Lahore, 23 March 2022:

Pakistan Cricket Board today announced ticket prices for the three ODIs and one T20I between Pakistan and Australia, which will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from 29 March to 5 April.

Tickets for the ODIs range from PKR500 to PKR3,000, while ticket prices for the one-off T20I have been fixed from PKR500 to PKR4,000. These prices are consistent with the PCB’s commitment of making tickets affordable for the Pakistan cricket fans.

Tickets are now available online at https://pcb.bookme.pk/ as well as from the nearest M&P Courier outlets. Payments can be made using Easypaisa/Jazzcash/creditcard/Nift options, while https://pcb.bookme.pk/ helpline number is 03137786888.

Cricket fans, upon submitting their immunisation certificates, can purchase a maximum of five tickets against one CNIC, following which the sixth ticket will be free. This incentive is for the three ODIs only.

At the time of entering the Gaddafi Stadium on match days, fans will have to show their Covid-19 immunisation certificates and valid CNICs.

Salman Mesud, PCB Head of Commercial: “Spectator convenience, entertainment and facilities have been the forefront of our fan-engagement strategy. In line with this philosophy, we have not only priced tickets that are affordable, but will also put in place additional facilities to enhance the experience of our passionate cricket fans.

“Some of these facilities include transportation of valid ticket-holders from parking areas to the enclosures through golf carts and shuttle services, provision of filtered chilled drinking water and installation of mist fans. In addition to this, we have already placed a giant screen outside the venue, which will broadcast live pictures from inside the venue.

“In the three-Test series, we have witnessed and hosted amazing fans and I remain confident that the spectators of all age groups will maintain this trend in the four limited overs matches between two highly entertaining and competitive sides that boast world-class cricketers.”

The ODIs are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. Top seven-placed sides from this event plus ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 hosts India will qualify directly for the pinnacle 50-over competition, which will be staged next year in October/November.

Australia are presently seventh and Pakistan ninth in the 13-team event, but a lot of 50-over cricket still needs to be played in this league.

The 50-over matches will start at 1500 local time, while the first ball in the 20-over match will be bowled at 2030 local time.

Ticket prices for 29 March, 31 March and 2 April ODIs

Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis Enclosures – PKR3,000

Fazal Mahmood, Imran Khan Enclosures – PKR2,000

Rajas and Saeed Anwar Enclosures – PKR1,500

Abdul Qadir, AH Kardar, Javed Miandad and Sarfraz Nawaz Enclosures – PKR1,000

Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Majid Khan, Nazars, Quaid, Saeed Ahmad and Zaheer Abbas Enclosures – PKR500

Ticket prices for 5 April T20I

Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis Enclosures – PKR4,000

Fazal Mahmood, Imran Khan Enclosures – PKR3,000

Rajas and Saeed Anwar Enclosures – PKR2,500

Abdul Qadir, AH Kardar, Javed Miandad and Sarfraz Nawaz Enclosures – PKR1,000

Hanif Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Majid Khan, Nazars, Quaid, Saeed Ahmad and Zaheer Abbas Enclosures – PKR500

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Lahore, 17 March 2022:

Uncapped Asif Afridi and Mohammad Haris have been named in Pakistan squads for the three ODIs and one-off T20I against Australia.

Left-arm spinner Asif and wicketkeeper/batter Haris have earned the selectors’ nod as result of their impressive performances in the domestic circuit as the selectors have continued to provide opportunities to high-performing players as part of their strategy to increase the pool of top-class cricketers and developing a formidable bench-strength.

In the recently concluded seventh edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, Asif took eight wickets in five matches for Multan Sultans, while 20-year-old Haris scored 166 runs in five matches at an impressive strike-rate of 186.5 for Peshawar Zalmi. In the ongoing Pakistan Cup, Haris has already scored 219 runs in seven matches at an average of just under 44 for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Asif has picked up eight wickets in seven matches for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with an economy-rate of 4.39.

Haris was named in the Pakistan squad for the home series against New Zealand but the series couldn’t be played at the time as the Kiwis returned home on the day of the series opener.

Mohammad Nawaz, who had withdrawn from participation in the Test series for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy due to a foot injury, has been drafted in the side for both the ODI and T20I formats. However, his selection in the playing line-up will be subject to fitness test.

While the selectors have picked up 20 players for the ODIs, which are being played as part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League; they have chosen 17 players for the only T20I, leaving out Abdullah Shafique, Imam-Ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel.

