Tag: Pakistan cricket board

  • Ramiz Raja elected as PCB Chairman

    Ramiz Raja elected as PCB Chairman

    Former Pakistani cricketer Ramiz Raja has been elected as Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) 36th Chairman.

    As per details, he has been appointed for a three-year term in a Special Meeting presided over by PCB Election Commissioner, Justice (retd) Sheikh Azmat Saeed.

    Raja, along with Asad Ali Khan, was nominated by PCB Patron, Prime Minister Imran Khan, to the PCB Board of Governors on August 27 for a three-year term.

    Raja is Pakistan’s 18th Test and 12th ODI captain, and played 255 international matches in which he scored 8,674 runs in the period from 1984 to 1997. He has previously served the PCB as its Chief Executive from 2003-2004, has represented Pakistan on the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee and presently sits on the MCC World Cricket Committee.

    Read More – Ehsan Mani resigns, Ramiz Raja will reportedly be the new PCB Chairman

    He has been a successful broadcaster with world’s leading cricket networks and widely regarded as the voice of Pakistan cricket.

    Raja is only the fourth former Pakistan international cricketer to head the PCB after Abdul Hafeez Kardar (1972-1977), Javed Burki (1994-1995) and Ijaz Butt (2008-2011).

    Addressing the BoG following his election, Ramiz Raja said: “I am thankful to all of you for electing me as the PCB Chairman and look forward to working with you to ensure Pakistan cricket continues to thrive and grow stronger, both on and off-the-field.”

  • PCB launches online merchandise programme

    PCB launches online merchandise programme

    To celebrate Pakistan’s rich cricket history and culture, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the launch of its Official Merchandise Store, which will go live on Tuesday, September 14. The passionate Pakistan cricket fans will be able to purchase authentic apparel and accessories at www.shop.pcb.com.pk.

    According to a press release issued by the PCB, the online store will be a one-stop shop for cricket fans in and outside Pakistan where they will be able to purchase customised merchandise, Pakistan national side’s training and travel gear, fan wear, collector’s edition merchandise and hardware accessories with items being regularly added.

    With the launch of the programme, PCB will also be introducing the first in its Legacy Series line of merchandise items. The identity of the legacy item will be revealed on September 14, and is sure to be a pleasant surprise to Pakistani cricket fans the world over.

    With ease of access to fans forming the core of the merchandise programme’s philosophy, PCB will provide shipment across the world helping the fans to #WearYourPassion. Fans in Pakistan will get their purchased items delivered at their doorsteps free of cost.

    Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said: “The Pakistan Cricket Board is proud to launch its Official Merchandise Store, which will provide another avenue to the fans to connect with Pakistan Cricket. It is a dream of every fan to be able to get hold of their team’s authentic apparel and this online store will help fulfil it.”

    “As Pakistan enjoys a rich cricketing history and its legacy is deeply imprinted on the game, we will be launching the online store with the PCB Legacy Series. Over time, PCB will continue to add more offerings for the fans to ensure their visits to our online store become a habit,” he added

    He went on to say: “With this launch, we are hopeful that the PCB will be able to introduce a sub-culture of authentic merchandise buying in the country through which the passionate Pakistan fans will be able to show support for their team.”

  • Misbah, Waqar resign from coaching positions ahead of T20 World Cup

    Misbah, Waqar resign from coaching positions ahead of T20 World Cup

    Pakistan men’s national cricket team head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis have stepped down from their respective roles, announced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday.

    According to a press release issued by the PCB, the two coaches communicated their decisions to the PCB late Monday morning.

    With the New Zealand side due to arrive on September 11 for three ODI and five T20I series and the Pakistan side to assemble in Islamabad on September 8, the PCB has appointed Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq as interim coaches for the series, with the team management for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 to be appointed in due course.

    As per PCB’s press release, former captain Misbah said: “The quarantine in Jamaica post the West Indies series provided me with an opportunity to reflect on the past 24 months as well as the schedule for international cricket ahead. Considering that I would have had to continue to spend considerable time away from my family and that too in a bio-secure environment, I have decided to step down from the role.”

    “I understand that the timing may not be ideal but I don’t think I am in the right frame of mind for the upcoming challenges and it makes sense for someone fresh to step-in and take the side forward,” said Misbah.

    “The past 24 months have been thoroughly enjoyable and I want to thank my team and the management for their support. I wish the Pakistan cricket team best of luck in the upcoming events and will continue to support them every time they will take the field to represent Pakistan.”

    While Waqar said: “After Misbah shared with me his decision and future plans, it was a straightforward one for me to resign as we had walked into the roles together, had worked collectively as a pair and now also step down together.”

    “Working with the Pakistan bowlers, including the youngsters, has been most satisfying as they have now started to show progress. Bio-secure environments in the past 16 months have had their impact, something we had never experienced during our playing days,” he added.

    “The next eight months will be busy and exciting for the Pakistan team and, like in the past, I will continue to back and cheer them. I want to thank each and every member of the Pakistan cricket team set-up as we stayed united in good and bad days, and hope there will be more brighter days ahead,” said Waqar.

    PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “The PCB understands and respects Misbah’s decision. Cricket in this unprecedented bio-secure world has not been easy for anyone and Misbah has clearly taken into account the intense six months of non-stop cricket ahead. In the past 24 months, Misbah has given his very best to the team and we wish him well in his future endeavours”.

    “It has been an honourable decision by Waqar and we thank him sincerely for his immense work and commitment over the past two years and wish him the very best in the future,” said Khan.

    “Both Misbah and Waqar have given so much to Pakistan cricket over a long period of time and for that they deserve a huge amount of respect.”

    He further said: “Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq have been appointed as interim coaches for the New Zealand series. Saqlain is the Head of International Player Development at the National High Performance Centre, while Abdul Razzaq’s domestic side won three titles in the 2020-21 season.”

    “Both Saqlain and Razzaq are ready to step-up and are very much looking forward to making important contributions in their coaching roles against New Zealand,” he added.

    Misbah and Waqar were appointed in September 2019 and still had a year each left in their contracts.

  • PM Khan thanks Ehsan Mani for his ‘contribution to cricket’

    PM Khan thanks Ehsan Mani for his ‘contribution to cricket’

    Prime Minister Imran Khan has thanked Ehsan Mani for his contribution to cricket in Pakistan during his three-year tenure as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman.

    Taking to Twitter, PM Imran Khan said: “I especially appreciate his setting up, for the first time, a regional domestic cricket structure in Pakistan and his role in bringing back international cricket teams to Pakistan.”

    Earlier, PM Khan approved a framework for the promotion of School Cricket in particular and Domestic Cricket in general, advising the Central Punjab Cricket Association for implementing the model in its entirety.

    The prime minister took a presentation on Domestic Cricket in Pakistan, with a special focus on School Cricket. The presentation was made by the Chairman of Central Punjab Cricket Association (CPCA), Abdullah Khan Sumbal.

    As per details, the prime minister appreciated the model developed by CPCA, an organisation that works under the PCB, and called for its replication all over Pakistan strategically.

    He asserted his total support to the School Cricket Championship beginning in Central Punjab from September 15 and stated that School Cricket had immense potential to generate and groom real cricketing talent.

    “Pleased to review efforts of Punjab for revival of school cricket, especially role of Central Punjab Cricket Association,” he said in a tweet.

    “870 schools and 231 college grounds, 355 sports facilities developed across Punjab. I urge all provinces to focus on reviving sports & providing sports facilities for our youth,” he added.

    Chief Secretary Punjab highlighted the significant role of the Punjab Government in this major initiative.

    The meeting was also attended by Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza, Special Assistant to PM Dr Shahbaz Gill, CEO PCB Wasim Khan and CEO CPCA Khurram Niazi.

    Meanwhile, Mani resigned on Thursday and PCB will elect its 36th chairman on September 13 in Lahore.

  • Ehsan Mani resigns, Ramiz Raja will reportedly be the new PCB Chairman

    Ehsan Mani resigns, Ramiz Raja will reportedly be the new PCB Chairman

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ehsan Mani has resigned from the post according to reports and the new Chairman will be former cricketer Ramiz Raja.

