Sports

PSL 9: PM Kakar asks PCB to organise matches across Pakistan

Published

11 months ago

Farwa

PM says cricket plays important role in culminating national spirit.
Directed immediate restoration work for Quetta, Peshawar stadiums.
Stressed efficient elections of PCB Management Committee.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to devise a comprehensive strategy for organising the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 cricket matches nationwide, The News reported.

Chairing a meeting to discuss the board’s affairs on Monday, the premier was briefed by officials that the cricket league would be held in February 2024, with matches to be hosted in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan.

During the meeting, PM Kakar emphasised the need to keep the country’s interest and dignity at the forefront while appointing trainers, support staff and officials in the PCB.

He further directed that the elections of the board’s Management Committee should be conducted efficiently, highlighting that cricket played a crucial role in uniting the nation and enhancing national spirit.

The prime minister stressed that success in every field could only be achieved through teamwork, and the Pakistan cricket team could unite and accomplish great things. He also emphasised the need to promote the sport in remote areas of the country.

“There is immense cricket talent in Sindh, Balochistan, South Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, that needed to be given a chance to be represented at the national level,” the premier said.

He directed PCB to immediately begin restoration work of Quetta’s Bugti Stadium and Peshawar’s Arbab-e Niaz Stadium to hold international cricket matches there.

He also suggested that Gwadar Cricket Stadium and Pissan Stadium in Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, be adapted for cricket matches.

Kakar also directed the board to conduct an immediate survey of Pissan Stadium, adding that rehabilitation work of the existing cricket stadiums is started on an emergency basis.

In addition, he asked for a plan to be prepared for the establishment of new cricket stadiums equipped with modern facilities along with international standard hotels and shopping areas to promote tourism as well.

He also directed the handing over of the four cricket grounds in Islamabad to the PCB for the development of cricket. The meeting was told that Pakistan would host the Cricket Champions Trophy.

PM Kakar and meeting attendees were informed that the number of cricket associations in the country had increased from six to 16, which would highlight the regional talent. Additionally, construction of cricket infrastructure is underway in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Gujranwala, Peshawar and Bahawalpur.

Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, National Stadium Karachi and Multan Stadium are being converted to solar energy. The meeting was also apprised of the measures being taken for the promotion of women’s cricket in Pakistan.

Federal Minister for Privatisation Fawad Hasan Fawad, PCB Chairman Muhammad Zaka Ashraf Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer, Chief Selector Wahab Riaz and relevant government officials attended the meeting. PCB officials Muhammad Hafeez, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal participated via video link from Australia.

Commenting on the meeting, former PCB member Shakil Shaikh took to X and lauded the PM for being “firm and principles”. Shakil said the PM met Zak Ashraf and told him to improve his performance or else. He refused to give him powers for long-term decisions. He told Zaka to hold elections immediately.

Latest News

India’s decision not to play in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy has ICC “seeks” an explanation.

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

Our sources tell us that the ICC has demanded that the BCCI justify its decision with reasonable arguments that follow the guidelines set out by the organization. After reviewing the explanations, the ICC has the option to ask India to play in the event if they are not sufficiently satisfied.

After reviewing the explanations, the ICC has the option to ask India to play in the event if they are not sufficiently satisfied. A colossal loss of estimated $500 million would befall the ICC if India does not participate.

Also, an extra $100 million could go down the drain if the much-anticipated Indo-Pak matches dont happen.

These latest developments occurred as the tournament schedule remained unclear following the Indian government’s refusal to send a team to Pakistan for the event.

The schedule was supposed to be announced earlier this week by the International Cricket Council (ICC), but it was postponed due to uncertainty surrounding India’s visa to Pakistan.

I should mention that on November 9, the Indian Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) notified the ICC that India will not be going to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Sources indicate that following India’s decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board expressed their concerns to the International Cricket Council.

Requesting an explanation for the BCCI’s decision not to tour Pakistan, the PCB notified the ICC of the Pakistani government’s hard position on the subject in its letter.

It should be noted that due to the continuing political turmoil between the two neighboring countries, India has refrained from visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup in 2008 and beyond.

In contrast, Pakistan has paid four separate visits to India within the past sixteen years. Following their 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup visit, they made their most recent stop in 2016.

Latest News

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

Published

4 days ago

Farwa

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.

Latest News

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

Published

5 days ago

Farwa

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.