Author: shahzad.malik

LAHORE: Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket (PCB), visited the Gaddafi Stadium here on Thursday to inspect the ongoing construction work ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During his visit, he reviewed the progress and directed contractors to accelerate the upgradation work of Gaddafi Stadium to ensure its timely completion.

Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of meeting deadlines, especially with the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon.

It’s worth noting that the ICC on Thursday confirmed the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, with India playing their matches at a neutral venue.

Earlier today, a report from ESPNcricinfo revealed that the hybrid model has received approval for the entire ICC event cycle spanning from 2024 to 2027.

The ICC has now officially confirmed the development through a press release.

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“ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 to be played across Pakistan and a neutral venue,” the apex cricket body announced.

“India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC Board confirmed on Thursday, 19 December.”

“This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), set to be played in February and March 2025, as well as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka).”

The ICC also confirmed that Pakistan will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, the first event of the next event cycle. Similar to the current cycle, India will not travel to Pakistan for the 2028 event.

READ: ‘Hybrid model’ approved for Champions Trophy 2025: reports

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the red-ball and white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of South Africa, including veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas, who has been out of the team since 2021.

Pakistan is scheduled to tour South Africa from 10 December to 7 January to play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

Babar Azam has been named in all three squads along with Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, while Naseem Shah has been selected for the Tests and ODIs.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who also missed the last two Tests against England, has been picked for the white-ball matches as part of his workload management so that he is in his best fitness and form for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Mohammad Abbas, who last played in Jamaica in August 2021, has been recalled to the Test squad.

Abbas has taken 90 wickets in 25 Tests for Pakistan. He was recalled on the back of a stellar Quaid-e-Azam Trophy campaign, where he has claimed 31 wickets in five matches.

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Naseem Shah has also been named in the four-man pace attack after missing the last two Tests against England. The 21-year-old, who has played 19 Tests since making his debut in November 2019, has taken four wickets to date for Lahore Whites against Peshawar in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match in Abbottabad.

Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has also been named in the Test squad for the South Africa tour after claiming 15 wickets for Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka ‘A’ last month. Mir Hamza is the fourth fast bowler in the 15-man Test squad and is presently playing for Peshawar against Lahore Whites in Abbottabad.

However, off-spinner Sajid Khan has missed out on selection despite his 19 wickets against England.

The selectors, after taking into consideration the Centurion and Newlands conditions as well as South Africa as the opposition, have opted for only one specialist spinner in Noman Ali, who took 20 wickets against England and has 67 wickets in 17 Tests.

Also earning the selectors’ nod for the first time in ODIs is Sufyan Muqeem, the left-arm wrist spinner who has taken eight wickets in two T20Is, including five wickets for three runs in the second T20I.

Pakistan T20I squad will depart for South Africa on Friday, 6 December, after Thursday’s third T20I against Zimbabwe, while the ODI and Test players will depart for Johannesburg on 13 December.

Pakistan men’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie will also arrive in Johannesburg on 13 December to supervise the pre-Test series camp.

Pakistan squads for South Africa tour

Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha

ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

T20Is: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

READ: Shoaib Akhtar reveals what Babar Azam must do to stay in team

The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has extended his heartiest congratulations to the Pakistan Blind cricket team for winning the T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday.

Pakistan registered a commanding ten-wicket victory over Bangladesh to clinch their first-ever WBCC Blind Cricket T20 World Cup in Multan.

Mohsin Naqvi expressed profound pride in the remarkable achievement of the Blind Cricket Team, acknowledging the immense dedication and unwavering perseverance that paved the way for their historic victory.

“The players of the Blind Cricket Team delivered an outstanding performance, earning the prestigious title of T20 World Champions,” said Naqvi.

He also conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the management team, whose essential contributions and strategic guidance played a pivotal role in the team’s success.

Naqvi expressed his hopes that the squad would maintain this winning spirit in future tournaments.

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“I want to extend my warmest congratulations to the management of the Pakistan Blind cricket team. The players displayed remarkable dedication and exemplary teamwork in every match” he added.

In a thrilling finale, Bangladesh managed to post a modest total of 139 runs after losing seven wickets. Arif Hussain stood out as the star performer for Bangladesh, delivering a commendable innings with a solid score of 54 runs.

On the bowling front for Pakistan, Babar Ali showcased his skills, claiming three crucial wickets, while his teammates Motiullah and Mohammad Salman each added to the tally with one wicket apiece.

In response, the Pakistan blind cricket team successfully chased down the target in just 11 overs without losing a single wicket.

The formidable opening pair of Nisar Ali and Mohammad Safdar forged an unbeaten partnership that saw Ali score an impressive 72 runs and Safdar contributing 47 runs, leading the host nation to a resounding 10-wicket victory.

READ: Shoaib Akhtar reveals what Babar Azam must do to stay in team

The World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) has confirmed that the upcoming Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 will not take place in India; instead, it will be hosted at a neutral venue.

The decision was taken during the 26th General Council meeting of the WBCC at a local hotel in Multan, with representatives from the cricket boards of Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Afghanistan in attendance.

Meanwhile, officials from India, England, and New Zealand participated online.

During the meeting, Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) was re-elected as the President of the WBCC for a two-year term, while India’s Rajanish Henry was elected as the Secretary-General.

India was initially selected to host the upcoming Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, but ongoing challenges, including logistical and administrative hurdles, have prompted the WBCC to shift the tournament to a neutral location.

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“Both Pakistan and India are leading teams in the world of blind cricket, but visa restrictions have hindered their ability to compete against each other. Hosting events at neutral venues is the most practical solution to this issue,” Shah stated.

In recent times, the two neighbouring countries have been at loggerheads due to the Indian government’s refusal to send its cricket teams to Pakistan.

The focal point of this dispute is the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, which has garnered significant attention due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament.

In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now proposed a new ‘Partnership or Fusion Formula,’ aimed at resolving the ongoing standstill regarding the ICC Champions Trophy.

Additionally, the government of India has prohibited its cricket team from travelling to Pakistan for the Blind Men’s Cricket T20 World Cup, further intensifying the complexities surrounding cricket diplomacy between the two countries.

READ: Champions Trophy 2025: PCB proposes Partnership or Fusion Formula

LAHORE: The five mentors have announced their provisional squads for the Champions T20 Cup, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi from 7 to 25 December.

Due to the pending announcement of the Pakistan men’s white-ball and red-ball squads for the South Africa tour, the mentors have excluded centrally contracted players and other white-ball cricketers currently in Zimbabwe for the ODI and T20I series.

Once the national selection committee finalises the squads for the South Africa tour and player availability becomes clear, the mentors will reassess and revise their provisional squads before submitting the final lists to the Pakistan Cricket Board.

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PROVISIONAL SQUADS (excluding PCB central players and those presently in Zimbabwe. Mentors can also pick players from outside the provisional list):

ABL Stallions (mentor Shoaib Malik): Abdul Faseeh, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Azam Khan, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Mohsin, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Nasir Nawaz, Shoaib Malik, Tahir Hussain, Ubaid Shah, Yasir Khan and Zaman Khan

Engro Dolphins (mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed): Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Ihsanullah, Khubaib Khalil, Kashif Ali, Mirza Tahir Baig, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Salman Afridi, Salman Irshad, Shayan Sheikh and Umar Amin

Lake City Panthers (mentor Saqlain Mushtaq): Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Ali Raza, Amad Butt, Danish Aziz, Haider Ali, Hasan Ali, Irfanullah Shah, Mohammad Umar, Mohammad Zeeshan, Mubasir Khan, Rehan Afridi, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Baig, Sharjeel Khan, Umar Siddiq and Usama Mir

Nurpur Lions (mentor Waqar Younis): Aamer Yamin, Arif Yaqoob, Hasan Nawaz, Hunain Shah, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Basit, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad Siraj, Mohammad Taha, Musa Khan, Rohail Nazir, Sajjad Ali Hashmi and Shahab Khan

UMT Markhors (mentor Misbah-ul-Haq): Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, Ali Shafique, Ali Shan, Ali Usman, Bilawal Bhatti, Bismillah Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Sarwar Afridi, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Muhammad Shehzad, Niaz Khan, Nisar Ahmed, Saad Masood and Zahid Mehmood

READ: Pakistan crush UAE to qualify for U19 tri-series final

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former captain Azhar Ali as the Head of Youth Development on Friday following a recruitment process.

Moreover, this role will be an extension of Azhar’s existing responsibilities, as he also serves as a member of the Men’s National Selection Committee.

Azhar, a celebrated figure in Pakistan cricket, began his journey at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2002 before transitioning to the senior national team.

Over a distinguished career spanning 2010 to 2022, he earned 97 Test and 53 ODI caps. He captained the national side in nine Tests and 31 ODIs and was a key member of Pakistan’s historic ICC Champions Trophy-winning squad in 2017.

As the Head of Youth Development, Azhar Ali is responsible for shaping the future of cricket in Pakistan. His role involves designing and implementing comprehensive youth cricket strategies, establishing strong grassroots cricket structures, and creating talent pathways.

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He will also collaborate with regional cricket associations to enhance age-group programs and educate emerging cricketers through the PCB’s Pathways Programme. Additionally, he will organize seminars and clinics to raise awareness about the essential off-field development aspects for aspiring players.

“I am honoured and excited to take on this important role. Having risen through the age-group ranks and played extensive club and domestic cricket, I understand the critical role grassroots development plays in shaping future stars,” said Azhar.

“Significant strides have already been made in this area and I look forward to working with my colleagues to further elevate our youth development programme further.

“Our goal is to identify promising talent and equip them with the tools to excel at the highest level.”

The PCB congratulated Azhar Ali on his appointment and expressed confidence that his experience and vision will significantly contribute to the growth and success of youth cricket in Pakistan.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed to pose with Champions Trophy at Mohatta Palace today

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced that Sumair Ahmad has been appointed as the Tournament Director for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Sumair Ahmad Syed, Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, as the Tournament Director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan,” the PCB stated in a press release.

PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi:

“Sumair is an exceptionally organised professional with a wealth of administrative expertise. Coupled with his unwavering passion for cricket, I am confident he will deliver an unforgettable ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for players, officials and fans alike.

“The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events, welcoming players and fans from around the globe to experience the country’s passion for the game and renowned hospitality.

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“This tournament marks a historic milestone as the biggest sporting event in Pakistan’s recent history. With Sumair leading the way, the global cricket community can rest assured that the event will meet the highest standards of excellence synonymous with Pakistan.”

Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed:

“I am deeply honored and excited to take on this significant responsibility for a tournament that holds immense importance for the Pakistan Cricket Board, our fans and supporters. Preparations are already well underway, with stadium upgrades nearing completion and crucial discussions ongoing with the International Cricket Council.

“Our experienced events team, which has successfully planned and executed nine multi-team HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, including last five in Pakistan, will play a vital role in ensuring the tournament’s success.

“I am committed to working closely with them as well as the International Cricket Council, leaving no stone unturned to exceed the benchmarks set by previous ICC Champions Trophy editions.”

READ: Former Pakistan captain suggests Sahibzada Farhan is not ‘international material’

Aaqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan, has discussed the potential return of top-order batter Fakhar Zaman to the national team on Wednesday.

Fakhar was excluded from the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, as well as the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe last month.

However, Aaqib, who recently took charge as the interim head coach, heaped praise on Fakhar, calling him a match-winner.

The former pacer shared that Fakhar is dealing with some fitness issues and he will be back in the team once he achieves full recovery.

“Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner. He has been facing some fitness issues, but the selection committee will reconsider him once he regains fitness,” Aaqib stated while addressing the media in Lahore.

Remember, Fakhar expressed his disappointment through a social media post over the selection committee’s decision to drop star batter Babar Azam after the first Test against England last month.

Consequently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a show-cause notice to the left-hander over breaching the Code of Conduct.

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Aaqib Javed further shared that as interim head coach his goal is to take Pakistan cricket forward using his extensive coaching experience.

“PCB has entrusted me with additional responsibilities, and I will fulfil them to the best of my abilities,” he added. “I have been coaching for over 22 years and will use my experience with the team.”

“As a coach, I am not focusing on individual players but on improving Pakistan cricket as a whole.”

He emphasized that significant changes are needed for Pakistan’s T20I team, and for this reason, new players will be provided ample opportunities ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

“There’s still over a year left for the next T20 World Cup, so a lot of changes will be seen,” Aaqib Javed stated.

“The team selected for Zimbabwe gives a message to new players that they will be given opportunities.

“However, as of now, we are focusing more on ODI matches and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”

READ: Former Pakistan captain suggests Sahibzada Farhan is not ‘international material’

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed the appointment of former fast bowler Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During this tenure, Aaqib will continue to serve as a senior member of the men’s National Selection Committee and will be assigned additional responsibilities following the conclusion of the eight-team tournament.

Meanwhile, the PCB will initiate the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach, aiming to complete the appointment by the end of the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled from 19 February to 9 March.

The white-ball coaching role had become vacant following the resignation of Gary Kirsten last month ahead of the ongoing tour of Australia.

In Kirsten’s absence, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie had coached the side during the tour of Australia, who will now rejoin the side for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa.

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The Pakistan men’s side is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe (24 November – 5 December) and as many white-ball matches in South Africa (10-22 December).

In the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for an ODI triangular series from 8-14 February.

Aaqib Javed has extensive coaching experience, having previously served as Pakistan’s bowling coach during their successful ICC T20 World Cup campaign in 2009. Earlier this year, he worked with the Sri Lanka men’s team as their bowling coach.

Prior to that, he also oversaw the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earning the ODI status and qualifying for the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia during his tenure as the head coach.

Moreover, the right-arm pacer was also the coach of Pakistan’s Under-19 team when they won the U19 World Cup in 2004.

READ: Mohammad Amir advises Rizwan ‘to bat freely’

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tour schedule as the trophy arrived in Islamabad on Thursday.

The cricket board announced the schedule on their official social media accounts with the trophy tour commencing on November 16 in the capital city.

“Get ready, Pakistan,” the PCB posted. “The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, also visiting scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad.”

“Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24 November.”

The announcement of the trophy tour came amid uncertainty regarding the schedule of the Champions Trophy 2025 after the Indian government refused to send its team to Pakistan for the event.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) was set to release the schedule earlier this week, however, the ambiguity regarding India’s travel plans to Pakistan resulted in a delay in the announcement of the schedule.

It is to be noted here that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC on November 9 that India would not travel to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025.

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The cricket board sent a letter to the ICC earlier this week following directives from the country’s government to express its concerns. The PCB conveyed that the Pakistani government is determined to host the entire tournament.

Sources reported that the PCB has sought official clarification and concrete reasons for India’s refusal to tour Pakistan in a letter.

India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

READ: Kane Williamson returns to New Zealand squad for England Test series