Tag: Pakistan Cricket Board

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday, confirmed that Inzamam-ul-Haq has resigned from his position as the chairman of the national men’s selection committee and junior selection committee.

“Inzamam-Ul-Haq has resigned as the chairman of the national men’s selection committee and junior selection committee,” stated PCB.

“He was appointed as the chairman of the national men’s committee on 7 August 2023 and was also appointed chairman of the junior men’s selection committee earlier this month,” the statement added.

Furthermore, the PCB also appreciated and acknowledged Inzamam-ul-Haq’s decision to voluntarily step down from his role amid the investigation.

The statement also quoted Inzamam-ul-Haq, who stated that he was stepping down from the post to offer the PCB the opportunity to conduct a transparent inquiry.

“I am stepping down from the post to offer the PCB the opportunity to conduct a transparent inquiry about the conflict of interest allegations raised in the media. If the committee finds me not guilty, I will resume my role as the chief selector,” Inzamam was quoted as saying.

Earlier today, sources said that the former Pakistan captain has stepped down from his role as the chief selector.

During an interview with a local news channel, he revealed that he wanted to meet the PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf but to no avail.

The development comes after media reports circulated, claiming that the former cricketer was one of the stakeholders in a player’s management firm, named Saya Corps, in respect to the “conflict of interest”.

Meanwhile, Inzamam-ul-Haq clarified his decision to step down as the chief selector.

“We are cricketers and we are available all the time to serve the country. Since I am facing an inquiry, and as the nature of my job is, I should step down and let them conduct the probe,” the former captain said.

“I am a human and it hurts. I have a 20-year cricket career during which I represented Pakistan. I am not someone who people don’t know. When such allegations are levelled, it hurts.”

He further said he has no relations with any players’ agent firm.

“I must tell you very clearly that such companies are recommended by the ICC and PCB has all their data,” he added.

In response to Inzamam’s statement, Zaka Ashraf has clarified that he was unable to meet the former cricketer due to his unavailability in the office premises at the time.

“I was not present in the office, so how could I meet Inzamam-ul-Haq,” said the PCB chief.

“I respect Inzamam a lot. I am available to meet whenever he wants,” he added.

READ: Karachi Kings unearth three pacers from talent hunt programme

LAHORE: The Chief Secretary and Ministers of the caretaker Punjab government, on Friday, assured the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representatives of infallible arrangements for the upcoming Asia Cup matches in Lahore and Multan.

PCB management committee chairman Zaka Ashraf along with PCB officials met the representatives of Punjab’s caretaker government including the adviser to caretaker CM Punjab, Wahab Riaz, at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

During the meeting, both parties assured to provide the best facilities to the cricket fans during ACC Asia Cup matches to be held in Multan and Lahore.

Punjab government as well as PCB expressed their commitment to provide the fans with the best yet smooth security arrangements so that they can enjoy the game at their best.

The meeting took place in an excellent environment and both sides ensured to resolve all the past issues amicably. It was also decided that a new mechanism should be formed to make sure that future affairs must be conducted smoothly.

Notably, during Najam Sethi’s tenure earlier in the year, a deadlock emerged between the PCB and the caretaker Punjab government over the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight’s Lahore and Rawalpindi leg security expenditures.

The Punjab government demanded PCB pay off PKR 500m to make security arrangements for the second leg of the ongoing extravaganza. At the same time, the cricket board was adamant about not paying the stipulated sum.

This year’s Asia Cup will kick off with host Pakistan taking on Nepal in the curtain raiser on August 30 in Multan.

Pakistan will host a total of four matches including a Super 4s fixture.

India’s group stage matches including the anticipated clash against Pakistan, scheduled on September 2, will be held in Kandy while the rest of the Super 4s matches, including the final will be played in Colombo.

The arch-rivals Pakistan and India will come face to face again on September 10 in Colombo if both manage to qualify for the Super 4s.

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. The continental event will run from August 31 to September 17.

Hosts Pakistan are placed in the same group as arch-rivals India and Nepal while the other group includes defending champions and co-hosts 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.

READ: Nahida Khan appointed manager of Pakistan women’s cricket team

LAHORE: Six Pakistan internationals (men and women) cricketers are among the 30 participants who have registered for the six-day Level 2 Cricket Coach course.

The course will be held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore from 18 to 23 August.

