Cricket

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has defended his post-match comments to Test team captain Shan Masood, which sparked controversy and criticism. Raja's remarks, particularly his question about Pakistan's six consecutive losses, drew flak from fans and former players, including pacer Mohammad Amir.Raja, speaking on his YouTube channel, clarified that his intention was not to undermine the team's achievement but to explore how they overcame recent struggles. He dismissed the backlash as part of the social media landscape, saying, "Pakistan zinda hi social media pe hai" (Pakistan lives on social media).Raja expressed frustration with how people misinterpret his comments, adding, “If I lived my life based on social media narratives, I wouldn’t be in this field. There are many uninformed opinions from people who haven’t played cricket but act like experts.”He also underlined that he did not intend to question Shan Masood's captaincy and expressed disbelief at how quickly the conversation spiralled into controversy. "When Bangladesh won 2-0, I didn’t ask for anyone to be removed. Why would I question Shan's captaincy after a series win?" Raja argued.Earlier, Mohammad Amir had publicly criticized Raja for his remarks, suggesting that the former chairman should have focused on celebrating the series win rather than bringing up past failures. In a viral video, Amir remarked, “You should celebrate the series win. There is a series-winning captain sitting next to you. You should have asked him about the win, next plans. But you are making fun of him. Have some respect. You are literate people and you should behave like one as well. Where the credit is due, you should give it. I was feeling so bad for Shan. Ramiz has been doing on-air duties for so long now and he has no idea what to ask a winning captain."Raja's comments have sparked a debate about the role of former players in criticizing current teams and players. Some believe that former players have a responsibility to provide constructive criticism, while others argue that they should be more supportive and avoid undermining the team's achievements.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has clarified that Babar Azam's resignation from the white-ball captaincy was his own decision, dispelling rumors of pressure from the board.Babar, who took over the captaincy in 2019, announced his resignation on October 2, citing a desire to prioritize his performance. Under his leadership, Pakistan failed to win a major tournament, including the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.Naqvi emphasized that Babar's decision was not influenced by the PCB. "Babar Azam told me himself that he did not want to continue as captain. No one from the PCB told him to leave the captaincy. He discussed it with the coaches and wanted to focus on his performances," Naqvi said.The PCB chief also explained the appointment of Mohammad Rizwan as the new white-ball skipper. "We spoke to the five mentors of the Champions Cup and the coaches, and the majority agreed that Mohammad Rizwan should be the captain, with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain," he added.Rizwan, a star wicketkeeper-batter, replaces Babar as Pakistan's white-ball captain ahead of their upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.Babar's resignation has sparked discussions about the future of Pakistan's cricket team. Some experts believe that the move will allow him to focus on his batting and regain his form. Others argue that it could create instability within the team.The PCB is now tasked with rebuilding the team and finding a long-term solution for the captaincy. Rizwan's appointment is seen as a step in that direction, but it remains to be seen whether he can lead Pakistan to success in major tournaments.

Pakistan's Exclusion of Fakhar Zaman Sparks ControversyPakistan's decision to exclude Fakhar Zaman from its white-ball squads for the upcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe has drawn widespread criticism. The omission of the explosive opener has raised questions about the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) selection criteria and sparked outrage among fans and experts.Zaman, a key player in Pakistan's ODI and T20I setup, has been a consistent performer. His absence from these crucial tours has left many baffled. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi attributed the decision to both fitness concerns and Zaman's recent controversial social media activity.Naqvi explained that Zaman failed a fitness test and had not yet resolved a show-cause notice issued to him for criticizing the decision to drop former captain Babar Azam from the Test squad. The PCB has made it clear that public criticism of selection decisions will not be tolerated.Zaman's exclusion has overshadowed the announcement of new central contracts, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan retaining top-tier status and Shaheen Afridi demoted to Category B. The omission of Zaman has triggered outrage on social media, with many questioning the PCB's rationale.Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed his disappointment, saying, "Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner. He should have been in the team." Fans have also taken to social media to voice their displeasure, with many calling for Zaman's reinstatement.The PCB's decision has put the spotlight on the importance of fitness and discipline within the Pakistan team. While Zaman's fitness concerns are understandable, his social media activity has also raised questions about his professionalism.The PCB will need to address these issues and ensure that the team is united and focused on the upcoming challenges. The exclusion of Fakhar Zaman has sent shockwaves through Pakistan cricket and will undoubtedly be a talking point in the lead-up to the Australia and Zimbabwe series.

