Tag: PCB

  • ‘When you have your crowd then you get the support’: Saud Shakeel

    ‘When you have your crowd then you get the support’: Saud Shakeel

    Pakistan paid a heavy price for being “under extra pressure” in their World Cup defeat by arch-rivals India, said batsman Saud Shakeel, who Wednesday lamented the absence of the team’s passionate supporters from the tournament.

    Pakistan were thrashed by seven wickets on Saturday at Ahmedabad’s 132,000-capacity stadium where there was only a handful of Pakistani supporters.

    Babar Azam’s team slumped from a solid 155-2 in the 30th over to be dismissed for a paltry 191.

    “I think we were under extra pressure so we tried to get out of that and wanted to play shots,” Shakeel told AFP on Wednesday.

    The smattering of Pakistani fans at the game were expatriates from the United Kingdon and United States.

    Supporters from across the border are effectively banned after a failure to gain visas.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday lodged an official complaint with the world governing body over the visa delays which have also kept many members of the country’s media at home.

    The PCB also complained over what they described as the “inappropriate behaviour” of Indian fans towards the Pakistan squad at the Ahmedabad game.

    “When you have your crowd then you get the support. We did not get that and it was not in our hands,” added Shakeel.

    Despite an eighth loss in eight World Cup meetings with their arch-rivals, Pakistan are still well-placed in the tournament after wins over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.

    Middle-order batsman Shakeel scored 68 against the Netherlands before making 31 in the game with Sri Lanka. He was out for just six against India.

    Next up for Pakistan is another high-profile duel, this time with five-time champions Australia in Bengaluru on Friday.

    “The mistakes we committed in the last game, we must overcome them. That match is gone. If we win against Australia then our position will get better,” added Shakeel.

    “Australia are always good in the World Cup. They are a very good side. We know our strong areas and we must play good cricket.”

    “We had a good start to the tournament with two wins. We want to go match by match and not commit the mistakes we did against India.”

    On Wednesday, all the Pakistan players with the exception of Mohammad Haris trained in Bengaluru.

    Haris is still suffering from a fever which laid low many of the squad when they arrived from Ahmedabad.

    Star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and opener Abdullah Shafique were the worst hit but were present in the nets at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

  • PCB complains to ICC about inappropriate behavior by Indian crowd

    PCB complains to ICC about inappropriate behavior by Indian crowd

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the inappropriate behavior of the Indian crowd during the World Cup match between Pakistan and India in Ahmedabad.

    In the biggest match of the ICC Cricket World Cup on October 14, although India’s performance dominated Pakistan, giving the host country a seven wicket win, inappropriate behavior by the fans at the Ahmedabad Stadium drew criticism on social media.

    During the match, where Pakistani fans were not given visas among the crowd hundreds of thousands in the stadium, the inappropriate behavior of Indian fans towards the Pakistani players quickly became a lightening rod on social media.

    Indian fans were heard teasing Pakistan captain Babar Azam, while Rizwan was targeted on his way to the pavilion by fans shouting pro-Hindu slogans and using inappropriate words. Videos of the harassment also went viral.

    PCB has now complained to the ICC about inappropriate crowd behavior during the match between Pakistan and India in Ahmedabad.

    The PCB told the ICC that the Pakistani squad was inappropriately targeted during the match, protesting to the governing body about the delay in Indian visas of Pakistani journalists and fans.

  • Abdullah Shafiq ko hogya bukhaar

    Abdullah Shafiq ko hogya bukhaar

    Pakistan’s opening batsman Abdullah Shafique has contracted fever ahead of the national’s team match against Australia on October 20, team sources have told Geo News’s reporter Faizan Lakhani on Tuesday.

    As per team management, earlier Fakhar Zaman was suffering from knee pain, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usama Mir were suffering from fever, however, all three have now recovered.

    Reports state that the team underwent comprehensive medical examinations as part of the COVID-19 and dengue fever protocol.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday rejected media reports that claimed several players have contracted an infection.

    “Thankfully, there is no viral infection or disease,” a PCB spokesperson said after reports triggered speculations.

    The team also changed their training sessions multiple times lending credence to these reports.

    “Those who are in the stage of recovery remain under the team medical panel’s observation,” the spokesperson added.

    Meanwhile, the team also rescheduled a training session after cancelling it earlier today.

    Pakistan team will have a two-hour training session at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium today (Tuesday) from 6pm to 8pm in Bengaluru.

    Assuring concerned fans, sources stated to Lakhani, “There is no concern about the health of players.”

    “Some players got fever in the past few days, and most of them have fully recovered from it. Those who are in the stage of recovery remain under the team medical panel’s observation,” said the Pakistan team’s spokesman.

    Schedule of Pakistan’s remaining matches

    October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru

    October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai

    October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai

    October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata

    November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)

    November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

    Day matches will start at 10:00am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30pm (PST).

    Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

    Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

    Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

  • Indian journalists slam govt for not giving visas to Pakistani correspondents

    Indian journalists slam govt for not giving visas to Pakistani correspondents

    Senior Indian journalist Rajdeep Sardesai expressed disappointment on his government’s continuous delay in issuing visas for Pakistani journalists, stating that if Pakistan is playing the World Cup in India, visas cannot be denied to journalists.

    Rajdeep Sardesai asked why should journalists be politically demotivated. “We should adopt the attitude of good hosts,” he remarked, saying that he will expect the same from Islamabad in the future.

    Read More: World Cup 2023: Pakistani cricket presenter Zainab Abbas sent back from India due to safety concerns

    It should be noted that the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Zaka Ashraf, contacted Foreign Secretary Cyrus Sajjad Qazi in regards to the issuance of Indian visas to Pakistanis for the cricket World Cup.

    Here are some more reactions of Twitter users:

  • ‘Naseem complained about injury but medical team didn’t take it seriously’: Moin Khan

    ‘Naseem complained about injury but medical team didn’t take it seriously’: Moin Khan

    The hearts of countless Pakistan cricket lovers were left broken when fast bowling sensation Naseem Shah was ruled out of the World Cup squad because of an injury.

    In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, former cricketer Moin Khan has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical team for their poor handling of the young cricketer’s injury, as a result of which he had to miss out on the major event.

    “Naseem’s injury is a disaster of Pakistan’s team medical panel and physiotherapist,” Moni stated. “Because he has been constantly complaining that he is having problem since three to four months yet they were continuously playing him. A player would always wish to not get dropped but when he is telling you about his injury, you have to take it very seriously. The medical panel didn’t take it seriously. This was a recipe for disaster.”

    The former captain urged PCB to hold the medical board accountable for their mismanagement, as a result of which Pakistan’s cricket team lost an impressive bowler like Naseem.

    “The authorities in PCB should task them [medical panel] because we suffered a great loss ahead of World Cup when Naseem was in form and was bowling extraordinarily. And which is why now we have to take Hassan Ali. Hassan Ali is an experienced bowler, who has been through similar circumstances. From that point of view, this decision is suitable and Hassan Ali’s selection is justified.”

    “The feedback of medical panel in the selection is essential. Particularly to the captain that how you have to manage a player’s workload. All of your players are talented. This shouldn’t be the approach that you will spend the rest of the year with the same combination, you cannot do that, it’s difficult.”

    In a tweet, Naseem Shah announced his absence from the World Cup, writing:

    “With a heavy heart, I’m sharing that I will not be part of this amazing team that will be representing our beloved country. While I’m disappointed, I believe everything is in Allah’s hands. InshahAllah will be on the field very soon. Thank you to all my fans for the prayers!”

  • India thrashes Sri Lanka to win Asia Cup title for 8th time

    India won the Asia Cup title for a record eighth time by defeating defending champions Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday. India easily chased down Sri Lanka’s target of just 51 runs in 6.1 overs, winning the match by 10 wickets to become Asian champions.

    Shubman Gul and Ishan Kishan remained unbeaten on 27 runs and 23 runs respectively for India.

    It should be noted that India has won the title of Asia Cup the most times.

    In the final played at Wilambo, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat against India, which turned out to be the wrong decision.

    The Lankan batting started with a delay due to rain, but as soon as the match started, the Sri Lankan batting line-up was decimated, with 6 wickets down for just 12 runs. Sri Lankan players could not even enter double figures, with Kaushal Mendes becoming top scorer with 17 runs. Five Sri Lankan players were bowled out for zero.

    India captain Rohit Sharma said on the occasion of the toss that if his team had won the toss, they would have batted first.

    Read More: Did we lose the match because of Shehbaz’s tweets? X users say yes

  • Naseem Shah’s international career at risk as cricket board awaits crucial scans

    Naseem Shah’s international career at risk as cricket board awaits crucial scans

    Pakistan’s fast bowler, Naseem Shah, is facing the grim prospect of missing the entire World Cup due to a severe right shoulder injury that has been revealed to be more serious than initially anticipated. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively considering seeking a second medical opinion, but initial scans conducted in Dubai indicate that this injury may sideline him for the remainder of the year. 