    As per reports, Mani has told Prime Minister and PCB Patron-in-chief Imran Khan to appoint someone else as he cannot work anymore.

    It must be noted that PM Khan was satisfied with Mani’s performance and insisted that he continues as chairman. They both met for two consecutive days — Monday and Tuesday.

    Ramiz also met the premier on Monday where the two former cricketers discussed the possible candidate for chairmanship and options to improve Pakistan’s cricket.

    As per latest updates, Raja has been given an important post, but there is no official announcement from the board or Raja yet.

  • People congratulate Ramiz Raja on becoming Chairman PCB

    People congratulate Ramiz Raja on becoming Chairman PCB

    Pakistani Twitterati is congratulating former cricketer-turned commentator Ramiz Raja on becoming Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman. Raja is in the running for PCB’s top slot but there is no confirmation yet if he will indeed be appointed or not.

    Journalist Ejaz Wasim Bakhri turned to Twitter and shared a video of Raja’s car entering Prime Minister Imran Khan’s office to meet him.

    https://twitter.com/ejazwasim/status/1429748505908846593?s=20

    While people can be heard saying that look the new chairman is going.

    Taking to Twitter, Fakhar-e-Alam congratulated the former cricketer.

    Many tweeted that he has already become the PCB Chairman.

    https://twitter.com/MalikZamad_/status/1429758835258916874?s=20

    On the other hand, Journalist Shahid Hashmi claimed that Mani will continue as the Board’s chairman.

    In another tweet, Shahid Hashmi said: “As per PCB constitution Mani’s second tenure will be three years but since he doesn’t want to serve the full term a new chairman can come next year.”

    Journalist Absa Komal also shared on Twitter that PM Khan has “selected Ramiz Raja as Chairman PCB.”

    https://twitter.com/AbsaKomal/status/1429796388007780355?s=19

    Meanwhile, it has been reported that members of the PCB’s Board of Governors (BoG) will give votes to the nominated members and the new chairman will be elected. Raja will serve as a board member and then the Chairman will be selected after re-election.

    Ex-Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal has backed Ramiz Raja. Here’s what he said: “He hasn’t been going for commentary duties in the last couple of series and that gave us some signals for the future. A cricketer coming in as a chairman would benefit domestic cricket. It will bring in money.”

    People also shared jokes and memes after this news.

  • Ramiz Raja could become Chairman PCB: Reports

    Ramiz Raja could become Chairman PCB: Reports

    Former Test cricketer-turned commentator Ramiz Raja has reportedly joined the race for the slot of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairmanship.

    PCB’s Chairman Ehsan Mani’s three-year term as the head of the sports body is ending on September 18.

    According to a report on Geo News, Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is also the patron in chief of the PCB, will recommend two names to the governing board for the coveted post in the next few days.

    Ehsan Mani and Asad Ali Khan are the representatives of the prime minister in the PCB governing board. Reports circulating claimed that Raja will replace Mani.

    On May 31, PCB chairman Mani had debunked rumours of forwarding his resignation to the Prime Minister, The News reported.

    Earlier, Former PCB Chairperson Najam Sethi had suggested that the current board chairperson Mani and CEO Wasim Khan should be removed from their posts.

    PM Khan should take some time and see what was happening with Pakistan cricket, Sethi had reported as saying in an interview by The News on June 4.

    Raja is a Pakistani cricket commentator, YouTuber, a Ravian, and a former cricketer, who represented Pakistan during the 1980s and the 1990s. He was also the part of 1992 cricket World Cup winning team. Since retiring from cricket, he has been a commentator in international cricket matches.

  • Babar Azam hits back at Shoaib Malik on team selection criticism

    Babar Azam hits back at Shoaib Malik on team selection criticism

    Babar Azam has hit back at Shoaib Malik for his criticism that former has no control over team selection.

    While addressing a virtual press conference on Wednesday, Babar addressed Malik’s comments and firmly told everyone to put an end to this discussion.

    “This debate should end now. The same thing is repeated in every press conference that I have no control over selection,” said Babar Azam. “You can see on the field that I handle everything. I decide the playing 11. Management give their input. I know my responsibilities as a captain.”

    Read more – Afridi wants PCB to review middle-order performances, suggests Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in T20Is

    Malik had also said that the Pakistan team needs an international level white-ball coach while stating that the current team management relies on likes and dislikes.

    “I don’t have any problem with the coach. This is the domain of PCB. Team management is fully supporting every player, so I am happy,” said Azam while purportedly addressing Malik’s remarks about head coach Misbah-ul-Haq.

    Read more – Why is the Pakistan cricket team so dramatic?

    Malik’s comments had come after Pakistan’s humiliating defeat by Zimbabwe during the second T20I in Harare last week.

    Later in the third T20I, Pakistan had clinched the series 2-1 with a comfortable 24-run win.

  • Afridi wants PCB to review middle-order performances, suggests Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in T20Is

    Afridi wants PCB to review middle-order performances, suggests Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in T20Is

    Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi, while congratulating the Pakistani team on winning the T20I against South Africa, emphasised the need to work on middle-order performances.

    “Despite the victory, we need to review the middle-order performances where we seem to be struggling for a long time,” wrote the former all-rounder on Twitter.

    He also suggested that since it is the T20 World Cup year, the team should consider bringing Shoaib Malik back.

    On Friday, Pakistan defeated South Africa by three wickets in the last fixture of the four-match T20I series at the Supersport Park in Centurion and clinched the series 3-1.

    Pakistan, like South Africa, suffered a middle-order collapse as they went from 92-1 to 129-7.

    However, Mohammad Nawaz kept his cool in the end and was aided by some poor bowling by the hosts, allowing the tourists to cap the tour with a 3-1 T20I series win to go with the ODI triumph earlier this month.

    Pakistan will now depart for Zimbabwe on Saturday where they will play three T20Is on April 21, 23 and 25, followed by two Tests, which will be played from April 29 to May 3 and May 7-11.

    Malik went past 10,000 T20 career runs when he scored 74 in a domestic game in Rawalpindi in October 2020. He is the third batsman to have reached the landmark after Kieron Pollard (10,370 runs) and Chris Gayle (13,296 runs).

    The 39-year-old cricketer made his T20 debut in 2005 for Sialkot Stallions and has played 417 T20s in his career, scoring his 10,488 runs at an average of 37.06, with 64 half-centuries. He also has 151 wickets at 27.15, at an economy rate of 7.02.

    In his international career, Malik has played 116 T20Is, scoring 2,335 runs at an average of 31.13, with 8 half-centuries. He has 28 wickets at 23.53, at an economy rate of 7.08.

    Malik became the third batsman to reach 2000 runs in T20 Internationals after Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill. He reached the milestone during his 92nd T20 innings against Zimbabwe in Harare. While Mohammad Hafeez became the second Pakistani player to reach 2000 run-mark, number ninth in total.

    The 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in October and November 2021 in India.

  • PCB to bear former cricketer Tauseef Ahmed’s medical expenses

    PCB to bear former cricketer Tauseef Ahmed’s medical expenses

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced that it would bear all treatment costs of former Test cricketer Tauseef Ahmed, who recently underwent two stents during angioplasty.

    According to details, Tauseef Ahmed will remain under observation for 12 hours, said PCB’s spokesperson while talking to media, adding that Tauseef has been an asset to Pakistan Cricket.

    “I am in touch with Tauseef Ahmed. [Once discharged from the hospital], he will stay at the National High-Performance Centre until he is able to travel,” said the spokesperson.

    The former spinner is currently undergoing treatment at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, where his angioplasty was successfully carried out.

    According to Tauseef’s nephew Saifuddin, Ahmed has been given two stents during the procedure.

    “After 12 hours of observation at the recovery centre, he will be transferred to another ward,” said Saifuddin, adding that neither Ahmed nor his family faced any problems at the hospital.

    Saifuddin says he is “hopeful that Ahmed will be discharged from the hospital soon.”

    The former cricketer had suffered a heart attack while attending a wedding ceremony Sunday night.

    Meanwhile, several cricketers including Ramiz Raja, Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez prayed for Ahmed’s swift recovery.