Tag: PCB

Former Test captain Salman Butt has opened up about Waqar Younis returning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a major role.

Waqar has recently taken charge as Adviser for Cricket Affairs to the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, according to reports.

The former head coach will oversee all the decisions regarding international and domestic selection committees, players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other important cricket matters in his new role.

Meanwhile, Naqvi’s responsibilities are limited to overseeing administrative affairs, with a current emphasis on addressing the organizational issues related to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

During an interview with a local sports outlet, Salman Butt wished Waqar well for his new role, while acknowledging his legendary status in Pakistan cricket.

“Waqar bhai has been my coach and is a legendary cricketer, there is no doubt about that. I am not in a position to advise him, I wish him all the very best for this role,” Butt said.

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Butt also emphasized that Waqar’s new role is distinct from his previous position as a coach and requires a positive vision and decisive decision-making. He encouraged the former captain to take the necessary steps to steer Pakistan cricket in the right direction.

“I really hope this time around he makes some decisions. He should do what is necessary and get it done. I think he should make correct decisions; if he has the vision, implement it,” he further added.

“Don’t go after people who have been there for ages and have done nothing. I think it’s a huge opportunity for him, not an easy one certainly. If he is able to make correct decisions, something better might come up.”

Previously, another former captain Younis Khan, during an interaction with the media on Wednesday, backed PCB Chairman Naqvi’s decision to hand the reigns of the cricket affairs to Waqar Younis.

“I’ve played under Waqar Younis and I think it’s a good sign that he’s coming back to the cricket board,” said Younis. “He has the opportunity to solve the [cricketing] issues.”

Younis further commented on the recent dip in the Pakistan men’s cricket team’s performance and emphasized the need to improve the infrastructure.

“Pakistan’s performance used to be on the top in the past. I think we need to work on our infrastructure,” Younis said.

READ: Sri Lanka head coach reveals reason behind series loss against India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday, broke silence on the reports regarding the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) seeking a security consultant for their upcoming Test tour.

Earlier today, it was reported in Bangladeshi media, that the BCB has approached the federal government to provide them with a security consultant.

“Look providing safety is up to them (Pakistan) and we go there because they assure us to provide state-level security and after they assured us about it, the tour was fixed,” BCB cricket operation chairman Jalal Yunus told reporters on Wednesday.

“At the same time we have requested the government to give us a security consultant during the tour who will maintain communication with them at all times regarding the security issues,” he said.

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Meanwhile, a PCB spokesperson from Lahore, said it is BCB’s right to have a security consultant before affirming that the touring party has not expressed any security concerns.

“Security managers or consultants are now considered part of the player support personnel just like a media manager or a team doctor. Even at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and other bilateral series, teams have traveled with security managers,” the PCB spokesperson said.

“If the Bangladesh Cricket Board wants to include a security consultant as part of their team management for the upcoming Test tour, then it is their prerogative. But as on now, the BCB have not expressed any security concerns with the PCB.

“In fact, and as part of international norm, the PCB shared the security plan along with the MoU with the BCB last month and received no queries or additional requests.”

It is worth mentioning here that the Bangladesh cricket team will touch down in Pakistan on August 17, while the first Test match will commence on August 21.

The second match of the series will be played from August 30 to September 03.

It is pertinent to mention here that the series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025.

The Green Shirts boast an undefeated record against Bangladesh, securing 12 victories out of 13 games, while one match ended in a draw.

READ: BCB confirms Shakib Al Hasan’s availability for Pakistan Tests

Former captain Waqar Younis has taken charge as Adviser for Cricket Affairs to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday, according to reports.

Waqar has been appointed by the chairman to oversee all cricket-related affairs. The upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh will be his first assignment.

The former head coach will collaborate with the selectors and coaches in the preparation for the Test series, which is scheduled to commence on August 21.

For the unversed, reports emerged on Tuesday that PCB Mohsin Naqvi has decided to hand over the power to make cricket decisions to Waqar Younis.

