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  • Pakistan football team may receive Indian Visa today

    Pakistan football team may receive Indian Visa today

    Members of the Pakistani football team may receive their visas today (Monday) to tour India for participation in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru from June 21 to July 4.

    When geo.tv correspondent reached out to All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Secretary General Shaji Parbharkaram about updates on the Pakistan team’s India’s visas, he replied via WhatsApp: “It will be done tomorrow.”

    AIFF is doing its best to manage visas for the Pakistan team, who will be going to India after nine years.

    According to sources, Pakistan team officials were set to go to India’s High Commission in Mauritius to pick up their passports on Sunday. However, they were told by the PFF Normalisation Committee to wait as AIFF was trying to manage visas for the Pakistan team.

    Pakistan team was scheduled to fly for India on Sunday at 11:30am, but it could not do so as the visas were not yet issued.

    Team management had told Mauritius football authorities that they would be able to get Indian visas on Monday (today), and they have cooperated in accommodation.

    Pakistan team is currently in the same hotel where it was for the four-nation football event, which ended on Saturday.

    Djibouti emerged as champions of the event after they downed Pakistan 3-1 in their final game on Saturday.

    According to team sources, if on Monday the team fails to get visas, then their further stay in Mauritius might be managed by Pakistan itself, which will be costly.

    “You cannot feel in what mental agony we have been for the last three days,” a team source said.

    “Everyone is worried whether they will get visas or not,” the source said.

    “The players were very excited for the SAFF Cup but the visas issues have put them in deep pain,” the source said.

    Sources said if visas are delayed further and if Pakistan moves to India on Tuesday or early Wednesday, then it will be very difficult for the Green Shirts to play their first game against India on June 21.

    “If we reach India on June 21 or the night before then the organisers should reschedule our match against India,” a source said.

  • Babar Azam and co ready to dominate in LPL: auction data released

    Babar Azam and co ready to dominate in LPL: auction data released

    The player auction phase for the fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) has concluded, revealing an exciting roster of Pakistani cricketers who will grace the event from July 31 to August 22.

    Thirteen Pakistani players will be in action, with three signing pre-auction agreements and ten securing their spots through the auction process. The B Love Kandy team made noteworthy acquisitions, securing Muhammad Hasnain for $34,000, Asif Ali for $30,000, Muhammad Haris for $20,000, and Amir Jamal for $10,000.

    Fakhar Zaman, a prominent Pakistani national player, inked a pre-auction agreement with the B Love Kandy team. Shoaib Malik and Zaman Khan were selected by the Jaffa Kings, with Malik fetching $50,000 and Khan earning $30,000.

    The Dambulla Ora team acquired Shahnawaz Dahani for $20,000, adding a talented asset to their lineup. Moving to the Colombo Strikers, they secured Iftikhar Ahmed for $50,000, Wahab Riaz for $40,000, and Mohammad Nawaz for $30,000. Additionally, captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah signed pre-auction contracts with the Colombo Strikers.

    Unfortunately, some players did not find buyers in the auction. Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Haider Ali, Umar Akmal and Sharjeel Khan were unable to secure contracts.

    The stage is set for an exhilarating LPL season, with these Pakistani players ready to showcase their talent and make an impact in the tournament.

  • Asia Cup 2023: Get ready Pakistan, ACC announces dates and venues

    Asia Cup 2023: Get ready Pakistan, ACC announces dates and venues

    Asia Cup 2023 will be held in a hybrid model with four matches taking place in Pakistan, and the remaining nine matches being played in Sri Lanka.

    The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced last night that the tournament will take place from August 31 to September 17 later this year. The tournament will feature top teams from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal, competing in 13 thrilling ODI matches.

    Nepal’s participation is particularly significant as it marks their first-ever appearance in an Asian event.

    Under the hybrid model, Pakistan will host matches between Pakistan and Nepal, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore.

    The 2023 edition will have two groups, with two teams from each group progressing to the Super Four stage.

    The top two teams from the Super Four stage will then face each other in the final. This tournament holds great importance for the Asian teams as it will provide valuable preparation for the ICC World Cup, which will take place in India.

    Previously, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup due to security concerns.

    To ensure the hosting rights of the event were preserved, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed two options in a hybrid model. The first option suggested that India play their matches at a neutral venue, while all other matches would be held in Pakistan.

    The second option proposed playing four group stage matches in Pakistan and moving the subsequent phase, including matches with the Indian team and the final, to a neutral venue. Ultimately, the second option of the hybrid model was accepted. The organizers will soon announce the complete schedule of the tournament, providing further details on the matches and venues.

  • Haris Rauf’s Barat and Walima dates revealed

    Haris Rauf’s Barat and Walima dates revealed

    Bowling sensation Haris Rauf is ready to bring his bride, Munaza Masood, home.

    According to sources, Haris will lead a procession (barat) to bring his wife home in July. The wedding ceremony and walima will be held in the first week of next month.

    The two have already held a nikkah.

    As per sources, Haris Rauf’s Barat ceremony will take place on July 6, followed by the Walima on July 7.

    A video of Haris Rauf and Munaza Masood’s Nikah was shared on Instagram by Nauman Atif Photography Studio. In the video, the Qazi can be heard mentioning the dowry of 50 tolas of gold that Haris Rauf received at the time of consent.

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cmld9dfouQM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    Haris Rauf tied the knot with Munaza Masood on December 24, 2022, last year. On the day of the wedding, Munaza opted for a beautiful ivory-colored organza pashwas designed by renowned designer Hussain Rehar.

    The price of Munaza’s wedding dress is listed at 690,000 Pakistani Rupees on Hussain Rehar’s website.

  • PCB pe PPP ka haq hai, Zaka Ashraf hee chairman baneinge: PPP leader

    PCB pe PPP ka haq hai, Zaka Ashraf hee chairman baneinge: PPP leader

    The dispute over Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s chairmanship has entered a crucial phase as the tussle for claiming the Chairman spot continues between two major coalition partners in the federal government, Pakistan, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

    PPP leader Faisal Kareem Kundi openly spoke about the chairmanship of PCB and stated that they have the right to decide who will head the board. In a conversation with Geo News in Dera Ismail Khan, Faisal Karim Kundi said that the government should utilize the skills of current Chairman Najam Sethi elsewhere.

    Hamid Mir, the host of Geo News’ program ‘Capital Talk’, mentioned that PPP believes that the Ministry of Sports falls under their control, therefore the head should also be someone from their party and not Najam Sethi. PPP wants to replace Najam Sethi with Zaka Ashraf, but PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif insists on retaining Najam Sethi at any cost. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also recently met with Sethi when he briefed the Premier about cricket developments and two upcoming mega events in September and October.

    The Prime Minister nominated Najam Sethi for the chairmanship of PCB, while Zaka Ashraf, a close friend of Asif Ali Zardari and backed by PPP, is also being considered as a strong contender for the post, according to media reports. PML-N leader and Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir, speaking on this matter, dismissed the impression of differences between the two parties.

    Later, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah stated that there is no disagreement regarding the issue of PCB Chairman. In a press conference, Rana Sanaullah emphasized that the Prime Minister always brings everyone together, and PPP chief Asif Zardari also engages in discussions. He further mentioned that any party can have an opinion on the matter of the Chairman of the Cricket Board, but there is no disagreement.

    It should be noted that Najam Sethi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a few days ago, during which Sharif instructed him to expedite the elections for PCB Chairman.

  • No conflict on chairman PCB’s seat, says Rana Sana Ullah

    No conflict on chairman PCB’s seat, says Rana Sana Ullah

    In a press conference, Rana Sanaullah declared that there is no dispute within the government over the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He mentioned that the Prime Minister always fosters inclusivity, and coalition partner Pakistan People’s Party(PPP) chief Asif Zardari engages in discussions.

