Category: Featured

LAHORE: A breathtaking run-chase powered by collective brilliance saw Peshawar Zalmi storm to a five-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz in a high-scoring clash of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, overshadowing a sensational knock from Yasir Khan.

Chasing a daunting 215, Zalmi batters stepped up at crucial moments to seal the contest with five balls to spare.

The pursuit was set in motion by a 78-run opening stand between Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris, who added quick runs at the top.

Babar struck a fluent 39 off 28 deliveries before falling to Asif Afridi, while Haris fell prey to Ammad Butt after scoring 47 runs off 28 balls, leaving Zalmi at 96-2 at the halfway mark.

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Kusal Mendis continued to keep the scoreboard ticking with a rapid 31 off 17 deliveries. However, it was the explosive partnership between Abdul Samad and Michael Bracewell that turned the game decisively in Zalmi’s favour.

With 85 required off 35 balls, the duo unleashed a brutal counterattack, hammering 64 runs in just 23 deliveries.

Samad’s fiery 33 off 11 balls, studded with towering sixes, shifted the momentum before his dismissal by Mohammad Amir.

Bracewell, however, carried on the assault and, alongside Aamir Jamal, calmly guided Zalmi home. Jamal remained unbeaten on 17 off just five balls, while Bracewell contributed a crucial 35* off 17.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Earlier, Rawalpindiz posted an imposing 214-4 after being put into bat, largely built on a commanding opening stand between Yasir Khan and captain Mohammad Rizwan.

Yasir led the charge with a scintillating 83 off 46 deliveries, smashing seven fours and six sixes, while Rizwan anchored the innings with a composed 41 off 32. Their 125-run partnership laid a solid platform before Ali Raza broke through to remove both set batters in consecutive overs.

Late contributions from Kamran Ghulam (37 off 20), Daryl Mitchell (23 off 13) and Sam Billings (18* off 8) powered Rawalpindiz to the mammoth total.

READ: Shamyl Hussain responds to critics after blistering PSL knock

Pakistan men and women cricketers warmly greeted fans with heartfelt Eid-ul-Fitr wishes, sharing messages of joy, health, and prosperity on the festive occasion.

In a special video message released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), several Men in Green—including T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, ODI captain Shaheen Afridi, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, and opener Sahibzada Farhan—sent best wishes to fans in Pakistan and worldwide.

“Pakistan cricket team, and I wish you a happy Eid. Take care of yourselves and enjoy the occasion with your friends and family,” Shaheen said.

Meanwhile, women cricketers Sidra Amin, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, and Tuba Hassan also extended heartfelt Eid greetings.

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Women’s cricketers are on a break with their next assignment scheduled in May– a T20I tri-series featuring West Indies and hosts Ireland.

The series will serve as a preparatory ground ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to run from June 12 to July 5.

Meanwhile, Pakistan men’s cricketers are gearing up for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, scheduled to run from March 26 across six venues in Pakistan.

Overall, 44 matches will be played in the tournament, with the opening match scheduled between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, and Hyderabad Kingsmen, making their debut.

READ: PSL 11 squads locked in as trade window closes

The squads for all eight franchises competing in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 have been finalised following the conclusion of the week-long trade window, setting the stage for the historic eight-team tournament.

The window, which opened on March 12, allowed teams to reshuffle combinations through player trades, direct signings and replacements under the league’s regulations.

It proved particularly active for Multan Sultans, who were involved in multiple deals across franchises.

Multan completed a player swap with Quetta Gladiators, bringing in Ahmed Daniyal and Jahanzaib Sultan in exchange for Faisal Akram and Arafat Minhas.

They also secured Mohammad Wasim Jr from Islamabad United, while sending Salman Mirza and Nisar Ahmed the other way.

In a separate move, the Sultans executed a player-for-money trade, transferring emerging all-rounder Saad Masood to RawalPindiz for PKR 500,000.

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Franchises were permitted three types of trades during the window: player-for-player, player-for-money, and hybrid deals, giving teams flexibility to fine-tune their squads ahead of the new season.

Beyond trades, several teams strengthened their line-ups through direct signings.

Multan added all-rounder Imran Randhawa, while Peshawar Zalmi brought in U19 captain Farhan Yousuf alongside Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam.

Injury replacements also saw movement, with Lahore Qalandars and RawalPindiz drafting in Shahab Khan and Jalat Khan respectively.