Pakistan international players include Aimen Anwar (8 ODIs, 37 T20Is), Imran Butt (6 Tests), Javeria Khan (116 ODIs, 112 T20Is), Javeria Rauf (4 ODIs, 13 T20Is), Mansoor Amjad (1 ODI, 1 T20I) and Sajid Khan (7 Tests).

The Level 2 course participants will be taught on advance coaching skills which include how to deduct errors and rectify them through video analysis.

This also includes work on communications skills, mental and physical strength, nutrition, planning and creating plans to help players graduate to the next level.

The course will be conducted by NCA coaches Shahid Aslam, Rahat Abbas Asadi, Imran Abbas, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Mauhtashim Rashid, Umar Rashid, Saqib Faqir and Yasir Malik.

At the conclusion of the course, the participants will be given three months to complete their assignments. The successful participants will be awarded Level 2 coaching certificates.

Participants (in alphabetical order): Adnan Raees, Ahmed Ali, Aiman Anwar, Altaf Ahmad, Arun Lal, Atiq-ur-Rehman, Ayaz Hussain Jamali, Haroon Ahmad, Haziq Habib, Imran Ali, Imran Butt, Jahangir Mirza, Jahanzaib Khan, Javeria Khan, Javeria Rauf, Khaqan Arsal, Mansoor Amjad, Mansoor Khan, Mohammad Zahid, Muhammad Saleem, Mujahid Hamid, Rahim Baz Khan, Saeed Bin Nasir, Sajid Khan, Shahid Ali, Shahid Saddique, Shoaib Zikria, Snober Gul, Zafar Ali Katper and Zaka-ur-Rasheed.

READ: Pakistan team reaches Sri Lanka for Afghanistan series

The regional presidents, representing various cricketing regions across Pakistan, expressed their utmost confidence in the proposed changes to the domestic structure that the PCB is set to implement and will announce later today.

The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue and comprehensive discussions on the workings of the new domestic framework, focusing on its potential to nurture and elevate cricket talent at the grassroots level.

Separately, the recently appointed PCB Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), led by former captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez as a member presented an in-depth briefing to the regional presidents at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Junaid Zia, Acting Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, and also the ex-officio member of the CTC briefed the members on the key components and features of the new domestic structure, emphasising its intent to streamline and refine the player development pathway.

PCB head Zaka Ashraf: “I firmly believe that the heart and soul of cricket in Pakistan lies within our regions. These regions serve as the nurturing grounds for our domestic cricket, where young talents blossom and refine their skills.

“For a considerable span of time, there existed a void, a pause in the proper functioning of our regional setups. However, I am pleased to share that these regions are back in action, and it’s a significant leap forward for the sport in our nation.

“I express my gratitude for the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by the Domestic Regional Presidents and highlighted their integral role in driving the transformation of Pakistan cricket. Together, we will witness the rise of cricketing stars who will carry the legacy of Pakistan cricket forward with pride and honour.”

Misbah-ul-Haq addressing the regional presidents said: “I am confident that we can craft a cricketing structure that not only benefits our cricketers but also upholds the interests of all stakeholders involved. Your unwavering support is the foundation upon which this structure will succeed. If we work together, we will build a future that honours the game and the aspirations of countless budding cricketers.”

Mohammad Hafeez addressing the participants said: “Merit is the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring that cricketers and the support staff are recognised and rewarded based on their skills and dedication. This structure is a testament to our collective commitment to provide opportunities for people associated with the game. With your support, we look forward to a brighter and more competitive future for the players.”

During the meeting, the domestic regional presidents extended their gratitude to the PCB for its unwavering commitment to advancing the game within the country. They extended their unconditional support to the PCB.

The invitation for the meeting was sent to all regional presidents, while some of the regional presidents couldn’t join the meeting.

READ: Aaqib Javed rates Zaman Khan over Naseem Shah in white-ball cricket

The head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, met former Pakistan fast bowler Mr Sarfraz Nawaz on Monday to resolve the outstanding matters over his unpaid ex gratia payments since January 2017.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere at National Cricket Academy in the presence of former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez.

Mr Zaka Ashraf handed over a cheque to settle the payments under the Players’ Welfare Policy and assured Mr Sarfraz Nawaz of unconditional support.

The ex gratia payments had been discontinued as a result of disciplinary proceedings initiated against Mr Sarfraz Nawaz by the previous managements over the violation of the Code of Conduct under the Players’ Welfare Policy.

Mr Sarfraz Nawaz has assured the PCB of his compliance with the Code of Conduct and the ex gratia payments to him under the Players’ Welfare Policy will now be resumed.

Zaka Ashraf: “I was upset to see a former Test cricketer in such a condition and it was disturbing to see Mr Sarfraz Nawaz being deprived of his rightful pension. It is disappointing that the previous administrations have used the PCB’s coffers to settle personal scores.

“No cricketer should have to go through what Mr Sarfraz Nawaz had to face, and I want to reassure every former and current cricketer, international or domestic, that the PCB considers them as its asset and will look after them at every stage of their life and in every possible way. They deserve to be loved and respected by their cricket board.”

Sarfraz Nawaz: “I have visited the National Cricket Academy after almost six years and received a warm welcome from the PCB officials. I am pleased that Mr Zaka Ashraf has reinstated my pension. Given my health, I am particularly grateful for this step.

“In a voluntary capacity, I offer honourary services to the board to enhance fast bowlers’ skills for cricket’s advancement.”

Mr Sarfraz Nawaz played 55 Tests and 45 One-Day International for Pakistan from 1969 till 1984. He famously delivered a 33-ball spell in Melbourne on 15 March 1979, in which he took seven wickets for just one run. He went on to bowl his best bowling figures of nine for 86 in that innings which helped Pakistan to their second Test win in Australia.

The right-arm fast bowler took 177 Test wickets at 32.75 and dismissed 63 batters in ODIs at 23.22 runs apiece. He took 1,005 wickets at an average of 24.62 in first-class cricket.

READ: Pakistan thrash China to claim first win in Asian Champions Trophy

LAHORE: Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has been appointed chief selector of the national men’s team for the second time.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday that Inzamam, who was recently appointed to the Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), has officially taken on the role of chief selector for the men’s team.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul Haq has been appointed national men's chief selector. pic.twitter.com/TnPdQaoXvW

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 7, 2023

Inzamam-ul-Haq took over the position previously held by Haroon Rashid, who resigned last month. The former captain previously held the position from 2016 to 2019.

During his tenure, his selected team won the 2017 Champions Trophy under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed, while in the 2019 World Cup, they missed a spot in the semi-final due to the inferior net run rate.

Pakistan team’s director Mickey Arthur was the national head coach during Inzamam’s last tenure.

Inzamam-ul-Haq’s appointment came at a crucial time as his selection committee will be tasked to select squads for the Asia Cup, as well as the ODI World Cup later this year.

Prior to that, he will also be naming the squad that will be touring Sri Lanka for the series against Afghanistan, which will commence on August 22.

The PCB’s Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), led by Misbah-ul-Haq, suggested the former captain’s name to the PCB Management Committee chairman, Zaka Ashraf. The CTC comprises former captain Mohammad Hafeez as well.

The committee is supposed to provide recommendations on cricket-related matters, including, but not limited to the overall domestic structure, scheduling, playing conditions, the appointment of the national selection committees, the appointment of national team coaches, central and domestic contracts and plans for the development of umpires, referees and curators.

Additionally, they have the authority to invite other cricket specialists and are required to provide regular updates to the head of the PCB Management Committee.

READ: Misbah-ul-Haq to lead high-profile Cricket Technical Committee: PCB 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has constituted a high-profile Cricket Technical Committee (CTC), consisting former Pakistan captains Misbah-ul-Haq (head), Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez. 

The CTC will provide recommendations on cricket-related matters, including, but not limited to the overall domestic structure, scheduling, playing conditions, appointment of the national selection committees, appointment of national team coaches, central and domestic contracts and plans for the development of umpires, referees and curators.

The CTC will have the powers to invite additional cricket experts and shall report to the head of the PCB Management Committee on a regular basis.

PCB Management Committee Chairperson Zaka Ashraf: “I am delighted to welcome Misbah-ul-Haq, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez on board for the betterment of cricket in our country. These three former captains possess great cricket knowledge and understand the demands of modern-day cricket.

“Domestic cricket structure is a pillar of any cricketing nation. We have to make it fool proof and its structure progressive. The presence of Misbah, Inzamam and Hafeez, three of Pakistan’s most experienced and decorated cricketers who rose through the domestic ranks, will help us in providing our cricketers the best system to thrive so that we can produce the best cricketers.”

Misbah-ul-Haq: “It is a great honour for me to be appointed as the head of this committee, which comprises well-respected individuals who have served Pakistan cricket for decades.

“This is a challenging assignment, but with the vast experience and knowledge that this committee possesses, I have no doubt whatsoever that we will be able to make a positive difference by providing recommendations that improve and enhance the state of the game from the grassroots till the very top.”

Acting Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, Junaid Zia, has been included as the ex-officio member of the CTC, and Usman Tasleem is the ex-officio and secretary.

About the CTC members:

Misbah-ul-Haq – Pakistan’s most successful Test captain with 26 wins in 56 matches. He led Pakistan to the number one spot in the ICC Test Rankings in August 2016. The right-handed batter played 75 Tests, 162 ODIs and 39 T20Is and scored 5,222, 5,122 and 788 runs in the three formats, respectively. He was the member of the Pakistan side that lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 under the captaincy of Younis Khan.

Inzamam-ul-Haq – Member of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1992 winning side, Inzamam captained Pakistan in different stints from 2001 till 2007. He made 11,739 ODI runs – the most for any batter from Pakistan – in 378 matches at an average of 39.52 and struck 10 centuries and 83 half-centuries. He scored 8,830 Test runs in 120 matches at an average of 49.60 and scored 25 centuries and 46 half-centuries. He played a solitary T20I match against England at Bristol in August 2006, leading Pakistan to a five-wicket win in their maiden appearance in the format.

Mohammad Hafeez – Scored 3,652 runs and took 53 wickets in 55 Tests, 6,614 and 139 in 218 ODIs and 2,514 and 61 in 119 T20Is. He holds the record for being the only third all-rounder in international cricket to score 1000-plus runs and take 30 or more wickets in a calendar year after Sanath Jayasuriya and Jacques Kallis. Under his captaincy, Pakistan played the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2012.

READ: Jamaica stun Marta’s Brazil out of Women’s World Cup to reach last 16

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday, announced that it will receive “more than two times” revenue from the new International Cricket Council (ICC) financial model.

ICC Board, Committee meetings and the Annual Conference took place in Durban, South Africa, from 10-13 July 2023. PCB’s delegation represented Pakistan at these meetings during which Equal prize money for men’s and women’s teams at ICC Events, ICC Financial and Distribution Model 2024-27, Amendments to the ICC Sanctioning Regulations and Modifications to the over rate sanctions in Test cricket amongst other matters were discussed.

The new ICC financial and distribution model envisages the largest-ever investment to go into global cricket and provides a huge opportunity for the game to grow further.

In determining the distribution share to members, the model considers on and off field performance including cricket rankings, performance at ICC events, and commercial contribution to the ICC Events.

PCB, in accordance with it’s constitutional right, has over the past few weeks and at the ICC Meetings, consistently sought additional information to better understand the rationale behind allocation of weightages to each of the criteria and the calculation of the distributions. The PCB felt in the absence of all relevant information, data and formulae, such a significant decision should not be taken in haste.

The PCB, therefore, proposed that this item may be deferred to the next ICC meeting.

Ultimately, majority of members did not find it feasible to defer this item and voted in favour of passing the Model, while the PCB recorded its dissent as a matter principle.

Consequently, due to the Pakistan cricket team’s performance in men’s ICC events and in bilateral cricket, the PCB’s own huge fan-base, which leads to significant commercial value, the PCB was ranked amongst the top-four nations in this Model. As such, the PCB will receive more than two times the revenue when compared to the last cycle.

This increased share of revenue will mean that a far greater investment can be made in developing cricketing skills and will be beneficial in taking Pakistan Cricket to new heights. This was a welcome news for the Pakistani fans and our great nation.

A number of fruitful meetings were held by Mr Zaka Ashraf, Chair of the PCB’s Management Committee, with fellow cricket board officials on the sidelines of the ICC meetings where collaborations and mutually beneficial programs to further cricket development and growth were discussed.

On Saturday, 15 July, a meeting was held between the PCB and ACC officials in respect of finalising the schedule of the Asia Cup 2023, logistical and organizational arrangements and marketing campaigns.

The finalised schedule is likely to be announced during this week. With the opening match scheduled to kick off in Pakistan, the PCB, as the event host, looks forward to welcoming cricket fans from across the world to experience Pakistan’s renowned hospitality.

READ: Qasim Akram’s six-fer leads Shaheens to thump UAE in Emerging Asia Cup

LAHORE: The Regional Inter-District Senior tournament 2023-2024 will commence on Sunday, 16 July, in which 104 sides of 101 districts/zones will take part.

Top performers from this tournament will enhance their chances of representing their regions in the PCB’s major domestic events, which are scheduled to start in September.

As many as 259 matches will be played across the country with matches in the Abbottabad, AJK, Bahawalpur, Dera Murad Jamali, FATA, Hyderabad, Karachi, Larkana, Quetta and Sialkot Regions to start from 16 July, Multan to host matches from 19 July while matches in the Faisalabad, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Rawalpindi to be played from 24 July.

Each match will be of three days’ duration with the first innings limited to 75 overs per side. Nine points will be awarded for an outright win with the first innings lead, six points will be awarded for a win without the first innings lead and three points for first innings lead in a drawn match.

As per the tournament regulations, each side will be allowed to make a maximum of two changes in their playing line-ups but after every two matches.

This is to ensure the players get a fair chance to demonstrate their talent as well as to provide maximum players with the opportunity to stake a claim for places in the regional squads.

As Quetta and FATA Regions have 10 districts each, the sides have been equally divided into two groups with the final to be played from 7-9 August.

Matches in the other 14 regions will be played on a single-league basis with the table-toppers to be adjudged winners.

The 16 regions include Abbottabad (seven districts), AJK (five districts), Bahawalpur (seven districts), Dera Murad Jamali (five districts), Faisalabad (six districts), FATA (10 districts), Hyderabad (seven districts), Islamabad (four zones and one district), Karachi (seven zones), Lahore (three zones; six teams), Larkana (six districts), Multan (seven districts), Peshawar (five districts), Quetta (10 districts), Rawalpindi (four districts) and Sialkot (seven districts).

The 104 squads have been finalised based on selection criteria, which was agreed by representatives of all the districts.

The regional/district selection committees comprising head/assistant coaches and district representatives prepared first drafts of their respective squads, which were subsequently assessed and approved by the PCB Review Panel, including former first-class cricketers Javed Hayat, Kamran Khan, Sanaullah Baloch and Waqar Orakzai.

*Selection criteria (in pecking order):

Players who have represented Pakistan U19 in the past two years but are now over-aged

Players who featured in last year’s U19 events but are now over-aged

Top three most successful batters and top two most successful bowlers from last year’s
district/CCA events

Outstanding performers from last year’s divisional competition

Talented players who were unable to perform in last year’s Second XI event

Remaining players not fulfilling the above criteria but impressing selectors via trials

READ: Hamza beats Indian rival to reach U21 World Snooker Championship semis

LAHORE: The election for the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will be held on June 27 here, the cricket board announced on Thursday.

According to the details, the PCB Chairman elections will now be held at the PCB headquarters here on July 27.

Earlier, the cricket board announced holding the elections on June 28, however, following the announcement that 28 June will be a holiday, the Election Commissioner has confirmed the PCB Chairman’s elections will be held a day earlier.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is in receipt of letter and notification dated 20 June from the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry that states: “On completion of the tenure, the Management Committee of PCB stands dissolved, ceases to operate”.

Accordingly, the Election Commissioner, Mr Ahmed Shehzad Farooq Rana, who is also the Acting Chair of the PCB, has constituted the PCB Board of Governors in accordance with Para 10 of the PCB Constitution 2014 and in line with and pursuant to the above referred letter and notification.

The formation of the PCB BOG now stands as follows:

Mr Muhammad Zaka Ashraf (PCB Patron’s nominee)

Mr Mustafa Ramday (PCB Patron’s nominee)

National Bank of Pakistan

State Bank of Pakistan

Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL)

Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC)

President Larkana Region

President Dera Murad Jamali Region

President Bahawalpur Region

President Hyderabad Region

The election of the PCB Chairman will be held on Wednesday, 28 June, at the PCB headquarters in Lahore. After receiving nominations from the departments/service organisations, the election schedule will be issued.

The Election Commission office has written to the departments/service organisations to nominate their representatives.

Mr Shehzad Rana: “The election of the PCB Chair will be held in a fair and transparent manner whilst adopting due process and ensuring completion of all legal formalities.”

READ: Sunil Chhetri-led India thrash Pakistan in SAFF Championship