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Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Babar, Rizwan face axe from T20s
The careers of three major pillars of the Pakistani cricket team – Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan – appear to be hanging in the balance as they face selection dilemma for upcoming tours. Shaheen, Babar, and Rizwan – all once key members of the national team – are now being consistently overlooked, raising questions about the future of their international careers. Shaheen, 25, has seemingly fallen out of favor with selectors. After being left out of the home series against Bangladesh, he's now also been excluded from the return tour. Sources claim that selector Aaqib Javed cited Shaheen's underwhelming performance in New Zealand, saying he needs to correct his flaws. Ironically, Shaheen led Lahore Qalandars to a HBL Pakistan Super League title and was the tournament's top wicket-taker with 19 scalps. Aaqib had previously worked with him as part of the same franchise, though their relationship is now said to be strained. While vacationing in England with his family, Shaheen was called back by selectors, but was then left out of the squad without any prior notice. He reportedly found out through social media. Some media reports had suggested disciplinary issues as the reason for his omission, but a top PCB official refuted these claims, reiterating that the decision was based purely on cricketing grounds, and that the board had not issued any directive against his selection. "If there were disciplinary issues, he wouldn't have been invited to the training camp either," the official added. Regarding Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, sources reveal that there is currently no plan to include them in the T20 squad. Coach Mike Hesson has already advised both players that they must adapt their playing approach in the shorter format and show some intent if they hope to make a comeback. Shaheen, Shadab Khan, and Salman Ali Agha are reportedly part of Mike Hesson's "core team", but will be rested periodically as part of a rotation policy. Shaheen might still be in contention for the upcoming West Indies tour, while Babar and Rizwan may be considered for the ODI squad. It's worth noting that Shadab is currently sidelined due to surgery, and the PCB is still in discussions to convert all three ODIs against the West Indies into T20 matches. If that happens, Babar and Rizwan's return could be delayed even further. Recently, in a media briefing, Coach Hesson said that Shaheen needs to improve his performance. He also dismissed rumors suggesting he had asked Babar Azam to take on wicketkeeping duties to re-enter the team. According to sources, these rumors were likely spread by "social media warriors" trying to drum up public support for the sidelined players. Pakistan Shaheens squad named for Eng tour The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an 18-member squad for the Pakistan Shaheens' upcoming multi-format tour of England, scheduled to begin later this month. The tour will run from July 17 to August 6. Left-handed batter Saud Shakeel has been named captain and will lead a team that includes three other Test players: fast bowler Musa Khan, left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, and off-spinner Sajid Khan. The squad also features 14 emerging players, 11 of whom are under the age of 25. Among them are the top scorers from the most recent Quaid-e-Azam Trophy - Azan Awais and Maaz Sadaqat - along with Ali Zaryab, Haider Ali, Mohammad Suleman, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Shamyl Hussain, who strengthen the batting lineup. Rohail Nazir will serve as the wicketkeeper for the tour. The pace attack includes Mushtaq Ahmed, Shahid Aziz, and Ubaid Shah, while the spin department will be led by Sajid Khan, with support from Faisal Akram, Mehran Mumtaz, and Mubasir Khan. The team will assemble for a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi before flying out to England on July 16. The final schedule and venues for the matches will be shared by the PCB in due course. Pakistan Shaheens squad: Saud Shakeel (captain), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain, Ubaid Shah.
