Author: shahzad.malik

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday announced a 14-member squad under the leadership of Nida Dar for the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup, which will be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from 19 to 28 July.

Ayesha Zafar, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar, who were part of the 17-member squad that toured England last month, have been left out.

Instead, the selectors have recalled Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, and Syeda Aroob Shah for the tournament. Iram Javed played the last of her 53 T20Is in October 2023 against Bangladesh at Chattogram, while Omaima Sohail last played against New Zealand in Queenstown in December 2023.

Syeda Aroob Shah has played seven T20Is so far, with the last one coming against South Africa in September 2023.

Tasmia Rubab, the 22-year-old left-arm fast bowler, is the only uncapped player in the side. She played for Pakistan A against West Indies A and Thailand in November 2023.

Representing Multan in the recently held National Women’s One-Day Tournament 2023-24, Tasmia scored 86 runs and took 12 wickets. She also took four wickets at an economy rate of 6.36 in the National Women T20 Tournament 2023-24.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, a training camp of the Pakistan women’s national cricket team for the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup will commence in Karachi from 5 July and will continue until the side’s departure on 16 July.

Head coach Muhammad Wasim will supervise the camp and will be supported by Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach – bowling) and Hanif Malik (assistant coach – fielding).

Hina Munawar, Rabia Siddiq and Waleed Ahmed have already been confirmed as the team manager, physiotherapist and analyst, respectively.

Pakistan are placed in Group ‘A’ along with India, Nepal and UAE, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia are in Group ‘B’. The top two teams from each group will play in the semi-finals on July 26.

Pakistan will take on India on the opening day of the tournament on 19 July, while their matches against Nepal and UAE will be on 21 and 23 July, respectively.

Pakistan squad for ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup

Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan

READ: Ravindra Jadeja announces retirement from T20I cricket

Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam returned to Pakistan earlier this morning after a disastrous ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in the United States of America (USA).

He reached Lahore from New York after a brief layover in Dubai.

The star batter did not return to the country with the team after getting knocked out from the mega-event in order to spend time with his family in the USA.

He is expected to meet the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi and discuss the reasons for the team’s dismal performance in the tournament.

It is worth mentioning here that Babar Azam has been under hot water following the national men’s team’s early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Pakistan had a disastrous start to their campaign as they suffered a shock loss against the co-host United States of America (USA) after a Super Over.

The 2009 champions then succumbed to a gut-wrenching defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India at a jam-packed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.

The back-to-back defeats put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit and despite their victories over Canada and Ireland, they failed to reach the Super Eights stage.

READ: Rohit Sharma achieves major milestone in T20I cricket

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to make it a must for players to participate in domestic cricket for their selection in the national team.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on Monday, PCB said in a press release.

The meeting occurred following Pakistan’s horror run at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Green were eliminated from the marquee event in the group stage following two losses to the United States of America (USA) and India.

During the meeting, participants focused on strengthening domestic cricket in the country as Mohsin Naqvi gave principled approval to the plan aimed at promoting quality domestic cricket.

The PCB chairman announced a plan to organise domestic tournaments from the club level to the national level.

While directing PCB officials to groom domestic players, he emphasised the need for experienced coaches to train the new talent to enhance their skills.

“Performance, fitness, and merit will be the key criteria for advancing players,” Naqvi said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Pakistan Cricket Board will hold tournaments for all three formats of the game to promote quality domestic cricket in the 2024-25 season.

In a move to improve the standard of coaching, the PCB will appoint a master coach to train domestic cricket coaches.

According to the PCB, the participants of the meeting agreed that the selection criteria for the national team will be based on performance and fitness showcased in the domestic events.

The meeting participants also reviewed the domestic cricket structures of various high-performing cricket nations.

Earlier this month, Naqvi had said the defeat against India was disappointing in every way and that the team needed a major surgery.

“It seemed that a minor surgery would suffice for the Pakistan cricket team, but after the extremely poor performance, it has become clear that the team needs major surgery,” the PCB chairman said during a press conference after Pakistan’s defeat to India on June 9.

READ: Michael Vaughan labels Afghanistan ‘second best Asian team’

The Pakistan men’s football team on Tuesday afternoon, reached Dushanbe, just a few hours ago their scheduled FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match against Tajikistan.

According to the details, a bunch of players and support staff departed for Tajikistan following the national team’s home leg of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Saudi Arabia.

