Tag: Pakistan

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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

READ: Trump honors Messi and MLS Cup champion Inter Miami teammates

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“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

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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.

READ: Ali Tareen reacts to Multan Sultans’ return to PSL

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.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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.

READ: ‘New Sultans have arrived’: Gohar Shah addresses fans after Multan takeover

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to impose a fine of Rs 5 million on each player following the national team’s disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

According to sources, the board has 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.

In their final match, the Green Shirts secured a narrow five-run victory over Sri Lanka but failed to progress 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.

For those unaware, an A-category player receives a monthly salary of 4.5 million rupees plus 2.07 million rupees as a share from ICC revenue. Meanwhile, Match fees are separate.

B-category players receive 3 million rupees monthly and 1.5525 million rupees as ICC share.

C-category players get 1 million rupees monthly and 1.035 million rupees ICC share. D-category players earn 750,000 rupees monthly and 517,500 rupees ICC share.

Notably, under the current central contracts (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026), no player has been placed in the A category.

READ: Slot makes candid admission about Premier League

DURBAN: Pakistan women’s team sealed a commanding 119-run win over South Africa in the third ODI to avoid a whitewash here at the Kingsmead on Sunday. 

Asked to bat first, Pakistan racked up 306-8 on the back of impressive half-centuries from Sadaf Shams and skipper Fatima Sana in their 50 overs.

Shamas anchored the innings with a superb 97 off 82 balls, striking 16 fours and a six, while Sana injected late momentum with a rapid 60 off just 41 deliveries, laced with five sixes and three fours.

Shamas, who fell just short of a century, was named Player of the Match for her composed knock at the top.

She received valuable support from Sidra Amin (41) and wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi (36), ensuring Pakistan posted a formidable total.

For South Africa, Sune Luus returned figures of 3/42 in nine overs, while Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed two wickets. Ayanda Hlubi, Annerie Dercksen, and Chloe Tryon picked up one each.

Chasing a stiff 307-run target, the hosts endured a disastrous start, losing three wickets for just seven runs inside two overs.

Annerie Dercksen attempted to revive the innings, first sharing a 90-run third-wicket stand with Faye Tunnicliff before Nashra Sandhu dismissed the latter for 47.

Dercksen then added another crucial 50-run partnership with Sinalo Jafta, but their departures in quick succession left South Africa reeling at 147/6.

Dercksen top-scored with a fighting 54 off 67 balls, while Jafta contributed 33, but the lower order failed to mount further resistance.

Pakistan’s bowlers capitalised on the momentum, bowling out South Africa for 187 in 36.2 overs.

Sadia Iqbal led the bowling effort with figures of 3/41, while Nashra Sandhu, Umme-Hani and captain Sana claimed two wickets apiece.

Tasmia Rubab chipped in with one to seal a comprehensive win for the visitors.

READ: FIH World Cup Qualifier: Pakistan prevail over China in thrilling win

KANDY: Former Pakistan women’s captain Urooj Mumtaz has expressed serious reservations over men’s leadership options following the side’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2026, admitting she is “clueless” about a ready-made successor to current skipper Salman Ali Agha.

Pakistan’s campaign ended despite a spirited five-run win over Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight fixture.

The 2009 champions had entered the contest knowing that victory alone would not be enough; they required a commanding margin to surpass New Zealand’s superior net run rate (NRR) and qualify for the semi-finals.

Posting 212-8 in 20 overs, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or below. Although they clinched a narrow win, the bowlers failed to defend the required margin, sealing Pakistan’s fourth successive ICC tournament exit before the semi-final stage.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, Urooj Mumtaz said Pakistan’s current pool of players does not offer an obvious long-term captaincy solution.

“I have a question mark,” she said when asked about the T20I leadership.

“I look down the list of 20 players that Pakistan has right now, and there’s nobody really there who screams ‘captain’ to me. Or someone you pen down and say, ‘right, he’s playing all games and fits in as player number one in all games, no matter what the conditions are.’”

