Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied rumors of proposing an offshore T20I series against India, emphasizing its current focus on the successful hosting of the Champions Trophy. Despite speculations of discussions between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCCI officials, a reliable source within the PCB has clarified that no such proposal is being considered.The PCB's primary objectives at the ICC meetings in Colombo are to secure budget approval for the Champions Trophy and to obtain assurances from the ICC and BCCI regarding India's participation in the tournament in Pakistan. The source stressed that these are the board's top priorities, and any bilateral ventures with India are not currently under consideration.India has suspended bilateral cricket series with Pakistan since 2012, and the two nations have not played a Test series since 2007. The participation of India in the Champions Trophy remains uncertain, with rumors suggesting that the Men in Blue may prefer to play their matches outside Pakistan.The PCB's focus on the Champions Trophy is understandable, given the tournament's significance and the challenges involved in hosting such a major event. The board is determined to ensure a smooth and successful tournament, which will be a major boost for Pakistan's cricket infrastructure and reputation.While the possibility of an offshore T20I series between Pakistan and India remains a topic of speculation, it is clear that the PCB's current priorities lie elsewhere. The board is committed to delivering a memorable Champions Trophy and securing India's participation in the tournament, which would be a significant step towards the resumption of bilateral cricket between the two nations.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering inviting India to a bilateral T20I series at a neutral venue in 2025. This proposal will be discussed during the ICC annual conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will meet BCCI secretary Jay Shah.The PCB remains firm in its stance that the Champions Trophy matches will not be moved outside Pakistan. However, the board is willing to accommodate India's concerns by offering a neutral venue for the T20I series. The matches could potentially be scheduled during the free days of both teams after the Champions Trophy.Pakistan has emphasized that it will provide full security to the Indian team if they travel to Lahore for the Champions Trophy. The PCB has also acquired land adjacent to the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium to construct a 5-star hotel, which will eliminate the need for teams to stay in distant hotels and reduce security concerns.Naqvi is expected to persuade Shah to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, the final decision rests with the Indian government, which has previously expressed security concerns about traveling to Pakistan.India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2012, with the Indian government restricting cricket encounters to ICC or ACC events. The PCB's invitation for a T20I series in 2025 could be a step towards resuming bilateral cricket between the two nations.

Pakistan cricket has been in a state of turmoil following a string of disappointing performances in major tournaments. The team's struggles have been attributed to a combination of factors, including poor player form and administrative changes within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).One of the most criticized players has been captain Babar Azam, who has failed to live up to expectations as both a batsman and a leader. Azam's poor form was evident during the recent ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup, where he failed to produce any significant knocks.To add insult to injury, a video has emerged on social media showing Azam struggling against Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of star pacer Naseem Shah. The video highlights Azam's current lack of form and has raised further questions about his ability to lead the team.Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has been among the most vocal critics of Azam, stating that he has been given ample opportunities to prove himself but has failed to deliver. Afridi believes that the PCB should consider making changes to the captaincy if the team's performance does not improve.The PCB has also come under fire for its handling of the team's recent struggles. The board has made several changes to the coaching staff and management, but these moves have yet to yield positive results.As Pakistan prepares for a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, the pressure is mounting on Azam and the PCB to turn things around. The team desperately needs a strong performance to restore confidence and silence the growing chorus of criticism.

The upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings in Colombo from July 19-22 are expected to witness a potential clash between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the Champions Trophy.India is likely to express its inability to tour Pakistan for the tournament, citing a lack of government clearance. This could lead to a heated discussion during the "any other business" category of the meetings. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, with India's matches planned for Lahore.If India refuses to travel to Pakistan, the ICC may consider a hybrid model for the tournament, with India playing their matches in the United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka. However, the PCB is likely to strongly oppose such a move.Meanwhile, the suspense over India's next T20 captain continues. In an online meeting on Tuesday, new head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors discussed the possibility of appointing Suryakumar Yadav, the world's second-ranked T20 batsman, as the regular captain. However, no final decision has been made.The BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, is expected to attend the India vs Pakistan Women's Asia Cup match in Dambulla on Friday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has proposed a groundbreaking initiative to promote disability cricket globally. In a letter to his counterparts at the BCCI, Cricket Australia, PCB, and CSA, ECB secretary Richard Gould outlined plans to establish two national disability teams: one for visually impaired (blind) and one combined (physically challenged, intellectually challenged, and hearing impaired).Currently, India has a Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), but the BCCI does not organize any tournaments independently. Gould's proposal aims to address the lack of structure and support for disability cricket worldwide."We propose boards operate two international teams -- a blind XI as a standalone format and then a pan-disability format with squads consisting of deaf, intellectually impaired and physically disabled cricketers," Gould wrote. "We would be keen and willing to host the inaugural pan-disability tournament involving our five nations in 2025."Gould emphasized the need to prioritize disability cricket, citing the untapped market of 1.3 billion people with disabilities globally. He also acknowledged the lack of coordination and strategy in the sport."There are many different codes of disability cricket -- blind, deaf, intellectual impairment and physical disability and there has been widespread lack of co-ordination and strategy that sits across all four," Gould wrote. "This has not been an area of sport we have collectively prioritised and although financial restraints are felt as prevalently now as ever, now is the time for us to come together to turbocharge the disability game."Ravi Chauhan, the boss of DCCI, will participate in discussions in Sri Lanka, serving as a bridge between his committee and the BCCI. The ICC has expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of member-driven efforts.