Former Pakistan cricketer and international umpire Mohammad Nazir, popularly known as Nazir Jr, passed away in Lahore at the age of 78 years. He was battling a prolonged illness.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) offered heartfelt condolences to Mohammad Nazir’s friends and family.

The PCB is saddened by the passing of former Test cricketer and umpire Mohammad Nazir. He represented Pakistan in 14 Tests and four ODIs from 1969 to 1984, taking 37 international wickets. He also officiated five Tests and 15 ODIs as an umpire. PCB offers its heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/ktBGvHdbuM

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 21, 2024

Mohammad Nazir was born on March 8, 1946, in Rawalpindi. He played international matches between 1969 and 1984. After ending his cricket career in the 1987-88 season, he became an umpire. Between 1994 and 2000, Nazir was an international umpire. 

Mohammad Nazir shined on his Test debut

During the 1969 Karachi Test, which was the last Test of Pakistani great Hanif Mohammad and his younger brother Sadiq’s Test debut, Nazir made his international debut. After scoring a valuable 29 not out in the first innings of that Test, which was the highest score in his Test career, Nazir claimed a seven-wicket haul during New Zealand’s first innings (7/99), which were also his best bowling figures in a Test innings. 

Nazir was the first Asian bowler to record a seven-wicket haul on Test debut. Also, after Fazal Mahmood (claimed seven-wicket hauls twice before Nazir), Nazir became the second Pakistan bowler to record a seven-wicket haul.

The off-spinner Nazir took 34 wickets in 14 matches in his Test career. He claimed five-wicket hauls three times. On the other hand, after making his ODI debut in 1980, Nazir took three wickets in four ODIs. 

Complete cricket career

Nazir took 829 wickets after playing 180 first-class matches, including 63 fifers and 16 10-wicket hauls. In his List A career, the off-spinner picked up 35 wickets in 29 games with two four-fers. 

Unlike his Test career, Nazir was a useful batter in his first-class career. In 257 innings, the right-handed batter scored 4242 runs with an average of 22.20, including two centuries with his highest score of 113 not out. He also had an 18.42 batting average in his List A career by scoring 258 runs, with his highest score of 38 runs. 

Unfortunately, Nazir had never been a part of Pakistan’s winning sides during his international career. His international career ended with 11 draws and seven defeats. 

Umpiring career

In his umpiring career, Nazir was an official on-field umpire in 15 international matches (4 Tests and 11 ODIs) and an official TV umpire in five international games (1 Test and 4 ODIs). He worked as an on-field umpire during the 1997 Asia Cup Final between Sri Lanka and India at Colombo (RPS), where Sri Lanka won by eight wickets.   

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is waiting for the response of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. PCB chairman is still hopeful to host the entire tournament successfully. 

Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which has been scheduled for February. It will be the first ICC tournament in Pakistan after the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996. Apart from the hosts and defending champions Pakistan, India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will participate in this tournament.

Recently, the BCCI officially informed the ICC that they will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

We are still waiting for their response: PCB chairman

A week ago, the PCB wrote to the ICC to get clarity on BCCI’s negative decision to play in Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB has also written to the BCCI to clarify in writing its stance on informing the governing body of the date mentioned. The PCB is still waiting for the responses.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said, "We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had. We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy."

Nobody has any issues: Mohsin Naqvi

Talking about the BCCI’s negative response, Naqvi clarified that all other teams were ready to play in Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB chairman also added that the BCCI could talk with them about the concerns.  

Naqvi added, "At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don't think there is any reason for them not to visit."

Pakistan's pride is of primary importance: PCB chairman

The PCB chairman was asked about his views on any possible boycott of the tournament if its hosting rights were taken away. In response, Naqvi claimed, "Pakistan's pride is of primary importance." 

After visiting seven other participating countries, the ICC Champions Trophy tour will enter Pakistan in January. While the PCB announced an original route of the trophy tour in Pakistan, the BCCI had an objection to its travel in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan Administered Kashmir. While the PCB has altered the destination, the board hasn’t cancelled it yet. 

