Page 39 - Pakistan Cricket Team

Arthur, Bradburn, Puttick resign from their roles in Pakistan cricket board

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that foreign coaches Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick have resigned from their respective roles with the national team as well as with the board. The development came after the trio were assigned duties at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore following a change in their portfolios post the 50-overs World Cup in India. All three, along with bowling coach Morne Morkel, comprised the main support staff of the Pakistan team until the World Cup. But Pakistan's failure to advance to the knockouts saw PCB managing committee chairman Zaka Ashraf reassigning them to the NCA, to which the trio refused and instead went on vacations to their respective homes. Morkel was the only one to resign immediately after the World Cup from his incomplete contract. A reliable source in the board said negotiations were held with the trio for them to resign themselves, since as per their contracts, had the PCB terminated their contracts the b

Pakistan board asked not to offer long-term contract to Mohammad Hafeez

The sports ministry has asked the Pakistan Cricket Board not to offer a long-term contract to its incumbent director of cricket Mohammad Hafeez yet, who came into the role after the 50-overs World Cup last year. The PCB had sent a copy of the contract for approval to the ministry of inter-provincial coordination, which oversees the sports sector. The contract was for a long term period but the board was told to just continue with the short-term arrangement with Hafeez which ends after the T20 series in New Zealand, a reliable source said. According to insiders, Hafeez as well as the other new coaching staff members came on board only after the assurance of getting long-term contracts. Now it appears (that) this is not going to happen, and as it is, the performance of the team has also been very bad under Hafeez and the other coaches, as they have lost all Tests in Australia and now the T20I series in New Zealand, an insider said. Hafeez was named the director of the Pakistan team

Pakistan board issues NOC to four players returning from injury layoffs

Mystery surrounds Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to issue NOCs to centrally contracted as well as non-contracted players to participate in the International League T20 and the Bangladesh Premier League in January-February. The mystery stems from the fact that fast bowlers Naseem Shah, Ihsanaullah and Mohammad Hasnain along with experienced all-rounder Shadab Khan have all recently recovered from injuries and had sought NOCs for the BPL. Pakistan's team director Mohammad Hafeez had requested the PCB ensure players who are returning from injuries must play at least one match in the ongoing President Trophy (first-class) in Karachi. Subsequently, the four were asked to travel to Karachi and appear in the domestic matches. However, when the PCB announced issuing NOC to the players, it had no mention of Shadab, Naseem, Ihsanullah and Hasnain being approved for the BPL. Naseem suffered a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup and went for a surgery in London. He subsequently missed the

Finn Allen slams record-equaling 16 sixes; NZ beat PAK in 3rd T20

Finn Allen blasted a world-record-equaling 16 sixes in an innings of 137 from 62 balls as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 45 runs in the third Twenty20 international Wednesday to take a winning 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Allen equaled the world record set by Hazratullah Zazai of Afghanistan of 16 sixes in a T20 international innings and posted the highest score by a New Zealander in T20 internationals, beating Brendon McCullum's 123 against Bangladesh in 2012. New Zealand made 224-7 after being sent in by Pakistan for third time in the series. Pakistan again fell short in the run chase as it did when it chased 227 in the first match of the series, losing by 46 runs and 195 in the second match, losing by 21. On Wednesday Pakistan was held to 179-7. The only bright point was Babar Azam's third consecutive half century of the series, his sixth in succession batting at No. 6 in T20 internationals. Babar was out for 58 in the 16th over when the chase already was beyond ...

NZ vs PAK: Abbas Afridi to miss third T20I, Kane Williamson ruled out

Young Pakistan fast bowler Abbas Afridi was on Tuesday ruled out of the third T20I while hosts New Zealand lost the services of their captain Kane Williamson for the remainder of the five-match series. The Pakistan team management confirmed in a statement that a low grade abdominal muscle strain to Afridi will keep him out of the third T20I, with a decision on his availability for the remaining two matches to be taken later. His scan has shown no sign of significant injury, and he will be managed symptomatically. His availability for the last two games will be made at a later stage, the management statement said. The 22-year-old right-arm pacer Afridi made his international debut for Pakistan in this series. Pakistan are already without fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, who played in their opening Test against Australia last month, as well as spinners Abrar Ahmed and Noman Ali owing to injuries. The spin duo did not feature in any of their three Tests in Australia. Williamson suffered

