Cricket

Shaheen Afridi's rejection of the vice-captaincy offer for Pakistan's T20 side has cast a shadow over the team's preparations for the upcoming World Cup. ESPNcricinfo has revealed that the PCB selection committee approached Shaheen with the proposal, but the fast bowler declined.The decision stems from Shaheen's lingering resentment over being stripped of the T20 captaincy after just one series. He feels that the reasons for his dismissal were never adequately explained, and he is reluctant to accept another leadership role that could potentially be taken away from him.The PCB's handling of the situation has further strained the relationship between the board and Shaheen. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hinted at Shaheen's possible replacement, and the PCB released a statement attributed to Shaheen offering support to Babar Azam. However, Shaheen later denied making those statements, leading to a confrontation with Naqvi.Despite the PCB's attempts to mend the rift, Shaheen's rejection of the vice-captaincy indicates that the truce remains fragile. He is a key member of the T20 side's leadership group, but he believes that he does not need an official role to demonstrate his influence.The PCB selection committee considered other alternatives for the vice-captaincy, including Shadab Khan and Mohammad Rizwan. However, Shadab's inconsistent form and Pakistan's reluctance to use him as a top-order batsman raised concerns about his place in the XI. Rizwan was also considered, but the committee ultimately preferred a younger player for the role.Shaheen's decision has left the PCB with a dilemma. They must now find a suitable vice-captain who can support Babar Azam and provide leadership on the field. The team's performance in the upcoming World Cup could hinge on their ability to resolve this issue and create a harmonious environment within the squad.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has halted the announcement of the T20 World Cup squad due to concerns over the selection process. Sources within Geo News report that Naqvi expressed dissatisfaction with the selectors' failure to hold a meeting to discuss the players for the tournament.Despite not objecting to the specific names of the players, Naqvi emphasized the importance of proper consultation and deliberation. The PCB is expected to announce the squad by the end of the day, ahead of the May 25 deadline set by the International Cricket Council (ICC).Pakistan is the only team among the 19 participating nations that has yet to announce its 15-player squad. They are placed in Group A alongside the USA, India, Canada, and Ireland. Their campaign will commence on June 6 against the USA, followed by a highly anticipated clash with India on June 9.Meanwhile, the PCB is exploring the possibility of appointing former West Indies legend Viv Richards as the team mentor for the T20 World Cup. Richards' successful stint as a mentor for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has reportedly inspired the PCB's decision.However, the PCB faces a potential obstacle in securing Richards' services due to his existing media commitments for the event. The Pakistan squad for the ongoing T20I series against England includes Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Usman Khan.

Pakistan's cricket landscape has undergone significant transformations in the lead-up to the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. Despite the presence of seasoned captain Babar Azam, the team has witnessed a series of changes in leadership, selection, and coaching.Since the 2022 T20 World Cup final loss to England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed four chairmen and overhauled the selection panel. The experiment with Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain was short-lived, and a new limited-overs head coach, South African Gary Kirsten, joined the team just weeks before the World Cup.Pakistan's preparations have been marked by inconsistent performances. They suffered a heavy defeat in the away series against New Zealand, drew the home series 2-2, and lost the T20 series against Afghanistan 1-2. A shock defeat to Ireland was followed by two victories, resulting in a 2-1 series outcome.Despite the off-field turmoil, Pakistan remains a formidable force in the T20 World Cup. They have reached the semifinals three times and won the title in 2009. Kirsten's coaching has emphasized team unity and playing for the badge rather than individual glory.Pakistan's bowling depth is a major asset, with Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Amir all in good form. However, the top-order batting remains a concern, with Saim Ayub yet to establish himself as a reliable opener alongside Babar Azam.The India-Pakistan match on June 9 in New York is highly anticipated, with both teams expected to progress to the Super 8 round. Babar Azam will become the first player to captain a nation in three consecutive T20 World Cups. He will be hoping to lead Pakistan to their second title, having come close in 2021 and 2022.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively pursuing the legendary Vivian Richards to serve as a mentor for the national team during the upcoming World T20 Cup in the Americas. Richards, a former West Indies captain and one of the greatest batsmen of all time, has a wealth of experience and expertise that could prove invaluable to the Pakistani squad.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly keen on bringing in a high-profile figure to guide the team, particularly given the importance of the World T20 Cup. Richards has a long-standing association with Pakistan, having served as a mentor for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League since 2016. His familiarity with the Pakistani players and his deep understanding of the game make him an ideal candidate for the role.Moreover, with several Super Eights matches scheduled to be played in the Caribbean, Richards' knowledge of the conditions in the region could be a significant advantage for Pakistan. The Caribbean pitches are known for their unique characteristics, and Richards' experience playing and coaching in those conditions would be invaluable to the team.PCB sources have indicated that Richards has some prior media commitments during the World Cup, but negotiations are underway to accommodate his schedule. The Pakistani players reportedly hold Richards in high regard, and his presence as a mentor would undoubtedly boost their morale and confidence.If the deal is finalized, Richards will assume the role of mentor for the World Cup, a position previously held by former Australian opener Matthew Hayden in the last two T20 World Cups. Hayden's guidance helped Pakistan reach the semi-final in 2021 and the final in 2022.In addition to Richards' potential appointment, the PCB is also considering hiring a foreign chief curator to improve the quality of pitches in the country. Australian curator Tony Hemmings is reportedly a strong candidate for the position. Hemmings has extensive experience in pitch preparation and management, having worked with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Western Australia Cricket Association.PCB Chairman Naqvi has prioritized improving the behavior of pitches in Pakistan before the start of the next domestic season. Hemmings' expertise in this area could be crucial in ensuring that Pakistani pitches meet international standards and provide fair and consistent playing conditions for both domestic and international matches.

Pakistan's cricket board has announced a hefty incentive for its T20 World Cup squad, promising each player a staggering USD 100,000 if they emerge victorious in the tournament scheduled for June in the Americas. The announcement was made by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting with the team before their departure for the away T20 series against Ireland and England.Naqvi emphasized that the prize money was secondary to the ultimate goal of lifting the trophy, expressing his confidence in the team's ability to bring glory to Pakistan. "Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi announced to give 100,000 dollars prize to every player for winning the T20 World Cup," the PCB posted on social media.The PCB chief urged the players to focus solely on their performance and teamwork, assuring them that victory would follow. He also expressed his belief in the unity of the team and the exceptional abilities of fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. "The country has a lot of expectations from you. You have to fulfill them," Naqvi told the players.During his visit, Naqvi also recognized the achievements of wicketkeeper-batter Mohamad Rizwan and pacer Naseem Shah, presenting them with special shirts for reaching milestones of 3,000 T20 runs and 100 T20 wickets, respectively.The announcement of the prize money has generated excitement among the players and fans alike, raising expectations for Pakistan's performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The team will be looking to build on their recent successes, including their victory in the Asia Cup 2022, as they aim to bring home the coveted trophy.

