Tag: Sports

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to withdraw its tour to Pakistan following New Zealand Cricket’s decision to abandon its tour of the country.

“The ECB Board convened this weekend to discuss these extra England Women’s and Men’s games in Pakistan and we can confirm that the Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip”, ECB’s statement read.

“We understand that this decision will be a significant disappointment to the PCB, who have worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket in their country. Their support of English and Welsh cricket over the last two summers has been a huge demonstration of friendship. We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on cricket in Pakistan and emphasize an ongoing commitment to our main touring plans there for 2022.”

The news comes as a huge disappointment for the Pakistan Cricket Board and fans alike who were eagerly waiting for the tour. This was going to be England’s first tour to the country since 2004-05.

ECB was set to send both its men’s and women’s cricket teams to Pakistan next month. The men’s team was scheduled to play two T20Is as part of their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup, however, the decision now means that the Pakistan cricket team will go into the tournament without playing any international T20 cricket prior to the mega event.

Earlier, it was speculated that England will likely cancel the series like New Zealand, however, PCB CEO, Wasim Khan, has expressed hope that the English teams will travel to Pakistan as scheduled.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan national team players have voiced their opinions after the New Zealand cricket team decided to call off their tour citing security reasons. Pakistan players took to social media to share their disappointment on the decision and also share with the world that Pakistan is a safe country.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) decided to end their tour abruptly, just a few minutes before the start of the first ODI, as they received a security alert from their government. Despite reassurances from Pakistan’s intelligence services that the threats were a hoax, New Zealand Cricket decided that it will be in their best interests to fly back home.

Pakistan’s all-format captain, Babar Azam took to Twitter to express his frustration on the unfortunate event.

Babar tweeted, “Extremely disappointed on the abrupt postponement of the series, which could have brought the smiles back for millions of Pakistan Cricket Fans. I’ve full trust in the capabilities and credibility of our security agencies. They are our pride and always will be! Pakistan Zindabad!”

More national team players stepped up and shared their points of view.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan’s all-format captain, Babar Azam said that the departure of former head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq, and former bowling coach, Waqar Younis, has led to more responsibility being added on his shoulders but he is ready to take on the challenge.

While talking in a virtual press conference ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand, Babar revealed that the resignation had nothing to do with the team and it was their personal decision to leave their roles in the national team.

“It was Misbah and Waqar’s personal decision. But, it has put extra responsibility on me and I am taking this as a challenge,” Babar stated.

The 26-year old said that the national team is in good spirits and looking forward to the series against New Zealand under interim coaches, Saqlain Mushtaq and Abdul Razzaq. Babar said that the preparations are coming along nicely and both the new coaches have been working really hard to finalize the strategy for the team.

“Interim coaches Saqlain Bhai and Razzaq Bhai are trying to share their experience and finalizing the combination for the series. We are focused on the New Zealand series. You can’t take any team lightly as any day you can get surprised,” Babar added.

Babar revealed that the final decision on Pakistan’s playing eleven will be taken on the matchday after judging the pitch and weather conditions.

Source: Pro Pakistani

New Zealand’s interim head coach, Glenn Pocknall, is upbeat ahead of the ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand. The Kiwi coach said that New Zealand is fully prepared for the challenge and will come hard against the Men in Green in their limited-overs tour.

Pocknall said that Pakistan should not underestimate New Zealand as they will give their hundred percent from the first ball of the series. Pocknall said that the Kiwi players are excited, and despite playing with their second-string squad, New Zealand is more than capable of winning the ODI series.

“I think the intensity will still be there. After all, we’re still two international cricket teams who are very keen to win. Pakistan haven’t had a New Zealand side for 18 years playing here so they’ll also want to win at home. And likewise, we’ve come here to compete with them and are here to put our best foot forward,” Pocknall said during a virtual press conference.

The stand-in coach praised the training facilities in the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and said that the whole squad is enjoying their time in the country. He added that the players are still adapting to the conditions as this is their first tour of the country.

The three-match ODI series between the two nations is scheduled to begin on 17 September at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The ODI series will be followed up by a five-match T20I series, scheduled to commence from 25 September in Lahore.

Source: Pro Pakistani

The second Test match of a two-match series between Pakistan and the West Indies will begin in Kingston, Jamica from Friday.

The match will start at 8:00 pm Pakistan Standard Times.

The West Indies leads the two-match series by one-nil.

Source: Radio Pakistan