Tag: PCB

  • Next-level troll; Shaheen trolls former Pacer Shoaib Akhtar in his recent talks with local media

    Next-level troll; Shaheen trolls former Pacer Shoaib Akhtar in his recent talks with local media

    Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s ace fast bowler, has trolled former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in a recent interview.

    Shoaib Akhtar had once criticized Shaheen Afridi when the latter was injured in the final match of the T20 World Cup. “If I was in that situation, I will take an injection and go back to the field. I would never step back if my team needs me, no matter how much pain I am in.”

    The former pacer also gave sharp comments on current skipper Babar Azam in an interview with a private news channel. Stating that Babar Azam should have be the biggest “brand” in Pakistan, the speedster said that it was but unfortunate that he cannot express himself well.

    In an exclusive interview with a local media channel, Shaheen Afridi, an integral part of Babar Azam’s close knit squad, was asked about the qualities of Shoaib Akhtar that he admires the most.

    To which the pacer replied, “He makes good brands (Brand ache se banate hain),” in a clear jibe at Akhtar’s comments about Babar.

  • Shaheens blows away Kiwis in opener of T20 series

    Shaheens blows away Kiwis in opener of T20 series

    Pakistan bowled out New Zealand for just 94 runs while celebrating skipper Babar Azam’s 100th match with a boombastic win in the first match of the T20 series.

    The Shaheens set a target of 184 before blowing away the Kiwis with a thumping 88 runs victory.

    Captain Babar Azam scored only nine runs but Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub stabilised the team, scoring 47 runs each while putting up a 79-run partnership for the third wicket to anchor Pakistan to 182 all out in 19.5 overs.

    Fast bowler Haris Rauf, one of five players who returned after being rested in Pakistan’s last series against Afghanistan, took career best figures of 4-18 as New Zealand were 94 all out in 15.3 overs.

    Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim finished with 2-2 in his only over — taking both his wickets off successive deliveries.

    Mark Chapman top-scored for the Kiwis with a 27-ball 34, inclusive of four boundaries and a six, while skipper Tom Latham made a 24-ball 20.

    Rauf’s previous best T20 figures of 4-22 had also come against New Zealand in Sharjah in 2021.

    Azam heaped praise on his bowling unit for sending the Kiwis back to the pavilion.

    “The pitch was assisting the bowlers so it was a good batting performance to get that total and then our complete bowling unit was excellent,” said Azam, happy at reaching the personal landmark of 100 T20 matches.

    “I had never expected this. I still remember the journey of starting off here as a ball-boy on the side-lines, and to now be here, it is a huge honour,” said Azam of serving as a ball-boy during the 2007 series against South Africa.

    Latham said his team did not adapt to the different conditions.

    “We did not quite adapt to the conditions early enough,” said Latham whose team are missing top eight players due to the Indian Premier League.

    “On that surface, the score was slightly above-par. We did not build partnerships with the bat.”

    Earlier, Zaman and Ayub lifted Pakistan from a poor start after they won the toss and chose to bat.

    Pakistan lost both their openers — Mohammad Rizwan leg-before for eight and then Azam bowled at 9– to pacer Adam Milne by the fifth over for just 30.

    Ayub lifted the tempo with two boundaries each off Milne and Ben Lister before he and Zaman hit a six each off spinner Ish Sodhi in the tenth over.

    Zaman struck four boundaries and two sixes in his 34-ball knock while Ayub’s rapid 28-ball innings featured two sixes and six fours.

    Ayub was run out while taking a second run before Zaman was caught at deep square-leg off Sodhi.

    Faheem Ashraf hit a 16-ball 22 while Wasim scored 16 off 13 balls to help Pakistan add 47 runs in the last five overs.

    New Zealand pacer Matt Henry took a hat trick in his figures of 3-32.

    Henry dismissed Shadab Khan (five) and Iftikhar Ahmed (nought) off the last two deliveries of his third over and then Shaheen Shah Afridi with the first of his fourth.

    Lister had figures of 2-30 while Milne finished with 2-51.

    The remaining four matches are in Lahore on April 15 and April 17 and Rawalpindi on April 20 and 24.

  • Babar Azam ka match say pehlay 100; Skipper becomes third Pak player to feature in 100th T20I

    Babar Azam ka match say pehlay 100; Skipper becomes third Pak player to feature in 100th T20I

    Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is all set to host the first T20 International (T20I) match between Pakistan and New Zealand on Friday night. Team Green and the Black Caps are all geared up to put up a brilliant game for their fans.

