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.

ALSO SEE: Gujarat Titans suffers huge loss as star player returns back to his nation

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.

ALSO SEE: KBR vs MIS Dream11 Prediction Match 25 Fantasy Cricket Tips West Indies T10 Bago Blast 

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

Also read: LSG VS MI : Match 16 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

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.

Also read: IPL 2025: Virat Kohli injury update

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.

ALSO READ: Rob Walter resigns as South Africa’s white-ball head coach

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.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have decided to swap the One Day International (ODI) matches with Twenty20 International (T20I) games in the upcoming bilateral series between the two nations. This is done as part of preparations for both teams for the Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The initial series, the tour of Pakistan by Bangladesh in May 2025, had three ODIs in it originally but has now been changed to a series of five T20I matches by the boards. This will provide both the teams with great experience in the T20 format as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments.

The second series, the Pakistan tour of Bangladesh in July 2025, was also to be made up of three ODIs. But it will now include three T20I matches instead. This is done to provide the teams with more emphasis on T20 cricket, as both are gearing up for the challenges in the upcoming big T20 tournaments.

ALSO SEE: PBKS VS GT IPL Match Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch on the tv and online mobile

This shift from ODIs to T20Is is happening when T20 cricket is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world with the majority of the world's major cricket nations placing greater significance on this version due to its fast and short nature. It is being considered a major part of the run-up to the upcoming international tournaments like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.

This change places particular importance on the increasing importance of T20I cricket within today's game and offers Bangladesh and Pakistan a chance to iron out their plans and improve their T20I side in preparation for the much-awaited Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026.

A PCB spokesperson pointed out in a forceful statement the financial impact India might endure should the BCCI opt not to go to Pakistan.

"India will suffer more financial loss than Pakistan if they choose not to participate in the Champions Trophy,” the spokesperson said. “The BCCI’s decision will not only impact their revenue from the tournament but also their global sponsorship deals and broadcasting rights, which heavily rely on India-Pakistan matches.”

This remark emphasizes the huge stakes since games between India and Pakistan produce unprecedented viewer numbers and huge sponsorship agreements. The PCB is of opinion that a boycott or request for a neutral venue might lower the usual financial advantage India has in ICC events.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012, limiting their ICC event meetings, owing to political concerns. Slated to be held by Pakistan, the Champions Trophy 2025 has turned a fresh source of debate.

"India Will Suffer More Financial Loss...": PCB's Warning After CT 2025 https://t.co/Rjsp1YbfW6

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 22, 2025

Also Read: Kohli's Explosive innings of fifty runs set the ground for RCB in IPL 2025 opener

What comes next?

• The ICC should negotiate a solution between BCCI and PCB and settle communications.
• An alternative middle ground could possibly be considered if India does not pick to compete in Pakistan.
• Any choice will have financial consequences depending on ICC rules, sponsorship agreements, and broadcasting rights.

The ICC might intercede between the two boards, but other sites could be under consideration if India rejects to compete in Pakistan. Still, PCB is determined to have the competition at home, which would constitute one of Pakistan's most significant occasions since the World Cup of 1996.

The cricket world is eagerly waiting BCCI's ultimate verdict, which could define the direction of the Champions Trophy 2025 and IndianPakistani cricket relations given increased tensions.

A famous Pakistani cricketer has come under criticism for failing to pay for three cricket bats he bought at a New Jersey shop during the recently concluded T20 World Cup last year. The identity of the player is unclear. However, it is likely to be a well-known Pakistan batter. Babar Azam, Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Fakhr Zaman were all on that Pakistan squad, and Waheed could be talking about them.

This claim surfaced after Waheed Khan, an experienced sports journalist, discussed the incident as the store owner is still awaiting payment. Although the store owner has made numerous attempts to reach the player who visited the store, there was no response.

The cricketer came to the shop before a crucial T20 World Cup game, chose three expensive bats to be purchased, and indicated they would return in the future to settle the payment. This related to the fact that it has now been months without a payment. ''I trusted him because of his name, but after a few days he is not answering my calls," the store owner said. “And I'm not susceptible to answering the door or trying another time that I couldn’t reach him.” 

This revelation has sparked discussions among cricket fans and followers; some have criticized the player for his failure to acknowledge the nature of retribution. Others have thought it to be a miscommunication.

A popular Pakistan player brought three bats from a cricket store owner in New Jersey during last year’s World Cup. The poor chap delivered the bats himself to the player in New York. The owner is still waiting for his payments and the player is not responding to his calls. V Sad

— WaheedKhankisaafseedhibaat (@WaheedKhancc) March 21, 2025

Also Read: IPL 18 Opening Ceremony: A Grand Celebration Minute by Minute

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board cricket board has not officially commented on this matter. If these revelations are accurate, it may question the morals and professionalism of all players in the international arena. We do not know yet whether the player will respond to the allegations, and we also do not know if the owner of the shop will escalate the matter legally. As this story develops, professional cricketers and journalists will no doubt be watching the developments very closely.

