[PICTURES] Zimbabwe tour of Pakistan (2020)

[Shafi]

Please bring back Azhar, Shafiq, yasir and all the useless players so they can cement the place n our team for another 4-5 years

 

[Shafi]

Great. So Misbah and Waqar will become world beaters yet again and stay on for 6 months more at the least.

Malik and Hafeez will be our match winners. A repeat of the Bangla series and all will be well in Pakistan cricket.

They still have more than 2 years of contract. Most likely they will get an extension of another 3 years.

 

[Kaddy]

Aur ab aa raha hai ZIMBABWE
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Aane Do.........

 

[Abdullah]

The main problem with our team is we avg 8 tests a year when we need to be trying to play 14.
Huge gaps between series doesn't help anybody and hinders performance
I would make an exception for Abbas and Yasir and try to play suitable future replacements
And I'm hoping asad doesn't have a future, so play a haider

 

[TeymurBlake]

LOL. Great news to read this morning.

 

[MenInG]

ZIMBABWE has been given until October 20, to arrive in Pakistan for their scheduled tour of the Asian nation, for the limited overs cricket series.

The series is part of the ICC Super League.

Pakistan have confirmed they will host Zimbabwe between November and December for three ODIs and three T20s.

Zimbabwe Cricket, who have been forced to cancel most of their fixtures this year due to the coronavirus outbreak, have since applied to the Government to get the greenlight to travel to Pakistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive, Wasim Khan, is confident the tour will go ahead.

The Asians have given the visitors an October 20 deadline, for the touring Zimbabwean players and support staff, to arrive in Pakistan.

This is because they will have to go into quarantine, for some days, before taking to the field.

"We are hoping for Zimbabwe to come and play in Pakistan," said Khan.

"They're scheduled to play with us in November but they'll come by October 20 to complete their quarantine before the cricket series."

Pakistan has been a subject of security concerns, in the recent past.

But, it appears, those issues have now been resolved.

They have had a home series against Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and the PSL 2020.

Zimbabwe were the first country to visit Pakistan, after almost six years, in 2015.

Since then, the two sides have met twice in Zimbabwe.

After playing white-ball cricket here in 2015, Pakistan also toured in 2018.

If the proposed tour goes ahead, Zimbabwe will play three ODIs, and as many T20Is, in Pakistan this year.

https://allafrica.com/stories/202009030198.html

 

[shamaan]

Man, series vs Zimbabwe aren't fun to watch at all.

Hopefully they actually give young players a shot instead. I don't need to see established batsmen or bowlers destroying Zimbabwe. Try some young players instead and this is a great way to debut some players and build up their confidence.

Defo people like zeeshan malik haider ali khusdhil should all play to gain that experience

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Very good, hopefully a test series happens as well

 

[nextover666666]

Zimbabwe was the first test nation to come to Pakistan and I believe it is when babar Azam made his debut for ODI as well

They are most welcome quest hopefully paks fields a young team but I know it won't happen

Maybe Zaman gets a second double century lol

 

[shamaan]

Very good, hopefully a test series happens as well

It will only be good if pakistan play a young team dont want fakhar malik hafeez shaheen wahab playing

 

[shamaan]

Zimbabwe was the first test nation to come to Pakistan and I believe it is when babar Azam made his debut for ODI as well

They are most welcome quest hopefully paks fields a young team but I know it won't happen

Maybe Zaman gets a second double century lol

We can only pray that Pakistan play a young team and maybe 300 lol

 

[Shoaibbtt]

It will only be good if pakistan play a young team dont want fakhar malik hafeez shaheen wahab playing

Yep some people could do with resting and some a boost of confidence i.e. getting runs.

 

[Mueez]

Nice confidence booster coming up. Already the confidence might have increased after the T20 win. Will be interesting to see how Babar does in the ODIs.

 

[ManFan]

This tour will ensure the dreaded Misbah/Waqar/Azhar trio keep their jobs and torture Pakistani fans for another two years at least.

 

[coy0607]

When BD toured last year - Pak played a full strenght T20 team with Malik, Hafeez, Ifti, etc. I don't expect that to change, Misbah isn't one to take risks and experiment, we've seen that over 10+ years now

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

This tour will ensure the dreaded Misbah/Waqar/Azhar trio keep their jobs and torture Pakistani fans for another two years at least.

Doubt it. This Pakistani team will get roasted in NZ against NZ in Dec/Jan. So there will be pressure on Misbah and co after losing yet again against a top ranked side.

They won't just lose, but get humiliated in NZ as the NZ team is a solid one. Azhar and Asad won't have an easy time there.

 

[Mirpur express]

As long as we play at least 7 players under 25 I’ll be interested

 

[shamaan]

As long as we play at least 7 players under 25 I’ll be interested

Yes that be perfect

 

[shamaan]

Yep some people could do with resting and some a boost of confidence i.e. getting runs.

They wont get to much rest thou due to qaid e azam

 

[Shoaibbtt]

They wont get to much rest thou due to qaid e azam

Some of these guys need the practice (well the batters at least). They've had a big break with Covid.

 

[zain7077]

Doubt it. This Pakistani team will get roasted in NZ against NZ in Dec/Jan. So there will be pressure on Misbah and co after losing yet again against a top ranked side.

They won't just lose, but get humiliated in NZ as the NZ team is a solid one. Azhar and Asad won't have an easy time there.

I believe we're capable of beating NZ in a three match t20 series though. We did it last time we toured as well. Tests are a different story obviously.

 

[SARJ_BD]

This series will be a good one only if Pakistan rest Babar, Malik, Hafeez, Shaheen Afridi, Amir, etc

Pakistan should keep an eye over the following line up (for t20):

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Zeeshan Ashraf (wk)
3. Haider Ali
4. Iftikhar A ( to see if he can take Hafeez or Malik's anchoring role)
5. Khushdil Shah
6. Any Anchoring batsmen
7. Shadab Khan (c) (need to regain his bowling form)
8. Fahim Ashraf (or any fast bowling allrounder)
9. Haris Rauf (need to do what Wahab did vs England)
10. M Hasnain (if not this series, then when?)
11. U Shinwari ( to find out if there is anything left in him?)

Umar Amin (or any other promising batter)
Amad Butt
Dilbar Hussain (or any other promising bowler)

P.S. Sharjeel or any other corrupted/tainted player will never make my wish list.

