Author: shahzad.malik

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director of Domestic Cricket Operations, Abdullah Khurram Niazi, on Monday, explained the key decisions regarding the restructuring of domestic cricket in Pakistan.

While addressing the media in the Provincial capital, Abdullah Niazi revealed that a 15-member committee was formed to reform domestic cricket.

“A committee was formed in which 15 members decided, with consultation, to reform the previous domestic structure,” he said.

“Regional representatives were part of the reform committee, and it was unanimously decided that top-performing teams from last season will play in the main round,” he added.

Abdullah Khurram Niazi also shed light on the new format, noting the importance of top-performing regions.

“Some regions need to improve their standards, so we’ve devised a format where top-performing regions will directly feature in the main round. Underperforming ones will go through qualifying rounds, and the top two teams from the qualifiers will advance,” the PCB cricket operations director explained.

The Director said that under-19 level competitions, including three-day matches, will be organized regularly, while clarifying that no new tournaments have been introduced.

“Our upcoming structure revolves around regional cricket. These are not new tournaments — they’ve been played in the past.”

Khurram Niazi also stressed inclusivity while announcing the criteria for central contracts in domestic cricket.

“Central contracts in domestic cricket will be awarded based on performance in the previous season. We cannot ignore any region. The best players from all regions will be promoted. This isn’t about any single province’s pride — it’s about Pakistan.”

Speaking on merit-based selection, he noted, “In our culture, favoritism is often alleged. To counter that perception, we’ve improved the selection process significantly.”

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While speaking on the Champions Cup, he stated that Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, and Saqlain Mushtaq had to step back due to personal commitments.

“Some mentors did not want to continue their roles, though a few are still contributing. It is the result of mentors’ hard work that talent like Khawaja Nafay and Hasan Nawaz is nurtured.

He added that work is underway on strengthening cricket academies. “This was something our cricket ecosystem truly needed.”

The PCB Director of Domestic Cricket also discussed the financial and technical challenges of streaming domestic matches, while urging local sponsors to invest.

“Live streaming of domestic matches is under consideration, but the cost is significant — nearly three to four million rupees per day. It’s not easy.

Every country builds on its strengths, and we are striving to do the same. No director can influence player selection, and the PCB has made its selection criteria more transparent and performance-oriented,” he concluded.

For context, a day earlier, PCB announced a significantly revised domestic calendar for the 2025-26 season.

Among the notable changes was the participation of eight regional sides, compared to 18 from the previous year, in the forthcoming Pakistan’s premier domestic tournament, the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy.

READ: Haris Rauf ruled out as Pakistan names squad for Bangladesh T20I series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad, excluding pacer Haris Rauf, for the forthcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on July 20.

Salman Ali Agha will lead the T20I side, while vice-captain Shadab Khan and pacer Haris Rauf have been ruled out due to injuries.

The squad for the white-ball series against West Indies will be announced in due course.

Fast bowler Haris Rauf is not part of the squad due to an injury he sustained during the Major League Cricket (MLC) match. The right-arm pacer has suffered a Grade 1 hamstring injury during the San Francisco Unicorns’ clash against the Texas Super Kings.

Meanwhile, Shadab Khan had successful shoulder surgery in the UK to address ongoing issues with his right shoulder. The procedure was carried out effectively, bringing relief from the discomfort he had been experiencing for some time.

Among the notable inclusions are left-arm pacer Salman Mirza and Sufiyan Moqim.

Sufiyan has made a return to the side after featuring in the New Zealand tour while Salman has earned his maiden call up for the national team following impressive performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

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The opening match is scheduled for July 20, followed by the second T20I on July 22 and the third on July 24.

After wrapping up the Bangladesh tour, the Green Shirts will travel to the United States of America (USA) to face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series in Florida, set to take place from August 1 to 4.

