Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has thrown his weight behind the idea of a high-profile match between the champions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In a recent interview, Sethi addressed the longstanding political tensions that have prevented India and Pakistan from engaging in regular cricketing ties. However, he remains optimistic that the situation could change in the future.
“If the situation improves, I think there should be a team of IPL champions and a PSL champion,” he said, expressing hope for what could be a blockbuster showdown in franchise cricket.
Sethi acknowledged that the current political climate is a major hurdle, making such a clash unlikely in the near future.
“It is our dream because, of course, India and Pakistan produce the best talent in the world. There is no doubt about it,” he remarked.
“But will it be possible in the near future? I don’t see it happening soon.”
Looking beyond the IPL-PSL dream, Najam Sethi believes that the PSL has the potential to expand its reach globally. He suggested exploring opportunities to host matches in countries with large South Asian communities.
“There is no problem at all with expanding the league,” he said, adding that playing matches in the USA or UK could be financially beneficial and attract new audiences.
“I think that the PSL should be expanded, and if it can be played in the USA or the UK, or even have some games there, it could work out financially,” Sethi added.
LAHORE: The federal government on Tuesday de-notified the management committee of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headed by Najam Sethi, confirmed Federal Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC) Ehsan Ur Rehman Mazari.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC), the PCB management committee, led by Najam Sethi, stood dissolved following the ‘completion of tenure’.
The ministry also said that all the affairs of the PCB have been handed over to the Election Commissioner Ahmed Shehzad Farooq Rana, barring Najam Sethi from making any decisions.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has nominated the former chairman Muhammad Zaka Ashraf and Advocate Supreme Court Mustafa Ramday as members of the Board of Governors of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The notification, issued on Tuesday, stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in the capacity of PCB patron-in-chief, has nominated Ashraf and Ramday as members of the PCB’s Board of Governors.
With the nomination of Ashraf and Ramday, the BoG’s 10 members have been completed. Apart from Ashraf and Ramday, four representatives each from cricket associations and departments will sit in the BoG.
The chief election commissioner will now call for the election which is likely to take place later this week.
Najam Sethi announced to withdraw from his nomination for the position of PCB Chairman through a tweet, stating that he did not want to become a cause of conflict between Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader, Mian Shahbaz Sharif.
“Such instability and uncertainty is not good for PCB. Under the circumstances I am not a candidate for Chairmanship of PCB,” Sethi tweeted.
Salaam everyone! I don’t want to be a bone of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif. Such instability and uncertainty is not good for PCB. Under the circumstances I am not a candidate for Chairmanship of PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders.
It is pertinent to mention here that the PCB management committee’s extension expires on June 21 and before that efforts are being made to conduct the chairman elections.
LAHORE: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Najam Sethi on Friday, stated that the national team will play two home matches in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.
Najam Sethi addressed a press conference here at the PCB headquarters, alongside COO Salman Naseer and hinted at the possibility of Pakistan playing a Super 4s match at home.
Notably, as per the schedule revealed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Pakistan was due to host the first four matches, more likely group-stage matches, while the rest of the event including the final was scheduled to be hosted in Sri Lanka.
If so, Pakistan would only be able to face Nepal in their own backyard in the Asia Cup since the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) had categorically denied touring the country for the multi-lateral event.
However, Najam Sethi confirmed that Pakistan would play a minimum of two matches in their home ground before jokingly stating a word to wise is enough while replying to a reporter, who asked if Pakistan would only play one match at home against Nepal.
“No, there would be two matches of Pakistan. Minimum two,” said Sethi.
The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup features six teams, divided into two groups, the top two teams from each group will then qualify for the Super 4s.
Hosts Pakistan are placed in the same group as arch-rivals India and Nepal while the other group includes defending champions and joint-host Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
The Asia Cup 2023 will be played in the ODI format and will serve as an opportunity for the Asian teams to bolster their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup.
This year’s Asia Cup was originally scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. However, the BCCI refused to send their team to Pakistan for the continental event on political grounds.