 

[shamaan]

This series will be a good one only if Pakistan rest Babar, Malik, Hafeez, Shaheen Afridi, Amir, etc

Pakistan should keep an eye over the following line up (for t20):

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Zeeshan Ashraf (wk)
3. Haider Ali
4. Iftikhar A ( to see if he can take Hafeez or Malik's anchoring role)
5. Khushdil Shah
6. Any Anchoring batsmen
7. Shadab Khan (c) (need to regain his bowling form)
8. Fahim Ashraf (or any fast bowling allrounder)
9. Haris Rauf (need to do what Wahab did vs England)
10. M Hasnain (if not this series, then when?)
11. U Shinwari ( to find out if there is anything left in him?)

Umar Amin (or any other promising batter)
Amad Butt
Dilbar Hussain (or any other promising bowler)

P.S. Sharjeel or any other corrupted/tainted player will never make my wish list.

At number 6 you need someone who can hit big not anchor

 

[ask_analyse_act]

It is not bad in a way because players can regain confidence.

Pakistan should give youngsters chances.

Lol youngsters would be 40 year old Hafeez and Malik.

Pak have never done that , and it is the cause that Malik and Hafeez are still playing.

Misbah and Younis could prolong their career till 40,

It is also why Azhar Ali and Asad shafiq now think that they are entitled to play till 40

 

[SARJ_BD]

At number 6 you need someone who can hit big not anchor

In t20, all the numbers should be floating. IMO, you need 3 hitting batsmen and 3 stabilizing batsmen.

 

[CricketingMinds]

Why are we under-estimating Zim?

Have we forgotten the 2013 Phainta we got from Zim in 2013 against the Mighty Misbah, Azhar, YK, Hafeez & Golden boy Asad Shafiq?

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...istan-2nd-test-pakistan-tour-of-zimbabwe-2013

 

[watson367]

Some careers will be revived during this series.

 

[shamaan]

In t20, all the numbers should be floating. IMO, you need 3 hitting batsmen and 3 stabilizing batsmen.

Stabilizing bateman can you name me 3 stabilizing Bateman that india have in thier team also austrlia and england in t20s

 

[Afhan Ali]

Misbah will give Malik and Ifti another chance to see how talented these youngsters are.

 

[shah_1]

Nov Dec?

Aren't we suppose to play against NZ in december with all the qurantine of 14 days before practise and actual cricket. Don't want to miss NZ series because of this. There is no revenue to generate from this series

 

[naseem]

It's good that a team is touring Pak....but Pak should atleast bring Ireland Afganistan.....and Bangladesh West Indies.....atleast they will bring some competition......ireland and Afghanistan r pretty decent in ODIs and T20s.......these Zimbos and Lanka team is not worth it.....it gives false hope

 

[MenInG]

THE Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) is considering an application from Zimbabwe Cricket for the country’s senior men’s cricket team to travel to Pakistan next month.

ZC acting managing director, Givemore Makoni confirmed they had written to the SRC seeking the green light to embark on the trip to Pakistan. SRC director-general, Prince Mupazviriho said they were looking into the application from ZC, with a number of considerations to be made before permission is granted or denied. Some of issues to ponder over for the SRC are to look at where the team is going, safety of the destination and what transpires when they come back in light of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

“We need to look at the circumstances, where they are going, how safe it is and what happens when they return,’’ Mupazviriho said.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive officer, Wasim Khan was last month quoted in that country’s media stating they were preparing for Zimbabwe’s arrival in the Asian nation for three One Day Internationals and same number of Twenty20 Internationals. The ODIs are part of the International Cricket Council Super League, which is the pathway for the 2023 Cricket World Cup qualifying process.

If granted permission to tour, the Chevrons will arrive in Pakistan on 20 October and go into Covid-19 quarantine for two weeks, where the contingent will be twice tested before the team starts training ahead of the start of the action at the beginning of November.

While Pakistan was for years deemed an unsafe place for international cricket after terrorists attacked a bus carrying members of the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009, a reduction in terrorism has made the Asian country harmless to tour.

Zimbabwe did travel to Pakistan in May 2015 for two T20I and three ODIs, with the tour going ahead without any major incidents. After Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and an ICC World XI have visited Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe national women bowling all-rounder, Anesu Mushangwe collected six accolades at the South Australia Cricket Association awards ceremony held in Adelaide on Friday. The 24-year was in brilliant form with bat and ball for Glenelg District Cricket Club as she led her team to earn promotion to First Grade cricket.

https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/src-ponders-over-chevrons-pakistan-tour/

 

[Sami92]

Will the Zimbabwe series be played before the PSL playoffs ?

 

[TrentDevil]

Will the Zimbabwe series be played before the PSL playoffs ?

Yes

 

[MenInG]

ZIMBABWE national cricket team players have started training with the hope of being granted getting government approval for the upcoming tour of Pakistan next month.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) are hoping to save its coronavirus-affected international season by touring Pakistan for a bilateral limited-overs series which will be held in a bio-secure environment due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

After breaking camp in July following the cancelation of the visit by Afghanistan due to the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases, local cricket was on Tuesday given the green light to start training again ahead of a possible tour of Pakistan.

If the tour goes ahead the two teams will play each other in three One Day Internationals many T20 Internationals.



Cricket is one of the sports given the green light to resume training during the Covid-19 lockdown under laid out safety guidelines.

As per the International Cricket Council guidelines, the use of saliva on cricket balls was prohibited and all players as well as ZC employees have been provided with face masks and sanitisers for training sessions.

While ZC await government approval players have started training in batches around the country.

Meanwhile, ZC has approached the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to know about the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be adopted by the hosts for the safety of the visiting Zimbabwe squad during their tour to Pakistan amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Zimbabwe squad is expected to reach Pakistan on October 16 with international commitments likely to start two weeks after their arrival.

Pakistan will become the second country to host international matches following the epidemic after England which is currently hosting Australia after visits by West Indies and Pakistan.

“To get approval from their government, Zimbabwe Cricket has approached us to know about the measures that will be taken for the safety of touring squad. Zimbabwe Cricket told us that it requires details of the arrangements being planned by the PCB as it is a prerequisite to get NOC for the tour,” a Pakistan Cricket Board official was quoted in the Pakistan media on Wednesday.

He added that the PCB was in process of finalising the SOPs so that it could share these with the ZC.

“Due to the presence of Covid-19 cases, special arrangements have been planned for all cricket activities including Zimbabwe tour that needs extraordinary handling,” the official said.

