PCB invites applications for men’s national team coaching staff

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially begun its search for a new coaching staff for the men’s national team, releasing advertisements for multiple key roles.

Applications have been invited for the posts of batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, and strength & conditioning coach, with the deadline set for 5 p.m. on June 6, 2025.

Interested candidates can find detailed job descriptions on PCB’s official website.

This development followed PCB’s appointment of Mike Hesson as the white-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s team.

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Hesson’s appointment marked a significant shift, given his experience with New Zealand and in various T20 leagues. Now, the board seems keen on building a specialised support staff around him.

During Pakistan’s recent tour to New Zealand. Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Masroor, and Drikus Saaiman formed the core coaching staff without a specialised bowling coach.

This hiring spree signals PCB’s intent to plug those gaps and back its coaching staff with focused expertise.

Applicants will undergo a standard selection process, with only shortlisted candidates contacted for interviews.

With a new head coach at the helm and a possible overhaul in the pipeline, PCB seems to be laying the foundation for a more stable, specialised, and possibly long-term coaching structure.

READ: Bangladesh confirm Pakistan tour for three-match T20I series

PCB reveals schedule for remaining PSL 10 matches

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Tuesday, revealed the schedule of the remaining eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, set to resume from 17 May.

According to the details, Karachi Kings will face Peshawar Zalmi on 17 May at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to resume the tournament.

The final of the six-team tournament will be held on 25 May at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

It’s important to note that the remaining fixtures of PSL 10 were initially moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after an Indian drone struck Rawalpindi Stadium last week.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

However, following the guidance of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, the PCB decided to suspend PSL 10 due to escalating tensions with India.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host a double-header on 18 May as Multan Sultans will take on Quetta Gladiators in the afternoon, while Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars will go head-to-head in the evening encounter.

On 19 May, Islamabad United and Karachi Kings will feature in the last group match of the event.

The action will then shift to Lahore, where the first Qualifier is scheduled on 21 May. Eliminator 1 and Qualifier 2 will follow on 22 and 23 May, respectively.

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The only afternoon game will begin at 3pm local, while the first ball of the evening matches will be bowled at 7.30pm local time.

Details regarding tickets will be shared shortly.

It’s worth noting that currently, Quetta Gladiators are at the top of the points table, having qualified for the playoffs with six wins, two losses, and one no-result from their nine matches.

The Karachi Kings are currently in second place with 10 points, followed by Islamabad United in third, Lahore Qalandars in fourth, and Peshawar Zalmi in fifth position, respectively.

Meanwhile, Multan Sultans have been eliminated from playoff contention, having recorded only one win and eight losses in their nine matches.

Revised Schedule of PSL 10

17 May – Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

18 May – Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium; Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

19 May – Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

21 May – Qualifier 1, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

22 May – Eliminator 1, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 May – Eliminator 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

25 May – Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: South Africa announce squad for WTC final against Australia

PCB set to remove Champions Cup mentors: sources

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to part ways with five high-profile mentors previously appointed for the Champions Cup, sources confirmed on Tuesday.

According to insiders, the decision was taken on the directive of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, signalling a shift in strategy just months before crucial assignments.

The mentors in question include former captains Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and former head coach Saqlain Mushtaq.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

These five were appointed last year on three-year contracts to serve as mentors for domestic teams participating in the Champions Cup.

While no official announcement has been made yet, sources within the board confirm that the move has been finalised internally. The mentors are expected to be formally informed in the coming days.

Interestingly, Shoaib Malik had already submitted his resignation two weeks ago, stepping down voluntarily before the PCB reached its final decision.

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The remaining four mentors, however, were reportedly caught off guard by the development.

The reasons for the move remain undisclosed, with the PCB maintaining silence on the abrupt reversal of what was initially pitched as a long-term initiative to develop domestic talent through the guidance of experienced ex-internationals.

It is worth noting that on August 26, 2024, the PCB announced the appointments of these five players following what it described as a “competitive and transparent” selection process.

READ: Alyssa Healy breaks silence on IPL chaos amid India-Pakistan tensions

Tentative schedule for PSL 10 resumption revealed: sources

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized a proposed schedule for the remaining eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

According to the proposed plan, matches are expected to occur in Rawalpindi and Lahore with games between 17 and 25 May, sourced said.

