Ricky Ponting Backs Jason Gillespie to Excel as Pakistan Red-Ball Coach

Ricky Ponting Backs Jason Gillespie to Excel as Pakistan Red-Ball Coach

Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has expressed confidence in Jason Gillespie’s ability to succeed as the red-ball coach of the Pakistan men’s team. Gillespie, a former Australian pacer, was appointed to the role in April 2024.

Ponting, who played alongside Gillespie for Australia, praised his former teammate’s analytical mind and quiet demeanor. He compared Gillespie to current Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir, noting their successful coaching records.

“Jason Gillespie is a bit like Gambhir. Pretty much everywhere he has been, his coaching record has been very very good,” Ponting said. “He will have some challenges, I got no doubt about it. But he is a deep thinker and as I said, a quiet person that goes about it in his own way.”

Gillespie has a wealth of coaching experience, having led teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), and various English counties. He will take charge of Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh, England, and South Africa in the 2024-25 season.

Pakistan’s Test series against Bangladesh begins on August 21 in Rawalpindi. Saud Shakeel has been named as the new Pakistan Test vice-captain ahead of the series. The team is currently ranked fifth in the ICC World Test Championship standings and will be looking to improve their position with positive results against Bangladesh.

Pakistan's Champions Trophy Hopes Hinge on Stringent Security

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Hopes Hinge on Stringent Security

Pakistan’s hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 hinges on stringent security measures, emphasized former cricketer Basit Ali. The upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, and West Indies serve as crucial tests for Pakistan’s ability to provide a secure environment for visiting teams.

Ali, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted the importance of heightened security during these tours. “Any security lapses could jeopardize our chances of hosting the Champions Trophy,” he said. “We must ensure that there is not even a small breach.”

Pakistan’s recent history of security concerns has raised eyebrows. In 2021, New Zealand and England abruptly canceled their tours due to fears of terrorism. Ali stressed the need to address these concerns head-on.

“The foreign teams should get the same level of security as our Prime Minister and President,” he said. “We must eliminate any possibility of security breaches.”

The upcoming home cricket season, beginning with the Test series against Bangladesh on August 21, will be a litmus test for Pakistan’s security arrangements. The country aims to showcase its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for visiting teams.

Ali emphasized the importance of maintaining security throughout the season. “Any negative developments during these series could derail our ambitions of hosting the Champions Trophy,” he said. “We must ensure that Pakistan remains a safe destination for international cricket.”

The cricketer-turned-analyst’s comments underscore the critical role security plays in Pakistan’s bid to host the prestigious ICC event. By implementing stringent measures and addressing past concerns, Pakistan can pave the way for a successful Champions Trophy in 2025.

Pakistan Test Captain Dismisses Match-Fixing Allegations, Hails Arshad Nadeem's Olympic Triumph

Pakistan Test Captain Dismisses Match-Fixing Allegations, Hails Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic Triumph

Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has raised concerns about the team’s unity and integrity. However, Test captain Shan Masood has dismissed allegations of match-fixing, emphasizing the players’ commitment to winning matches for Pakistan.

Masood acknowledged the team’s struggles at the World Cup but stressed the need to move forward. He expressed confidence in the players’ integrity, stating that he cannot question their intentions.

The Test captain also hailed Arshad Nadeem’s historic Olympic gold medal, calling him a “national hero.” Masood suggested that Nadeem’s achievement serves as an inspiration for the team to strive for greater glory.

Despite their World Cup setback, Pakistan remains in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship final. With two wins from five Tests, they have a point percentage of 36.66%. If they win all their remaining matches, they will end up with a point percentage of 77.38% and secure a place in the final.

Pakistan’s upcoming schedule includes home series against Bangladesh, England, and West Indies, as well as a tour of South Africa. These matches provide an opportunity for the team to improve their ranking and qualify for the WTC final.

Masood’s comments and the team’s upcoming fixtures highlight the importance of unity and determination as Pakistan aims to regain its status as a top cricketing nation.