    He clarified that any political party can hold different opinions regarding the appointment of the PCB Chairman, but there is no fundamental disagreement.

    Furthermore, Rana Sanaullah emphasized that there is no pressure on former Chairman Nadra, Tariq Malik. He denied any occurrence of a contentious conversation between himself and Tariq Malik’s secretary.

    It is important to note that Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Najam Sethi, recently met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the meeting, the Prime Minister directed Najam Sethi to expedite the elections for the PCB Chairman.

    Shahbaz Sharif has nominated Najam Sethi as the candidate for the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Following this nomination, Najam Sethi held a meeting with Sharif, where he briefed the Prime Minister on the upcoming Asia Cup and the World Cup in India.

    According to sources, Najam Sethi also sought the Prime Minister’s opinion on the Asia Cup and the World Cup, and the Premier expressed complete confidence in Najam Sethi.

    During the briefing, it was announced that the PCB’s 2014 constitution has been fully reinstated. Elections for the PCB districts have been completed in over 90% of the districts, and 80% of the regional elections have also been concluded.

    Additionally, it was disclosed that the Regional Inter-District Under-19 Cricket Tournament will commence on June 15. The one-year cricket calendar has been finalized and will be announced soon. All departments have begun assembling their cricket teams.

  • Clear roadmap for Pakistan’s World Cup journey to India

    Clear roadmap for Pakistan’s World Cup journey to India

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to the hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023. Now, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), in a meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other cricketing boards, has approved the model with slight amendments.

    Asia Cup 2023 is all set to be played with PCB’s hybrid model, while Pakistan retains the hosting rights.

    The PCB favors the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue, considering it a smart and effective revenue gateway for Pakistan. However, other boards, including the Indian Cricket Board, argued for an alternative venue. Consequently, the ACC has finalized Sri Lanka as the neutral venue for the tournament. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will now co-host the Asia Cup 2023.

    According to the proposed hybrid model, the first four or five matches will be played in Pakistan, with the remainder of the tournament moving to Sri Lanka, where India will have the opportunity to play their group matches.


    The PCB had been ready to show flexibility over a tit-for-tat stance for the World Cup had the Indian board rejected the hybrid model. The former had also expected the Pakistan government to grant approval for the country’s team to travel to India for the 50-over showpiece “much easily” if the proposed model was accepted.

    It is, therefore, understood that Pakistan will feature in India for the first time since 2016. Whether they take on the hosts, their arch-rivals, in Ahmedabad as proposed in a draft schedule sent by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the boards of the participating sides is also to be decided by the country’s government.

    As per media reports, the PCB, having received the draft schedule as well, has started it’s consultations with the government over the fixture list and a decision is expected to be made in the coming week.

    That would also mean that the official schedule of the World Cup will be released just over three months ahead of the first game of the tournament on October 5.

    According to the draft schedule, Pakistan will kick off their campaign on October 6 against one of the teams coming through from the preceding qualifying round in Hyderabad before taking on another qualifier at the same venue on October 12.

    The Babar Azam-led unit is scheduled to fly out to Ahmedabad for the high-octane clash against India on October 15 before playing Australia five days later in Bengaluru and Afghanistan and South Africa in Chennai on October 23 and 27.

    After locking horns with Bangladesh in Kolkata four days later, Pakistan will return to Bengaluru for their match against New Zealand on November 5 before concluding the league stage with their fixture against England in Kolkata on November 12.

    The dates and venues for the tournament’s semi-finals and final have not been included in the draft schedule

  • Asia Cup: Pakistan and Sri Lanka to co-host the tournament?

    Asia Cup: Pakistan and Sri Lanka to co-host the tournament?

