Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has defended players’ military training session in Kakul with some of them getting injured and not playing in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has defended players’ military training session in Kakul with some of them getting injured and not playing in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Following a ten-day training camp with Pakistan’s military, ending on April 8, three players, including Azam Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and rookie Irfan Niazi, suffered muscle injuries. While keeper-batter Azam Khan missed the entire series with a calf injury, Rizwan and Niazi got sidelined for the final two T20Is with hamstring injuries. Backing the training camp, the PCB boss said that considering Pakistan cricket’s fitness levels are below par compared to other countries, this camp was necessary, with fitness training having nothing to do with players pulling up their muscles. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Will Jacks hits maiden hundred as RCB register back-to-back wins Naqvi also noted that this is just the beginning, and players will undergo similar sessions in times to come to ensure they are at par with players from other teams concerning fitness. "Injuries never occur due to fitness training," Naqvi said. "People have got various theories around how to make players fit. Fitness has never been a focus of Pakistan management in the past." "I am not criticising anyone that came before me, but look at players from the rest of the world. Pakistan players' fitness is well below that. This is just the start; we will have to ramp up player fitness even more. If I need to bring in fitness experts from around the world, I will,” he continued. Playing cricket led to injuries Azhar Mahmood - Pakistan’s coach for the New Zealand series, said those injuries happened while playing cricket and not because of the training camp in Kakul. "Kakul training had nothing to do with cricket," he said. "The injury the players sustained happened [while] playing cricket, and the training had to do with physical fitness. If the players were injured, they wouldn't have played the first game. And Azam Khan was not injured before the series, he was injured in the nets,” he noted. Naqvi also said that he informed the players during PSL this year that he has organised this camp to work on their fitness, speed and ability to hit massive sixes. "When I was watching the matches in Lahore, I don't think a single one of you hit a six that went into the stands," Naqvi said earlier. "Whenever a six like that was hit, I used to think a foreign player must have hit that. I have asked the board to make a plan that gets every player's fitness up to speed. You'll have to make a proper effort for that,” he had said.

PCB boss defends players’ military training after injuries denied Pakistan series win over NZ

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja slammed Babar Azam &amp; Co. following their seven-wicket loss to a second-stringed New Zealand side in the third T20I, of the five-match series, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Sunday (April 21). Being asked to bat first, Pakistan started well before slowing down in the middle-overs to end with 178 for 4, courtesy of Shadab Khan's 41 and contributions from Saim Ayub, Babar, Md Rizwan and Irfan Khan.

In reply, the Michael Bracewell-led Black Caps chased down the score without dropping much sweat thanks to Mark Chapman's 42-ball 87, laced with 9 fours and 4 sixes. While the first game was washed out, the Kiwis lost the second T20I by seven wickets, after being out for 90, and, thus, many expected the script to remain the same. However, New Zealand -- who are without many frontline players due to IPL 2024 -- produced a brilliant show to level the five-match series 1-1 with two more games to go.&nbsp;

Raja hence slammed Pakistan for losing to a second-stringed New Zealand. On his YouTube channel, he said, "Losing is a part of cricket, but such a defeat shakes the foundation a bit, especially with the World Cup just around the corner. Playing at home, on your favourite surface, against a team that isn't even a complete side - not a first-tier or even a second-tier New Zealand team - makes it an embarrassing loss."

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The former Pakistan captain further added, "Let's admit that in T20, anyone's luck can change, but such a drastic turn of tables within 24 hours is a blow to Pakistan's reputation. For some time now, there has been a notion that you can expect anything from Pakistan on a given day. Just 24 hours ago, Pakistan defeated them by 7 wickets, and 24 hours later, they themselves suffered a 7-wicket defeat. This should not happen."

The fourth and penultimate T20I will now be held on Thursday (April 25) at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja slammed Babar Azam & Co. following their seven-wicket loss to a second-stringed New Zealand side in the third T20I, of the five-match series, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Sunday (April 21).

