News for 'pakistan cricket'

Pakistan Cricket Selectors Drop Key Bowlers For West Indies Test Series

Pakistan Cricket Selectors Drop Key Bowlers For West Indies Test Series

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

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.

Performance, fitness key as Pakistan Cricket Board launches new contract system

Performance, fitness key as Pakistan Cricket Board launches new contract system

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

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.

No India-Pakistan Cricket Anytime Soon: Lalit Modi

No India-Pakistan Cricket Anytime Soon: Lalit Modi

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

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.

Pakistan Cricket Board's PSL staffing policy under scrutiny

Pakistan Cricket Board's PSL staffing policy under scrutiny

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board's policy regarding its employees working for Pakistan Super League franchises is unclear, causing confusion among staff and franchise officials.

Why Pakistan Cricket Board Banned Muzarabani Despite No Contract

Why Pakistan Cricket Board Banned Muzarabani Despite No Contract

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

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.

'They've lost fans': Ramiz Raja's big Pakistan warning

'They've lost fans': Ramiz Raja's big Pakistan warning

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

Pakistan to build modern cricket stadium in Saudi Arabia

Pakistan to build modern cricket stadium in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The PCB will build a cricket stadium as per international standards and with state-of-the-art facilities, said the Pakistan Cricket Board.

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

'More focused on money': Ex-Pakistan selector slams players

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Former Pakistan Test spinner and chief selector Iqbal Qasim has criticised the current generation of Pakistani cricketers for prioritising financial gain, particularly through leagues like the PSL, over dedicated skill development and game awareness, attributing this to a lack of vision among selectors and a general disinterest among young players.

Sohail Khan Blames Pacers For Pakistan's Test Decline

Sohail Khan Blames Pacers For Pakistan's Test Decline

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Khan has criticised the current generation of pacers for their lack of skill development, attributing it to Pakistan's decline in Test cricket. He emphasised the importance of artful bowling over mere speed and highlighted how T20 cricket and internal politics are hindering player development.

Pakistan stars in trouble after Zambia league

Pakistan stars in trouble after Zambia league

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a two-year ban for several former national players who participated in the unsanctioned Asian Legends Cup in Lusaka, Zambia. The tournament, which was not approved by the ICC or the Zambia Cricket Union, saw players like Mohammed Irfan, Imran Nazir, and Yasir Shah take part, while others like Muhammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik withdrew. The PCB has warned of severe disciplinary action, including ineligibility for future cricketing assignments.

Pakistan cricket faces backlash after India thrashing

Pakistan cricket faces backlash after India thrashing

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Following Pakistan's defeat to India in a T20 World Cup match, former players are calling for significant changes in the team, including the removal of Babar Azam and other senior players.

Gillespie back in Pakistan cricket as coach of PSL franchise

Gillespie back in Pakistan cricket as coach of PSL franchise

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Australia's former pacer will be back in Pakistan cricket as head coach of Pakistan Super League's new franchise, Kingsmen Hyderabad, after parting ways with PCB in late 2024 following a stint with the national men's team.

Pakistan Cricketer Naseem Shah Fined Over Critical Social Media Post

Pakistan Cricketer Naseem Shah Fined Over Critical Social Media Post

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has fined fast bowler Naseem Shah PKR 20 million for a controversial social media post criticising Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's presence at a PSL match.

Tuk-tuk ride sparks debate over Pakistan's cricket safety

Tuk-tuk ride sparks debate over Pakistan's cricket safety

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Pakistan captain Salman Agha and Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh were spotted on a tuk-tuk ride near Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the T20I series opener in Lahore, triggering mixed reactions on social media.

Asia Cup: Will India Women Decline To Receive Trophy From Pakistan's Naqvi?

Asia Cup: Will India Women Decline To Receive Trophy From Pakistan's Naqvi?

Rediff.com7 days ago

The upcoming Women's Asia Cup in Dubai could reignite a controversy for the BCCI regarding the trophy presentation if India reaches the final, as Pakistan's Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the ACC chief, might be on the dais, recalling a similar incident with the men's team last year.

Pakistan Cricket Board Reassures on Overseas Players' PSL Travel Plans Despite Regional Conflicts

Pakistan Cricket Board Reassures on Overseas Players' PSL Travel Plans Despite Regional Conflicts

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed concerns regarding the travel plans of overseas players for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) despite ongoing regional tensions. The 11th edition of the PSL is set to begin on March 26 and will feature an increased number of foreign players, particularly from Australia.

Cricketer Asif Khan Receives 15-Month Ban For Doping Violation

Cricketer Asif Khan Receives 15-Month Ban For Doping Violation

Rediff.com6 hours ago

UAE cricketer Asif Khan has been banned for 15 months by the ICC after testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid, mesterolone, during an out-of-competition test. The ban is backdated, and his past results from September 2025 have been disqualified.

Joe Root Creates History with Record 219th Catch in Test Cricket

Joe Root Creates History with Record 219th Catch in Test Cricket

Rediff.com6 days ago

England Test captain Joe Root has surpassed Steve Smith to become the leading fielder in Test cricket with 219 catches, and also equalled Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most fifties in the longest format with his 68th half-century.

Former MHA Official: Pak Cricket Teams Trafficked Drugs in India, Linked to Woolmer's Death

Former MHA Official: Pak Cricket Teams Trafficked Drugs in India, Linked to Woolmer's Death

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

R V S Mani, former Under Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has alleged that drug trafficking was a regular practice by Pakistani cricket teams and delegations visiting India, linking it to the 2006 doping scandal involving Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, and even the death of coach Bob Woolmer.

India's Asian Games 2026 cricket schedule: Men start Sept 28, women Sept 18

India's Asian Games 2026 cricket schedule: Men start Sept 28, women Sept 18

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's men's and women's cricket teams are set to begin their Asian Games campaigns in Japan, both seeded directly into the quarterfinals. The teams, led by Shreyas Iyer and Harmanpreet Kaur respectively, are strong contenders for gold, having dominated the previous edition. The women's final is on September 22, and the men's on October 3.

Brydon Carse out of Pakistan Test amid ECB probe

Brydon Carse out of Pakistan Test amid ECB probe

Rediff.com2 days ago

England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been dropped from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan following an investigation by the Cricket Regulator into an incident at a club in Derby. Carse, who was reportedly seen in handcuffs but not arrested or charged, will be replaced by Sonny Baker. This incident follows a series of off-field controversies involving England cricketers, prompting renewed scrutiny of player conduct.

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka get direct entry into Asian Games 2026 cricket knockouts

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka get direct entry into Asian Games 2026 cricket knockouts

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India's men's cricket team, along with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, has secured direct entry into the knockout stage of the 2026 Asian Games, with preliminary rounds set for other nations.

Qamar Ahmed: Farewell To Cricket's Voice

Qamar Ahmed: Farewell To Cricket's Voice

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Although the front seat in my car will miss his presence, the echoes he left behind will remain for long. K R Nayar mourns legendary cricket writer Qamar Ahmed.

'The pressure is on another level': Harmanpreet on India-Pakistan clash

'The pressure is on another level': Harmanpreet on India-Pakistan clash

Rediff.com2 days ago

Harmanpreet Kaur says a winning culture is taking shape in the Indian women's cricket team as they prepare for the Asia Cup and Asian Games.

India-Pakistan Handshake Stirs Debate

India-Pakistan Handshake Stirs Debate

Rediff.com7 days ago

Wednesday's India-Pakistan World Cup match in Amstelveen saw players exchange handshakes, a gesture that has become contentious in India-Pakistan sporting encounters, particularly in cricket. While the Indian team dominated on the field, winning 5-3, the post-match handshakes led to mixed reactions online, highlighting the differing approaches to rivalry in hockey versus cricket.

Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed addresses Pakistan's fitness concerns ahead of key tours

Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed addresses Pakistan's fitness concerns ahead of key tours

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Pakistan's Test team head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has acknowledged ongoing fitness issues within the squad, despite a recent training camp. A new conditioning camp is planned to address these concerns before the team's crucial tours to the Caribbean and England. New Test captain Babar Azam is focused on improving fitness and discipline for better performance in red-ball cricket.

Why PCB doesn't want its finances made public

Why PCB doesn't want its finances made public

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court against the Pakistan Information Commission's directive to disclose its confidential financial records, player contracts, and employee salary details. The PCB argues that such disclosure would harm its commercial interests and contractual negotiations, as it operates in a competitive international environment and does not receive government funding.

6 Bangladesh Test Wins That Shocked The Cricket World

6 Bangladesh Test Wins That Shocked The Cricket World

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bangladesh secured a historic nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin, marking their first-ever Test win on Australian soil, powered by Tanzid Hasan's century and Mehidy Hasan Miraz's five-wicket haul.

Babar Azam's absence hits Pakistan ahead of England Test; Salman gets captaincy call

Babar Azam's absence hits Pakistan ahead of England Test; Salman gets captaincy call

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Pakistan captain Babar Azam will miss this week's first test in against England after injuring his right hand during a warm-up match and Salman Ali Agha will deputise, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said on Tuesday.

Major League Cricket sees just one Pakistani player as PCB introduces NOC fee

Major League Cricket sees just one Pakistani player as PCB introduces NOC fee

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

A recent policy decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to demand a $25,000 fee for players' No Objection Certificates (NOCs) left Haris Rauf -- signed by the San Francisco Unicorns -- as the country's sole representative in the USA's Major League Cricket (MLC) this year.

Sri Lanka Cricket pushes for more Test matches against India, England, Australia

Sri Lanka Cricket pushes for more Test matches against India, England, Australia

Rediff.com4 days ago

Eran Wickramaratne, chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket's interim committee, has called for a revision of the ICC's Future Tours Programme to allow Sri Lanka to play more Test matches against cricketing powerhouses like India, England, and Australia, citing the financial dependence on India and the desire to excel in the format.

Babar reveals what went wrong for Pakistan vs West Indies

Babar reveals what went wrong for Pakistan vs West Indies

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Pakistan captain Babar Azam confirmed that Shan Masood fractured his finger during the first ICC World Test Championship match against the West Indies, contributing to Pakistan's 90-run defeat. The injury forced Masood to bat at No. 8, and Babar highlighted the team's top-order batting failures and lack of partnerships. West Indies' Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul.

PCB claims Pycroft 'apologised' to Pakistan cricket team

PCB claims Pycroft 'apologised' to Pakistan cricket team

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board claimed that match referee Andy Pycroft apologised to its national team for prohibiting the handshake between Indian and Pakistani players.

Kusal Mendis leads big move by Sri Lanka cricketers

Kusal Mendis leads big move by Sri Lanka cricketers

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The World Cricketers' Association has lauded the formation of the Sri Lankan Professional Cricketers' Association, a significant step for the game's professionalism and growth in the country. Led by white-ball captain Kusal Mendis, this new body aims to provide players with a stronger voice, particularly in negotiations regarding franchise cricket, and aligns with ongoing reforms in Sri Lanka Cricket.

Former Players Urge Fresh Blood To Revive Pakistan Hockey

Former Players Urge Fresh Blood To Revive Pakistan Hockey

Rediff.com2 days ago

Former Pakistan hockey players have expressed deep concern over the national team's poor performance at the World Cup, advocating for an immediate injection of fresh talent and a focus on the upcoming Asian Games. They attribute the sport's decline to cricket's dominance and a failure to adapt to modern hockey, urging the federation to prioritise competitive success to regain public interest.

Babar Azam's Return Could Reshape Pakistan's Test Fortunes

Babar Azam's Return Could Reshape Pakistan's Test Fortunes

Rediff.com1 days ago

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is expected to return for the second Test against England at Lord's after recovering from a finger injury. His potential comeback offers a significant boost to the team, which suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test, as England leads the three-match series 1-0.

T20 World Cup: 'If Pakistan cricket can survive without playing India, they can sustain'

T20 World Cup: 'If Pakistan cricket can survive without playing India, they can sustain'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Pakistan have somehow survived the financial loss of not being able to play India bilaterally for two decades now, said former ICC Head of Communications Sami-ul-Hasan Burney.

India-Pakistan blockbuster gets women's Asia Cup date

India-Pakistan blockbuster gets women's Asia Cup date

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Asian Cricket Council has announced that India will play arch-rivals Pakistan in the Women's T20 Asia Cup on September 5 in Dubai. The tournament, featuring eight teams, will run from August 28 to September 13, with India being the most successful team in its history.

'You'll see a different Pakistan side': Babar's warning to England

'You'll see a different Pakistan side': Babar's warning to England

Rediff.com1 days ago

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has declared himself 90 percent fit and available for the second Test against England at Lord's, aiming to lead a rejuvenated side after their innings defeat in the first match. He emphasised the need for senior players, including himself, to take responsibility and hinted at potential changes if performance doesn't improve.

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

FIH World Cup: Will India-Pakistan Hockey Teams Shake Hands?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Ahead of their crucial Hockey World Cup 2026 clash, the traditional India-Pakistan hockey rivalry faces an unusual question: will the teams shake hands? This comes after a similar debate in cricket. While the historical record is close, India has dominated recent encounters, winning decisively in the 2023 Asian Games and Pro League.