PCB clears air on captaincy issue

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly dismissed reports suggesting possible changes in national team leadership, calling the speculation “baseless.”

According to PCB officials, there is no proposal under discussion to remove Shan Masood as Test captain, nor is Saud Shakeel being considered as his replacement. Similarly, the board rejected claims that Mohammad Rizwan could be stripped of the ODI captaincy, clarifying that Salman Ali Agha is not in contention for the role.

Sources confirmed that the selection committee has not entertained any discussion about altering captaincy roles, nor has there been any change in the central contract categories of players.

The clarification came after widespread reports hinted that Shan Masood’s captaincy was under review, while Rizwan’s position in the ODI format was also reportedly at risk. The PCB addressed the rumors through official statements across its social media platforms.

Pakistan will soon feature in the Tri-Nation T20I Series alongside Afghanistan and the UAE, scheduled from August 29 to September 7 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Pakistan will begin their campaign against Afghanistan on August 29 at 7:00 PM local time. Each side will play the other twice, with the top two teams meeting in the final on September 7.

Following the series, attention will shift to the Asia Cup 2025, beginning on September 9 with the opening match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.

Eight teams will participate, divided into two groups:

Group A: Pakistan, India, UAE, and Oman

Group B: Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong

Pakistan will open their Asia Cup campaign against Oman on September 12, followed by the much-anticipated clash against India on September 14. Their final group-stage game will be against hosts UAE on September 17.

Gillespie backs Niazi

Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has once again praised young batter Muhammad Irfan Khan, urging T20 franchises worldwide to sign the promising 22-year-old.

Describing him as a “quality player and outstanding person,” Gillespie expressed confidence that Irfan is destined for a long and successful international career with Pakistan.

“He will be a long-term player for Pakistan. The T20 leagues will come calling. I would recommend him to any franchise or team,” Gillespie said.

Irfan’s performances in the recently concluded Top End T20 Series in Australia caught the eye. Representing the Pakistan Shaheens, the right-hander scored 127 runs in six innings at an average of 24 and an impressive strike rate of 130.90, often stepping up in pressure situations.

Although the Shaheens were knocked out in the semifinals by eventual champions Perth Scorchers Academy, Irfan’s consistency stood out.

This is not the first time Gillespie has gone out of his way to endorse Irfan’s talent. Earlier, he had strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for leaving him out of the Champions Trophy squad.

“Irfan Khan Niazi is one of the hardest hitters and cleanest strikers of a cricket ball in Pakistan. He is also the best fielder in the country. I cannot believe that he was not picked for the Champions Trophy,” Gillespie had remarked.

In the semifinal clash, the Perth Scorchers Academy defeated the Pakistan Shaheens by 48 runs. Batting first, the Scorchers posted 155-8 in 20 overs, led by Nicholas Hobson’s 59 off 43 balls and Teague Wyllie’s 29 off 16.

In response, the Shaheens collapsed to 107 all out in 17.1 overs. Khawaja Nafay (26), Mohammad Wasim Jr. (25), and skipper Irfan Khan Niazi (17) were the only notable scorers, while Yasir Khan, Saad Masood, and Mehran Mumtaz fell without scoring.

Despite the loss, Irfan Khan’s growth and promise continue to make headlines, with global recognition from coaches like Gillespie further strengthening his reputation as one of Pakistan’s brightest young prospects.

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