Category: Sports

Pakistan team’s opening batter Fakhar Zaman has parted ways with his player agent company ‘Saya Corporation’, his elder brother announced in a social media post.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Gohar Zaman confirmed that Fakhar Zaman is no longer part of the company. Several cricketers, including white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and former captain Babar Azam, are associated with the company.

Sources indicate that Fakhar Zaman left the company due to an alleged social media post in favour of Babar Azam. It is believed that the player’s agent did not choose an appropriate time for the social media post.

Fakhar’s tweet in favour of Babar Azam:

National cricketer Fakhar Zaman had severely criticized Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to drop former captain Babar Azam in the second and third Test matches against England.

Fakhar wrote on X sitting Indian star cricketer Virat Kohli, “It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively.”

“If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team. There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them,” he wrote.

The Pakistan squad for the second and third Tests against England was announced on Sunday, while Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi have been dropped from the team.

PCB’s show-cause notice to the Fakhar:

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had taken strict action against batsman Fakhar Zaman after Zaman publicly supported Babar Azam in a tweet on X.

According to Geo, PCB has issued a show cause notice to Fakhar Zaman and asked for a reply within a week. Geo sources say that the notice was issued to Fakhar due his public criticism of the selection policy, stating that the tweet was a violation of discipline.

Fakhar Zaman dropped from central contract 2024-25:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced the central contracts for the 2024-25 season, and unfortunately, Fakhar Zaman was dropped from the list.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has explained the reason behind sacking Fakhar Zaman from the central contract.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, October 27, Naqvi said, “Any national team player cannot go around tweeting his opinion on decisions made by the selection committee.”

Commentator and former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has broken silence over criticism regarding his “belittling” conversation with national Test captain Shan Masood.

In his vlog, Ramiz Raja clarified that his intention was never to belittle Shan Masood. “It is my right to question the players, and everyone will gain respect from Pakistan’s success,” he said.

Ramiz Raja stated that no one watched the complete interview so that he won’t comment on it. He explained that his question was about the chaos after losing six matches. “I asked Shan Masood how he developed patience after those losses. Shan Masood is the age of my son, and we often discuss batting,” he added.

Ramiz Raja mentioned that he questioned Shan Masood about his issues with playing shots towards the league side. “After one win, we forget that we have many milestones to achieve. When Pakistan lost six Test matches, I did not say to remove Shan Masood. I don’t pay attention to social media talk. There is a lot of politics to keep me under pressure. People who haven’t played cricket are talking about it, and it seems that Pakistan cricket only lives on social media,” he remarked.

Ttwo days ago, Pakistan defeated England by nine wickets in the third and decisive Test match, winning the series 1-2, thanks to their spinners’ excellent bowling. This victory marked Pakistan’s first home Test series win in almost three and a half years, with their last home series win in January 2021 against South Africa.

However, despite this crucial win against England, commentator Ramiz Raja engaged in a non-serious conversation with captain Shan Masood. During the post-match conversation, Ramiz Raja sarcastically remarked on Shan Masood’s six failures as captain and suggested that spinner Noman Ali might be anaemic.

This behaviour drew severe criticism on social media. Users strongly disapproved of Ramiz Raja’s attitude at such a moment, stating that publicly insulting the national team’s captain is inappropriate.

Meanwhile, the PCB has also expressed its concerns to the broadcasters over this matter. The PCB wrote a letter to the broadcasters, informing them of Ramiz Raja’s behaviour and expressing their reservations.

The reason for former Test cricketer Aaqib Javed not being appointed as the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball team has been revealed.

Geo reported that Aaqib Javed did not have a visa, which was why Jason Gillespie was persuaded to take the role. Gillespie and Tim Nielsen then left for Australia this morning.

After Gary Kirsten resigned from the position, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Jason Gillespie as the head coach for the Australia tour. Before this, Aaqib Javed was considered a strong candidate for the head coach role.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi resolved the matter late into the night. Coach Jason Gillespie’s appointment is for an interim period.

Gary Kirsten resignation:

Head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball team, Gary Kirsten, has resigned from his position on Monday morning, sending shock waves across cricketing circles. According to sources, Kirsten decided to resign due to disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Yesterday, reports emerged that there were severe disagreements between Kirsten and the PCB regarding team selection and matters related to support staff. Kirsten had threatened not to join the team for the Australia tour if his demands were not met.

The disagreements stemmed from Kirsten’s insistence on having his way and not adhering to the contract. He was pressing for his preferences in the white-ball team and central contract categories and demanded the inclusion of his preferred foreign support staff.

Kirsten conflict wiht PCB:

According to Geo, relations between Gary Kirsten and the PCB have deteriorated due to Kirsten’s insistence on having things his way and not adhering to the contract. Kirsten was pushing his preferences in the white-ball team and central contract categories and was also demanding the inclusion of his preferred foreign support staff.

According to the contract, Gary refused to stay in Pakistan and insisted on joining the team five to six days before a series or tour. The PCB reminded him that the contract allowed for one month of leave per year. Sources also mentioned that Kirsten was reminded of his commitment to be available for 11 months, but he failed to make himself available fully during or after the Champions Cup.

Kirsten even threatened not to go to Australia until the contract for mental performance coach David Reid was clarified.

PCB has taken a firm stance on enforcing the contract and Kirsten’s demands and wants full adherence to the agreement. The board has decided not to be swayed by Kirsten’s threats and maintained that any future decisions are for Kirsten to make.

The Pakistan team will play three ODIs and three T20 Internationals in Australia, with the ODI series starting on November 4.

Pakistan’s aggressive opener Fakhar Zaman is reportedly considering retirement after being dropped from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contract, according to Urdupoint.

The aggressive batter has been asked to undergo another fitness test in January, revealing double standards. Usman Khan stopped during the third round of the 2-kilometre run but not only received a contract but also made it into the squad.

According to details, the PCB selection committee released the list of centrally contracted cricketers yesterday, and Fakhar Zaman’s name was not included. Last year, he was in the B category. Fakhar Zaman is also not included in the squads for the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.

Recently, he was invited for a fitness test but couldn’t complete the 2-kilometer run in 8 minutes. This test was used as a basis to drop him.

Some sources suggest his candid conversation at the connection camp and tweet in favour of Babar Azam also played a role. Close sources to Fakhar Zaman said he is very unhappy with the current situation. He believes he always played for the country and never prioritized records but is being treated this way. Fakhar Zaman is considering retirement but hasn’t made a final decision.

Close friends advised him not to make any emotional decisions, as he could still represent Pakistan for several more years. On the other hand, sources revealed that Imam-ul-Haq completed the run in 8 minutes and 11 seconds, while Kamran Ghulam completed it in 8 minutes and 22 seconds. Yet, Imam was excluded, and Kamran was awarded a contract.

Similarly, Usman Khan stopped during the third round of the 2-kilometre run this month but was still included among the contracted cricketers and in the teams for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours.

Despite having fewer wickets than Haris Rauf (C), Naseem Shah was placed in the B category. Shaheen Afridi, who has taken the most 80 wickets for Pakistan in all formats since July 1, 2023, was demoted from A to B category. On the other hand, Babar Azam remains in the A category despite being out of form for a long time.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written a letter to the broadcaster over Ramiz Raja’s sarcastic remarks about captain Shan Masood.

Despite the victory, Ramiz Raja had engaged in non-serious conversation with Shan Masood, repeatedly mentioning his six failures as captain and suggesting that spinner Noman Ali might be anaemic.

This behaviour drew severe criticism on social media. Cricketer Muhammad Amir also criticized Ramiz Raja, stating that instead of finding faults, credit should be given where it is due.

What Ramiz Raja said to Shan Masood?

Pakistan Cricket Board’s former chairman sarcastically remarked on Shan Masood’s six failures as captain after the post-match conversation after the series win against England.

Thanks to their spinners’ excellent bowling, Pakistan defeated England by nine wickets in the third and decisive Test match, winning the series 2-1.

This victory marked Pakistan’s first home Test series win in almost three and a half years, with their last home series win in January 2021 against South Africa.

Despite this crucial win against England, former PCB chairman and commentator Ramiz Raja made some unserious comments to captain Shan Masood.

During the post-match conversation, Ramiz Raja sarcastically remarked on Shan Masood’s six failures as captain. At one point, he even commented that it seemed like Nauman Ali was suffering from anaemia.

Ramiz Raja faced criticism on social media for his behaviour, with users strongly disapproving of his attitude at such a moment. Many felt that publicly insulting the national team’s captain was inappropriate.

Head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball team, Gary Kirsten, has resigned from his position on Monday morning, sending shock waves across cricketing circles. According to sources, Kirsten decided to resign due to disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Yesterday, reports emerged that there were severe disagreements between Kirsten and the PCB regarding team selection and matters related to support staff. Kirsten had threatened not to join the team for the Australia tour if his demands were not met.

The disagreements stemmed from Kirsten’s insistence on having his way and not adhering to the contract. He was pressing for his preferences in the white-ball team and central contract categories and demanded the inclusion of his preferred foreign support staff.

Kirsten conflict wiht PCB:

According to Geo, relations between Gary Kirsten and the PCB have deteriorated due to Kirsten’s insistence on having things his way and not adhering to the contract. Kirsten was pushing his preferences in the white-ball team and central contract categories and was also demanding the inclusion of his preferred foreign support staff.

According to the contract, Gary refused to stay in Pakistan and insisted on joining the team five to six days before a series or tour. The PCB reminded him that the contract allowed for one month of leave per year. Sources also mentioned that Kirsten was reminded of his commitment to be available for 11 months, but he failed to make himself available fully during or after the Champions Cup.

Kirsten even threatened not to go to Australia until the contract for mental performance coach David Reid was clarified.

PCB has taken a firm stance on enforcing the contract and Kirsten’s demands and wants full adherence to the agreement. The board has decided not to be swayed by Kirsten’s threats and maintained that any future decisions are for Kirsten to make.

The Pakistan team will play three ODIs and three T20 Internationals in Australia, with the ODI series starting on November 4.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has explained the reason behind sacking Fakhar Zaman from the central contract.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, October 27, Naqvi said, “Any national team player cannot go around tweeting his opinion on decisions made by the selection committee.”

Fakhar Zaman had tweeted in support of Babar Azam before the second Test match against England, after Babar was dropped from the side due to poor form. Fakhar wroite, “Dropping Babar would send a negative message to the Test team.” In his tweet, Fakhar also mentioned Virat Kohli, comparing the struggles of both players.

Muhammad Rizwan appointed captain:

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made wicketkeeper batsman Muhammad Rizwan the captain of ODI and T20 teams.

Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi announced the captain and vice-captain of the ODI and T20 teams while holding a press conference in Lahore.

Mohsin Naqvi said, “The board has made Mohammad Rizwan the captain of the ODI and T20 team, while Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the vice-captain of the ODI and T20 team.”

Chairman PCB said, “The selection committee worked very hard on the central contract, the selection committee worked non-stop in the last two tests, and the selection committee had a big hand in the victory. I will praise them.”

Mohsin Naqvi said, “We want Babar Azam to return to form. Babar Azam is an asset of Pakistan. Babar contacted me and said that he doesn’t want to play as a captain. Babar Azam had a decision; he wanted to focus on the game.”

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad for the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. The Pakistan team will play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is) in Australia, while the tour of Zimbabwe will also feature three ODIs and three T20Is.

According to a statement by the PCB, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi will be rested for the tour of Zimbabwe, while PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will announce the captain for the white-ball teams.

Performers from domestic cricket have been given more importance for the Zimbabwe tour.

For the Australia tour, the ODI squad includes Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Additionally, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, and Mohammad Hasnain are part of the team. Haseebullah, Mohammad Irfan Khan, and Naseem Shah.

The T20 squad includes Babar Azam, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, and Jehandad Khan. Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Umair bin Yousaf, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Khan.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made wicketkeeper batsman Muhammad Rizwan the captain of ODI and T20 teams.

Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi announced the captain and vice-captain of the ODI and T20 team while holding a press conference in Lahore.

Mohsin Naqvi said, “The board has made Mohammad Rizwan the captain of the ODI and T20 team, while Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the vice-captain of the ODI and T20 team.”

Chairman PCB said, “The selection committee worked very hard on the central contract, the selection committee worked non-stop in the last two tests, the selection committee has a big hand in the victory. I will praise them.”

Mohsin Naqvi said, “We want Babar Azam to return to form. Babar Azam is an asset of Pakistan. Babar contacted me and said that he doesn’t want to play as a captain. Babar Azam had a decision; he wanted to focus on the game.”

On the question regarding Fakhar Zaman, Mohsin Naqvi said, “There is an issue of Fakhar Zaman’s tweet, but the problem is more about fitness. Fakhar Zaman’s show-cause is also a problem.”

Earlier, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad for the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. The Pakistan team will play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is) in Australia, while the tour of Zimbabwe will also feature three ODIs and three T20Is.

According to a statement by the PCB, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi will be rested for the tour of Zimbabwe, while PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will announce the captain for the white-ball teams.

Performers from domestic cricket have been given more importance for the Zimbabwe tour.

For the Australia tour, the ODI squad includes Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Additionally, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, and Mohammad Hasnain are part of the team. Haseebullah, Mohammad Irfan Khan, and Naseem Shah.

The T20 squad includes Babar Azam, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, and Jehandad Khan. Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Umair bin Yousaf, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Khan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad for the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. The Pakistan team will play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is) in Australia, while the tour of Zimbabwe will also feature three ODIs and three T20Is.

According to a statement by the PCB, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi will be rested for the tour of Zimbabwe, while PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will announce the captain for the white-ball teams.

Performers from domestic cricket have been given more importance for the Zimbabwe tour.

For the Australia tour, the ODI squad includes Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Additionally, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, and Mohammad Hasnain are part of the team. Haseebullah, Mohammad Irfan Khan, and Naseem Shah.

The T20 squad includes Babar Azam, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, and Jehandad Khan. Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Umair bin Yousaf, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saim Ayub, Sufiyan Muqeem and Usman Khan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a central contract for 25 national players, but many important players failed to get the contract.

PCB has offered central contracts to 25 national players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, in the A category, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah have been placed in the B category.

Apart from this, the players who have been offered a central contract include Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha and Shan Masood. Sajid Khan, who bowled brilliantly in the Test series against England, has also been offered a C category, while Noman Ali’s offer of central contract is subject to fitness.

However, some important players have failed to get the national central contract this time.

All-rounder Muhammad Nawaz, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and all-rounder Imad Wasim did not get the central contracts. Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed and Ehsanullah have also been dropped from the central contracts.

Apart from this, Tayyab Tahir, Shahnawaz Dhani, Mohammad Haris and Zaman Khan have also lost their contract. Arshad Iqbal, Hasan Ali, Osama Mir, Fakhar Zaman and Imamul Haq also could not get the contract.

The fitness tests of Fakhar Zaman, Imamul Haq, and Usama Mir will be retaken in a few days. Three players are not in the central contract after failing the initial fitness test, the inclusion of the three players in the contract will be reviewed after the fitness test.

Sources say that till now, there is no such player who has refused to take the central contract.