PAK vs NZ Archives

‘Learned a lot from his bowling’ Zaman Khan reveals his childhood hero

LAHORE: Young pacer Zaman Khan has named Lasith Malinga as his bowling inspiration, saying he has been watching the Sri Lankan legend since childhood and has learned a lot from the fierce speedster.

Zaman, who has an unorthodox sling bowling style like Malinga, said he had been watching the Sri Lankan bowler since he was very young and observed his bowling action very closely.

“I used to watch Lastith Malinga, because my action is similar to his, and I have learned a lot by observing him,” he said in a media talk at Gaddafi Stadium after the team’s training camp on Sunday.

“I grew up watching Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar and always had this wish to represent my country like them, which has come true now.”

“My aim is to perform well for Pakistan for as long as I play and make the country proud. Whenever I get the opportunity, I will try to give my 100 per cent and win the match for Pakistan,” he added.

Zaman shot to fame because of his economical bowling in crunch moments of the game and became a final-over specialist for champions Lahore Qalanadats in the Pakistan Super League season 8, that too in the presence of Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi.

“It takes a lot of hard work and net practice to bowl the final over (in the match)” he added.

Moreover, he expressed his gratitude towards Qalandars’ captain Shaheen, saying, “He has been guiding me on everything and since I came under his wings, I have learned a lot.”.

For the forthcoming home assignment against New Zealand, the 21-year-old has been retained in Pakistan’s T20I squad from the Afghanistan series in Sharjah, his maiden call-up to the national side.

It may be noted here that Pakistan will take on the visitors in five T20Is and as many ODIs across three venues from 14 April to 7 May.

SQUADS:

T20I: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood and Zaman Khan.

ODI: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood and Usama Mir.

Complete Pakistan v New Zealand schedule:

14 Apr – 1^st T20I, Lahore
15 Apr – 2^nd T20I, Lahore
17 Apr – 3^rd T20I, Lahore
20 Apr – 4^th T20I, Rawalpindi
24 Apr – 5^th T20I, Rawalpindi
26 Apr – 1^st ODI, Rawalpindi
30 Apr – 2^nd ODI, Rawalpindi
3 May – 3^rd ODI, Karachi
5 May – 4^th ODI, Karachi
7 May – 5^th ODI, Karachi

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PCB nominates Aleem Dar for ICC international panel of umpires

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday nominated former Elite Panel Umpire Aleem Dar on the ICC International Panel of Umpires.

The three-time ICC Umpire of the Year has replaced Ahsan Raza in the international panel, who has been promoted to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.

Aleem’s appointment to the international panel means he will remain eligible to umpire in international matches, including Pakistan’s home international fixtures.

The upcoming ICC Major Events such as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

As per ICC regulations, match officials on the international panel are only qualified to officiate in international matches. Match officials in this panel are nominated by the ICC Members.

“The PCB had a detailed internal discussion on Aleem Dar and there was a consensus to recommend him to the ICC’s International Panel of Umpires as a PCB nominee so that international cricket can continue to benefit from his wealth of experience and knowledge. said PCB Manager – Umpires and Referees, Bilal Qureshi.

Watch Live HD Streaming of New Zealand Tour of Pakistan only at ARY ZAP.

“Furthermore, the PCB will continue to involve him in its domestic season so that it can develop and groom its own emerging umpires under his tutelage.”

To date, Aleem, who was included in the elite panel in 2004, has officiated in a world record 439 international matches, including 145 Tests, 225 ODIs, and 69 T20Is.

He has officiated in five ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, seven ICC Men’s T20 World Cups and five ICC Champions Trophy events, including finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2007 and 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2009 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cups 2010 and 2012.

Pakistan’s other three umpires on the international panel are Faisal Khan Afridi, Mohammad Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz Waqar.

READ: ‘I want to take wicket of every world-class batter’ Ihsanullah

PAK Vs NZ: I want to take wicket of every world-class batter’ Ihsanullah

LAHORE: Young pace sensation Ihsanullah expressed his desire to take the wickets of every world-class batter as he is poised to represent Pakistan in the home T20I and ODI series against New Zealand.

The 20-year-old, who impressed everyone with his express pace during the Pakistan Super League season 8, said it was an honour for him to be compared with Shoaib Akhtar, often dubbed as “Rawalpindi Express”.