On this matter, Naqvi said, "My feeling is that the ICC will have to think about its credibility, that are they an organisation for all the world's bodies. And that route has been rescheduled, we haven't been told about any cancellation."

After a few hours of Jason Gillespie’s possible removal news as the head coach of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified its stance. 

Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie joined the Pakistan team as the head coach in Test cricket. Meanwhile, former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten was the head coach of the Pakistan ODI and T20I teams.

Recently, Kirsten resigned from the head coach role of the Pakistan white-ball teams, and Gillespie took those roles on an interim basis.

Jason Gillespie was the head coach of Pakistan white ball teams for Australia tour

Pakistan recently won the home Test series against England (by 2-1), despite losing the first match of the three-match Test series. Also, they won the three-match away ODI series against the hosts Australia by 2-1, where the Asian team suffered a close defeat in the opener. 

However, Pakistan have already lost the three-match T20I series against the hosts Australia with one match yet to be played.

PCB was reportedly searching for an all-format coach

According to ESPNcricinfo’s Sunday report, Gillespie would be removed from all the head coach roles of the Pakistan team. The report claimed that the official announcement would be released on Monday.

The report claimed that Gillespie was asked to continue his head coach roles for the Pakistan Test, ODI, and T20I sides with the present contract till the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the former Australian cricketer reportedly denied that offer. 

While the PCB wants an all-format coach, Gillespie will reportedly be removed after the end of the ongoing Australia tour. However, the PCB earlier stated that after completing the Australia tour, Gillespie would rejoin the Pakistan Test team in Johannesburg.

After completing the ongoing Australia tour on Monday, Pakistan will tour Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI and a three-match T20I series. Then, Pakistan will play another three-match T20I and a three-match ODI series against the hosts South Africa before a two-match Test series in the same tour.

PCB clarified their vision

After the viral news of ESPNcricinfo, the PCB strongly refused that story. The board reclaimed that Gillespie would rejoin the Pakistan Test team, which was earlier stated officially. 

PCB strongly refutes the story. As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa. https://t.co/J5MYKuq368

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially named Pakistan as the host for the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from February to March next year. The announcement, accompanied by a new visual identity for the men's and women's Champions Trophy tournaments, comes amid escalating diplomatic concerns, as India’s government has expressed reluctance to send its cricket team to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has relayed this stance to the ICC and proposed a hybrid model, allowing India to play its matches outside Pakistan.

ICC releases visual identity, affirms Pakistan’s host status

The ICC’s latest video showcases Pakistan as the official venue for the Champions Trophy, highlighting cultural landmarks like Lahore’s Shahi Qila and unique elements of Pakistani truck art. An ICC statement describes the Champions Trophy as a "thrilling two-week competition" with top teams competing in a tournament format where "every match counts." The men’s event, returning for the first time since 2017, will see eight teams competing for the white jackets awarded to champions, while the newly introduced women's Champions Trophy, set for 2027 in Sri Lanka, will adopt the T20 format with six teams competing.

In its statement, the ICC added, "The Champions Trophy will now occur every two years, alternating between a men’s ODI tournament and a women’s T20 event, bringing intense competition and historic moments as teams battle for the iconic white jackets."

ICC reveals Logo and Brand Identity for Champions Trophy. pic.twitter.com/ckJN5vZZT6

— Ragav 𝕏 (@ragav_x) November 13, 2024

See Also: Sunil Gavaskar shares untold anecdote of India-Australia rivalry with Allan Border

India’s hybrid model proposal sparks diplomacy and debate

The BCCI’s hybrid model proposal is aimed at enabling India to participate in the tournament without crossing borders into Pakistan. However, the Pakistan government has reportedly directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to relocate any games outside Pakistan. The tension surrounding this arrangement continues as the PCB and BCCI seek a resolution. Despite the ongoing discussions, the ICC’s promotional video reinforces Pakistan’s position as host, underscoring the anticipation for the nation to welcome international teams after nearly a decade.

