PCB's Late Coaching Appointments Raise Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

PCB’s Late Coaching Appointments Raise Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) recent appointment of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for the white-ball and red-ball teams, respectively, has sparked debate within the cricket fraternity. The timing of the appointments, just days before the ICC T20 World Cup, has raised concerns among experts.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif expressed his apprehension over the late appointments. He highlighted the importance of stability and continuity in the lead-up to major tournaments. Latif emphasized that the timing of the appointments could put undue pressure on both Kirsten and Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

Despite his concerns, Latif acknowledged the experience and impressive records of both Kirsten and Gillespie. However, he stressed the need for earlier appointments to allow the coaches and players to build a strong working relationship.

The PCB’s announcement of an 18-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England also drew attention. The squad will be reduced to 15 players for the World Cup after the first T20I at Leeds on May 22.

The selection committee recalled fast bowler Haris Rauf and all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha to the squad. Wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan were dropped from the original 17-player squad that faced New Zealand.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Dublin on May 7 for a three-day training camp before the start of the T20I series. The team will be looking to build momentum and finalize their preparations for the World Cup.

Hayley Matthews Stars as West Indies Clinch T20I Series in Pakistan

Hayley Matthews Stars as West Indies Clinch T20I Series in Pakistan

West Indies’ Hayley Matthews continued her exceptional form in Pakistan, leading her team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the final T20I in Karachi. Matthews’ scintillating 78 off 59 deliveries propelled the visitors to a comfortable win, securing a 4-1 series triumph.

Pakistan, batting first, made a promising start with a 38-run opening partnership between Ayesha Zafar and Sidra Ameen. However, West Indies’ bowlers, led by legspinner Afy Fletcher, orchestrated a dramatic collapse. Fletcher claimed three wickets, while Qiana Joseph and Matthews chipped in with two each, restricting Pakistan to a modest 134 for 8.

In response, West Indies displayed their dominance from the outset. Matthews, who had scored a century in the series opener, once again played a pivotal role. She shared a 103-run partnership with Shemaine Campbelle (33*), guiding her team towards victory with ten balls to spare.

Matthews’ innings was a masterclass in power-hitting. She struck 11 boundaries, including three sixes, and reached her half-century in just 34 deliveries. Campbelle, playing a supporting role, ensured that West Indies maintained a steady run rate throughout their chase.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain Matthews’ onslaught. Sadia Iqbal dismissed Rashada Williams early on, but Matthews and Campbelle proved too strong for the home side’s attack. Nashra Sandhu eventually dismissed Matthews, but by then, West Indies were on the cusp of victory.

The win capped off a memorable tour for Matthews, who emerged as the standout performer for West Indies. Her consistent brilliance with both bat and ball played a crucial role in her team’s series triumph.

PCB's Army Training Camp for Pakistan Men's Team Receives Support from Rashid Latif

PCB’s Army Training Camp for Pakistan Men’s Team Receives Support from Rashid Latif

Pakistan Cricket Board’s Army Training Camp for Men’s Team Draws Support from Rashid Latif

Former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif has expressed his support for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to send the senior men’s team to an Army camp for training ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. The move, which was met with some skepticism from the public, has been praised by Latif for its potential to improve team bonding and address fitness concerns.

The PCB’s decision to adopt a unique training approach stemmed from concerns raised about the team’s fitness standards during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Babar Azam-led side underwent a grueling training session at the Army School of Physical Training in Kakul, where they were subjected to intense physical and mental challenges.

Despite initial negative reactions from netizens, Latif believes the PCB’s move was justified. “The team’s condition was not looking very good… there was some tension within the team,” he said. “They got a chance to stay together in an army training camp. If there had been a camp in Lahore or Karachi, everyone would have stayed on their phones and gone to their rooms at the end of the day.”

Latif emphasized the importance of team bonding in the success of any sports team. “There were no mobile phones, no more distractions, and everyone had to remain together in the army training, which helped in building the bonding among the players,” he said. “I agree that cricket-specific training should be preferred, but the reason was that perhaps the team had some sort of tension, and that is why they were sent for that training.”

The PCB’s decision to send the team to an Army camp is a testament to the organization’s commitment to improving the team’s performance and fostering a positive team culture. While the results of the training camp will not be immediately apparent, it is hoped that the experience will have a lasting impact on the team’s cohesion and fitness levels.

Pakistan Women Secure First Win of West Indies Tour with Dominant Display

Pakistan Women Secure First Win of West Indies Tour with Dominant Display

Pakistan’s women’s cricket team finally secured their first victory of the tour against West Indies, showcasing a dominant performance in both batting and bowling. After winning the toss and electing to bat, West Indies struggled to gain momentum, with Sadia Iqbal and Nida Dar claiming three wickets each to restrict them to a mere 84 runs.

Pakistan’s chase was a stark contrast to their previous defeat in the third T20I. Led by Ayesha Zafar’s composed 42 not out, they cruised to victory with 21 balls to spare. Zafar’s innings was characterized by precise shot-making and boundary-hitting, ensuring a steady flow of runs.

