Author: shahzad.malik

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday confirmed that Kookaburra balls will be used during the upcoming series against Bangladesh and the subsequent home Test fixtures.

The series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, with the first Test commencing at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21-25 August.

The cricket board also announced that the red-ball matches of the 2024-25 domestic season will be played with the Duke balls.

“As the domestic cricket season is set to commence next month, the PCB has announced that Duke balls will be used for all seniors’ red-ball domestic events,” the PCB said in a press release.

“Aceline and Grays will be the local brand of cricket balls that will be utilised for pathways and grassroots cricket, including the U15, U17, and U19 tournaments, schools, universities, clubs, and inter-district competitions.

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This decision follows an extensive analysis of ground and pitch conditions across domestic venues, with the Duke ball being custom-made to suit the characteristics of local pitches.”

Meanwhile, the white-ball matches during the extensive domestic season 2024-25 will be played with the Kookaburra balls.

“For the domestic 50-over and T20 competitions, the PCB will continue to use Kookaburra cricket balls, maintaining consistency with international standards, as all white-ball cricket worldwide, including ICC events, is played with Kookaburra balls,” the PCB stated.

“For the seven ICC World Test Championship fixtures, the PCB has decided to use Kookaburra cricket balls. These matches include two Tests against Bangladesh, three Tests against England, and two Tests against the West Indies.

According to ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, the home board has the prerogative to decide on the brand of cricket balls to be used.”

READ: PCB shifts second Pakistan-Bangladesh Test from Karachi to Rawalpindi

LAHORE: The consortium of ARY and Tower Sports has been awarded broadcast rights for all home international cricket from August 2024 to December 2026 in the Pakistan region, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced today.

The rights were awarded following a transparent tender process. During the 28-month period, Pakistan will host 11 Tests, including seven Tests in the 2024-25 season, 26 ODIs and 24 T20Is. The ODIs include two three-nation ODI series in the current and next season.

Salman Iqbal, Founder and CEO of ARY Communications:

“Keeping in line with our commitment to bringing the best sporting events to your screen whether local or global. Now you will be able to watch some of the most exciting cricket on A Sports. We are positive that this will add to the growth of sports in our country.

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Duraid Qureshi, CEO of HUM Network of which Tower Sports is a subsidiary:

“We are excited to be broadcast partners with the PCB. The upcoming international fixtures’ calendar is very exciting and will give Pakistan fans a chance to experience some great cricketing action over the next couple of years with an action-packed schedule.

“This is great news for cricket fans and also exudes a positive image of Pakistan as a host to many nations across the cricketing fraternity.”

Salman Naseer, PCB Chief Operating Officer:

“The awarding of broadcast rights for the Pakistan region to the consortium of ARY and Tower Sports is great news for Pakistan fans as we are set to host top cricketing sides of the world in the next two years.

“We appreciate our partnership with both ARY and Tower Sports and thank them for their support towards Pakistan cricket.”

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LAHORE: Mushtaq Ahmed has expressed his support for the spin bowlers of the Bangladesh cricket team, highlighting their potential as match-winners ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan.

The Test series will commence in Rawalpindi, with the first Test scheduled to begin on 21 August. Following that, the action will shift to the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, where the second Test match will be held from 30 August to 3 September.

During a press conference here on Thursday, Mushtaq, who is the spin-bowling consultant of Bangladesh, shared that the team combination will be decided after assessing the conditions in Rawalpindi.

“We will decide the combination after going to Rawalpindi and assessing the conditions there,” said Mushtaq Ahmed.

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“Spinners have an important role in Test cricket, their importance cannot be denied.”

The former Pakistan leg-spinner heaped high praise on Bangladesh’s spinners and the country’s overall bowling talent.

“Bangladesh’s spinners are a vital cog in their lineup and they are genuine match-winners. The good thing is that the country is producing good bowlers,” he added.

“If the condition is favourable for fast bowlers, we have good pacers too.”

He also expressed gratitude towards the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for extending an invitation to the visiting team to arrive early and engage in practice sessions ahead of the series, especially in light of the political turmoil in Bangladesh.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced that the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled in Karachi, will be played without spectators.

The second Test is scheduled to be played from 30 August to 3 September, however, due to the ongoing construction work in the National Bank Stadium, the match will be played with empty stands.