Pakistan is the reigning champion of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, having defeated India in a memorable final in 2017 in the UK. With the tournament's return, cricket fans and players alike are eager to witness the unfolding of one of cricket’s premier events. The inclusion of the first-ever women’s Champions Trophy in 2027 marks a significant step for the ICC’s commitment to elevating women’s cricket on the global stage, offering both excitement and opportunity for players worldwide.

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed its decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) are busy to find solutions quickly. 

Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup that Pakistan will host an ICC tournament. 

India last toured Pakistan in 2008. Even in the last Asia Cup (2023), which was played in the ODI format, Pakistan was the host nation, but the BCCI’s decision to not travel to Pakistan forced the PCB to host the tournament in a hybrid model. Sri Lanka majorly hosted the Indian matches and the final. 

So, the BCCI’s negative decision to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was highly expected. 

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma to miss first Test against Australia in Perth

What did the BCCI tell the ICC?

According to media reports, the BCCI has clarified that the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy is acceptable to them only if Dubai hosts the tournament final.  

A source told PTI, “Unless the PCB decides to pull out of hosting the Champions Trophy the current plan is to hold India’s matches in UAE and the final in Dubai. The Indian Cricket Board has told the ICC that a Hybrid Model is acceptable to them only if the final is held in Dubai and not in Pakistan. The ICC has told the PCB that if it decides to go ahead with the hosting of the mega event on a Hybrid Model it would get its full hosting fees and majority of the matches.”

Present status on hosting the ICC Champions Trophy on a hybrid model

Meanwhile, the PCB wants clarifications from the ICC on BCCI’s decision to not travel to Pakistan. According to media reports, the PCB is still not thinking of hosting the tournament on a hybrid model and is hopeful to host the complete tournament in Pakistan. 

A PCB source told PTI, "There is no talk about having the Champions Trophy on a Hybrid Model system as of now. An email is to be sent to the ICC with the advice of its legal department in which the Board wanted clarifications from the ICC on the Indian decision. As of now, the entire situation is being gauged by the PCB. No decision has been taken on the next step. Yes, the PCB is in touch with the government for consultation and directives if required."

The ICC Champions Trophy is returning after eight years. England and Wales hosted the last ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where Pakistan won their first title in the competition after beating the defending champions India in the final of the tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will run between eight teams. Apart from the hosts and defending champions Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand, and England will participate in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy. 

For the past few weeks, speculation regarding the future of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 has been rife. The focus has been mostly centered on the ongoing tussle between PCB and BCCI as the Indian government stands firmly opposed to sending its cricket team to Pakistan. Out of eight participating teams, India is the only team that willfully wants to refrain from traveling to Pakistan citing "security reasons". The Indian team last toured Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup right before the tragic terror attacks in Mumbai which claimed countless lives.

Relations since the in-famous terror attack have been sour and the bilateral cricketing ties have plummeted to an all-time low. Very recently, right before the release of the official Champions Trophy schedule, the BCCI blatantly refused to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and has also issued a formal communication to the ICC about the same. This puts PCB in a difficult situation who are reportedly taking all possible measures to host its first major ICC event since 1996. 

How did the PCB respond to BCCI's denial to travel Pakistan? 

As soon as BCCI's decision was conveyed to the ICC, it was learnt that the PCB had reportedly referred the matter to its government which is currently reviewing this highly sensitive situation. Previously, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed that his board is unwilling to make any compromises and quashed any hopes of adopting a hybrid model unless a written explanation is issued by the Indian government. 

As per a PCB spokesperson, the ICC had communicated this news to the PCB via email on Friday but a formal reason for India's omission was missing. 

"The ICC emailed the PCB informing them about the inability of the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan. No reason was given. There is nothing in writing we have received from the BCCI. The PCB has apprised the federal government of the situation."

Unlike last year's Asia Cup where the PCB gave in to India's "hybrid model" approach, the stance will be a lot more stringent by the PCB. And since Naqvi is also part of Pakistan's interior ministry, the stance can be viewed as representative of the government in this case. As per sources, the Pakistan government will advise the PCB to remain resolute in this matter and work with the governing bodies to host the Champions Trophy successfully in Pakistan. 

How will ICC respond amidst the political standoff between the two boards?

