The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly working on a plan to shift the upcoming Asia Cup matches from India to the UAE in a bid to avoid cancellation amid the India-Pakistan stand-off. Ever since the recent military escalation, which started in early May, tensions between the two neighbours have been at their peak. India will be the official host of this tournament, but given the grim political climate, a cloud of uncertainty looms over the future of the tournament. 

To ensure the tournament proceeds as planned, the ACC President is exploring alternatives for a neutral venue where both India and Pakistan can face off. For the moment, the UAE appears to be a viable option and is in contention to host the upcoming Asia Cup tournament. Should the need arise, Sri Lanka is also being considered as a backup venue.

See also: Pakistan cricket at risk of ₹220 crore loss over India’s Asia Cup exit: Reports

ACC officials hopeful that the tournament will go as planned 

As per the latest reports from Forbes, a final decision on the venue change will be made at the ICC’s Annual General Meeting in Singapore next month. India's participation in the Asia Cup has been open to debate following the Pahalgam terror attacks that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. India accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism and launched a counter-offensive dubbed "Operation Sindoor" to avenge the loss of innocent civilians.  

Since then, the diplomatic relationship between the two countries has hit rock bottom, thus fueling the possibility of India withdrawing from the tournament. But fortunately, such notions have been put to rest by the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. In his recent interaction with Sportstar, Saikia denied claims of India opting out of the tournament and insisted that a call has not been taken on this matter so far.

“Such news is devoid of any truth as till now, BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC (Asian Cricket Council). At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men and women." 

The UAE has previously played host to earlier editions of the Asia Cup. Back in 2022, the tournament was staged in a T20 format in which both India and Pakistan clashed twice. It is certainly plausible that the vibe of the 2022 Asia Cup edition could repeat itself. Moreover, the ICC has also approached the UAE to stage a number of ICC events before on an emergency basis, the most recent of which was the Women's T20I World Cup last year. 

As part of a big leadership shake-up, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is said to announce Salman Ali Agha as the country's all-format national team skipper, replacing Shan Masood in Tests and Mohammad Rizwan in ODIs. The formal announcement should be made after Eid holidays.

Salman, who is now Pakistan's T20I captain, has impressed officials and selectors with his captaincy as well as consistency with the bat. His promotion indicates the PCB's willingness to move towards a new era under the influence of young energy and new tactics. Sources suggest that the decision has the backing of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, newly appointed white-ball coach Mike Hesson, and the selection committee. Together, they believe Salman is best positioned to unify the team across formats and lead with renewed direction.

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Salman Ali Agha's Rapid Rise Signals New Era for Pakistan Cricket

Shan Masood's captaincy stint in Tests has been disappointing, with only three victories in 12 matches, including a historic series defeat to Bangladesh. Rizwan, who leads the ODI side currently, has also been said to be dissatisfied with not having a say in matters of selection under the old regime. The PCB seems to be set to clear the decks and begin afresh.

In addition to the captaincy shift, the PCB is also set to unveil the creation of an "observatory committee" that will monitor team developments and provide advice to the chairman. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Sikander Bakht, both former cricketers, are on the list of contenders for this panel, with more names to be added. Also under consideration is a reorganization of the national selection committee, with greater emphasis being placed on scouting talent from domestic and age-group circuits. Naqvi is also said to favour giving the captain and coach more leeway in matters related to team selection.

Pakistan's next Test assignment will be a two-match home series against South Africa later in the year, launching their ICC World Test Championship campaign. With only five Tests planned for 2025, Salman will have few chances to leave an early impression as a red-ball captain. If handed the role, Salman Ali Agha's ascent will be one of the quickest in Pakistan cricket, representing a new bold direction for the national side.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, made the announcement of Mike Hesson being appointed as the white-ball head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team from May 26, a day following the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season. Hesson, who has coached the Black Caps to the 2015 World Cup final, has also been associated with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) of the IPL, among other franchises. His success with Islamabad United, the defending champions of the PSL, recently made him a strong candidate after the PCB reviewed many applications in light of the team's tour of New Zealand in April.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi did believe Hesson was a sound appointment based on his record of developing competitive teams. Hesson replaces interim coach Aqib Javed, who stepped down after the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where Pakistan bowed out in the group stage. Javed has switched to Director of High Performance as a complement to Hesson's appointment, with the PCB seeking to reinvigorate its white-ball cricket prior to a jam-packed international calendar, which will feature a home ODI series and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