The final schedule is likely to be announced soon following the approval from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

It is worth mentioning that the remaining fixtures of PSL 10 were shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after an Indian drone hit the Rawalpindi Stadium. Later on, the guidance of the PM Sharif, PCb cancelled the PSL 10 due to increasing tensions with India.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The postponement took place when PSL 10 was nearing its conclusion, with only eight matches left to play.

As of the completion of 27 matches, the Quetta Gladiators lead the points table after qualifying for the playoffs, boasting six wins, two losses, and one no-result from their nine matches.

The Karachi Kings are currently in second place with 10 points, having secured five wins against three losses in eight matches.

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The defending champions, Islamabad United are on third spot with 10 points, following five wins and four losses across nine games.

The Lahore Qalandars rank fourth with nine points, achieved through four wins, four losses, and one no-result. Peshawar Zalmi is positioned fifth with eight points, coming from four victories in their nine matches.

The Multan Sultans have been eliminated from playoff contention after recording just one win and suffering eight losses in their nine matches.

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Men’s domestic cricket events postponed over escalating India-Pakistan tensions

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Saturday that the ongoing men’s domestic events have been postponed effective immediately due to rising tensions with India.

The country’s cricket board announced the decision through a media release, stating that the tournaments will resume later and their schedule will be shared in due course.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board confirms that the ongoing President’s Trophy Grade-II, Regional Intra-District Challenge Cup, Inter-District U19 One-Day tournament have been postponed with immediate effect due to prevailing security condition in the country,” the PCB stated.

“The tournaments will resume from the same stage later, and a revised schedule will be shared closer to the resumption.”

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It’s worth noting that, on Friday, the PCB also postponed the remaining eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 due to cross-border tensions.

In a statement, the cricket board said that the decision was made over the worsening situation on the Line of Control (LOC).

“The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface-to-surface missiles from India,” PCB said in a statement.

The decision to postpone PSL 10 has been made based on advice from Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

“The reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan.”

READ: Shahid Afridi slams Indian journalists amid rising tensions

PSL 10 postponed over escalating India-Pakistan tensions

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

In a statement, the cricket board said that the decision was made over the worsening situation on the Line of Control (LOC).

“The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India,” PCB said in a statement.

The decision to postpone PSL 10 has been made based on advice from Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif.

“The reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan.”

“The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our security personnel defending the nation,” it added.

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PCB has expressed appreciation for the contributions made by its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers that have helped ensure the tournament runs smoothly.

“The PCB recognizes the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far,” the statement said.

“However, cricket, while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause when the country is facing such callous opposition.”

“We, at the PCB, also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home,” it concluded.

READ: ‘Rafale gone for duck’: Aamir Jamal trolls India in cheeky post

PSL 10 to observe childhood cancer awareness day

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Day on May 3 during the ongoing season 10 as part of its corporate social responsibility.

“The HBL PSL X will see the Childhood Cancer Awareness Day to be observed during the Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United fixture at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. The match will begin at 8:00 pm,” the PCB announced in a press release.

According to details, match officials and match commentators at the venue will wear gold ribbons, synonymous with the campaign.

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Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United players will wear Golden caps as well as gold ribbons.

Moreover, the stumps in use for the match will also be branded in gold, while three cancer patients will be invited to the ground where they will be presented with signed shirts from both sides.

Not only that, but Childhood cancer awareness messages would be displayed on the digital screens placed at the stadium to create awareness about the disease, aimed at educating the spectators.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“As part of HBL PSL’s corporate social responsibility, we are observing Childhood Cancer Awareness on 3 May,” said Salman Naseer, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PSL.

“This reflects our commitment to using the platform of cricket to help raise awareness around health challenges that affect many lives across the country.

“We are thankful to the teams, players, commentators, fans and media friends for their continued support in promoting these awareness efforts through HBL PSL.”

READ: England defender Eric Dier to leave Bayern Munich at end of season

Mohammad Rizwan comments on India-Pakistan cricketing ties amid tensions

LAHORE: Mohammad Rizwan, the captain of the Multan Sultans and the Pakistan ODI team, has expressed his views on the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and India amid calls to sever cricketing ties.

