Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first in the first Test against England at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Captain Shan Masood expressed the team’s desire to bounce back after recent near-misses, while England’s stand-in captain Ollie Pope discussed the team’s readiness for the hot conditions and the exciting prospect of seeing Brydon Carse in Test action.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana acknowledged her team’s shortcomings after a six-wicket defeat to India in the Women’s T20 World Cup, stating that they were 15 runs short of a winning total. Sana felt that a score above 130 would have been enough to win, highlighting the impact of the slow pitch and Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on the powerplay. Despite a strong performance by the bowlers, Sana expressed that they missed opportunities to take wickets at crucial moments, ultimately costing them the match.
England, led by Ben Stokes, embarks on a three-Test series against Pakistan starting Monday, aiming to replicate their dominant 2022 victory. The series will test England’s ‘Bazball’ approach, particularly with Stokes’ injury and an inexperienced bowling attack, while Pakistan seeks a resurgence after a recent slump.
England captain Ben Stokes will miss the first Test against Pakistan, beginning on Monday in Multan, due to a lingering hamstring injury. The news comes as a blow to England, who will be looking to start their tour of Pakistan on a positive note.
Pakistan has recalled star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and veteran spinner Noman Ali for the first Test against England, starting October 7th in Multan. The move comes after Pakistan suffered a disappointing series loss to Bangladesh. The selection sees the return of key players and a focus on experience for the upcoming challenge against England.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has organized a day-long workshop, dubbed the “Strategic Connection Camp,” to bring together key stakeholders and discuss the future direction of Pakistan cricket. This event, featuring captains Babar Azam and Shan Masood, senior players, coaches, and the PCB leadership, aims to identify key issues, foster open dialogue, and collectively agree on a strategic path forward to restore Pakistan cricket to its former glory.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stirred controversy by removing daily allowances for women cricketers participating in national camps, despite providing accommodation and meals. This decision has sparked discontent among players, especially those who have traveled from different parts of the country. The move comes at a time when the PCB is investing heavily in other projects, including renovations for the Champions Trophy.
Former Pakistan cricketer Moin Khan has expressed his disappointment over the recent captaincy changes in the Pakistani cricket team, particularly the removal of Shaheen Shah Afridi from the white-ball captaincy. Khan believes Afridi’s removal was unjustified and that frequent captaincy changes can negatively impact player performance. He advocates for a more stable leadership approach, suggesting a single captain for all formats or the grooming of a young player to eventually take over.
Pakistan’s cricket captain Babar Azam showcased his humility and approachability by interacting with a fan during a recent training session. His kind gesture towards the fan went viral, highlighting his connection with his supporters and adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming Champions One-Day 2024 tournament.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has abruptly suspended its national junior championship, citing ‘unavoidable circumstances’. The decision came after complaints about irregularities in team selection and concerns over age manipulation surfaced. The tournament, considered crucial for nurturing young talent, has been indefinitely postponed, raising questions about the PCB’s commitment to fair play and transparency.
