#pakistan_cricket_board

Pakistan Cricket Board Demands Explanation for Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Selection Amid Selection Committee Turmoil The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has escalated tensions within the national cricket setup by demanding written explanations from its selection committee regarding the inclusion of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq in the Test squad for the ongoing England series. According to a report by Geo News, the PCB issued a formal notice to committee members on August 31, 2026, requiring them to detail the rationale behind their recommendations for the players. The notice, which was shared with Geo News, directed members including Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Asad Shafiq to submit written responses within 24 hours, outlining the players’ performances, selection criteria, and other factors considered during the process. The PCB’s intervention follows a contentious period for Pakistan cricket, marked by poor results in the three-match Test series against England. The team suffered a crushing innings-and-103-run defeat in the first Test, followed by a 194-run loss at Lord’s, handing England an unassailable 2-0 lead. Both Rizwan and Imam were subsequently removed from the Test squad ahead of the third match at Edgbaston, scheduled for September 9. The PCB’s demand for clarity comes amid growing scrutiny over the selection process, which has been criticized for inconsistent decisions and perceived favoritism. The notice reportedly references a selection committee meeting held on June 2, 2026, during which members were tasked with finalizing players for the Test squads of the West Indies and England tours. The minutes of that meeting, submitted on July 1, 2026, reportedly included Rizwan and Imam as shortlisted candidates.#pakistan_cricket_board #mohammad_rizwan #aqib_javed #imam_ul_haq #misbah_ul_haq

Pakistan Cricket in Turmoil as PCB Reshuffles Test Team, Misbah Offers Resignation Pakistan cricket faced escalating turmoil as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made sweeping changes to its Test squad, prompting controversy and calls for accountability. The board recalled seven players mid-series in England, effectively ending the tenure of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. White-ball coach Mike Hesson was abruptly tasked with overseeing the Test team, a move that signaled a dramatic shift in leadership and strategy. The decision came just a day after the PCB had already sent players home, raising questions about the board’s handling of the team’s structure and performance. Chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq, a former Pakistan captain, offered his resignation following the reshuffle, though his resignation was not yet accepted. Misbah, who has held various roles within the PCB since 2019, expressed dissatisfaction with the board’s decision to alter the touring squad without consulting him. The PCB also issued show-cause notices to members of the selection committee, challenging the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan. The committee, comprising Aaqib Javed, Misbah, Sarfaraz, and Asad Shafiq, was given 24 hours to respond to the notices. The one-page directive, issued by PCB’s chief operating officer Sumair Ahmed, demanded explanations for the players’ selection, citing performance considerations and selection criteria as key factors. The PCB’s actions sparked widespread criticism from former players and coaches. Former head coach Mickey Arthur condemned the decision as “absolutely ridiculous,” arguing that the board’s constant changes to players, coaches, and selectors had led to instability.#pakistan_cricket_board #sarfaraz_ahmed #misbah_ul_haq #sumair_ahmed #umar_gul

PCB Issues Show-Cause Notice to Selectors Over Imam-ul-Haq and Rizwan Selection The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken an unprecedented step by issuing show-cause notices to its selection committee, challenging the rationale behind the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan in the squad for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England. The move, which marks a significant escalation in the PCB’s oversight of team selection, comes as the board seeks detailed explanations from the committee members, including former stars Aaqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafiq. The notices, issued by PCB’s Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed, demand a 24-hour response from the committee, framing the selections as a matter of urgent importance. The show-cause notices specifically target the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq and Rizwan, asking the selectors to justify their choices based on performance metrics, selection criteria, and other factors considered during the process. This directive follows a broader pattern of PCB intervention in recent weeks, including the recall of seven players from the Babar Azam-led team during their England tour. The decision to recall Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad came after Pakistan’s team was comprehensively defeated by 194 runs at Lord’s. These players were replaced by new faces for the third and final Test, set to begin on September 9 in Birmingham. The PCB’s actions also coincide with reports of Misbah-ul-Haq’s resignation from the selection committee, though his resignation has not yet been formally accepted. This development adds to the growing tension within the cricket administration, which has faced scrutiny for its inconsistent approach to selection protocols.#pakistan_cricket_board #mohammad_rizwan #aqib_javed #imam_ul_haq #misbah_ul_haq

Pakistan Cricket's Internal Strife: Leadership Rift and Squad Overhaul After England Defeat The Pakistan cricket team faces mounting turmoil as internal conflicts between captain Babar Azam and star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi are increasingly linked to the team's recent struggles. Former cricketer Basit Ali has accused the duo of undermining the squad's performance, citing their discord as the root cause of Pakistan's decline in international cricket. This comes amid a disastrous 0-2 Test series loss to England, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to implement sweeping changes to the squad and coaching staff. Basit Ali, speaking on a TV show, alleged that Babar Azam's leadership has been ineffective, pointing to poor decision-making during the England series. "Babar Azam is not a strong captain. The performance against England clearly shows that," Ali said. He further claimed that the rift between Babar and Shaheen Afridi has been the primary reason for the team's collapse. "Their disagreements started long before the England series, and the consequences are now evident," he added. Ali criticized the PCB for failing to address the issue, stating that attempts to mask the conflict have only exacerbated the team's problems. The PCB's response to the England defeat was swift and decisive. Following the second Test loss, the board announced major changes to the squad, removing nearly half of the players from the Test team. Notable exits include Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Ammar Jamal, Avesh Khan, and Khurrum Shahzad. In their place, five new players were added: Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Junior, Sad Bega, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Rajaul Islam. Additionally, the board replaced the head coach and bowling coach, removing Sarfraz Ahmed and Umar Gul.#babar_azam #pakistan_cricket_board #shaheen_afridi #basit_ali #england_series

Pakistan Cricket's Decline Blamed on Board and Star Players' Rift Pakistan's cricket team faced a dismal performance in its three-test series against England, with the squad failing to score over 200 runs in any of the four innings across the first two matches. The team's struggles have sparked intense criticism of both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the players, with former cricketers accusing the governing body of mismanagement and highlighting the rift between star players Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam. Former cricketer Rashid Latif accused the PCB of being the worst board in 70 years, arguing that its poor decision-making in selecting players and appointing coaches has led to the team's collapse. He emphasized that the board's role in shaping the squad's composition and leadership has been critical to the team's downfall. "The team is the worst in history, and the board is to blame for failing to select and coach players effectively," Latif stated. The conflict between Afridi and Azam, particularly regarding captaincy, has been cited as a major factor in the team's decline. Former batsman Basit Ali claimed that the dispute between the two players began before the series and has severely impacted the team's cohesion. "Azam is not a strong captain, and the tension between him and Afridi has been the root cause of Pakistan's cricketing crisis," Ali asserted. In response to the team's poor showing, the PCB made significant changes to the squad ahead of the third test. Seven players were dropped, including key contributors like Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, while new faces such as Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas were introduced. The coaching staff also saw changes, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke replacing Sarfraz Ahmed and Umar Gul.#babar_azam #pakistan_cricket_board #shaheen_afridi #basit_ali #rashid_latif

Pakistan's Struggles in ICC World Test Championship Highlight Team's Declining Form Pakistan's recent performance in the ICC World Test Championship has exposed significant weaknesses, with the team now ranked at the bottom of the standings after a string of poor results. The side's struggles were epitomized by a crushing 194-run defeat at Lord's, marking their 10th loss in their last 11 away Test matches. This loss, combined with an innings-and-103-run defeat in the series opener at Headingley, has left Pakistan reeling as they face a critical juncture in their campaign. The team's inability to secure a win in recent outings has raised concerns among players, selectors, and officials, with seamer Mohammad Abbas acknowledging the dire situation. Speaking after the Lord's defeat, Abbas admitted that Pakistan's performance in Test cricket has become a source of worry for everyone involved. "Our performance is a concern for everyone. Everyone is worried, including the selection committee and the NCA. We're not doing well, we accept that. We're not batting, bowling, or fielding well, and we discuss this all the time in meetings. We're all working on it, and we need to be, too," Abbas said. His comments underscored the team's awareness of their struggles, with Abbas emphasizing that the issues are not confined to a single aspect of the game. Fielding, a long-standing weakness for Pakistan, was highlighted as a key area requiring improvement. Abbas pointed to missed opportunities that cost the team crucial runs, noting that their key players scored 70-odd extra runs due to dropped catches. "We dropped catches, and their key players scored 70-odd extra runs. That's where the match changed because we could have bowled them out for 200. It's disappointing," he said.#pakistan_cricket_board #icc_world_test_championship #mohammad_abbas #lord_s #headingley