Haris Rauf considered retirement after criticism for missing Australia tour

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf considered retirement from international cricket late last year after he was criticised for opting out of the Test series in Australia, according to a media report. According to a Pakistani media outlet, Rauf was so disheartened by the criticism that he contemplated international retirement at one point but after being advised by his family and friends, he decided against it. Ahead of Pakistan's three-Test series in Australia, Rauf came in for criticism after it was revealed that he pulled out from the tour after chief selector Wahab Riaz and team director Mohammad Hafeez had a chat with him. Riaz claimed Rauf had agreed to be available for the Tests but pulled out later, while another report claimed through a source close to the right-arm pacer that he never made any commitment for it. Haris withdrew citing concerns over this fitness and workload management. Haris had also told former chief coach Mickey Arthur during the 50-overs World Cup in India

PCB wants to organise T10 league, former cricketers question the move

The Pakistan Cricket Board has sought permission from the ministry of sports for organising a T10 league later this month, according to sources. While there could be an issue with the availability of the players who are also set to feature in other leagues, former players are not in favour of organising such a tournament. The board's cricket management committee wants to have the T10 league from January 24-28 and wants all the contracted players to participate in the league, one reliable source aware of the details said. The problem is (that) some of the players are already committed to play in the Emirates International T20 League in UAE and some have been offered contracts for the Bangladesh Premier League, the source added. A large number of players with good contract offers for the BPL are still waiting for their NOCs. A few former cricketers, meanwhile, have questioned the purpose of organising such an event right before the Pakistan Super League which starts on February 18 i

New Zealand beats Pakistan by 21 runs in 2nd T20, leads 5-match series 2-0

New Zealand overcame the loss of its captain in an innings that faltered late to beat Pakistan by 21 runs in the second Twenty20 International Sunday, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The Black Caps failed to build on the foundation of the first half of its innings, making 194 for eight batting first after being 111 for one at the end of 10 overs. The batting slump followed captain Kane Williamson retiring hurt after 10 overs with a tight hamstring. Pakistan also stumbled in the second half of its innings and was bowled out for 173 in the 20th over. Williamson is making a managed return from a serious knee injury and New Zealand would fear any setback to his rehabilitation. But, while he didn't field, Williamson was still padded up and apparently prepared to bat at the end of the New Zealand innings. Finn Allen's 74 from 41 balls set a cracking pace early on in the New Zealand innings. Allen put on 59 in 5.1 overs with Devon Conway (20) for the first wicket and 52 in 4.9

Pakistan likely to go in with new opening pairing in T20s vs New Zealand

Pakistan are expected to go for a new opening pair in the T20 series in New Zealand with Muhammad Rizwan to partner young Saim Ayub instead of Babar Azam. According to reports from Auckland, the team management had Rizwan and Saim batting in the nets against the new ball bowlers while Babar and Fakhar Zaman had their knocks against mainly spinners in the other nets. Babar and Rizwan have opened pretty successfully for Pakistan in the T20 format since 2021 but apparently new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, new high performance coach Yasir Arafat and the team director Muhammad Hafeez are keen to try out something new against New Zealand in the five-match series beginning on January 12. Their 150 plus runs unbeaten partnership helped Pakistan beat India for the first time in any World Cup game during the T20 WC in Dubai in 2021. The 21-year Saim, who played 8 T20 internationals last year and made his Test debut in Sydney earlier this month, is known for his hard hitting style of batting

AUS vs PAK: Afridi asked for break from SCG Test says team director Hafeez

Muhammad Hafeez, Director of the Pakistan team, revealed that Shaheen Shah Afridi approached him with a request to take a break from the third and final Test against Australia at Sydney, contrary to the belief that it was the team management's decision to rest the left-arm pacer. Australia defeated Pakistan by eight wickets at SCG on Saturday to complete a 3-0 series win. We took the decision to rest Shaheen and manage his workload because we didn't want his body to be adversely affected, Hafeez said after the third Test against Australia. The decision to rest Afridi for the final Test came as a surprise to the Pakistani cricket community. Pakistan fast bowling greats, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, also tore into the team management for their decision to rest Afridi for the Test. In the wake of the hue and cry on the first day of the Sydney Test, Afridi had told the host broadcasters that the team management and support staff felt he should rest from the match. However, Hafeez sa

Shan Masood gifts signed Babar jersey to David Warner in his farewell Test

Pakistan captain Shan Masood on Saturday presented retiring opener David Warner with batter Babar Azam's jersey as a farewell gift during the post-match presentation

Pakistan team director Hafeez backs decision to rest Shaheen for SCG Test

Afridi's absence damaged an already weaker Pakistan bowling attack, which had started the series without the injured Naseem Shah

