Shahid Hashmi

Jason Gillespie refuses to join Pakistan team on South Africa tour: sources

Pakistan red-ball coach Jason Gillespie has refused to travel to South Africa where Pakistan is scheduled to play a two-match Test series, ARY News reported, citing sources.

According to sources, the former Australian pacer took the decision after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) removed Tim Nielsen from his role as assistant coach.

Reports had earlier said that the PCB decided against extending Tim Nielsen’s contract, leading Jason Gillespie to re-evaluate his own position as the Pakistan red-ball coach.

As per sources, Gillespie was taken aback by the PCB’s decision and has now refused to travel to South Africa to join the Pakistan side.

Meanwhile, sources indicated that Jason Gillespie has resigned from the post and the PCB will soon accept his resignation from his role as Pakistan red-ball coach.

According to sources, the PCB is likely to appoint an interim red-ball coach for the upcoming PAK v SA Test series.

It is worth noting here that the Pakistan team is currently on the South Africa tour where the T20I series between the national side and the hosts is underway.

Following the conclusion of the PAK v SA T20I and ODI series, 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.

Meanwhile, South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada and batter Heinrich Klaasen returned as South Africa announced the squad for the three-match PAK v SA home ODI series.

David Miller, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, who last played an ODI almost a year ago, are included in the South Africa squad.

December 12, 2024
Jay Shah becomes new ICC chairman

Jay Shah has officially taken charge as the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman on today (Sunday).

The former BCCI secretary succeeds Greg Barclay, who has held the position since November 2020. Shah was elected un-opposed as the new ICC chairman.

In his first statement as ICC Chair, Jay Shah outlined his priorities for his term, including leveraging the sport’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as a pivotal opportunity as well as further accelerating the growth of the women’s game.

“I am honoured to take on the role of ICC Chair and grateful for the support and trust of the ICC Directors and Member Boards,” Jay Shah said in a statement.

Read more: Jay Shah elected unopposed as ICC chairman

“This is an exciting time for the sport as we prepare for the LA28 Olympic Games and work to make cricket more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide.

Jay Shah said we are at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple formats and the need to accelerate the growth of the women’s game.

“Cricket holds immense potential globally, and I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to seize these opportunities and take the sport to new heights.”

December 1, 2024
Champions Trophy 2025: Major update on ICC board meeting

The board meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will not take place today (Saturday), ARY News reported, citing sources.

According to sources, the ongoing consultation of ICC on the Champions Trophy to continue as the meeting will likely be held on Sunday or Monday. o

Sources revealed that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have sought time from ICC to discuss the matter with foreign ministries of their concerned countries.

Yesterday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) adjourned the board meeting without a decision regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

The board meeting was called after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament, scheduled in the February-March window next year.

According to sources, the meeting, comprising representatives from the 12 Full Member countries, three representatives from Associates, and an independent director alongside the ICC chairman and CEO, continued for around 15 minutes where Pakistan reiterated its stance against a hybrid model.

Read more: Nawaz Sharif should speak to Modi for India’s Champions Trophy participation: Akmal

Meanwhile, sources said that ICC was considering various options to come up with a solution to the issues regarding Champions Trophy 2025 following India’s refusal to visit Pakistan.

In this regard, the International Cricket Council is likely to convene another meeting within the next 48 hours to decide on the matter.

It is pertinent to note here that the BCCI has suggested a hybrid model instead of travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI proposed that India’s matches be held in Dubai.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has categorically rejected such a proposal and insists that it will hold the entirety of the tournament on its soil.

A day earlier, reports said that the PCB wrote to the International Cricket Council ahead of the scheduled board meeting.

Sources said that the PCB made it clear that the hybrid model, which would involve holding some matches in a neutral venue, was not acceptable for the Champions Trophy 2025.

November 30, 2024
Champions Trophy 2025: PCB ‘writes’ to ICC ahead of scheduled board meeting

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) ahead of a scheduled board meeting to discuss the Champions Trophy 2025, ARY News reported citing sources.

According to sources, the PCB has made it clear that the hybrid model, which would involve holding some matches in a neutral venue, is not acceptable.

The PCB’s letter came after India’s refusal to participate in the tournament if it is held in Pakistan, citing security concerns.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instead proposed that India’s matches be held in Dubai.

Sources revealed that the board has also warned that if a neutral venue is chosen for India’s matches, Pakistan would not participate in future tournaments in India.

Earlier, the International Cricket Council called a board meeting on November 29 to discuss the Champions Trophy 2025.

Also read: Champions Trophy 2025: ICC calls board meeting on Nov 29

According to reports, the meeting will be held online with the upcoming tournament on the agenda.

The ICC Board comprises representatives from the 12 Full Member countries, three representatives from Associates, and an independent director alongside the ICC chairman and CEO.

The development came amid India’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan which is set to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in the February-March window next year.

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send its team for the event.

Later, reports said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on the directives from the government, wrote to the ICC in which it rejected a hybrid model for the tournament.

The PCB also sought a written response from the BCCI for their refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

The ambiguity surrounding the event has broadcasters concerned about their viewership as they urged the ICC to immediately release the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025.

While the cricket governing body initially planned to release the schedule on November 12, the BCCI’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan resulted in a delay in the announcement of the schedule.

Pertinent to note here that the broadcasting rights, awarded to broadcasters until 2027 for a record $3 billion, hinge largely on the popularity of marquee matches, particularly between Pakistan and India, which consistently draw the highest viewership.

November 28, 2024
Pakistan may opt out of Champions Trophy 2025: sources

Pakistan is likely to opt out of the Champions Trophy 2025 in case the tournament is held on a hybrid model after India refused to send its team to the country, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Sources said on Sunday that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has conveyed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about India’s decision to refuse traveling to Pakistan for the tournament.

The PCB officials have informed the government about India’s decision. Sources said that Pakistan would decline any substitute model for the Champions Trophy 2025.

In this regard, the PCB is mulling a couple of strong responses, including dragging India to the ICC International Court of Arbitration.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is also considering refusing to play against India in all tournaments if it does not send its team to Pakistan for the tournament.

According to government sources, appropriate security measures are in place while the PCB is on schedule to build and renovate the cricket stadiums for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

The development came hours after reports emerged that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had informed the ICC that India would not travel to Pakistan.

According to a cricket news website, the BCCI officially informed the ICC that the Indian government advised against sending the team to Pakistan.

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in the February- March window in 2025, however, India’s participation in the tournament was uncertain as the BCCI sought the government’s approval.

It is worth noting here that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated that the PCB was not considering a hybrid model.

In a media talk on November 8, he said that Pakistan was determined to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

“We maintain that the Champions Trophy will only be hosted in Pakistan, and there’s been no discussion of a hybrid model,” he added.

November 10, 2024
Champions Trophy 2025: India not to travel to Pakistan, wants its matches shifted to neutral venue

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, the Indian cricket team has once again communicated their refusal to travel to Pakistan and prefers to hold their matches at a neutral venue, TOI reported on Friday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other involved parties of their decision, according to the TOI report, with Dubai being a likely location for some matches.

“Indeed, the BCCI has expressed its concerns regarding the Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. They are in favor of playing these matches at a neutral location, and Dubai is a strong option for hosting the games involving the Men in Blue,” a source tracking the situation shared with TOI.

Dubai emerges as a prime candidate for hosting the tournament, and the governing body has prior experience with hosting various events there, including the recent Women’s T20 World Cup.

“There are no issues regarding Dubai. Accommodation is not problematic, logistics are manageable, and everything can be arranged efficiently. The ICC is well-prepared when it comes to handling events in Dubai,” a source informed TOI.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, however, categorically refused to comment on the report and said that BCCI has not conveyed anything in written.

“We will accept it (their concerns) once we get it in writing,” said Naqvi while speaking to media in Lahore.

About the Event

The ICC Champions Trophy is a prestigious international cricket tournament held every four years, featuring the top eight ranked teams in the world ¹. It’s often referred to as the “Mini World Cup” due to its similarity in format to the Cricket World Cup, but with fewer teams and a shorter duration ¹. The tournament typically lasts around two and a half weeks, with teams competing in a round-robin format followed by knockout stages.

Tournament Format

The Champions Trophy has undergone changes in its format over the years. Initially, it was a knockout tournament, but from 2002 onwards, it has featured a round-robin format with two groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals, followed by the final.

History and Winners

The first Champions Trophy was held in Bangladesh in 1998, with South Africa emerging as the winners. Since then, the tournament has been held in various countries, with Australia and India being the most successful teams, having won the trophy twice each ¹. Other winners include Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and New Zealand.

Upcoming Tournaments

The next ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in 2025, followed by India in 2029.