Pakistan's Cricket Crisis: A Product of Administrative Dysfunction Mohammad Abbas left the field after Pakistan’s 194-run defeat at Lord’s, a loss that underscored the team’s struggles in England. At the post-match press conference, Mohammad Ali, a relatively well-spoken and thoughtful player, addressed the team’s predicament. Ali, who cites Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” as a life philosophy, emphasized resilience despite the team’s poor form. He dismissed criticisms of appearing tired, stating, “I gave my 110%.” His comments reflected a broader narrative of perseverance amid adversity. Ali’s performance in the series had been a highlight, with 15 wickets across four Tests in the Caribbean and England. At 29, he represented a gradual improvement from his earlier career, where he had taken six wickets at an average of nearly 68. His presence at the press conference, unaccompanied by the PCB’s media manager—a rare occurrence—symbolized the team’s isolation. This abandonment mirrored the players’ perceived neglect by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the past five years. The article critiques the PCB’s administrative failures, framing Pakistan’s struggles as a direct result of systemic dysfunction. The board’s leadership, including the tenure of Ehsan Mani, has been marked by poor governance, with decisions often prioritizing political interests over cricketing expertise. The PCB’s recent actions, such as leaking messages from captain Babar Azam and blaming players for a World Cup loss, exemplify a culture of accountability evasion. Domestic cricket in Pakistan has also suffered, with tournaments canceled at the last minute, unfulfilled promises of higher pay, and a lack of investment.#babar_azam #pakistan_cricket_board #pcb #mohammad_ali #mohammad_abbas

Pakistan Women's Team Announces Eight Squad Changes for Sri Lanka T20I Series Pakistan’s women’s cricket team has unveiled its ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, scheduled from July 23 to August 4. The tour will feature three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, followed by three T20 Internationals (T20Is). The squad changes reflect the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) focus on integrating emerging talent into the national setup, with eight new players included in the T20I squad. The T20I squad, which will captain Muneeba Ali Siddiqui in the absence of Fatima Sana, includes several debutantes. Sana, the team’s leading run-scorer in the T20I format, will miss the T20I series due to her participation in the Hundred women’s cricket tournament. She has been selected by the Birmingham Phoenix in the wildcard draft, making her the first Pakistan women’s cricketer to join the competition. Sana will, however, feature in the ODI series preceding the T20Is, leading a 15-player squad that includes two uncapped players: Maham Anees and Saira Jabeen. The T20I squad includes the following players: Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (captain), Ayesha Zafar, Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Humna Bilal, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Saira Jabeen, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar. The ODI squad, which includes Fatima Sana as captain, features Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhtar.#pakistan_cricket_board #fatima_sana #pakistan_women_team #sri_lanka_t20i_series #muneeba_ali_siddiqui

Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan's Test Captain with Focus on Discipline, Fitness, and Performance Babar Azam has been named Pakistan's Test captain for the second time in his career, marking a significant shift in the team's leadership structure following a challenging period under Shan Masood. The decision comes after Pakistan's dismal performance in the World Test Championship cycle, where the team finished at the bottom of the table with only one win in four matches. Azam, who previously led the side to 10 Test victories in 20 matches, aims to rebuild the team's fortunes with a renewed emphasis on discipline, fitness, and performance. His return to the role is expected to coincide with a strategic overhaul of the squad, particularly in the bowling department, as Pakistan seeks to address its long-standing struggles in the format. Azam's reappointment follows a period of poor results under Masood, who took over the captaincy in 2024. During Masood's tenure, Pakistan suffered 12 defeats in 16 Tests, including a 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh and a lack of success in away tours. The team's recent performance has been marred by inconsistent bowling, with fast bowlers failing to generate the required pace and movement. To rectify this, selectors have made sweeping changes to the squad, dropping experienced fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Noman Ali. These departures have been offset by the inclusion of younger, less-tested options such as Ubaid Shah, Aamir Jamal, and Mohammad Ali, who has been playing in English county cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also prioritized fitness and mental preparation, organizing a month-long summer camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.#west_indies #babar_azam #pakistan_cricket_board #national_cricket_academy #shah_masood

