Gilas Pilipinas lineup vs Jordan, Iran set; RJ Abarrientos cut

BECKENHAM: Pakistan batter Shan Masood has taken another important step towards returning to Test cricket, resuming batting practice with the national squad ahead of the three-match series against England. Masood, 36, suffered a fractured index finger during the opening Test against the West Indies in Tarouba, despite scoring a century in the first innings. The injury forced him to miss the second Test, but the former Pakistan captain remained with the squad to continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the team’s medical staff. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now confirmed that Masood participated in a training session at Kent County Cricket Club in Beckenham, where Pakistan players worked through batting and bowling drills. “Under the supervision of the medical team, he carried out batting practice,” the PCB said in an update. Masood’s progress will be closely monitored as Pakistan prepare for a demanding series against England. His availability for the first Test will depend on his recovery and clinical assessment. The opening Test is scheduled to begin at Headingley on August 19, leaving Masood only a limited window to prove he is fit enough for the challenge. Before the series begins, Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up match against PCC Select XI starting Wednesday. The fixture will provide the squad with valuable preparation in English conditions. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27, followed by the final match at Edgbaston from September 9. For Pakistan, Masood’s return could provide a significant boost to the batting line-up. His century in the Caribbean showed his ability to make an impact, and his recovery now gives the team hope that the experienced left-hander could be back when the England challenge begins. Pakistan squad Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Abdullah Shafique, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel* (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

COLOMBO: India’s preparations for their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka have suffered a fresh setback after captain Shubman Gill was forced to miss the opening day of a three-day warm-up match due to a finger injury. Gill sustained an injury to his right-hand finger during a practice session on Thursday, prompting the Indian team management to take a cautious approach. The Test captain was rested for the first day of the warm-up fixture against a Sri Lanka XI as the medical team continues to monitor his condition. The development immediately raised concerns over Gill’s availability for the Test series, although there is currently no indication that he will miss the opening match. In Gill’s absence, vice-captain KL Rahul took charge of the Indian side. Rahul’s experience will be particularly valuable as India look to make the most of their final preparation ahead of the two-Test series. Recent reports also confirmed that Rahul led India at the toss after Gill was ruled out of the opening day. The Indian camp is already dealing with a lengthy injury list. Star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the Test series with a knee problem, while Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are also unavailable because of different injuries. Gill’s fitness will therefore be closely watched over the next two days. According to the team’s medical update, a decision on whether he will return to the warm-up match will be made after further assessment. India are scheduled to begin their two-Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15 in Galle, with the second Test set to be played in Colombo from August 23. For India, the priority is clear: avoid taking unnecessary risks with their captain now and ensure Gill is fully fit when the real contest begins. The latest setback adds another layer of uncertainty to an already injury-hit Indian squad, making Gill’s recovery one of the biggest talking points ahead of the series.

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of France international left-back Lucas Digne from Aston Villa, bringing the experienced defender back to the club more than a decade after his first spell in Paris. The 33-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the French champions. PSG activated Digne’s release clause, with reports putting the transfer fee at around £8.5 million ($11.5m). Digne’s return marks an intriguing new chapter in a career that has taken him across some of Europe’s biggest clubs. He initially joined PSG in 2013 and made 44 appearances before moving on. He subsequently spent time at Roma, Barcelona and Everton before establishing himself as an important figure at Aston Villa. His spell in England ended on a high note. Digne played a significant role in Villa’s successful 2025-26 campaign, helping the club lift the Europa League under manager Unai Emery. The move also comes after an impressive international period. Digne earned his place as France’s preferred left-back during the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup and now arrives in Paris with 64 international caps to his name. For Digne, the transfer is more than simply another move. Returning to his hometown club gives him an opportunity to finish another chapter of his career at a club that has transformed dramatically since his first departure. “I am very honoured to be returning to Paris Saint-Germain,” Digne said, adding that he was impressed by the club’s development and eager to bring his experience to the team. At PSG, Digne is expected to provide experienced competition and cover for first-choice left-back Nuno Mendes. His versatility, international experience and familiarity with the club could make him a valuable squad player. The storyline could become even more compelling this week, with PSG scheduled to face Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup on August 12. Digne could potentially make his PSG return against his former side. The reunion promises an unusual twist: Digne could soon find himself lining up against the club he has only just left.