Author: News Desk

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the selection process behind the Pakistan cricket team for the upcoming tri-series and Champions Trophy 2025.

This announcement was followed by heavy criticism of the selection committee. 

Highly reliable sources within the PCB have, however, dismissed claims of political influence, insisting that the selection was made solely by the selection committee.

“The team was selected entirely by the selection committee. The perception of political influence is incorrect,” PCB sources stated.

According to reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had no involvement in the selection process at any stage. “The chairman does not interfere in team selection. The selectors, including Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah, made the final call. While Captain Mohammad Rizwan was consulted, the selectors decided on the final squad. Mohsin Naqvi only approved their selection,” the source clarified.

A key member of the selection committee strongly refuted allegations of favouritism. “We selected the best possible squad based on merit. The idea that political interference or personal preferences played a role is completely false,” he said.

“Aamer Jamal’s recent form worked against him, while the selectors considered Faheem Ashraf a better option. Quetta Gladiators had already picked him up in the PSL’s platinum category before making it to the national team. Similarly, Khushdil Shah earned his place through consistent performances,” the source added.

Regarding Shadab Khan’s omission, the source claimed that he was dropped because of his “poor form,” adding that “Some former cricketers are fueling these false narratives of external influence to discredit the selection committee and the Pakistani system.”

Sources also confirmed that national selectors will choose the final playing XI during the Champions Trophy and tri-series. “The head coach, Aaqib Javed, is also a selector, along with Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Aleem Dar, and Hasan Cheema. While Captain Mohammad Rizwan will be consulted, the final decision will rest with the selectors,” the source revealed.

Defending the recent selection policies, sources highlighted the team’s improved performance. “Since the selection policy was revised, the team has been delivering good results. Pakistan won two Test matches against England and one against the West Indies. Our ODI team has won a series in Australia and South Africa. This proves that the selectors’ decisions are benefiting the team,” sources said.

“If Mohammad Rizwan gets injured during either tournament, Usman is a better option than Haseebullah or Mohammad Haris,” the source explained.

Lastly, PCB sources dismissed claims that any player was selected owing to political affiliations. “A player may have personal political associations, but the notion that selections were made based on political grounds is baseless,” they concluded.

PCB announced 15 members of the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday. 

The squad included Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir,  Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Rizwan, Usman Khan,  Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Sheheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Muhammad Hasnain.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering to hold two of this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Peshawar, after nearly two decades. 

As part of the preparations, a representative from the International Cricket Council (ICC) recently visited the Arbab Niaz Stadium to assess its readiness. During the visit, police officials provided a detailed briefing on the security arrangements. 

According to them, security measures for foreign players were reviewed, including those for the ground, pavilion area, hotel routes and the surrounding stadium premises.

To ensure a smooth experience for the public, proposals are also being considered for a shuttle service, drone monitoring, and even the construction of a helipad near the stadium.

Police authorities have assured that adequate security arrangements will be made for foreign players.

The last international match at Arbab Niaz Stadium was played in 2006 between Pakistan and India. If approved, the return of PSL matches would mark a significant milestone in reviving cricket in Peshawar.

Former Pakistan cricket team opener Ahmed Shehzad has opened up about alleged politics and grouping that he says marred the workings of the national side during his active career.

Appearing on a podcast with Ahmed Ali Butt, Shehzad was asked if he and his teammates faced allegations of grouping much like those facing the current squad. “Did standing against Lala’s [Shahid Afridi] group mean you could not survive?” Butt asked.

“Look, I don’t want to swear on anything… I don’t believe in such things. But if there’s one thing that stands out in my life, something that I take pride in… I don’t lie. Shahid Bhai was always like an elder brother and a superstar to me,” Shehzad said.

“If you were in my place… imagine being a 17-year-old in the team and idolising Shahid Afridi. Shahid Afridi himself invites you over for dinner or lunch. What would you say? ‘No, I won’t go because it will be considered a group?’. I don’t recall Shahid Bhai ever saying anything negative about anyone or influencing me in any way regarding grouping,” he added.

He went on to say their conversations were mostly about cricket and how they could improve their game. “It was mostly just Shahid Bhai and me who used to go out together. Now, can two people really form a group? That’s not how it works. Groups are usually made up of six to eight people.”

When asked who was against him at the time, the former opener said that six or seven players from Punjab were good friends of his. “But when I joined the team, I had no idea about groups at all. When I was dropped, that’s when I started noticing things. I used to look at the walls wondering what was happening… why it was happening, and who was behind it. I had no answers,” Shehzad said.

“When you go through tough times, you start analysing things. I kept working hard and tried to understand what was happening. Eventually, I found all the answers myself — not because someone told me, but because I observed and learned from my own experiences.”

“There was a time when a cricketer’s career used to last 10 to 15 years. The first five years were for grooming… and then players had careers spanning 15 to 20 years. Now, we are living in a time where careers last just one or two years. PSL has given us a lot of entertainment, but I feel it has also damaged our cricket,” Shehzad said.

Separately, the former star cricketer, in a social media post, slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee over the squad announced for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

“Fakhar’s return is happening, but we still don’t know who will open with him,” he said and questioned where would Saud Shakeel fit into the playing XI.

“The team selection shows how unprofessional the system has become,” Shehzad said and went on to criticise the inclusion of Usman Khan and Faheem Ashraf. “Their selection was based on their performances in the recent T20 tournament in Bangladesh rather than their ODI form. This was Pakistan’s preparation for a major ICC tournament that they are hosting.”

PCB announced the squad for the upcoming mega tournament on Friday. It includes Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir,  Faheem Asharf, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Rizwan, Usman Khan,  Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Sheheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Muhammad Hasnain.

While the selection of a number of players has not sit well with netizens and former cricketers alike, the PCB has until February 11 to make changes to the squad.

After that, changes will only be allowed on medical grounds, with the approval of the ICC’s Event Technical Committee.

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he considers himself the most complete footballer of all time.

In an interview with Spanish media, the 39-year-old striker expressed his views about football’s greatest player.

“People may prefer Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, or Pelé, and I respect their choices. But I believe I am the most complete footballer. I am the greatest player in football history. I have never seen anyone better than myself, and I say this truthfully from my heart,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo dismissed rumours of a long-standing rivalry with Argentinian great Lionel Messi, stating that their relationship has always been professional and respectful.

“I have never had a bad relationship with Messi. Over the past 15 years, we have shared awards and always maintained mutual respect,” he revealed. 

He acknowledged that both he and Messi have given their best for their respective teams. “Messi defended his club and national team, and I did the same for mine,” Ronaldo said.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s statements are bound to spark further debate among football fans as arguments about the greatest player of all time continues.

Ronaldo has signed a contract for an additional season with Al-Nassr for 183 million euros.