Author: ali.hassan

KARACHI: Sri Lanka U19 squad on Thursday, landed here to feature in one four-day and five one-day matches against Pakistan U19.

The touring side received a warm welcome upon their arrival here and was presented with traditional souvenirs before being taken to a local hotel under tight security.

Welcome to Karachi! Sri Lanka U19 have arrived in Pakistan to play a one-off four-day match and five one-day games 🇵🇰🇱🇰🏏#PAKvSL | #PakistanFutureStars pic.twitter.com/gQY8QrO5AO

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 12, 2023

All six matches will be played in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium from 15 to 31 October.

The tour will begin with the four-day game from 15 October which will start at 1000 PKT. The five one-day matches will be played between 22 to 31 October, where the first ball will be bowled at 0930 PKT.

As per the ICC’s eligibility criteria for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2024, players born on or after 1 September 2004 will be eligible to get selected.

This will be the Pakistan U19 team’s second bilateral series this year. In April, Pakistan U19 toured Bangladesh and featured in a series consisting of one four-day, five one-dayers and one T20.

Pakistan U19 won all the three-format series, which included winning the five-match one-day series by 4-1.

Last year in November, Bangladesh U19 toured Pakistan and played one four-day, three one-dayers and two T20 match series in Multan.

Usman Wahla, PCB Director – International Cricket: “We are delighted to welcome the Sri Lanka U19 team to Pakistan for this exciting bilateral series. The series will provide an excellent platform for young talent to showcase their skills and gain an invaluable experience ahead of next year’s ICC U19 World Cup.

“Our U19 team has played some exceptional game of cricket recently and the series at home showcases the board’s vision of nurturing young talent and providing opportunities to future stars of Pakistan cricket.

“I wish luck to both young teams, and may the matches be played in a spirit of camaraderie.”

The squad and training schedule of Pakistan U19 team will be announced in due course.

Schedule:

12 October – Sri Lanka U19 team arrival

15-18 October – Four-day match

22 October – First One-Day
24 October – Second One-Day
27 October – Third One-Day
29 October – Fourth One-Day
31 October – Fifth One-Day

1 November – Sri Lanka U19 team departs

READ: Pakistan women’s squad for Bangladesh tour unveiled

AHMEDABAD: Pakistan Men’s cricket team landed in Ahmedabad through a chartered plane from Hyderabad on Wednesday for the much anticipated ICC World Cup 2023 clash against India on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The Pakistan team will rest today before hitting the nets tomorrow for the two-day training session ahead of the India game.

According to the details, Pakistan’s World Cup-bound contingent will engage in a rigorous practice session from 6 PM to 9 PM local time on Thursday (tomorrow) after reaching Ahmedabad today via chartered flight.

Watch ICC World Cup 2023 Live on ARY ZAP

They will continue their training on Friday from 2 PM to 5 PM and will partake in several batting, bowling and fielding drills to boast their preparations for the most anticipated clash of the ICC World Cup 2023.

The Green Shirts scripted a decent start to their World Cup campaign with a resounding 81-run victory over the Netherlands on Friday at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, in their second match against Sri Lanka yesterday, Pakistan pulled off the highest run chase in the history of the World Cup, courtesy of gutsy centuries by Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s remaining ICC World Cup 2023 fixtures

• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Kane Williamson, Tim Southee likely to be fit for Bangladesh match

KARACHI: Pakistan U19 team’s two-day training session for the home series against Sri Lanka U19 is set to commence today at National Bank Stadium.

Pakistan U-19 team will participate in training drills under the supervision of head coach Shahid Anwar from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the oval ground of the stadium. The team will then continue their training on Thursday from 1:30 PM.

Sri Lanka U19 will reach Pakistan on 12 October (tomorrow) to play one four-day match and five one-day matches against Pakistan U19.

All six matches will be played in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium from 15 to 31 October.

The tour will begin with the four-day game from 15 October which will start at 1000 PKT. The five one-day matches will be played between 22 to 31 October, where the first ball will be bowled at 0930 PKT.

As per the ICC’s eligibility criteria for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2024, players born on or after 1 September 2004 will be eligible to get selected.

This will be Pakistan U19 second bilateral series this year. In April, Pakistan U19 toured Bangladesh and featured in a series consisting of one four-day, five one-dayers and one T20.