Both sides will then head to Trinidad and Tobago for a three-match ODI series scheduled between August 8 and 12.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the final T20I and ODI squads for both assignments in the coming days.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh series:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza and Sufyan Moqim

Team management:

Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting Coach), Shane McDermott (fielding Coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

Pakistan tour of Bangladesh schedule

1st T20I – July 20, Dhaka

2nd T20I – July 22, Dhaka

3rd T20I – July 24, Dhaka

READ: Ihsanullah clarifies emotional comments on cricket future amid backlash

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved a budget estimate of Rs 18.3 billion for the financial year 2025-26 during its 78th Board of Governors (BoG) meeting held on Thursday here at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The 78th BoG meeting was chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

During the meeting, the Board unanimously approved the estimated budget of Rs18.3 billion for the financial year 2025–26. The members also expressed satisfaction over the utilization of the 2024–25 budget and formally ratified the decisions taken in the previous board meeting.

In a bid to promote cricket at the grassroots level, the Board decided to annually reward the best-performing region. Additionally, it was resolved that staff performance will be regularly monitored.

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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Javed Murtaza briefed the members on the key features of the new budget.

Among those in attendance were PCB BoG members Zaheer Abbas, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, Zafarullah, Tariq Sarwar, and PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sameer Ahmed.

Additionally, PSL CEO Salman Naseer, Director Media and Communications Aamer Mir, Director Domestic Cricket Abdullah Khurram Niazi, and Head of Women’s Cricket Rafia Haider also participated in the meeting.

Other members including Anwar Ghani, Mustafa Ramday, Daniyal Gilani, Anwar Ahmed Khan, Dr. Shafi-ur-Rehman, and Director International Cricket Usman Wahla attended the meeting via video link.

READ: Shubman Gill breaks 35-year-old record with double century against England

Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan has voiced strong disapproval of the idea to introduce four-day Tests in the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, calling it counterproductive to the essence of red-ball cricket.

Speaking during the ongoing Skills Development Camp at the National Cricket Academy, Sajid said the traditional five-day format should remain untouched to preserve the integrity and competitiveness of Test cricket.

“I don’t think four-day Tests are good for the game,” Sajid stated.

“If you reduce Tests to four days, more matches will end in draws, and fans won’t enjoy that. Test cricket should stay five days, that’s what makes it the ultimate challenge.”

His remarks came just weeks after reports emerged that the ICC is likely to approve four-day Tests during the 2027–2029 WTC cycle, primarily to ease scheduling and accommodate smaller cricketing nations.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah has publicly backed the idea, particularly for matches not involving the so-called ‘Big Three,’ India, England, and Australia.

These three countries will continue to play traditional five-day contests in marquee series such as the Ashes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the newly launched Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

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The concept isn’t entirely new as the ICC had allowed four-day Tests as early as 2017, and in May this year, England hosted Zimbabwe in a historic four-day Test at Trent Bridge.

However, Sajid Khan believes that the longevity and fan appeal of the format are closely tied to its five-day structure.

“Test cricket is not just about results; it’s about patience, strategy, and the ebb and flow over five days. Taking that away means taking away its soul,” he added.

Sajid also praised the structure of the current camp, which includes senior and junior players training together under the guidance of experienced coaches.

“Working with Azhar Mahmood has been really beneficial, especially with a red-ball series in England coming up. There’s a lot to learn from him,” Sajid said.

“This camp is helping both juniors and seniors. We’re learning from each other and from experienced coaches.”

READ: Sajid Khan seeks county opportunity to evolve as white-ball bowler

LAHORE: Pakistan Shaheens will return to Darwin for the third successive year to take part in the Top End T20 Series, the country’s cricket board confirmed on Tuesday.

This year’s edition of Top End T20 Series will take place in Darwin from 14 to 24 August, with Pakistan Shaheens taking on Bangladesh A in the opening match of the tournament on 14 August at the TIO Stadium.

