Pakistan Cricket I News & Discussions

[Fatman17]

Spinner Sajid Khan took five wickets to guide Pakistan to a 127-run win in the first Test of the two-match series against West Indies in Multan on Sunday.

Sajid took 5-50 on the third day of the Test to finish with nine wickets for the match, while fellow spinner Abrar Ahmed took 4-27 as the West Indies were bundled out for 123 after they were set a target of 251 to win.

Read more: https://www.dawn.com/news/1886283/pakistan-beat-west-indies-by-127-runs-in-first-test

 

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PCB in talks for tri-nation series with USA, Canada​

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is in talks with USA Cricket about the possibilities

 

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Noman Ali makes the leap after a fine display of spin bowling against the West Indies.

 

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PM Shehbaz to reopen Gaddafi Stadium on Feb 7: PCB chairman​

Says squad for ICC Champions Trophy expected later today.

 

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Saim Ayub out as PCB announces squad for Champions Trophy​

Abdul Ghaffar | Syed Muhammad Zaid | Imran Siddique
January 31, 2025

This photo shows the trophy for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in front of the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad on Nov 16. — Photo via X/@TheRealPCB
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the national squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament with Saim Ayub a notable exclusion from the team due to his injuries.

In a video posted on the PCB’s X account, members of Pakistan’s winning squad for the 2017 edition announced the team lineup.

A press release issued by the PCB said the board has until February 11 to make any changes, after which any replacements would only be permitted on medical grounds, subject to approval by the ICC Event Technical Committee.

“The squad, to be captained by Mohammad Rizwan with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain, includes three members from the 2017 title-winning side — Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf and Fakhar Zaman. Babar and Fakhar, along with Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saud Shakeel had also featured in the last 50-over ICC event — the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 2023,” the PCB said.

Outlining the changes in the squad, the PCB said Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub and Sufyan Moqim were replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel.

The PCB said the squad would assemble in Lahore on Monday.

Pakistan squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

 

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Returning Fakhar struggles to make impact in scenario match​

The Newspaper's Sports
February 5, 2025

LAHORE: Pakistan players share a light moment during the team’s intra-squad practice match at the Ghani Glass ground on Tuesday.—M.Arif/White Star

LAHORE: Pakistan’s preparations for their Champions Trophy title defence as well as the preceding tri-nation series began in earnest when their training camp began in the serene surroundings of the Ghani Glass ground on Tuesday.

Tucked in the centre of a housing community, all eyes at the venue were on returning Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman but he showed signs of rust as the squad played two scenario matches in the afternoon.

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf, whose selection was widely panned, also failed to make an impact, giving away plenty of runs while Khushdil Shah, whose return was questioned, showed some batting form.

Fakhar, making a comeback to the team for the first time since the ODI World Cup in November 2023, made just 11 and 13 in his two tryouts with the bat — being caught both times.

The 34-year-old, who starred in the final of the last edition of the Champions Trophy, will likely open the innings for Pakistan alongside Babar Azam after the hosts were rocked by injury to dashing youngster Saim Ayub while Abdullah Shafique was axed.

Babar had mixed outings. The star batter was dismissed for a duck in the first, lbw to Shaheen Shah Afridi, but then turned on the style in the second game, belting 40 off 31 balls with seven hits to the fence.

Kamran Ghulam was the highest scorer across the two matches with an innings of 79 off 40 balls with three sixes and 11 fours while Khushdil made 42 in the lone innings he played, belting three sixes and four fours.

 

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Disgruntled Pakistan fans want major changes​

Fans at the South Africa, England game in Karachi point towards “wrong team selection” and express who they're supporting after Pakistan's exit.

 

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PCB chairman meets with domestic cricket stars​

The meeting comes amid widespread criticism of the national team’s poor performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy.

 

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From cricket to politics: ​

Pakistan lags behind as India soars​

Umair Jamal
February 25, 2025

Pakistan’s recent Champions Trophy loss to India was not merely a defeat. The clash starkly highlighted how far the country has fallen behind its arch-rival.

The match, marked by a dismal and uncompetitive performance, serves as a powerful emblem of the pervasive decline in Pakistani cricket. This is not an isolated incident – it’s part of a long-standing pattern.

Once fierce competitors, Pakistan now struggles to present any challenge to India, both on and off the field. The decline of cricket isn’t just a sporting failure. It mirrors the country’s broader struggles with economics, governance and global standing.

Like the country itself, Pakistan’s cricket team has become an underwhelming brand that fails to deliver on its promises. The lack of substantial reforms, the politicization of the sport and mismanagement by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have all played a significant role in this decline.

While India aggressively invests in infrastructure, talent development, and professional management, Pakistan’s cricket remains ensnared in a cycle of nepotism, ad-hoc decisions and empty rhetoric.

The contrast between the two nations is glaring and unacceptable. India’s cricket board, the BCCI, stands as the richest in the world, backed by a robust domestic league (the IPL) that not only attracts global talent but also generates billions in revenue.

 

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Pakistan’s PSL, though a step in the right direction, is simply insufficient by comparison. India’s cricketing success is rooted not just in financial might but in vision, strategic planning and effective execution, qualities that Pakistan desperately lacks.

The divergence between India and Pakistan surpasses cricket.

Over the years, India has solidified its position as a global powerhouse, with a wealthy economy, a formidable diplomatic presence, and increasing influence in international arenas. Backed by reforms, India’s GDP has soared in recent years, while Pakistan grapples with crippling debt, inflation, and political chaos.

India’s ascent is also evident in its global branding and diplomatic initiatives as well.

From recently hosting the G20 summit to spearheading initiatives on climate change and technology, India is now projecting itself as a leading voice for the Global South. Its strategic efforts, such as trying to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, reflects a nation with a clear and ambitious vision for its global role.

In stark contrast, Pakistan’s foreign policy has been reactive and inconsistent, perpetually overshadowed by internal crises and a lack of direction.

Not long ago, the gap between India and Pakistan was not as wide. Both nations faced similar challenges, and their cricketing rivalry was fierce and evenly matched.

 

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India has surged ahead, while Pakistan has declined.

This difference is not solely economic or diplomatic. It’s cultural and psychological. India’s rise has imparted pride and confidence in its citizens, while Pakistan’s decline has increasingly become the reason of frustration and disillusionment.

Cricket serves as a reflection of this broader trend, highlighting the stark differences between the two countries. India’s cricketing success seems to be grounded in professionalism, innovation and ambition.

In contrast, Pakistan continues to rely on raw talent without the necessary systems, vision and sacrifices to nurture it. As a result, the team shines only occasionally while consistently failing to deliver on the big stage.

If Pakistan is to compete with India – whether in cricket or any other domain – it must implement serious and immediate reforms.

This entails overhauling the PCB, investing in grassroots development, and establishing a system that prioritizes merit over connections. Moreover, the PSL must be expanded and marketed globally to attract the necessary investment and talent.

Beyond cricket, Pakistan must confront its systemic issues, including corruption, political instability and economic mismanagement. Pakistan’s recent defeat to India is more than a sporting loss. It’s an urgent wake-up call.

The decline of cricket is a reflection of the country’s broader struggles, from economic stagnation to diplomatic irrelevance.

To compete with India – whether on the cricket pitch or the global stage – Pakistan needs more than just talent.

 

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It requires a fundamental shift in its mindset and approach. The country must wholeheartedly embrace reform, innovation, and accountability to reclaim its rightful place on the world stage.

Without decisive action, the gap between these two nations will only continue to widen, leaving Pakistan hidden in the shadows of its once-equal rival.

Umair Jamal

 

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Babar and Rizwan dropped from T20s against New Zealand, Salman Agha to lead​

Dawn.com
Published March 4, 2025

head coach Aqib Javed and T20 captain Salman Ali Agha speaking at the press conference in Lahore on March 4. —DawnNewsTV
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the men’s squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.

Salman Ali Agha will be captaining the T20 International team while One Day International (ODI) captain, Mohammad Rizwan, will continue to lead the team in that format.

However, a notable change in the T20 team is the exclusion of the country’s star batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Rizwan.

Pakistan will play five T20s and three ODIs during the tour.

The team announcement comes amid widespread criticism of the national team’s poor performance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament, marked by losses to India and New Zealand as well as a washed-out match against Bangladesh, has sparked calls for reforms within the PCB.

“The decision to appoint Salman and Shadab as T20I captain and vice-captain, respectively, has been made with an eye on two major upcoming tournaments — the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 (September 2025) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (February/March 2026),” the statement issued by the PCB said.

It added that Salman had previously led Pakistan men in a T20 series against Zimbabwe last year, winning 2-1.

 

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HBL PSL to add two more teams, new host cities next season​

"We may add two teams by year's end and expand beyond four cities in the next phase," says PSL CEO.

News Desk
March 14, 2025

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is looking to expand its team roster from six to eight after the 2025 season, PSL CEO Salman Naseer revealed on Thursday.

First launched in 2016 in the UAE due to security concerns, the league has since moved to Pakistan, with a focus on increasing its commercial appeal and competitive stature.

The 2026 edition of the PSL will see new cities, including Peshawar, hosting its first exhibition game, marking a step toward future full-scale PSL matches.

In a bid to further broaden its reach, the PSL’s trophy will embark on its first nationwide tour, bringing the event to non-host cities across the country.

“We might get two more teams by the end of this year,” Naseer said, discussing the expansion. “We started at a time when no cricket was happening in Pakistan. The challenge was to bring it back. Now, we’ve successfully revived cricket in traditional centres, and the next step is to grow beyond these four cities, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan."

With the January-February window now facing competition from the SA20 and UAE’s International League T20, the PSL’s value will be determined by post-season data as broadcasting rights come up for sale.

Naseer noted that this season would be a test and expected a larger window with the addition of more teams. “The valuation of some of our rights will depend on the data we gather,” he added.

The 2025 edition of the PSL is set to begin on April 11, with Islamabad United holding the record for the most titles, having won three.

 

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A Pakistan without Babar and Rizwan

Source: The Express Tribune
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