For now, the shop owner continues on, waiting for the cricketer to finally resolve the situation and bring an end to the controversy. 

During a recent game, Saud Shakeel executed an unbelievable no-look shot that took everyone by surprise his opponent, Naseem Shah included. The shot was so fine that even Naseem, who is quite competitive, could not resist giving a round of applause.

The moment soon went viral, with fans hailing Shakeel's technique and confidence. A no-look shot is a shot that needs incredible skill, timing, and faith in one's capability, and Shakeel pulled it off perfectly. Naseem's response made the moment even more endearing, reflecting the real sportsman spirit.

ALSO SEE: Micheal Clarke Admits Jasprit Bumrah Is An Absolute Freak

Saud Shakeel played a remarkable No look shot that even impressed his Opponent Naseem Shah, who was seen clapping for him#NationalT20 #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/4nat0GNOuZ

— Au Rangzab Younis (@SardarAurangzab) March 18, 2025

Cricket enthusiasts adore such moments of magic, and this one will be etched in memory as an exhibition of talent and respect between two of the best players.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lost a huge sum of money after the ICC Champions Trophy, which was the first ICC tournament in Pakistan in 29 years. The PCB lost a record Rs 869 crore in preparations for the tournament, including stadium refurbishment, security, etc. But the board earned only Rs 52 crore from hosting and ticketing fees. This led to a huge loss of Rs 739 crore, and the PCB's future to host big events was doubted. The poor financial performance has placed the PCB in a defensive position, and it is now reconsidering hosting future tournaments. The loss also questioned the long-term sustainability of hosting such tournaments in Pakistan.

Disappointing Return Despite Success of the Event:

While the Champions Trophy as a sporting event was a success, with the Pakistani team performing well and the crowd attending in good mood, the return in the form of finance was much less than expected. The PCB also expected to gain a profit by staging the tournament, but ticket and sponsorship sales were not sufficient to counter the astronomical expense. The loss signals the risks involved in hosting international events. The PCB will now have to investigate future events and how to organize them so that they raise sufficient money to avoid future financial losses. The board can also seek means of securing better sponsors and high turnout at future tournaments so as to reduce financial risks. In the future, the PCB can seek alternative revenue sources so that they can be profitable in the future.

ALSO READ:New Zealand vs Pakistan: Second T20I Match Details, Predicted Playing XI, and Live Streaming Info

High Risks in Hosting Big Events:

This loss illustrates the danger in hosting large international events. Despite the fact that the PCB incurred a lot in preparing for the Champions Trophy, the revenue generated was not sufficient to offset the expenses. The board will have to plan thoroughly for future events to ensure that they are economically viable.

HBL (Habib Bank Limited) will be the title sponsor of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) up to the last match of the 10th edition, PSL X. HBL's sponsorship deal still stands for the current season, so they will continue to be the title sponsor according to the current contract.

There have been recent rumors that Red Bull signed a five-year agreement with the PSL, but it cannot be confirmed. Although Red Bull can join as a category sponsor, the title sponsorship rights for PSL X remain with HBL.

ALSO READ:Mitchell Marsh Joins LSG for IPL 2025, Set to Play as a Pure Batter

Ahead of PSL 11, there will be a new cycle of sponsorship rights, and any business firm, including Red Bull, can participate in the bidding to own the title sponsorship for the season.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also made no declarations about the changes to the title sponsorship. The title sponsor ever since PSL commenced in 2016 has been HBL, and the consistent association between the two entities has been fundamental in the increase in popularity as well as growth of the league.

Even though Red Bull might become a category sponsor one day, nothing has changed as of now from the position HBL holds being the title sponsor.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has drastically cut player match fees for the next National T20 Cup. Players will get just PKR 10,000 per match, a drastic 75% slash from the last edition, when they were being paid PKR 40,000 per match.

This decision has also generated concerns among local players since most depend on match fees as their primary source of income. The National T20 Cup is among Pakistan's leading domestic competitions, with the country's best local players participating in it. Nevertheless, with this kind of sharp pay reduction, players may not be able to remain motivated and committed.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025 Ticket Update: How to Book, Availability & Latest News

The PCB has yet to offer an in-depth explanation for this decline, but it is likely to affect the morale of local cricketers. Most feel that investing in domestic talent is vital for the future of Pakistan cricket, and these financial cuts are likely to demotivate youngsters from taking up the sport as a career.

Fans and cricket pundits are now waiting to know whether the PCB will change its stance or offer alternate financial assistance to the players.