The sources further claimed that Naqvi would oversee the administrative affairs only, while Waqar would be responsible for all the decisions regarding international and domestic selection committees, players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other important cricket matters.

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Naqvi himself is currently focused on the administrative issues of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.

According to the PCB Constitution 2014, the chairman has the authority to delegate his power to someone, thereby enabling the transfer of powers to Waqar.

Waqar previously served as the head coach and bowling coach of the Pakistan cricket team after retiring in 2003.

On the other hand, Mohsin Naqvi is set to become the new president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a two-year tenure, according to sources.

READ: Younis Khan reacts to Waqar Younis getting major position in PCB

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan reacted to the reports of Waqar Younis getting a major role in the ranks of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Reports emerged on Tuesday that PCB Mohsin Naqvi has decided to hand over the power to make cricket decisions to Waqar.

The sources further claimed that Naqvi would oversee the administrative affairs only, while Waqar would be responsible for all the decisions regarding international and domestic selection committees, players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other important cricket matters.

According to the PCB Constitution 2014, the chairman has the authority to delegate his power to someone, thereby enabling the transfer of powers to Waqar.

Meanwhile, Younis Khan, during an interaction with the media here on Wednesday, backed PCB Chairman Naqvi’s decision to hand the reigns of the cricket affairs to Waqar Younis.

“I’ve played under Waqar Younis and I think it’s a good sign that he’s coming back to the cricket board,” said Younis.

“Waqar Younis has the opportunity to solve the [cricketing] issues,” he added.

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Younis further commented on the recent dip in the Pakistan men’s cricket team’s performance and emphasized the need to improve the infrastructure.

“Pakistan’s performance used to be on the top in the past. I think we need to work on our infrastructure,” Younis said.

The former captain, who led Pakistan to their maiden T20 World Cup title in 2009, also called for the resumption of the bilateral cricketing ties between fierce rivals Pakistan and India.

“Pakistan-India cricket should go ahead. I wish someone like Pervez Musharraf would come and restore Pak-India cricket,” said Younis.

Younis Khan also expressed his desire for India to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

He also highlighted that the Pakistan team was always treated with respect whenever they visited India.

“I wish to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing in Pakistan [in Champions Trophy 2025]. Whenever we toured India, we were treated with utmost respect,” he concluded.

READ: Former Pakistan cricketer calls for relocation of Asia Cup 2025 from India

The Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla responded to the reports of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) considering boycotting ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup is set to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan may pull out of their matches in India, in response to the BCCI’s reluctance to send their team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla spoke to the media on Sunday, during a players’ auction for a local league, and shared that the board is awaiting the government’s approval to send their team for Champions Trophy 2025.

“Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government,” Shukla said.

Regarding the possibility of Pakistan pulling out of the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka, Shukla remarked that they are free to express their opinions as they wish.

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Another senior BCCI official stated that the board is expecting retaliation from Pakistan in case of India not visiting the neighbouring country. However, he stressed that PCB should understand that this matter is in the government’s hands, not in the board’s.

“Of course, we expect retaliation. If we don’t travel to Pakistan, they will threaten to boycott the Asia Cup. But PCB should understand that it’s not in BCCI’s hands,” said a senior BCCI official.

“Sending a team to a foreign country requires the government of India’s permission. So far, we have had dialogues regarding Champions Trophy. But we haven’t had any positive outcomes.”

It is worth mentioning here that India refused to tour Pakistan for last year’s Asia Cup and the continental event was thus, held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka emerging as a co-host.

As per the hybrid model, Pakistan could host only four matches while the rest of the games were played in Sri Lanka including the final.

READ: Indian fans slam Sanju Samson over poor performance in Sri Lanka series

Pakistan under-19 captain Saad Baig has recently revealed his deep admiration for former all-format captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

During a recent interview with a local sports outlet, Baig opened up about his journey and experience of leading the side to the semi-finals of the ICC U19 World Cup 2023.

