Author: shahzad.malik

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9, scheduled next year, will feature six teams, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Monday.

The chairman of the PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf presided over the meeting of the PSL Governing Council at the National Cricket Academy here.

The high-profile meeting saw a wide range of issues being discussed, including the number of teams for the upcoming PSL 9.

“The upcoming ninth season will be played with six teams. No additional team will be added in the upcoming season,” stated PCB.

For the unversed, former chairman of the PCB Management Committee Najam Sethi, in March this year, expressed his strive to expand the PSL by adding two more teams in the next edition.

“If you ask me what are our plans for the next PSL, keeping it brief my strive is to add two more teams. But obviously, this decision is subject to the approval of the franchises and is impossible without doing the homework,” said Sethi.

“That is because if any franchise suffers a loss by the addition of two more franchises then it is not a good thing to do. It must be a win-win situation for everyone. So I’m doing homework on this.

“We had a brief discussion with the franchises and after the conclusion of this PSL, we will formally start consulting them the next month about the addition of teams and the model after the completion of 10 years.”

After successfully hosting three women’s exhibition matches on the sidelines of the PSL 8, the PCB decided that it would continue to explore similar opportunities during PSL 9.

“For the promotion and support of women’s cricket, the PCB will continue to explore opportunities for women’s league or exhibition matches during HBL PSL,” said PCB.

Furthermore, the window for the upcoming PSL 9 was also decided in the PSL Governing Council meeting while the final schedule of the extravaganza will be confirmed in the next meeting.

“The window for the upcoming season is decided between 8 February to 24 March 2024. A final schedule will be confirmed in the next meeting,” PCB shared.

READ: Pakistan squad to get visas tomorrow to partake in ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan’s 15-member squad is likely to receive their Indian visas on Tuesday to partake in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, sources told.

According to the sources, the Indian government has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) of security clearance to the Pakistan team and it has also been received by the Indian High Commissioner.

Consequently, Pakistan’s ICC World Cup 2023 will receive their passports, eligible to travel to India.

Pakistan contingent, as per schedule, will depart from Lahore to Dubai early Wednesday and then travel to Hyderabad, where they will take on New Zealand in their first warm-up fixture of the ICC World Cup 2023.

Earlier on Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recorded its protest by writing a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over a delay in the issuance of Indian visas.

According to the details, the PCB sent a stern letter to the cricket governing body and raised concerns over the ongoing visa debacle and reminded the regulatory body about the Host-Member agreement.

“We have been discussing this issue for three years. No one paid attention to our concerns. And now the situation has gotten to the point where we are yet to receive visas,” the letter stated.

“We are in a state of uncertainty due to ignorance of concerned authorities. We had to stay in Dubai for two days but due to this visa issue, we had to cancel that [trip].

“Whenever we contacted the concerned authority, we were told that the visas would be issued in 24 hours.

“And now, with every passing day, the uncertainty is increasing and it is worrying everyone.”

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Salman Ali Agha aims to bring ICC World Cup 2023 to Pakistan

KATHMANDU: Pakistan will face Bhutan in the first semi-final of the ongoing South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U19 Championship 2023.

The much-anticipated semi-final between Pakistan and Bhutan will start at 12:45 PM (Pakistan Standard Time) on Wednesday, the same day, India will be squaring off against hosts Nepal in the second semi-final of the SAFF U19 Championship 2023.

Pakistan booked their spot in the final four of the ongoing tournament by holding Maldives for a 1-1 stalemate.

The Green Shirts started their second SAFF U19 Championship 2023 fixture on a high as they dominated the possession for a notable period but failed to convert into a goal.

Pakistan’s error in conversion allowed the Maldives to capitalize on the situation and they successfully netted the opener in the 39th minute, courtesy of a brilliant outside-of-the-box finish.

Maldives went into the break with a 1-0 lead over Pakistan.

In the second half, Pakistan made numerous efforts but were denied the equalizer by the strong Maldives defence.

Pakistan, however, finally got luck in their favour when Shah Jahan netted the equalizer late into the game before pulling off an animated celebration.

Earlier this week, Pakistan scripted a triumphant start to their SAFF U19 Championship 2023 campaign with a thrilling 1-0 victory over hosts Nepal.

Pakistan and Nepal went hard at each other in their SAFF U19 Championship fixture and showcased thrilling skills and tenacity before the former prevailed.

With a thrilling victory over Nepal, Pakistan ended a 12-year-long victory drought in an international match.

