Pakistan Cricket I News & Discussions

[Fatman17]

Aqib javed thinks he's coaching the Lahore Qalandars

 

[ghazi52]

Saud Shakeel names 2 rising stars from Quetta Gladiators ready for Pakistan​

Saud Shakeel hails two youngsters from Quetta Gladiators as stars ready for future Pakistan call-ups after HBL PSL.

Sports Desk
May 21, 2025

Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel has backed two rising stars as future prospects for Pakistan’s national cricket team following their impressive performances in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Speaking ahead of the crucial HBL PSL 10 Qualifier against defending champions Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium on May 21, Saud praised the duo of Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay, noting their talent and impact.

“Hassan Nawaz played all kinds of shots and was instrumental in our victories,” said Saud. “The performances of players like Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay are very encouraging signs for Pakistan cricket. Both have the potential to represent Pakistan at the international level soon.”

Hassan Nawaz has been a standout performer for the Gladiators this season, ranking as the tournament’s fifth-highest run-scorer with 317 runs from 10 matches at a stellar average of 63.40 and a strike rate of 159.29.

His tally includes two half-centuries and a century, highlighting his consistency and match-winning capabilities.

Reflecting on the team’s campaign, Saud noted, “We have played quite good cricket throughout the PSL. Finishing at the top of the points table shows our strength, but now the focus is on the qualifier to secure our place in the final.”

While pleased with the overall team performance, Saud stressed there is still room to improve. “Khawaja Nafay got a chance and performed well. We have played most matches with Finn Allen; the final eleven and batting positions are yet to be finalized.”

The 29-year-old captain also credited Hassan Nawaz’s significant contribution to the team’s turnaround this season. “We had a slow start but bounced back strongly with the bat once Hassan was included. There was initial uncertainty about his batting order, but his impact speaks for itself,” Saud added.

The Gladiators topped the HBL PSL 10 points table with seven wins, two losses, and one washout, aiming to build on their 2018 championship success.

As Pakistan cricket looks ahead, Saud Shakeel’s endorsement shines a spotlight on Nawaz and Nafay as exciting prospects ready to take the next step in their careers.

 

[ghazi52]

PCB makes participation in domestic cricket mandatory for international players​

The Newspaper's Sports Reporter
June 3, 2025

PCB Headquarters at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 17, 2025. — Arif Ali/White Star

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it mandatory for all international players to participate in at least one domestic tournament each season, in a bid to strengthen the local cricketing structure and groom emerging talent.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday. Emphasising the importance of a robust domestic system, Mohsin said that the involvement of international cricketers in domestic competitions would not only raise the standard of the game at grassroots level but also help in preparing quality backups for the national side.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for the upcoming home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, as well as away tours to the West Indies and Bangladesh. A detailed briefing in this regard was given by director international cricket Usman Wahla.

Preparations for the Pakistan Shaheens team and matters related to new central contracts were also discussed, with the chairman directing concerned departments to initiate the necessary processes.

Those present at the meeting included white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, chief operating officer Sumair Ahmed syed, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, Director High-Performance Aqib Javed, and national team captain Salman Ali Agha.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2025

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan signal T20I shift with dominant series win over Bangladesh​

Mohammad Yaqoob
June 3, 2025

PAKISTAN cricketers pose with the trophy after sweeping the T20 International series against Bangladesh at the Gaddafi Stadium.—M.Arif/White Star

LAHORE: Pakistan Twenty20 International captain Salman Ali Agha has vowed that the side will continue to “entertain” the fans after registering a 3-0 series triumph over Bangladesh.

Although it came against a non-elite opponent, the success was special for Pakistan, who announced their transition into a modern-day white-ball side, displaying a high-risk approach that paid dividends across the series.

They won the first two matches by 37 and 57 runs respectively, defending with ease scores of 201 in each before chasing down 197 with 16 balls to spare in the final game.

In Pakistan’s first T20I series victory on home soil since December 2021, they scored 200-plus runs on the trot after two years. While Mohammad Haris’ century in the third game was the first time a non-opener scored a ton for the side in the format.

“The way we’ve played in these three matches is the kind of cricket we want to continue playing moving forward,” Salman told reporters after the third T20I here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night. “Our aim is to entertain the fans, and if we keep putting pressure on the opposition, we’ll win most matches.

