Akmal urges PCB to learn from BCCI

Former cricketer Kamran Akmal has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its lack of professionalism, suggesting the board should take notes from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His comments come in the wake of Pakistan's recent Test series defeat against Bangladesh, where they suffered a 2-0 whitewash.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kamran lamented the state of Pakistan cricket, saying, "PCB should learn from BCCI, their professionalism, their team, selector, captain, and coaches. These are the things that make a team number one and dominate the world. If we were so good, then Pakistan cricket wouldn't be here. It is because of your ego Pakistan cricket is suffering."

This criticism follows India's dominant 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, a stark contrast to Pakistan's recent struggles. Just weeks ago, a similar Bangladeshi side secured a convincing series win over Pakistan, highlighting ongoing issues within the team.

Pakistan's cricketing woes have been evident for some time. Under Babar Azam's leadership, the team faced heartbreak in the final of the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka in 2022 and failed to progress beyond the Super 4 stage in the following edition. Their struggles continued as they exited the ODI World Cup 2023 at the group stage.

In the aftermath of these defeats, significant changes were made within the PCB. Babar stepped down from captaincy, handing the reins to Shaheen Shah Afridi, only to be reinstated as the white-ball captain months before the T20 World Cup. Shan Masood retained the Test captaincy, but the team's performance remained inconsistent, with series losses to Australia, Ireland, and England.

The T20 World Cup proved to be another setback for Pakistan, as they fell short against co-hosts the USA in a nail-biting Super Over and were subsequently eliminated after a loss to India.

In response to these ongoing challenges, the PCB has announced a high-level Connection Camp aimed at establishing a unified vision for the future of Pakistan cricket. The camp, scheduled for Monday, will feature nine players, including Babar, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, alongside coaching staff including head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten.

PCB Chairman inspects construction work at Gaddafi Stadium

The ongoing construction at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has significantly accelerated, as Pakistan ramps up preparations to host the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The stadium's upgrade project is progressing at a rapid pace, with key milestones being achieved ahead of schedule. One of the most notable developments is the completion of the trench digging and the removal of the fences in front of the enclosures. These crucial steps pave the way for the installation of the digital scoreboard, which will enhance the viewing experience for cricket fans.

The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, conducted a site visit to the stadium on Sunday to assess the progress of the upgrade project. During his inspection, he emphasized the importance of adhering to the timeline for each task, stating that every moment is crucial.

Naqvi also instructed the construction team to ensure that the digital scoreboard is installed in a strategic location that offers optimal visibility for spectators.

Addressing the accessibility concerns, Naqvi highlighted the need for elevator access to the basement of the stadium. This will ensure that all fans, including those with mobility limitations, can enjoy the matches without hindrance.

The tournament is scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Lahore hosting seven matches including the final. Karachi's National Bank Stadium will host the opening match and one semi-final among a total of three matches, and Rawalpindi will host five matches, including the other semi-final.

According to the proposed schedule, Group A features Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.

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