Thousands take to social media to condole lonely Qamar Ahmed’s demise

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

There is hardly element of surprise at watching thousands of people from different walks of life to take to social media to express their condolences immediately after learning about the death of veteran cricket journalist, Qamar Ahmed, at Karachi on June 18 because it has become more of a fashion these days to avail such opportunities for self-projection. 

Only a handful of persons among the self-proclaimed mourners seem to be aware, however, about the loneliness the man had endured at the tail end of his life. This is yet another unhealthy trend or a new normal whereby the deceased persons are showered with unstinted praise after their departure after being ignored in lifetime. 

Iqbal Saleh Muhammad, Managing Director, Paramount Books, to my knowledge, was the closest friend of Qamar Ahmed in the final phase of his life as they kept in touch on a regular basis despite their preoccupations.Starting with a traditional author-publisher relationship in 2019, it had turned into a strong bonding over the last few years. 

Iqbal Bhai, as he is affectionately known in the circle of his friends and associates, was among the very few persons whom Qamar Ahmed revered in the truest sense of the word. As a matter of fact, both of them held each other in very high esteem. 

“I am obviously feeling heartbroken, having just lost a genuine friend. He was gem of a person, whom I found extremely caring and compassionate. In my book, he was a man of principles,” Iqbal Bhai remarked in choked voice during a brief chat with PNFS. 

“Yes, it is true that we had come across each other when he was searching for a publisher to bring out his autobiography. I had heard his name for a long time because of his cricket reporting but we started meeting only when he came to me with the manuscript. Sharing immense mutual respect for each other, we became personal friends rather quickly and now he has left this mortal world which has saddened all of us,” he observed. 

“I had also spoken to him a day before his death and he was still in high spirits as ever, having been discharged from the hospital. There was no despondency of any kind which could suggest that this was going to be our last conversation,” Iqbal Bhai added. 

Riaz Babar Khan, a London-based intellectual, who broke the news about the death of Qamar Ahmed, was also saddened and grieved. “Qamar Bhai was basically a happy-go-lucky kind of person who preferred to enjoy life after work in the company of his friends. I have fond memories of having shared long sessions with him whenever he returned to London,” he recalled while talking briefly to PNFS. 

“He was a thoroughbred professional, who travelled to various continents for the coverage of cricket matches, from England to Australia and New Zealand, and from Pakistan to the West Indies. He had impeccable knowledge about the game and he was regarded very highly in the media fraternity,” Riaz Babar declared.

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Radical, not cosmetic, changes needed to revive Pakistan cricket

By Naeem-ul-Haq in USA

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The ongoing cosmetic surgery in the Pakistan cricket set-up will hardly bring about any significant change. No matter whether they dismantle the selection committee, replace the coaching staff or remove the captain, it will serve little or no purpose. 

Complete overhauling of the system in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is the need of the hour, if the country has to restore the position it occupied in the past. 

Once the superpowers of the game, now Pakistan’s team has been languishing among the wooden spoonists in the recent past. It may be fair to say that the Pakistan cricket is at the lowest ebb at the moment. The team can lose to every Tom, Dick and Harry in any of the three formats. 

The consistency with which the national outfit has been blown away is mind-boggling to say the least. Therefore, mere change of personnel is not going to pay any dividends. Total revamping is required if Pakistan desires to regain the lost glories. 

Despite his preoccupations as the Home Minister, the PCB Chairman, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, must squeeze time for taking some bold decisions to arrest the decline. 

Instead of simply making a few changes in his team of advisors, he must go back to the drawing board to chalk out the plans for the revival of Pakistan cricket. He deserves an honest and dedicated team of professionals to execute his policies. 

Similarly, the PCB boss should refrain from making so many changes in the contract system because this is not the root-cause of the decline. He should concentrate on the areas which are going to strengthen the infrastructure to ensure top-class performance. 

Going back to the basics, the PCB should revive club cricket besides facilitating school and college cricket. We must not ignore the fact that the nurseries must be allowed to flourish at all times. 

Then, the PCB should reintroduce two-day matches at the Under-17 level and three-day fixtures at the Under-19 level to let the youngsters learn and practice the art of playing longer format of the game. The batsmen should be taught and encouraged to bat with proper technique for building their innings. It is very important for the batsmen to be well versed in playing big innings. 

Additionally, the pitches in the first-class tournaments should be batting friendly ones where batsmen are able to play long innings. The grounds for national events should be having all the desired facilities which are found in international matches. 

The first-class matches should be of four-day duration whereby allowing the batsmen as well as the bowlers full opportunity to demonstrate their respective skills. 

We do have enormous amount of raw talent in the country but there are not the right kind of environment to let them graduate to the next level with confidence. 

The PCB must take these concrete measures for the revival of Pakistan cricket and the focus should be on improving the infrastructure for domestic tournaments, particularly the first-class events. These are the basic necessities which cannot be avoided if we have to stay competitive.

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Younis Khan should get befitting respect, recognition

By Naeem-ul-Haq in USA

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Isn’t it strange that Younis Khan, one of the greatest-ever cricketers to be produced by Pakistan, has yet not been accorded the kind of respect and recognition he deserves for earning so much glories for the country? 

Doesn’t he merit the same degree of admiration for winning the World Cup like the one granted to the other captain for bringing home the trophy? 