Following the recent tour to England, the Pakistan Cricket Board officials are in better know-how to host any touring party in a bio-secure environment.

“Pakistan has learnt a lot during their stay in England and now they have all the ability to make required arrangements for the safe hosting of the series,” the official said.

“ZC also wanted to know about the practice facilities that would be given to the visiting players during the quarantine period.” There is a possibility that all the six matches are staged in Lahore.

Zimbabwe training squad:

Brian Chari, Christopher Mpofu, Ainsley Ndlovu, Charlton Tshuma, Sean Williams, Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Neville Madziva, William Mashinge, Peter Joseph Moor, Brian Mudzinganyama, Ryan Murray, Brendan Taylor, Regis Chakabva, Luke Jongwe, Wessly Madhevere, Timycen Maruma, Wellington Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Tapiwa Mufudza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Richmond Mutumbami, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Brandon Mavuta, Carl Mumba, Tendai Chisoro, Tendai Chatara, Kevin Kasuza, Donald Tiripano.

https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zimbabwe-begins-preps-for-possible-pakistan-cricket-tour/

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Pakistan won't play any youngsters just like they did not in the England series apart from giving a shot to Haider Ali in the last game.

The likes of Malik, Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz, Rizwan, Shinwari, Wahab and others will be filling the numbers.

If they had guts (which they do not) they should blood in 6 top performers from the National T20 cup in the squad and at least 4 in the playing XI.

 

[shamaan]

Pakistan won't play any youngsters just like they did not in the England series apart from giving a shot to Haider Ali in the last game.

The likes of Malik, Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz, Rizwan, Shinwari, Wahab and others will be filling the numbers.

If they had guts (which they do not) they should blood in 6 top performers from the National T20 cup in the squad and at least 4 in the playing XI.

I think we should atleast have 3 as a minimum in team

A keeper batter
A bowler
A hard hitter

 

[Deewana Mastana]

I think we should atleast have 3 as a minimum in team

A keeper batter
A bowler
A hard hitter

Even that would be something at least but it would not happen like I said.

 

[Shazzam]

This should be a good series by two equal sides. Zimbabwe will be a tough challenge for Pakistan. There batsmen are such that if you feed them short bowls they will eat you alive. Pakistan needs to be on its A game to challenge this strong team.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

This is exactly the sort of series where the reserve players should get a chance.
Guys like Zeeshan, Khushdil, Haider, Usama Mir, Umer Khan, Sameen Gul, Rohail Nazir, Hurraira.

However knowing Misbah and co.
Malik, Hafeez, Saifi, Wahab, Iftikhar will all play and they will play 2 of Naseem, Shaheen, Hasnain, Haider in the name of a "young" team.

 

[Mamoon]

This is exactly the sort of series where the reserve players should get a chance.
Guys like Zeeshan, Khushdil, Haider, Usama Mir, Umer Khan, Sameen Gul, Rohail Nazir, Hurraira.

However knowing Misbah and co.
Malik, Hafeez, Saifi, Wahab, Iftikhar will all play and they will play 2 of Naseem, Shaheen, Hasnain, Haider in the name of a "young" team.

When you cannot win a series against top teams you don’t have the luxury to rest against minnows.

Mickey and Inzamam followed the same recipe, because their pants were pulled down whenever they played against the top sides after the Champions Trophy.

Most of our young players are full of crap and they are big talents only in the heads of our delusional fans. If Misbah picks them against Zimbabwe and they happen to lose a match, Misbah will be the one in the firing line.

Misbah’s harsh and blunt statements are understandably not going down well with our hyper fans, but it does seem like he has a good understanding of where we stand as a cricket team and what the caliber of our talent is.

Mickey came across as downright delusional, but at least Misbah seems to have taken an accurate measure of our capabilities and is no mood to play to the galleries and make fans happy with empty statements.

 

[TeymurBlake]

I see Misbah selecting a team similarly to the one's he's picked before. He's basically gonna use this series to boost confidence and morale of the team for the New Zealand series.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

When you cannot win a series against top teams you don’t have the luxury to rest against minnows.

Mickey and Inzamam followed the same recipe, because their pants were pulled down whenever they played against the top sides after the Champions Trophy.

Most of our young players are full of crap and they are big talents only in the heads of our delusional fans. If Misbah picks them against Zimbabwe and they happen to lose a match, Misbah will be the one in the firing line.

Misbah’s harsh and blunt statements are understandably not going down well with our hyper fans, but it does seem like he has a good understanding of where we stand as a cricket team and what the caliber of our talent is.

Mickey came across as downright delusional, but at least Misbah seems to have taken an accurate measure of our capabilities and is no mood to play to the galleries and make fans happy with empty statements.

I can understand relishing the role of a rebel and being the Devil's Advocate but this is really taking it too far.

You're basically saying this pathetic, failed combo of Misbah-Waqar who know zilch about coaching have good measure of our capabilities and caliber.

According to your analysis, his "superior" understanding of our players resulted in him selecting Umar and Shehzad against SL C team and Irfan and Iftikhar against AUS in AUS.

Allah bachaye aisi "understanding" aur "boldness" se.

 

[Mamoon]

I can understand relishing the role of a rebel and being the Devil's Advocate but this is really taking it too far.

You're basically saying this pathetic, failed combo of Misbah-Waqar who know zilch about coaching have good measure of our capabilities and caliber.

According to your analysis, his "superior" understanding of our players resulted in him selecting Umar and Shehzad against SL C team and Irfan and Iftikhar against AUS in AUS.

Allah bachaye aisi "understanding" aur "boldness" se.

As I always say, there is a huge gap between expectations of Pakistani fans and the capability of the players. We are a West Indies/Sri Lanka/Bangladesh level team but our fans expect results like India/England/Australia.

Regardless of Misbah’s coaching capabilities, he is not delusional. His statements clearly reflect that he is not oblivious of the fact that Pakistan is a mediocre team.

Our fans liked Mickey because he would play to the galleries in pressers. He would give passionate statements and hype up players and our fans would do bhangra and think that knows what he is doing.

The defeat to Sri Lanka C was on his head. I agree. Mickey’s minnow-bashers from 2017-2018 would have definitely beaten them convincingly.

However, you could get the best coach and selector in the world and he will have been able to produce positive results in Australia and England. Our players are simply not good enough.

