Author: ali.hassan

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq backed the Pakistan team ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 following their early exit from the Asia Cup 2023.

Misbah-ul-Haq, while talking to the media during the trophy unveiling ceremony of the Over 40s Cricket Global Cup in Karachi defended Pakistan captain Babar Azam despite a 228-run loss against arch-rivals India.

“The captain is not the only one responsible for a 228-run defeat, the whole team is responsible,” Misbah said. “The team’s confidence has definitely been damaged, however, the Pakistan team has always bounced back from difficult situations.”

He further showed his faith in the current Pakistan team going into the World Cup 2023 in India.

“Mistakes have been made in the Asia Cup, we have to improve our performance. These players have performed well in the past, and I am hopeful that they will do better in the World Cup,” he added.

“Our spin bowlers have failed to perform at their best, however, the selection committee can tell about any upcoming changes in the team for the World Cup,” said Misbah-ul-Haq.

He also stated the fact that Indian conditions are different from Sri Lanka, and will support Pakistani batters.

“The World Cup is a different event and the conditions will be tough, however, India’s conditions will support Pakistani batters,” he added.

Pakistan, who entered the Asia Cup 2023 as a top-ranked ODI side, however, failed to live up to the label of being the favourites as they crashed out of the tournament after finishing fourth in the Super 4s stage.

Pakistan will kick off their World Cup 2023 campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.

READ: Pakistan reclaim top rank in ODIs after South Africa crush Australia

KARACHI: The inaugural edition of the Over 40s Cricket Global Cup will kick off tomorrow with the hosts Pakistan Veterans taking on the USA in the curtain raiser.

The tournament’s trophy unveiling ceremony took place at a local hotel in Karachi on Monday, followed by a press conference by the Chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) Fawad Ijaz.

“For the first time in history, a major veterans’ cricket tournament is being held in Pakistan,” said Fawad Ijaz. “Tight security is being provided to all international teams,”

Upon being asked about the name of the tournament, he clarified that the tournament’s name was changed to Global Cup following ICC’s objection.

“The tournament was initially named World Cup, however, the International Cricket Council (ICC) raised objections over the name, hence we changed it to the Global Cup, which is sanctioned by the ICC,” he further added.

Fawad Ijaz also shed light on the fact as to why the Indian team is not part of the tournament.

“It is difficult to get the visa for Indian players,” he stated.

The tournament will feature teams from Australia, the West Indies, Canada, Hong Kong, the USA and the UAE. A total of 36 matches will be played at five different grounds in Karachi. Pakistan Team will play all its matches at National Bank Stadium.

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq will lead Pakistan Veterans, featuring star players Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Sami, Abdul Razzaq and others.

Misbah-ul-Haq also talked to the media and expressed his excitement to play international cricket once again.

“Playing international cricket again is a different experience, however, playing 45 overs will be challenging,” said Misbah-ul-Haq.

“It is good for Pakistan that the tournament is being organized here, as fans love to see their stars in action again,” he further added.

Pakistan Veterans Squad for Over 40s Global Cup

Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Misbah ul Haq, Muhammad Sami, Hassan Raza, Tariq Haroon, Khurram Ali Khan (w.k), Waqas Ahmed, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Rizwan Aslam, Kashif Sidqque, Muhammad Ilyas, Afzal Shah (w.k), Amjad Ali, Imran Ali, Tassawar Abbas, Adnan Raees, Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala.

Reserves: Yasir Hameed, Haris Ayaz, Shehzad Malik.

READ: Sri Lankan coach termed crushing loss in Asia Cup final a ‘wake-up call’

COLOMBO: Pakistan squad is set to depart for Pakistan via Dubai today, after getting knocked out of the ongoing ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023 yesterday.

Captain Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Saud Shakeel departed for Dubai in the morning, from where they will reach Pakistan to their respective hometowns.

Meanwhile, other squad members will fly to Dubai from Colombo in the evening. They will then depart for their respective destinations from Dubai later.

Bowling coach Morne Morkel and batting coach Andrew Puttick will fly to Australia and South Africa.

Pakistan team was knocked out of the Asia Cup 2023 yesterday after losing to Sri Lanka in the last-ball thriller by two wickets.

Sri Lankan while chasing a revised target of 252 in the reduced 42 overs, needed to chase eight runs off Zaman Khan, bowling the final over, and amassed the total when Charith Asalanka chipped one down to the square leg on the final delivery.

Pakistan’s final Super 4 group match became a virtual quarter-final after Pakistan’s net run rate suffered a major nosedive due to their heavy 228-run loss against arch-rivals India in their second Super 4 match of Asia Cup 2023.

