Mohammad Haris eyes red-ball spot, focused on fixing flaws

LAHORE: Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Haris has emphasised the importance of the ongoing Skills Development Camp, calling it a timely opportunity to rectify technical flaws noted by the national coaching staff.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a scenario-based training match at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Haris said the camp was designed to help players address mistakes highlighted by the coaches.

“This camp is crucial for us because we’re working on the errors that the coaches identified. Today’s scenario match is part of that process—to iron out those mistakes in a match-like environment,” he explained.

While Mohammad Haris refrained from commenting on the upcoming tours of Bangladesh and the West Indies, he hoped those discussions would take place during the next phase of the camp.

“We haven’t talked much about the Bangladesh or West Indies tours yet, but I’m hopeful those conversations will happen in the next camp,” he added.

The young batter also shared that he had a useful conversation about his game with veteran Shoaib Malik, and once again made it clear that he has no aspirations to take on a leadership role.

“I have no desire to be captain. My focus is on my game,” he said firmly.

Reflecting on his role in the previous series, Haris said he was mentally prepared to bat at No. 3 and plans to continue adapting series by series, as per the team’s requirements.

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“I knew I was playing at No. 3 in the last series, but we take things one series at a time and plan accordingly,” he further stated.

Known for his aggressive style of play, Haris stressed the importance of balancing power-hitting with strike rotation.

“I always try to play with aggression, but also focus on singles and doubles. That’s a key part of modern T20 cricket,” he said.

Interestingly, Mohammad Haris also revealed his growing interest in red-ball cricket and confirmed he’s eager to develop his game in that format as well.

“I want to play red-ball cricket, and I’m working towards it. So far, I haven’t had any specific discussion with the management about red or white-ball roles,” he said.

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Mohammad Haris surpasses Babar Azam’s record in T20I cricket

Mohammad Haris lit up Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night with a record-breaking performance, surpassing Babar Azam and Ahmed Shehzad to become Pakistan’s second-fastest centurion in T20I history.

The wicketkeeper-batter powered an unbeaten 107 off just 46 balls in the final T20I against Bangladesh, an innings studded with eight boundaries and seven towering sixes at a strike rate of 232.60.

His fireworks not only sealed a 3-0 series sweep for Pakistan but also earned him the Player of the Match accolade.

Haris reached his maiden T20I hundred in just 45 deliveries, eclipsing Babar’s 49-ball effort against South Africa (2021) and Shehzad’s 58-ball ton against Bangladesh (2014).

Only Hasan Nawaz stands ahead of him, courtesy of a 44-ball century against New Zealand earlier this year.

Fastest T20I Centuries for Pakistan:

  • 44 balls – Hasan Nawaz vs New Zealand, Auckland, 2025

  • 45 balls – Mohammad Haris vs Bangladesh, Lahore, 2025

  • 49 balls – Babar Azam vs South Africa, Centurion, 2021

  • 58 balls – Ahmed Shehzad vs Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2014

  • 58 balls – Babar Azam vs New Zealand, Lahore, 2023

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Pakistan’s chase against Bangladesh began shakily with Sahibzada Farhan falling for 1 (4) to Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the first over.

But Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub settled nerves quickly with an attacking 56-run stand in the powerplay.

The pair went on to add 92 runs for the second wicket, with Saim playing a fluent hand of 45 off 29 before falling to Tanzim Hasan with Pakistan at 100-2 in the 10th over.

Haris, unfazed by the loss, reached his half-century in the 11th over and continued to dictate terms. Hasan Nawaz added a brisk 26 off 13 before Mehidy struck again, but the chase was well in hand by then.

Captain Salman Ali Agha chipped in with 14* (11), but the night belonged to Haris, who stayed till the end to finish the job in style.

Pakistan romped home in just 17.1 overs, closing out the series with a clean sweep.

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Mohammad Haris reflects on Pakistan’s challenges in modern cricket

Peshawar Zalmi wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has recently admitted that Pakistan cricket is falling behind in adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the modern game.

In a candid chat with a local news channel, the 24-year-old didn’t shy away from highlighting how far the rest of the cricketing world has surged ahead in terms of playing style, mindset, and approach.

“The world has gone far ahead of Pakistan when it comes to modern-day cricket,” Haris said.

Known for his aggressive stroke play and fearless intent, Haris revealed that he has started structuring his training sessions around the contemporary demands of the game, regularly consulting coaches to stay in sync with the global standard.

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“I train with the demands of modern cricket in mind. I constantly discuss with my coaches how to effectively adopt this approach,” he added.

“My goal is to participate in future events aligned with the current requirements of modern-day cricket.”

Mohammad Haris emphasised that batting positions in T20s are crucial, but he stressed that his main focus is on the team’s needs.

“Batting number is crucial for any player, but I am always ready to play at any position. I have no issue batting at various spots because my main goal is to perform for the team regardless of the role,” he further stated.

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Haris, who has often been seen interacting with senior players during series and training camps, stressed the value of learning from experienced campaigners like Babar Azam, but was quick to point out that self-discipline and personal effort ultimately determine growth.