“Neutral venue for Asia Cup is not unprecedented and we have decided that we will not travel to Pakistan,” BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stated.
“I have decided that we will play at a neutral venue,” he maintained.
LAHORE: Najam Sethi, Chair of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, has thanked the Asian Cricket Council for accepting his hybrid model for the ACC Asia Cup 2023, which is now scheduled from 31 August to 17 September.
This will be the first time since 2008 that matches of a multi-nation cricket tournament will be staged in Pakistan. Fifteen years ago, Pakistan successfully delivered the six-team ACC Asia Cup 50-over tournament.
Sethi, in a video statement released by the PCB, briefly after the ACC unveiled the venues and schedule of this year’s Asia Cup, extended his gratitude to the continental council before asserting to understand the Board of Cricket Control in India’s (BCCI) position.
“I am elated that our hybrid version for the ACC Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted. This means the PCB will remain as the event host and stage matches in Pakistan with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue, which was required due to the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan.
“Our passionate fans would have loved to see the India cricket team in action in Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, but we understand the BCCI’s position. Like the PCB, the BCCI also requires government approval and clearance before crossing borders,” he added.
Najam Sethi further emphasized the importance of the hybrid model and claimed that it will keep the ACC united.
“In this background, the hybrid model was the best solution and that’s precisely why I advocated for it so strongly. The acceptance of the hybrid model means the event will take place as originally planned, the ACC will stay together and united, and the great game of cricket will continue to thrive and move forward in what will be interesting and exciting times for the subcontinent cricket fans in the coming 20 months,” stated Sethi.
“In the past 15 months, the PCB has delivered high-profile bilateral series as well as two immensely successful HBL Pakistan Super League events in which some of the world’s leading cricketers participated and enjoyed Pakistan’s outstanding arrangements and unprecedented hospitality. We look forward to providing similar experience to the participating sides in the ACC Asia Cup, which will be a prelude to the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February/March 2025,” he added.
The chairman of the PCB Management Committee Najam Sethi then went on to reveal that he will carry out discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket and ACC to further iron out a few minor operational and logistical details and assured that the PCB will do their best to host the event successfully.
“I now look forward to continuing our discussions and deliberations with the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket to iron out a few minor operational and logistical details so that we can launch our event planning and preparations.
“I want to assure the ACC, its commercial partners, participating countries, and the cricket fans in Pakistan and Sri Lanka that the PCB, as event hosts, will not leave any stone unturned in the successful delivery of the event that is so very critical to the sides featuring in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in October/November in India.
“I appreciate the efforts of ACC President Jay Shah to strengthen the council so that we can collectively continue to protect each other’s interests and also provide opportunities and platforms to emerging Asian nations.”
NEW DELHI: The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) reportedly refused any potential Pakistan-India bilateral series, an Indian news outlet reported on Wednesday.
The possibility of the much-anticipated Pakistan-India series skied high after the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Najam Sethi, in an interview with Sydney Morning Herald, hinted the bilateral series could be held at a neutral venue.
“Yes, I think bilateral Test matches can be played in Australia, England, South Africa,” Sethi said. “But I think the best bet would be England, and following that Australia. If you can get a house full in any of the Australian stadiums, fine, that would be great.” he added.
Meanwhile, Najam Sethi’s green signal to the potential Pakistan-India bilateral series did not go well with the BCCI as the Indian cricket governing body said to have no plans for any series against Pakistan.
“No plans for such kind of series to happen in the future or upcoming days. We aren’t ready for any kind of bilateral series with Pakistan,” an Indian media outlet quoted BCCI source.
No plans for such kind of series to happen in the future or upcoming days. We aren't ready for any kind of bilateral series with Pakistan: BCCI source to ANI
Today Pakistan media reported that PCB chairman Najam Sethi gave a green signal to a potential Pakistan-India Test series…
It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan and India last locked horns in a bilateral series in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India for a three-match ODI and two-match T20I series, with the visiting side winning the ODI series 2-1 while the T20I series ended in a draw.
