PCB Reviews Preparations for Upcoming Cricket Season

LAHORE: A significant meeting took place at Gaddafi Stadium, presided over by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official Mohsin Naqvi, to assess the arrangements for forthcoming international and domestic cricket events.

The session was primarily focused on strategizing and ensuring the Shaheens team’s preparedness for their approaching series. Furthermore, initial steps were taken concerning central contracts for players.

Authorities delivered a thorough overview of Pakistan’s preparations for the anticipated home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, in addition to tours to the West Indies and Bangladesh.

A key resolution emerged from the assembly, mandating that all Pakistani international cricketers must participate in a minimum of one domestic tournament.

This initiative is geared towards reinforcing the domestic cricket framework and fostering the development of prospective talent.

Mohsin Naqvi underscored the significance of domestic cricket, noting: “The involvement of international cricketers will be instrumental in nurturing domestic players. A robust domestic cricket structure is vital for producing high-caliber cricketers. Effective backups for international players will arise from domestic competitions.”

Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, presented a comprehensive briefing on the upcoming series and associated logistical considerations.

The gathering saw the participation of prominent cricket officials and support personnel, including Head Coach Mike Hesson, Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, Team Manager Naveed Akram Cheema, Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla, Director of High Performance Centers Aaqib Javed, and Pakistan team captain Salman Agha.

In related news, the Men in Green recently achieved a clean sweep against Bangladesh, winning the three-match T20I series 3-0, with Mohammad Haris’s century securing victory in the final match.

During the third T20I, Pakistan faced a target of 197 runs. The innings began tentatively as Sahibzada Farhan, the opener, was quickly dismissed for just one run off four balls by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

However, Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub stabilized the innings with a solid partnership, amassing 56 runs for one wicket in the initial six overs, thereby maintaining a strong run rate.

Haris and Saim constructed a 92-run partnership for the second wicket, displaying aggressive and fluid stroke play to maintain Pakistan’s command. The partnership concluded when Tanzim Hasan trapped Saim for 45 runs off 29 deliveries, leaving Pakistan at 100-2 after 9.5 overs.

Despite this setback, Mohammad Haris continued to anchor the innings, reaching his half-century at 115-2 after 11 overs. Hasan Nawaz added quick runs with two boundaries before being dismissed for 26 off 13 balls by Mehidy Hasan, reducing Pakistan to 137-3 at 12.5 overs.

Remaining composed, Haris persisted in dominating the Bangladeshi bowling attack, scoring boundaries and sixes effortlessly. He achieved his century in a mere 45 balls, exhibiting outstanding batting skills throughout the innings.

Haris concluded unbeaten on 107 from 46 deliveries, comprising eight fours and seven sixes, while captain Agha contributed a swift 14 off 11 balls as Pakistan successfully chased the target in 17.1 overs.