Star batters Virat Kohli and KL Rahul scored unbeaten centuries after the match was forced into the reserve day due to the heavy rain in Colombo. Kuldeep Yadav, then wreaked havoc on the Pakistani batting line-up as he picked five wickets to book Pakistan to a meagre 194 while chasing a mammoth 357.

Prior to that, Pakistan powered to a resounding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their first Super 4 match at Lahore, thanks to a combined effort by both batters and bowlers.

Haris Rauf picked four wickets in the first innings to rattle Bangladesh, which was followed by half-centuries by Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan in the pursuit of Bangladesh’s 193.

READ: Injured Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah still in World Cup 2023 contention

BISLEY: National shooter Mohsin Nawaz has made Pakistan proud once again as he bagged a silver medal as an individual participant in the recently-held European Long Range Shooting Championship 2023.

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

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

Mohsin Nawaz has previously collected five medals in last year’s Bisley Long Range Shooting Competition.

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.

Prior to that, Mohsin won gold in the NRA USA 600 meters, held in 2018.

Mohsin Nawaz was also awarded the prestigious Sports Lifetime Achievement Award for his stellar performances, in a glittering event held at Old Pindi Club, Rawalpindi earlier this year.

Mohsin Nawaz’s outstanding achievements as both an athlete and a sports psychologist earned him the Sports Lifetime Achievement Award, reserved for those who have dedicated their lives to their respective sports and made significant impacts.

As a long-range F Class shooter, Mohsin Nawaz has consistently displayed precision in competitions worldwide. His accuracy and prowess on the shooting range have earned him accolades.

Faisalabad’s Mohsin Nawaz achieved an incredible milestone in the world of International F-class shooting in April this year when he became the first Pakistani shooter to complete 400 shots in international matches, earning him the prestigious National Rifle Association (NRA) USA classification.

Mohsin completed these shots by participating in two International competitions, Rocky Mountain at Montana and NRA US Nationals.

The Pakistani shooter has also won multiple championships around the world and has made his country proud several times, not just internationally but also nationally.  He has won an incredible 25 medals on his home ground.

This achievement is a true testament to the skill, dedication, and hard work that Mohsin has put into his sport.

According to Nawaz, his goal is to discover and cultivate talent in Pakistan, particularly in the area of F-class long-range shooting. He aims to train students to compete in international championships and bring accolades to the country.

READ: Pakistan call two back up pacers for Asia Cup 2023 remainder

KANDY: India’s all-format captain Rohit Sharma on Friday, heaped praise on Pakistan’s pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah ahead of the high-octane clash in the ongoing ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

Sharma, while addressing the pre-match press conference here at the Pallekele International Stadium, acknowledged that the Indian team does not get to face such quality bowlers in the nets as Pakistan’s pace trio.

“Shaheen, Naseem and Haris are quality bowlers. We don’t have such bowlers in the nets so we need to play really well against them,” said Sharma.

Rohit Sharma further lauded the Pakistan cricket team as a whole and shared that it would be interesting to play against them.

“Pakistan’s team is very good, they have improved very well in the past few years, whether it is T20I or 50 overs,” Sharma said.

“No team becomes number without any reason, they have worked hard and they are playing well as a unit, it will be interesting to play them.

“We will play our best, we have prepared well, let’s see how it goes.”

The Indian captain emphasized that he and his team need to use their experience heading into the Asia Cup 2023.

“We need to use our experience, I’ll have to see what kind of cricket our team needs. In the last two years, I have played in a different way, more like risky cricket, but I need to change my approach. As a top-order batter, I know how important it is for me to play a long inning and I need to bring balance to my game,” said Rohit Sharma.

“We have short-term goals, as of now all we are focusing on is the game against Pakistan,” he added.

The Asia Cup 2023 group-stage clash between Pakistan and India will mark Pakistan and India’s first faceoff in the ODI format since the 2019 World Cup, where the Men in Blue emerged triumphant.

READ: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan’s Playing XI for India clash unveiled

KANDY: Pakistan announced their Playing XI for the anticipated clash against arch-rivals India for the high-octane clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the unchanged lineup for the India fixture, which handed a 238-run thrashing to Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023 curtain raiser.

Pakistan to field same playing XI tomorrow 🇵🇰#PAKvIND | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/qe18Ad6pF4

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 1, 2023

The lineup features Pakistan captain Babar Azam, his deputy Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.

The Asia Cup 2023 group-stage clash between Pakistan and India will mark the two team’s first faceoff in the ODI format since the 2019 World Cup, where the Men in Blue emerged triumphant.

However, cricket fans’ quest to see the high-octane clash on Saturday might get unsettled as dark clouds loom with rain likely to spoilsport in the anticipated Asia Cup 2023 clash.

According to BBC Weather, there is a very high chance of showers, as much as 80 per cent, in Kandy on Saturday, September 2.

Moreover, the BBC weather forecasts persistent and heavy rainfall throughout Saturday, meaning that the anticipated clash between arch-rivals could get washed out.

If the game gets washed out there is no reserved day for the match and thus both teams will split the points.

Notably, severe gusts are expected during the match, which may have an impact on the playing conditions and general atmosphere.

Moreover, the temperatures will range between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius during the game.

But, if the high-octane clash between Pakistan and India gets washed out on Saturday, cricket fans may get to witness the biggest rivalry of the sport again if the two teams manage to make it to the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are drawn in Group A alongside Nepal while Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh and defending champions Sri Lanka.

READ: Rohit Sharma wary of Pakistan’s pace trio ahead of Asia Cup 2023 clash

THIMPHU: Pakistan’s 23-member squad on Friday reached here to participate in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U16 Championship 2023.

According to the details, the contingent reached the Bhutan capital, via Doha, on Friday afternoon.

They will now embark on their SAFF U16 Championship campaign on September 2 against hosts Bhutan before taking on Maldives on September 4.

Notably, Pakistan’s fixtures against Bhutan and Maldives were scheduled a day prior but a delay in the issuance of the NOC to the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), resulted in the tweaks to the schedule.

DG PSB Shoaib Khoso asserted that the delay in the issuance of the NOC was due to incomplete documents provided by the PFF.

The PSB then issued the NOC on Wednesday after the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination shared that it had received approval from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior.

A week prior, the PFF announced a 23-member squad for the SAFF U-16 Championship 2023.

Pakistan Squad for SAFF Under-16 Championship

Defenders: Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Hasnain Saleem, Najeem Khan, Sameer Ahmed, Obaidullah Khan, Majid Ali, Syed Mohammad Abis Raza, and Umar Javed.

Midfielders: Abdul Samad, Mohammad Faraz, Farhad, Haroon Rashid, Hikmatullah, Khabib Khan, M. Shahab Ahmed and Muhammad Khan.

Forwards: Abdul Ghani, Hasnain Wali Raza, Subhan Karim and Syed Kabir Ali Shah

Goalkeepers: Adil Ali Khan, Balach Khan and Ghulam Abbas.

The 2023 SAFF U16 Championship is the 8th edition of the tournament and will be played from September 1 to September 10 in Thimphu, Bhutan.

India are the current champions as well as the most successful team in the tournament’s history, having won the tournament in 2022, 2019, 2017 and 2013.

Meanwhile, Pakistan won the inaugural edition of the SAFF U16 championship in 2011.

READ: Erling Haaland, Aitana Bonmati win UEFA Player of the Year prizes

KARACHI: The trophy for the Women’s T20 International series between Pakistan and South Africa was unveiled here on Thursday.

The glittering trophy was revealed by Pakistan’s skipper Nida Dar and her South African counterpart Laura Wolvaardt before both captains posed with the trophy at Karachi’s shore.

🏆 reveal on the Karachi shore 🌊

The two captains @CoolNidadar and Laura Wolvaardt look forward to the PayPak Presents Golootlo Pakistan vs South Africa Women T20I Series 2023 🇵🇰🇿🇦

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/qVCGkVu1HW#PAKWvSAW | #BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/8UVtY5kQsY

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 31, 2023

 

The three-match WT20I series, scheduled on September 1, 3 and 4 will mark South Africa’s first-ever international fixture on Pakistan soil, followed by three ODIs, which are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 from 8 to 14 September.

Notably, the historic WT20I series will also mark one of the busiest international seasons for the Pakistan women’s team amid which they are all set to play 15 ODIs (part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25), 17 T20Is, and participate in the 19th Asian Games from 1 September 2023 to 29 May 2024.

Nida Dar will be aiming for a winning start as the captain of the Pakistan women’s team when her side takes on the touring South Africa women’s team.

All-rounder Nida was appointed full-time captain of the side in April this year after Bismah Maroof stepped down from the captaincy following Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa in February.

On the other hand, South Africa, who are embarking on their maiden tour to Pakistan will be led by Laura Wolvaardt. She was given the reins of the touring side recently after Suné Luus led the South Africa women’s team to the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

In the T20I format, the hosts are ranked seventh in the ICC Rankings, while South Africa are ranked fifth.

On a head-to-head basis, Pakistan and South Africa have played a total of 18 T20Is, three of which include matches in ICC events.

Out of the 15 T20Is part of the bilateral series, South Africa have won eight, while the hosts have won seven. The last time both sides featured in a T20I match was in Durban in 2021, where Pakistan defeated South Africa by eight runs on DLS.