Series schedule

15-18 October – Four-day match

22 October – First One-Day
24 October – Second One-Day
27 October – Third One-Day
29 October – Fourth One-Day
31 October – Fifth One-Day

Pakistan U19 squad

Saad Baig (captain and wicket-keeper), Ahmed Hussain, Aimal Khan, Ali Asfand, Amir Hassan, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Hamza Nawaz, Huzaifa Ayub, Mohammad Ibtisam, Mohammad Ismail, Mohammad Zubair, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Shahmeer Ali, Shahzaib Khan and Wahaj Riaz

Pakistan U19 support staff

Shahid Anwar (head coach), Rehan Riaz (assistant coach/bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Hafiz Ali Hamza (analyst), Ubaidullah (physio) and Imranullah (strength and conditioning coach)

READ: QEAT: Ton-up Zain, Haseebullah put Multan in command against Lahore Blues

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday, provided an update on pacers Ihsanullah, Mohammad Hasnain and Naseem Shah’s injuries and rehabilitation process.

Ihsanullah, who has featured for Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is, suffered an elbow injury. The 20-year-old has been ruled out from international cricket since playing for Pakistan in the ODI series against New Zealand at home this year in April.

Meanwhile, the PCB shared that the lanky pacer underwent surgery here in the first week of September and was placed in an elbow brace for four weeks.

“Ihsanullah had to undergo surgery in a private hospital in Lahore. A doctor was flown in from England to operate Ihsanullah in the first week of September,” PCB stated.

“After the operation, the fast bowler was placed in an elbow brace for four weeks, with a doctor and physio attending him on a daily basis.

“His condition is satisfactory and the brace will be removed at the end of fifth week. Afterwards, he will proceed with rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.”

For the unversed, another right-arm pacer Mohammad Hasnain sustained an ankle injury during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in August and has been out of action since then.

“23-year-old Hasnain sustained an ankle injury while playing in the Sri Lanka Premier League in August,” said PCB.

“He travelled to England from Sri Lanka and had an MRI. The scans revealed the fast bowler requires rehabilitation for his ankle, which is under process since 13 September in England.”

The PCB also provided an update regarding Pakistan’s first-choice pacer Naseem Shah, who was ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023 in India due to a shoulder injury, which he sustained during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

He was then replaced by experienced pacer Hasan Ali in Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup.

“20-year-old Naseem got injured during Asia Cup, ruling him out of the ICC World Cup 2023,” PCB stated.

“Following the injury, the fast bowler underwent shoulder surgery earlier last week. During the operation, he remained absolutely stable and was discharged from the hospital the next day.

“He will be attended by two physiotherapists for his rehabilitation initially at the hospital and also later at the training ground and gym.

“During this entire period, he will be continuously monitored and the doctor who operated on him will see him again in the third week of October.”

READ: Pakistan squad partakes in training session ahead of Sri Lanka clash

HYDERABAD: Pakistan Men’s cricket team is undergoing a training session today at the Gymkhana ground in Hyderabad ahead of their ICC World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka on October 10 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Haris Rauf, Saud Shakeel, as well as reserve players Muhammad Haris, Zaman Khan and Abrar Ahmed are undergoing training drills.

The Green Shirts scripted a decent start to their campaign with a resounding 81-run victory over the Netherlands on Friday at the same venue.

A combined bowling effort after Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel’s anchoring half-centuries propelled Pakistan to taste their maiden success in the mega event.

Set to chase 287, the Netherlands could score 205 despite Bas de Leede and Vikramjit Singh’s half-centuries.

Singh scored 52 off 67 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and a six while de Leede top-scored for the Dutch with a 68-ball 67 which included six boundaries and two sixes.

Besides them, Logan van Beek offered some resistance with his unbeaten 28-run cameo.

Watch ICC World Cup 2023 Live on ARY ZAP

Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with 3/43, followed by Hasan Ali with 2/33 while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz struck out a batter each.

Put into bat first, Pakistan could register a below-par total of 286 runs on the board despite anchoring half-centuries.

Pakistan got off to a dismal start as they lost their top three Fakhar Zaman (12), Imam-ul-Haq (15) and Babar Azam (5) with just 38 runs on the board in 9.1 overs.