November 8, 2024
Sajid, Noman ‘keep it simple’ for perfect mix to put England in spin

MULTAN: Sajid Khan and Noman Ali are as different as chalk and cheese but they gelled perfectly as they tore through England’s batting to give Pakistan a long-awaited Test win.

The spin pair took all 20 wickets on a worn, turning, Multan track for a 152-run win to set up a third Test winner-takes-all showdown at Rawalpindi starting on Thursday.

Left-armer Noman, 38, is the senior partner of a pair who have played together in eight Tests.

“We bowled with a lot of confidence and his energy is always very high,” Noman told AFP about his partner, off-spinner Sajid.

“Our plan was to keep it simple. We knew the England batsman would attack, so we were not distracted and kept it simple,” he said in written comments to AFP.

“This feat will go a long way in establishing our pairing. To get 20 wickets between us is an honour and it happens very rarely.”

The win is Pakistan’s first at home since they beat South Africa in Rawalpindi three years and eight months ago.

Noman took a career best 8-46 as England were 144 all out chasing 297 to win.

But it was Sajid who set the platform with 7-111 in the first innings to give Pakistan a crucial 75-run lead.

Noman finished with match figures of 11-147 and Sajid 9-204.

They became the seventh pair of bowlers to take all 20 wickets in a Test, and the first since Australia’s Dennis Lillee and Bob Massie against England in 1972.

Sajid cuts a dashing figure on the field, frequently twiddling his immaculately groomed moustache and celebrating a wicket with an exuberant thigh slap that has become his signature.

“I followed my father in keeping a moustache,” Sajid told AFP of his late father, who had served in the military.

“(Former Australia batsman) David Warner once said he was frightened of my moustache,” he added.

Former Pakistan left-arm spinner Iqbal Qasim believes that Noman and Sajid complement each other perfectly.

“Spin gives us the winning formula which we were not using,” said Qasim who took 171 wickets in 50 Tests for Pakistan.

“Noman and Sajid have matured with experience and can continue to give home wins like this.”

It is too early to compare the pair to India’s spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja who jointly have over 800 wickets.

Thirty-seven years ago, Qasim partnered Tauseef Ahmed for 18 wickets as Pakistan won in Bangalore for a first series win over arch-rivals India.

Off-spinner Ahmed, who took 93 wickets for Pakistan, said the pair had “bowled extraordinarily” well in the win over England, after Pakistan’s new selection committee decided to pick only one seam bowler.

“The previous set-up did not have belief in spinners and that’s why we were not using our home advantage,” said Ahmed

The series finale starts in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

October 20, 2024
Wahab Riaz makes explosive revelations about Pakistan team

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team’s senior manager Wahab Riaz made startling revelation about the team environment after their early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, ARY News reported, citing sources.

The former pace bowler submitted his report on the team’s performance to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in which he revealed the reasons behind the Men in Green’s shocking exit from the tournament, sources said.

Echoing white-ball coach Gary Kirsten’s remarks, he has said that the Pakistan team lacked unity during the T20 World Cup 2024 as they lost close ties against the United States of America (USA) and India.

According to Wahab Riaz, there was a need for comprehensive planning to improve the performance of the team.

Pakistan’s journey in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 saw an end in the group stage after they were stunned by the USA in their opening game.

Babar Azam’s men then faced archrivals India and were defeated in a close tie as Pakistan’s batting order tumbled while chasing a target of 120.

Read more: ‘No one supports anyone’: Gary Kirsten on Pakistan team’s unity

Following their horror run in the marquee event, coach Gary Kristen expressed concerns over the lack of unity within the team, stating that no one supports anyone in the team, and instead, were working in isolation, sources had said.

He stated that he has never witnessed such a situation in his coaching career, having worked with multiple teams in the past.

Gary Kirsten also pointed out that the team’s skill level is significantly lagging as compared to the rest of the world. “Despite playing so much cricket, no one knows which shot to play and when,” he claimed.

It is pertinent to mention that the 2009 champions finished third in Group A standings with four points in four matches.

June 27, 2024
Imad, Rizwan being ‘considered’ for vice-captaincy role

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering to appoint either all-rounder Imad Wasim or wicket-keeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan as vice-captain, ARY News reported.

The selection committee sources turned down the ‘rumors’ of appointing fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi for the role. “Shaheen Shah Afridi has not been approached and asked to take the role as a vice-captain,” the sources added.

