Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asserted its determination to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan, rejecting the possibility of a hybrid model. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the board has not received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressing concerns about the Indian team's participation in Pakistan.Naqvi's stance marks a departure from the PCB's previous cautious approach on the issue of India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan. He stated that the PCB is prepared to host all of India's matches in Lahore, which is conveniently located near the Indian border, to facilitate logistics and security. The PCB has also offered to arrange up to 17,000 visas for Indian fans during the tournament.Naqvi expressed confidence that Pakistan has demonstrated goodwill towards India in the past, referring to the team's participation in the ODI World Cup in India despite India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. He emphasized that Pakistan should not be expected to make such gestures indefinitely if India continues to decline to visit Pakistan.The PCB has identified three venues – Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi – for the tournament. Naqvi stated that "almost every country" is eager to see the Champions Trophy played in Pakistan and that the PCB will provide all necessary facilities.However, ESPNcricinfo reports that the BCCI has not yet discussed the matter internally. The Indian board's stance remains unchanged, and it will await the Indian government's approval before making a decision on whether to travel to Pakistan.The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, although the ICC has yet to officially announce the schedule.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied media reports suggesting that it has agreed to a "hybrid model" proposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the 2025 Champions Trophy. According to these reports, the BCCI had proposed that the Indian cricket team would play its matches at a neutral venue, a suggestion that was allegedly accepted by the PCB.However, PCB sources have categorically stated that the two cricket boards have not engaged in any discussions regarding a hybrid model and that no such plans are being considered for the tournament. Pakistan remains steadfast in its stance that it will host the tournament in its entirety at Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi."The hybrid model is not under consideration. It is documented that our position has not changed. People file stories claiming sources X Y Z. People file anything just to get some views. As of now, we haven't decided anything as far as the Champions Trophy. Our stand is as it is," a PCB source asserted.The political tensions between India and Pakistan have prevented the two teams from facing each other in a bilateral series for over a decade. While Pakistan participated in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, India has yet to confirm its participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Interior Minister, expressed confidence in a swift visa issuance process for Indian fans wishing to attend the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He conveyed this assurance during a meeting with a group of Sikh pilgrims from the United States.Naqvi expressed optimism that Indian fans would respond positively to the opportunity to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. "We will be keeping a special quota of tickets for Indian fans and we will try to make the visa issuance policy brisk," Naqvi stated.The PCB is eager to welcome Indian fans to Pakistan and witness the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in Lahore.

PCB Disappointed by India's Refusal to Play in Pakistan for 2025 Champions TrophyPakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed disappointment over reports that India has declined to play in Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Naqvi emphasized the importance of the tournament for Pakistan's cricket landscape and its potential to foster cricketing ties in the region.Speaking to the media after inspecting the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi stated that the PCB has not received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their non-participation. However, he acknowledged reports in the Indian media and expressed concern."We have a clear stance that if India has any issues, we will accept it only if they give us in writing," Naqvi said. "We are not ready for any dialogue on a 'hybrid model' and believe that cricket should be kept away from politics."Naqvi reiterated the PCB's commitment to hosting a successful Champions Trophy and stated that they will continue preparations as planned. He added that if the BCCI formally communicates their non-participation, the PCB will consult with the government for guidance.The TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported that the BCCI has informed the PCB and other stakeholders of their decision to play their matches at a neutral venue, with Dubai being the likely host. The BCCI has reportedly cited security concerns as the reason for their decision.The PCB's disappointment stems from the fact that the Champions Trophy is a major ICC event and hosting it in Pakistan would have been a significant boost for the country's cricket. The tournament would have also provided an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its improved security situation and promote cricketing ties with India.The BCCI's decision has sparked mixed reactions in India. Some experts believe that the decision is justified due to security concerns, while others argue that it is a missed opportunity to improve relations between the two countries.The PCB remains hopeful that the BCCI will reconsider its decision and allow the Champions Trophy to be played in Pakistan. However, the PCB is also prepared to host the tournament at a neutral venue if necessary.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering adjustments to the schedule of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which it is hosting, to accommodate matches involving India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move comes after the Indian government expressed concerns about its team traveling to Pakistan due to security and socio-political reasons.The PCB is exploring a "Hybrid Model" similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, where India played its matches in Sri Lanka. Sources within the PCB believe that even if India is not permitted to tour Pakistan, minor adjustments can be made to the schedule, with India likely playing its matches in Dubai or Sharjah.The International Cricket Council (ICC) cannot force any board to go against its government's policy, and it remains to be seen when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will make a final decision. By the time the decision is made, the ICC will be chaired by India's Jay Shah.The PCB is urging the ICC to announce the tournament schedule by next week, as officials from the governing body are expected to visit Lahore. The PCB has proposed a tentative schedule that includes a marquee match between India and Pakistan in Lahore on March 1, 2025.The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. The final is set for March 9 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. According to the proposed schedule, all of India's matches would be held in Lahore for security and logistical reasons.The PCB is investing heavily in upgrading its stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, where the Champions Trophy matches will be played. The board is spending approximately 13 billion rupees on these renovations.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has expressed optimism that India will participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year, emphasizing the positive vibes from the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Akram believes that India's presence would be a significant boost for cricket and Pakistan.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed hosting all of India's matches in Lahore, which is close to the Indian border, to facilitate logistics and security. The PCB has also pledged to provide 17,000 visas to Indian fans.Akram highlighted the importance of people-to-people contact in the current era of social media negativity. He believes that India's participation would foster goodwill and promote cricket.India has not played an international match in Pakistan since 2008, and the UAE is considered a potential alternative venue if any part of the Champions Trophy is moved out. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has stated that the tournament will not proceed without India's involvement.The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. The tournament will be played in a group stage format followed by semi-finals and a final.

