Author: ali.hassan

KARACHI: Pakistan Women’s cricket team on Thursday departed for Australia to partake in a three-match each ODI and T20I series.

According to the details, the national women’s team will arrive in Brisbane via Dubai tonight.

The green shirts will take on Australia in a three-match each ODI and T20I series before leaving for South Africa to partake in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled in February.

Meanwhile, Pakistan bowler Ghulam Fatima has withdrawn herself from the Australia tour; citing personal reasons. The leg-spinner was a part of the 15-member squad announced for the tour.

Following her withdrawal, her companion Tuba Hassan, who was a part of the travelling reserves, has been added to the squad.

Pakistan’s tour of Australia is set to commence on January 16 while the Women’s T20 World Cup will take place from February 10 to February 26 in South Africa.

Pakistan ODI squad for Australia series:

Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz (wk)

Travelling Reserves: Aimen Anwar and Javeria Khan

Pakistan T20I squad for Australia and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, South Africa:

Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk) and Tuba Hassan

Reserves: Ghulam Fatima, Kainat Imtiaz and Sadaf Shamas

Australia Tour Schedule: 

16 January – First ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane
18 January – Second ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane
21 January – Third ODI at North Sydney Oval No.1, North Sydney

24 January – First T20I at North Sydney Oval No.1, North Sydney
26 January – Second T20I at Blundstone Arena, Hobart
29 January – Third T20I at Manuka Oval, Canberra

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 Pakistan fixtures:

12 February v India at Newlands, Cape Town
15 February v Ireland at Newlands, Cape Town
19 February v West Indies at Boland Park, Paarl
21 February v England at Newlands, Cape Town

WATCH: Sarfaraz receives warm welcome at home after match-saving century 

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam opened up regarding the team’s approach towards the tense second Test against New Zealand that ended in a close draw at National Bank Cricket Arena here on Friday.

Babar, while speaking to the media following the conclusion of the home Test series against New Zealand claimed the team’s prime goal was to go for the run chase but two quick wickets halted the team’s expedition.

“Our plan was to go for the win and we started the run chase in the morning, we tried to go session by session and after that, we’ll see where we stand in the final session. So, we thought that we can go for the chase and the partnership between Saud and Saifi bhai depicted our game plan,” said Babar.

“But, when Saud got out and Agha went into bat they [New Zealand] did not set the field as we were anticipating as obviously the too got a bit defensive but when Agha got out they once again came back into the game.

“It is a funny game and it goes this way, sometimes you are favourites and sometimes it’s the opposition and at the end our tail also showcased responsibility and they also tried to put pressure on them.

“It is difficult to handle the new ball and when almost all fielders are up it mounts an added pressure on the batter but I think Naseem and Abrar played really well.”

Pakistan skipper also heaped praises on wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, who struck a fighting century in the tense run chase and kept Pakistan’s hopes alive by terming the latter’s return to Test cricket a “mega dream comeback”.

“Sarfaraz Ahmed’s comeback was brilliant. Whenever he got a chance, he proved it,” Babar said.

“Saifi [Sarfaraz] bhai did not let the fire die within him in four years. His work ethic was always there and continued to wait for his turn. We could’ve won also briefly, and it was because of his confidence and belief,” he added.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan forced a sensational draw after Sarfaraz scripted a sensational pullback of the sinking ship as he played a memorable knock of 176-ball 118 to steer Pakistan out of the crisis after they were reduced 80/5 in the first session on the final day while chasing a target of 319 runs.

READ: ‘My best innings so far,’ Sarfaraz on his sensational hundred against NZ

KARACHI: New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the final day’s play of the ongoing second Test against Pakistan after picking up a groin strain.

Opening batter cum wicket-keeper Tom Latham has replaced Blundell behind the wickets as New Zealand strives to take eight wickets on the final with 319 runs to defend.

Taking to Twitter, New Zealand Cricket announced that Blundell has sustained a groin strain (left adductor).

“Blundell will be monitored post tour but is expected to be available for the England Test series in mid-February.” it added.

Tom Latham continuing as wicket-keeper on Day 5 instead of Tom Blundell who has a groin strain (left adductor). Blundell will be monitored post tour but is expected to be available for the England Test series in mid-February. #PAKvNZ #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/4kzX28nglf

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 6, 2023

Blundell played a valiant knock of 74 from 135 balls and stitched a solid fifth-wicket partnership with Michael Bracewell, who remained unbeaten on 74, to steer New Zealand to 227/5 in their second turn before skipper Tim Southee declared the innings.

The bold declaration just minutes before the day’s end paid dividends as New Zealand earned back-to-back wickets to leave stranded on 0/2.

READ: Shanaka’s fireworks power Sri Lanka to thump India in second T20I

Arch-rivals Pakistan and India are placed in the same group in this year’s Men’s ODI Asia Cup, scheduled in September.

