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Pakistan’s dream of restoring its former hockey glory will not become a reality overnight, according to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Selection Committee Chairman Samiullah Khan, who believes the revival process requires at least two to three years of consistent effort. Speaking about the federation’s ongoing reforms, the legendary Olympian urged hockey fans and the media to remain patient and judge the progress through long-term development rather than immediate results. Samiullah praised the current PHF administration, led by President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, for taking practical steps aimed at rebuilding the country’s national sport. He said the federation has restarted Under-18, Under-21 and senior national squads, creating fresh opportunities for talented young players to progress into the international arena. He revealed that both the men’s and women’s national teams are receiving equal attention, including structured training camps, improved financial support and enhanced welfare facilities. The federation has also introduced modern sports science tools, including GPS-based performance tracking, to monitor players’ fitness and match readiness while benefiting from the expertise of international-standard coaches. According to Samiullah, significant improvements have also been made in players’ accommodation, logistics and overall training environment, reflecting the federation’s commitment to building a professional system capable of competing at the highest level. Despite the encouraging developments, the former hockey star stressed that Pakistan’s decline occurred over many years and cannot be reversed instantly. “Hockey’s revival is a long-term process,” he said, adding that expecting quick victories would be unrealistic. Instead, he urged stakeholders to focus on the quality of the rebuilding process, expressing confidence that the federation is moving in the right direction. Samiullah also appealed to supporters, former players and the media to stand behind the national teams and the PHF management. He said continued backing would help ensure that the investment being made at the grassroots level eventually translates into strong international performances and a return to Pakistan’s historic status as one of world hockey’s leading nations.

TRINIDAD: Pakistan is set to adopt a batting-heavy approach for the opening Test against the West Indies, with team management reportedly planning to field seven specialist batters as they finalize the playing XI ahead of the series opener. According to team sources, initial discussions have begun on the lineup, with the management aiming to strengthen the batting order while maintaining a balanced bowling attack for the first Test, which begins on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. The proposed lineup is expected to include Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha is also likely to feature, with the team expected to use him as the fifth bowling option while adding depth to the batting unit. Sources further indicated that Aamer Jamal and experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas are expected to retain their places in the side, providing balance with both bat and ball. There is also a strong possibility that left-arm spinner Ali Usman will make his Test debut. One of Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali is expected to complete the pace attack, depending on the final assessment of conditions. Team management has reportedly advised the bowlers to focus on improving their batting contributions, reflecting Pakistan’s intention to maximize runs from the lower order. The final playing XI, however, will depend on players’ fitness and last-minute evaluations before the match. Meanwhile, preparations at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy suggest conditions could favor seam bowlers. According to sources, curators have prepared a pitch with brown grass rather than lush green coverage, a surface expected to provide pace and bounce while remaining suitable for batting as the match progresses. The first Test marks the beginning of Pakistan’s highly anticipated series against the West Indies, with both teams eager to make a strong start. Pakistan will be hoping that its strengthened batting lineup provides the platform for a winning performance in Caribbean conditions.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has cleared several national cricketers to feature in overseas franchise leagues and county cricket, giving them an opportunity to gain valuable international experience. According to media reports, the PCB has issued No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to a number of players for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026. Hasan Nawaz, Hanin Shah, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Muaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufiyan Muqeem and Shadab Khan have been permitted to participate in the CPL. Their NOCs will remain effective from August 19 to September 21. The board has also approved overseas commitments for several other players. Veteran spinner Noman Ali has received permission to represent Lancashire County, with his NOC valid until September 27. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has been cleared to play in the CPL from August 7 to September 20. Usman Tariq has received an NOC for the tournament from August 8 to September 18, while Usama Mir has been granted permission from August 7 to September 21. The PCB’s decision is expected to provide the players with an opportunity to test themselves in competitive overseas conditions while gaining experience alongside international stars. For Pakistan’s emerging cricketers in particular, participation in leagues such as the CPL can offer exposure to different playing conditions, coaching methods and high-pressure situations. The NOCs also underline the board’s approach of allowing players to balance domestic responsibilities with selected international franchise opportunities. With several Pakistani players now set to feature in the CPL, fans will be watching closely to see which performers can make the most of their overseas assignments and strengthen their claims for future national selection.

