BLESSIN MUZARABANI HANDED TWO-YEAR PSL BAN AFTER PULLING OUT OF IPL

Blessing Muzarabani had been signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL edition, but later opted out to take up an opportunity in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Muzarabani was signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL season but later decided to pursue an opportunity with KKR in the IPL. (KKR)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years after he backed out of a contract for the 2026 season.

Muzarabani was signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL season but later decided to pursue an opportunity in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 29-year-old joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026, leading the PCB to take disciplinary action against the pacer.

The PCB released a statement highlighting the importance of honouring contracts in franchise cricket.

“After a thorough review, the PCB has declared that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is ineligible to participate in the next two editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately. This decision results from his failure to honor agreed commitments, which undermines the league’s professional structure.

“The PCB believes that professional cricket depends on trust and the certainty of agreements. In this case, despite a clear offer and a definite acceptance of the essential terms, the player chose to ignore these obligations for another opportunity,” the statement said.

Muzarabani quickly made a mark for KKR in IPL 2026, taking 4/41 in his second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The development comes at a time when T20 leagues are tightening rules around player withdrawals. The IPL introduced a regulation ahead of the 2025 season stating that any player who pulls out after being picked at the auction, without a valid reason, would face a two-season ban.

England’s Ben Duckett, who withdrew from the 2026 season despite being signed by Delhi Capitals, and Harry Brook, who had taken a similar call earlier, are among those impacted.

This season marks a rare overlap of the PSL and IPL, with both leagues running simultaneously, creating scheduling conflicts and forcing players to choose between commitments.

- Express News Service

ASIA CUP CONTROVERSY: MATCH REFEREE ANDY PYCROFT REMOVED

 ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman has directed the national team to go to the stadium after the demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft was accepted.

Following this decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman has directed the national team to go to the stadium. Andy Pycroft will not umpire in the Pakistan-UAE match.

The toss for the Pakistan-UAE match will be held at 8 pm, and the game will start at 8:30 pm. The demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft has been accepted.

Earlier, a PCB spokesperson told the media that the scheduled match between Pakistan and the UAE will start with an hour delay. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is continuing to consult with the former PCB chairman.

Today’s match between Pakistan and the UAE is very important because the winner will face India on the 21st. Match referee Andy Pycroft had earlier stopped the Pakistani and Indian captains from shaking hands after the Indian captain made political remarks at the end of the match.

Both Pycroft and the Indian captain violated MCC regulations. Pakistan took a principled stand, demanding Pycroft be removed from the Asia Cup and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav be punished for his political remarks.

- Daily Ausaf 

HERE'S WHY PAKISTAN CRICKET BOARD WAS ABSENT FROM THE AWARD CEREMONY OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 FINAL

Pakistan Cricket Board was noticeably absent from the award ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.

India clinched their third Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand in the summit clash.

In a surprising turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was noticeably absent from the award ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final held in Dubai. Despite being the official hosts of the tournament, no PCB representative was present on stage during the presentation, sparking controversy and criticism from the cricket community.

No PCB official in the award ceremony

The Champions Trophy 2025 concluded with India claiming the title by defeating New Zealand. However, the post-match ceremony was marred by the absence of any PCB officials, which is unusual for the host nation. Typically, the host country’s cricket board is present during such ceremonies.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah handed over the Champions Trophy to India skipper Rohit Sharma. Having witnessed the heartbreak of the ODI World Cup 2023 closely as the BCCI Secretary, the delight on the face of Shah after India’s victory was evident.

Reasons for the absence of PCB officials

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was unable to attend due to prior commitments as Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior, according to reports. However, PCB CEO Sumair Ahmed, who was also the tournament director, was present at the venue but was not invited to the stage during the final ceremony. Media reports suggest that a misunderstanding might have led to Ahmed’s exclusion.

