Author: ali.hassan

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh expressed his excitement to participate in the West Test against Pakistan at Perth, commencing on December 14.

During a media talk in Perth, Australia, Marsh shared his eagerness to play at the fast and bouncy pitch of Perth Stadium, where he has never played a Test match.

“This is the best wicket in the world. I haven’t played any Test match in Perth, but if I got selected, I would be super excited to feature in the West Test,” said Marsh.

“This pitch is fast and bouncy, this is what you want as a player which brings batter and bowler both an equal chance to contest,” he further added.

Mitchell Marsh also shared his joy for being part of the Australian team across all formats, stressing his consistent batting method over the past couple of years.

“I love being part of the Australian team, whatever the format it is. It’s an absolute pleasure to play for this team from the last few years. I think I have found my most consistent method of batting from the last couple of years,” he said.

Mitchell Marsh has recently played a crucial in Australia’s sixth World Cup title victory in India.

The 32-year-old allrounder amassed 441 runs in the tournament, including two centuries in ten outings at an average of 49.

Furthermore, after the West Test, the second Test match will be played in Melbourne, from 26 to 30 December, while Sydney will host the last game of the tour from 3 to 7 January 2024.

READ: PCB announces selection consultants to chief selector Wahab Riaz

KARACHI: The Super Eight stage of the National T20 Cup 2023-24 is scheduled to be played from 1 to 8 December 2023 at three venues across Karachi – National Bank Stadium, UBL Sports Complex and NBP Sports Complex.

All matches played at National Bank Stadium will be broadcasted on PTV Sports and ARY ZAP in Pakistan and live-streamed on YouTube in overseas territories.

The eight teams progressing from the group stage will be facing each other in a round-robin format, playing seven games each.

The top four teams will then play the semi-finals, scheduled for 9 December at National Bank Stadium. The final will also be played at the same venue on 10 December.

Pakistan Cricket Board has also announced free entry for spectators for the matches scheduled at National Bank Stadium. Three enclosures – Hanif Mohammad, Javed Miandad and Fazal Mahmood – will be accessible to the spectators.

The teams that have qualified for the Super Eight include: Peshawar and Lahore Whites from Group A, Lahore Blues and Karachi Whites from Group B, Rawalpindi and Abbottabad from Group C, and Sialkot and FATA from Group D.

Watch National T20 Cup Live on ARY ZAP

Lahore Whites’ right-handed batter Ahmed Shehzad has been the leading run-scorer in the tournament thus far.

The 32-year-old produced three consecutive half-centuries and accumulated 213 runs from three matches.

Rawalpindi’s Zeeshan Malik and Peshawar’s Sahibzada Farhan are the two centurions of the tournament up till now.

Umair Afridi, Islamabad’s left-arm pacer, has the most wickets in the tournament so far. In four matches, the 26-year-old has taken 12 wickets. However, Islamabad failed to qualify for the Super Eight stage.

Amongst the teams that have progressed ahead, Karachi Whites’ leg spinner Arif Yaqoob has the most wickets with a tally of nine scalps at 10.44, including a four-wicket haul.

His fellow teammate, right-arm pacer Sohail Khan has the best bowling figures of the tournament so far with 5-10, which came against Hyderabad.

Hyderabad’s Akbar Khan has been the most successful wicket-keeper in the tournament till now, bagging a total of seven dismissals including four catches and three stumpings.

Karachi Whites’ Asad Shafiq has been the most successful fielder with six catches in four matches.

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Four matches have been scheduled for each day of the Super Eight stage, while there will be no play on 5 December.

The afternoon games that are being broadcast will start at 1500 PKT, with the toss conducted at 1430 PKT.

Toss for evening games will take place at 1930 PKT and the first ball will be bowled at 2000 PKT.

Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, Nadeem Khan: “The National T20 Cup has seen multiple close games so far which reflects the competitive cricket on display in our revised domestic structure. We hope that the quality of cricket will only improve as we head into the Super Eight stage.

“All eight teams that have qualified ahead are exciting to watch. We are looking forward to seeing how the rest of the tournament pans out, with the title at stake, which all eight captains must be eying. The fight for the trophy will be very interesting as each team has a solid chance at getting to and winning the final.”

READ: Matching Babar with Smith is almost like matching Smith with Kohli: Usman Khawaja

Australian batter Usman Khawaja heaped high praise on former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and termed him ‘the best batter in all three formats’ on par with Australia’s Steve Smith and India’s Virat Kohli.

