Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the upcoming home Test series against England will take place in Pakistan, despite earlier reports suggesting a possible shift to Sri Lanka or the UAE. The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, will proceed as planned with matches in Multan and Rawalpindi.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi quashed reports of a venue change, stating that the venues are final and games will not be played outside the country. "No Tests will be played outside (the country). Multan and Rawalpindi venues are final," Naqvi said.The confirmation comes after reports emerged that the series might be moved out of Pakistan due to ongoing renovation work at stadiums in preparation for next year's ICC Champions Trophy. However, Naqvi clarified that the venues are ready and will not be affected by the construction activities.Recently, the PCB had to shift the second Test of their series against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi because of similar renovation work. Spectators were barred from attending that match due to the construction activities. Experts had advised that construction could continue during playing hours, potentially distracting players because of the noise and dust.England head coach Brendon McCullum had expressed concerns about the venue uncertainty, saying it made team selection difficult. "We don't know (what is happening in Pakistan), but we can't pick a team until we know where we're going to play. It would be nice if, over the next couple of days, we found out. Then we'll sit down and make sure we've got the right team for the right conditions and the right opposition," McCullum had said.The first Test of the three-match series between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin on October 7 in Multan. The second match will take place in Karachi starting October 15. The series will conclude with the third Test in Rawalpindi on October 24.

Pakistan cricket has been in a state of turmoil in recent times, with a humiliating 2-0 series defeat at home against Bangladesh, reports of dressing room conflicts, and groupism within the team. The constant chopping and changing in PCB administration and teams across formats has further exacerbated the situation.Former players have been vocal in their criticism of the administrators, team management, and players. Former leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has joined the chorus, expressing his concern over Pakistan's recent performances.Kaneria believes that everything is being taken for granted in the team and that Pakistan cricket needs a tough task-master like India's Gautam Gambhir. He emphasized the importance of sticking with a captain and providing them with full support, while also holding them accountable for their performance."Why today other teams are doing so well? Why is the Indian team is doing so well? They had Rahul Dravid who worked with the team very well now they have Gautham Gambhir, a fantastic cricketer and fantastic guy. The way he reacts, he tells on the face. He doesn't go back and do backbiting; he's on the face straight away. This is how you have to be. You have to be strong, and like a strong person, you have to make the decision on the face, not at the back," said Kaneria.Reports in Pakistan media suggest that Babar Azam, who has been struggling with poor form, may be removed as Pakistan's white-ball captain. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as the potential candidate to lead the team in ODIs and T20Is.The likely development comes after Babar's recent batting failures in the home Test series against Bangladesh. Shan Masood was leading the Test side, which the hosts embarrassingly lost 2-0.

Pakistan's fast-bowling woes have eased slightly with the news that Khurram Shahzad has avoided a serious injury. The 24-year-old quick was forced off the field during the final day of the second Test against Bangladesh, raising concerns about his fitness.Shahzad, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in the series with 11 scalps, played a crucial role in Bangladesh's first-innings collapse, taking 6 for 90. However, he was less effective in the second innings, managing only 1 for 40 in seven overs.After the match, Shahzad underwent scans to determine the extent of his injury. ESPNcricinfo understands that the results have ruled out a fracture, and doctors have advised him a brief period of rest. This means that Shahzad is expected to be fit for the upcoming Test series against England, which begins on October 7 in Multan.The side niggle was a major concern for Shahzad, given his recent injury history. On his debut in Perth last December, he suffered a stress fracture of the rib, which sidelined him for several months. He only returned to action for the two Tests against Bangladesh last month, having not bowled a single ball in first-class cricket since his injury in Perth.As a result, Shahzad will not participate in the Champions One-Day Cup, which starts next week. Pakistan is keen to nurse him back to full fitness before the first Test against England. He will undergo another MRI scan next week to monitor his progress.Pakistan has been plagued by injuries to its fast bowlers in recent times. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Hasan Ali, and Ihsanullah have all suffered long-term injuries, putting the PCB's medical department under scrutiny.Earlier this year, an internal review criticized the management of Ihsanullah's injury and the quality of his treatment. Chief medical officer Dr. Sohail Saleem resigned on the same day.

