Cricket

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to pardon opener Fakhar Zaman for his breach of the players' code of conduct, allowing him to be included in the central contracts and the national white-ball squad.Zaman was dropped from the central contracts list and ignored for the series in Australia and Zimbabwe after he tweeted a controversial comment about captain Babar Azam. The PCB issued a show cause notice, asking Zaman to submit a reply or face disciplinary action.According to a PCB source, Zaman's reply expressed remorse and apology. Internal discussions between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, selectors, and captain Mohammad Rizwan have been positive for Zaman's reinstatement.The selectors have advised Zaman to focus on rehabilitating his knee injury before the white-ball series in South Africa in December. He is expected to be included in the squad for the South Africa matches and subsequently added to the central contracts list.Rizwan and the selectors believe that Zaman is still a valuable asset for the white-ball squad, especially with the Champions Trophy tournament scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year.A committee will be formed to accept Zaman's reply to the show cause notice, clearing him for selection. He will undergo a fitness test before the South Africa tour selection.

Pakistan's Exclusion of Fakhar Zaman Sparks ControversyPakistan's decision to exclude Fakhar Zaman from its white-ball squads for the upcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe has drawn widespread criticism. The omission of the explosive opener has raised questions about the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) selection criteria and sparked outrage among fans and experts.Zaman, a key player in Pakistan's ODI and T20I setup, has been a consistent performer. His absence from these crucial tours has left many baffled. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi attributed the decision to both fitness concerns and Zaman's recent controversial social media activity.Naqvi explained that Zaman failed a fitness test and had not yet resolved a show-cause notice issued to him for criticizing the decision to drop former captain Babar Azam from the Test squad. The PCB has made it clear that public criticism of selection decisions will not be tolerated.Zaman's exclusion has overshadowed the announcement of new central contracts, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan retaining top-tier status and Shaheen Afridi demoted to Category B. The omission of Zaman has triggered outrage on social media, with many questioning the PCB's rationale.Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed his disappointment, saying, "Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner. He should have been in the team." Fans have also taken to social media to voice their displeasure, with many calling for Zaman's reinstatement.The PCB's decision has put the spotlight on the importance of fitness and discipline within the Pakistan team. While Zaman's fitness concerns are understandable, his social media activity has also raised questions about his professionalism.The PCB will need to address these issues and ensure that the team is united and focused on the upcoming challenges. The exclusion of Fakhar Zaman has sent shockwaves through Pakistan cricket and will undoubtedly be a talking point in the lead-up to the Australia and Zimbabwe series.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show-cause notice to opening batsman Fakhar Zaman for expressing support for former captain Babar Azam, who was dropped from the Test squad after a string of poor performances.Zaman's comments, in which he compared Azam's situation to that of Virat Kohli, who was not dropped by India despite a lean patch, have been praised by former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali. However, Ali has also cautioned Zaman about the potential consequences he may face."Fakhar Zaman has been served a show-cause notice, which means that coming days are not going to be good for him because of the mafia that sits in the PCB," Ali said on his YouTube channel.Ali advised Zaman to speak to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to avoid further problems. "I think Fakhar should talk to chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Otherwise, these guys will create problems for him," he said.Zaman's comments have sparked a debate about the treatment of senior players in the Pakistan team. Some believe that Azam should have been given more time to regain his form, while others argue that the team needs to move on from underperforming players.The PCB has not yet commented on the show-cause notice issued to Zaman. However, it is clear that the board is not happy with his public criticism of the team's decision-making.Zaman has been instructed to respond to the show-cause notice by October 21. His comments are considered a breach of his player contract with the PCB.

Babar Azam's resignation as Pakistan's white-ball captain has sparked a search for his successor, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly considering three surprising options.Under Azam's leadership, Pakistan suffered a disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 group stage, losing to the USA and India. While Mohammad Rizwan remains a frontrunner for the captaincy, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Agha have emerged as potential candidates.According to a report by GEO Super, head coach Gary Kirsten is hesitant to appoint Zaman as captain due to his role as the team's first-choice wicket-keeper batter in all formats. The PCB aims to preserve Zaman's workload to prevent injuries.Azam announced his decision to step down last month, citing a desire to focus on his batting and reduce his workload. He had previously resigned as captain after Pakistan's poor performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup but was reinstated in March.However, his second stint as captain proved equally unsuccessful, with Pakistan failing to advance beyond the group stage of the T20 World Cup. Azam acknowledged the "significant workload" associated with captaincy and expressed a desire to prioritize his personal growth and family time.The PCB is now tasked with finding a suitable replacement for Azam. Rizwan, who has captained Pakistan in the past, is a strong contender. However, the emergence of Zaman, Shakeel, and Agha as potential candidates adds an element of intrigue to the selection process.The decision will ultimately rest with the PCB, which must weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate and determine who is best suited to lead Pakistan's white-ball teams.

The upcoming third season of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to witness a star-studded lineup of T20 specialists making their debuts. Among them are New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope, Guyanese all-rounder Romario Shepherd, England opener Jason Roy, and Afghanistan batter Ibrahim Zadran.Ferguson, who recently declined a national contract, has been signed by Desert Vipers. The Kiwi pacer has been in impressive T20 form, delivering four maidens in a T20I and taking ten wickets in seven games for Washington Freedom in the MLC. He will join left-arm quicks Mohammad Amir and Luke Wood at Vipers.Fakhar Zaman will also join Vipers, while Adam Milne will link up with Sharjah Warriors. Milne will reunite with New Zealand teammate Tim Seifert, who has also turned down a domestic contract to pursue franchise T20 opportunities.Dubai Capitals have signed Hope, who made his IPL debut earlier this year. The West Indian will captain the team in the absence of Imran Tahir. Former Australia batter Joe Burns and Sri Lankan slinger Garuka Sanketh are also among Capitals' new signings.Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have welcomed Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, who was part of Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL title-winning squad, and Terrance Hinds. Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran and Wahidullah Zadran have joined Gulf Giants.MI Emirates have signed Shepherd, who will reunite with Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. Italian batter Thomas Draca will also join the team.The third season of the ILT20 will be played from January 11 to February 9, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.