PSL 11 marks a historic expansion to eight teams, with new entrants RawalPindiz and Hyderabad Kingsmen joining the competition.

The 44-match tournament will run from March 26 to May 3, with each team playing 10 matches in the league stage before the top four progress to the playoffs.

PSL 11 Squads

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Dasun Shanaka, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan and Shahab Khan.

Hyderabad Kingsmen: Marnus Labuschagne (c), Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Hassan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Glenn Maxwell, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, Tayyab Arif and Ahmed Hussain.

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Max Bryant, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

Karachi Kings: David Warner (C), Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, Moeen Ali, Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shahid Aziz, Mir Hamza, Adam Zampa, Mohammad Hamza Sohail, Aqib Ilyas, Khwaja Bin Tanveer, Johnson Charles, Muhammad Waseem, Ihsanullah and Rizwanullah.

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, Shamyl Hussain, Alzarri Joseph, Rilee Rossouw, Ahmed Daniyal, Jahanzaib Sultan, Jahandad Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Wasim Akram Jnr, Khan Zeb, Bismillah Khan, Saqib Khan, Brett Hampton, Sam Harper, Bevon Jacobs, Abrar Ahmed, Ben McDermott and Tom Curran.

Multan Sultans: Ashton Turner (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Shehzad Gul, Faisal Akram, Imran Randhawa, Arafat Minhas, Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Potgieter, Josh Phillippe, Shan Masood, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Shahzad, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ismail and Atizaz Habib Khan.

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, James Vince, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mirza Tahir Baig, Kashif Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousuf and Shoriful Islam.

RawalPindiz: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Yasir Khan, Naseem Shah, Rishad Hossain, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Dian Forrestor, Laurie Evans, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Fawad Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Saad Masood.

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Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has addressed the fitness concerns that sparked a public debate over his omission from the national side’s recent ODI series against Bangladesh.

The left-handed batter found himself at the centre of controversy after Pakistan’s selection committee, represented by Aaqib Javed, cited fitness issues as the reason behind his exclusion.

The matter gained traction when former pacer Abdur Rouf questioned the decision publicly, after Fakhar participated in the ongoing National T20 Cup.

Fakhar Zaman, while playing for Abbottabad Region, took a brilliant diving catch against Lahore Whites at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

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Rouf had taken to social media to criticise the selectors, highlighting what he perceived as a contradiction between Fakhar being declared unfit and his on-field participation.

“A day ago, our selection committee declared him injured and demanded an inquiry. What a great mind and visionary people we have to run our cricket,” Rouf wrote with the picture of Fakhar’s diving catch.

Responding directly, Fakhar clarified that he was not fully fit for the demands of 50-over cricket at the time the ODI squad was finalised. He explained that his return to competitive cricket only came after successfully clearing fitness tests.

“Abdur Rouf Bhai, I was not 100% fit to play 50-over games. In that case, Aaqib Javed was right. I am playing these games after clearing the fitness tests on the 15th,” Fakhar stated.

His response effectively defended the selection committee’s stance, suggesting that the timing of his recovery played a crucial role in his omission.

The exchange between the two cricketers concluded on a positive note, with Rouf acknowledging Fakhar’s commitment and reiterating support for national players.

He also indicated that player well-being remains the top priority, moving to defuse the situation.

“Great catch anyway. No need to worry. We are here to support our players like you. Nothing is more important than you guys. I am deleting [the post],” he stated.

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Renowned singer Atif Aslam will perform the official anthem of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, marking the start of a new era for the league.

The news was announced on the PSL social handles, confirming that the song will be performed by Atif Aslam

“A new era. A legendary voice. Atif Aslam leads the HBL PSL anthem,” the caption wrote.

It is worth mentioning that Atif Aslam previously featured in the seventh edition with the anthem ‘Agey Dekh’ alongside Aima Baig.

Previously, Ali Zafar performed the anthems of the first three editions of the tournament — 2016, 2017, 2018 before returning in 2024.

His 2017 anthem, Ab Khel Jamay Ga, remains one of the most popular cricket anthems in Pakistan.

For those unaware, PSL 11 will begin on March 26 across six venues in Pakistan, marking the start of a new era with the addition of two new teams.

Overall, 44 matches will be played, with the opening match scheduled between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium.

Each team will play 10 matches, with the top 4 teams advancing to the playoffs. The final of the event will be played on May 3 at Gaddafi Stadium.

