Author: shahzad.malik

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has termed the pre-season fitness camp in Kakul as highly successful, adding that it has contributed to preparing the players for the long and challenging cricket season ahead.

The right-handed batter also maintained that the fitness camp has helped strengthen unity and understanding amongst the group through strategically designed team bonding exercises and drills.

Twenty-nine cricketers attended the pre-season camp at the historic and iconic Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul from March 26 to April 6, with the training and drills designed by Pakistan Army experts and strategists.

During the camp, there was a focus on team building aimed to enhance the physical and mental strength of the players, ensuring they were in the best condition to face the challenges ahead.

Under the guidance of experienced trainers and coaches, the players underwent a comprehensive training regime tailored to elevate their fitness levels, agility, leadership, strategic thinking and overall performance on the field.

Babar Azam, who was recently reinstated as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, shared his experience of being part of the fitness camp.

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“This was my third boot camp, and with each visit, I’ve gleaned new insights,” said the right-hander.

“This time, our focus extended beyond physical fitness to encompass team bonding activities and performance-improving lectures.

“These elements are crucial considering our team environment where collective performance is paramount for achieving desired results.

“I’m confident that we’ll return to competitive cricket as better, fitter and mentally tougher athletes, thereby enhancing our overall performance.

“Given the upcoming cricket fixtures, this camp proves exceptionally valuable. It not only mitigates injury risks but also augments both individual skills and collective team performance.”

He also shared his favourite moment from the fitness camp. “Azam [Khan] climbing the mountain was the most memorable moment.”

READ: Depleted New Zealand sustain major blow ahead of Pakistan T20Is

LAHORE: The physical tickets for the five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be available for purchase from Saturday, 6 April.

Cricket fans can purchase physical tickets from various TCS express centres in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, Peshawar and Karachi.

The fans can visit any of the designated TCS express centres and buy physical tickets for the T20I series. Additionally, the pre-booked online tickets can also be picked up from the same centres.

It is pertinent to note that entry to the stadium will only be allowed with a valid physical ticket purchased from TCS while E-Tickets and photocopies of the tickets will not be accepted.

Moreover, one customer is allowed to buy up to 10 tickets per CNIC for each match. A total of 36 TCS express across the country will be selling the tickets for this series.

The fans can self-collect or buy the tickets from TCS express centres from 9am to 5pm.

In the first phase, the pre-booking of the online tickets started on March 29 at pcb.tcs.com.pk.

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Notably, the Pakistan cricketers are currently participating in the physical fitness camp, organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Army, to prepare for the upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand.

The camp commenced on March 26 and will conclude on April 8.

New Zealand are slated to reach Pakistan on April 14 for the crucial series, leading to the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the first three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April.

The two sides will then travel to Lahore to lock horns in the remaining two T20Is on 25 and 27 April, respectively.

Pakistan Players taking part in the Physical fitness camp in Kakul are:

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah, Saud Shakeel, Usman Khan, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan Niazi, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mehran Mumtaz, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Ali, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir.

READ: Emirates Cricket Board slaps five-year ban on Usman Khan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) bought a multi-storied building adjacent to the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for PKR 4 billion on Thursday.

The multi-storied building will be renovated and transformed into a seven-star hotel to accommodate international as well as local players.

This development will resolve the challenge of accommodating visiting teams and foreign players during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), who currently have to stay in local five-star hotels.

Additionally, this will shorten travelling time and eliminate traffic issues during teams’ commute from hotels to the stadium.

PCB is also working on upgrading three major stadiums, including the Gaddafi Stadium before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled in Pakistan.

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Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi, while addressing the media during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 final last month, acknowledged the need to upgrade three major stadiums, followed by the upgradation of other venues.

“Our three main venues – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi – will be upgraded before the Champions Trophy. We will upgrade other venues later as well, once these three are done. Our stadiums will be state-of-the-art once they have been renovated,” said Chairman PCB.

Later in the same month, the chairman was presented with the plan to upgrade three major stadiums by NESPAK (National Engineering Services of Pakistan) officials.

“The chairman instructed the officials about his plans regarding the enhancement of the view for the fans from every seat in the stadium while he also emphasised the importance of renovation of the hospitality boxes at all three venues,” the PCB said in a press release.

“With the upgradation plan to be finalised soon, the Chairman instructed the NESPAK officials to start the work on stadiums immediately keeping in mind a tight window of time before hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”

READ: Shan Masood comments on Babar Azam replacing Shaheen Afridi as T20I captain

ABBOTTABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, visited the ongoing physical fitness camp here in Kakul to inspect the training process.

