• Six uncapped players selected for the three-match ODI series

Lahore, The Pakistan Cricket Board has named a 15-member ODI squad for the three-match series with Bangladesh scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from 11 to 15 March. All three ODIs will be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the ODI side, with six uncapped players included in the squad. The uncapped players are Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

Among them, Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood and Shamyl Hussain were part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad that played against England Lions in Abu Dhabi recently.

15-member squad:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain

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Lahore, The National T20 Cup Qualifier 2025-26 is set to get underway at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore from Saturday, 14 February at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

A total of 10 regional teams have been divided into two groups of five, while the table toppers from each group will qualify for the 10-team main event scheduled in late February and March.

The final of the tournament, between the top two teams from each group, will take place on 24 February at the Gaddafi Stadium. The 10 teams will play a total of 21 matches including the final.

Group A comprises of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Islamabad, Karachi Blues, Larkana and Quetta, while Group B consists of Bahawalpur, Dera Murad Jamali, FATA, Hyderabad and Rawalpindi. Each team will play four group matches each.

All the matches will be live-streamed on Tapmad in Pakistan and on the PCB YouTube channel outside Pakistan. All days from 14 to 23 February will see double-headers. The matches taking place before Ramzan are set to begin at 4pm and 8.30pm, while the matches afterwards will start at 7pm and 11.15pm.

Pool A – Karachi Blues, Quetta, Larkana, Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Pool B – FATA, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Dera Murad Jamali and Bahawalpur

Squads:

Azad Jammu and Kashmir ; 

Hasan Raza (captain), Adil Azad, Amir Nazir (wk), Aqib Liaqat, Arslan Mahzood, Awais Akram, Faizan Saleem, Hasnain Shamir, Husnain Nadeem, Jawad Imtiaz, Nadeem Khalil, Saad Asif, Umer Hayat, Usman Yousuf and Zaman Khan

Bahawalpur ; 

Mohammad Imran (captain), Ali Afzal, Ali Hamza, Ali Shabbir, Faizan Zafar, Khaqan Basheer, Mohammad Sudais, Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Ammar, Muhammad Azab, Muhammad Basit, Muhammad Faizan, Muhammad Junaid, Muhammad Umair and Shahid Mirani

Dera Murad Jamali ;

Fahad Hussain (captain), Basit Ali, Dawood Khan, Farhan Ullah, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Shahid, Nasir Khan, Rasool Baksh, Sajjad Ahmed, Sajjad Ali, Saleem Mal, Shoaib Ahmed, Taimur Ali and Tariq Jameel

FATA ;

Asif Afridi (captain), Afaq Afridi, Azaz Khan, Khubaib Khalil, Khushdil Shah, Maaz Khan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Sarwar, Muhammad Waseem Khan, Rehan Afridi, Salman Khan, Sameen Gul, Samiullah Jnr and Sirajuddin

Hyderabad ; 

Sharjeel Khan (captain), Akbar Khan, Asad Malik, Daniyal Rajput, Haris Khanzada, Jawad Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Meesam, Mustafa Nasir, Noman Ali, Rizwan Mehmood, Shehryar Baloch, Suleman Khan, Ubaidullah Rahupoto and Zain-ul-Abedeen

Islamabad ;

Umair Riaz (captain), Arsal Sheikh, Farhan Ali, Farman Ullah, Hammad Siddique, Hamza Waheed, Haris Rauf, Kaleem Dil, Rizwan Ali, Musa Khan, Naseerullah, Shahbaz Khan, Shayan Sheikh, Umair and Umar Nawaz

Karachi Blues ;

Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (captain), Aarish Ali Khan, Ahsan Ali, Fahad Amin, Jahanzaib Sultan, Maaz Khurram Amin, Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Raza Chandio, Muhammad Taha, Muhammad Usman Rahim, Rameez Aziz, Rehman Ghani, Syed Shah Raza, Wajah Riaz and Zeeshan Zameer

Larkana ;

Zahid Mehmood (captain), Aamir Ali Taheem, Ali Asghar, Asif Chandio, Ghulam Raza, Malhar Rasool, Mohsin Raza, Muhammad Aqeel Danish, Muhammad Huzaifa, Mushtaq Ahmed, Sabit Ali Siyal, Saqlain Nawaz Rajput, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shahzaib Aziz and Zahid Hussain

Quetta ;

Jalat Khan (captain), Abdul Hameed, Abdul Hanan, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Bismillah Khan, Bohair Aman, Haseebullah, Jahangir Shah, Khalil Ahmed, Muhammad Ibrahim, Muhammad Idrees, Muhammad Junaid, Najeed Ullah, Salahuddin and Yasir Khan

Rawalpindi ; 

Haider Ali (captain), Abdul Faseeh, Abdul Qadir, Ali Husnain, Jahandad Khan, Kashif Ali, M Faizan, Mehran Mumtaz, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Nabeel, Nasir Nawaz, Shahbaz Tabrez, Taimur Khan, Yasir Khan and Zeeshan Malik

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Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board has conducted successful Team Auction of the Multan Franchise with Walee Technologies acquiring it for a record PKR 245 crore here at the Expo Centre, Lahore on Monday evening.

The Auction was officially started by Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi after CEO PSL Salman Naseer shared his thoughts regarding the sale and the journey of the HBL Pakistan Super League as it enters the New Era.

A total of five technically qualified bidders comprising the victorious Walee Technologies, Aim Next, Particle Igniter, CD Ventures and DSM took part in the fiercely competitive Team Auction.

A base price of PKR 182 crore was set for the Franchise after which the parties took on each other in only round of bids. Walee Technologies led by their CEO Ahsan Tahir made the successful bid of PKR 245 crore, which is the highest figure among all the eight HBL PSL franchises.

Chairman PCB, Mohsin Naqvi

“I congratulate Walee Technologies for acquiring the franchise with a record figure and I appreciate the other participating bidders as well for their keen interest in the HBL PSL.

“The fair and transparent team Auction has set new records and I’m sure the league will continue to grow at the same pace. The evident trust of various stakeholders going into the 11th season has increased the stature of the HBL PSL manifold.

“As the lineup of all eight franchise owners is completed, I want to assure our fans that the upcoming season of HBL PSL will be unprecedented in terms of reach, growth and entertainment.”

CEO PSL, Salman Naseer

“The HBL PSL stands proud and tall today given the kind of bids made in this Auction and we welcome Walee Technologies to the HBL PSL family. This also showcases the immense commercial and financial potential of the league after a 10-year long journey. There cannot be a better time to be entering the New Era. Over to the historic HBL PSL Players Auction now.”

CEO Walee Technologies, Ahsan Tahir:

“We are delighted to have become a part of the HBL PSL family and it feels great to be contributing towards the growth of Pakistan Cricket. We are thankful and extend our felicitations to the Chairman PCB and the HBL PSL team for successful conduct of this event.

“The journey ahead is going to be highly exciting in the coming weeks, months and years as we will continue to amaze our fans with various developments.”

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Champions Trophy: COOPCB Sameer Ahmed appointed tournament director

Islamabad, 21 November 2024: Nawaz Gohar

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Sumair Ahmad Syed, Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, as the Tournament Director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan.

PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi:

“Sumair is an exceptionally organised professional with a wealth of administrative expertise. Coupled with his unwavering passion for cricket, I am confident he will deliver an unforgettable ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for players, officials and fans alike.

“The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events, welcoming players and fans from around the globe to experience the country’s passion for the game and renowned hospitality.

“This tournament marks a historic milestone as the biggest sporting event in Pakistan’s recent history. With Sumair leading the way, the global cricket community can rest assured that the event will meet the highest standards of excellence synonymous with Pakistan.”

Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed:

“I am deeply honored and excited to take on this significant responsibility for a tournament that holds immense importance for the Pakistan Cricket Board, our fans and supporters. Preparations are already well underway, with stadium upgrades nearing completion and crucial discussions ongoing with the International Cricket Council.

“Our experienced events team, which has successfully planned and executed nine multi-team HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, including last five in Pakistan, will play a vital role in ensuring the tournament’s success.

“I am committed to working closely with them as well as the International Cricket Council, leaving no stone unturned to exceed the benchmarks set by previous ICC Champions Trophy editions.”

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South Africa’s highly-rated wrist spinner Imran Tahir and New Zealand’s T20 specialist Colin Munro were today confirmed as team mentors for the first of its kind six-team Pakistan Junior League, which will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium from 4-17 October.

Imran and Munro have joined Daren Sammy, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik who were last month named as mentors. The appointment of the sixth team mentor will be announced in due course. After the team naming rights have been confirmed, these celebrated former international stars will be allocated sides.

Javed Miandad will be involved in the tournament as an overall mentor, assisting the mentors of the six sides and the players during the tournament.

Imran played for Pakistan in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 1998 before moving to South Africa in 2005 and making his international debut for the Proteas in 2011. The wrist spinner played in 20 Tests, 107 ODIs and 38 T20Is, taking 57, 173 and 63 wickets, respectively. In the HBL PSL, he has represented Multan Sultans (2018, and 2020 to date).