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The fixture list includes six double-headers, three of which will be played at Gaddafi Stadium. This will also be the first time that Faisalabad and Peshawar will be staging matches alongside Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

Gaddafi Stadium will host the most matches (15), followed by Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11) and Faisalabad Iqbal Stadium (7).

Meanwhile, the National Bank Stadium in Karachi will host six matches while Multan Cricket Stadium will host four.

Peshawar’s Imran Khan Cricket Stadium is set to host a single fixture between Peshawar Zalmi and RawalPINDIZ on March 28.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the schedule for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, set to commence on March 26. 

The eight-team tournament will see 44 matches played from March 26 to May 3.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the event’s season opener and final, with a reserved day scheduled for the summit clash.

The opening match of the tournament will be played between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

“For the first time, eight teams will participate in the PCB’s marquee event, HBL PSL, which has successfully completed 10 years and is set to enter a new era with its 11th edition,” the board said in a press release statement.

“The eight participating teams in the 39-day event are Hyderabad Kingsmen, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, and Rawalpindi Pindiz,” it added.

According to the schedule, each outfit will play 10 matches with the top four sides qualifying for the playoffs.

“The tournament will also see 12 double-headers taking place with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting three double-headers,” the statement said.

PSL 11 schedule

March 31 – Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 1 – Multan Sultans vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 2 – Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
April 2 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 3 – Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 4 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 5 – Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 6 – Multan Sultans vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan

April 8 – Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Peshawar Zalmi at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 9 – Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
April 9 – Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 10 – Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 11 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
April 11 – Karachi Kings vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 12 – Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Islamabad United at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 13 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 15 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 16 – Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
April 16 – Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

April 17 – Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 18 – Lahore Qalandars vs Rawalpindi Pindiz at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

April 19 – Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 19 – Quetta Gladiators vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

April 21 – Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 21 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Multan Sultans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 22 – Karachi Kings vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 22 – Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 23 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Islamabad United at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
April 23 – Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

April 24 – Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 25 – Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 25 – Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
April 26 – Rawalpindi Pindiz vs Peshawar Zalmi at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 26 – Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 28 – Qualifier at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

April 29 – Eliminator 1 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

May 1 – Eliminator 2 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

May 3 – Final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Shaheen Afridi comments on Babar Azam, Saim Ayub omission from ODI squad

DHAKA: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has confirmed that the Green Shirts will field three debutants in the first ODI of their three-match series against Bangladesh, set to be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, March 11.

Pakistan dropped senior players like Babar Azam and Saim Ayub for the series, giving a platform to several promising talents.

The squad for the series includes six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Afridi revealed that Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain will make their international ODI debuts.

Farhan and Sadaqat are set to open the innings, while Hussain will bat at one-down.

“Sahibzada [Farhan] ofcourse he has been a top performer in T20Is as well as List A domestic cricket in Pakistan. Maaz Sadaqat will also open the innings, and Shamyl Hussain will bat at one down,” he said.

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“I hope that they play their own [natural] game and show their skills. We, as a team, are very excited to see them play.”

The captain highlighted that familiarity with local conditions will be an advantage for the debutants.

“Sahibzada has played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Maaz has also played here. So it should feel like just another game for them. I hope they play their best cricket and express themselves,” he added.

Shaheen Afridi was also asked about Pakistan’s bowling combination and the potential inclusion of Saad Masood, given the spin-friendly nature of Dhaka pitches.

“Only 11 players can play, so we will decide according to the team requirement and pitch conditions. We have one more practice session today, after which the final playing XI will be announced,” he stated.

READ: Pakistan-Bangladesh ODI series trophy unveiled in Dhaka

DHAKA: The stage is set for the highly anticipated three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, as the trophy was officially unveiled on Tuesday.

The series, scheduled from March 11 to 15, will see all matches played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Pakistan skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz took part in the unveiling ceremony, presenting the glittering trophy to the media and fans ahead of the opening encounter.

The match officials for the series were confirmed yesterday, with Naeem-ul-Rasheed appointed as the match referee for all three ODIs.

The on-field umpires will include Kumar Dharmasena, Adrian Holdstock, Ghazi Sohail, Tanveer Ahmed, and Masoodur Rahman, ensuring experienced oversight for the series.

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Pakistan’s squad features a mix of established players and promising talents, including six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

Bangladesh will counter with their own strong line-up, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and including Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nahid Rana.

