The decision was taken during the 26th General Council meeting of the WBCC at a local hotel in Multan, with representatives from the cricket boards of Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Afghanistan in attendance.

Meanwhile, officials from India, England, and New Zealand participated online.

During the meeting, Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) was re-elected as the President of the WBCC for a two-year term, while India’s Rajanish Henry was elected as the Secretary-General.

India was initially selected to host the upcoming Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, but ongoing challenges, including logistical and administrative hurdles, have prompted the WBCC to shift the tournament to a neutral location.

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“Both Pakistan and India are leading teams in the world of blind cricket, but visa restrictions have hindered their ability to compete against each other. Hosting events at neutral venues is the most practical solution to this issue,” Shah stated.

In recent times, the two neighbouring countries have been at loggerheads due to the Indian government’s refusal to send its cricket teams to Pakistan.

The focal point of this dispute is the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, which has garnered significant attention due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament.

In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now proposed a new ‘Partnership or Fusion Formula,’ aimed at resolving the ongoing standstill regarding the ICC Champions Trophy.

Additionally, the government of India has prohibited its cricket team from travelling to Pakistan for the Blind Men’s Cricket T20 World Cup, further intensifying the complexities surrounding cricket diplomacy between the two countries.

READ: Champions Trophy 2025: PCB proposes Partnership or Fusion Formula

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Due to the pending announcement of the Pakistan men’s white-ball and red-ball squads for the South Africa tour, the mentors have excluded centrally contracted players and other white-ball cricketers currently in Zimbabwe for the ODI and T20I series.

Once the national selection committee finalises the squads for the South Africa tour and player availability becomes clear, the mentors will reassess and revise their provisional squads before submitting the final lists to the Pakistan Cricket Board.

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PROVISIONAL SQUADS (excluding PCB central players and those presently in Zimbabwe. Mentors can also pick players from outside the provisional list):

ABL Stallions (mentor Shoaib Malik): Abdul Faseeh, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Azam Khan, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Mohsin, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Nasir Nawaz, Shoaib Malik, Tahir Hussain, Ubaid Shah, Yasir Khan and Zaman Khan

Engro Dolphins (mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed): Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Ihsanullah, Khubaib Khalil, Kashif Ali, Mirza Tahir Baig, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Salman Afridi, Salman Irshad, Shayan Sheikh and Umar Amin

Lake City Panthers (mentor Saqlain Mushtaq): Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Ali Raza, Amad Butt, Danish Aziz, Haider Ali, Hasan Ali, Irfanullah Shah, Mohammad Umar, Mohammad Zeeshan, Mubasir Khan, Rehan Afridi, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Baig, Sharjeel Khan, Umar Siddiq and Usama Mir

Nurpur Lions (mentor Waqar Younis): Aamer Yamin, Arif Yaqoob, Hasan Nawaz, Hunain Shah, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Basit, Mohammad Faiq, Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad Siraj, Mohammad Taha, Musa Khan, Rohail Nazir, Sajjad Ali Hashmi and Shahab Khan

UMT Markhors (mentor Misbah-ul-Haq): Abdul Samad, Akif Javed, Ali Shafique, Ali Shan, Ali Usman, Bilawal Bhatti, Bismillah Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Sarwar Afridi, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Muhammad Shehzad, Niaz Khan, Nisar Ahmed, Saad Masood and Zahid Mehmood

READ: Pakistan crush UAE to qualify for U19 tri-series final

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Moreover, this role will be an extension of Azhar’s existing responsibilities, as he also serves as a member of the Men’s National Selection Committee.

Azhar, a celebrated figure in Pakistan cricket, began his journey at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2002 before transitioning to the senior national team.

Over a distinguished career spanning 2010 to 2022, he earned 97 Test and 53 ODI caps. He captained the national side in nine Tests and 31 ODIs and was a key member of Pakistan’s historic ICC Champions Trophy-winning squad in 2017.

As the Head of Youth Development, Azhar Ali is responsible for shaping the future of cricket in Pakistan. His role involves designing and implementing comprehensive youth cricket strategies, establishing strong grassroots cricket structures, and creating talent pathways.

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He will also collaborate with regional cricket associations to enhance age-group programs and educate emerging cricketers through the PCB’s Pathways Programme. Additionally, he will organize seminars and clinics to raise awareness about the essential off-field development aspects for aspiring players.

“I am honoured and excited to take on this important role. Having risen through the age-group ranks and played extensive club and domestic cricket, I understand the critical role grassroots development plays in shaping future stars,” said Azhar.

“Significant strides have already been made in this area and I look forward to working with my colleagues to further elevate our youth development programme further.

