s 15-month reign as the number one test team in cricket ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June between the two sides.

Former India team mates Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir were docked their full match fees following their altercation in Monday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Lucknow, organisers said.

Test batsman Zubayr Hamza is to return to international cricket in June following a doping suspension after being chosen for the South Africa A squad to tour Sri Lanka.

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has honoured India batting great Sachin Tendulkar on his 50th birthday by naming a stand after him.

Mark Chapman continued his brilliant form with an unbeaten 104 off 57 balls as New Zealand chased down a target of 194 to beat Pakistan by six wickets in the fifth Twenty20 in Rawalpindi on, coming from 2-0 down to draw the series 2-2.

Ahmedabad will host the Indian Premier League (IPL) final for a second year running while Chennai will stage two playoff matches, the country’s cricket board (BCCI) said.

David Warner was included in Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final and first two Ashes tests but selectors kept their options at the top of the batting order open by also calling up Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw.

Captain Babar Azam was delighted after hitting an unbeaten century as Pakistan notched up back-to-back wins over New Zealand with a 38-run victory over the tourists in the second Twenty20 International in Lahore.

New Zealand captain Tom Latham offered no excuses as a career-best performance from Haris Rauf ensured Pakistan handed the Black Caps an 88-run hammering in the first Twenty20 international in Lahore.

England have asked for “flat, fast wickets” at this year’s Ashes, captain Ben Stokes said, adding that he already had a lineup in mind for the five-test series in June.

Suva Warriors captain Seru Tupou believes Ono-i-Lau will be a team to be reckoned with in upcoming tournaments.