Pakistan Cricket I News & Discussions

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“Compared to last year’s list of 27 contracted players, the PCB has expanded the pool to 30, including 12 fresh additions, highlighting the emergence of promising new talent and the board’s strategic focus on squad depth and future development,” PCB said.

The new entrants are: Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza and Sufyan Moqim.

Five players have been promoted owing to their last year’s performances, PCB said. They are: Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan — all promoted from C to B category.

Additionally, nine players have retained their positions in the same categories. They are: Abdullah Shafique (Category C), Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr — all in Category D, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel — all in Category C and Shaheen Shah Afridi (Category B).

PCB noted that eight players have missed out on contracts this year, namely Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan — all in Category (D).

 

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List of this year’s centrally contacted players:

Category B (10 players):
Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Category C (10 players):
Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Sajid Khan and Saud Shakeel

Category D (10 players):
Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, Shan Masood and Sufyan Moqim

Sport

 

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Shaheen Afridi backs youngsters following Babar, Rizwan axe​

Agencies
August 23, 2025

DUBAI: Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed confidence in the country’s emerging talent, backing youngsters to step up in the absence of former mainstays Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

Babar and Rizwan, once Pakistan’s revered T20I opening pair, have been sidelined from the format as the team pursues a more aggressive approach under new leadership.

The transition follows the appointments of Mike Hesson as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach and Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain earlier this year. Hesson has publicly stated that Babar and Rizwan need to refine their T20I skills to reclaim their spots in the national XI.

With the senior duo out of favour, Pakistan are relying on less-experienced players such as Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, and Mohammad Haris to bolster the top order, while Hasan Nawaz has emerged as a promising middle-order batter.

All featured prominently in Hesson’s first three assignments and are set to play when Pakistan begin their tri-nation series in the United Arab Emirates on August 29.

The tournament, featuring hosts UAE and Afghanistan, will be staged entirely in Sharjah and is seen as a preparatory competition ahead of the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9 in the UAE.

“Everyone should get an opportunity. Babar and Rizwan are world-class players and have done great for Pakistan, and they will continue to do so,” Shaheen told reporters on the sidelines of the team’s training camp at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

 

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The Asia Cup will provide Hesson and Salman with their first significant test, giving them a chance to assess the team months ahead of the T20 World Cup, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka in February-March next year.

Under Hesson, Pakistan have enjoyed mixed results so far, having thrashed Bangladesh 3-0 at home, lost 2-1 away, and defeated West Indies 2-1 in the United States.

The Asia Cup will feature at least one and at most three high-stakes encounters with India. With the cross-border tensions of May still fresh, the matches are expected to be intense, presenting a stern challenge for Pakistan’s revamped side.

“Obviously, it’s a high-pressure match, and plans will be made,” he said. “But with the kind of preparation we have, I don’t think Pakistan has ever prepared this early before. This time, we have a great opportunity. We can also use the stadium to our advantage. Our preparation can get even better for the big matches. But our first target is the tri-nation series, and then the Asia Cup.”

The left-arm pacer also acknowledged the threat posed by Afghanistan and UAE in the tri-series.

“In T20 cricket, no team is easy,” he noted. “But our preparation is solid; we have a young team ready to play fearless cricket. I think we have an edge, and there’s nothing to worry about. Our preparation is for the big events.”

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2025

 

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PCB to enforce global Anti-Corruption Code in domestic cricket​

S
ources say severe punishments for corruption will be added

Saleem Khaliq
August 27, 2025

A strict framework of punishments has been prepared for domestic cricketers as well in case of violations of the Anti-Corruption Code.

KARACHI: A strict framework of punishments has been prepared for domestic cricketers as well in case of violations of the Anti-Corruption Code. On the directions of the ICC, Pakistan will also adopt the Global Anti-Corruption Code, though disputes will be settled in accordance with local laws.

According to details, the International Cricket Council is striving to protect the game from corrupt elements and has been taking stringent measures. Some time ago, all member boards were directed to adopt the Global Anti-Corruption Code. In case of disputes, local laws will apply. Recently, during the PCB Governing Board meeting, participants were informed by a legal official that the ICC has instructed the adoption of the Global Anti-Corruption Code, for which procedural changes were necessary. The members granted approval.

Sources say that strict laws will also be applied in domestic cricket, with severe punishments for corruption. Along with bans, fines will also be imposed. However, players will retain the right to appeal. If any player fails to inform the national Anti-Corruption Unit about suspicious contact, he will also be considered guilty. Accepting gifts from suspicious individuals will not be allowed.

Punishments will be determined keeping in view the nature of the offense, intent, previous record, and cooperation during investigations. First-time offenders who cooperate may receive lighter punishments, but repeat offenders could face lifetime bans.

Under the Anti-Corruption Code:

• Match-fixing or spot-fixing carries a 5-year to lifetime ban.
• Betting on cricket may result in a 1-to-5-year ban depending on the case.
• Sharing team’s internal information could also lead to a 1-to-5-year ban.
• Failure to report corrupt approaches will bring a 2-to-5-year ban.
• Lying during investigations, destroying evidence, or refusing cooperation can result in a 2-to-5-year ban.
• Players failing to participate in Anti-Corruption Education Programs will remain suspended until they complete them.

PCB sources say that the board has already been implementing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. As in the past, those who tarnish the image of the game will be dealt with firmly. Whether domestic or international cricket, the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code will be fully enforced, and education programs for players will also continue.

 

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Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Babar Azam to play charity match for flood relief​

The match will take place on Saturday between Peshawar Zalmi and Legends Eleven

Sports Desk
August 28, 2025

PHOTO: AFP

Superstars Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Babar Azam, and Kamran Akmal will play in an exhibition match to help the flood-affected people.

The Flood Relief Exhibition Match will take place at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on August 30 with a slogan, “Khel Se Khidmat”, roughly translated as service through sports.

The fixture is set for Saturday, and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, along with other cabinet members, has bought the tickets worth Rs 50,000 each to support the charity match.

The KP government has planned a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Legends Eleven at the stadium, which has been under construction for the last eight years.

However, the facility is ready with amenities, including dressing rooms for the players, a VVIP enclosure.

Pakistani cricket stars like former Pakistan cricket team captains Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, and Babar Azam, with Kamran Akmal, will be in action in front of an expected crowd of 17,000 at the new stadium.

The ticket price for an ordinary seat is Rs 1000; however, there are tickets available for 200 VVIPs and 800 VIPs.

The VVIP enclosure costs Rs 50,000 per seat, which is bought by the CM KP and other cabinet members.

It will start at 1 pm local time, and the total amount of money earned from ticket sales will be donated to help the flood victims.

“Since the 2025 monsoon season began on 26 June, Severe monsoon flooding has caused 785 deaths and over 1,000 injuries nationwide, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) worst affected, reporting 465 fatalities.

The disaster has damaged over 661 km of roads, 234 bridges, nearly 4,700 houses, and resulted in the loss of more than 5,400 livestock, severely impacting mobility, livelihoods, and access to services,” according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

 

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Fundraiser exhibition match for flood affected areas in Pakistan at Imran Khan stadium Peshawar.

Well done Peshawar Zalmi for organising this event. Massive crowd supported the cause. Prayers for safety & peace for all.

 

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Pakistan to host South Africa for cricket series in October: PCB​

Dawn.com
September 6, 2025



Pakistan will host South Africa for a series of test, one-day international (ODI) and Twenty-20 international (T20I) matches from October to November, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday.

In a press release, the PCB said that Pakistan’s new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship will begin with this visit by the Proteas, with the first test starting on October 12 in Lahore.

“The first Test will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12-16, which will also be the first five-day match at the stadium since its complete renovation earlier this year to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” the PCB stated. “The second Test match is scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20-24.”

According to the press release, this will be the visitors’ first tour to Pakistan since 2021, where they lost a test series 2-0.

 

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“At the conclusion of the red-ball matches, both sides will feature in three T20Is from October 28 to November 1, with the first T20I taking place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the remaining two T20Is will be hosted at the Gaddafi Stadium,” the press release read.

“The series will conclude with three ODIs taking place from 4 to 8 November at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

The PCB stated that this will be the first ODI played at Iqbal Stadium in 17 years, with the last match having been held on April 11, 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said that he was looking forward to hosting South Africa, adding that hosting the World Test Champions “will provide quality cricket for our players and fans”.

“The return of ODI cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years is a special moment,“ he was quoted as saying in the press release. Iqbal Stadium holds a proud place in our cricketing history and we are excited to bring international cricket back to this part of the country.”

Pakistan is currently participating in a tri-series tournament with Afghanistan and hosts the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they reached the finals by defeating the hosts by 31 runs.

The tournament precedes the Asia Cup 2025 — also held in the UAE from September 9 to 28 — where the Green Shirts are expected to clash with arch-rivals India.

 

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials are concerned over the continued decline in the performance of national sides across formats during the past two years, attributing it largely to frequent changes in the board’s leadership, selectors, coaches and captains.

According to sources, the matter came under detailed discussion at the recent meeting of the Board of Governors (BoG), which lasted nearly three hours, Dawn has learnt.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also attended the session for about 15 to 20 minutes. During the meeting, various departments of the PCB including International Cricket, High Performance Centre, Legal Affairs and Women’s Cricket presented their reports to the BoG.

The members, sources said, voiced dissatisfaction over the performance of the men’s senior team, women’s team and Pakistan Shaheens, questioning the International Cricket department over the ongoing slump.

The department, in its response, pointed to the instability at the top level, noting that the board has worked under four chairmen in less than three years — from Ramiz Raja (2021-23) to Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf (both with six-month tenures in 2023-24) and now Mohsin Naqvi since February 2024. With each chairman bringing wholesale changes, captains, selectors and coaches have been reshuffled repeatedly, creating further uncertainty.

The department also highlighted that in 2021 the PCB had restricted bilateral Test series to just two matches. However, from the next ICC cycle beginning in 2027, the board has decided to revert to full home-and-away series comprising at least three Tests, three ODIs and three T20 Internationals.

While acknowledging the financial cost of this approach, officials said it was necessary to improve performance standards.

 

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In a first, Pakistan to host T20I tri-series; Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to visit in November​

Dawn.com
September 7, 2025

Pakistan is set to host a T20 International (T20I) tri-series for the first time from November 17 to 29, according to a press release issued by the country’s cricket board on Sunday.

Apart from Pakistan, the “three-nation tournament” would feature Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, the press release said.

It added that the series was organised to “provide all teams with valuable preparation” ahead of next year’s International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka.

Detailing its schedule, it further stated that the hosts would take on Afghanistan on November 17, marking the beginning of the series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. It also mentioned that “will be Afghanistan’s first-ever T20I in Pakistan”.

“On November 19, Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the remaining five T20Is of the tri-series, including the final on November 29, will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore,” the press release said.

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Tri-series schedule

• Nov 17: Pakistan vs Afghanistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
• Nov 19: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
• Nov 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium
• Nov 23: Pakistan vs Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium
• Nov 25: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium
• Nov 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium
• Nov 29: Series final at Gaddafi Stadium

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In his statement included in the press release, Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said: “We look forward to hosting Sri Lanka and Afghanistan for Pakistan’s maiden T20I tri-series. This event will not only offer excellent preparation for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but also present fans with exciting cricket across venues.

“Earlier this year, [the] PCB successfully delivered the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. These achievements underline our capacity and readiness to host back-to-back international events at the highest level.”

International cricket had dried up in Pakistan following a 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. Consequently, the Green Shirts were forced to play international matches at neutral venues such as the United Arab Emirates.

In 2017, international cricket began gradually returning to Pakistan, with the Green Shirts playing against the ICC World XI in a series of three T20 internationals.

Earlier this year, the country hosted the ICC Champions Trophy in February and March, though India played their matches in Dubai. It was the first time that the Pakistan hosted an ICC event after 1996.

A day ago, the PCB also announced that South Africa’s team would be visiting Pakistan in October and November for a series of Test, One-Day International and T20I matches.