pakistan cricket board

PCB proposes February 19 start for Champions Trophy 2025, rejects hybrid model for India’s matches | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago05 mins

NEW DELHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put forward a proposal for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to commence on February 19 and be hosted entirely in Pakistan. The PCB has firmly rejected the idea of a hybrid model for India’s matches, similar to the arrangement made for the Asia Cup 2023.According to the PCB’s proposed schedule, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will span from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with all matches taking place in three major Pakistani cities: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore.Sources within the PCB have revealed that International Cricket Council (ICC) officials, who recently visited Pakistan to assess the preparations for the tournament, have expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements in place.Notably, the PCB has taken a strong stance against the idea of a hybrid model, particularly for India’s matches, insisting that all games should be played on Pakistani soil.This stance is likely to elicit a focused response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which had previously suggested a hybrid model where India’s matches would be played at neutral venues outside of Pakistan, similar to the arrangement made during the Asia Cup 2023, when India’s matches were relocated to Sri Lanka.However, Pakistan remains firm in its position, desiring all matches, including those involving India, to be played within its borders.“We have not opted for the hybrid model. However, we have given this leverage that India’s matches can be played in Lahore only. This way, the team will not be required to move around cities within Pakistan and its security can be well maintained in Lahore”, said a source in the PCB.“India can be based in Lahore for the entire tournament. This would minimise logistical and security complications associated with their travel between cities”, the source added.The Indian team might find it more convenient and less challenging to participate in matches, as the special arrangement would allow them to play in a single city. This could potentially simplify their travel and logistical requirements throughout the tournament.“The proximity of Lahore to Wagah Border crossing is also going to be more suitable for the Indian fans. However, the question remains, if India would accept and participate in the event”, the PCB source said.According to the PCB’s suggested itinerary for the Champions Trophy, Karachi will host a minimum of three matches, including the tournament opener and a semifinal.Lahore is set to stage at least seven matches, with the final being one of them. Rawalpindi will be the venue for no fewer than five matches, which includes a semifinal.It is worth noting that the Indian cricket team has not set foot in Pakistan since their participation in the 2008 Asia Cup. The decision regarding India’s travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will be made by the Indian government, which has been opposed to the cricket team crossing the border due to Pakistan’s alleged involvement in supporting terrorism within India’s borders.The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will mark the first time Pakistan has been the sole host of a major international cricket event. In the past, Pakistan shared hosting duties with India and Sri Lanka for the 1996 Cricket World Cup, and prior to that, co-hosted the Reliance Cup alongside India in 1987.(With IANS inputs)

‘Team ka satyanash kar diya hai’: Ramiz Raja pulls no punches after Pakistan’s T20I series loss against England | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago05 mins

NEW DELHI: Ramiz Raja, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), criticized the team’s management after their 2-0 loss in the T20I series against England, which took place right before the T20 World Cup.In the 4th T20I at Kennington Oval, England dominated Pakistan in every aspect of the game, successfully chasing down a target of 158 with more than four overs remaining.Pakistan’s performance was hindered by a lack of power in their middle order and the absence of magic from their pace bowlers while defending their target.Ramiz expressed his worries about the experimentation within Pakistan’s white-ball setup. He once again castigated the management for the repercussions that have resulted from their decision to experiment.“They should stop experimenting with the team. Go into a game with a proper combination. You need to get out of the phobia of strike rate because you don’t have that kind of players. Aapne is team ka satyanash kar diya hai (You have completely made a cock-up of this team),” Ramiz said on his YouTube channel.Ramiz has openly expressed his views regarding the decision to introduce Saim Ayub as an opening batsman. This change in the batting lineup disrupted the highly successful partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, which was implemented during Mohammad Hafeez’s brief tenure as the director of cricket for Pakistan.Since Ayub’s inclusion at the top of the batting order, his performance has been underwhelming. Moreover, Pakistan’s middle-order batsmen have also encountered difficulties in accumulating runs during crucial moments of the game, further compounding the team’s batting woes.“You have ruined the team by breaking the opening pair (of Babar and Rizwan). The role of the middle order is not defined. You have put all-rounders in the middle and two wicket-keepers are playing. You are changing the fast bowlers. Your spinners don’t spin the ball and don’t have the confidence. You put Imad Wasim out of the playing XI. There is no sideways movement and you have completely dismantled the team just before the T20 World Cup,” he added.In the recent T20I series against New Zealand, Ayub faced a tough time finding his form initially. However, he displayed promising improvement by delivering a brisk innings of 45 runs off 29 balls in the first match. Throughout the four matches against the Blackcaps, the 21-year-old managed to accumulate 52 runs at an average of 14.25, with his highest score being 32 in the series.Before Ayub’s inclusion, Babar and Rizwan had been the mainstays as openers for the Pakistani team, forming one of the most formidable opening partnerships in T20Is. Their partnership reached new heights during the last Men’s T20I World Cup in 2022, where they notably shared a record-breaking 105-run stand. This was their third century partnership in the tournament, highlighting their exceptional chemistry and batting prowess.Heading into the upcoming tournament, Pakistan finds itself placed in Group A, alongside notable competitors like arch-rival India, as well as Canada, USA, and Ireland. Their journey kicks off with a match against co-hosts USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas, scheduled for Thursday.(With ANI inputs)

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Says Strategy In Place For T20 World Cup, Urges Fans To Fully Back Team

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that the team has a strategy in place for the T20 World Cup and appealed to supports and fans to back the team irrespective of whether it wins or loses matches. With two days left before the commencement of the tournament in the USA and the West Indies, Pakistan are gearing up for the marquee event. They are currently touring England for a four-match T20I series. Ahead of the 4th T20I to be played in London on Thursday, Naqvi made an appeal to the fans to support the team through the tournament. “Support the team and assure them that we [the fans] are with you [the team] whether you win or lose. I just want to request one thing which we really need for the next four weeks. Let us all support our players,” the PCB chairman told the media in London, according to Geo News. The first and the third T20I matches of the ongoing series were washed away due to rain without a ball being bowled. In the second T20I England took a 1-0 lead with skipper Jos Buttler’s 84-run blitz playing a pivotal role. Pakistan have tweaked their team combination during their series against Ireland and England. Unlike other teams, who have opted to bring in more spinners, Pakistan decided to name a pace-laden 15-player squad for the tournament. With the combination undergoing constant changes, Naqvi was asked about Pakistan’s combination for the World Cup. He affirmed that a strategy is in place and the players need to give their best on the field. “Overall, a strategy is in place that they don’t have to panic and give their best [on the field],” Naqvi noted. Pakistan are placed in Group A and will play their first match against the co-hosts USA on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Texas. Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

PCB Announces Massive Reward To Each Player If Pakistan Win T20 World Cup 2024 Trophy

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

Representative image© AFP Each member of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad will get USD 100,000 if the team wins the ICC event in June in Americas, the country’s cricket board announced on Sunday. The announcement was made by the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi after spending nearly two hours with the players here before their departure for the away T20 series against Ireland and England on Monday night. Naqvi also said that the prize money held no importance compared to lifting the trophy, expressing the hope that the team would raise the Pakistan flag. “Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi announced to give 100,000 dollars prize to every player for winning the T20 World Cup,” the PCB posted on social media. He also told the players “not to care about anyone” but to just play for Pakistan and demonstrate teamwork, and, “God willing”, victory will be gained by the team. Naqvi further said that all the players were united while also expressing the hope that fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi would deliver a great performance in the tournament. “The country has a lot of expectations from you. You have to fulfil them,” he told the players. During his visit, the PCB chairman also handed out special shirts to players for achieving milestones. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohamad Rizwan was awarded a shirt for completing 3,000 T20 runs while pacer Naseem Shah was awarded a shirt for taking 100 T20 wickets. Topics mentioned in this article

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announces USD 100k prize to every player if they win T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 – India TV

