PCB Archives

PCB unveils schedule of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday unveiled the schedule of the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, which is slated to commence on October 6.

The 10-team Pakistan’s premier domestic tournament is all set to commence in four cities, Abbottabad, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi.

Sialkot Region will defend its title. Overall, 46 first-class matches, including the final, will be played in the tournament. Each team will play nine matches in the tournament.

The final of the tournament will be played from November 29 to December 3.

“The four-day first-class tournament will be played on a single-league round-robin format as a total of nine rounds have been penciled in from 6 October to 26 November, while the five-day final between the two top teams will take place from 29 November to 3 December,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

The venues for the 46-match QeA Trophy are Abbottabad Cricket Stadium in Abbottabad, Shoaib Akhtar Stadium in Rawalpindi, Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, and Diamond and Marghzar Cricket Grounds in Islamabad. The venue for the final will be announced later,” it added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The newly renovated Imran Khan Stadium, previously known as Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar, will host an event after a long time.

Meanwhile, the venue for the final and the squads for the teams will be announced in due course.

The teams are Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, FATA, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Karachi Blues, Lahore Whites, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot, whereas FATA, Faisalabad, Karachi Blues, and Multan have qualified for the QeA Trophy after finishing with the most number of points in the recently concluded Hanif Mohammad Trophy.

Quaid Azam Trophy Teams

Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, FATA, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Karachi Blues, Lahore Whites, Multan, Peshawar, and Sialkot.

Hanif Mohammad Trophy Qualifying Teams

FATA, Faisalabad, Karachi Blues, Multan

First round fixtures

6-9 October

Abbottabad v Bahawalpur at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium

Lahore Whites v Islamabad at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Peshawar v Sialkot at Imran Khan Stadium, Peshawar

FATA v Multan at Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad

Faisalabad v Karachi Blues at Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad

READ: Shakib will never play for Bangladesh again: Sports advisor

PCB suspends players’ NOCs for overseas T20 leagues

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has barred national players from participating in overseas T20 leagues following the Asia Cup 2025 final.

According to Cricinfo, Sumair Ahmad Syed has informed the players and agents of the decision on September 29.

“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the report quoted the notification.

However, the reason behind the decision is unknown. The report further stated that the PCB wants to link the NOCs to a performance-based system for which the criteria have not been made public.

The move came a day after Pakistan’s last-over defeat against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The decision puts Pakistan’s key players Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi’s participation in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025 in doubt.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistani players were among the popular selections in the BBL 15 overseas draft held earlier this year.

Babar Azam was roped in by the Sydney Sixers, whereas Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi were drafted by the Melbourne Renegades and the Brisbane Heat.

Haris Rauf, a regular in the BBL, was retained by Melbourne Stars, the franchise where he has become a fan favourite over the years with his pace and aggression.

Shadab Khan will return to the BBL circuit as well, having been drafted by the Sydney Thunder. Meanwhile, in-form pace bowler Hasan Ali found a new home in Australia, picked by the Adelaide Strikers to bolster their bowling attack.

Notably, Pakistan’s gap in the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) from November to February provides their top cricketers a window of opportunity to participate in the BBL 15.

READ: Nepal thrash West Indies to seal historic series win

PCB chief meets Shan, Azhar ahead of Test series against South Africa

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday held a meeting with Test team captain Shan Masood and acting red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood ahead of the Test series against South Africa.

During the meeting, preparations for the Test series against South Africa were discussed, in which Mohsin Naqvi assured Shan Masood and Azhar Mahmood that they would have a free hand regarding the Test team.

“My full support is with you for the Test series against South Africa,” said the PCB chairman.

For context, South Africa will tour Pakistan to play two tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs. The Proteas will begin their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 title defense with the opening Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, set to start in October.

The second Test of the series is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi from October 20.

South Africa tour to Pakistan

12-16 October – First Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

20-24 October – Second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

28 October – First T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

31 October – Second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

1 November – Third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

4 November – First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

6 November – Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

8 November – Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

SOUTH AFRICA SQUADS FOR PAKISTAN TOUR:

Tests: Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen and Kyle Verreynne.

T20Is: David Miller (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane and Lizaad Williams.

ODIs: Matthew Breetzke (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Sinethemba Qeshile.