Following the slump, wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan was joined by young Saud Shakeel at the crease and the pair launched an astounding recovery.

Saud scored a brisk 68 in 52 deliveries, laced with nine boundaries and a six while Rizwan scored 75-ball 68, hitting eight boundaries.

All-rounders Shadab Khan (32) and Mohammad Nawaz (39) then put together a crucial partnership for the seventh wicket and added 64 runs to the total.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

READ: Mickey Arthur has inside knowledge of ‘dangerous’ Sri Lanka

Pakistani pace sensation Naseem Shah on Wednesday underwent surgery on his injured shoulder in London, which ruled him out of the ICC World Cup 2023, scheduled to commence tomorrow in India.

Notably, Naseem Shah walked off the field, leaving the 46th over of India’s innings midway on the reserve day organized for the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash.

Later, the PCB confirmed that Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 and Zaman Khan was added to the Pakistan squad.

Consequently, he was ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023 and was replaced by Hasan Ali in Pakistan’s squad.

Pakistan will be kicking off their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Arshad Nadeem withdraws from the Asian Games 2023

Pakistani singer Ali Zafar announced on Sunday that he is going to make an anthem for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 amid public criticism over the official anthem titled ‘Dil Jashn Bole’ released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last week.

Ali Zafar announced the creation of an anthem on his official account on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

“Hello all, firstly thank you for the love and faith. Keeping in mind your thoughts and wishes for the World Cup cricket anthem, I have an idea on how we can create a masterpiece together. Check out the link below. It’s an exciting experiment that can work wonders if done right. It’s also a chance for new music composers, writers, and producers to showcase their talent in the most democratic way possible. But here’s the best part: creativity knows no bounds, so anyone can share their ideas! So, hear me out and let me know your thoughts. If you have something to share, please provide a link or video. Peace and love,” he posted.

Hello all,

Firstly thank you for the love and faith.

Keeping in mind your thoughts and wishes for the World Cup cricket anthem, I have an idea on how we can create a masterpiece together. Check out the link below.

It's an exciting experiment that can work wonders if done… pic.twitter.com/HqLyJxdSEE

— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) September 24, 2023

Ali Zafar invited ‘new music composers, writers, and producers’ to come forward and showcase their talent to ‘create a masterpiece’.

This announcement came after fans requested Ali Zafar to make an anthem for the ICC World Cup 2023 of his own as the official anthem, which was composed by renowned composer Pritam failed to live up to the hype and met with massive criticism on social media.

READ: Hasaranga, Chameera likely to miss ICC World Cup 2023

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez announced to “quit” from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Cricket Technical Committee (CTC) ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Mohammad Hafeez announced to step down from his position as an honorary member of the PCB CTC.

“I decided to leave Pakistan cricket technical committee. I served as honorary member. I would like to thank Zaka Ashraf sb for giving me this opportunity,” wrote Hafeez.

“I’m always available whenever Zaka Asraf need my honest suggestions for Pakistan cricket. My best wishes for Pakistan cricket as always. Pakistan Zindabad,” he added.

For the unversed, the PCB constituted a high-profile CTC, consisting of former Pakistan captains Misbah-ul-Haq (head), Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez.

“The CTC will provide recommendations on cricket-related matters, including, but not limited to the overall domestic structure, scheduling, playing conditions, appointment of the national selection committees, appointment of national team coaches, central and domestic contracts and plans for the development of umpires, referees and curators,” said PCB in a statement.

“The CTC will have the powers to invite additional cricket experts and shall report to the head of the PCB Management Committee on a regular basis,” the statement added.

Notably, Mohammad Hafeez’s decision to step down from the CTC came on the eve of Pakistan’s squad announcement for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023.

The much-anticipated Pakistan squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 will be announced on Friday morning, the PCB confirmed earlier today.

Mohammad Hafeez was also present at the high-profile meeting on Wednesday evening which was called to analyze Pakistan’s performance in the recently concluded ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

Mohammad Hafeez represented Pakistan in 392 matches across formats and accumulated 12,780 runs including 21 centuries and 64 fifties before announcing his retirement from international cricket in 2022.

READ: Pakistan’s ICC World Cup 2023 squad to be announced on Friday

KATHMANDU: Ali Zafar’s decisive 74th-minute goal powered Pakistan to edge host Nepal in their South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U19 Championship campaign opener on Thursday.

Pakistan and Nepal went hard at each other in their SAFF U19 Championship fixture and showcased thrilling skills and tenacity before the former prevailed.

With a thrilling victory over Nepal, Pakistan ended a 12-year-long victory drought in an international match.

Pakistan’s U19 team last secured a victory on the international stage in 2011, when they defeated India’s U19 team.

Midfielder Ali Zafar netted the lone goal in the 74th minute, which turned out to be the difference maker between the two sides, who appeared inseparable in the first half.

Besides Ali Zafar, Pakistan’s goalkeeper Sahil Gul played a pivotal role in his team’s triumph over Nepal, denying several threatening efforts from the home side.

The ongoing SAFF U19 Championship 2023 is being held at the Dashrath Stadium here from September 21 to 30.

For the unversed, this is the fifth edition of the SAFF U19 Championship, a highly competitive international football tournament for men’s under-19 national sides, organised by the SAFF.

India are the defending champions, having won their second title in 2022 by defeating Bangladesh in the final.

Pakistan, on the other hand, fuelled with momentum will now take on Maldives in their next SAFF U19 Championship fixture on September 23.

Pakistan Squad

Goalkeepers: Sahil Gul, Mohsin Khan and Muhammad Abdullah

Defenders: Muhammad Sadam, Muhammad Adeel, Asad Nasir, Ans Amin, Khurshid Alam, Muhammad Raheel, Shayan Ali, Kamil Ahmad Khan, Abid Ali, Hannan Naveed and Najeeb Ullah

Midfielders: Ali Zafar, Muhammad Azan and Awais Khan

Forwards: Shahjahan, Muhammad Hassan, Faisal Ahmad, Abdul Wahab, Muhammad Haroon Zafar and Muhammad Adeel Younas

Team Officials: Shadab Ifthikhar (Head Coach), Mohsan Ul Hussnain (Assistant Coach), Khurram Shahzad (Goal Keeper Coach), Aamna (Media), Muhammad Abdullah and Muhammad Samama (Physio) and Zohair Gondal (Team Manager).

READ: Pakistan’s ICC World Cup 2023 squad to be announced on Friday: PCB

HANGZHOU: Pakistan women’s cricket team on Tuesday, began their preparations to participate in the upcoming Asian Games 2023, scheduled to commence on September 28.

According to the details, the Pakistan Women’s cricket team conducted a robust training session at Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket field here.

The national players were engaged in rigorous fielding drills and also participated in the net sessions.

Pakistan Women’s team will start their Asian Games 2023 campaign in the quarter-final on September 21.

Pakistan last participated in in 2010 and 2014 Asian Games and returned with the gold in each edition

The national women’s team recently locked horns with South Africa in a three-match each ODI and T20I series.

The hosts whitewashed South Africa in the T20I series whereas the visitors claimed the ODI series 2-1.

South Africa were leading the ODI series before Pakistan made a remarkable comeback to avoid clean sweep.

Set to chase a modest 186, Pakistan women’s team comfortably completed the run chase for the loss of just two wickets and 72 balls to spare, courtesy of a brilliant partnership between Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof.

The hosts, however, had a contrasting start to their innings as they lost young opener Sadaf Shamas (13) in the 10th over with 39 runs on the board.

Following the early blow, Sidra Ameen was joined by experienced Bismah at the crease and the pair anchored the run chase with a match-winning partnership.

Bismah and Sidra added 110 runs for the second wicket with both scoring half-centuries.

The pair dominated the South African bowlers before Sidra faltered against Nadine de Klerk in the 33rd over when Pakistan still needed 27 runs.

Sidra Ameen top-scored for Pakistan in the third PAKW vs SAW ODI with an 82-ball 68 which featured six boundaries.

Bismah, on the other hand, stood her ground firm and with a helping hand from Aliya Riaz (19*) steered the Pakistan women’s team to a dominating victory.

Bismah remained unbeaten on 60 off 98 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

READ: QeAT: Asad Shafiq, Sarfaraz Ahmed tons keep Karachi Whites in command