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.
Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023 could be rejected by Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, as per reports. PCB is mulling boycotting the continental tournament slated for later this month. Pakistan is aware that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are not backing their hybrid model proposal for Asia Cup and the only option left for the board is to play the tournament at a neutral venue or withdraw.
As Asia Cup 2023 deadlock continues, PCB chairman Najam Sethi has sent an SOS to the International Cricket Council (ICC). PCB wants ICC to force India to accept the hybrid model. While PCB had threatened to boycott the tournament if the hybrid model is not accepted, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) believes Pakistan will play the tournament.
Najam Sethi initially threatened to boycott Asia Cup but there are reports in the media that Mr. Sethi has a plan B for Asia Cup. The Prime Minister of Pakistan fully supports Najam Sethi, asking him to not back off from the hybrid model.
The model suggests that India can play their matches at neutral venue and the rest of the teams can play in Pakistan. Sethi proposed the model in initial meetings but braodcasters showed concerns over logistics. A Star Sports official asked Najam Sethi how it would be possible for the crew to travel between two countries with equipment.
Now Najam Sethi has proposed a revised version of hybrid model in which first four group stage matches will be played in Lahore except the matches of India, and the rest of tournament will be shifted to a neutral venue.
A BCCI official told Inside Sports yesterday at the World Test Championship,
“Those are just immediate reactions. PCB very well knows what position they are in and any money that comes through is important for them. I don’t think Pakistan can boycott. They will play in Asia Cup and World Cup. For the moment, they are trying whatever they can to keep it but it’s not going to happen.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has requested the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to make changes to the schedule of the next edition of International League T20 (ILT20).
The second edition of ILT20 is currently scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 12 in 2024. Considering the clash of dates between ILT20 and Pakistan Super League (PSL), PCB requested ECB to give 10 days concession to accommodate Pakistan cricket team players.
In the previous edition of the ILT20, which took place from January 13 to February 12 earlier this year, Pakistan players were not allowed to participate despite attractive offers from the UAE-based league.
As reported by Cricket Pakistan last month, ILT20 organizers offered top players, including Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, substantial contracts, along with the opportunity to captain a team and sign a three-year contract.
However, the PCB did not grant permission to its players to participate in the league. Former -PCB Chairman, Ramiz Raja had even requested compensation from the Emirates in return for releasing the players.
In contrast, current PCB chief, Najam Sethi, has taken a more flexible approach towards the ILT20, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good relations with the UAE and suggesting that negotiations can be pursued based on the principle of ‘give and take.’ Hence, as reported by Cricket
Pakistan, national team players are likely to take part in the next edition of ILT20.
Last month, Cricket Pakistan also reported that there is a possibility of rearranging the home series against West Indies in 2024. PCB conveyed to the franchises during the recent PSL governing council meeting in Lahore that the mentioned series with West Indies might require rescheduling in order to accommodate PSL 9. The West Indies team is currently slated to come to Pakistan in February and March to play two Test matches and three T20I matches.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials have reportedly made it clear to International Cricket Council (ICC) officials that Pakistan will only travel to India, for the upcoming World Cup 2023, if the neighboring country gives a guarantee in written form that they will send their team to Pakistan in the 2025 Champion’s Trophy.
PCB officials placed the demand for give and take from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in front of two top ICC officials – Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice- on the second day of their tour at the board’s headquarters.
PCB interim management committee chairman Najam Sethi spelled it out that Pakistan boycotting World Cup in India and playing their matches at a neutral venue is “very much a possibility”. This will be seen as a retaliation by the country, if India will not negotiate on Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan in September 2023.
The BCCI, so far, has also rejected the revised version of a hybrid model proposed by the PCB, in which initial group stage matches, except the matches of India, will be played in Pakistan and the rest of tournament will shift to a neutral venue. Even if the proposal is accepted, the PCB would mull playing the World Cup at a venue outside India and would provide the latter the same option come the Champions Trophy.
Asia Cup so far, is not a matter of concern, with the ICC.
Najam Sethi and co sat down at the table with the two top officials of ICC, but the minutes of the meeting have not been made public yet.
PCB asked the ICC officials for a formal assurance of India’s participation in the Champions Trophy, the hosting rights of which were awarded to Pakistan two years ago.
Barclay and Allardice’s visit, although a “scheduled” one, was a high-profile one given the scenario, but there has been silence from both the ICC and the PCB and neither have made any officials announcements so far.
Discussions over the ICC’s expected revenue sharing model — leaked figures of which have revealed that India would take away 38.5 per cent of the body’s revenue, while Pakistan would get a mere 5.75 per cent — also continued between the PCB and the ICC officials.
According to sources, Pakistan’s concerns on its deadlock with the BCCI will be discussed during the upcoming ICC Board meetings.
However, given India’s stranglehold over the world’s cricket economy, it would be difficult for the ICC to entertain PCB’s asks. In such circumstances, the PCB may well consider forfeiting it’s matches in the World Cup.
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Aralldice have finished their tour of Pakistan, revealing why they were visiting the country Pakistan a very short period.
The two visited Lahore Cricket Academy, Lahore Museum, Badshahi Mosque, Minar-e-Pakistan and Shahi Qilla. They also toured Punjab Safe City office to examine the city’s security apparatus for cricket tours.
Chairman Greg Barclay said that he wants to visit every single member of ICC to examine cricket facilities in each country. He praised Pakistan on bilateral cricket arrangements. Barclay said that cricket facilities and related programs are praiseworthy.
Now that international cricket is back in Pakistan, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is successfully playing its role in bilateral cricket arrangements.
He expressed hope that he will see Pakistan’s men’s and women’s cricket at the next level.
The recent tour of ICC’s Chairman Greg Barclay is the first ever visit to Pakistan. The two ICC officials also sat down with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi at the board’s head quarter and talked about the betterment of cricket and commercialism in the sport.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) want to exclude Pakistan from the Asia Cup 2023, The Telegraph India has reported.
Jay Shah, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary and ACC Chairman, has made it clear to the other countries in the tournament, that his board will not accept Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) suggested ‘hybrid model.’ Shah recently discussed the matter with the heads of member nations and proposed that the tournament should take place at a single venue, specifically Sri Lanka.
Speculations are rife in Indian media that Sri Lanka secretly shook hands with India on the issue of hosting Asia Cup 2023, hinting to ACC that the weather in the island nation is also perfect for the game.
PCB had proposed a hybrid model, under which the initial four matches of the group stage in the primary phase of the tournament shall be played in Pakistan.
Moreover, the next phase, including matches of India and finals, were to be played at a neutral venue. In that scenario, Pakistan will play their group stage match against Nepal on home ground.
Likewise, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will also be playing their pool matches in Pakistan. The PCB had designated Dubai as a favored neutral location within a hybrid framework.
The report further added that Pakistan will be informed during the next executive board meeting of the ACC that all other participating nations have agreed to play in Sri Lanka.
The PCB, as the designated hosts, will have to comply and play in Sri Lanka or withdraw. In that case, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will be the four teams participating, with the inclusion of a fifth team yet to be decided.
India’s refusal to tour Pakistan and not accepting the hybrid model may push Pakistan to consider pulling out of World Cup. The PCB has reportedly informed ICC officials that their participation in the World Cup depends on government clearance.
Pakistan cricket team skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan went back into university life as the batting duo joined the prestigious Harvard Business School’s executive education programme on the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS), becoming the first two cricketers to join the prestigious school.
Babar Azam on Monday night shared a picture on his Twitter account, reminding every student of hostel life, where everyone is tense and worried and studying hard just one night before an exam.
Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan are the number two and three ranked batsman in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings. Twitter reacted hilariously when the superstars shared a picture of them studying in a room.
