Pakistan Women's Squad Announced for England Tour

Pakistan Women’s Squad Announced for England Tour

Pakistan’s women’s cricket team has announced a 17-member squad for their upcoming tour of England, which will feature three T20Is and as many ODIs. The squad is led by experienced all-rounder Nida Dar and includes several key players from the ongoing white-ball series against West Indies.

The only notable omissions from the squad are Bismah Maroof, who recently retired from international cricket, and Sidra Nawaz, who was part of the ODI squad but did not play a game. The official squad announcement does not distinguish between players selected for the T20I and ODI legs of the series, suggesting that all 17 players will be available for both formats.

Pakistan’s tour of England comes after a disappointing home series against West Indies, where they narrowly missed out on victories in several matches. West Indies, led by the impressive Hayley Matthews, won the ODI series 3-0 and have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

Pakistan will be hoping to turn their fortunes around in England, where they will face a tough challenge against one of the world’s top teams. The T20I matches will be played on May 11, 17, and 19, while the ODIs will follow on May 23, 26, and 29. Pakistan will also play a warm-up T20 on May 9 and a one-day game on May 21 against an ECB Development XI side.

The ODIs are part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, with this being Pakistan’s eighth and final series in the current cycle. Pakistan are currently fifth with 16 points on the ten-team table, with the top five qualifying for the 2025 ODI World Cup directly.

Gary Kirsten Sets Ambitious Target for Pakistan Cricket Team

Gary Kirsten Sets Ambitious Target for Pakistan Cricket Team

Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten has set an ambitious target for the national cricket team: to win at least one of the three upcoming ICC events in the next three years. These events include two T20 World Cups (2024 and 2026) and the 2025 ODI Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host.

Kirsten, who is currently the mentor of IPL side Gujarat Titans, believes that winning one of these major tournaments would be a significant achievement for Pakistan. “If you can win one of those three ICC Events, that will be an amazing achievement on its own,” he said.

The former South Africa batter is expected to take charge of his new job from May 22 ahead of Pakistan’s tour of England. He admitted that the time frame for preparations for the T20 World Cup in June is short, but he is confident that the team can build a solid foundation in the next three weeks.

Kirsten emphasized the importance of creating a positive environment for the players to perform at their best. “My job is to make sure that the team operates at its best. If the team is operating at its best, we will always have a good chance of winning a trophy,” he said.

He also highlighted the immense talent within the Pakistan team, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf. “I’m looking forward to understanding what makes them tick and how I can help them to be the best versions of themselves going forward,” he said.

Kirsten believes that Pakistan has the potential to be one of the top teams in the world. “The view on Pakistan cricket hasn’t shifted for a long time. There is always an expectation that it should be a high performing team all the time,” he said. “It’s always wonderful from a coaching perspective when you can help them unlock the real potential.”

Pakistan to Host 2023 Champions Trophy in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi

Pakistan to Host 2023 Champions Trophy in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the 2023 Champions Trophy will be held entirely within Pakistan, with matches scheduled to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The decision comes amidst speculation that the tournament could adopt a “hybrid model” to accommodate India’s participation.

The PCB remains adamant about hosting the tournament within the country’s borders, despite ongoing rumors suggesting a potential ‘hybrid model’ to accommodate India’s participation. The board has sent the schedule for the matches to the ICC and is confident that it can provide a safe and secure environment for the event.

The ICC’s security team has already visited Pakistan and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. The PCB is also working to upgrade the facilities at the three proposed venues to ensure they meet international standards.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said at a press conference in Lahore, “We are trying to ensure we host a very good tournament in Pakistan.” He added that the board is committed to providing a memorable experience for all participants and fans.

The PCB has been steadfast in insisting that the tournament will not be altered in any way to accommodate India. The ‘Hybrid Model’ of hosting was used in the Asia Cup last year, with India’s matches held in Sri Lanka even though Pakistan was the official host.

However, the PCB has made it clear that it will not accept any such arrangement for the Champions Trophy. Naqvi said, “We have not received any official communication from the ICC regarding a hybrid model. We are confident that we can host the entire tournament in Pakistan.”

The PCB is confident that it can host a successful Champions Trophy in 2023. The tournament will be a major boost for Pakistan cricket and will help to promote the country as a safe and welcoming destination for international sports events.

Jason Gillespie: Authenticity and Consistency Key for Pakistan's Test Success

Jason Gillespie: Authenticity and Consistency Key for Pakistan’s Test Success

Pakistan’s newly appointed Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency for the team’s success. Gillespie believes that the players should embrace their natural style of play and avoid altering it to fit a specific method. He encourages them to maintain a positive and aggressive approach, even during the challenging grind of Test cricket.

