Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is being considered for a significant role within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as the board plans a major overhaul of its cricket think tank following a dismal tour of England.
Wasim Akram explains why Pakistan continues to struggle, highlighting problems in batting, bowling, fielding and the domestic first-class structure.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised for a significant overhaul under chairman Mohsin Naqvi, with anticipated changes to the national selection committee and the release of key personnel like Aqib Javed and Wahab Riaz. This comes amidst a losing streak and internal turmoil, prompting radical measures to improve the team's performance and administrative efficiency.
Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has returned home from England amidst a PCB inquiry into his calf muscle injury, which is suspected to be faked. This follows the team's poor performance and drastic measures taken by the board, including sending players home and replacing coaches. Imam-ul-Haq has a history of similar injury allegations.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched an internal disciplinary inquiry following media reports of 'discipline and conduct' issues during the ongoing tour of England, which saw seven players recalled after successive Test losses.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has come under fire from former players after sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, and sending back seven players, including national T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, in the middle of their Test series against England. The drastic changes followed Pakistan's heavy defeats in the first two Tests, prompting widespread condemnation for the timing and impact on team morale and stability.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Rashid Khan has sarcastically suggested that senior selector Aaqib Javed be made the non-playing captain for all formats, following Javed's public criticism of the team's captain, coaches, and player selections. Khan expressed anguish over the current state of Pakistan cricket and questioned the PCB chairman's actions regarding player morale.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has instructed its players participating in the Test series against England to refrain from commenting on the imprisonment of former captain Imran Khan. This directive follows attempts by British media to elicit comments and a Sky Sports interview with Khan's sons, which the PCB deemed political. The board prioritised diplomatic relations and the ongoing series despite its displeasure.
Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched an inquiry into alleged dressing-room leaks involving senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Imam ul Haq. This follows a complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) amidst disciplinary issues during a Test tour of England. The players' phones have been handed over, and they have requested more time to respond to queries.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly undertaking a major "clean-up" operation, which could see senior selector Aaqib Javed removed and a new selection committee formed. This follows the controversial return of players Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha from England, with concerns raised over their form and behaviour. The PCB is also reviewing coaching staff and player conduct.
Babar Azam said Pakistan's sweeping squad changes came as a surprise, defended the team's selection decisions, urged a fearless approach at Edgbaston, while the PCB launched disciplinary inquiry.
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan has been allowed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to resume playing domestic cricket, despite an ongoing inquiry into allegations of online betting and leaking dressing-room information. Rizwan, along with Imam-ul-Haq, was previously barred from playing and has appeared before the National Cyber Crime Cell (NCCA) for questioning, with his phone seized for forensic examination. A reliable source indicates the inquiry is cooling down and could conclude soon.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched a new central contracts system, categorising players based on their specialisation in red-ball, white-ball (ODI/T20), and T20/franchise cricket. This new structure aims to provide clear pathways, improve financial benefits for red-ball players, and ensure transparency in selection through data analysis.
Pakistan's cricket selectors have opted for a significantly revamped pace attack for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies. Key players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, and veteran spinner Nauman Ali have been dropped, making way for a mix of experienced and uncapped bowlers. This decision aims to build a squad better suited for Test cricket and future tours.
Lalit Modi said he doesn't envisage India and Pakistan playing a bilateral Test series anytime soon because of the strained political relations between the two neighbours.
The Pakistan Cricket Board's policy regarding its employees working for Pakistan Super League franchises is unclear, causing confusion among staff and franchise officials.
A security delegation from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has arrived in Pakistan to review arrangements for England's upcoming ODI tri-nation series tour. The delegation will inspect venues and meet officials to ensure security plans are robust for the series, which also involves Sri Lanka and runs from October 18 to 31.
Indian cricket fans travelled thousands of kilometres, paying exorbitant prices for tickets and travel, to witness the India-Pakistan men's cricket final at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a stadium back home.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has defended its decision to ban Blessing Muzarabani from the Pakistan Super League for two years, despite admitting that no formal contract was ever sent to the Zimbabwean pacer.
Former Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir has expressed his excitement for the India-Pakistan clash in the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup, emphasising the importance of quality cricket. He highlighted the immense pressure from fans in such encounters, drawing from his own experiences of thriving under pressure while playing against India, including in the IPL and on bilateral tours. The article also notes the historical head-to-head record and details of the upcoming 2027 World Cup fixture.
'Everyone is talking about the Pakistan team, and how it is the worst touring team in the last 50 years. But nobody is speaking about how the current board is the worst in the last 70 years.'
World champions India, featuring a strong line-up of T20 stars, are set to face Pakistan in the men's gold-medal cricket clash at the Asian Games, a match where a silver medal would be considered a 'royal embarrassment' for India.
India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs to secure the gold medal in the Asian Games cricket final, a match that passed without any major controversy despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions and the conspicuous absence of customary handshakes between the teams.
Pakistani cricketers will not receive their central contracts until after the ongoing ODI tri-series and potentially the Test series against Sri Lanka. The delay is due to head coach Mike Hesson and selectors wanting to assess player performance in current matches and the domestic season before finalising the new specialised format contracts.
Former Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has criticised the differential treatment of foreign and local coaches in Pakistan cricket, stating that foreign coaches enjoy more authority and less scrutiny. He also highlighted the need for consistency, patience, and long-term planning, drawing comparisons with India's successful cricket development model.
India posted a formidable total of 211 for six against Pakistan in the men's cricket final at the Asian Games, driven by explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma (61 off 28 balls) and Tilak Varma (unbeaten 51 off 22 balls).
Shoaib Akhtar has ruled out joining the PCB, saying his mother advised him to stay away from Pakistan cricket politics amid chief selector speculation.
Former chief selector and head coach Haroon Rasheed has attributed the decline of Pakistan cricket to the domestic structure changes implemented by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who insisted on reducing first-class teams despite recommendations for a hybrid model.
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to play his first domestic first-class match since 2019, a move that follows the Pakistan Cricket Board's controversial decision to send back seven players and sack coaches after the recent Test tour of England.
Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to play domestic first-class cricket for OGDCL in the President's Trophy to address his prolonged dip in Test form. Azam has struggled to score centuries since December 2022 and has faced criticism for his inability to convert starts, prompting him to seek PCB's help to participate in the longer format domestically.
Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan has contacted the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for clarification on procedures related to corruption investigations, as he faces questioning by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged links to illegal betting and gambling sites. This development follows the confiscation and forensic examination of his mobile phone, alongside Imam-ul-Haq's, during a recent tour, highlighting concerns about the PCB's compliance with ICC anti-corruption protocols and Pakistan cricket's history with such scandals.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced significant changes to its T20 leadership, dropping Salman Ali Agha as captain and appointing Sahibzada Farhan. The board also named squads for upcoming T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka and England, with Shaheen Shah Afridi retaining ODI captaincy.
Pakistan's axed players were summoned to attend a meeting with King Charles amid PCB fears over a low turnout.
Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja has issued a stark warning that the national team's consistent poor performances are causing a significant decline in its fan base. He emphasised that while fans don't expect wins every time, they demand a fighting spirit and competitive attitude, which the team is currently lacking, leading to growing disinterest among supporters.
'There is no harm in sending young players to show the world that Pakistan cricket still has talent.'
The PCB will build a cricket stadium as per international standards and with state-of-the-art facilities, said the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Senior Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq will miss the upcoming domestic first-class tournament. While the official reason cites missed fitness tests, sources indicate they are under investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for alleged dressing-room leaks, leading to their exclusion from domestic matches.
Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its constant upheaval, including the 'disrespectful' sacking of players and frequent changes in coaching staff, which he believes creates instability and fear among players.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson acknowledges India as the benchmark in white-ball cricket but expresses confidence in his team's ability to challenge them at the Asian Games. He also defended Pakistan's T20 performance, highlighting their improved ranking and series wins, while downplaying captaincy speculation for Sahibzada Farhan.
Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi will not attend the Asian Games 2026 gold medal cricket match between India and Pakistan due to prior commitments. His absence helps avoid a potential protocol conflict given the ongoing tensions with the BCCI regarding trophy presentations.