Honestly speaking, Younis has not been fairly treated by the powers that be despite his incredible performances. Yes, he was the skipper of the team when Pakistan emerged triumphant in the ICC T20 World Cup in England during the summer of 2009. 

That’s the only time the country has won the T20I title since its inception in 2007, which makes the conquest even more remarkable. 

Please also don’t forget that Younis has scored the highest number of runs as well as centuries for Pakistan in Test cricket. Do we need to be reminded that he is the only player in with five fourth-innings Test centuries which is a world record. 

He scored as many as half a dozen six Test double centuries, which are joint-most for the country with the great Javed Miandad. 

Let us also not lose sight of the fact that he remains the only Pakistani batsman to score centuries against all nine other Test nations. He also holds records for most century partnerships for Pakistan. 

He has fourth-highest conversion rate from 50 to 100 among the batsmen having scored 20 or more centuries. Don’t also overlook the incredible feat of scoring as many as 11 centuries after having turned 35. He became the first Pakistani cricketer with 100 Test catches, also holding the record for most catches by a substitute fielder. 

His record in One-day Internationals is no less impressive despite the fact that he was used as a floater in the batting order during his first 90 matches whereby he was sent into bat at different positions with limited number of balls left to be negotiated. 

Younis was not allowed to bat at a particular position for a long time, which amounted to injustice with his talents. He could have been much more useful for the team if he was not victimized in the early part of his ODI career. Yet, when he got the chance, he proved his critics and detractors absolutely wrong. 

He amassed 7,249 runs in 265 ODIs with seven centuries and 48 half-centuries besides plucking 135 catches. His strike rate of 75.29 was as good as any other leading contemporary batter. 

Needless to say, he was a team man to the core, who never cared for his personal record or individual glory. He was a selfless person in the truest sense of the word. That’s why he sacrificed his wicket on innumerable occasions for the sake of the team, not caring for his batting average or anything like that. 

That’s how he was dismissed in 80s and 90s on quite a few times. He could have scored many more centuries if he thought of himself which he never did. Yet, he was criticized occasionally for not producing the goods, which was grossly unfair. 

Younis has a history of having absorbed the pressures of all kinds. Today, although he never admits, but he must be wondering why he has not been given the importance he so richly deserves. It would be in national interest if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) assigns him the task of picking and grooming raw cricketers, something Rahul Dravid did so successfully for India in the recent past.

Isn't it sad that despite having an illustrious career free from any scandals or controversies, he has yet not been offered a decent job by the PCB whereas those with tainted reputation have been allowed to run the show with their engagement at key positions?

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Sarfraz Nawaz condoles Wazir Mohammad’s death

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan’s former Test fast bowler, Sarfraz Nawaz, acclaimed as the inventor of reverse swing, has condoled the death Wazir Mohammad, the eldest of the legendary Mohammad brothers, who passed away at the age of 95 in England on October 13. 

“I had known Wazir bhai for a long time. He was a very decent guy, who possessed incredible knowledge about the game of cricket. It was always a pleasure meeting and talking to him,” Sarfraz, who has also relocated in England, remarked in a brief conversation with PNFS. 

“He was talked about as a cricketer of immense value who gave his best for the country in the early days of Pakistan cricket. He may not have scored as many runs in Tests as his three other illustrious brothers, Hanif, Mushtaq and Sadiq, but he was revered by his contemporaries, including his great captain, Abdul Hafeez Kardar,” Sarfraz recalled. 

Wazir had made his Test debut in the third match of the 1952-53 series against India. He forced his way into the playing eleven at the strength of a match-saving unbeaten 104 in the tour game against West Zone in Ahmedabad. 

His Test record of scoring 801 runs at an average of 27.62 was indeed modest but he derived a great sense of pride for having made vital contributions in many of Pakistan's first Test victories. 

His knock of 42 in the second innings of the Oval Test of 1954 was Pakistan's highest in the closely-fought encounter which became famous by the match-winning spells of Fazal Mahmood. 

His century partnership with Kardar was the highest in Pakistan’s maiden victory over Australia at National Stadium, Karachi in 1956. Similarly, his innings of 189 was also the highest of the match when Pakistan registered first-ever win over the West Indies in 1957-58.

Wazir was the eldest among the Mohammad Brothers, who have played monumental role in Pakistan cricket right from its formative years. Raees did not play Test cricket but Hanif, Mushtaq and Sadiq represented the country with distinction for a number of years.

Sarfraz played international cricket with the trio of Hanif, Mushtaq and Sadiq. In fact, he and Mushtaq also played together for the county of Northamptonshire for a long time during summers in England.

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Sarfaraz Nawaz greets Zaka Ashraf with sumptuous dinner

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Chaudhry Muhammad Zaka Ashraf has left a legacy of sorts as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the years. 

Although none of his three tenures were allowed to go to the full distance for different reasons, yet he proved his mettle as an administrator par excellence in the whatever period he led the cricket affairs of the country. 

Recently, he undertook a visit of the United Kingdom (UK) and squeezed some time out of his typically packed schedule to have a session with Sarfaraz Nawaz, one of the greatest-ever fast bowlers produced by the country, for whom he has had tremendous respect for a long time. 

As all his friends, and even foes, know very well that Sarfaraz is blessed with a big heart who still believes in traditions of hospitality. Therefore, instead of just arranging a simple meeting, he threw a party for the former PCB chief to make it quite a memorable occasion. 

