Author: ali.hassan

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has criticized the national team’s selection policies, stating that players are treated as if they belong to the Under-14 level.

While speaking to the media during an event, Afridi stressed the importance of giving players adequate rest.

“Players need to be given breaks, whether it’s Babar Azam or anyone else,” he said.

He also questioned the team’s selection for the New Zealand tour, highlighting players’ inexperience.

“They sent first-class players with just 10-11 matches experience. Where spinners were needed, they picked pacers or extra spinners,” he added.

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Shahid Afridi pointed out that former batting coach Mohammad Yousuf was teaching players how to play off-spin.

“This isn’t something that should be taught at the Pakistan team level,” said Afridi.

Former explosive batter expressed concerns over team selection, lamenting the lack of opportunities for players like Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Khan.

“Usman Khan and Mohammad Hasnain are not being given opportunities. They have been warming the bench for a long time,” he stated.

Shahid Afridi emphasized Pakistan’s batting approach, mentioning that everybody wants to bat like him.

“Everyone seems to be trying to play like Shahid Afridi. You can’t score 200 in every match,” said Shahid Afridi.

The former all-rounder suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board needs a permanent chairman while admitting that Babar Azam was given ample opportunities as captain.

“The board needs a permanent chairman. Babar Azam was given ample opportunities as captain, but why Mohammad Rizwan was only given six months in the role,” he remarked.

READ: Pakistan team reaches Auckland for third T20I against New Zealand

Pakistan padel player Aziz Khan has etched his name in history by securing victory in the opening round of the FIP International Bronze Tournament 2025 held in Hong Kong.

With this victory, Aziz Khan became the first Pakistani player to qualify for the Main Draw of the event.

Khan showcased sheer dominance throughout the tournament, cruising through his matches with remarkable ease.

In the second round, he registered a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory before producing a flawless performance in the final round, dismantling his Chinese opponent 6-0, 6-0 to book his spot in the Main Draw.

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This triumph marks a major breakthrough for Pakistan in the world of padel, a sport still gaining recognition in the country.

The Pakistan Padel Federation (PPF) lauded the achievement of Aziz Khan, with President Muhammad Mateen congratulating the rising star on his historic feat.

“Aziz Khan’s dedication and perseverance have brought immense pride to Pakistan. His success on the international stage is a testament to his talent, and we are eager to see him continue to shine,” Mateen said.

With this victory, Khan has not only set a precedent for Pakistani players in padel but has also put the nation on the global map in the sport.

READ: Pakistan squad carries out training session ahead of the first New Zealand T20I

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has urged former cricketers to approach their criticism of the national team with more balance and understanding following the team’s disastrous ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

The hosts and defending champions, Pakistan, crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after successive defeats at the hands of New Zealand and India.

The Men in Green’s final group game against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, leaving the 2017 edition winners without a win.

Following the team’s ouster from the tournament, many former cricketers criticized the current team, further intensifying the scrutiny on the squad.

Speaking on the current state of Pakistan cricket, Sarfaraz Ahmed pointed out that no team plays with the intention of losing, emphasizing that the criticism should always be balanced and fair.

“It is often said that the team didn’t play well. Former cricketers, management, and coaches know that no team plays to lose,” said Sarfaraz.

“When criticizing players, it’s important to maintain balance in the discussion. Those sitting on TV have also gone through those phases.”

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The former captain also touched on the contrast between playing and commenting on the game, reminding critics that attitudes change after retirement.

“There is a difference in attitude when playing and after retiring from the game,” he added.

Sarfaraz Ahmed also expressed hope that Pakistan’s young squad for the tour of New Zealand will come out victorious despite challenging conditions.

“The Pakistan team for the New Zealand tour consists of young players. I hope the results will be in our favor, but the conditions in New Zealand have always been challenging,” he added.

With the national team facing both external and internal challenges, Sarfaraz reminded fans to maintain their support for the players, especially during tough times.

“I would like to tell the nation that you have always supported the team. I urge you to continue standing by the team. I hope the future will bring good things for Pakistan cricket,” he concluded.

READ: Jason Gillespie slams Sunil Gavaskar’s ‘nonsense’ comment on Pakistan cricket team

Senior players of the Pakistan cricket team, including Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, are likely to be given a break for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, according to sources.

The sources have revealed that the decision was made in the wake of the team’s underwhelming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Moreover, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf themselves have requested the cricket board to give them rest for the series.

With key players sitting out, Pakistan’s captain for the tour is yet to be decided. Pakistan’s squad for the tour is expected to feature several fresh faces, giving opportunities to new talent in the absence of senior players.

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The series between Pakistan and New Zealand will run from 16 March 16 to 5 April, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series will kick off in Christchurch on 16 March, while the second match is scheduled to be played in Dunedin on 18 March.

The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on 23 and 26 March, respectively.

Following the T20I series, the teams will travel to Napier for the first ODI, scheduled for 29 March. The second ODI will be played on 2 April in Hamilton, while Mount Maunganui will host the final ODI on 5 April.

READ: PSL 10 to commence from 11 April as PCB reveals schedule

DUBAI: The Pakistan cricket squad has reached here today for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against arch-rivals India, scheduled to be played on Sunday.

The Green Shirts landed in Dubai after a change in their original travel schedule. Initially set to depart right after their match against New Zealand yesterday, the team instead flew out at noon today.

The Pakistan squad will rest for the day before hitting the nets tomorrow to bolster their preparation for the high-stakes Champions Trophy clash against India on February 23.

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The defending champions and hosts Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand yesterday.

During the match, the Green Shirts suffered a major blow as top-order batter Fakhar Zaman sustained an injury in the very first over of New Zealand’s innings as he fell awkwardly while fielding, forcing him to leave the ground for medical assessment.

Though he attempted to return to the field after some time, he eventually walked off again, raising serious concerns about his fitness.

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Despite the discomfort, Fakhar still came out to bat in Pakistan’s chase of 321 runs. However, he looked far from his usual fluent self, managing a scratchy 24 before getting dismissed.

Earlier today, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Fakhar Zaman can no longer participate in the mega-event and named Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Fakhar Zaman reacts after being ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has arrived at the National Bank Stadium here on Wednesday ahead of the much-anticipated opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Mohsin Naqvi, entrusted with overseeing the final arrangements, expressed his satisfaction as preparations reached their pinnacle ahead of the highly anticipated opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

With great enthusiasm, he is set to extend a warm welcome to President Asif Ali Zardari, who will grace the occasion as the chief guest for the grand opening ceremony at the National Bank Stadium.

This event marks a significant moment, as Pakistan proudly hosts an ICC tournament for the first time in 29 years.

The presence of the chairman highlights the PCB’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a seamless and impeccably organized tournament that promises to deliver thrilling cricket to fans and participants alike.

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For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan and New Zealand have competed in a total of 118 ODI matches. Pakistan leads the head-to-head record with 61 victories, while New Zealand has won 53 matches. Additionally, three matches have ended without a result, and one match ended in a tie.

However, New Zealand have the edge in the Champions Trophy as they boats an undefeated record against Pakistan.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Skipper Rizwan urges Pakistan to enjoy Champions Trophy 2025

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) named former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 ambassador on Wednesday.

Sarfaraz joined the elusive list of ambassadors for the mega-event, including India’s Shikhar Dhawan, New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Australia’s Shane Watson.

“With a week to go until the first ball is bowled in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the lineup of Event Ambassadors that will feature to add to the fan experience,” ICC stated in a press release.

“Pakistan’s 2017 winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed features in an all-star cast that also boasts two-time champion, Australia’s Shane Watson, Player of the Series in India’s 2013 trophy-winning campaign, Shikhar Dhawan, and New Zealand’s legendary fast bowler, Tim Southee.

“With a wealth of experience in the Champions Trophy, over the course of the coming weeks, the lineup will provide fans with unrivalled insights into the competition through guest columns and match attendance, sharing their thoughts on what promises to be a thrilling event, where the world’s best eight teams will compete for the iconic white jackets.”

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Sarfaraz Ahmed shared that wearing the iconic white jacket after winning the Champions Trophy 2017 was special.

“I will never forget how special it felt to don the white jackets and lift the trophy aloft as Pakistan captain back in 2017,” said Sarfaraz.

“Seeing the nation get behind us and celebrate that success is also something that’s very close to my heart, so I am delighted to see the competition return to the cricket calendar and see my country given the opportunity to host such a special event.

“The format means that every game is so important, and I can’t wait to play my part as an Ambassador and witness the tournament first-hand.”

Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan expressed his excitement to be part of the Champions Trophy 2025 as an ambassador.

“It is such a special feeling to be part of a Champions Trophy, and to be given the opportunity to enjoy the upcoming edition as an Ambassador is an honour,” Dhawan stated.

“Over the next few weeks, we’ll see the best sides in the world competing for the white jackets knowing that one mistake or one loss could spell the end of their hopes.

“It’s the ultimate competition where it’s all on the line, and that is what makes it such a thrilling spectacle.”

READ: Afghanistan spinner ruled out of Champions Trophy, replacement named

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host an exhibition match at Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, according to sources.

The exhibition game will feature top Pakistani players in action, giving Peshawar cricket fans a thrilling spectacle.

Before the match, construction work at Arbab Niaz Stadium is set to be completed, ensuring that the venue is ready to host the event.

The move is seen as part of PCB’s efforts to bring top-tier cricket back to Peshawar and engage fans in the region.

This wouldn’t be the first time PCB has organized an exhibition match before the PSL. Back in 2023, a similar game was held in Quetta, which garnered significant attention and excitement from cricket enthusiasts.

Previously, Peshawar Zalmi’s owner Javed Afridi requested the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to consider Arbab Niaz Stadium as one of the venues for the PSL 10.

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He sent an email to the PCB, highlighting the importance of hosting games at Zalmi’s home ground while requesting to form a committee to ensure the hosting of PSL in Peshawar.

After receiving backing from the Chief Minister and the PCB chief, Javed shared the information on his social media handle.

“Had a productive call with CM KP @AliAminKhanPTI. He has given directives to the sports department to release funds for the remaining 20% job at Arbab Niaz Stadium Peshawar,” Afridi posted on X.

“Chairman PCB is in favor of hosting the Peshawar Zalmi games in Peshawar. Get ready for some thrilling events before PSL, fans will see International Stars at KP Soil. InshaAllah.”

For the unversed, Arbab Niaz Stadium was the centre of international cricket two decades ago, however, due to the political situation in the region the venue did not host any international match since 2006.

The last international match at Arbab Niaz Stadium was an ODI between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

READ: Afghanistan squad reaches Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The trophy tour of the glittering ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tour is in full swing, with the prestigious silverware making its way across Karachi.

As part of its journey, the trophy was taken to Indus Hospital, where young cancer patients had the opportunity to see it up close. The children were thrilled to pose with the trophy, capturing memorable moments.

The gleaming Champions Trophy also made a stop at a private school in Karachi yesterday, where students got the chance to witness it firsthand.

Former Pakistan pacer Rumman Raees, a member of the victorious 2017 Champions Trophy squad, was also present at the event.

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Excitement among students was evident, with many expressing confidence in Pakistan’s chances of retaining the title.

“We are the defending champions, and this trophy belongs in Pakistan,” they said. Others voiced their support for skipper Mohammad Rizwan, stating, “We have full faith in our captain.”

The global trophy tour will conclude in Karachi on 14 February. The opening match of the mega-event is set to take place between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand on 19 February.

The global trophy tour ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began in Pakistan on 16 November after which the trophy was taken to the seven participating countries from 26 November to 26 January.

READ: Kane Williamson surpasses Virat Kohli to achieve THIS ODI milestone

KARACHI: The South Africa and New Zealand cricket teams have arrived in Karachi on Tuesday after playing their tri-nation ODI series clash in Lahore yesterday.

New Zealand, on the back of star batter Kane Williamson’s century, defeated South Africa by six wickets to book a spot in the tri-nation ODI series final here.

The Blackcaps comprehensively chased the 305-run target at the loss of four wickets and eight balls remaining courtesy of an 187-run stand between Devon Conway and Williamson.

The New Zealand squad, having fought valiantly in their recent matches, will take a much-needed break today to recharge their spirits.

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Meanwhile, the South African players are set to engage in a rigorous practice session at 12:30 PM, honing their skills and strategies in preparation for the critical clash ahead.

On the other hand, the Pakistan team will not be training today. However, a pre-match press conference featuring Pakistan and South Africa is set to take place later in the day.

Tomorrow, all eyes will be on the newly-renovated National Bank Stadium as Pakistan and South Africa square off in a high-stakes encounter.

The stakes could not be higher, with the winner securing a coveted spot in the tri-nation series final on February 14, where they will face New Zealand in a battle for the trophy.

READ: ‘He is a world-class player’: Kane Williamson heaps praise on Babar Azam