Misbah is under a lot of scrutiny because our fans have the impression that he is the one holding this team back. Misbah is part of the problem I agree. However, he is not the problem.

In order to protect himself from the group of fans who think we have a world beating team that is being hampered by Misbah, he has no choice but to give blunt statements in the media and throw the players under the bus.

When he is questioned why he tinkered with the so-called winning, number #1 T20 team, why would he point out that we are already on the slide judging by the results against South Africa and England?

 

[MMHS]

I think, in his first year Arthur took some tough calls and he was quite vocal - gradually from experience he learned to survive in PAK cricket which gave him at least one extra year. In later stages, his pressers were all about talent, progress, future and comparison - Tendulkar, Kluesner .... comes to mind. It almost worked for him, but for being foreigner he lost the support of former PAK players, hence had to leave after a successful WC.

Misbah started walking in that same path but I am sure he'll learn to play the flute according to the mood of his audience. It's not even a year he is in job and due to CV-19, he had very few games, more importantly his share of "nightmare" series were too many - first Australia, then ENG & next is NZ waiting. But, going forward I am expecting him to change the tune towards talent, future, potential, what could be (not what has been) ..... upcoming ZIM series gives him a fantastic platform to launch his up to date media release ........... I am waiting.

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE: The Zimbabwe cricket team’s schedule to tour Pakistan was likely to be finalized next week, the sources said on Wednesday. The team is scheduled to play three One Day International (ODI) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches against Pakistan.

Pakistan will become the second country to host international matches following the epidemic. According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Spokesperson, Zimbabwe Cricket approached PCB to know about the measures that would be taken for the safety of touring squad.

He said that In connection with the tour of Zimbabwe cricket team to Pakistan, the board shared the preliminary schedule with Zimbabwe. He also stated that the arrangements have been planned by PCB and the board has also informed Zimbabwe Cricket about the bio-secure environment. Zimbabwe squad is expected to reach Pakistan on October 20 with international commitments likely to start two weeks after their arrival. Both teams will be playing three One-Dayers and three T20 Internationals.

https://thefrontierpost.com/zimbabwes-tour-to-pakistan-to-be-finalized-next-week/

 

[Saj]

Good news for the averages of our cricketers which need a boost after the tour of England.

 

[MenInG]

According to Wasim Khan in an interview:

1. Rawalpindi will host three T20 Internationals against Zimbabwe
2. Three One-Day Internationals will be played in Multan
3. Strict SOPs to be followed as was learnt from tour of England.
4. Schedule will be finalized in next 10 days after queries from ZC regarding boarding/lodging and travel plans are clarified.

 

[MenInG]

ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) are anxiously waiting for a response from the Government, through Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) on their request for a go-ahead to send the country’s men team to Pakistan for a limited overs series next month.

Hamilton Masakadza, the ZC director of cricket said they were still waiting for a reply from the SRC on whether they should send the Chevrons to Pakistan. Masakadza said their Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) counterparts did not give them a deadline for confirmation if the team is heading to the Asian country.

“We applied for the tour to Pakistan and are awaiting a response from the SRC. From PCB, we are still expecting documentation relating to Covid-19 protocols and security. So far there are just proposed dates and a proposed itinerary, so there is no deadline for us to confirm. We are pretty sure that the bio-secure bubble will be in place since they are working with the guys from the England and Wales Cricket Board,’’ Masakadza said.

SRC director-general, Prince Mupazviriho recently said they were looking into the application from ZC, with a number of considerations to be made before permission is granted or denied. Some of the issues to ponder over for the SRC are to look at where the team is going, safety of the destination and what transpires when they come back in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In anticipation of the tour being approved, the national cricketers resumed training in their respective cities last Monday. Once permission is granted for the trip, the national team players will start training in one place, with only chosen players getting into camp.

“We can’t wait for the green light, we have to start preparing, rather have the players ready, whether we go to Pakistan or not. After we have received confirmation, we will have a camp with the whittled down actual squad,’’ said Masakadza.

Coach Lalchand Rajput is still in India and will only come to Zimbabwe for the camp once ZC get permission to tour Pakistan.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to play three One Day Internationals and same number of Twenty20 Internationals. The ODIs are part of the International Cricket Council Super League, which is the pathway for the 2023 Cricket World Cup qualifying process. –

https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/zc-anxiously-wait-for-govt-decision-on-pakistan-tour/

 

[shamaan]

Imad to be captained in t20s

 

[shamaan]

Reports suggest for the t20s babar might be rested to with imad captain

 

[Titan24]

Reports suggest for the t20s babar might be rested to with imad captain

Would be a good call in my opinion.

 

[Titan24]

Yes defo azam Khan being considered to in the squad for t20s

As WK? I dont think so that he deserves the opportunity as of now, it should be one of Zeeshan Ashraf or Umar Siddiq. As a batsman he definitely doesnt as of now with just a handful t20 matches under his belt.

Irrespective of the batting side pacers like Shaheen and some experienced pacers need to be rested.

 

[shamaan]

As WK? I dont think so that he deserves the opportunity as of now, it should be one of Zeeshan Ashraf or Umar Siddiq. As a batsman he definitely doesnt as of now with just a handful t20 matches under his belt.

Irrespective of the batting side pacers like Shaheen and some experienced pacers need to be rested.

Not to sure tbh

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Yes defo azam Khan being considered to in the squad for t20s

Where are you getting this info? Azam khan seems very unlikely since he’s only had maybe one good game in his career

 

[MenInG]

ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) seem to have done their homework for the safe return of action, or at the very least preparing for next month’s tour of Pakistan, and all that is left is the green light from the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).

ZC chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani reckons “it’s a matter of when and not if” the tour will proceed.

“We remain hopeful that we will indeed receive word from the Government, through the Sports (and Recreation) Commission, soon, and honestly don’t really see why we shouldn’t get the go-ahead.

“The country has opened up, with inter-city buses operating now; the numbers (of Covid-19 infections) have somewhat begun to stabilise and most importantly cricket is now being played again internationally,” he said.

Time remains the Chevrons biggest obstacle as the tour is fast approaching.

So long as there is no word from Government, the team will remain without their leader Lalchand Rajput.

Pakistan has indicated that the series will be held in a bio-secure bubble.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, is yet to finalise the standard operating procedures that will be followed during the series.

There are questions on the period Zimbabwean players will have to spend in quarantine.

“It is true that time is not on our side, as the series will be held in a bio-secure bubble and we might be required to travel to Pakistan earlier than the October 20 start of the series.

