Category: Featured

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made two additions to the national ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand, bringing in fast bowler Haris Rauf and wicket-keeper Usman Khan.

Rauf was Pakistan’s most consistent bowler in the recently concluded T20I series, where the Green Shirts suffered a 4-1 defeat.

He played a crucial role by taking eight wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 12.25, resulting in his inclusion in the ODI squad to strengthen Pakistan’s pace attack.

Meanwhile, Usman Khan has been added as a reserve wicket-keeper, with skipper Mohammad Rizwan continuing as the team’s primary choice behind the stumps.

It’s worth noting that a total of eight players from Pakistan’s T20I squad, along with support staff, have joined the ODI squad in Napier.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The players include the above-mentioned Haris and Usman as well as Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Mohammad Ali.

Meanwhile, the remaining eight members of the T20I squad are set to depart from New Zealand for Pakistan via Dubai.

This group includes Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Umair Bin Yousuf, Hassan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Abbas Afridi, Abdul Samad, and Jahandad Khan.

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off on March 29 in Napier. The second match is scheduled for April 2 in Hamilton, while the series will conclude with the final ODI in Mount Maunganui on April 5.

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: Former cricketer urges Pakistan coaching staff to resign after New Zealand series loss

WELLINGTON: James Neesham claimed a five-wicket haul, while Tim Seifert played an unbeaten knock of 97 runs to help New Zealand thump Pakistan in the final match of the five-match T20I series here at Sky Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a paltry 129-run target, New Zealand successfully chased down the total in 10 overs after losing two wickets to win the series 4-1.

Seifert led New Zealand’s charge with the bat, smashing 97 runs from 38 balls, which featured ten sixes and six boundaries.

Seifert and Finn Allen (27) stitched a 93-run opening stand to put the home team in the driving seat before Sufiyan Muqeem provided Pakistan with the first breakthrough.

Sufiyan added another wicket to his tally as he removed Mark Chapman (3).

Daryl Mitchell (2*) joined Seifert, and they comfortably steered their side to a thumping eight-wicket victory.

New Zealand invited Pakistan to bat first after winning the toss, and Jacob Duffy drew first blood with the wicket of Hasan Nawaz (0) in the second over.

Ben Sears removed Mohammad Haris, who scored a scratchy 11 off 17, bringing Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha to the crease.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Duffy dismissed Omair Bin Yousuf (7) to leave the Green Shirts reeling at 25-3 inside the power play.

Salman remained unfazed on his end as he lost two more partners before vice-captain Shadab Khan joined him and added 54 runs for the sixth wicket.

James Neesham broke the budding stand with the wicket of Shadab, who scored 28 runs from 20 deliveries with the help of five boundaries.

New batter Jahandad Khan (1) also fell prey to Neesham in the same over, leaving Pakistan struggling at 108-7.

Salman top-scored for Pakistan with a 39-ball 51, laced with seven boundaries, including one six, before becoming Neesham’s fourth victim.

Sufiyan Muqeem was also snared in the same over by Neesham, who claimed his career-best bowling figures of 5-22.

Haris Rauf (6) remained unbeaten as Pakistan managed to reach 128-9 in their allocated 20 over against a dominant New Zealand attack.

Besides Neesham’s five-wicket haul, Duffy claimed two wickets for the Black Caps, while Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi each bagged one.

New Zealand XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke

Pakistan XI: Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali

READ: Saim Ayub returns to Lahore ahead of PSL 10

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who is currently recovering from a heart attack, shared an emotional message on social media on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club against Shinepukur Cricket Club at BKSP when he suffered a severe heart attack, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.

Despite receiving initial medical attention, his condition worsened, prompting an emergency transfer to Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Memorial KPJ Specialized Hospital in Savar for further tests.

Renowned cardiologist Dr Moniruzzaman Maruf performed a successful emergency procedure, stabilizing Tamim’s condition.

Tamim regained consciousness by the afternoon and was able to speak with his family, but doctors have kept him under intensive care, closely monitoring his progress over the next 48 hours.

The left-handed batter took to social media, passionately sharing his heartfelt thoughts with the world. He expressed profound gratitude to all those who stood by him during his challenging times.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The beat of our heart keeps us alive. This beat can stop without any notice – but we keep forgetting about that. When I started my day yesterday, did I have any idea what was about to happen to me?” wrote Tamim.

The veteran batter acknowledged how fortunate he was to have immediate medical attention, crediting the doctors and his well-wishers for his survival.