Pakistan Test Cricketers Get Salary Hikes and Bonuses Under New Central Contracts Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced significant financial upgrades for Test cricketers ahead of the 2026-27 central contract cycle, aiming to prioritize the sport’s longest format. The revised proposals include higher match fees, monthly retainers, and performance-based bonuses for players across different categories. The changes mark a shift toward a format-specific contract system, dividing players into three tracks—Track A for Test specialists, Track B for limited-overs players, and Track C for T20 and franchise cricket participants. Under the new framework, Track A players, who focus on Test cricket, will receive a match fee of approximately 15 lakh Pakistani rupees per game, up from the previous 8 lakh. Their monthly retainers are projected to reach around 40 lakh rupees before taxes. Players who compete in both Test and white-ball formats (Track A and B) will benefit the most, with retainers potentially rising to 48-50 lakh rupees monthly. These figures are part of PCB’s effort to incentivize Test cricket, which has faced declining interest in recent years. The revised contracts also introduce performance-based bonuses. For instance, if the Pakistan team wins an ICC tournament, players will receive a 500% bonus on their match fees. Similarly, a 300% bonus is promised for victories in regional events like the Asia Cup. Track B players, who focus on limited-overs formats, will get a monthly retainer of about 18 lakh rupees, while Track C players, primarily involved in T20 and franchise leagues, will receive 12-15 lakh rupees monthly. A notable aspect of the proposal is the decision to keep player names and categories confidential, a first for PCB.#pakistan_cricket_board #mike_hesson #asia_cup #sarfaraz_ahmed #icc_tournaments

Pakistan Cricketer Nida Dar Announces Return to Professional Cricket Pakistan women’s cricket team legend Nida Dar has officially announced her return to professional cricket after stepping away from the sport for an indefinite period. The former captain, who had previously taken a break from international competition, made the announcement through her social media platform, expressing her excitement about rejoining the Pakistan cricket team. Dar, a seasoned all-rounder with a career spanning over a decade, had last played for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup held in the United Arab Emirates in 2025. Following her participation in the tournament, she was removed from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contract list, marking the end of her professional engagement with the national team. However, after a period of personal reflection and focusing on her fitness and mental well-being, Dar has decided to make a comeback. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Dar shared her enthusiasm for returning to the sport. “After taking time to focus on myself and regain my strength, I am thrilled to announce my return and once again be available for the Pakistan cricket team,” she wrote. She also expressed her commitment to giving her best, working hard, and contributing to the team whenever needed. “I extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this journey,” she added. Dar’s return comes after a remarkable career that has seen her represent Pakistan in a wide range of formats. She made her T20 International debut against Sri Lanka on May 6, 2010, and her One Day International (ODI) debut against Ireland on October 6, 2010. Over the years, she has become a key figure in Pakistan’s women’s cricket, accumulating impressive statistics.#pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_cricket_team #nida_dar #t20_world_cup_2025 #khawaja_rasheed_hasan

Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad for Asian Games 2026; Sahibzada Farhan Named Captain The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the 15-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games, set to be held in Nagoya, Japan, from September 24 to October 3. The team includes four players who have not yet participated in T20 International matches, marking a strategic inclusion to bolster depth. Sahibzada Farhan has been appointed as the new captain, a first-time leadership role for the 28-year-old, who brings experience from 6 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 46 T20 Internationals. Farhan’s career statistics include 1,305 runs in T20Is at an average of 30.34 and a strike rate of 136.64, with two centuries and 10 half-centuries. The squad features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. Captain Farhan will be supported by Abdul Samad as vice-captain, who has played five T20Is but has not participated in the format since March 2025. The team includes Usman Khan as the main wicketkeeper, while other key members are Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maj Sadat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saiem Ayub, Sufyan Mokim, and Usman Khan. Notably, the squad excludes several star players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shahzaib Khan, and Shadab Khan. This absence has sparked anticipation about how the team will perform in the tournament, which will feature 16 teams across two disciplines—men’s and women’s cricket. The men’s competition will run from September 24 to October 3, with medal matches scheduled for October 3. The PCB’s decision to include four debutants in the T20I format reflects a focus on developing younger talent while maintaining competitive depth.#pakistan_cricket_board #sahibzada_farhan #nagoya_japan #abdur_rahman #asian_games_2026

Pakistan Asian Games Squad Announced: Babar Azam, Shahzaib Khan, Salman Ali Aga Excluded, Sahibzada Farhan Appointed Captain The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the 15-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games, with young talent taking center stage. The team, set to compete in the men’s cricket tournament from September 13 to October 4, 2026, at the Koryo Athletic Park in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, will be captained by Sahibzada Farhan. This marks a significant shift from previous selections, as senior players like Babar Azam, Shahzaib Khan, and Salman Ali Aga have been omitted from the squad. The decision to exclude these established names has sparked discussions, with selectors emphasizing a focus on youth and emerging talent. Farhan, who previously captained Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026, will lead the team, while Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain. The squad includes four uncapped players—Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maj Sadat, and Saad Masood—who will compete in their first international T20 matches. These players will join the team for the National Cricket Academy (NCA) white-ball camp starting June 15 in Lahore, providing them with crucial preparation for the Games. The absence of Babar Azam, Shahzaib Khan, and Salman Ali Aga is notable, as all three were key figures in Pakistan’s recent T20 World Cup campaign. Babar, a former captain, and Shahzaib, a fast bowler, had been instrumental in the 2026 World Cup, but their exclusion from the Asian Games squad suggests a strategic move to prioritize younger players. Salman Ali Aga, who previously led the T20 team, was also left out, despite his experience in the format. Farhan’s appointment as captain is a testament to his performance in T20 cricket.#pakistan_cricket_board #sahibzada_farhan #2026_asian_games #abdul_samad #koryo_athletic_park

PSL 2026 Final to Be Played in Front of Fans in Lahore The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 final will mark a significant shift from the tournament’s earlier restrictions, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, confirmed that the match will be held in front of a full crowd at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. This decision comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the move, allowing spectators to attend the final on 3 May. The event will be the only game of the season to feature fans, following a period of closed-door matches due to an energy crisis triggered by supply disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis. Naqvi announced the decision during a press briefing, stating that the Prime Minister had initially emphasized the need for austerity measures to conserve fuel amid the ongoing crisis. However, the PCB chairman noted that franchise owners had made a compelling case for allowing fans to attend the final, leading to the approval. “I sincerely thank the Prime Minister for this decision and for facilitating the fans,” Naqvi said, highlighting the importance of the event for the sport’s fanbase. The tournament had previously been held behind closed doors since March 22, when Naqvi announced that the PSL 2026 season would be scaled back to just two venues—Lahore and Karachi—due to the energy crisis. At the time, he left the door open for potential crowd attendance in later stages of the tournament, contingent on the resolution of the Iran-related supply disruptions. “Perhaps it ends in 10 days, perhaps 15,” he had said, expressing uncertainty about the timeline for lifting restrictions. Despite the initial plan to limit attendance, the tournament continued with minimal crowds, primarily consisting of special guests and sponsorship-related attendees.#pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #gaddafi_stadium #shehbaz_sharif #mohsin_naqvi

Pakistan Allrounder Nawaz Drug Test Fail | T20 World Cup 2026 Pakistan’s all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has failed a drug test conducted during the 2026 T20 World Cup, sparking an investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The sample, collected during the tournament, reportedly tested positive for recreational drugs, though the exact substance remains undisclosed. PCB officials confirmed the incident and stated that the board has initiated its internal inquiry, with final results yet to be determined. The case is being handled under ICC’s anti-doping protocols, which operate in secrecy. Nawaz, 32, played all seven matches for Pakistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup, contributing 15 runs and 7 wickets. His performance helped the team reach the Super-8 stage before exiting the tournament. The cricketer, known for his left-arm spin and lower-order batting, has accumulated 101 T20 wickets and 911 runs in international T20 matches. Despite the positive test, he continues to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), representing Multan Sultans. Recently, he bowled three overs against Karachi Kings in a match without taking a wicket. The incident has disrupted Nawaz’s career plans. He was set to join Saracens in the T20 Blast, with PCB granting him a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the deal. However, the agreement collapsed following the doping allegation, leaving him without a team for the current season. The club involved has not commented on the matter. PCB’s spokesperson confirmed that ICC notified the board about the test results, and the investigation is ongoing. If the anti-doping rules are violated, Nawaz could face suspension or other disciplinary actions.#t20_world_cup_2026 #international_cricket_council #pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #mohammad_nawaz

Fakhar Zaman's 36th Birthday Honored by PCB with Career Retrospective Lahore (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman celebrated his 36th birthday on Friday with a heartfelt tribute from fans and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which highlighted his record-breaking career, iconic performances, and lasting influence on the sport. The occasion marked a moment to reflect on his journey from a promising naval officer to one of Pakistan’s most explosive openers. Known for his fearless strokeplay and ability to dominate bowling attacks, Zaman’s career milestones were showcased through a specially curated reel that emphasized his most memorable innings. The PCB’s tribute included a heartfelt message from Zaman himself, who expressed gratitude for the birthday wishes and the floral gesture from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. “Thank you very much, Chairman @MohsinnaqviC42 Sb for such a wonderful gesture. Your kind birthday wishes and the beautiful flowers truly meant a lot. Grateful for your warmth and thoughtfulness,” Zaman tweeted, sharing a photo of the flowers. Zaman, affectionately nicknamed “Fauji” due to his early days in the Pakistan Navy before transitioning to professional cricket in 2013, has carved a reputation as one of the country’s most dynamic openers. Over the years, he has accumulated 6,547 international runs across formats, a testament to his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. His career highlights include a record-breaking unbeaten 210 in One Day Internationals (ODIs), which remains Pakistan’s highest individual score in the format. This innings, played during a crucial match, solidified his place in the record books and demonstrated his capacity to perform in high-stakes scenarios.#pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #fakhar_zaman #mohsin_naqvi #lahore

Fakhar Zaman Thanks PCB Chairman for Birthday Gesture as Suspension Ends Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman expressed gratitude to Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), for a birthday message and bouquet sent during his participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The gesture came as Zaman prepared to return to competitive action following a two-match suspension imposed by the PCB. The suspension, a Level 3 offense under the PCB Code of Conduct, was linked to allegations of ball-tampering during the PSL tournament. Zaman had contested the decision, requesting a full hearing under league regulations. However, the disciplinary panel reviewed the evidence and upheld the ban, citing the seriousness of the alleged misconduct. As a result, the Lahore Qalandars player missed matches against Multan Sultans and Islamabad United. With the suspension period completed, Zaman is now eligible for selection in Lahore Qalandars’ next fixture against Peshawar Zalmi at the National Stadium. His return is expected to bolster the defending champions’ batting lineup as the PSL progresses. The 32-year-old opener, known for his consistency in white-ball cricket, has represented Pakistan in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) over the years. The PCB’s decision to acknowledge Zaman’s birthday during his suspension highlights the board’s efforts to maintain a balance between disciplinary action and player engagement. While the incident underscores the strict enforcement of conduct rules in professional cricket, it also reflects the personal connections that often exist within the sport’s administrative and playing communities. Zaman’s potential inclusion in the upcoming match will be a key moment for Lahore Qalandars, who aim to retain their PSL title.#pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #lahore_qalandars #fakhar_zaman #mohsin_naqvi

Can Cricket Fans Watch PSL 2026 in India? Here is the real story The Pakistan Super League 2026 will not be available for live viewing in India through any television channel or streaming platform. This marks a significant shift from previous years, as Indian audiences will be excluded from following the tournament despite its global expansion and the presence of international stars. The decision stems from ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, which have led to the exclusion of Indian broadcasters from the league’s official distribution plans. The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed the list of broadcast partners, and India is not included. The tournament, which began on March 26, features eight teams, including the debutant Hyderabad Kingsmen. While the league is expanding commercially, its broadcast reach is limited to regions outside India. Global partners such as ESPN, Willow TV, and ARY Digital will provide coverage in countries like Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Bangladesh. Platforms like Tapmad and Cricbuzz will also stream matches in the Middle East, South Asia, and other regions. However, Indian fans will have no official access to live matches, highlights, or real-time updates. The absence of Indian broadcasting rights has raised questions about the league’s strategy and its ability to engage with a large audience. In past seasons, some digital platforms offered limited access to PSL matches, but this year’s format has seen a complete cutoff. The Pakistan Cricket Board has not provided a detailed explanation for the exclusion, though the geopolitical climate between the two nations remains a likely factor. The 2026 edition also introduces several changes to the tournament’s structure.#pakistan_cricket_board #lahore_qalandars #hyderabad_kingsmen #karachi_kings #pakistan_super_league_2026

Sri Lanka's Mahesh Theekshana Joins Hyderabad Kingsmen for PSL 11 Sri Lankan cricketer Mahesh Theekshana has been signed by the Hyderabad Kingsmen for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The announcement was made by the team, confirming that Theekshana will replace Odel Bartlett in their squad. The move marks Theekshana's return to the PSL, where he previously played for the Lahore Qalandars in 2020. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also released the updated schedule for PSL 11, which is set to begin on March 26. The tournament will run for a total of 39 days, featuring 44 matches across multiple venues in Pakistan. The final of the tournament is expected to be a high-profile event, with teams competing for the championship title. Theekshana, a right-handed batsman and occasional off-spin bowler, has been a key player for Sri Lanka in both Test and One Day International (ODI) formats. His experience and all-round skills are expected to strengthen the Hyderabad Kingsmen's squad as they aim to compete at the top level in the PSL. The PCB's decision to extend the tournament to 39 days and include 44 matches reflects the growing popularity of the PSL, which has attracted top international talent over the years. The schedule includes a mix of group stage matches and knockout rounds, with the final likely to be held in the latter part of the tournament. The signing of Theekshana is seen as a strategic move by the Hyderabad Kingsmen to bolster their batting lineup and provide depth in the middle order. His presence is expected to add stability to the team's performance, particularly in high-pressure situations.#sri_lanka #pakistan_cricket_board #pakistan_super_league #hyderabad_kingsmen #mahesh_theekshana

PSL 11: Hyderabad Kingsmen Target Maheesh Theekshana as Baartman Replacement Debutant franchise Hyderabad Kingsmen are exploring options to replace South African fast bowler Ottniel Baartman for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), set to begin on 26 March. Sources indicate the team has reached out to Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana, though his participation hinges on obtaining a No-Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket. Baartman, who was acquired by the Kingsmen during the inaugural PSL auction in Lahore on 11 February for PKR 1.1 crore, has withdrawn from the tournament without providing a reason. Neither the player nor the franchise has clarified the circumstances of his absence. Theekshana, a seasoned T20 international, has represented Sri Lanka in 83 matches, taking 82 wickets at an economy rate of 7.08. His inclusion would bolster the Kingsmen’s bowling attack ahead of the tournament. The 11th PSL edition will feature eight teams, including new entrants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi, with 44 matches scheduled over 39 days. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has scaled back its plans, confirming matches will be held at only two venues and played behind closed doors. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the revised format at a media conference, citing discussions with franchise owners and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Initially, six cities—Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore—were considered as host venues. The tournament has now been consolidated to Karachi and Lahore, marking a significant shift from the original plans. The decision reflects ongoing logistical and security challenges amid the evolving circumstances. The PSL’s reduced format has also impacted other teams.#pakistan_cricket_board #shehbaz_sharif #hyderabad_kingsmen #maheesh_theekshana #ottniel_baartman