As the countdown for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy draws close, ICC will have a little under 100 days to finalize the future and the outcome of the tournament. As cricketing ties continue to get impacted amidst worsening geopolitical ties between the two nations, ICC now finds itself in a tight situation. Picking either side in a situation like this can invite consequences that the ICC may not be able to ascertain at this stage. Both Naqvi and jay Shah have close ties to their respective head of states. The situation will not become any simpler when Shah takes over as the ICC chair, on December 1.

The tug of war between PCB and BCCI continues to rage on as the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule nears its official announcement. BCCI openly expressed its displeasure about visiting Pakistan citing "security" concerns and rather suggested the ICC to have all their matches shifted to a neutral venue, Dubai. 

However, the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi strongly voiced his objection to BCCI's inclination towards having a proposed "hybrid" model. He reiterated firmly that the entire tournament will be hosted in Pakistan and the Indian team, like other participating teams, are obliged to visit the country. In a recent media discussion at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi revealed that the PCB is yet to receive any official confirmation from the BCCI regarding India's objection to playing in Pakistan. 

What is Mohsin Naqvi's stance on this issue?

Amidst growing reports on the India team's unwillingness to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Naqvi has said that he is actively in touch with his Indian counterpart and assures that he is working around the clock with his team to make progress on this issue. He further clarified his stance and explained that if any objections need to be conveyed by the BCCI then it has to be in the form of writing. As of now, the PCB has not received any official complaint or an objection in the written format.

"In the last two months, the Indian media has been reporting that India isn't traveling. I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB."

Additionally, Naqvi also debunks any possibility of adopting a hybrid model and states that there has been no discussion between the PCB and the BCCI of having a hybrid model and neither are they in a position to adopt one. 

Distraught cricketing ties between India and Pakistan

Both India and Pakistan have been bitter rivals off the field but due to the ongoing political standoff. Despite the bitter geopolitical ties, cricket between the two Asian cricketing giants blossomed and the rivalry between the two nations was something to behold. Since the infamous terror attacks in Mumbai, India has never toured Pakistan for a bilateral series since 2008. Pakistan too, have severed their cricketing ties with India and last came on a bilateral series tour in 2012-13. However, the two nations continue to face each other in major ICC events. 

Naqvi elaborates that Pakistan has been very cooperative in this matter and despite BCCI's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, PCB still made a decision to send their cricket team to play the ODI World Cup 2023. That tournament eventually adopted a hybrid model, with the latter stages played in Sri Lanka. He expects BCCI to adopt a positive approach. Furthermore, he has been a long believer in the fact that sports should not get embroiled in politics. Whether or not two countries get along has nothing to do with sports.

"Cricket should be free of politics. If you don't get along with another country, that's another matter, but politics should not be involved in sport."  

At this stage, it is hard to ascertain the fate of the Champions Trophy. PCB remains adamant about its position to host all Champions Trophy matches inside Pakistan but it is also clear that BCCI will not make any decisive move on this matter without the clearance from their government. 

See also: Watch: Bangladeshi and Pakistani cricketers' hilarious interview moments

Following the exit of Gary Kirsten, the door is left ajar for Aaqib Javed to assume the coaching responsibilities of the Pakistan cricket team as a head coach. Aaqib expressed his willingness to operate as a head coach for Pakistan in the white-ball arena recently. The 52-year-old is currently engaged with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a national selector. 

Kirsten handed his resignation on Monday due to growing unease and a difference of opinion between him and the PCB. It has been reported that the World Cup-winning coach spent very little time in Pakistan and had very limited on-ground involvement well below the contractually allowed 30 days of vacation. Now that the board has parted ways with Kirsten, Aaqib now has his ambitions set on securing a significant coaching role in the team

A surprise U-turn from Aaqib Javed  

As per sources, reports are now trickling through which suggests that Aaqib is not really interested in becoming the head coach but wants to mentor the budding players. There is a growing possibility that the national board may recruit him as the Director of High Performance in days to come. Aaqib had been at odds with Misbah-ul-Haq when he served as the selector and coach of the national team across all formats. Aaquib used to be a vocal critic of him and it is understood that it is due to this reason Aaib wants to stay away from the head coach position.