Asian Cricket Council on Thursday released the pathway structure and cricket calendar for the years 2023 and 2024 with no mention of the host venues for the tournaments scheduled during the period.

Reportedly, the Indian cricket board had categorically denied sending their team to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup and has been making constant efforts to move the tournament to a neutral venue.

But, according to the ACC calendar unveiled by its president Jay Shah, India and Pakistan will be part of the same group along with a qualifying team in the tournament – a formation similar to that of the previous year’s T20 Asia Cup.

Presenting the @ACCMedia1 pathway structure & cricket calendars for 2023 & 2024! This signals our unparalleled efforts & passion to take this game to new heights. With cricketers across countries gearing up for spectacular performances, it promises to be a good time for cricket! pic.twitter.com/atzBO4XjIn

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 5, 2023

Similarly, women’s teams of both countries are also placed in the same group for the 2024 Women’s T20 Asia Cup.

Likewise, the Men’s U19 Asia Cup and the Men’s T20 Emerging teams Asia Cup, both scheduled in 2024, also feature Pakistan and India in the same group.

READ: PAK v NZ: Tickets for ODI series go on sale

KARACHI: Pakistan’s ODI squad for the three-match ODI home series against New Zealand will be announced tomorrow, sources claimed.

According to the detail, the head of the Men’s Interim National Selection Committee, Shahid Afridi, will name a 16-member national squad for the upcoming white-ball assignment from the list of 24 probables selected by the committee.

“Consultation has been made with head coach Saqlain Mushtaq and captain Babar Azam regarding the players’ selection for the One-Day squad,” Afridi said.

Last week, the interim selection committee for the national men’s team initially named 21 probables for the home ODI series. Later, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain and batters Haris Sohail and Fakhar Zaman were added to the list.

It is pertinent to mention here that the three-game ODI series will commence on January 9 (Monday) after the conclusion of the ongoing second Test on Friday.

PROBABLES:

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Qasim Akram, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Sharjeel Khan Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Hasnain, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail

KARACHI: Pakistan’s left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel who brought up his maiden Test century on the third day of the ongoing second Test against New Zealand, shared it was always his dream to score his first hundred at his home ground.

Coming out to bat when Pakistan were struggling at 99/3, Saud displayed sheer grit as he batted for almost four sessions and settled things down for the hosts with his fighting century.

Following the achievement, the left-handed batter expressed satisfaction and claimed it was always his dream to score his maiden century on his home ground.

“First of all, thanks to Almighty Allah as I managed to score my first century. I scored my maiden first-class century at [National Bank Cricket Arena] and I was hopeful for scoring my first international century here,” said Saud.

“Because the ground you grow up playing in, you know a lot about it,” he added.

Saud then also credited wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed for guiding him in the process as he shared he got nervous in the 90s.

“I think when he was at the crease with me when I was in my 90s, I got a bit nervous during a couple of overs but he told me not to take tension and I will get there,” shared Saud.

“He’s a very senior player and I have played beside him since my childhood so it was fortunate for me that he was there and guided me really well and by the will of Allah, I scored a century,” he added.

It is worth mentioning that left-handed middle-order batter Saud put up a brave fight with his gritty maiden Test century and barred New Zealand from bundling out the hosts as Pakistan hung on for 407/9 at the Stumps.

Starting from an overnight score of 154/3, Pakistan added 253 runs to the total and lost six wickets throughout the day, with Saud and Sarfaraz Ahmed punching an astounding partnership of 150 runs before New Zealand made a comeback in the game.

Saud (124*) and Abrar Ahmed (0*) will now resume Pakistan’s first innings on the fourth day as the hosts still trail by 42 runs.

READ: New Zealand keeper Blundell comments on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s dismissal 

KARACHI: New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell commented on the debated dismissal of his Pakistani counterpart Sarfaraz Ahmed and shared his initial take on the “lucky” breakthrough.

Blundell talked to the media following the conclusion of the third day’s action of the ongoing second Test and responded to a question regarding Sarfaraz’s stumping by stating at first he did not think it was out.

“At first, I don’t think it was out. Umm, and then obviously looking on the big screen, you know there was a bit of chance and for me, it was just to get the bails off as quick as possible,” said Blundell.

“And, you know fortunately for me it was the perfect timing,” he added.

Notably, Sarfaraz, who scored his third consecutive half-century since his return; courtesy of a magnificent 78-run knock in the first innings of the ongoing second Test, endured a frustrating end to his brave knock.

Daryll Mitchell bowled the third delivery of the 100th over full on the leg side and deceived Sarfaraz with his counterpart Blundell dislodging the bails sharply and leg-umpire referred the decision to the third umpire Ahsan Raza.

After watching various replays from multiple angles, Ahsan decided that Sarfaraz had nothing grounded behind the crease and thus, gave him out.

Sarfaraz’s dismissal has enraged cricket fans, who are convinced that the dismissal was umpiring blunder and that the wicketkeeper batter deserved to be given the benefit of doubt.