    If subsequent medical assessments corroborate the initial findings, Naseem could potentially face an extended period of absence from the cricket arena. His participation in the upcoming Test series in Australia, scheduled for the beginning of the year, now hangs in the balance. Furthermore, there is a growing concern that he might also be unavailable for the next edition of the Pakistan Super League in 2024. 

    Naseem Shah’s injury ordeal commenced during Pakistan’s recent clash against India in the Asia Cup. He had to leave the field during the 46th over on the reserve day designated for that game and was subsequently ruled out of the tournament.

    The PCB had advocated for the inclusion of the reserve day in the schedule, particularly for the India match, as a concession following the decision not to move the matches to Hambantota, a venue expected to offer drier conditions. It was on this very reserve day that Naseem sustained the injury, specifically to a muscle located just below his bowling shoulder. This injury is distinct from any prior shoulder issues he may have had. 

    According to ESPNcricinfo, Naseem Shah’s absence from the World Cup, along with his uncertain participation in the upcoming Australian series, represents a significant setback for Pakistan. In the past year, Naseem has transitioned from being a specialist red-ball bowler to becoming an integral part of Pakistan’s bowling attack across all formats. His current form indicates that he is the standout performer among Pakistan’s highly regarded trio of fast bowlers, which includes Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. 

    The PCB is expected to make an official decision once they receive the results of his follow-up scans in the coming days. During his absence from the Asia Cup, Naseem Shah was replaced by Zaman Khan, while Mohammad Hasnain, another potential replacement, is currently nursing an injury. 

    Naseem has grappled with injury issues early in his cricketing career. A back injury, sustained just a year into his international career when he was only 17, sidelined him from the sport for a lengthy 14 months. Six weeks after his return, he suffered a shoulder injury during his debut in the County Championship with Gloucestershire, which kept him out of action for another month. 

    Over the past 18 months, Naseem’s workload has considerably increased. Initially regarded as a red-ball specialist, he has evolved into a crucial bowler for Pakistan in all formats of the game. Since his ODI debut, he has emerged as Pakistan’s most potent bowler, amassing 32 wickets in just 14 matches at an impressive average of under 17. 

    Additionally, Naseem has been in high demand on the T20 circuit, recently participating in the LPL. His inclusion in the SA20 auction shortlist on Friday is now a likely casualty of his unfortunate injury situation. 

  • Did we lose the match because of Shehbaz’s tweets? X users say yes

    Did we lose the match because of Shehbaz’s tweets? X users say yes

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif is a big sports fan and tweets about cricket and tennis quite often. His tweets full of excitement during the Asia Cup about Pakistani cricketers created quite a stir, but not for the right reasons. Twitter (now X) users are blaming Shehbaz for Pakistan’s loss. Here’s why.

    On September 2 when Pakistan played its first match against India in Asia Cup 2023,Shehbaz tweeted that the Indians “CANNOT PLAY’ Shaheen Shah Afridi.

    However, in the next match between Pakistan and India, Shaheen’s performance was so bad that even his father-in-law Shahid Afridi was not happy with his performance.

    “If we ball like Naseem Shah in initial overs, the situation could have been different. Shaheen’s line and length were not good, he gets frustrated if he doesn’t get wickets in early overs because he is known as a wicket taker in the first over,” said Shahid about Shaheen.

    Pakistan lost the match to India by 228 runs.

    Pakistan lost the crucial Super 4 match against Sri Lanka yesterday and thus couldn’t qualify for the Asia Cup final.

    Shehbaz Sharif was quick to buck up the Boys in Green.

    “That was an incredible last over, Zaman. A great game of cricket indeed.”

    X users were quick to point out that after Shehbaz praised Shaheen, he performed badly and now that he has praised Zaman Khan, his career may be over. One user told Shehbaz to “stay away from cricket”.

    Here are some tweets:

  • Equal pay, new contracts, and room for improvement; what is happening in women’s cricket around the world?

    Equal pay, new contracts, and room for improvement; what is happening in women’s cricket around the world?

    Pakistan

    It is the first time that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given domestic contracts to 74 women cricketers. The period of the contracts is 11 months. 43 players are classified as emerging cricketers while 16 Under-19 cricketers. Thirteen of the players contracted have played international cricket. Among the many are Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Anam Amin, Iram Javed and Gull Feroza who previously had central contracts.

    These cricketers will be paid the same monthly retainer. However, match and appearance fees, and travel and accommodation costs, will vary. ESPNcricinfo writes that “while the salaries are relatively modest, the fact that these contracts have been awarded at all will count as progress of some kind in Pakistan. In addition, the players will be offered a share in any prize money won”.

