Tag: Pakistan

LAHORE: South Africa Women’s U19 team is set for their maiden tour of Pakistan to play a five-match T20 series, set to commence from 14 July.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the announcement in a statement, disclosing that all five fixtures of the limited-over series will be played at the National Bank Stadium.

“The five-match T20 series will be staged at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 14 to 24 July. Match timings will be announced in due course,” the board said.

“South Africa Women’s U19 team will arrive in Karachi on 10 July and undergo training sessions at the National Bank Stadium from 11 to 13 July before taking on the hosts in the first T20 scheduled for Tuesday, 14 July. Pakistan Women’s U19 last featured in a bilateral T20 series in Bangladesh, where they won the five-match series 3-2,” it added.

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According to the board, the upcoming series will serve as a preparatory platform for Pakistan ahead of the ACC Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup later this year and the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled in 2027.

Before the series, the PCB held a series of training camps for the U19 cricketers in Karachi.

Series schedule:

10 July – South Africa team arrival in Karachi

11-13 July – Pakistan and South Africa teams’ training sessions at National Bank Stadium

14 July – First T20

17 July – Second T20

19 July – Third T20

22 July – Fourth T20

24 July – Fifth T20

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Pakistan off-spinner Nida Dar has confirmed her availability for the national side after taking an indefinite break from cricket for mental health reasons.

The former captain announced her return through a social media post, noting that she had regained her strength and was available for selection.

“After taking time to focus on myself and regain my strength, I am happy to share that I am back and available for the Pakistan Cricket Team once again,” Nida Dar wrote on X.

“Ready to give my best, work hard, and contribute whenever the team needs me. Thank you to everyone who supported me during this journey.”

The 39-year-old was left out of the national side’s squad for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers held in Pakistan. Following her omission, Dar announced that she was taking a break from cricket to focus on her mental health.

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“I would like to inform that a lot of things have happened in the past with me personally and professionally and this has affected my mental health,” Dar had said. “For this reason I am taking a break from cricket for a while to focus on myself.”

Overall, Dar has played 112 ODIs and 160 T20Is for Pakistan since her maiden appearance in 2010. She last played for the Green Shirts at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 against New Zealand.

For those unaware, Pakistan is currently taking part in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, underway in England and Wales.

The Green Shirts had a dismal start to their campaign, losing both of their opening matches to South Africa and India.

Pakistan will play against Bangladesh on 20 June at Southampton.

READ: Veteran journalist and former cricketer Qamar Ahmed passes away

KARACHI: Former first-class cricketer and legendary broadcaster Qamar Ahmed passed away in Karachi at the age of 88.

Born in Mughal Serai, Ahmed was regarded as one of Pakistan’s renowned cricket journalists and broadcasters. He began his journalism career in London after ending a promising first-class cricket career in Pakistan in the 1950s.

A left-arm spinner, he claimed 36 wickets in 17 first-class matches while pushing for a Pakistan call-up, notably for the 1957-58 tour of the Caribbean. However, being based in Hyderabad meant he remained outside the radar of selectors, who at the time focused largely on the urban centers of Lahore and Karachi.

Despite this, he holds the rare record of having dismissed all the Mohammad brothers, including Hanif, Sadiq, and Mushtaq.

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During a journalism and broadcasting career spanning seven decades, he traveled around the globe to cover international matches and worked for renowned news outlets.

He also worked as a broadcaster for various TV channels and radio stations, including TVNZ during the 1992 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which Pakistan won. Notably, he covered every World Cup until the 2007 edition in West Indies.

After that, he stopped covering ODIs and focused on Test cricket. He reached the landmark of covering his 400th match as a journalist during the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test in Sharjah in 2014.

Qamar Ahmed had the unique distinction of witnessing landmark moments in cricket history, including Sunil Gavaskar’s 10,000th run, Richard Hadlee’s 400th wicket, Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul in an innings, and the 1000th and 2000th Test matches in 2011.

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WAVRE: Spain 5-1 victory over Pakistan handed the Green Shirts their ninth consecutive loss in the FIH Pro League at the Belfius Hockey Arena on Sunday.

Spain started strongly, scoring in the 11th minute when Alvarez Nicolas netted, applying early pressure.

The first quarter ended with Spain leading 1-0. Pakistan had a penalty corner in the second quarter but couldn’t capitalize.

Spain proved more clinical, with Cunill Pepe scoring twice, extending their lead to 3-0 by halftime. Post-break, Pakistan fought back; Abu Mahmood scored in the 43rd minute, briefly offering hope.