Gillespie acknowledges the talent within the Pakistani squad but stresses the need for improved consistency. He aims to provide clarity and communication to the team, fostering a strong bond and a shared understanding of how to approach Test cricket.

The former Australian pace bowler highlights the team’s strengths, including skilled batsmen and fast bowlers who can swing the ball. He also recognizes the potential of the spinners. Gillespie believes that by harnessing these resources effectively, Pakistan can achieve success.

Gillespie’s role as a selector will allow him to play a more active role in shaping the team’s future. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and open communication in the selection process.

Gillespie’s ultimate goal is to help Pakistan become a formidable force in Test cricket. He believes that by instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in the players, the team can achieve its full potential.

PCB Defends Military Training Camp Amid Injury Concerns

PCB Defends Military Training Camp Amid Injury Concerns

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the decision to conduct a military training camp for players during the final days of Ramzan, despite concerns that it may have contributed to recent muscle injuries.

The camp, held at Kakul, Pakistan’s premier military training academy, was intended to enhance player fitness and power. However, following the camp, several key players, including Azam Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Irfan Niazi, sustained injuries that sidelined them during the home series against New Zealand.

Naqvi dismissed claims that the camp was responsible for the injuries, emphasizing that fitness training does not cause injuries. He acknowledged that Pakistan players’ fitness levels lag behind their international counterparts and vowed to prioritize fitness in the future.

Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s assistant coach, echoed Naqvi’s sentiments, stating that the injuries occurred during cricket matches and were unrelated to the military training. He pointed out that the players who sustained injuries had participated in the first game of the series.

The PCB has maintained that the injuries are minor and will not result in long-term unavailability. Pakistan is scheduled to tour Ireland and England for seven T20I matches and will announce a preliminary World Cup squad by May 1.

The military training camp was initiated by Naqvi, who expressed concern over the lack of six-hitting power among Pakistani players. He emphasized the need for improved fitness to enhance power and performance.

While the camp’s timing, coinciding with the final phase of Ramzan, raised concerns, the PCB cited precedent for military involvement in Pakistan cricket training. Misbah-ul-Haq’s Pakistan team famously organized a similar camp before a Test series against England, which resulted in a drawn series and Pakistan’s rise to the top of the Test rankings.

Pakistan Women's Cricketers Injured in Road Accident After Curfew Breach

Pakistan Women’s Cricketers Injured in Road Accident After Curfew Breach

Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team Players Injured in Road Accident After Breaching Curfew

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that at least two national women’s team members sustained serious injuries in a road accident earlier this month. The incident occurred after the players breached curfew and left the camp during a white-ball home series against the West Indies.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed that five to six players had gone out in the evening in Karachi without informing the team management. They were involved in a road accident, resulting in intense injuries to at least two players who are currently undergoing treatment.

Naqvi stated that the incident had a significant impact on the team’s performance in the ODI series against the West Indies. One of the main players, Fatima Sana, was injured and missed the matches. Despite the injury, Sana surprisingly featured in all three T20I matches of the series.

The PCB has taken disciplinary action against the players involved in the incident. Naqvi emphasized that their actions were unacceptable and that the Board has appointed a full-time senior rank security police officer to enforce proper timings and ensure the safety of the team.

The incident has raised concerns about the discipline and safety of the Pakistan women’s cricket team. The PCB is in touch with potential candidates to appoint a new head coach for the team and is also considering hiring a high-profile foreign coach.

Babar Azam's Frustration with Wahab Riaz Goes Viral

Babar Azam’s Frustration with Wahab Riaz Goes Viral

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam’s frustration with former pacer Wahab Riaz has become a viral sensation on social media. The incident occurred during a six-hitting challenge between Pakistan’s senior men’s cricket team and its support staff.

Riaz, who is the chief selector of the Pakistan men’s cricket team but not part of the support staff, requested Babar to allow him to bat during the contest. However, the skipper visibly displayed his annoyance. Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s head coach for the recently-concluded New Zealand T20I series, intervened and pushed Riaz away.

The video of the incident, shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on April 25, has sparked discussions about the dynamics within the team. Some have speculated that Babar’s frustration may stem from Riaz’s role as chief selector, while others have suggested that it could be a reflection of the competitive nature of the challenge.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s T20I squad has been in impressive form, with skipper Babar Azam leading the charge. In the recently concluded fifth and final T20I against New Zealand, Azam scored a solid half-century (69 off 44 balls), while spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed four wickets (4-30). Pakistan ultimately emerged victorious by nine runs, squaring the series at 2-2.