MULTAN: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a star-studded commentary panel for the National Champions Cup 2026, adding further excitement to a tournament that could prove important in shaping Pakistan’s future international squad. The seven-match competition will be played at Multan Cricket Stadium from August 11 to 18, with four teams — Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold — competing in a single round-robin format. Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt will headline the commentary team alongside Ali Younis, Tariq Saeed, Aimen Anwar and Raja Asad. Their experience and analysis are expected to provide viewers with deeper insight into the performances of established players and emerging prospects. Under the tournament format, each team will face the other three sides once. The two teams collecting the most points at the end of the league stage will advance to the final. The Champions Cup carries added significance as the PCB looks ahead to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. Selectors will use the competition to closely monitor players competing for national recognition, while younger cricketers will have an opportunity to make a strong impression. The PCB has selected 44 players across the four squads, with another 13 players included in a reserve pool. Reserve players can replace members of the main squads only in cases involving injury or concussion. With established internationals sharing the field with promising domestic talent, the tournament is expected to offer a revealing look at Pakistan’s emerging cricketing depth. For selectors, every match could become an audition. For players, the Champions Cup may represent a crucial step towards earning a place in Pakistan’s plans for the 2027 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Squads Pakistan Greens Playing XI: Shadab Khan (c), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Farhan Yousuf, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saad Baig (wk) and Sameer Minhas. Pakistan Whites Playing XI: Saim Ayub (c), Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Mohsin Riaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saad Masood, Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan (wk). Pakistan Blues Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Jahandad Khan, Rohail Nazir (wk), Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim, Taimur Khan (wk). Pakistan Gold Playing XI: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdul Samad, Abdul Subhan, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Kamran Ghulam, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Akhlaq (wk), Muhammad Imran and Saad Khan.

MULTAN: Pakistan Greens captain Shadab Khan believes his bowling is steadily improving as his unbeaten side prepares to face Pakistan Gold in the final of the National Champions Cup 2026. Greens have enjoyed an impressive run through the tournament, winning all three of their matches under Shadab’s leadership. Their consistent performances have also been powered by a strong batting display from Fakhar Zaman, who has emerged as one of the competition’s standout performers. Fakhar has scored two successive centuries and currently leads the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 238 runs at an outstanding average of 119. Shadab praised his team’s overall approach, saying the players had adapted well to local conditions and successfully carried forward the work completed during the recent National Cricket Academy (NCA) white-ball camp. “Our attitude in the field has been really good,” Shadab told the Pakistan Cricket Board’s digital platform. He said the squad contained several players familiar with the conditions and credited the entire team for building on their preparations at the NCA. “The whole team has put in a great effort and for me they all stand out,” the all-rounder added. Despite Greens’ unbeaten record, Shadab is not taking Gold lightly. He warned that their opponents’ route to the final made them particularly dangerous, with Gold securing qualification after taking advantage of a narrow opportunity. “We will try to keep things simple in tomorrow’s final while also knowing that a team like Gold that got into the final through a small opportunity can be dangerous,” he said. The final will provide another important test for Shadab, who is looking to make a bigger contribution with both bat and ball. He has so far taken two wickets in three matches, while his batting scores have included an unbeaten 34, 61 and seven. Shadab said he was encouraged by the gradual improvement in his bowling and remained focused on contributing whenever his team needed him. “I feel my bowling is also improving gradually, and with the bat I try to stand up whenever the team needs me,” he said. With Fakhar in outstanding form and Greens carrying an unbeaten record, Shadab’s side will enter the final with confidence. However, the captain knows Gold can upset the odds if his players lose focus in the decisive contest.