Author: shahzad.malik

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: The Pakistan cricket team hit the ground running on Friday here at Bay Oval with their training session for the third ODI against New Zealand, set to be played on April 5.

The Green Shirts arrived in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, gearing up for the third and final ODI of the series against New Zealand. After a much-needed day of rest, the squad hit the nets today for an intense practice session.

However, persistent rain forced the team to move their training indoors at Bay Oval. Under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff, the players focused on refining their batting, bowling, and overall fitness through specialized drills.

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It’s worth noting that Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand has been anything but smooth. After a 4-1 drubbing in the T20I series, the Men in Green carried their poor form into the ODIs, losing the opener by 73 runs before conceding the series with an 84-run defeat in the second match earlier today.

With New Zealand already securing the series, the final ODI has been reduced to a dead rubber. Yet, for Pakistan, the match holds significance as an opportunity to salvage some pride after a tough tour.

Pakistan squad for ODI series against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, and Usman Khan.

READ: Saud Shakeel reveals his vision if he becomes PCB chairman

LAHORE: The warm-up matches for the highly anticipated ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier will begin tomorrow in Lahore.

Pakistan’s squad, led by captain Fatima Sana, has reported to a local hotel along with the team management and coaching staff.

The Pakistan women’s cricket team will play its first warm-up match against Thailand on April 4 at Gaddafi stadium.

The sixth edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier will kick off on 9 April, featuring four full members – Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, and Ireland – and associate members Scotland and Thailand.

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The newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium and Lahore Cricket Club Association (LCCA) will host 15 matches of the tournament. The event opener will kick off between hosts Pakistan and Ireland on April 9.

ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier warm-up matches schedule:

Match 1: Bangladesh Women vs. Scotland Women at 09:30 AM PKT​

Match 2: Pakistan Women vs. Thailand Women at 09:30 PM PKT​

Match 3: Ireland Women vs. West Indies Women at 09:30 PM PKT

Match 4: Bangladesh Women vs. Ireland Women at 09:30 AM PKT​

Match 5: Pakistan Women vs. West Indies Women at 09:30 PM PKT​

Match 6: Scotland Women vs. Thailand Women at 09:30 PM PKT

Pakistan squad for Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers

Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah

READ: Peshawar Zalmi add Luke Wood to PSL 10 squad

Pakistan women’s team captain Fatima Sana, alongside Sidra Nawaz, wished the entire Muslim community on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In a video released on the official social media platforms by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Pakistani cricketers extended their wishes and gave important messages to the fans on Eid.

Sidra Nawaz wished Eid Mubarak to the entire Muslim community and requested her fans to remember them in their prayers for success in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2025.”

“I wish Eid Mubarak to the Muslims all over the world. May Allah accept our prayers, ” said Sidra.

It is pertinent to mention that the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers will begin on 9 April in the Punjab capital, Lahore.

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The six-team tournament, which includes Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand and West Indies alongside hosts Pakistan, will feature a single-league round-robin format.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA ground will host 15 matches of the event, with Pakistan playing Ireland in the opening match of the competition at the Gaddafi Stadium.

On 11 April, Pakistan will play Scotland at the LCCA ground in a day game, while the hosts will take on West Indies in a day-night fixture on 14 April at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan will face Thailand in their fourth fixture of the event scheduled on 17 April in a day-night fixture at Gaddafi Stadium, while their final group stage match will be against Bangladesh on 19 April at the LCCA ground, which will be a day match.

Pakistan squad for Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers

Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah

Reserve players: Ghulam Fatima, Waheeda Akhtar and Umm-e-Hani

READ: Natalia Parvaiz confident as Pakistan women’s team gears up for World Cup Qualifiers

LAHORE: Pakistan women’s cricketer Natalia Parvaiz expressed her thoughts on national team preparations ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifiers, set to take place from 9 to 19 April at the Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA ground in Lahore.

While talking to the media, the batting all-rounder Natalia deemed fitness crucial for the 50-over format while mentioning the improvement in the players’ fitness.

“Fitness is very crucial in 50-over cricket. Without fitness, you can’t play in this format,” she said.

“I think there is a lot of improvement because cricketers are focusing on gym, running, cardio, strength, and diet, ” she added.

The 29-year-old lauded the role of coaches in preparing them for different conditions, especially playing on turning tracks.

“The coaches have guided us on how to play in different conditions, which has helped us a lot.”

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She stated that their preparation was good, and as a team, they were hopeful of a strong performance in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

“Our preparation is good, and hopefully, our results will be good. We also want to play in the World Cup,” she concluded.

The six-team ICC event, which includes Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand and West Indies alongside hosts Pakistan, will feature a single-league round-robin format.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA ground will host 15 matches of the event, with Pakistan playing Ireland in the opening match of the competition at the Gaddafi Stadium.

On 11 April, Pakistan will play Scotland at the LCCA ground in a day game, while the hosts will take on West Indies in a day-night fixture on 14 April at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan will face Thailand in their fourth fixture of the event scheduled on 17 April in a day-night fixture at Gaddafi Stadium, while their final group stage match will be against Bangladesh on 19 April at the LCCA ground, which will be a day match.

