Author: ali.hassan

KARACHI: The newly appointed head coach of Pakistan women’s head coach Muhammad Wasim has set his sights on kicking off the ACC Asia Cup 2024 campaign with a victory over arch-rivals India.

Waseem was appointed for the role last month along with former Test bowlers Abdur Rehman and Junaid Khan as the spin bowling and assistant coaches, respectively.

He addressed his first press conference as the head coach of the Pakistan women’s team in the National Bank Stadium and expressed excitement about taking up his new role.

“It will be my first experience with the Pakistan Women’s team, there is a new challenge for the coaching staff,” said Waseem.

He supervised a training camp for the Pakistan women’s cricket team at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi for the preparation of the Asia Cup 2024, which ended today.

“We have worked out various strategic plans during the training camp. But we need to steer in a better direction,” he added.

“We attempted to change the players’ mindset and also worked on improving their fitness levels. I am satisfied with the fitness and fielding standards of our team.”

The former batter also shared that women cricketers also shoulder similar expectations as their male counterparts. He also demanded all required facilities for the women’s team in the camp.

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“In order to take women’s cricket forward, major steps have to be taken. In domestic cricket, players should be given a maximum number of matches,” he further stated.

Waseem also shared that he, along with his fellow coaches, is trying to groom a new captain for the women’s team.

“We are working on grooming the new captain. I don’t believe that only a senior player should be made captain,” he said.

Upon being asked about the preparations for the Asia Cup, the head coach opened up about making plans for each team in the tournament.

“Homework has been completed for every team including India. We have monitored the performance of Nepal and UAE as well,” Waseem said.

“We are not taking any team lightly. We are aiming to commence the Asia Cup campaign with the win against India,” he concluded.

Nida Dar-led Pakistan team will depart for Colombo from Karachi to partake in the Asia Cu. They will play their first match against India on 19 July.

Pakistan squad for ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup

Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan

READ: PCB chairman makes major decisions to improve Pakistan cricket

Pakistan’s long-range shooter Mohsin Nawaz has won a silver medal in the 155th Imperial Championship NRA UK in the Donegall 300 match.

This event is known for attracting top marksmen from around the world.

In preparation for the Imperial Championship, Nawaz underwent intensive training with 2023 World Champion Hermann Rolfes in South Africa.

This exclusive mentorship involved one-on-one coaching sessions where Rolfes, who will hold his title for four years, imparted his extensive knowledge and skills.

Mohsin Nawaz also bagged a silver medal as an individual participant in the European Long Range Shooting Championship in 2023.

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Nawaz, who was the lone representative of Pakistan in the competition, competed against more than 300 participants from 16 countries, including world champions.

He also reclaimed the 800-yard Bisley National Record with a stellar score of 75.13 V points.

The long-range shooter has previously collected five medals in the Bisley Long Range Shooting Competition in 2022 as well.

He dominated the top three standings for the majority of the event with his remarkable performance and brilliant precision.

His brilliance earned him five medals in the competition – three gold and two silver – taking his overall international competitive shooting medals tally to seven.

READ: Galle Marvels came from behind to down Dambulla Sixers in Super Over

Pakistan Shaheens’ captain Sahibzada Farhan on Friday expressed his frustration over not getting a fair chance as an opener for the senior team.

Farhan is set to lead Pakistan Shaheens’ red-ball team in two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ on the upcoming tour of Darwin.

During Shaheens’ pre-departure press conference, the top-order batter expressed gratitude for being appointed as the captain of the squad earlier today.

The 28-year-old Farhan has played five T20Is in Pakistan’s senior team, however, he believes he did not get a fair chance as a top-order batter.

He played three matches in 2018 as an opener, then had to wait for six years for his next game. On the New Zealand tour earlier this year, Farhan returned to the team but was given a chance at number five and number seven.

Sahibzada Farhan, while responding to a question during the press conference, shared his opinion over the sporadic chances he got, while expressing disappointment on the fact that he did not get enough opportunities as an opener.

“I’ve always played as an opener, and I want a chance at that position. I haven’t been given a fair chance at my number like other guys have,” said the opening batter.

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“I’m from Pakistan and I also play domestic cricket here. I have the right to play for Pakistan as an opener at my number, where I’ve been performing well for the last 3 years.”

He managed only 60 runs in his five T20I appearances, however, he stated that lack of performance did not shake his confidence because he was not playing at his usual position.

“My confidence hasn’t shaken because I haven’t been given a chance at my number. If I get the chance to open and then I fail to perform well, then my confidence might go down. Right now, I haven’t gotten the right opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” Farhan shared.

He also advocated for more matches each year for Pakistan Shaheens’ and Pakistahn under-19 team in order to help build a strong bench strength for the national team.

Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’, followed by a tri-series with the Northern Territory side and Bangladesh in Darwin. They will also participate in the nine-team Top End T20 Series.

The 15-member red-ball Shaheens’ squad will depart for Darwin in the wee hours of Saturday from Karachi via Dubai.

Pakistan Shaheens squad: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Haseebullah, Qasim Akram, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin and Mohammad Ali.

Player Support Personnel – Jason Gillespie (head coach for red-ball matches), Abdul Rehman (head coach for white-ball matches), Mohammad Masroor (Assistant coach-cum-manager), Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist), Imranullah (trainer) and Usman Hashmi (analyst).

READ: ‘We need to take care of him’: Jason Gillespie on Shaheen Afridi’s workload

Top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan on Friday was named the captain of Pakistan Shaheens’ squad for the four-day matches against Bangladesh A, scheduled to be played in Darwin, Australia.

Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’, followed by a tri-series with the Northern Territory side and Bangladesh in Darwin. They will also participate in the nine-team Top End T20 Series.

Meanwhile, young pace bowler Hunain Shah has been ruled out of the tour due to an injury, therefore, Qasim Akram has replaced him in the squad.

Pakistan Shaheens will depart for Brisbane in the wee hours of Saturday via Dubai. They will travel through Brisbane to Darwin later.

Notably, Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie will travel to Darwin as the team’s head coach for the two four-day matches.

Pakistan Shaheens squad

Sahibzada Farhan (c), Haseebullah, Qasim Akram, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin and Mohammad Ali.

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Player Support Personnel – Jason Gillespie (head coach for red-ball matches, will also supervise camp from 8-13 July), Abdul Rehman (head coach for white-ball matches and will join the side on 28 July), Mohammad Masroor (Assistant coach-cum-manager and camp commandant from 24 June-7 July), Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist), Imranullah (trainer) and Usman Hashmi (analyst).

Schedule (all matches in Darwin)

14 Jul – Arrival in Darwin
19-22 Jul – Four-day vs Bangladesh ‘A’
26-29 Jul – Four-day vs Bangladesh ‘A’
4 Aug – 50-over match vs Northern Territory (NT)
6 Aug – 50 over match vs Bangladesh ‘A’
9-18 Aug – nine-team Top End T20 Series

READ: Alice Capsey steers England Women to seal T20I series against New Zealand

KARACHI: The practice match between Pakistan Whites and Pakistan Greens has been called off due to rain here at UBL Sports Complex on Tuesday.

Pakistan Whites, while chasing 265, scored ten runs without loss in two overs before persistent rain abandoned the match.

Prior to that, Pakistan Greens scored 264-5 in 39 overs, with Kamran Ghulam scoring an unbeaten 78 runs. Opening batter Sahibzada Farhan also scored 78 runs before retiring out, while Mubasir Khan scored 32.

For Pakistan Whites, Faisal Akram returned with bowling figures of 2-45 and Usman Qadir claimed 2-59.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Greens captain Umar Amin opted to bat first against Saud Shakeel-led Pakistan Whites.

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Both teams are comprising players from the pre-season training camp and Pakistan Shaheens’ squad for the Darwin tour. The pre-season training camp is being attended by 25 cricketers, including 15 players from Pakistan Shaheens’ squad.

In Darwin, Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’, two 50-over matches against Northern Territory and Bangladesh, and also participate in the nine-team Top End T20 Series.

Following are the players invited by the national selection committee for the pre-season fitness and fielding camp as well as the Pakistan Shaheen squad:

Players for pre-season fitness and fielding camp – Abdullah Shafique, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah, Hunain Shah, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Sameen Gul, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin, Usman Qadir, Mohammad Ali and Zahid Mahmood.

Pakistan Shaheens squad

Haseebullah, Hunain Shah, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin and Mohammad Ali.

READ: Two players fined by PCB for Code of Conduct breach

KARACHI: Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie reached here on Sunday for his first assignment in the role and held a press conference, addressing the key issues of the Green Shirts.

The former Australian pacer was appointed the red-ball head coach in April and will take charge from the home Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled in August.

In his first press conference, he expressed his excitement to work with Pakistan’s senior team, while also confirming that he will be touring to Darwin with Pakistan Shaheens.

“I am excited to work with the Pakistan cricket team and will also travel to Australia with the Shaheens,” Gillespie stated.

The former Australian appreciated the Green Shirts’ talent, however, he pointed out that the major concern is the team’s inconsistency, which was also evident on their tour of Australia, where they lost 3-0.

“During the last tour to Australia, Pakistan lost the series 3-0 but they played well. There were moments in the series where they were also dominating the opponents,” he added.

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“The Pakistan cricket team is very talented but the lack of consistency in performances is the main problem, we will see how we can bring continuity and consistency in performances.”

He also emphasized the importance of fitness in modern cricket and stated that there would be no compromise on fitness. “In international cricket, you have to remain fit; there are no excuses for fitness,” he stated.