“However, all things being equal, and like I said earlier, we remain hopeful that we will indeed get the green light, and get it soon.

“Once we get approval, the Chevrons’ Lalchand Rajput will then join the team.

“He is currently in Mumbai,” said Mukuhlani.

The approval is likely to come as good news for the Chevrons, which has already started training.

The team’s skipper, Chamu Chibhabha, has had quite the year so far.

What was supposed to be a year of promise and great expectation, having been installed white-ball skipper, has been ruined by the pandemic.

The pandemic and lack of cricket action has left the 34-year-old frustrated.

“It has been frustrating, but it is what it is.

“We do not really know if we are going to play some cricket, whether it be club cricket or the tour to Pakistan.

“However, we remain positive and hope for the best.

“There are many positives from our return; the guys are happy to be back and together again, the team morale is high and it has been good to get some collective sessions in.

“Now, we just have to be patient and hope we get clearance soon, as there is so much one can do in the nets. We need to get some game situations in.

“Our return so far has been confined to net sessions, but I hope we will get in a game or two before we play Pakistan,” Chibhabha said.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Preparations for <a href="https://twitter.com/ZimCricketv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZimCricketv</a>’s proposed limited-overs tour to Pakistan are set to intensify this week with this provisional squad of 25 called up for a training camp in Harare starting on Tuesday . . . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrainingCamp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrainingCamp</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvZIM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvZIM</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BowlOutCovid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BowlOutCovid</a> <a href="https://t.co/4uNZMBjS0D">pic.twitter.com/4uNZMBjS0D</a></p>— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZimCricketv/status/1307666518004641792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

VETERAN pace bowler Christopher Mpofu has been left out of the Chevrons’ provisional squad that goes into camp in Harare tomorrow.

Ainsley Ndlovu and Charlton Ndlovu, who have been training under the watchful eyes of coach Njabulo Ncube at Queens Sports Club, have also been excluded from the training squad.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) yesterday named a 25-member training squad as preparations for the proposed limited-overs tour of Pakistan intensifies.

National team players have been training in groups in Harare and Bulawayo during the Covid-19 lockdown.

This is the first time that the Chevrons have trained as a group since the Covid-19 lockdown in March.

The proposed Pakistan tour, which is subject to Government approval, is set for October/November and will see the two sides facing off in three one-day international’s and as many Twenty-20 Internationals.

The ODI series in Pakistan, which is part of the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, is pencilled in for October 30 and November 1 and 3.

The T20I matches are scheduled for November 7, 8 and 10.

Rising cricketers in the form of ex-Under-19 stars Wesley Madhevere, Richard Ngarava, Brandon Mavuta and the uncapped Milton Shumba have been included in the provisional squad alongside limited-overs captain Chamu Chibhabha, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams and Elton Chigumbura.

The uncapped Faraz Akram is also part of the squad, with Luke Jongwe, Peter Moor, Tendai Chisoro and Wellington Masakadza bouncing back into contention for places in the final travelling squad should the green light to travel be given.

The trio of Tendai Chatara, Kyle Jarvis and Ryan Burl has fully recovered from injuries that ruled them out of Zimbabwe’s last international action earlier this year and have also been called up.

ZC spokesperson Darlington Majonga said the final squad will be announced in due course.

“We’re hopeful of getting clearance from the Government and now the squad comes to train together for the first time. The traveling team will be announced in due course,” said Majonga.

Zimbabwe Training Squad
Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Tendai Chisoro, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Luke Jongwe, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wesley Madhevere, Timycen Maruma, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Peter Moor, Carl Mumba, Richmond Mutumbami, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams

https://www.chronicle.co.zw/christopher-mpofu-sidelined-as-chevrons-go-into-camp/

 

[MenInG]

|ZIMBABWE Cricket are making frantic efforts to get Chevrons coach, Lalchand Rajput, back in the country.

They want him to take over the leadership role during the training camp for the proposed limited series tour of Pakistan.

Rajput had been holed up in his home country in India for the last few months because of the international travel restrictions.

The Chevrons have experienced disruptions because of the lockdown but they are expected to begin group training in Harare today.

ZC spokesperson, Darlington Majonga, said Rajput was expected in Zimbabwe once the situation allows him to travel.

India is one of the most affected countries by Covid-19 and travelling has been difficult because of the ban on international flights.

"We would have loved the coach to join the team at the earliest possible time but it has been a bit tricky for passengers to fly in and out of India," he said.

"Now, that things are beginning to ease up, in many parts of the world, plans are being made for the coach to join the team and continue with their preparations.

"Right now, the squad is under the capable hands of our other coaches and they will be working on every aspect of the game, during their time in camp.

"They have been training in small groups but they are now coming to one place in Harare where they are scheduled to conduct a training camp."

ZC announced a 25-member training squad on Sunday.

Close

SIGN UP FOR FREE ALLAFRICA NEWSLETTERS

Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox

Top HeadlinesSportZimbabwe

SUBMIT

By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy.

The players went in camp yesterday and are today expected to begin their drills.

The ODI series in Pakistan, which will be part of the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, is pencilled for October 30, November 1 and 3.

The T20I matches are scheduled for November 7, 8 and 10.

Zimbabwe are provisionally expected to go into a seven-day quarantine upon arrival in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board have revealed they have borrowed the "bio-bubble" concept for the Zimbabwe series from England where they recently toured.

But, uncertainty still surrounds the proposed limited overs tour as ZC are still waiting for clearance from the Ministry of Youth Sport, Arts and Recreation.

The association applied for permission to travel last month.

"If the proposed tour gets the nod, we should be leaving for Pakistan on October 20.

"We are still waiting for the permission from Government. Right now, we have only been allowed to train," said Majonga.

Zimbabwe Training Squad for Pakistan Tour:

Faraz Akram, Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Tendai Chisoro, Craig Ervine, Kyle Jarvis, Luke Jongwe, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wesley Madhevere, Timycen Maruma, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Peter Moor, Carl Mumba, Richmond Mutumbami, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams.

https://allafrica.com/stories/202009220279.html

 

[MenInG]

ZIMBABWE cricket star Sikandar Raza is looking forward to taming Pakistan in their own backyard when the locals tour the Asian country next month for a limited overs series, subject to government approval.

Raza was born in Sialkot, Pakistan where he dreamt of being a fighter pilot but failed an eye examination and his relocation to Zimbabwe saw him take up a different fight with the bat and ball.

The Zimbabweans, in 2015, became the first full member nation to visit Pakistan since the Sri Lankan cricket team terror attack in March 2009.

It was a largely competitive series with Zimbabwe on several occasions getting close to winning encounters.
Raza scored an unbeaten 100 from 84 balls, hitting eight boundaries and three maximums in the second ODI that Pakistan won by six wickets with 16 balls left.

Raza remembers the 2015 series vividly.

“Last time we toured Pakistan we took them to the wire and the last game which was rained off, we were on track to win it.

“So, good performances from me and the team is what I am praying and hoping for.

“The mood (in the Chevrons camp) is fantastic and everyone feels great to be out training and being part of the national team training camp,” Raza told the Daily News yesterday.

The 34-year-old is still basking in the glory of winning the Caribbean Premier League title with Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) where he was useful with his off break taking seven wickets in seven matches.

“It feels amazing to win the trophy with TKR.

“It was such a privilege to be part of that family.

“So many vital lessons were learnt.

“How a winning culture is formed, how off the field bonding helps on the field and how clear we were about our roles before the tournament started so all that helped,” Raza said of his Caribbean excursion.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani is also hopeful that the scheduled tour of Pakistan will be cleared by the government.

The Chevrons are scheduled to leave Harare on October 20 with the official matches commencing in November.
However, the government banned all Zimbabwe national teams from touring due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

“From a sporting point of view, the only sport that can raise the flag of the country in the face of Covid-19 is cricket so it’s good for the image of our country to be able to tour,” said Mukuhlani

https://dailynews.co.zw/sikandar-raza-looks-forward-to-pakistan-tour/

 

[MenInG]

“The Sports and Recreation Commission hereby gives you notice, following your application, that the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation has approved your request to tour Pakistan to play the referenced matches,” SRC Director-General Prince Mupazviriho wrote in a letter to ZC.

ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani applauded the Government decision for the permission as their team will be in action after seven months due to COVID-19 lockdown.

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, the Honourable Kirsty Coventry, the SRC, and the entire Government of Zimbabwe for authorizing the tour,” Tavengwa said.

“Needless to say, we at ZC are bursting with excitement as we look forward to playing cricket again and representing our nation with pride and passion in Pakistan,” he added.

They will play three ODIs from 30 October and 1 and 3 November which will be part of the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. The T20I series is scheduled for 7, 8 and 10 November.

It must be noted that on Sunday, ZC announced the 25-men training squad for the tour, which started their preparations yesterday.

https://arysports.tv/zimbabwe-confirms-pakistan-tour-schedule-announced/

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan confirms Zimbabwe tour

• Multan to host ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League matches; T20Is to be played in Rawalpindi

• Zakir Khan says Pakistan has established its status as a safe, secure and healthy country

Lahore, 23 September 2020:

Pakistan will launch its ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League campaign by hosting Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI series in October-November, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Wednesday.

The 50-over matches against Zimbabwe will be played in Multan on 30 October, 1 and 3 November, which will be followed by three T20Is in Rawalpindi on 7, 8 and 10 November.

The ICC has introduced the Super League to provide context to ODI cricket and will serve as a qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with the top seven sides automatically booking their spots for the India event. Featuring 13 teams, the 12 Test playing countries and the Netherlands, the Super League will see each side play four home and four away three-match series.

PCB Director – International Cricket, Zakir Khan: “The confirmation of the series schedule against Zimbabwe after having successfully hosted Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as Marylebone Cricket Club and HBL Pakistan Super League V, in the 2019-20 season not only strengthens Pakistan’s reputation as a safe and secure country but also a healthy one after having successfully overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This series is critical to Pakistan as it aspires to qualify directly for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and, as such, every point in the Super League will count. Our last ODI series was against Sri Lanka, 12 months ago, so the boys will have to hit the ground running and try to pocket maximum points.

“We have strategically scheduled Zimbabwe’s matches in Multan and Rawalpindi, the venues which will be hosting the National T20 Cup from 30 September to 18 October. By the time Zimbabwe arrives, we would have gained enough experience on bio-securing hotels, player transportation, the venues and the players’ dressing rooms as delivery of this series will be under strict Covid-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of all participants.”

Zimbabwe will carry a 32-member squad to cater for both the formats as well as for the intra-squad warm-up matches. The squad will undergo two Covid-19 tests within a space of 48 hours prior to their departure in Harare, while the second tests will be conducted as soon as they arrive in Islamabad.

Players and Player Support Personnel testing negative in Islamabad will be eligible to resume training at a venue, which the PCB will confirm in due course.

Players and player support personnel testing positive during the tour will have to observe a five-day self-isolation and will only be allowed to re-integrate with the side after two negative tests.

The series will be played behind closed doors.

Series schedule (match timing and training schedule to be share in due course):

20 Oct – Zimbabwe arrival in Islamabad
30 Oct – 1st ODI, Multan
1 Nov – 2nd ODI, Multan
3 Nov – 3rd ODI, Multan
4 Nov – Travel to Islamabad
7 Nov – 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
8 Nov – 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi
10 Nov – 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi
11 Nov – Zimbabwe departure for Harare

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT'S OFFICIAL! The Government of Zimbabwe has granted <a href="https://twitter.com/ZimCricketv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZimCricketv</a> the permission to tour Pakistan for a limited-overs series scheduled for October-November &#55358;&#56642;&#55356;&#56831;&#55356;&#56828;&#55356;&#57295;&#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackInAction?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackInAction</a> |<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvZIM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvZIM</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BowlOutCovid19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BowlOutCovid19</a> <a href="https://t.co/SatDri5lvD">pic.twitter.com/SatDri5lvD</a></p>— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZimCricketv/status/1308675211491975168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Great to see Odi's in Multan once again.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Would rather have had at least 1 test in there.

 

[The Viper]

Zimbabwe Cricket Teams Tour Significant In Many Ways: Punjab Sports Minister

Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said here on Thursday that the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe cricket team has great significance in many ways

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Sep, 2020) Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said here on Thursday that the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe cricket team has great significance in many ways.

He said the Zimbabwe cricket team also visited Pakistan in 2015 and played a key role in the revival of sports activities in the country. "It is definitely a very important tour especially in the circumstances when coronavirus has disrupted sports activities in almost all countries of the world," he added.

