PCB name match officials for BD Tests

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the match officials for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place at home this month.

Sri Lankan match referee Ranjan Madugalle, a distinguished member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, has been appointed to lead the playing control teams for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 series.

The two-Test series will commence with the first match taking place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 21 to 25. The second Test will follow at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from August 30 to September 3. For this crucial Test series, the umpiring panel will include three members from the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and two from the ICC International Panel of Umpires.

In Rawalpindi, England's Richard Kettleborough and South Africa's Adrian Holdstock will serve as the on-field umpires, with England's Michael Gough stepping in as the third umpire. Pakistan's Rashid Riaz will act as the fourth umpire for this fixture.

The Karachi Test will see Michael Gough and Adrian Holdstock taking on the on-field umpiring roles, while Richard Kettleborough will again be the third umpire. Pakistan's Asif Yaqoob will be the fourth umpire for the second Test.

Pakistan squad

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pak cricketers praise Arshad's historic feat in Paris

Pakistan cricketers erupted in joy on Thursday night as Arshad Nadeem, the nation's star javelin thrower, made history by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.

In a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), leading cricket figures were seen cheering for Arshad after his record-breaking performance.

The cricket fraternity's reactions highlighted the pride and unity felt across the country, as Arshad's victory marked a significant milestone in Pakistan's sporting history.

Many Paki cricketers took to the social media platforms to express their joy and pride in the momentous achievement he brought to the nation.

"After 30 long years, the gold is back in Pakistan! Huge congratulations to @arshadnadeem29 for this incredible achievement. You've made the entire nation proud," Babar Azam posted.

"Out of nowhere, this son of a lion has won Pakistan a gold medal. What a man you are Arshad! You have achieved this on your own, with your own hard-work and calibre. Many congratulations to you Arshad, and the whole of Pakistan. The entire mood of the country has changed with 1 gold medal. Just because of one guy, Arshad, has got Pakistan trending across the whole world," Shoaib Akhtar said.

"92.97!! You've inspired a nation! You deserve every moment of this glory," Haris Rauf posted.

"@ArshadOlympian1, you've made us proud by winning not only a Gold medal but also our first Olympic medal in 32 years and that too with a record breaking throw. You've shown the world what we're capable of," former skipper and keeper batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed posted on his Instagram story.

"It was worth staying up late to watch @ArshadOlympian1 win GOLD with an Olympic record... 92.97!! You've made history as the first individual athlete from Pakistan to win gold. Every Pakistani is proud of you, inspiring the next generation," Naseem Shah posted on X.

"Congratulations @arshadnadeem29 on your Olympic gold win! Pakistan is beaming with pride thanks to your incredible achievement," Fakhar Zaman posted.

"Many many congratulations @arshadnadeem29 . You made Pakistan proud. Proud of you," Umar Gul posted.

" 92.97= GOLD. This is perhaps the biggest individual achievement by a Pakistani athlete. The entire nation is proud of Arshad Nadeem.

Thank you for representing our country the way u have, thank u for bringing hope. Champion of champions," Shadab Khan posted.