“In light of ongoing construction work at the National Bank Stadium as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made the difficult decision to hold the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled from 30 August to 3 September, without spectators in attendance,” the cricket board said in a statement.

“We understand the vital role that our passionate spectators play in cricket, providing inspiration and motivation to our players.

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“However, the health and safety of our fans is our utmost priority. After careful consideration of all available options, we have decided that the safest course of action is to hold the second Test in front of an empty stadium.”

The PCB also announced that the ticket sales have been stopped, however, the fans, who have already grabbed their passes will get a refund.

“As a result of this decision, ticket sales have been suspended with immediate effect. Fans who have already purchased tickets will receive a full refund automatically, with the amount credited to the account details provided at the time of purchase.

“While we deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience.

“The renovations are part of our commitment to making the venue more spectator-friendly and preparing it for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be the first ICC event hosted in Pakistan since 1996.”

READ: Jason Gillespie invites Arshad Nadeem to visit Pakistan dressing room

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to appoint Naveed Akram Cheema as the team manager ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, according to sources.

Cheema served as the team manager on the tour of Australia and New Zealand from December 2023 to January 2024.

However, following the twin tours, he was replaced by Mansoor Rana as the team manager, while Wahab Riaz was appointed as the senior team manager for the series.

Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Wahab and Mansoor were relieved of their managerial duties due to their reported failure to maintain discipline within the team.

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Naveed Akram Cheema is set to resume his role as the new manager of the Pakistan cricket team, specifically to enforce strict discipline measures.

Reports suggest that PCB will announce the team management for the Bangladesh series in the next couple of days.

The upcoming series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, with the first Test commencing at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21-25 August.

The second Test match will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 30 August to 3 September.

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LAHORE: The Bangladesh cricket team arrived here on Tuesday morning to play a two-match Test series against Pakistan, starting on 21 August.

The series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, with the first Test commencing at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21-25 August.

The second Test match will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 30 August to 3 September.

The Bangladesh squad will undergo training at the Gaddafi Stadium from 14-16 August. They will travel to Islamabad on 17 August to hold practice sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 18-20 August.

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Najmul Hossain Shanto is leading the Bangladesh squad, which also features veteran wicketkeeper batter Mushfiqur Rahim and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

Meanwhile, Shan Masood is the captain of Pakistan’s Test squad and Saud Shakeel will serve as his deputy.

Notably, the fans can acquire the tickets online at PCB.tcs.com.pk from 1700 PST on 13 August, while the physical tickets will be available to purchase from different TCS outlets from 16 August after 09.00 am.

Squads

Pakistan

Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Bangladesh

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed

READ: Basit Ali advises Shan Masood ahead of Bangladesh Tests

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced that the tickets for the two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will go on sale online from 13 August.

The fans can acquire the tickets online at PCB.tcs.com.pk from 1700 PST, while the physical tickets will be available to purchase from different TCS outlets from 16 August after 09.00 am.

The series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, with the first Test commencing at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21-25 August.

The second Test match will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 30 August to 3 September.

The tickets for both Test matches have been kept at an affordable rate. The minimum rate starts at PKR 50 (General enclosure/ Wasim Bari enclosure in Karachi) and goes up to PKR 250,000 (full hospitality box) at the NBS in Karachi.

Also, box offices outside match venues (RCS and NBS) will be operational two days prior to the Test match.

Additionally, a seasonal pass has been introduced to facilitate fans, allowing them a 15 per cent discount if they buy a five-day pass for the Test match.

In case of an early conclusion of the five-day game, tickets for the remaining days will be refunded to the fans.

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The tickets for the premium enclosures (Miran Baksh, Sohail Tanvir and Yasir Arafat) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be available to the fans at PKR 200.

VIP enclosures (Imran Khan and Javed Miandad) on weekdays will be available at PKR 500, while on weekends, they will be available for PKR 600.

At the RCS, the Gallery pass, which includes lunch and tea, will be available at PKR 2,800, while the Platinum box, also including lunch and tea, will be available at PKR 12,500. The fans can get the full hospitality box for PKR 200,000 each.

In Karachi, first-class enclosures (Asif Iqbal, Majid Khan, Waqar Hasan and Zaheer Abbas) will be available at PKR 100.

Fans will have to pay PKR 200 for premium enclosures (Imran Khan, Quaid and Wasim Akram), while VIP enclosures (Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad and Javed Miandad) will be available at PKR 400 on weekdays and PKR 500 on weekends.