    A PCB press release stated that domestic contracts have been given to “individuals who have displayed remarkable performances across various cricketing platforms, including domestic cricket tournaments, emerging tournaments, U-19 domestic tournament, and the ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup,”.

    “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 74 women cricketers who have earned these contracts through their sheer talent and dedication,” PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf said. “Today marks a significant and joyous occasion for the Pakistan Cricket Board as we take a historic step towards uplifting women’s cricket in our nation.

    “This initiative isn’t just about signing contracts, it’s about investing in the dreams and aspirations of these extraordinary athletes. Our women cricketers have consistently showcased exceptional skills and dedication on the field, and it is high time we provide them with the platform they deserve.”

    West Indies

    In a recent conversation on Ladies Who Switch podcast, former West Indies cricket player Deandra Dottin alluded to the country’s cricket board, emphasizing the need to prioritize the players’ “respect and resources”. She has warned that negligence can have serious repercussions for Caribbean cricket.

    Dottin reflected on the issues she encountered during her time as a cricketer. She highlighted the negligence towards the needs of the players, “both in terms of resources and respect”, reports Sports Max. Dottin emphasized that the player will not be able to perform without required attention and a supportive space:

    “To be honest, there’s been a lot going on in the camp and so much I’ve been through, so many things that needed to be sorted out, and the players not getting the respect and basically the attention because there are things that needed to be done in order for players to actually perform to the best of their ability,” she said.

    Dottin announced her retirement from international cricket a year ago, claiming that the team environment was one of the reasons for her decision. She had a distinguished career of 14 years that includes the 2016 T20 World Cup title and the first century in Women’s T20 Internationals.

    Now, Dottin is among male and female cricketers working on franchise tournaments worldwide. She is associated with teams such as Manchester Originals, Adelaide Strikers, Trinbago Knight Riders, and Barmy Army.

    She believes that these leagues have more support to offer in comparison to the West Indies setup.

    “You will see a player come into West Indies Cricket and then you actually see they disappear… it’s basically like you’re getting what you want out of me and then you just throw me aside,” Dottin said.

    South Africa

    After New Zealand and India, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announces an equal international-match fee for their men and women’s players. This news came the same day as the announcement of a six-team professional domestic system for women.

    The past 18 months for the team were a great success as they reached the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand in 2022 and then made it through to the final while hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup this year.

    It was the first time a senior South African team reached the World Cup final. Prominent individuals from the fraternity congregated in Tshwane on Tuesday to make the two celebratory announcements.

    Teams in South African domestic competition can now contract up to 11 players instead of 6. They will also have full-time coaches and support staff.

    “We are thrilled to unveil the Professional Women’s Cricket League, an initiative that celebrates the remarkable achievements of our national women’s cricket team and paves the way for an even brighter future,” said Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki.
    “Professionalising the women’s domestic structure has been met with enthusiasm from fans, players, and sponsors alike.”

  • ‘PCB should delete the video and apologise,’ Wasim Akram shocked at cricket tribute video ‘minus the great Imran Khan’

    On Pakistan’s Independence Day, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), paying tribute to Pakistan cricket over the years. “Making history isn’t just about one day, it’s about the legends we create and the tales we script…Pakistan Cricket Team – a legacy that echoes through time,” tweeted PCB with the video.

    https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1691091543350771712

    Interestingly, the video did not show former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan except for a short glimpse. You’d probably miss him if you blinked. Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani noticed this “bareek kaam”.

    PCB has come under fire since posting the video.

    Former cricket captain and one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, Wasim Akram, slammed PCB in a tweet.

    “After long flights and hours of transit before reaching Sri Lanka, I got the shock of my life when I watched PCB’s short clip on the history of Pakistan cricket minus the great Imran Khan… political differences apart but Imran Khan is an icon of world cricket and developed Pakistan into a strong unit in his time and gave us a pathway… PCB should delete the video and apologise,” tweeted Wasim Akram on X (former Twitter).

    Caretaker Sports Minister and former pacer Wahab Riaz also criticised the PCB in a press conference.

    “We can never forget the ’92 World Cup. We can never forget the captain. We have always idealised him [Khan] and Insha’Allah, I believe the young generation will also idealise their stars,” said Wahab Riaz.

    Imran Khan is considered to be one of the best and most iconic players in Pakistan’s cricket history. Khan played 88 Tests and 175 ODIs for Pakistan. Khan also led Pakistan to its first series victory in England in 1987 and under his captaincy, Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup.

    Former Captain Pakistan Women’s Cricket Urooj Mumtaz Khan took a dig at PCB and posted, “Imran Khan will go down in history as one of the greats of the global game!”

    Here are some other reactions from users on X (former Twitter):