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Shahid Afridi likely to get important role in PCB

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  • Shahid Afridi meets interim PM Kakar in Islamabad.
  • Seeks time to decide on taking up role in PCB.
  • Zaka Ashraf’s tenure as MC chief ends on Nov 4.

ISLAMABAD: Amid all the criticism over the team’s performance in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has been approached by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar for a key role in the cricket board.

Shahid Afridi confirmed the development to The News on Thursday, just two days before the end of Zaka Ashraf’s tenure as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Management Committee.

Afridi and other former cricketers had slammed the PCB management after a WhatsApp chat between its COO and skipper Babar Azam was leaked to the media.

According to the publication, the former all-rounder called on PM Kakar to discuss cricket issues in a special context with his association with the future PCB, the performance of the national team in the 10-team tournament and the grooming of cricketers from the grassroots to international level.

“I received a call from the PM Office Thursday and had to rush to Islamabad to meet the PM. It was really a pleasure talking to the PM on cricketing issues. He looked keen on the proper training of youth and grooming them in a systematic way so that they could go on to make a name for themselves and for the country,” Afridi said while sharing details of his meeting with the premier.

The star all-rounder said that PM wanted me to play a role in the PCB.

“I sought some time to decide on my association with the future PCB. What Pakistan cricket requires is systemic and par excellence training of the players from the start to the top level. That has not been happening in Pakistan cricket with the result that we struggle to polish the available talent and make them a real-world beater,” he said.

The former chief selector had all praise for the available talent but admitted that talent alone cannot fetch the required results.

“What we need is grooming of cricketers in a systematic way. Unless we sincerely make efforts to nourish the available talent, we will not be in a position to make consistent progress at the international level.”

Zaka Ashraf’s tenure ends on Nov 4

Meanwhile, Zaka Ashraf’s fate as the chairman of the Management Committee hangs in the balance as his four-month tenure ends on November 4.

Till now, the PMO has not indicated whether the incumbent committee’s tenure will be extended or not, triggering speculations that a new name is expected to take charge.

“There has not been any decision as yet as to whether to give an extension to the sitting MC or to establish a new one. Both the previous and current management committees have failed to hold PCB elections for which these were established. Now it is up to the PM who is also Patron in Chief of the PCB to decide on the matter. Hopefully, things would be much clearer in a day or two,” an official of the Ministry for Inter-Provincial Coordination said.

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Shaheen Afridi regains the top position in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings.

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Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has supplanted South African spinner Keshav Maharaj to ascend to the position of the number one bowler in the most recent International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings, released on Wednesday.

Pakistan, led by newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan, triumphed against Australia in the third ODI by eight wickets in Perth, securing their inaugural series victory in Australia since 2002.

The visitors lost the initial match of the three-match series by two wickets; however, they executed a remarkable comeback to secure the series 2-1.

As a result, Pakistani players achieved notable advancements in the most recent ICC ODI Rankings, with Shaheen Afridi regaining the premier position among bowlers.

Afridi demonstrated his bowling skill against Australia, securing eight wickets in three matches at an impressive average of 12.62, leading to a three-position ascent in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings.

The left-arm bowler has previously occupied the number one position momentarily during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India.

After his ascent, Pakistan currently occupies the first position in both batting and bowling rankings in ODI cricket, with Babar Azam reinforcing his dominance among hitters.

Azam accumulated 80 runs in three innings against Australia, being dismissed only once and hitting the decisive boundary in both of Pakistan’s triumphs.

Haris Rauf, honoured as Player of the Series, ascended 14 positions to attain his career-high 13th rank in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings, with 618 rating points.

The right-arm fast bowler took 10 wickets in the three-match series with an amazing average of 12.00.

Naseem Shah, having claimed five wickets in the series, ascended 14 positions to attain the 55th rank.

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PCB questions ICC on India’s reluctance to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dispatched a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC). It requested clarification on India’s position for participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted in Pakistan.

In a formal correspondence to ICC Chairman Greg Barclay, the PCB solicited information regarding the timing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s notification to the ICC over its likely withdrawal from the event.

The PCB’s correspondence also seeks to ascertain whether the BCCI has provided an official, written denial to the ICC, detailing the rationale for the Indian cricket team’s possible non-participation. The PCB has requested the ICC to furnish a copy of any formal correspondence from the BCCI elucidating the reasoning behind their position. The PCB intends to meticulously examine these grounds to comprehend the rationale for the decision.

The ICC’s stance regarding India’s involvement

The PCB has urged the ICC to clarify its stance on the BCCI’s refusal to dispatch the team. The PCB requests clarification on the ICC’s intentions regarding the formal acceptance of India’s withdrawal and its implications for the tournament’s structure and schedule.

Strategy of PCB

The PCB has indicated its intention to seek legal counsel in light of the ICC’s statement, while also intending to confer with the Pakistani government to coordinate future steps. PCB authorities assert that should India officially withdraw and the ICC acquiesce to their absence, Pakistan may decline to compete against India in Champions Trophy matches held at any venue outside of Pakistan.

Sources indicate that PCB’s response strategy will be formulated following ICC’s official reply. The scenario underscores potential geopolitical tensions that may affect cricketing relations between the two countries.

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“Pakistan ought to follow Sri Lanka’s Champions Trophy strategy from the 1996 World Cup.”

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Former cricket player Basit Ali talked about India’s bid to compete in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and recommended that the PCB use a similar approach to Sri Lanka’s World Cup 1996 strategy.

Although it is unclear if India would compete in the tournament, the ninth Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan during the February–March timeframe in 2025.

The Indian media had reported that Team India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to security concerns, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Furthermore, sources verified on Sunday that the PCB was notified by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian government has prohibited its cricket team from traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Basit Ali was among the numerous Pakistani players who were upset to hear of India’s rejection. The former batsman said in a video posted on his own YouTube account that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) take a cue from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

For those who are not familiar, Sri Lanka won the World Cup 1996, which was co-hosted by Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka.

But because Australia and the West Indies declined to visit Sri Lanka due to security concerns, the competition was marred with controversy like to that of the Champions Trophy 2025.

While Sri Lanka promised complete security for the squad, Australia and the West Indies stuck to their guns.

Due to a firm stand on both sides, Sri Lanka was given games against Australia and the West Indies on forfeit by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Sri Lanka advanced to the quarterfinals without having to play a match after earning four crucial points.

In a similar vein, Basit Ali asked the PCB to avoid playing India at a neutral location. Additionally, he recommended that Pakistan quit the event if the ICC were to fully change it.

The former batter said, “If India declines to play in Pakistan under a hybrid model, like the 1996 World Cup scenario, PCB should demand points.” “Pakistan ought to receive two points if India chooses not to participate.”

In the event of a hybrid approach, Pakistan, as the host, ought to conduct all of its matches domestically. Additionally, Pakistan ought to decline to take part if the host location changes.

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