Along with fitness, Jason Gillespie also highlighted the concerns with Pakistan’s fielding performance while vowing to improve it

“There is a general opinion that Pakistan’s fielding is their weak point, so that would be my priority. For me, the goal is to see how we play against quality sides.”

The head coach also opened up about his conversation with Test captain Shan Masood and white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten.

“I have talked to Shan Masood [Pakistan’s red-ball capain] one to two times, I’m hoping we will play positive cricket,” Gillespie shared.

“If a player is good for the team, he will definitely be selected. I’m in contact with Gary Kirsten [Pakistan’s white-ball coach] for players’ workload management.”

READ: Chairman PCB summons Sarfaraz Ahmed to Lahore

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has summoned former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed to meet in Lahore, according to sources.

The wicketkeeper batter is scheduled to meet the chairman to discuss the ongoing issues of the national men’s cricket team.

It is pertinent to mention Naqvi recently shared that former players will take the decision regarding the future of white-ball captain Babar Azam.

“No decision [on captaincy] has been taken so far related to Babar Azam,” said the PCB chief, adding that he is seeking advice from former cricketers on how to improve cricket in Pakistan.

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“I’m only speaking to those former cricketers who are interested in the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” he added.

The PCB chairman also shared that he called head coach Gary Kirsten and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood for a discussion on the Pakistan team’s performance in the mega-event.

The Babar Azam-led Pakistan team were knocked out from the group stage of the T20 World Cup, majorly because of their upset defeat against the USA, followed by a gut-wrenching defeat against arch-rivals India.

The back-to-back defeats had put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit from the tournament while the abandonment of the crucial group-stage fixture between the USA and Ireland officially marked the end of their campaign in T20 World Cup 2024.

The Green Shirts’s next assignment is two-match home Test series against Bangladesh and Sarfaraz Ahmed is expected to be part of the series.

READ: Abhishek Sharma’s ton powers India to thump Zimbabwe in second T20I

Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Nick Hockley on Wednesday expressed the desire to host a tri-series involving arch-rivals Pakistan and India.

During a Zoom meeting with Pakistan and Indian media, Hockley acknowledged the hype around the clash between the neighbouring countries. He proposed hosting a triangular as well as a bilateral to help revive the series between the two nations.

“Pakistan and India are traditional rival teams; there is a lot of excitement for their matches,” said Hockley. “We are ready to support both teams for a bilateral and a tri-series.”

“We would be happy to play a role in the revival of the Pakistan vs India bilateral series,” he added.

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It is worth noting that Pakistan and India haven’t played a bilateral series since the 2013 ODI series due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

Since then both teams have played each other only in ICC events and Asia Cups. They recently squared off in the high-octane T20 World Cup 2024 clash in New York, where India clinched a narrow victory.

“Nassau County Stadium [in New York] was a house full during the T20 World Cup [2024]. We witnessed a similar excitement at the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia,” stated Hockley.

However, the Cricket Australia chief was of the view that such plans could only become a reality if the respective cricket boards and governments of both countries co-ordinate on the matter.

WATCH: Pakistan players perform fielding drills using old mattresses

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday added Test fast bowler Mohammad Ali to the Pakistan Shaheens’ squad for the upcoming tour to Darwin under the supervision of red-ball coach Jason Gillespie.

Mohammad Ali was added as the 15th player in the squad and will participate in Pakistan Shaheens’ training camp in Karachi, scheduled from 8-13 July.

In Darwin, Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’, two 50-over matches against Northern Territory and Bangladesh, and also participate in the nine-team Top End T20 Series.

Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie will supervise the Pakistan Shaheens’ training camp from 8-13 July and will also travel to Darwin as the team’s head coach.

He will return to Pakistan after the second four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’, which finishes on 29 July, to assume responsibilities as the national side’s head coach and commence preparations for the two-Test series against Bangladesh.

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The pre-season fitness and fielding camp will be supervised by Mohammad Masroor, who will also travel to Darwin as Assistant Coach-cum-Manager.

Abdul Rehman will be the white-ball head coach and will join the Pakistan Shaheens side on 28 July for the two 50-over and Top End T20 Series matches from 4-18 August.

Pakistan Shaheens squad

Haseebullah, Hunain Shah, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin and Mohammad Ali.

Captain will be confirmed in due course

Player Support Personnel – Jason Gillespie (head coach for red-ball matches, will also supervise camp from 8-13 July), Abdul Rehman (head coach for white-ball matches and will join the side on 28 July), Mohammad Masroor (Assistant coach-cum-manager and camp commandant from 24 June-7 July), Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist), Imranullah (trainer) and Usman Hashmi (analyst).