It was the batting approach taken by the hosts that stood out, especially with younger players taking the game on and making the impact. Hasan Nawaz’s 22-ball 44 was the highlight of the first match, with the 22-year-old smashing 56 off 26 in the second, which also saw opener Sahibzada Farhan hit 74 off 41.

Hasan, having established himself as a middle-order batter after starting his career as an opener in New Zealand earlier this year, made impact with a 13-ball 26 in the third match.

But it was wicket-keeper/batter Haris, who took the man-of-the-series award, registering scores of 31 off 18 and 41 off 25 before smashing a 46-ball 107 to cement his spot as Pakistan’s new number-three.

“People said he doesn’t use his brain, but in the first match, when we were 5-2, he took calculated risks and batted smartly,” Salman said of the right-hander “He did the same today.

“For me, Haris, Saim (Ayub), and Hasan are three players I want to turn into match-winners for Pakistan under my captaincy. I believe they can do wonders for the team.”

The series was Mike Hesson’s first assignment as Pakistan’s new white-ball head coach and Salman’s second as captain. It was a continuation to Pakistan’s preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

The duo will lead the side into upcoming series against the West Indies and Bangladesh away from home and also in the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held later this year.

There remains a concern whether Pakistan would be able to produce similar performances in different conditions, but Salman’s vision is clear.

“Modern cricket isn’t about ignoring conditions — you have to adapt,” he said. “Our approach is to score 10–15 runs above the par score for the ground to give our bowlers an advantage.

“When bowling, we aim to restrict the opposition to 10–15 runs below par to make it easier for our batsmen. Whatever the conditions, we’ll follow the par score strategy.”

Salman, speaking with precision and confidence during the press conference, reiterated that he wanted to make a long-lasting difference through his leadership.

“One thing is certain: as long as I’m captain, we’ll play this way,” he said. “I believe this is the way forward for cricket because that’s how the world is playing.”

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2025

 

[ghazi52]

‘Australia to visit Pakistan for white-ball games next year’: Cricket Australia chief​

Agencies
June 4, 2025

KARACHI: Cricket Australia (CA) has agreed to send its team to Pakistan early next year for a white-ball series, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported on Tuesday.

Speaking during an online media interaction, CA chief executive Todd Greenburg said that Australia was keen to visit Pakistan for more tours and that discussions were ongoing with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2025–27, Australia are slated to tour Pakistan for three ODIs and three T20Is in February–March 2026.

“We are trying to schedule a red-ball and white ball series in our program with Pakistan where the window is available,” PTI quoted Greenburg saying. “I think the tour early next year will be a success for both boards,

Greenburg said, based on their experience of visiting Pakistan in 2022 and then for the Champions Trophy, they wanted more exchanges where possible.

“We went to Pakistan in 2022 after a long time, and it was a good experience for our team, hospitality and security-wise,” he said, adding that even in the Big Bash League, it would be a boost if leading Pakistan players could be available when it is held this year.

“Teams in the Big Bash want more quality overseas players in the competition and if some leading Pakistani players are available I am sure they will be sought after.”

In 2022, Australia toured Pakistan for a Test and white-ball series after nearly 24 years.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2025

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 fixtures​

BR Web Desk
June 15, 2025

The Pakistan men’s Test team is set to embark on a balanced and challenging journey in the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, with a mix of tough away tours and crucial home series that will shape their path to the final.

The new WTC cycle begins on June 17, but Pakistan will open their campaign in October 2025, hosting newly crowned champions South Africa for a two-match Test series.

The home assignment will be Pakistan’s first opportunity to test themselves against the titleholders under home conditions.

The team’s overseas campaign begins in March 2026, with a two-match series against Bangladesh. Pakistan last toured Bangladesh in 2021 and will be looking to assert dominance in familiar subcontinental conditions.

Later in July 2026, Pakistan will travel to the Caribbean for a two-Test series against the West Indies, followed by a demanding three-Test tour of England in August.

The English summer traditionally poses a stern examination for visiting teams, particularly with the Dukes ball and seaming conditions.

Pakistan will return home for two back-to-back series: first against Sri Lanka in November 2026, and then a home series against New Zealand in March 2027 to conclude their WTC campaign.

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan’s WTC 2025-27 schedule:

August 2026	England	Away	3
July 2026	West Indies	Away	2
March 2026	Bangladesh	Away	2
March 2027	New Zealand	Home	2
November 2026	Sri Lanka	Home	2
October 2025	South Africa	Home	2

In total, Pakistan will play 13 Test matches during the cycle, seven at home and six away. The fixtures offer Pakistan an ideal mix of familiar conditions and challenging overseas assignments.