Pakistan squad for Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers

Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah

Reserve players: Ghulam Fatima, Waheeda Akhtar and Umm-e-Hani

READ: PCB confirms rescheduling of PSL 10 exhibition match in Peshawar

LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Wasim Jr., who is set to make a comeback to the national One-day International side after an injury, has acknowledged that the upcoming series against New Zealand will be a significant challenge for him.

While speaking to the media ahead of the ODI series against the Black Caps, Wasim expressed his concerns about returning to form after his injury.

“I am coming back from an injury, so it will be a bit challenging for me. However, I will put in my best effort to perform well, ” he remarked.

When asked about the T20I series, he chose to keep his focus on the ODIs.

“My concentration is solely on the ODI side. The T20 team can provide insights about their performances, ” he stated.

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Mohammad Wasim Jr. also reflected on the absence of senior players, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.

“We will certainly miss experienced players like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, ” he said.

Wasim highlighted the favourable conditions for fast bowlers in New Zealand, declaring his determination to make a strong impression.

“I know the conditions will be supportive for fast bowlers, and I will strive to deliver a solid performance, ” he concluded.

Following an unsatisfactory showing in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan is now competing in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The team has suffered defeats in the first two matches by considerable margins.

For the unversed, the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand will kickoff from 29 March. The second ODI will be played on 2 April in Hamilton, while Mount Maunganui will host the final ODI on 5 April.

Pakistan squads for New Zealand tour

ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.

READ: Mohammad Asif offers valuable advice to Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

Lahore: The Pakistan women’s cricket team will undergo a 10-day training camp here as part of their preparations for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers, starting from 9 April.

All players of women’s team have been instructed to report to the local hotel tomorrow before the camp begins.

The training camp will be held under the supervision of head coach Mohammad Wasim, with a strong focus on skill enhancement.

“The players will undergo specialized training to improve their skills, including fitness, fielding, bowling, and batting,” an official stated.

In addition to training drills, the camp will also feature practice matches to help Pakistan women’s team players fine-tune their game ahead of the crucial qualifiers.

The women’s training camp will continue until March 30 as the team gears up for the global event.

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The sixth edition of the women’s World Cup qualifiers will feature four full members – Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies and Ireland – and associate members Scotland and Thailand. The event will be played across two venues in Lahore.

The newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium and Lahore Cricket Club Association (LCCA) will host 15 tournament matches. The tournament opener will kick off between hosts Pakistan and Ireland on April 9.

West Indies will compete against Scotland on the same day at the LCCA ground.

Consequently, the top two teams finishing at the top at the end of league stage matches will go through to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

The qualifying teams will join Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and hosts India, who have qualified for the marquee event by finishing in the top six of the ICC Wome’s Championship (2022-25).

ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2025 match schedule

• April 9 – Pak vs Ire & Sco vs WI
• April 10 – Ban vs Thai
• April 11 – Pak vs Sco & Ire vs WI
• April 13 – Ban vs Ire & Sco vs Thai
• April 14 – Pak vs WI
• April 15 – Ban vs Sco & Ire vs Thai
• April 17 – Pak vs Thai & Ban vs WI
• April 18 – Ire vs Sco
• April 19 – Pak vs Ban & Thai vs WI

READ: Abdullah Shafique eyes strong comeback in ODI series against New Zealand

Pakistan’s top-order batter, Abdullah Shafique, is focused on making a strong comeback in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, starting on 29 March.

Speaking about his past performances, Shafique admitted that he has learned valuable lessons from previous matches.

“I didn’t perform well in some of my recent games, but I have taken a lot of lessons from those experiences,” he admitted.

On the ongoing debate about player specialization, Shafique stressed the importance of adaptability across formats.

“Tagging a player as a red-ball or white-ball specialist isn’t fair. A cricketer should be able to play all formats,” he stated.

Shafiq, who was out of sorts in the South Africa series, played at the end of last year, emphasized the challenges of playing in New Zealand conditions and expressed confidence in his preparation.

“New Zealand’s conditions have always been difficult for Pakistan. I will try my best to perform well and contribute to the team’s success,” Shafique said.

Reflecting on his return to the national squad, the right-hander credited domestic cricket for improving his game.

“Playing domestic matches has helped me a lot. I feel in good form and will look to capitalize on it in this series,” he added.

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Shafique also acknowledged Babar Azam’s recent praise and considered it an honor to receive encouragement from a top-class batter.

“Babar’s words mean a lot to me. I hope to live up to his expectations and perform to the best of my abilities,” he stated.

While discussing New Zealand’s squad, he stressed that they are a formidable opponent and should not be taken lightly.

“New Zealand is never an easy team to face. They have young and talented players, and we aim to put up a strong fight,” he said.

Addressing criticism, Shafique maintained that he tries to focus on his game and ignore unnecessary distractions.

“Criticism is part of cricket. It should be taken positively. A lot is said, but I prefer to focus on my performance,” he remarked.

The 25-year-old also backed injured batter Saim Ayub and wished him success.

