Sydney, Pakistan’s cricket team is preparing for the final match of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy, set to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3 to 7. Led by captain Shan Masood, the team aims to prevent a series whitewash by Australia, who secured an unassailable lead with a win in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the series has been challenging for Pakistan, beginning with a 360-run defeat in Perth. However, the team showed resilience in Melbourne, where Australia clinched victory on the fourth day. Shan Masood leads the run-scoring for Pakistan, having notched twin half-centuries in the Boxing Day Test. Aamir Jamal, who debuted in the series opener, stands as the second-highest wicket-taker of the series with 12 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.
The team will see a change in its lineup, with opening batter Saim Ayub making his Test debut in place of Imam-ul-Haq. Ayub’s selection follows an impressive domestic season. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the left-arm pacer, will be rested, and spinner Sajid Khan will take his place.
Pakistan will continue with the three changes made before the MCG Test. Mir Hamza, replacing an injured Khurram Shahzad, delivered his career-best figures in Melbourne, including a double-wicket maiden in Australia’s second innings. Hasan Ali and Mohammad Rizwan, who came in for Faheem Ashraf and Sarfaraz Ahmed, respectively, will retain their places.
In a pre-match press conference, captain Shan Masood reflected on the team’s performance and outlook. He emphasized learning from mistakes made in the first two matches and the importance of seizing opportunities, particularly against top-tier teams. Masood expressed confidence in the team’s direction and potential for future victories.
Discussing Shaheen Shah Afridi, Masood highlighted the need to care for the player’s physical and mental well-being, given his extensive bowling workload. He also addressed the challenges of managing fitness and workload for players involved in multiple formats and international competitions.
Masood praised the performances of players like Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal, and Mir Hamza, attributing their success to Pakistan’s robust domestic cricket system. This system, he noted, has helped broaden the team’s bench strength. The captain also expressed a desire to extend similar opportunities to batters to enhance the team’s overall pool of talent.
The playing XI for Pakistan in the SCG Test includes Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Aamir Jamal, Hasan Ali, and Mir Hamza.
Islamabad, The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has issued a statement to address and refute misleading claims about recent constitutional amendments and election procedures. The POA emphasized that no changes have been made to extend the tenure of its officials or alter the retirement age of office bearers, contrary to what has been reported in certain articles.
According to Pakistan Olympic Association, the POA’s General Council, in a unanimous decision in 2022, agreed to adjust the electoral cycle to synchronize with the Olympic Games. This adjustment is in accordance with Article IX of the POA Constitution. As a result, the POA will conduct its Elective General Council after the Paris 2024 Olympics. This decision contrasts with the erroneous claims in a recent article suggesting that officials were elected for a term ending in 2023.
The decision to hold elections post-Olympic Games was agreed upon by all stakeholders, including National Sports Federations (NSFs), Provincial Olympic Associations, Service Organizations, and Departments. This consensus was reached in 2022 and subsequently approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in June 2023.
In line with the IOC’s Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance, the POA has made significant amendments to its Constitution. These changes include reducing the size of the Executive Committee from 32 to 22 members. Furthermore, a new age limit proposal has been introduced for POA Election candidates, stipulating that they must be under the age of 71 at the time of their candidacy. This age limit is designed to ensure that elected officials can serve a full four-year term, covering an entire Olympic Cycle.
Additionally, the POA has implemented a new framework to assist National Sports Federations in promoting Olympic Values through their respective sports. This framework includes a comprehensive Code of Ethics and streamlined operational policies to enhance governance and efficiency.
The POA’s statement concludes by dismissing allegations that suggest constitutional amendments were made to extend the terms of officials or to create additional opportunities for election participation. These claims are deemed unfounded and misleading by the Association.