PCB Announces Eid Al-Fitr Holiday Schedule

Lahore, In observance of the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a temporary closure of its offices from April 10 to April 12, with operations set to resume on Monday, April 15.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the brief hiatus is in honor of the festive season, allowing staff to celebrate the occasion with their families. During this period, specific contacts have been provided for urgent matters related to the Pakistan men’s and women’s cricket teams, ensuring that essential functions continue without disruption.

The PCB extends Eid Mubarak wishes to all, highlighting the organization’s commitment to observing cultural traditions while maintaining its cricketing responsibilities.

Baseball League Kicks Off in Lahore as Eid Celebration, PFB Secretary Extends Greetings

Lahore, Syed Fakhar Ali Shah, Secretary of the Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB) and Vice President of the Baseball Federation of Asia, has extended Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to Muslims worldwide, particularly to the Pakistani baseball community. Announcing the Chief Minister Punjab Men’s and Women’s Baseball League starting April 14 in Lahore, Shah described the event as an Eid gift to the baseball fans and community.

According to Pakistan Federation Baseball, Shah, in discussions with Aisha Irum, the PFB Women’s Wing Secretary, and Parwaiz Ahmed Shaikh, the Secretary of the Sindh Baseball Association, expressed gratitude towards the PFB President and Executive Director for their support in organizing the league. Scheduled from April 14 to 21, the league will feature teams like Lahore Lions, Faisalabad Falcons, and Multan Mustangs, comprising top players from across the country.

The initiative aims to celebrate Eid through the spirit of sportsmanship, fostering community and joy among baseball enthusiasts and participants.

Irfan and Usman Awarded Maiden Pakistan Call-ups for New Zealand Series

Karachi, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan have been named in Pakistan’s 17-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, marking their first call-ups to the national team after standout performances in the HBL Pakistan Super League.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the series, set to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from April 18-27, will feature five T20Is. Irfan Khan, known for his skills as a middle-order batter, and Usman Khan, a dynamic opener, have made significant impressions to earn their spots in the squad.

Irfan, who played for Karachi Kings, emerged as the Emerging Player and Best Fielder of the HBL PSL 9, amassing 171 runs at a strike rate of 140.16. Usman Khan’s remarkable contributions for Multan Sultans, including two centuries and two half-centuries in the latest season, have solidified his position as a formidable batsman.

The squad also sees the return of experienced players Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, following their comebacks from retirement, adding depth and experience to the team. Wrist spinner Abrar Ahmed has been included as well, aiming to make an impact with his unique bowling style.

The selection committee, alongside captain Babar Azam and interim head coach, has finalized the squad with an eye on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, emphasizing the importance of this series in their preparations. The team management is keen on utilizing this opportunity to refine their strategies and bolster their squad ahead of the World Cup.

The inclusion of Irfan and Usman, alongside the seasoned Amir and Imad, underscores Pakistan’s strategy to blend youthful exuberance with experienced prowess as they face a strong New Zealand side. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the series against New Zealand will serve as a critical platform for players to assert their positions and for the team to gauge its readiness for the global stage.

PCB Chairman Commits to Expanding Inter-College Cricket Tournament


Lahore, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has pledged to expand the scale and scope of the Inter-College Ramadan T20 Cup following its inaugural success. The tournament concluded in Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of collegiate cricket across Pakistan.



According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the tournament featured 63 matches across Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, engaging numerous colleges and showcasing emerging talent. The competition not only provided a platform for collegiate cricket but also facilitated the integration of these players into the broader cricketing framework of the country.



Naqvi praised the execution of the tournament and highlighted the PCB’s plans to enhance the event next year, with more teams, venues, and cities participating, alongside increased incentives and rewards. He emphasized the board’s commitment to grassroots cricket development and noted the successful selection of players by district teams as an immediate outcome of the tournament.



The PCB chairman expressed satisfaction at seeing young cricketers play in historic venues and stressed the importance of regular exposure to high-quality cricketing environments for player development. He also noted the positive response from educational institutions and parents, citing it as a key factor in nurturing cricketing talent.



Naqvi’s vision for the future includes not only enlarging the tournament but also strengthening the partnership with the Higher Education Commission and attracting commercial support to ensure the sustainability and growth of collegiate cricket in Pakistan.



The PCB aims to reestablish college cricket as a crucial pillar in the country’s cricketing landscape, fostering a robust breeding ground for future talent.

Azhar Mahmood to Lead Pakistan in T20I Series Against New Zealand

Lahore, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the team management lineup for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand, appointing Azhar Mahmood as the head coach. The series, comprising five matches, will take place between April 18 and 27 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Azhar Mahmood, a former Pakistani fast bowler with significant international experience, will lead the coaching staff. Mahmood, who previously served as the bowling coach from 2016 to 2019, will be joined by Wahab Riaz as the senior team manager and Mohammad Yousuf as the batting coach. Saeed Ajmal will continue his role as the spin bowling coach, complementing the team’s extensive coaching framework.

The PCB has outlined the complete player support personnel for the series, including various specialists like field coach Aftab Khan, physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon, and strength and conditioning coach Drikus Saiman, among others, ensuring a comprehensive support structure for the players.

Additionally, the PCB announced that the squad for the New Zealand series will be revealed in a media conference at the Gaddafi Stadium, which will be accessible to PCB-accredited media personnel and live-streamed on the PCB’s YouTube Channel, underscoring the board’s effort to maintain transparency and engagement with cricket fans.

This management setup reflects PCB’s strategic approach in leveraging experienced former players to guide the national team, aiming for a competitive edge in the upcoming series.

Azhar Mahmood to Lead Pakistan in T20I Series Against New Zealand

Lahore, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the team management lineup for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand, appointing Azhar Mahmood as the head coach. The series, comprising five matches, will take place between April 18 and 27 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Azhar Mahmood, a former Pakistani fast bowler with significant international experience, will lead the coaching staff. Mahmood, who previously served as the bowling coach from 2016 to 2019, will be joined by Wahab Riaz as the senior team manager and Mohammad Yousuf as the batting coach. Saeed Ajmal will continue his role as the spin bowling coach, complementing the team’s extensive coaching framework.

The PCB has outlined the complete player support personnel for the series, including various specialists like field coach Aftab Khan, physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon, and strength and conditioning coach Drikus Saiman, among others, ensuring a comprehensive support structure for the players.

Additionally, the PCB announced that the squad for the New Zealand series will be revealed in a media conference at the Gaddafi Stadium, which will be accessible to PCB-accredited media personnel and live-streamed on the PCB’s YouTube Channel, underscoring the board’s effort to maintain transparency and engagement with cricket fans.

This management setup reflects PCB’s strategic approach in leveraging experienced former players to guide the national team, aiming for a competitive edge in the upcoming series.