Page 37 - Pakistan Cricket Team

Babar Azam backs Gary Kirsten to lead a positive change in Pakistan cricket

Pakistan limited overs skipper Babar Azam is optimistic that Gary Kirsten's appointment as head coach of Pakistan's white ball side will certainly improve its performance. The South African was roped in as the team's limited overs head coach last month on a two-year contract, and this would be his third outing as an international coach, having guided India (2008-11) and South Africa (2011-13). "He (Kirsten) is a very experienced coach, and his presence should be beneficial for us all. He is already taking a lot of interest in the planning for the World Cup and discussing strategy with the team management," Babar told a media conference in Lahore on Monday. Babar said Kirsten was in touch with the side daily, receiving reports about what they were doing and how they were planning things. "He (Kirsten) shares his plans with us, discussions are happening with coaches about our planning, and we update him on net practice plans, like how the bowling practice went today," he said. Babar

Amir's comeback on hold after Pakistan-New Zealand 1st T20 abandoned

Fast bowler Mohammad Amir's return to international cricket was put on hold after the first Twenty20 between Pakistan and New Zealand was a washout on Thursday. Shaheen Shah Afridi clean-bowled debutant Tim Robinson for a duck and New Zealand was 2-1 after two balls before rain denied further play in a reduced five-over-a-side game. The toss was delayed for half an hour because of light drizzle in Rawalpindi, and just when Afridi was due to bowl the first ball, rain held up play for more than two hours. The teams will return for the second T20 of five on Saturday. Amir and allrounder Imad Wasim came out of retirements and made themselves available for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States in June, and the Pakistan selectors named them in the 17-man squad for the five-match home series against New Zealand. Imad wasn't picked to play but Amir was in his hometown for his first international in four years. Both sides are using the series to prepare for the T20 World Cu

Imad Wasim's omission from Pakistan team questioned by former players

Imad Wasim's omission has been questioned by former players after the all-rounder was left out of Pakistan team for the first T20I against New Zealand, having come out of retirement to play international cricket again. Wasim and left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir came out of retirement ahead of the T20 World Cup in June this year after much convincing, but the spin bowling all-rounder did not find a place in the eleven on Thursday. Only two balls were bowled as incessant rains washed out the first T20I here, with Pakistan handing debuts to UAE-based off-spinner Usman Khan, middle-order batter and seamer Irfan Khan and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed. Former Test player Iqbal Qasim said, (It) makes no sense to me, honestly, Imad should have played in place of Shadab Khan." Mohsin Khan, former player, head coach and chief selector said players such as Imad and Amir must play all games to overcome rustiness'. So much hue and cry over bringing back Imad and Amir and they must get maximum match

PAK vs NZ 1st T20 Playing 11: Amir retuns to Pakistan XI after 4-year-break

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan. Fancode will live stream PAK vs NZ 1st T20 match in India.

IND-PAK series to Hardik Pandya: Rohit's big remarks ahead of T20 WC 2024

While India captain Rohit Sharma wants to play test cricket against Pakistan, he also cleared the air over his meeting with head coach Dravid and chief selector Agarkar ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2024

Azhar Mahmood likely to be named Pakistan's assistant coach across formats

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood is likely to be named assistant coach of the national team across formats. Mahmood was on Monday named the interim head coach for the home series against New Zealand beginning April 18 as the board is yet to announce finalise long-term deals with foreign coaches Australian Jason Gillespie and South African Gary Kirsten. While Gillespie has been picked to be head coach for the red-ball format, Kirsten will be head coach for the white-ball formats. Indications are that Mahmood will be assistant coach to both of them in all three formats.. Mahmood, who has worked as bowling coach with the Pakistan team, is based in the United Kingdom and is a certified coach with English and Wales Cricket Board. Besides Mahmood, the board has also named Muhammad Yousuf, who is also a national selector, as batting coach for the New Zealand series. And interestingly it has named two managers for the five-match series with a special post of senior team manager

The return of Mohammad Amir: All you need to know about left-arm pacer

In 2010, the world came crashing on the then 18-year-old Amir when he along with then Pakistan captain Salman Butt and senior pacer Mohammad Asif were caught in the web of match-fixing

Not under-confident: Finn Allen says NZ will come good against Pakistan

Eight of their senior players are missing from the line-up due to IPL duties but young New Zealand batter Finn Allen is confident that the new-look side would still be a handful for hosts Pakistan when the two sides clash in a five-match T20 International series starting April 18. Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner and Kane Williamson are all missing from the line-up for the away engagement due to the ongoing league. "It is an awesome opportunity with players being away at the IPL, for young guys such as Tim Robinson, who have shown their talent and had a good Super Smash tournament here in New Zealand during the summer," Allen told PTI Videos in an interaction facilitated by Sony Network which has acquired broadcast rights of New Zealand cricket's home engagements. "...it is rewarding for those guys and allows them to get an opportunity at the top level to see where they stand against a formidable Pakistan ...