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s proposed hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023 is likely to be approved by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), with Sri Lanka as the neutral venue where India can play their games. The model sees four – and possibly five – of the tournament’s 13 games being played in Pakistan. All the India-Pakistan games will be played in Sri Lanka, as will the final if India is involved.

    According to media reports an official announcement is likely after the weekend. The window set aside for the tournament is between September 1-17. For the Pakistan leg, the games are likely to be played in Lahore.

    The likely approval represents a significant breakthrough in an impasse which has not only dragged on for some time but has also threatened fallout for ICC events, most pressingly the World Cup in India this year but also the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. There is a possibility now that an agreement here could ease Pakistan’s path to traveling to India for the World Cup.

    The hybrid model was proposed as a solution due to India and Pakistan unwillingness to travel to the other’s country. India’s refusal to tour Pakistan prompted Pakistan to go with the model in order to retain the hosting rights.

    Pakistan initially offered UAE as a second venue citing a lucrative opportunity for gate receipts during Pakistan-India matches in the tournament, but Bangladesh raised concerns over the extreme weather in the Middle East in September.

    PCB head Najam Sethi had presented details of the hybrid model to Pankaj Khimji, head of Oman Cricket and the ACC’s vice-president, in a meeting in Dubai a couple of weeks ago. It was the solution the PCB had proposed to account for the fact that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament because of ongoing political tensions between the governments of the two countries.

    India and Pakistan have been grouped together along with Nepal in the six-nation Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in the 50-over format as preparation for the World Cup. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are in the other group.

    A total of 13 matches, including the final, are expected be played across 13 days. Like the format from 2022, it is expected that the top two teams from each group will advance to a Super 4s round, before the top two teams from that contest the final. That leaves open the possibility of India and Pakistan playing each other three times, should they make the final.

  • Indian batters should learn playing pace and swing from Babar, says Nasir Hussain

    Indian batters should learn playing pace and swing from Babar, says Nasir Hussain

    Former England captain Nasser Hussain has advised Indian batsmen to learn how to handle pace and swing from Babar Azam and Kane Williams.
    He gave the remarks after India’s 209-run defeat against Australia in the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

    In an interview with a sports channel, Hussain expressed disappointment with the batting performance of the Indian team and suggested that their top-order batsmen should observe the techniques employed by Pakistan’s Babar Azam and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson when facing the seam and swing ball.

    He mentioned that Babar and Williamson exhibit patience by playing the swing ball late, which is a valuable lesson for Indian batsmen.

    Renowned Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar also criticized Virat Kohli’s shot selection, questioning his technique despite scoring over 70 centuries.

    Gavaskar pointed out that Kohli often plays the out-swinger too far ahead of the off-stump, resulting in poor shot selection and a compromised head position.

    Gavaskar emphasized that such non-serious shots may be acceptable when the team is in a winning position, but during crucial moments, when a century is required, Kohli should refrain from rushing to play the out-swinger, particularly with three slips waiting to capitalize on any mistakes.

  • Babar Azam’s birthday could create unforgettable memories for cricket fans

    Babar Azam’s birthday could create unforgettable memories for cricket fans

    Pakistan cricket skipper Babar Azam’s birthday this year is not just a delight for the batsman himself, but it will also bring immense joy to cricket fans of Indo-Pak across the world.

    According to the schedule sent by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for World Cup 2023, the eagerly awaited Pakistan-India match is likely to be held on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

    Babar Azam will celebrate his 29th birthday on October 15, coinciding with the potential Pakistan-India World Cup match on the same day.

    BCCI has finalised the World Cup schedule and submitted it to the ICC. The final schedule of the World Cup is expected to be released this week.

    The ICC has shared the schedule with participating countries of the World Cup for feedback.

    Each team participating in the World Cup will play 9 league matches.

    Media reports suggest that the World Cup will commence on October 5 this year at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with the final scheduled for November 19, also at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

    The opening match of the World Cup will be played between defending champions England and New Zealand.