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 Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has revealed that former South African coach Gary Kirsten's departure was due to "breaches" of his contract. Kirsten, who led India to the 2011 World Cup victory, had reportedly resigned after a rift with the PCB over the coaches' diminished role in selection matters.Naqvi clarified that Kirsten had terminated his contract with the PCB, not vice versa. "He (Kirsten) broke his contract with the PCB and made some breaches. He ended the contract with us," Naqvi stated.Sources within the PCB have alleged that Kirsten violated certain contract clauses, including insufficient time spent in Pakistan and his insistence on a foreign coaching staff. Naqvi confirmed that the PCB is actively seeking a new white-ball head coach and has already interviewed several candidates."We will have a new white ball head coach by the end of this month because Jason Gillispie has only agreed to manage the team in Australia for the white ball matches on an interim basis. He is more focused on his role as red ball head coach," Naqvi explained.Regarding the omission of Fakhar Zaman from the Pakistan squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours, Naqvi emphasized that the selectors have the authority to make such decisions. Zaman is currently under investigation by the PCB for supporting Babar Azam on social media after being dropped for the England Tests."The issue of the show cause notice will be handled by a special committee of the board while the selectors have authority over selection matters," Naqvi said. He denied any interference in selection matters or advocating for specific players.

Pakistan cricket has been thrown into turmoil once again following the abrupt resignation of head coach Gary Kirsten. The former World Cup-winning coach departed just six months into a two-year contract, leaving the team without a permanent coach on the eve of their white-ball tour of Australia.Kirsten's departure has raised concerns about Pakistan's ability to attract high-profile international coaching candidates in the future. Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja believes the hasty nature of Kirsten's exit could deter prospective coaches from considering the role."When you search for international coaches, with the kind of backlash that you will probably get from Gary Kirsten's resignation...it's not going to be an easy, straightforward job for Pakistan to hire international talent," Raja said.The PCB has faced criticism for its handling of the coaching situation. Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, Pakistan's Test coach, were stripped of their selection powers after the team's first Test defeat against England. This decision reportedly led to a rift between the coaches and the board.Gillespie, who will take over as interim white-ball coach for the Australia tour, has also expressed dissatisfaction with the recent changes. A new selection panel, including umpire Aleem Dar, has been formed, raising questions about the board's decision-making process."I don't know about an umpire being a selector, so the jury is still out," Raja said. "I still believe there's a strong role for a leader in cricket. You can't run cricket from the sidelines."Pakistan will arrive in Australia with a new white-ball coach and captain. Mohammad Rizwan has taken over the captaincy from Babar Azam, who recently resigned. Rizwan will lead a relatively inexperienced squad against a formidable Australian team."He's got his chance and what he needs to do is to stamp his authority and maybe get the players that he wants," Raja said of Rizwan. "Right now, there's a little bit of hodgepodge where the selection committee is nominating the playing XI."Raja called for "quiet and calm" within Pakistan cricket, emphasizing the importance of a stable environment for the team's success."I think it's important for all the stakeholders to understand the value of a non-controversial start to what appears to be an extremely heavyweight calendar," he said.

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Basit Ali Blasts PCB for Kirsten's DepartureFormer Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the abrupt resignation of Gary Kirsten as the team's limited-overs coach. Ali, in a fiery rant on his YouTube channel, expressed his deep concern over the deteriorating state of Pakistan cricket."Pakistan's cricket is going down, and I don't want it to go down. In the coming days, it will get worse," Ali lamented. He criticized the PCB for its haphazard approach to hiring foreign coaches, arguing that they should first be tested at the junior levels.Ali drew comparisons to Australia and India, where coaches like Rodney Marsh and Rahul Dravid had worked with grassroots programs before taking on senior roles. "They've made a joke out of Pakistan," Ali said, hinting at internal interference in cricketing decisions.Ali mocked Kirsten's reported reservations about player selection, saying, "Now Gary Kirsten is acting innocent, saying, 'I won't accept it without Babar Azam.' So you don't want Rizwan as captain, and you don't want Shaheen Afridi—is this Pakistan's team or Gary Kirsten's team?"He further questioned Kirsten's commitment to Pakistan cricket, saying, "Next, he'll say, 'My academy is running in Cape Town,' and then join some IPL or PSL franchise. Why do you even give opportunities to people like this who can't spend their time in Pakistan?"Kirsten, who coached India to the 2011 World Cup win, was appointed by the PCB on a two-year contract in April. However, his tenure lasted just six months, with tensions reportedly brewing between the PCB and the coaching staff.The PCB's decision to strip Kirsten and Gillespie of their voting rights in team selection earlier this month fueled speculation of internal disagreements. The PCB has confirmed Kirsten's resignation and announced that Jason Gillespie, Pakistan's Test coach, will step in for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia.Ali's outburst reflects the growing frustration among Pakistani cricket fans and experts over the team's recent struggles. Pakistan has failed to win a major ICC tournament since 2017 and has been plagued by inconsistent performances and off-field controversies.