“I regularly learn different aspects of batting from senior players. Whenever I get a chance, I talk with experienced players like Babar Azam,” he said.

“But no matter how much the seniors guide you, in the end, it is the player who must put in the hard work.”

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WATCH: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris join Peshawar Zalmi squad for PSL 10

Star opener Saim Ayub and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris have officially joined the Peshawar Zalmi squad in Rawalpindi ahead of the much-anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, which kicks off on April 11.

In a video released by the franchise, Haris was seen driving Ayub to the team hotel, where the duo arrived in high spirits and greeted fans in Pashto, reflecting the Zalmi culture and fanbase connection.

The arrival of the explosive left-hander comes just a day after he was declared fit to feature in PSL 10, marking the end of his rehabilitation from an ankle injury that had kept him out of action for over six weeks.

Saim Ayub had sustained the injury during the Test series against South Africa earlier this year.

After being sidelined from the Champions Trophy and the white-ball tour of New Zealand, the 21-year-old underwent an intensive recovery programme in London before returning home to celebrate Eid with family.

His rehab included strengthening and balance-focused exercises such as single-leg squats, tightrope walks, and single-leg jumps — all aimed at regaining stability and match fitness.

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Peshawar Zalmi will open their PSL 10 campaign against Quetta Gladiators on Saturday, April 12, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium — a day after defending champions Islamabad United take on Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener.

Peshawar Zalmi Squad for PSL 10

Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mohammad Haris, George Linde, Mohammad Ali, Hussain Talat, Nahid Rana, Abdul Samad, Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz, Sufiyan Muqeem, Najibullah Zadran, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, Ahmed Daniyal, Alzarri Joseph.

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Mohammad Haris comments on Babar-Rizwan’s omission from T20I squad

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has commented on the omission of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the national T20I squad for the New Zealand series.

The omission of the two stalwarts has been a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike.

However, Haris, who is set to make his return to the national squad, maintained a calm and respectful stance when questioned about the absence of the star players.

“Not selecting Babar Azam and Rizwan is the decision of the selection committee,” he said.

Mohammad Haris also spoke about his experience playing in New Zealand, stating that adapting to the conditions would not be a problem for him.

“I have played in New Zealand before, so there will be no problem adapting to the conditions there,” he said.

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Reflecting on his leadership experience with Pakistan Shaheens, he mentioned that he takes pride in representing the national team.

“I have captained Pakistan Shaheens, and whenever I get the chance to play for the national team, I enjoy the opportunity,” he added.

The series between Pakistan and New Zealand will run from 16 March 16 to 5 April, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series 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.

Following the T20I series, the teams will travel to Napier for the first ODI, scheduled for 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.

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).

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Mohammad Haris aims to make ‘aggressive’ comeback in New Zealand series

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris is all set to make his much-anticipated comeback to the national squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.

The 23-year-old, who last represented Pakistan back in 2023, expressed his determination to make a significant impact with an aggressive approach to his game.

Speaking to the media on Friday in Lahore, Haris outlined his goals for the New Zealand tour, emphasizing the team’s strategy of playing attacking cricket.

“The management has asked us to play aggressive cricket,” Haris said. “I am ready to play wherever the team needs me. It is an honour to be part of Pakistan’s squad.”

“I have played nine T20Is, and in those, I have only opened once. No matter where I play, my goal is to perform and contribute to the team.

“Even if I don’t get to bat, I will give my best as a wicketkeeper.”

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Mohammad Haris, who has played six ODIs and nine T20Is since his international debut in 2022, stated that he has worked on honing his skills ahead of his comeback.

“Over the last year, I have worked on improving my mistakes with the help of coaches and through my performances in domestic cricket,” Haris shared.

The series between Pakistan and New Zealand will run from 16 March 16 to 5 April, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series 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.

Following the T20I series, the teams will travel to Napier for the first ODI, scheduled for 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.

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).

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Mohammad Amir suggests THIS player to be Pakistan T20I captain

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has thrown his weight behind a young and dynamic option for Pakistan’s T20I captaincy, suggesting that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris should be considered for the leadership role.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Amir argued that Haris has already accumulated valuable captaincy experience at the domestic level, having led sides in List A competitions, the Champions Cup, Pakistan A, and Pakistan Shaheens.

The left-arm pacer also shared his thoughts on the newly appointed T20I captain, Agha Salman, who will lead Pakistan in the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand.

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While acknowledging Salman’s abilities, Amir suggested that his skillset is better suited for longer formats rather than T20 cricket.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shahzad, who was also part of the show, offered a different perspective, backing young left-hander Saim Ayub as a more suitable choice for the role.

Amir is not the first one to back Mohammad Haris, as recently, former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop has heaped high praise on the young wicket-keeper batter.

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The young batter’s name came into the discussion after Pakistan, who entered the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as defending champions, crashed out of the eight-team event in the group stage.

“There’s a young man called Mohammad Haris around Pakistan here, who I think…he’s inconsistent, but he’s exactly what white-ball cricket needs,” said Bishop.

Its worth noting that Haris has been named in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Pakistan T20I squad for New Zealand tour

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)

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‘He’s exactly what white-ball cricket needs’: Ian Bishop backs THIS batter for Pakistan return

Former West Indies pacer and renowned commentator Ian Bishop has heaped high praise on young Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Haris, backing him to make his return to international cricket.

The young batter’s name came into the discussion after Pakistan, who entered the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as defending champions, crashed out of the eight-team event in the group stage following defeats against New Zealand and India.

During yesterday’s clash between England and Afghanistan, commentators Ian Bishop, Nasser Hussain, and Ian Smith were discussing Pakistan’s disastrous performance in the tournament and the way forward for the Green Shirts.

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“They’ve got some good young fast bowlers around this country. Really good bowlers; they have to groom them well. There’s hope, there is talent,” Bishop said.

Nasser Hussain pointed out that the injuries to opening batters Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman dealt a substantial blow to the host team. Their absence not only affects the team’s batting strength but also disrupts the overall lineup and strategy.

In response, Bishop underscored the importance of having depth in the squad while mentioning Mohammad Haris for his remarkable ability to accelerate the scoring rate.

“Even on that, Nasser, it’s strength in depth,” said Bishop. “That’s what New Zealand have going for them, for example, very well.”

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“It’s what India have going for them very well. There’s a young man called Mohammad Haris around Pakistan here, who I think…he’s inconsistent, but he’s exactly what white-ball cricket needs.”

For the unversed, Haris has represented Pakistan in six ODIs and nine T20Is since making his international debut in 2022. Although he played valuable cameos during the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, his overall stats paint a dismal picture.

The 23-year-old batter has scored 30 runs in six ODIs and 126 runs in nine T20Is at meagre averages of 7.5 and 14, respectively.

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Former Pakistan cricketer slams Mohammad Haris over comments about India

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has criticised Mohammad Haris over his comments about prohibiting discussion about the match against India in the dressing room during the upcoming ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup.

Haris is currently leading Pakistan Shaheens, who will take on last year’s finalists India ‘A’ in their opening match of the T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup on 19 October.

The Pakistan captain shared that he is keen on ensuring that his players do not succumb to pressure ahead of the match against India. As a result, he has instructed the players not to engage in discussions regarding the blockbuster match.

“Talking about India is banned in the dressing room,” said Haris. “Players feel pressure when thinking about the match against India and we don’t want to put them under pressure.”

However, the statement did not sit well with Basit Ali, who did not mince his words while criticising Haris during a video on his social media account.

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“He has no sense of what to speak and what not to. If somebody thinks the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given those instructions, then that is wrong,” Basit stated.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan Shaheens’ second outing in the tournament will be against hosts Oman on 21 October, followed by their final group match will be against the UAE on 23 October.

The top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals scheduled to take place on 25 October. The final will take place on Sunday, 27 October.

Pakistan Shaheens’ Squad

Mohammad Haris (c), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Shahnawaz Dahani, Sufiyan Moqim, Yasir Khan and Zaman Khan

Team management: Umar Rasheed (head coach-cum-manager), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Riffatullah Mohmand (fielding coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst) and Syed Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist)

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Mohammad Haris says players prohibited to discuss India in dressing room

Pakistan Shaheens’ captain Mohammad Haris has revealed that the players are not allowed to discuss the match against India in the dressing room during the upcoming ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, commencing in Oman on 18 October.

Haris-led Shaheens will take on last year’s finalists India ‘A’ in their opening match on 19 October.

The Pakistan captain shared that he is keen on ensuring that his players do not succumb to pressure ahead of the match against India.

As a result, he has instructed the players not to engage in discussions regarding the blockbuster match.

“Talking about India is banned in the dressing room,” said Haris. “Players feel pressure when thinking about the match against India and we don’t want to put them under pressure.”

Haris also shared that the team is not only focusing on India but other opponents as well and is preparing for each team according to their strengths and weaknesses.

“The preparations for the tournament are in full swing,” he added. “Our focus is not only on India, we have matches against other teams too and we will have different plans for each team.”

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Mohammad Haris then went on to claim that the experience of leading Stallions in the Champions One-Day Cup will come in handy in the upcoming ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024.

“PCB has appointed me as captain for different teams. Captaining the emerging team is a different experience. I have previously captained senior players in the Champions One-Day Cup,” said Haris.

Pakistan Shaheens’ second outing in the tournament will be against hosts Oman on 21 October, followed by their final group match will be against the UAE on 23 October.

The top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals scheduled to take place on 25 October. The final will take place on Sunday, 27 October.

Pakistan Shaheens’ Squad

Mohammad Haris (c), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Shahnawaz Dahani, Sufiyan Moqim, Yasir Khan and Zaman Khan

Team management: Umar Rasheed (head coach-cum-manager), Imran Farhat (batting coach), Riffatullah Mohmand (fielding coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst) and Syed Mohammad Asad (physiotherapist)

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