Tag: Pakistan Cricket

  • Ramiz Out: PM approves Najam Sethi’s appointment as chairman PCB

    Ramiz Out: PM approves Najam Sethi’s appointment as chairman PCB

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has approved Najam Sethi’s appointment as chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Geo News has reported.

    The official notification of the appointment will be issued later.

    Najam Sethi served in 2013 as head of PCB. However, he faced a legal battle with Chaudhry Muhammad Zaka Ashraf, another former chairperson of PCB. He later took up the position again in 2014 but Shahryar Khan replaced him and Sethi was given the charge of the executive committee.

    In 2017, he was appointed again as PCB chairperson but after one year he soon gave up his position in 2018.

    Najam Sethi was the person who launched the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2016 and was the president of PSL at that time.

    This is a developing story.

  • NZ to play Test match in Karachi after 22 years

    NZ to play Test match in Karachi after 22 years

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday released the match schedule of New Zealand men’s cricket team’s upcoming dual tours of Pakistan. NZ will play two Tests as part of their ICC World Test Championship title defence and three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures from 27 December to 15 January, before returning for five T20Is and five ODIs from 13 April to 7 May.
    The Karachi Test will be New Zealand’s first in the city since October 1990.

    “We had promised our passionate fans that we will deliver high-quality home international cricket in 2022. Today’s announcement of New Zealand’s double visit to Pakistan is part of that commitment,” said PCB Director, Zakir Khan.

    He also stated that, “New Zealand is one of the high-performing sides and the more we will play against the top teams in our backyard, the better we will get as a unit, which is crucial to our objective of featuring inside the top-three across all formats. The New Zealand matches will also provide opportunities to our youngsters to continue to watch and follow their favourite players in action, something they have missed when we were forced to play our international cricket offshore.”

    Here is the schedule:

    Pakistan vs New Zealand:
    27-31 Dec – 1st Test, Karachi (ICC World Test Championship)
    4-8 Jan – 2nd Test, Multan (ICC World Test Championship)
    11 Jan – 1st ODI, Karachi (ICC Super League)
    13 Jan – 2nd ODI, Karachi (ICC Super League)
    15 Jan – 3rd ODI, Karachi (ICC Super League)
    13 Apr – 1st T20I, Karachi

    15 Apr – 2nd T20I, Karachi
    16 Apr – 3rd T20I, Karachi
    19 Apr – 4th T20I, Karachi
    23 Apr – 5th T20I, Lahore
    26 Apr – 1st ODI, Lahore
    28 Apr – 2nd ODI, Lahore
    1 May – 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi

    4 May – 4th ODI, Rawalpindi
    7 May – 5th ODI, Rawalpindi

  • Throwback: Did Rohit Sharma want to become coach of Pakistan’s cricket team?

    Throwback: Did Rohit Sharma want to become coach of Pakistan’s cricket team?

    From wanting to become Pakistan’s cricket team coach to losing against Pakistan, it’s been a long road for Rohit Sharma.

    After Pakistan’s thumping victory against India, an odd video of Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma surfaced on social media.

    In the video, the reporter asked Rohit, “What would you suggest to Pakistani batsmen so that they come out of this crisis?” Pakistan had just been comprehensively defeated in World Cup 2019 by arch rivals India.

    To this, Sharma sarcastically responded by saying, “If I ever become the coach of Pakistan’s team, I will tell them”.

    On September 4, Pakistan won against India by five wickets in a do-or-die match of the Asia Cup 2022. Sharma scored 28 runs. For Pakistan, Shadab Khan picked up two wickets for 31 runs, while Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Muhammad Nawaz took a wicket each.

    Prior to this, in another India vs Pakistan match which was played on August 28, Sharma got out after scoring only 12 runs.

    In yesterday’s (September 8) match against Afghanistan, Indian cricketer KL Rahul stepped in as captain for the toss. He said that Sharma “wants to take a break”.