“Shoaib Akhtar is our legend and no one can break his record,” he said in a press conference on Saturday after the team’s training session at National Cricket Academy.

“I feel happy when people use to peg my name with Shoaib Akhtar.”

Player of the PSL 8, Ihsanullah received his maiden call-up to the national ODI squad after making his T20I debut last month against Afghanistan. He took six scalps to finish as the leading wicket-getter in the three-match series.

READ: Islamabad Police to provide ‘world-class’ security during New Zealand tour

The right-armer disclosed that he was working on yorker deliveries besides his lethal bouncers for the forthcoming series.

“I will try to bowl according to my own strengths and win matches for my team,” he said.

“Along with short-pitch deliveries, I am working on yorkers too. My aim is to take a wicket of every world-class batter”

He added, ” I’ve learned a lot from the bowlers like Shaheen and Haris after sharing the dressing room with them.”

Cricketer Ihsanullah caught the limelight when he forced Najibullah Zadran to retire hurt during Pakistan’s third T20I against Afghanistan, hitting him just below the grill of his helmet on a dangerous 147.5 kph bouncer.

“I went to him and said sorry to him in Pushto,” he disclosed.

It is pertinent to mention here that Ihasanullah will be featuring alongside fast bowling mainstays Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf for the first time if he gets a chance in the forthcoming T20I and ODI series against New Zealand.

The two teams will play five T20Is and as many ODIs across three venues from from 14 April to 7 May.

Pakistan Squads:

T20I: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Zaman Khan, Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed.

ODI: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Mohammad Wasim Jnr.

Complete Schedule:

14 Apr – 1^st T20I, Lahore
15 Apr – 2^nd T20I, Lahore
17 Apr – 3^rd T20I, Lahore
20 Apr – 4^th T20I, Rawalpindi
24 Apr – 5^th T20I, Rawalpindi
26 Apr – 1^st ODI, Rawalpindi
30 Apr – 2^nd ODI, Rawalpindi
3 May – 3^rd ODI, Karachi
5 May – 4^th ODI, Karachi
7 May – 5^th ODI, Karachi

PAK vs NZ: Islamabad Police to provide ‘world-class’ security during New Zealand tour

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police on Sunday said that it was “fully equipped” to provide end-to-end “fool-proof and world-class” to the New Zealand cricket team during their upcoming visit to Pakistan.

The Black Caps are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on April 9 (today) for the ODI and T20I series set to begin on April 14 in Lahore.

On Saturday, sources in the police department had told ARY News that the federal capital police had refused to provide security to New Zealand cricket team for limited-overs series.

The sources said that the federal police were busy in providing security to ‘ongoing census and flour distribution’, adding that the provision of resources and expenses was the responsibility of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

However, Inspector General of Police Dr Akbar Nasir Khan in a statement released by ICT police today stated that capital police had “flawlessly” provided the highest level of security during the visit of the English cricket team and the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Islamabad Capital Police is fully equipped and shall provide end to end fool proof and World class security to New Zealand Cricket Team during their forthcoming visit.

Islamabad Capital Police has provided the highest level of security during the visit of the English cricket…

— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) April 9, 2023

“ICTP shall be playing a key role for provision of flawless security in collaboration with other stakeholders in Islamabad and Rawalpindi,” he assured.

Complete Pakistan v New Zealand schedule:

14 Apr – 1^st T20I, Lahore
15 Apr – 2^nd T20I, Lahore
17 Apr – 3^rd T20I, Lahore
20 Apr – 4^th T20I, Rawalpindi
24 Apr – 5^th T20I, Rawalpindi
26 Apr – 1^st ODI, Rawalpindi
30 Apr – 2^nd ODI, Rawalpindi
3 May – 3^rd ODI, Karachi
5 May – 4^th ODI, Karachi
7 May – 5^th ODI, Karachi

PAK vs NZ: New Zealand T20I squad departs for Pakistan

CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand T20I squad flew out of the home country on Sunday to play five-match series in Pakistan, starting on April 14 in Lahore.

Taking to Twitter, the Black Caps shared pictures of the team’s departure from Christchurch airport for the white-ball tour of Pakistan.

Ka kite New Zealand 👋
The T20I squad depart to Pakistan from Christchurch today for a five-game T20I series v ⁦@TheRealPCB⁩ starting in Lahore on Friday April 14 #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/FdRXvVtXMS

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 9, 2023

As per the details, New Zealand contingent will arrive in Pakistan in the wee hours of 11 April. The two teams will play the first three of the five T20Is in Lahore while Rawalpindi will host the last two T20Is.