Despite two more penalty corners, Pakistan couldn’t convert, and Spain maintained a 3-1 lead into the last quarter.

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Spain dominated down the stretch, netting two more goals through Reyne Merc and Alvarez Nicolas to reach 5-1.

This victory was Spain’s first of the season, moving them to seventh place with five points and a goal difference of -16. Pakistan remains without a win after nine defeats, at the bottom with zero points and a goal difference of -30.

A day earlier, hosts Belgium routed Pakistan 7-1 in the FIH Pro League at the Belfius Hockey Arena. Belgium remained dominant throughout the game, never allowing the Green Shirts to make a comeback.

Pakistan squad for FIH Pro League

Goalkeepers: Waqar Ali, Ali Raza.

Defenders: Abu Bakar, Arbaz Ahmad, Mohammad Abdullah, Sufyan Khan.

Midfielders: Nadeem Khan, Ammad Shakeel, Moin Shakeel, Hammad Anjum, Zakriya Hayat.

Forwards: Gjazanfar Ali, Mohammad Emmad, Rana Waleed, Afraz Khan, Rana Wahid, Abdue Rahman, Ahmad Nadeem, Arshad Liaquat, Hanan Shahid.

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BIRMINGHAM: The tickets for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture between Pakistan and India have sold out.

The ICC announced via official social media channels that fans should avoid visiting the designated ticket counters for Sunday’s big match, as no additional tickets will be sold at the gates

“Edgbaston is SOLD OUT for today’s T20 World Cup double-header,” the ICC posted.

“A cracking day of cricket is underway as Netherlands take on Bangladesh before the India-Pakistan match. No additional tickets will be available at the gates,” it added.

Pakistan will face India in their opening encounter of the mega event. The Green Shirts have featured in every edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup since 2009.

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Despite every appearance, they have not managed to advance through the group stage. Sana Mir captained the side in the first five editions from 2009 to 2016.

India has historically led the rivalry, winning 13 out of 16 T20 internationals between the two teams, while Pakistan has secured three victories.

Squads

Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, and Radha Yadav.

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MALE: Pakistan forward Shayak Dost’s brilliant bicycle kick grabbed attention during the clash against Afghanistan in the four-nation football tournament. 

The Green Shirts triumphed over Afghanistan 2-0 to clinch the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament final on Wednesday at the National Football Stadium.

Shayak scored a goal in the 23rd minute with a sensational bicycle kick goal after midfielder Otis Khan miscued his effort inside the box, with the loose ball falling perfectly for the forward to finish.

The goal opened the account for Pakistan and pushed Afghanistan on the back foot till the end of the game.

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In the second half, Afghanistan pushed for an equalizer but were repeatedly denied despite Pakistan making several substitutions. The scoreline remained 1-0 in Pakistan’s favour until the end of normal time.

 

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It was forward Harun Hamid’s tactical awareness in the seven minutes of added time that sealed victory. Hamid doubled the lead with a brilliant dribble to seal a memorable victory.

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The victory marked the first time the Green Shirts have prevailed in a senior men’s international final after the 1991 Asian Games.

Moreover, it was Pakistan’s first standalone title since sharing the Asian Quadrangular Football Tournament crown with India in 1952.

READ: Pakistan thrash Afghanistan to clinch four-nation football tournament

LAHORE: Pakistan Test skipper Shan Masood is likely to be removed from his role, with Salman Ali Agha expected to replace him following key Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) meetings scheduled for June 12 and 13.

The meeting will be held under the supervision of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, with major appointments and changes expected in the team management.

According to sources, the two-day meeting will focus on several important matters, including appointments to key positions and a possible reshuffle within the national team’s management setup.

Sources privy to the matter also revealed a significant decision regarding the future of Pakistan’s Test captain is also likely to be discussed.

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Following Pakistan’s poor performances in Test cricket, the board is reportedly considering removing Shan Masood as Test captain. T20I captain Salman Ali Agha is being considered as a potential replacement to lead the side in the longest format.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez is likely to be appointed as Director International, while other major changes within the team management are also expected.

It is worth mentioning that Shan Masood was appointed Pakistan’s Test captain in January 2024 after Babar Azam stepped down from the role.

However, Pakistan’s Test record under Masood has been disappointing. During his tenure, the national side has won only four of its 16 Test matches.

Among the most notable setbacks were whitewashes against Bangladesh in both home and away Test series. Besides this, Masood’s individual batting performances have also declined during the same period.

