Tag: PCB

Lahore, December 17, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pakistan Cricket Board and all six HBL PSL franchises have agreed that all teams may pick two additional players each in the Supplementary Category for the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022 to be held from 27 January to 27 February.

Although each side can select one foreign player each, the decision opens up opportunities for the local emerging cricketers to experience franchise cricket that will contribute in their grooming and development. Separately, this will also provide extra players to the teams, should they require for reasons beyond their control.

The teams will pick additional players in the Replacement Player Draft, which is expected to take place through a virtual session on 7 January 2022.

Karachi Kings will have the first option to pick the first additional player, followed by Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Multan Sultans and Peshawar. This order has been decided through a random draw.

Using the reverse order format, the second picks will be as follows: Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings.

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

Karachi, December 17, 2021 (PPI-OT):The ninth round of the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy confirmed Northern at the top position with 127 points. In the 10th and final round of the double-league group-stage, which begins on 18 December, as many as four teams –Central Punjab, Northern, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh – will battle for the pink ball final from 25-29 December at the National Stadium.

Central Punjab v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at UBL Sports Complex

Central Punjab holds the fourth spot with 103 points while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with three wins from nine matches occupies second spot with 124 points. Central Punjab will have to play out of their skins if they want to reach the third final in as many years, while a simple win will take Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the final.

Central Punjab can restrict Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to earn place in the final as a simple win over the latter will provide chance to third-placed Sindh to qualify for the final if they win their encounter against fifth placed Southern Punjab.

In their previous outing in this season between Central Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Multan Cricket Stadium from 17-20 November, the match was played out a drawn. For Central Punjab, Mohammad Saad scored 98 in the first innings, who will captain the team in tomorrow’s match, while in bowling department right-arm fast Mohammad Ali picked nine wickets in the match.

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, right-arm fast Imran Khan Snr bagged six wickets in the match. For tomorrow’s match, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will get a boost with the return of their captain Iftikhar Ahmed and international players Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Wasim Jnr. They were all part of the recently concluded T20I series against West Indies.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Iftikhar Ahmed: “Our team has performed exceptionally well in the tournament. We will not take Central Punjab lightly and we will go in the last round with an aim to win and qualify for the final. Our side is pretty balanced and with the return of myself, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Wasim Jnr it gives us great depth in the batting and bowling departments.”

Central Punjab captain Mohammad Saad: “Tomorrow’s match is very important for us. We will go all out for a comprehensive win to get maximum points to give ourselves a chance to qualify for the final. Players are excited and are willing to give their best to play another final of the trophy.”

Sindh v Southern Punjab at NBP Sports Complex

Sindh are currently positioned at number three in the points table, but a win against fifth spot Southern Punjab at the NBP Sports Complex in their final fixture will give them a chance to qualify for the final provided Khyber Pakhtunkhwa doesn’t do well against Central Punjab.

In the last outing between both sides, the match was played out a drawn at Gaddafi Stadium, where Southern Punjab’s captain Umar Siddiq top-scored with 84 in the first innings. For Sindh, right-arm fast Sohail Khan picked five wickets in the match.

In the bowling charts, Southern Punjab’s Ali Usman leads with 35 wickets from eight matches, while Sindh’s Sohail is on the second number with 30 wickets from seven matches. Sindh will get a boost with the return of right-arm fast Shahnawaz Dahani who is available to the side after featuring for Pakistan in the T20I series against Bangladesh and West Indies.

In the batting department, Sindh will pin their hopes from the batting pair of Ahsan Ali and Saad Khan as both have scored more than 600 runs in the tournament. For Southern Punjab, right-handed batter Tayyab Tahir occupies the second spot with 730 runs from nine matches.

Balochistan v Northern at State Bank Stadium

Bottom placed Balochistan will take on the table toppers Northern which will be live-streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel. Balochistan will aim to finish the tournament on a winning note, while Northern who will have the services of in-form Haider Ali will be eyeing for yet another win before going into the final.

Northern’s Faizan Riaz and Umar Amin are positioned at number three and four, respectively on the batting charts and their captain Test spinner Nauman Ali will like them to continue the form in help them lift the trophy. The captain with left-arm spin has taken 20 scalps from 10 outings in the tournament.

For Balochistan, left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti holds the fifth spot in the bowling charts taking 26 wickets from six matches. Sindh’s left-arm pacer Mir Hamza and left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar share 47 wickets between them from 14 matches.

Tenth-round fixtures:

Central Punjab vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – UBL Sports Complex, Karachi

Sindh vs Southern Punjab – NBP Sports Complex, Karachi

Balochistan vs Northern – State Bank Stadium

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

Karachi, December 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have issued a joint statement after five more positive cases were reported in the West Indies camp following Wednesday’s PCR testing, raising the total number of positive cases to nine since their arrival in Karachi on December 9.

“On Thursday morning and as part of the PCB COVID-19 Protocols, Rapid Antigen tests were conducted on the remaining 15 West Indies players and six player support personnel. All 21 members of the West Indies touring party returned negative test result. As such, Thursday’s T20 International (T20I) proceeded as planned.

“However, taking into consideration both the teams’ welfare as well as limited resources in the West Indies side for the ODIs, it has been agreed that the series, which forms part of the ICC Men’s Cricket Word Cup Super League, will be postponed and rescheduled for early June 2022. “This will provide the West Indies with an equal opportunity to field their best available players for the World Cup qualification matches.

“The West Indies team members, who returned negative results following Wednesday’s PCR and today’s Rapid Antigen tests, will depart from Pakistan after tonight’s match. Those who have tested positive will complete their isolation in Karachi before their travel arrangements are finalised to allow them to re-join their families in time for Christmas celebrations.

“Meanwhile, the Pakistan team members, all of whom have returned PCR negative after Wednesday’s tests, will also be leaving the Managed Event Environment after tonight’s third T20I. “The CWI would like to thank the PCB for its excellent series arrangements and appreciates its support in rescheduling the ODI series in June 2022.”

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

Lahore, December 14, 2021 (PPI-OT): Sindh’s Ahsan Ali has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for a level 1 offence for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during the ongoing ninth round Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 match against Central Punjab at the State Bank Stadium, Karachi.

Ahsan showed obvious disappointment after being given out in the third over of the innings and delayed his departure from the crease. As such, he was found to have violated Article 2.8 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. On-field umpires Nasir Hussain and Waleed Yaqub levelled the charge on the batter, who accepted the sanction proposed by match-referee Iftikhar Ahmed.

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

Lahore, December 13, 2021 (PPI-OT):Trials for the U13 and U16 Cricket Association teams will be held from 15 December, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today.

To provide ease of access and tap the talent of young teenagers in the far-flung areas, the trials will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the 93 City Cricket Association coaches will shortlist 10 players from each City Cricket Association, following which they will travel to designated centres where 35 and 70 players for U13 and U16, respectively will be selected for wrist tests after their trials are held under the supervision of the junior selection committee.

The performers of School Cricket Championship will also be available for selection in the U13 and U16 teams.

Those players who are born on or after 1 September 2008 will be eligible to take part in the U13 trials, while players born or after 1 September 2005 will be eligible for U16 trials. The registrations of players will take place at the venues.

The trials will be conducted under strict Covid-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of all those involved. The players are advised to bring their own food items, water and energy drinks, to keep themselves hydrated.

The players are required to wear white cricket clothing.

Criteria for participation in trials:

Players will be required to bring their both copy and original Bforms to the trials.

Players need to be resident of the respective Cricket Association, following documents will serve as proof of his residence.

Temporary or permanent address as mentioned on his CNIC/Bforms.

Address on the electricity bill. Bill should be in the name of the player or his father.

Notarized copy of lease/Rent agreement.

Covid-19 protocols for the trials:

No exchange of playing equipment allowed except for the bats

Players to maintain six-feet distance at all times

Players’ temperatures will be monitored at the entrance. Any player showing Covid-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the venue.

No saliva will be used on the ball.

No entry will be allowed at the venue without masks and all players will be required to wear them except when within the boundary ropes

The players selected from the trials will feature in the six Cricket Association Teams which will eventually play the National U13 Cup and National U16 Cup tournaments next year.

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

Lahore, December 12, 2021 (PPI-OT):The six HBL Pakistan Super League franchises on Sunday finalised their squads in quest to lift the glittering trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 27 March.

Defending champions Multan Sultans selected Australia’s Tim David, who was previously with Lahore Qalandars, in the Platinum Category, while their other notable picks included West Indian duo of Odean Smith and Rovman Powell, and Pakistan trio of Anwar Ali, Imran Khan Snr and Rumman Raees.

These players will join Imran Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan, Khushdil Shah, Rilee Rossouw, Shan Masood, Shahnawaz Dahani and Sohaib Maqsood who were retained earlier in the week for the seventh edition of the tournament that will be played in Karachi from 27 January to 7 February and 10-27 February in Lahore.

England all-rounder Chris Jordan has returned to Karachi Kings in the Platinum Category after missing the 2021 campaign. The side also opted for England’s Lewis Gregory and Tom Abell, as well as Pakistan U19 captain Qasim Akram.

These players will join Aamir Yamin, Babar Azam, Imad Wasim, Joe Clarke, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Nabi and Sharjeel Khan were retained by the Kings on Friday.

Lahore Qalandars included Pakistan’s flamboyant batter Fakhar Zaman for the sixth successive year in Platinum Category, while also picking Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam (both Pakistan) and England’s pair of Harry Brook, Phil Salt. They will be in greens alongside Ahmed Daniyal, David Wiese, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hafeez, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sohail Akhtar and Zeeshan Ashraf. These players were retained by the franchisee on Friday.

Islamabad United have kept faith in Colin Munro of New Zealand in the Platinum Category and also picked Danish Aziz, Marchant de Lange, Reece Topley and Zafar Gohar. They will join Asif Ali, Alex Hales, Azam Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Paul Stirling and Shadab Khan.

Explosive Afghanistan opener Hazratullah Zarzai and swashbuckling England opener Jason Roy were picked up by Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, respectively.

2017 champions Zalmi also picked fast bowler Arshad Iqbal, wicketkeeper/batter Kamran Akmal and wrist-spinner Usman Qadir, while 2019 winners Gladiators also scooped Afghanistan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, Quetta-born Pakistan U19 batter Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and seasoned white-ball players Sohail Tanvir and Umar Akmal.

Final squads (in alphabetical order):

Islamabad United (Sunday’s picks) – Colin Munro (New Zealand, Platinum), Marchant de Lange (South Africa) (Diamond), Danish Aziz, Muhammad Akhlaq (both Pakistan), Reece Topley (England), Zafar Gohar (Pakistan) (all Silver), Mubasir Khan, Zeeshan Zameer (Emerging), Athar Mehmood (Pakistan) and Rehmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) (both Supplementary)

Final squad: Asif Ali, Colin Munro, Hasan Ali (both Platinum), Faheem Ashraf, Marchant De Lange, Shadab Khan (Brand Ambassador), Alex Hales (Mentor), Azam Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr (all Gold), Danish Aziz, Mohammad Akhlaq, Paul Stirling, Reece Topley, Zafar Gohar (all Silver), Mubasir Khan, Zeeshan Zameer (both Emerging), Rehmanullah Gurbaz and Ather Mehmood (both Supplementary)

Karachi Kings (Sunday’s picks) – Chris Jordan (England, Platinum), Lewis Gregory (England, Diamond), Mohammad Imran, Rohail Nazir (both Pakistan), Tom Abell (England), Umaid Asif (Pakistan) (all Silver), Faisal Akram, Qasim Akram (both Emerging), Romario Shepherd (West Indies) and Talha Ahsan (both Supplementary)