They said that Muhammad Rizwan and Imad Wasim are top contenders for the slot but no final decision has been made so far. The sources privy to the development said that the selection committee will make the final decision in consultation with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

It should be noted here that Babar Azam has been made the white-ball captain ahead of the New Zealand series in April but the vice-captain’s slot remained vacant.

Pakistan are currently facing England in a 4-match T20 series between Pakistan as the second encounter is underway at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The first match of the series was washed out as the next matches are scheduled for May 28th in Cardiff and May 30th in Oval.

Read More: Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2024 announced

Earlier on Friday, the PCB nveiled its 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, with no reserves.

The T20 World Cup 2024, hosted by USA and the Caribbean, will begin on June 1. Pakistan’s first match is on June 6, against United States at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas.

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Squad

Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan’s schedule of matches:

6 June – vs USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas

9 June – vs India, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York

11 June – vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York

16 June – vs Ireland, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida

Pakistan has been seeded A2 in the first round and if they qualify for the second round, then their Super Eight matches will be as follows:

19 June – vs D1, Antigua

21 June – vs C2, Barbados

23 June – vs B1, Barbados

May 25, 2024
From London to Pakistan: for the Love of Club Cricket

From master blaster Shahid Afridi to wicket-knocking Shaheen Shah Afridi have pledged all support for London cricketers who are on a tour of Pakistan. The theme of their tour is “love for club cricket,” as they hope their tour will ignite more passion and competitiveness at the club level.

Cricket is the number one sport in Pakistan and to say this about the United Kingdom (Great Britain) must be an under-statement. The Britishers were the pioneers of the game and they have made it pervasive to an extent that now more than 100 countries play the game globally.

The pace giant Waqar Younis led the good wishes for the London CC. “I wish London boys the best of luck. Pakistan is the best place for cricket, enjoy the visit,” was Waqar’s message for the tour. Pakistan’s pace sensation Shaheen said he was praying for the best results on the tour. “My best wishes and prayers for London Cricketers CC.. play good cricket and enjoy the tour,” was what Shaheen had to say.

Former England batting great David Gower advised the London Club to enjoy the tour to the hilt. “You are going to Pakistan for a tour, so that should be the most fantastic experience. I have been there a couple of times, in fact a couple of times in the last few years as well, and I tell you straight away that this is the most welcoming county. They love their cricket and the hospitality is always outstanding. There is so much to enjoy when you go to Pakistan; the culture, the food, the people, everything is there to be experienced. All the venues are great. So the trick is this: play as well as you can, that’s always a given on a cricket tour but, look, enjoy the hospitality, the people and the country and it will be the most magnificent experience,” was what Gower advised the London boys. Gower is spot on, just like his cover drive.

The British High Commissioner in Pakistan Jane Marrotte has also pitched the tour as “wonderful opportunity” for the London Club. “No doubt that you are going to have a wonderful trip in this peaceful and diverse country,” said Ms Jannet in a message. “The UK and Pakistan share a love for cricket that strengthens our friendship. Your visit is excellently timed ahead of Pakistan’s women and Men touring the UK for international matches in May. As you tour a country you will find Pakistan hospitality unmatched. I hope you will share these stories when you are back in the UK… wishing you the best of luck.”

The 22-man squad is led by an affable person in Irfan Akram. Those who have toured England with the Pakistan cricket team are familiar with Irfan. He is the perennial liaison officer for Pakistan team, showing the infectious smile all the time during his co-ordination and working out various matters for Team Green.

The squad played a match against Aleem Dar Academy at Aleem Dar Cricket Ground on April 14 while the next day’s opponents were the famous P&T Gymkhana on the next day (April 15). The matches against Azhar Ali Academy and Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy are scheduled on April 17. The visiting players will also go to Sialkot where a match will be played against the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry team. A match against Hasan Raza Cricket Academy in Islamabad is also a part of the program. They will also play in Abbottabad and Murree on this tour.

The team that is visiting Pakistan includes Haris Usman, Abdullah Akbar, Zoraid Saeed, Herath Wajid, Sahar Akbar, Faheem Aziz, Stephen Ramidal, Zain Shehzad, Soha Iqbal, Jan Sher Akbar, Irfan Akram, Haris Raza, Hasan Ali Iqbal, Ehsan Shah, Anthony Smith, Scott Emmons, Shahid Akbar, Adnan Akram and Dave Ramidel.

April 18, 2024