“Our goal is to identify promising talent and equip them with the tools to excel at the highest level.”

The PCB congratulated Azhar Ali on his appointment and expressed confidence that his experience and vision will significantly contribute to the growth and success of youth cricket in Pakistan.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed to pose with Champions Trophy at Mohatta Palace today

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“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Sumair Ahmad Syed, Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, as the Tournament Director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan,” the PCB stated in a press release.

PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi:

“Sumair is an exceptionally organised professional with a wealth of administrative expertise. Coupled with his unwavering passion for cricket, I am confident he will deliver an unforgettable ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for players, officials and fans alike.

“The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events, welcoming players and fans from around the globe to experience the country’s passion for the game and renowned hospitality.

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“This tournament marks a historic milestone as the biggest sporting event in Pakistan’s recent history. With Sumair leading the way, the global cricket community can rest assured that the event will meet the highest standards of excellence synonymous with Pakistan.”

Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed:

“I am deeply honored and excited to take on this significant responsibility for a tournament that holds immense importance for the Pakistan Cricket Board, our fans and supporters. Preparations are already well underway, with stadium upgrades nearing completion and crucial discussions ongoing with the International Cricket Council.

“Our experienced events team, which has successfully planned and executed nine multi-team HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, including last five in Pakistan, will play a vital role in ensuring the tournament’s success.

“I am committed to working closely with them as well as the International Cricket Council, leaving no stone unturned to exceed the benchmarks set by previous ICC Champions Trophy editions.”

READ: Former Pakistan captain suggests Sahibzada Farhan is not ‘international material’

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Fakhar was excluded from the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, as well as the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe last month.

However, Aaqib, who recently took charge as the interim head coach, heaped praise on Fakhar, calling him a match-winner.

The former pacer shared that Fakhar is dealing with some fitness issues and he will be back in the team once he achieves full recovery.

“Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner. He has been facing some fitness issues, but the selection committee will reconsider him once he regains fitness,” Aaqib stated while addressing the media in Lahore.

Remember, Fakhar expressed his disappointment through a social media post over the selection committee’s decision to drop star batter Babar Azam after the first Test against England last month.

Consequently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a show-cause notice to the left-hander over breaching the Code of Conduct.

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Aaqib Javed further shared that as interim head coach his goal is to take Pakistan cricket forward using his extensive coaching experience.

“PCB has entrusted me with additional responsibilities, and I will fulfil them to the best of my abilities,” he added. “I have been coaching for over 22 years and will use my experience with the team.”

“As a coach, I am not focusing on individual players but on improving Pakistan cricket as a whole.”

He emphasized that significant changes are needed for Pakistan’s T20I team, and for this reason, new players will be provided ample opportunities ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

“There’s still over a year left for the next T20 World Cup, so a lot of changes will be seen,” Aaqib Javed stated.

“The team selected for Zimbabwe gives a message to new players that they will be given opportunities.

“However, as of now, we are focusing more on ODI matches and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”

READ: Former Pakistan captain suggests Sahibzada Farhan is not ‘international material’

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During this tenure, Aaqib will continue to serve as a senior member of the men’s National Selection Committee and will be assigned additional responsibilities following the conclusion of the eight-team tournament.

Meanwhile, the PCB will initiate the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach, aiming to complete the appointment by the end of the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled from 19 February to 9 March.

The white-ball coaching role had become vacant following the resignation of Gary Kirsten last month ahead of the ongoing tour of Australia.

In Kirsten’s absence, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie had coached the side during the tour of Australia, who will now rejoin the side for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa.

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The Pakistan men’s side is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe (24 November – 5 December) and as many white-ball matches in South Africa (10-22 December).

In the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for an ODI triangular series from 8-14 February.

Aaqib Javed has extensive coaching experience, having previously served as Pakistan’s bowling coach during their successful ICC T20 World Cup campaign in 2009. Earlier this year, he worked with the Sri Lanka men’s team as their bowling coach.

Prior to that, he also oversaw the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earning the ODI status and qualifying for the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia during his tenure as the head coach.

Moreover, the right-arm pacer was also the coach of Pakistan’s Under-19 team when they won the U19 World Cup in 2004.

READ: Mohammad Amir advises Rizwan ‘to bat freely’

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The cricket board announced the schedule on their official social media accounts with the trophy tour commencing on November 16 in the capital city.

“Get ready, Pakistan,” the PCB posted. “The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, also visiting scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad.”

“Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24 November.”

The announcement of the trophy tour came amid uncertainty regarding the schedule of the Champions Trophy 2025 after the Indian government refused to send its team to Pakistan for the event.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) was set to release the schedule earlier this week, however, the ambiguity regarding India’s travel plans to Pakistan resulted in a delay in the announcement of the schedule.

