The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB ) takes big steps to provide their cricketers high-quality kits. For that, it is reported that the board is ready for a major haul; preliminary action has already been taken. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board was reportedly not happy with the quality of the kits their cricketers were using. The board officials were not happy with the quality of the kits from the Asia Cup 2025, where they lost in the final against their archrival India. It is claimed in reports that the board officials were visibly not happy from the continental tournament. 

Weeks after the conclusion of the Asia Cup 2025, a major update has emerged on media platforms—PCB has ended the contract with the current apparel company. So, for developing new kits, the board has to find a new apparel company. Reports suggested that the board has already initiated the search for a new kit supplier, and the final update regarding the new appointment is yet to come. 

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The Pakistan Cricket Board is looking for a new kit manufacturing company: 

According to media reports, there are multiple kit manufacturing companies in Pakistan. Other than CA Sports, MB Malik, Habib Sons (HS Cricket), and Ali Sports (AS), these companies are considered some of the popular manufacturers of cricket team kits in Pakistan. To become the kit supplier of the Pakistan cricket team, companies have to fulfill some criteria as well. 

It is also claimed on social media that the board wants the new vendor to design kits for men’s, women’s, U19 & domestic teams. Between the board and the upcoming new kit manufacturing company, there can be a three-year-long, series-to-series deal. 

Former Indian off-spinner and the 2011 World Cup winner, Harbhajan Singh, has publicly asked his friend and the former Indian coach, Gary Kirsten, to quit the post as the head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team. In a hard-hitting post on social networking site X, Harbhajan suggested he'd prefer to see Kirsten working with Team India, than "waste time" with Pakistan cricket. 

Harbhajan's comments came on the back of reports from the media in Pakistan that claimed Kirsten was unhappy with the disunity of the Pakistan team in their dressing room. Kirsten, the South African coach, was said to have expressed his frustration with the team and that it had proven difficult to coach a team "where the players are separated, left and right."

On social media, Harbhajan said, "Don't waste ur time there, Gary. Come back to coach Team INDIA. Gary Kirsten, one of the rare gems, is a great coach, mentor for everyone in the 2011 team. Our winning coach of the 2011 World Cup. Special man, Gary."

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Harbhajan Singh wants Gary Kirsten back with Team India

Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, after being eliminated by the groups, as the preliminary round is called, has put both players and management under the microscope. The tournament marked Kirsten's first major assignment with Babar Azam and his men since he was appointed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in early May.

In a reported quote from Kirsten by Pakistani journalists, the coach said, "There’s no unity in Pakistan’s team. They call it a team, but it isn’t a team. They aren’t supporting each other; they are working as individuals. I have been with teams, but as a coach, I haven’t seen that."

Kirsten's legacy of Indian cricket, on the other hand, has been golden. Under his watch, India won the 2011 World Cup, concluding a 28-year drought of a major ICC trophy, and reached the No. 1 ranking in Test cricket for a period of time. Before embracing the Pakistan role, Kirsten concluded his duties during the IPL as the mentor of the Gujarat Titans.

Harbhajan making the call so openly recognizes there is still a lot of respect and admiration Indian players possess for the man who helped shape arguably one of India's greatest triumphs on the cricket field.

In a stunning twist that’s gripped Pakistan’s cricket community, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a legal notice to Ali Khan Tareen, the outspoken co-owner of Multan Sultans. The PCB has demanded that Tareen retract his recent criticisms of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) management and issue a public apology. Failure to comply, the board warns, could result in the termination of Multan Sultans’ franchise agreement and a lifetime ban on Tareen from owning any cricket team in the future.

This explosive development comes just months before the PSL’s original 11-year franchise contracts expire in December, throwing uncertainty over the league’s stability. The conflict stems from Tareen’s vocal dissatisfaction with the PSL’s management, which he accused of lacking transparency and vision. In a series of social media posts and interviews, Tareen openly mocked the league’s operations, from draft procedures to the quality of the opening ceremony. “How will PSL 10 be bigger and better with the same teams and games?” he asked in one viral clip, sparking heated debate among fans.

Ali Tareen’s clash with the PCB sparks major tension ahead of PSL 11

The PCB, however, views his outbursts as a breach of the franchise agreement. Officials claim his remarks have harmed the league’s reputation, especially with re-bidding for all six franchises, and two new ones, on the horizon. The board’s letter, revealed on October 23, warned Tareen of potential blacklisting from all future PSL involvement.

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Tareen’s reaction was characteristically defiant. In a video that went viral on X (formerly Twitter), he dramatically tore up the legal notice, offering a sarcastic “apology” to the PCB. “I’m sorry for wanting the mic to work and the show to start on time,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause online.

The Multan Sultans management stood firmly behind their owner, calling the PCB’s move “pettiness in the face of honest criticism.” Fans are split, some praising Tareen’s courage, others accusing him of immaturity.

As PSL 11 approaches, this confrontation has become more than a personal feud, it’s a test of whether Pakistan cricket can embrace accountability and dialogue or continue down the path of confrontation.

PCB Demands

In a promising development for Australian cricket fans, multiple top T20 players from Pakistan will be available to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued the long awaited No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The development comes just weeks before the BBL is set to begin on December 14, ending a long period of uncertainty that had pushed franchises and fans alike to the edge of their seats.

The suspension of NOCs in September after Pakistan lost a tight Asia Cup 2025 final against India, had left stars like Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan in limbo. With players barred from playing in overseas leagues, they had little option but to play domestic competitions like the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, leaving BBL franchises scrambling to modify their plans.

Following thorough negotiations, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi guaranteed CA that NOCs would not be denied any players that met the basic fitness requirements and could make them available for their national teams. Players will now be allowed to play in up to two leagues overseas in a given year, provided they are not needed for over five-match cricket in the coming series with England and New Zealand. Todd Greenberg, the CEO of CA, welcomed this new order, stating, “The flair of Pakistani cricket brings excitement and quality to our league, both on and off the field.”

BBL Poised for a Star-Studded Season as Pakistani Players Suiting Up 

Franchises have already been getting ready to take advantage of these stars. The Brisbane Heat created a dedicated section for fans called the “Shaheen zone,” and the Melbourne Stars have had special ledges setup for Rauf. On the field, Babar will be in a position to anchor the middle order for the Sydney Sixers; Afridi’s raw pace is sure to trouble opposing batters, and Rizwan’s glove work will be important for the Renegades. Analysts are even indicating that attendance and viewership may increase by up to 20% simply because of the star power these international players bring.

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Although cricket fans in Pakistan have had a mixed reaction- happy for the players' financial gain, but frustrated with the uncertainty of the board attitude - this is a reminder of the fine line between domestic needs and international exposure to the 'game'. With the final BBL drafts fast approaching, the approval of Pakistan's best T20 players is not only exciting but also exciting for spectators; we anticipate an exciting series of games, sold out arenas, and magnificent moments to witness in Australia.

Highlights Include:

Players Approved: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan

BBL Impact: More engagement with fans, multiple players receiving substantial contracts

PCB Position: Approvals were based on performance of the national team

CA Position: "Thrilled- Pak flair adds to our product" -Todd Greenberg

Pakistan suffered a massive eight-wicket defeat against South Africa at home and failed to clinch the series victory during the second of the two-match Test series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With the loss, they slipped to the fifth position in the latest updated points table for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.

It's the first win for the Proteas in Pakistan after 18 years in a red-ball fixture. The tourists were behind in the contest, where they found themselves eight down for 235 runs in the first innings. But it was a crazy batting display from the lower order of the side, especially Kagiso Rabada. 

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Senuran Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 89 runs in 155 balls with the help of eight boundaries at a strike rate of 57.42, while Keshav Maharaj smashed 30 runs at number 10. At number 11, the left-handed batter of the Proteas, Kagiso Rabada, clubbed 71 runs in 61 balls, hitting four boundaries and four sixes.

Check latest updated WTC 2025-27 points table after PAK vs SA 2025 Test series

In the third innings of the game, apart from Babar Azam’s 50 and a little contribution of 28 runs from Salman Agha, no one was able to put a score on the board as the home side got bundled out for 138 runs. Simon Harmer picked up 6/50 in 20 overs.

World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings

In reply, the visitors completed the chase of 73 runs by eight wickets in just 75 deliveries to square the series by a 1-1 margin. South Africa will now shift their focus to the white-ball leg of the trip before flying to India for the Test series in the middle of November.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that it has not yet chosen a captain for the national men’s team ahead of the upcoming home ODI series against South Africa. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson has requested a joint meeting between the Selection Committee and the Advisory Committee to make a final decision on who will lead the side in the three-match series.

According to the PCB, Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has forwarded Hesson’s letter to the two committees, who will meet on October 20 to decide the matter. Sources close to the board said that the talks about a potential leadership change are linked to Pakistan’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, a suggestion believed to have come from Hesson himself.

The committees have reportedly been in discussions with a potential candidate who has asked for a guaranteed captaincy term until the 2027 World Cup and full freedom in team decisions.

ODI Captaincy: Rizwan under pressure

The PCB’s statement notably made no mention of Mohammad Rizwan, who was appointed Pakistan’s ODI captain last year. His status now appears uncertain, with the board indicating that the leadership role is still open.

