Recent reports indicate that the much-anticipated meeting might be rescheduled for either Sunday or Monday.

The delay in the meeting is primarily attributed to the fact that both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) require additional time to engage in consultations with their respective foreign ministries.

For the unversed, the meeting was initially scheduled for November 29. However, this crucial gathering was adjourned without reaching a definitive conclusion regarding the much-anticipated Champions Trophy.

The meeting was convened by ICC as a direct response to the BCCI announcing its refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, which is slated to take place during the February-March window of next year.

The sources revealed that during the brief meeting, which lasted approximately 15 minutes, representatives from the 12 Full Member countries, three representatives from Associate nations, and an independent director were present, alongside the ICC chairman and CEO.

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During the meeting, Pakistan reasserted its firm opposition to any hybrid model that would spread matches across different venues.

The ICC is actively exploring a variety of options to address the complications surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025, particularly in light of India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan.

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.

READ: It’s unacceptable that Pakistan visit India but they don’t: Mohsin Naqvi

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After a disappointing loss in the first ODI, the Pakistan cricket squad immersed themselves in an intensive practice session to prepare for the crucial second match, scheduled to be played tomorrow.

The batters engaged in focused drills with net bowlers, honing their skills and refining their technique. However, the fast bowlers did not participate in the training session and preferred to take some much-needed rest today.

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It’s worth noting that Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan in the first ODI of the three-match series by 80 runs on the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method due to heavy downpour here on Sunday.

Pakistan, chasing a target of 206, were in trouble at 60/6 in 21 overs when heavy rain halted the play. With the weather preventing any further action, the umpires called off the match, handing victory to the hosts, who were 80 runs ahead of the DLS par score.

Squads for Pakistan-Zimbabwe white-ball series

Pakistan ODI squad: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab Tahir.

Zimbabwe ODI squad: Craig Ervine (c), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams

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Pakistan, chasing a target of 206, were in trouble at 60/6 in 21 overs when heavy rain halted play at Queens Sports Club.

With the weather preventing any further action, the umpires called off the match, handing victory to the hosts, who were 80 runs ahead of the DLS par score.

The Green Shirts had a shaky start to the run chase as both opening batters fell prey to Blessing Muzarabani inside five overs.

Kamran Ghulam (17) and Mohammad Rizwan (19*) played cautiously to help the team recover but Sean Williams removed the former to break Pakistan’s momentum.

The visitors slipped from 40-2 to 58-6 in quick succession with the skipper watching the wickets fall on the other end.

Rizwan (19) and Aamir Jamal (0) were on the crease when the rain stopped the action.

Earlier, Zimbabwe, after being invited to bat first by Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan, were bowled out for 205 in the 41st over.

READ: Virat Kohli goes past Don Bradman’s record in Test cricket

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The left-arm pacer experienced mild discomfort in his right leg before the ongoing third Test. The injury occurred during a practice session, where Hamza was unable to bowl, raising concerns about his fitness.

As a precautionary measure, he will complete his recovery and rehabilitation process in Karachi with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical team.

It’s worth noting that the three-match Test series is currently levelled 1-1 and the deciding third match is currently underway at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the series opener, consequently, the home side made an array of changes including dropping their star batter Babar Azam and ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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Domestic performer Kamran Ghulam made his long-awaited debut, while spin bowlers Sajid Khan, Noman Ali and Zahid Mahmood made their return to the Test side.

The changes proved fruitful as Kamran scored a century on his debut, while Sajid and Noman shared 20 wickets to steer Pakistan to their first Test victory at home since February 2021.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan have announced an unchanged Playing XI for the ongoing match, while England have added an additional spinner to take advantage of the conditions.

Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.

READ: Asalanka steers Sri Lanka to series-clinching victory over West Indies

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Pakistan will field the same line-up which crushed England by 152 runs in the second Test in Multan to level the three-match series.

The pitch in Rawalpindi is anticipated to favour spin bowlers, much like the conditions seen in Multan.

As a result, Pakistan will go with the same spin-heavy bowling attack, featuring Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Zahid Mahmood while Aamir Jamal will play as the sole pacer.

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On the other hand, England made two changes in their Playing XI yesterday, bringing in leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed and seamer Gus Atkinson in place of Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts.

Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.

WATCH: Jason Gillespie picks up empty bottles after Pakistan training session

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The left-arm pacer has complained of a hip injury, which has cast doubt over his participation in the Rawalpindi Test.

The injury occurred during a practice session, where Hamza was unable to bowl, raising concerns about his fitness. The team management is closely monitoring his condition.

The three-match Test series is currently levelled 1-1 and the deciding third match will be played from 24 October to 28 October at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the series opener, consequently, the home side made an array of changes including dropping their star batter Babar Azam and ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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Experienced wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed and Naseem Shah were the other two key players dropped from the national team’s squad for the remainder of the series.

Domestic performer Kamran Ghulam made his long-awaited debut, while spin bowlers Sajid Khan, Noman Ali and Zahid Mahmood made their return to the Test side.

The changes proved fruitful as Kamran scored a century on his debut, while Sajid and Noman shared 20 wickets to steer Pakistan to their first Test victory at home since February 2021.

Squads:

Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.

England: Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

READ: PCB announces free entry on first day of third Pakistan-England Test

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The newly appointed selection committee have announced the squad for the second and third Test matches, which will be played in Multan and Rawalpindi on 15 and 24 October, respectively.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed the squad through a press release on their official website.

