[PICTURES] Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka (2022)

[hoshiarpurexpress]

From PCB:

SLC had requested the PCB that the three ODIs be dropped so that they can begin their LPL earlier.

As the SLC is the series host, the ODIs are not part of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League and the SLC is facing financial challenges, the PCB accepted the SLC request.

Itinerary for the Test matches is being worked out but will be played in the window that has already been agreed (5 July - 9 Aug)

[MenInG]

Wish they could play more Tests.

[Hextro]

That's a shame. Pakistan really needs to play more ODIs.

[Babeikh]

Should have added a third test if they were going to scrap the ODIs

[Shafi]

PCB wouldn't mind to play 3 T20 instead of 2 tests as well.

[sweep_shot]

I believe Sri Lanka board has financial issues. So, this move is understandable from their perspective.

[Amjid Javed]

Dont be shocked if SLC now ask for T20s to be played.

if they want they should just let pakistan win test series 2-0 ;)

[anonymous_guy]

Atleast Shaheen Will get a BREAK, the only way to make him not bowl.

[Major]

England, nz, afg and now srl....

This odi world series is a joke... No one is even interested in playing odis

[Major]

Atleast Shaheen Will get a BREAK, the only way to make him not bowl.

Not bowling is more dangerous than bowling.

Its been 3 years, and i still hear fans saying oh give him rest. They just say this just for the sake of it.

He has got coaches, multiple, which have better understanding than us. He doesnt suffer from fatigue and many times it has been said that if he stops bowling and than comes to bowl than he would be injury prone

The guy is an athlete. All he needs is strength and conditioning.

[Hextro]

Not bowling is more dangerous than bowling.

Its been 3 years, and i still hear fans saying oh give him rest. They just say this just for the sake of it.

He has got coaches, multiple, which have better understanding than us. He doesnt suffer from fatigue and many times it has been said that if he stops bowling and than comes to bowl than he would be injury prone

The guy is an athlete. All he needs is strength and conditioning.

He's been one of the busiest bowlers in the world since his debut and doesn't seem to have affected him much. People need to stop with the "rest him" narrative, rest would likely do more harm than good to someone like Shaheen because of his supposed elbow issues.

[Savak]

According to reporters, the PCB has co-operated with the SLCB and is supporting the LPL because they are hoping the SLCB will do the same for the PCB vis a vis making their players available for the PSL.

[hoshiarpurexpress]

It is easy to push around PCB as they are always desperate for some help from here and there.
They could have pushed for 1 extra test match with SLC but I guess Rambo has other things on his mind.

[The_KING]

People thought T20 would kill tests, but it has killed ODIs instead. It seems that as far as shorter formats go, teams only care about T20s now.

[hitthestump]

That's a shame. Pakistan really needs to play more ODIs.

Literally nobody wants to see more JAMODI's. Bilateral 50 over games are an absolutely dead format by this point.

[daytrader]

I love ODIs, but this is the right call due to SLC's financial situation. PCB needs to helps out SLC whenever possible

[Savak]

It is easy to push around PCB as they are always desperate for some help from here and there.
They could have pushed for 1 extra test match with SLC but I guess Rambo has other things on his mind.

Test matches don't make any money in comparison to ODIs and T20s. If SLCB cannot afford to host Pakistan for ODIs then hosting Pakistan for an extra test match is out of the question

[Justcrazy]

Pakistan need to play a minimum of 12 Tests every year.

OD cricket is dying a slow death , ICC needs to respond to that , but with number of 20 20 leagues around the world it is practically impossible now.

[gazza619]

I have no interest in bilateral ODI series featuring Pakistan these days as they always go with their first choice XI even when they play Zimbabwe. For me it's boring as they same faces mint their batting and bowling averages.

[Hextro]

Literally nobody wants to see more JAMODI's. Bilateral 50 over games are an absolutely dead format by this point.

I don't know what you're talking about, ODIs are still fun to watch and players like Babar need to play a ton of them to have a meaningful career. ODI is Babar's best format, it would be a shame if he doesn't get to play a lot of it.

[Ab Fan]

T20Is have destroyed ODIs. That's a fact.

