PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf was joined by ICC General Counsel Jonathan Hall in the signing of the hosting rights to Pakistan at the ICC headquarters.

The PCB in its capacity has already intimated the government to provide foolproof security to visiting international teams for the Champions Trophy.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in a recent meeting with the Chairman PCB Management Committee assured the security agencies’ cooperation in the successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

PM Kakar also urged the PCB Chairman Management Committee Zaka Ashraf to expand PCB’s outreach to remote regions of the country.PM Kakar also expressed support for the organisation of the ninth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Addressing concerns about potential scheduling clashes with election day, he said adjustments to the HBL PSL matches should be made to prevent any interference with the voting process.

For the unversed, ICC, in November 2021, announced a series of international cricket competitions for both men and men in the 2024–2031 cycle, which also features the 2025 and 2029 Champions Trophy editions.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be an eight-tournament and the structure will follow previous editions with two groups of four, semi-finals and final.

Besides hosts Pakistan, the top seven teams at the conclusion of the group stage of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, namely Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa, qualified for the coveted tournament.

Besides the hosts, Pakistan will also feature in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the defending champions.

The Green Shirts won their maiden Champions Trophy title in 2017 when they thwarted their arch-rivals India by a massive 180-run margin at The Oval in London.

READ: Pakistan crashed out of U19 Asia Cup 2023 after shock UAE defeat

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The trade deal saw Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans swapping Iftikhar Ahmed and Rilee Rossouw, as well as, Sultans getting the first pick in the platinum category round one while Gladiators will get the first pick in the silver round one.

Box-office Trade Alert

Iftikhar Ahmed joins Multan Sultans

Rilee Rossouw joins Quetta Gladiators#HBLPSLDraft #HBLPSL9 @TeamQuetta @MultanSultans @IftiMania @Rileerr pic.twitter.com/VHobXp3LEu

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) November 30, 2023

Iftikhar Ahmed has previously represented Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings and Islamabad United, along with Gladiators in PSL and Multan Sultans will be his fifth team.

Meanwhile, Rilee Rossouw was part of Quetta Gladiators’ PSL winning team in 2019, having represented the team from 2017-2019.

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The process of local player category renewals for the upcoming ninth edition of the tournament was completed on 10 November with categories upgraded for nine players.

The registration window for foreign players was opened on 25 October with several top players across the globe showing interest.

The PSL Player Draft for the ninth season will take place at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on 13 December 2023.

The retentions and trades are to be finalized before the PSL 9 Player Draft, after the completion of the National T20.

Earlier, Karachi Kings traded Imad Wasim to Islamabad United for Hasan Ali and received Islamabad United’s first-round silver pick in exchange for their second silver pick.

READ: Shan Masood receives promotion in PCB’s central contract list

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The match returns to a four-day red ball fixture after last year’s day/night pink ball match against the West Indies and will be played in the week leading up to the first Test of the Men’s NRMA Insurance Test Series in Perth.

Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP will meet with CA Chair of Selectors, George Bailey and selector, Tony Dodemaide to discuss the selection of the squad.

The first PM’s XI fixture was played in 1951 and will be the second under Anthony Albanese after a two-year hiatus prior to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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It will be the third time Pakistan will face the Prime Minister’s XI after matches in 1990 and 2005 while Mr Albanese is the 10th Prime Minister to lead the team.

Prime Minister Albanese expressed his anticipation for the encounter and acknowledged Pakistan’s cricketing prowess.

“Pakistan is such a proud cricketing nation.

“I’ve previously loved watching players like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis steaming in with the new ball, so I’m excited the PM’s XI will face the talented Pakistan squad in Canberra.

“In the coming weeks, I will meet with the National Selectors to discuss what I suspect will be a strong PM’s XI.”

CA Chair of Selectors George Bailey termed it an important fixture for Australia ahead of their busy summer.

“We are looking forward to meeting with the Prime Minister and I’m sure those selected will be excited for the challenge of facing the quality of Pakistan.

“As the Australian Men’s Test team continues to evolve in the short to medium term, the timing of the match comes at an important stage of the summer with five home Tests and two away in New Zealand.