Former Pakistan cricketer Saeed Ajmal has shared his experience of dismissing legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar, describing it as a moment of immense joy. Ajmal, known for his exceptional off-spin bowling, spoke about Tendulkar's greatness and the respect he holds for him."Sachin is a great cricketer, the most honest and kind in the world," Ajmal said. "He is a legend, and I call him Sir. It is an honor to have played with him. Getting him out was a moment of happiness for me, and I will always cherish it."Ajmal recalled an incident where Tendulkar advised him to bowl a "dusra" to dismiss former England batter Kevin Pietersen. "I never got angry," Ajmal said. "I played with him in a league in 2010, and he told me to get Pietersen out by bowling a 'dusra.' I did, and he was very happy. He also told me not to finish the match too early after I took four wickets in four overs. He has always respected us and is a very good man."Tendulkar, with 34,357 runs in 664 international appearances, is the highest run-scorer in international cricket. He holds the record for most centuries (100) and half-centuries (164) in international cricket. In Test cricket, he has scored 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78, with 51 centuries and 68 fifties. In ODIs, he has amassed 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83, with 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries.Tendulkar was part of the Indian team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. He also played for the Mumbai Indians franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008 to 2013, winning the title in 2013.

Pakistan cricket is in a state of disarray following their humiliating 0-2 Test series defeat to Bangladesh at home. The loss marks the first time Pakistan has been swept at home by an Asian opponent, sending shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity.Captain Shan Masood has faced the brunt of the criticism, but head coach Jason Gillespie has defended his leadership. Gillespie believes Masood has led the team well, but the players have simply not performed."Shan, I feel, has led the side very well. We just haven't played well as a team and that's the reality. We need to sharpen up on certain areas and we will sharpen up. I want to back and believe in these players, they are good enough," Gillespie said.Masood, for his part, remains confident in his ability to lead the team. He believes Pakistan is heading in the right direction, despite the recent setbacks."I am not worried for my job security. I took this job to make the changes we believe will help this team. If I believe this team can go in a certain direction, even if my personal failure takes Pakistan to that direction, I will be content. However much time I get, I'll be grateful for and do my best," Masood said.Masood also highlighted the need for more Test experience within the team. He pointed to the fact that Bangladesh had several players with over 70 Tests of experience, while Pakistan lacked such depth."Bangladesh have two players who have played 70-90 Tests (Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahman), and Litton [Das] and Mehidy [Hasan Miraz] have played close to 40. We need the same level of red-ball exposure. Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game. You need experience. It's obvious we need more Test and red-ball cricket," he added.The defeat to Bangladesh has raised serious questions about the future of Pakistan cricket. The team has now lost six consecutive Test series, and their ranking has plummeted to ninth in the world.Gillespie and Masood have their work cut out for them if they are to turn things around. They need to find a way to improve the team's performance on the field, and they need to do it quickly. Otherwise, Pakistan cricket could be in for a long and difficult period.

Babar Azam's tenure as Pakistan's white-ball captain is under scrutiny following a string of batting failures and the team's recent Test series loss to Bangladesh. According to Geo News, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Azam as skipper in ODIs and T20Is.Rizwan's impressive performances in the Test series against Bangladesh, where he led the batting charts with 294 runs at an average of 98.0, have strengthened his case for captaincy. In contrast, Azam struggled with the bat, scoring only 64 runs at an average of 16.00.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering appointing Rizwan as captain ahead of the Australia tour in November. This move could also see Rizwan take over the captaincy in all three formats, potentially putting Shan Masood's position as Test skipper in jeopardy.Azam relinquished the captaincy after Pakistan's disappointing ODI World Cup campaign last year but was reappointed for white-ball formats in March. However, the team's recent struggles have raised questions about his leadership abilities.Rizwan's appointment as captain would mark a significant shift in Pakistan's cricket strategy. The 30-year-old is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to lead from the front. He has also been praised for his work ethic and his commitment to the team.If Rizwan is appointed captain, he will face the challenge of rebuilding a team that has struggled for consistency in recent years. Pakistan was eliminated from the T20 World Cup in the group stage and suffered a humiliating Test series defeat to Bangladesh.Rizwan will need to find a way to inspire his team and improve their performances on the field. He will also need to work closely with the PCB to develop a long-term plan for the team's success.

Pakistan's humiliating Test series defeat to Bangladesh has sparked widespread criticism, with former fast bowler Yasir Arafat launching a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).Arafat slammed the PCB for prioritizing one-day matches over red-ball preparation ahead of the crucial Test series against England. He pointed out that Pakistan's bowlers were severely lacking in fitness and technique, and that the team had not played first-class cricket in over a year."This series is ending, and your grey areas have been highlighted," Arafat said. "Fitness issues, technique issues, and pitches. Today I heard Jason Gillespie and the high-performance coach are going back to Australia. You are conducting an ODI tournament. These decisions I don't understand. The PCB is a circus."Arafat's comments come as the PCB considers alternative venues for the Test series against England, with Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) being potential options. The original venue, Karachi National Stadium, is undergoing renovations for next year's Champions Trophy.The PCB's decision to shift the second Test to Rawalpindi was also met with criticism, as the pitch was deemed to be too flat and conducive to high-scoring draws.Pakistan's Test team has now lost four consecutive series, including a 3-0 whitewash against England last year. The team's poor form has put them almost out of contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

India's premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has extended his support to Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood amidst the team's recent struggles. Pakistan suffered a historic 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh, marking the first time they have lost a Test series to their neighbors.Ashwin acknowledged the challenges facing Masood, particularly with the absence of star batter Babar Azam from the leadership group. "Handling a Pakistan team at this point, where somebody like Babar Azam is not the captain and he's the poster boy of Pakistan, it cannot be an easy dressing room," Ashwin said.Despite the criticism directed at Masood, Ashwin believes he possesses the qualities of a capable captain. "Shan Masood is a very smart cricketer. I know that guy. He speaks a lot of sense. He can be a really good captain for Pakistan," Ashwin stated.Ashwin also commended Bangladesh's impressive performance in the series. "Bangladesh have come a long way. I don't take anything away from them. They have got a lot of experience in Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan, and they have also got some good young talent," he said.Meanwhile, Ashwin has been rested for the ongoing Duleep Trophy alongside other top Indian players. He is expected to return to action later this month when Bangladesh tours India for a two-match Test series.

Pakistan's domestic 50-over competition, the Champions One-Day Cup, has unveiled its captains and mentors, with each side led by a Pakistan international. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lions), Mohammad Rizwan (Wolves), Shadab Khan (Panthers), Saud Shakeel (Dolphins), and Mohammad Haris (Stallions) will lead their respective teams.Haris' appointment as Stallions captain, chosen by mentor Shoaib Malik, marks a significant return to favor with the PCB. After being left out of Pakistan's World Cup squad and losing his place in the T20 side, Haris now captains a team that includes Babar Azam, Pakistan's white-ball captain.Unlike previous tournaments, the PCB has ensured maximum participation of its top players. With no international cricket coinciding with the competition, almost every fit centrally contracted player is taking part. Misbah-ul-Haq, mentor of the Wolves, emphasized that unfit players would be excluded.All games will be played in Faisalabad from September 12-29, with playoffs instead of semi-finals. The tournament concludes eight days before the start of the first Test between Pakistan and England.Each side has announced extended squad lists, which will be trimmed by September 10. The teams do not have affiliated city names but have historical links to previous domestic cup sides: Lahore for Lions, Karachi for Dolphins, Peshawar for Panthers, Faisalabad for Wolves, and Sialkot for Stallions.Sarfaraz Ahmed is the only player-mentor, operating with the Dolphins. Misbah (Wolves), Malik (Stallions), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), and Waqar Younis (Lions) are the other mentors.