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ARY NEWS

Shahid Hashmi

  • PCB suspends Haider Ali after Manchester criminal investigation

    PCB suspends Haider Ali after Manchester criminal investigation

    Pakistan cricketer Haider Ali has been placed under provisional suspension after the Manchester Police launched a criminal investigation against him.

    The right-handed batter was taken into custody over an incident during the Pakistan Shaheens’ tour to England.

    “The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been made aware of a criminal investigation currently being conducted by the Greater Manchester Police involving cricketer Haider Ali. The investigation pertains to an incident that reportedly occurred during the Pakistan Shaheens’ recent tour of England,” the PCB said in a statement.

    The Pakistan Cricket went on to maintain that it ensured that Haider Ali received appropriate legal support to protect his rights throughout this process.

    “The PCB fully respects the legal procedures and processes of the United Kingdom and acknowledges the importance of allowing the investigation to run its due course,” the PCB said.

    The Pakistan cricketer will remain suspended, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

    “Once the legal proceedings are concluded and all facts have been duly established, the PCB reserves the right to take appropriate action under its Code of Conduct, if necessary,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said.

    The PCB maintained that it would not offer further comment on the matter regarding Haider Ali until the legal process reaches its conclusion.

  • PCB announces withdrawal from future World Championship of Legends over biased conduct

    PCB announces withdrawal from future World Championship of Legends over biased conduct

    LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to participate in future editions of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), citing ‘double standards and politically motivated’ conduct by the tournament organizers.

    The decision was taken during a Board of Governors meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

    The board expressed deep disappointment over the inconsistent policies and apparent bias in the recently concluded tournament.

    According to the PCB, the WCL awarded points to a team that willfully forfeited a match, raising serious questions about the integrity of the competition.

    Additionally, the board condemned the press release issued by the WCL following the cancellation of the Pakistan-India legends match, terming it a biased and politically charged document.

    “The championship’s purpose was compromised by political influence,” the PCB noted. “The press release was nothing short of a manifestation of prejudice.”

    Read more: AB de Villiers powers South Africa to WCL 2025 title

    The PCB reiterated its stance that sports should remain free from political interference and emphasized its commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the game.

    It described the tournament’s handling of rules and regulations as being influenced by “invisible pressures,” calling the behavior of the organizers “biased and concerning for the future.”

    “The WCL’s subsequent apology appeared to be issued under the pressure of a particular form of nationalism,” the statement added, calling such double standards unacceptable in international sports.

    As a result, the PCB has formally decided not to send its team to future editions of the WCL, stating it will not take part in any event that has been politically compromised.

  • Asia Cup 2025 to kick off on Sep 9 in UAE, announces Mohsin Naqvi 

    Asia Cup 2025 to kick off on Sep 9 in UAE, announces Mohsin Naqvi 

    KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi announced on Saturday that the Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to 28.

    The announcement was made via a statement on Naqvi’s official social media account on X.

    In his post, Naqvi stated that “I am delighted to confirm the dates for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in UAE. The prestigious tournament will take place from September 9th to 28th. We look forward to a spectacular display of cricket! Detailed Schedule will be out soon,”

    The 17th edition of the T20-format tournament will run from September 9 or to September 28. Six teams—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE—will compete in a group stage followed by a Super Four round.

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dismissed earlier concerns about India’s participation due to political tensions, confirming no restrictions on arch rivals’ clash in ICC or Asia Cup events.

    It is worth noting that the strained ties between the PCB and BCCI have been well documented in recent years, with the latest flashpoint being India’s decision to skip the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan.

    The deadlock eventually led to a “fusion formula,” under which both boards reportedly agreed not to visit each other’s home soil for ICC events for the next three years. Instead, their matches would be staged at neutral venues.

    Click here for latest Asia Cup 2025 updates

  • New Zealand crush Pakistan in 1st T20I with 9-wicket victory

    New Zealand crush Pakistan in 1st T20I with 9-wicket victory

    New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 9 wickets in the first match of the five-match T20 series at Hagley Oval on Sunday to gain a 1-O lead.

    After being asked to bat first, the Pakistan team struggled against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack and were bundled out for 91, with Kyle Jamieson leading the charge by picking up crucial wickets.

    With just one run on the board, the Men in Green lost three wickets quickly. Jamieson dismissed Mohammad Haris for a duck, while Irfan Khan managed only a single run.

    Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed, getting dismissed for just 91 runs in 18.4 overs.

    Khushdil Shah was the top scorer with 32 runs, followed by captain Agha Salman with 18 and Jahandad Khan with 17.

    Abdul Samad scored 7, Shadab Khan managed 3, while Abrar Ahmed added only 2 runs. Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Ali contributed just 1 run each. Openers Mohammad Haris and Hassan Nawaz were dismissed without scoring.

    New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy led the bowling attack with 4 wickets, while Kyle Jamieson claimed 3 and Ish Sodhi grabbed 2 wickets. Zakary Foulkes dismissed one player.

    Read more: WATCH: Saud Shakeel hits quick fifty in National T20 Cup opener

    Chasing 91, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen displayed exceptional batting from the start, putting on a 53-run stand inside the powerplay, showcasing their brilliance with the bat.

    New Zealand chased down the target in the 11th over, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.

    The second match of the series will be played on Tuesday.

    Pakistan playing XI: Salman Ali Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Khushdil Shah, Jahandad Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed

    New Zealand playing XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Zac Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

  • Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025: sources

    Fakhar Zaman ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025: sources

    Pakistan opening batter Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 as the side is set to depart for Dubai for the hotly-anticipated IND v PAK game.

    The left-handed batter limped off the field during the curtain raiser against New Zealand in Karachi a day earlier.

    The incident occurred in the first over of the fixture when Fakhar Zaman fell awkwardly during the fielding and got hurt.

    Following his injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that the batter was being examined for a muscular sprain.

    Now, sources have said that the star Pakistan batter has been ruled of the Champions Trophy 2025 ahead of the IND v PAK clash on February 23 in Dubai.

    As per sources privy to the matter, Fakhar Zaman will not accompany the national squad to Dubai following his injury.

    Read more: Fakhar Zaman leaves field during PAK v NZ CT 2025 match

    Meanwhile, reports said that Imam-ul-Haq was the strong contender to fill his position at the top ahead of the IND v PAK game.

    Pertinent to note here that Fakhar Zaman was the only proper opener for the hosts after Saim Ayub was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury he sustained during the South Africa tour.

    In his absence, star Pakistan batter Babar Azam opened the inning for Pakistan in the tri-nation series and Pakistan’s opening fixture in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.

    Fakhar Zaman made his ODI debut in the Champions Trophy 2017. He scored a match-winning ton in the IND v PAK final to help Pakistan defeat India in the final at the Oval.

  • ‘Sufiyan Muqeem will somehow make it to Pakistan’s CT 25 squad’

    ‘Sufiyan Muqeem will somehow make it to Pakistan’s CT 25 squad’

    Spinner Sufiyan Muqeem is reportedly in contention to join Abrar Ahmed in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, ARY News reported, citing sources.

    According to sources, the left-arm spinner will make it to the national squad for the upcoming tournament.

    Several raised concerns over Pakistan’s single-spinner strategy for the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy 2025 as Abrar Ahmed remained the only frontline spinner in the squad.

    Reacting to the concerns, white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan said that the decision was made due to the conditions on the home grounds.

    “There could be a dew factor in these conditions which is why we thought that two spinners might not be handy,” he said a day earlier.

    According to Rizwan, Pakistan could make Salman Agha bowl or include Khushdil Shah in the Playing XI in case the national side needed another spinner.

    Read more: Sufiyan Muqeem registers best figures for Pakistan in T20Is

    “Abrar Ahmed is the first choice for the ODI squad. So, we did not give much thought about adding a second spinner,” the Pakistan captain said.

    However, sources have now said that Sufiyan Muqeem will make it to Pakistan’s final squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

    Pertinent to note here that the emerging spinner made his ODI debut for Pakistan in the third and final ODI against South Africa in December last year.

    In that game, Sufiyan Muqeem recorded impressive figures of 4/52, placing him among the top spinners with the best bowling figures on debut for Pakistan.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan are currently playing in a tri-nation series involving New Zealand and South Africa.

    Following the conclusion of the series, the national side will compete in the eight-team Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on February 19.