“We’ve seen some strong individual performances to start the Sheffield Shield season and with another round left before the squad will be selected, we are looking forward to seeing players continue to put their hands up for selection.

“Opportunities to face international opposition like this are rare and taken seriously, and as such we are looking to select a strong and highly talented squad.”

READ: Babar Azam returns home after dismal ICC World Cup 2023 performance

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The PCB spokesperson said that Inzamam-ul-Haq’s resignation has been accepted as the chairman of the national men’s selection committee and junior selection committee and will announce his replacement in due course.

He voluntarily stepped down from his position on 30 October 2023 in order to offer the PCB the opportunity to conduct a transparent inquiry about the conflict of interest allegations, PCB spokesperson added.

A five-member fact-finding committee has been formed by the board to investigate allegations regarding conflict of interest reported in the media about the team selection process. The findings of this inquiry will be submitted to the PCB Management promptly.

Earlier today in an interview with a private news channel, Inzamam lashed out at the PCB management saying his counsel sent an email to the cricket board but neither they responded nor called the former cricketer for meeting.

He said that “PCB chairman tried to save himself in his interview by issuing statements instead of talking to me” Inzaman added.

Inzamam-ul-Haq is accused of being a stakeholder in a certain players’ agent firm. It was also said that he selected the World Cup 2023 squad keeping in view the firm’s interests.

Haq also resigned as the chairman of the national men’s selection committee and junior selection committee.

“I am stepping down from the post to offer the PCB the opportunity to conduct a transparent inquiry about the conflict-of-interest allegations raised in the media. If the committee finds me not guilty, I will resume my role as the chief selector” Inzamam-ul-Haq said in a statement.

While talking to a private TV channel, Inzamam-ul-Haq said that he is ready for any inquiry that the Pakistan Cricket Board wants to conduct regarding his days as chief selector but is resigning for questions were raised about the transparency in the selection process for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 amid the team’s failing campaign.

READ: Bowlers star as New Zealand book Sri Lanka at 171 in must-win clash

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Speaking to ARY News’ programme Bouncer, the PCB head expressed aspirations to revive the cricketing relationship between Pakistan and India.

“I suggested to the BCCI that we should hold a Jinnah-Gandhi trophy [named after the great leaders of the two countries],” he said, adding that no contest is bigger than Pakistan vs India.

Zaka Ashraf also questioned India for not touring Pakistan, citing examples of notable cricketing nations – Australia and England, who recently visited the country for bilateral series.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan and India last locked horns in a bilateral series in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India for a three-match ODI and two-match T20I series, with the visiting side winning the ODI series 2-1 while the T20I series ended in a draw.

The two sides, however, last met in a Test series in 2007-08 in India, with the home team winning the series 1-0.

The arch-rivals have since only met at Asia Cups and ICC events as the BCCI refused to play a bilateral series against Pakistan on political grounds.

The PCB is irked as international cricket has resumed in the country with all top nations including England, Australia and West Indies travelling there to play Tests and white-ball rubbers.

During the interview, Zaka Ashraf also spoke about Babar Azam’s future as Pakistan’s captain after the ICC World Cup 2023.

The PCB chair said the right-handed batter is a prolific cricketer and was impressed with his skills.

He urged the Pakistan Cricket Team to give their all in their bid for the second 50-over title, adding that the management back home will sit with the skipper and devise a strategy to overcome the shortcomings.

READ: Zaka Ashraf lauds India for warm reception of Pakistan squad

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Babar Azam’s captaincy often came under questioning, the recent example of which was following Pakistan’s dismal performance in the recently-held Asia Cup 2023.

He was criticized for his approach, bowling options and field settings in the continental tournament.

The cricket fans and former players had lambasted the batter, accusing him of selecting players for the major tournaments on the basis of their friendships.

Meanwhile, PCB head Zaka Ashraf appeared on the ARY News show Bouncer and talked about the country’s cricketing affairs and other aspects of the game.

When asked what was Babar Azam’s future as Pakistan captain after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the PCB Chairman said the right-handed batter is a prolific cricketer and was impressed with his skills.

