Author: shahzad.malik

LAHORE: A total of Pakistan 25 women cricketers will take part in the Skills and Fitness camp, scheduled to run from August 8 to 24 here at the National Cricket Academy.

The women’s national selection committee has selected the players to prepare them for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled in Bangladesh from 3 to 20 October.

For the 17-day camp, the players will arrive on 7 August and will take part in different fitness sessions from 8 to 18 August. The sessions include players’ medical screening, fitness and fielding drills.

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From 19 August until the conclusion of the camp, the players will feature in skills sessions, which include net sessions under the supervision of the national coaching staff.

The 25 players include nine batters, eight bowlers, six all-rounders and two wicket-keepers.

Pakistan Women Cricketers to participate in Skills and Fitness Camp:

All-rounders – Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Nida Dar, Rameen Shamim, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tuba Hassan.

Batters – Ayesha Zafar, Dua Majid, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin and Yusra Amir.

Fast Bowlers – Diana Baig, Neha Sharmin Nadeem, Tasmia Rubab, Waheeda Akhtar and Zaib-un-Nisa Niaz.

Spinners – Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal and Umm-e-Hani.

Wicket-keepers – Muneeba Ali and Najiha Alvi.

Earlier it was reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to conduct a fitness test of the national men’s cricketers ahead of the upcoming two-match home Test series against Bangladesh.

According to the details, the players in contention to be named in the Pakistan squad for the Test series against Bangladesh are expected to be called on August 9 with the fitness test scheduled next day on August 10.

Furthermore, the centrally contracted players are also considered to be called for the fitness test.

Details further suggested that the Pakistan cricketers will undergo a total of five to six fitness tests in order to be physically tested as per the international criteria.

READ: Pacers steer Pakistan Shaheens to dominant victory against Bangladesh A

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that their men’s “A” cricket team’s departure for Pakistan has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

According to a statement issued by the PCB, Bangladesh A team was supposed to reach Islamabad in the wee hours of Wednesday, however, due to ongoing protests in the country, their departure has been delayed by 48 hours.

The PCB further shared that they have been in regular contact with the BCB for the past two days and will continue to work together on the revised tour itinerary with further details to follow in due course.

Remember, Bangladesh A was supposed to play two four-day and three 50-over matches against Pakistan Shaheens from August 10 to 27.

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Details emerged that the key Pakistan Test players will represent Pakistan Shaheens in the first four-day match against Bangladesh A.

The upcoming series will be succeeded by a two-match Test series featuring the senior men’s team of Pakistan and Bangladesh. The players participating in the series against Bangladesh A will get valuable preparation for the subsequent Tests.

However, the Test squad players will only be able to participate in the first match, as the second match will end only a day before the commencement of the Test series.

The first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh A will start on August 10, followed by the second red-ball fixture that will run from August 17 to 20.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s senior side will touch down in Pakistan on August 17, while the first Test match will commence on August 21.

READ: Pakistan players to undergo fitness test ahead of Bangladesh Tests

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to conduct a fitness test of the national cricketers ahead of the upcoming two-match home Test series against Bangladesh.

According to the details, the players in contention to be named in the Pakistan squad for the Test series against Bangladesh are expected to be called on August 9 with the fitness test scheduled next day on August 10.

Furthermore, the centrally contracted players are also considered to be called for the fitness test.

Details further suggested that the Pakistan cricketers will undergo a total of five to six fitness tests in order to be physically tested as per the international criteria.

Earlier it was reported that some of the national Test team’s players will represent Pakistan Shaheens in the home red-ball series against Bangladesh A.

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The upcoming series will be succeeded by a two-match Test series featuring the senior men’s team of Pakistan and Bangladesh. The players participating in the series against Bangladesh A will get valuable preparation for the subsequent Tests.

However, the Test squad players will only be able to participate in the first match, as the second match will end only a day before the commencement of the Test series.

The first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh A will start on August 10, followed by the second red-ball fixture that will run from August 17 to 20.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s senior side will touch down in Pakistan on August 17, while the first Test match will commence on August 21.

The reports also suggest that the decision to include prominent Test players in the Pakistan Shaheens team was made based on a recommendation from Waqar Younis, who has recently assumed the role of Adviser for Cricket Affairs.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed the tentative dates for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025.

