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Tag: Najam Sethi

  • Fans back skipper Babar Azam over captaincy issue

    Fans back skipper Babar Azam over captaincy issue

    Babar Azam fans have slammed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi over speculation that the board is likely to change the captain of Pakistan cricket team, putting skipper Babar Azam out to pasture.

    Media reports have said that Najam Sethi has asked Mickey Arthur, former head coach, whether he wants one captain or two to lead the team, opening up the possibility of having different captains for different formats.


    After Najam Sethi took charge of the Management Committee at the Board, rumors of his alleged disliking for Babar Azam made the rounds.


    Matters heated up when Shadab Khan replaced Babar Azam as temporary captain for the Afghanistan series held in March. Khan, a strong contestant for the captain’s post, unfortunately could not lead his team to victory.

    The official account from PCB was that Babar, along with some other big names, had been rested for the Afghanistan series because they had been playing non-stop cricket for last two years and needed a well-deserved break.

    Sethi reportedly offered assurances that there is not even a remote threat to Babar’s captaincy and that he rules millions of hearts – he shall stay the captain of all three formats as long as he wants.

    Babar Azam was then recalled for the home series against New Zealand. But now there is a question mark on Babar Azam’s future as the national team’s skipper.

    Few days back, Sethi, in one of his interviews, subtly hinted that the interim selection committee- which was formulated in order to lead the selection of the test series against New Zealand – wanted a captaincy switch.

    Refuting this statement, Shahid Afridi, who was then leading the interim selection committee, said that it wasn’t him who suggested PCB to replace Babar as captain.


    Najam Sethi then took to Twitter and wrote about the future of Pakistan’s cricket.


    The controversial statements, the cover-ups, and the blame game disturbed cricket fans, especially Babar’s fandom. #StayInYourLimitsNajamSethi and #BabarAzamIsOurRedLine started trending on Twitter.


    Fans have gradually started to believe that an agenda has been plotted against Babar by the current board regime.


    Pakistan cricket team bears too many damages from the sudden changes in leadership and if this will happen again, it will destroy the unity of Pakistan team.
    Ahead of World Cup 2023 it is not in Pakistan’s favour to change captain or even think about it.

  • No decision about new PSL teams, but Najam Sethi desires more franchises

    No decision about new PSL teams, but Najam Sethi desires more franchises

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi has revealed that they have not contacted anyone in regard to establishing new teams in Pakistan Super league (PSL). His comment came in the backdrop of excitement among PSL fans after Javed Afridi revealed that Sialkot or Faisalabad might get to become part of the League. “We discussed new teams in PSL but existing franchises have revenue issues. But it is my desire to have two new teams,” he said.

    Najam Sethi assured fans that, “A lot of potential buyers are ready to purchase the two new teams in PSL.”

    “So I think Javed Afridi has fired the first shot that Faisalabad and Sialkot will be the two new teams in PSL. We haven’t had any discussions with the franchises, we didn’t make any decision, but it’s my desire that at least two new teams should be added,” he said.

    However, Sethi also recognized the valid concerns of the existing franchises, about potential revenue loss and the impact on market saturation.

    “There are a lot of concerns from the franchises regarding their revenues and whether the market can take it or not. And for this, we have to sit and discuss the issue because without them, we can’t move forward,” Sethi emphasized.

    Reiterating that all franchises have to be part of the consultation process, Sethi said that many people are interested in buying these two teams. “If the addition of these two teams is coming in the PSL, then there will be a win-win situation for all,” he added.

    The 74-year-old also reassured the existing franchises that they would not suffer any loss and instead, make a profit from this decision:
    “I assured the rest of the teams that the revenue will be increased, not decreased. Trust me, you will make profit instead. I promise to the rest of the teams that you will not suffer any loss. If you face any loss we will help you in this matter.”


    Speaking about the possibility of taking the PSL to the United States, Sethi said that many people had approached him with the idea.