He urged the Pakistan Cricket Team to give their all in their bid for the second 50-over title, adding that the management back home will sit with the skipper and devise a strategy to overcome the shortcomings.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan suffered a setback before the ICC World Cup 2023 began as they lost their first warmup game to New Zealand by five wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday.

Babar Azam’s side will now take on five-time champions Australia on October 3 in their second warm-up game of the World Cup.

They begin their quest for the World Cup on October 6th when they take on the Netherlands at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

READ: Zaka Ashraf lauds India for warm reception of Pakistan squad

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The winners of the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will receive USD 4 million of the USD 10 million total prize pool, ICC announced.

The runners-up of the Final to be played on 19 November at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will take home USD 2 million.

All 10 teams will play each other once in a round-robin format in the Group Stage, with the top four in the points table progressing to the semi-finals.

At the end of the Group Stage, teams that fail to reach the knockouts will each get USD 100,000, out of the World Cup prize money, it added.

The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will commence with defending champions England facing New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India on October 5.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday finally announced the 15-member squad. Babar Azam will lead the side while Shadab Khan remains the team’s vice-captain. Hasan Ali has replaced injured pacer Naseem Shah.

Pakistan ICC World Cup 2023 squad

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafiq, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling Reserves: Zaman Khan, Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

READ: ‘Doors are open for Sarfaraz, Amir, Imad,’ says Inzamam

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The final phase of Pakistan’s preparations for the mighty cricket season begins tomorrow as Babar Azam’s team plays Afghanistan at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in the first of the three One-Day Internationals. Pakistan enter the series at the back of some brilliant results – they swept Sri Lanka in the two-Test series just last month and defeated New Zealand 4-1 at home in One-Day Internationals in April-May.

With the Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023 beginning just four days after the third and final match in Colombo and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup immediately following up, these three matches against Afghanistan come with an opportunity for Pakistan to fine-tune their combinations.

“It is great to be together as one unit again as we enjoy each other’s company a lot,” Babar Azam told PCB Digital on the eve of the first ODI against Afghanistan. “We have a few new faces in the side and I wish them good luck for the challenges ahead. Most of the boys have been playing cricket in different leagues, but when you don the Pakistan star, it is a different feeling altogether. We enter this series with good momentum following our Test series win here and we are eager to build on it. As a captain, I am very excited for the cricket ahead.”

Pakistan have recently enjoyed outstanding results in ODIs. Since the start of 2022, Pakistan’s win/loss ratio of 3.250 – with 13 wins in 17 matches – has been the best across all teams. In May, they, for the first time in history, topped the ICC rankings for ODI sides. They have another go at surmounting the table if they maintain an impeccable record against Afghanistan.

The dressing room is buzzing with confidence with each player raring to grab opportunity whenever it arrives. Though the end goal is to be the best side in the World Cup, the team, Babar Azam said, is taking one challenge at a time.

“We are focused in our preparations as we have big events in the Asia Cup and the World Cup coming up,” said Babar Azam, under whose captaincy Pakistan have won 17 out of 26 ODIs. “But, at the same time, we want to take one series at the time … It is always beneficial for a team to get such a series ahead of major events. That we are playing in Asian conditions will definitely provide us an edge and help us get in the rhythm. The Afghanistan team is on the rise and they have some good bowlers. The fans will get to see some exciting cricket.”

Pakistan included all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, uncapped batter Tayyab Tahir and middle-order batter Saud Shakeel in the squad for the Afghanistan series. The three players have been rewarded for their impressive performances recently and their presence further boosts an already solid squad.

“We have had some good additions in the squad,” the number one ranked ODI batter said. “Faheem has been in and out of the side but he has performed well recently. We have included him because of his all-round abilities and believe that his presence will strengthen the side.

“Tayyab Tahir had a good [Emerging Teams] Asia Cup and he performed well here in Sri Lanka and everyone saw how Saud Shakeel played Tests here. I am especially impressed by how Saud has transformed into a modern-day batter in such a quick time. This is a great sign for Pakistan cricket that he groomed himself according to the demands of the team, and whenever anyone does that, I get very happy.”

Though Pakistan have never been defeated by Afghanistan in the format, this series promises to test them as the latter enter this series with a 2-1 win over Bangladesh in Bangladesh. But the players, Babar Azam revealed, are taking this challenge as an opportunity to deliver match-winning performances.