The two sides, however, last met in a Test series in 2007-08 in India, with the home team winning the series 1-0.
The arch-rivals have since only met at Asia Cups and ICC events as the BCCI refused to play a bilateral series against Pakistan on political grounds.
LAHORE: The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Najam Sethi on Wednesday, gave a green signal to a potential Pakistan-India Test series at a neutral venue.
Pakistan and India last locked horns in a bilateral series in 2012 when Pakistan toured India for a three-match ODI and two-match T20I series, with the visiting side winning the ODI series 2-1 while the T20I series ended in a draw.
The two sides, however, last met in a Test series in 2007-08 in India, with the home team winning the series 1-0.
The arch-rivals have since only met at Asia Cups and ICC events as the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) refused to play a bilateral series against Pakistan on political grounds.
The bilateral series’ deadlock between the two cricketing giants has taken an interesting turn after the PCB management committee chairman Najam Sethi nodded to the possibility of a Pakistan-India Test series in Australia.
“We are ready to play a Test series against India in Australia, said Sethi.
“Dubai would be a budget-friendly venue for us but if Australia can host house full matches then we are ready for it,” he added.
Meanwhile, the PCB chief further commented on the ongoing deadlock between two cricket boards regarding the venue of this year’s Asia Cup and shared that the PCB has offered the hybrid model to BCCI.
The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the Men’s ODI World Cup has been in jeopardy after the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) refused to tour Pakistan for the aforementioned tournament on political grounds.
The BCCI maintained their stance of not touring Pakistan for the Asia Cup, while the PCB was adamant that if they do not, then Pakistan might not travel to India for the World Cup in October-November.
As per the latest development, however, the BCCI has reportedly accepted PCB’s hybrid model which meant that Pakistan will host the first four matches of the tournament while India’s group stage matches and Super 4s matches will be contested on a neutral venue.
Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Management Committee Najam Sethi has confirmed that Pakistan will not play their 2023 World Cup matches in India if BCCI does not allow their team to travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup.
Amid the ongoing tussle between the two cricket boards over the hosting of the 2023 Asia Cup in Pakistan, Sethi stated that PCB had presented a hybrid model keeping in mind India’s reservation over travelling to Pakistan.
However, he said, the same model would also be applied to the World Cup 2023 and Champions Trophy 2025.
“Our government will not allow us to play World Cup in India because their government stopped BCCI to send their team to Pakistan for Asia Cup,” he said in an interview with an Indian sports channel on Thursday.
Sethi revealed that he recently held a few meetings with an ACC representative in Dubai and proposed another hybrid model for the tournament since the earlier model was rejected by India.
“Hybrid model is a compromise but we are ready for it. We have offered to hold Asia Cup in two phases. In the first stage, four teams other than India will come to Pakistan. After that, we all will go to a neutral venue to play the rest of the matches including the final,” he explained.
“If the hybrid model is accepted for Asia Cup, then this will apply to World Cup too. We will play our matches during World Cup in Bangladesh or somewhere else.”
“Also, Champions Trophy 2025 will adopt the same model. It will make things simple for everyone. Meanwhile, if at any stage India agree to come to Pakistan, then we will also go to play World Cup there,” added the PCB head.
Moreover, he also hit out at Sri Lanka and Bangladesh boards for changing their stance on the hybrid model, warning Pakistan will back out of the Asia Cup if the tournament is completely shifted from Pakistan.
“BCCI secretary Jay Shah had asked in ACC meeting in Bahrain whether someone has a problem with touring Pakistan and no one said anything,” Sethi revealed.
“I think Sri Lankan Cricket Board want their country to be a neutral venue and we are ready to discuss it only if they accept the hybrid model” he added.
LAHORE: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Najam Sethi on Saturday, congratulated the entire nation after the national men’s team topped the ODI rankings for the first time ever.
Babar Azam-led side were fifth in the rankings with 106 rating points – seven behind the then leader Australia – at the commencement of the series but the green shirts put on a dominant show in the first four ODIs to jump four places.