    Pakistan squad for tri-nation series, Champions Trophy 2025:

    Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Usman Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

  • ICC announces Champions Trophy schedule with PAK vs IND set for Feb 23

    ICC announces Champions Trophy schedule with PAK vs IND set for Feb 23

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025 hosted by Pakistan, ARY News reported.

    Set to begin on February 19 with Pakistan taking on New Zealand, the tournament will take place over 19 days.

    The high-intensity PAK vs IND game will be played in Dubai on February 23 after India refused to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

    The tournament will consist of 15 matches, played across Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi while India’s game have been scheduled in Dubai.

    Each venue in Pakistan will feature three group games apiece, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.

    Read more: Champions Trophy 2025: Joe Root makes comeback as England announce squad

    “Lahore will also host the final on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days,” as the ICC.

    The three group matches involving India including PAK vs IND, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

    While the Pakistan leg will begin with the tournament opener on February 19 in Karachi, the Dubai leg will start the following day with India taking on Bangladesh.

    “The eight sides in the Champions Trophy competing for the famous white winners’ jackets are the teams that finished in the top eight positions on the points table of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023,” as per the ICC.

    Group A of the Champions Trophy 2025 features current Champions Trophy holders and hosts Pakistan, along with India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B features ODI World Cup 2023 champions Australia, alongside Afghanistan, England and South Africa.

    Groups:

    Group A – Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh

    Group B – South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England

    Champions Trophy Schedule:

    February 19, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan

    February 20, Bangladesh v India, Dubai

    February 21, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan

    February 22, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan

    February 23, Pakistan v India, Dubai

    February 24, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

    February 25, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

    February 26, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan

    February 27, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

    February 28, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan

    March 1, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan

    March 2, New Zealand v India, Dubai

    March 4, Semi-final 1, Dubai

    March 5, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan

    March 9, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)

    March 10, Reserve day

  • Hybrid model agreed for Champions Trophy 2025, other ICC competitions

    Hybrid model agreed for Champions Trophy 2025, other ICC competitions

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) agreed on a hybrid model that would see India playing its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches at neutral venues.

    According to a Cricinfo report, neutral venues will also be used for Pakistan’s matches in ICC tournaments that India hosts till 2027.

    “ESPNcricinfo has seen a resolution with details of the agreement, and which is expected to undergo an ICC board vote, in which during the 2024-2027 event cycle, all matches involving India in an event hosted in Pakistan will be played at a neutral venue, and in return all matches involving Pakistan in an event hosted by India will be played at a neutral venue. This agreement applies to the 2025 men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka,” the report read.

    However, there is still uncertainty over the venue of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, if India advance, as Pakistan had previously suggested hosting the grand finale at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

    The hybrid model may also apply to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, which has now been awarded to Pakistan and is the opening competition of the next ICC cycle.

    The report added that the ICC has also said that it has no objection to the organisation of a triangular Twenty20 International tournament that includes India, Pakistan, and another Asian Full Member country (or an Associate Asian country to make it a quadrangular), provided that the competition is held at a neutral location.

    Such a tri-nation series was proposed as restitution for Pakistan’s loss of hosting India’s Champions Trophy matches.

    Later, the ICC Board also confirmed the development and said India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue,

    “This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), set to be played in February and March 2025, as well as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka),” the ICC statement read.

    It was also announced that the PCB has been awarded hosting rights of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where neutral venue arrangements will also apply.

    The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017.

    The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.

    ‘Pakistan’s principled stance widely appreciated’

    Meanwhile, the 76th meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Board of Governers (BoG) was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman PCB.

    The Governing Board approved the decisions made during its previous meeting and received an update on the progress related to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Chairman PCB briefed the Board on matters concerning the tournament and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to successfully hosting the marquee event.

    The members of the Governing Board lauded Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s principled stance on the ICC Champions Trophy, acknowledging his dedication to safeguarding the interests of Pakistan cricket.

    Read More: Champions Trophy 2025: Mohsin Naqvi reviews Gaddafi Stadium renovation work

    Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated, “From day one, our focus has been on ensuring success for Pakistan and cricket. The PCB is fully prepared for hosting the ICC Champions Trophy, and all preparations are well on track. Pakistan’s principled stance has been widely appreciated, and we will leave no stone unturned in preserving the prestige of this event. All participating teams will receive a warm welcome.”

    He added, “The people of Pakistan are eager to see international teams playing on our home grounds. Cricket is a sport loved by millions, and we believe it should remain free from politics.”

