Author: shahzad.malik

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today confirmed the team management of the Pakistan men’s team for the forthcoming three ODIs against Afghanistan and the ACC Asia Cup.

An 18-player squad will take on Afghanistan in Sri Lanka from 22 to 26 August and it will be trimmed to 17 players for the Asia Cup, which begins from the Multan Cricket Stadium on 30 August when Pakistan play Nepal.

The three-match ODI series against Afghanistan will serve as an opportunity for Babar Azam’s men to bolster their preparations for the Asia Cup before they travel to India for this year’s ICC Men’s World Cup.

For a packed schedule ahead, 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 men’s team will play the opening match of the ACC Asia Cup in Multan on 30 August against Nepal.

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 manager), Lt Col Usman Anwari (Retd) (security manager), Ammar Ahsan (digital content producer, only for Asia Cup), Maqbool Ahmad Babri (psychologist), Talha Ejaz (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur).

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The tickets for the Pakistan leg of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023 will go on sale from Saturday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday.

According to the PCB, the ticket prices have been set at affordable rates keeping in view the return of the Asia Cup in Pakistan after 15 years so the fans can watch the Pakistan and Asian cricket stars in action up close.

In the first phase, the prices for the VIP and Premium enclosures at the Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will be unveiled. On the 76th Independence Day, the prices for the First Class and General enclosures will be announced.

These announcements will be made through the Pakistan Cricket Board’s official social media channels.

The details of the Sri Lanka leg tickets will be announced in due course.

This year’s Asia Cup will kick off with host Pakistan taking on Nepal in the curtain raiser on August 30 in Multan.

Pakistan will host a total of four matches including a Super 4s fixture.

India’s group stage matches including the anticipated clash against Pakistan, scheduled on September 2, will be held in Kandy while the rest of the Super 4s matches, including the final will be played in Colombo.

The arch-rivals Pakistan and India will come face to face again on September 10 in Colombo if both manage to qualify for the Super 4s.

Like the previous edition, the Asia Cup schedule holds a possibility of treating the cricket fans with a maximum of three Pakistan-India matches in a single tournament if both arch-rivals, in a first, simultaneously qualify for the final.

The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup features six teams, divided into two groups, the top two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super 4s. The continental event will run from August 31 to September 17.

Hosts Pakistan are placed in the same group as arch-rivals India and Nepal while the other group includes defending champions and co-hosts Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the ODI format and will serve as an opportunity for the Asian teams to bolster their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup.

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LAHORE: The recently-appointed head coach of the Pakistan women’s cricket team Mark Coles has resigned from the position due to personal reasons, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared on Thursday.

“Mark Coles, the head coach of Pakistan women’s team has resigned due to personal reasons,” shared PCB in a statement.

“He will not be available with the women’s side for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, which is set to start from 1 September in Karachi.

“The PCB would like to extend its gratitude to Mark Coles for his brief stint with the women’s side and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

Notably, Coles, who had previously served as head coach of the women’s team from 2017 to 2019, was appointed this year in April.

Coles’s shocking announcement left Pakistan women’s cricket team in a void ahead of their first-ever home series against South Africa that will kick-start a busy 2023-24 international cricket season.

South Africa will play three T20Is and three ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 ODIs in Karachi from 1-14 September.

Pakistan is presently sitting second on the points table with five wins in nine ODIs (three series), while South Africa has played only one series of three ODIs and has six points.

In the inaugural ICC Women’s Championship 2014-16, Pakistan hosted South Africa in Sharjah with the African side winning the series 2-1.

In the 2017-20 edition, Pakistan toured South Africa with the series ending in a 1-1 draw after the third ODI in Benoni finished in a thrilling tie.

South Africa will be the fourth high-profile national women’s side to tour Pakistan in recent times.

In January 2019, West Indies women played three T20Is in Karachi, while in May and November 2022, Sri Lanka and Ireland played ODIs and T20Is in Karachi and Lahore, respectively.

The replacement of Mark Coles will be announced in due course.

READ: PCB rebrands grade-II four-day event as Hanif Mohammad Trophy

In a tribute to one of the pioneers of the early era of Pakistan cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board has named the grade-II four-day tournament as the Hanif Mohammad Trophy.

A total of 10 regional teams from the 2023-24 domestic season will compete in the recently-branded four-day event – Hanif Mohammad Trophy.

This is another step by the PCB to honour and recognise the services of the legends of the game and ensure that their efforts continue to be remembered.

PCB Management Committee Chairperson Zaka Ashraf: “This step is a homage to a true cricket legend whose grace, dedication, and timeless contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the hearts of cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan and around the world.