READ: Former cricket umpire Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird dies aged 92

‘Pakistan’s honour preserved’, says Mohsin Naqvi following Pycroft’s apology

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday said that the ‘nation’s honour is preserved’ after Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft apologised to Pakistan cricket team manager and captain.

Addressing the media in a press conference alongside former PCB chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, Naqvi emphasized that cricket must remain free from politics, stressing that the game should not be turned into a political platform.

“Our focus should be on cricket, not politics. Sports and politics cannot go hand in hand; let’s keep cricket as a sport only,” Naqvi said.

“I consulted with former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja regarding the situation. Thank God, Pakistan’s honour has been preserved, and now we expect the team to perform at their best,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi echoed Naqvi’s views, stating that cricket has won.

“Our stance has always been that politics should not interfere in sports. This has been our clear position from the start. Cricket has won, and we must continue the game. We accepted the apology in the spirit of sportsmanship.”

Ramiz Raja, meanwhile, called it a victory for Pakistan, stressing on team performance.

“This is a victory for Pakistan. Whatever emotions were hurt, the focus now must be on team performance. Cricket should remain cricket, not a political platform. Now everyone’s attention should be on cricket; the team must deliver on the field,” Raja stated.

For context, match referee Andy Pycroft apologised before the toss of Pakistan-UAE to the Pakistan cricket team’s manager and captain after the recent handshake row.

Acknowledging the incident of 14 September, Pycroft termed it a “miscommunication” and expressed regret over the matter.

Pycroft had previously instructed both captains not to shake hands during the high-profile India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, a move that sparked outrage from the PCB.

READ: Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, manager: PCB

Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, manager: PCB

DUBAI: Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft has apologised to the Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha, and team manager over the handshake row during the India-Pakistan ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash on September 14.

The uncertainty over the Pakistan-UAE clash surrounded due to the handshake row during the India-Pakistan clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 1

Shortly before the delayed toss between the teams, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement.

“The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team,” the board said in a statement.

“A result of miscommunication and apologised”, the statement added.

Despite this, Andy Pycroft will remain the match referee for the Pakistan-UAE clash.

Earlier, the Pakistan team arrived at the Dubai Stadium following the PCB chief’s directives.

“We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow,” he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, PCB spokesperson Amir Mir had announced that the delayed start of the match between Pakistan and UAE in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 has been

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The consultation process is ongoing, and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is discussing with former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi and on the other hand, online negotiations are also going on with Dubai.

“Immediately, the match between UAE and Pakistan has been delayed by one hour,” he said in a short press conference.

The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan remained full of drama off the field. India chased down Pakistan’s 128-run target, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav sealing the win in the 16th over.

The post-match proceedings, however, took a controversial turn as unbeaten batters Yadav and Shivam Dube bypassed the customary handshake, opting for fist bumps before walking off, leaving Pakistan players waiting.

The PCB, on Monday, wrote to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for Pycroft’s replacement following the controversial no-handshake episode in the high-profile clash against India.

The board argued that the referee’s directive to skip the traditional handshake at the toss, as well as post-match, undermined the spirit of cricket and violated the MCC’s code of conduct.

“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB had stated in its letter, accusing Pycroft of failing in his responsibilities.

READ: Javelin ace Arshad books spot in World Athletics Championships final

PCB rejects ICC inquiry, insists on Andy Pycroft’s removal: sources

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has doubled down on its demand for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, warning that the team will not play under his supervision.

According to board insiders, the PCB has written a second letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), adopting a hardline stance after its initial request was not entertained.

In the strongly worded response, the PCB rejected the ICC’s decision not to take action against Pycroft and labelled the inquiry into his conduct as nothing more than a formality.

Sources revealed that the board categorically stated it would boycott matches officiated by the controversial referee and maintained its stance that Pakistan’s participation hinges on Pycroft’s removal.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The letter further argued that the ICC inquiry neither examined all aspects of the controversy nor engaged with the relevant stakeholders.

“Pakistan has urged that all concerns be fully addressed. Only after the official acceptance of our demand will Pakistan agree to play,” a PCB insider confirmed.

This development comes as Pakistan prepares to face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their final group match on Wednesday in Dubai.