The PSL is held every year in the February-March window but due to its collision with the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the cricket board came up with an alternative window.

As per the PCB press release, the tenth edition of the PSL will now be played from April 10 to May 25. It’s worth noting that the PSL 10 will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL), which runs for two months from late March to late May every year.

The PCB officials and its six PSL franchisees, in the buildup to their General Council meeting, met in May to reflect on the PSL 2024 and also to look ahead to the PSL 2025.

In the meeting, the cricket board proposed a new window, discussed the availability of venues and also the introduction of some innovative tweaks to the playing conditions, with further discussions to take place in the Governing Council in due course.

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“Due to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being held in the traditional event window, the event window for the 2025 event will be 7 April 2025 – 20 May 2025,” proposed PCB.

“Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi to host matches in Pakistan with each side playing, at least, five matches on home ground. The PCB will continue to explore additional venues. Four playoffs are proposed to be staged at a neutral venue.

“Some innovative tweaks and changes in the event playing conditions were explored with an aim to make the HBL PSL 2025 more exciting and competitive, as well as involve, engage, and increase the fan base.”

Meanwhile, the PCB also announced the introduction of the Champions tournaments across three formats for the 2024-25 Men’s Domestic Cricket Season.

With the addition of three Champions tournaments, the PCB will now organise a total of 261 matches across eight men’s senior tournaments.

This includes 131 first-class matches in three events, 40 50-over matches in two events and 97 T20 matches in three events.

READ: PCB introduces three Champions tournaments for the 2024-25 domestic season

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the schedule for the upcoming 2024-25 Men’s Domestic Cricket Season on Monday.

The upcoming season will feature Champions tournaments across three formats to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket as well as provide a more competitive and high-pressure cricket playing environment to the players.

The Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup and Champions First-Class Cup will join the National T20 Cup, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (regional first-class tournament), President’s Trophy (departmental first-class tournament), President’s Cup (departmental 50-over event), and HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 in the 2024-25 domestic cricket season, expected to run from 1 September 2024 to 5 August 2025.

With the addition of three Champions tournaments, the PCB will now organise a total of 261 matches across eight men’s senior tournaments.

This includes 131 first-class matches in three events, 40 50-over matches in two events and 97 T20 matches in three events.

The Champions One-Day Cup will serve as the season opener of the PCB Men’s Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25 when the 21-match tournament is played from 1-29 September.

Curtains will fall on the PCB Men’s Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25 with the Champions First-Class Cup, which will be held from 28 May to 5 August.

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In addition to the eight men’s senior tournaments in the period from August 2024 to September 2025, the PCB will also organise 11 development/pathway tournaments which will be separate from the three Pakistan Shaheens and one Pakistan U19 away series.

Tentative dates of the eight men’s senior tournaments in the PCB Men’s Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25 are (schedules, formats and other details will be announced closer to time):

• Champions One-Day Cup: 1-29 September (five teams, 21 matches) (new event)

• President’s Cup (50-over): 3-15 October (nine teams, 19 matches) (seven teams, 24 matches in 2023-24)

• Quaid-e-Azam Trophy: 20 October-18 December (18 teams, 73 matches) (eight teams, 29 matches in 2023-24)

• Champions T20 Cup: 21 December -2 January (five teams, 21 matches) (new event)

• President’s Trophy (first-class): 6 January-7 March (nine teams, 37 matches) (seven teams, 22 matches in 2023-24)

• National T20 Cup: 13-21 March (18 teams, 35 matches) (18 teams, 63 matches in 2023-24)

• Pakistan Super League 2025: 10 April-25 May (six teams, 34 matches) (six teams, 34 matches in 2023-24)

• Champions First-Class Cup: 28 May-5 August (five teams, 21 matches) (new event)

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the addition of three Champions tournaments as part of the Men’s Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25 on Monday.

These tournaments have been announced to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, provide a tougher, more competitive and high-pressure cricket playing environment, and create better and enhanced earning opportunities for its future stars.

The Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup and Champions First-Class Cup will join the National T20 Cup, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (regional first-class tournament), President’s Trophy (departmental first-class tournament), President’s Cup (departmental 50-over event), and HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 in the 2024-25 domestic cricket season, expected to run from 1 September 2024 to 5 August 2025.