“Visited Army School of Physical Training in Kakul, Abbottabad to meet the national team players and to inspect the training being impart to them,” wrote Naqvi on X, formerly Twitter.

Mohsin Naqvi then expressed his gratitude towards the Pakistan Army for arranging a detailed and effective fitness camp in a short period while also lauding the national players for their dedication.

“Extremely grateful to the Pakistan Army for arranging such a detailed and effective fitness camp in such a short span of time.

“Alhamdulillah! I am highly inspired by the incredible dedication and high spirits of the national team players.”

Visited Army School of Physical Training in Kakul, Abbottabad to meet the national team players and to inspect the training being imparted to them.
Extremely grateful to Pakistan Army, for arranging such a detailed and effective fitness camp in such a short span of time.…

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) April 1, 2024

 

For the unversed, a total of 29 players will undergo fitness training in the camp, organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Army.

The camp commenced on March 26 and will conclude on April 8.

“The camp, organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Army, is strategically designed to prepare the players for the upcoming series and tournaments, including the home T20I series against New Zealand, the away T20I series against Ireland and England, and the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies,” the PCB said in a press release.

“The camp will focus on team building and aims to enhance the physical and mental strength of the players, ensuring they are in the best condition to face the challenges ahead.

“Under the guidance of experienced trainers and coaches, the players will undergo a comprehensive training regime tailored to elevate their fitness levels, agility, leadership, strategic thinking and overall performance on the field.”

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Pace bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who recently came out of retirement, are also included in the camp along with top-order batter Usman Khan.

Pakistan Players taking part in the Physical fitness camp in Kakul are:

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah, Saud Shakeel, Usman Khan, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan Niazi, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mehran Mumtaz, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Ali, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir.

READ: Babar Azam’s father advises him to respect Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir

The tickets for the five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will go on sale from Friday, 29 March.

The series will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The matches are set to begin at 7:30 pm.

In the first phase, the pre-booking of the online tickets will start on Friday at 5pm at pcb.tcs.com.pk. The sale of physical tickets along with outlet addresses will be announced in due course.

🚨 Tickets for #PAKvNZ T20I series to go on sale from Friday 🚨

Pre-booking of tickets to start online at 5pm tomorrow at https://t.co/O2tYwg2B5j 🎟️

More details: https://t.co/RxauWal5Im#BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/2B3HNhfHJT

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 28, 2024

The tickets for Rawalpindi-leg will be available at a minimum cost of PKR 500 (Premium) and the maximum available at PKR 7,500 (VVIP Gallery).

Additionally, the hospitality seats will be available at a maximum amount of PKR 15,000 except for the first T20I where the hospitality seats will be available for PKR 12,000.

For the Lahore leg, ticket prices start at PKR 300 for General seating and the maximum at PKR 6,000 for the fourth T20I while PKR 7,000 for the fifth T20I (VVIP Gallery).

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Also, hospitality boxes located at the Far-End building will be available for purchase in Lahore.

The hospitality box for Thursday’s (25 April) encounter will be available at PKR 600,000, while the box for Saturday’s (27 April) match will be available at PKR 700,000.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the first three T20Is, scheduled on April 18, 20 and 21 respectively while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the remaining two matches of the Pakistan New Zealand series, scheduled to take place on April 25 and 27.

READ: Pakistan players kick off training in fitness camp at Kakul

ABBOTTABAD: Pakistan players on Thursday, underwent training in the ongoing physical fitness camp here at Kakul.

According to the details, the Pakistan players underwent training and gym exercises during the fitness camp at the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT).

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared pictures of the national cricketers undergoing different drills in the fitness camp.

📸 Clicks from the ongoing fitness camp at Army School of Physical Training (ASPT), Kakul 🏏🏃#PAKvNZ | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/TriWxGSvYB

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 28, 2024

 

A total of 29 players will undergo fitness training in the camp, organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Army.

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The camp commenced on March 26 and will conclude on April 8.

“The camp, organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Army, is strategically designed to prepare the players for the upcoming series and tournaments, including the home T20I series against New Zealand, the away T20I series against Ireland and England, and the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies,” the PCB said in a press release.

“The camp will focus on team building and aims to enhance the physical and mental strength of the players, ensuring they are in the best condition to face the challenges ahead.

“Under the guidance of experienced trainers and coaches, the players will undergo a comprehensive training regime tailored to elevate their fitness levels, agility, leadership, strategic thinking and overall performance on the field.”

Pace bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who recently came out of retirement, are also included in the camp along with top-order batter Usman Khan.

Pakistan Players taking part in the Physical fitness camp in Kakul are:

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah, Saud Shakeel, Usman Khan, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan Niazi, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mehran Mumtaz, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Ali, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir.