ODI squad (in alphabetical order)

1.        Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab)

2.       Shadab Khan (vice-captain) (Northern)

3.       Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab)

4.       Asif Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

5.       Asif Ali (Northern)

6.       Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

7.       Haider Ali (Northern)

8.      Haris Rauf (Northern)

9.       Hasan Ali (Central Punjab)

10.   Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

11.     Imam-Ul-Haq (Balochistan)

12.    Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab)

13.    Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

14.    Mohammad Nawaz (Northern)

15.    Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

16.    Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

17.    Saud Shakeel (Sindh)

18.    Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

19.    Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh)

20.   Usman Qadir (Central Punjab)

T20I squad (in alphabetical order):

1.        Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab)

2.       Shadab Khan (vice-captain) (Northern)

3.       Asif Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

4.       Asif Ali (Northern)

5.       Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

6.       Haider Ali (Northern)

7.       Haris Rauf (Northern)

8.      Hasan Ali (Central Punjab)

9.       Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

10.   Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab)

11.     Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

12.    Mohammad Nawaz (Northern)

13.    Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

14.    Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

15.    Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

16.    Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh)

17.    Usman Qadir (Central Punjab)

Muhammad Wasim, Chair of the Selection Committee: “I want to congratulate Asif and Haris on their inclusions in squads for the Australia series. This is a reward for their hard work and consistent performances in the domestic circuit. Their selections are also a message for all domestic players that their performances are being followed and whenever an opportunity arises, they will be rewarded with a national team call-up.

“Australia are an equally outstanding team in the shorter formats of the game and, as such, we have decided to go with the best available and most experienced players. The four white-ball matches have significant context as the 50-over games count towards the 2023 World Cup qualification and the 20-over will be a repeat of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final.

“So, a lot to look-out for when the two sides will compete in coloured kits.”

The white-ball players will assemble in Lahore on 22 March and will undergo a three-day room isolation following which they will be allowed to integrate with the national side.

Australia are ranked No.3 in ODIs, while they are the reigning T20 world champions, whereas Pakistan is ranked sixth and third in the 50-over and 20-over formats, respectively.

In the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League, Australia are seventh and Pakistan ninth. Top seven ranked sides from this event plus ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 hosts India will qualify directly for the pinnacle 50-over competition, which will be staged next year in October/November.

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The following is an update on the Pakistan Test side for the Australia Tests:

1-       Mohammad Nawaz has been ruled out of the series with a foot injury. He will not be replaced in the side

2-      Naseem Shah and Sarfaraz Ahmed have now been added as traveling reserves. They will only be considered for selection if there is an injury

3-      Mohammad Haris has been added to the reserve players list. However, he, along with Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Abbas and Yasir Shah have been advised to participate in the Pakistan Cup, which commences on 2 March. If required, they will be drafted into the side

4-      Test players who attended a training camp in Karachi and those not involved in HBL PSL 2022 playoffs will arrive in Islamabad later tonight. After observing a three-day room isolation, they will hold a training session on 27 February

5-      Test players involved in the HBL PSL 2022 playoffs will travel to Islamabad in a bubble on 28 February and will participate in a training session on 1 March

15-player squad: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Haris Rauf (Northern), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shan Masood (Balochistan) and Zahid Mahmood (Sindh)

Test schedule:

4-8 Mar – 1^st Test, Rawalpindi

12-16 Mar – 2^nd Test, Karachi

21-25 Mar – 3^rd Test, Lahore

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Lahore, 9 February 2022:

Pakistan cricket selectors today announced 16 players and five reserves for the three Tests against Australia, which will be played in Rawalpindi (4-8 March), Karachi (12-16 March) and Lahore (21-25 March).

From the series against Bangladesh, three changes have been made in the national squad.

Haris Rauf, who was in the side for the South Africa and Zimbabwe Tests in 2021, has returned to replace off-spinner Bilal Asif, while Shan Masood, who last played in New Zealand in the 2020-21 season, has taken over from Abid Ali, who is completing his rehabilitation after being diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Yasir Shah has been added to the reserve pool.

Test players who are not involved in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022 will assemble in Karachi on Wednesday, 16 February, for a training camp that will be held at the National Stadium.

Test squad:

Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab)

Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab)

Azhar Ali (Central Punjab)

Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab)

Fawad Alam (Sindh)

Haris Rauf (Northern)

Hasan Ali (Central Punjab)

Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan)

Mohammad Nawaz (Northern)

Nauman Ali (Northern)

Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Saud Shakeel (Sindh)

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Shan Masood (Balochistan)

Zahid Mahmood (Sindh)

Reserves

Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab)

Naseem Shah (Southern Punjab)

Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh)

Yasir Shah (Balochistan)

Chief selector Muhammad Wasim: “We have opted for consistency for the important home series against Australia and changes have only been made where absolutely necessary. This is to give the boys confidence, reward them for their impressive performances in the longer version of the game in 2021 and continue to build the side for the future.

