Cricket

Lahore, Pakistan - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to announce a new set of coaches for the national team by the end of this month, covering both red and white ball formats. The board has received applications from several reputed coaches, including South Africa's Gary Kirsten and Australia's Jason Gillespie.The PCB has emphasized that the appointments will be made through a due process, with all commitments being met. The last time the board followed this process was in 2019, when Misbah-ul-Haq was named head coach and chief selector. Since then, appointments have been made on a consultancy or interim basis.This time, the PCB will only invite candidates who have applied for the coaching positions. Even Kirsten and Gillespie, who have been in direct negotiations with the board, were asked to apply through the due process.The PCB has also set April 20 as the deadline for candidates interested in applying for assistant coach positions. Azhar Mahmood, who was recently named head coach for the New Zealand series on a consultancy basis, will also have to go through the process.The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has made it clear that the long-term appointments of coaches will be done through a due process. The board is expected to take time until the end of the month to reach a decision and make an announcement.

Imad Wasim's Exclusion from Pakistan T20I Team Raises QuestionsFormer Pakistan cricketers have expressed their bewilderment over the omission of all-rounder Imad Wasim from the team for the first T20I against New Zealand. Wasim, who recently came out of retirement, was expected to play a key role in the team's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Despite his impressive performances in domestic cricket, Wasim was left out of the playing eleven, sparking criticism from former players. Iqbal Qasim, a former Test player, questioned the logic behind the decision, stating that Wasim should have played instead of Shadab Khan.Mohsin Khan, a former player and chief selector, emphasized the importance of giving players like Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who also came out of retirement, ample playing time to regain their form. He believes that they need to overcome the "rustiness" of not playing international cricket for an extended period.It is speculated that the decision to exclude Wasim may be related to his strained relationship with Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Azam is said to have left the Karachi Kings franchise in the Pakistan Super League due to Wasim's presence.Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has claimed that Wasim retired from international cricket after feeling mistreated by the team management, including Azam.Despite the controversy surrounding Wasim's omission, cricket analyst Omar Alavi believes that Azam must make decisions based on merit and situational requirements. He emphasized that Azam has a second chance to create his legacy as Pakistan captain and must ensure that selections are made fairly.Pakistan will face New Zealand, Ireland, and England in a series of T20Is in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. The team will be looking to maximize their preparations and build momentum ahead of the tournament.

Pakistan Cricket Fans Endure Rain Delay Under Plastic Sheets at Pindi StadiumIn a disappointing turn of events, Pakistan cricket fans were forced to seek shelter under large plastic sheets at the Pindi Cricket Stadium as heavy rainfall delayed the start of the first T20 international against New Zealand on Thursday.With no roof covering the stands, the fans were left exposed to the downpour, prompting them to take cover under the makeshift protection. Videos and images of the scene quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism towards the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its apparent neglect of spectator comfort.The rain-soaked seats, primarily made of cloth material, further dampened the experience for the fans. The situation was particularly embarrassing for the PCB, as Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year.Before the rain interruption, New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell won the toss and elected to bat first. Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir made his long-awaited return to international cricket after a four-year absence. The 32-year-old had retired in 2020 but reversed his decision last month.Pakistan also handed T20I debuts to Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Muhammad Irfan Khan, aiming to assess their bench strength ahead of the World Cup in June. New Zealand, on the other hand, fielded a depleted squad due to the Indian Premier League, with Tim Robinson making his T20I debut.The rain delay has cast a shadow over the highly anticipated match, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the PCB's preparedness for major events.

Pakistan and New Zealand will clash in the first T20I of a five-match series at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, April 18. The series marks the return of Babar Azam as captain after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reversed its decision to appoint Shaheen Shah Afridi as skipper.Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who recently came out of retirement, will also make their international comebacks in this series. New Zealand, on the other hand, has arrived in Pakistan with an understrength squad due to the Indian Premier League (IPL).The Black Caps are missing nine top players, including skipper Kane Williamson, who are currently playing in the IPL. Stand-in captain Michael Bracewell believes this is an opportunity for younger players to showcase their talent.

Pakistan Cricket: Babar Azam Breaks Silence on Captaincy Shuffle and Team DynamicsAmidst the recent captaincy shuffle in Pakistan's cricket team, Babar Azam has addressed the media, shedding light on his relationship with former skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and the team's focus ahead of the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand.Following Pakistan's 1-4 defeat to New Zealand, Babar Azam was reinstated as captain, replacing Afridi. Reports emerged suggesting Afridi's discontent with the abrupt leadership transition, compounded by enigmatic social media statements.However, Babar Azam has emphasized the enduring bond between him and Afridi, asserting their mutual support for each other. "Shaheen and my bond is not recent, it goes back a long way. We support each other in every situation," Babar clarified.Looking ahead to the T20 series, Babar hinted at experimentation within the squad, emphasizing the team's flexibility and the importance of nurturing young talent. "Our lineup is flexible. We're trying to give opportunities to our young players and bench strength. You'll see different combinations in this series," Babar remarked.Expressing satisfaction with the squad's balance of youth and experience, Babar welcomed the inclusion of new faces, emphasizing the team's collective support for players at all stages of their career. "I am very happy when I see a new player getting selected... We try to keep them in our wings," Babar affirmed.Babar's comments suggest that Pakistan is prioritizing team unity and long-term development ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The team's focus on experimentation and nurturing young talent indicates a strategic approach to building a competitive squad for the future.

