Fakhar calls for consistency

'Frequent changes in domestic setup are creating problems for players'

LAHORE:

Pakistan's dashing batsman Fakhar Zaman has highlighted the need for a stable domestic cricket structure in Pakistan, emphasizing its importance for developing a strong pool of backup players. The 34-year-old believes that consistent tournaments over a few years will help unearth new talent and strengthen the national team.

"I think it will be beneficial if these tournaments take place regularly for 3-4 years. Then you'll see how many backup players Pakistan will have," Fakhar said.

Fakhar pointed out that the frequent changes in the domestic setup have hindered the progress of many cricketers.

It's our bad luck that the domestic structure changes every year. This year it's one structure, another year it'll be different. When players talk among ourselves, we say that if the domestic structure stays stable for 5-6 years, whatever the structure is, it will benefit our cricketers," he further added.

ACC announce Emerging Asia Cup schedule

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially announced the schedule for the upcoming ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, set to be held in Oman.

This will be the sixth edition of the tournament, featuring eight teams: Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A, Hong Kong, Pakistan A, India A, UAE, and hosts Oman.

The previous edition of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup took place in 2023 in Sri Lanka, where Pakistan A emerged victorious by defeating India A in the final. The 2024 tournament will once again see intense competition, as five 'A' teams from the Asian Cricket Council will battle it out alongside the top three teams from the ACC Men's Premier Cup.

UAE's emerging team secured their spot by winning the 2024 ACC Men's Premier Cup, beating Oman in the final. Hong Kong also qualified for the tournament after overcoming Nepal in the third-place play-off.

The teams have been divided into two groups for the competition. Group A includes Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A, and Hong Kong. Group B consists of India A, Pakistan A, UAE, and Oman. The much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan A and India A is scheduled for October 19, drawing excitement from cricket fans across the region.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with all eyes on Pakistan A as they aim for a hat trick of titles, having won the last two editions. India A, on the other hand, will be eager to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2013.

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

Group B: India A, Pakistan A, UAE, and Oman

ICC delegation reviews CT preparations at Gaddafi Stadium

A high-level delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) has arrived at Gaddafi Stadium to assess the preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The visit is aimed at reviewing the stadium's facilities and infrastructure upgrades in anticipation of the prestigious tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials provided a detailed briefing to the delegation, highlighting the ongoing enhancements at the venue. The ICC officials inspected various facilities, including seating arrangements, media centers, security protocols, and player accommodations.

The delegation comprised ICC Senior Manager of Events Sarah Edgar, Event Manager and Champions Trophy Lead Aun Muhammad Zaidi, General Manager of Cricket Wasim Khan, Security Manager David Musker, and Broadcast Consultant Mansoor Manj.

The visit is part of ICC's assessment process to ensure that host venues meet the required standards for international events. The Champions Trophy is set to be held in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone for the country's cricketing calendar.