The sports minister said the Punjab government, in collaboration with security agencies, would make foolproof arrangements for the important tour. "The teams of the Interior Ministry will play a key role in maintaining security and law and order situation during the tour," he added.

He hoped that Pakistan would win the "One-Day International (ODI) and T20 series against Zimbabwe. He also appreciated the decision to hold international matches against Zimbabwe at Multan and Rawalpindi.

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/sports/zimbabwe-cricket-teams-tour-significant-in-ma-1038781.html

 

[TeamPak95]

I'll pay more attention to these series' if Pakistan do at least some experimentation.

Other than that, I'm glad that more cricket is being played in Pakistan irrespective of the opposition. Great to see cricket in Multan again.

 

[MenInG]

HARARE: Zimbabwe Cricket are planning to take men's head coach Lalchand Rajput to Pakistan for their upcoming tour and for that they would be requesting the authorities in Islamabad to issue a visa for the former Indian batsman.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to tour Pakistan for three ODIs and as many T20Is. While the ODIs, part of ICC World Cup Super League, will be played on October 30, November 1 and 3 in Multan, the T20Is are scheduled for November 7, 8 and 10 in Rawalpindi.

"Lalchand Rajput is our coach and we are keen to send him with the team there (Pakistan). (We) will request the authorities there to facilitate his travel," Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani was quoted as saying by The Daily Observer Post.

The cricket board is holding a training camp for 25 provisional players -- who would be part of the tour -- at the Harare Sports Club which began on Tuesday.

Rajput, who is currently in India due to travel restrictions put in place amid the Covid-19 pandemic, said that he is waiting for the flights to resume from India to Harare.

"I have been told that flights may start from October 1. So I hope I can go after that and join the camp. I will get at least three weeks to work with the boys before we leave by October 20. We have already short-listed 25 players for the camp who are going through a rigorous training session," he said.

The bilateral relations between India and Pakistan have been on a downhill ever since the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai in 2008.

India have not played a Test series in Pakistan for more than 14 years, and Pakistan have not visited India for almost eight years, though they have continued to face each other in the International Cricket Council (ICC) events.

Now it remains to be seen whether Pakistan would see Rajput purely as Zimbabwe coach or as an Indian national.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/sp...akistan-visa-for-lalchand-rajput-2201809.html

 

[shamaan]

I'll pay more attention to these series' if Pakistan do at least some experimentation.

Other than that, I'm glad that more cricket is being played in Pakistan irrespective of the opposition. Great to see cricket in Multan again.

I fink we can expect atleast 5 new players in the t20 series

 

[Omer2002]

I have a bad feeling we will pick.our full squad. Two reasons firstly we dont play many games at home. Secondly the points go towards the world championships so they wont experiment

 

[shamaan]

I have a bad feeling we will pick.our full squad. Two reasons firstly we dont play many games at home. Secondly the points go towards the world championships so they wont experiment

The odi scored will be proberly the same with the emergence of haider ali the t20s will be majority new

 

[MenInG]

Former India Test batsman Lalchand Rajput, who is Zimbabwe's head coach, will have no problems in getting a visa to tour Pakistan along with the team next month, said a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The source said that there should not be a problem because visas will be issued to the Zimbabwe Cricket squad and Cricket Zimbabwe will submit a list of players and officials to relevant authorities.

"There shouldn't be any problems in Rajput getting a visa," he said.

Won’t experiment much against Zimbabwe: Misbah

Pakistan will look to try out few combinations but won't experiment too much in the Zimbabwe series as it is part of the ICC's one-day Super league, the qualification process for the 2023 World Cup, said head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq.

"We are very excited to be playing our first ODI series after more than a year at home and we will try a combination of experienced and young players but we don't intend to experiment too much," Misbah said.
Since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, India hasn't toured Pakistan. The two neighbours have also not played a full Test bilateral series since 2007 due to strained political and diplomatic relations.

Zimbabwe Cricket Union chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani told the Geo Super channel Rajput was the side's coach and he was keen to see he went to Pakistan with the team for the series comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is.

He said they had already requested concerned authorities to facilitate Rajput's travel to Pakistan.

The three ODIs will be played in Multan on October 30, November 1 and 3, followed by the T20 matches in Rawalpindi on November 7, 8 and 10.

The Zimbabwe squad will reach Pakistan on October 10 and will practice and train in a COVID-19 bio secure bubble.

Rajput, who was also in the run for the job of Indian team head coach last year, has been with Zimbabwe since 2018 but the board has also faced problems trying to fly him out of India to join the team's training camp in Harare because of the pandemic in India and travel restrictions in many countries.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...c-coronavirus-sports-news/article32708472.ece

 

[MenInG]

AFTER having to endure more than six months without playing any cricket since sporting activities in the country were prohibited as part of measures aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus, Zimbabwe cricketers finally played their first game on Saturday.

An intra-squad practice match took place at Harare Sports Club as part of preparation for the limited-overs tour of Pakistan scheduled for October-November.

According to Zimbabwe Cricket, the cricketers’ joy was obvious understandable too, as they got out on the park for their very first piece of action in what had seemed like an eternity.

The 20-over affair saw Zimbabwe Team A triumphant by five wickets thanks to Elton Chigumbura’s 65 not-out. His blistering knock, which came off 41 deliveries, included five sixes and three fours. Sean Williams, who captained Team A, celebrated his 34th birthday in style with a 36-ball 51 that contained three sixes and five boundaries as his side chased down their target of 171 in 19.3 overs. Luke Jongwe also looked in good nick with an unbeaten on 26.

The Chamunorwa Chibhabha-led Zimbabwe Team B, put in to bat first at toss, had made 170 for six from their 20 overs, with Sikandar Raza being their best performer with the willow with a score of 55, including three sixes and as many fours, having faced 38 deliveries. Ryan Burl and Richmond Mutumbami contributed 27 and 24 not-out respectively.

Team A’s Donald Tiripano was the most successful with the ball in the match, claiming three wickets for 18 runs from the three overs he bowled, while his team-mate Wesley Madhevere bagged two scalps for 23 from his three overs.

More action is lined up at the same venue during the week as the Chevrons intensify their preparations for the tour of Pakistan ahead of announcement of the final squad prior to the team’s departure for the Asian country on 20 October.

Below is what the cricketers had to say about Saturday’s match

Chamunorwa Chibhabha: “It was really good to get some match practice today. Obviously the guys were a bit rusty, but we still have a couple more practice matches to go – so hopefully the guys will be match-fit by the time we tour Pakistan. We had some really good performances today, so it’s looking good.”