Pakistan squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain

Bangladesh squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

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AHMEDABAD: Sanju Samson starred as dominant India thrashed New Zealand to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Sunday. 

Set a daunting 256, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.

New Zealand were jolted early in a big chase as they were reduced to 47-3 in only 4.5 overs.

Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah were the chief tormentors as the BlackCaps could not get going.

With the asking rate rising, it was never an easy task for them. Tim Siefert resisted with a brisk half-century; his innings came to an end in the eighth over.

As a result, New Zealand were in dire straits with five down for 72 in 8.1 overs.

The game was long done and dusted as skipper Mitchell Santner scored a spirited 43 from 35 balls with the aid of three fours and two sixes, only reducing the margin of defeat.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah remained the standout bowler with four wickets to his name while Axar Patel managed to take three.

With this, India became the first team to win the T20 World Cup for a record third time and the first to successfully defend its title.

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Earlier, Sanju Samson top-scored with 89 as India posted a mammoth total.

Asked to bat first, India racked up 244-6 in their 20 overs.

The foundation for a big total was laid by openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. The pair added 98 in 7.1 overs before Rachin Ravindra got him. The southpaw made 52 from 21, striking three sixes and half a dozen fours.

Despite the wicket, India continued on to pile runs as Kishan joined Samson at the crease. The pair forged a 105-run partnership from 45 balls to put India in a dominant position with the scorecard now reading 202 in 15 overs.

With India eyeing a 300-run target, Jimmy Neesham somehow provided New Zealand a respite with a triple-wicket over.

He took three in an over to halt the host charge and put his team back in the competition. Neesham first picked up Samson, who made 89 from 46, whereas Kishan scored 54 from 25 balls.

New Zealand did well to stem the flow of runs, but it was Shivam Dube’s whirlwind knock that took the total to over 250 runs. The left-hander made 20 off eight with the aid of two sixes and three fours.

For New Zealand, James Neesham scalped three wickets.

READ: WATCH: New Zealand bowler makes history with triple hat-trick

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has defended the selection of young wicket-keeper Ghazi Ghori in the national squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh.

Rizwan shared his views during a media talk on the sidelines of Pakistan’s training camp in Karachi.

Notably, Ghazi Ghori is among six uncapped players included in Pakistan’s ODI squad for the Bangladesh tour. The other uncapped ODI players are Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

However, Ghori’s inclusion sparked debate among fans and former cricketers on social media due to his limited domestic experience.

Ghori, who featured in two matches for Islamabad United last year, has played just 17 List A matches, averaging slightly above 20 with a strike rate below 80 in the format.

Despite the scrutiny, Rizwan insisted that the youngster deserved the opportunity.

“Ghazi has come into the team on the basis of performance. Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Rizwan said.

The senior wicket-keeper also emphasised that Pakistan should welcome the emergence of multiple wicketkeeping options, saying it could ultimately benefit the national team.

“Right now, Ghazi is in the squad, but if you look at the past, many wicketkeepers have been performing. It’s good if more keepers come through the system because Pakistan might finally find what it has been searching for,” he added.

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played from March 11 to 15, with all fixtures set to take place at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

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Mohammad Rizwan also warned against underestimating Bangladesh in their home conditions.

“On paper, the series may look easy, but Bangladesh are a tough side in their own conditions. The pitches there suit them,” he said, adding that Pakistan still have players in the squad who possess experience of playing in those conditions.

When asked about the exclusion of several senior players from the squad, Rizwan said the selection committee was better placed to explain those decisions.

“If I had been part of the selection meeting, I could have told you why certain players were left out,” he remarked.

Rizwan further highlighted the importance of the captain’s role in team-building, stating that leadership input should carry weight in decision-making.

“If the selection committee or head coach does not listen to the captain, then that person should not be captain,” he said. “The captain has to lead the team on the field, so his opinion must matter.”

The wicketkeeper-batter also spoke about the pressure in modern cricket, stressing the need for greater professionalism within Pakistan cricket.

“Pressure exists at every level of cricket, whether club, domestic or international. We need awareness and professionalism because other teams are ahead of us and they handle pressure better,” he said.

Rizwan was also asked about reports claiming that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had imposed a fine of Rs5 million on each player following the team’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

However, he declined to comment on the matter, saying the board had not yet made any official announcement.

“Many people and sections of the media have spoken about it, but until the PCB makes an official statement, I cannot say anything about the alleged fine,” Rizwan concluded.

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