Reaction of former Pakistan cricketers

The absence of PCB officials has been met with disappointment and criticism from former Pakistan cricketers like Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram. Akhtar expressed his dismay, stating that it was odd for no PCB representative to be present, especially since Pakistan was the host. The PCB is expected to address the matter with the ICC to clarify why its CEO was not included in the ceremony.

- Anirudh Singh

ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025: PAKISTAN, NEW ZEALAND TEAMS ATTEND ANTHEMS ' CEREMONY

KARACHI – Before start of the opening match of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, both Pakistan and New Zealand teams attend the anthem ceremony at National Bank Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (today).

President Asif Ali Zardari took part as the chief guest of the event while First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and other PPP leaders as well as PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi graced the occasion. A beautify fly pass was conducted and the beautiful colours were spread around the ground.

The players of both teams are quite excited for the opening match.

ICC event has returned to Pakistan after a long time of 29 years. The strict security arrangements have been made.

The experts say that today’s event is an evidence that Pakistan is a suitable country for the international events.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first against New Zealand at the National Cricket Stadium.

The fans are much excited and are present in large number at the cricket stadium. However, they are not allowed bring water bottles, chips, soft drinks or any other food items inside the stadium.

The spectators must be aware that even minor prohibited items can result in denied entry to the stadium. The fans are not allowed to carry power banks for charging their mobile phones inside Karachi’s National Stadium. Security personnel will prevent entry for anyone carrying a power bank.

Bringing chalia, paan, or gutka into the stadium is strictly prohibited.

Spectators are not permitted to bring any AirPods, headphones, or hands-free devices into the stadium. To avoid any hassle, fans should refrain from carrying such electronic accessories.

- Pakistan Observer, Web Desk Staff

"99% OF DOMESTIC COACHES IN PAKISTAN HAVE NOT EVEN PLAYED PROPER CRICKET" : SHOAIB MOHAMMAD

In our latest exclusive interview with PakPassion, Shoaib Mohammad, former Pakistan Test cricketer and son of the legendary Hanif Mohammad, joined Saj and shared his candid insights on the current state of Pakistan cricket.

With an impressive career and years of experience in coaching, Shoaib spoke about the challenges faced by the national team, the technical flaws in modern-day batting, and what needs to be changed for Pakistan to regain its lost glory.

Main topics covered in this interview:

Modern batters’ lack of technical discipline: He emphasized that today’s batters prioritize aggression over technique, undermining their ability to thrive in Test cricket’s demanding format.

PCB’s flawed coaching structure: Highlighted the PCB’s reliance on inexperienced coaches, stressing that most lack high-level playing credentials, which hampers player development.

Abdullah Shafique’s need for technical refinement: Pointed out Shafique’s struggles with footwork and shot selection, urging him to adapt his approach for long-term success.

Saim Ayub’s potential: Praised Ayub’s "exceptional talent" and shot-making ability but emphasized the importance of patience and crease occupation to cement his place.

Babar Azam’s struggles: Acknowledged Babar’s dip in form but highlighted his class, comparing his phase to Greg Chappell’s 1981 slump and backing him to rebound.

India-Pakistan rivalry: The absence of regular clashes deprives players of a career-defining stage and fans of cricket’s "most exciting rivalry."

Shan Masood’s leadership vs. batting form: He spoke about Masood’s captaincy mindset but stressed the need for him to improve his batting to inspire confidence as a leader.

- Saj Sadiq

PAKISTAN-ENGLAND TESTS TO BE HELD IN MULTAN, RAWALPINDI

General shot of Multan Cricket Stadium Getty Images

England's Test tour of Pakistan next month will comprise back-to-back fixtures in Multan and a series finale in Rawalpindi, with the PCB finally giving the go-ahead to its revised schedule after a protracted delay.

The original itinerary for the three-Test series, which forms part of the ICC World Test Championship, had involved a second Test in Karachi - the venue where England secured a historic 3-0 clean sweep on their most recent visit to the country in December 2022.

