Author: shahzad.malik

LAHORE: Amid the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the PCB is exploring contingency plans should it withdraw from the tournament.

According to sources, the decision is expected today after the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, meets with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the evening.

Additionally, Pakistan has linked the launch of the T20 World Cup kit after the final decision. The kit unveiling ceremony was originally scheduled for 31 January, Friday, during Pakistan and Australia’s second T20I.

Sources familiar with the matter also say that, if Pakistan decides to withdraw from the T20 World Cup, the PCB has devised a plan to hold a domestic tournament, including Pakistan’s senior team, Pakistan Shaheens, and the U19 squad, divided into four teams.

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For the unversed, speculation has been rife about Pakistan’s World Cup participation following the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejection of Bangladesh’s venue change request, which has led to the team’s boycott of the mega event.

The situation surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified last week when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament after Bangladesh refused to travel to India.

Notably, Pakistan are currently scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, and have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, as well as the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, even though India is one of the co-hosts.

The move has caused unease within the PCB, which publicly backed Bangladesh’s stance during the dispute.

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LAHORE: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha on Wednesday came out strongly in defence of star batter Babar Azam ahead of the national team’s three-match series against Australia, set to begin on Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Salman addressed the media in Lahore a day before the opening match of the three-game series, which will be played from January 29 to February 1 at the same venue.

During the press conference, Salman was asked whether Babar could regain form after a below-par Big Bash League (BBL) 15 campaign for Sydney Sixers, where he scored 202 runs in 11 matches, averaging 22.44 with a strike rate of 103.06.

However, the Pakistan captain dismissed the concern, stating that Babar’s performances for Pakistan matter more than what he does in the BBL, insisting the franchise cricket form should not be used to judge his value.

“I wish someday I attend a press conference and not get asked about Babar Azam,” Salman said. “You [media] need to leave him and let him play his game, and also focus on other players.”

“Look, I agree Babar did not play as per expectations in the BBL, but for us, he has been a proven performer always, so I have no issues. For me, it only matters how he plays for Pakistan. What he does in the BBL does not matter to me.”

Babar, who remains one of Pakistan’s most reliable batters in the format, played eight T20Is in 2025, scoring 206 runs at an impressive average of 34.33, including two half-centuries.

His strike rate, however, remained under scrutiny, standing at 114.44.

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Salman Ali Agha also spoke about Pakistan’s approach in home conditions, highlighting how scoring patterns change depending on pitches and match situations.

“We have scored more than 200 in these conditions as well, you can see last year’s Bangladesh series,” he said. “But when you don’t get that kind of batting condition, then scoring big becomes difficult.”

The Pakistan captain stressed that modern T20 cricket has become highly competitive, leaving no room for complacency.

“In T20 cricket, there is no big or small team,” Salman said. “In international cricket, no team is easy.”

Calling the Australia series “very important,” Salman said Pakistan would look to address the shortcomings in their game and execute roles according to conditions.

“This series against Australia is very important,” he said. “We will try to cover the gaps in our game. We all know our roles, how we have to play according to the conditions.”

Notably, the three-match T20I series will serve as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

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LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan on Monday expressed confidence ahead of the T20I series against Australia and T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

The national team is currently involved in a training camp ahead of three match T20I series against Australia.

Speaking after scenario based practice match, Shadab said he welcomes praise when he performs well but is aware of the criticism he often faces.

“When you do well, you get praise. I know there’s a lot of criticism directed at mem but I focus on my game,” Shadab told reporters.

Talking about conditions in Sri Lanka, he noted that the weather keeps changing but expressed confidence in the team’s approach while praising ace batter Babar Azam.

“Wherever we play, we aim to play good cricket.” “Babar Azam is our biggest player. I have seen him grow into the player he is today,” he added.

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“I am a bowler who can also contribute with the bat. There’s been talk that I focus too much on batting, but I balance both aspects of my game,” Shadab explained.

He admitted he had been away from cricket for some time but is now back and ready to contribute.

“Modern cricket demands that you adopt new strategies and adapt accordingly,” he said.

On conditions in Sri Lanka ahead of the T20 World Cup, he predicted that putting up a big score on the board will be a challenge.

“Big scores will be difficult to come by.”

“The upcoming series against Australia is the best preparation for the World Cup. Our spinners performed well in the Asia Cup, and I hope they continue to perform in the World Cup as well,” he concluded.

For those unaware, Australia are set to arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday, 28 January and will play just their second series in the format on Pakistan soil after a solitary T20I in April 2022 at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan squad for Australia series

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq

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LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday said that a final call on the national team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be taken by the federal government.

Naqvi’s remarks came after reports emerged that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the upcoming World Cup following Bangladesh’s refusal to travel to India for the event.

The ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had been engaged in prolonged discussions over the issue, but failed to reach a compromise.

Earlier this week, the ICC formally rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate their matches from India to Sri Lanka, insisting the existing schedule would remain unchanged and issuing what was effectively a final ultimatum.

Against that backdrop, sources had suggested that Pakistan could also consider boycotting the tournament should Bangladesh withdraw or be forced out.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that the PCB would not act independently on the matter and would align itself with the government’s position.

“The prime minister [Shehbaz Sharif] is currently not in the country. Once he returns, we will announce a final decision,” Naqvi said when asked about Pakistan’s stance following the ICC’s decision on Bangladesh.

The PCB chairman openly criticised the ICC’s handling of the situation, accusing the governing body of applying double standards and treating Bangladesh unfairly.

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“Bangladesh has been treated unjustly. I raised the same point during the ICC board meeting,” Naqvi said.

“You cannot have a situation where one country is allowed to make decisions whenever it wants, while another is denied the same consideration.”

He stressed that Bangladesh should, in his view, be allowed to participate in the World Cup under any circumstances.

“They are a major stakeholder in international cricket. This kind of injustice should not happen,” he added.

Naqvi also alluded to what he described as the BCCI’s influence over ICC decision-making, warning that Pakistan would not accept any form of diktat.

“Bangladesh is the same ICC member as Pakistan,” he said. “If concessions have been made in the past for certain countries, then the same approach should be applied to Bangladesh.”

“One country cannot dictate terms to another. And if any such attempt is made, Pakistan will take its own clear stance,” Naqvi concluded.

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan may reconsider its participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following the rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, sources said on Sunday.

According to sources, Bangladesh has contacted the Pakistan government regarding participation in the mega event due to the team’s raising security concerns.

Sources added that if the matter is not resolved, Pakistan may review its decision to participate in the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan maintains that Bangladesh has valid grounds for not traveling to India and has assured full support on the matter.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also offered to host Bangladesh fixtures amid the unavailability of venues in Sri Lanka due to logistical challenges.

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For the unversed, the dispute escalated following recent geopolitical tensions between India and Bangladesh, after which BCB formally requested a venue change, citing concerns over player safety.

The issue gained further traction after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on the recommendation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

While the ICC has assured full security arrangements, BCB officials have maintained their stance, stating that playing on Indian soil could compromise their players’ safety.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on 7 February across Sri Lanka and India.

Bangladesh were originally scheduled to play three group-stage matches in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, before travelling to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Governing Council is set to hold an important meeting on Friday to discuss several key issues related to the upcoming season 11, sources revealed.

The meeting, which will be conducted virtually, was initially scheduled for Thursday but was later postponed by a day.

It will mark the first Governing Council session since the inclusion of two new franchises, expanding the league from six to eight teams.

According to sources, the agenda will focus on finalising major operational and commercial matters ahead of PSL 11.

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Discussions are expected to include player retentions, the players’ draft, auction-related issues and the overall tournament schedule.

Notably, PSL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer has recently revealed that the possibility of conducting a players’ auction will be discussed with the franchises.

Sources further revealed that proposals to increase players’ remuneration and introduce direct signings could also be taken up during the meeting, with the possibility of key decisions being finalised.

The Governing Council is also likely to deliberate on various options for the draft date, while members may be asked to give their views on holding the players’ draft before the bidding process for the Multan Sultans franchise.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended the submission deadline for bids of two new teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), sources said.

According to the sources, the deadline, previously set for December 22, has been extended to December 24 for the second time due to the two bank holidays and at the request of the bidding parties.

According to sources, the deadline, previously set for December 22, has been extended to December 24 for the second time due to two bank holidays and at the request of the bidding parties.

Sources privy to the matter further told that the deadline for submitting proposals for two new PSL outfits will now be till 4:00 pm on December 24.

Meanwhile, the technically qualified bidders for the new PSL franchises will be announced on December 27, while the bidding for the teams will be held in an open auction on January 8.

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It is pertinent to mention that on 12 Dec, the cricket board extended the deadline for new teams, citing growing interest.

“Witnessing growing interest from the Europe, USA, the Middle East and beyond in acquiring new HBL PSL teams, we have decided to extend the bid submission deadline by one week to 22 December 2025,” Mohsin Naqvi had said in X post.

“Good luck to everyone, excited to welcome our new franchise owners to the HBL PSL family,” the post added.

For the unversed, the Pakistan Super League, which began in 2016 with five outfits, is set to expand with the addition of two new teams.

Notably, the league expanded to five teams in 2018 with the addition of Multan Sultans.

With the addition of two new teams, the league will undergo its first major restructuring in seven years, taking the total to eight teams.

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LAHORE: Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has shifted his focus to the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Diamond League after clinching gold at the Islamic Solidarity Games earlier this month.

Arshad lit the torch for the 35th National Games in the Punjab Stadium on Wednesday.

During the event, he spoke to the media and expressed gratitude for the support he has received and outlined his major international targets for the upcoming season.

“I am thankful to Allah for winning a medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games,” Arshad said, adding that being part of the torch relay ceremony was a moment of pride for him.

He also acknowledged the role of the Sports Board Punjab for providing training facilities and continuous backing throughout his journey.

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Arshad’s latest triumph came on November 19 at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium, where he dominated the men’s javelin final with a best throw of 83.05 metres on his second attempt.

After a modest 74.00m opening throw, the Pakistani ace crossed the 80-metre mark with authority and never looked back. His series also included efforts of 77.06m, a foul on the fifth attempt, and a final throw of 77.98m.

Pakistan enjoyed a one-two finish in the event as Muhammad Yasir Sultan claimed the silver medal with a throw of 74.43m, while Nigeria’s Samuel Kure settled for bronze with a 75.46m effort.

Notably, Arshad was the only athlete in the competition to cross the 80-metre barrier, underlining his dominance on the day.

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The Pakistan hockey team received a warm welcome at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on Tuesday after returning from Dhaka, where they swept Bangladesh 3-0 in the pre-World Cup qualifier series.

Families, friends and supporters gathered in large numbers to celebrate the team’s emphatic run, which secured a place in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026.

Pakistan wrapped up the series in style with a resounding 10-3 victory in the final match at the Maulana Bhashani Stadium on Sunday.

Having already sealed qualification with commanding 8-2 and 8-0 wins in the opening fixtures, the Green Shirts maintained their dominance throughout the tour.

In the final clash, Pakistan struck five goals in the first half and continued their relentless scoring in the second, leaving the hosts far behind.

The series also brought individual accolades for the visitors. Sufyan Khan finished as the Top Scorer, while Ammad Butt was named the Best Player of the Tournament.

The Dhaka series was arranged by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) after Pakistan were forced to miss the Asia Cup in India earlier this year due to political tensions.

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The successful outing now serves as crucial preparation for what lies ahead: the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026, scheduled in Belgium from February 28 to March 8.

The team will now shift focus to their next major assignment, Pakistan’s debut appearance in the FIH Pro League.

The national camp for the league will begin in Islamabad in the coming days, followed by two practice matches in Spain on November 29 and 30.

The seventh edition of the Pro League, starting in early December in Argentina, will feature nine teams: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain and Pakistan.

The Green Shirts open their campaign in Rosario, taking on the Netherlands on December 10 and hosts Argentina on December 12.

Pakistan hockey team will play 16 matches across four international legs, including tough outings against Germany and Australia in Hobart, and marquee European fixtures in Belgium and Spain.

A highlight for fans will undoubtedly be the highly anticipated clashes against arch-rivals India in London on June 23 and 26 next year.

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LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been handed a key role in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), sources said on Sunday.

According to sources, the wicket-keeper has been assigned to oversee matters regarding the Pakistan Shaheens and the Pakistan Under-19 teams.

The role will involve looking after squads, including coordination with coaches, squad management, and arrangements for domestic and international tours. Additionally, Sarfaraz could also travel with the teams on their tours.

It is pertinent to note that this will be the second time the 38-year-old has been assigned a role in the PCB. Previously, he had served as the mentor of the Dolphins team in the Champions Cup, which was held last year.

Earlier, Sarfaraz Ahmed, as Team Director of Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 10, opened up on the challenges of transitioning to the coaching role.

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The wicket-keeping batter led the side for eight years and in a record 80 matches since the inception of the PSL in 2016, and played as a player in the previous edition of the league.

In an interview with PCB Digital, Sarfaraz Ahmed said: “It is an exciting role for me, and I am trying to learn as I have previously worked as a mentor in the two Champions Cup events for team Dolphins”.

Sarfaraz Ahmed added, “It’s not easy for a player to transition into a coaching role, especially after being involved as a player on the field, but over time you need to evolve your skillset and adapt to new responsibilities. I have been with Quetta since the start of the HBL PSL.”

Recalling Quetta Gladiators’ triumph in the 2019 edition, the former Pakistan captain called it a memorable moment after reaching finals and playoffs for three years.

For the unversed, Sarfaraz is a vastly experienced player, having represented Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20Is.

He also brought several accolades to Pakistan, as he led the national team to victories in the ICC U19 World Cup 2006 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

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