Earlier we had 3 tests, 5 ODIs. Now that has been changed to 3 tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20s. Tests haven't been hurt by T20s much but it is ODIs that are getting hurt.

[Nasty Naz]

Literally nobody wants to see more JAMODI's. Bilateral 50 over games are an absolutely dead format by this point.

2019 WC was one of the best WC we've ever had.

People want to see them but T20 is just more financially viable. It doesn't help there is T20 WC in back to back years so all teams have been scheduling last couple of years is T20 over ODI's as a result.

[anonymous_guy]

Not bowling is more dangerous than bowling.

Its been 3 years, and i still hear fans saying oh give him rest. They just say this just for the sake of it.

He has got coaches, multiple, which have better understanding than us. He doesnt suffer from fatigue and many times it has been said that if he stops bowling and than comes to bowl than he would be injury prone

The guy is an athlete. All he needs is strength and conditioning.

Everyone needs rest, a fast bowler, specially.

The last pacer from Pakistan to take >200 test wickets was Waqar Younis and it isn't because others were bad but they were all completely physically destroyed. Sohaib Akhtar, Umar Gul both could have easily crossed the 200 wickets barrier if they were fit (not considering Asif and Amir because of their criminal foolishness).

Shaheen is young, careless his hormones control his brain now. Others around him need to sit him down and teach him about rest to elongate his prime and not be another 150 test wicket bowler.

The most recent example infront of everyone is HASAN ALI, the guy was grinded to the ground. When he started he was bowling 140kph+, now his effort bowl crosses that. Injuries have cut short his peak, it took him couple of years of rehab to strengthen his back and now he has again started to find form.


Take example of Australia, they don't hesitate to rest their prime pacers from T20 and ODI, and they are the best fast bowling unit in world cricket. Fast bowler are tough to find and tougher to maintain.

Every human will have fatigue.

Sorry for the incoherent rant.

[Major]

Everyone needs rest, a fast bowler, specially.

The last pacer from Pakistan to take >200 test wickets was Waqar Younis and it isn't because others were bad but they were all completely physically destroyed. Sohaib Akhtar, Umar Gul both could have easily crossed the 200 wickets barrier if they were fit (not considering Asif and Amir because of their criminal foolishness).

Shaheen is young, careless his hormones control his brain now. Others around him need to sit him down and teach him about rest to elongate his prime and not be another 150 test wicket bowler.

The most recent example infront of everyone is HASAN ALI, the guy was grinded to the ground. When he started he was bowling 140kph+, now his effort bowl crosses that. Injuries have cut short his peak, it took him couple of years of rehab to strengthen his back and now he has again started to find form.


Take example of Australia, they don't hesitate to rest their prime pacers from T20 and ODI, and they are the best fast bowling unit in world cricket. Fast bowler are tough to find and tougher to maintain.

Every human will have fatigue.

Sorry for the incoherent rant.

There are people who are atheletes and there there are people who are not atheletes.

Umar gul had an action where he had to bend his back more. Akhtar didnt have a body to play or cricket or even be a bowler

Shaheen is a pure athelete, he has been developed. The only thing he needs just strength and conditioning

If shaheen was not atheletic than your concerns would had been justified and we would had seen injuries popping up in the last 3 years

Australian players play alot of cricket, if its not international than domestix

[MenInG]

Back to the topics please.

[MenInG]

The Pakistan Cricket Board has assured its Sri Lankan counterparts that it had no hesitation touring the country for a two-Test series in late July-August, despite the ongoing unrest in the island nation.

“We are always ready to support Sri Lanka Cricket even in difficult times and we have no issues touring the country for the test series,” a PCB official said.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is facing problems due to the current uncertain political and economic situation prevailing in the country with daily violent protests on the streets against the government.

Cricket Australia which is to send its team to Sri Lanka before Pakistan has said it is monitoring the situation and will take a final decision based on it.

But the PCB official said that it was the call of the Sri Lankan cricket and Pakistan would just follow their path.

Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis with only 12 hours of electricity being provided to the locals who are facing severe fuel shortage.

“We have a very strong relationship with the Sri Lankan Board, the two countries have always supported each other in difficult situations,” the official said.

He added that Pakistan would not refuse to play the series in July and August.

“Whatever decision the SLC deems best we will accept it playing in Sri Lanka or even at a neutral venue,” he said.