All along his career and after hanging his boots, Sarfaraz has been a man who’s never afraid to call a spade a spade. Always believing in letting his work to do the talking, instead of mobilizing support from one lobby or the other, he played cricket on his terms and gave more than hundred percent for the cause of the team every time he took the field. 

Globally acclaimed as the inventor of reverse swing, he helped Pakistan win innumerable matches. He was a real fighter, who rescued the team from crisis with his standout efforts. 

Who will ever forget his sensational spell at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1979 when all had seemed lost for Pakistan and skipper Mushtaq Mohammad was looking towards heavens to find out if there were threatening clouds overhead to force an abrupt end to the game! Yes, he captured seven wickets for just one run to turn it around decisively in an amazing display of swing bowling. 

Sarfaraz also hit headlines with his bold moves off the field which didn’t use to go well with the cricket bosses. He didn’t enjoy particularly good relationships with the functionaries of the board and, in a few instances, there were loud disagreements leading to controversies. 

But one cricket administrator who seems to have moved along most cordially with him is none other than the extremely polite and humble Zaka Ashraf, who is also a very sensible person. 

An alumnus of Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur, and Cadet College Petaro, where I also had the privilege of studying, Zaka Ashraf was first appointed as the PCB Chairman in October 2011. 

A court order in 2013 stopped him from performing his duties on the grounds that the process of his election was not transparent but the same court reinstated him in January 2014. His tenure was cut short again due to changes brought about in the PCB constitution. 

Zaka Ashraf was reappointed as the PCB Chairman once more in July 2023 but he resigned from his position only a few months later. It’s indeed a pity that he never got a full tenure which could have been of immense benefit to the Pakistan cricket affairs.

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Anwar-ul-Haq considers Dr Waqar Masood most suitable for helming PCB

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Anwar-ul-Haq, a former cricketer turned commentator and analyst, strongly reckons that Dr Waqar Masood Khan, an eminent economist with wide-ranging experience of both public and private sectors, is the most suitable person to head the affairs of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

In an exclusive session with PNFS recently, Anwar, who was one of the most prolific opening batsmen in the country for a long time, felt that the game of cricket in Pakistan will benefit greatly if Dr Waqar was tasked with the responsibility of leading the PCB. 

It may be recalled that Dr Waqar had retired from government service in 2017 while he was appointed as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) in 2020. He was also given a mandate to raise maximum revenue as part of compliance to the IMF programme. 

Having done PhD in Economics and Masters in Political Economy from Boston University Massachusetts, United States, and Masters in Economics and LLB from the University of Karachi, he was accorded the status of a Minister of State, being assigned to carry out reforms within the tax machinery. 

Dr Waqar had earlier served as the Federal Secretary in Finance Division, prior to holding several prestigious positions in the Federal Government including Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary Finance Division, and Secretary Economic Affairs Division. 

As Anwar has pointed out, Dr Waqar, hailing from a sporting family, has a rich background of playing cricket as well which made could enable him to understand and manage the affairs of the game much better than those bureaucrats and politicians without such first-hand experience. 

Indeed, the Pakistan cricket affairs have not been managed properly in those times when its helmsmen have remained engaged in preoccupations leaving the ground open for conspiracies and mischiefs by people entrusted with the responsibilities in good faith. 

A full-time administrator, well versed with sound knowledge and experience of cricket as well as management aspects, is more likely to come good rather than those doing it with limited or negligible time at their disposal. 

Anwar’s recommendations do make sense and the Pakistan cricket stands a better chance of redeeming itself if Dr Waqar, having proven track record besides clean reputation, was brought in as the new boss. He could turn it around, if allowed the powers to do so.

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Cricket legends Sarfaraz Nawaz, Zaheer Abbas celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day together in London

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The lion-hearted Sarfaraz Nawaz is a friend of friends. The ‘declared’ inventor of reverse swing in cricket is a man of ideas. 

He was credited to have worked out innovative plans to get the batsmen out on the most lifeless of tracks back home where even the most sensational fast bowlers like Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson had struggled to take a wicket or two. 

Blessed with a golden heart, the Big Saif, as he is affectionately called in his circle of friends, has preferred to lead life on his terms more often than not. Never afraid to call a spade a spade, he has also paid the price for his candidness occasionally. 

One of his contemporaries, Zaheer Abbas, titled Asian Bradman at the strength of his heroics with the bat, is currently in England and Sarfaraz invited him to celebrate Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day at his London residence in the company of a few close friends. 

It was in the fitness of things that two of Pakistan’s living legends, Sarfaraz Nawaz and Zaheer Abbas, celebrated together the Independence Day of their beloved homeland even when living thousands of miles or kilometres away. 

Sarfaraz hosted the sumptuous luncheon party with the usual generosity and taste. Not surprisingly, desi dishes outnumbered the UK or European cuisine as both these legendary cricketers are known for their appetite for the delicious Pakistani food. 

The Managing Director of a top French bank and a renowned banker from Pakistan, Zahid Munir, was also present on the occasion as they shared matters of common interest. 

Although, primarily a reunion of old buddies, the luncheon party did also serve the purpose of sending positive vibes. The celebration of Independence Day reflected the patriotism of the cricket legends for their homeland even while living abroad.

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Non-presence of hosts PCB at CT presentation ceremony astonishing

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan were the hosts of 9th edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with the majority of its matches were staged at the three major venues of the country, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited and hosted the top officials of the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the course of the tournament. The Vice of President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, also came over to Lahore to watch one of the matches. 

