Pakistan Archives

Shaheen Afridi confirms three debutants in first ODI against Bangladesh

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

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.

READ: Sri Lanka call off Afghanistan white-ball series due to Middle East war

Mohammad Rizwan comments on Ghazi Ghori’s inclusion in Pakistan squad

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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Pakistan edge Japan to qualify for Hockey World Cup after eight years

ISMAILIA: Pakistan booked their place in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after defeating Japan 4-3 in a dramatic semi-final of the qualifiers at the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Hockey Stadium on Friday.

The hard-fought victory confirmed the Green Shirts’ return to the global showpiece after an eight-year absence. The upcoming World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands in August 2026.

Japan created the first major opportunity of the match when Tsubasa Tanaka found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but lifted his attempt over the crossbar.

Pakistan soon capitalised, with Ammad Butt opening the scoring in the ninth minute. His initial shot was saved by goalkeeper Takumi Kitagawa, but rebounded off the post, allowing Butt to react quickly and slot the ball home.

Japan pushed for an equaliser and were denied a couple of penalty corners, including a crucial save on the line by Arshad Liaqat.

Their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when Ryoma Ooka deflected the ball into the net from open play to level the score at 1-1 heading into the halftime break.

Japan came out strongly in the second half and took the lead in the 35th minute through Shota Yamada’s drag flick.

They extended their advantage in the 41st minute when a clever overhead ball behind the Pakistani defence forced the goalkeeper out of his circle.

Unable to clear the danger, the loose ball was collected by Koji, who calmly finished with a slap-in at the left post.

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With momentum on Japan’s side, Pakistan responded strongly after their opponents were reduced to ten men following a yellow card with ten minutes remaining.

Abu Mahmood pulled one back in the 52nd minute with a powerful drag flick down the centre before Sufyan Khan levelled the contest three minutes later with another blistering drag flick that squeezed between the goalkeeper and the post defender.

Pakistan completed a remarkable turnaround in the 57th minute when Afraz produced a superb deflection from open play to give his side the lead.

Japan had one final opportunity to force the match into a shootout after being awarded a penalty stroke, but Pakistan goalkeeper Ali Raza produced a decisive save, stretching out his right foot to deny the attempt and seal a memorable victory.

The triumph marked Pakistan’s fourth consecutive win in the qualifiers, having also topped the group stage unbeaten.

Pakistan will now face England in the final of the qualifying event, scheduled to take place at the same venue on Saturday.

Once regarded as a dominant force in world hockey with four World Cup titles, Pakistan have struggled in recent years.

The team failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in The Hague, finished 12th in the 2018 edition in Bhubaneswar, and also missed out on the 2023 tournament in Odisha.

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PCB replaces Naveed Akram Cheema as team manager ahead of Bangladesh tour

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly removed Naveed Akram Cheema as the national men’s team manager ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh.

According to reports, Cheema, who has previously served multiple stints as Pakistan’s team manager, will not travel with the squad for the tour.

His latest spell with the side included the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, which drew widespread attention after the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan players following a match during the tournament.

In Cheema’s place, the PCB has appointed Irtaza Kumail as the team manager for the Bangladesh tour. Kumail, an 18th-grade police officer, joined the cricket board two years ago and has earlier served as the national side’s security manager.

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Meanwhile, Salman Liaquat is also set to travel with the team as security officer, marking his first assignment with the Pakistan men’s squad.

The PCB has further confirmed that the team’s foreign coaching staff will join the squad directly in Dhaka. Pakistan are scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on March 8.

Ahead of their departure, the national side will participate in a two-day training camp in Lahore as part of preparations for their first ODI assignment since hosting Sri Lanka for a three-match series in November last year.

Pakistan will play all three matches of the series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

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

Series schedule

March 8 – Pakistan arrive in Dhaka

March 10 – Practice session

March 11 – First ODI, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

March 13 – Second ODI, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

March 15 – Third ODI, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

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Bangladesh announce squad for Pakistan ODI series

DHAKA: Bangladesh have announced their 15-member squad for the ODI series against Pakistan, set to begin on March 11.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue to lead the side, which has several changes since their last series against the West Indies in October, with pacer Nahid Rana, Litton Das, and Shoriful Islam also returning to the fold.

Among the omissions are Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, and Nasum Ahmed. While Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Hasan Mahmud are out due to injury.

Litton’s last feature in July was against Sri Lanka, subsequently missing the series against Afghanistan and the West Indies.

Following the squad announcement, the Bangladesh selection panel head, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, shed light on the squad for the Pakistan series.

“There may be questions about Litton Das’s recent ODI form, but he has been working closely with the coaches on his game,” Ashraf Hossain said.

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“We… are considering him as an option to strengthen the middle order,” he added.

All three fixtures will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on March 11, 13, and 15.

Meanwhile, BCB has also confirmed that the Pakistan squad would arrive in Dhaka on March 8, dismissing media reports suggesting the tour had been called off due to the war in the Middle East.

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.

READ: Sammy voices frustration as West Indies stuck in India

Fakhar Zaman doubtful for ODI series against Bangladesh

LAHORE: Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh have suffered an early setback, with veteran opener Fakhar Zaman likely to miss the three-match assignment due to a hamstring injury.

According to reports, the left-handed batter is currently undergoing rehabilitation after picking up the injury, casting serious doubt over his availability for the tour.

While no official confirmation has been issued yet, indications suggest that the 35-year-old may not recover in time for the series.

Pakistan are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on March 9, with all three ODIs set to be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on March 11, 13 and 15.

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Fakhar Zaman had a restricted outing at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, featuring in just two matches. He missed Pakistan’s group-stage fixtures against the Netherlands, USA, India and Namibia before returning for the Super Eights.

Despite limited opportunities, the experienced opener made his presence felt. He struck a brisk 25 against England and followed it up with a scintillating 84 off 42 deliveries against Sri Lanka, smashing nine fours and four sixes in a commanding knock.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh tour itself remains under observation amid ongoing regional tensions. Sources suggest the series will proceed only if the prevailing situation does not escalate into travel or security concerns.

Schedule of Pakistan-Bangladesh series

First ODI – March 11
Second ODI – March 13
Third ODI – March 15
First Test – May 8 to 12
Second Test – May 16 to 20

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed set to be appointed as Pakistan Test head coach: sources

Sarfaraz Ahmed set to be appointed as Pakistan Test head coach: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to appoint former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the Test head coach, with an official announcement expected in the coming days, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

According to reports, Sarfaraz is likely to begin his tenure during Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh in May.

The Test head coach position has remained vacant since the departure of Azhar Mahmood in October 2025.

Azhar had been appointed interim head coach in June 2025, with his contract initially set to run until March 2026.

He oversaw Pakistan’s home series against South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw against the reigning world Test champions.

However, with no red-ball assignments scheduled until the Bangladesh tour in 2026, both Azhar and the PCB mutually agreed to conclude his tenure earlier than planned.

Before stepping into the interim role, Azhar had served as an all-formats assistant coach since April 2024.

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Sarfaraz’s elevation comes on the back of his recent stint as mentor of Pakistan’s Under-19 side.

Under his guidance, Pakistan clinched the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 title after defeating India in the final, a triumph that significantly strengthened his credentials for a senior role.

However, the team fell short at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, exiting at the Super Six stage without reaching the semi-finals.

Sources suggest the PCB views the leadership experience of Sarfaraz Ahmed as a key factor in entrusting him with the Test side.

Pakistan are scheduled to tour Bangladesh in May for a two-match Test series, with the first Test beginning on May 8 and the second on May 16.

A seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, the 38-year-old has been one of Pakistan’s reliable performers in the longer format. In 54 Tests, he has scored 3,031 runs at an average of 37.41, including four centuries and 21 half-centuries.

In One Day Internationals, Sarfaraz accumulated 2,315 runs in 117 matches at 33.55, registering two centuries and 11 fifties. He also represented Pakistan in 61 T20Is, scoring 818 runs at a strike rate of 125.26.

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Shahid Afridi comments on reports of players being fined by PCB

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has weighed in on the ongoing debate over alleged fines imposed on national team players following their disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

In a recent interview with a local news channel, Afridi suggested that sending underperforming players back to first-class cricket and allowing them adequate rest would be a more effective response than imposing financial penalties.

“They are thinking small, wondering what can be done with 5 million. In my opinion, this isn’t really a fine,” Afridi stated.

“Those who haven’t performed should be sent to first-class cricket. There are some players whom I believe shouldn’t come back for at least 2 years. In my view, these punishments are enough.”

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He also emphasised the importance of making team adjustments and managing players’ workloads rather than relying solely on fines.

“Those who need rest should be given rest, and changes should be made within the players. These punishments are sufficient; the 5 million is enough. And as far as I know, no official statement has come from the PCB regarding this,” Afridi added.

Afridi’s remarks come in the wake of media reports claiming that Pakistan’s squad, which exited the T20 World Cup after failing to reach the semi-finals, has been fined Rs5 million per player for underperformance.

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Aleem Dar resigns from PCB selection committee: sources

LAHORE: In the aftermath of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup exit, former international umpire and national selection committee member Aleem Dar has decided to step down from his role.

According to the sources privy to the matter, Dar, 57, decided to leave the role after Pakistan’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup.

Aleem Dar was appointed as a selector on October 11, 2024, alongside former pacer Aqib Javed, ex-Test captain Azhar Ali, and analyst Hasan Cheema in a revamped selection panel.

It is worth mentioning that Aleem Dar officiated in a record 435 men’s Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, including four World Cup finals, before calling time on his career.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board has also imposed a fine of Rs5m on each player following a disappointing campaign in the mega event.

Sources confirmed that the board made it clear to the players that financial benefits will now be strictly tied to performance.

Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-final as their campaign ended in the Super Eights stage of the tournament.

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In their final match, the Green Shirts secured a narrow five-run victory over Sri Lanka but failed to progress to the semi-finals as New Zealand advanced on the basis of a superior run rate.

Earlier, in the group stage, Pakistan won three out of their four matches. They opened their tournament with an unconvincing win against the Netherlands, following it up with a decisive victory over USA. However, they were completely outplayed by their bitter rivals, India, by 61 runs.

They won their last fixture against Namibia to advance to the Super Eights. But a washout against New Zealand and a subsequent defeat to England ultimately left their semi-final hopes hanging in the balance.

READ: Pakistan players fined Rs5m after World Cup exit: sources