Pakistan’s U19 team last secured a victory on the international stage in 2011, when they defeated India’s U19 team.

Midfielder Ali Zafar netted the lone goal in the 74th minute, which turned out to be the difference maker between the two sides, who appeared inseparable in the first half.

Besides Ali Zafar, Pakistan’s goalkeeper Sahil Gul played a pivotal role in his team’s triumph over Nepal, denying several threatening efforts from the home side.

The ongoing SAFF U19 Championship 2023 is being held at the Dashrath Stadium here from September 21 to 30.

For the unversed, this is the fifth edition of the SAFF U19 Championship, a highly competitive international football tournament for men’s under-19 national sides, organised by the SAFF.

India are the defending champions, having won their second title in 2022 by defeating Bangladesh in the final.

Pakistan Squad for SAFF U19 Championship 2023

Goalkeepers: Sahil Gul, Mohsin Khan and Muhammad Abdullah

Defenders: Muhammad Sadam, Muhammad Adeel, Asad Nasir, Ans Amin, Khurshid Alam, Muhammad Raheel, Shayan Ali, Kamil Ahmad Khan, Abid Ali, Hannan Naveed and Najeeb Ullah

Midfielders: Ali Zafar, Muhammad Azan and Awais Khan

Forwards: Shahjahan, Muhammad Hassan, Faisal Ahmad, Abdul Wahab, Muhammad Haroon Zafar and Muhammad Adeel Younas

Team Officials: Shadab Ifthikhar (Head Coach), Mohsan Ul Hussnain (Assistant Coach), Khurram Shahzad (Goal Keeper Coach), Aamna (Media), Muhammad Abdullah and Muhammad Samama (Physio) and Zohair Gondal (Team Manager).

READ: PCB writes to ICC over non-issuance of visas for ICC World Cup 2023

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday recorded its protest by writing a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over a delay in the issuance of Indian visas to participate in the ICC World Cup 2023.

According to the details, the PCB sent a stern letter to the cricket governing body and raised concerns over the ongoing visa debacle and reminded the regulatory body about the Host-Member agreement.

“We have been discussing this issue for three years. No one paid attention to our concerns. And now the situation has gotten to the point where we are yet to receive visas,” the letter stated.

“We are in a state of uncertainty due to ignorance of concerned authorities. We had to stay in Dubai for two days but due to this visa issue, we had to cancel that [trip].

“Whenever we contacted the concerned authority, we were told that the visas would be issued in 24 hours.

“And now, with every passing day, the uncertainty is increasing and it is worrying everyone.”

For the unversed, the Pakistan Men’s team will take on New Zealand on September 29 in their first warm-up fixture of the ICC World Cup 2023 but the Babar Azam-led side is yet to receive Indian visas to participate in the mega event.

According to the details, India subjected visa issuance to Pakistani players and officials with security clearance.

Consequently, Pakistan’s pre-World Cup team bonding trip to Dubai has also been cancelled due to visas delay.

Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup was due to leave for Dubai early next week and stay for a couple of days before flying to Hyderabad, where they are scheduled to take on New Zealand.

However, the Pakistan contingent is now supposed to depart from Lahore to Dubai early next Wednesday and then travel to Hyderabad.

Details further suggested that Pakistan are only one still awaiting visas out of the nine sides travelling to India for the World Cup.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Haris Rauf ‘fully fit and upbeat’ for ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan’s speedster Haris Rauf shared that he is fully fit and ready to shine at the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 in India, commencing on October 5.

Haris Rauf suffered an injury during Pakistan’s Super 4 clash against India at the Asia Cup 2023 and subsequently missed Pakistan’s final Super 4 match against Sri Lanka.

Nonetheless, he was selected in Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2023.

The 29-year-old fast bowler, while talking to the media termed it an honor to represent Pakistan at the World Cup.

“It is every player’s dream to play in the World Cup, it is an honour for me to represent Pakistan at the World Cup,” said Haris Rauf. “I am fully fit and ready to perform well at the World Cup.”

He also shared that fellow fast bowler Naseem Shah will be missed gravely at the World Cup, who also got injured during the match against India, and was ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023.

“It is a pity that Naseem Shah is not there [at the World Cup],” he added.

Haris Rauf generally comes to bowl at first change, however, he is ready to fill the role of new ball bowler in Naseem’s absence if the situation demands.

“I am ready to perform at any position for the team, be it with the new ball or at the first change,” he stated. “As professionals, it is our job to perform at any position in any condition,”

He also responded to the criticism that Pakistani pace bowlers lack aggression and get relaxed at times.

“We are aggressive as fast bowlers, if anyone thinks that we are relaxed then that is their thinking,” he concluded.

Haris Rauf has represented Pakistan in 28 ODIs and has picked 53 wickets at 24.32.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Mubasir Khan replaces Mohammad Hasnain for Asian Games 2023

LAHORE: All-rounder Mubasir Khan has replaced right-arm pacer Mohammad Hasnain in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the 19th Asian Games 2023, which will be played in Hangzhou, China from 28 September to 7 October.

Hasnain has not fully recovered from the ankle injury and has been ruled out from the upcoming cricketing event.

Making his way into the Pakistan Shaheens’ squad, Mubasir Khan has thus far played 40 first-class matches and 30 T20s.

In the shortest format, Mubasir Khan accumulated 242 runs with the bat while picking up eight wickets with the best bowling figures of 2/21.

To participate in their second Asian Games, Pakistan Shaheens’ training camp commenced on September 25.

Pakistan Shaheens has been participating in the brief four-day training camp at the National Cricket Academy Lahore, which will conclude on September 29, before the team’s departure for Hangzhou, China on September 30.

Pakistan Shaheens’ squad will take part in the practice session at Bob Woolmer Indoor School tomorrow.

Young all-rounder Qasim Akram will lead Pakistan Shaheens in the tournament, to be played in T20 format.

20-year-old Qasim, has till date featured in 20 first-class matches and 40 T20 matches and also captained Pakistan U19 in the ICC U19 World Cup in 2022.

In the 15-member squad, there are seven players who have already represented the Pakistan men’s team at the international level.

The players who have represented Pakistan at the international level are Aamir Jamal (2 T20Is), Arshad Iqbal (1 T20I), Asif Ali (21 ODIs, 55 T20Is), Haider Ali (2 ODIs, 33 T20Is), Khushdil Shah (10 ODIs, 24 T20Is), Shahnawaz Dahani (2 ODIs, 11 T20Is) and Usman Qadir (1 ODI, 23 T20Is).

Also, eight players in the 15-member squad, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Arshad Iqbal, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Rohail Nazir, Shahnawaz Dahani and Sufiyan Muqeem have been associated with the Shaheens side recently. Since May 2023, Pakistan Shaheens have toured Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Australia.

As per the rule of the Asian Games, Pakistan Shaheens will feature in the event from the quarter-finals stage scheduled to take place on 3 and 4 October.

The semi-finals will be played on 6 October, while the final will take place on 7 October. The match for the Bronze medal will also take place on Saturday, 7 October.

Pakistan’s men’s team won a bronze medal in their maiden and only appearance in the Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China, in 2010.

Pakistan Shaheens squad for the Asian Games 2023:

Qasim Akram (captain), Omair Bin Yousuf (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Arshad Iqbal, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Rohail Nazir, Shahnawaz Dahani, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Qadir

Non-travelling reserves – Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan Niazi and Mubasir Khan

Player Support Personnel – Shahid Aslam (head coach-cum-manager), Umar Rasheed (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting and fielding coach) and Hafiz Naeem ul Rasool (physiotherapist).

READ: Salman Ali Agha aims to bring ICC World Cup 2023 to Pakistan

All-rounder Salman Ali Agha on Monday expressed his desire to return home from India with the ICC World Cup 2023 trophy.

Salman Ali Agha, who represented Pakistan in 18 ODI matches, amassing 436 runs at an average of 39.63 with the help of three half-centuries, is part of Pakistan’s 15-member squad to participate in the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2023, which will be played in India from October 5 to November 19.

While talking to the media, the 29-year-old all-rounder shared that representing Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2023 was a dream.

“It was a dream to play the World Cup, which is about to be fulfilled,” said Salman Ali Agha. “I wish that our team returns from India with the World Cup trophy.”

He also stressed the fact that he is working hard to play his role for Pakistan both with the bat and ball.

“I am working hard and will try to play my part in batting and bowling according to the team plan,” he added.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Saim Ayub steers Guyana Amazon Warriors to maiden CPL title

Top order batter Abdullah Shafique has hinted that the Pakistan team is planning to play modern cricket at the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 in India, commencing on October 5.