“Taking into consideration the current form and fitness of key players and looking ahead to Pakistan’s future assignments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have decided to give rest to Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Abrar Ahmed (who is recovering from dengue fever) was unavailable for selection,” the statement said.

“The four players have been replaced by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped), fast bowler Mohammad Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan.

“Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially part of the original first Test squad but were subsequently released, have also been included in the 16-player squad.”

Aqib Javed, the newly appointed member of the men’s national selection committee, has said that the decision to rest key players has been taken considering the interest of the Pakistan cricket team.

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“Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task for the selectors. We’ve had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 international schedule,” Javed said.

“With these factors in mind and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we’ve made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

“We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges.

“They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger.

“At the same time, we are offering opportunities to uncapped players like Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, along with Mohammad Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Zahid Mehmood.

“They now have the chance to showcase their skills against a formidable England side. We believe they will rise to the occasion and make the most of this opportunity in the remaining two Tests.”

Pakistan Squad For Remaining Matches Against England

Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.

READ: India smash highest total by a full-member team in T20Is

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The right-arm wrist spinner is suffering from fever and is unlikely to return to action during the ongoing Test.

Abrar Ahmed has bowled 35 overs in the first innings and remained wicketless after giving away 174 runs.

Notably, the touring side enjoyed a commanding third session of play yesterday as they piled up 141 runs to get to 492/3 with Root closing in on a double century.

Root, unbeaten on 176 and Brook, 141 not out, resumed England’s first innings on the fourth day.

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England also dominated the second session as they had reached 351-3, trailing by 205 runs, with Root (119) and Brook (64) on the crease.

Pakistan got rid of dangerous Ben Duckett early in the second session with Aamir Jamal providing the breakthrough. The left-hander played a quick-fire knock of 84 runs from 71 balls, laced with eleven boundaries.

Root was joined by Brook and together they added an unbeaten 110 runs in 133 balls for the fourth wicket until the umpires called the Tea on Day 3.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmad.

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir.

READ: Gillespie banks on ‘fresh’ pacers to tackle England’s fightback

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Babar announced his decision on Tuesday night through social media, citing heavy workload and his intention to focus more on batting.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Babar Azam tendered his resignation as Pakistan men’s white-ball captain on Tuesday evening, and it has been accepted,” the PCB stated in a press release.

They further revealed that the national selection committee has been assigned the task of making a strategy for white-ball cricket and recommending options for captaincy.

“The national selection committee has been tasked with beginning the process of formulating future white-ball cricket strategies, including recommending a new captain,” the statement further said.

The cricket board acknowledged Babar’s services to the national team and extended support for the star batter.

“Although the PCB had backed Babar Azam as the white-ball captain, his decision to step down reflects his desire to focus more on making a greater impact as a player,” the PCB stated.

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“This decision is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to Pakistan cricket. He believes that dedicating himself fully to his batting will enable him to play a more decisive role in the team’s success in the shorter formats.

“The PCB acknowledges Babar’s contributions as white-ball captain, his ability to prioritise the team’s needs and his unwavering dedication to Pakistan cricket. The PCB will continue to support Babar Azam, recognising he still has much to offer both as a world-class batter and a senior statesman of the team.”

Meanwhile, Babar also reiterated his aim to focus on his batting and play his role in the team’s success going forward.

“Playing for Pakistan has always been my greatest honour and I’ve always placed the team’s success above everything else,” said Babar Azam.

“Stepping down as captain will help me deliver even more for the team as a player and I’m fully committed to that path. The team’s success is what matters most.

“I’ve had the privilege of leading Pakistan for five remarkable years, always trying to give my best as both captain and player.

“At this stage, I strongly believe I can make a bigger impact by concentrating on my batting. I am grateful for the constant support from my teammates, coaches and the PCB throughout my captaincy.

“While it has been a great honour to lead Pakistan, now is the right time to shift my complete focus on batting, the team’s objectives during this transitional phase and back the new captain and emerging players as we prepare for a crucial season ahead, including the defence of the ICC Champions Trophy on home soil next year.”

READ: Reason behind Babar Azam’s decision to quit white-ball captaincy revealed

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FAISALABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi presided over the 74th meeting of the Board of Governors (BoG) here on Thursday.

The BoG was briefed on the Bahria Town Champions One-Day Cup, which commenced at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Thursday afternoon with the opening match between UMT Markhors and Lake City Panthers.

The BoG appreciated the efforts of Mr Mohsin Naqvi in attracting and convincing leading and highly reputed organisations to partner with the tournament, in which the country’s best cricketers are participating.

The BoG also proposed that the Champions Cup, which includes events in the T20 and four-day formats, be incorporated into the PCB Constitution 2014 so that it becomes an annual feature.

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This will bring continuity, consistency and clarity to Pakistan’s domestic cricket pathway structure.

The BoG suggested that after witnessing the overwhelming response of the Faisalabad crowd, the PCB should take complete control of Iqbal Stadium and upgrade it to international standards, enabling the venue to be revived and host bilateral international series once again.

An update was provided to the BoG on the infrastructure projects’ progress with respect to the design and scope of work.

Members expressed their complete support and satisfaction with the projects, stating this was the need of the hour and that once the projects are completed, they will contribute to enhancing the image and profile of Pakistan and Pakistan cricket.

READ: Pakistan’s Awais Munir, Asjad Iqbal to participate in Mongolia World Cup

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