It is pertinent to mention that left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel put up a brave fight with his gritty maiden Test century and barred New Zealand from bundling out the hosts as Pakistan hung on for 407/9 at the Stumps.

Starting from an overnight score of 154/3, Pakistan added 253 runs to the total and lost six wickets throughout the day, with Saud and Sarfaraz Ahmed punching an astounding partnership of 150 runs before New Zealand made a comeback in the game.

Saud (124*) and Abrar Ahmed (0*) will now resume Pakistan’s first innings on the fourth day as the hosts still trail by 42 runs.

READ: Saud defies New Zealand attack as Pakistan hold on to 407/9 at Stumps

KARACHI: Pakistan’s ODI squad for the three-match ODI home series against New Zealand will be announced tomorrow. 

According to the detail, the head of the Men’s Interim National Selection Committee, Shahid Afridi, will name a 16-member national squad for the upcoming white-ball assignment from the list of 24 probables selected by the board.

“Consultation has been made with head coach Saqlain Mushtaq and captain Babar Azam regarding the players’ selection for the One-Day squad,” Afridi said.

Last week, the interim selection committee for the national men’s team initially named 21 probables for the home ODI series. Later, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain and batters Haris Sohail and Fakhar Zaman were added to the list.

It is pertinent to mention here that the three-game ODI series will commence on January 9 (Monday) after the conclusion of the ongoing second Test on Friday.

PROBABLES:

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Qasim Akram, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Sharjeel Khan Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Hasnain, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail

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LAHORE: Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee  Najam Sethi on Tuesday announced to clear all the outstanding payments of contracted players and in-house employees. 

“I am pleased to report that @TheRealPCB (PCB) has been ordered to immediately clear all outstanding payments of contracted players and employees pending since the last regime,” posted Sethi on his official Twitter account.

I am pleased to report that @TheRealPCB has been ordered to immediately clear all outstanding payments of contracted players and employees pending since last regime.

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) January 3, 2023

Reportedly, the payments of the players participating in the Pakistan Junior League were withheld by the previous administration. Similarly, many of the contracted cricketers in the domestic cricketers did not receive their due payments.

Meanwhile, Sethi-led interim PCB management, who took charge of the board only recently after the federal government scrapped the 2019 PCB constitution, on Monday formally approved the notifications for the restoration of Departments/Services Organisations, Regions and District/Zonal Cricket Associations under the PCB Constitution 2014.

The move is believed to revive the departmental structure of domestic cricket in accordance with the federal government’s decision to restore departmental sports in the country.

READ: PCB management committee formally restores departmental cricket

LAHORE: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Najam Sethi on Monday, formally approved the notifications for the restoration of Departments/Services Organisations, Regions and District/Zonal Cricket Associations under the PCB Constitution 2014.

According to the PCB, the approval of the notifications means that the upcoming edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will feature 16 regional cricket associations, while eight departments will partake in the Patron’s Trophy during the 2023-24 season, beginning in August.

Furthermore, Grade-II, 50-over and 20-over events will also be organised for the regional and departmental sides during the 2023-24 domestic cricket season, whose details will be announced in due course.

“In pursuance of Ministry’s notifications dated 22 December 2022 regarding repealing of Constitution of the Pakistan Cricket Board notified vide SRO 1045(1)/2019 dated 19 August 2019 and Ministry’s notification dated 22 December 2022 regarding restoration of the PCB Constitution 2014, the Management Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board hereby formally announces the restoration of all Departments/Service Organisations, Regions and District/Zonal Cricket Association as recognised by the Board under the PCB Constitution 2014,” the notification read.

The chair of the PCB management committee Sethi, on this occasion, expressed his pleasure in the development and asserted that the management committee is committed to providing cricketers with equal and fair opportunities.

“I am pleased to confirm the formal restoration of Departments/Services Organisation, Regions and District/Zonal Cricket Associations under the PCB Constitution 2014.

“It is our endeavour, resolve and commitment to all our cricketers that we will provide them equal and fair opportunities to display their talent so that they can make their careers in the sport. This can only be achieved when we will expand our cricket canvas, which was unfortunately restricted and limited to a small number of cricketers and teams in 2019.

“This approach not only affected the livelihood of hundreds of cricketers and resulted in a talent drain, but also failed to highlight and produce cricketers with exceptional skills as in the past that, in turn, adversely impacted the standards, performances and rankings of our national sides in the international arena.

“Although we cannot undo the wrong policies of the past four seasons, what we can do is to quickly revert to our tried, tested and winning cricket model and structure so that the sport and cricketers can excel and thrive. We are making good progress in this regard and more announcements that are in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and our cricketers will be made in due course.”

It is worth mentioning that the Departments/Services Organisation, Regions and District/Zonal Cricket Associations were replaced by the six Cricket and 90 City Cricket Associations in the PCB Constitution 2019, which was repealed in December 2022.

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