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Express Tribune
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- Sport
- Express Tribune
'I want Pak team to be nation's pride'
Newly-appointed white ball head coach Mike Hesson is determined to shape Pakistan's cricketing future for years to come. PHOTO: PCB Pakistan's new white-ball head coach Mike Hesson appeared in a recent interview on the PCB Podcast, and shared his coaching philosophy and vision for the team's future. Speaking candidly with former Test cricketer Bazid Khan, Hesson discussed his approach to player development, team culture, and what he hopes to achieve during his tenure with the Pakistan national team. Looking ahead, Hesson's long-term goal is to leave a legacy that extends beyond immediate results. "I would like the Pakistan public to say, 'This is a great team to watch,'" he reflected. Hesson, who brings years of experience from previous coaching roles, including the New Zealand cricket team, highlighted that his focus as a coach isn't on dictating how players should perform but rather on maximising their individual talents. "Coaching is about trying to maximise talent. It's not necessarily about telling them about the greater things that I have played during my time," Hesson said. He also emphasised the importance of building strong relationships with players. "Once you understand a player's journey, you can add value," he explained, noting that coaching is a more holistic approach rather than a one-size-fits-all model. His strategy revolves around understanding each player's background, what motivates them, and their specific goals before offering tailored guidance. For Hesson, communication plays a pivotal role. "Players deserve the right to know what's expected of them," he added, stressing that technical coaching and constant observation are key to his method. "It's about observing a player first before deciding when to intervene," he said. A significant part of Hesson's plan involves working closely with Pakistan's domestic circuit to spot talent. He noted the importance of developing clear pathways for emerging players. "There'll be identified groups of players where I'll be keen to go and have a look, talk, and meet players," he said. "This will ensure that players are well-trained, versatile, and ready to step up when called upon for national duties." In the years to come, Hesson hopes to lay a foundation for success that will endure after his departure, ensuring a smooth succession for future coaches. "If when you leave, things fall over, then you haven't done a great job," he concluded, adding that his focus is on building a sustainable model. Hesson's approach appears to be driven by a strong sense of long-term planning, aiming to not only improve the current team but also shape Pakistan's cricketing future for years to come. Uncertainty surrounds Asia Cup 2025: report The fate of this year's ACC Men's Asia Cup hangs in balance due to the recent cross-border tensions between two cricketing giants, Pakistan and India. The six-team tournament, originally set to be hosted by India, now faces significant hurdles due to ongoing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Last month, reports emerged that the defending champions and host are eyeing to pull out of the tournament due to the aforementioned reasons but the claims were soon after quashed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Meanwhile, as per the latest development, a top BCCI official has refused to confirm India's availability for the tournament, stating that they did not have any discussions regarding the Asia Cup. "To be honest, we have had no discussions within the board about the Asia Cup," a top official of the BCCI told Reuters, refusing to confirm whether the tournament will go ahead as scheduled. "We have been busy with the Indian Premier League and then we have India's tour of England. These are our immediate concerns," he added. Similarly, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was also uncertain about its men's team's participation in the continental event as well. "We will cross that bridge when we come to it," the PCB told Reuters in a statement. Earlier this week, ACC also announced the postponement of the Women's Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2025, which was originally scheduled to begin on June 6 in Sri Lanka. The decision follows a request from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva, who wrote to ACC President Mohsin Naqvi, seeking a postponement due to unfavourable weather conditions and growing health concerns related to the chikungunya virus outbreak in the region.
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
LQ players capable of handling pressure: Asif Ali
Asif Ali is long overdue for a match-winning knock and will be aiming for one in the HBL PSL X eliminator against Karachi Kings today. PHOTO: PCB Pakistan's experienced middle-order batter Asif Ali, representing Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, has shared his thoughts ahead of the crucial match against Karachi Kings. Speaking ahead of the Eliminator scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 22, Asif acknowledged the heightened pressure of the knockout stage but expressed confidence in the professionalism of all players involved. "It's the knockout stage and a big match, so naturally, there will be pressure," Asif said. "However, all the players are professionals, and I don't think anyone will let the pressure affect their performance." The right-handed batter also commented on the team combination and recent performances. "With the combination that has been made, hopefully, there will be good cricket. In the previous matches, batting was not going well, the team combination has been made, hopefully, we will go with the same combination. Sam Billings was performing; when a player like him leaves, it affects the combination," he said. Reflecting on setbacks, the middle-order batsman highlighted the importance of learning from mistakes. "If you lose a match, you review the errors and work on improving them. Every player has goals, and my focus remains on the upcoming games. If Pakistan or the selectors need me, I am ready to serve," he said. The 33-year-old also addressed rumors regarding his international comeback. "I am playing cricket and haven't given much thought to a comeback, nor is it my primary goal right now. If the selectors needed me, they would have called me up. I believe they don't need me at this moment," Asif stated humbly. "I celebrated a special occasion recently, but I stay grounded and focused on my game," he concluded. It is pertinent to mention that the two-time PSL champions Lahore Qalandars led by Shaheen Afridi secured their place in the playoffs after finishing fourth in the points table. They ended the group stage with five wins, four defeats, and one match washed out due to rain in 10 games. Mehidy Hasan Miraz joins Lahore Qalandars Lahore Qalandars have received a timely boost ahead of their high-stakes Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Eliminator clash against arch-rivals Karachi Kings, scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 22. Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has joined the Qalandars squad, stepping in as a replacement for Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza. The franchise team announced his arrival in a post shared on their social media handles, along with a caption that stated, "Spin wizard in town!
