Category: Sports

Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Shahid Afridi, has suggested that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi should choose between his various current responsibilities and focus on one role.

According to Afridi, he recently met with General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, in Rawalpindi, extending his condolences on the passing of General Munir’s mother.

During the meeting, Afridi said, “The PCB is a 24/7 job, and as a result, Naqvi should opt between his position at the Ministry of Interior and the PCB.” He acknowledged Naqvi as a hardworking individual but emphasized that “he cannot effectively manage both roles and contribute as much to cricket as he might wish.”

Afridi added, “Cricket is the only major source of entertainment in the country. It demands full-time commitment, so Naqvi should relinquish one of his responsibilities and focus on his role at the PCB.”

Further reports indicate that during the T20 World Cup in the United States in June, Mohsin Naqvi had offered Afridi a role within the PCB. However, Afridi declined the offer, citing his existing commitments as the reason for his inability to take on the additional responsibility.

Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has defended his recent criticism of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying his comments were not meant to attack the league but to push for its growth. In his latest statement, he clarified that he is not angry but deeply hurt by the stagnation of the PSL, which he believes is no longer progressing as it once did.

In response to the backlash, Tareen said, “I had no intention of making these statements, but when discussions about the PSL began, I had to be honest. I’m not angry—I’m hurt. I am a stakeholder and a major investor in the PSL. Every year, our team incurs losses, yet we continue to participate because I genuinely want this league to grow.”

“We keep doing the same things every year—same format, same ideas, same tournaments. If a league is not growing, it means it is slowly declining, and that truly pains me,” he added.

Tareen’s remarks had earlier drawn criticism from Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal, who accused him of publicly undermining the league.

“Since the start of PSL, many doubted us—critics from India and even some local TV channels. But what truly hurts is when one of our own, a team owner, chooses to publicly ridicule and disrespect this league despite its continuous growth. PSL is Pakistan’s pride, a product that has made stars,”  Salman Iqbal wrote on X.

The dispute began when Ali Tareen questioned the claim that PSL 10 would be the best edition yet. While acknowledging improved stadium conditions, he argued that the overall tournament structure remained unchanged.

“How is PSL 10 bigger and better? We’ve had nail-biting finishes every year, the same four stadiums, the same experience. Yes, the stadiums are improved, but does that make it the best and biggest PSL ever? No. I’m tired of these empty claims,” he had said earlier.

Tareen also criticised the PSL’s decision to feature Ali Zafar as the anthem singer once again, questioning why the league was not giving new artists a chance.

Pakistani opener batter Saim Ayub has been declared fully fit by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical panel. The opening batter had been sidelined after an ankle injury but has now successfully completed his rehabilitation.

According to reports, Saim, along with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, is set to join Peshawar Zalmi today. Most of Zalmi’s squad members have already reported to the team management as preparations for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season intensify.

The Peshawar Zalmi squad will hold its first practice session at the Islamabad Club. Meanwhile, team captain Babar Azam will join the squad upon his return from New Zealand.

Saim Ayub had been recovering from an ankle injury in London. Following his rehabilitation, he returned to Pakistan and celebrated Eid with his family in Karachi.

The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League is scheduled to take place from 11 April to 18 May, with matches set to be played in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

England has named right-handed batter Harry Brook as the new captain of its men’s white-ball team, following Jos Buttler’s decision to step down after the team’s early exit from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Brook, who previously led England during an ODI series against Australia in September last year in Buttler’s absence, also captained the national side at the 2018 ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup in New Zealand.

Expressing his excitement over the new role, Brook stated, “It’s a real honour to be named England’s white-ball captain. Ever since I was a kid playing cricket at Burley in Wharfedale, I dreamed of representing Yorkshire, playing for England, and maybe one day leading the team.”

“To now be given that chance means a great deal to me. I want to thank my family and coaches, who’ve supported me every step of the way. Their belief in me has made all the difference, and I wouldn’t be in this position without them,” he said.