While she acknowledged the impressive batting form of Sahibzada Farhan, she stopped short of endorsing him for the role.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Yes, Sahibzada Farhan, in his current form, is brilliant. I don’t think he is captain material just yet,” she added.

Mumtaz also pointed out that several senior players have already had their opportunities as the T20I captain of Pakistan, so they should not be considered again.

“Shadab [Khan] has been through that cycle, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been through that cycle, Babar Azam has been through that cycle. So I am very clueless right now,” she remarked.

On Shadab Khan, she noted that while he had previously shown interest in captaincy, his recent all-round returns against top opposition have not been convincing.

“I think he has a lot to prove in terms of his all-round cricketing ability. He is very short at this moment in terms of his batting and bowling against top-quality sides,” she said.

With Agha himself stating after the match that he will not make an immediate decision about stepping down, Urooj Mumtaz believes continuity might be the only practical route, at least for now.

“Unless you literally say ‘Sahibzada Farhan, two-year cycle, away you go’ or somebody like Saim Ayub, who I don’t think will be dropped for long and deserves a place in that XI — apart from that I don’t see any captain material,” she said.

“So, unless Pakistan has got a succession plan in place, probably continue with Salman Ali Agha till they find a replacement.”

READ: Kamran Akmal blames lack of T20 evolution for Pakistan’s World Cup exit

Former wicket-keeper batter Kamran Akmal has delivered a blunt verdict on Pakistan’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, arguing that the team’s inability to evolve with the modern game left them trailing behind the competition.

Pakistan’s shortcomings were laid bare during their lacklustre T20 World Cup campaign, which ended on Saturday when the team failed to reach the semi-finals.

From the captain Salman Agha, who was criticised for not being a T20 player, to slow batting rates and the use of all-rounders not up to the job, Pakistan were shown to be behind the times in the rapid-fire format.

Kamran Akmal believes there is a huge gulf in standard between Pakistan and the top sides such as India, West Indies, South Africa and England.

“Other teams have evolved to the demands of Twenty20 cricket, but neither our team nor our players meet those standards,” Akmal told AFP.

“It is like other teams are playing on the moon and we are on Earth. We only beat smaller teams but lose to top teams.”

Pakistan had high hopes for the T20 World Cup 2026 after sweeping Australia 3-0 in a pre-tournament series.

They boasted a quintet of spinners that should have been suited to the turning pitches in Sri Lanka, where they played all their matches.

But they received a rude awakening in their first match against the Netherlands when they squeezed home by three wickets in the final over, thanks to Faheem Ashraf’s 11-ball 29.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Like most of his predecessors at World Cups, Agha blundered in the pressure-cooker match against India, which only went ahead after the Pakistan government U-turned on a boycott just days before the encounter.

Agha won the toss and asked India to bat. The decision backfired badly as Pakistan conceded 175 and were hammered by 61 runs.

Agha inexplicably held back his mystery spinner and chief weapon, Usman Tariq, to the 11th over, by which time opener Ishan Kishan had scored his match-shaping 77, and India were well on their way to a winning total.

“How on earth did you bowl at a venue which was suited to batting first?” questioned former Pakistan player Basit Ali. “After India scored 175, our batters failed to handle the pressure of a chase.”

Agha also held back Tariq’s second over against England, after he took a wicket in his first, allowing captain Harry Brook to build a sparkling match-winning century.

“It was weak captaincy from Agha,” said Kamran Akmal, who also took aim at the head coach Mike Hesson and the selectors.

“We were also not helped by head coach Mike Hesson, who has an obsession for bit-and-pieces all-rounders who were neither complete bowlers, nor good batters.”

Pakistan’s insistence on sticking with the out-of-sorts Babar Azam did nothing to help their shaky batting. The star batter’s slow scoring at number four interrupted the side’s rhythm.

He was dropped for the final match against Sri Lanka on Saturday, where Pakistan finally posted a total in excess of 200, but it proved too little too late as New Zealand progressed on net run rate.

READ: Sanath Jayasuriya to step down as Sri Lanka head coach after World Cup setback