With the addition of three Champions tournaments, the PCB will now organise a total of 261 matches across eight men’s senior tournaments.

This includes 131 first-class matches in three events, 40 50-over matches in two events and 97 T20 matches in three events.

In the 2023-24 season, the PCB had organised 203 matches in the six men’s senior tournaments, including 51 first-class matches in two tournaments, 55 50-over matches in two events and 97 T20 matches.

Salient features of the newly-introduced Champions tournaments are:

• Five sides – Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions and Wolves – will compete in each Champions Cup event

• Each Champions Cup event will be played in a double-league format

• Around 150 of the country’s highest-performing domestic players from the past three years and centrally contracted players will be available for selection (more details to be shared in due course)

• Each side will have a former Pakistan superstar as a mentor and potentially as an owner (mentor and owner names/details to be announced in due course)

• Player support personnel of each side are expected to include: Head Coach (at least Level 3, minimum five years with a first-class side), batting/bowling/fielding coaches (minimum Level 3, three-year experience), Strength and Conditioning Coach, Physiotherapist, Analyst, Operations Manager, and Media/Digital Media Manager

• Each side will be allocated a dedicated Regional High-Performance Centre in Faisalabad (High-Performance Centre Faisalabad), Karachi (Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre), Lahore (National Cricket Academy), Multan (Inzamam-ul-Haq High-Performance Centre), and Sialkot (High-Performance Centre, Sialkot) for training and practice

• Enhanced domestic contracts will be offered to 150 cricketers as Category 1: 40 players, PKR550,000 per month; Category 2: 50 players, PKR400,000 per month; Category 3: 60 players, PKR250,000 per month.
  In the 2023-24 season, domestic contracts were offered as PKR300,000 for A+ Category, PKR200,000 for A Category, PKR185,000 for B Category, PKR170,000 for C Category, PKR150,000 for D Category, PKR100,000 for E Category, and PKR50,000 for F Category

• In addition to the monthly retainers, players will receive improved match fees as follows: PKR200,000 for red-ball cricket, PKR125,000 for 50-over matches and PKR100,000 for T20 matches.
  In the 2023-24 season, match fees were PKR80,000 and PKR40,000 for red and white-ball cricket, respectively

• Each side will have a Corporate Sponsor and Media Partner. Other revenue streams will include broadcast and live-streaming rights, event title sponsorship, ground branding rights and ticket sales/merchandise

The Champions One-Day Cup will serve as the season opener of the PCB Men’s Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25 when the 21-match tournament is played from 1-29 September.

Curtains will fall on the PCB Men’s Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25 with the Champions First-Class Cup, which will be held from 28 May to 5 August.

In addition to the eight men’s senior tournaments in the period from August 2024 to September 2025, the PCB will also organise 11 development/pathway tournaments which will be separate from the three Pakistan Shaheens and one Pakistan U19 away series.

This potentially means the budding and upcoming youngsters are expected to get around 13,000 matches at the schools, colleges, universities, clubs, U15, U17, U19, Regional Inter-District Senior and Challenge League Senior levels across all formats to test their skills, impress their coaches and selectors with their performances, make themselves available for selection in the regional, departmental, franchise and Champions sides and, in the meantime, continue to walk up the ladder in pursuit of their dreams.

While announcing the new domestic structure, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi referred to the introduction of the Champions Tournament as a bold move to guide Pakistan cricket in the right direction.

“Our current standings – sixth in Tests, fourth in ODIs and seventh in T20Is – do not reflect the true potential and legacy of Pakistan cricket,” said Naqvi.

“To restore our rightful place at the top of world cricket, we must innovate and strategically enhance, expand and strengthen our domestic structure. The introduction of the three Champions tournaments is a bold step in this direction.

He also shared that international players would also participate in these tournaments, which will help transfer their extensive experience and knowledge to young players.

“The Champions tournaments will bring together our most talented and consistent performers from domestic cricket with our centrally contracted players, creating an environment that mirrors the intensity of international cricket,” he added.

“With broadcast matches, legendary mentors, elite coaching staff and extensive media coverage, these tournaments will provide our players with the exposure and experience they need.

“These tournaments are not just about bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket, they are about revolutionising and rejuvenating our entire cricketing ecosystem.

“By establishing a clear and progressive pathway from clubs, schools and universities to intra-district, inter-district, to regional/department competitions, we are nurturing the next generation of cricketing stars.

“The Champions tournaments will offer our players a platform to experience the rigours and pressures of international cricket right here at home. This is crucial for building a robust and highly competitive domestic structure that consistently produces world-class talent.

“I am incredibly optimistic about the future of Pakistan cricket. The investments we are making through the Champions tournaments will pay immense dividends. We are dedicated to identifying, nurturing and preparing our best talent to represent Pakistan on the global stage.”

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in an effort to unearth talent at the grassroots level is all set to organise open trials for women across the country from Monday, 5 August.

Among the 14 cities, PCB will host the first-ever women’s cricket trials in the Sost Valley, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and passionate cricketing community.

This initiative highlights PCB’s commitment to explore women’s talent in far-flung areas.

The trials will be held in two phases, with Gilgit, Hunza and Sost hosting trials from 5 to 7 August, while the second phase will begin on 21 August and will conclude on 3 September.

In case of rain on any given date of the trials, the trials of the respective city will be conducted between 4 to 5 September.

Former international cricketers Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima – members of the women’s national selection committee – will hold the trials across the country.

It will include two categories – U19 and emerging. Players born on or after 1 September 2005 are eligible for U19 trials.

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In the second phase, players can register themselves for the trials by filling out the form online, which will be available in due course.

The players will be required to bring their filled forms with both original and copy of Birth certificates/Bforms/CNIC to the trials. For the convenience of players, they can get themselves registered on the ground as well.

“These trials will help the selectors to discover and develop the next generation of women’s cricketers,” said one of the members of the selection committee, Asad Shafiq.

“We are keen to ensure that talent from every corner of the country gets a fair chance to shine. This process will enable them to represent domestic teams, ultimately leading them to play for the national sides in the future.”

“The open trials are a crucial step in our efforts to nurture young talent. We are excited to see the future stars of women’s cricket come forward and showcase their potential,” said another member of the selection committee Batool Fatima.

“I will urge all parents to support their daughters in pursuing their cricket dreams by helping them participating in the nationwide selection trials.”

The following is the schedule of trials:

First phase:

5 Aug – Venue: Cricket Ground for Girls Cricket at Public Schools and Colleges, Gilgit. Selectors: Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima

6 Aug – Venue: Boys Degree College Ground, Hunza. Selectors: Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima

7 Aug – Venue: Sost Valley, Hussainabad Cricket Ground, Hunza. Selectors: Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima

Second phase:

21 Aug – Venue: Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, Karachi. Selector: Asad Shafiq

22 Aug – Venue: Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala. Selector: Batool Fatima

23 Aug – Venue: Crescent Cricket Ground, Sialkot. Selector: Asad Shafiq

26 Aug – Venue: LCCA, Lahore. Selectors: Asad Shafiq and Batool Fatima

27 Aug – Venue: Saeed Ajmal Academy, Faisalabad. Selector: Batool Fatima; Venue: Qayyum Stadium, Peshawar. Selector: Asad Shafiq

28 Aug – Venue: Mardan Sports Complex, Mardan. Selector: Asad Shafiq

29 Aug – Venue: Abbottabad Stadium, Abbottabad. Selector: Asad Shafiq; Venue: Bugti Stadium, Quetta. Selector: Batool Fatima

30 Aug – Venue: Viqar Un Nisa College, Rawalpindi. Selector: Asad Shafiq

2 Sep – Venue: Inzamam ul Haq High Performance Centre, Multan. Selector: Batool Fatima

3 Sep – Venue: Women Sports Stadium, Bahawalpur. Selector: Batool Fatima

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday, broke silence on the reports regarding the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) seeking a security consultant for their upcoming Test tour.

Earlier today, it was reported in Bangladeshi media, that the BCB has approached the federal government to provide them with a security consultant.

“Look providing safety is up to them (Pakistan) and we go there because they assure us to provide state-level security and after they assured us about it, the tour was fixed,” BCB cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus told reporters on Wednesday.

“At the same time we have requested the government to give us a security consultant during the tour who will maintain communication with them at all times regarding the security issues,” he said.

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Meanwhile, a PCB spokesperson from Lahore, said it is BCB’s right to have a security consultant before affirming that the touring party has not expressed any security concerns.

“Security managers or consultants are now considered part of the player support personnel just like a media manager or a team doctor. Even at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and other bilateral series, teams have traveled with security managers,” the PCB spokesperson said.

“If the Bangladesh Cricket Board wants to include a security consultant as part of their team management for the upcoming Test tour, then it is their prerogative. But as on now, the BCB have not expressed any security concerns with the PCB.

“In fact, and as part of international norm, the PCB shared the security plan along with the MoU with the BCB last month and received no queries or additional requests.”

It is worth mentioning here that the Bangladesh cricket team will touch down in Pakistan on August 17, while the first Test match will commence on August 21.

The second match of the series will be played from August 30 to September 03.

It is pertinent to mention here that the series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025.

The Green Shirts boast an undefeated record against Bangladesh, securing 12 victories out of 13 games, while one match ended in a draw.

READ: BCB confirms Shakib Al Hasan’s availability for Pakistan Tests

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has decided to hand over the power to make cricket decisions to the former captain Waqar Younis, according to sources.

The sources revealed that Naqvi would oversee the administrative affairs only, while Waqar would be responsible for all the decisions regarding international and domestic selection committees, players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other important cricket matters.

According to the PCB Constitution 2014, the chairman has the authority to delegate his power to someone, thereby enabling the transfer of powers to Waqar Younis.

Meanwhile, Naqvi himself is currently focused on the administrative affairs of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.

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“Waqar Younis will be in charge of all matters related to the national team. He will oversee the national selection committee, white ball and red ball coaches,” sources claimed.

Waqar has previously served as the head coach and bowling coach of Pakistan cricket team after retiring in 2003.

On the other hand, Mohsin Naqvi is set to become the new president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a two-year tenure, according to sources.

The reports indicate that Pakistan has been authorized to chair the ACC and Mohsin Naqvi is set to assume the role in January 2025. The decision was made during the ACC meeting held in Bali in January 2024.

For the unversed, Mohsin Naqvi currently holds two key positions in Pakistan as he is not only PCB chairman but the Interior Minister as well.

READ: Mohsin Naqvi set to replace Jay Shah as ACC president

LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens will play four additional four-day and six 50-over matches this year at home against Bangladesh A and Sri Lanka A in August and November, respectively.

Pakistan Shaheens are currently playing a four-day series against Bangladesh A in Darwin, Australia.

Following the second four-dayer between the two teams which will conclude on 29 July, they will go toe-to-toe in two four-dayers from 10-13 August and 17-20 August in Pakistan (Venues TBC). The four-dayers will be followed by three 50-over matches on 23, 25, and 27 August.

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In November, Sri Lanka A will visit Pakistan for five matches against Pakistan Shaheens. The four-dayers will be played from 11-14 November and 18-21 November, while the 50-over matches will be held on 25, 27, and 29 November. Venues will be announced in due course.

Separately, the Pakistan Emerging team will also defend their ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup title in October, while the Pakistan U19 team will feature in a U19 50-over Tri-Nation Tournament and ACC Asia Cup U19 in November/December. The ACC will announce details of the two tournaments in due course.

Schedule of upcoming development/pathways events

BANGLADESH A IN PAKISTAN

10-13 Aug – 1^st four-day match

17-20 Aug – 2^nd four-day match

23 Aug – 1^st 50-over match

25 Aug – 2^nd 50-over match

27 Aug – 3^rd 50-over match

ACC EMERGING TEAMS ASIA CUP 2024

October (dates, venue and schedule TBC)

SRI LANKA A IN PAKISTAN

11-14 Nov – 1^st four-day

18-21 Nov – 2^nd four-day

25 Nov – 1^st 50-over match

27 Nov – 2^nd 50-over match

29 Nov – 3^rd 50-over match

U19 50-over Tri-Nation Tournament & ACC U19 ASIA CUP 2024

November/December (dates, venues and schedule TBC)

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