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  • Zaka Ashraf, likely new PCB Chairman, rejects hybrid model approved by ACC

    Zaka Ashraf, likely new PCB Chairman, rejects hybrid model approved by ACC

    Zaka Ashraf, the probable future Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has rejected the Asia Cup Hybrid Model proposed by Najam Sethi and approved by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) with some amendments.

    All the controversies surrounding the matter of the Asia Cup appeared to have been resolved. However, Zaka Ashraf, likely the upcoming Chairman of the PCB, issued a statement on Wednesday while speaking to media in Islamabad, stating that the Hybrid Model is unfair to Pakistan and he has rejected it.

    “The first point is that I had rejected the hybrid model [for the Asia Cup] from the beginning because I disagree with it. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) board had decided that the tournament should be held entirely in Pakistan. However, major matches are being held elsewhere, and only minor teams like Nepal will play in Pakistan. Injustice has been done to Pakistan,” said Zaka during a media interaction.

    “As the hosts, the entire event [Asia Cup] should take place in Pakistan.”

    Zaka Ashraf’s election to the top position in the PCB is expected since Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif appointed him as a member of the PCB Board of Governors. However, the election itself is yet to take place.

    “If weak teams like Nepal and Afghanistan are the only ones playing their matches in Pakistan, then I firmly believe that the Hybrid Model is disadvantageous for Pakistan. I will make changes to the Hybrid Model accordingly,” he added.

    “I am unaware of the decisions made by the previous management as I don’t have access to that information. I will go and see, and try to act in the best interest of Pakistan as quickly as possible,” he said.

    “There are many pending issues, but I am not delving deep into them since I haven’t officially taken over,” he added, expressing his intention to engage with the Indian leadership.

    As per reports cited in Indian media outlets, a senior board member of ACC ridiculed Zaka Ashraf’s statement while talking to Press Trust of India.
    “He is a free man (Zaka Ashraf) and can say whatever he wants. The statement shows his mentality. ACC approved Hybrid Model for Asia Cup and it will be held as per schedule. No further changes and amendments will take place further on this matter, the file is closed.”

    Previously, the management led by Najam Sethi was negotiating with the Secretary of the Indian board and ACC Chairman Jay Shah regarding the hosting rights of the Asia Cup 2023, which officially belonged to Pakistan. However, due to security concerns, BCCI and the Indian government dif not allow their team to travel to Pakistan. PCB then proposed two Hybrid Models. The first one was immediately rejected by broadcasters and the Indian Cricket Board. This model suggested that the Indian cricket team would play their matches at a neutral venue, which would be decided by the PCB, while the rest of the tournament would take place in Pakistan. The second Hybrid Model, proposed during the second meeting with official broadcasters (Star Sports) and Pankaj Khimji, Vice President of ACC, stated that the first four matches, excluding India’s matches, would be held in Pakistan, while the remainder of the tournament would be shifted to Dubai.

    However, the other cricket boards rejected Dubai or the UAE as the neutral venue, and a decision was made for Sri Lanka to co-host the tournament with Pakistan.

  • Amir Sohail sends legal notice to IPC to stop Sethi from holding meetings

    Amir Sohail sends legal notice to IPC to stop Sethi from holding meetings

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee announced the names of eight governing board members in yesterday’s meeting.

    However, the Ministry of Interprovincial Affairs stated that the committee’s term concluded on 19th and 20th June, invalidating its decisions. Moreover, it is expected that the individuals announced as governing board members will not be accepted.


    Former Pakistan captain, Aamer Sohail, has already taken a legal and proactive stance by sending legal notices to the Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Minister and Election Commissioner to impede the committee’s functioning and operations.


    It should be noted that an important meeting of the management committee of PCB has been called this evening which will be chaired by Najam Sethi.

    The main agenda of the meeting is the formation of the governing board of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

    According to sources, four representatives of the department and four representatives of the regions will be approved in the meeting.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had given the task of holding the election to the management committee as the governing board.

    The management committee includes Najam Sethi, Shakeel Sheikh, Haroon Rasheed, Azad Syed, Tanveer Paanzai, and Gulzada Kakar, but former captain Shahid Afridi and Sana Mir have resigned from working in the management committee.


    In response to an inquiry from the Cricket Pakistan representative, Ahmed Shahzad Farooq Rana, the Deputy Chairman of the Election Commission and Acting Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), confirmed that he had directed the legal department to evaluate the current situation and meet him on Wednesday morning to address the matter. Following this, a certain future action plan will be devised.

    Now, the question is who holds the authority to form the governing board? To which he said that as per Article 38, Section 6, the management committee was supposed to do this.

    Furthermore, he said that any of the ten members of the BOG (Board of Governors) have the option to nominate themselves for the position of chairman. The final decision will be reached through a voting process.

    As of yet, no notification has been received regarding the two members announced by the government. Rana further mentioned that the appointment of the new PCB chairman might take two more weeks because of the upcoming Eid holidays.

  • Najam Sethi withdraws from chairmanship of PCB

    Najam Sethi withdraws from chairmanship of PCB

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi announced on Monday night via his Twitter account that he was withdrawing from the race for the board’s chairmanship as he did not wish to be a “source of contention” between the political partners in the coalition government.

    Referring to the atmosphere of uncertainty and instability as unsuitable for the board, he stated that he was going to step aside from the race for the PCB’s chairmanship. “I don’t wish to be a source of contention between Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif,” he tweeted on Tuesday.

    “Such instability and uncertainty are not conducive to the PCB. Given the circumstances, I am not a candidate for the Chairmanship of the PCB. Good luck to all stakeholders.”

    Sethi expressed similar sentiments a few days ago, emphasising his reluctance to be involved in the controversy.

    “I have heard speculation surrounding the PCB chairmanship. I do not involve myself in this matter as it depends on the patron,” he said while speaking to media in Lahore on Friday. He also mentioned that he would accept any decision made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the PCB’s patron.

    “Our responsibility was to restore the 2014 constitution. At this point, we are prepared for elections with regional and departmental representatives on board. We are awaiting two nominees, after which I will announce the election.

    “If you ask me, I do not want a mess. If the patron and Zardari sahab want me to continue, I will be okay with it. If they want Zaka sahab to become the chairman, I would welcome their decision and step down,” he added.

    The appointment of the PCB chairman has become a point of contention between the ruling coalition government’s two main political partners.

    The Pakistan People Party (PPP) desires the return of former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf to the post, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wishes for Sethi to continue his role at the PCB.

    The PPP’s stance on the matter is that since its minister heads the Inter-Provincial Coordination Division and the PCB is related to the ministry, its chairman should be appointed by the party.

  • 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.