Mushfiqur, Taskin Return to Bangladesh Test Squad for Pakistan Series

Mushfiqur, Taskin Return to Bangladesh Test Squad for Pakistan Series

Bangladesh’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Pakistan has been announced, with the return of experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. The series, scheduled to begin later this month, will see Bangladesh face a formidable challenge against the hosts.

Mushfiqur, who missed the recent Test series against Sri Lanka due to a thumb injury, is a crucial addition to the batting lineup. His experience and ability to anchor the innings will be invaluable against Pakistan’s potent bowling attack. Taskin, on the other hand, has been rested from red-ball cricket to manage his shoulder injury. He will only be available for the second Test in Karachi, but will play the second four-day game for Bangladesh A on August 20 to regain match fitness.

The squad also includes senior allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has made himself available for selection after stepping down as a member of parliament. Shakib’s experience and all-round abilities will be crucial for Bangladesh’s chances of success.

Six players from the Test squad, including Mushfiqur and captain Mominul Haque, have already arrived in Pakistan as part of the Bangladesh A side. They will play the first four-day game in Islamabad from August 13.

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain emphasized the importance of selecting the best players for this series. “This is a well-balanced squad,” he said. “The likes of Mushfiqur, Mominul, and Shakib have played over 216 matches combined, and there is no substitute for that kind of experience.”

Bangladesh’s pace attack will be led by Taskin, who last played a Test in January against New Zealand. The squad also includes four other pacers: Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nayeem Hasan.

“We have selected five pacers mindful of the fact that Taskin Ahmed will only play the second Test,” Ashraf said. “We have decided to include him in the A Team for the second four-dayer against Pakistan A to get him into the rhythm for longer version matches.”

Bangladesh will have additional time to prepare in Pakistan, with the first Test scheduled to begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi. The squad will train at the Gaddafi Stadium from August 14 to 16 before traveling to Islamabad on August 17.

Bangladesh Cricket Team Arrives Early in Lahore for Test Series

Bangladesh Cricket Team Arrives Early in Lahore for Test Series

The Bangladesh national cricket team will arrive in Lahore on August 13th, four days ahead of their scheduled arrival, for a two-Test series against Pakistan. The team will undergo three days of training at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium before the first Test in Rawalpindi on August 21st.

The team’s preparations have been disrupted by ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. The overseas coaching staff was unable to join the players at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka last week due to security concerns. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is currently working with the coaches’ respective embassies to obtain security clearances.

The early departure was arranged after an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to ensure the visiting players have adequate training opportunities before the Tests. “Sports is not only about winning and losing, it’s also about camaraderie,” said Salman Naseer, PCB chief operating officer. “I am confident that the extra training sessions in Lahore will allow the players to showcase their best skills and talent on the global stage.”

The Bangladesh players have been training individually at the Shere Bangla under coach Shohel Islam for the past three days. “We thank the PCB for giving the Bangladesh cricket team the opportunity to have additional training in Pakistan,” said BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury. “This will certainly help the players to acclimatize to the conditions and prepare better for the ICC World Test Championship series.”

Bangladesh’s Test cricketers had a training camp in Chattogram that was disrupted by anti-government protests across the country last month. Political rallies have also been held inside the Shere Bangla premises.

The BCB has managed to send the high-performance team to Australia and the Bangladesh A team to Pakistan. The latter’s departure was delayed by a few days, and the team arrived in Islamabad on Saturday. Bangladesh A will play two four-day matches and three one-day matches in Pakistan, which will run alongside the senior team’s Test matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi. The Bangladesh squad for the Tests is expected to be announced on Sunday.

Pakistan Retains Senior Trio for Bangladesh Test Series

Pakistan Retains Senior Trio for Bangladesh Test Series

Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh has been announced, with senior players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi retained despite calls for a significant overhaul following a disappointing T20 World Cup performance.