    PCB chief also mentioned that the board will conduct an internal debate to consider the possibility of switching to an auction system for selecting teams in the PSL. Under an auction model, each team would have a certain amount of money to bid for players, while the highest bidder would acquire the player’s services.
    “We will do an internal debate on this [introducing auction model in PSL],” he concluded.

  • A friend in need’s a friend indeed: Babar Azam saves Shadab Khan as vice-captain

    A friend in need’s a friend indeed: Babar Azam saves Shadab Khan as vice-captain

    From the last couple of weeks speculation was rife in media reports that officials of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are not happy with the vice-captain of the national cricket team, Shadab Khan. Sources had told news media that PCB are looking for a new vice-captain while considering resting Shadab Khan for the New Zealand series.

    However, the management has followed the advice of captain Babar Azam and retained Shadab as vice-captain.

    Reportedly Babar Azam excluded Imad Wasim from the ODI squad but kept him in the T20 Squad with PCB backing the captain’s decisions.

    According to media reports, PCB initially planned to give rest to Shadab Khan while Usama Mir was under consideration to play in the home series against New Zealand.

    Shadab Khan’s relations with management seem to be rocky.
    Shadab was appointed as the stand-in captain for the Afghanistan series but the team suffered a historic defeat in the matches.

    Matters got worse when in the post-match press conference, Shadab said that now the management and nation will know the importance of key senior players.
    Higher authorities were purportedly displeased with the statement.

    Rumors of removing Khan from vice-captaincy faced backlash from former Test stars and social media with the hashtag #DestroyerNajamSethi trending on Twitter against the chairman of the PCB Management Committee.

    Sources reveal that the captain has reportedly urged the board to avoid further experimentation ahead of the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 scheduled in India.

    Given the current schedule, players cannot be afforded rest, and therefore, the decision was made to retain Shadab Khan as vice-captain due to his performance.

    However, all is not well, as Imad Wasim has expressed disappointment over Babar Azam’s alleged condition of being made captain of the PSL franchise Karachi Kings, and the subsequent lack of trust shown towards him in that role.

    However, Imad has reclaimed the reins of Karachi Kings following Babar’s move to Peshawar Zalmi, and his impressive performance in Sharjah makes it difficult for the team management to leave him out of the playing eleven.

  • Muhammad Amir gears up to comeback in international cricket

    Muhammad Amir gears up to comeback in international cricket

    Selectors of the national cricket team have hinted that left-arm fast bowler Muhammad Amir is gearing up to wear the Pakistan cricket team kit once again.

    Sources have said that an important official of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently met Muhammad Amir’s manager and gave a green signal to the left-arm pacer by advising him to be prepared while gearing up for a comeback.


    According to a media report, the selector has warned Amir to just focus on his cricket and avoid giving unnecessary statements in the media, which might create controversy.

    The report further added that he will soon be asked to take his retirement back, so he needs to keep practicing and keep himself fit till then.

    Amir called time on his international career in 2020 in protest over the treatment he had received from the then-management, led by Misbah ul Haq.

    However, after Najam Sethi took charge of PCB, the management committee chairman said in a media interaction that Amir would be considered for selection like other players, if he takes his retirement back.

    “Mohammad Amir can play international cricket for Pakistan if he takes his retirement back. I always took a strong stance against match-fixing. I believe no convicted player should be spared, but at the same time, a player should be allowed to resume international cricket once he has completed his years of penalty,” said Sethi.


    Muhammad Amir is the key-bowler for Karachi Kings. The bowler’s remarks often land him into controversy.

    Despite retiring, Amir continues to play in leagues around the world and recently represented Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League (PSL).
    Recently Pakistan’s former captain wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed praised Amir, stating that he is better than any other left-arm pacer on the team right now.

  • Najam Sethi denies talks with ICC about Pakistan’s World Cup matches

    Najam Sethi denies talks with ICC about Pakistan’s World Cup matches

    Najam Sethi has denied speaking to International Cricket Council (ICC) about playing World Cup 2023 matches in Bangladesh. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified that the ‘hybrid model’ was strictly pertaining to the Asia Cup since India will not travel to Pakistan.