In a recent interview, Usman Khawaja drew parallels between the upcoming clash of batting titans, Babar Azam and Steve Smith during the Test series between Pakistan and Australia.

“Babar Azam is one of the best batsmen in all three formats. Steve Smith is the greatest batsman of our era,” said Khawaja.

“When they both will be playing here in the Benaud-Qadir series, it would be exciting. Matching Babar with Smith is almost like matching Smith with Kohli.”

He commended Babar Azam’s ability to perform consistently both at home and overseas.

“One of the great things about Babar is he does not score only in Pakistan; he scores runs overseas as well. He has scored a hundred here in the past.”

Usman Khawaja also shared his thoughts on the last series played between Australia and Pakistan, highlighting the excellent spirit of cricket displayed during the Lahore Test encounter between Shaheen Shah Afridi and David Warner.

“The last series between Australia and Pakistan was an excellent series. It went very well on and off the field. Shaheen was bowling excellent in the Lahore test, and Warner was playing really well.”

“Even when Warner got out, he got pat on the shoulders with a smile on Shaheen’s face. It was the epitome of the spirit of cricket. That’s what Australians want; you play hard, and when the game is over, you are all good and mates off the field,” Khawaja remarked.

Expressing his admiration for the Pakistani team, Usman Khawaja praised their batting skills and the strength of their fast-bowling attack.

“Pakistan is one of the better teams in the world. They have good batting and always have great fast bowlers.”

“Looking at the past teams, I think this is the strongest Pakistan batting lineup coming over. Babar Azam is one of the best batsmen in the world. Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique have scored a lot of runs. I am very excited about this challenge.”

Khawaja also acknowledged the challenge posed by Pakistan’s fast bowlers in Australian conditions.

“I think Shaheen Shah and Mitchell Starc, both are very fast bowlers, and both can bowl up to 145. We know Starc can swing the new ball. Shaheen has a very good wrist. He definitely swings the ball.”

“When it’s overcast in Australian conditions, if a fast bowler is swinging the ball, it makes our job as an opener a bit tough. This is what you rebel for, this is what you play for,” Khawaja concluded.

READ: Pakistan Test squad to reach Australia tomorrow

The Pakistan Test squad is set to reach Sydney in the wee hours of 1st December, to play a three-match series against Australia.

Pakistan squad will then immediately embark on their journey to Canberra before midday.

Upon their arrival in the Australian capital, the squad will kick off their training sessions on Sunday, 3rd December, starting at 10 am local time.

Following the practice, Pakistan’s pace sensation, Shaheen Shah Afridi, will address the media at 12:45 pm.

The following day, on 4th December, Pakistan will feature in their second training session from 10 am to 1 pm.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed will be available for media interaction at 12:45 pm.

On 5th December, the captains of PM XI and Pakistan squad, Nathan McSweeney and Shan Masood respectively, will participate in the captains’ call and trophy photoshoot at the iconic Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Meanwhile, PM XI is scheduled for a training session from 10 am to 1 pm, while Pakistan will hit the field for their training session from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

The much-anticipated four-day match between Pakistan and PM XI is set to commence on 6th December at Manuka Oval, Canberra.

Pakistan team will kick off the Test series with the first Test in Perth from 14-18 December 2023.

The second Test match will be played in Melbourne, from 26 to 30 December, while Sydney will host the last game of the tour from 3 to 7 January 2024.

Pakistan squad for the tour of Australia

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

READ: Uganda book their place in T20 World Cup 2024 as Zimbabwe misses out

Australian spin bowler Todd Murphy expressed his excitement about bowling to former Pakistan captain Babar Azam as he gears up to face Pakistan in the upcoming cricketing summer, highlighting the formidable challenges that lie ahead.

“Bowling to Pakistan’s top order batters would be a challenge,” acknowledged Murphy, emphasizing the skill and prowess of Pakistan’s batsmen.

Speaking specifically about Pakistan’s captain, Murphy praised Babar Azam, stating, “Babar Azam is a very good player, and Pakistan’s top order boasts players with great class.”

“I am not sure if Babar Azam is playing against PM XI, but it would be exciting to bowl against him. It’s always great to get a chance to test yourself against a test-playing nation.”