Express Tribune
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak breeze past Scotland, WI beat Ireland
Pak women's team players celebrate dismissal of another Scotland player in ICC Women's WC qualifier on Friday. PHOTO: PCB Pakistan rose to the top of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier tally with their second win on a trot as they edged Scotland in key clash here on Friday. Chasing 187, the hosts closed the game with six wickets in hand, and have four points from two outings at the tournament. Muneeba Ali (71) and Aliya Riaz (64) scored impressive half-centuries to seize a rain-affected game at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. Earlier, having won the toss, Pakistan elected to field first after rain had reduced the contest to 32 overs a side. The hosts got off to a strong start with Sadia Iqbal and Diana Baig removing both the Scotland openers in quick succession in the powerplay. Skipper Katherine Bryce then went on to construct a gritty knock of 91 runs off 96 deliveries, including 10 fours and a maximum. Ailsa Lister (31) and Sarah Bruce (21) provided vital support before succumbing as Scotland got to 123/4 from 22.1 overs. Four wickets down, Scotland were unable to make the most of the platform laid as Pakistan's bowling attack tightened the screws. Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana led the charge, nabbing a four-wicket haul as Scotland were restricted for 182/9. In another match on Friday, West Indies held their nerve to beat Ireland in a thriller. Skipper Hayley Matthews led from the front, snapping four wickets. Defending a target of 182, the Windies bowlers kept calm in a nervy affair to close out the game in the final over of a rain-shortened contest. With Ireland having compiled 50 runs in the Powerplay, the West Indies skipper broke the deadlock, cleaning up her Irish counterpart Gaby Lewis before grabbing the catch of Orla Prendergast off her own bowling. Matthews would eventually seal the deal for the Windies, nabbing the final wicket of Arlene Kelly to wrap up a six-run win. While Amy Hunter (48) and Laura Delaney (32) were able to make a mark with the bat, Ireland were unable to close down the chase, despite having pushed the game in their favour with the ball. With a loss in their opening game to Scotland, the Windies were on a hunt for a win to get back on track in the hunt for a Cricket World Cup spot. The game was shortened to 33 overs a side owing to showers earlier in the day. Batting first at the Gaddafi Stadium, Stefanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry (46 each), as well as Zaida James (36), had helped avert an early collapse after Ireland removed in-form skipper Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph in the Powerplay.
Express Tribune
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak gears up for NZ series with intensive training camp
Pakistan players return after a hectic training session in the training camp set up in Lahore for the upcoming New Zealand tour. PHOTO: PCB Pakistan cricket team's preparations for the upcoming tour of New Zealand are in full swing. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has organized an intensive training camp at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground for the selected players. The five-match T20 International series against New Zealand is set to take place from March 16 to 26. Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as Pakistan's T20I captain, while Shadab Khan will serve as the vice-captain. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who is part of the T20I squad, expressed confidence about playing in New Zealand, stating that he is familiar with the conditions, having played there before. Meanwhile, in the ODI format, Mohammad Rizwan will continue as Pakistan's captain for the three-match series scheduled from March 29 to April 5. Salman Ali Agha has been named as his deputy. Former fast bowler Aaqib Javed will remain as the interim head coach for the New Zealand tour. His original tenure was set to last until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but he has been asked to extend his role until a permanent head coach is appointed. Additionally, Mohammad Yousuf has been named Pakistan's batting coach for the series. Pakistan Squads for the New Zealand Tour T20I Squad: Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain), Abbas Afridi, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Irfan Khan Niazi, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Usman Khan. ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Tayyab Tahir. Pakistan will be aiming for a strong performance in both formats as they take on New Zealand in challenging conditions. Cricket boards regret supporting India in CT Cricket boards that once aligned with India for financial benefits and helped establish its dominance in international cricket are now frustrated by its growing influence and preferential treatment. After current and former cricketers such as Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, and Jonathan Agnew voiced their concerns, the British media has also started highlighting the advantages India has received in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