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is contemplating significant alterations to the obligations of international cricketers to Pakistani cricket. These changes could impact the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs), participation in domestic cricket, and the structure of central contracts.The PCB's initial statement, lacking in specifics, indicated that domestic cricket would become mandatory for players. A "technical method" for issuing NOCs would be established, with only eligible players receiving them. Additionally, the duration of central contracts has reportedly been reduced to one year, reversing the three-year contracts introduced last year.However, the exact nature of these changes remains unclear. PCB spokesperson Mohammad Rafiullah stated that committees would be formed to determine the details, including the NOC issuance method, central contract adjustments, and the required domestic cricket participation for international players.The statement emphasized that the remuneration of centrally contracted players would not be reduced, despite initial reports suggesting otherwise. It also mentioned a "defined procedure" for player inclusion in central contract categories, but no details were provided.Test head coach Jason Gillespie and white-ball coach Gary Kirsten have been added to the selection committee, but their specific roles in the selection process are yet to be clarified.The issue of NOCs has become a contentious one in Pakistani cricket. Some players believe that the agreement allowing them to participate in two overseas leagues per year is not being honored. Naseem Shah was recently denied an NOC to play in the Hundred, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam are expected to face similar rejections for the Global T20 League in Canada. The PCB is likely to cite workload management as the reason for these refusals.In a separate development, Australian pitch curator Tony Hemming has been appointed as the head curator for a two-year term. He will oversee a busy home season for Pakistan, which includes seven Test matches, a tri-series, and the ICC Champions Trophy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the quality of its pitches by appointing Tony Hemming, a renowned Australian curator, on a two-year contract. This marks the first time the PCB has offered a long-term contract to a foreign curator.Hemming, a native of Western Australia, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has worked with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and has over four decades of expertise in pitch and outfield management. His portfolio includes working on prestigious grounds such as Melbourne, Perth, and Hobart, as well as supervising tracks in Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.The PCB has entrusted Hemming with the responsibility of improving the quality of pitches for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, England, and West Indies. He will also oversee the preparation of pitches for the domestic season."Hemming will also oversee pitch preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan will host from 19 February to 9 March," the PCB stated in a press release.The appointment of Hemming is a testament to the PCB's commitment to providing world-class playing surfaces for its teams and international visitors. Hemming's expertise and experience will be invaluable in ensuring that Pakistan's pitches meet the highest standards and provide a fair and competitive environment for all.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded written confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the Indian government's stance on the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2023 in Pakistan. The PCB insists that the BCCI provide this documentation in case India refuses to participate due to security concerns.The PCB has emphasized the need for a prompt resolution, considering the tournament's proximity. While the ICC annual conference in Colombo on July 19 will not address the "Hybrid Model" (India playing matches in the UAE), the global body has allocated additional funds for a potential two-country tournament."If the Indian government declines permission, it must be in writing, and the BCCI is obligated to submit that letter to the ICC immediately," said a PCB source involved in the organizing committee. "We insist that the BCCI inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan in writing at least 5-6 months before the tournament."The BCCI has consistently maintained that playing in Pakistan is a government decision. In the 2023 ODI Asia Cup hosted by Pakistan, India played all its matches in Sri Lanka under the "Hybrid Model."The PCB has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with all of India's matches, including a potential semi-final and final, scheduled in Lahore. The India-Pakistan match is set for March 1. The tournament begins in Karachi on February 19 and concludes in Lahore on March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Rawalpindi will also host some matches.BCCI sources indicate that traveling to Pakistan is unlikely at this stage, and the ICC has allocated additional funds for contingency plans. "The ICC Management is recommending additional costs in case it becomes necessary to play matches outside Pakistan," a source confirmed.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has adopted an assertive stance, demanding that the Champions Trophy 2025 be held entirely within Pakistan. This stance comes in response to reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may request a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in a neutral country.The PCB's unwavering position stems from the strained political relations and security concerns between India and Pakistan. India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and the BCCI's reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy has raised concerns.The PCB has threatened to withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. This move highlights the PCB's determination to host the tournament on its own soil.The ICC finds itself in a difficult position, balancing the interests of both cricketing powerhouses. The upcoming ICC Annual Conference in Colombo will be a crucial juncture, where the PCB is expected to vehemently oppose any hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025.The PCB's stance is supported by the fact that Pakistan successfully hosted the 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore, demonstrating its ability to provide a secure environment for international cricket.The cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have been marred by political and security issues since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The last time India toured Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup. The countries have since met only in ICC events or Asia Cup tournaments held in neutral venues.The PCB's determination to host the Champions Trophy 2025 entirely in Pakistan is a testament to its commitment to promoting cricket in the country and showcasing its capabilities as a host nation. The ICC will have to carefully consider the PCB's demands while ensuring the integrity of the tournament and the safety of all participants.