“I started with tape ball cricket. Then my father got me admitted to Custom Cricket Academy. That’s where my journey began,” Baig said.

“I played U13, then U16, and after performing for three years there, I performed in the PJL. After consistently performing, PCB announced me as a captain. I represented Pakistan in the World Cup as a captain and also in the Asia Cup. So, thank God, the journey has been very good so far.”

Saad Baig also reflected on the role of captain in cricket, emphasizing on the handling the pressure as a leader.

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“As a captain, there is pressure on you. But how you lead your team under that pressure is a very important role. The journey of the U19 World Cup was very good; we showed good performances,” he added.

Prior to the U19 World Cup, Baig approached Sarfaraz Ahmed for advice. Baig disclosed that Sarfaraz provided him with valuable guidance, expressing his aspiration to emulate Sarfaraz’s strong leadership as a captain.

“Before going to the World Cup, I had a conversation with Saifi Bhai [Sarfaraz Ahmed]. He told me how he played during his World Cup journey and gave me tips because he was also a captain,” shared Baig.

“I learned a lot from him; he always backs me. After the World Cup, he taught me a lot and gave me advice. So, as a captain, I like him very much. I like a bit of aggressiveness on the field, which he has, and I also want to be a captain like him and lead my team to victory.”

For the unversed, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the U19 World Cup victory in 2006, by defeating arch-rivals India in the final.

READ: Waqar Younis set to get a major position in PCB: sources

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has decided to hand over the power to make cricket decisions to the former captain Waqar Younis, according to sources.

The sources revealed that Naqvi would oversee the administrative affairs only, while Waqar would be responsible for all the decisions regarding international and domestic selection committees, players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other important cricket matters.

According to the PCB Constitution 2014, the chairman has the authority to delegate his power to someone, thereby enabling the transfer of powers to Waqar Younis.

Meanwhile, Naqvi himself is currently focused on the administrative affairs of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.

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“Waqar Younis will be in charge of all matters related to the national team. He will oversee the national selection committee, white ball and red ball coaches,” sources claimed.

Waqar has previously served as the head coach and bowling coach of Pakistan cricket team after retiring in 2003.

On the other hand, Mohsin Naqvi is set to become the new president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a two-year tenure, according to sources.

The reports indicate that Pakistan has been authorized to chair the ACC and Mohsin Naqvi is set to assume the role in January 2025. The decision was made during the ACC meeting held in Bali in January 2024.

For the unversed, Mohsin Naqvi currently holds two key positions in Pakistan as he is not only PCB chairman but the Interior Minister as well.

READ: Mohsin Naqvi set to replace Jay Shah as ACC president

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the fighting spirit of the national women’s team following their gut-wrenching defeat against Sri Lanka in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024 semi-final.

The nerve-wracking second semi-final of the eight-team tournament went right down to the wire as Pakistan captain Nida Dar made it tough for the hosts to chase down three runs in the final over.

Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper batter Anushka Sanjeewani, however, displayed nerves of steel and steered her side to a narrow three-wicket victory that set up their Women’s Asia Cup 2024 final with defending champions India.

Meanwhile, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the national team’s effort and urged them to keep their heads high.

“Absolutely proud of the Pakistan women’s cricket team,” wrote Naqvi on X, formerly Twitter.

“You fought with heart and determination till the very last ball. Winning and losing are both part of the game, but what truly matters is the spirit and resilience you displayed.

“You have lived up to the nation’s expectations and made us all proud. Keep your heads high; you have our unwavering support. Best of luck for the future.”

Set to chase 141, Sri Lanka knocked the winning runs on the penultimate delivery of the innings when Anushka Sanjeewani held her nerves calm to hit Nida Dar for a single towards the long-on.

The home side had a dismal start to the pursuit as they were reduced to 19/2 in four overs.

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However, their captain Athapaththu retaliated against spirited Pakistan bowlers and oversaw Sri Lanka’s run chase.

