Pakistan

Mohammad Amir gets Irish visa, set to join Pakistan side ahead of second T20I

Danijones6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

Pakistan cricket authorities heaved a sigh of relief on Thursday after the Irish consulate issued visa to Mohammad Amir who is likely to join the team before the second T20I in Dublin on May 12. Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir(AFP) The first of the three T20Is will be played on Friday at the Clontaff ground. A PCB source said the board has been notified about Amir’s visa clearance and they are making travel arrangements for the left-arm pacer. Amir is currently in Lahore while the rest of the squad left on Tuesday (May 7) for Dublin for the series. After days of deadlock, the breakthrough eventually came after discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland over the delay in issuing visa to Amir. The PCB was not given any particular reason for the delay in issuing the visa to Amir by the Irish consulate. But the source said the delay occurred because of a technical ground, which has now been resolved. “Obviously, the PCB was unhappy with the visa delay as it affects the team management plans for the (T20) World Cup and also has a bearing on the affected player who has returned from retirement to international cricket after four years,” the source said. After the series against Ireland, Pakistan will move to England for four T20Is starting from May 22 at Leeds. Interestingly, Amir was readily issued a visa to play in Ireland’s inaugural Test match against Pakistan back in 2018.

‘Will send team to Pakistan only if…’: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla on India’s Champions Trophy participation | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago06 mins

NEW DELHI: Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has clarified that the Indian team’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy next year, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March 2025, is contingent upon receiving approval from the central government.The statement comes amidst speculation regarding India’s potential absence from the tournament.Tensions between India and Pakistan have significantly impacted cricketing relations between the two nations since 2008, following the Asia Cup. Bilateral series between India and Pakistan have been suspended since December 2012-January 2013, with ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup serving as the primary platforms for their cricketing encounters.The decision to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy hinges on various factors, including the prevailing diplomatic and security situation between the two countries. Given the history of strained relations and security concerns, any decision regarding India’s participation will be subject to careful consideration and consultation with relevant authorities.Speaking to the ANI, Shukla said, “In the case of the Champion Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India will tell us to do. We send our team only when the Government of India gives us permission. So we will go according to the decision of the Indian government.” Pakistan resorted to a hybrid strategy during the hosting of the Asia Cup last year due to logistical and security challenges, notably hosting all of India’s matches, including potential encounters against Pakistan, in Sri Lanka. This decision was made in the interest of ensuring the smooth conduct of the tournament while accommodating security concerns and diplomatic sensitivities.Contrastingly, when it came to the possibility of adopting a similar hybrid approach for the ODI World Cup hosted by India the previous year, Pakistan did not seriously consider such a strategy.Instead, they participated in the tournament in India, playing all their matches at various venues across the country. Despite initial discussions regarding the feasibility of a hybrid approach, Pakistan ultimately competed in the tournament in India, albeit facing challenges in the group stages and being eliminated early on.It’s worth noting that Pakistan holds the distinction of being the defending champions of the ICC Champions Trophy, with their triumph in the last edition held in 2017. As they gear up for future tournaments, Pakistan will undoubtedly aim to replicate their past success on the global stage.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has designated Lahore as the only location for India matches for the Champions Trophy that Pakistan has been awarded for the next year, as ESPNcricinfo reported earlier in May.According to ESPNcricinfo, PCB has locked three locations–Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi–to host the two-week Champions Trophy. India’s draft schedule calls for them to play all of their games at Lahore, which is also the location of the final.It is said that the idea of putting India in a single place was put forward to avoid potentially significant logistical and security issues related to their travel. Additionally, it gives Indian fans a comparatively easier choice to visit because it is headquartered in Lahore, which is near the Wagah border crossing between the two countries.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said earlier that the board had sent a draft schedule of the tournament, likely to be staged in mid-February next year, to the ICC. Discussions on it involving the eight participating members will take place, with the major sticking point likely to be whether the India team travels or not.(With ANI inputs)

Wary of Virat Kohli threat at T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s Babar Azam says, we will… | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago05 mins

NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam revealed on Monday that his team is meticulously planning their strategies to counter the formidable presence of star Indian batsman Virat Kohli in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup showdown between the two cricketing giants.The much-anticipated clash is set to ignite passions as it unfolds in the vibrant atmosphere of West Indies/USA later this year.Speaking ahead of his team’s T20I series against Ireland scheduled to commence from March 10, comprising three exhilarating matches to be held in Dublin, Babar emphasised the significance of devising a comprehensive game plan to neutralise Kohli’s impact on the field.The marquee encounter between Pakistan and India, slated for June 9 in New York, promises to be a spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.Recalling the intensity of their previous T20 Cup encounter in 2022, Babar reminisced about Kohli’s memorable innings, where he orchestrated a remarkable unbeaten knock of 82 runs off just 53 deliveries.Kohli’s masterclass, adorned with six boundaries and four towering sixes, steered India through a nerve-wracking run-chase of 160 runs, rescuing them from a precarious position of 31/4 at one juncture.Speaking at the media conference in Dublin on Monday, Babar said that though the team does not plan against one particular player, but they will be planning against Kohli, who he called as “one of the best players.”“As a team, you always plan against different teams and according to their strengths. We do not plan anything against one player. We plan for all 11 players. We do not know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well,” he said.Kohli’s prowess against Pakistan in T20Is is nothing short of remarkable. Across 10 encounters, he has amassed a staggering total of 488 runs, boasting an impressive average of 81.33 and a blistering strike rate exceeding 123.Kohli’s consistency is evident in his tally of five half-centuries against the arch-rivals, showcasing his ability to dominate the opposition’s bowling attack with finesse.In the T20 WC, India and Pakistan are in Group A along with Ireland, Canada and USA. Pakistan will start its campaign against the USA on June 6.Here is the schedule for Pakistan’s tour to Ireland and England ahead of the T20 World Cup:Ireland series: May 10: First T20I, Dublin; May 12 Second T20I, Dublin; May 14: Third T20I, DublinEngland series: May 22: First T20I, Leeds; May 25: Second T20I, Birmingham; May 28: Third T20I, Cardiff; May 30: Fourth T20I, London.Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.(With ANI inputs)

Mohammad Amir’s Ireland visa not issued yet due to his jail term post spot fixing case in 2010 – India TV

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

Image Source : GETTY Mohammad Amir Pakistan are set to depart for Ireland today for the three-match T20I series starting from May 10. The series is crucial in terms of preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting from June 1 in West Indies and the USA. But the visitors will have to fly out without one of their premier bowlers – Mohammad Amir as his visa is yet to be issued for the travel and is still being processed. According to PCB source, Amir’s jail term and subsequent ban post the spot-fixing case in 2010 has come back to haunt him. For the same reason, the visa has not been issued to him yet but the board is confident that the issue will be solved soon. The source further stated that Amir might be able to join the Pakistan team in Ireland in the next couple of days. Notably, Amir had faced a similar issue back in 2018 as well when the team was embarking on the tour of Ireland and England but was later issued visa. “Because of the spot-fixing case of 2010 and his subsequent jail term and ban his visa is still being processed. We are hopeful he will get his visa in a day or two and he can join them later,” the source said according to PTI. This is a crucial tour for some of the players in Pakistan squad as the board is yet to officially announce the team for the T20 World Cup. Pakistan are also scheduled to play four T20I matches against England away from home which will also be their last assignment before the mega event. The deadline to announce the final squad for the World Cup is May 25. Pakistan tour of Ireland schedule May 10 – 1st T20I May 12 – 2nd T20I May 14 – 3rd T20I Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (C), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, Agha Salman, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan, Usman Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi

Babar Azam expresses confidence in Gary Kirsten’s appointment, assures team unity ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago04 mins

NEW DELHI: Pakistan‘s limited overs captain, Babar Azam, shared his positive outlook on the recent appointment of Gary Kirsten as the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball side, expressing optimism about the potential impact on the team’s performance.“Gary Kirsten is a very experienced coach, and his presence should be beneficial for us all. He is already taking a lot of interest in the planning for the World Cup and discussing strategy with the team management,” Babar stated during a media conference in Lahore.Babar emphasized Kirsten’s active involvement in strategizing for the upcoming World Cup, highlighting his regular communication with the team management and indicating a collaborative approach towards planning and preparation.”Babar assured that Kirsten’s arrival would enhance the team’s coordination and planning, with a clear focus on optimizing the squad’s performance in the global tournament. He dismissed concerns over selection issues, affirming that decisions would prioritize the team’s interests and cohesion,” the captain added.Addressing the integration of young players into the squad, Babar stressed the importance of providing them with ample opportunities to settle into international cricket, reaffirming the team management’s commitment to supporting and nurturing emerging talents ahead of the World Cup.“I think there is little time for rotation now because the World Cup is around the corner, and in the remaining matches. We will try to give the team we want to play with in the World Cup a proper opportunity,” Babar commented.Looking ahead to potential matchups, Babar acknowledged the challenge posed by India’s Virat Kohli but affirmed the team’s comprehensive planning against all opposing players, emphasizing the team’s collective strategy and preparation to counter the strengths of each opponent.“The thing is, we plan against all eleven players of a team, and we don’t know much about how the conditions will be in New York. But yes, he [Kohli] is one of the best players, and we will plan against him as well,” Babar said.Babar also dispelled any rumors of internal rifts within the team, emphasizing unity and mutual support among players. Expressing his excitement for his second stint as Pakistan captain, Babar credited the team’s success to collective effort and emphasized the backing received from the cricket board.(With inputs from PTI)

Fixing-Tainted Pakistan Pacer Faces Visa Issues For Travelling To This Country

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

Pakistan’s first T20 international against Ireland is on May 10.© AFP Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir may not be able to leave with the national squad on Tuesday morning for the three-match T20 series in Ireland due to visa issues. A reliable source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that while the rest of the squad had got their visas for Ireland, there was a delay in Amir’s case due to the jail term he served for the 2010 spot-fixing scandal. “Because of the spot-fixing case of 2010 and his subsequent jail term and ban his visa is still being processed,” the source said. He said a similar problem was faced by the PCB in 2018 as well when Pakistan went to Ireland and England but Amir was later issued a visa. “We are hopeful he will get his visa in a day or two and he can join them later,” he said. Pakistan’s first T20 international against Ireland is on May 10. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

“There’s Terror Threat To T20 World Cup”: Trinidad And Tobago PM Reveals; ICC Reacts

Danijones6 months ago05 mins

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said it is working closely with Men’s T20 World Cup host countries – the West Indies and the USA – to ensure appropriate plans are in place amidst a terror threat to the showpiece event. The men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the USA from June 1-29. Reports emerged from various sections in the Caribbean media that the World Cup hosting islands in the region received terror threats from an organisation in North Pakistan. “ICC is working closely with the host countries to ensure appropriate plans are in place. We immediately spoke to the authorities as the reports emerged, and the Cricket West Indies has assured everyone that a comprehensive security plan is in place to address any risk,” an ICC official told IANS when asked about the terror threat to the Men’s T20 World Cup. Dr Keith Rowley, the Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, said to Daily Express that the security agencies are working to combat terror threats to the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. “Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism in its many and varied expressions is an ever-present danger in the world of the 21st century. It is against this backdrop that all nations, like our region, when hosting large or vulnerable gatherings, make an extra effort in national security preparations and response readiness to take seriously, all threats, expressed or implied. “Given the fact that bad actors can choose to misbehave in any way possible it makes it virtually impossible to completely seal off all opportunities. However, in order to ameliorate these dangers, we at the local and regional levels have remained alert to many threats and singularly or together have our intelligence and other security agencies working to protect the population in countries and at venues throughout the tournament,” said Rowley. In the Caribbean, Kensington Oval in Barbados, Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, Providence Stadium in Guyana, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia and Arnos Vale Stadium, St Vincent will be the hosts for matches of T20 World Cup. In the USA, Eisenhower Park in New York; Broward County in Lauderhill, Florida and Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas, will be the venues. 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five each for the first round. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super eight stage. In Super Eight, teams will be split into two groups of four each. Teams seeded first and second in their groups in the first round will retain that seeding in the Super Eight, provided they qualify. A1, B2, C1 and D2 finishers will be in one group, while A2, B1, C2 and D1 will be slotted in the other group. Top two sides from two groups of the Super eight will advance for the semi-finals. The semi-finals will be held in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on June 26 and 27 respectively. The final will be held in Barbados on June 29. Reserve days are in place for both semi-finals and the final. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

Pakistan announce USD 100,000 reward per player if team wins T20 World Cup 2024

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

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. Published By: sabyasachi chowdhury Published On: May 6, 2024

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

‘Babar Azam se meri koi ladai…’: clarifies Pakistan allrounder | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim addressed concerns about his relationship with captain Babar Azam ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Wasim dismissed reports of any rift between them, stating that they have a cordial relationship and are focused on winning the tournament for Pakistan. Speaking to the media, Wasim said. “We were just fighting (laughs). No, there are ups and downs everywhere, but I never had a serious fight with Babar, and communication was never stopped. We have to play for Pakistan. We have a population of 25-27 crore, he is our captain, why would we fight? Whoever is the captain of the Pakistan team, you should respect him the same way. So I respect Babar in every case. “Babar k saath meri koi ladai nhi hai (I have no fights with Babar). We just had a meal together. There is no such tension. We are going to play the World Cup, so we can’t even think about these things,” added the all-rounder, who recently chose to take his retirement back in a bid to feature for Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Pakistani team has undergone several changes, with Wasim and Mohammad Amir reversing their retirements to be included in the World Cup squad. Additionally, Babar Azam has been reappointed as the team’s captain, taking over from Shaheen Afridi.Pakistan are diligently preparing for the marquee event, having recently drawn a T20I series against New Zealand. They will face Ireland and England in additional warm-up matches before the World Cup commences in the United States and the Caribbean in June.