Current Final

Tag: PCB

  • We will not compromise on hosting Asia Cup 2023 at any cost; Najam Sethi lauds Pakistan’s stance over India controversy

    We will not compromise on hosting Asia Cup 2023 at any cost; Najam Sethi lauds Pakistan’s stance over India controversy

    Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to be played in Pakistan, however, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has continuously pressurised Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to pick a neutral venue for the tournament, stating that they will not send their team to the neighbouring country.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has lauded Pakistan’s stance in a recent interview on Geo TV. Talking to Yahya Hussaini, Sethi said that Pakistan will never compromise on hosting over any controversy.

    “We will hold a dialogue and if conditions are not in our favour, we will withdraw from the tournament,” the head of the PCB said.


    Revealing that four to five meetings have already been held with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and BCCI, Sethi said that PCB is ready to provide solutions:


    “We asked them that don’t you see the international teams coming to Pakistan. Its clear that there is no security concern, perhaps you are concerned about your security. We will provide fool proof security to your team.

    Even if you are not ready to come then tell us the main reason. We will consider your opinion and provide solutions. But they are not ready to talk and are just saying we will not travel to Pakistan, our government will not allow us.”


    Najam Sethi further elaborated that Pakistan had asked if there is any letter from the Indian government. “Show that in the meeting or to media, then both countries will solve the issue diplomatically but they are not showing any letter,” he stressed.


    He said that a hybrid model has been proposed for Asia Cup.

    “We proposed that if India will not want to play in Pakistan that they can play in another country but we are the host and we will decide which country they will play in. We consider their opinions and suggestions but the decision is all ours.


    We have done all the work and logistics. We are just waiting for their call. If they signal a green light to hybrid model that we will play; if they create more hurdles, then we will definitely show the red card,” he warned.

  • 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.

  • Islamabad police all set to provide foolproof security to New Zealand team

    Islamabad police all set to provide foolproof security to New Zealand team

    The Islamabad police has said on Sunday that they were “fully equipped” to provide end-to-end “fool-proof and world-class” security to the New Zealand cricket team during their upcoming series in which five T20I and five One Day International (ODI) matches will be played.

    The Black Caps are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on April 9 (today) for the limited-overs series set to begin on April 14 in Lahore.

    A day earlier, sources in the police department told Geo News that police have refused to provide security, saying they “do not have resources” and claimed that it is the responsibility of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to provide the same for security.

    The sources said that police personnel are busy with deployment at free flour distribution centres, ongoing census and other activities related to the holy month of Ramadan.

    However, Inspector General of Police Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has now said that the Islamabad police have provided the highest level of security during the visit of the English cricket team and Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) eighth edition “flawlessly” in 2022-23.

    “Police shall be playing a key role for provision of flawless security in collaboration with other stakeholders in Islamabad and Rawalpindi,” he assured.

    The touring teams stay at a hotel in the capital and travel to the Pindi Cricket Stadium for matches.

    Pakistan v New Zealand schedule:
    April 14 — 1st T20I, Lahore

    April 15 — 2nd T20I, Lahore

    April 17 — 3rd T20I, Lahore

    April 20 — 4th T20I, Rawalpindi

    April 24 — 5th T20I, Rawalpindi

    April 26 — 1st ODI, Rawalpindi

    April 30 — 2nd ODI, Karachi

    May 3 — 3rd ODI, Karachi

    May 5 — 4th ODI, Karachi

    May 7 — 5th ODI, Karachi

  • Fact Check: Did Naseem Shah really propose to Indian actress Urvashi Rautela?

    Fact Check: Did Naseem Shah really propose to Indian actress Urvashi Rautela?

    Naseem Shah, Pakistani right arm fast bowler, has once again been linked to Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela.
    A video went viral on social media recently in which the star cricketer seemingly proposes to Urvashi Rautela, however, the video is fake.

    The video is heavily edited and merges two clips, presented to mislead the viewer.


    The video is from a Gillette promotional event in which a journalist asked the cricketer about Urvashi. Shah replied that he did not know her and then the second question about his marriage in which he answered, “Aagar dulah tayyar hoi to shadi kar lyn gay”.


    The master mind merge two clips and viral the video on social media to create a controversy but the fact is video is fake and edited.
    Previously there were rumors that Urvashi and Indian wicket keeper batsman Rishabh Pant are in a relationship but there has been no confirmation.

    Naseem Shah is a talented Pakistani cricketer known for his impressive pace and promising potential. The youngster from Lower Dir made his debut for the national team in 2019, becoming the youngest player to play in a Test match at just 16 years old.

  • Sialkot or Faisalabad? Javed Afridi hints at two new teams for PSL

    Sialkot or Faisalabad? Javed Afridi hints at two new teams for PSL

    Javed Afridi, the owner of Peshawar Zalmi, has set rumor mills ablaze with a hint that two new teams might be debuting in next year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    While answering a Q/A on Facebook, Afridi revealed the names of two teams when a desperate fan asked, “Is there any chance of new franchises in PSL? If yes then tell me tha names”
    In reply Javed Afridi wrote that Faisalabad or Sialkot will be debuting.