However, PCB spokesperson Aamir Mir clarified on Tuesday that consultations are still ongoing, and a final decision on Pakistan’s participation will be announced before the match.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

“The decision will be taken keeping Pakistan’s interests in mind,” Mir said.

The saga stems from the no-handshake controversy in the India clash, where both captains skipped the customary gesture at the toss, and Indian players walked off without acknowledging their rivals after the match.

The PCB has held Andy Pycroft responsible for the incident, calling his directives a breach of cricket’s spirit and traditions.

READ: Sidra Amin achieves major milestone with century against South Africa

PCB denies reports of ICC rejecting Andy Pycroft removal request

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected Indian media reports claiming that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down its demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

The board argued that the referee’s directive to skip the traditional handshake at the toss, as well as post-match, undermined the spirit of cricket and violated the MCC’s code of conduct.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

While Cricbuzz reported that the ICC had rejected the request and defended Pycroft, PCB sources clarified on Tuesday that they are still awaiting an official response from the governing body.

“We have not yet received any formal reply from the ICC. We stand firm on our demand,” a PCB source said, adding that the board is considering various options if the matter remains unresolved.

The sources further stressed that Pakistan is committed to playing the game in the true spirit of sportsmanship, while reiterating Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s earlier stance that “nothing is above the country’s dignity and honour.”

READ: Ricky Ponting clears the air on viral India-Pakistan no-handshake comment

ICC rejects PCB’s demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft: report

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

The PCB wrote a letter to the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Monday, demanding the removal of Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after the handshake controversy in the India clash.

The fixture, played under a tense backdrop, witnessed unusual scenes from the start, with both captains skipping the customary handshake at the toss.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

According to the PCB, this was on the instructions of match referee Pycroft, a directive they believe went against the spirit of cricket and the MCC’s code of conduct.

“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB said in its letter, stressing that Andy Pycroft “failed to fulfil his responsibilities as match referee.”

However, according to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC rejected PCB’s request and conveyed their decision formally to the cricket board on Monday night.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The ICC has reasoned it out, saying the ACC officials on the ground are understood to have told Pycroft that there will not be any handshake at the toss,” the report stated.

“The ICC letter cleared the air and refuted Pakistan’s belief that the match referee was acting on behalf of the Indian team.”

Meanwhile, ARY News has reported that Pycroft is unlikely to officiate in any matches for Pakistan during the tournament and will be replaced by West Indian Richie Richardson.

READ: Hong Kong captain Yasim Murtaza proud despite Sri Lanka defeat

PCB announces women’s domestic contracts for 2025-26 season

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced women’s domestic contracts for 65 players, including 23 U19 & Emerging players for the season 2025-26.

The contracts, for the first time, have been categorised into Gold and Silver, with 20 and 45 players awarded, respectively. They will run from July 2025 to June 2026, during which a number of domestic and U19 tournaments are scheduled.

The monthly retainers have been awarded to not just the performers of previous domestic events but also those who have showcased promise and potential in their respective skillsets during this time.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Women’s National Selection Committee, comprising former Test Cricketer Asad Shafiq and former Pakistan Women’s International cricketer Batool Fatima, recommended the names of the 65 players.

Additionally, players outside of this pool can also stake a claim in the domestic contracts list by demonstrating their potential in upcoming domestic events and regional academy camps.

The PCB has conferred domestic contracts for the third consecutive season, maintaining its consistency in a bid to strengthen the player pool at the pathway and domestic level.

Women’s domestic contracts for 2025–26:

Gold contracts (20)

Anam Amin (Lahore), Anosha Nasir (Karachi), Ayesha Zafar (Lahore), Dua Majid (Lahore), Ghulam Fatima (Lahore), Gull Rukh (Dera Ghazi Khan), Hafsa Khalid (Karachi), Huraina Sajjad (Karachi), Iram Javed (Lahore), Kaynat Hafeez (Lahore), Mahnoor Aftab (Peshawar), Neelam Mushtaq (Lahore), Noreen Yaqoob (Lahore), Saima Malik (Quetta), Saira Jabeen (Chitral), Tania Saeed (Rawalpindi), Tasmia Rubab (Jhang), Yusra Amir (Karachi), Zaib-un-Nisa (Charsadda) and Zunash Abdul Sattar (Lahore)