It was astonishing, however, not to find any representative of the PCB at the podium during the glamorous presentation ceremony of the Champions Trophy, soon after the conclusion of the final between India and New Zealand, in Dubai on March 9. 

The ICC Chairman, Jay Shah, dominated the proceedings alongwith the BCCI President, Roger Binny. 

It was also noted that the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, was not present on the occasion. According to reports, the PCB Chief Executive, Sumair Ahmed, was available at Dubai International Cricket Stadium but he was not invited at the podium. 

The experts as well as cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan could not comprehend the reasons of the non-presence of the hosts at the podium during the presentation ceremony. It could not be ascertained whether this was done by mutual understanding or not. 

Pakistan’s speed merchant, Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the Rawalpindi Express, also expressed his surprise at not finding the presence of any PCB official at the podium, despite being the hosts.

Earlier during the India-Bangladesh match in Dubai, the name of hosts was found missing. The ICC officials regretted the mistake when the matter was taken up by the PCB.

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Pakistan cricket needs to look beyond privileged group of former players

By Naeem-ul-Haq in USA

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan have crashed out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 well before the start of the knockout phase of the tournament. Isn’t it shameful and disgraceful to perform so poorly at home? Was there any element of shock or even surprise in their early ouster from yet another major global event? 

For those who are well versed with the dynamics of Pakistan cricket, there was hardly any astonishment in the outcome. As a matter of fact, the kind of squad they had selected for the first-ever ICC tournament being staged in the country after 29 years, you didn’t need to be an expert to comprehend what was in store. 

Entering the mega event with just a solitary specialist spinner, whereas others had assembled hordes of slow bowlers, was nothing short of suicide or stupidity. It was evident that merit had been brutally compromised and quite a few talented players were dropped for inducting those who carried recommendations from influential persons. 

While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) succeeded in finding resources for renovating cricket stadiums in Karachi and Lahore, at whatever costs, they probably didn’t get the time to turn their efforts in ensuring the formation of a squad which was competitive in the field to say the least. 

It is nothing new really because, in the recent past, the PCB has been held hostage by a group of former cricketers who continue to call the shots at their own whims. 

For the last 15 to 20 years, the Pakistan cricket administration has revolved around the likes of Wasim Akram, Rameez Raja, Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed, Shahid Aslam, Ijaz Ahmed, Aqib Javed, Haroon Rasheed, Mansoor Rana, Intikhab Alam, Iqbal Qasim and a few years. Directly or indirectly, these guys have been running the show in accordance to their own preferences and priorities. 

The heads of the PCB have kept changing, but these former cricketers have had the clout to find their way in the management by hook or by crook. That’s why there is a consistency in intrigues and politicking all along. 

Why don’t the PCB helmsmen turn to people of credibility and proven track record like Aamir Sohail, Jalaluddin, Younis Khan, Rashid Latif and Saeed Anwar? Why don’t we get to see these worthy gentlemen, who served the cause of the game with distinction, in the PCB administration? 

Instead of incorporating cosmetic changes, the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, should immediately look beyond those who have encircled him to fulfill their own agendas. He should sideline the likes of Wahab Riaz, Aqib Javed, Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq whose controversial policies have hurt the interests of Pakistan cricket. 

Misbah and Waqar were chiefly responsible for orchestrating the conspiracy against Sarfaraz Ahmed, undoubtedly the most successful of all the Pakistani captains in the recent past. They were guilty of indulging in petty politics to remove Sarfaraz from the scene and hand over the leadership of the team to the quartet of Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan. Together, they have destroyed Pakistan cricket. 

Well, the immediate remedy in my opinion is to take Younis Khan the great on board. He is one person who should be entrusted with the task of building youth cricket. 

He has the rare ability to groom and develop the kind of modern-day cricketers who can graduate to the next level. He can easily contribute to Pakistan cricket what Rahul Dravid did to Indian cricket. 

The PCB will be advised to induct only those former cricketers in the set-up who have had clean record in the past and they are not greedy. Handpicking those with dubious character record may not serve purpose even if they enjoyed some success in the field during their playing days.

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Pakistan-Bangladesh tie also washed out in Champions Trophy

By Ehsan Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

It may not be possible to figure which of the teams, Pakistan or Bangladesh, were happier at the abandonment of game in Rawalpindi due to persistent rain on February 27. 

Apparently, both teams could have felt equally relieved at the outcome because they had already been knocked out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after having lost their first couple of matches. 

The cricket fans were obviously anxious to see some action at the ground and that was not to be. It was the successive game at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to have been washed out without a ball bowled. Earlier, the much-awaited fixture between Australia and South Africa had also met with similar fate. 

In both the abandoned games, there were hopes for the rain to subside leading to shortened contests. The spectators were left to wait in the rain until the official announcement which obviously caused disappointment for them. 

Unlike Australia and South Africa, both of whom are thought to be among the frontrunners to annex the title, Pakistan and Bangladesh had nightmarish run in the event and neither of them gained any point from their first games.

The washed-out encounter allowed them to open their account in the Group A but a solitary each was of little or no use. Because of the inferior run-rate, the hosts and the defending champions, Pakistan (-1.087) were relegated to the last position in the points table, just behind Bangladesh (-0.443) who finished third despite having same number of points. 

