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Faheem Ashraf tests positive for COVID-19

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KARACHI: Pakistan’s all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has tested positive for COVID-19 following his arrival at the Karachi team hotel, according to a statement issued by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Faheem will now undergo five-day isolation. However, his replacement will be announced in due course if needed.

The all-rounder will miss the second Test against Australia, said PCB. He also missed the drawn first Test in Rawalpindi due to a hamstring injury.

The second Test starts on Saturday in Karachi.

Faheem has blossomed as a Test all-rounder in the past two years, giving Pakistan much-needed balance in both batting and bowling.

He has so far played 13 Tests, scoring 632 runs with four half centuries and taken 22 wickets.

Faheem is the second Pakistan player to test positive for the virus after fast bowler Haris Rauf missed the first Test for the same reason.

Fawad Ahmed, Australia’s spin bowling consultant, also tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

Australia are playing in Pakistan for the first time in 24 years, having previously refused to tour over security fears.

The third Test is in Lahore from March 21-25. The tourists will also play three one-day internationals and a single T20I.

Australia’s first Test in Pakistan in 24 years ends in draw

Imam-ul-Haq cracked a century in each innings and his opening partner Abdullah Shafique hit a maiden hundred as Pakistan’s first home Test against Australia in 24 years ended in a tame draw in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Haq made an unbeaten 111 following up his 157 in the first innings, while Shafique finished on 136 as Pakistan were 252 without loss when the match ended without a result.

Australia scored 459 in reply to Pakistan’s first innings score of 476-4 declared.

Australia’s first Test on Pakistan soil since 1998 — they previously declined to visit on security grounds — was ultimately spoiled by a flat Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch.

The second Test is set to take place in Karachi from March 12 to 16.

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Will the Champions Trophy 2025 miss an opening ceremony?

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 may commence without the traditional opening ceremony or captains’ press conference due to a modified arrival schedule for the participating teams.

This year, the England and Australia cricket teams will arrive in Pakistan nearer to the commencement of the event.

Sources inside the International Cricket Council (ICC) have verified that teams, including England and Australia, will arrive in Pakistan following their separate tours.

England is set to complete its tour of India by February 12, but Australia will conclude their series in Sri Lanka on February 14.

Consequently, both teams have retracted from the warm-up matches, a decision aligned with prior ICC events, where tardy attendance hindered practice matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicated interest in staging an opening ceremony; but, logistical issues related to the teams’ arrival dates resulted in its postponement.

The PCB stated that although the occurrence was not officially verified, it has consistently been regarded as a potentiality.

Although the opening ceremony and press conference have been cancelled, the PCB is dedicated to organising an alternative event to commemorate the importance of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years.

The inaugural match of the tournament, featuring Pakistan and New Zealand, is set for February 19 in Karachi.

The PCB has stated that a celebration for fans will be organized ahead of the match to highlight the excitement surrounding the event.

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Gaddafi Stadium is undergoing renovations. Main Work Done, Finishing Touches Initiated: PCB

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Gaddafi Stadium will have all of its seats finished by tomorrow evening, according to Jawad Qazi, director of infrastructure for the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Qazi stated in an interview with the Lahore media that the bulk of the work has been finished and that only the final touches are being done.

In addition to the horticulture department planting flowers, grass, and other plants, work is currently being done to clear the area surrounding the stadium.

Quality of work is also guaranteed, according to Qazi.

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USA Cricket CEO Meets With Mohsin Naqvi: agrees to complete the mutual series program.

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Mohsin Naqvi visits Washington to meet with Jonathan Atkeison, the CEO of USA Cricket.

Finalizing the plan to hold a cricket series between the two nations’ teams was decided upon during the conference.

There are a ton of potential to promote cricket in America, and PCB is prepared to offer this sport its full support.

Mohsin Naqvi invited Jonathan Atkeison to participate in the Champions Trophy Tournament matches in Pakistan and offered to train the US coaches there.

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