Day: May 20, 2024

Pakistan national hockey team’s plans to travel to Amsterdam for a training camp have been disrupted due to visa delays by the Dutch embassy in Pakistan.

Head coach Roelant Oltmans had arranged a 10-day training camp in Amsterdam that was originally scheduled to commence on May 22 to prepare the team for the upcoming Nations Challenge Hockey Cup, set to begin on May 31 in Poland.

According to sources within the squad, the team has not obtained visas so far although the embassy has promised to speed up the formalities, however, the chances of getting the traveling documents ready by Monday seem highly unlikely which means that the team would not be able to start the training camp as per schedule on May 22.

As part of the camp, a friendly match against the Dutch national team had been organized, offering the Pakistani players a valuable opportunity to test their skills against one of the top teams in the world. This match now hangs in the balance, increasing doubts over the team’s preparations.

Coach Oltma
ns, who is already in the Netherlands setting up the camp stated, ‘It is a good development. I am trying to get more matches but at the moment one Test against the Dutch national team has been finalised.’

The visa issue not only jeopardizes the planned camp but also poses a significant challenge to the team’s readiness for the Nations Challenge Hockey Cup. The Pakistan Hockey Federation is reportedly in urgent discussions with the Dutch authorities, seeking an expedited resolution to ensure the team’s timely travel.

Winning the Nations Cup is extremely important from Pakistan’s perspective as the title will take the team into the FIH Pro League next season.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi on Saturday expressed his appreciation for Indian cricket star Virat Kohli’s willingness to visit Pakistan. Afridi’s remarks came during a tape-ball cricket event in Karachi, where he warmly welcomed Kohli’s gesture.

‘I expected such a statement from Virat. I welcome Virat, whether he comes to the PSL or with the Indian team,’ Afridi said confidently, showing his approval of Kohli’s open-minded stance.

Virat Kohli’s interest in visiting Pakistan first came to light during a video call in 2022 with Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif. During the conversation, Kohli expressed his hope to visit Pakistan soon, noting the growing trend of international figures traveling to the country.

‘Give my regards to your family and all your friends. Hopefully, we will visit Pakistan soon; everyone’s started visiting now,’ Kohli told Kashif.

In addition to his comments on Kohli, Afridi also voiced support for young Pakistani opening batter Saim Ayub, highlighting the import
ance of nurturing new talent in the national team.

‘Saim has a lot of talent. I hope he performs well. Pakistan needs a batter who can play well in the first six overs,’ Afridi remarked, emphasizing Ayub’s potential.

Saim Ayub is currently in England with the Pakistan squad for a four-match T20I series against the host nation, set to begin on May 22. The team arrived in England on Wednesday, fresh off a 2-1 series victory over Ireland.

Following their series with England, the Men in Greem will travel to the United States for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The 2009 champions will kick off their campaign against co-host USA on June 4, followed by a highly anticipated match against arch-rivals India on June 9.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan’s national football team is gearing up for a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers Round 2 against Saudi Arabia with significant reinforcements.

Two high-quality diaspora players are set to join the squad, bringing fresh energy as well as attacking prowess to the team. Their inclusion is expected to bolster Pakistan’s offensive prowess against a formidable Saudi Arabian side coached by Roberto Mancini.

Striker McKeal Abdullah, who plays for Mansfield Town in the fourth division (League Two) of English football and goalkeeper Adam Khan, who plays in the Under-21 team of Blackburn Rovers have both been called up by the Shaheens for the important fixture.

In addition to Abdullah and Khan, the team welcomes back star left-winger Otis Khan and left-back Mohammad Fazal, both of whom have recovered from previous injuries and are ready to contribute to the squad.

Otis Khan, known for his versatility and creativity on the field, will be a key asset in the midfield, while Fazal’s defensive capabilities will b
e crucial in solidifying Pakistan’s backline.

However, the team will be without the services of Easah Suliman for the next two games who has been a vital player in Pakistan’s defense and will be unavailable as he is set to perform Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage.

His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the team remains optimistic about the return of experienced players and the addition of fresh diaspora talent.

Pakistan head coach Stephen Constantine’s decision to call up the likes of McKeal Abdullah and Adam Khan, along with the return of Otis Khan and Mohammad Fazal, strengthens the team significantly.

The match against Saudi Arabia is set to take place on June 6 at the Jinnah Stadium where the Shaheens will lock horns with Roberto Mancini’s side in the fifth match of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 2.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan’s newly appointed coach Gary Kirsten has officially joined the Pakistan national cricket team in Leeds, just days before their highly anticipated four-match T20 series against England, which will commence on May 22.

Kirsten, who is known for his vast experience and previous coaching successes with India and South Africa, has been brought on board as white-ball head coach to bolster Pakistan’s preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Kirsten’s appointment earlier this month, citing his vast experience and proven track record in the shortest format of the game. His arrival in Leeds was met with enthusiasm from both players and fans, who are hopeful that his guidance will help the team overcome the formidable English side.

Kirsten’s coaching tenure includes leading India to World Cup glory in 2011 and steering South Africa to the top of the Test rankings.

https://x.com/TheRealPCB/status/1792271635124199558?t=k5zO4UeQQBqVUIDVuQF9QQands=19

His expertise in
T20 cricket is particularly valued considering he has coached Gujrat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season.

Babar Azam’s men will play the first T20 of the series at Headingley while the second T20 match will be held in Edgbaston, Birmingham on May 25.

Subsequently, the Green Shirts will take on the Three Lions in Sophia Gardens at Cardiff on May 28 with the series concluding in ‘The Oval’ on May 30.

Pakistan will kickstart their T20 World Cup campaign on June 6 against the hosts USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

Source: Pro Pakistani