Gary Kirsten, the former South African cricketer and renowned coach, has been appointed as the head coach of Pakistan's white-ball team. However, his virtual interaction with the players has sparked controversy among fans.Kirsten, who is currently in India as the batting coach of Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), conducted a virtual meeting with the Pakistani players. This move has drawn criticism from fans, who question the effectiveness of online coaching."How do players learn from a coach through a laptop screen?" one fan asked. "Like Mickey Arthur, he will also do online coaching. PCB, is this cricket or is it a joke?" another fan commented.Despite the criticism, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has defended Kirsten's virtual coaching. A PCB official stated that if Gujarat Titans fail to qualify for the IPL playoffs, Kirsten will be available from the start of the T20 series against England.Until Kirsten joins the team, Azhar Mahmood, the former Test all-rounder, will lead Pakistan on its tour of Ireland and England. Mahmood, who has been appointed as the assistant coach to Kirsten, will act as head coach in the interim.The PCB has also appointed Muhammad Yousuf, the former Test batsman, as the batting coach, and Saeed Ajmal, the legendary spinner, as the spin bowling coach.Kirsten's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans believe that his experience and expertise will benefit the Pakistani team, while others are skeptical about the effectiveness of virtual coaching.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering a series of significant changes to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) that could reshape the tournament's landscape. These proposals, if approved, would aim to enhance the PSL's competitiveness and global appeal.One of the most notable changes being considered is shifting the league's schedule from its current December-February window to April-May. This move would align the PSL with the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world's most popular T20 league. The PCB believes that this would allow the PSL to "co-exist" with the IPL rather than "compete" with it.Another proposed change is the introduction of a marquee player rule. This would allow franchises to sign a single player outside the salary cap, potentially offering contracts worth over USD300,000. This move is aimed at attracting top international talent to the PSL and increasing its global visibility.The PCB is also considering moving the PSL playoffs to a neutral venue. The United Kingdom is being considered as a potential host, as it would provide a central location for fans from both Pakistan and other countries. This would create a more festive atmosphere and enhance the overall experience for spectators.These proposals are currently in the discussion stage, with a final decision expected to be made at a governing council meeting between the PCB and franchises in May. The PCB is eager to move the PSL away from its current crowded window, which clashes with several other T20 leagues and the international cricket calendar.The proposed changes are part of the PCB's broader strategy to elevate the PSL's status and make it a more competitive and attractive tournament. By aligning with the IPL, attracting top international talent, and creating a more fan-friendly experience, the PCB hopes to establish the PSL as a global cricketing powerhouse.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the 2023 Champions Trophy will be held entirely within Pakistan, with matches scheduled to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The decision comes amidst speculation that the tournament could adopt a "hybrid model" to accommodate India's participation.The PCB remains adamant about hosting the tournament within the country's borders, despite ongoing rumors suggesting a potential 'hybrid model' to accommodate India's participation. The board has sent the schedule for the matches to the ICC and is confident that it can provide a safe and secure environment for the event.The ICC's security team has already visited Pakistan and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. The PCB is also working to upgrade the facilities at the three proposed venues to ensure they meet international standards.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said at a press conference in Lahore, "We are trying to ensure we host a very good tournament in Pakistan." He added that the board is committed to providing a memorable experience for all participants and fans.The PCB has been steadfast in insisting that the tournament will not be altered in any way to accommodate India. The 'Hybrid Model' of hosting was used in the Asia Cup last year, with India's matches held in Sri Lanka even though Pakistan was the official host.However, the PCB has made it clear that it will not accept any such arrangement for the Champions Trophy. Naqvi said, "We have not received any official communication from the ICC regarding a hybrid model. We are confident that we can host the entire tournament in Pakistan."The PCB is confident that it can host a successful Champions Trophy in 2023. The tournament will be a major boost for Pakistan cricket and will help to promote the country as a safe and welcoming destination for international sports events.

Pakistan Women's Cricket Team Players Injured in Road Accident After Breaching CurfewThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that at least two national women's team members sustained serious injuries in a road accident earlier this month. The incident occurred after the players breached curfew and left the camp during a white-ball home series against the West Indies.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed that five to six players had gone out in the evening in Karachi without informing the team management. They were involved in a road accident, resulting in intense injuries to at least two players who are currently undergoing treatment.Naqvi stated that the incident had a significant impact on the team's performance in the ODI series against the West Indies. One of the main players, Fatima Sana, was injured and missed the matches. Despite the injury, Sana surprisingly featured in all three T20I matches of the series.The PCB has taken disciplinary action against the players involved in the incident. Naqvi emphasized that their actions were unacceptable and that the Board has appointed a full-time senior rank security police officer to enforce proper timings and ensure the safety of the team.The incident has raised concerns about the discipline and safety of the Pakistan women's cricket team. The PCB is in touch with potential candidates to appoint a new head coach for the team and is also considering hiring a high-profile foreign coach.