Silver contracts (45)

Aleena Masood (Khanewal), Amber Kainat (Lahore), Areesha Noor (Lahore), Ayesha Bilal (Lahore), Fatima Khan (Lahore), Fatima Shahid (Lahore), Fatima Zahra (Rawalpindi), Humna Bilal (Rawalpindi), Khadija Chishti (Lahore), Laiba Mansoor (Rawalpindi), Maham Manzoor (Hyderabad), Momina Riasat (Abbottabad), Muqadas Bukhari (Okara), Neha Sharmin Nadeem (Karachi), Noor-ul-Iman (Bahawalpur), Rabia Rani (D.I Khan), Rida Aslam (Muzaffarabad), Saiqa Riaz (Lahore), Sana Urooj (Karachi), Shabnam Hayat (Karachi), Soha Fatima (Lahore) and Syeda Masooma Zahra (Karachi)

U19 and Emerging Players (All part of silver category)

Aleesa Mukhtiar (Bahawalpur), Aqsa Bibi (D.G Khan), Areesha Ansari (Sheikhupura), Barira Saif (Rawalpindi), Fizza Fiaz (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Komal Khan (Lahore), Laiba Nasir (Lahore), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Mahnoor Zeb (Mardan), Malaika Suhani (Lahore), Manahil Rafiq (Faisalabad), Meerab Sheikh (Rawalpindi), Memoona Khalid (Faisalabad), Minahil Javaid (Lahore), Quratulain (Sialkot), Ravail Farhan (Lahore), Samiya Afsar (Lahore), Shahar Bano (Lodhran), Syeda Batool Fatima (Karachi), Tayyba Imdad (Abbottabad), Wasifa Hussain (Karachi) and Zoofishan Ayyaz (Wah Cantt)

READ: Lionel Messi brace propels Inter Miami into Leagues Cup final

PCB addresses speculation on Rizwan, Shan Masood’s Captaincy Future

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) responded to rumours about the removal of Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood from their roles as white-ball and red-ball captains on Monday.

Speculation had been rife that Shan Masood could be replaced by Saud Shakeel as Test captain, while reports also suggested Mohammad Rizwan’s position as ODI captain was under threat.

However, PCB sources have categorically denied these claims, terming them “baseless.”

They confirmed that there is no proposal under consideration to remove Shan from the Test captaincy, nor is there any plan to appoint Saud as his replacement.

Similarly, the board dismissed talk of Mohammad Rizwan being stripped of the ODI captaincy, clarifying that Salman Ali Agha is not being considered for the role.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The sources further added that the selection committee has not discussed any such matter, nor has there been any change in the category of players’ central contracts.

Pakistan are currently preparing for the Tri-Nation Series, featuring Afghanistan and the UAE, scheduled to be played in Sharjah from August 29 to September 7.

Each side will face the other twice, with the top two progressing to the final. Pakistan will open their campaign against Afghanistan on August 29 at 7:00 PM local time.

Following the tri-series, Pakistan will shift its focus to the ACC Asia Cup 2025, starting September 9 with the tournament opener between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Notably, neither Rizwan nor Shan will feature in the upcoming fixtures. Mohammad Rizwan remains out of Pakistan’s T20I squad, while Shan has not been part of the white-ball setup since 2023.

Tri-series schedule (all matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium):

29 August – Afghanistan v Pakistan – 7pm local time
30 August – UAE v Pakistan – 7pm local time
1 September – UAE v Afghanistan – 7pm local time
2 September – Pakistan v Afghanistan – 7pm local time
4 September – Pakistan v UAE – 7pm local time
5 September – Afghanistan v UAE – 7pm local time
7 September – Final – 7pm local time

ACC Asia Cup T20 2025 (Pakistan fixtures, Super Fours and Final):

12 September – Oman v Pakistan, DICS, 6pm local time
14 September – India v Pakistan, DICS, 6pm local time
17 September – UAE v Pakistan, DICS, 6pm local time
20-26 September – Super Fours fixtures (Abu Dhabi and Dubai)
28 September – Final, DICS, 6pm local time

READ: Pakistan reveal squad for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025