Sean Williams: “Yes, it was a practice match but I didn’t take it like one. It felt amazing to be back on the park with the boys after so long. Walking onto the field today really made me appreciate the game we have played for so long and love it even more. I personally feel I will enjoy every moment from now on more and truly grateful to be part of the return of this great game of ours.”

Elton Chigumbura: “It was wonderful and it felt good especially batting up to the end.”

Craig Ervine: “It was a weird feeling to be honest – almost foreign. Having said that, it was so good to be back playing games at Harare Sports Club again, with some cricket to look forward to coming up.”

Sikandar Raza: “I simply loved it. Great to see cricket being played again in Zimbabwe.”

Richmond Mutumbami: “Believe me, it was weird but in a funny way. It had been long and everything felt new, but the feeling was great. It was something I had missed for a long time.”

Donald Tiripano: “I was very excited to be back on the park to do what l like doing the most – playing the beautiful game.”

Regis Chakabva: “Felt pretty good getting back on the park again. We certainly missed game time and it was great playing again and we will be looking to build on it. To some extent, it didn’t feel like we had been out for that long and it’s testament to how the guys are making full use of the time we have in preparation but, yeah, it felt really good to be back on.”

Brandon Mavuta: “It felt great. I had a bit of nerves because it’s been long but once the nerves settled it was a great feeling being out on the park. It’s great playing as a team and I can’t wait to have more of these practice games as that can only prepare us well for the tour.”

Richard Ngarava: “It really felt good to be back on the field after many months of not playing and practicing. It was fun playing against each other and I enjoyed the pressure. We are all doing our best so that we are in great shape for the upcoming tour.”

https://thezimbabwedaily.com/news/5...rs-enjoy-their-first-match-in-six-months.html

 

[BunnyRabbit]

I guess I am the only one here who is sympathetic towards the hopeless Zimbabwean players.
Their board is bankrupt, the players play international cricket for months without getting paid. Their system is probably worse than Pakistan's. Their team has been in constant decline since 2003. Majority of teams don't play cricket with them. They are pretty much hapless in this situation. The players are suffering just for the cause of being stuck in such void. A tour with Pakistan would see them play some cricket and earn something.

For Pakistan:
Pros:
Better for our players to play cricket rather than sitting at home doing nothing or probably better than the so called high performance camps.
In uncertain pandemic times, some cricket resumption in Pakistan is a welcome news regardless of the opposition
Could test some new names
Could reshape the team structure by altering the dynamics of the team by for example trying wicketkeeper as an opener, or playing an allrounder in top 4 etc etc
In depressing circumstances our country is going through, some cricket could relieve stress for common people.

Cons:
False sense of security among players that they are better than they actually are.
Misleading stats leading to overconfidence.

I would rather keep just 4 or 5 players in the team and try those on the fringes and reshape the team by altering dynamics for example England took a big chance by totally changing the face of their odi team after 2015 WC. Aggressive openers, license to hit, plenty of allrounders, Shortening the tail. They even did that against NZ. Our strategists show a lot of cowardice when it comes to try and change stuff. Against a weaker team, they may try.

 

[MenInG]

Love to see some of the Nat T20 performers in the squad vs Zimbabwe.

 

[MenInG]

Lahore: A 5-member delegation from Zimbabwe will visit Multan and Rawalpindi to inspect bio-secure arrangements prior to their team’s arrival in Pakistan to play three ODIs and as many T20Is.

According to the sources, the delegation will tour Pakistan from October 10 to 15 on the expenses of Zimbabwe Cricket. The members of the medical team will also accompany the delegation on the tour.

In the first phase, the delegation will visit Rawalpindi and then Multan in the second phase to inspect the bio-secure arrangements there. Further on, Pakistan’s tour to Zimbabwe next year will also be discussed during this tour.

It must be noted here that Zimbabwe Cricket had already confirmed their tour in October following their satisfaction on the bio-secure arrangements for the tour sent to them by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Zimbabwe is scheduled to play three ODIs on October 30, November 1, and 3 whereas three T20Is on November 7, 8 and 10 respectively.

https://arysports.tv/zimbabwes-delegation-inspect-bio-secure-arrangements-pakistan/

 

[Major]

Oh man, no need for matches in rawalpindi. Hope the tour gets cancelled somehow.

Dont want to face stupid traffic problems.

 

[MenInG]

Misbah to announce pool of 35 players for assignments against Zimbabwe, New Zealand
Karachi, Oct 3 (PTI) Pakistan''s head coach-cum-chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq plans to announce a pool of 35 players who will not only play the home white-ball series against Zimbabwe but also tour New Zealand with the senior and A teams from November.

Misbah has held a series of meetings with the head coaches of the provincial teams taking part in the National T20 Championship, some of whom are also members of the national selection committee, to discuss plans for the upcoming series.

"There is consensus that chances should be given to some of the young players and top performers of the last domestic season and in the National T20 event against Zimbabwe and also for the tour of New Zealand," a source said.

Pakistan senior team is due to play two Tests and three T20 internationals in New Zealand while the A side will play two four-day games and six T20 matches.

"Batsmen Zeeshan Ashraf, Abdullah Shafiq, Zeeshan Malik and top performers like left- arm spinner Nauman Ali will get their chances this time," the source added.

Misbah has been under some pressure since the team returned from England over his holding several positions.

Besides being chief coach and chief selector, he is also in a senior position with the Sui Northern Gas and also worked as head coach of the United Islamabad franchise in the Pakistan Super League.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has made it clear to him that he will not be allowed to work in the PSL and while he can retain his post in the SNGP, he has to get official leave without pay from his department to continue working as head coach and chief selector of the national team, for which he gets a handsome salary from the board.

https://www.outlookindia.com/newssc...ignments-against-zimbabwe-new-zealand/1948003

 

[Varun]

I have a bad feeling we will pick.our full squad. Two reasons firstly we dont play many games at home. Secondly the points go towards the world championships so they wont experiment

I can't recall Pakistan ever resting players and playing a "B" team against anybody, so I would agree with you.

 

[shamaan]

I can't recall Pakistan ever resting players and playing a "B" team against anybody, so I would agree with you.

Defo this time chance will be given I fink hes under pressure to pick some youngesters also few youngesters have done well so far in the national cup