    When Pakistan captain Babar Azam takes the field on Friday night, he will become the third Pakistan player to feature in 100 Men’s T20Is.

    Shoaib Malik (123) and Mohammad Hafeez (119) are the two other Pakistanis who have reached this milestone in men’s T20Is.

    Fans will be expecting Babar Azam to hit his trademark cover drives and classy shots along with Muhammad Rizwan, his partner in many run chases.

    New Zealand will play five T20Is and five One-Day Internationals (ODI) in Pakistan starting from today.

    New Zealand captain Tom Latham has emphasized that Pakistan have a bunch of match winning players who can lead the team to victory in every sort of conditions.

    The Kiwi captain acknowledged his opponent team’s fast bowlers, quality spinners and a formidable batting lineup that could pose a threat to his team.

    “You can look at everyone across the Pakistan squad, they’ve got guys who bowl fast, quality spinners and obviously with the bat they have many match winners. So we have to play really well to beat them but it is an opportunity that the guys are really looking forward to play against this quality Pakistan side,” he said.

    The 31-year-old is optimistic about his team’s chances in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan despite the absence of key players due to Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments.

    “Pakistan is a quality side, they have come off the back of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) tournament just recently and they’ve picked guys who are in form, so even though we are missing a few players due to IPL commitments, that presents an opportunity to the other players,” he observed.

    Admitting that some players in the New Zealand team haven’t played “huge amounts of cricket”, Latham stressed that they still have players who have played a lot of T20 cricket.

    “So it is an exciting opportunity for this group to come here and to explore conditions where we haven’t played a lot in before and hopefully we can put up a good performance on the board,” he concluded.

  • Fans back skipper Babar Azam over captaincy issue

    Fans back skipper Babar Azam over captaincy issue

    Babar Azam fans have slammed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi over speculation that the board is likely to change the captain of Pakistan cricket team, putting skipper Babar Azam out to pasture.

    Media reports have said that Najam Sethi has asked Mickey Arthur, former head coach, whether he wants one captain or two to lead the team, opening up the possibility of having different captains for different formats.

    After Najam Sethi took charge of the Management Committee at the Board, rumors of his alleged disliking for Babar Azam made the rounds.

    Matters heated up when Shadab Khan replaced Babar Azam as temporary captain for the Afghanistan series held in March. Khan, a strong contestant for the captain’s post, unfortunately could not lead his team to victory.

    The official account from PCB was that Babar, along with some other big names, had been rested for the Afghanistan series because they had been playing non-stop cricket for last two years and needed a well-deserved break.

    Sethi reportedly offered assurances that there is not even a remote threat to Babar’s captaincy and that he rules millions of hearts – he shall stay the captain of all three formats as long as he wants.

    Babar Azam was then recalled for the home series against New Zealand. But now there is a question mark on Babar Azam’s future as the national team’s skipper.

    Few days back, Sethi, in one of his interviews, subtly hinted that the interim selection committee- which was formulated in order to lead the selection of the test series against New Zealand – wanted a captaincy switch.

    Refuting this statement, Shahid Afridi, who was then leading the interim selection committee, said that it wasn’t him who suggested PCB to replace Babar as captain.

    Najam Sethi then took to Twitter and wrote about the future of Pakistan’s cricket.

    The controversial statements, the cover-ups, and the blame game disturbed cricket fans, especially Babar’s fandom. #StayInYourLimitsNajamSethi and #BabarAzamIsOurRedLine started trending on Twitter.

    Fans have gradually started to believe that an agenda has been plotted against Babar by the current board regime.

    Pakistan cricket team bears too many damages from the sudden changes in leadership and if this will happen again, it will destroy the unity of Pakistan team.
    Ahead of World Cup 2023 it is not in Pakistan’s favour to change captain or even think about it.

  • We will not compromise on hosting Asia Cup 2023 at any cost; Najam Sethi lauds Pakistan’s stance over India controversy

    We will not compromise on hosting Asia Cup 2023 at any cost; Najam Sethi lauds Pakistan’s stance over India controversy

    Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to be played in Pakistan, however, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has continuously pressurised Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to pick a neutral venue for the tournament, stating that they will not send their team to the neighbouring country.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has lauded Pakistan’s stance in a recent interview on Geo TV. Talking to Yahya Hussaini, Sethi said that Pakistan will never compromise on hosting over any controversy.

    “We will hold a dialogue and if conditions are not in our favour, we will withdraw from the tournament,” the head of the PCB said.