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has expressed concern over the delay in announcing the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. Ali, who played alongside Aaqib Javed, the head of the PCB's new selection panel, urged Javed to announce the team promptly.Ali, known as "Chocolaty" to Javed, emphasized the importance of announcing the squad before the third Test match against England, scheduled to begin on October 24 in Rawalpindi. He expressed concern that the PCB's current establishment, which he believes has favored certain individuals, may not support Javed's decisions."I pray that you continue to receive the support of the chairman, Mohsin Naqvi," Ali said. "But keep your eyes open. The talks that I have heard can hurt."Ali also urged Javed to intervene if Fakhar Zaman, who publicly backed former captain Babar Azam after his omission from the Test squad, faces sanctions from the PCB. Zaman received a show-cause notice from the PCB for his comments, but he defended his actions, stating that he felt compelled to speak out."Do send Fakhar Zaman (to Australia)," Ali said. "If there is an action taken (by PCB) against Fakhar Zaman, you should intervene."Ali's advice comes amid ongoing speculation about the future of Babar Azam, who was dropped from the Test squad despite being Pakistan's captain in all three formats. The decision has sparked controversy, with many fans and experts questioning the rationale behind it.The PCB has yet to announce the squad for the Australia tour, which is scheduled to begin on November 4. The series will feature three ODIs and three T20Is.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the schedule for the 2024-25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier domestic first-class competition. The tournament will commence on October 26 and culminate in the final on December 19.In a significant expansion, the tournament will feature 18 teams representing 16 regions, including two teams each from Lahore and Karachi. This marks a departure from previous years, which saw a limited number of teams participating."The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is the pinnacle of domestic cricket in Pakistan," said Abdullah Niazi, Director of Domestic Operations. "It showcases the immense talent across the country and prepares players for international challenges."The PCB's commitment to strengthening its domestic structure was evident in the successful Champions One-Day Cup earlier this year. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy remains a cornerstone of this commitment.The tournament's start date of October 26 is later than usual, as the PCB prioritized the Champions One-Day Cup in September. This means the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will overlap with Pakistan's busy Test season, which includes seven home games.Pakistan vice-captain Saud Shakeel suggested that the first-class competition could be used to prepare for the upcoming tour of South Africa by replicating the conditions there.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied receiving any official proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Pakistan, but India's participation remains uncertain due to political tensions between the two countries.Media reports have suggested that the PCB has proposed a plan that would allow the Indian team to travel back to Delhi or Chandigarh after each game in Pakistan for security reasons. However, the BCCI has stated that it has not received any such proposal and that the decision on India's participation lies with the Indian government.India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series in over a decade, and their only encounters have been during international tournaments. While India's participation in the Champions Trophy remains in doubt, Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.The PCB is reportedly prepared for the possibility that India may not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. However, the board has stated that it will not move the title clash from Lahore even if India qualifies for the final. The PCB's stance will be discussed at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting in Dubai from October 18 to 21.The BCCI may request the ICC to hold the tournament in a hybrid model, with India's matches being played in a neutral venue such as Sri Lanka or Dubai. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which hosted the final of the 1996 World Cup, is currently undergoing renovations to increase its seating capacity.The decision on India's participation in the Champions Trophy will ultimately depend on the Indian government's assessment of the security situation in Pakistan. The tournament is scheduled to be held from February 26 to March 19, 2025.