A New Era for Pakistan's White-Ball Cricket

Hesson's appointment has been welcomed widely on social media, where supporters and commentators view it as a big win for the PCB, as he possesses tactical brains and an understanding of Pakistani cricket via the PSL. His first task will probably be a T20I series against Bangladesh, commencing in late May, with games in Lahore and Faisalabad.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Mike Hesson as the white-ball head coach of the Pakistan mens cricket team effective from May 26, a day after the culmination of the PSL 2025 season.https://t.co/a0K9k4OQqi

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) May 13, 2025

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The PCB is optimistic that Hesson's strategic experience will help rectify Pakistan's recent woes in limited-overs cricket, such as a disastrous Champions Trophy outing and only one victory in nine white-ball games on their New Zealand tour this year. With a new eye, Hesson wants to create a competitive team, paving the way for a revolutionary era in Pakistan's white-ball cricket.

The growing influence of Indian cricket administrators is once again making headlines, as reports claim that officials from India played an underhanded role in blocking Pakistan’s attempts to host the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. A report by Cricbuzz said that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially declined a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to host the remainder of the PSL season in England — assuming that Indian officials’ diplomatic nudge wasn’t the final straw. 

Sources who are close to the conclusion are obvious Indian cricket officials, particularly BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who considerably influenced the decision for the ECB to turn down Pakistan’s request. The PCB's request to host the remainder of the PSL in England came after a series of logistical and security issues made it nearly impossible to stage the rest of the league in Pakistan. Following discussions, England was decided on as a feasible alternative that would be neutral for both teams, and Pakistani officials thought it would not cause undue harm to their brands. However, Indian officials did not want the Pakistani brand to grow any foundation on English soil, especially with multiple logistical concerns being raised in the UK and high stakes for broadcast and commercial exposure.

Jay Shah’s well-documented connections with cricket boards in the UAE and other international venues are believed to have played a pivotal role in swaying decisions. He is becoming more prominent in the global cricket administration landscape, including influence within the ICC, and connects with officials across national boards. These factors have strengthened India's voice in international cricket issues, which is already very loud, and this event illustrates how soft power and necessary diplomacy are increasingly influencing the geopolitical story of cricket.

India’s Strategic Cricket Diplomacy Continues to Shape Global Tournaments

This isn’t the first time India’s cricket board has influenced the international scheduling or venue dynamics. The BCCI has often relied on its enormous commercial power (and relationships) to either endorse or indirectly stop rivals from a hosting perspective. As India remains the largest market for cricket viewing and sponsorship, such action is mainly based on long-term strategies.

🚨 INDIAN CRICKET ADMINISTRATORS ON ROLL 🚨

- ECB declined PCB's request to host the remaining matches of PSL 2025 after nudge from Indian Cricket Administrators. [Cricbuzz]

Jay Shah's strong links with UAE's leadership & cricket board are understood to have played a… pic.twitter.com/Y46dKX6JyK

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 10, 2025

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For Pakistan, this rejection is indeed a significant setback, not only for its signature event but also for its wider ambition for recovery and to rehabilitate its presence in global cricket. As India starts to cement its authority both administratively and diplomatically, boards like the PCB will need to start thinking about international coordination, especially the informal endorsement of BCCI.

Amid the rising tension between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to rethink the operations of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). The situation after the Pahalgam incident, where terrorists took 26 civilian lives, including 25 Indians, took a more intense turn when India launched airstrikes.

 The attack was precisely focused on 9 terrorist camps situated in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). As for now, there is no sign to say that the situation between the two neighboring countries is going to cool down soon. So, PCB has to think about the possible operational challenges to conducting the PSL and, mostly, the safety of all the players.

Read More: Operation Sindoor Impact: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians match cancelled

After India's 'Operation Sindoor,' the airspace that belonged to Pakistan is now under scrutiny in terms of possible challenges. As per media reports, PCB officials are scheduled to meet with the Ministry of Interior to understand the significance of the situation and its potential impact on the tournament.

PSL meeting between PCB chairman, PSL head, Franchise owners and Foreign players concluded. Key decisions will be announced in due course. #HBLPSLX #PakistanCricket https://t.co/glb0OQexv7

— Syed Ali Imran (@syedaliimran) May 8, 2025

Pakistan Cricket Board officials have to take a step as soon as possible 

The board officials currently have four options on the table: 1) postpone the matches and wait until the situation becomes favorable for games, 2) relocate the remaining matches, 3) cancel the tournament, and 4) continue as per the fixed schedule.

The ongoing PSL season has only a total of 8 games left, including four knockout and four playoff matches. Among the 6 participating teams, Quetta Gladiators has already qualified for the next round, and Multan Sultans has already been knocked out of the competition. So far, the upcoming fixtures of the PSL are now looking uncertain as the board officials have yet to make a decision.

Cricket fans have reason to smile after Pakistan ace pacer Mohammad Amir returns to Essex County Cricket Club for the 2025 Vitality Blast. The left-arm seamer, who played for Essex between 2017 and 2019, will return to bring his experience and talent back into the side for this year's T20 campaign.

Amir, with 71 wickets in 62 international T20 games at a remarkable average of 21.94, will hugely strengthen Essex's bowling lineup. His earlier stint with Essex was very successful, with the club even featuring in a double-winning season in 2019.Amir did not feature in the knockout stages but contributed 24 wickets in 21 matches in his initial spell, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Chris Silverwood, Essex Director of Cricket, welcomed Amir's return with optimism, underlining the significance of his experience. "We are thrilled to have Mo return to Chelmsford and are very much looking forward to having him play for Essex once again. He will certainly strengthen what is already a good squad for our T20 Blast this summer," Silverwood said.

Amir will be available for the group stage of the Vitality Blast, with an option to extend his stay if Essex make it to the knockout stages. The team's first match is on May 30th against Hampshire Hawks. Essex is now as strong as ever with Amir in the team, and the fans are waiting eagerly for another excellent season.

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Amir says he would choose IPL over PSL if given the chance

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has sparked buzz in the cricket world with his candid admission that he would choose the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the Pakistan Super League (PSL) if given the chance. Speaking on the Quetta Gladiators’ podcast, Amir said that if both leagues were to run at the same time in the future and he became eligible to play in the IPL as a British citizen, he would prefer the IPL without hesitation. “Honestly, if I get the opportunity, I’ll definitely play in the IPL. I’m saying this openly. But if I don’t get a chance, then I will play in the PSL,” Amir stated. The 32-year-old, who retired from international cricket in 2020, currently plays for Quetta Gladiators and revealed that he expects to be eligible for IPL selection by 2026. He also expressed a desire to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a team he believes suits his style and where his experience could prove valuable.

Backing Amir’s wish, fellow Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad said RCB would benefit from having a bowler like Amir in their lineup, especially given their longstanding struggles with bowling. “RCB needs a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes. If Amir plays for RCB, they will win the title,” Shehzad said during the same podcast. Due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, players from Pakistan have not featured in the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008, with Azhar Mahmood being the lone exception by playing as a UK citizen. Until the possibility of playing in the IPL becomes a reality, Amir will focus on the Pakistan Super League, which kicks off its 10th edition on April 11.

Cricket fans have reason to smile after Pakistan ace pacer Mohammad Amir returns to Essex County Cricket Club for the 2025 Vitality Blast. The left-arm seamer, who played for Essex between 2017 and 2019, will return to bring his experience and talent back into the side for this year's T20 campaign.

Amir, with 71 wickets in 62 international T20 games at a remarkable average of 21.94, will hugely strengthen Essex's bowling lineup. His earlier stint with Essex was very successful, with the club even featuring in a double winning season in 2019.Amir did not feature in the knockout stages but contributed 24 wickets in 21 matches in his initial spell, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Chris Silverwood, Essex Director of Cricket, welcomed Amir's return with optimism, underlining the significance of his experience. "We are thrilled to have Mo return to Chelmsford and are very much looking forward to having him play for Essex once again. He will certainly strengthen what is already a good squad for our T20 Blast this summer," Silverwood said.

Amir will be available for the group stage of the Vitality Blast, with an option to extend his stay if Essex make it to the knockout stages. The team's first match is on May 30th against Hampshire Hawks. Essex is now as strong as ever with Amir in the team, and the fans are waiting eagerly for another excellent season.

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Amir says he would choose IPL over PSL if given the chance

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has sparked buzz in the cricket world with his candid admission that he would choose the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the Pakistan Super League (PSL) if given the chance. Speaking on the Quetta Gladiators’ podcast, Amir said that if both leagues were to run at the same time in the future and he became eligible to play in the IPL as a British citizen, he would prefer the IPL without hesitation. “Honestly, if I get the opportunity, I’ll definitely play in the IPL. I’m saying this openly. But if I don’t get a chance, then I will play in the PSL,” Amir stated. The 32-year-old, who retired from international cricket in 2020, currently plays for Quetta Gladiators and revealed that he expects to be eligible for IPL selection by 2026. He also expressed a desire to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a team he believes suits his style and where his experience could prove valuable.

Backing Amir’s wish, fellow Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad said RCB would benefit from having a bowler like Amir in their lineup, especially given their longstanding struggles with bowling. “RCB needs a bowler like Amir to fix their bowling woes. If Amir plays for RCB, they will win the title,” Shehzad said during the same podcast. Due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, players from Pakistan have not featured in the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008, with Azhar Mahmood being the lone exception by playing as a UK citizen. Until the possibility of playing in the IPL becomes a reality, Amir will focus on the Pakistan Super League, which kicks off its 10th edition on April 11.

Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, has been voted in as the new president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a two-year period. He takes over from Shammi Silva, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) head. The move was endorsed during a virtual ACC members' meeting. Naqvi, who has been at the helm of the PCB since early 2024, has been a central figure in constructing Pakistan cricket. Under his leadership, Pakistan upgraded three of its top-class stadiums and successfully hosted the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on a hybrid model. Naqvi offered his thanks in taking office, saying Asia is the epicentre of world cricket and that he is dedicated to working with every ACC member in increasing the popularity and stature of the game.

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He did also show gratitude to his predecessor and stated how much it meant to have an open mind as a means to advance Asian cricket to its utmost potential. Under his leadership, ACC seeks to fortify its programs for youth development, provide further opportunities for rising players, and promote increased activity throughout the continent.

Challenges and Future Goals

One of the major challenges ahead for Naqvi is the Asia Cup, scheduled for September. Originally to be hosted by India, the tournament will now be held in a neutral location because of continuing political tensions between India and Pakistan. Hosting a smooth and successful event will be one of the biggest tests of his leadership.Besides his cricket administrative experience, Naqvi also boasts a government background as he has been Pakistan's Minister of Interior and Punjab province caretaker Chief Minister. His experience in dealing with large operations and decision-making would be important in his current position.

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As Naqvi takes over, he envisions an Asian cricket that continues to climb to newer heights of international stature. With expansion, harmony, and innovation driving the process, he will lead the ACC to even higher peaks and take Asian cricket to even greater heights.

Former Pakistan international fast bowler Farooq Hameed has died at the age of 80. Hameed, who controversially played just one Test match for Pakistan in 1964, was, in the words of Wisden, distinguished for his raw pace and potential during his short but explosive cricketing career. His demise signals the passing of an era for those who remember all that he gave to Pakistan cricket.

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

A Short-Lived Cricketing Career

Farooq Hameed, who once played for Pakistan, was a right-arm fast bowler who participated in first-class cricket between the years of 1961-62 and 1969-70. He has 43 matches under his name. He took steps to obtain 111 wickets with an average of 25.21, collecting 3 five-wicket hauls and a single ten-wicket haul. During the 1964-65 season, he bested his own record while Wellington was the bowler’s team. He bowled unchanged with a score of 7 for 16, and the other team was 53 runs.

Hameed was born in Lahore and debuted in 1961-62. He was also part of the Pakistan Eaglets team that toured England in 1963. Additionally, he also played two matches for Pakistan against the Commonwealth XI during the years of 1963-64. Even after his fellow countryman cricketer Alf Grover acknowledged him as a real fast bowler, he had no other choice because of his lack of accuracy and limited opportunities to pursue retiring in 1969-70.