READ: “Give him time,” Shahid backs Shaheen Afridi as T20 captain

The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation on Tuesday paid a visit to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and reviewed the arrangements for the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in February 2025.

ICC Event Operations team, including Senior Manager Sarah Edgar, and Manager Aoun Zaidi inspected various facilities at the stadium including the field, dugouts, and media accommodations.

In addition, they evaluated the VIP boxes, digital screens, and the practical path from the hotel to the stadium.

The ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad for the final phase of the inspection where they will be joined by Chris Tetley, ICC Head of Events.

Tetley is poised to meet the newly-appointed PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad.

Following the completion of the inspection, the delegation will then compile a report and share it with the ICC and member nations.

Earlier on Monday, the ICC delegation visited Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

The team inspected various facilities of the National Bank Stadium while the management of the stadium briefed the delegation regarding the arrangements for the upcoming tournament.

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Last year in December, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) signed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosting rights agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai.

According to a statement, the former PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf was joined by ICC General Counsel Jonathan Hall in the signing of the hosting rights to Pakistan at the ICC headquarters.

The PCB in its capacity has already intimated the government to provide foolproof security to visiting international teams for the Champions Trophy.

For the unversed, ICC, in November 2021, announced a series of international cricket competitions for both men and men in the 2024–2031 cycle, which also features the 2025 and 2029 Champions Trophy editions.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be an eight-tournament and the structure will follow previous editions with two groups of four, semi-finals and final.

READ: PCB to pay homage to late Shaharyar Khan in a ceremony

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will pay homage to its former chairman late Shaharyar Khan in a ceremony here on March 28.

Late Shaharyar Khan served as the chairman of PCB twice and also performed the duties of the manager of the national cricket team.

The deceased was also considered a skilled cricket diplomat, who also played key roles in reinstating Pakistan-India cricketing ties.

The former PCB chairman passed away earlier this week in Lahore. He was 89 at the time of his demise.

According to his family, the deceased was suffering from prolonged illness and on Saturday morning, his condition worsened, leading to his saddened demise.

The PCB offered condolence on the passing of its former chairman and stated that Shaharyar Khan will be remembered for his vital role in bringing international cricket to Pakistan.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board, through its chairman, the Board of Governors and employees, expresses deep sadness and sorrow over the passing away of former chairman PCB Shaharyar Khan earlier this morning, in Lahore. He was 89,” stated PCB in a press release.

“The PCB pays heartfelt condolences to Shaharyar Khan’s family on his sad demise and wishes to always remember him as one of the vital characters in bringing cricket back to Pakistan during the last decade,” the statement added.

The newly-appointed PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his sorrow on the demise of Shaharyar Khan and acknowledged the late’s effort in the development of the game in the country.

“On behalf of the PCB, I express my deep condolences and grief over the passing of former Chairman Shaharyar Khan. He was a fine administrator and served Pakistan Cricket with utmost dedication.

“Pakistan Cricket will stay indebted to the late Shaharyar Khan for his commendable role as head of the board and for his services in the growth and development of the game in the country.”

READ: Schedule revealed for Pakistan’s white-ball tour of Australia

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced that 29 players will undergo a fitness camp in Kakul, Abbottabad.

“The camp, organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Army, is strategically designed to prepare the players for the upcoming series and tournaments, including the home T20I series against New Zealand, the away T20I series against Ireland and England, and the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies,” the PCB said in a press release.

“The camp will focus on team building and aims to enhance the physical and mental strength of the players, ensuring they are in the best condition to face the challenges ahead.

“Under the guidance of experienced trainers and coaches, the players will undergo a comprehensive training regime tailored to elevate their fitness levels, agility, leadership, strategic thinking and overall performance on the field.”

The camp is scheduled to commence on March 26 and will conclude on April 8. The players will report to the camp later today.

Pace bowler Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who recently came out of retirement, are also included in the camp along with top-order batter Usman Khan.

Players taking part in the Physical fitness camp in Kakul are:

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah, Saud Shakeel, Usman Khan, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan Niazi, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mehran Mumtaz, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Ali, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Aamir Jamal, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir

READ: Mohammad Amir ‘available’ to represent Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cup 2024

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi was presented with the plan to upgrade three major stadiums on Wednesday.

The development came after Naqvi previously announced that the major stadiums of the country would undergo upgradation before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi called on the NESPAK (National Engineering Services of Pakistan) officials in a follow-up meeting on the upgradation of the three major venues in Pakistan,” the PCB said in a press release.

“COO PCB, Salman Naseer, Director Infrastructure PCB Nasir Hameed and GM NESPAK were also in attendance during this meeting.