Schedule (all matches in Darwin)

14 Jul – Arrival in Darwin
19-22 Jul – Four-day vs Bangladesh ‘A’
26-29 Jul – Four-day vs Bangladesh ‘A’
4 Aug – 50-over match vs Northern Territory (NT)
6 Aug – 50 over match vs Bangladesh ‘A’
9-18 Aug – nine-team Top End T20 Series

READ: Pakistan name squad for ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the schedule of the upcoming Top End T20 Series 2024, featuring Pakistan Shaheens, Bangladesh A and Big Bash League (BBL) teams on Tuesday.

The Top End T20 Series is set to take place from August 9 to 18 across various venues in Darwin, Northern Territory.

With nine teams participating, including host NT cricket and the powerhouses from the Big Bash teams, such as Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Tasmania, Adelaide Strikers and ACT Comets.

The series will feature 30 action-packed T20 matches over 10 days, culminating in a Finals Day on August 18. Teams will compete in a round-robin format, each playing six fixtures.

Gavin Dovey, Northern Territory (NT) Cricket CEO said, “We’re thrilled the Top End T20 Series will expand this year and continue to bring the best emerging domestic and international talent to the Northern Territory.”

“To have two cricket powerhouses in Pakistan and Bangladesh now participating alongside half of the Big Bash League Franchises is a testament to the potential of winter cricket in the Territory.”

Meanwhile, Usman Wahla, PCB Director of International Cricket, expressed his gratitude towards the Northern Territory for inviting Pakistan Shaheens.

“I am grateful to Northern Territory for inviting the Pakistan Shaheens for the second successive year,” said Wahla.

“Last year, the players had a memorable experience and enjoyed playing and performing in excellent playing conditions, in front of enthusiastic cricket fans.”

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Moreover, Naimur Rahman, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s High-Performance Unit Chairman also expressed similar sentiments as Wahla.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Northern Territory Cricket and Cricket Australia for inviting the BCB High-Performance team to the prestigious Top End Series,” stated Rahman.

“This opportunity will undoubtedly provide invaluable experience to our players, exposing them to a high standard of competition.”

Top End T20 Series Schedule

Friday 9 August
6:00 pm: Northern Territory vs. Perth Scorchers | DXC Arena

Saturday 10 August
10:00 am: Melbourne Renegades vs. Melbourne Stars | DXC Arena
3:00 pm: Perth Scorchers vs. Pakistan Shaheens | DXC Arena
6:00 pm: Tasmania vs. Adelaide Strikers | TIO Stadium

Sunday 11 August
10:00 am: Bangladesh HP vs. Melbourne Renegades | Gardens Oval
1:00 pm: Adelaide Strikers vs. Northern Territory | Gerry Wood Oval
3:00 pm: Pakistan Shaheens vs. Melbourne Stars | Gardens Oval

Monday 12 August
10:00 am: Tasmania vs. Northern Territory | TIO Stadium
2:00 pm: Perth Scorchers vs. ACT Comets | DXC Arena
6:00 pm: Tasmania vs. Bangladesh HP | TIO Stadium

Tuesday 13 August
10:00 am: Melbourne Stars vs. Adelaide Strikers | Cazaly’s Arena
1:00 pm: Northern Territory vs. Melbourne Renegades | DXC Arena
3:00 pm: Melbourne Stars vs. ACT Comets | Cazaly’s Arena
6:00 pm: Tasmania vs. Pakistan Shaheens | DXC Arena

Wednesday 14 August
10:00 am: Melbourne Renegades vs. Perth Scorchers | Cazaly’s Arena
1:00 pm: Adelaide Strikers vs. Bangladesh HP | DXC Arena
3:00 pm: Melbourne Renegades vs. Tasmania | Cazaly’s Arena
6:00 pm: Northern Territory vs. Melbourne Stars | DXC Arena

Thursday 15 August
1:00 pm: ACT Comets vs. Bangladesh HP | TIO Stadium
3:00 pm: Perth Scorchers vs. Adelaide Strikers | Gardens Oval
6:00 pm: Melbourne Renegades vs. Pakistan Shaheens | TIO Stadium

Friday 16 August
10:00 am: Tasmania vs. Melbourne Stars | TIO Stadium
2:00 pm: ACT Comets vs. Northern Territory | Gardens Oval
6:00 pm: Pakistan Shaheens vs. Bangladesh HP | TIO Stadium

Saturday 17 August
10:00 am: ACT Comets vs. Adelaide Strikers | DXC Arena
2:00 pm: Bangladesh HP vs. Perth Scorchers | TIO Stadium
6:00 pm: ACT Comets vs. Pakistan Shaheens | DXC Arena

Sunday 18 August
10:00 am: Semi-Final 1 | DXC Arena
10:00 am: Semi-Final 2 | TIO Stadium
4:00 pm: Final | DXC Arena

READ: Babar Azam returns to Pakistan from the USA