India and New Zealand have already booked their spots in the semifinals and the result of their league fixture on March 2 will determine the group champion. 

It is the third successive ICC tournament in which Pakistan failed to go beyond the first round following the exit in the 50-over ODI World Cup in 2023, followed by the debacle in the T20 World Cup last year.

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King Kohli’s unbeaten century puts hosts Pakistan at brink in Champions Trophy

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Star batter Virat Kohli shattered Pakistan's dreams and his spectacular unconquered century powered India to a comfortable six-wicket victory over the holders and hosts in the crucial league encounter of the 9th edition of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the packed Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. 

The mercurial Kohli finished the match with his seventh boundary which brought up his 100 off 111 balls. It was his 51st ODI century as it enabled India to win the match comfortably in the end with as many as 6.3 overs to spare. Pakistan were earlier bowled out for a modest 241 with three balls of 50 overs remaining. 

King Kohli, appearing in total command of the situation, added 104 for third wicket with Shreyas Iyer after India lost openers Rohit Sharma (20) and Shubman Gill (46). 

It was a historic match Kohli who reached the milestone of 14,000 ODI runs in the least number of innings when he drove fiery fast bowler Haris Rauf through the covers for four. Earlier, he completed 158 ODI catches, the most by an Indian. The Sri Lankan batter Mahela Jayawardene holds the world record with 218 catches. 

Skipper Sharma perished after making quick 20 as he was castled by Shaheen Shah Afridi with a swinging delivery after hitting a massive six and three fours. The in-form Gill was very aggressive against Shaheen, whom he hammered for 33 runs off 25 balls. 

Pakistan made an encouraging start after electing to bat first. Imam-ul-Haq. who came into team for the injured Fakhar Zaman, and Babar Azam gave the greenshirts 41-run opening stand. 

Both of them were cautious in the beginning but Babar opened up and played some lovely strokes. He struck pacer Hardik Pandya for a lovely cover drive. Trying to repeat it on the next ball, he edged it to keeper KL Rahul, much to the disappointment of Pakistan supporters. He slammed five boundaries in his 23 off 26 balls. 

Before Pakistan could recover from the Babar setback, his opening partner Imam needlessly ran himself out as a direct throw by Axar Patel from mid-on found him short of the crease. Pakistan slumped to 47 for two in with four balls of power play left. 

Captain Muhammad Rizwan joined Saud Shakeel and they steadied the innings. They added 50 runs for third wicket in 91 balls but the boundary draught didn't help the Pakistan cause. At one stage, Rizwan and Saud were unable to hit a boundary for 31 balls. 

Saud broke the shackles but they struggled to find the boundary for another 38 balls. After remaining in a defensive mould, left-handed Saud hammered back-to-back fours off Patel. 

Rizwan and Saud added 104 runs for the third wicket in 23.2 overs to raise hopes of posting a competitive total. But Rizwan, when looking in his groove, was bowled by Patel with lovely delivery which crashed into the stumps in 34th over. Rizwan cracked three fours in his cautious 46 off 77 balls. 

Pakistan lost three quick wickets as Rizwan, Saud and Tayyab Tahir perished inside 20 balls to leave them precariously placed at 165 for five at the start of 36th over. 

Saud, looking on course of a real big knock, was accounted by Pandya, who bowled superbly, for 63 off 76 balls and his innings was laced with five fours. 

Tayyab had no clue to a delivery from veteran left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah shared 35 runs for the sixth wicket before Jadeja took a well-judged catch of Salman off Kuldeep Yadav to end his 24-ball effort. He made 19 without hitting a boundary. 

Later, it was Khushdil Shah, another left-hander, who made 38 off 39 balls which allowed Pakistan to reach 241 before being bowled out after they had crashed to 205 for seven. 

Overall, Pakistan played 147 dot balls against India after having remained scoreless for 161 balls in the previous game against New Zealand in Karachi. 

The inability to rotate strike, particularly in the middle overs, cost them both the matches and put them at the brink of elimination from the tournament.

The Indian bowling, as expected, hardly gave away any easy runs except for the opening over when spearhead Mohammad Shami sprayed the ball in different directions and he was guilty of sending down five wides.

Even Shami regained control in his following overs and was hard to get away. Pandya supported the new-ball operators by claiming two crucial wickets while the spin trio of Patel, Jadeja and Yadav sustained the pressure with their tight spells. 

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Pakistan clash with India in do-or-die Champions Trophy duel at Dubai

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services) 

Hosts and defending champions Pakistan clash with arch adversary, India, in a do-or-die Champions Trophy’s biggest tie at the Dubai International Stadium on February 23. This is a huge match for Pakistan to salvage their pride and for millions of their supporters looking at them after their dismal opening match against New Zealand at National Stadium, Karachi. 

However, for achieving their goals and objectives, Muhammad Rizwan’s green shirts outfit must come up with an outstanding performance in all three areas of the game-batting, bowling and fielding. Pakistan’s recent record against India in both 50 overs Asia Cup and World Cup is bleak. 

Unfortunately, Pakistan’s performance in the tri-series at home was also far from encouraging. In Champions Trophy, however, Pakistan have enjoyed slight edge over India with 3-2 record. There was a hope of revival when Pakistan whipped South Africa in the tri-series league match. 

The Proteas entered the game without a few of their star performers but the manner in which Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha notched-up amazing centuries and shared a record 260-run fourth wicket stand to engineer a comfortable victory in the do-or-die fixture gladdened many hearts. 