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Answering to a question regarding Rickey Ponting’s recent statement about Pakistan’s bowling attack, Todd Murphy stated “Playing against Pakistan would be a huge challenge. Pakistan has a good bowling attack, and I don’t agree with the statement that they have a weak bowling attack.”

Highlighting the significance of the upcoming series, Murphy expressed that it is a great opportunity for him to start the cricketing summer.

“It’s always a great opportunity to play in front of family, friends, and fans. The atmosphere and support make it a special experience,” he added.

Acknowledging the strength of the Australian team’s opposition, Murphy noted, “Nathan Lyon is a top-class player.

He always provides a lot of wisdom, and playing alongside him is a great learning experience.”

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KARACHI: Newly appointed chairperson of the junior selection committee Sohail Tanvir stated that he aims to bring out the best talent of Pakistan to make a formidable squad for the U19 World Cup 2024.

“After assuming the role of chief selector, I checked the records of all players and invited them to the camp to observe them,” said Sohail Tanvir.

“My aim is to find the best players from our domestic cricket and make the best possible squad for the U19 World Cup.”

He also said that producing players for the future is more important than winning trophies in junior cricket.

“Every team wants to win, but at junior [age-group] level, bringing out the best talent is the first priority than winning trophies,” Tanvir added.

“I have told players to play with a fearless approach and adapt to the requirements of modern-day cricket.”

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Sohail Tanvir also stressed on arranging more international tours for under-19 teams to give players a better chance to be groomed for international cricket.

Sohail Tanvir’s first assignment as chairperson of the junior selection committee is the selection of the Pakistan U19 squad for the 2023 ACC U19 Asia Cup scheduled to be held between 8 and 17 December in UAE.

Pakistan U19 will later take part in the ICC U19 World Cup from 13 January to 4 February in Sri Lanka.

He was appointed the chairperson of the junior selection committee earlier this month.

Sohail Tanvir made his international debut in 2007 and made two Test, 62 ODI and 57 T20I appearances for Pakistan. He picked up 130 wickets and scored 612 runs across the three formats.

READ: Mohammad Hafeez opens up about contacting Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir

WAZIRABAD: Peshawar Tigers came out victorious for the second time in the Muslim Hands Inter-Schools Football Championship 2023.

Muslim Hands organized the second annual National Inter-Schools Football Championship from November 16 at Muhammad Rasheed Football Ground, Wazirabad for the promotion of football in the country.

The tournament featured a total of 12 teams from Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalakot (Azad Kashmir), Kotli (Azad Kashmir), Bagh (Azad Kashmir), Gujar Khan, Wazirabad, and Sohdra.

Wazirabad Falcons faced the defending champions Peshawar Tigers in the first semi-final on the last day of the event, whereas, Sohdra Spartans squared off against Rawalakot Eagles in the second semi-final.

Peshawar Tigers and Sohdra Spartans won their respective games and made it to the final of the Muslim Hands Inter-Schools Football Championship, where the former came out victorious 1-0, winning the trophy for the second time.

Muslim Hands, a charity organisation, has been heavily active for years and has done a lot to promote football on the grassroots level.

They organise tournaments to attract school students towards football and provide them with high-quality training from qualified coaches.

In July 2023, they gathered and formed a team which competed in the Norway Cup in Oslo, Norway where Pakistan’s team participated with the name of “Muslim Hands FC”.

Notably, the Muslim Hands FC finished as the runners-up of the Norway Cup after falling to a 9-10 defeat on penalties against Sola FK in Oslo.

READ: ICC World Cup 2023: Six Indian players feature in ICC Team of the Tournament

Muslim Hands is organising the Schools Football Championship 2023 in Wazirabad with teams from all over Pakistan to promote the game as the fever of football continues to grow in the country.

Muslim Hands, a charity organisation, has been heavily active for years and has done a lot to promote football on the grassroots level and their latest step of holding a school championship is taking their efforts to the next level.

A total of 12 teams from all over Pakistan are competing in the championship at Mohammad Rasheed Football Ground.

The matches are being broadcast live on their Facebook page named “Maidaan” with great quality.

About five matches on a daily basis are being played in the four-day championship which is set to conclude on November 19 where two teams will go head-to-head to clinch the title.

It must be noted that Muslim Hands has been greatly contributing to promoting football in Pakistan.

In July 2023, they gathered and formed a team which competed in the Norway Cup in Oslo, Norway where Pakistan’s team participated with the name of “Muslim Hands FC”.

Notably, the Muslim Hands FC finished as the runners-up of the Norway Cup after falling to a 9-10 defeat on penalties against Sola FK in Oslo.

They remained unbeaten in seven games on their road to the final and scored the most goals by any team in the tournament.

They also recorded the largest victory in the tournament’s history when they blew Frigg Oslo FK 11-1.

For an exceptional tournament, Pakistan’s Asad Nasir was adjudged the player of the Norway Cup 2023.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan qualified for the finals of the Norway Cup for the second time, after ending up as runners-up in Norway Cup 2015.

READ: Wahab Riaz named chief selector of Pakistan men’s cricket team

KARACHI: Former cricketer Kamran Akmal backed Babar Azam’s decision to resign as Pakistan’s all-format captain on Friday during a private event at Rashid Latif Cricket Academy.

Kamran Akmal, while talking to the media praised Babar Azam for his decision, and also showed faith in the newly appointed Test captain Shan Masood.

“Babar has made a very good decision to quit captaincy in all formats,” said the former wicket-keeper.

“Shan Masood has the potential to lead Pakistan. We have a new captain, but the core players are the same, we should perform at our best.”

Upon being asked about getting a role in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he clarified that the board has made no contact with him, however, he expressed his desire to work at the grassroot level and help develop players in age-group cricket.

“I haven’t been contact by the board [PCB]. Yes, I want to work for Pakistan, but do not want to be directly associated with the Pakistan team,” said the former wicketkeeper.

“I want to work at the grassroot level and with the age group cricket teams,” he added.

Kamran Akmal also shed light on the importance of domestic cricket and urged that the best performers in domestic cricket should be given the opportunity in the national team.

“I have been saying this for the last five or six years, that players should play more domestic cricket,” said Akmal.

“Earlier, a player used to be selected in the Pakistan team after playing two to three domestic seasons, but things have changed now.”

“Players who regularly perform in domestic cricket should be given maximum opportunities,” he further added.

Kamran Akmal has represented Pakistan in 53 Test, 58 T20I and 157 ODI matches, scoring over 6000 runs across three formats.

READ: “Together we will strive,” Mohammed Hafeez looks ahead to Team Director role

KARACHI: Pakistan’s ICC T20 World Cup 2009 winning team will celebrate the monumental victory in the United States of America (USA).

World Cup-winning captain Younis Khan, alongside Shahid Afridi, Misbah Ul Haq, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal attended the star-studded ceremony here on Monday.

In a media briefing, it was revealed that the former cricketers will celebrate the title victory in different states of the US.

The celebration tour will commence on April 28 amid which the former cricketers will partake in the meet and greet sessions and will also be featuring in an exhibition match.

According to the event organizer, the purpose of the celebration tour is to promote cricket among the Pakistanis living in the US.

Speaking on the occasion, World Cup-winning captain Younis Khan stated that he wished that the national team had won more titles during this period.

“I wish we had won more cups during that time. I believe we should have had more titles,” said Khan.

“For the first time, the 2009 victory will be celebrated in America. We want to celebrate this historic victory again,” he added.

Pakistan’s hero of the semi-final and final Shahid Afridi revealed that he had high hopes for Babar Azam’s men but the national side failed to live up to that despite the conditions being in their favour.

“I had high hopes for this team. We had the players and the conditions were in our favour as well. We did not perform as per our skills,” said Afridi.

Afridi further commented on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Babar Azam as Pakistan captain and threw his weight behind the latter to continue to lead the side on Australia tour.

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik also commented on the national team’s dismal campaign at the ICC World Cup 2023.

The all-rounder further stated that he does not hold any grudge towards Babar Azam and termed him a brilliant batter.

“People think that I am against Babar Azam. There is nothing like that. He is a wonderful player. He is criticised due to his captaincy. I also believe that he can do wonders as a player,” Malik stated.

Meanwhile, another former cricketer from Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning squad Umar Gul, who is rumoured to be the top contender to replace Morne Morkel as Pakistan bowling coach, shared that he heard the news on social media.

“I saw on social media that maybe I am being considered for bowling coach but I have not been contacted yet,” shared Gul.

The former pacer, however, stated that he is willing to serve Pakistan Cricket again if gets the opportunity.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan were crowned the T20 champions under Younis Khan’s leadership when the national team outclassed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the 2009 T20 World Cup final.

READ: Pakistan to play four-day match against PM’s XI ahead of Australia Tests