Each hospitality box seat (including lunch and tea) in Karachi will be charged at PKR 12,500, while a platinum shared box at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be available at the same price.

Squads

Pakistan

Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Bangladesh

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed

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Pakistan’s star athlete Arshad Nadeem on Saturday, reached Istanbul on his way back to his homeland after winning the Paris Olympics gold medal in the Javelin throw.

According to the details, Arshad, alongside his coach Salman Butt reached the Turkish capital on Saturday evening and is anticipated to touch down in Pakistan in the wee hours on Sunday.

He will be accompanied by the Chairman of South Asian Athletics, Muhammad Akram Sahi.

Upon his return to homeland, a grand reception is planned for the champion and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will receive Pakistan’s javelin thrower Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem at Lahore airport, his coordinator Rana Mashood confirmed.

Earlier today, President Asif Ali Zardari directed for the conferment of Hilal-e-Imtiaz upon star athlete Arshad Nadeem for his ground-breaking performance in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024.

“The President will confer the civil award upon Arshad Nadeem during a special ceremony to be held in recognition of his prominent performance in sports. The President will confer the civil award under Article 259 (2) of the Constitution,” President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release, on Saturday.

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Under the constitutional provision, the president can confer Pakistani citizens with civil awards in recognition of their meritorious services in different fields of life.

Upon the President’s directive, a letter had been dispatched by the Aiwan-e-Sadr to the Cabinet Division, in this regard.

President Zardari said that Arshad Nadeem, with his brilliant performance, had made the nation proud in the field of sports.

Arshad Nadeem became the first-ever individual gold medalist in the Olympics for Pakistan.

In the first stage, the star javelin player failed to make a mark in his first attempt, however, he made a remarkable recovery with 92.97m in his second attempt, a new Olympic record, which was eventually proved sufficient for him to secure the gold at the Paris Olympics.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the match officials for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on August 21.

Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle, who is a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control teams for the two ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 fixtures.

Both teams are scheduled to play the first Test match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi from 21 to 25 August.

The second Test match between the two sides will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 30 August to 3 September.

For the Test series, three umpires will be from the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and two umpires are from the ICC International Panel of Umpires.

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For the Rawalpindi Test, England’s Richard Kettleborough will be the on-field umpire alongside South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock.

England’s Michael Gough will be the third umpire, while Rashid Riaz of Pakistan will act as a fourth umpire.

In Karachi, Michael Gough and Adrian Holdstock will perform the duties of on-field umpires, while Richard Kettleborough will serve as a third umpire.

Asif Yaqoob from Pakistan will be available as the fourth umpire in the Test match.

The Bangladesh cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad in the wee hours of 17 August and is expected to train in the same afternoon.

Meanwhile, the home team’s training camp will commence at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 11 August and will be supervised by red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood.

Pakistan squad for Test series against Bangladesh

Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi

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Pakistan’s star athlete Arshad Nadeem is scheduled to participate in the final round of the Javelin throw event of the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 later today.

The organisers have revealed the throw order for the participants, with Arshad Nadeem set to throw at number four.

Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch will be the first one to throw, followed by Anderson Peters from Grenada and Keshorn Walcott from Trinidad.

Meanwhile, Indian star and Tokyo Olympics’ gold medalist Neeraj Chopra is slated to throw at number eight.

All 12 participants will throw three times in the first stage, after which the top eight athletes will have three more throws.

For the unversed, Arshad Nadeem qualified in the final round of the Javelin throw on Tuesday with an 86.59-meter throw in his first attempt during the qualification round.

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“I want to make Pakistan proud in the Olympic Games,” Nadeem told a local news channel.

“I am optimistic about delivering a good result in the final,” he maintained while thanking fans for their support.

The final of the Javelin Throw event will be played on Thursday, August 8, at 11:25 pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST) and will be telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports Channel A Sports and will also be streamed live on ARY ZAP.

It is worth mentioning here that Arshad Nadeem is Pakistan’s last hope for a medal in the ongoing Paris Olympics as all of their remaining athletes have been knocked out of the medal race.

Pakistan last won a medal in the Olympics during the 1992 Summer Games in Barcelona, however, Arshad is hopeful that he will once again bring the glory to the country.

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