    Last year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named Rohit Sharma as the new One Day International (ODI) captain of the Indian cricket team. He took over from his predecessor, batting maestro, Virat Kohli.

  • PCB to donate earnings from match against England to flood victims

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that gate earnings from the first T20I against England will be donated to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022.

    The match will be played on September 20 at the National Stadium in Karachi and will begin at 7:30pm (local time).

    The PCB has urged cricket supporters and fans to buy tickets in large quantities once they go on sale online the following week in order to show solidarity with all those affected by the floods.

     “We at the PCB express our grief and sorrow for all those affected by the extreme monsoon rainfall and floods, which has ​resulted in havoc and devastation beyond imagination, killing over 1,000 and leaving around a million homeless. As cricket unites our proud nation, we stand firmly with the victims and all those involved in​ the flood relief and rescue operations,” said PCB chairman Ramiz Raja in a statement.

    According to the data issued by the National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA), at least 1,033 people have died in floods caused by heavy rains in the country.

  • ‘Become an example for others’: Afridi congratulates Ahmad Shahzad for being appointed as captain of a KPL team

    ‘Become an example for others’: Afridi congratulates Ahmad Shahzad for being appointed as captain of a KPL team

    Ahmad Shahzad has been appointed captain of defending champions Rawalakot Hawks for Season 2 of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL).

    Ahmad took to Twitter to thank the management of Rawalakot Hawks for selecting him.

    “I am very thankful to the management of Rawalakot Hawks & especially Mr Jan Wali for trusting in me Looking forward to LeadDefending Champions of KPL,” wrote the right-handed opening batter.

    Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi congratulated him.

    “Yes, for sure you can lead, work hard and become an example for others. All the best Ahmad,” tweeted Afridi.

    Recently in a TV programme, Shahzad complained about not being selected for domestic and national squads.

    Opener batter Ahmad Shahzad in July made an appearance on Samaa News along with Shahid Afridi. During the show, Afridi advised Shahzad to enjoy his life.

    “Ahmad was targeted because of me because I supported him a lot. I gave him a lot of chances, which turned out to be a negative thing for him when I left captaincy. I think people thought he was my favourite,” Afridi said while extending his support for Ahmad.

    “I supported him a lot because I wasn’t able to find an opener of his ability in Pakistan. He was performing as well. Obviously, he couldn’t perform in all games but he was targeted because of me as well.” he added.

    “I want you to score runs, and enjoy your life with your wife and kids. Allah has made life beautiful for you,” Afridi added.
    Shahzad while replying to Afridi said, “I keep saying that. I want to score runs, but at least don’t deny me the platforms where I can score. I will ask you when sides in PSL want to pick me, who comes in and says no? “
    “You tell me, where do I score runs? At my home?” he questioned Afridi.

    Kashmir Premier League (KPL) Season 2 will take place from August 11 to 26 in Muzaffarabad, Jammu, and Azad Kashmir.
    Seven teams including Hawks, Janbaz, Mirpur Royals, Muzaffarabad Tigers, Kotli Lions, Overseas Warriors, and Bagh Stallions will compete against each other.

  • Man ran onto field mid-match to salute Shadab Khan, FIR registered

    The police on Friday filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Mohammad Waqas Ashraf, a fan who ran into the ground during the second One Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and the West Indies.

    The FIR is registered under Sections 188 and 452 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). According to the police, Waqas tried to escape the scene after meeting Shadab Khan on the pitch. However, it can be clearly seen in video footage from the match that Waqas was caught by the police on the boundary rope immediately. 

    “A man swiftly entered the ground from under the fence near gate number 3, saluted and hugged a cricketer (Shadab Khan) after reaching the batting crease,” says the FIR against Waqas.

    A police official while talking to Geo Super said that the man has been sent for physical custody.

    The man ran onto the field mid-match to salute Shadab Khan. Shadab hugged the man in return.

     Pakistan whitewashed West Indies 3-0 in a three-match ODI series on Sunday.

  • PM Khan’s old friend Aleem Khan joins forces against him

    PM Khan’s old friend Aleem Khan joins forces against him

    On Monday, Aleem Khan formally joined Jahangir Khan Tareen’s disgruntled group in the PTI. Aleem said the aim is to “save” the party after “loyalists who had been integral in PTI’s 10-year struggle were sidelined without any reason” from the ruling party.

    Aleem Khan reached Tareen’s residence on Monday evening and was all praises for the disgruntled PTI leader. He also criticised the way the Punjab government was being run.

    In a politically heavy weekend, and an even bigger Monday, all wheels seem to be set in motion for a major political change. The major updates that will affect the fate of the government and the Opposition are going to change the future of the current government.

    Previously, according to journalists on Twitter, it was possible that PTI’s Aleem Khan, who is also PM Khan’s close friend, might be joining the Opposition. He had been reportedly contacted by the PML-N and was set to meet the Jahangir Tareen Group today at Tareen’s residence. Tareen, who is currently in London, was reported to address the meeting through a video link. According to reports, Aleem Khan has met 40 members of the provincial assembly this week, out of which ten are provincial ministers.

    PML-N, PPP stop their MNAs from leaving the country

    In a tough battle in Parliament over the no-confidence motion against PM Khan, which will remove him from power, the PPP and PML-N are making sure their MNAs are present for the motion.

    “Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has directed all MNAs of the party to remain in Islamabad,” PPP Information Secretary Shahzia Atta Marri said on Sunday, which means no official delegations and allegedly no vacations for the MNAs until the motion is carried through.

    According to a report published in The News, PML-N Information Secretary Marriyam Aurangzeb said that her party’s members would not be part of any foreign tour nominated by NA Speaker Asad Qaiser. All members of the party had been instructed to stay in the country. “PML-N MNAs have been barred from travelling abroad at expenses from the national exchequer. We hope sensible members of the PTI will also refuse to be part of the tours,” she added.

    ‘Beware,’ PM Khan warns Opposition

    On Sunday, PM Imran said that he will continue his fight against looters and dacoits till the last drop of his blood. He also warned the Opposition of grave consequences if the no-confidence motion against him fails.

    “Are you ready for what I will do to you once your no-confidence motion fails insha’Allah?”

    https://twitter.com/FawadPTIUpdates/status/1500458502942334978
    PM Khan attacked all Opposition leaders.
    Nawaz Sharif

    PM Khan said that PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif is ‘Mujrim Number 1′ (Criminal number 1) who acted like a Bollywood actor so that he could leave the country. He also called Nawaz a ‘bhagora’ (someone who runs away).

    Shehbaz Sharif

    PM Khan said that the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly starts polishing boots whenever he finds one.

    Asif Zardari

    PM Khan called PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari a “beemaari” (disease).

    Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    PM Khan referred to Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman as ‘Fazlu’ and said he does not want to address him as a ‘maulana’ because “the title is for people who are respected”.

    PM Khan also reminded Fazlur Rehman that their ages are the same and in this age, they should be more worried about their aakhirat (life after death). He said Fazlur Rehman’s weight is also more than his.

    Maryam Nawaz reacts to PM Khan’s attack:

    PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz tweeted, “Why falling apart & sounding hysterical ImranKhan PTI? The game has only just begun, dude & you have already lost it! Show some sportsman spirit man!”

  • ‘As dry as local hotels,’ remarks Australian’s chief cricket writer on Rawalpindi pitch

    ‘As dry as local hotels,’ remarks Australian’s chief cricket writer on Rawalpindi pitch

    The Australian’s chief cricket writer, Peter Lalor, remarked on Tuesday that a 22 yard patch of the Rawalpindi pitch is “as dry as the local hotels”. He shared a picture of the pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where the first match of the Test series between Pakistan and Australia will be played on March 4.

    Historic series

    Team Australia arrived in Pakistan on Sunday for their first tour since 1998. They are scheduled to play three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I.