    Revealing that four to five meetings have already been held with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and BCCI, Sethi said that PCB is ready to provide solutions:

    “We asked them that don’t you see the international teams coming to Pakistan. Its clear that there is no security concern, perhaps you are concerned about your security. We will provide fool proof security to your team.

    Even if you are not ready to come then tell us the main reason. We will consider your opinion and provide solutions. But they are not ready to talk and are just saying we will not travel to Pakistan, our government will not allow us.”

    Najam Sethi further elaborated that Pakistan had asked if there is any letter from the Indian government. “Show that in the meeting or to media, then both countries will solve the issue diplomatically but they are not showing any letter,” he stressed.

    He said that a hybrid model has been proposed for Asia Cup.

    “We proposed that if India will not want to play in Pakistan that they can play in another country but we are the host and we will decide which country they will play in. We consider their opinions and suggestions but the decision is all ours.

    We have done all the work and logistics. We are just waiting for their call. If they signal a green light to hybrid model that we will play; if they create more hurdles, then we will definitely show the red card,” he warned.

  • No decision about new PSL teams, but Najam Sethi desires more franchises

    No decision about new PSL teams, but Najam Sethi desires more franchises

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi has revealed that they have not contacted anyone in regard to establishing new teams in Pakistan Super league (PSL). His comment came in the backdrop of excitement among PSL fans after Javed Afridi revealed that Sialkot or Faisalabad might get to become part of the League. “We discussed new teams in PSL but existing franchises have revenue issues. But it is my desire to have two new teams,” he said.

    Najam Sethi assured fans that, “A lot of potential buyers are ready to purchase the two new teams in PSL.”

    “So I think Javed Afridi has fired the first shot that Faisalabad and Sialkot will be the two new teams in PSL. We haven’t had any discussions with the franchises, we didn’t make any decision, but it’s my desire that at least two new teams should be added,” he said.

    However, Sethi also recognized the valid concerns of the existing franchises, about potential revenue loss and the impact on market saturation.

    “There are a lot of concerns from the franchises regarding their revenues and whether the market can take it or not. And for this, we have to sit and discuss the issue because without them, we can’t move forward,” Sethi emphasized.

    Reiterating that all franchises have to be part of the consultation process, Sethi said that many people are interested in buying these two teams. “If the addition of these two teams is coming in the PSL, then there will be a win-win situation for all,” he added.

    The 74-year-old also reassured the existing franchises that they would not suffer any loss and instead, make a profit from this decision:
    “I assured the rest of the teams that the revenue will be increased, not decreased. Trust me, you will make profit instead. I promise to the rest of the teams that you will not suffer any loss. If you face any loss we will help you in this matter.”

    Speaking about the possibility of taking the PSL to the United States, Sethi said that many people had approached him with the idea.

    PCB chief also mentioned that the board will conduct an internal debate to consider the possibility of switching to an auction system for selecting teams in the PSL. Under an auction model, each team would have a certain amount of money to bid for players, while the highest bidder would acquire the player’s services.
    “We will do an internal debate on this [introducing auction model in PSL],” he concluded.

  • Islamabad police all set to provide foolproof security to New Zealand team

    Islamabad police all set to provide foolproof security to New Zealand team

    The Islamabad police has said on Sunday that they were “fully equipped” to provide end-to-end “fool-proof and world-class” security to the New Zealand cricket team during their upcoming series in which five T20I and five One Day International (ODI) matches will be played.

    The Black Caps are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on April 9 (today) for the limited-overs series set to begin on April 14 in Lahore.

    A day earlier, sources in the police department told Geo News that police have refused to provide security, saying they “do not have resources” and claimed that it is the responsibility of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to provide the same for security.

    The sources said that police personnel are busy with deployment at free flour distribution centres, ongoing census and other activities related to the holy month of Ramadan.

    However, Inspector General of Police Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has now said that the Islamabad police have provided the highest level of security during the visit of the English cricket team and Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) eighth edition “flawlessly” in 2022-23.

    “Police shall be playing a key role for provision of flawless security in collaboration with other stakeholders in Islamabad and Rawalpindi,” he assured.

    The touring teams stay at a hotel in the capital and travel to the Pindi Cricket Stadium for matches.