The two teams will then engage in a five-game ODI series, starting in Rawalpindi for the first two ODIs on April 27 and 29 before the action gets shifted to Karachi for the last three 50-over matches.

Wicket-keeper batter Tom Latham will lead New Zealand in both T20 and ODI series.

New Zealand Squads:

T20I: Tom Latham (captain), Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Dane Cleaver, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young and Chad Bowes.

ODI: Tom Latham (captain), Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Adam Milne, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner, Tom Blundell and Chad Bowes.

Pakistan Squads:

Complete Schedule:

14 Apr – 1^st T20I, Lahore
15 Apr – 2^nd T20I, Lahore
17 Apr – 3^rd T20I, Lahore
20 Apr – 4^th T20I, Rawalpindi
24 Apr – 5^th T20I, Rawalpindi
26 Apr – 1^st ODI, Rawalpindi
30 Apr – 2^nd ODI, Rawalpindi
3 May – 3^rd ODI, Karachi
5 May – 4^th ODI, Karachi
7 May – 5^th ODI, Karachi

READ: Aleem Dar among match officials named for Pakistan-New Zealand series

PAK vs NZ: Aleem Dar among match officials named for Pakistan-New Zealand series

LAHORE: Renowned umpire Aleem Dar will continue to officiate in Pakistan’s upcoming home international fixtures against New Zealand, two days after he stepped down from ICC Elite Panel after 19 years.

Aleem, who officiated his last match as an elite panel umpire on Friday in Bangladesh, was named in the umpiring panel for the T20I and ODI series along with Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi, Langton Rusere, Joel Wilson, Rashid Riaz.

Amongst the umpires to officiate in the two series, Ahsan and Wilson are the members of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, while others are members of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, announced Pakistan Cricket Board on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Former Test cricketers and respected match referees Ali Naqvi and Chris Broad will lead the playing control teams in the upcoming white-ball series between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Ali Naqvi will be the match referee in the five T20Is – spread over Lahore and Rawalpindi – in which Ahsan Raza, Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz will take up on-field umpiring duties.

Chris Broad, member of ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will return to Pakistan for the first time in 14 years to officiate the five ODIs to be played in Rawalpindi and Karachi.

It may be noted here that Pakistan will play five T20 Internationals and and as many One-Day International against the Black Caps from April 14 to May 7.

Detailed appointments:

14 Apr – First T20I, Lahore. Ahsan Raza and Faisal Afridi (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

15 Apr – Second T20I, Lahore. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz (on-field), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

17 Apr – Third T20I, Lahore. Faisal Afridi and Ahsan Raza (on-field), Aleem Dar (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

20 Apr – Fourth T20I, Rawalpinid. Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz (on-field), Faisal Afridi (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

24 Apr – Fifth T20I, Rawalpindi. Aleem Dar and Asif Yaqoob (on-field), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

27 Apr – First ODI, Rawalpindi. Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

29 Apr – Second ODI, Rawalpindi. Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz (on-field), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

3 May – Third ODI, Karachi. Langton Rusere and Faisal Afridi (on-field), Joel Wilson (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

5 May – Fourth ODI, Karachi. Joel Wilson and Asif Yaqoob (on-field), Langton Rusere (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

7 May – Fifth ODI, Karachi. Langton Rusere and Rashid Riaz (on-field), Joel Wilson (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

READ: Pakistan U19 team holds training session ahead of Bangladesh Tour

WATCH: Pakistan team celebrates Shaheen Shah Afridi’s birthday

LAHORE: Pakistan’s white-ball squad celebrated the birthday of their ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi ahead of their upcoming home T20I and ODI series against New Zealand.

The national team on Friday took part in an extensive training session before throwing a birthday party for their leading pacer Shaheen, who turned 23 on Thursday.

In a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the players can be seen watching the highlights of Shaheen’s wickets in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Haris recorded video messages for Shaheen’s birthday and wished the latter.

“A very happy birthday from my side. Stay blessed, happy and keep making Pakistan proud,” stated Babar in his video message.

Shaheen then cut his customised birthday cake with an eagle printed on it and celebrated with his teammates.