    Chairman Naqvi further assured that the renovation and upgradation of stadiums would be completed well ahead of the tournament. “Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure the stadiums meet international standards,” he said.

    The Governing Board was briefed on the progress of renovation works at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, National Stadium, Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The Board expressed satisfaction with the ongoing developments.

    The meeting was attended by members of the Governing Board, PCB COO Mr Sameer Ahmed, CFO Mr Javed Murtaza, CEO HBL PSL Mr Salman Naseer, and other relevant officials.

  • ICC set to ‘announce’ Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

    ICC set to ‘announce’ Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) will unveil the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025 on Monday, ARY News reported citing sources.

    According to reports, all outstanding issues between Pakistan and India have been resolved, paving the way for a smooth execution of the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament.

    Negotiations and agreements regarding conditions for the Champions Trophy are in their final stages.

    Earlier, Indian media claimed that the ICC had approved a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, further solidifying plans for the event.

    The announcement on Monday is expected to provide clarity on the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament’s timeline and structure, marking a significant step forward for international cricket.

    Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Board of Governors will meet on December 18 to discuss matters related to the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be played in Pakistan next year, ARY News reported citing sources.

    PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi will chair the meeting which would also be attended by other high-ups of the board.

    Read More: PCB BoG meeting summoned to discuss ICC Champions Trophy 2025

    The agenda of the meeting includes discussions on the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, and the upcoming cricket season 2025.

    The sources also revealed that the meeting will discuss the performance of the Pakistan team in each format of the game. Furthermore, the meeting will include a briefing on the upgradation of stadiums across the country.

    The meeting will be held on December 18 in Islamabad.

    Previously, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi’s principled stance on the Champions Trophy.

    In his meeting Shehbaz Sharifm Mohsin Naqvi informed the prime minister that the PCB is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan.

    The Prime Minister remarked that at the ICC, Chairman PCB has represented the voice of 240 million Pakistanis.

    Separately, in a major breakthrough on Champions Trophy 2025, the ICC and the PCB reportedly agreed to adopt a hybrid model for the global tournaments hosted in Pakistan and India until 2027.

    According to a report by Cricinfo, the hybrid model will allow Pakistan and India to play their games at ICC tournaments hosted by the other country at a neutral venue. The agreement was reportedly reached after meetings between ICC chief Jay Shah and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai.

    ICC has three global events scheduled in Pakistan and India between 2024 and 2027: the Champions Trophy in Pakistan (February 2025), the women’s ODI World Cup in India (2025), and the men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka (2026).

  • Jason Gillespie resigns as Pakistan red-ball coach

    Jason Gillespie resigns as Pakistan red-ball coach

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed Jason Gillespie’s resignation as the Pakistan red-ball coach, ARY News reported.

    The PCB has accepted his resignation and appointed Aqib Javed as the interim red-ball coach for the South Africa away Test series.

    “Aqib’s first assignment as red-ball head-coach will be the two-match Test series against South Africa during the ongoing all-format tour,” the PCB said in a statement.

    Jason Gillespie had refused to join the Pakistan team in South Africa after PCB decided against extending Tim Nielsen’s contract as assistant coach.

    Aqib Javed, the current interim white-ball coach, will replace the former Australian pacer for the South Africa Test series.

    Disagreement between the outgoing Pakistan red-ball coach and PCB began after Tim Nielsen was let go after the conclusion of his contract.

    Reports said that Jason Gillespie was taken aback by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision and refused to travel to South Africa to join the Pakistan side.

    Read more: Aqib Javed appointed Pakistan’s interim white-ball coach

    Meanwhile, Pakistan and South Africa are set to engage in a two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26.

    The second PAK v SA Test is scheduled for January 3 in Cape Town.

    Earlier this year, Gary Kirsten resigned as the Pakistan white-ball coach just six months after his appointment in April 2024.

    The former South African cricketer was appointed as white-ball head coach by the PCB on a two-year contract in April 2024.

    Garry Kirsten resigned just before Pakistan’s tour of Australia in November and Jason Gillespie was announced as interim coach for the white-ball series against Australia.

    Former Pakistan pacer Aqib Javed was later appointed interim white-ball coach of the national side before the recently concluded Zimbabwe tour.