However, some of the players were left behind as their flight to Faisalabad was cancelled twice, pertaining to a bird strike and technical issue.

Then arrangements were made for a chartered flight but it was also cancelled due to technical issues.

The cancellation of the flights had put Pakistan’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match against Tajikistan in limbo until Pakistan Air Force came to the rescue and flew the remaining players from Nur Khan Air Base in the morning to Dushanbe.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Consequently, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) extended their gratitude to the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Army for their “unwavering support”.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistani Government, the Pakistan Army, and the Pakistan Air force for their unwavering support during these challenging times,” said PFF in a statement on its official social media handles.

“A special thank you to the Pakistan Air Force for generously providing their private aircraft, ensuring our safe arrival at our destination.

“Special mention for Chairman NC Haroon Malik for all his efforts in getting this done.

“Today marks our last match day, and we are determined to make the nation proud. Thank you for your continued support.”

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan recently succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Saudi Arabia at Jinnah International Stadium in Islamabad.

Pakistan are at the bottom of Group G of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers as they ended up on the losing side in all five matches played thus far.

READ: Real Madrid will not skip FIFA Club World Cup 2025, confirms Ancelotti

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has expressed his aim to lift the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy, after coming up short in previous editions.

The Green Shirts under Babar Azam played the semi-final and final of the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cup respectively.

The star batter opened up about his desire during an appearance on PCB Podcast, stating that he wants to spread happiness across the nation with the T20 World Cup victory.

“I want to give happiness to the nation by winning the T20 World Cup. We came very close in the last two World Cups but failed to win,” said Azam.

“As a captain, I regret not winning an ICC event so far. This time we have to win and for that, we have to play as one unit.”

Upon being asked about the preparations for the high-octane clash against arch-rivals India on June 9, Azam stressed that every game is important and the team is preparing accordingly.

“Not only the India match but all the matches are important for us. In order to lift the trophy, we have to overcome every opposition,” said the right-hander.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The star batter also shed light on his training and preparation for the mega-event as a batter.

“I do not play for my personal record, the first priority is the Pakistan team. I have done a lot of work on improving my strike rate,” he stated.

“I bat according to the team’s situation. Everyone has a different batting style and my game is not to start hitting sixes from the word go.”

The Green Shirts will start their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against the USA on June 6 before taking on arch-rivals India in a blockbuster clash on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

The 2009 champions will then take on Canada on June 11 before locking horns with Ireland in their last group-stage fixture on June 16.

Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

READ: USA’s Aaron Jones creates history during T20 World Cup win over Canada

LAHORE: Pakistan’s star javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has resumed training for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 after returning home from South Africa.

Nadeem travelled to South Africa last month to receive training from the renowned javelin coach Terseus Liebenberg. He underwent a five-week extensive training regime at the North West University facility.

The Commonwealth Games (CWG) gold medalist is now training under his local coach, Salman Butt. The training regime includes gym training, strength sessions, and throwing sessions.

Butt is collaborating with Liebenberg to develop a comprehensive and effective training plan for Nadeem, aligning with the goal of winning the gold in the Paris Olympics.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, besides clinching the gold medal at the CWG in 2022, Arshad Nadeem also secured the silver medal in the World Athletics Championship 2023 in Budapest.

He created history by becoming the first Pakistani to earn a medal at the World Athletics Championship.

He also earned his qualification for the Paris Olympics during the World Athletics Championship.

The automatic qualifying benchmark for the Paris Olympics was 85.50 meters, which Nadeem breached with an amazing 86.79-meter throw.

The star player also got his hands on the gold medal in the ongoing 34th National Games last year. He proved his mettle once again as he recorded the longest throw of 78.02m in his third attempt.

READ: Rafael Nadal eyes emotional French Open farewell

Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has expressed his determination to win the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, after falling short in the last two editions.

Afridi was part of Pakistan’s squad that reached the semi-final and final of the 2021 and 2022 World Cups respectively.

The 24-year-old pacer during a recent appearance on PCB Podcast, also opened up about the team dynamics and denied any disharmony or rift within the team.

“Sometimes, small disagreements happen in every family, even among brothers. But there’s nothing like that in our team,” Afridi said.

He also emphasized that the Pakistan team is at a crucial juncture with the mega-event approaching, and the players are focused on giving their best for the team.

“Our aim is to play with unity, and this is not the time for arguments or disputes; it’s the time for everyone to be on the same page,” he added.

Talking about his own form and fitness, the star pacer shared that he is fit and committed to lifting the coveted trophy for Pakistan.

“Mood is also good and fitness is also good. I am ready and hopeful that we will win the T20 World Cup,” Shaheen Afridi remarked.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He also opened up about his conversation with newly appointed white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, who is set to join the team in England on May 19.

“Gary Kirsten told me, ‘Don’t play for the name on the back of your shirt, but for the name on the front of the shirt,'” he added.

Pakistan team is currently gearing up for the four-match T20I series against England,, starting from May 22.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan.

READ: Brazil to host FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

LEEDS: The Pakistan cricket team reached here on Wednesday from Dublin to partake in the four-match T20I series against England.

The Green Shirts recently defeated Ireland in the three-match T20I series 2-1 before reaching here.

Pakistan team will rest today before hitting the nets on Friday to prepare for the series, starting from May 22 at Headingley.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten is set to join the team on May 19.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Kirsten will be joined by fielding coach Simon Helmot and Mental Performance Coach David Reid in the team management.

After the conclusion of the England series, the Pakistan team will depart for the United States of America (USA) to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The 2009 champions will start their campaign against co-host USA on June 6 before taking on arch-rivals India on June 9.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan.

England squad

Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood.

Series schedule

May 22: First T20I at Leeds

May 25: Second T20I at Birmingham

May 28: Third T20I at Cardiff

May 30: Fourth T20I at The Oval

READ: Misbah believes Amir’s experience will be crucial in T20 World Cup 2024

DUBLIN: Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Babar Azam, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance in the Ireland series and vowed to maintain the same momentum against England.

Pakistan defeated Ireland in the final T20I to clinch the three-match series 2-1, courtesy of Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s swashbuckling half-centuries.

Azam reflected on the team’s performance after the game and appreciated the batters for showing responsibility after the shocking loss in the first match.

“Our team showed improvement during the Ireland series, especially in the batting department,” said the star batter.

He appreciated contributions by the top-order batters Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman, while also showing faith in lower-order batters Iftikhar Ahmed and Azam Khan.

“Rizwan and Fakhar stood out throughout the series, however, the performance by Iftikhar Ahmed and Azam Khan in the lower order has been promising,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The star-batter also heaped praise on bowlers, especially all-rounder Imad Wasim for his economical spells.

“If we talk more about bowling, Imad Wasim is bowling very well in difficult situations. Amir is playing a perfect role as a senior bowler, while Shaheen Afridi once again proved himself as an outstanding bowler,” he said.

He also expressed optimism for the upcoming four-match T20I series against England and vowed to maintain the same momentum as in the Ireland series.

“You will continue to see positive intent from batters during the England series and we will try to maintain this momentum,” he concluded.

Pakistan and England will square off in the first T20I on May 22 at Headingley, followed by the second match at Edgbaston on May 25.

After the conclusion of the series, the Pakistan team will depart for the United States of America (USA) to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

READ: Hasaranga, Shakib share top-spot in ICC T20I All-Rounder Rankings

LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Head of Security Dave Musker met with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) COO Salman Naseer and other officials to review the preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025.

According to the details, the high-profile meeting was held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here with security arrangements for the eight-team tournament its core agenda.

“ICC Head of Security, Dave Musker, met with PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer and other officials at the NCA on Tuesday,” stated PCB.

“Musker is visiting Pakistan as part of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 preparations.

“The eight-team event is scheduled in Pakistan in February-March 2025.”

Earlier this year in March, a three-member ICC delegation visited Pakistan to inspect different venues and facilities in the country for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The delegation led by Chris Tetley, ICC’s Head of Events, included Sarah Edgar, Senior Manager event operations at ICC and Aun Zaidi, Manager event operations.

After inspecting Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium, the ICC delegation insisted on the extensive preparations needed to host the Champions Trophy 2025.

Acknowledging the importance of hosting a successful tournament, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi gave the delegation assurances of thorough preparations at every stage.

The eight-team tournament is slated to be held in February next year in Pakistan and is likely to span for over two weeks.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh while hosts Pakistan will defend the title.

READ: Gary Kirsten to join Pakistan team ahead of England T20Is