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Punjab CM Mohsin Naqvi set to be named PCB chief​

Kashif Abbasi
January 23, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi has emerged as the frontrunner to become the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) interim Management Committee, sources told Dawn on Monday.

The media mogul, according to sources, has the backing of caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar — who is also the PCB’s patron-in-chief — to take up the role.

Mohsin’s appointment in the position would mean he will also fill the spot left vacant in the PCB’s Board of Governors by former chief Zaka Ashraf, who stepped down from the post last week.

There’s also a high likelihood for Mohsin the be elected as the PCB chief when it’s long-awaited polls are held. But till then, Mohsin will be the third consecutive interim Management Committee chief of the board.

On Friday, Zaka had tendered his resignation from the position, two weeks before the expiry of the committee’s tenure that he had headed.

He tendered resignation three days after the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) had disallowed him from holding an MC meeting wherein he was supposed to form the BoG, which is the first step to hold the elections of PCB chairman for a three-year term.

The PCB is being run on adhoc basis since December 2022 when Ramiz Raja was removed from the post by the then prime minister Shehbaz Sharif. He was replaced by Najam Sethi as head of the interim committee, which was mainly tasked to conduct elections. But Sethi met the same fate as Ramiz later when Zaka took his place.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2024
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Let’s hope none of the Pakistani cricketers women /Men are the supporters of PTI or Imran Khan as their hero..😂😂😂
 
After four-month gap, PCB BoG to meet on Saturday

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After four-month gap, PCB BoG to meet on Saturday​

Pakistan's lacklustre T20 World Cup performance not on agenda.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called for a crucial meeting of its Board of Governors scheduled for July 6, marking its first gathering in Lahore in nearly four months.

The foremost agenda item pertains to the approval of the financial budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, necessitated by the expiration of the previous budget on June 30, a procedural norm observed diligently.

Notably absent from the agenda is any discussion regarding the recent lacklustre performance of the national cricket team in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup, as well as its showings in the recent series against New Zealand, Ireland, and England.
 
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I think we just saw the team that should represent Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025.

44 required off 22 balls
And they chased it.
 

Spinners will play crucial role in Pakistan Tests, says Bangladesh coach Mushtaq​

Mohammad Yaqoob
August 16, 2024


BANGLADESH cricketers in action during a practice session at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.—M.Arif/White Star

BANGLADESH cricketers in action during a practice session at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.—M.Arif/White Star


LAHORE: While Pakistan are set to go into the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh with a pace-heavy bowling line-up, the visitors are not ruling out the importance of spinners.

To assure the likes of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam have an impactful outing against the hosts, Bangladesh have acquired the services of former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed as their spin-bowling coach.

In contrast, the Pakistan squad features only one spinner in Abrar Ahmed, with batting all-rounder Salman Ali Agha being the second option.

“Spinners play a crucial role in Test cricket,” said Mushtaq on Thursday during a press conference here at the Gaddafi Stadium — where Bangladesh are to train until Saturday, when they leave for Rawalpindi, which is set to host the first Test from Aug. 21. “They are needed to give fast bowlers some rest, and it’s essential to always support match-winning spinners,” added the seasoned coach.

While Bangladesh are motivated to get the best out of their spinners during the series, their final selection calls will be based on the conditions at play.

“We will assess the conditions in Rawalpindi and plan accordingly,” noted Mushtaq. “Our combination will be determined after inspecting the pitch at the Pindi Stadium.”

If the Bangladesh spinners don’t make the cut, Mushtaq said, the visitors’ team management staff was equally confident about the fast bowlers at their disposal — the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam showing improvement as Test pacers over the last few years.

“Bangladesh has good fast bowlers who need to have confidence in themselves,” said Mushtaq. “Our belief should be strong, and it’s important to instill confidence in the players.”
 

Bowlers’ graveyards: Pakistan’s placid pitches under fresh fire​

AFP
October 13, 2024

Australia pace legend Dennis Lillee denounced a pitch in Pakistan as a “graveyard for bowlers” in 1980, but more than 40 years later little has changed.

Lillee vented his anger after toiling for 21 wicketless overs in Faisalabad in a turgid draw.

All 11 Australian players, even wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, had a turn bowling in Pakistan’s second innings of 382-2 in reply to Australia’s 617 all out as the game petered out into near farce.

Last week, on a wicket described as “a road” by former captain Michael Vaughan, England rewrote the record books as they piled up 823-7 declared in reply to Pakistan’s 556 in the first Test in Multan.

The total was the fourth-highest single innings in Test history.

Harry Brook plundered 317 at almost a run a ball and Joe Root became England’s highest Test run scorer during his career-best 262.

Their stand of 454 for the fourth wicket was an England record, the fourth-highest in history and the most by any pair playing overseas.

Despite the lifeless pitch, England’s bowlers pulled off an inning and 47-run victory after the home side crumbled to 220 all out in their second innings.

It gave Pakistan an unwanted record — the first team to score 500 or more and lose a Test by an innings.

England batting great Kevin Pietersen said on X that the lack of help for bowlers in Multan, where the second Test begins on Tuesday, was “helping destroy Test cricket.”
 

PAK vs ENG: Babar, Shaheen, Naseem dropped for final two Tests​

Sarfaraz also out; Squad features several new faces, Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped).

News Desk
October 13, 2024

photo afp

PHOTO: AFP

The Pakistan cricket selectors have officially named the squad for the upcoming second and third Test matches against England, scheduled to be held in Multan and Rawalpindi on 15 and 24 October, respectively.

In light of the current performance and fitness levels of key players, as well as Pakistan's future commitments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have opted to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Abrar Ahmed, who is recovering from dengue fever, was also unavailable for selection.

The squad features several new faces, with Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped), along with fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan, stepping in for the rested players. SNoman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the first Test squad but released afterward, have also been included in the 16-player team.



Squad for the 2nd and 3rd Tests:

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.

Aqib Javed, a member of the men's national selection committee, expressed the challenges faced during the squad selection process.

“Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task for the selectors. We’ve had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 international schedule. With these factors in mind and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we’ve made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

“We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges. They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger.

“At the same time, we are offering opportunities to uncapped players like Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, along with Mohammad Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Zahid Mehmood. They now have the chance to showcase their skills against a formidable England side. We believe they will rise to the occasion and make the most of this opportunity in the remaining two Tests.”

Additionally, Haseebullah and Mehran Mumtaz, who were part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, have been replaced by Maaz Sadaqat and Rohail Nazir. This tournament will take place in Oman starting from 18 October.
 

Shoaib Akhtar loses temper on live television after Pakistan's defeat to England​

Akhtar did not hold back in criticizing both the players and the management

News Desk
October 13, 2024

Legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his frustration during a live television discussion on sports news channel following Pakistan's latest Test defeat, succumbing to England by an innings and 47 runs.

The loss, which took place on Friday, marked another chapter in a series of disappointing performances for the national team.

In a candid and passionate address, Akhtar did not hold back in criticizing both the players and the management, asserting that Pakistan cricket has experienced a significant decline over the past decade.

He bluntly stated that the current players are “not good enough” to represent the nation on the international stage.

"You will reap what you sow. Over the decades, I have seen the decline".

"The situation is disappointing. Losing is fine, but the game should be close. However, what we saw over the past two days, they completely gave up hope. This shows that we aren't good enough. England scored 800+ and Bangladesh also beat you," Akhtar said.

The Rawalpindi Express further highlighted the potential ramifications of the team's poor performance, raising concerns about Pakistan's Test status.

He characterized the current state of affairs as “disheartening” and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, to implement strict measures for the improvement of cricket in the country.

"Fans are saying that Pakistan should withdraw from WTC. I saw some comments. ICC must be thinking 'should we send teams to Pakistan and keep their Test status alive'. It's just disheartening. This is going to hurt Pakistan cricket, fans and the upcoming talents. I want to request the PCB to sort out this mess," he said.

The disarray within Pakistan's cricketing ranks has been exacerbated by reports of groupism among players, primarily fueled by multiple individuals vying for the captaincy. Akhtar acknowledged that weak management and leadership only serve to perpetuate these issues.

"If your management and captain are weak, there will be groupism. If the captain is selfish, there will be groupism. Same is the case if the coaches are afraid of the captain. The captain calls the shot when it comes to selection. This has been the culture since my playing days," he further explained.

Notably, it has been 1,331 days since Pakistan last celebrated a Test victory, with the team's last win coming in February 2021 against South Africa in Rawalpindi under Babar Azam's captaincy.
 
