Latest news with #RashidLatif
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First Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Pakistan prepare to fight for Olympic cricket spot at LA 2028, organisers to be contacted: Report
Amid news that Pakistan will miss out on cricket's return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, the PCB has decided to start a lobbying effort to ensure a favourable qualification process. read more Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi may soon write to ICC and LA 2028 organisers over qualification process. Image: PTI Pakistan are in serious danger of missing out on cricket's historic return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028. As reported earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is planning to opt for a regional qualifying format, as per which the top-ranked T20I team from a particular region will be given direct entry into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The men's cricket tournament at LA 2028 will have six teams, comprising the No. 1-ranked teams from Asia, Oceania, Europe and Africa, along with hosts USA, who would represent the Americas. Such a qualification format will help ICC to send teams from all major continents to the Olympics. However, ICC is yet to finalise how the sixth and final team will be picked for the next Summer Games. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per the above formula, India (Asia) and Australia (Oceania), along with Great Britain (Europe), South Africa (Africa) and the USA as hosts, are set to qualify for the Olympics based on their respective regional rankings. While Pakistan and New Zealand are in danger of missing out on the Olympics. Pakistan to fight for Olympic cricket spot at LA 2028 Now, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not happy with such an arrangement and is reportedly planning to kick off a 'lobbying effort,' as per a report published in the prominent Pakistan news media website Tribune. As the cut-off date has not yet been announced, Pakistan want it to be one year before the LA Olympics in 2208, which could allow them a chance to improve their rankings and get ahead of India. 'Olympics are a prestigious event, and with cricket included, we cannot afford to miss out,' a PCB source told Telecom Asia Sport. 'A letter will be sent to both the ICC and the LA Games Committee urging them to announce a qualification cut-off date, ideally one year prior to the Games.' Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has also urged the PCB to demand a qualification cut-off date of at least March 2026. 'Olympics are prestigious, and a medal is at stake,' Latif was quoted as saying by the report. 'The criteria should either reflect the percentage of teams in each region or a fair ranking-based cut-off date should be announced.' 'PCB must engage with both the ICC and the LA committee, and suggest using the T20 World Cup standings in March next year as a qualification benchmark.' Currently, India are the highest-ranked side in T20Is globally, while Pakistan are eighth. Major teams like Sri Lanka are seventh, Afghanistan are ninth and Bangladesh occupy the 10th spot. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak to lobby for Olympic cricket spot at LA 2028
Both Pakistan and New Zealand are at risk of exclusion from LA 2028. Photo: AFP Pakistan are preparing to mount a strong lobbying effort to secure a place in cricket's historic return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, has learnt from informed sources, amid reports suggesting that both Pakistan and New Zealand are at risk of exclusion. Cricket will make only its second appearance in Olympic history after a long hiatus since Paris 1900. The LA 2028 Games Organising Committee has scheduled the men's and women's cricket events for July 2029, featuring six teams in each category. The organisers are expected to follow a regional qualification format, a standard method across Olympic disciplines. According to current discussions, India (Asia) and Australia (Oceania) are set to qualify directly based on their respective regional rankings. Other likely qualifiers include Great Britain (Europe), South Africa (Africa) and USA as the host nation. The sixth and final spot is still undecided, with speculation it could go to a Caribbean nation or another Asian team. Both Pakistan and New Zealand are reportedly in danger of missing out on qualification under the current framework. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not ready to give up. "Olympics are a prestigious event, and with cricket included, we cannot afford to miss out," a PCB source told Telecom Asia Sport ( "A letter will be sent to both the ICC and the LA Games Committee urging them to announce a qualification cut-off date, ideally one year prior to the Games." Meanwhile, former captain Rashid Latif has called on the PCB to take the initiative. "Olympics are prestigious, and a medal is at stake," Latif said. "The criteria should either reflect the percentage of teams in each region or a fair ranking-based cut-off date should be announced." He further added: "PCB must engage with both the ICC and the LA committee, and suggest using the T20 World Cup standings in March next year as a qualification benchmark." Hope is not lost for Pakistan despite being ranked eighth in the ICC Men's T20I rankings, Pakistan still has time to boost their position before any cut-off is finalised. Strong performances in upcoming series could help them break into the top bracket. The PCB is determined not to let this golden opportunity slip away, especially with the chance to bring home an Olympic medal – a feat that could reignite national pride and global recognition for Pakistani cricket.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Latif casts doubt over Pakistan's chances against India
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has voiced concerns over Pakistan's ability to challenge India in their much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash on September 14, pointing to recent inconsistent performances and a lack of clarity in team strategy. In an interview with an Indian news agency, Latif reflected on Pakistan's recent defeats against Bangladesh and West Indiesteams they were expected to beathighlighting the daunting task of facing a strong Indian lineup. "Facing India on September 14 will be a major challenge for Pakistan. I just hope the Asia Cup proceeds smoothly without any issues," said Latif, stressing the need for stability in the tournament and the team. The former wicketkeeper batter also offered a candid assessment of the team's current struggles. "Our cricket is inconsistent we lost to Bangladesh and the West Indies in matches we should never have lost," he said. "Our captain may be good, but juggling all three formats isn't easy. We have the talent, but we're not making the right decisions yet." Pakistan's preparations for the Asia Cup have been under scrutiny following a surprise 2-1 T20I series loss to Bangladesh. However, the Men in Green regained some momentum by securing a 2-1 series win against the West Indies. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) recently unveiled the full schedule for the Men's Asia Cup 2025, set to be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The tournament, played in the T20 format, will serve as a vital preparatory event for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next February. Eight teams will participate in the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features arch-rivals Pakistan and India, along with UAE and Oman. Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. The tournament will kick off on September 9 with a curtain-raiser between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Pakistan will open their campaign against Oman on September 12 before locking horns with India on September 14. Their final group-stage fixture is against hosts UAE on September 17. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, with a potential second clash between Pakistan and India scheduled for September 21. The top two sides from the Super Four will progress to the final, slated to be held on September 28.
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Latif wary of Pakistan form ahead of Asia Cup clash against arch-rivals India
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif believes Pakistan will face a formidable task when they take on arch-rivals India in their much-anticipated Asia Cup clash on Sept.14. In a candid chat with IANS, Latif admitted that the Men in Green have been far from their best in recent outings and will need a dramatic turnaround in both execution and temperament. 'It will be very tough for Pakistan to play against a strong Indian side on Sept.14. Asia Cup ho jaye bas,' Latif quipped, hinting that given Pakistan's current uncertainty in form, he is simply hoping the tournament goes ahead smoothly. The former wicket-keeper batter highlighted Pakistan's inconsistent performances in recent months, which have led to mounting scrutiny of the team's preparations. 'Humari cricket hawa may chal rahi hai... We lost to Bangladesh and the West Indies — matches we should never have lost. Our captain might be good, but juggling all three formats is not easy. We have talent, but we are not making the right decisions yet,' he observed. Pakistan, regarded as a dangerous side when in rhythm, have suffered a string of surprise defeats — including against Bangladesh and a second-string West Indies outfit — raising questions over their readiness for a high-pressure tournament like the Asia Cup. They open their campaign against Oman on September 12, before facing India in a blockbuster group-stage contest in the UAE. 'There is talent, but execution and decision-making are the most essential things, especially against a team like India,' Latif said, adding that Pakistan must learn to handle crunch situations better if they are to challenge the Men in Blue. With the India-Pakistan rivalry captivating fans across the globe, Latif hopes Pakistan can rediscover momentum in time. However, he cautioned that their current form remains a significant concern as the countdown to the heavyweight clash gathers pace. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been confirmed as official host cities for 2025 Men's T20 Asia Cup, set to happen from Sept. 9 to 28. Dubai will host 11 games, including the final, while Abu Dhabi will host eight matches. India will play their Group A games against UAE and the high-stakes clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sept. 10 and 14 respectively, while their clash against Oman is slated to happen at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sept. 19. 'The Asia Cup is more than just a tournament, it's a celebration of Asian cricket. Hosting it in the UAE allows us to bring the excitement to one of the most vibrant cricketing hubs in the world. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well equipped to deliver a seamless and world- class experience for players, fans, and broadcasters alike.' 'We are confident that the 2025 edition will not only set new standards for excellence but also deepen the connection between the game and millions of passionate supporters across the continent,' said Mohsin Naqvi, President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in a statement. India, Pakistan, UAE and Oman are placed in Group A, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. It's also the first time Asia Cup, to be held in the T20I format keeping in mind the preparation of teams for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, will have eight teams. Top two teams from each group will proceed to the Super Fours stage, with the top two facing each other in the title clash to decide the winner of the 17th edition of the Asia Cup, which kicks off with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong China. While India are the designated host of the Asia Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will stage the tournament in the UAE due to the mutual agreement between them and Pakistan to play at neutral venues in 2027 owing to the geopolitical and diplomatic tensions between the two nations. India are the defending champions of the Asia Cup, having beaten Sri Lanka in the 2023 final held in the 50-over format in Colombo. Sri Lanka had won the Asia Cup in the T20I version after beating Pakistan in the final in 2022. Agencies
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First Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Ex-Pakistan captain expresses concern ahead of India showdown at Asia Cup: 'Will be very tough'
India have been a dominant force in T20Is in the last couple of years while Pakistan have had an inconsistent run since their disastrous T20 World Cup campaign last year. The two arch-rivals have been placed in the same group in next month's Asia Cup and could potentially face each other thrice. read more Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif did not sound too optimistic about his team's chances against India in next month's Asia Cup in the UAE citing the team's poor run in recent assignments and calling for an overhaul not just in the team's execution but also in their mindset. India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group in the Asia Cup, which returns to the T20 format this year, along with Oman and the UAE and the arch-rivals could face each other two more times after their initial meeting in Dubai on 14 September, given the format of the tournament. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read | Ex-cricketer questions BCCI over India-Pakistan fixtures in Asia Cup: 'Especially after the terrorist attack…' 'It will be very tough for Pakistan to play against a strong Indian side on September 14. Asia Cup ho jaye bas (hope the Asia Cup goes ahead somehow),' former wicket-keeper Latif told news agency IANS. 'Humari cricket hawa may chal rhi hai (our brand of cricket is inconsistent)… We lost to Bangladesh and the West Indies — matches we should never have lost. Our captain might be good, but juggling all three formats is not easy. We have talent, but we are not making the right decisions yet,' he added. India's ruthlessness vs Pakistan's inconsistency The Men in Blue have been dominant in the T20 format, winning 24 out of 26 matches last year and handing England a 4-1 thrashing at home earlier this year. Pakistan, on the other hand, has been far from consistent in the shortest format, losing four out of seven bilateral series' since their disastrous T20 World Cup campaign in the US and the Caribbean last year, including a 1-2 defeat in Bangladesh last month. The Salman Agha-led side, however, regained some confidence ahead of the Asia Cup with a 2-1 victory over West Indies in the United States, sealing their victory with a 13-run win in the decider on Monday. India and Pakistan had faced each other twice in the 2022 edition, the last time the continental event took place in the 20-over format. While India won the initial contest, Pakistan bounced back in the 'Super Four' stage, winning by five wickets and progressing to the final at the expense of their arch-rivals. Pakistan, however, would go on to lose the final against Sri Lanka by 23 runs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite being placed in the same group, there are doubts as to whether the India-Pakistan match will even go ahead in light of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam as well as the subsequent conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations that has resulted in a nosedive in diplomatic relations between the two neighbours