The decision to retain the experienced trio was influenced by the advice of foreign head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, who recommended a more gradual approach to rebuilding the team. The PCB had initially indicated a need for “major surgery” after Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup, but has opted to avoid drastic measures for now.

Shan Masood will continue as captain for the red-ball format, with Saud Shakeel promoted to vice-captain in place of Shaheen Shah Afridi. The squad includes two uncapped players, Mohammad Huraira and Kamran Ghulam, who have been rewarded for their consistent performances in domestic cricket.

Kamran Ghulam, who was previously included in the Test squad but did not make his debut, has been recalled. Pacer Mohammad Ali, after playing only two Tests against England in 2022, has also been selected again. Most of the squad for Pakistan’s opening Test series of the 2024-25 season remains consistent with the 13 players involved in the last series against Australia at the end of 2023-24.

Players dropped from the previous Test series include opener Imam ul Haq, spinners Noman Ali, Muhammad Nawaz, and Sajid Khan, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, and pacer Hasan Ali. Mohammad Waseem junior is unavailable due to injury. All-rounder Aamir Jamal has been included in the squad, pending his clearance of fitness tests.

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in two Tests beginning August 21 as part of the ICC Test Championship schedule. In the upcoming season, the national team is set to play nine Tests, 14 T20 Internationals, and 17 One-Day Internationals at home and abroad.

Naseem Shah Returns, Saud Shakeel Named Vice-Captain for Pakistan's Bangladesh Tests

Naseem Shah Returns, Saud Shakeel Named Vice-Captain for Pakistan’s Bangladesh Tests

Pakistan’s Test squad has undergone significant changes for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, with the return of fast bowler Naseem Shah and the appointment of Saud Shakeel as vice-captain.

Shah, who last played a Test in July 2021, has been recalled after impressing in domestic cricket. He joins a bowling attack that includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, and Abrar Ahmed.

Shakeel, a middle-order batter, has been rewarded for his consistent performances with the vice-captaincy. He takes over from Afridi, who is currently injured.

The squad also features several new faces, including batter Kamran Ghulam, fast bowler Mohammad Ali, and batter Muhammad Hurraira. These players have earned their call-ups based on their strong showings in domestic cricket.

However, the squad has also seen some notable omissions. Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan have all been dropped, while Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim are injured.

The Pakistan squad will begin training in Rawalpindi on August 11 under head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. Bangladesh will arrive in Islamabad on August 17.

The two Tests, part of the World Test Championship, will be played from August 21 to 25 in Rawalpindi and August 30 to September 3 in Karachi.

The appointment of Shakeel as vice-captain is part of a strategic decision by the selectors to manage Afridi’s workload. Afridi is expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s upcoming T20 World Cup campaign.

Bangladesh-Pakistan Test Series in Jeopardy Amid Civil Unrest

Bangladesh-Pakistan Test Series in Jeopardy Amid Civil Unrest

The two-Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan, scheduled to commence on August 21 in Rawalpindi, faces uncertainty due to ongoing civil unrest in Bangladesh. The unrest, sparked by the forced resignation and escape of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has disrupted travel plans for the Bangladesh team.

The Bangladesh A team’s shadow tour to Pakistan has already been affected by the unrest. Former Test skipper Mominul Haque was set to play for the A team against Pakistan Shaheens, but the tour has been postponed. The arrival of both the A and Test teams in Pakistan is now in doubt.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making efforts to salvage the series. They have offered to host the Bangladesh players for additional days and provide training facilities in Rawalpindi ahead of the Test matches. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not yet responded.

The BCB has delayed the arrival of their A side to Pakistan by 48 hours, adding further uncertainty to the series. Reports have also emerged that homes of some senior Bangladesh players have been attacked by mobs, complicating the situation further.

The A team was originally scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on August 10, while the Test squad was due on August 17. The A team’s first four-day game is set to begin on August 11.