    “Referring to the media talk in Rawalpindi/Islamabad on Thursday, Mr. Najam Sethi said he had briefed the media on the hybrid model he had presented to the Asian Cricket Council officials for the ACC Asia Cup to end the impasse that had been created following the BCCI’s decision to not send its team to Pakistan.

    “This proposal – to play India’s matches at a neutral venue and the rest in Pakistan – is under discussions within the ACC,” a PCB media release stated.

    Sethi said that he was misquoted by a section of the media.

    “At no stage during Thursday’s media interaction, did I give any reference to the ICC or made any remarks on the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which is scheduled in October. This matter has not been mooted or discussed at any ICC forum so far,” Sethi said in the press release.
    The PCB through media release gave a rejoinder to one of its local English news agency.

    “In this background, the PCB is disappointed that a leading English language newspaper has misquoted, misinterpreted, and misrepresented Mr. Sethi’s comments and gave the impression that PCB’s hybrid model was presented and discussed at the ICC, which is factually incorrect.
    “At this stage, the PCB is only in discussions with the ACC over the hosting of the ACC Asia Cup and no discussions regarding the World Cup have taken place with the ICC.” However, to pacify the country’s media, PCB in its press release did mention that the concept of a ‘hybrid model’ could be discussed later but even the bigwigs know that any such recommendation will be rejected at the onset. “This is not to say that the hybrid model will not be advocated at the proper ICC forum at the right time,” it stated in the end.

    It must be mentioned that there is very little chance that Asian Cricket Council will pass the budget to allow Pakistan to play its Asia Cup matches at home instead of UAE or Qatar.
    The only possibility will be that PCB will have to bear the entire cost, including the logistics of the broadcasters in order to host matches in their country.

  • Feroze Khan sends public apology to fellow actors for leaking confidential information

    Feroze Khan has issued a public apology to the ten celebrities whose personal information was leaked to the internet when he posted their personal phone numbers and home addresses on Twitter in a screenshot.

    Khan had written in a statement: “As an actor, I know the importance of privacy and value it the most. I never intended that anyone’s peace be disturbed. If any one of my colleagues had to go through any inconvenience I’m deeply sorry for that.”

    Actor Muneeb Butt and his wife, Aiman, along with her sister Minal, were among the celebrities whose private info was leaked, but yesterday Butt shared a picture of him and Khan together, and revealed that they had settled their differences and decided to drop the charges against the “Habs” actor.

    His statement read:

    “..To give us pain and mental distress wasn’t FK’s intention it was a mistake I announce to drop all of the charges.”

    Butt had previously filed a stalking report with the cyber crime department against Khan for leaking his and his family’s personal information.

    “Whoever is suggesting this to you has thrown you into deep trouble my friend I feel bad for you now you will have to face all of this… Initially I thought it’s a stupid mistake waited for 24 hours but no apology or excuse proved that it was a deliberate move, I thought you were better than that seriously. Complaint registration/ verification process has been completed FIA cyber circle has intiated the inquiry. The process has started, you will have to taste your own medicine now wait for the call,” he had written.

    Celebrities like Yasir Hussain had slammed Khan for being ‘stupid’ for first beating up his wife, and then leaking his number to the world.

    Actor Sarwat Gilani had shared a screenshot on her Instagram page of the numerous phone calls she had received since her number was leaked by Khan, and publicly announced that she was suing him along with the other celebrities.

    Gilani had written: “It is bizarre and despicable that private information, including phone numbers, of various famous individuals has been publicly shared on the absurd pretext of issuing legal notice to them by @ferozekhan Not only are such actions clearly illegal but also demonstrates the total lack of maturity to handle matters in a civilized way.”

  • PSL 8 final rescheduled to Saturday as PCB anticipates rain in Lahore

    PSL 8 final rescheduled to Saturday as PCB anticipates rain in Lahore

    In light of the adverse weather forecasted for the next few days, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to move the HBL PSL 8 final from Sunday, March 19 to Saturday, March 18. The match will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium, with Sunday and Monday serving as backup days.

