September 15, 2024

Babar and Tahir’s Fifties Lead Stallions to Big Victory

Imam-ul-Haq was the only Lions batter to put up a fight in their 337-run chase, as they lost by 133 runs.

Stallions 336 for 5 (Babar 76, Tahir 74, Haris 55, Talat 50, Jamal 2-60) beat Lions 203 (Imam 78, Haris 3-43, Ali 2-18).

Babar Azam led the way with 76 runs, helping the Stallions post a commanding 336 for 5 in their 50 overs. Contributions from Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Haris, and Hussain Talat were added to the total. Imam’s 78 was the only bright spot for the Lions in the chase, as the Stallions’ bowlers, led by Haris Rauf with 3 wickets and Mohammad Ali with 2 for 18, dominated the match.

The Stallions made a steady start after captain Mohammad Haris chose to bat. Shan Masood and Babar Azam built a 39-run partnership, but left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram dismissed Masood. Slow to begin, Babar eventually found his rhythm, combining with Tayyab Tahir, whose quickfire 74 from 72 balls pushed the scoring rate. Haris and Hussain Talat delivered explosive finishes, adding 118 runs in the last 10 overs.

Mohammad Ali struck early in the chase, removing Sajjad Ali in the first over and Abdullah Shafique in the fifth. Though Imam-ul-Haq fought hard with 78, the Lions lost wickets regularly, and the required run rate kept climbing. The game was out of reach when Imam was trapped LBW by Jahandad Khan. Shaheen Afridi’s brief batting flurry pushed the Lions past 200. Still, Haris Rauf’s return wrapped up a comfortable win for the Stallions, dismissing Shaheen and Sirajuddin.

Pakistan Women’s Team Misses Out on Daily Allowances During Training Camp

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to refrain from providing daily allowances to the Pakistan women’s cricket team during their ongoing training camp in Multan, which started on September 1. This camp is in preparation for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. While the players will receive allowances once the series begins, they are currently provided with accommodation and three meals per day, aligning with the PCB’s policy that daily allowances are unnecessary when these provisions are made.

This approach marks a departure from previous camps, where the women’s team received modest daily allowances even when meals were not provided. The PCB has now decided that including three meals covers the need for additional allowances during training camps. This change reflects a new policy direction for the women’s team. However, it contrasts with how the men’s team has been treated in similar situations.

In the men’s camp held before the recent Test series against Bangladesh, players received daily allowances despite being provided with accommodation. While meals were not fully covered, allowances were given to compensate. Over the years, the men’s team has consistently received daily allowances during camps, even when partial meals were available, creating a noticeable difference in how the two teams are managed regarding financial support.

Reduced Allowances for Women’s Teams Amid Increased PCB Spending

The change in meal and allowance structure for the Pakistan women’s cricket team remains unexplained, with the shift effectively reducing financial support during training camps. Earlier this year, participants were given three full meals and monetary daily allowances at the women’s camp in Karachi before their series against the West Indies. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided that financial allowances are unnecessary if meals and lodging are provided. This decision has disappointed many women’s players, with some feeling that being away from home for camps warrants more than introductory provisions.

This policy change comes as the PCB is significantly increasing its spending on other areas of cricket. Major investments are being made in upgrading stadiums, with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium undergoing a complete rebuild and significant renovations planned for the National Stadium in Karachi and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. These improvements are part of the PCB’s preparation to host the Champions Trophy in 2025, the first ICC event in Pakistan in nearly three decades.

In addition to stadium upgrades, the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup has seen a sizeable financial outlay. The PCB has raised the prize money to PKR 49 million, nearly ten times the previous year’s amount and half of what was offered in the PSL earlier this year. Former cricketers serving as mentors for the five teams are also being paid substantial salaries, around PKR 5 million monthly in three-year contracts, costing the PCB approximately PKR 900 million in total mentor salary payments.

Meanwhile, the women’s central and domestic contracts are still pending finalization. Last year, 19 women were awarded central contracts from August 2023 to June 2025, with a review scheduled after the first 12 months. However, over six weeks have passed since the assessment date, and no revisions have been announced. The men’s central contracts, which are also overdue for renewal, are expected to be updated soon. However, an official timeline still needs to be provided.