The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing significant challenges in finalising the schedule for the upcoming Test series against England, drawing frustration from both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Barmy Army, a passionate group of English cricket fans.
The PCB has assured that the final schedule will be released within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The English cricket team is set to tour Pakistan early next month for a three-match Test series. As per the initial schedule, the first Test was to be played in Multan from October 7 to 11, the second in Karachi from October 15 to 19, and the third in Rawalpindi from October 24 to 28. However, ongoing construction work at the National Stadium in Karachi has forced its removal as a venue, creating complications for the PCB in finalizing an alternative schedule.
Previously, one of the Test matches in Pakistan's series against Bangladesh had also been moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to similar issues.
The situation has been further complicated by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on October 15 and 16. Heads of state from various countries will be attending the summit, leading to stringent security and accommodation requirements in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. As a result, hosting the second Test in Rawalpindi during this period is no longer feasible.
The delay in finalizing the schedule has led to mounting frustration from the ECB and the Barmy Army, as they are left with limited time to arrange travel and accommodation for the series. While the PCB considered relocating the series to the UAE or Sri Lanka, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently confirmed that all three matches will be held in Pakistan.
The PCB's International Cricket Department has yet to finalize the new schedule. Sources suggest that options under consideration include hosting both the first and second Test matches in Multan or moving the first and third matches to Rawalpindi. Faisalabad, which is currently hosting the Champions Cup, was not reviewed as a potential venue by the ECB during its inspection in August, further limiting the available options.
PCB officials have stated that all relevant departments are working closely to resolve the scheduling issues. The board hopes to release the final schedule within the next two days, while continuing to update the ECB and the Barmy Army on the situation.
Inzamam overlooked for Champions Cup mentor's role
Former Pakistan Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has not been selected as a mentor for the ongoing Champions Cup, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opting for Sarfaraz Ahmed instead.
Inzamam was among the candidates interviewed for the role, but the PCB ultimately chose Sarfaraz, who remains active in international cricket.
Inzamam's exclusion comes despite his prior close involvement with the PCB, though his exit as chief selector last year followed allegations of a conflict of interest.
In October 2023, it was revealed that Inzamam held shares in 'Yazo International', a company managed by his agent, Talha Rehmani. Rehmani's agency represents several prominent Pakistani cricketers, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest while Inzamam served as chief selector. Following these reports, Inzamam resigned, and the PCB formed a five-member committee to investigate the issue. However, the inquiry has since been stalled and no final outcome has been made public.
For the Champions Cup, the PCB appointed five mentors, each on a salary of rupees five million. The selected mentors are Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed. The PCB, in a press release, stressed that the selection process was conducted with transparency and rigor.
Sources suggest that the PCB preferred Sarfaraz as mentor over Inzamam due to the keeper's ongoing involvement in international cricket, especially as he will also be playing in the Champions Cup.
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