I can comfortably say this PAK Home test series never coming to be our win. What an dreadful performance from Pakistan but well done to a very good England side
 

Mohammad Rizwan expected to take charge as white-ball captain of Pakistan​


Sources indicate that PCB chairman has confirmed the appointment of Rizwan as captain for ODI and T20I

News Desk
October 26, 2024

photo file


The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to appoint wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket teams, as reported by local media.

Sources indicated that Rizwan concluded a meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday, during which Naqvi confirmed the appointment of Rizwan as captain for the One Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) teams.

The recommendation for Rizwan's captaincy came from head coach Gary Kirsten, and it has received support from the national team selectors, insiders revealed. Salman Ali Agha is expected to be appointed as the vice-captain of the white-ball team.

This development follows former captain Babar Azam's resignation from the white-ball captaincy earlier this month, citing a desire to “prioritise my performance, enjoy my batting, and spend quality time with my family, which brings me joy.”

Rizwan brings considerable experience to the role, having led various domestic teams in Pakistan and captained the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He was appointed captain of the franchise in 2021 and successfully led the team to victory against Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL final.
 

Shaheen Shah demoted as PCB reveals central contracts for 2024-25​

Several emerging players, have secured central contracts for the first time.

News Desk
October 27, 2024

tribune


Pakistan’s left-arm pacer and former captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has been downgraded in the latest central contract announcement by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), while batter Fakhar Zaman and others did not secure a spot on the 12-month contract list, as per an official PCB release on Sunday.

Shaheen, who was previously in Category A alongside Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, has been moved to Category B in the new list covering 25 players.

Babar and Rizwan are now the only two players in Category A, with several prominent names like Fakhar, ex-captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Ihsanullah, and Shahnawaz Dahani excluded from the central contracts entirely.

Previously, Fakhar held a spot in Category B, but recent changes reflect PCB’s shift to a one-year contract system based on player performance, introduced last July. Additionally, the PCB has mandated quarterly fitness assessments and required players to participate in domestic cricket.

This decision follows Pakistan's disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they exited the tournament before reaching the Super 8 stage.

The previous three-year central contracts, effective since July 1, 2023, are being replaced in this update. Test captain Shan Masood has been listed in Category B, contingent upon his leadership role.


Shaheen’s demotion comes after he and Babar were “rested” for the second and third Tests of the recent home series against England, having participated in the first Test, which Pakistan lost.

Several emerging players, including Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan, have secured central contracts for the first time.

Among those omitted from the contract list, Fakhar, Imam, and Osama were reported to have failed initial fitness tests, with a re-assessment scheduled soon to determine their potential inclusion.

According to the latest central contract details, Category A players will receive Rs 4.5 million per month, with Category B at Rs 3 million. Players in Categories C and D will receive between Rs750,000 and Rs1.5 million monthly.

Centrally Contracted Players List:

Category A (2): Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

Category B (3): Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shan Masood

Category C (9): Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan

Category D (11): Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hurraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Usman Khan
 
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Babar breaks Kohli’s record as he becomes second highest run scorer in T20I​

Babar now requires just 40 more runs to become the all-time leading run-scorer

News Desk
November 18, 2024

tribune



Pakistan's star batter, Babar Azam, has ascended to second place in the all-time leading run-scorer list for men's T20 Internationals, surpassing India's Virat Kohli on Monday.

Babar achieved the milestone during the third and final T20I against Australia at Bellerive Oval, scoring 41 runs. Despite his personal achievement, Australia secured a 3-0 series victory after defeating Pakistan in the final match.

With 4,192 T20I runs, Babar has surpassed Kohli, who has 4,188 runs. India’s Rohit Sharma remains at the top with 4,231 runs. Babar now requires just 40 more runs to become the all-time leading run-scorer, potentially overtaking Sharma, who, along with Kohli, has ended his T20I career following India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory.

Babar is now one of two Pakistani players in the Top 10 for most T20I runs, alongside current white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan.

Notably, the right-handed batter, who stepped down as Pakistan’s white-ball captain ahead of the Australia tour, struggled with the bat in recent series.

Babar scored only 80 runs in the three-match ODI series and continued his lean patch in the T20I series, posting scores of three in the first two matches before his record-breaking knock of 41 in the final game.
 
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