Munro struck three T20I centuries and 11 half-centuries, including a 14-ball 50 against Sri Lanka, in a 65-match career with New Zealand. The hard-hitting batter also played in 57 ODIs, scoring 1,271 runs. The 35-year-old represented Karachi Kings in the 2019 HBL PSL, while he has been on Islamabad United’s roster since 2020.

Imran Tahir: “Returning to Lahore for the Pakistan Junior League in a team mentor’s role is one of my most satisfying achievements as I still owe a lot to my country of birth. This is an exciting opportunity to work with emerging slow bowlers and help them develop and flourish so that they have a chance to emulate the great spinners this country has produced.

“I am fully behind the philosophy of Pakistan Junior League as this creates a tough and challenging environment for the players with high expectations, and only those who will clear this scale will go leaps and bounds in their careers. With the amount of international cricket being played, this event will help Pakistan to amplify their pool of players, which, in turn, will increase playing opportunities and earning the prized national cap.”

Colin Munro: “I am excited to be part of the inaugural Pakistan Junior League, which I believe will be a game-changer for Pakistan cricket. Investing in youngsters, securing the future of the game and ensuring the national side continues to move in an upward direction should be the objectives of all administrators and I think the PCB has taken a lead here by launching this tournament, which will expose the young talent to the rigours and demands of top-level cricket and help Pakistan in the longer run.

“Working with youngsters, sharing knowledge and helping them grow in their careers is something that interests and excites me, and I am really looking forward to being a part of the Pakistan Junior League. Having seen firsthand experienced the tremendous talent at the HBL Pakistan Super League, I have no doubts the Pakistan Junior league will produce future champions of world cricket.”

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Since its inception in 2016, the HBL Pakistan Super League has proved to be a brilliant platform for the cricketers from around the world to ply their trade.

The foreign contingent of cricketers in successive HBL PSL seasons have made no secret of their admiration for the young local talent and, since the league’s homecoming in 2020, they have thoroughly enjoyed the Pakistani culture. After spending time in the country and witnessing the hospitality of the nation, these foreigners have emerged as Pakistan’s ambassadors.

The upcoming HBL PSL 7, which kicks off at the National Stadium on Thursday, will serve as another avenue for cricketers from around the world to explore Pakistani cuisine, music and other cultural aspects with the first 14 matches in Karachi and the last 19 games in Lahore.

And, they are excited at the prospect.

Johnson Charles: “I am very excited to be touring Pakistan. It will be my second time in Pakistan and I am looking forward to sampling the cuisine and seeing the culture.

“I am extremely excited to be afforded another opportunity to represent Multan Sultans and looking forward to do great things for them. It is a great feeling to be joining my teammates and I am looking forward to beating some of them in Fifa.”

Alex Hales: “The HBL PSL is a really high quality league. The quality of local players, especially bowlers, is really high and it makes the league extremely competitive. In this league, you do not know which four teams will qualify until the very last day and that makes it even more exciting.

“I am looking forward to joining Islamabad United again in this HBL PSL. I played my first HBL PSL match in Pakistan for Islamabad United back in HBL PSL 4. Conditions in Pakistan are really good, and I enjoy the ball coming on to the bat. These are very different conditions to other Asian venues.

Rilee Rossouw: “I have great memories of playing in the HBL PSL. Every year, I have had great teammates, and hopefully this time will not be different. It is one of the highly competitive tournaments and it is very close to my heart.

“It is special to get the opportunity to defend the title and to be in the same dressing room. It is a challenge I am looking forward to and I am really looking forward to this season. We have got a fantastic bunch of cricketers, led by a very good leader.

Chris Jordan: “The HBL Pakistan Super League is one of the most competitive leagues around and it is always a pleasure being involved. I am excited to be back with Karachi Kings. It is a great bunch and the last time we were together, we won it all. I am looking forward to another great showing and being able to do my part in getting back to the top.”

Colin Munro: “I am looking forward to another season in Pakistan. HBL PSL in Pakistan is special. The fans are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable in cricket. I always enjoy playing in Pakistan conditions, the pitches are good, the atmosphere is amazing and above all the hospitality is unmatched.

“I absolutely love playing for Islamabad United. The team truly is built like a family and it is one of the best dressing rooms I have been a part of. We have a good mixture of overseas pros and young Pakistani talent, and Shadab Khan is a wonderful captain to play under. His understanding of the game is second to none. The way he takes care of youngsters is exemplary. One of the roles I play with younger guys is to mentor them and teach them about pressures of league and international cricket.”

Lewis Gregory: “I have liked being a part of the HBL PSL in the past. You see some real talent being showcased. I am looking forward to being part of the Karachi Kings family now, getting to know the crew, and going deep into the season and making memories.”

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