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja slammed Babar Azam & Co. following their seven-wicket loss to a second-stringed New Zealand side in the third T20I, of the five-match series, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Sunday (April 21). Being asked to bat first, Pakistan started well before slowing down in the middle-overs to end with 178 for 4, courtesy of Shadab Khan's 41 and contributions from Saim Ayub, Babar, Md Rizwan and Irfan Khan. In reply, the Michael Bracewell-led Black Caps chased down the score without dropping much sweat thanks to Mark Chapman's 42-ball 87, laced with 9 fours and 4 sixes. While the first game was washed out, the Kiwis lost the second T20I by seven wickets, after being out for 90, and, thus, many expected the script to remain the same. However, New Zealand -- who are without many frontline players due to IPL 2024 -- produced a brilliant show to level the five-match series 1-1 with two more games to go. Raja hence slammed Pakistan for losing to a second-stringed New Zealand. On his YouTube channel, he said, "Losing is a part of cricket, but such a defeat shakes the foundation a bit, especially with the World Cup just around the corner. Playing at home, on your favourite surface, against a team that isn't even a complete side - not a first-tier or even a second-tier New Zealand team - makes it an embarrassing loss." Also read: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli fined 50% match fee for breach of code of conduct during RCB vs KKR clash The former Pakistan captain further added, "Let's admit that in T20, anyone's luck can change, but such a drastic turn of tables within 24 hours is a blow to Pakistan's reputation. For some time now, there has been a notion that you can expect anything from Pakistan on a given day. Just 24 hours ago, Pakistan defeated them by 7 wickets, and 24 hours later, they themselves suffered a 7-wicket defeat. This should not happen." The fourth and penultimate T20I will now be held on Thursday (April 25) at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

‘Not a first-tier or even a second-tier New Zealand team’ - Ramiz Raja reacts to Pakistan's 3rd T20I loss

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has returned to the national side to lead the new-look team for the five-match T20Is against Pakistan, starting April 18. Bracewell missed all on-field cricket since March last year after suffering a ruptured right Achilles playing for Worcestershire and the broken finger later.

Fast bowler Will O'Rourke, who debuted in Tests and ODIs earlier this season, is named in the 15-man squad, while uncapped batter Tim Robinson is also picked and likely to debut during the away tour.

Meanwhile, as many as nine first-team players will miss this series due to their IPL commitments.&nbsp;The Kiwis will also be without Will Young, who took up an overseas deal with Nottinghamshire and veteran Tom Latham, who will be away for the birth of his first child. Test Captain Tim Southee has also missed the cut, as the selectors want him to rest following the extended home season.

Meanwhile, the squad selection and the tour will play a handy role in the selectors naming a balanced team for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA in June.

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"Michael has faced a long period on the sideline, and it's exciting to see him back playing cricket again," selector Sam Wells said.&nbsp;

"The fact he's back playing at a high level after an Achilles rupture is testament to his hard work and application.

"He's a well-respected leader and has captaincy experience for Wellington along with New Zealand A and New Zealand XI teams, which we believe holds him in good stead to lead the group in Pakistan,” he added.

Wells also shed some light on the prospect of Tim Robinson, who is the second-highest run-getter in the Super Smash competition, amassing 298 runs at a strike rate of 187.42, including hitting 139 off 64 balls against Otago.

"Tim is still very early in his domestic career but his natural ability and explosive power was on full display this season," Wells praised the young batter.&nbsp;

"Combined with his outstanding fielding, we believe he has a skill set that's well suited to the format.

"We've been delighted with Will's early efforts in international cricket, in both the formats he's played so far. This tour will be an excellent chance for him to test his skills in foreign conditions,” he continued.

<h3>New Zealand’s 15-man squad for Pakistan T20Is –</h3>

Michael Bracewell (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has returned to the national side to lead the new-look team for the five-match T20Is against Pakistan, starting April 18.