New Zealand cricketer Ish Sodhi recently showcased his linguistic skills by attempting Punjabi commentary in a blooper reel. The video, shared by Pakistan Cricket's official social media handle, captured Sodhi's humorous commentary on a previous encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand.Sodhi's commentary focused on his own bowling and that of teammate James Neesham. He humorously narrated his bowling to Pakistani players Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam. "Fir aya Ish Sodhi aur Fakhar Zaman ne fir chakka mareya, aur nahi, catch hogya, shukar hai Fakhar Zaman out ho gaya, bahut tang karte hai," he said, describing how Zaman hit a six but was eventually caught out.A light-hearted moment occurred when Sodhi accidentally referred to Babar Azam as "Babar Zaman." "Yeh dekho Babar Zaman ne fir chauka maar diya," he said, meaning "Look, Babar Zaman has hit another boundary." He quickly realized his mistake after being corrected, adding a comedic element to the video.The Pakistan men's cricket team will face New Zealand in an upcoming T20 international series, part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup in June. The series begins in Rawalpindi on April 18 and is highly anticipated as both teams look to fine-tune their squads ahead of the global tournament.Sodhi's Punjabi commentary has garnered attention on social media, showcasing his playful nature and the camaraderie between the two teams. The upcoming T20 series promises to be an exciting contest, with both Pakistan and New Zealand aiming to make a strong statement ahead of the World Cup.

The highly anticipated five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to commence on April 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, the series is facing a potential threat from inclement weather, with Geo News reporting that Rawalpindi is expected to experience rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the week.The New Zealand team arrived in Islamabad on Sunday, eager to fine-tune their squad ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. The Kiwis have named experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell as their skipper for the tour, as the majority of their players are currently involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Pakistan, on the other hand, will be led by Babar Azam, who recently regained the captaincy of the white-ball format. The Men in Green will be looking to avenge their 4-1 T20I series defeat against the Blackcaps earlier this year.The series will also mark the return of star pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who have reversed their retirements and made sensational comebacks to the Pakistan squad. Former fast bowler Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the head coach for the series, while Wahab Riaz will serve as the senior team manager.Both teams have announced their squads for the five-match series:Pakistan:* Babar Azam (c)* Abrar Ahmed* Azam Khan* Fakhar Zaman* Iftikhar Ahmed* Imad Wasim* Mohammad Abbas Afridi* Mohammad Rizwan* Mohammad Amir* Irfan Niazi* Naseem Shah* Saim Ayub* Shadab Khan* Shaheen Afridi* Usman Khan* Zaman Khan* Usama MirNew Zealand:* Michael Bracewell (c)* Tom Blundell* Mark Chapman* Josh Clarkson* Jacob Duffy* Dean Foxcroft* Ben Lister* Cole McConchie* Zack Fowlkes* Jimmy Neesham* Will O'Rourke* Tim Robinson* Ben Sears* Tim Seifert* Ish SodhiWith both teams eager to prove their mettle and prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the five-match series promises to be an exciting and competitive affair. However, the weather conditions could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the matches.

Shaheen Shah Afridi's brief tenure as Pakistan's T20I captain is nearing its end, with Babar Azam set to reclaim the white-ball captaincy. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has offered the role to Babar, who has yet to accept.Babar's reluctance stems from his removal as captain across all formats following Pakistan's disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. He has requested the PCB to appoint him captain in all three formats if he is to return.Afridi's leadership has come under scrutiny after Pakistan's 4-1 T20I series loss to New Zealand and Lahore Qalandars' dismal performance in the PSL, where they finished bottom of the table. However, Afridi may feel aggrieved, given Naqvi's previous comments about Pakistan seeking a long-term captain.Babar's demand to be Test captain could put pressure on Shan Masood's position as red-ball skipper. Masood has also led Pakistan for just one series, with the team losing all three games in Australia.The captaincy saga highlights the PCB's instability over the past 18 months. Multiple chief selectors and selection committees have been appointed, with Zaka Ashraf's decision to sack Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn being the most high-profile.The current selection committee consists of four selectors, with no chief selector. Decisions are made by vote, with 4-3 majorities carrying the day.Pakistan's next series, against New Zealand in April, is expected to be led by Babar. The PCB is still searching for a head coach, with Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten among the candidates being considered.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule for Pakistan's three-match T20I tour of Ireland. The matches will be played at Castle Avenue in Dublin on May 10, 12, and 14. This series is part of Pakistan's 12-match preparation for the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.Before heading to Ireland, Pakistan will host New Zealand for five T20Is in April, with the first match scheduled for April 18. The final game of the series will take place on April 27. Following the New Zealand series, Pakistan will embark on a tour of England, where they will play four T20Is starting May 22.Pakistan's last T20I outing was against New Zealand in January, where they played a five-match series in New Zealand. Ireland, on the other hand, recently faced Afghanistan in the UAE, losing both the ODI and T20I series. However, they secured a historic first Test win in Abu Dhabi.The T20I series against Pakistan will be Ireland's first international matches since their tour of the UAE. Pakistan was initially scheduled to play three T20Is against the Netherlands in May, but the series was postponed indefinitely due to scheduling conflicts and concerns about player workload.The PCB is actively seeking an alternative window to reschedule the Netherlands series. The upcoming T20I series against Ireland will provide Pakistan with valuable preparation for the T20 World Cup. The team will be looking to fine-tune their skills and build momentum ahead of the global tournament.