Can they replicate their heroics against India, who possess a formidable batting line-up and equally potent bowling attack? The Indo-Pak encounters have had a history of creating additional pressures for both sides. Will it yet another nervy games and India choke against all odds? The cricket fans will get the answers on what is expected to be a thrilling Sunday for them. 

While Pakistan lost heavily to New Zealand in the opening game, the Indians, in sharp contrast, made a grand start by hammering Bangladesh with fast bowler Muhammad Shami snapping up five wickets and opener Shubman Gill cracking a brilliant unbeaten century. 

It was impressive display by India despite their missing their most sought-after bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. Shami filled his place admirably well after returning from injury which kept him out of business for over a year. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may not be at their most fluent at the moment but both of them have the credentials to play match-winning knocks.

KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Gill are in great form and raring to go. Down the order, they have all-rounders who can be very explosive with the bat. The spin quintet of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and new sensation Varun Chakaravarty can pose threat to Pakistan’s inconsistent batting line-up. They may field three of these five spinners in the playing eleven. 

The Indians, having almost all bases covered, definitely have an edge over the hosts after having whitewashed England in the recent ODI series at home. After losing rising opener Saim Ayub a few weeks ago, Pakistan got another big blow in the opening match when attacking opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the event due to reoccurrence of injury. Imam-ul-Haq has been drafted in his place. Fakhar could have been good psychological impact on the India team which is gone now. 

The Pakistan batters facing criticism of experts and public after slow batting against New Zealand. Rizwan and Salman will have to accept the challenge against the Indian bowlers. 

How Babar Azam bats, slow or fast, could determine the fate of the match. If he anchors Pakistan innings deep it can benefit team in building a good total if the hitters do their job around him. The Indians must be aware of the threats they face in the shape of Babar, Salman and Rizwan. 

Pakistan’s fiery bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf have the opportunity to make amends of their indifferent performance in the recent matches. If they can cause dents with early Indian wickets, the match can go either way. 

The one area where Pakistan is disadvantaged clearly is spin bowling. With Abrar Ahmed being the only specialist spinner in the squad, they could struggle in maintaining control through part-timers.

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Imam-ul-Haq approved as replacement for Fakhar Zaman in Pakistan squad

By Ehsan Qureshi at National Stadium, Karachi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Event Technical Committee of the 9th ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Imam-ul-Haq as a replacement for Fakhar Zaman in the Pakistan squad. The 29-year-old Imam, who has played 72 ODIs, was named as a replacement after Fakhar got ruled out due to an oblique injury. 

The left-handed Fakhar, after having exhibited attacking instincts in the tri-series, which preceded the Champions Trophy, was seriously injured when he chased down a drive in the very first over of the opening game against New Zealand on February 19. 

He saved the boundary but the injury forced him to leave the field. He came into bat down the order, at number four, because of having spent time in the dressing room which prevented him from taking up the usual position of an opener. 

He could be felt in obvious discomfort while executing aggressive shots and his future in the tournament seemed in jeopardy while watching him bat. Fakhar has now been replaced officially and his position has been taken by Imam, also a left-handed opening batsman. 

The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager-Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Senior Manager-Events), Usman Wahla (PCB Director-International Cricket Operations) and Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative).

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Young, Latham blast centuries as New Zealand whip Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy curtain-raiser

By Ehsan Qureshi at National Stadium, Karachi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The duo of opener Will Young and wicketkeeper Tom Latham blasted superb centuries as New Zealand whipped defending champions Pakistan by 60 runs in the curtain-raiser match of the 9th ICC Champions Trophy Cricket Tournament at National Stadium, Karachi, on February 19. 

Chasing 321 for victory, Pakistan was bowled out 260 in 47.2 overs much to dismay and disappointment of a crowd, estimated to be in the excess of 25,000, and millions of their supporters around the globe. 

Khushdil Shah top-scored with 69 off 49 balls with ten sizzling boundaries and a six. Babar Azam made steady 64 off 90 balls with the aid of half dozen boundaries and a six. Fast bowler Will O’Rourke and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner captured three wickets each to devastate the Pakistan batting. 

Opener Young returned to top form with a spectacular 107 while left-handed Latham slammed unbeaten 118 to lead Kiwis to a commanding total at the new-look National Stadium. 

This was Muhammad Rizwan-led Pakistan’s third successive defeat against New Zealand over the last few days, after suffering a couple of defeats in the tri-series league round and final. 

The visitors were in a spot of bother at 73 for three in the 17th over after losing top batters Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10) cheaply. But Young and Latham retrieved the situation by adding 118 runs for the third wicket. 

Latham, having returned to form after being dismissed for consecutive ducks in the tri-series league matches, clubbed ten boundaries and three sixes in his 104-ball knock. With Glenn Philips, he plundered 125 runs off mere 74 balls. Philips, extending his brilliant run, smashed a brutal 61 off 39 balls with three fours and four sixes. 

First, Young and Latham and later Latham and Philips went on a rampage against the pace duo of Shaheeen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf as Blackcaps scored 113 runs in last 10 overs and 64 in last five with Pakistan’s death bowling worries continuing unabated. 

Haris, who conceded 44 runs in his first two spells, was punished badly by Latham and Philips, who hammered him for 39 runs hoisting three sixes. 

The 32-year-old Young, who could muster only 28 runs in three innings of tri-series, defied the home bowlers with superb batting display. He reached his fifty in 56 balls with five boundaries and a six off Haris. 

Having accelerated the rate of scoring with Latham with lovely stroke-play, he reached the coveted three-figure mark by pushing Abrar Ahmed for a single. 

After earning the distinction of scoring the first century of the tournament, Young eventually departed when trying to lift Naseem Shah out of the ground as he was caught by substitute fielder Faheem Ashraf at fine-leg. He made 107 off 113 which included a dozen boundaries and six. This was his fourth hundred in ODIs. 

Young and Devon Conway gave Kiwis a promising start of 39 runs to neutralize the early assault of Shaheen and Haris with new ball. However, two wickets in five balls tilted the game towards Pakistan. 

Leg-spinner Abrar struck in his second over by cleaning Conway with a carrom ball to the delight of vociferous crowd. It was a big breakthrough for the hosts. The New Zealanders landed in deeper trouble when speedster Naseem Shah removed classy batter Williamson, who edged a beautiful outswinger to keeper Rizwan. 

Quite remarkably, it was for the first time since 2019 when the master batsman was removed before reaching double figures in ODIs. 

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss yet again and opted to bowl first in conditions which were nearly ideal for batting but the decision was prompted by the anticipated dew factor in the evening. Fast bowler Haris Rauf returned to the team after regaining fitness. He replaced Faheem Ashraf. Rachin Ravindra, however, was still not fit for New Zealand.

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President Asif Zardari graces opening ceremony of Champions Trophy at National Stadium; PAF aerial display stuns spectators

By Ehsan Qureshi at National Stadium, Karachi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, was the chief guest in the opening ceremony of the 9th ICC Champions Trophy Cricket Tournament at the National Stadium, Karachi, on February 19. The First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also accompanied the President. 

Upon arrival at the National Stadium, the dignitaries were received by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, who also happens to be the Federal Minister for Interior. 

The President and the First Lady, accompanied by former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, carried the Champions Trophy onto the field. President Asif Zardari met with the captains of the Pakistan and New Zealand cricket teams. Later, the President and the First Lady also watched the match between the two teams. 

The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy also witnessed a stunning aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), offering a tribute to the nation. 

The performance, led by the Sherdil team, spread the colours of the green and white flag across the skies, a magnificent representation of national pride. 

The Sherdil team, renowned for its professional expertise, demonstrated exceptional skills with their daring stunts, including the iconic Shaheen break manoeuvre. 

The breath-taking show, featuring JF-17s, F-16s, and the Sherdil Shaheens, set hearts racing and mesmerized the audience. 

The JF-17 Thunder aircraft also participated in the fly-past, which amplified the spectacle. This aircraft has been known for having proved its formidable capabilities in numerous international exercises.

The involvement of JF-17s in various air forces around the world is a testament to their operational excellence and combat readiness. The entire aerial display was a resounding demonstration of the Pakistan Air Force’s professionalism and the unwavering spirit of the nation.

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Massive challenges for Pakistan as they face injury-hit New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy opener

By Ehsan Qureshi at National Stadium, Karachi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Massive challenges await the defending champions, Pakistan, as they launch their campaign in 9th edition of the ICC Champions Trophy with a fixture against New Zealand in the tournament opener on February 19. Pakistan have already suffered back-to-back defeats against New Zealand in the recently concluded tri-series, with South Africa being the third participant. 

After suffering a defeat in the opening match at Lahore, they were later also outplayed in the final by the same opponents at the upgraded National Stadium, Karachi, where the opening match of the Champions Trophy is being staged. 

Despite having suffered injuries to their spearhead, Lockie Ferguson, and another promising speedster, Ben Sears, the Black Caps, captained by Mitchell Santner, have gained vital experience and acclimatize well to the conditions in Pakistan as they extended their purple patch by also winning the warm-up match against Afghanistan even when resting a couple of big guns, including star batter, Kane Williamson. 

Pakistan’s only heart-warming win came against South Africa whom they outgunned by five wickets with skipper Muhammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha notching up wonderful centuries. 

They shared a record 260-run second wicket stand after they the hosts had been reduced to 93 for three. It was a fabulous win for green shirts as South Africa had rested their premier fast bowler, Kagsio Rabada. 

The big boost for the home side is the form of Salman Agha. He has improved in leaps and bounds as a batting all-rounder during the last few months. He will be needed to fire on all cylinders if Pakistan have to defend the title successfully. 

Pakistan’s major worries revolve around bowling death overs where pacemen Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah have been leaking far too many runs. Haris Rauf seems all set to return to the team after side strain in the opening match of tri-series. 

The performances of the home side have been roller-coaster at times in the recent past but they continue to be unpredictable and inconsistent during crunch situations. The Pakistan team has faced criticism for selecting with only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, in the 15-member squad. The recalling of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah after gap of a few years has also been questioned. 

Pakistan top-batter Babar Azam’s form has also been a cause of major concern to the Pakistan team. He been slotted to open the innings with left-handed Fakhar Zaman after in-form opener, Saim Ayub, suffered serious leg-injury during the South African tour. Babar could muster only 62 runs in three innings in tri-series. 

On the other hand, the Black Caps, have been in possession of a formidable pace-cum-spin attack despite losing their two exceptionally talented fast bowlers, Ferguson and Sears. Will O’Rourke did rise to occasion by taking four wickets in the final to clinch Player of the Match award. 