“Every player has a hunger [to perform] in this team. Every player wants to give match-winning performances. Recently we have had different player of the match award winners, which is a good sign for any team. When you perform in big tournaments, it boosts your morale as a team and as individuals and this team has performed well in the recent past.

“The presence of Salman Ali Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed has bolstered our middle-order. We already have a settled top-order. Our spin department has strengthened. Thankfully, we have one of the best pace-bowling attacks in Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, and their performances underscore how good they are. Bowlers win you big tournaments and I have faith in them to win us big tournaments.”

So ahead of what promises to be one of the most exciting periods for this Pakistan side, what is Babar’s message to his players? “My message has always been to believe in yourself and make sure that you give your hundred percent in the field.”

The second and third ODIs will be played on 24 and 26 August in Hambantota and Colombo.

READ: Pakistan Women’s team kicks off preparation for South Africa series

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Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of irregularities in various matters, including the elections of the PHF.

He has directed for a thorough investigation into these matters and has also instructed for a reference to be sent to the FIA.

Last month, on July 19, a special committee chaired by Khawaja Asif convened to discuss the PHF matters. Following the meeting, recommendations were formulated to address the irregularities and were subsequently forwarded to PM Shehbaz Sharif.

In light of these recommendations, PM Shehbaz Sharif has ordered transparent conduct of the PHF elections, ensuring a fair process. He has also directed a comprehensive review of the Hockey Clubs and the Electoral College.

The Pakistan Sports Board will implement the Prime Minister’s directives.

It is evident that the state of national sport hockey is dire, and recently, the performance of the Pakistan team in the Asian Champions Trophy held in India was notably inadequate.

The national team was knocked out of the Asian Champions Trophy, after facing a daunting 0-4 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India on Wednesday.

Pakistan ended up with the same points as Japan and South Korea, however, it failed to qualify due to goal difference, as the other two teams progressed to the next round.

The green shirts failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time since its inception in 2011.

In this aforementioned event, Pakistan secured a sole victory in the match against China, while facing defeats against Malaysia and India and managing draws against Japan and Korea.

READ: Pakistan women’s squad for white-ball series against South Africa unveiled

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According to the details, Waseem was denied a visa by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to an error, made by his team in the application process.

Mohammad Waseem is currently in Scotland and was due to reach Dubai on Friday, where he was supposed to take on Nietes for the IBO Bantamweight title on July 22.

However, the non-issuance of the visa barred Muhammad Waseem from making it to Dubai in time.

It is important to note that following the error, Waseem himself applied for the Visa, which is likely to be processed after a month-long gap.

Consequently, his title fight against Nietes was postponed until further notice.

To address the issue, Muhammad Waseem released a video message and expressed his disappointment on the matter.

“Unfortunately, my fight was scheduled today but due to visa issue, I could not participate,” said Waseem.

“I worked really hard in the camp for this fight. My aim was to win the title for Pakistan. I would like to thank my promotions for this opportunity. I am hopeful that this fight will be rescheduled soon,” he concluded.

Earlier this year, Eminent boxer Muhammad Waseem, famously known as Falcon Waseem, was named Sportsman of the Year in the Pakistan Sports Awards (PSA) 2022.

Besides Waseem, Pakistan’s ESports sensation Arslan Ash and female Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Anita Karim also received top awards.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s sprint legend, Abdul Khaliq, who won 100 gold medals in the national games, 26 gold medals and 23 silver medals in the international games, received the Lifetime Achievement award at the event.

A total of 85 nominees competed for the prestigious 24-carat gold trophy in 17 categories in the second edition of the PSA.

The awards were presented by prominent stars including Aleem Dar, AisamUl Haq, Mahoor Shahzad, Wahab Riaz, Azhar Ali, Kulsoom Hazara, Nargis Hazara, and Imam Ul Haq among other notable personalities of Pakistan

The event was hosted by renowned show anchor Fahad Mustafa while Zainab Abbas and Ahsan Khan were the co-hosts. 

READ: Brampton Wolves sink Mississauga Panthers in rain-affected GT20 opener

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