Babar is the one who is befikra will read and give exams but Rizwan is the one who'll read and continuesly praying too for both of them so they both clear this exam 😭😂🤌🫶 pic.twitter.com/vsuTwuM4qY
It is a proud moment for Pakistan as the two stars become the first ever cricketers to take part in this business course. In the press release issued by the management company of the two players, -Saya Corporation- it is said that the program taught at Harvard Business School in Boston will continue from May 31 to June 3. After which both will hold meetings with various communities in America till June 13.
Details of Harvard Business Programme
Programme details have been shared on the school’s website, where they have stated that the programme in which Babar and Rizwan are placed is called the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS). It is structured with new modules and techniques on how to develop new business, why some startups becomes successful and why some fail.
It states that the need for digital technology is most felt in the entertainment industry today and the course discusses the latest approaches in this regard.
This course will teach you how to make the best decisions, how to take advantage of market fluctuations and how to achieve long-lasting profits.
Course fees stated on the website is $10,500 but it is not clear yet who is paying the fee of the two star players.
The Asia Cup controversy is showing no sign of ending, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not want to end the stalemate with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
BCCI has rejected the proposal of a hybrid model proposed by PCB, with Indian officials rejecting the offer to play in Dubai. The Indian government’s rigid influence did not let Asian Cricket Council (ACC) solve the dispute amicably.
As of PCB’s proposed hybrid model, which suggested that the first four matches will be played in Pakistan and the rest of the tournament moves to a neutral venue, Pakistan demanded that India first accepts it, then Board officials will decide which country will host the rest of the matches.
Revenue concerns are the first priority of Pakistan, with Dubai being the favorite choice.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have expressed concerns over weather conditions in Dubai. Sri Lanka is up in line for hosting Asia Cup 2023.
Media speculation suggests that they secretly shook hands with BCCI and hinted to ACC that the weather is also suitable there.
As time passes, Pakistan is losing its grip on hosting Asia Cup 2023 with Asian teams looking to favour India. PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has said that if the hosting rights will be stolen from the country, then Pakistan will also not play World Cup 2023 in India.
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Greg Barclay and Chief Executive Geoff Allardice will arrive in Lahore on Tuesday morning on a two-day visit, during which they will meet Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Mr Najam Sethi (also an ICC Director), PCB Chief Operating Officer Barrister Salman Naseer and other board officials.
While Mr Allardice has regularly visited Pakistan, first as ICC General Manager – Cricket and then as ICC Chief Executive, this will be Mr Barclay’s first visit to Pakistan.
Mr Barclay will be the first ICC Chairman to tour Pakistan since ICC President Ray Mali’s visit in 2008. This will also be the first time since October 2004 when both the top two ICC officials will together visit the Pakistan cricket headquarters.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an open invitation to media to cover the arrival of ICC top officials.
While the purpose of this meeting is not disclosed yet, speculations are rife that ICC officials are here to discuss World Cup 2023 dispute with Najam Sethi.
Mr. Sethi has made it clear that if India accepts their hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023, then they will also propose a same model for World Cup 2023 as Pakistan cricket team also has security concerns in India.
However, he also said that the country’s government will have the right to decide (BBC).
During the past few days, news media had been inundated with reports that Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to a hybrid model for Asia Cup 2023 and are ready to play at the neutral venue.
After reports emerged that the BCCI has agreed to the hybrid model suggested by PCB, Indian board officials refuted the reports.
“The respective presidents of…Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka cricket boards will grace IPL 2023 final…We will have hold discussions with them for outlining the future course of action in relation to Asia Cup 2023,” BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has said.
According to Indian media reports, BCCI wants to shift the whole tournament to a neutral venue but the dispute is unresolved as Pakistan is not backing off from hosting duties.
At this time, BCCI likely wants to shift the tournament to Sri Lanka as their board has already given a green signal by assuring ACC of suitable weather conditions.
Sources had earlier said that the Indian board has agreed to play the Asia Cup under Pakistan’s hybrid model.
According to the sources, Indian Cricket Board Secretary Jay Shah has accepted PCB’s proposal, under which four matches of the Asia Cup will be held in Pakistan and the rest at neutral venues.