The event will feature 11 teams with 36 T20 fixtures to be played across five venues, including DXC Arena, TIO Stadium, Gardens Oval, Cazaly’s Arena and Freds Pass.

In the 2023 edition, Pakistan Shaheens qualified for the final, while in last year’s event, they featured in the first semi-final.

“We are pleased to confirm Pakistan Shaheens’ participation in the Top End T20 Series for the third consecutive year,” said PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed.

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“This tournament continues to serve as a platform for our emerging cricketers to gain valuable exposure and experience in competitive conditions.

“We are grateful to Northern Territory Cricket for their continued collaboration and for providing a professional and high-quality tournament that contributes significantly to the growth of our emerging talent.”

Meanwhile, Northern Territory (NT) Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey expressed his delight at welcoming the Pakistan Shaheens to the Top End T20 Series.

“We are once again delighted to welcome our good friends the PCB and BCB to Darwin, where it is an honour and privilege to host two genuine giants of the game,” he said.

“The Top End T20 Series was created as a vehicle to market and promote the Northern Territory as a destination to visit, live, work or study, and I don’t think there is a sport in the Territory that can connect with a bigger audience.”

READ: ICC WTC 2025 Final sets new viewership records

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Monday, announced former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the national men’s team.

Azhar will serve in this role until the conclusion of his current contract. It’s worth noting that he previously served as an assistant coach for the national side.

However, he was not part of the coaching panel for the Bangladesh series following Mike Hesson’s appointment as the white-ball head coach.

“A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience,” the PCB stated in a press release.

“Having served as the assistant head coach of the national side, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core.

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“His deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, makes him exceptionally well-suited for this position.

“His red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship titles—an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“The PCB is confident that under Azhar’s guidance, the red-ball squad will continue to grow in strength, discipline and performance on the global stage.”

It’s worth noting that the cricket board was looking for a permanent head coach for the red-ball team since the resignation of former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie in late 2024.

Following his departure, the PCB named former fast bowler Aqib Javed as interim head coach for the two-match Test series against South Africa, which ran from December 20, 2024, to January 7, 2025.

READ: Pakistan-India set to clash as Asia Cup 2025 likely to begin on This date

LAHORE: Pakistan women cricketers are gearing up for a blockbuster international season with an intense training here at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

The training aims to enhance the players’ skillset and sharpen their fitness levels ahead of the upcoming international assignments.

The national side’s next assignment will be the tour of Ireland, where they are scheduled to play a three-match T20I series in Dublin from August 6 to 10.

Following the Ireland series, Pakistan Women will participate in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled from September 30 to November 2. The team will play all their matches in Sri Lanka.

While speaking on the sidelines of the training session, all-rounder Aliya Riaz stated that they are putting in a strong effort.

“We’re working hard to represent Pakistan in the best way possible,” said Aliya Riaz.

Spinner Nashra Sandhu highlighted the boost in morale within the squad after Sadia Iqbal topped the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings.

“It’s a proud moment for all of us to see our teammates reaching such milestones,” Nashra said.

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Sadia, who has been a standout performer with the ball, said staying calm under pressure has been the key to her success, while crediting the coach for her success.

“I try to stay composed even in pressure situations. Training with the men’s players in the camp has helped refine my bowling further,” she said.

For the unversed, the ICC Women’s World Cup is all set to kick off on September 30, with hosts India facing joint-hosts Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. The month-long event will span across five venues — Bengaluru, Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Colombo.

The Pakistan women cricketers will begin their World Cup 2025 journey on October 2 against Bangladesh, before taking on India in what promises to be a blockbuster clash on October 5.

They will then face Australia (Oct 8), England (Oct 15), New Zealand (Oct 18), South Africa (Oct 21), and Sri Lanka (Oct 24) in a packed league stage.

As for the knockouts, the first semi-final is scheduled for October 29 in Guwahati or Colombo, while Bengaluru will host the second semi-final on October 30.