Pakistan was also due to play three ODIs on the tour but the SLC requested the PCB to drop the white ball matches as they wanted to start their Lanka Premier League earlier by a week.

https://indianexpress.com/article/sp...s-pcb-7917283/

[Adnan_Ilyas]

Do we have any updated dates for the Test series in Sri Lanka?

[Babeikh]

Don't think anything has been announced yet. I'm not even sire, is it two tests or three?

[Adnan_Ilyas]

Its two tests, they removed the ODIS.

[MenInG]

Pakistan National Men’s Team will Tour Sri Lanka in July 2022 to engage in a two-match Test series.

The tour will commence with a 3-day warm-up game.

The series will be played under the ICC Men’s World Test Championship Cycle of 2021 – 2023.

Arrival of the Pakistan National Team will take place on the 6th of July 2022.

Pakistan last toured Sri Lanka in 2015.

[Omer2002]

I heard Yasir Shah is back!!!!!

[silentkiller187]

PAKISTAN SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah marks his return to the national men’s side as chief selector Muhammad Wasim today announced an 18-member squad for next month’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

Yasir was instrumental in Pakistan’s 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka on their last tour of the island in 2015, snaring 24 wickets at 19.33. He comes back into the side after regaining full fitness. Yasir played his 46th and last Test, to date, against the West Indies in August 2021.

Salman Ali Agha, who has scored 4,224 runs and taken 88 wickets in first-class, is another addition to the squad.

Mohammad Nawaz is the third player to be recalled. He was named in the squad for Australia Tests but was withdrawn due to injury.

The squad named for the latest ICC World Test Championship fixtures include three openers, four middle-order batters, three all-rounders, two wicketkeepers, two spinners and four fast bowlers.

Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka Tests: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood and Yasir Shah

Chief selector Muhammad Wasim: “We have selected this squad considering the conditions in Sri Lanka and have equipped the team with the best possible resources.

“Our spin department is boosted with the return of Yasir Shah, who proved himself as a match-winner in Sri Lanka on our last tour and Sajid Khan has made the way for him. The spin department also includes two spin all-rounders in Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha and left-arm orthodox Nauman Ali..

“Salman Ali Agha has shown consistent performances with the bat in the past three seasons and he is a handy off-spin option.

“Our team has recently put strong performances in Bangladesh and although results against Australia were not ideal we displayed solid cricket and for that reason we have retained the core to instil consistency and continuity and have trimmed the squad size following the relaxation in Covid-19-induced travel restrictions.

“These two matches are extremely crucial for our side as we have World Test Championship points at stake. I wish our boys all the best and I am sure they will make us proud.”

Babar Azam’s side will converge in Islamabad on 25 June to finalise their preparations for the Test series at the Pindi Cricket Stadium with a seven-day camp that stretches from 26 June to 2 July before departing for Sri Lanka on 6 July.

Pakistan will play a three-day warm-up match between 11-13 July. The first Test will be played at Galle from 16 July, while the second Test will be staged at Colombo from 24 July.

For Pakistan, who are on the fifth spot, this series is their final away commitment of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle, which stretches from July 2021 to June 2023, and they will be eager to improve their position on the table by repeating the same result as last time with a series win.

Pakistan have played three series in the current cycle and with wins in three Tests and two draws are ranked fifth in the nine-team table.

Babar Azam’s men levelled the two-Test series in the West Indies, defeated Bangladesh 2-0 in their second away assignment before Australia edged out with a 1-0 victory in Pat Cummins’ side’s historic tour of the country.

In the upcoming 2022-23, Pakistan are set to host England and New Zealand for three and two Tests in a bumper home international season.

Player Support Personnel: Mansoor Rana (manager), Saqlain Mushtaq (head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant to head coach), Mohammad Yousuf (batting coach), Shaun Tait (bowling coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saaiman (trainer/strength and conditioning coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital content manager), Col (retd) Muhammad Mukarram Khan (security manager), Dr Muhammad Khurram Sarwar (team doctor), Talha Ejaz (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur).

[The_KING]

What’s the point of 2 match test series? At least play 3. We hardly play test cricket and when we do, it is usually only two match test series.