“There’s so much talent in this country, and I’m looking forward to getting started, moving us forward, and working towards winning series, World Cups and major events. I’m excited to get going and give it everything I’ve got,” he added in a statement issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday.

At 26, Brook has been an integral part of England’s white-ball squad since his debut in January 2022. Currently ranked number two in the ICC Test rankings, he has played 26 ODIs, scoring 816 runs at an average of 34, with a highest score of 110. In T20Is, he has featured in 44 matches, with a top score of 81, and was part of England’s victorious 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad under Buttler’s captaincy.

Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, expressed his confidence in Brook’s leadership. He said, “I’m delighted that Harry Brook has accepted the role as England’s white-ball captain across both formats. He’s been part of our succession planning for some time, albeit this opportunity has come slightly earlier than expected.”

“Harry is not only an outstanding cricketer but also has an excellent cricketing brain and a clear vision for both teams that will help drive us towards winning more series, World Cups and major global tournaments,” he added.

Brook’s first assignment as captain will be a three-match ODI series followed by three T20Is against the West Indies, starting on May 29 at Edgbaston. The series marks the beginning of England’s preparations for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, as well as the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

The ICC has once again fined the Pakistan cricket team for a slow over-rate in the third ODI against New Zealand.

Already penalised in the first two matches for the same offence, the team repeated the mistake and incurred another fine in the third match.

They fell one over short, resulting in a five percent deduction from their match fee.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan accepted the mistake and acknowledged the team’s shortcomings.

New Zealand whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 in the three-match ODI series. Prior to this, they had also defeated the Green Shirts 4-1 in the five-match ODI series.

Scottish leg spinner Abtaha Maqsood has expressed her excitement about playing in Pakistan, calling it a special moment for her.

Currently in Lahore for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, the 25-year-old cricketer has represented Scotland in 8 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 57 T20 Internationals.

Speaking to a private news channel in Lahore, Abtaha Maqsood shared her feelings about being back in Pakistan. “My parents are from Lahore, and it feels great to be back here,” she said.

She revealed that her passion for cricket was inspired by her father, who is a huge cricket fan: “Because of him, I developed an interest in cricket. I used to play with my brother and father in our home garden, and that’s where my love for the game began.”

“I have never played in Pakistan before. It has been eight years since I last visited, and meeting my relatives here has been wonderful. Getting the opportunity to play at Gaddafi Stadium is something very special for me,” she added.

When asked about her role models, Abtaha named several cricketers who inspired her. “I have a few role models, and the king of spin, Shane Warne, is one of them. I watch his videos a lot. I am also a big fan of Imran Khan. He is a role model for me and my family,” she stated.

Regarding her current goals, Abtaha emphasised the importance of qualifying for the World Cup. “Our biggest target right now is to qualify for the World Cup. That is why we are here—we want to play another World Cup,” she said.

She also mentioned that she follows Pakistan cricket and has a favourite player on the team. “Of course, I watch Pakistan cricket. My favourite player at the moment is Babar Azam. He is an incredible batter,” she added.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed reports claiming that Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has resigned from his position.

According to PCB officials, the speculation was dismissed, stating that neither the Federal Interior Minister nor the PCB Chairman has stepped down. The rumours began circulating on various sports websites and social media platforms after Naqvi was elected as President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), with claims that he might resign as a result of increased responsibilities.

Adding to the controversy, former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal publicly called for Mohsin Naqvi’s resignation, criticising the national team’s continuous poor performances.

Addressing Naqvi directly, he said, “If you cannot control these embarrassing defeats and the team’s performance, then resign and go home. Don’t further damage the credibility of the cricket board.”

Despite the criticism and ongoing speculation, Mohsin Naqvi remains in his role as PCB Chairman.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the names of its star-studded commentary panel for the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

According to the official statement, former England captains Sir Alastair Cook, Mark Nicholas, Dominic Cork, JP Duminy, Mike Haysman, Martin Guptill, and Athar Ali Khan will be part of the commentary team.

Two-time Women’s World Cup-winning Australian cricketer Lisa Sthalekar will also make her PSL commentary debut this season.

Pakistan’s former captains Ramiz Raja, Waqar Younis, and Aamer Sohail, along with Bazid Khan, Urooj Mumtaz, and cricket analyst Sikandar Bakht, will also be on the panel. Notably, the Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram will be making his PSL debut as a commentator.

For the first time, PSL will feature full Urdu commentary, with Tariq Saeed, Ali Younis, Aqeel Samar, Marina Iqbal, and Salman Butt taking on the responsibility.

Renowned presenters Zainab Abbas and Erin Holland will host the matches throughout the tournament.

The 10th edition of PSL is set to take place from April 11 to May 18, with matches scheduled in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan.

A new nameplate reading Imran Khan Cricket Stadium has been installed at the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, despite strong opposition from political parties, the late Arbab Niaz’s family, and various public figures.

Labourers were seen putting up the signboard at the stadium, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations. Originally named after former federal sports minister Arbab Niaz Muhammad, the facility was constructed in 1984 and remains the only international cricket ground in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Reports indicate that even former Prime Minister Imran Khan opposed renaming the stadium in his honour. Additionally, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) governor publicly expressed disapproval of the decision, deeming it inappropriate. Despite these objections, the new signage has been installed as part of the ongoing refurbishment project.

The Arbab Niaz Stadium has not hosted an international match in 19 years, with the last being a Pakistan vs India ODI on 6 February 2006. Security concerns have prevented further international fixtures, and the venue is unlikely to host Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches this year.

Recently, representatives from the International Cricket Council (ICC) visited the site to evaluate its security and overall readiness for international events and future PSL seasons.

The Pakistan Long-Range Rifle Team has made history by winning double gold at the South Africa F-Class National Long-Range Championship 2025. The Pakistani team triumphed in both team events, defeating the world’s top-ranked team South Africa on their home ground.

March 2025 saw the Pakistani team participate in a four-day wind training camp in South Africa, running from March 27 to March 30. The camp was conducted under the supervision of newly appointed South African wind coaches Hennie Gerber and Julius Hartmann. The training aimed to prepare the team for the upcoming European F-Class Teams Championship in September 2025 in the UK and the World Championship in 2026.

The Vice President’s Team Match witnessed Pakistan scoring 1168 out of 1200 points, securing the gold medal. The Chairman’s Team Cup- considered the most prestigious event of the championship- saw Pakistan achieve an impressive score of 1174 out of 1200, getting them another gold medal.

Team members included Lieutenant General Ahsan, Asad Waheed, Ubaid Ibrahim, Huzaifa Gul, Junaid Waqas, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali, and Sepoy Waleed. South African wind coaches Hennie Gerber and Julius Hartmann provided coaching support.

Individual Achievements

Pakistan also dominated the individual competitions, winning a total of 11 medals: five gold, three silver, and three bronze.

Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali showcased remarkable consistency and skill, earning three gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.

Sepoy Waleed won gold in the Scottish Sword Match.

Ubaid Ibrahim secured silver, while Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali won bronze in the State President First Stage event.

Asad Waheed claimed gold in the Jack Michley Match.

Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali won gold in the Free State Buzley Match.

Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali secured silver in the Dalrymple Cup.

Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali clinched another gold in the Colonel Bodley Match.

The State President Second Stage event saw Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali earn a silver medal.

The State President Overall Trophy had Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali winning gold, while Ubaid Ibrahim secured bronze.

The South Africa Championship Aggregate Overall saw Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Ali bag a bronze medal.

Pakistan’s outstanding performance at the South Africa F-Class National Long-Range Championship 2025 has solidified its position as a dominant force in the global long-range shooting arena. With eyes set on the European Championship and the 2026 World Championship, the team’s latest triumph serves as a testament to their skill, dedication, and rigorous training.