    While there has been no official confirmation from the PSL management about the addition of new teams, the news has sparked excitement among cricket fans in Pakistan.

    Previously, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) management committee chairman, Najam Sethi, had stated that the number of teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) can be increased to ten due to high demand.


    “There is immense pressure to increase the number of teams in PSL, but unfortunately, Ehsan Mani and Ramiz Raja agreed with the franchises that only six teams will play in the next two years. However, it was an eight-team project. We have to convince the franchises to include two more teams.

    No one will lose anything; if a franchise suffers a loss, the PCB will take responsibility. But there is a high demand to include two more teams, and it will be more successful with many people showing interest in being part of it. Let me tell you, even if there were ten teams now, all of them would be sold due to the high demand.” he said.

  • Here are the final squads of both Pak and NZ teams for the upcoming series

    Here are the final squads of both Pak and NZ teams for the upcoming series

    Pakistan will host New Zealand for a long awaited series, with five T20 internationals and five One Day internationals schedule to begin on April 14. The series has crucial significance for both teams as World Cup 2023 looms ahead towards the end of the year.

    Both teams are ready to put in extra effort in the series as the matches will be a tester for both teams’ weaknesses and strengths.

    New Zealand had pulled out of the Pakistan tour just before the start of the first ODI in 2021 citing a security threat. Now they will be playing extra games on this tour. This is the second time they are touring Pakistan in the space of five months.

    Across last December and January, they played two Tests that ended 0-0, followed by a three-match ODI series that New Zealand won 2-1.

    Pakistan has named full-strength squads for both the ODI and T20I series. Regular captain Babar Azam makes a comeback, along with the leader of the bowling attack Shaheen Shah Afridi. Senior players like Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf are also back following the rest they were given in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.


    New Zealand, meanwhile, have been forced to name a severely depleted squad with most of their first-choice players occupied in the IPL. Tom Latham, who last played T20Is in 2021, will return to lead them in both formats.

    New Zealand will be banking on the experience they gained in their ODI series victory earlier this year in Pakistan, expecting to capitalise on the inputs of Saqlain Mushtaq, head coach of the Pakistan side until two months back. Saqlain has joined the New Zealand camp as an assistant coach.
    Here are the squads for both teams:

    PAK v NZ, 2023 T20I squad: Full team list for Pakistan v New Zealand T20Is
    Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zaman Khan

    New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Dane Cleaver, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner

    PAK v NZ, 2023 ODI squad: Full team list for Pakistan v New Zealand ODIs
    Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Usama Mir

    New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner

  • Babar Azam tweets in support of Kane Williamson ahead of NZ series

    Babar Azam tweets in support of Kane Williamson ahead of NZ series

    Skipper Babar Azam, a true gentleman of the game, has once again made a touching gesture, tweeting his support for injured New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson.

    The Kiwi skipper is likely to miss the 50 overs World Cup to be held in India this year, after injuring the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.

    The top-order batsman suffered the injury while fielding for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League last Friday and returned to New Zealand soon after.

    Scans conducted on Tuesday confirmed that the injury would require surgery, making it unlikely he will be fit and available for selection for the tournament in October and November.

    In his tweet, Babar Azam wrote, “Bounce back stronger. Get well soon Kane Williamson.”

    https://twitter.com/babarazam258/status/1644036712413249541?s=20


    The New Zealand Team is scheduled to tour Pakistan for an upcoming series in which they will play five T20 and five ODI matches in Pakistan. The series has a critical role in defining Pakistan team’s weakness and strengths before the upcoming World Cup in India.


    Before this crucial series, Kane Williamson’s injury will be a blow for the Kiwis and a plus point for Pakistan.

    The gesture of goodwill from Babar was widely appreciated by cricket fans around the world. Many people praised him for showing sportsmanship and solidarity with a fellow player who had suffered an injury.

    The Pakistan skipper is known both for his formidable skills on the pitch and his graciousness on and off the field. His tweet offering support to Williamson is just one example of the kind of sportsmanship and camaraderie that he embodies.

    Pakistan vs New Zealand series schedule:
    Apr 14, Fri Pakistan vs. New Zealand, 1st T20I
    Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
    7:30 PM
    Apr 15, Sat Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2nd T20I
    Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
    7:30 PM
    Apr 17, Mon Pakistan vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I
    Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
    7:30 PM
    Apr 20, Thu Pakistan vs New Zealand, 4th T20I
    Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
    7:30 PM
    Apr 24, Mon Pakistan vs New Zealand, 5th T20I
    Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
    7:30 PM
    Apr 27, Thu Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st ODI
    Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
    2:30 PM
    Apr 29, Sat Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI
    Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
    2:30 PM
    May 03, Wed Pakistan vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI
    National Stadium, Karachi
    May 05, Fri Pakistan vs New Zealand, 4th ODI
    National Stadium, Karachi
    2:30 PM
    May 07, Sun Pakistan vs New Zealand, 5th ODI
    National Stadium, Karachi
    2:30 PM

  • I will not keep silent if I am dropped again without any reason: Imad Wasim

    I will not keep silent if I am dropped again without any reason: Imad Wasim

    All-rounder Imad Wasim has thrown the gauntlet to team management, warning that he will not keep quiet if he is dropped again from Pakistan Cricket team without any reason.

