Pakistan-Afghanistan hotline set up to reduce tension

Pakistan and Afghanistan have established a hotline between their respective military commanders to reduce frequent cross-border tensions. Pakistan's military spokesman says the line has just been used for the first time as the two countries work to improve co-ordination along the border. The move was agreed when Pakistani army chief Raheel Sharif visited Kabul. Security co-operation between the two countries is seen as crucial in countering the growing Taliban threat. Earlier this month Afghan President Ashraf Ghani blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the escalating violence. Advertisement Image copyright AP Image caption Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of secretly controlling the Afghan Taliban Afghan officials often accuse Pakistan of controlling the Afghan Taliban. The say that Islamabad allows the most senior Afghan Taliban leaders to operate freely there. Pakistan denies this although it admits having contacts with the militants. News of the hotline comes as Afghanistan will host discussions next week with Pakistan, the US and China to prepare the ground for possible Afghan peace talks involving the Taliban. Afghanistan sees Pakistani support as crucial if negotiations with the Taliban are to be successful. President Ghani has recently moved towards strengthening ties with Pakistan - the Taliban's historic supporters - in what correspondents say is a desperate bid to restart peace negotiations as the insurgency spreads.

Indian Prime Minister makes surprise visit, meets with Pakistani counterpart

  

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to Pakistan on Friday -- a significant sign the icy relationship between the two neighbors is thawing. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif greeted him at an airport in Lahore during his short layover in the city while en route to New Delhi from Afghanistan. Sharif was accompanied by his brother Shahbaz, Punjab province's chief minister. Modi met with his Pakistani counterpart at the official residence of the Sharif family in the Punjab town of Raiwind for impromptu talks. The Pakistan visit lasted about two hours. "Both leaders expressed their desire to carry forward the dialogue process for the larger good of the people of the two countries," said a statement from Pakistan's foreign office. "It was agreed to continue and enhance bilateral contacts and work together to establish good neighborly relations."

Hafeez & Azhar boycott training camp over Amir inclusion

Pakistan one-day captain Azhar Ali and batsman Mohammad Hafeez have boycotted a training camp in protest at the inclusion of bowler Mohammad Amir. Amir, 23, was jailed for his part in a spot-fixing scam during the 2010 Test series in England and banned from cricket for five years, but returned to domestic action in September. "Hafeez and I can't accept Amir's presence in the camp," Azhar said. Pakistan play three ODIs and three T20s in New Zealand in January. Hafeez, a former captain in the T20 format, has previously said he "can't share the dressing room with someone who hurt my country's integrity". He is understood to have told head coach Waqar Younis he will not attend any part of the camp at which Amir is present. The Pakistan Cricket Board said it was attempting to convince Azhar and Hafeez to reconsider their stance. Amir, then 18, pleaded guilty to bowling no-balls at pre-arranged times during Pakistan's fourth Test against England at Lord's in 2010. He served half of a six-month jail term, while team-mates Mohammad Asif and captain Salman Butt served six and seven months respectively. Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott said Amir, Asif and Butt should be "given a second chance". Speaking to pakpassion.net, the 75-year-old said: "Give them a proper chance, get fit, play well and if they are still good enough then give them a chance in the Pakistan team. "Nobody should hold anything against, or favour, any of the three in any way."

Shakib sold for $140,000 in PSL player draft

 

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was picked up in the platinum category of players by Karachi Kings in the player draft of the first-ever Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Mondaym reports Cricket.com.au. The price of each category is yet to be revealed, but a player in Platinum category will get close to ,000. Each team will have a purse of $1.1 million. The franchise owners can pick five overseas players in their squads, but only four can be picked the playing XI. A team will be able to spend another ,000 on the coaches and support staff. Fourteen players from the Associate countries – four from Ireland, three from Afghanistan, two each from Canada, Scotland, the USA and one from the UAE – will also fancy their chances in the draft. All five teams will finalise their coaching panels in the coming days, but it remains to be seen if foreign coaches will travel to Lahore to be part of the draft. The PSL will be the first time Pakistan's domestic T20 tournament will feature players from the other Test playing nations.

Mohammad Amir promises to respect Pakistan team honour

Mohammad Amir has promised to respect the Pakistan team's honour after being selected for a national camp in the next stage of his return from a ban. The 23-year-old left-arm fast bowler was jailed and banned from cricket for five years for his part in spot-fixing during Pakistan's 2010 tour of England. He returned to action in March after the sanction was reduced by a year. "I promise that I will do my best to respect the prestige of the green cap and Pakistan shirt," Amir said. Amir made his Test debut aged 17 and took 51 wickets in 14 matches before his suspension for offences during the fourth Test against England at Lord's. His return was opposed by some current players, including former Twenty20 skipper Mohammad Hafeez, who said he would not play in the same team as Amir. Amir said he hoped he could win them over "with my performances and with my acts". The 26 players selected for the fitness camp will be eligible for team's limited over series in New Zealand starting next month, which features three one-day and Twenty20 internationals.

Craig Overton: Ashar Zaidi wants apology for alleged slur

  Somerset bowler Craig Overton should apologise for allegedly swearing at then Sussex player Ashar Zaidi during a match, says the Pakistan-born batsman. Overton, who allegedly also told 34-year-old Zaidi to "get back to your own country", received a two-game ban. Zaidi did not hear the alleged comments which were reported by non-striker Michael Vardy and umpire Alex Wharf. Overton has denied the claims but Zaidi said: "For the sake of the game he should apologise to me." Somerset have said the player, along with the county's officials, had written an apology to Sussex and it was accepted.

Ireland to face Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2016 one-day series

Ireland will play one-day series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Dublin in 2016. Malahide will host Sri Lanka on 16 and 18 June, and Pakistan on 18 and 20 August. Ireland have lost both their completed ODIs against Sri Lanka, while their only win in six attempts against Pakistan came in the 2007 World Cup. Ireland also face South Africa on 25 September and Australia on 27 September, with both games in Benoni.

Ireland to face Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2016 one-day series

Ireland will play one-day series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Dublin in 2016. Malahide will host Sri Lanka on 16 and 18 June, and Pakistan on 18 and 20 August. Ireland have lost both their completed ODIs against Sri Lanka, while their only win in six attempts against Pakistan came in the 2007 World Cup. Ireland also face South Africa on 25 September and Australia on 27 September, with both games in Benoni.