Pakistan’s ace pacer Shaheen will be making his return to the national colours after a five-month hiatus as the left-arm pacer sustained a gruelling injury to his right knee while diving to take Harry Brook’s catch in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against England.

READ: Saim Ayub wants to be idolized like legend Saeed Anwar

Saim Ayub wants to be idolized like legend Saeed Anwar

LAHORE: Pakistan’s young dynamic batter Saim Ayub asserted that he watched the videos of Saeed Anwar’s batting and wants to be idolized like the legendary batter.

Saim interacted with the media ahead of Pakistan’s squad’s first training session for the upcoming home series against New Zealand and responded to a question regarding his comparison with batting great Saeed.

“Look, I have watched the videos of Saeed Anwar. I mostly watch videos of left-handers. But, at some point, he was also my age and was famous as I am now,” stated Saim.

“So, the way he became a legend, I will try to make a name for myself and people idolize me,” he added.

The young left-handed batter also expressed his delight over getting retained in the T20I squad and shared that he was willing to take any role in the national team.

“I am really excited to play my second international series. I am ready to take any role in the team. I am focused to play and perform,” stated Saim Ayub.

READ: Pakistan squad reports at NCA, kicks off training for New Zealand series

Saim Ayub also reflected upon his experience of playing under the leadership of Babar Azam during his stint with Peshawar Zalmi in the recently-held eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), stated that he enjoyed batting alongside Pakistan captain.

“I enjoyed a lot while playing alongside Babar under his captaincy,” shared Saim Ayub.

“Babar gives a lot of confidence. So far, I have enjoyed my time with Babar and I hope it will continue for a long period of time,” he added.

A promising season with the bat in the PSL 8, in which he scored 341 runs in 12 matches, at a strike rate of 165.53 with the help of five half-centuries, earned Saim his maiden national call-up.

The left-handed batter opened the innings for Pakistan in the three-match series against Afghanistan and scored 66 runs in as many matches, including a sensible 49-run knock in the final fixture.

Pakistan squad reports at NCA, kicks off training for New Zealand series

LAHORE: Pakistan’s New Zealand series-bound squad reported at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here on Friday and participated in the team’s first training session for the upcoming home assignment.

According to the details, most of the players from Pakistan’s T20I and ODI squad, reported at the NCA including the trio of skipper Babar Azam, wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar held a brief meeting with his men before commencing the preparations for the home series.

Details further suggested that the players took part in conditioning training and played football.

Taking to Twitter, the PCB shared pictures of the players’ first training session.

“Looking ahead to our next challenge,” wrote PCB.

📸 Looking ahead to our next challenge 🤜🤛#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak pic.twitter.com/d8n4YZKK9R

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 7, 2023

It is pertinent to mention that the green shirts will take on New Zealand in a five-match each T20I and ODI series, which will be played in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi from 14 April to 7 May.

READ: PCB hosts Iftar dinner for staff at National Cricket Academy

Kyle Mills included as PCB unveils commentary panel for New Zealand series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday, unveiled the seven-member commentary panel for the home white ball series against New Zealand, which also featured former Kiwi pacer, Kyle Mills.

Pakistan men’s cricket team are up for a major white-ball assignment as the green shirts take on New Zealand in a five-match each T20I and ODI series, scheduled from April 14 to May 7.

According to the PCB, Pakistan’s renowned commentators Bazid Khan, Sikander Bakht and Urooj Mumtaz will be joined by their Kiwi counterparts Mills, Grant Elliot, Lisa Sthalekar and Mark Butcher.

Former pacer Mills will only be available to commentate during the T20I series while Lisa Sthalekar and Mark Butcher will call action across the ODI series.

Renowned presenter Zainab Abbas will host pre- and post-match shows, including Pitch Side which will continue to bring in-depth analysis for cricket fans.

Twenty-seven full High-Definition cameras will beam live action around the globe through PCB’s broadcast partners. The production set-up includes complete Hawkeye review system, buggy cam and SpiderCam, which is available for three T20Is in Lahore and three ODIs in Karachi.

New Zealand will arrive in Pakistan in the wee hours of 11 April. The two teams will play first three of the five T20Is in Lahore. Rawalpindi will host the last two T20Is and the first two ODIs, before the action moves to the port-city of Karachi, which hosts last three ODIs.

READ: Rehan-ul-Haq named in newly-appointed Pakistan team management