“It is of utmost importance that we remember our greats and take steps that keep their memories alive.”

Son of Hanif Mohammad and former Pakistan Test cricketer, Shoaib Mohammad: “My family and I are thankful to Zaka Ashraf and the Pakistan Cricket Board for honouring my father’s contributions to the game of cricket.

“It is an amazing feeling to know that the board continues to remember the sacrifices and hard work of cricketers of the early days who played a pivotal role to put Pakistan on the world map. I hope our young domestic cricketers get inspiration from his career and go on to serve Pakistan.”

Known as ‘Little Master’, Hanif Mohammad was one of the most outstanding batting talents in the early years of Pakistan cricket.

As a teenager, he opened the innings for Pakistan in the inaugural Test in 1952, played against India at Delhi and went on to score 3,915 runs, which includes 12 centuries and 15 half-centuries, at an average of 43.98 in 55 Tests.

He played the longest Test innings at Bridgetown in 1958 when he batted for 970 minutes for his 337 – still the highest score for a Pakistani in the format – against the West Indies.

Hanif Mohammad also captained Pakistan in 11 Tests from 1964 to 1967 before retiring in 1969.

His first-class score of 499 for Karachi against Bahawalpur in 1959 is still the highest for a Pakistani and the second-best overall behind Brian Lara’s 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994.

He amassed 17,059 runs at 52.32 in his first-class cricket and scored 55 centuries and 66 half-centuries in a 238-match career that spanned from 1951 to 1976.

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The regional presidents, representing various cricketing regions across Pakistan, expressed their utmost confidence in the proposed changes to the domestic structure that the PCB is set to implement and will announce later today.

The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue and comprehensive discussions on the workings of the new domestic framework, focusing on its potential to nurture and elevate cricket talent at the grassroots level.

Separately, the recently appointed PCB Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), led by former captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez as a member presented an in-depth briefing to the regional presidents at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Junaid Zia, Acting Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, and also the ex-officio member of the CTC briefed the members on the key components and features of the new domestic structure, emphasising its intent to streamline and refine the player development pathway.

PCB head Zaka Ashraf: “I firmly believe that the heart and soul of cricket in Pakistan lies within our regions. These regions serve as the nurturing grounds for our domestic cricket, where young talents blossom and refine their skills.

“For a considerable span of time, there existed a void, a pause in the proper functioning of our regional setups. However, I am pleased to share that these regions are back in action, and it’s a significant leap forward for the sport in our nation.

“I express my gratitude for the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by the Domestic Regional Presidents and highlighted their integral role in driving the transformation of Pakistan cricket. Together, we will witness the rise of cricketing stars who will carry the legacy of Pakistan cricket forward with pride and honour.”

Misbah-ul-Haq addressing the regional presidents said: “I am confident that we can craft a cricketing structure that not only benefits our cricketers but also upholds the interests of all stakeholders involved. Your unwavering support is the foundation upon which this structure will succeed. If we work together, we will build a future that honours the game and the aspirations of countless budding cricketers.”

Mohammad Hafeez addressing the participants said: “Merit is the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that cricketers and the support staff are recognised and rewarded based on their skills and dedication. This structure is a testament to our collective commitment to provide opportunities for people associated with the game. With your support, we look forward to a brighter and more competitive future for the players.”

During the meeting, the domestic regional presidents extended their gratitude to the PCB for its unwavering commitment to advancing the game within the country. They extended their unconditional support to the PCB.

The invitation for the meeting was sent to all regional presidents, while some of the regional presidents couldn’t join the meeting.

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Inzamam-ul-Haq, the national men’s selection committee head announced an 18-member squad for the series against Afghanistan and the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023, the notable selection, however, was the returning pace-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

He returns to the side after a long hiatus of two years, his last outing in the ODI format was during Pakistan’s three-match away series against England in July 2021.

In his last ODI match, Faheem Ashraf scored 10 runs off four balls, while he gave away 34 runs without any wicket.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, who unveiled almost alike squads for the Asia Cup and Afghanistan ODIs, justified Faheem Ashraf’s inclusion by claiming him to be the only pace-bowling all-rounder in the circuit.

“We lacked pace-bowling all-rounders, as all the all-rounders we currently have are spinners,” he said.

“We are looking towards the ICC Cricket World Cup later this year, and Faheem Ashraf will come in handy in India,” he added.

He further solidified his call by terming Faheem the best pace-bowling all-rounder in Pakistan.

“Faheem Ashraf is number one among all the pace-bowling all-rounders in the domestic.”

An 18-player squad will take on Afghanistan in Sri Lanka from 22 to 26 August and it will be trimmed to 17 players for the Asia Cup, commencing from 30th August at Multan Cricket Stadium. The opening game will see host Pakistan face Nepal.

Along with Faheem Ashraf, Tayyab Tahir, and Saud Shakeel have also been included in the squad, however, Shakeel is only selected for the Afghanistan series.

Shan Masood and Ihsanullah are the two players from the squad who played New Zealand in the five ODIs in April and May to miss out.

The team will assemble in Hambantota on 18 August with the players in Pakistan departing on 17 August. The players in Pakistan will hold a three-day camp on 14, 15 and 16 August at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore.

The squad was finalised following consultations between the national men’s selection committee – which also includes Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn and Hassan Cheema (secretary) – and Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

Pakistan’s Squad:

Openers: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq

Middle order: Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir and Saud Shakeel (only for Afghanistan series).

Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris

Spinners: Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir

Pace all-rounder: Faheem Ashraf

Pacers: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi 

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The head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, met former Pakistan fast bowler Mr Sarfraz Nawaz on Monday to resolve the outstanding matters over his unpaid ex gratia payments since January 2017.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere at National Cricket Academy in the presence of former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez.

Mr Zaka Ashraf handed over a cheque to settle the payments under the Players’ Welfare Policy and assured Mr Sarfraz Nawaz of unconditional support.

The ex gratia payments had been discontinued as a result of disciplinary proceedings initiated against Mr Sarfraz Nawaz by the previous managements over the violation of the Code of Conduct under the Players’ Welfare Policy.

Mr Sarfraz Nawaz has assured the PCB of his compliance with the Code of Conduct and the ex gratia payments to him under the Players’ Welfare Policy will now be resumed.

Zaka Ashraf: “I was upset to see a former Test cricketer in such a condition and it was disturbing to see Mr Sarfraz Nawaz being deprived of his rightful pension. It is disappointing that the previous administrations have used the PCB’s coffers to settle personal scores.

“No cricketer should have to go through what Mr Sarfraz Nawaz had to face, and I want to reassure every former and current cricketer, international or domestic, that the PCB considers them as its asset and will look after them at every stage of their life and in every possible way. They deserve to be loved and respected by their cricket board.”

Sarfraz Nawaz: “I have visited the National Cricket Academy after almost six years and received a warm welcome from the PCB officials. I am pleased that Mr Zaka Ashraf has reinstated my pension. Given my health, I am particularly grateful for this step.

“In a voluntary capacity, I offer honourary services to the board to enhance fast bowlers’ skills for cricket’s advancement.”

Mr Sarfraz Nawaz played 55 Tests and 45 One-Day International for Pakistan from 1969 till 1984. He famously delivered a 33-ball spell in Melbourne on 15 March 1979, in which he took seven wickets for just one run. He went on to bowl his best bowling figures of nine for 86 in that innings which helped Pakistan to their second Test win in Australia.

The right-arm fast bowler took 177 Test wickets at 32.75 and dismissed 63 batters in ODIs at 23.22 runs apiece. He took 1,005 wickets at an average of 24.62 in first-class cricket.

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LAHORE: Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has been appointed chief selector of the national men’s team for the second time.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday that Inzamam, who was recently appointed to the Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), has officially taken on the role of chief selector for the men’s team.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul Haq has been appointed national men's chief selector. pic.twitter.com/TnPdQaoXvW

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 7, 2023

Inzamam-ul-Haq took over the position previously held by Haroon Rashid, who resigned last month. The former captain previously held the position from 2016 to 2019.

During his tenure, his selected team won the 2017 Champions Trophy under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed, while in the 2019 World Cup, they missed a spot in the semi-final due to the inferior net run rate.

Pakistan team’s director Mickey Arthur was the national head coach during Inzamam’s last tenure.

Inzamam-ul-Haq’s appointment came at a crucial time as his selection committee will be tasked to select squads for the Asia Cup, as well as the ODI World Cup later this year.

Prior to that, he will also be naming the squad that will be touring Sri Lanka for the series against Afghanistan, which will commence on August 22.

The PCB’s Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), led by Misbah-ul-Haq, suggested the former captain’s name to the PCB Management Committee chairman, Zaka Ashraf. The CTC comprises former captain Mohammad Hafeez as well.

The committee is supposed to provide recommendations on cricket-related matters, including, but not limited to the overall domestic structure, scheduling, playing conditions, the appointment of the national selection committees, the appointment of national team coaches, central and domestic contracts and plans for the development of umpires, referees and curators.

Additionally, they have the authority to invite other cricket specialists and are required to provide regular updates to the head of the PCB Management Committee.

READ: Misbah-ul-Haq to lead high-profile Cricket Technical Committee: PCB 

DARWIN: Ali Asfand’s four-fer decimated Papua New Guinea (PNG) before Shawaiz Irfan’s 29-ball 50 guided Pakistan Shaheens to the final of the Top End T20 series.

The win means Shaheens also qualify for the final and will take on Northern Territory Strike at the same venue.

Chasing 121 to win, Pakistan Shaheens lost their first wicket on 16 with Shamyl Hussain returning to the hut for one off two balls.

Right-handed batter Shawaiz was joined by Azan Awais and the pair knitted a 54-run partnership for the second wicket.

Shawaiz Irfan contributed 40 runs in the partnership and over the course of the partnership brought up a brilliant half-century.

He had scored 65 off 37 balls against Melbourne Stars in the team’s 43-run win at the TIO Stadium on Wednesday.

Shawaiz was dismissed for 54 off 32 balls, which included 10 fours, with Shaheens still requiring 51 for victory off 74 balls. Skipper Rohail Nazir and Azan made sure there were no hiccups in the run-chase and took Shaheens home in the 13^th over.

Rohail’s quick-fire 33 off 22 balls included three fours and one six. Azan returned undefeated on 26 off 23 balls, hitting two fours.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Papua New Guinea managed to score 120 for eight in 20 overs after left-arm spinner Ali Asfand wreaked havoc with a four-fer.

The remaining four wickets to fall were bagged by Aaliyan Mahmood and Arafat Minhas – both taking two wickets each.

For PNG, Sese Bau top-scored with a 28-ball 32 with three boundaries and one six.

Pakistan Shaheens will now take on Northern Territory Strike in the Top End T20 Series final, which will be played at the DXC Arena on Sunday, 6 August. The first ball will be bowled at 1500 local time.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has constituted a high-profile Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), consisting former Pakistan captains Misbah-ul-Haq (head), Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez. 

The CTC will provide recommendations on cricket-related matters, including, but not limited to the overall domestic structure, scheduling, playing conditions, appointment of the national selection committees, appointment of national team coaches, central and domestic contracts and plans for the development of umpires, referees and curators.

The CTC will have the powers to invite additional cricket experts and shall report to the head of the PCB Management Committee on a regular basis.

PCB Management Committee Chairperson Zaka Ashraf: “I am delighted to welcome Misbah-ul-Haq, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez on board for the betterment of cricket in our country. These three former captains possess great cricket knowledge and understand the demands of modern-day cricket.

“Domestic cricket structure is a pillar of any cricketing nation. We have to make it fool proof and its structure progressive. The presence of Misbah, Inzamam and Hafeez, three of Pakistan’s most experienced and decorated cricketers who rose through the domestic ranks, will help us in providing our cricketers the best system to thrive so that we can produce the best cricketers.”

Misbah-ul-Haq: “It is a great honour for me to be appointed as the head of this committee, which comprises well-respected individuals who have served Pakistan cricket for decades.

“This is a challenging assignment, but with the vast experience and knowledge that this committee possesses, I have no doubt whatsoever that we will be able to make a positive difference by providing recommendations that improve and enhance the state of the game from the grassroots till the very top.”

Acting Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, Junaid Zia, has been included as the ex-officio member of the CTC, and Usman Tasleem is the ex-officio and secretary.

About the CTC members:

Misbah-ul-Haq – Pakistan’s most successful Test captain with 26 wins in 56 matches. He led Pakistan to the number one spot in the ICC Test Rankings in August 2016. The right-handed batter played 75 Tests, 162 ODIs and 39 T20Is and scored 5,222, 5,122 and 788 runs in the three formats, respectively. He was the member of the Pakistan side that lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 under the captaincy of Younis Khan.

Inzamam-ul-Haq – Member of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1992 winning side, Inzamam captained Pakistan in different stints from 2001 till 2007. He made 11,739 ODI runs – the most for any batter from Pakistan – in 378 matches at an average of 39.52 and struck 10 centuries and 83 half-centuries. He scored 8,830 Test runs in 120 matches at an average of 49.60 and scored 25 centuries and 46 half-centuries. He played a solitary T20I match against England at Bristol in August 2006, leading Pakistan to a five-wicket win in their maiden appearance in the format.

Mohammad Hafeez – Scored 3,652 runs and took 53 wickets in 55 Tests, 6,614 and 139 in 218 ODIs and 2,514 and 61 in 119 T20Is. He holds the record for being the only third all-rounder in international cricket to score 1000-plus runs and take 30 or more wickets in a calendar year after Sanath Jayasuriya and Jacques Kallis. Under his captaincy, Pakistan played the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2012.

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