The Quaid-e-Azam (QeA) Trophy, Pakistan's premier first-class tournament, remains in limbo as the 2024-25 season approaches without a clear start date. Despite Pakistan's ongoing bumper international Test season, the PCB has yet to announce a schedule for the domestic competition.A tentative schedule released by the PCB in August had the QeA beginning on October 20, but that date has passed without any official confirmation. A PCB official had previously stated that the tournament would adhere to its October 20 plan, but ESPNcricinfo has learned that the schedule is still awaiting approval from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.The delay in announcing the QeA schedule has raised concerns among players and stakeholders. The tournament is crucial for players to prepare for international commitments, but its absence has left them without any domestic red-ball cricket ahead of England's ongoing three-Test tour.The lack of information about the QeA is in stark contrast to the fanfare surrounding the Champions One-Day Cup, which was held in September. The decision to host the one-day tournament in Pakistan's only free window until May meant that players would not be able to participate in domestic red-ball cricket before the England tour.Historically, the QeA has struggled to maintain a consistent schedule or format. However, the current delay is unprecedented, with the tournament typically having its schedule announced well before October. In the last 20 years, the QeA has only started later than October 26 twice.The situation is particularly concerning given Pakistan's busy Test schedule this season. They are currently halfway through seven home Test matches between August 2024 and January 2025, with two more Tests in South Africa at the turn of the year.The PCB has declined to comment on the reasons for the delay in approving the QeA schedule. However, budgetary approval is believed to be a factor, with the chairman having the final say on operational matters.

Pakistan's recent struggles in Test cricket, coupled with early exits from the last ODI and T20 World Cups, have raised concerns about the management of the sport by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the development of domestic talent.Despite a promising performance in the ongoing second Test against England in Multan, Pakistan lost the first Test despite scoring over 500 runs in their first innings. They were also swept 2-0 at home by Bangladesh in the preceding series.In response to the team's poor form, the PCB has appointed a new selection committee, reducing its size from seven to five members. Led by former pacer Aaqib Javed, the committee includes Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, and Hassan Cheema. The captain and head coach have been stripped of their voting rights in the selection process.Aaqib Javed, who played in numerous memorable India-Pakistan matches, recently met with India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Javed revealed that Gambhir expressed concerns about Pakistan's decline."We met the Indian players during our series against Sri Lanka. Gautam Gambhir asked me, 'Aaqib bhai, what has happened to Pakistan cricket? There is so much talent, we all see it, but what have they done?'" said Javed.Javed believes that Pakistan's fall has diminished the excitement of India-Pakistan encounters. "He (Gambhir) also feels sorry about it, because there are a few (top-level) teams, and the Pakistan-India matches provide the biggest thrill. So if your team (Pakistan) falls like that, then one of the game's biggest matches loses its charm.""People in the ICC laugh about it," he added.The PCB's decision to revamp the selection committee and the concerns raised by Gautam Gambhir highlight the urgent need for Pakistan to address its cricket management and talent development strategies.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for 2024 in Pakistan, faces uncertainty over India's participation due to political tensions between the two nations. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has emphasized the importance of protecting broadcast rights, indicating that the tournament will proceed with or without India's involvement.ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould and Chair Richard Thompson acknowledged that alternative arrangements are being considered in case India declines to travel to Pakistan. They stressed that the Champions Trophy is a significant event for Pakistan, which has not hosted a major ICC tournament since 1996.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not sent a team to Pakistan since 2008 due to strained relations. Last year, the Asia Cup was shifted to a hybrid model with India's matches played in Sri Lanka. Pakistan, however, participated fully in the 2023 World Cup in India.The PCB remains committed to hosting a "world-class" event in Pakistan. The final decision on India's participation rests with the Indian government. ECB officials believe that the ICC, led by former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, will play a crucial role in finding a solution.Gould emphasized the financial implications of India's absence, stating that broadcast rights would be compromised. He also acknowledged the security concerns that arise when India and Pakistan face each other. However, he expressed optimism that the two countries' relations are currently amicable.Thompson predicted that India's participation would "go to the wire." He believes that India and Pakistan will find a way to ensure India's involvement. The PCB has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with India's matches scheduled to be played in Lahore.The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. The competing teams include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. The tournament is set to run from February 19 to March 9, 2024.