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PCB announces16-member ODI squad for Australia series

PCB announces

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International series against Australia national cricket team, with fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi appointed as captain.

According to the PCB, the series will be played from May 30 to June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Key players including Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem have been recalled to the national side.

New inclusions in the squad include Ahmad Daniyal, Arafat Minhas and Rohail Nazir, while Muhammad Ghazi Ghori and Rohail Nazir have been named as wicketkeeper-batters.

The selection committee has dropped several players, including Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Hussain Talat, Muhammad Rizwan, Wasim Jr and Saad Masood from the ODI setup.

Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were not considered due to injuries and are currently undergoing rehabilitation programs, while Usman Khan was ruled out due to illness.

The final squad features a mix of experienced and young players as Pakistan prepares for the high-profile ODI series against Australia.

PCB announces ticket details for PSL 11 qualifier in Karachi

PCB announces

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released important information regarding tickets for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 Qualifier scheduled to be held on April 28 in Karachi.

The playoff stage of the Pakistan Super League Season 11 begins tomorrow, with Peshawar Zalmi set to face Islamabad United in the Qualifier.

Fans can purchase e-tickets for the match through the official PCB ticketing portal. Ticket holders will be able to gain entry by scanning their mobile e-tickets at the stadium or by presenting a printed copy.

The PCB has set a uniform ticket price of Rs500 for all enclosures at National Bank Stadium.

Physical tickets will be available at designated TCS box office counters located at China Ground, opposite the stadium.

According to the PCB, e-ticket sales will begin tonight, while physical tickets will go on sale from tomorrow morning.

Details regarding tickets for the Eliminator matches scheduled in Lahore on April 29 and May 1 will be announced soon.

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already approved spectator entry for all PSL 11 playoff matches.

PCB imposes two-year PSL ban on Blessing Muzarabani

PCB imposes

KARACHI:  The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a two-year ban on Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani for withdrawing from the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

According to the PCB, Muzarabani violated his contractual agreement after signing with the PSL but later opted to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The board emphasized that professional cricket is built on trust and the sanctity of contracts. It added that franchise leagues require players and agents to maintain transparency, consistency, and professional conduct.

The PCB further stated that the ban is a necessary step to protect the integrity and professional standards of the PSL, underscoring the importance of honoring agreements and upholding the reputation of the tournament.

Younis Khan considered for key role in PCB

Younis Khan

Lahore: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan is reportedly set to take on a significant role in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s cricketing structure.

Sources indicate that the legendary batsman has expressed his willingness to contribute to cricket development after being approached by the PCB. His name is also under consideration for the position of Director Domestic Cricket.

Following the precedent of Sarfraz Ahmed and Misbah-ul-Haq, the board is eager to leverage Younis Khan’s extensive experience to enhance cricket administration and performance.

Younis Khan, who amassed over 10,000 runs in 118 Test matches, also played 265 ODIs and 25 T20Is for Pakistan. He has previously served as the national team coach.

According to officials, PCB representatives contacted Younis Khan recently, and he has expressed availability for the role. A formal announcement is expected after final discussions and approval from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

PCB plans major overhaul after T20 World Cup exit

PCB plans major

LAHORE: In the wake of Pakistan’s underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided to carry out another major overhaul of the national side. Sources indicate that star batter Babar Azam and several other players are being considered for exclusion from the T20 setup.

Despite reaching the Super Eight stage, Pakistan endured a disappointing tournament overall. The team failed to register a single victory against top-tier sides and narrowly avoided defeat in their final group-stage clash against Sri Lanka.

The Green Shirts were fortunate to escape an upset loss to the Netherlands in their opening match. Their much-anticipated encounter with India ended in another defeat, continuing a recent trend in high-profile contests between the two rivals. Wins against Asia and Namibia helped Pakistan secure a Super Eight berth.

However, their Super Eight campaign faltered. The opening fixture against New Zealand was washed out due to rain, followed by a loss to England that left the team dependent on other results. Although Pakistan managed to defeat Sri Lanka, an inferior net run rate ultimately knocked them out of semifinal contention.

PCB officials have signaled that accountability will be strictly enforced, with sweeping changes expected as part of efforts to rebuild the T20 squad ahead of upcoming international assignments.

While, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering imposing fines on players for substandard performances in the recent T20 World Cup, sources say.

According to insiders, the board is contemplating a proposal to levy fines of PKR 5 million on each player, following Pakistan’s disappointing defeat against India. PCB officials have held consultations on strict measures to ensure accountability within the squad.

Officials emphasized that future financial incentives will be strictly linked to on-field performance. The board has sent a clear message to the players that leniency will no longer be tolerated.

Team management has also been instructed to implement strategies to improve performance, with PCB signaling that rigorous evaluation and accountability processes will continue. A final decision on the matter is expected to be announced soon.

PCB informs ICC of decision not to play against India in T20 World Cup

PCB informs ICC

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its refusal to play against India in the February 15 league match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, according to reports by Indian website Cricbuzz.

Indian media reports stated that Pakistan has communicated the specific reasons behind this decision to the ICC. Earlier, the Government of Pakistan had cleared the national team to participate in the tournament but explicitly prohibited them from facing India during the league stage.

Sources told Cricbuzz that the ICC has asked the PCB for clarifications under the Force Majeure clause in the Terms of Participation, seeking details on the steps Pakistan had taken to mitigate the claim.

The government in Islamabad has authorized the national side to play other matches but maintained its restriction on the marquee clash with India on February 15.

This situation follows Bangladesh’s decision to withdraw from playing in India, citing security concerns. As a result, Bangladesh was removed from Group C by the ICC and replaced by Scotland. Pakistan had supported Bangladesh’s request to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka.

“It’s sad Bangladesh is not here. They have a very good side. Hopefully, they will support us,” said Agha, referring to Pakistan’s hopes of regional solidarity.

Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for over a decade, meeting only in multinational tournaments. In the group stage, Pakistan will now face Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Investment scam costs Pakistani cricketers millions

Investment scam

Karachi: Several current and former national-level cricketers have reportedly lost millions of rupees after falling victim to an alleged investment fraud, sources revealed.

According to sources, both former and serving Pakistani cricketers were affected by the scam. However, none of the players has so far filed an official complaint with any platform, nor have they approached the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for intervention.

Sources said the cricketers invested money with a businessman after being influenced by a former national team captain, while some players made direct investments independently. The list of affected individuals reportedly includes former as well as current captains of the national team.

It was further disclosed that the players handed over huge sums running into crores of rupees in pursuit of unusually high returns.

Initially, investors received exceptionally high profits, which increased their confidence. However, the businessman later disappeared, raising serious concerns.

Sources added that the cricketers made repeated efforts over several weeks to recover their money, and while some managed to receive partial repayments, most remain unpaid.

A well-known players’ agent is also among those who allegedly suffered financial losses. The accused individual is reportedly residing in the United States and had close personal ties with several Pakistani cricketers.

According to the players, the businessman’s phone has been switched off, and no profit payments have been received for the past two months.

The affected cricketers are now seeking recovery of their original investment, but all attempts to contact the individual have so far failed.

Sources say the situation has caused deep concern among the players, though no formal legal action has yet been initiated.

PCB announces Pakistan squad for T20 series against Australia

PCB announces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the national squad for the upcoming T20 International series against Australia.

For the three-match series, Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as captain, while Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have made their return to the T20 side.

The squad also includes Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Other players named in the squad are Mohammad Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, Khawaja Mohammad Nafi, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).

According to the PCB, the Australian team will arrive in Pakistan on January 28, while all three T20 matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, January 31, and February 1.

The series is expected to attract strong fan interest as Pakistan prepares to face Australia at home in a high-profile T20 contest.

PCB announces Pakistan-Australia T20 series

PCB announces

LAHORE The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule for a three-match T20 series against Australia ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The series will take place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, with the first T20 scheduled for January 29, the second on January 31, and the third on February 1. The Australian T20 squad is set to arrive in Lahore on Wednesday, January 28.

The PCB described the series as a key preparation opportunity for both teams before the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7 in India, where Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka.

This home series is expected to provide crucial match practice and help both teams fine-tune strategies ahead of the global tournament.

PCB announces PSL roadshow in London on Dec 7

PCB announces

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that a major Pakistan Super League (PSL) roadshow will be held in London on December 7.

According to details, the event is expected to draw global investors, commercial partners, and cricket fans. Preparations to sell two new HBL PSL teams have accelerated, with strong interest emerging from UK-based investors.

The London roadshow aims to promote the league’s vision, commercial model, and future strategy. PSL champions Lahore Qalandars’ captain Shaheen Afridi and fast bowler Haris Rauf are also expected to attend.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the roadshow at Lord’s reflects the global recognition of Pakistan cricket, adding that the event will further enhance the international appeal of HBL PSL.

Meanwhile, HBL PSL CEO Salman Naseer said the league enjoys strong global following and commercial value, and that the addition of two new teams will create significant opportunities for investors.

Thirty “super fans” will be given special access to the event, with ticket information to be released soon.

HBL PSL is regarded as one of the fastest-growing T20 leagues in the world.