The tensions between the two Asian countries escalated in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

While speaking during the post-match conference, Rizwan expressed a diplomatic stance regarding the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India.

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Mohammad Rizwan highlighted that when he meets top players like Virat Kohli, they interact like brothers. He also said that politics should not be involved in sports.

“Firstly, I don’t know what’s happening between the two countries because I don’t have time to use social media,” he said.

“Secondly, whenever I meet our cricketing family, which features top players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root, we meet like brothers and learn a lot from each other. I’ll just say that politics should not be brought into sport,” he added.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

A few days earlier, Rajeev Shukla, the Vice President of the BCCI, and former India captain Sourav Ganguly, called for cutting ties with Pakistan, stating that India should not play any bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan.

It is worth mentioning that India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2013. Meanwhile, both teams have frequently faced each other in the ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.

Looking ahead, the next ICC event isn’t until the Women’s ODI World Cup in September-October 2025, which India is set to host.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format featuring eight teams — including Pakistan — meaning each team will play every other side, rendering group-based separation irrelevant.

Although India is hosting the tournament, the matches involving Pakistan will take place at a neutral venue. Currently, no decision has been made regarding the locations of Pakistan’s fixtures.

READ: Irfan Khan hails team combination after emphatic win over Multan Sultans

Mohammad Rizwan opens up after Multan Sultans’ elimination from PSL 10

LAHORE: Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan has highlighted the team’s shortcomings after they were eliminated from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Chasing a daunting 205-run target, Multan Sultans crumbled under the pressure and were bowled out for a mere 117 in 16.1 overs in the 20th match of PSL 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium.

The Sultans’ seventh loss in the season also ended their hopes of qualifying for the Playoffs.

While speaking during the post-match press conference, Rizwan reflected on the side’s struggles throughout the tournament, their misreading of conditions.

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“We picked our squad based on the conditions,” he explained. “But unfortunately, the conditions didn’t go in our favour.”

Mohammad Rizwan revealed that when they arrived at Gaddafi Stadium, they found more grass on the pitch than expected, which disrupted their plans.

“We’re not the only ones — other teams have also struggled here,” he added.

Despite the setbacks, Rizwan made it clear he wasn’t offering excuses.

“I don’t want to make any excuse for the defeat. We played badly and we’re out of the tournament today,” he said.

Despite the setback, Mohammad Rizwan remains optimistic that the two remaining matches could help the team regain some pride.

“We still have two games to correct our mistakes,” Rizwan remarked.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Rizwan also stressed his belief in earning victories through performance alone.

“I like to win on the strength of our own game. Depending on others doesn’t feel right,” he said.

Reflecting on Multan Sultans’ journey in PSL 10, he reminded reporters that the same core team had performed consistently well over the last four seasons.

“Everyone knows what we’ve gone through this season,” he said, hinting at internal challenges. Our fielding hasn’t been good throughout the tournament,” he admitted.

READ: Nabi, Vince star as Karachi Kings knock Multan Sultans out of PSL 10

PSL 10: Here’s why Mohammad Amir not playing against Lahore Qalandars

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators fast bowler Mohammad Amir is not playing in the match against Lahore Qalandars, which is underway here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Mohammad Amir, who is in good form with the ball, is out of the match due to fever. Emerging fast bowler Mohammad Zeeshan has replaced him in the Quetta Gladiators team.

Mohammad Amir has taken seven wickets in six matches so far for Quetta Gladiators this season.

When this story was filed, Lahore Qalandar were 78/1 in 7.3 overs.

HEAD TO HEAD

Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators have faced each other 19 times since the PSL began. Lahore has a slight edge with 10 wins, while Quetta managed to secure 9 victories.

RECORD: Matches 19, Lahore Qalandars 10, Quetta Gladiators 9

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The highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will run from Friday, 11 April, to Sunday, 18 May.

This thrilling six-team showdown will feature a total of 34 electrifying matches, captivating cricket fans across the nation.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wk), Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Tom Curran, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Hassan Nawaz, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mark Chapman, Rilee Rossouw, Muhammad Zeeshan, Muhammad Wasim Jnr, Faheem Ashraf, Khurram Shahzad, Finn Allen

READ: PSL 10: Quetta Gladiators win toss against Lahore Qalandars