Rizwan has led Pakistan to ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, but 2025 has been a difficult year for the side, including a loss in the home tri-series final to New Zealand, an early Champions Trophy exit, and a series defeat in the West Indies.

Despite this, Rizwan’s personal form has remained strong. He is Pakistan’s second-highest ODI run-scorer in 2025, with 361 runs at an average above 36, and also made a valuable 75-run contribution in the ongoing Test series against South Africa.

However, insiders suggest that Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Salman Ali Agha are in contention to replace Rizwan, with Afridi reportedly the frontrunner.

Shaheen’s redemption arc

Afridi’s name in the captaincy discussion is significant, considering his previous experience as T20I captain, a position he lost soon after Mohsin Naqvi became PCB Chairman. Naqvi had declined to confirm Afridi’s future as captain at the time, insisting that the board wanted a “long-term solution.”

Within a week, Afridi was replaced by Babar Azam, a move that sparked controversy after the PCB issued a statement under Afridi’s name which he claimed he never approved. The matter has since cooled, and sources suggest that Afridi’s relationship with the PCB has significantly improved under Hesson’s tenure.

Although Hesson does not hold the power to appoint the captain, the fact that Naqvi agreed to put the matter before both committees suggests that Hesson’s influence within the PCB setup has grown considerably.

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South Africa’s tour of Pakistan – Full Schedule

South Africa Squads

T20I Squad
David Miller (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

ODI Squad
Matthew Breetzke (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

Test Squad
Aiden Markram (C), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne (WK).

Pakistan Squads

Test Squad
Shan Masood (C), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afrid, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (WK), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

T20I Squad: TBA
ODI Squad: TBA

Decision expected soon

The PCB has confirmed that the joint committee meeting to decide on the ODI captain will take place on October 20, with a final decision likely to follow immediately after.

For now, Rizwan remains Pakistan’s ODI captain in name, but with Hesson pushing for long-term leadership stability and Afridi’s growing influence, a change appears increasingly inevitable.

The deaths of three local cricketers of Afghanistan caused major damage to the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Star cricketer Rashid Khan described Pakistan's attack as immoral and barbaric. After that, he silently takes a step to continue his protest against their neighboring nation.

It is learned that Rashid Khan has removed Pakistan Super League from his official social media bio, which is considered a major step to create more distance from Pakistan and Pakistan cricket. The spinner was a part of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Lahore Qalandars, which was mentioned in his 'X' account bio before. But after the tragic incident in Paktika province where at least 10 people were killed in the wee hours of Saturday (October 18), Lahore Qalandars is not visible in his official 'X' account.

Netizens observed the change in Khan's bio on Sunday morning. His current profile sees the mention of Afghanistan, Sydney Thunder, and Gujarat Titans, but Lahore Qalandars is not there. It is now believed that Khan and other Afghanistan cricketers, who played in PSL last season, can pull themselves out from the tournament. It is needless to say, without Rashid Khan or Afghanistan internationals, the Pakistan Super League will lose its credibility and star attractions.

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Rashid Khan showed open protest against the tragic incident

Condemning Pakistan's alleged airstrike on Afghanistan, Khan on Saturday wrote, "It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed." 

In response to the attack, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), with immediate effect, withdrew their team from the upcoming Tri-Nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Pakistan. Supporting ACB's decision, Khan said, "In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB's decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time; our national dignity must come before all else."

The cricket world is absolutely devastated by the news of the deaths of three local Afghanistan cricketers because of Pakistan's air strike on the civilian area. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and their national team cricketers strongly protested the incident. For Rashid Khan, it was a 'barbaric' and 'immoral' act from the Pakistan Air Force.

Along with the three cricketers, several other lives were also claimed by the attack. Netizens from all over the places across the planet used their words through social media posts to support Afghanistan. In protest of the attack, the Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew themselves from the upcoming Tri-Nation series in Pakistan involving Sri Lanka. 

"In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon), alongside 5 other fellow countrymen from Urgun District, were martyred, and seven others were injured. The players had earlier traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering," ACB informed this through their social media post. 

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"In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in late November," the statement further read. 

Afghanistan cricket star Rashid Khan described the action made by Pakistan as immoral and barbaric. He supported ACB's decision to withdraw from the tournament. 

"It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed. In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time; our national dignity must come before all else," Rashid Khan said. 

Reactions of Afghanistan cricketers on the incident:

💔 pic.twitter.com/6d6Ciu2By5

— Samiullah Shinwari (@SamiShinwari45) October 17, 2025

Heartbroken by the martyrdom of young cricketers in Urgun, Paktika, targeted in a brutal attack by Pakistan’s military regime.

This inhumane & shameful act seeks to undermine our brave nation, yet it binds us closer together.