    Tickets

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the availability of Pakistan-Australia Test series tickets online. The matches will be played in several cities of Pakistan— Rawalpindi (March 4-8), Karachi (March 10-12) and Lahore (March 21-25 ). According to the board, the ticket price for the general enclosure has been fixed at Rs 100, a first-class ticket at Rs 200, a premium ticket at Rs 350 and VIP Enclosure ticket at Rs 500.

    NCOC allows 100 per cent crowd capacity for Australia series

    The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said on Tuesday that 100 per cent crowd capacity is allowed for the upcoming Australia series.

    “The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is allowed to conduct Pakistan vs Australia cricket matches scheduled from March 4 to April 5, 2022 at 100% of the stadium capacity,” said the NCOC.

  • Mushtaq Ahmed likens Rizwan’s leadership to Imran Khan

    Mushtaq Ahmed likens Rizwan’s leadership to Imran Khan

    Defending champions of Pakistan Super League (PSL), Multan Sultans, have gained a lot of praise for their commendable cricket under the leadership of wicket-keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Former Pakistan cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed has said Rizwan’s leadership qualities are just like former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan.

    Talking to Cricket Pakistan in an interview, Sultans’ assistant coach Mushtaq Ahmed addressed their remarkable win-ratio in PSL 7. He said that the credit lies entirely with the Almighty and the players for their efforts.

    “One of the most important things when it comes to winning is the leadership quality and Rizwan is a great leader. He keeps everyone in loop and works with the players to execute the game plans,” he said.

    When inquired about whether the change in captaincy was the turning point for Sultans, Ahmed said that there are many more factors at play than just the captaincy.

    “There are a lot of factors which come into play and you just don’t focus on one element; for the players to trust their captain, the chemistry between the players and the captain. When players respect you as a captain or as a coach, they will automatically give more value to your opinions and will try to carry out the plans,” he explained.

    “I remember when I conceded 70-odd runs in Brisbane and Imran bhai came up to me and backed me for trying my level best. I think it is important to back your players as a leader because it gives you the desire to go out there and prove their belief in you. Rizwan is exactly this way and his leadership is a huge positive,” concluded Mushtaq.

    The team has won 10 out 11 matches they have played in PSL 7 and qualified for the Final.

  • Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Rizwan power Multan Sultans into second consecutive final

    Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Rizwan power Multan Sultans into second consecutive final

    Defending champions Multan Sultans have reserved a place in the Final of Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the second consecutive time after defeating Lahore Qalandars with 28 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday.

    Rilee Rossouw and Mohammad Rizwan stroked unbeaten half-centuries to help Multan collect 163/2 in 20 overs after they were 65/2 at the halfway stage.

    Qalandars were cruising nicely at 102/3 in the 14th over before they suffered a collapse and ultimately finished at 135/9. While Sultans qualified for Sunday’s final, Qalandars have another opportunity to reach their second title match in three years when they will play the winner of Peshawar Zalmi-Islamabad United on Friday (February 25).

    Rossouw struck seven fours and a six in his 42-ball 65 not out, while Rizwan scored a 51-ball 53 not out with three fours. Rizwan added 47 runs for the second wicket with Aamer Azmat (33), while he put on 113 runs for the unfinished third wicket with Rossouw.

    For Qalandars, Mohammad Hafeez and Samit Patel took a wicket each. In turn, Qalandars lost their way following the departure of Harry Brook (13) as they lost six wickets for 33 in just six overs to finish at 135/9.

    Fakhar Zaman scored an entertaining 63 off 45 balls with two fours and four sixes, including three successive sixes off Imran Tahir. He added 54 runs for the fourth wicket with Harry Brook.

    Shahnawaz Dahani was the star for Sultans with the ball. He grabbed the crucial wickets of Brook (13), Phil Salt (1) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (1) to finish with figures three of 19. David Willey bagged two for 23, while Asif Afridi and Khushdil Shah bagged a wicket each.

    Dahani bagged Player of the Match award for his prolific bowling figures.