A senior Pakistani journalist named Saleem Khaliq confirmed these claims as he took to his X handle to state the same in Urdu. 

عاقب جاوید کو کوچ بننے میں ولچسپی نہیں ہے، ماضی میں جب مصباح الحق نے سلیکٹر اور کوچ کی دہری ذمہ داری سنبھالی تھی تب عاقب ان کے بڑے ناقدین میں شامل تھے،وہ نئے کھلاڑیوں کی رہنمائی کرنا چاہتے ہیں، پی سی بی آئندہ چند روز میں انھیں ڈائریکٹر ہائی پرفارمنس کی ذمہ داری سونپ سکتا ہے

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) October 29, 2024

A recent report from PTI suggested that senior selector Aaqib Javed and former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq are under consideration as possible successors to Gary Kirsten for the position of head coach for white-ball formats. According to an insider, Azhar Mahmood is expected to serve as interim head coach but that can change when Aaqib or Saqlain get appointed to the role.

Previously Aaqib successfully coached the Lankan team as a fast bowling coach earlier this year and has served as Lahore Qalandars' head coach in the PSL since 2017, leading them to successive titles in 2022 and 2023. 

Just after Pakistan won the home Test series against England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the new central contracts for men’s cricketers for the ongoing 2024-25 season. 

The PCB has offered the 2024-25 central contracts to 25 cricketers. This contract is effective from July 1, 2024, for 12 months. 

The PCB officially stated, “The contracts have been offered under the structure that was agreed last year between the players and the PCB for a three-year period.”

Five new names in the central contract

Out of the 25 players, five have been named for the first time in the annual central contracts. These players are Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan. All of these players have been named in Category D. 

Only Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been named in Category A. 

Test captain Shan Masood has earned Category B along with the top pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi. 

Nine cricketers have been named in Category C, and 11 players have been included in Category D. The players like Haris Rauf, Saud Shakeel, and Abdullah Shafique are in Category C. 

2024-25 Central Contract

Category A: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

Category B: Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shan Masood

Category C: Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan

Category D: Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hurraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Usman Khan

Pakistan recently won the home Test series against England

After losing the shocking home Test series against Bangladesh by 2-0, Pakistan recently won another home Test series against England. Despite losing the first Test shockingly, Pakistan dominated the next two Tests to stunningly win the series. 

Pakistan will now travel to Australia for a three-match ODI and another three-match T20I series. Then, they will play another three-match ODI and T20I series in Zimbabwe tour.  

While Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, there is a big question of whether the Indian national cricket team will travel to Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has opened up his views on it.

Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from February 19 and March 9. If Pakistan hosts all the matches in the upcoming Champions Trophy, Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will be venues. 

Pakistan previously hosted an ICC tournament in 1996 during the ICC Cricket World Cup, which Sri Lanka won after beating Australia in the final. 

SEE ALSO: India Women to host WODI series against New Zealand after WT20 WC

The last time the Indian cricket team traveled to Pakistan was in 2008

Due to the political tensions between the two countries, India haven’t played a bilateral series against Pakistan since January 2013. Meanwhile, the BCCI hasn’t sent the Indian cricket team to Pakistan since their tour in Pakistan in 2008 during the Asia Cup.   

So, the PCB has a big concern about India’s presence in Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If India deny coming to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC tournament, the PCB will be forced to shift India’s matches to other neighbouring countries. Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates can be good alternative options for Pakistan in this case, but the PCB can then suffer a good amount of profit. 

The Indian government is likely to take the decision on India’s fate to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Previously, the Indian government didn’t allow the Indian national cricket team to travel to Pakistan, including during the Asia Cup 2023, where India played all matches in Sri Lanka. 

The Indian team should come: PCB chairman

However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is confident in team India’s presence in Pakistan during the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

Naqvi said, "The Indian team should come. I don't see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.” 

There are also some questions about the stadiums' complete availability during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the stadiums’ reconstructions are running, Naqvi is also hopeful about it. 

The PCB chief said, “The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament. In a way, you can say that we are going to have a brand new stadium."