We will never forget their sacrifice and memory.

— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) October 18, 2025

Heartbroken by Pakistan's cowardly airstrikes in Paktika, killing innocent civilians, including young cricketers. This brutal & barbaric act shames humanity.

— Ibrahim Zadran (@IZadran18) October 18, 2025

Devastated to hear of Pakistan's ruthless airstrikes on our soil, claiming lives of innocents, including young cricketers. This shameless and cowardly act defies all honour.

— Azmatullah Omarzai (@AzmatOmarzay) October 18, 2025

We are deeply saddened by the cowardly military attack in Argun, Paktika, that martyred innocent civilians and fellow cricketers. This brutal act by the Pakistani army is an assault on our people, pride, and independence.but it will never break the Afghan spirit.

— Gulbadin Naib (@GbNaib) October 17, 2025

Deeply saddened by Pakistan’s attacks on Afghan civilians women, children, and young cricketers. Such inhuman acts must not be ignored. I fully support the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s decision.

— Sediqullah Atal (@sediqullahatal) October 17, 2025

I am deeply saddened by the loss of civilian lives in the recent Pakistani aerial strikes on Afghanistan. A tragedy that claimed the lives of women, children, and aspiring young cricketers who dreamed of representing their nation on the world stage.

It is absolutely immoral and…

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) October 17, 2025

On Saturday morning the entire cricket world was stunned to know of the deaths of three local cricketers of Afghanistan. It is reported that the 48-hour ceasefire was violated by Pakistan on Friday evening. The Taliban claimed that Pakistan initiated a fresh airstrike that claimed the lives of three cricketers. In protest of the incident, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has decided to boycott the tri-nation tournament in Pakistan, involving Sri Lanka.

After ACB's decision not to take part in the tri-nation series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now has to make a final call on the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in November. According to fresh reports, PCB is in search of another team to replace Afghanistan. Teams like England, Australia, and South Africa will not be available for that time frame, as they will be busy in other competitions. England and Australia will play for the Ashes, while South Africa is scheduled to travel to India. According to some recent claims on social media platforms, Zimbabwe is likely to replace Afghanistan in the tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 

"In this heartbreaking incident, three players (Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon), alongside 5 other fellow countrymen from Urgun District, were martyred, and seven others were injured. The players had earlier traveled to Sharana, the capital of Paktika province, to participate in a friendly cricket match. After returning home to Urgun, they were targeted during a gathering," ACB informed this through their social media post. 

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"In response to this tragic incident and as a gesture of respect to the victims, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to withdraw from participating in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series involving Pakistan, scheduled to be played in late November," the statement further read. 

Pakistan Cricket Board has to take a call on the upcoming tri-nation series

Afghanistan cricket star Rashid Khan labelled the action made by Pakistan as immoral and barbaric. He supported ACB's decision to withdraw from the tournament. 

"It is absolutely immoral and barbaric to target civilian infrastructure. These unjust and unlawful actions represent a grave violation of human rights and must not go unnoticed. In light of the precious innocent souls lost, I welcome the ACB’s decision to withdraw from upcoming fixtures against Pakistan. I stand with our people at this difficult time; our national dignity must come before all else," Rashid Khan said. 

There is a strong possibility that Pakistan will tour Sri Lanka in January 2026, with discussions currently underway between the two cricket boards. If finalized, the series could see Pakistan play three T20 internationals in Colombo on January 8, 10, and 12. However, sources have indicated that the final schedule will be confirmed only after resolving certain pending matters.

This proposed series could further complicate the issue of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Pakistani players participating in the Big Bash League (BBL). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously suspended players’ NOCs after the Asia Cup, and with a January series on the cards, several players might be forced to miss part of the Australian league.

The BBL is scheduled from December 14, 2025, to January 25, 2026, with seven Pakistani players lined up to participate. Babar Azam is set to play for the Sydney Sixers, Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan for Melbourne Renegades, Shaheen Afridi for Brisbane Heat, Hasan Ali for Adelaide Strikers, Haris Rauf for Melbourne Stars, and Shadab Khan for Sydney Thunder. While Babar and Rizwan are currently not in Pakistan’s T20I setup, both could make a return ahead of the T20 World Cup. Shadab, who is recovering from injury, and Shaheen remain key figures in the national side.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s immediate focus remains on their upcoming home season. They are set to host Sri Lanka for three ODIs from November 11 to 15, followed by a proposed T20 tri-series from November 17 to 29 involving Afghanistan. However, with tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalating, the latter’s participation is now uncertain, and PCB may need to find a replacement team.

The January tour will also serve as crucial preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which Sri Lanka will co-host. For Pakistan, the series could provide an ideal opportunity to acclimatize to local conditions ahead of the mega event.