AUS vs PAK 3rd Test: Warner leads Australia to victory in his final Test

David Warner scored 57 runs to help lead Australia to an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan on Saturday in his final test match, ending a 112-test career as a winner on his home ground. With Australia needing only 11 runs to claim its third consecutive victory in the three-test series, Warner was out lbw off the bowling of Sajid Khan. He walked off the Sydney Cricket Ground to loud applause as he waved to the crowd. The only other wicket to fall in Australia's second innings was when opener Usman Khawaja was also adjudged lbw off Khan's bowling for a six-ball duck. Pakistan scored 313 and 115 and Australia responded with 299 and 130-2. Marnus Labuschagne scored 62 and was at the crease with Steve Smith (4) when the match ended. Australia quickly took Pakistan's three remaining wickets on Saturday morning to set a 130-run victory target with almost two full days remaining. After Josh Hazlewood (4-16) ran through Pakistan on Day 3, the visitors offered little resistance before they

AUS vs PAK 2023: How Aamer Jamal became find of Pakistan's Australia tour

Aamer Jamal has taken 18 wickets and scored 125 runs in the series in five innings of three Tests

IND vs SA 2nd Test: India join Pakistan, create unwanted record in Newlands

India joined Pakistan as the team with the most ducks in an innings in a Test match

AUS vs PAK 3rd Test: Cummins takes 5 wickets but Pakistan rallies on Day 1

Australia captain Pat Cummins took 5-61 for his third consecutive five-wicket haul as Pakistan's brittle top order was again exposed before a combative lower order rally helped the tourists to 313 on Day 1 of the third and final cricket test. At 96-5 shortly after lunch Wednesday, Pakistan was in grave danger of being bundled out cheaply after it had won the toss and chose to bat under bright, blue skies at the Sydney Cricket Ground. But an enterprising counterattack led by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan with a brisk 88, followed by a half-century from Agha Salmon and a stunning maiden test half-century by Aamer Jamal helped Pakistan recover to a respectable total. Australian pair David Warner, playing his final test, and Usman Khawaja had to survive one over from spinner Sajid Khan under fading light before stumps. Warner (6 not out) in characteristic style smashed the first ball for four but was lucky later in the over as he somehow survived the ball bouncing over the stumps from a

AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Playing 11: Australia announce 13-player lineup

Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test Playing 11: It was anticipated that one of their 3 primary pacers would receive a rest; Cummins stated that every one of them has recovered well and is ready to play.

AUS vs PAK 3rd Test preview: Focus on David Warner's farewell at SCG

The leadup to the third test between Australia and Pakistan at David Warner's home Sydney Cricket Ground was always going to be about the opening batter himself playing his final test in the sport's traditional format. Warner has helped to hype what amounts to a match with little really on the line for the home side Australia has already clinched the three-test series with victories in Perth and Melbourne. The visitors still have something to play for the last time Pakistan beat Australia in a test Australia was 1985 at the SCG. Warner announced during a New Year's Day news conference that he will also add one-day internationals to his retirement list. But in typical Warner fashion, he said he'd make a comeback at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy if asked. He said the time was right to conclude his ODI career following Australia's recent World Cup triumph in India, where he was the champion team's leading run-scorer. Warner will continue to play Twenty20 cricket for Australia, at .

AUS vs PAK: PCB to take up Rizwan's dismissal in Melbourne Test with ICC

After the controversial dismissal of Mohammed Rizwan in the second Test against Australia, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to take up issues pertaining to umpiring and use of technology with the International Cricket Council (ICC). On Friday, the on-field umpire refused to give Rizwan out after Australian captain and pacer Pat Cummins appealed for a caught behind, but the home side managed to overturn the decision through the DRS. However, the Pakistan camp was less than happy about the reversal of the decision after the Snickometer' showed a spike on it when the ball was just above the wrist of Rizwan. A reliable source within the PCB said its head Zaka Ashraf had a conversation with team director Mohammed Hafeez, who conveyed some points to him about the umpiring and the use of technology during the Melbourne Test which they lost by 79 runs. Now, the PCB is all set to raise those points with the global governing body. All rules and regulations governing cricket and

Pakistan played better cricket than Australia, says team director Hafeez

Despite succumbing to a 79-run series-losing defeat to Australia here on Friday, Pakistan team director Mohammed Hafeez said his side played better cricket than the Aussies in the second Test. Australia captain Pat Cummins took five wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 237 runs in their second innings while chasing 316 for a win at the MCG. "We played better cricket as a team. I'm proud of that. The way the team had the courage to attack this game in the best possible way. Our batting intent was better, and while bowling, we were hitting the right areas. "We made some mistakes that cost us the game but as a team I believe that there were a lot of positives, enough to win the game but unfortunately at the end we didn't win the game," Hafeez was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. In Australia's second innings, Abdullah Shafique had dropped Mitchell Marsh at slips when the home side was 46 for four. Marsh was 20 then. Marsh went on to make 96 and added 153 runs for the fifth wicket