Tag: PCB

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced Test skipper Shan Masood as the Consultant for International Cricket and Players’ Affairs.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi made the announcement during a dinner at the Prime Minister’s house.

The decision came after the board had advertised for the Director of International Cricket Operations following Usman Wahla’s stepping down from the role.

Usman Wahla was appointed as the Director in May 2023 after Zakir Khan, whose contract expired on April 3, 2023.

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As per the PCB’s advertisement, the director’s role involves numerous responsibilities, including planning and organizing international cricket events and preparing and finalizing MOUs for home and overseas tours of Pakistan’s national, Shaheens, U-19, U-16, and emerging teams.

“The role also involves preparing for ICC meetings on cricket-related matters and developing logistics and tournament budgets. The director will oversee negotiations, contract execution, and itinerary planning for FTP tours and all formats of matches,” the advertisement read.

Till now, Shan Masood has played 44 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 19 T20Is for Pakistan, having made his international debut against South Africa in 2013.

Overall, he has captained Pakistan in 14 matches so far, winning only four and losing 10. His most recent stint as skipper came against South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly created a backup plan for the potential termination of the Multan Sultans franchise due to ongoing tensions with the franchise owner, Ali Tareen.

According to sources, the PCB has initiated contact with one to two potential investors who have expressed interest in acquiring the Multan Sultans franchise, should the current ownership situation deteriorate further.

“If matters are not settled with the existing management, the franchise could be sold to a new owner,” insiders revealed.

The board, however, is reported to be moving forward with great deliberation.

Officials have stressed that no action will be taken near the league’s valuation process, as the PCB wants to avoid any disruption that could affect the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) credibility.

Relations between the PCB and the Multan Sultans management have reportedly soured over several issues in recent months.

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The latest flashpoint came when the board issued a legal notice to Ali Tareen for allegedly violating the PSL code of conduct and franchise agreement.

The notice warned of potential termination of the franchise and blacklisting of Tareen from future league involvement.

In response, Tareen released a sarcastic “apology” video on his social media platforms, mocking the PCB’s handling of the situation while publicly tearing up the legal notice.

“I didn’t receive a single call, message, or invitation to resolve this matter,” Tareen said in the video. “Instead, I was served a legal notice. If you were more competent, you’d know these matters aren’t handled this way.”

Although Tareen’s video was framed as an apology, it was filled with biting irony. The video concluded dramatically with Tareen tearing the legal notice in half, stating, “So, I hope you like my apology video.”

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a termination notice to Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Multan Sultans, with the contents of the notice now surfacing, sources revealed to ARY News on Thursday.

According to the sources, the franchise faces the risk of termination from the PSL if it fails to provide a satisfactory response to the notice within the given timeframe.

The notice reportedly accuses Multan Sultans of repeatedly violating contractual obligations and damaging the reputation of the PSL.

Serious allegations include claims that the team’s owner encouraged aggressive play, even announcing a $1,000 reward for hitting an opposing player’s helmet with a ball — a video of which is said to be circulating on social media.

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PCB sources stated that Multan Sultans allegedly used delaying tactics in the PSL valuation process, failed to provide input during official meetings, and caused reputational harm to the league through social media activity.

As per the PSL contract, no franchise is allowed to take actions that could harm the league’s image or credibility, the notice reportedly reminds the team.

Meanwhile, sources said the valuation process of the PSL, which saw a record 3.4 billion views during Season 10, is expected to be completed within the current week.

The bidding and inclusion process for new teams is also likely to be finalized by December, with two additional franchises expected to join PSL Season 11.

Meanwhile, Multan Sultans, in its defence, described the PCB’s actions as an attempt to silence constructive criticism.

“Every statement he has made has been in the best interest of the PSL, urging the league to aim higher and do better,” the team said in a statement, calling the notice “outrageous” and reflective of “pettiness within the current management.”

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the upcoming home T20I tri-series will go ahead as planned, despite the withdrawal of Afghanistan following cross-border tensions.

A PCB spokesperson told a local news channel on Saturday that the series, scheduled from November 17 to 29, will proceed according to the original timeline.

The board is currently exploring options to bring in a replacement team, with a final announcement expected soon.

According to sources, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has been approached as a potential participant to fill the void left by Afghanistan.

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The series was originally set to feature Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

The withdrawal from Afghanistan came late on Friday, reportedly in response to recent cross-border unrest that resulted in the deaths of three local cricketers in the Urgun district.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) stated that the players had travelled from Urgun to Sharana, in Paktika province near the Pakistan border, to take part in a friendly match when the attack occurred.

Despite the setback, the PCB remains committed to hosting the series and ensuring uninterrupted international cricket at home.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced ticket prices for the white-ball series between Pakistan and South Africa.

The white-ball leg begins with the three-match T20I series, starting October 28 in Rawalpindi, followed by back-to-back games in Lahore on October 31 and November 1.

The three ODIs will then be played in Faisalabad on November 4, 6, and 8.

 

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Tickets for the opening T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have been priced to suit a wide range of fans, with rates starting at PKR 400 for General enclosures and going up to PKR 15,000 for Platinum Box seats.

VIP tickets are available for PKR 800, Premium Enclosure tickets for PKR 700, First Class for PKR 600, and PCB Gallery seats for PKR 1,500.

For the Lahore leg at Gaddafi Stadium, ticket prices remain unchanged across both matches: PKR 400 for General, PKR 600 for First Class, PKR 700 for Premium, and PKR 800 for VIP enclosures.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Fans seeking a more exclusive experience can opt for the VIP Far End (PKR 1,500), VIP New Pavilion (PKR 2,000), or VIP Gallery (PKR 2,500).

Meanwhile, the ODI series at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad offers similarly accessible pricing.

General enclosure tickets begin at PKR 400, with First-Class seats available for PKR 600 and VIP Enclosure tickets priced at PKR 800. The VIP Ground Floor seating, offering the best view in the house, is set at PKR 3,000.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to enhance security around the dressing room area at Gaddafi Stadium after a fan managed to breach the players’ zone in an attempt to meet his idol, Babar Azam.

According to sources, the board has approved the installation of an iron fence between the spectator enclosures and the dressing room area to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The new fencing will ensure fans cannot directly access the players’ zone again,” a PCB source confirmed.

The incident occurred during the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa when a teenage fan climbed over the barrier from the Majid Khan Enclosure and made his way toward the dressing room.

He managed to slip past the stands and approach the players’ area before being spotted by members of the support staff, who immediately alerted security personnel.

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The intruder was detained and handed over to the police. Officials said the teenager confessed to entering the restricted area solely to take a selfie with Babar Azam.

A case was later registered against him for trespassing and interfering in official matters.

The incident briefly shifted attention away from Pakistan’s 93-run victory over South Africa, which gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

Despite enduring a lean run with the bat in recent months, Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s most followed and admired cricketer.

His overall career numbers, more than 14,000 international runs across formats, continue to reflect his stature as one of the modern greats, inspiring unwavering loyalty among fans.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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