“Saim is an excellent player and a great asset for Pakistan. I wish him the best of luck,” he said.

Lastly, he highlighted the growing importance of strike rate in modern-day cricket.

“In white-ball cricket, maintaining a good strike rate is crucial. It plays a big role in a team’s success,” he concluded.

READ: Pakistan team trained like Under-14 side, says Shahid Afridi

LAHORE: The management of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars brought the glittering ‘Luminara Trophy’ to SOS Village, where a colourful event was held to celebrate the moment with young children, as part of the PSL 10 Trophy Tour.

The children of the SOS Village were absolutely thrilled as they gathered around the gleaming silverware.

Lahore Qalandars’ star batter Fakhar Zaman was also present at the event, spending time with the children and engaging in a fun cricket session. The young fans clicked pictures with Fakhar and the Luminara trophy, chanting slogans in excitement.

Expressing his emotions, the star batter said it was heartwarming to see smiles on the children’s faces, emphasizing that they are the future of Pakistan.

“These children are our future and it makes my heart happy to see the happiness on their faces,” Fakhar said. “The confidence these kids have is truly inspiring.”

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In a touching gesture, he requested Lahore Qalandars’ management to arrange PSL match screenings for the children, a proposal that was immediately accepted.

Lahore Qalandars’ COO Sameen Rana highlighted that the purpose of bringing the PSL 10 trophy to SOS Village was to make the children feel valued and appreciated.

Meanwhile PSL CEO Salman Naseer reiterated that taking the trophy to different locations is a way to showcase PSL as a major brand of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the PSL 10 Trophy Tour continues its journey across Pakistan. In the first leg, the Luminara Trophy was showcased in Hyderabad and Karachi before moving to Lahore.

The tour now heads to Multan today, with Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Islamabad next in line. Details of the second leg will be announced later.

PSL 10 ‘Luminara’ Trophy tour schedule

• 14 March – Hyderabad
• 14-15 March – Karachi
• 16-17 March – Lahore
• 18 March – Multan
• 19 March – Bahawalpur
• 20 March – Faisalabad
• 22 March – Peshawar
• 23 March – Islamabad

READ: Pakistan captain reflects on defeat in second T20I against New Zealand

Lahore: The first-ever trophy tour of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) continued as the glittering trophy reached here on Sunday, making a special appearance at the National Hockey Stadium.

The PSL trophy was unveiled at a ceremony held at the Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy, attended by representatives from the PSL management.

Head of the Khawaja Hockey Academy, Olympian Khawaja Junaid, along with dozens of young hockey players, were also present at the unveiling.

A celebratory cake was cut during the event, and the young athletes from the hockey academy had the opportunity to take pictures with the coveted PSL trophy.

During this occasion, Junaid praised the Pakistan Super League and announced that a hockey league will soon be launched, similar to the PSL.

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“The PSL is a massive brand, and it’s an honor for its trophy to visit our academy,” said Junaid.

He also announced that a hockey league will soon be launched on the lines of the PSL, which he believes will promote the national sport.

“A hockey league, similar to PSL, will be launched soon. This league will benefit Pakistan’s national game,” he stated.

Earlier, the first-ever trophy tour of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off from Hyderabad and Karachi on 14 March.

According to the cricket board, the prestigious trophy named ‘Luminara’ will tour 11 major cities across Pakistan until March 29.

After Lahore, the trophy will make a one-day visit to Multan, Bahawalpur, and Faisalabad on March 18, 19, and 20, respectively, before heading to Peshawar on March 22.

The first leg of this historic trophy tour will conclude on March 23, with the Luminara trophy making a stop in the capital city, Islamabad.

PSL 10 ‘Luminara’ Trophy tour schedule

• 14 March – Hyderabad
• 14-15 March – Karachi
• 16-17 March – Lahore
• 18 March – Multan
• 19 March – Bahawalpur
• 20 March – Faisalabad
• 22 March – Peshawar
• 23 March – Islamabad

READ: PCB issues legal notice to South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch

Pakistan’s T20 cricketer Mohammad Ali highlighted the team’s preparation and personal approach ahead of the New Zealand tour, set to commence on 16 March in Christchurch.

While speaking to the media, Ali stated that the team has prepared well for the New Zealand tour.

“We have prepared well for the New Zealand series. New Zealand is tough opponent in their home conditions,” he remarked.

“We are also focusing on adapting to their conditions,” he said.

Mohammad Ali further emphasized that he does not compete with anyone and that his goal is to fulfill whatever role I am assigned.

“I am not competing with anyone. My goal is to fulfill whatever role I am assigned,” stated Ali.

The bowler emphasized his experience playing on various pitches in domestic cricket and managing pressure effectively.

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“I have performed well in PSL and BPL, handling pressure effectively,” he concluded.

The T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off in Christchurch on 16 March, while the second match is scheduled to be played in Dunedin on 18 March.

The third match will be played in Auckland on 21 March, while the subsequent games are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on 23 and 26 March, respectively.

Pakistan squads for New Zealand tour

T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan (wk)

Read: No Rohit Sharma as ICC reveals Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament