After India's decision not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament, the PCB threatened to boycott the tournament. Still, the Mohsin Naqvi-led board is not confirming their stance on a potential hybrid model after the latest meeting with the ICC.
"Cricket should win, that's most important but with respect for all. We are going to do what's best for cricket. Whichever formula we go for, it would be on equal terms," PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi told reporters after the virtual meeting with the ICC on Saturday.
The ninth edition of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy was originally scheduled to take place in Pakistan on February 19, 2025, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send their team to Pakistan due to security issues and demanded a hybrid model.
The team that will finish as the table-topper after the double-league stage, will directly enter into the final, whereas the second and third-placed teams will take on each other in the Qualifier for the second berth.
Pakistan's top order laid the foundation for the win. Openers Usman Khan and Shahzaib Khan both scored half-centuries to deflate the UAE bowlers. Faham-ul-Haq and Farhan Yousaf capitalised on the start and impressed in the middle phase.
"I am honoured and excited to take on this important role. Having risen through the age-group ranks and played extensive club and domestic cricket, I understand the critical role grassroots development plays in shaping future stars," Azhar said on his appointment.
There were reports of Jason Gillespie being removed as the Test coach to appoint an all-format head coach. However, the PCB refuted the rumours on Sunday (November 18) and has now appointed an interim head coach for white-ball formats.
"PCB strongly refutes the story. As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa," the Pakistan Cricket Board wrote in X post after the rumours of Aaqib Javed replacing Gillespie surfaced online on Sunday.
The drama surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy is not ending. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had stated that the trophy would be visiting destinations like Skardu, Hunza and Muzaffarabad. However, ICC has refused Pakistan from taking it to conflicted PoK cities.
Pakistan are scheduled to host the Champions Trophy next year from February 19 to March 9. But India's refusal to travel has put their hosting rights into jeopardy. Meanwhile, the ICC has sent the Champions Trophy silverware to Pakistan for an official Trophy tour.
Pakistan are the current ICC Champions Trophy holders, having won it in 2017 after beating India at The Oval in the final by 180 runs. Sarfaraz Ahmed was the captain of Pakistan.
The off-field battle between India and Pakistan has begun ahead of the Champions Trophy with BCCI making it clear that the team India will not tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB is now seeking its government's advice over the matter.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that a new white-ball coach will be appointed in time for the Zimbabwe white-ball series with Jason Gillespie to stand-in for the Australia series after Gary Kirsten's premature exit.
Former South Africa cricketer Gary Kirsten has resigned as Pakistan's white-ball head coach within six months after appointment. Interestingly, he couldn't coach Pakistan in a single ODI and resigned soon after their squad for Australia tour was announced.
Babar Azam was snubbed and left out of Pakistan's playing XI for the second and third Test of the series against England in Multan and Rawalpindi respectively. He is expected to be back in the squad for Pakistan's white-ball tour of Australia.
"Mohammad Rizwan because of his seniority, his reliability as a player and because of his experience of leading teams well in domestic cricket and PSL is a front runner to become white-ball captain,” the PCB source told PTI on Friday.
The latest revamp has come after Mohammad Yousuf's resignation as one of the members of the selection committee. The captain and head coach are still a part of the committee.
With around four months to go, there is no clarity on India's stance over touring Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is getting ready to host the first ICC tournament since 1996. Meanwhile, PCB Chief has opened up on India's visit to the country.
"The primary objective of the camp is to define a shared vision and mission, along with setting a roadmap to reignite the pride and excellence that has characterised Pakistan cricket since achieving Test status in 1952," the PCB statement said.
Ahmed Shehzad last played for Pakistan in a T20I against Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. He has represented Pakistan in 13 Tests, 81 ODIs and 59 T20Is.
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