    Pakistan v New Zealand schedule:
    April 14 — 1st T20I, Lahore

    April 15 — 2nd T20I, Lahore

    April 17 — 3rd T20I, Lahore

    April 20 — 4th T20I, Rawalpindi

    April 24 — 5th T20I, Rawalpindi

    April 26 — 1st ODI, Rawalpindi

    April 30 — 2nd ODI, Karachi

    May 3 — 3rd ODI, Karachi

    May 5 — 4th ODI, Karachi

    May 7 — 5th ODI, Karachi

  • Fact Check: Did Naseem Shah really propose to Indian actress Urvashi Rautela?

    Fact Check: Did Naseem Shah really propose to Indian actress Urvashi Rautela?

    Naseem Shah, Pakistani right arm fast bowler, has once again been linked to Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela.
    A video went viral on social media recently in which the star cricketer seemingly proposes to Urvashi Rautela, however, the video is fake.

    The video is heavily edited and merges two clips, presented to mislead the viewer.

    The video is from a Gillette promotional event in which a journalist asked the cricketer about Urvashi. Shah replied that he did not know her and then the second question about his marriage in which he answered, “Aagar dulah tayyar hoi to shadi kar lyn gay”.

    The master mind merge two clips and viral the video on social media to create a controversy but the fact is video is fake and edited.
    Previously there were rumors that Urvashi and Indian wicket keeper batsman Rishabh Pant are in a relationship but there has been no confirmation.

    Naseem Shah is a talented Pakistani cricketer known for his impressive pace and promising potential. The youngster from Lower Dir made his debut for the national team in 2019, becoming the youngest player to play in a Test match at just 16 years old.

  • Sialkot or Faisalabad? Javed Afridi hints at two new teams for PSL

    Javed Afridi, the owner of Peshawar Zalmi, has set rumor mills ablaze with a hint that two new teams might be debuting in next year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    While answering a Q/A on Facebook, Afridi revealed the names of two teams when a desperate fan asked, “Is there any chance of new franchises in PSL? If yes then tell me tha names”
    In reply Javed Afridi wrote that Faisalabad or Sialkot will be debuting.

    While there has been no official confirmation from the PSL management about the addition of new teams, the news has sparked excitement among cricket fans in Pakistan.

    Previously, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) management committee chairman, Najam Sethi, had stated that the number of teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) can be increased to ten due to high demand.

    “There is immense pressure to increase the number of teams in PSL, but unfortunately, Ehsan Mani and Ramiz Raja agreed with the franchises that only six teams will play in the next two years. However, it was an eight-team project. We have to convince the franchises to include two more teams.

    No one will lose anything; if a franchise suffers a loss, the PCB will take responsibility. But there is a high demand to include two more teams, and it will be more successful with many people showing interest in being part of it. Let me tell you, even if there were ten teams now, all of them would be sold due to the high demand.” he said.

  • Here are the final squads of both Pak and NZ teams for the upcoming series

    Here are the final squads of both Pak and NZ teams for the upcoming series

    Pakistan will host New Zealand for a long awaited series, with five T20 internationals and five One Day internationals schedule to begin on April 14. The series has crucial significance for both teams as World Cup 2023 looms ahead towards the end of the year.

    Both teams are ready to put in extra effort in the series as the matches will be a tester for both teams’ weaknesses and strengths.

    New Zealand had pulled out of the Pakistan tour just before the start of the first ODI in 2021 citing a security threat. Now they will be playing extra games on this tour. This is the second time they are touring Pakistan in the space of five months.

    Across last December and January, they played two Tests that ended 0-0, followed by a three-match ODI series that New Zealand won 2-1.

    Pakistan has named full-strength squads for both the ODI and T20I series. Regular captain Babar Azam makes a comeback, along with the leader of the bowling attack Shaheen Shah Afridi. Senior players like Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf are also back following the rest they were given in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.

    New Zealand, meanwhile, have been forced to name a severely depleted squad with most of their first-choice players occupied in the IPL. Tom Latham, who last played T20Is in 2021, will return to lead them in both formats.

    New Zealand will be banking on the experience they gained in their ODI series victory earlier this year in Pakistan, expecting to capitalise on the inputs of Saqlain Mushtaq, head coach of the Pakistan side until two months back. Saqlain has joined the New Zealand camp as an assistant coach.
    Here are the squads for both teams:

    PAK v NZ, 2023 T20I squad: Full team list for Pakistan v New Zealand T20Is
    Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zaman Khan

    New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Dane Cleaver, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner

    PAK v NZ, 2023 ODI squad: Full team list for Pakistan v New Zealand ODIs
    Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Usama Mir

    New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner