Author: shah.khalid

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday revealed a star-studded commentary panel for the historic three-match Test series between Pakistan and England scheduled from December 1 to 21.

England Test team set foot in Islamabad on Sunday to mark the historic tour of Pakistan as the two sides will play the first-ever Test on Pakistani soil after a gap of 17 years.

According to the PCB, Pakistan’s legendary cricketer Waqar Younis, alongside Urooj Mumtaz and Bazid Khan, will be joined by the veteran English commentators Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton and David Gower in the commentary panel.

These experts will also offer pre and post-match analysis throughout the series which will be hosted by renowned presenter Zainab Abbas.

Star-studded commentary panel for Pakistan vs England Test series 👇

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/nCMp3aCZe5#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/EficcpXE8W

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 28, 2022

The production will be done through 28 full High-Definition cameras – including Buggy and Drone cameras. To help with the Decision Review System (DRS), a comprehensive Hawkeye set-up – UltraMotion ball-tracking and UltraEdge will also be used.

The action-filled series will be live-streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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RAWALPINDI: England Test squad started their training for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, set to commence on December 1 at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

For the three-match Test series, the touring side has raced up the preparations by partaking in the net sessions.

The touring players carried out robust practice sessions on Monday ahead of the first Test against Pakistan, scheduled to take place on Thursday.

According to the details, the English contingent partook in an enduring practice session. The players engaged in vigorous fielding drills alongside net sessions for bowling and batting practice.

It is pertinent to mention here that England’s Test team set foot in Pakistan after a gap of almost 17 years to face the home side in a three-match series, scheduled from December 1 to 21.

Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the first match of the series, while the remaining two fixtures will be held in Multan and Karachi respectively.

READ: Ben Stokes announces to donate match fees to Pakistan flood victims

RAWALPINDI: England’s star all-rounder and current Test captain Ben Stokes has announced to donate his match fees for all three matches of the historic Test series against Pakistan to the flood victims of the host country.

Stokes, who is leading England for the upcoming Test series in Pakistan, has won the hearts of numerous fans for his kind gesture as he will donate his match fees to the flood affectees in Pakistan.

Taking to Twitter, Stokes issued a statement regarding his kind gesture that received immense praise from cricketing fans.

“It is great to be in Pakistan for the first time for this historic series. To be back here after 17 years as a Test side is very exciting. There is a sense of responsibility amongst the playing and support group and to be there is special,” stated Stokes.

“The floods that devastated Pakistan earlier this year was very sad to see and has had significant impact on the country and the people.

“The game has given me a lot in my life and I feel it’s only right to give something back that goes far beyond cricket. I will be donating my match fees from this Test series to the Pakistan flood appeal.

“Hopefully this donation can go towards the rebuilding of areas of Pakistan most affected by the flooding.”

I’m donating my match fees from this Test series to the Pakistan Flood appeal ❤️🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/BgvY0VQ2GG

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) November 28, 2022

It is pertinent to mention that tens of millions of people are affected by relentless monsoon rains and one of the worst-hit floods in the country’s history that have submerged a third of the country and claimed more than 1,100 lives.

Rawalpindi Test, starting on December 1, will mark England’s first Test in the country after a gap of 17 years. The touring side will then move to Multan to play the second Test, starting on December 9, before reaching Karachi to play the final Test, scheduled for December 17.

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming home series against England has started training at the Islamabad Club Cricket Ground here on Friday.

In the practice session, the England-series bound squad hit the training sessions. The players practised according to certain match scenarios and participated in batting and fielding drills.

The national players will carry out robust training sessions for three days up until November 27 when England’s squad is scheduled to land in the country for the historical series.

Following the conclusion of the ongoing training camp, both Pakistan and England squads will then start practising at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.

It is worth mentioning here that England will be touring Pakistan for a Test series after 17 years. The three-match Test series will be played in Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi, respectively.

PAKISTAN SQUAD

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shan Masood, and Zahid Mehmood.

ENGLAND SQUAD

Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Will Jacks, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood.

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ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi and outgoing Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday attended the dinner hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in honour of the national cricket team.

Following the national team’s impressively consistent performance, specifically in white-ball cricket, the cricket board held an honourary dinner to laud the players and management for their tireless efforts.

President of Pakistan and outgoing COAS Bajwa also attended the ceremony as special guests. Taking to Twitter, the PCB shared the pictures.

“President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa join us on the evening honouring the achievements of our cricket stars,” the caption read.

President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa join us on the evening honouring the achievements of our cricket stars. pic.twitter.com/vkmBbYhuYT

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 24, 2022

Pakistan white-ball team’s put on a remarkable performance in the last couple of months as the team played the finals of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2022, while also winning a T20 Tri-series in New Zealand.

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RAWALPINDI: A five-member delegation of the British High Commission in Islamabad on Tuesday visited the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to assess the arrangements for the opening Test of the historic three match-series between Pakistan and England, commencing next week. 

England Test team will tour Pakistan after their white-ball team successfully completed the seven-match T20I series earlier this year. The tour marked England’s first visit of the country after a hiatus of 17 years.

The police authorities of the city ensured fool-proof security during the delegation’s visit to the venue, which will host England for the first time in a Test match, starting from December 1.

The delegation reviewed the security arrangements at the stadium and its surroundings and travelled on the team routes to assess the situation.

It is pertinent to mention here that Ben Stokes-led side will arrive in Pakistan on November 27 and after the Test in Rawalpindi, the team will travel to Multan for the second Test from December 9 to 13.

The final match of the tour will be staged at the National Stadium in Karachi, commencing on December 17.

READ: England to play warm-up match in Abu Dhabi ahead of Pakistan tour

ABU DHABI: England’s Pakistan-bound Test squad will play a three-day warm-up match against England Lions here to race up their preparation for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.

According to the details, England’s warm-up match against the Lions will commence tomorrow and will conclude on November 25.

Following this, the English squad will take a rest day on November 26 before departing for Pakistan a day later.

England Test captain Ben Stokes will not participate in the warm-up match against the Lions due to excessive workload and Olly Pope will take up the leadership responsibility in the former’s absence.

Injury-prone English pacer Jofra Archer will represent England Lions, led by Dan Lawrence.

It is pertinent to mention that the three-match Test series between Pakistan and England will take place from December 1 to 21. Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi will respectively host the matches.

LAHORE: England’s first Test in Pakistan after a gap of 17 years will go as per schedule in Rawalpindi despite the potential of political unrest in the city, sources claimed.

Following the potential political unrest in the city, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier considered shifting the first Test of the series between Pakistan and England to Karachi.

The consideration came in light of Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf’s (PTI) long march that is likely to reach Islamabad in the third week of November.

The PCB, however, feels confident enough to go with the original plan despite the continued risk of political instability in the region.

Consequently, the series, as per the original schedule, will begin in Rawalpindi on December 1 and conclude in Karachi. The second Test will take place in Multan.

It is pertinent to mention that England’s Test squad is likely to land on November 27 to lock horns with Pakistan in the three-match Test series.

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RAWALPINDI: Right-arm pacer Haris Rauf received a warm reception from his fans and friends on his return to the country after participating in the recently-concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

Rauf, who played an integral role in the Pakistan team’s journey to the final, taking eight wickets in seven matches, received a special welcome from his friends as the pacer stepped foot in his home town.

As the right-arm pacer stepped out of his vehicle, fans showered flowers on him and put up garlands to appreciate his services to the nation in the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan’s astounding run in this year’s World Cup, lasted in the final when England triumphed over the Green Shirts by five wickets.

Babar Azam-led Pakistan, batting first, failed to put up a decent total on the scoreboard and could only accumulate 137/8 in 20 Overs.

Pakistan bowling attack, comprising Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Shadab Khan put on a brave fight to defend the paltry total but England’s seasonal all-rounder Ben Stokes held his nerves and powered his side to glory in the second last over.

Rauf, however, took two wickets in the final including England’s captain Jos Buttler. Following Pakistan bowlers’ brave fight in the final, former cricketers and fans praised their valiant effort.

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PERTH: Pakistan cricket team engaged in the optional training session here on Wednesday ahead of the Green Shirts’ second ICC T20 World Cup 2022 Super 12 clash against Zimbabwe, scheduled tomorrow. 

According to the details, captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Haris, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Qadir participated in the team’s optional training session at Perth Stadium.

The Babar-led side will be eyeing for their first win of the T20 World Cup as they face Zimbabwe, who made their way into Group 2 after defeating Ireland and Netherlands in the first round. The match will start at 4:00 PM(PST).

The team had a productive day as the players went through rigorous batting and bowling net practice during the session.

Earlier on Monday, the team had travelled to Perth from Melbourne, where they played their opening encounter of the tournament against the arch-rivals India at the jam-packed Melbourne Cricket Ground.

After a close defeat at the hands of India in the nerve-wracking contest on Sunday, the Green Shirts have very little to no margin of error in their upcoming group matches in order to qualify for the semifinal.

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