Express Tribune
04-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Ali Tareen criticises PCB for ‘victory lap' over HBL PSL X
Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has sharply criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for celebrating what it called a successful HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, accusing officials of ignoring pressing issues surrounding the tournament's decline in public interest and operational standards. In a series of posts on social media following the PCB's recent debriefing session in Lahore, Tareen dismissed the board's claims of satisfaction from stakeholders regarding HBL PSL X, saying the league's underlying problems had gone unaddressed. 'Applause? You must be kidding,' he wrote on X, referring to the PCB's video summary that praised the league's performance. Tareen cited poor television ratings, dwindling stadium attendance, and a slowdown in digital engagement as evidence that fan interest has declined significantly. Applause? You must be kidding. 📉 TV viewership is down 📉 Stadium attendance is down 📱 Social media growth has slowed 😵💫 Team logistics were shambolic 🤡 The draft was comical And they want a standing ovation? 🤔 Skip the victory lap and address the slide. Fans notice.… — Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) July 3, 2025 Empty stands in Karachi were among the most visible signs of that disconnect during the 2025 season, yet the PCB has not shared any clear plan to reverse the trend. Tareen also took aim at the tournament's operations, describing logistics as 'shambolic' and branding the player draft 'comical.' Team Logistics was shambolic because every team had to split their own players and staff between 3 different hotels in the same city! 😵💫 Some teams were asked to change the location and date of their games mid season! 😑 (Before the attacks) And don't even get me started on the… — Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) July 3, 2025 He argued that the league's planning failures had undermined its professionalism and damaged its credibility among fans and players alike. 'And they want a standing ovation?' he posted. 'Skip the victory lap and address the slide. Fans notice.' If I own a team or not, I'll always be a huge PSL fan. And seeing its decline hurts. — Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) July 3, 2025 The remarks have reignited tensions between franchise owners and the board. Tareen has previously voiced frustration with the PCB's management of the league and has called for structural changes in how the PSL is run. His latest comments suggest that concerns among stakeholders remain unresolved, despite public attempts by the board to frame the season as a step forward. Exactly what we thought afterwards… No input from franchises, no brainstorming on declining attendance and TV viewership. Just a one-way meeting where the PSL management told us everything is GREAT! 🥰🥳🎉#TeamDelulu — Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) July 3, 2025 While the PCB has promoted PSL X as a milestone year, Tareen's criticism reflects broader unease about the league's direction in a competitive sports market where audience loyalty cannot be taken for granted.
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PSL11 likely to clash with IPL again
Like the 10th edition, the HBL Pakistan Super League season 11 is also likely to take place alongside the Indian Premier League in April-May next year. In that case, the home series against Zimbabwe will have to be rescheduled. Given the limited time, the proposal to hold the tournament this December seems highly difficult to implement. According to details, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is traditionally held in February-March, but this year, due to the ICC Champions Trophy being hosted in Pakistan, the event was pushed to April and May, overlapping with the IPL schedule. Next year, the ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled for February-March, forcing Pakistan to find new dates for its league. A proposal was made to hold the PSL in December-January, but due to unresolved key issues, organizing it that early seems unlikely. During this window, the PCB may instead hold the domestic Pentangular Cup, involving top star cricketers. Earlier this year, it was announced that PSL would be made into a separate company, and Salman Naseer has started working as its CEO. However, no major appointments have been made in other departments yet. With 10 editions now completed, the valuation of the existing six franchise teams will be carried out, following which a 25% increase in franchise fees is expected. Last December, all teams had confirmed in writing their intent to retain ownership. However, Multan Sultans' owner, Ali Tareen, repeatedly voiced concerns about financial losses. He has been silent recently, so it remains unclear whether he will keep the team or go for rebidding. Notably, this team currently pays over one billion rupees annually in fees, making it the most expensive franchise. Similarly, the board had announced the inclusion of two new teams starting from the 11th edition, but no progress has been made on that front either. Sources revealed that the 10-year title sponsorship agreement also needs to be renewed. There will be separate contracts for ground sponsorship in 810 categories, and for both local and international broadcasting. A new deal for live streaming will also be required. Currently, PCB earns about PKR 900 million annually from the title sponsorship. Last year, live streaming rights for Pakistan were sold for approximately PKR 1.8 billion. Local broadcast rights generated around PKR 6.3 billion, while international rights brought in $4.6 million. Ground rights were sold for around PKR 2 billion for two years. For TV production, PCB signed a two-year deal worth $2.25 million annually. Tenders will be issued for all these agreements, followed by lengthy processes. If the current format continues With the inclusion of two new teams, the number of PSL matches will rise from 34 to 54. Consequently, the value of all associated deals is expected to increase by about 30%. However, it is yet to be decided whether the new teams will follow the current financial model or if a new approach will be adopted. Franchise sources confirmed that the board has not yet discussed new teams with them, let alone any financial models. The final dates for PSL 11 have not yet been confirmed, though holding the tournament in April-May next year seems likely. A joint email was sent by franchises requesting a meeting of the PSL Governing Council to discuss key matters of the league. A response is expected in coming days. It's worth noting that the Pakistan team has a home series against Sri Lanka in November, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. December and January have been kept open for domestic events. In February, Australia is scheduled to visit for three T20Is, and the T20 World Cup will follow in February-March. In March, Australia will return for three ODIs, and at the end of March and in April, Pakistan is set to tour Bangladesh for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Zimbabwe's team is scheduled to tour Pakistan in April-May for three ODIs and three T20Is. To hold the PSL during this window, the PCB will have to reschedule the Zimbabwe series. Sources added that franchises' concerns about scheduling clashes with the IPL have decreased after the 10th edition. However, broadcasters and rights holders still have differing views. Holding PSL alongside IPL in April-May next year is a possibility, but a final decision will be made later.
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Hasan Ali takes maiden five-wicket haul against Bangladesh, credits PCB
Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali marked his return to international cricket with a maiden five-wicket haul in T20 internationals during the first match of the series against Bangladesh at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. Hasan, whose last T20I outing was in May 2024 against Ireland, had been sidelined due to an elbow injury sustained during his County Championship stint in July last year. He then made a sensational comeback in the recently concluded HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, finishing as the joint-second leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets, which earned him a recall to the national squad. In his first match back, Hasan made an immediate impact by dismissing Bangladesh's openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan within his opening overs. He then took two wickets in his third over, removing wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali and Tanzim Hasan Sakib. He sealed his five-wicket haul by catching Shoriful Islam at long off in his final over. His performance helped bowl out Bangladesh for 164, securing a 37-run victory for Pakistan in the series opener. Reflecting on his achievement, Hasan described the five-wicket haul as 'truly special' and credited the team's batting for setting a competitive total. 'The plan was straightforward — I just needed to bowl in the right areas,' he said. 'T20 cricket heavily favours batsmen, so developing pace variations becomes crucial. I'm pleased I could execute my variations effectively when it mattered most.' Hasan also expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the medical team for their support during his rehabilitation, calling the process 'boring' but requiring dedication and passion. 'Facing a potentially career-ending injury made me deeply appreciate the PCB and my physio's incredible support,' he added. The win marked a positive start for newly-appointed Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, whose instructions to play a modern and aggressive brand of T20 cricket appeared to be embraced by the team. 'Hesson's philosophy was clear — play modern, aggressive T20 cricket. We executed the fundamentals well, and I'm sure he's satisfied with our performance,' Hasan said. Pakistan will look to build on this momentum in the remainder of the T20I series against Bangladesh.
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Salman explains Sufiyan's exclusion
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha says Sufiyan Muqeem will feature in future white-ball series for Pakistan. Photo: AFP/File Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha revealed the reason behind left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem's absence from the national squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week announced a 16-member squad for the aforementioned series, which was selected based on the players' performances in the recently concluded HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10. Meanwhile, Muqeem, who represented Peshawar Zalmi in this year's marquee league, had a forgetful campaign as he could only play three matches and took only one wicket at a dismal economy rate of 9.72. The spinner, however, delivered impressive performances for the national team last month on the white-ball tour of New Zealand, where he picked up five wickets in three matches – one T20I and two ODIs. His exclusion drew an outburst from fans, who flocked to social media to express their disapproval. Consequently, Pakistan captain Agha was also asked to share the thought process behind the wrist spinner's snub from the home series during the pre-series press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Tuesday. In response, Agha expressed his admiration for Muqeem and assured that he is in their plans for shorter formats before explaining that he was overlooked considering the conditions here, which according to him are more favourable for the pacers. "I personally like Sufyan a lot, and in the upcoming series, he will feature in our shorter formats squads. I think Sufyan will play a crucial role in the white-ball format, and he will win a lot of matches for Pakistan in the future," said Agha. "If we look at the conditions, spinners did not have much success here [Lahore], so a fast bowler is added in his place," he added. It is pertinent to mention that the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium here on May 28, 30 and June 1, respectively. Wasim Jr ruled out Pakistan's fast-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Wasim Jr has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday. According to the cricket board, the 23-year-old picked up a side strain during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 and was not able to recover in time. Earlier, sources had suggested that the doctors advised Mohammad Wasim Jr a one-week rest and thus, will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here. As a result, he has been replaced by Abbas Afridi, who was the joint second leading wicket-taker of the PSL 10 with 17 dismissals in 11 matches at a decent average of 23.52. "Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas Afridi has replaced Mohammad Wasim Jnr in Pakistan's T20I squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh," the PCB said in a statement. "Wasim Jnr picked up a side strain during the HBL PSL and was not able to recover in time." Abbas has thus far represented Pakistan in 20 T20Is and took 33 wickets in his budding career. For the unversed, the three-match T20I series is scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium here on May 28, 30 and June 1. Pakistan squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk) and Saim Ayub. Series schedule: 28 May – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 30 May – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 1 June – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