[Omer2002]

They needed a good off spinner as lankans have lots of lefties even though i didnt like sajid khan he should have been there instead of salman agha just in the squad

[Shafi]

As usual garbage team along with yes man head coach. What the point of head coach when Shahid Aslam as Assistant coach.
Same useless players retain again and again Nauman Ali, Hasan Ali, Fawad (Finished), Sarfraz and Azhar (finished).
Sri Lanka should win the test series by 2-0.

[Marooned]

Yasir Shah is finished. Keeping going back to him Isn't the answer.

Where is Kamran Ghulam? Why does Wasim randomly drop players? He should be making his test debut by now. Let's hope Saud does.

[angrypathan]

Crazy how Kamran Ghulam isn’t even in the squad. If they wanted someone who could offer a spin option then he’s probably not much worse than Agha

[Marooned]

Crazy how Kamran Ghulam isn’t even in the squad. If they wanted someone who could offer a spin option then he’s probably not much worse than Agha

Exactly!

Agha is a neither here nor there selection. Where will you fit him? I can't see him in the playing 11 any time soon. Kamran otoh is a direct replacement for Azhar/Fawad.
Probably the reason he is left out too.

[Omer2002]

I dont think Kamran Gulam is anything special he had one good season with top scorer same as i dnt feel Mohammed Haris any good yet he has played three one days now.

The squad is reasonable apart from an off spinner.

[Babeikh]

Decent squad - every squad will have 1 or 2 players who could/should have been selected - but good to see us have options at the top of the order and also with the bowling. Pleased overall.

[Nasty Naz]

Disappointing to see Yasir Shah being back. He's been finished for a couple of years now but it just shows how poor Pakistani spin options are how desperate they are to have any decent spinner.

I hope Saud gets to play over Fawad and Nawaz over Nauman.

[Amjid Javed]

poor and uninspiring selections as usual. i can see same TTFs playing vs england and NZ (test series) and losing those series as well as this one.

[Amjid Javed]

Crazy how Kamran Ghulam isn’t even in the squad. If they wanted someone who could offer a spin option then he’s probably not much worse than Agha

probably dropped as it would put to much pressure on protected garbage senior players like Azhar Ali.

Aus series was perfect time to dump AA and fawad and move forward with saud and ghulam. instead these guys will get picked in tough away SENA series once Azhar etc.. have shameful stuck around till 100th test.

[Mesozoic]

Pakistan can still make the WTC final if they win 5 of their remaining 7 Tests. Considering the fact that there will be atleast a couple of draws at home against England/New Zealand thanks to the highways that are pakistani test wickets, it's imperative for them to win this series 2-0.

P.s - There is still a chance of an India vs Pakistan final as Australia and South Africa are both expected to drop a ton of points from now on. (Australia - in Sri Lanka, India........South Africa - in England and Australia) .

[Titan24]

Pretty much as expected. Exclusion of Kamran Ghulam is the only surprise, I have been pretty impressed with him in the last couple of years and feel that its unfortunate but, pretty sure he is in the radar and should be for all three formats.

As Sajid Khan has been excluded team needed someone who can offer off spin, while Agha Salman dont have much red ball overs in his belt in last season or two but, was pretty decent and bowled regularly in the last Pakistan cup. So maybe that's the reason he has been inducted in along with the overall all round option he provides.

[RedwoodOriginal]

I must say the selection of Yasir Shah does not sit well with me personally. I know that the charges against him were withdrawn. But the manner in which they were was dubious to say the least.

That said, I do think this is a decent squad. And barring one or two names I don't see how you could have selected a better one.

Kamran Ghulam is obviously the most surprising omission considering he hasn't even played a test. There is absolutely no logic behind dropping him. And Agha Salman who has been selected in his place has ironically been a victim of the same thing in the past when he was selected in the ODI squad.

[gazza619]

A very pointless squad. Why not pick 36 players

[muqarrab]

Why is nauman ali in the squad?
And if Nauman Ali is in the sqaud, why isn't Sajid Khan in the squad.

[Shafi]

How on earth Hasan Ali still in the squad without any performance? He will fail as usual against SL. Sarfraz selection is quota based for sure. Nauman & Fawad shouldn’t be in the squad.