The victory marked a significant improvement for Pakistan, who had previously struggled to find their rhythm on the tour. The team’s determination and focus were evident from the outset, with Qina Joseph’s early dismissal setting the tone for a disciplined bowling performance.

West Indies’ batting woes were compounded by the loss of their captain, Hayley Matthews, who managed only a single run before being caught off Fatima Sana’s bowling. Shemaine Campbelle’s 26-run knock provided some resistance, but her untimely run-out triggered a collapse that saw West Indies lose four wickets for as many runs.

Pakistan’s openers, Sidra Ameen and Muneeba Ali, provided a solid start to the chase before falling in quick succession. However, Zafar and Gull Feroza took control, guiding Pakistan to victory with ease. Zafar’s elegant boundary over mid-on sealed the win, marking a fitting end to a comprehensive performance.

Pakistan Selectors Revamp T20 Squad for Ireland, England Series

Pakistan Selectors Revamp T20 Squad for Ireland, England Series

Pakistan’s cricket selectors have made significant changes to the squad for the upcoming T20 series against Ireland and England. Leg-spinner Usama Mir has been dropped, while fast bowler Haris Rauf has been recalled.

The selectors, Muhammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, and Wahab Riaz, explained that the World Cup squad will be selected based on performances in these matches. They also justified the recall of pacer Hasan Ali, stating that he is a backup for Rauf.

Rauf has been out of action since February due to an injury sustained during the Pakistan Super League. Razzaq explained that Mir has been dropped because Pakistan already has Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed in the squad.

Yousuf defended the recent 2-2 result in the T20 series against New Zealand, emphasizing that it was the first time Pakistan had fully implemented a rotation policy. He also acknowledged that some players need to improve their shot-making.

Wahab Riaz stressed the importance of removing insecurity and fear of failure from the players’ minds. He also stated that the playing eleven will be selected by the captain, with no interference from the selectors.

The selectors defended Babar Azam’s captaincy, highlighting his improvement in leadership during the New Zealand series. They expressed confidence in his ability to become a better captain.

Pakistan Announces T20I Squad for Ireland and England Series, Hasan Ali Returns

Pakistan Announces T20I Squad for Ireland and England Series, Hasan Ali Returns

Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England has undergone significant changes, with the return of experienced players and the omission of some key figures.

Usama Mir and Zaman Khan have been dropped from the squad, while Hasan Ali, who last played a T20I in 2022, has been recalled. Haris Rauf, who was injured during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has also been included, along with Agha Salman.

The squad announcement, made by three members of the selection panel, also sees the return of Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, and Irfan Khan, who were ruled out of last month’s series against New Zealand due to injuries. However, their fitness remains a concern, with selector Wahab Riaz expressing cautious optimism.

“Rizwan, Haris, Irfan, and Azam are being assessed,” Riaz said. “There is a significant improvement in their fitness. They’re part of the squad because we hope they will be fit for the Ireland series.”

Pakistan’s squad largely resembles the one that played against New Zealand, with Usman Khan, Mohammad Amir, and Imad Wasim retaining their places. Despite speculation about the potential return of Aamer Jamal, the all-rounder was not selected, while Mohammad Haris continues to be overlooked.

Hasan Ali’s selection has been attributed to his experience and ICC tournament pedigree, rather than his current form. He had a stellar PSL season with Karachi Kings, taking 14 wickets at an economy of 8.26, but was not selected for the New Zealand series.

His inclusion appears to be based on the belief in his ability beyond just hard numbers, and an opportunity to assess him in Ireland and England before the squad is whittled down to 15 for the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan will play three T20Is against Ireland starting May 10, followed by four games against England. The deadline to announce the squad for the T20 World Cup (May 24) is after they play the first T20I against England (May 22).

Pakistan Selectors Drop Usama Mir, Recall Haris Rauf for Ireland, England T20 Series

Pakistan Selectors Drop Usama Mir, Recall Haris Rauf for Ireland, England T20 Series

Pakistan’s selectors have made significant changes to their T20 squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England. Leg-spinner Usama Mir has been dropped, while fast bowler Haris Rauf has been recalled.

The selectors, Muhammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, and Wahab Riaz, emphasized that the World Cup squad will be selected based on performances in these matches. The three-match series in Ireland begins on May 10, followed by four games in England from May 22.

Wahab Riaz addressed concerns about the fitness of several players, including Muhammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Azam Khan, and Irfan Khan Niazi. He expressed confidence that they will be fit for the upcoming matches.

Regarding the recall of Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz explained that he is a backup for Haris Rauf. “If Haris is fit and performs well, he is our first choice. But if he doesn’t come through, we have Hasan Ali,” he said.

Abdul Razzaq justified the omission of Usama Mir, stating that Pakistan already has Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed in the squad.