With experienced players in the ranks and a core of promising youngsters emerging from the domestic circuit, Pakistan will be eyeing consistency in performance and improved overseas results to push for a place in the WTC final, scheduled for mid-2027.

As the race for Test supremacy intensifies, the coming two years will test Pakistan’s depth, adaptability, and resilience, traits essential for navigating the diverse challenges of the World Test Championship.

 

[Fatman17]

 

[Fatman17]

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan to play T20I series in Bangladesh next month​

AFP
June 25, 2025

The Pakistan men’s team will travel to Bangladesh next month to play three Twenty20 internationals as part of the build-up to next year’s T20 World Cup.

Pakistan’s tour will be a reciprocal one after they hosted Bangladesh for three T20Is over the last two months, all won by the home team and played in Lahore.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it has arranged various series to build for the T20 World Cup to be co-hosted in India and Sri Lanka next year.

“Pakistan will arrive in Dhaka on 16 July before taking on the home side in the matches on July 20, 22 and 24 as part of the build-up for the World Cup,” the PCB said in a statement.

All three T20Is will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

From Bangladesh, Pakistan will fly to the West Indies to play three T20Is and as many one-day internationals, the schedule of which will be announced later.

 

[ghazi52]

Emon, Taskin shine as Bangladesh crush Pakistan in series opener​

Fakhar scored 44 as Pakistan were bowled out for 110; Bangladesh chased the target with 27 balls to spare

Web Desk
July 20, 2025

Towhid Hridoy scored 36 off 37 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes. Photo: AFP

Bangladesh registered a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20 International of the series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday, dismissing the visitors for a paltry 110 before chasing down the target with ease.

After opting to bowl on a tacky surface, Bangladesh found success early when Saim Ayub flicked one straight to deep fine leg in the second over. Mohammad Haris followed shortly after, falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who had earlier conceded a few boundaries but made a key breakthrough.

Skipper Agha Salman and debutant Hasan Nawaz failed to make an impact, while Mohammad Nawaz was run out after a mix-up in the middle. Fakhar Zaman, dropped twice during his stay, tried to anchor the innings with a 44-run knock, but his dismissal once again stalled momentum.
Khushdil Shah (17) and Abbas Afridi (22) added a valuable 33-run partnership for the seventh wicket to help Pakistan cross the 100-run mark. However, the visitors were bowled out for 110 in the final over.

Taskin Ahmed was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, finishing with 3 for 22, while Mustafizur Rahman delivered a tidy spell, picking up two wickets for just six runs in four overs.

Bangladesh’s chase began shakily, losing Tanzid Hasan and captain Litton Das with only seven runs on the board. However, a composed 73-run stand between Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy steadied the innings and turned the tide.

Hridoy scored 36 before falling, but Emon carried his bat, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 39 balls. He was named Player of the Match for his efforts. Jaker Ali remained not out on 15 as Bangladesh crossed the finish line with 27 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.

 

[Fatman17]

Soundly beaten by Bangladesh . Congratulations to them.

 

[ghazi52]

Bangladesh take second T20I for first series win over Pakistan​

Jaker helped Bangladesh post 133; Faheem’s half-century in vain as Pakistan were all out for 125, losing by 8 runs

Web Desk
July 22, 2025

Pakistan's Faheem Ashraf (L) is clean bowled by Bangladesh's Rishad Hossain during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on July 22, 2025. Photo: AFP

Bangladesh survived a late onslaught by Faheem Ashraf and Ahmed Daniyal to pull off a narrow eight-run victory in the second T20I match on Tuesday, winning a first-ever series in the format against Pakistan.

Ashraf hit an aggressive 32-ball 51 while debutant Daniyal smashed an 11-ball 17 but holed out off the second ball of the final over as Pakistan were all out for 125 in their chase of 134 to win in Dhaka.

Earlier, Jaker Ali struck a 48-ball 55 as Bangladesh -- sent in to bat -- were bowled out for 133 in 20 overs, with Salman Mirza taking 2-17 and Daniyal close behind on 2-23.

 

[PK781]

freakish and stupid runouts have cost us both games......new coaches need to work on that.
congratulations to Hesson for first series loss

 

[Jango007]

Pakistan sets a new record …..
In loosing …

Under Field Khota Martial’s stooge ….