T20 World Cup 2024: Babar Azam reappointed as Pakistan's white-ball skipper

Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was on Sunday reappointed as the white-ball captain, two months ahead of the T20 World Cup. The decision was taken after a unanimous recommendation from the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) selection committee. "Following unanimous recommendation from the PCB's selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team," the PCB said in a media release. Babar had stepped down as captain from all three formats for Pakistan after a disappointing outing at the ODI World Cup in India in November last year. Babar had relinquished his role after the then PCB chief Zaka Ashraf told him he would no longer be captain in white-ball formats and would only lead the Test team. Babar replaces fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20 captain, who led Pakistan in the 1-4 series loss against New Zealand in January. The T20 World Cup will begin from June 1 in the USA and the West

PCB to appoint separate foreign coaches for red and white ball: Sources

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to appoint separate foreign coaches for red ball and white ball formats, narrowing down to former Australian pacer Jason Gillispie and ex-South African batter Gary Kirsten as probable candidates for the respective positions, according to sources. The PCB on Saturday officially issued advertisements for the red ball and white ball coaches' positions. Interested candidates -- foreign and local -- can apply by April 15 and they must have at least five years of experience of coaching a domestic, international or franchise team besides holding a minimum of level two coaching credentials. It said candidates with a higher level of coaching credentials would be given preference in the appointments. A PCB source, however, told PTI that though the advertisement has invited applications, the Board has held talks with Kirsten and Gillispie and is keen on them applying so that they can be appointed on a long-term basis. Kirsten, who had earlier coached

T20 World Cup: Shaheen Afridi contemplates quitting as Pakistan captain

Disappointed that he was not involved in discussions concerning Pakistan cricket and his future as T20 skipper, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is contemplating stepping down as captain. A well-informed source close to Shaheen said that the bowler was upset that not even once the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi or the national selectors have spoken to him about their future plans as far as the captaincy or appointment of coaches is concerned. "Shaheen is rightly upset as being the national T20 captain he expected that even if the board/selectors wanted to remove him they have the decency to also inform him for the reasons behind this and keep him in the loop about everything," the source said. The source said Shaheen was disappointed that he was not kept in loop as PCB chief held discussions with the national selectors and Babar Azam this week to discuss the T20 World Cup, appointment of coaches and captaincy. "Shaheen believes that if the Board wants to remove him they should have infor

T20 World Cup: PCB wants to bring Babar Azam back as Pakistan's captain

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has offered Babar Azam captaincy in the white ball formats but the star player has not yet made his decision, sources have claimed. It has been learnt that Babar has set down conditions for accepting the captaincy, including having a say in appointment of coaches. Babar has conveyed that he should given the reins of the side in all three formats. The national selection committee, though is divided on the issue. A former Punjab caretaker minister, who apparently has no cricket background, is not in favour giving back absolute power to Babar. "Some members of the selection committee now feel the best thing is to let Shaheen Shah Afridi continue as captain for the home T20 series against New Zealand in April and give him a chance to prove his credentials," one well-informed source said. He said there was a feeling among some selectors it would be best to wait for a series or two before taking a final decision to bring back Babar as captain. The interesting p

Former Pakistan Test captain Saeed Ahmed passes away at the age of 86

Saeed Ahmed, the former Pakistan Test captain and a dashing batsman of his time, passed away here after leading a largely reclusive life away from cricket since his retirement. He was 86. Ahmed played 41 Test matches, scoring 2,991 runs with five centuries and 16 half-centuries. He also took 22 wickets with his off-spin bowling. Ahmed made his Test debut against the West Indies during the famous drawn Bridgetown Test in 1958 when he was 20 and played his last Test for Pakistan in Melbourne against Australia during the 1972-73 tour. However, his Pakistan career had an undignified end during that tour. The Pakistan board believed that Ahmed faked a back injury to avoid playing against Dennis Lillee on a green top at Sydney after his altercation with the pacer in that Melbourne Test. Ahmed was subsequently recalled from the tour on disciplinary grounds and he was never selected for Pakistan again. But before that Ahmed was known for his elegance, particularly those drives down the .

Retired Imad Wasim makes himself available for Pakistan selection

Four months after retiring from international cricket, Pakistan spin all-rounder Imad Wasim has made himself available for national selection after playing a key role in Islamabad United's title triumph in the PSL. The 35-year old had retired in November 2023, saying it was time for him to focus on playing in foreign leagues. Imad was adjudged the Man-of-the-match for his franchise, Islamabad United in the Eliminator 2 and final of the Pakistan Super League 9 on Saturday and Monday. He had taken a fifer (5/23) in the PSL final as Islamabad grabbed the title for the first time since 2018. Imad told media that he wanted to serve Pakistan again. "I made a name for myself while playing for Pakistan and if my country needs me, I will be available. If not, I have no issues with that," Imad said. "Shaheen called me after I retired but I told him that we will talk after PSL," he added. The Pakistani selectors are due to announce a pool of players for a training camp at an Army base in K

Pakistan Cricket Board set to announce revamped selection committee

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has decided to revamp the national selection committee to give it more independence and authority to appoint the captain and team. "I don't want to get involved in appointing the captain, team and all that. I will be revamping the national selection committee and will give it more authority and independence to take cricket related decisions, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday during a press conference here. "The revamped selection committee will, after discussions with the team's head coach, recommend the captain and team. I want the selection committee, coach and captain to be independent to make decisions which they feel are best for the Pakistan team. "My job is to govern and administrate the board affairs properly to facilitate the players, he added. Naqvi said the board was in final talks with a candidate to take over as Pakistan's head coach. "Our team is talking to this person and I don't want to take his name before everyt

Naseem washes Pakistan cricket's dirty linen in public on player insecurity

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has come out in the open about the culture of insecurity in the national side, saying senior players are afraid of taking breaks to rest their bodies, fearing replacement by younger players. Shah, who was ruled out of the 50-over World Cup in India last year due to a shoulder problem, added that even he was afraid about losing his place in the side due to the injury. "Honestly, the main players are afraid of giving their bodies rest even when they know they need a break because the Pakistan cricket culture is such that if a new player comes in and performs in a match or two, you don't know if he will replace you permanently in the team," Shah told Cricwick. "This fear does not allow players to rest because you are scared your careers could end there," the young bowler said. Naseem said there was a need for clarity and better communication between senior players, team management, selectors and the Pakistan Cricket Board. "In other countries, if a ma

Pakistan in search of foreign cricket coach: Sammy, Watson decline offers

Pakistan's search for a foreign coach has hit hurdles with former Australian allrounder Shane Watson and former West Indian captain Darren Sammy dropping out of the race for the next head coach of the national team. While Sammy turned down approaches by the PCB citing he is already contracted with the West Indies board as head coach of the WI white-ball teams, Watson returned home on Saturday night after rejecting the offer from the Pakistan board. A well-informed source aware of the developments said that senior PCB officials had held detailed talks with Watson in Karachi during the PSL matches offering him the head coach position. Watson had initially shown interest and kept certain financial and other conditions to accept the offer," the source said. "But after the board more or less accepted Watson's financial demands the Australian was not happy that details of the proposed package were leaked out in the Pakistan media and social media." The Australian then politely turned do

Champions Trophy: Hybrid model on cards if India refuses to play in Pak

A 'hybrid model' to host next year's Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains an option as India's participation cannot be decided by the ICC if there is a government policy against it, a source in the governing body's all-powerful executive board told PTI on Friday. The ICC board meeting is currently underway in Dubai. The Champions Trophy, which will be held in February-March 2025, is not on the agenda but newly-elected PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that he wants to speak with his BCCI counterpart Jay Shah as well as ICC bigwigs on the sidelines, seeking some kind of assurance. However, an ICC Board member, who is privy to the developments, feels that any decision by BCCI, will only be taken closer to the tournament and once again, the idea of using UAE as a potential venue cannot be entirely discarded. "Every member can raise concerns for discussion at Board meetings and then it would go to a vote. But if the government (of a member nation) expressly say that they can't play

Pakistan to pay highest-ever salary to Shane Watson for head coach role

Former Australian all-rounder, Shane Watson, who is in line to take over as Pakistan cricket team's head coach, is yet to make up his mind despite the PCB accepting his remuneration demands. According to sources in the board, Watson has demanded $2 million annually, which is approximately around 46 million rupees per month, the highest fee ever paid to a foreign coach. Former foreign coaches of Pakistan such as Richard Pybus, Bob Woolmer, Geoff Lawson, Dav Whatmore, Grant Bradburn and Mickey Arthur were paid much less than what Watson has demanded. He has a young family in Australia and also has commitments in the USA Major League. So, he is weighing his options as the board wants him to spend maximum time in Pakistan helping them also discover and groom talent at domestic level, the source said. He conceded Watson was taking time to ink the contract because of the frequent changes within the PCB and the coaching staff. Watson, at present, is coaching the Quetta Gladiators in the

Rawalpindi and Lahore to host 5 T20Is against New Zealand next month

Pakistan will host New Zealand in a five-match Twenty20 International series next month as part of its preparations for the T20 World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday said Rawalpindi will host three games on April 18, 20 and 21 and the remaining two will be played at Lahore on April 25 and 27. New Zealand will likely be missing several frontline players including Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson, who will be playing in the Indian Premier League. New Zealand beat Pakistan 4-1 at home in Shaheen Shah Afridi's debut T20I series as skipper earlier this year. This tour symbolizes the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect that define the relationship between our two cricketing nations, Usman Wahla, the PCB's director of international cricket, said. Our avid cricket fans and the people of Pakistan will welcome the New Zealand team again. We hope to have yet another competitive series which is a key part of our buildup to this year's ICC T20 World Cup. The J