Muhammad Yousuf defended the recent 2-2 result against New Zealand, emphasizing that it was the first time Pakistan fully implemented a rotation policy. He also acknowledged the need for players to be more innovative in their shot-making.

Wahab Riaz highlighted the importance of removing insecurity and fear of failure from the players’ minds. He emphasized that the selectors will not interfere in the captain’s selection of the playing eleven.

The selectors also defended Babar Azam’s captaincy, expressing confidence in his improvement and experience.

India May Be Based in Lahore for 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan

India May Be Based in Lahore for 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host the 2025 Champions Trophy in three cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The tournament is scheduled to take place in mid-February next year.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the draft schedule has India based in and playing all their matches in Lahore, where the final is also scheduled to take place. This move is believed to have been proposed to avoid logistical and security challenges associated with India’s travel. Additionally, Lahore’s proximity to the Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan makes it easier for Indian fans to attend the matches.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has sent a draft schedule of the tournament to the ICC for discussion. The major sticking point is likely to be whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan. No Indian team has played in Pakistan since the 2008 Champions Trophy due to strained relations between the two governments.

Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup using a hybrid model, with India playing all their games in Sri Lanka. However, this model was not pursued for the ODI World Cup in India last year, with Pakistan playing all their games in India.

The final decision on whether India will visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy rests with the Indian government, not the BCCI. Naqvi expressed hope that all eight teams will participate in the event in Pakistan, but did not comment specifically on India’s position.

The Champions Trophy is the first ICC event Pakistan will host since the 1996 World Cup. Pakistan was originally scheduled to host the 2008 Champions Trophy, but it was postponed and relocated to South Africa due to security concerns. Pakistan also lost out on co-hosting duties for the 2011 ODI World Cup after the 2009 terror attacks on the Sri Lanka team.

Since the return of international cricket to Pakistan in 2015, every team involved in the Champions Trophy has toured and played in Pakistan, except India. Pakistan are the defending champions of the event, last held in 2017.

PCB Proposes Exclusive City for India's Matches in 2025 Champions Trophy

PCB Proposes Exclusive City for India’s Matches in 2025 Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India’s qualifying round matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy be scheduled exclusively in one city. This decision aims to streamline logistics and ensure efficient organization while maximizing the tournament’s success.

The PCB, which will host the prestigious event, has selected Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore as the venues for the tournament, with Lahore hosting the final match. By concentrating India’s matches in one city, the PCB seeks to enhance the overall experience for players, officials, and spectators alike.

“The ICC general manager Wasim Khan also recently visited Lahore where he discussed the CT arrangements with the PCB top brass and it was suggested that the Indian team’s travel itinerary be kept to a minimum,” a PCB source informed.

The source further disclosed that India might play its initial qualifying round matches in Karachi before transitioning to other venues for the knockout stages. Notably, the Indian cricket team hasn’t competed in Pakistan since 2008, with their cricketing interactions limited solely to ICC tournaments.

In the previous year, the Indian cricket board opted not to send the national team for the Asia Cup, which was ultimately conducted in Pakistan and Sri Lanka using a hybrid model.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated that all participating teams will honor their commitments to play in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan as scheduled. Additionally, he revealed that stadium renovation work is set to begin shortly, with the tournament anticipated to take place in February-March 2025.

The PCB’s proposal to schedule India’s matches in one city is a strategic move to ensure smooth operations and minimize travel disruptions for the Indian team. This decision reflects the PCB’s commitment to hosting a successful and memorable Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan.

PCB Postpones T20 World Cup Squad Announcement Amid Fitness Concerns

PCB Postpones T20 World Cup Squad Announcement Amid Fitness Concerns

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed the announcement of its T20 World Cup squad until late May, citing fitness and performance concerns surrounding several players. The PCB intends to reveal its squad on May 23 or 24, adhering to the ICC’s deadline for teams to adjust their squads without consulting the WC Technical Committee.

The management and selectors are closely monitoring the niggling injuries of Muhammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi, and Haris Rauf. Their performances, along with others, during the tours of Ireland and England will be scrutinized before finalizing the squad.

The selectors will first announce the squad for the forthcoming tours, after which the team management and selectors will evaluate the fitness and performance of the chosen players before making the World Cup squad public. India, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand have all announced their WC squads to date.

“It (delay) doesn’t matter because all these teams can change their entire squad by 24th May after that changes can only be allowed on fitness or injury basis with approval of the technical committee,” a PCB source said. “That is why the PCB and selectors have decided to hold off until after the first match in England.”

The source emphasized that the selectors aim to provide Babar Azam and other players with ample time to re-establish their camaraderie and cohesion in the dressing room before unveiling the World Cup squad. This extended period will enable the team to foster the kind of unity and synergy crucial for a successful campaign. The selectors are keen on creating an environment where players feel comfortable and connected, laying a strong foundation for the challenges ahead in the World Cup.

“For the time being we have sent a provisional squad to the ICC for public relations and promotion purposes,” the source said.

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