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

Image Source : GETTY Babar Azam and Haris Rauf against New Zealand during the T20I game in Dunedin on January 17, 2024 The Pakistan Cricket Board announced mega prize money for the men’s cricket team ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed a USD 100,000 prize to each player of the World Cup squad if they return home with silverware. Mohsin Naqvi visited Pakistan’s cricket camp at Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore and met senior cricketers ahead of their tour to Ireland and England. In a video shared by PCB, Naqvi was spotted having a chat with white-ball team captain Babar Azam and addressed the dressing room. Pakistan will kick off their preparations for the World Cup with three away T20Is against Ireland starting on May 10 and then take on defending T20 world champions England in four T20Is from May 22. The PCB is yet to reveal their roster for the World Cup as they wait for key players’ fitness before deciding the final 15 members. Pakistan Squad for Ireland and England T20Is Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan. More to follow…

‘Cricket bhi online hi khel lo’: Pakistan fans react to new coach Gary Kirsten’s virtual meeting with team | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

After Gary Kirsten‘s appointment as the head coach of Pakistan‘s white-ball team, the South African addressed the team in an online meeting as he is currently involved in the Indian Premier League as the batting coach of Gujarat Titans. “Pakistan white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten connects with players in virtual meet-up. Let the journey begin,” read the caption, as the Pakistan Cricket Board shared a video from the online meeting on social media. Kirsten, who was India’s coach during the victorious 2011 World Cup campaign, could be seen talking to players and coaches while addressing them online from India. WATCH VIDEO However, it hasn’t gone down well with fans in Pakistan, who reacted strongly on social media to the idea of online meeting. Here are some of those reactions: According to a PTI report, assistant coach Azahar Mehmood will lead the team on the tour of Ireland and England. However, if Gujarat Titans dont’ reach the IPL playoffs, which is highly likely, then Kirsten may join the squad for the T20 series against England.(With PTI inputs)

‘It will be tough to refuse ICC events’: Rashid Latif warns India amid doubts over visit to Pakistan for Champions Trophy | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has stated that India will need to provide a “logical answer” to the ICC if they choose not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year. He believes that refusing to participate in an ICC event can have negative consequences for the team. Sources have indicated that Team India may not take part in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with discussions about potentially changing the venue or adopting a hybrid model. “You can refuse the bilateral series. But it will be tough to refuse ICC events. When ICC chalk out its plan, the teams know where they have to play, like Pakistan knew that they have to go to India to play the World Cup, and contracts are signed accordingly for cricket boards,” Latif said.He further added, “It seems a bit tough to refuse ICC events… In the 1996 World Cup, Australia and West Indies refused to go to Sri Lanka and the entire group changed and Sri Lanka became the champion. This was a very big mistake… If India or Pakistan has signed in, they will have to go for that event. If any circumstances occur on a government level, then you have to provide a logical answer as to why not coming. You can refuse the bilateral series citing the conditions in Pakistan are not right etc etc… In my opinion, refusing an ICC event can backfire.”According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board has suggested to the ICC that India’s qualifying round matches during the Champions Trophy be held in a single city. The PCB has selected Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore as the tournament venues, with Lahore hosting the final match.(Inputs from IANS)

Watch: Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul breaks down revealing retirement reason he didn’t even tell his wife about | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

Pakistan‘s former fast bowler Umar Gul broke down while appearing on a TV show when the anchor asked him if there was any such instance in his life that tore him apart.“Yes, it has happened,” said the 41-year-old who played 47 Tests, 130 ODIs and 60 T20Is for Pakistan. He retired from all forms of cricket in October 2020. However, he said that besides being overlooked by the national selectors, there was another reason behind his decision to retire, which he never told even his wife about.WATCH VIDEO “First reason was that I did not get any contract and the second, (which) honestly I haven’t even told my wife about, was one of my friends,” said Gul as his eyes started welling up and voice choked. “We became friends in 2004. (Then) Covid first year (wave), two days before Eid, he was coming from Karachi and had an accident…When he was longer there, I felt I should take retirement,” said Gul, breaking into tears.Gul was a member of the Pakistan team that won the 2009 T20 World Cup. Gul, along with former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, serves as the bowling coach of the Pakistan men’s team.