A thumping 102-run victory in the fourth ODI lifted the national team to 113.483 rating points and leapfrogged Australia to get a hold on to the spot in the ODI rankings for the first time.
Pakistan’s previous best ODI ranking was third, which they achieved in January 2007.
Meanwhile, on a historic day for Pakistan cricket, the PCB management committee chairman Najam Sethi congratulated the entire nation and credited captain Babar Azam and the coaching staff for the achievement.
“I congratulate the entire nation on becoming the world number one in the ODIs of Pakistan Cricket Team,” stated Sethi.
“Captain Babar Azam, the entire team and the coaching staff deserve congratulations on this momentous occasion. I am proud of this team and wish them all the best,” he added.
The PCB head then went on to express his hope that the national team’s training will be fruitful for them in the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.
It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan need to complete a clean sweep over hapless New Zealand in a bid to retain their top spot. A loss, however, would see them slipping back to the third position.
LAHORE: Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur is set to visit the country next week ahead of his formal appointment as a consultant to the national team, disclosed PCB management committee chairman Najam Sethi.
In an interview with a local cricket website, Sethi revealed Arthur was scheduled to arrive in Lahore on April 18 – amid Pakistan’s home white-ball series against New Zealand.
“Two of the foreign coaches have already arrived in Lahore, while Mickey Arthur is coming on April 18. He will also take charge in one or two matches of the series against the Kiwis,” he told.
“The main purpose of his visit is to prepare his team, train them and brief them. He will also discuss his plans with Babar Azam and other players,” he added.
Sethi also opened up on his preference to rope in foreign coaches rather than former national players and local coaches.
“I stand by my opinion that foreign coaches stay away from politics. They are also usually more professional. Pakistan also has good professional coaches available, but in our culture, friendships carry significant weight in decision-making.” said interim Pakistan Cricket Board head
In professional cricket, where you compete at the highest level, these things should not be present. It is important to fully embrace professional ethics. Therefore, it is necessary to have foreign coaches,” he maintained.
The Green Shirts are set to take on the visitors Kiwis in five T20 Internationals and as many ODIs from April 14 to May 7 in Lahore.
It may be noted here that PCB recently announced a fresh coaching panel for the Pakistan cricket team for the series against Blackcaps, which included Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick as head and batting coaches, respectively.
KARACHI: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Najam Sethi, spoke out against the protracted standoff over the Asia Cup and reaffirmed his commitment to holding onto the hosting rights.
Sethi, in an interview with a local sports channel, categorically stated that there is no chance that the PCB will lose the hosting rights of the Asia Cup and suffer huge financial loss.
“It is simple, we worked out a plan to host Asia Cup on a hybrid model. If India don’t want to play in Pakistan, we will host them at a neutral venue,” he said.
“We presented the hybrid model in the ACC meeting. Pakistan and India will play each other at least twice. This match generates more than half of the revenue. We have calculated the extra budget and told ACC about it.
“If they [India] are agreed to play in Pakistan, they are welcome. If they want to play at a neutral venue, we are ready. There is no option other than hosting this event otherwise we will not play.”
The PCB management committee chair further revealed that the cricket board has completed its planning including the schedule of the tournament, based on the hybrid model and also presented it in the ACC meeting.
“We have prepared a schedule and already presented it in the ACC meeting. We have also made a plan for logistics. On our side, everything is final. We just need a green signal,” he shared.
The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup and Pakistan’s participation in the Men’s ODI World Cup has been in jeopardy after the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) refused to tour Pakistan for the aforementioned tournament on political grounds.
The BCCI maintained their stance of not touring Pakistan for the Asia Cup, while the PCB was adamant that if they do not, then Pakistan might not travel to India for the World Cup in October-November.
Earlier, a report emerged that the two cricket boards were gradually moving towards a compromise and had nearly agreed to host India’s matches on a neutral venue while the rest of the Asia Cup will be played in Pakistan.
As per the latest development, however, the BCCI has refused the hybrid proposal for both events and once again demanded to shift the Asia Cup entirely from Pakistan.
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