    According to Najam Sethi, Chair of PCB Management Committee, the HBL PSL 8 is a significant event for all the teams, who strive to make it to the final and win the Supernova Trophy. Cricket fans eagerly anticipate this momentous occasion as well.

    Given the available information about the bad weather forecast, it is a prudent and proactive decision to make use of the off-day and play the final on Saturday. This way, two reserve days will be available in case the match cannot be completed or played on Saturday, rather than the traditional one day.

    The PCB has consulted with the Play-off teams, who are in agreement with the decision to reschedule the final.

    Additionally, the cricket board assures fans that there will be no inconvenience caused by the change. Tickets purchased for Sunday’s match will remain valid for the rescheduled final on Saturday.

  • Pakistan will not visit India for WC 23 if India does not come for Asia Cup 2023

    Pakistan will not visit India for WC 23 if India does not come for Asia Cup 2023

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket board Najam Sethi has talked about the controversy surrounding India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023. India has threatened Pakistan several times that their cricket team will not come to the neighbouring country, pressurising the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to change the venue and shift the tournament to UAE.


    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi on Monday said that the government will take a final decision on whether the national team will travel to India for this year’s World Cup.


    Sethi stated unequivocally that PCB will deal on a vice versa basis with the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) which has said that it will not send its team to Pakistan to feature in the Asia Cup ahead of the World Cup.

    Pakistan is also due to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and clarity on what happens is due to come during meetings of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the ACC in the United Arab Emirates on March 20.

    “Our stance is that if the BCCI continues to take a stand against Pakistan, we will also boycott to visit India,” Sethi told reporters at a news conference. “It is an unsolved matter. We have to speak with the ACC and ICC and take a position. I have asked to the Govt to take the decision about visiting India.


    “India says that there are security issues in Pakistan whilst teams from the entire world have no issues with it. If I say that we also have security threats in India due to communal environment there, it carries weight. It’s a complex issue and we have to keep in front the input of the government and our security agencies.”


    Recently Indian former opening batter and misanthropist against Pakistan Gautam Gambhir say “Personally I think Jawans are more important than a cricket match 2 points are matter nothing, Country comes first.”

  • Najam Sethi wants Wahab Riaz to take oath as Punjab sports minister after PSL

    Najam Sethi wants Wahab Riaz to take oath as Punjab sports minister after PSL

    Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi has called Punjab caretaker Chief Minister (CM) Mohsin Naqvi to request him to delay the oath-taking ceremony of left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz as the caretaker Sports Minister of Punjab.

    The chairman was of the view that Riaz needs concentration as he is the only bowler to complete a century of wickets.

    Subsequently, Naqvi accepted Najam’s request, hence Riaz will take oath after the PSL’s eighth edition, which is going to start on February 13.

    Wahab Riaz is the new Punjab sports minister

    Last month, Riaz was named as the sports minister.


    The left-arm bowler has 237 wickets in 156 matches across cricketing formats. It is important to note that the 37-year-old bowler played for his country in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy

  • ‘PCB not an employment agency’: Najam Sethi says he will not hire, promote people based on ‘sifarish’

    ‘PCB not an employment agency’: Najam Sethi says he will not hire, promote people based on ‘sifarish’

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi on Sunday said that he will not hire or promote people in PCB based upon requests.
    “I am flooded with “requests” from relatives, friends, acquaintances & persons in authority to hire or promote people in PCB. Please, Please, everyone, understand PCB is not an employment agency. I cannot, will not, follow bad past practices to erode its professional integrity,” tweeted Sethi.

    Earlier, this month he requested his friends and high-ups to not ask for free tickets and passes for Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.

    “I am making a personal request to all friends and high-ups NOT to ask for free tickets/passes to PSL matches starting next month. The Public Accounts Committee of National Assembly that audits PCB has warned us to desist from this practise,” tweeted Sethi.