Pakistan Cricket News and Updates

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Pakistan penalised for slow over-rate for fourth time in five ODIs​

Apart from the three ODIs in New Zealand, Pakistan were guilty of a slow over rate in their opening game of the Champions Trophy too

ESPNcricinfo staff
07-Apr-2025

Pakistan did not have a happy time in New Zealand in terms of results • Getty Images

Pakistan have been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate for a third game in a row after they were found to be one over short in the third ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton.

They have been fined 5% their match fees to round up what was a dismal tour of New Zealand, where they lost the T20I series 4-1 and the ODIs 3-0. This is the fourth time in the last five ODIs that Pakistan have been guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate. They were also fined 5% of their match fees in the 2025 Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand in Karachi.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan pled guilty to the charge levelled by the on-field umpires Chris Brown and Paul Reiffel along with the third umpire Michael Gough and fourth umpire Wayne Knights.

The sanction was imposed by Jeff Crowe, the match referee, in accordance with article 2.22 of the ICC code of conduct for players and player support personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, for which players are fined 5% of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time after the time allowances are taken into consideration.

 

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Who will be the new head coach of Pakistan's cricket team? Name revealed​

Head coach position has been vacant since Gary Kirsten stepped down, after which Aaqib Javed served as interim coach

News Desk
April 22, 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly finalised former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson as the new head coach of the national men’s cricket team, with his appointment expected after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, Express News reported.

According to media reports, Hesson, who is currently coaching Islamabad United in PSL 10, is being considered the frontrunner for the post. The PCB had recently advertised the position, seeking candidates with Level 3 coaching certification and at least 10 years of coaching experience at the domestic or international level.


Hesson brings substantial experience to the role, having served as head coach of the New Zealand national team and as Director of Cricket for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.

He played a key role in Islamabad United’s successful campaign in PSL 9, which was his debut season in the league.

The position of head coach has been vacant since Gary Kirsten stepped down, after which former fast bowler Aaqib Javed served as interim coach. Javed’s contract expired in February 2025, and he has indicated he is not interested in renewing it.

In addition to Hesson, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is also under consideration for the role, though Hesson is currently believed to be the PCB’s top choice.

 

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Will Babar, Rizwan return to T20I squad for Bangladesh series?​

Both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not featured in a T20I for Pakistan since December 2024.

Sports Desk
April 30, 2025

Pakistan's premier white-ball duo Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were dropped from the T20I squad for Pakistan's tour of New Zealand earlier in the year, prompting many to wonder if they would return to the squad in the near future.

According to reports, both Babar and Rizwan are unlikely to feature in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) looks set to continue its shift towards a younger, more aggressive playing group ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Despite being Pakistan’s all-time leading T20I run-scorers, Babar and Rizwan have not played a T20 international since December 13, 2024.

While many fans had anticipated their return following the conclusion of HBL PSL 2025, sources indicate that the PCB is not currently considering the experienced duo for the home series.

Since late 2024, the team management has been experimenting with a new approach, moving away from the stability of the Babar-Rizwan pairing and embracing a more explosive top order.

While this transition has yet to produce consistent results—evident in the 4-1 series defeat to New Zealand earlier this year—the selectors remain committed to a long-term overhaul.

The likely lineup for the series includes Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and possibly Sahibzada Farhan, with additional options such as Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and promising pacer Ali Raza under discussion.

The series, which forms part of Pakistan's build-up to next year’s T20 World Cup, will be held from May 25 to June 3, with matches split between Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Originally planned as a mix of ODIs and T20Is under the Future Tours Programme (FTP), the format was revised to include five T20Is to maximize World Cup preparation time.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series Schedule:​

• 21s May – Bangladesh team arrives in Pakistan
• 25 May – 1st T20I, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (8:00 PM PKT)
• 27 May – 2nd T20I, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (8:00 PM PKT)
• 30 May – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM PKT)
• 1 June – 4th T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM PKT)
• 3 June – 5th T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM PKT)

Bangladesh will train in Faisalabad from May 22 to 24, in preparation for the series opener.

As the countdown to the World Cup intensifies, all eyes will be on whether Pakistan’s gamble on youth pays off—or if a recall for Babar and Rizwan becomes inevitable.

 

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Azhar Mahmood interested in becoming next Pakistan head coach​

Azhar Mahmood confirms he will apply for Pakistan head coach job as PCB prepares for World Cup and Bangladesh series.

Sports Desk
April 30, 2025

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the position of head coach of the national men’s cricket team, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moves toward finalizing its coaching staff ahead of a packed international calendar.

In a recent interview, the 50-year-old Azhar, currently serving as assistant coach, confirmed his decision. “I’m definitely going to apply for the Pakistan team head coach role,” he stated.

 

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NA committee seeks PCB report on stadium renovation costs​

The committee has also requested a formal briefing on the ongoing 10th edition of the HBL PSL.

News Desk
May 02, 2025

The beautifully renovated Gaddafi Stadium will have the honour of hosting ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers . PHOTO: AFP

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has requested a comprehensive expenditure report from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding the renovation and reconstruction of cricket stadiums across Pakistan.

According to Express News, the committee has also asked the PCB to provide a formal briefing on the ongoing 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL). Naqvi is expected to present an overview of the PCB’s performance over the past six months.

PCB upgraded stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi to improve facilities for spectators and align with international standards for CT 2025.

In a related development, the PCB is set to begin the second phase of renovations at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium immediately after the conclusion of PSL Season 10.

The revamp includes re-profiling of spectator stands and major redevelopment to bring the stadium up to global benchmarks.

The renovation plan, prompted in part by low attendance during PSL 2025 matches, will focus on enhancing seating comfort, venue aesthetics, crowd movement, parking facilities, and accessibility.

 

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National Women’s T20 cricket tournament to start on May 7 in Karachi​

Dawn.com
May 3, 2025

A total of five teams will vie for the title of the National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 beginning on May 7 at two venues in Karachi, the National Stadium and HPC Oval Ground, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Saturday.

Last month, Pakistan finished the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers unbeaten at the top of the table with a domineering victory over Bangladesh by seven wickets in Lahore to win the tournament.

Pakistan had already booked their spot for the World Cup to be held later this year on April 17, courtesy of their bowlers, who had once again stepped up to defend a below-par score of 205 against Thailand in their penultimate encounter of the tournament.
“The five-team National Women’s T20 Tournament 2024-25 will begin on May 7 at two venues in Karachi,” the PCB said in a press release.

 

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The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) has been in regular contact with the 15-person contingent. Security and government advice remains that the situation had not changed in the locations where the PSL was taking place, though it is being monitored closely.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) also said it was in "constant communication" with their two players currently at the PSL - Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain.

"The Board is working closely with both the PCB and the Bangladesh High Commission to make certain that the cricketers feel safe and secure during their stay in Pakistan," the BCB said in a statement. "Furthermore, the BCB is coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure that all arrangments are in place to facilitate the eventual departure of the players from Pakistan in a timely and secure manner."

Cricket West Indies (CWI) also said that it was in touch with their players in the PSL and IPL and has engaged West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) "to coordinate and ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all West Indies players and support personnel in the region".

"The welfare of our people remains our highest priority," CWI said in a statement.
"CWI continues to receive regular updates through diplomatic, governmental, and cricketing channels, and stands ready to offer assistance where necessary. We remain committed to the spirit of international cricket and to supporting our players through this uncertain and sensitive period."