NEW DELHI: PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced a lucrative incentive for the Pakistan cricket team, stating that each player will receive $100,000 if they emerge victorious in the upcoming T20 World Cup, according to Geo News.
The tournament, scheduled for June in the USA and the West Indies, presents a significant opportunity for Pakistan to clinch another World Cup title.
To prepare for the marquee event, Pakistan will embark on a tour of Ireland and England. The team, led by Babar Azam, will engage in a three-match T20I series against Ireland from May 10 to 14. Following this, they will proceed to England for a four-match T20I series beginning on May 22.
In a gesture of support and encouragement, the PCB chairman hosted a luncheon for the team at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity ahead of their crucial tour. With rigorous preparation and high stakes, Pakistan aim to reclaim T20 World Cup glory, fueled by both talent and incentive.
Naqvi offered some words of encouragement to the player during the meet and said as quoted from Geo News, "Don't care about anyone. Play only for Pakistan. All the players stand united [...] showcase teamwork and god willing, victory will be yours. The nation has a lot of expectations from you [...] we hope that you will raise the Pakistani flag this time," Naqvi said.
During the luncheon hosted by PCB chairman, special recognition was bestowed upon wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and pacer Naseem Shah. Rizwan was honoured for achieving the milestone of scoring 3,000 runs in T20 cricket, highlighting his exceptional batting prowess and consistency in the shortest format of the game.
Additionally, Naseem Shah received accolades for reaching the milestone of 100 wickets in T20 cricket, showcasing his bowling talent and effectiveness in scalping dismissals. As a token of appreciation, both players were presented with special jerseys, symbolising their remarkable contributions to Pakistani cricket and their respective achievements on the field.
Earlier this week, Pakistan announced the T20I squad for their upcoming series against Ireland and England. Star Men in Green pacer Haris Rauf returned to the squad after missing the recently concluded New Zealand series due to a shoulder injury.
Apart from Rauf, seamer Hasan Ali will also make his comeback in the squad which will travel to Ireland and England for the 20-over series.
Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.