It is to be noted here that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC on November 9 that India would not travel to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025.

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The cricket board sent a letter to the ICC earlier this week following directives from the country’s government to express its concerns. The PCB conveyed that the Pakistani government is determined to host the entire tournament.

Sources reported that the PCB has sought official clarification and concrete reasons for India’s refusal to tour Pakistan in a letter.

India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

READ: Kane Williamson returns to New Zealand squad for England Test series

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The cricket board sent a letter to the ICC following directives from the country’s government to express its concerns. The PCB conveyed that the Pakistani government is determined to host the entire tournament.

Sources reported that the PCB has sought official clarification and concrete reasons for India’s refusal to tour Pakistan in a letter.

In its letter, the PCB clearly stated that hosting the Champions Trophy using a hybrid model is not an option, emphasizing that Pakistan will not compete against India at any alternate venue.

The upcoming 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 is uncertain.

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Previously, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), that Team India will not be visiting Pakistan for the tournament citing security concerns.

However, on Sunday, sources confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the Indian government is not ready to allow their cricket team to travel to Pakistan.

In response, the PCB has been considering different options at the moment, with a possibility of them opting out of the tournament completely in case of a hybrid model, sources reported.

The cricket board is also considering refusing to play against India in all future tournaments if it does not send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

READ: ‘Pakistan should adopt Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup stance in Champions Trophy’

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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 is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Furthermore, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), that Team India will not be visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy citing security concerns.

The reports also suggest that the BCCI has expressed their desire to move their matches to Dubai.

Meanwhile, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in an interaction with the media, revealed that the cricket board has not received any official confirmation from the BCCI about not visiting Pakistan for the global eight-team tournament.

“Although there’s a lot of talk [in media] that India may not come, we have received no official statement [from the BCCI],” said Naqvi.

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“Our stance is that India should give us a written confirmation if they are not coming for the Champions Trophy.”

Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that the PCB is not considering a hybrid model and is 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.

“We will provide all necessary facilities to all visiting teams, and we hope international fans will come here to watch the matches.”

For the unversed, India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

READ: India not to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy: reports

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Saad Baig, who led the Pakistan U19 team in the last edition of the ACC U19 Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup 2024, has been appointed the captain of the 15-player squad which will be trimmed to 14 for the Asia Cup beginning 29 November.

Six players including Saad, Ali Raza, Haroon Arshad, Mohammad Riazullah, Naveed Ahmed Khan, and Shahzaib Khan represented Pakistan at the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 in South Africa while Tayyab Arif is the other player to have played for the Pakistan U19.

The Men’s National Selection Committee held trials and selection matches to assemble the 15-member squad out of a 120-player contingent recommended by the 16 regions based on the performances in the Inter-District U19 tournament and the month-long Regional U19 Academies held in August this year.

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Saad Baig-led team will depart for UAE on 9 November from Lahore to feature in a 50-over tri-series, where they will take on hosts UAE in the opening match on 13 November.

The tournament will be played in a double league format with the final between the top two sides slated on 26 November.

In the 50-over U19 Asia Cup, Pakistan U19 are placed in Group A and will take on India on 30 November in their first match of the tournament before taking on UAE and Japan on 2 and 4 December, respectively at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).

The top two teams from Group A and B will take on each other in the semi-finals on 6 December with the final taking place on 8 December.

Pakistan U19 squad for UAE tour

Saad Baig (captain, wicket-keeper) (Karachi), Abdul Subhan (Abbottabad), Ali Raza (Sialkot), Faham-ul-Haq (Lahore), Farhan Yousuf (Lahore), Haroon Arshad (Karachi), Hassan Khan (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Ahmed (Lahore), Mohammad Huzaifa* (Bahawalpur), Mohammad Riazullah (Abbottabad), Naveed Ahmed Khan (Karachi), Shahzaib Khan (Abbottabad), Tayyab Arif (Sialkot), Umar Zaib (Abbottabad) and Usman Khan (FATA)

*Mohammad Huzaifa is only part of the squad for the tri-series

Non-travelling reserves: Ahmed Hussain (Peshawar), Mohammad Huzaifa (Bahawalpur), Rizwanullah (Karachi) and Yahya bin Abdul Rehman (Lahore)

Player support staff: Ghulam Ali (head coach-cum-manager), Agha Sabir Ali (assistant/fielding coach), Muhammad Aleem Bajwa (physio), Muhammad Talha (analyst), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Saboor Ahmed (strength & conditioning coach) and Syed Nazir Ahmed (media and digital manager)

READ: Mohammad Rizwan praises Haris Rauf after victory over Australia

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