“These are the best available, most talented and in-form players in the domestic circuit. I am confident they will put up an impressive performance against a formidable Australia side.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed Saqlain Mushtaq will continue as head coach for another 12 months, while it also announced the appointments of Shaun Tait as fast bowling coach for 12 months and Mohammad Yousuf as batting coach for the Australia series.

Player Support Personnel: Mansoor Rana (manager), Saqlain Mushtaq (head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant to head coach), Mohammad Yousuf (batting coach), Shaun Tait (bowling coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saaiman (trainer/strength and conditioning coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Emmad Ahmed Hameed (media and digital manager), Col (retd) Usman Anwari (security manager), Talha Ejaz (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur).

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Lahore, 8 February 2022:

Pakistan Cricket Board has thanked the spectators, armed forces, police as well as the local and provisional administrations for their overwhelming support of the 15 HBL Pakistan Super League 2022 matches that were held at the National Stadium from 27 January to 7 February.

HBL PSL 2022 Tournament Director Salman Naseer: “The Karachi-leg of HBL PSL 2022 has set the tone for one of the most exciting and entertaining finishes in the tournament’s brief history. On behalf of the PCB, I want to thank all civil and security agencies who created and delivered a safe and secure environment for all participants.

“Their outstanding arrangements and measures were closely followed abroad and play a part in Cricket Australia confirming their tour of Pakistan for three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I.

“I also want to congratulate the spectators who, despite being in small numbers, created an ambiance and atmosphere that rocked the National Stadium. Every boundary, wicket and achievement was wholeheartedly appreciated, which reflected our passion and love as a whole nation for this great sport.

“I know children Under-12 missed out on the action due to the event regulations, but I remain confident that when the Pakistan v Australia Test will be played at the National Stadium from 12-16 March, spectators of all age groups will be allowed. This will be another opportunity for the loyal cricket fans to throng to the National Stadium and watch live in action world’s two best Test playing sides fighting out for supremacy.

“The PCB values and respects its fans, and will always continue to create opportunities for them to enjoy and be part of our successful journey.

“I want to offer my gratitude to the event staff who, despite being under-strength at times, worked tirelessly to set-up the National Stadium and created an ambiance, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and looked spectacular on the digital platforms. They’ll now have to redo the entire exercise for the Gaddafi Stadium so that the fans, players, officials, spectators and media can enjoy the same environment and the event is remembered for the smooth and flawless arrangements during the difficult Covid-19 times.”

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Lahore, 8 February 2022:

In the 38^th PCB Podcast, three legends of the game from three different continents – Australia’s Allan Border, Wasim Akram of Pakistan and England’s Michael Atherton – discuss Australia’s first tour of Pakistan in 24 years for three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I from 4 March to 5 April.

Border represented Australia in 156 Tests, including nine in Pakistan in 1980, 1982 and 1988, and Wasim’s 41 out of 104 Tests were in front of his home fans from 1985-2001. Atherton played 115 Tests for England, including three in Pakistan in 2000.

Border also visited Pakistan for the 1987 World Cup and inspired Australia to their first title, while Atherton captained England in the 1996 World Cup. Wasim played alongside the two respected gentlemen in both the home events.

In the podcast, which can be downloaded for editorial purpose only, the three celebrated cricketers have shared their views on:

·         Impact on international cricket’s landscape

·         Opportunity for cricketers to enhance their status

·         Revival of rivalries between the two sides

·         Future benefits for Pakistan cricket

·         Australia embracing Pakistan and its culture

·         High quality cricket to be played during the 37-day tour

·         Memories from their past visits

Border, who scored 11,174 Test runs with 27 centuries, said: “This is the opportunity for the boys to really make a name for themselves. From Australia’s point of view, they have not had a lot of success in the subcontinent. It would be great from their point of view that someone stands up and say, you know, we can beat Pakistan in Pakistan, something a lot of really good sides have been unable to do.

“Conversely, for Pakistan, emerging as a young team and playing against Australia at home for the first time in 24 years, there’s the opportunity to really make names for themselves.

“This is going to be a really great series because both the sides have a lot to play for. As there has been so little cricket played in Pakistan, they’ll be expecting huge crowds to turn-up to support them.

