Naqvi Engages with Young Cricketers Ahead of New Zealand Tour
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with emerging domestic players on Sunday, issuing immediate instructions to improve their fitness, skills, and diet plans during training.
The meeting followed Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy, where they became the first team eliminated despite being the host nation.
Reports indicate that these top domestic performers could be considered for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, where senior players may be rested. The tour, running from March 16 to April 5, includes a five-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series. The squad is set to depart on March 12.
Naqvi Addresses Player Concerns
During the meeting at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, the young cricketers highlighted training challenges, particularly in fitness management and dietary planning.
Chairman Naqvi reassured them of the PCB’s commitment to their development. He instructed relevant authorities to resolve these issues and granted them access to all cricket academies nationwide.
Additionally, he directed officials to introduce a specialized diet plan aimed at enhancing players’ physical fitness and performance. Stressing the importance of professional training, he emphasized the need for experienced trainers to oversee their conditioning.
Encouraging the players, Naqvi stated, “You are the future of Pakistan cricket. Providing you with the best resources is an investment in the country’s cricketing future.”
The meeting was attended by several promising domestic cricketers, including Muhammad Ali, Ali Raza, Ahmed Daniyal, Nisar Ahmed, Mohammad Ibtisam, Mohammad Salman, Afaq Afridi, Abdul Samad, Saad Masood, Khawaja Nafay, Muaz Sadaqat, Arafat Minhas, Mubasir Khan, Haider Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Faisal Akram, Tahir Baig, and Qasim Akram.
Champions Trophy Ticket Refund Details
On Saturday, the PCB announced the refund process for two ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 matches that were abandoned without a ball being bowled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Due to rain, three matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore were left without results. However, refunds are only available for two games—Australia vs. South Africa on February 25 and Bangladesh vs. Pakistan on February 27.
Tickets for the Group B match between Australia and Afghanistan will not be refunded, as per the PCB’s refund policy, which states that a refund is only applicable if a match is abandoned before the toss. Additionally, tickets for hospitality boxes and the PCB gallery are not eligible for refunds.
Eligible ticket holders can claim their refunds at 10 designated outlets of a private courier company from March 10 to 14.
Champions Trophy Semifinal Scenario
The ongoing ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is nearing its conclusion, with India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia securing semifinal spots.
However, the final knockout matchups are yet to be confirmed, as they depend on the outcome of the last group-stage match between India and New Zealand, set to take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
After the group stage, the top team from Group A will face the second-placed team from Group B, while the Group B leader will take on the second-placed team from Group A.