“By the grace of the Almighty Allah and because of your prayers, I have come back. I was fortunate to have some incredible people around me during this crisis, because of their prudence and endless efforts I have overcome this danger and come back,” he further stated.

Tamim’s message also carried a deeper reflection on life and the importance of supporting one another.

“Some incidents remind us of reality, remind us of how short life really is. In this brief life, if nothing else, we should all stand by each other during crises – that is my request to you all,” he added

He ended his note with a heartfelt appeal for prayers. “I offer my sincerest gratitude and love to you all. Please pray for me and my family. Without your love, I, Tamim Iqbal, am nothing,” he concluded.

READ: Peshawar, Lahore Region Blues advance to the final four of National T20 Cup

Former Australian opener David Warner has been appointed as the captain of Karachi Kings for Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

The left-hander, known for his explosive batting and fearless approach, brings a wealth of leadership experience and a reputation for winning big games.

The experienced Warner, a winner of both the ODI and T20 World Cups, is regarded as one of the most dangerous T20 openers and has captained several major cricket leagues over the past decade, including the Big Bash League (BBL).

Karachi Kings selected Warner as their first pick in the Platinum category during the PSL 10 Players Draft, which took place on January 13, 2025, at the historic Hazoori Bagh in Lahore.

Karachi Kings management expressed heartfelt gratitude to last season’s captain, Shan Masood, for his invaluable contributions in leading the team in a new direction.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Shan Masood’s strategic leadership in PSL 9 laid a strong foundation for Karachi Kings, fostering a remarkable blend of young and experienced players. The franchise appreciated his professionalism, tactical understanding, and efforts to create team harmony.

Karachi Kings’ owner, Salman Iqbal, stated: “We warmly welcome David Warner to the Karachi Kings family as our captain. His leadership and match-winning performances align perfectly with our team’s vision.”

“At the same time, we sincerely appreciate Shan Masood’s exceptional captaincy last season. His efforts have built a strong foundation for Karachi Kings, and we are delighted that he remains an integral part of the team.”

Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 is set to begin on Friday, April 11, 2025, while Karachi Kings will play their opening match on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at their home ground, National Bank Stadium, Karachi, against Multan Sultans.

READ: Tamim Iqbal suffers heart attack during DPL match

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Clinical New Zealand bundled out Pakistan on a meager 105 runs in the fourth T20I at Bay Oval on Sunday, sealing the five-match series 3-1.

Chasing a daunting total of 221, Pakistan’s batting order collapsed under the pressure, getting bowled out for only 105 runs.

Pakistan team encountered early difficulties, losing their top three batters within just two overs. Openers Mohammad Haris (2), Hasan Nawaz (1), and skipper Salman Ali Agha (1) were dismissed in quick succession.

After this shaky start, the Pakistan team struggled to recover in their chase.

Their vice-captain, Shadab Khan, fell for a mere one run in the fourth over, leaving the team in deep trouble with a score of 26-4 after just 4.1 overs.

The Men in Green lost wickets regularly against a well-disciplined New Zealand bowling attack and were ultimately bowled out for a modest total in 16.2 overs.

The only bright spot in an otherwise poor batting performance was Abdul Samad, who scored 44 off 30 deliveries, an innings that included two sixes and four fours.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler, taking four wickets in his four overs, while Zakary Foulkes provided strong support, claiming three wickets of his own.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Earlier, after being invited to bat first, New Zealand posted a mammoth 221-run target in 20 overs.

The Kiwi openers provided a blazing start, scoring 59 runs in just 4.1 overs. Tim Seifert scored a fiery 44 off 22 balls, smashing four sixes and three fours.

Following the wicket, Finn Allen and Mark Chapman continued the charge. Allen scored a quick-fire 50 off 20 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes.

At one stage, New Zealand were 134-3 in 10.1 overs, but the Pakistan team fought back to restrict them to 220-6, thanks to some good bowling from Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed in the last overs.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets in his four overs, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with his two wickets.

Playing XI:

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

New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William ORourke, Tim Robinson, Zakary Foulkes

READ: Sahibzada Farhan’s record-breaking knock sends Peshawar to Quarter-finals

AUCKLAND: Young top-order batter Hasan Nawaz scored a scintillating century to power Pakistan to a thumping nine-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third T20I of the five-match series at Eden Park on Friday.

Chasing a daunting 205, Pakistan made it look effortless, reaching the target with 24 balls to spare and just one wicket down.

Openers Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz set the tone early, forging a 74-run stand that put the visitors in the driver’s seat.

Haris, in particular, was in explosive touch, smashing 41 off just 20 balls, including four fours and three sixes, before falling on the final delivery of the powerplay.

His departure, however, did little to slow Pakistan down. Skipper Salman Ali Agha joined Hasan at the crease, and the duo stitched together a magnificent unbeaten 133-run stand, ensuring a commanding victory.

Hasan was the star of the night, hammering an unbeaten 101 off just 45 balls, decorated with 10 fours and seven sixes.

Agha provided solid support, blasting 51 off 31 deliveries, striking six boundaries and two sixes along the way.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy was the lone wicket-taker in a tough outing for the bowlers.

Earlier, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to field first, a decision Shaheen Shah Afridi justified by striking in the opening over.

Tim Seifert (19) then stitched a 40-run stand with Mark Chapman before falling to Haris Rauf, leaving New Zealand at 43-2.

Chapman, unfazed by disciplined bowling attack of Pakistan, kept the scoreboard ticking. He built crucial partnerships of 55 with Daryl Mitchell (17) and 37 with James Neesham (3), taking charge of the innings.

Shaheen returned to break the momentum, dismissing Chapman, who scored a blistering innings of 94 runs from 44 balls, laced with eleven boundaries and four sixes.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell picked up where Chapman left off, smashing 31 off 18 before Haris Rauf sent him packing.

Pakistan bowlers took the remaining two wickets to wrap up the innings in 19.5 overs, restricting New Zealand to 204.

Haris Rauf led the attack with bowling figures of 3-29, while Shaheen Afridi, Abbas Afridi and Abrar Ahmed picked two wickets each.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (c), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

New Zealand Playing XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears

READ: Former New Zealand cricketer weighs in on Babar Azam-Virat Kohli comparison

Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aqib Javed, expressed optimism for a strong comeback ahead of the must-win third T20I against New Zealand, which is scheduled to be played on Friday in Auckland.

While speaking to the media, Aqib discussed the team’s combination and strategy for the crucial match, mentioning that their primary goal is to build a strong squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.

“The team is young, but we are here to win the series. Our performances are improving, and we will fight back in Auckland,” Javed stated.

He remained optimistic about a comeback in the third T20I of the series, noting that the team has enough potential to do well and win the series.

 “Going through a rebuilding phase doesn’t mean we are not aiming to win. The Pakistan team has the full potential to make a comeback and win the series,” he asserted.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The head coach admitted the challenge of playing in overseas conditions but underscored the importance of exposing young players to such environments for long-term success.

“Playing in South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia is not easy, but young players will gain confidence from it. This confidence will be valuable when playing in Asian conditions,” he added.

The 52-year-old highlighted the significance of having players like Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman on the team.

“The selection of players for the long term will be based on their performance within the team. The addition of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman is expected to further strengthen the squad,” he remarked.

While addressing a question regarding ace pacer Shaheen Afridi, Aqib Javed stated that conceding sixes in T20 cricket is not a big deal.

“A bowler conceding four sixes is not a big deal, but a fast bowler must keep improving. Shaheen Shah Afridi also needs to elevate his game.”

“If he wants to establish himself in international cricket, he must improve further,” he concluded.

READ: Shakib Al Hasan cleared of suspect bowling action after reassessment

South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch has formally responded to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding his decision to withdraw from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, citing financial security and long-term career growth as the primary reasons.

Initially picked by Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 10, Bosch opted to join Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead, a move that left PCB officials frustrated and raised questions over his commitment to the PSL.

The board, viewing his withdrawal as a breach of contract, initiated legal proceedings through Bosch’s agent.

On Monday, Bosch addressed the PCB’s concerns, clarifying that his decision was not intended to undermine the PSL.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He explained that signing with Mumbai Indians was a strategic career move, considering the franchise’s dominance in the IPL and its strong global connections across multiple leagues—factors that could provide him with better long-term opportunities.

The PCB is now reviewing his response to assess the contract violation and decide on possible actions against the player.

Following Bosch’s withdrawal, Peshawar Zalmi moved swiftly to sign Australian middle-order batter Mitchell Owen as his replacement for the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, anticipation continues to build for the PSL 10, which is scheduled to kick off on Friday, April 11. Defending champions Islamabad United will take on Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

READ: Shaheen Afridi suffers decline, Haris Rauf moves up in ICC T20I rankings

DUNEDIN: New Zealand secured a commanding five-wicket win over a struggling Pakistan team in a rain-affected second T20I at the University Oval here on Tuesday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Chasing 136, the home team made light work of the target, thanks to an explosive 66-run opening stand between Tim Seifert and Finn Allen.

