ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Monday that the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the country’s federal pandemic response body, had approved 25 percent crowd attendance at stadiums for the upcoming Pakistan versus New Zealand series.
New Zealand will arrive in Islamabad on September 11 for three ODIs scheduled to be held at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium will host five Twenty20 internationals.
“The decision means around 4,500 spectators will be able to attend the ODIs scheduled on 17, 19 and 21 September, while approximately 5,500 spectators will be able to watch the 25 September, 26 September, 29 September, 1 October and 3 October T20Is,” the PCB said in a statement. “Only spectators who are fully vaccinated and have Immunization Certificate for Covid-19 will be allowed entry inside the stadia.”
“Spectators are the essence of any sport event as they create an ambiance and atmosphere for the players to excel, perform and enjoy,” PCB chief executive Wasim Khan said. “In this background, we are grateful to the NCOC for allowing the PCB to invite 25 percent crowds for the eight matches.”
“I am sure following the NCOC decision, the unvaccinated cricket followers will expedite their vaccination process so that they can witness the first series on home soil between the two sides since 2003.”
Pakistan allows 25 percent crowds at stadiums for New Zealand cricket series
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Pakistan allows 25 percent crowds at stadiums for New Zealand cricket series
- New Zealand will arrive in Islamabad on September 11 for three ODIs in Rawalpindi and five T20 internationals in Lahore
- Around 4,500 spectators will be able to attend ODIs and approximately 5,500 spectators will be able to watch T20Is
Pakistan U19 to open tri-series against Afghanistan on Saturday in Zimbabwe
- Pakistan enter the tournament as U19 Asia Cup champions after beating India by 191 runs in Dubai
- The tri-series is seen as key preparation for next month’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s under-19 cricket team will begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday in Harare, using the tournament as a key preparation for next month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Pakistan, the reigning ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup champions, are competing in the 50-over tri-series alongside Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, with each team playing the others twice before the top two advance to the final on Jan. 6.
Pakistan won the eight-team Asia Cup in Dubai earlier this month, beating India by 191 runs in the final, and will play a minimum of four matches in the tri-series, starting at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
“The Asia Cup was a good win for us and the players showed great morale and intensity,” Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf said, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.”
Pakistan will face Zimbabwe on Dec. 29 before meeting Afghanistan again on Jan. 2, followed by a second match against the hosts on Jan. 4. Matches will be played across venues in Harare, including Harare Sports Club, Prince Edward School and Sunrise Sports Club.
The tri-series is being seen as an important warm-up ahead of the U19 World Cup, which will be held from Jan. 15 to Feb. 6. Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play all their group-stage matches in Harare.
“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations,” Yousaf said. “Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”
Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against England on Jan. 16, followed by matches against Scotland and Zimbabwe, with the Super Six stage beginning on Jan. 25 and the final scheduled for Feb. 6 at Harare Sports Club.