“I think back here in Australia and the cricketing world, there is an opportunity to sit back and watch some great cricket on television and see some young stars emerge or older stars cement their reputation.”

Wasim, who took 414 Test wickets, said: “Australia coming to Pakistan after 24 years is an achievement for the Pakistan Cricket Board. This series will have a huge impact on our cricket as it will improve our players’ approach and mindset. For the next generation of cricketers, this will be an opportunity to fall in love with this sport and get motivated to scale greater heights in their careers.

“Australia’s tour to Pakistan will send out a strong and powerful message that everything is fine and normal here. This is our third HBL PSL in Pakistan and I keep telling foreign players that this security has been put in place because we are too cautious and do not want to risk anything. The foreign players understand this argument and are happy to continue to visit and play here.

“Things have changed in Pakistan since 1998 and I think the pitches will be better, which will make Test cricket interesting viewing. I believe our cricket team will improve after playing Australia as the players will assess and understand their strengths and weakness, and will work on them and be better trained and prepared for the home Tests against England and New Zealand, which will be played in the last quarter of the year.”

Atherton, who scored 7,728 Test runs, said: “It is a great news that Australia are going to be sending a near full strength team to Pakistan. Once the security people say it’s safe to go, I think it’s incumbent upon the teams to go and play in Pakistan. Clearly playing in the UAE was necessary for a period of time, but was not sustainable in the long term.

“And it’s great that Pakistan cricket supporters can see international cricket being played at home in Pakistan.

“There are two aspects to the tour. One is the security detail, which then provides advice to the players and the administration. This must be done at an arm’s length and independently. Once that advice is given, then I think players are usually happy to accept the advice and concentrate on cricket. So, there is no reason once they land, they should be good to play a good series.

“Relatively a small number of countries play Test cricket and you don’t want to see Test cricket under pressure, particularly from the various franchise leagues around the globe. You don’t just want to see three or four nations constantly playing against each other. So, if there are going to be 12 Test playing countries, you want all 12 to be flourishing and hopefully the game also growing its footprints.

“T20 is the vehicle by which the game expands globally. But those of us who have played Test cricket and love Test cricket, would like to see the five-day game flourish. And if that’s going to happen, clearly it needs to be the Test playing nations to flourish as well.

“These are two good teams, two particularly good bowling attacks and that’s going to be a challenge for both the batting line-ups. I’m hoping that the pitches are a little bit more lively than they were when I was there 22 years ago. This should be an excellent series.”

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Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Australia today announced the revised itinerary of the 2022 Australia men’s cricket team’s tour of Pakistan for three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I.

The tour will now start and end in Rawalpindi with the opening Test to be played from 4-8 March and the four white-ball matches to be played from 29 March to 5 April.

The change in the first Test venue means that the second Test will be played in Karachi from 12-16 March and the third in Lahore from 21-25 March.

PCB Chief Executive Faisal Hasnain: “We are pleased that the Cricket Australia Board has formally approved their side’s five-week tour itinerary and confirmed that their best available players will visit Pakistan for the first time in 24 years. We are really excited to host Pat Cummins and his players, and look forward to a competitive series that will comprise three Tests, three ODIs and a T20I.

“While Australia will arrive at the back of strong performances in their home series against England, our team has been playing excellent cricket resulting in our players sweeping the ICC Awards. This braces for a keenly contested series, something that the fans will thoroughly enjoy and remember for a long time.”

The schedule has been revised to ease logistical and operational challenges as well as to avoid Pakistan Day rehearsals, which usually commence in Islamabad in the second week of March.

The two cricket boards have also agreed that the Australia Test side will complete their isolation in Australia, before arriving in Islamabad on 27 February on a chartered flight. After a one-day room isolation, they will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Australia’s white-ball players are expected to arrive in Lahore on 24 March following isolation in Australia. After a one-day isolation upon arrival, they will integrate with other members of the side and travel to Islamabad for the first ODI in Rawalpindi on 29 March.

The Tests will be part of the ICC World Test Championship, while the ODIs are linked to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League from which the top eight sides, including hosts India, will qualify directly for the 2023 50-over World Cup.

Revised schedule:

27 Feb – Arrival in Islamabad

4-8 Mar – 1^st Test, Rawalpindi

12-16 Mar – 2^nd Test, Karachi

21-25 Mar – 3^rd Test, Lahore

29 Mar – 1^st ODI, Rawalpindi

31 Mar – 2^nd ODI, Rawalpindi

2 April – 3^rd ODI, Rawalpindi

5 Apr – one-off T20I, Rawalpindi

6 Apr – Departure

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