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DERBY: Scotland handed Pakistan a 41-run defeat by the DLS Method in the warm-up fixture of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2026 at the County Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

This was the Green Shirts’ second defeat after being beaten by Sri Lanka in their first game.

Put into bat first, Scotland piled up 187-5 in their 20 overs, largely due to skipper Kathryn Bryce’s 94 off 43 balls.

Scotland started strongly in the power play, scoring 41-1 with Katherine Fraser losing her wicket on 19. Following the wicket, Darcey Carter  (45 off 36) and Kathryn Bryce carried on the momentum, propelling the score to 95 at the halfway mark of the innings.

Pakistan women’s team tried to mount a comeback with quick wickets, leaving Scotland 111-4 in 14.1 overs. However, Bryce’s explosive knock, laced with 11 fours and three sixes, ensured that her side reached a strong total.

Pakistan’s women’s team tried to mount a comeback with quick wickets, but Bryce’s explosive knock, laced with 11 fours and three sixes, ensured Scotland reached a strong total.

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For Pakistan, Tasmia Rubab, Sadia Iqbal, and Ayesha Zafar picked up one wicket each.

In reply, Pakistan were in early trouble at 62-5 in nine overs when rain halted play and did not allow it to resume. Muneeba Ali top-scored for Pakistan with 20 off 22, including a boundary.

Consequently, Scotland secured a win under the DLS method, with Rachel Slater picking up two wickets with the ball.

Earlier, Pakistan suffered a nine-wicket loss against Sri Lanka. The Green Shirts posted 168-8 in 20 overs, before Sri Lanka reached the target in 18.4 overs.

Pakistan will open their ICC Women’s World Cup 2026 campaign against arch-rivals India on 14 June.

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LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team’s red-ball camp ahead of the West Indies tour began at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Monday.

The red-ball camp will continue until July 10, with preparations for the West Indies tour beginning around July 15.

On the camp’s opening day, Director of High Performance Aqib Javed addressed the players and outlined the training camp’s goals alongside red-ball coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.

He emphasized the importance of structured preparation and outlined the goals set for the camp, where players will undergo intensive work on both fitness and cricketing skills.

A day earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited 49 players to a preparatory camp to manage players’ fitness and skills before international and domestic assignments. The players include 22 red and 27 white-ball cricketers.

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According to the board, the camps are designed to provide players with adequate preparation time for forthcoming international and domestic events. During the training period, players will fine-tune their skills under the supervision of national and NCA coaches, including one-on-one sessions.

The white-ball camp will commence on Monday, 15 June, and will run until 18 September.

For the unversed, Pakistan is currently enjoying a break from international cricket, with their next assignment, a two-match Test series against the West Indies, scheduled for July 25–29 and August 2–6 in Trinidad and Tobago.

Following the West Indies tour, Pakistan will travel to England for three Test matches, scheduled in August.

22 Red-Ball Camp Players:

Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Abrar Ahmed, Ali Usman, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Imam ul Haq, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Obaid Shah, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saqib Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shahzad Gul and Shan Masood

27 White-Ball Camp Players :

Abdul Samad, Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Farhan Yousaf, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Rohail Nazir, Saad Baig, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Sameer Minhas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan

READ: Shaheen Afridi set to miss Pakistan’s upcoming Test assignments: reports

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is expected to be excluded from the national team’s upcoming red-ball assignments.

A day earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a training camp for both red and white-ball cricket. The white-ball camp runs until September 18, while the red-ball camp starts today and continues until July 10, with preparations for the West Indies tour beginning around July 15.

Shaheen was named in the white-ball camp but not in the red-ball one. According to reports, selectors plan to exclude Shaheen from the West Indies and England tours. Another separate report states he has been advised to play more first-class cricket, or else selectors may seek other options.

Shaheen, also Pakistan’s ODI captain, was part of the recent Bangladesh tour squad, where he took 3/113 and 2/54 in the first Test. His speed during the tour drew criticism, as he struggled to consistently exceed 140 kph, often operating around 134 kph.

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Overall, he has taken 126 wickets at an average of 28.13 in 34 Tests since making his debut im

Pakistan is currently enjoying a break from international cricket, with their next assignment, a two-match Test series against the West Indies, scheduled for July 25–29 and August 2–6 in Trinidad and Tobago.

Following the West Indies tour, Pakistan will travel to England for three Test matches.

Pakistan Red-Ball Camp Squad (22 players):

Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Abrar Ahmed, Ali Usman, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Obaid Shah, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saqib Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shahzad Gul and Shan Masood.

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