She put together crucial partnerships with Kavisha Dilhari (17) and Sanjeewani before finally perishing in the 17th over.

Athapaththu smashed 10 boundaries including a six on her way to top score for Sri Lanka with a 48-ball 63.

Her dismissal caused a stir in Sri Lanka’s chase as Pakistan bowlers forced a late comeback but wicketkeeper batter Sanjeewani showcased grit and powered the hosts into their sixth Women’s Asia Cup final.

Sanjeewani remained unbeaten with a 22-ball 24.

Sadia Iqbal was the pick among the bowlers for Pakistan with her four-fer while Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail shared two wickets between them.

Earlier, Pakistan registered 140/4 on the board, courtesy of a solid platform provided by openers Muneeba and Gull Feroza, after being put into bat first.

The opening pair batted sensibly on a tricky Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium surface and added 61 runs for the first wicket.

Muneeba and Feroza appeared in control until Udeshika Prabodhani forced Sri Lanka’s comeback by dismissing both the openers.

Wicketkeeper batter Muneeba Ali remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a 34-ball 37, laced up with five fours while Feroza made a cautious 25 off 24 balls, hitting three fours in the process.

Later, Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana bolstered Pakistan’s total by scoring 40 runs in the last five overs.

READ: Mohsin Naqvi announces ‘zero-tolerance policy’ for discipline violation

Former Pakistan Younis Khan has thrown his weight behind current national white-ball captain Babar Azam, pointing out the lack of captaincy options in the country.

Babar Azam has been under fire following Pakistan’s lacklustre ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, where they got knocked out from the group stage.

Many fans and critics have attributed the Green Shirts’ disastrous performance to Babar’s captaincy and called for his removal as captain.

However, Younis Khan disagreed with the notion, highlighting the country’s inadequate cricket infrastructure. He blamed it for not preparing backup players to replace the struggling players.

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“We give our views very quickly. If we talk about our current team, the players don’t have a fault. Instead, I will blame the infrastructure. If we don’t have the back-up, how will you replace the (out of form) players?” Younis said during an interview with a local news channel.

He defended Babar and shifted the blame on previous management and selection committees for not building players who could lead the team.

“We generally speak that Babar Azam should not be the captain. If not Babar Azam, who else should be the captain? That’s not Babar Azam’s fault,” he added.

“Neither this is the current selection committee’s fault. This is the fault of something that happened 5-6 years back. We should have built our bench strength,” Younis Khan concluded.

It is worth noting that in the aftermath of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup debacle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sacked Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz from selection committee, while the latter also lost his job as senior team manager. Meanwhile, team manager Mansoor Rana was also removed from the post.

READ: Former Pakistan pacer calls Gautam Gambhir ‘parchi’ case

KARACHI: Tony Hemming, the chief curator of Pakistan, visited the National Bank Stadium here on Wednesday.

Hemming met the ground staff at National Bank Stadium and carried out a detailed discussion with the ground staff regarding the pitches and outfield.

For the unversed, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), last week, appointed Australia’s Tony Hemming as the new head curator on a two-year contract.

Hemming’s immediate tasks will be to prepare pitches for Pakistan’s upcoming five home Test matches, which are part of the ICC World Test Championship.

Pakistan will play two matches against Bangladesh in August/September, followed by a three-Test series against England, scheduled to be played in October.

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Hemming will also oversee pitch preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan will host from 19 February to 9 March.

Hemming is a highly respected curator with nearly four decades of experience. He has worked at various iconic cricket grounds in Australia, including Melbourne, Perth and Tasmania, as well as in countries such as Bangladesh, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where he was the ICC’s Head Curator from 2007 to 2017 in Dubai.

During his time with the ICC, Hemming also oversaw pitch preparation at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which was one of Pakistan’s home venues between 2009 and 2019.

Prior to joining PCB, Tony Hemming was involved with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), where we worked from July 2023.

READ: Ollie Pope believes England can score 600 runs in a single day of Test