However, the National Stadium in Karachi is currently undergoing major renovation work to prepare it for the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025, and with Rawalpindi unavailable for the second Test due to a major international conference in neighbouring Islamabad from October 15-16, the series had at one stage seemed set to be relocated to the UAE, with Abu Dhabi raised as a possible venue.

Now, however, an agreement has been reached that the series will begin and end in Multan and Rawalpindi as originally scheduled, but the teams will remain in Multan for the second Test as well.

England are due to arrive in Multan on October 2, with Pakistan's squad set to assemble in the city on the same date. The first Test gets underway from October 7-11, with the second following four days later, from October 15-19. The teams will then relocate to Rawalpindi for the third Test from October 24-28.

"PCB is thrilled to welcome the England men's cricket team back to Pakistan," Usman Wahla, PCB Director, International, said. "Despite minor adjustments, we are committed to supporting fans and ensuring a memorable tour. We look forward to a fiercely competitive Test series and showcasing Pakistan's renowned hospitality."

The announcement ends weeks of uncertainty surrounding the series, for which England last week named an unusually large touring squad of 17 players. Speaking ahead of the recent third Test against Sri Lanka, England head coach Brendon McCullum pointed out his side needed to know the venues in advance to be able to pick a squad that suited the conditions.

The delay has been a huge frustration to England's fans, with a number of tour operators cancelling their arrangements amid the lack of logistical arrangements.

Revised itinerary

7-11 Oct First Test, Multan

15-19 Oct Second Test, Multan

24-28 Oct Third Test, Rawalpindi

- ESPNcricinfo staff

WORLD CUP TO BEGIN OCT. 5 | AHMEDABAD HOSTS FINAL

Reuters 

The Cricket World Cup will begin on Oct. 5 with England facing New Zealand in Ahmedabad and the same venue hosting the final on Nov. 19, organisers said on Tuesday, with the schedule for the showpiece in India also confirming Pakistan's participation.

The fixtures were revealed by the International Cricket Council during an event in Mumbai, less than four months before the start of the 50-overs tournament, with the delay partly due to sour political relations between India and Pakistan.

India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup in August-September triggered the latest dispute between the bitter neighbours, who play each other only in multi-team events.

Pakistan responded by threatening to boycott the World Cup if they were not allowed to stage at least some matches of the Asia Cup on home soil.

The stalemate was finally resolved this month when Pakistan agreed to split matches with Sri Lanka, where India will play their Asia Cup matches.

South Asia's arch-rivals meet in the tournament's most anticipated match on Oct. 15 in Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium - the biggest cricket venue in the world by capacity.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) added a caveat saying they would still need government clearance for any tour to India, including World Cup match venues.

"We are liaising with our government for guidance," PCB Communications Director Sami Ul Hasan said in a statement.

"This position is consistent to what we had told the ICC a couple of weeks ago when they shared with us the draft schedule and sought our feedback."

India begin their campaign on Oct. 8 against five-times champions Australia in Chennai.

England's opener against New Zealand is a rematch of the 2019 final in which England prevailed via a now-scrapped boundary count rule.

Among other key fixtures, 1992 champions Pakistan meet Australia in Bengaluru on Oct. 20, while England take on South Africa the following day in Mumbai.

Australia captain Pat Cummins said he was looking forward to the atmosphere at the match with India in Chennai.

"You know there's going to be big crowds, but no bigger than playing India at home in a World Cup game, so that's going to be exciting for us," he said.

"It will be a huge challenge, they're a top-class team but if you want to win a World Cup you're going to have to be better than everyone else, so why not take on India straight up?"

The first semi-final will take place on Nov. 15 in Mumbai with Kolkata hosting the second the following day. Both games, as well as the final, will be day-night fixtures.

There will be a total of 10 venues for the 10-team tournament - Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Dharamsala, Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Apart from hosts India, the teams that have qualified include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa.

Two more sides will join them following a qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe, which will conclude on July 9.

Twice winners West Indies have appeared at every tournament since it was first staged in 1975 but defeat by the Netherlands in the qualifying event on Monday leaves their chances hanging by a thread.

- Reuters