Tag: Pakistan

MIRPUR: Pakistan captain Shan Masood has dismissed any talk of revenge ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin tomorrow. 

Speaking to the media on the eve of the first Test, Masood dismissed any talk of revenge and instead credited the home side for their victory in the previous series.

“I do not think our side associates itself with any word related to revenge. We must give credit to Bangladesh for the way they prepared and performed in 2024. We thought we would have the better of them in those conditions, but they played really good cricket,” he told reporters.

“The way they fought back from situations where we were on top, like when they were 26 for six, showed their skill and ability. We are not going to take any opposition lightly,” he added.

The skipper emphasized that the Pakistan all-round squad can adjust to any conditions.

“They have their own strengths, and we have our own strengths. We can only judge ourselves from our own point of view. I think we have brought a very well-rounded squad of 16 players that can play in most conditions,” he explained.

“We are very happy with the squad we have, and now it is about playing 10 days of good cricket. Hopefully, whoever plays better cricket will end up winning the series,” Shan Masood continued.

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He also recalled the last series, highlighting Bangladesh’s performance, saying that the hosts’ squad remains largely unchanged.

“I have been involved in two previous series against Bangladesh, and this side is very similar to the one we faced before, very competitive and skillful. They are covered in all departments, whether batting, pace bowling or spin bowling.”

“We enjoy challenges, and we like playing teams that are strong in their own conditions. This is an opportunity for us to test our skills and hopefully come out on top,” the 36-year-old said.

Masood also mentioned the surface at the Shere-Bangla National Stadium pitch, while expressing confidence in his based on their recent tours.

“The pitch currently has grass on it, and that will likely be its condition tomorrow. We have played in various conditions over the last two years, including Australia and South Africa. Even when Bangladesh came to Pakistan, we prepared similar wickets. We built our 16-man squad to be balanced, with options for both seam and spin conditions,” he observed.

DHAKA: The trophy for the Pakistan-Bangladesh Test series was officially unveiled in Mirpur on Thursday, with both team captains posing with the silverware.

The silverware was unveiled at the Shere-Bangla National Stadium by Pakistan skipper Shan Masood and Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared visuals on social media platforms.

“Pre-series trophy shoot at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. First Test begins tomorrow,” the caption of the post read.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test, which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

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In the current World Test Championship (WTC) standings, Bangladesh are placed eighth, having registered one defeat and one draw from two matches, with a win percentage of 16.67.

Pakistan, meanwhile, sit fifth with one win and one loss, holding 12 points and a 50 percent win ratio.

Squads

Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Bangladesh (first Test): Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, and Amite Hasan.

READ: IPL-bound Australia players set to miss Pakistan tour

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday the schedule for the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, set to begin on May 30. 

The 2023 World Cup winners will touch down in Islamabad on 23 May ahead of the first ODI, which will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The last two matches of the series are scheduled at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on June 2 and 4. All three ODIs will start at 4:30pm local time, with the toss at 4pm.

“Australia will arrive in Islamabad on 23 May and take on the hosts in the first ODI scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 30 May,” the board said in a press release statement.

“The second and third ODIs of the series between both sides will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 2 and 4 June, respectively,” it added.

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After completing the tour, Australia will head to Bangladesh for a three-match ODI and T20 series.

For the unversed, it will be Australia’s first bilateral ODI series in Pakistan since March-April 2022. The series is continuation of Australia’s tour of Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in January and February, where Pakistan completed a 3-0 clean sweep over them.

Australia also visited Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, registering a five-wicket win over England at the same venue on 22 February.

Pakistan-Australia Series schedule

23 May – Australia arrive in Islamabad
30 May – First ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
2 June – Second ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
4 June – Third ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Sri Lanka confirm participation in Pakistan ODI tri-series

MIRPUR: Star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has set his sights firmly on guiding Pakistan towards the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, stressing that consistency across a demanding Test calendar will be key to achieving that goal.

Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, the left-arm pacer stressed the importance of consistency, preparation, and adaptability in what he described as a long and challenging Test cycle.

“We are looking forward to the challenge of the Test series. Tests are very important for us, and this is a long Test season for us, perhaps for the first time like this. We are fully prepared and ready to give our best,” Afridi said.

Pakistan are set to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, with the first Test scheduled at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 8 to 12, followed by the second in Sylhet from May 16 to 20.

Shaheen acknowledged that home conditions naturally provide an advantage to hosting teams, but emphasised that execution and preparation remain the real deciding factors in Test cricket.

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“We hope the conditions will be good for us and we will play excellent cricket. Every team is strong in its home conditions, but what matters most is how well you prepare and execute,” he added.

He also underlined Pakistan’s broader ambitions in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, making it clear that the team’s focus extends beyond individual series.

“We are not only focused on this Test series but also on the ICC World Test Championship. Our target is to reach the final, and for that we must play our best cricket consistently,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the upcoming series against Bangladesh, Afridi noted the challenge posed by spin-friendly conditions but insisted Pakistan are well prepared for all scenarios.

“Bangladesh have previously done well on spin-friendly tracks, and every team uses home advantage. We have prepared accordingly, both for spin conditions and for a green wicket, and we are ready for every challenge,” he said.

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DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday announced free entry for Students and academy trainees for the two-match Test series against Pakistan.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test, which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

The board termed it a “special opportunity” aimed at encouraging young cricket fans to experience the longer format of the game from the stands.

“On the occasion of the upcoming Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test Series, a special opportunity has been introduced to encourage young cricket enthusiasts to experience the ultimate form of the game from the stands and galleries,” the BCB said in a statement.

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“Students from schools and educational institutions, wearing their respective uniforms and carrying valid ID cards, will be granted free entry to designated stands/galleries,” it added.

BCB also said that the condition applies to trainees under the age of 15, who can come to the stadium wearing their official academy kits.

“This privilege also applies to trainees under the age of 15 who are enrolled in private cricket academies. These trainees must wear their official academy kits to receive complimentary access to the stadiums,” the board concluded.

In the current World Test Championship (WTC) standings, Bangladesh are placed eighth, having registered one defeat and one draw from two matches, with a win percentage of 16.67.

Pakistan, meanwhile, sit fifth with one win and one loss, holding 12 points and a 50 percent win ratio.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan.

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

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KARACHI: Sadaf Shams’ 98 and a resounding bowling performance sealed a 168-run victory for the Pakistan women’s team over Zimbabwe at the National Bank Stadium on Monday.

Chasing a massive 331 run target, Zimbabwe fell way short and were bowled out for 162 in 36.4 overs.

The 168-run victory was Pakistan women’s second-biggest winning margin.

Fatima Sana started the proceedings for Pakistan, removing Christine Mutasa for one in the second over.  After an early wicket, Kelly Ndiraya and Kelis Ndhlovu added a brief 28-run partnership to put the chase back on track.

However, Sana struck again, removing Ndirya (11), sparking a collapse that Zimbabwe never recovered from. Beloved Biza showed some resistance with 53 off 53 deliveries with the aid of eight fours.

 

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For Pakistan, Fatima Sana, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Tasmia Rubab picked up two wickets each.

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Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Pakistan racked up 330 for five in 50 overs, thanks to a solid opening partnership between Gull Feroza and Sadaf Shams. The duo shared a 162-run stand in 28.2 overs, laying a strong foundation for a big total.

Gull Feroza hit five fours in her half-century from 60 balls. Meanwhile, Shams continued on, putting on a brief 33-run partnership with Sidra Amin. She was eventually caught on 98 from 130 balls, peppered with 17 fours.

Zimbabwe made a comeback in the middle phase of the innings, taking quick wickets to leave Pakistan four down for 219 in 39.1 overs.

But it was Sidra Amin and Najiha Alvi’s brisk 96-run stand from just 58 balls that took them past the 300-run mark. Sidra struck nine fours in her 67, whereas Najiha Alvi remained unbeaten on 56 off 30, hitting a six and eight fours.

For Zimbabwe, Precious Marange picked up three wickets.

The second ODI of the three-match series will be played at the same venue on May 6.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan training session in Dhaka ahead of Bangladesh series

DHAKA: Pakistan Test squad held a training session at the Shere-Bangla National Stadium ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin on May 8.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test, which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

Players took part in net sessions that emphasized both batting and bowling under the guidance of the coaching staff. Additionally, the team performed physical drills and fielding exercises to enhance their fitness and improve their on-field skills.

 

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Meanwhile, ace batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Khurram Shehzad are set to join the national team after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. Both players left for Bangladesh earlier today.

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Prior to departing for Bangladesh, Pakistan organized a five-day training camp at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, during which players refined their skills ahead of the series.

For the unversed, Pakistan currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with 12 points, having played only two matches in the current cycle against South Africa at home in 2025.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Test series:

Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi named in PSL 11 Team of the Tournament

KARACHI: Pakistan spin duo Sajid Khan and Noman Ali weaved spin magic on day four of the national team’s preparatory camp held at the National Bank Stadium ahead of the Bangladesh Tests. 

On the fourth day of the training camp, Pakistan players took part in a scenario-based match at the Oval Ground, where batters and bowlers fine-tuned their preparations.

During the morning session, Mohamamd Abbas and Hasan Ali bowled a couple of overs in hot conditions. The latter went off the field after delivering the first ball of his fourth over.

Among the batters, Ghazi Ghouri remained the top-scorer with 31 runs before being retired out.

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In bowling, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan picked up two wickets each.

Meanwhile, after enduring the heat during the scenario match, vice-captain Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan were seen in the nets practicing alongside batting coach Asad Shafiq.

The training camp will continue until tommorow, after which the team will depart for Bangladesh.

Ace batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Khurram Shehzad will join the squad after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, with their team, Peshawar Zalmi, set to feature in the final.

For the unversed, the first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test, which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Series

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

READ: Umar Gul reveals fast bowlers plan for Bangladesh Tests

DUBAI: Pakistan has climbed to sixth position in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings following an annual update released on Friday.

Australia sit at the top of the rankings with an overall total of 131 points, followed by South Africa — the current World Test Champions stay in second place with 119 points.

India rose to third with 104 points, moving ahead of England, which dropped to fourth with 102 points.

England’s decline follows the exclusion of matches played before 30 April 2023 from the weighted calculation. This includes significant home series victories against New Zealand and South Africa, as well as a 3-0 away series win in Pakistan.

The Blackcaps are currently in fifth place, while Pakistan Test ranking has improved to sixth with a rating of 89 points, surpassing Sri Lanka, which has 86 points in the latest update.

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The change occurs after England’s 3-0 series victory over Pakistan, which falls outside the full-weightage period, and also following the halving of Pakistan’s 2-0 series defeat against Bangladesh in 2024.

The West Indies, Bangladesh, and Ireland are in eighth, ninth, and 10th position, respectively.

For the unversed, Shan Masood-led Pakistan Test team will travel to Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, which is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

The series will begin with the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from May 8. The second Test is scheduled to take place at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from May 1`6.

READ: New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner sidelined for ‘at least a month’

KARACHI: Pakistan Test squad continued preparations for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh under newly appointed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

The national team players trained at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Center (HPC) on the third day of the camp.

During the morning session, newly appointed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed oversaw slip-catching drills with Salman Ali Agha and vice-captain Saud Shakeel. He later worked with other players of the squad.

In the afternoon, players moved indoors for training.

Meanwhile, ace batter Babar Azam will join the squad after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, with his team, Peshawar Zalmi, set to feature in the final.

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The camp will run until May 2, with two scenario-based practice matches scheduled at the Oval Ground.

For the unversed, Pakistan currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with 12 points, having played only two matches in the current cycle against South Africa at home in 2025.

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Test series

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

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