While talking to the media, the 23-year-old batter expressed his jubilation over being selected in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2023

“I am very happy to be selected in the World Cup squad,” said Abdullah Shafique.

He also shed light on Pakistan’s plan to play modern cricket for the World Cup in India.

“We will play according to plan in the World Cup,” said Abdullah Shafique. “We players and coaches are all ready to play the best modern cricket in the World Cup 2023,”

“As a professional, I am ready to play at any position according to the plan,” he further added.

Upon being asked about the match against India, Abdullah Shafique mentioned that the team is hoping to play good cricket against every team, including India.

“We are going to play the World Cup, and we aim to perform at our best against all teams including India,” he concluded.

Abdullah Shafique has represented Pakistan in four ODI matches so far, including Pakistan’s final Super 4 game against Sri Lanka, where he scored 52 runs off 69 deliveries.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: India women’s team strike cricket gold on debut at Asian Games 2023

LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens’ training camp for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China is set to commence on September 25, Monday (tomorrow).

Pakistan Shaheens will participate in the brief four-day training camp at the National Cricket Academy Lahore, which will conclude on September 29, before the team’s departure for Hangzhou, China on September 30.

Pakistan Shaheens’ squad will take part in the practice session at Bob Woolmer Indoor School tomorrow.

Young all-rounder Qasim Akram will lead Pakistan Shaheens in the tournament, to be played in T20 format.

20-year-old Qasim, has till date featured in 20 first-class matches and 40 T20 matches and also captained Pakistan U19 in the ICC U19 World Cup in 2022. In the 15-member squad, there are eight players who have already represented the Pakistan men’s team at the international level.

The players who have represented Pakistan at the international level are Aamir Jamal (2 T20Is), Arshad Iqbal (1 T20I), Asif Ali (21 ODIs, 55 T20Is), Haider Ali (2 ODIs, 33 T20Is), Khushdil Shah (10 ODIs, 24 T20Is), Mohammad Hasnain (9 ODIs, 27 T20Is), Shahnawaz Dahani (2 ODIs, 11 T20Is) and Usman Qadir (1 ODI, 23 T20Is).

Also, eight players in the 15-member squad, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Arshad Iqbal, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Rohail Nazir, Shahnawaz Dahani and Sufiyan Muqeem have been associated with the Shaheens side recently. Since May 2023, Pakistan Shaheens have toured Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Australia.

As per the rule of the Asian Games, Pakistan Shaheens will feature in the event from the quarter-finals stage scheduled to take place on 3 and 4 October. The semi-finals will be played on 6 October, while the final will take place on 7 October. The match for the Bronze medal will also take place on Saturday, 7 October.

Pakistan men’s team won a bronze medal in their maiden and only appearance in the Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China, in 2010.

Pakistan Shaheens squad:

Qasim Akram (captain), Omair Bin Yousuf (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Arshad Iqbal, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Rohail Nazir, Shahnawaz Dahani, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Qadir

Non-travelling reserves – Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan Niazi and Mubasir Khan

Player Support Personnel – Shahid Aslam (head coach-cum-manager), Umar Rasheed (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting and fielding coach) and Hafiz Naeem ul Rasool (physiotherapist)

READ: Ali Zafar to make ICC World Cup 2023 anthem

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, confirmed the team management for the ICC World Cup 2023 that will be played in India in October and November. 

For this year’s mega event, the PCB confirmed retaining the team management, led by the director of Pakistan men’s cricket Mickey Arthur and manager Rehan-ul-Haq.

Additionally, the coaching staff for the Pakistan men’s cricket team was also retained with Andrew Puttick and Morne Morkel continuing in their roles as batting and bowling coaches, respectively, and Grant Bradburn serving as head coach with Abdul Rehman acting as his deputy.

Pakistan’s ICC World Cup 2023 bound contingent is scheduled to depart for Hyderabad in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Team director Mickey Arthur will join the side by 30 September.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

Player support personnel: Rehan-ul-Haq (team manager), Mickey Arthur (Director – Pakistan men’s team), Grant Bradburn (head coach), Andrew Puttick (batting coach), Morne Morkel (bowling coach), Aftab Khan (fielding coach), Abdul Rehman (assistant coach), Dr Sohail Saleem (team doctor), Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital content manager), Usman Anwari (security manager), Maqbool Ahmad Babri (psychologist), Talha Ejaz (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur).

READ: Babar Azam can set the World Cup on fire: Gautam Gambhir