The Bangladesh cricket team has not toured Pakistan since the 2019-2020 season. The PCB is actively trying to maintain communication with the BCB, but the current circumstances make it challenging.

“With the BCB president (Najmul Hosain Papon) also leaving the country, apparently the board is not functioning normally,” a PCB source said.

The ongoing unrest in Bangladesh has cast a shadow over the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. The PCB is hopeful of salvaging the series, but the situation remains fluid and the arrival of the Bangladesh teams is uncertain.

Sikandar Raza Rejects Pakistan Offer, Remains Loyal to Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza Rejects Pakistan Offer, Remains Loyal to Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean all-rounder, has established himself as one of the most talented players in the country’s cricketing history. Since his international debut in 2013, Raza has made significant contributions across all formats, including 17 Tests, 142 ODIs, and 91 T20Is.

Beyond his international exploits, Raza has also showcased his skills in domestic leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). His versatility as a batsman and bowler has made him a valuable asset to any team.

Recently, Raza’s loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket was questioned on social media. A fan inquired if he had ever considered playing for Pakistan, his country of birth. However, Raza remained steadfast in his commitment to Zimbabwe, expressing his gratitude for the support and investment the board had made in his career.

“I will only and ever represent Zimbabwe,” Raza stated. “They spent time and money on me, and I am only trying to repay their faith. Whatever I achieve will never even get close to repaying it. Zim is mine, and I am theirs fully.”

In a separate post, Raza revealed his admiration for several international players, including India’s Jasprit Bumrah, Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi, and former West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine. He also named Abdullah Shafiq, Craig Ervine, and Rohit Sharma as his favorite batsmen.

Raza’s leadership qualities were evident during Zimbabwe’s recent T20I series against India, where he captained the team. Despite taking an early lead, Zimbabwe ultimately lost the series 4-1.

Statistically, Raza has amassed 1187 runs and 34 wickets in Tests, 4154 runs in ODIs, and 2037 runs in T20Is. In the IPL, he has represented Punjab Kings, scoring 182 runs and taking three wickets in nine matches.

Raza’s unwavering loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket, combined with his exceptional talent and leadership abilities, solidifies his status as one of the most respected and influential players in the country’s cricketing history.

PCB Unveils Major Domestic Cricket Overhaul with New Champions Tournaments

PCB Unveils Major Domestic Cricket Overhaul with New Champions Tournaments

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its domestic cricket structure, introducing three new competitions and significantly enhancing player contracts and match fees. The ambitious plan aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket and elevate Pakistan’s standing in the global cricketing landscape.

The centerpiece of the new structure is the Champions tournament, a five-team competition that will span across formats. The Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions, and Wolves will compete in the Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup, and Champions Pentagular (first-class cricket). The tournaments will run from September 2024 to August 2025, effectively extending the domestic season by almost a year.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need for innovation and strategic enhancements to restore Pakistan’s cricketing prowess. He believes that the Champions tournaments will create an environment that mirrors the intensity of international cricket, fostering the development of top-tier players.

The Champions tournaments will feature around 150 of Pakistan’s most talented and consistent domestic performers, including centrally-contracted players. The selection process remains to be determined, but the plan has received the endorsement of Waqar Younis, the newly appointed advisor to the chair on cricket affairs.

Each of the five teams will have a potential owner and mentor, in addition to a dedicated high-performance center and a full complement of coaching staff. The PCB has also raised domestic player contracts, with Category 1 players now earning PKR 550,000, Category 2 players earning PKR 400,000, and Category 3 players earning PKR 250,000.

Match fees have also been increased significantly, with white-ball matches now paying PKR 125,000 (50-over cricket) and PKR 100,000 (T20 cricket), while red-ball matches will pay PKR 200,000.

The PCB’s bold initiative aims to create a more competitive and rewarding domestic cricket environment, fostering the development of world-class players and ultimately elevating Pakistan’s standing in international cricket.

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