Seifert came out swinging, finding boundaries at will before falling for a blistering 45 off 22 balls—his dismissal bringing Mohammad Ali his maiden T20I wicket.

Allen, meanwhile, continued the onslaught, adding 21 runs with Mark Chapman before Jahandad Khan sent him packing for a 16-ball 38, leaving New Zealand at 87-2 in just 6.5 overs.

Pakistan found some respite as Mark Chapman (1) fell cheaply to Khushdil Shah, while Haris Rauf dismissed Jimmy Neesham (14), reducing New Zealand to 97-4 in 8.3 overs.

However, Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Hay’s 35-run stand for the fifth wicket ensured there were no hiccups in the chase.

auf removed Mitchell (14) at the brink of victory, but skipper Michael Bracewell and Hay (21) finished things off comfortably with 11 balls to spare.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf picked up two wickets, while Mohammad Ali, Khushdil Shah, and Jahandad Khan took one each.

Earlier, Pakistan’s batting frailties were once again exposed after rain reduced the match to 15 overs, as they crawled to 135 after being put into bat.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The innings started in disastrous fashion with Hasan Nawaz falling for his second consecutive duck, dismissed by Jacob Duffy in the first over.

Mohammad Haris’ poor run continued as well, as Ben Sears removed him for 11, leaving Pakistan reeling at 19-2 in 3.1 overs.

Captain Agha Salman (46) and Irfan Khan (11) stitched a brief 31-run stand, but just as Pakistan looked to settle, Ish Sodhi struck in the seventh over, removing Irfan as well as new batter Khushdil Shah (2) in quick succession to reduce Pakistan to 52-4.

Despite the setbacks, Agha counterattacked, while vice-captain Shadab Khan chipped in with 24 runs before falling to Sears. Agha’s dismissal only worsened Pakistan’s woes, and Shadab, after briefly accelerating the innings, perished for 26 off 14, undone by Duffy.

The tail offered little resistance as Jahandad Khan fell for a duck, while Abdul Samad’s 11-run cameo was cut short by Neesham.

It was left to Shaheen Afridi (22) to provide some late fireworks, pushing Pakistan to a modest 135 in their allocated 15 overs.

For New Zealand, Duffy, Sears, Sodhi, and Neesham picked up two wickets each, ensuring Pakistan never got any momentum.

It’s worth noting that the third T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played in Auckland on March 21, while the final two matches are scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Wellington on March 23 and 26, respectively.

Following the conclusion of the T20I series, the two sides will face off in a three-match ODI series. The first ODI is set for March 29 in Napier, followed by the second on April 2 in Hamilton, while Mount Maunganui will host the third and final match on April 5.

Pakistan XI: Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Agha Salman (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali.

New Zealand XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Ben Sears.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi pick explosive batter Mitchell Owen after Bosch withdraws from PSL 10

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has penalized Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah for breaching the code of conduct during their first T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Sunday.

Khushdil has been penalised 50% of his match fee for a Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct.

According to the ICC, the south-paw violated Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for player and player support Personnel.

This article relates “inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match).”

The incident took place during the 8th over of Pakistan’s innings when Khushdil collided forcefully with bowler Zakary Foulkes from behind.

This action was categorized as ‘inappropriate physical contact with significant force’ and was considered ‘reckless, negligent, and preventable.’

Khushdil Shah accepted the sanctions levelled by the umpires and Match Referee Jeff Crowe, as a result of which there was no need for a formal hearing,” the ICC stated in a statement.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Khushdil has received three demerit points added to his disciplinary record for his first offence within a 24-month period.

It is important to note that if a player accumulates four or more demerit points within this timeframe, those points are converted into suspension points.

Two suspension points lead to a ban from either one Test match, two One Day Internationals (ODIs), or two Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), depending on which type of match occurs first for the player.

It is worth noting here that Khushdil Shah remained the top-scorer for Pakistan in the first T20I, in which they were bowled out for just 91 in 18.4 overs.

The Pakistan cricket team’s openers scored ducks, while seven of their batters failed to reach double-digit in the game.

In response, New Zealand chased down the 92-run target with nine wickets and 59 balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

READ: Pakistani-origin Australian cricketer dies during match played in extreme heat