[shamaan]

As usual garbage team along with yes man head coach. What the point of head coach when Shahid Aslam as Assistant coach.
Same useless players retain again and again Nauman Ali, Hasan Ali, Fawad (Finished), Sarfraz and Azhar (finished).
Sri Lanka should win the test series by 2-0.

Who would you replace instead of Sarfraz.

[shamaan]

I would have dropped nuaman he was just as poor as Sajid Khan

[Usman]

Yasir Shah is finished. Keeping going back to him Isn't the answer.

Where is Kamran Ghulam? Why does Wasim randomly drop players? He should be making his test debut by now. Let's hope Saud does.

Disappointing to see Yasir Shah being back. He's been finished for a couple of years now but it just shows how poor Pakistani spin options are how desperate they are to have any decent spinner.

I hope Saud gets to play over Fawad and Nawaz over Nauman.

I must say the selection of Yasir Shah does not sit well with me personally. I know that the charges against him were withdrawn. But the manner in which they were was dubious to say the least.

That said, I do think this is a decent squad. And barring one or two names I don't see how you could have selected a better one.

Kamran Ghulam is obviously the most surprising omission considering he hasn't even played a test. There is absolutely no logic behind dropping him. And Agha Salman who has been selected in his place has ironically been a victim of the same thing in the past when he was selected in the ODI squad.

Sajid and Naumaan were badly exposed against Australia. Yes the pitches didn’t take much turn, but both were toothless. Yasir may be bad, but at least he spins the ball! I think it’s the right call and to be honest, if we had a decent offie, Nauman would have been excluded from this squad too.

[Shafi]

Who would you replace instead of Sarfraz.

Rohail Nazir or Kamran Gulam

[Shafi]

]probably dropped as it would put to much pressure on protected garbage senior players like Azhar Ali.
[/B]
Aus series was perfect time to dump AA and fawad and move forward with saud and ghulam. instead these guys will get picked in tough away SENA series once Azhar etc.. have shameful stuck around till 100th test.

Azhar will not go anywhere at least 2-3 years.

[Xoib]

I think Pak will go with this 7-11
Faheem
Nawaz
Yasir
Hassan/Naseem
Shaheen

Not a bad batting depth.

[RedwoodOriginal]

Sajid and Naumaan were badly exposed against Australia. Yes the pitches didn’t take much turn, but both were toothless. Yasir may be bad, but at least he spins the ball! I think it’s the right call and to be honest, if we had a decent offie, Nauman would have been excluded from this squad too.

My problem with Yasir Shah's selection has nothing to do with his ability. For all his pitfalls, he is easily the best test spinner we have right now.

I have a problem with the charges that were brought up against him not too long ago. That mysteriously went away eventhough initially the victims came forward with some very troubling revelations. 48 hours later there was a complete u-turn in their statement which did not sit well with me personally. Because it felt alot like somebody pressurized them to change their statement.

[moghul]

Same old, same old , Sarfraz, Hasan, Fahim , Nauman --------------- spineless selectors.

[shamaan]

Rohail Nazir or Kamran Gulam

Rohail Nazir I had high hopes of but he hasn't done anything of note lately kamran ghullam isn't a proper keeper.

[daytrader]

Pakistan team's practice session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium is underway

The Sri Lanka-bound Pakistan Test squad are gathering in Islamabad today to finalise their preparations for the two ICC World Test Championship fixtures next month.

The squad will train at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi from 26 June till 1 July. Players who are in England for country cricket – Azhar Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood – will not be part of the camp and will join the team ahead of their departure for Sri Lanka on 6 July from Lahore. Fawad Alam will join the camp on 27 June.

[MenInG]

Pictures of practice from PCB from a two-day practice match at the Pindi Cricket Stadium

[MenInG]

More pictures of practice

[MenInG]

Pictures from training game

[MenInG]

Yesterday's scoresheet - Babar Azam 111*

[Deewana Mastana]

Is there a list of broadcasters around the world for this series announced yet or typically it will be out a day before the series starts?

[silentkiller187]

Sri Lanka bound test players working with the coaches.

[MenInG]

Scoresheet from Day 2 of the 2-day practice game

[MenInG]

Scoresheet for Intrasquad game today