Pakistan's rich tradition of producing exceptional fast bowlers continues with the emergence of Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of renowned pacer Naseem Shah. Ubaid, a right-arm medium-fast bowler, has impressed with his skills at the domestic and international levels.In a recent training session, Ubaid showcased his talent against Pakistan captain Babar Azam. With precise wristwork, he delivered a ball that swung in sharply, forcing Azam to miss and narrowly avoid being bowled. Azam's subsequent attempt to hook a short-pitched delivery also proved unsuccessful, as the ball struck his body.Ubaid's prowess was not limited to Azam. Left-handed batsman Fakhar Zaman also struggled against his bowling, narrowly missing the edge of his bat as the ball moved away and went straight to the keeper.Ubaid's impressive performances have earned him recognition at the international level. He was named in the ICC team of the tournament after claiming 18 wickets at an average of less than 14 runs per wicket in the 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.At just 18 years of age, Ubaid is poised to make his international debut for Pakistan's senior cricket team. His exceptional pace, control, and ability to swing the ball make him a formidable prospect for the future of Pakistan's bowling attack.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has urged the team to make significant changes following their disappointing loss to India in the T20 World Cup. Afridi believes that Pakistan's batting lineup needs a shakeup, suggesting that Fakhar Zaman should open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with skipper Babar Azam dropping down to No. 3.Afridi also called for the inclusion of Salman Ali Agha and Abrar Ahmed in the playing eleven, replacing Usman Khan and Shadab Khan respectively. He emphasized the need for consistency, self-belief, and discipline, qualities that he believes Pakistan lacked in their defeat to India.Pakistan's batting has been a major concern, with the team failing to click as a unit. Afridi criticized their weak display of power hitting, arguing that they lacked the strategy and smart cricket required to chase down India's modest total of 119.Afridi pointed to India's dominant record against Pakistan in world events, highlighting the pressure that the team faces in such high-stakes matches. He believes that Pakistan's inability to handle the pressure contributed to their defeat."On the big days, you have to have nerves of steel until you make it through," Afridi said. "India stayed positive and calm until the last ball, while Pakistan failed to handle the pressure of the run chase."Afridi's suggestions aim to address Pakistan's weaknesses and turn their fortunes around in the tournament. With a crucial must-win game against Canada on Tuesday, the team will need to make some tough decisions and find a way to regain their composure and confidence.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is set to welcome a new franchise in 2024, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. The Falcons have made several high-profile signings, including Pakistan trio Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, and Fakhar Zaman.Amir, a left-arm fast bowler, is a veteran of international cricket with over 250 wickets across all formats. Wasim, a left-arm spinner, is known for his economical bowling and ability to take wickets. Zaman, a hard-hitting opener, has been a key player for Pakistan in recent years.In addition to the Pakistani trio, the Falcons have also signed Australia offspinner Chris Green and Afghanistan allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Green is a T20 specialist with over 200 wickets in the format, while Omarzai is a rising star who has impressed in international cricket.The Falcons have also added West Indies' Brandon King and Fabian Allen to their squad. King is a destructive batter who has scored over 2,000 runs in T20 cricket, while Allen is a versatile allrounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.Rounding out the Falcons' signings so far is 17-year-old batter Jewel Andrew, who played in the Under-19 World Cup for West Indies earlier this year.The Falcons will need to sign five more players at the draft in July to complete their squad. Other big signings for CPL 2024 so far include Tim David and Jason Roy (Trinbago Knight Riders), Heinrich Klaasen (St Lucia Kings), and Wanindu Hasaranga and Tristan Stubbs (St Kitts and Nevis Patriots).The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons replace Jamaica Tallawahs at the CPL. Antigua previously hosted a CPL franchise named Antigua Hawksbills in the first two CPL seasons, but that was replaced by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2015.The 2024 edition of the CPL will take place from August 28 to October 6 with games taking place in Antigua for the first time in ten years. Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago are the other venues. The National Stadium in Providence, Guyana, will host the final.

Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has vehemently defended young wicketkeeper Azam Khan's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, dismissing criticism that he was selected based on "sifarish" (recommendations). Zaman's outburst came in response to a journalist's question about whether other players deserved a spot ahead of the "unfit" Khan.Despite impressive performances in T20 leagues worldwide, Khan has struggled to replicate his form for Pakistan, averaging a mere 11 runs in international matches. However, Zaman believes the selectors made the right choice based on Khan's past achievements."If you make a team, then don't pick him. The team is picked by Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam. What you said is disrespectful towards a player. You've to see how he managed to find a spot for himself in the team. He has been selected due to his performances in the CPL," Zaman asserted at a press conference.Zaman urged journalists to conduct thorough research before making such accusations. "Please do some research on how a player like Azam Khan fought his way into the playing XI. Even I can say that you came here by recommendation. So, do some research before coming to the press conference," he added.Meanwhile, Pakistan's T20 World Cup preparations suffered a setback with a disappointing loss to England in the second T20I of the four-match series. England posted a formidable 183/7, led by Jos Buttler's 84, while Pakistan was restricted to 160, with Reece Topley claiming three wickets. England now holds a 1-0 lead in the series, with the remaining matches scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday.