ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi led a strategic “Connection Camp” today, Monday, in Lahore that featured prominent cricketers and coaching staff, the PCB said, amid efforts to restore the country’s cricket to its past glory following a string of humiliating losses at home.
Pakistani cricket commentators and experts have raised alarm at the quality of cricket demonstrated by the national team after its first-round exits from the 50-over World Cup in India last year and T20 World Cup in the United States this year.
Since 2022, Pakistan has lost to Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Ireland, the United States and Bangladesh in all three formats of game. The green shirts lost to Bangladesh 0-2 in a home Test series this month, marking the first time they were whitewashed by the South Asian country.
A PCB statement said the Connection Camp was led by Naqvi and featured nine cricketers, including Babar Azam (Pakistan’s white-ball captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shan Masood (Pakistan’s red-ball captain). Joining them will be national team head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood and high-performance specialist David Reid.
“The primary objective of the camp is to define a shared vision and mission, along with setting a roadmap to reignite the pride and excellence that has characterized Pakistan cricket since achieving Test status in 1952,” the PCB said.
It said the session focused on fostering “stronger collaboration between players and the PCB,” adding that the board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting players in meeting strategic goals.
“The ultimate aim is for players to take a leading role in inspiring the next generation of cricketers through outstanding performances,” the cricket board said.
Masood said the outcomes of the session included performance benchmarks, player development programs and strategies to enhance grassroots cricket in Pakistan.
“We’re fully committed to working with the PCB to reignite the pride and passion that Pakistan cricket is known for,” he said.
Kirsten said the players and support staff would do their best to ensure Pakistanis felt proud of their national team.
“We will focus on refining our approach in white-ball cricket to meet the standards of the highest levels of international competition,” he said.
Pakistan holds high-level ‘Connection Camp’ in a bid to revive cricket fortunes
https://arab.news/62pbz
Pakistan holds high-level ‘Connection Camp’ in a bid to revive cricket fortunes
- PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi leads strategic camp with prominent cricketers and coaching staff
- Development takes place after Pakistan’s humiliating 0-2 whitewash against Bangladesh at home
US envoy, military officials attend Pakistan-US counterterrorism exercise
- Exercise Inspired Gambit-2026 marks 13th round of Pakistan-US counterterrorism training
- US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker observed the drills with senior American military officials
ISLAMABAD: The top US diplomat in Pakistan, accompanied by senior American military officials, on Thursday observed joint counterterrorism drills conducted by Pakistani and US troops aimed at improving how the two forces operate together, Pakistan’s military said.
The drills are part of Exercise Inspired Gambit–2026 that is being held from Jan. 8 to Jan. 16 at the National Counter Terrorism Center in Pabbi, situated in the Punjab province, marking the 13th iteration of the bilateral training series since it began in 1995.
“Distinguished Visitors’ Day ceremony was held on 15 January 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Center, Pabbi,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement. “Her Excellency Ms. Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States of America to Pakistan, accompanied by senior US military dignitaries, and Commander Rawalpindi Corps graced the occasion.”
“The visitors were briefed on the scope, objectives, and conduct of the exercise,” it added. “A high level of professionalism and competence was demonstrated by participants of both armies, which was appreciated by the visiting dignitaries.”
Pakistan and the United States have maintained close defense and security ties for decades, working together during the Cold War era, especially after the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The relationship continued following the US-led intervention in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, though cooperation became strained at times due to policy differences.
ISPR said the exercise was meant to enhance bilateral military cooperation through the exchange of counterterrorism experience, refinement of drills and procedures and the development of interoperability.