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has returned to the national side to lead the new-look team for the five-match T20Is against Pakistan, starting April 18. Bracewell missed all on-field cricket since March last year after suffering a ruptured right Achilles playing for Worcestershire and the broken finger later. Fast bowler Will O'Rourke, who debuted in Tests and ODIs earlier this season, is named in the 15-man squad, while uncapped batter Tim Robinson is also picked and likely to debut during the away tour. Meanwhile, as many as nine first-team players will miss this series due to their IPL commitments. The Kiwis will also be without Will Young, who took up an overseas deal with Nottinghamshire and veteran Tom Latham, who will be away for the birth of his first child. Test Captain Tim Southee has also missed the cut, as the selectors want him to rest following the extended home season. Meanwhile, the squad selection and the tour will play a handy role in the selectors naming a balanced team for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA in June. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: WATCH | LSG's Mayank Yadav lights up Cameron Green's stumps vs RCB, breaks multiple records "Michael has faced a long period on the sideline, and it's exciting to see him back playing cricket again," selector Sam Wells said. "The fact he's back playing at a high level after an Achilles rupture is testament to his hard work and application. "He's a well-respected leader and has captaincy experience for Wellington along with New Zealand A and New Zealand XI teams, which we believe holds him in good stead to lead the group in Pakistan,” he added. Wells also shed some light on the prospect of Tim Robinson, who is the second-highest run-getter in the Super Smash competition, amassing 298 runs at a strike rate of 187.42, including hitting 139 off 64 balls against Otago. "Tim is still very early in his domestic career but his natural ability and explosive power was on full display this season," Wells praised the young batter. "Combined with his outstanding fielding, we believe he has a skill set that's well suited to the format. "We've been delighted with Will's early efforts in international cricket, in both the formats he's played so far. This tour will be an excellent chance for him to test his skills in foreign conditions,” he continued. New Zealand’s 15-man squad for Pakistan T20Is – Michael Bracewell (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi

Michael Bracewell returns to lead new-look New Zealand team for Pakistan T20Is

Two no-more former Pakistan cricketers, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who recently announced their decisions to come out of retirement for the 2024 T20 World Cup, have been included in the 29-man squad for the training camp with Pakistan Army. UAE-bound Usman Khan is also added to the team&nbsp;for the camp in Kakul from March 26 to April 8.

Amir and Wasim took to social media last week to announce their decisions to get back in reckoning for the 20-team tournament in the Caribbean and the USA in June. Both had retired from international cricket earlier but were active in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), representing their respective franchises in the recently concluded season.

While Amir just returned with eight wickets in PSL 2024, Wasim was the star performer for Islamabad United, guiding them to their third PSL title.

Besides this pair, seamer Haris Rauf is also part of the squad, with PCB reinstating him into the contract list. Earlier, following Rauf’s decision to deny a return to Test cricket for the Australia series and also for preferring franchise-based T20 Leagues over international cricket, the board released him from the contract list.

The inclusion of Pakistan-born UAE-based batter Usman Khan has raised eyebrows. With a clear intention of roping in Usman to play for Pakistan across all formats, he is called up to remain with the team in Kakul for the training camp.

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However, per the ICC website, Usman Khan is a UAE batter, having played in PSL 2024 as an overseas batter. Before this, he played in the ILT20 and the Abu Dhabi T10 League as a local player for the UAE.&nbsp;

Although PCB is said to be proceeding with the required paperwork quickly, Usman had downplayed the chances of him featuring for Pakistan, citing the country’s uncertainties and difficulty in procuring no-objection certificates from the Emirates Cricket Board as reasons behind the same.&nbsp;

<h2>Pakistan training camp members -</h2>

Aamer Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Haseebullah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Irfan Khan, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan and Zaman Khan

Meanwhile, New Zealand will tour Pakistan for five T20Is starting in April.&nbsp;

Two no-more former Pakistan cricketers, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who recently announced their decisions to come out of retirement for the 2024 T20 World Cup, have been included in the 29-man squad for the training camp with Pakistan Army.

Two no-more former Pakistan cricketers, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who recently announced their decisions to come out of retirement for the 2024 T20 World Cup, have been included in the 29-man squad for the training camp with Pakistan Army. UAE-bound Usman Khan is also added to the team for the camp in Kakul from March 26 to April 8. Amir and Wasim took to social media last week to announce their decisions to get back in reckoning for the 20-team tournament in the Caribbean and the USA in June. Both had retired from international cricket earlier but were active in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), representing their respective franchises in the recently concluded season. While Amir just returned with eight wickets in PSL 2024, Wasim was the star performer for Islamabad United, guiding them to their third PSL title. Besides this pair, seamer Haris Rauf is also part of the squad, with PCB reinstating him into the contract list. Earlier, following Rauf’s decision to deny a return to Test cricket for the Australia series and also for preferring franchise-based T20 Leagues over international cricket, the board released him from the contract list. The inclusion of Pakistan-born UAE-based batter Usman Khan has raised eyebrows. With a clear intention of roping in Usman to play for Pakistan across all formats, he is called up to remain with the team in Kakul for the training camp. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Jasprit Bumrah leaves Stuart Broad, Steve Smith speechless with ruthless spell against GT However, per the ICC website, Usman Khan is a UAE batter, having played in PSL 2024 as an overseas batter. Before this, he played in the ILT20 and the Abu Dhabi T10 League as a local player for the UAE. Although PCB is said to be proceeding with the required paperwork quickly, Usman had downplayed the chances of him featuring for Pakistan, citing the country’s uncertainties and difficulty in procuring no-objection certificates from the Emirates Cricket Board as reasons behind the same. Pakistan training camp members - Aamer Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Haseebullah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Irfan Khan, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan and Zaman Khan Meanwhile, New Zealand will tour Pakistan for five T20Is starting in April.

Imad Wasim, Amir named in 29-man squad for training camp with Pakistan Army; UAE-bound Usman called up

Former Australia allrounder Shane Watson has pulled out of the race to become Pakistan's new head coach despite having a lucrative offer at hand. PCB's preferred candidate, Watson, was in advanced discussions with the board regarding taking over the top job in Pakistan cricket; however, his prior commentary and coaching commitments saw him dropping out at this stage.

Watson coached Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) this season, having thoroughly enjoyed his time working with Pakistani players. Given the packed schedule with the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA in June, Watson looked forward to working with them.&nbsp;

Watson currently has a commentary deal at the IPL, besides being a head coach of the San Francisco Unicorns in the Major League Cricket (in the USA). Above all, Watson also has a young family to look after in Sydney.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as per the reports doing rounds in local media, the PCB had offered Watson a whopping US$2 million a year deal, with the latest reports suggesting the exact number is close to half of it.

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However, had Watson accepted PCB's offer to take over the head coach's role, he would have been on the board immediately overseeing the upcoming New Zealand white-ball series and away T20I series against England in May, just ahead of the marquee event starting June 3.&nbsp;

With Watson pulling out at this hour, the PCB will resume their hunt for a top-notch candidate to take up the vacant spot ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

<h2>Changes in PCB's backroom staff</h2>

Following an under-par 50-over World Cup last year, wherein Pakistan failed to reach the semis despite having favourable conditions, the cricket board sacked the entire backroom staff, including team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn.&nbsp;

Although PCB picked former captain Mohammad Hafeez as the new team director for the tours Down Under (against Australia and New Zealand), his stay was cut short following horrid results, with Pakistan returning empty-handed regarding the series win. Hafeez's coaching style and rigid approach led to a rift between the players and him, eventually resulting in his exit.&nbsp;

Former Australia allrounder Shane Watson has pulled out of the race to become Pakistan's new head coach despite having a lucrative offer at hand. PCB's preferred candidate, Watson, was in advanced discussions with the board regarding taking over the top job in Pakistan cricket; however, his prior commentary and coaching commitments saw him dropping out at this stage.

Former Australia allrounder Shane Watson has pulled out of the race to become Pakistan's new head coach despite having a lucrative offer at hand. PCB's preferred candidate, Watson, was in advanced discussions with the board regarding taking over the top job in Pakistan cricket; however, his prior commentary and coaching commitments saw him dropping out at this stage. Watson coached Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) this season, having thoroughly enjoyed his time working with Pakistani players. Given the packed schedule with the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA in June, Watson looked forward to working with them. Watson currently has a commentary deal at the IPL, besides being a head coach of the San Francisco Unicorns in the Major League Cricket (in the USA). Above all, Watson also has a young family to look after in Sydney. Meanwhile, as per the reports doing rounds in local media, the PCB had offered Watson a whopping US$2 million a year deal, with the latest reports suggesting the exact number is close to half of it. ALSO READ: ICC shares rules for knockout games in case of rain delay during upcoming T20 World Cup However, had Watson accepted PCB's offer to take over the head coach's role, he would have been on the board immediately overseeing the upcoming New Zealand white-ball series and away T20I series against England in May, just ahead of the marquee event starting June 3. With Watson pulling out at this hour, the PCB will resume their hunt for a top-notch candidate to take up the vacant spot ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Changes in PCB's backroom staff Following an under-par 50-over World Cup last year, wherein Pakistan failed to reach the semis despite having favourable conditions, the cricket board sacked the entire backroom staff, including team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn. Although PCB picked former captain Mohammad Hafeez as the new team director for the tours Down Under (against Australia and New Zealand), his stay was cut short following horrid results, with Pakistan returning empty-handed regarding the series win. Hafeez's coaching style and rigid approach led to a rift between the players and him, eventually resulting in his exit.

Shane Watson pulls out of race to become Pakistan head coach despite lucrative offer