While Hameed played for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) domestically, he had great performances against Peshawar in 1967-68, where he delivered two five-wicket hauls. Khalid Aziz happens to be Hameed’s cousin, who is a first-class cricketer as well as a Test umpire. His sister, in fact, established the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Association along with other in the year 1978

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A Revered Legend of Pakistan Cricket

As brief as his international career was, Hameed continued to stay connected with the sport and commanded immense respect in Pakistan’s cricketing circles. His contributions as a player and as a source of inspiration to developing young cricketers were immeasurable.

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Fans Across Social Media React to His Passing

The PCB expresses its condolences on the passing of former Test fast bowler Farooq Hameed. He represented Pakistan in one Test match at the MCG against Australia in 1964. He took 111 wickets in 43 matches during his first-class career spanning from 1961/62 to 1969/70. pic.twitter.com/f3WRboib11

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 3, 2025

As news of his passing spread, cricket fans on social media remembered the Australian cricket icon and posted their heartfelt condolences to the great cricketer.

Sad to hear the news that Farooq Hamid has passed away. I was lucky enough to finally meet up with him at his home in October in Lahore. In his youth he was a great athlete. I wrote a limited Monograph on Farooq in early in 2024. Condolences to his wife & all his family. https://t.co/VZuDXEasx7 pic.twitter.com/GVThykCaKC

— David Battersby (@BattersbyDave) April 3, 2025

• One such fan shared, “Another legend of Pakistan cricket passes away. Long live Farooq Hameed. We could not have done this without you, and this will never be forgotten. The resulting piece of art.
• One other person tweeted, “Deeply saddened to hear of Farooq Hameed’s passing. As any cricket fan will tell you, a fast bowler with that much promise is a gem. My heart goes out to his family. Production of the revised paragraph
• Tariq Khan, a cricket-loving Pakistan-based columnist and commentator, reminisced, “Though he played only a single Test, his contribution to Pakistan cricket transcended statistics. Sleep easy, Mr.

In the wake of his passing, the cricketing community continues to honor the legacy of Farooq Hameed and the undying love for the game that he embodied.

 Salman Ali Agha: Pakistan’s New T20 Captain for the New Zealand Tour

Shadab Khan was initially selected for Pakistan's T20I captaincy for the New Zealand tour, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to go with Salman Ali Agha instead of him. While Shadab didn’t get the most crucial role, but he was appointed as vice-captain for the series. Pakistan ended up losing the five-match T20I series 1-4.
As per a report from Pakistan Cricket , the PCB had thought about making Shadab the captain but chose not to. Shadab has previous leadership experience in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he captained Islamabad United to a title win last year. He performed well with both bat and ball, playing a key role in the victory and earning the Player of the Tournament award.

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The PCB decided not to appoint Shadab Khan as captain after discussions with the selectors. Before finalizing the squad for the New Zealand tour, the board consulted five mentors Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Shoaib Malik. These mentors had earlier been criticized for their supposed role in picking Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy, where the team was knocked out in the group stage. However, they later clarified that they were not involved in the final selection.

🚨PCB REJECTED SHADAB KHAN'S CAPTAINCY PROPOSAL🚨

- Shadab Khan was considered for the T20I captaincy during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand, but PCB rejected the proposal, prioritizing new players for the T20 WC 2026. Salman Ali Agha was appointed as captain. [Cricket Pakistan] pic.twitter.com/NpI9puZ3nx

— Salman (@SalmanAsif2007) April 1, 2025

 

With the T20 World Cup coming up next year, the PCB wanted to try out new players, which is why Salman Ali Agha was given the captaincy. Agha had been one of Pakistan’s most reliable batsmen and was in great form. He ended up as the team’s highest run-scorer in the series, making 167 runs in five matches at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 135.77.

On the other hand, Shadab Khan had a rough series. He scored only 58 runs and took just one wicket while conceding runs at an economy of 11 per over. Despite the recent losses, the PCB is still focused on giving young players a chance and encouraging a more aggressive style of cricket.