They are very well served in the spin bowling department with Santner leading by example. Micheal Bracewell has bowled brilliantly while Glenn Philips has also done the job reasonably well to stifle the opponents. 

Pakistan had performed disappointingly in the last couple of T20 World Cups as well as the 50-over World Cup in India where they failed to qualify for semifinals.

Being the hosts, the stakes and expectations are on the higher side high as they need to win at least two of their three league matches to stay afloat in the competition. 

It seems long time ago, but Pakistan had emerged triumphant in the last edition of the Champions Trophy, held. in 2017. Led by wicketkeeper-batter, Sarfaraz Ahmed, they thrilled the nation by thrashing arch-rivals India in the final at The Oval in London. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan have been entrusted with the responsibility of staging a major event after a lapse of 29 years. This is going to be their first ICC event in the country after they had jointly hosted the Wills World Cup with India and Sri Lanka in 1996.

The cricket fans in Pakistan in particular are looking forward to the 9th Champions Trophy whose final is scheduled to be played on March 9. Plenty of action and drama are expected over the next few days as all the leading teams, with the sole exception of India, who chose to play their matches in Dubai, will be setting Pakistan's grounds to fire with their blazing performance. 

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Clinical New Zealand prevail over hosts in tri-series final; continue march towards more glories

By Ehsan Qureshi at National Stadium, Karachi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

As anticipated by the knowledgeable circles, New Zealand extended their brilliant run in the tri-series final to overpower hosts Pakistan by five wickets at the National Stadium, Karachi, on February 14. 

Lively speedster, Will O’Rourke, snared four wickets while Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham hit compact half-centuries to lead their side to a comfortable victory with nearly five overs to spare. 

It was a big boost for the Black Caps ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy as they maintained their domination over Muhammad Rizwan-led Pakistan side. Both these outfits are scheduled to clash in the inaugural match of the big event at the same venue on February 19. 

The modest target of 243 in 50 overs on a placid batting surface, under floodlights, could not test the nerves or skills of the New Zealanders as they overhauled it in 45.2 overs. 

Wicketkeeper-batsman Latham announced his return to form with a polished 56 off 64 balls with five boundaries while Mitchell, in devasting form, made a typically fluent 57 off 58 balls with six fours. They added 87 runs in 88 balls for the fourth wicket to reduce it to a one-sided encounter in the end. 

Chasing 243 for victory, New Zealand lost opener Will Young cheaply in the second over, undone by Naseem Shah. But Devon Conway repaired the early damage by sharing 71 runs for the second wicket with the ever-reliable Kane Williamson, who was bowled by Agha Salman, playing down the wrong line, after scoring 34 off 49 balls spiced with three fours and one six. 

Pakistan’s attacking fast bowler Naseem, who returned to dismiss the well-set Conway, claimed two wickets for 43 runs in eight overs. Agha Salman and Abrar Ahmed took one wicket apiece for 45 and 67 runs respectively. 

Earlier like their previous match, Pakistan slumped to 54 for three in the 12th overs after batting first. Opener Fakhar Zaman started with a couple of lovely boundaries, much to the delight of the crowd. 

O’Rourke jolted Pakistan by removing the dangerous Fakhar Zaman, who was trying to maintain his attacking mindset. The explosive left-handed opener ballooned a catch at square leg to Young, who made no mistake. He made 10 off 15 balls. 

Babar Azam was shaping well as he added 30 runs for the second wicket with Saud Shakeel, who was guilty of playing a bad shot to be bowled by off-spinner Michael Bracewell who he tried to cut against the turn. He made just eight after facing 14 balls and with a solitary four. 

Much depended on the vastly experienced Babar to take Pakistan to a respectable total but he followed soon afterwards. After hitting a classy boundary through the covers off Nathan Smith, he offered a return catch to the bowler on the next delivery to the astonishment of the batter. 

However, like the previous game against South Africa, skipper Rizwan and Salman got together to stitch a big partnership. It was a grim battle as the visiting bowlers stifled them by maintaining tight lengths for a long period of time. 

The Black Caps captain, Mitchell Santner, led by example as he delivered a very economical and effective spell, picking up of two wickets for only 20 runs in his quota of 10 overs. At one stage, Pakistan could manage just 70 runs in 18 overs despite having the duo of Rizwan and Salman in the middle. 

Rizwan and Salman, who had shared record partnership of 260 in their previous outing only a couple of days ago, added 88 runs for the fourth wickets in 120 balls to revive Pakistan’s hopes. Rizwan, who hit a spectacular undefeated 122 against South Africa, was bowled for by O’Rourke when four runs short of fifty-run mark. He made 46 off 65 balls with just one four and a six. 

When Salman was caught at square leg by Young off Bracewell, Pakistan’s innings fell apart. Salman made 45 off 65 balls with a lone six and a four. New Zealand tightened grip by reducing the hosts to 161 for six after 38 overs. 

Tayyab Tahir cracked 38 in 33 balls with four boundaries while Faheem Ashraf (22 off 21 balls) and Naseem Shah (19 off 17 balls) helped reach a total of 242 before being bowled out in the final over. 

O’Rourke, who spearheaded the New Zealand attack in the absence of Matt Henry, bowled superbly to return the deserve the figures of four for 43 runs off 9.3 overs which earned him Player of the Match award.

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