Pakistan women’s team captain Nida Dar termed it an honour for her to lead the national team and is upbeat for the upcoming challenge.

“I am feeling really honoured to lead the Pakistan team as a full-time captain, and that too at home. The South Africa women’s side is here for the first time, so it’s going to be a great experience, and we are looking forward to the series.

“There is definitely a lot of cricket happening in Pakistan, with the Men’s Asia Cup also taking place. There’s a lot of cricket for the fans to witness and enjoy.

“The National Bank Stadium is a historic venue, and I have always dreamed of playing here against a very competitive side. I am very hopeful that the team will produce positive results here.

“We are fully focused on the game. We haven’t played international cricket in the recent past, but we kept ourselves fit through different skills camps and practice games. The team combination is really strong, and as a leader I am looking forward to achieving positive results for the team in the series.

“We have a very busy season coming up, so we have prepared ourselves well. The Asian Games are scheduled after the South Africa series, so this series will help us prepare well in the Asian Games. I expect us to perform well in the series, and we are geared up for the busy year ahead.

“Cricket is one sport, whether it’s men’s or women’s cricket, that is loved by fans across the country. I urge the fans to come to the stadium and support this game.”

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, on the other hand, shared her excitement to return to Pakistan before terming the practice sessions important to understand the condition as they are touring the nation for the first time.

“I am very excited to be here again in Pakistan. I had a great time before when I was here for the exhibition match and now I am looking forward to a memorable time.

“It’s our first-ever tour to Pakistan, so the training sessions ahead of the T20I series will be very important to help us understand the conditions here.

“This is going to be a big series, a closely contested one. Pakistan is a very competitive side, and Nida is a very good captain. They have very talented young players on their side, so we are up for a very good series.

“I will encourage the fans to come; it’s going to be exciting cricket matches in the evening, and definitely, people should come and support.”

READ: Carse strikes on debut as England win New Zealand T20 opener

KARACHI: The Nepal cricket team has started their training at the National Bank Cricket Arena for the upcoming ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023, commencing on August 30.

The team kicked off the training session with light physical exercises at Hanif Muhammad Regional High-Performance Center.

The associate team will practice in Karachi for three days. They will play a practice match on August 26 in Karachi Gymkhana, and will subsequently leave for Multan on August 27.

Nepal is led by young all-rounder Rohit Paudel and will make their Asia Cup debut in the upcoming edition having qualified for the first time.

They will play host Pakistan in the curtain raiser on August 30 in Multan.

Nepal squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Pratish GC, Mousom Dhakal, Sundeep Jora, Kishore Mahato, Arjun Saud

Pakistan will host a total of four matches including a Super 4s fixture, while the rest of the games including the final will be played in Sri Lanka.

The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup features six teams, divided into two groups, the top two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super 4s. The continental event will run from August 31 to September 17.

Hosts Pakistan are placed in the same group as arch-rivals India and Nepal while the other group includes defending champions and co-hosts Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the ODI format and will serve as an opportunity for the Asian teams to bolster their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup.

READ: Pakistan to face Australia, New Zealand in warm-up fixtures of World Cup

Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Wednesday, announced a 23-member squad for the SAFF U-16 Championship 2023 to be held in Bhutan next month.

The Green Shirts will kick off their campaign against home side Bhutan on September 1 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. While, in their second game, they will face Maldives at the same venue on September 3.

Pakistan Squad for SAFF Under-16 Championship

Defenders: Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Hasnain Saleem, Najeem Khan, Sameer Ahmed, Obaidullah Khan, Majid Ali, Syed Mohammad Abis Raza, and Umar Javed.

Midfielders: Abdul Samad, Mohammad Faraz, Farhad, Haroon Rashid, Hikmatullah, Khabib Khan, M. Shahab Ahmed and Muhammad Khan.

Forwards: Abdul Ghani, Hasnain Wali Raza, Subhan Karim and Syed Kabir Ali Shah

Goalkeepers: Adil Ali Khan, Balach Khan and Ghulam Abbas.

The 2023 SAFF U-16 Championship is the 8th edition of the tournament and will be played from September 1 to September 10 in Thimphu, Bhutan.

India are the current champions as well as the most successful team in the tournament’s history, having won the tournament in 2022, 2019, 2017 and 2013.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have won the inaugural edition of SAFF U-16 championship in 2011.

The first edition of the SAFF U-16 championship took place in Nepal in August 2011. The competition was launched under the leadership of SAFF President Kazi Salahuddin who was elected in 2009.

READ: Al Nassr come from behind to snatch Asian Champions League spot