PCB Chief Naqvi holds key meeting in Lahore

Express Tribune

2 days ago

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasised in Monday's meeting that strong domestic cricket structure is essential to bring forward top-quality cricketers. PHOTO: PCB
An important meeting was held at the Gaddafi Stadium under the chairmanship of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official Mohsin Naqvi to review preparations for upcoming international and domestic cricket assignments.
The meeting focused on planning and readiness for the Shaheens team's upcoming series and also initiated work on central contracts for players.
Officials provided a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan's preparations for the upcoming home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, as well as tours to the West Indies and Bangladesh.
A significant decision was made during the meeting, requiring all Pakistani international cricketers to participate in at least one domestic tournament.
The move aims to strengthen the domestic circuit and ensure the grooming of future talent.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasised the importance of domestic cricket, stating: "Playing alongside international cricketers will help in grooming domestic players. A strong domestic cricket structure is essential to bring forward top-quality cricketers. Good backups for international players will emerge from domestic competitions."
Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, gave a detailed briefing on the upcoming series and related logistics.
The meeting was attended by key cricket officials and support staff, 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.
Haris breaks Babar's T20I record
Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris showcased an explosive batting display on Sunday, leading his team to a convincing 3-0 series sweep over Bangladesh with a thrilling victory in the final match at Gaddafi Stadium.
Haris played a match-winning unbeaten innings of 107 runs off just 46 balls, featuring eight boundaries and seven sixes, at an extraordinary strike rate of 232.60. His stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
With this remarkable century, the wicketkeeper batter became Pakistan's second-fastest T20I centurion, surpassing both Babar Azam and Ahmed Shehzad.
He reached his maiden T20I hundred in 45 deliveries, overtaking Babar Azam's previous record of 49 balls and Ahmed Shehzad's 58 balls. The fastest century for Pakistan remains Hasan Nawaz's 44-ball hundred, scored during the T20I series against New Zealand in March.
In the third T20I, Pakistan faced a challenging target of 197 runs. The innings started nervously as opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed early, scoring only one run off four balls to Mehidy Hasan Miraz's bowling.
However, Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub quickly steadied the innings with a commanding partnership. The duo put together 56 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the first six overs, maintaining a strong scoring rate.
Haris and Saim forged a 92-run partnership for the second wicket, showcasing aggressive and fluent stroke play to keep Pakistan in control. The partnership ended when Tanzim Hasan trapped Saim for 45 runs off 29 deliveries, leaving Pakistan at 100-2 after 9.5 overs.
Despite the loss, Mohammad Haris continued to anchor the innings, reaching his half-century at 115-2 after 11 overs. Hasan Nawaz contributed 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.
Undeterred, Haris maintained his dominance over the Bangladeshi bowling attack, striking boundaries and sixes with ease. He brought up his century in just 45 balls, displaying sublime batting throughout the innings. Haris remained unbeaten on 107 off 46 deliveries, including eight fours and seven sixes, while captain Agha chipped in with a quick 14 off 11 balls as Pakistan comfortably chased down the target in 17.1 overs.