The final will be played on November 2 in Bengaluru, unless Pakistan qualify, in which case the summit clash will shift to Colombo.

READ: Pakistan set to face India on THIS date in WCL 2025

LAHORE: The second phase of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) skill development camp is underway here at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground on Tuesday.

The 15 players part of the camp took part in various training sessions under the supervision of the coaches.

The coaches worked on the players’ batting and bowling skills at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The second phase players include Aamer Jamal, Ali Raza, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shahid Aziz, and Yasir Khan.

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For the unversed, the 20-day skill development camp, organised by the PCB, is being held in three phases and is designed to fine-tune the skills of national cricketers across all formats. A total of 47 players are expected to participate throughout the program.

The first batch of the camp concluded on Saturday, 21 June, which featured 15 players.

The players in the first phase of the camp included Aamir Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Muqeem.

The second phase of the camp will continue until 28 June, while the third phase will commence on 30 June.

The PCB officials view skill development initiative as part of a broader strategy to invest in long-term player development through consistent, skill-based training and proper fitness management, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s talent pool.

READ: WATCH: Players participate in scenario-based matches at PCB skill development camp

LAHORE: National cricketers participated in scenario-based practice matches under the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) skill development initiative here at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground on Friday.

During the scenario-based matches, coaches assigned various tasks to players at the camp.

For the unversed, the 20-day skill development camp, organised by the PCB, is being held in three phases and is designed to fine-tune the skills of national cricketers across all formats. A total of 47 players are expected to participate throughout the program.

Players will engage in fitness and fielding sessions from 6:00 to 8:00 AM. Additionally, skill-based sessions (net practice) are scheduled from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM at both the LCCA Ground and NCA, taking place from Monday to Thursday.

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According to the schedule, Phase 1 of the camp, running from June 16 to 21, features 15 players, including Babar.

The players in the first phase of the camp include: Aamir Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Muqeem.

The second phase of the camp is set to begin on June 23, followed by Phase 3 on June 30, with fresh player batches expected to be announced in the coming days.

The PCB officials view this initiative as part of a broader strategy to invest in long-term player development through consistent, skill-based training and proper fitness management, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s talent pool.

READ: Babar Azam opts out of PCB’s skills development camp after two days

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has praised the national hockey team on reaching the final of the Nations Cup held in Malaysia. 

Naqvi praised the Green Shirts for demonstrating an outstanding performance following the nail-biting victory against France.

“Pakistani players have defeated France through teamwork to reach the final. Their brilliant performance is commendable,” Mohsin Naqvi stated.

“Along with the players, I would also like to congratulate the team management. Every player gave his best on the field,” Mohsin Naqvi added.

The PCB chair expressed optimism that the Pakistan hockey team would clinch the Nations Cup title.

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“Apart from sports, Pakistan is receiving good news from every department. Hopefully, the Pakistani hockey team will win the final as well and return home after winning the tournament,” he concluded.

It is noteworthy to mention that Pakistan defeated France in a 3-2 penalty shootout, courtesy of goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz.

Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the final, set to be played tomorrow.

The all-important semi-final started with both teams trying hard in the first quarter to score a goal.  France had their chances, with numerous penalty corners in the beginning and towards the end of the quarter.

The second quarter began with a similar scoreline, as France and Pakistan both battled to calm their nerves. However, France managed to score the first goal courtesy of Smenjaud Xavier’s deflection.

As France entered the third quarter, the hopes for the Green Shirts qualifying looked grim. Charlet Victor pierced the nets with a flick, giving the French team a significant lead.

However, Afraz gave Pakistan a sigh of relief after scoring the first goal. In the crucial last minutes of the quarter, the Green Shirts scored back-to-back goals, taking the lead with a score of 3-2. Sufyan Khan and Hammadudin Muhammad both scored two crucial goals in the span of a minute.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan hockey player Hannan Shahid bursts into tears after reaching nations cup Final