    The player expressed anger on being ignored since the last one and a half years, stating that no communication has been held with him by the captain or Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee.

    “They have no answer as to why they dropped me even though I was performing,” the player reportedly said while talking to a local media channel.


    Imad also threatened to take action against every person involved in politics in the Pakistan cricket team.
    “I am at that stage of my career that I have to take steps, if they drop me without any reason again,” he added.

    The all-rounder revealed that he didn’t suffer any financial loss from being away from the national team.

    “I never suffered any financial loss while I was away from the team. In fact, I earned ten times more than what I would have earned while playing for Pakistan,” he said.

    “I am confident in my abilities. If I was the bowler who is said to be dependent on the conditions, then the T20 leagues of Australia and South Africa would have not signed me,” he concluded.

  • ‘Why would we contact Amir?’; Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed clears rumors about bowler’s selection

    ‘Why would we contact Amir?’; Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed clears rumors about bowler’s selection

    Chief Selector Haroon Rasheed has cleared rumors about bowler Muhammad Amir’s selection in the team.

    “We have mentioned that from day one that selection doors are open for every player who performs and is fit. The same goes for Muhammad Amir but we did not contact anyone,” he said.

    The Chief Selector also stated that if a player has been dropped, it does not mean that he will not be considered for future series.

    “Azam Khan did not perform well in the series against Afghanistan, but mistakes happen. However, the door is open for his return if he works on his issues and improves. Many cricketers in the world have been dropped and made a comeback and played cricket for a long time,” Rasheed pointed out.

    Mentioning that the team already has Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Haris as wicket-keeper batters, and Azam Khan waiting in the wings, Rasheed said that young cricketers like Amir Jamal can also make it to the national team by performing well.

  • Umar Akmal was not selected because he plays for the country: Kamran Akmal

    Umar Akmal was not selected because he plays for the country: Kamran Akmal

    Kamran Akmal, hero of the 2009 T20 World Cup and former wicket-keeper batsman has backed his brother Umar Akmal stating that it is clear that there the criteria for team selection is not based on performance.

    There are players who have just 30 or 32 runs as their highest and they still got selected because they have strong friendships in Pakistani team, the batsman implied.

    Yesterday Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced squads for T20 and ODI against New Zealand in a series scheduled to begin on April 14. Babar Azam will be the captain and Shadab Khan will hold the vice-captaincy spot.
    PCB crushed all rumors of looking for a replacement for Shadab Khan after he lost a series as captain against Afghanistan in United Arab Emirates.

    Fans, however, are excited to see their favorite players back in the squad particularly Muhammad Rizwan, Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi who will lead the pace attack will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi.

    On the other hand senior player Kamran Akmal is not so happy with the selection of the squad, lashing out at the Pakistan cricket board management and selection committee for not selecting Umar Akmal in the T20 squad.

    “I am talking about Umar. They announced the T20 team and didn’t include him in the squad. Why? He played last year’s PSL and this year’s PSL in very tough conditions He tried his best to deliver whenever given an opportunity, a chance, limited amount of balls or overs, etc.,” Akmal said.

    “I don’t need to explain or tell anyone; everyone is well aware of the reality. Yet, I still cannot comprehend why he isn’t being given a chance in the national team, particularly on the batting number where almost every player has been tried,” he added.

    Kamran Akmal stressed that his younger brother doesn’t indulge in flattery, which is why he goes unnoticed.

    “The performance of all these players is crystal clear in front of everyone; despite that, you are still not including Umar because he isn’t in the likings or good books of the selection committee? Or maybe because he doesn’t greet you guys well, doesn’t invest a lot of time in flattering – this is what I can conclude as to why he isn’t a part of the national team.”

    Continuing in the same vein, Kamran Akmal said that it is crystal clear that performance is not the criteria for the selection, adding that one has to be a foot licker or employ flattery for selection in the Pakistan team.

    The 34-year-old Umar, who last played a T20I match against Sri Lanka way back in 2019, stated that his recent performances in domestic cricket are in front of everyone, and it’s up to the selection committee to pick him in the national side.

    “I leave the decision of selection for the upcoming series against New Zealand to the PCB and the selection committee. I take cricket very seriously, be it club cricket, domestic cricket, or international cricket. As you can see, I don’t miss a single club cricket game, and I always give my 100%. I will continue to perform like this till the end,” he said.