The series provided both teams with valuable preparation for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, which will be held in the United States and the West Indies in June. While Pakistan may be disappointed not to have secured a series win against a depleted New Zealand side, the visitors gained confidence from their bench strength.

Pakistan Appoints Gillespie and Kirsten as New Coaches

Pakistan Appoints Gillespie and Kirsten as New Coaches

Pakistan Appoints Jason Gillespie as Test Coach, Gary Kirsten as White-Ball Coach

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie as the new Test coach and former South African batter Gary Kirsten as the white-ball coach. Azhar Mahmood, who served as the interim assistant coach for the New Zealand series, will continue in that role across all formats.

The position of head coach had been vacant since Grant Bradburn, who succeeded Saqlain Mushtaq last year, resigned in January to join Glamorgan as head coach. The PCB had considered several high-profile candidates, including Shane Watson, but he withdrew from the running.

Gillespie, 52, is a highly respected figure in the cricketing world. He played 71 Tests and 97 ODIs for Australia, taking 408 and 142 wickets respectively. After retiring from playing, he coached Yorkshire and Sussex in England, and most recently served as the head coach of the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.

Kirsten, 55, is another renowned coach. He led India to the 2011 Cricket World Cup title and South Africa to the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He has also coached the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

The appointments of Gillespie and Kirsten are seen as a significant step forward for Pakistan cricket. The team has struggled in recent years, but the new coaches are expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help them improve their performances.

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja expressed his confidence in the new coaching team. “We are delighted to welcome Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten to the Pakistan cricket family,” he said. “They are both world-class coaches with a proven track record of success. We believe they will help our team reach new heights.”

Gillespie and Kirsten are expected to join the Pakistan team in time for their upcoming Test series against England, which begins on July 16.

Pakistan to Tour New Zealand for ODIs and T20Is in 2025

Pakistan to Tour New Zealand for ODIs and T20Is in 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the national team will embark on a tour of New Zealand in 2025, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This will be the sixth series between the two nations since 2023.

The tour was finalized during a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) CEO Scott Weenink in Lahore. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand.

It was agreed in principle that the tour will take place after the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is scheduled to host. The meeting was also attended by PCB COO Salman Naseer and Director International Cricket Usman Wahla.

As per the existing ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), New Zealand is also scheduled to tour Pakistan for a tri-nation series before the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand visited Pakistan twice in 2022/23 for a Test and white-ball series, while Pakistan toured New Zealand in January 2023 for a five-match T20I series.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, requested the NZC official to convey the secure environment in Pakistan for international cricket to other ICC members.

“The PCB chief spoke in reference to Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy early next year and the need for all participating nations to play in Pakistan without any concerns at all,” a source said.

The PCB is keen to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host major international cricket events, and the upcoming Champions Trophy will be a significant opportunity to do so. The board is confident that the tour by New Zealand will further enhance the country’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for cricket.

Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan's Experimentation Ahead of T20 World Cup

Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan’s Experimentation Ahead of T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has strongly criticized the team management’s decision to experiment with the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s recent 4-run defeat to New Zealand in the fourth T20I has raised concerns about the team’s preparation for the upcoming global tournament.

Raja questioned the logic behind experimenting with the team so close to the World Cup. He argued that such experiments could lead to a loss of confidence and disrupt the team’s rhythm. “Where is it written that when you are trying to test your bench strength it is necessary to lose?” Raja asked. “I can’t understand what you are trying to do.”

Raja also criticized the team’s captaincy changes and batting order adjustments, which he believes have destabilized the team. He pointed out that Pakistan’s white-ball team was performing well before these changes were made.

The former cricketer expressed concern about the number of people involved in the team’s decision-making process. “Too many cooks in the dugout and a lot of people are trying to be experts,” Raja said. “There is massive confusion.”

Raja emphasized the importance of building a competitive team and focusing on winning. He warned that if Pakistan continues to experiment and lose matches, it will negatively impact their mindset going into the World Cup.

“You need to make a combination that makes you competitive,” Raja said. “You can’t lose matches by experimenting based on talent. You can experiment all you want but you can’t lose matches against this New Zealand team.”

Pakistan will face England in a four-match T20I series after the conclusion of the New Zealand series. Raja believes that if Pakistan loses that series as well, it will be a major setback for their World Cup preparations.

“If you lose the England series, in what frame of mind will you go in New York to defeat India?” Raja asked. “Your body of work is defeat. Pakistan needs to focus on victory.”

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