Final squad: Babar Azam, Chris Jordan, Imad Wasim (all Platinum), Mohammad Amir, Lewis Gregory, Mohammad Nabi (all Diamond), Joe Clarke (Brand Ambassador), Aamir Yamin, Sharjeel Khan (all both Gold), Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Imran, Rohail Nazir, Tom Abell, Umaid Asif (all Silver), Faisal Akram, Qasim Akram (Emerging), Romario Shepherd and Talha Ahsan (both Supplementary)

Lahore Qalandars (Sunday’s picks) – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan, Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Pakistan), Harry Brook, Phil Salt (both England) (all Gold), Dean Foxcroft (South Africa), Kamran Ghulam (Pakistan) (both silver), Maaz Khan, Zaman Khan (both Emerging), Samit Patel and Syed Faridoum Mehmood (Pakistan) (England) (Supplementary)

Final squad: Fakhar Zaman, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, (all Platinum), Haris Rauf (Diamond, Brand Ambassador), David Wiese, Mohammad Hafeez (both Diamond), Abdullah Shafique, Harry Brook, Phil Salt (all Gold), Ahmed Daniyal, Dean Foxcroft, Sohail Akhtar, Kamran Ghulam, Zeeshan Ashraf (all Silver), Maaz Khan, Zaman Khan (both Emerging), Samit Patel and Syed Faridoum Mehmood (Supplementary)

Multan Sultans (Sunday’s picks) – Tim David (Australia, Platinum), Odean Smith (West Indies, Diamond), Asif Afridi, Anwar Ali, Imran Khan Snr, Rumman Raees (all Pakistan), Rovman Powell (West Indies) (all Silver), Aamer Azmat, Abbas Afridi (both Emerging), Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe) and Ihsanullah (Pakistan) (Supplementary)

Final squad: Tim David, Mohammad Rizwan, Rilee Rossouw (all Platinum), Imran Tahir (Mentor), Odean Smith (both Diamond), Sohaib Maqsood (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Brand Ambassador), Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood (all Gold), Anwar Ali, Asif Afridi, Imran Khan Snr, Rumman Raees Rovman Powell (all Silver), Aamer Azmat, Abbas Afridi (both Emerging), Blessing Muzarabani and Ihsanullah (Supplementary)

Peshawar Zalmi (Sunday’s picks) – Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan, Platinum), Usman Qadir (Pakistan, Gold), Arshad Iqbal, Kamran Akmal, Salman Irshad, Sameen Gul (all Pakistan) (all Silver), Sirajuddin, Mohammad Aamer (Emerging), Ben Cutting (Australia) and Mohammad Haris (Pakistan) (both Supplementary)

Final squad: Hazratulah Zazai, Liam Livingstone, Wahab Riaz (all Platinum), Haider Ali, Sherfane Rutherford, Shoaib Malik (all Diamond), Hussain Talat (Gold), Saqib Mahmood (Gold, Brand Ambassador), Usman Qadir (Gold), Arshad Iqbal, Kamran Akmal (Mentor), Salman Irshad, Sameen Gul, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (all Silver), Mohammad Aamer, Sirajuddin (Emerging), Ben Cutting and Mohammad Haris (both Supplementary)

Quetta Gladiators (Sunday’s picks) – Jason Roy (England, Platinum), James Faulkner (Australia, Diamond), Ben Duckett (England), Khurram Shehzad (Pakistan), Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan), Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal (both Pakistan) (Silver), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Ashar Qureshi, (Emerging), Ahsan Ali (Pakistan) and Noor Ahmed (Pakistan) (Supplementary)

Final squad: James Vince, Jason Roy, Sarfaraz Ahmed (all Platinum), Iftikhar Ahmed, James Faulkner, Mohammad Nawaz (all Diamond), Shahid Afridi (Mentor), Mohammad Hasnain (Brand Ambassador), Naseem Shah (all Gold), Ben Duckett, Khurram Shehzad, Naveen-Ul-Haq, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal (all Silver), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Ashar Qureshi (Emerging), Ahsan Ali and Noor Ahmed (Supplementary)

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk