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Shahid Afridi: Grandfather and Pakistan Cricket Critic

Shahid Afridi: Grandfather and Pakistan Cricket Critic

By August 27, 2024 0

Shahid Afridi: A Grandfather and a Cricket Critic

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi is celebrating a personal milestone while simultaneously voicing concerns over his country’s performance in Test cricket.

Afridi’s family recently welcomed a new member with the birth of his grandson, Aliyaar Afridi, son of Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi and Ansha Afridi. The news was met with widespread congratulations, and images and videos of Afridi with his grandson quickly circulated online.

Despite the joyous occasion, Afridi remains engaged with the state of Pakistan cricket. Following Pakistan’s heavy defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi, Afridi publicly criticized the team’s strategy.

Afridi questioned the choice to prepare a pitch that didn’t favor Pakistan’s strengths, specifically expressing concern over the inclusion of four fast bowlers while omitting a specialist spinner.

“A 10-wicket defeat raises serious questions about the decision to prepare this type of pitch, select four fast bowlers and leave out a specialist spinner. This to me clearly shows a lack of awareness about home conditions. That said, you cannot take the credit away from Bangladesh for the brand of cricket they played throughout the Test,” Afridi wrote on X.

Afridi’s comments sparked debate on social media, with some fans agreeing with his assessment and others defending the team’s selection.

Despite the criticism, Afridi remains a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to inspire his teammates. He is also a vocal advocate for the development of young cricketers in Pakistan.

As Afridi celebrates a new generation within his family, he continues to actively engage with the sport, unafraid to voice his opinions and spark debate on strategic decisions made by the national team.

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Basit Ali Slams Abdullah Shafique for Reckless Shot in Pakistan's Test Loss

Basit Ali Slams Abdullah Shafique for Reckless Shot in Pakistan’s Test Loss

By August 27, 2024 0

Pakistan’s dismal performance in the opening Test against Bangladesh has drawn sharp criticism from former cricketer Basit Ali, who has singled out Abdullah Shafique for his reckless shot selection.

Pakistan’s decision to declare at 448/6 in the first innings proved costly as Bangladesh outplayed them in all departments. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side scripted history by clinching a 10-wicket win in Rawalpindi, marking their first Test victory against Pakistan.

Pakistan’s downfall began after Bangladesh took a 117-run lead. On Day 5, wickets fell in quick succession, but Shafique held his ground and accumulated runs. However, his hopes of a respectable total were dashed when he attempted a reckless shot against Shakib Al Hasan.

Basit Ali has slammed Shafique’s shot as the turning point of the match. “If I was in the dressing room, I would have told Abdullah Shafique to pack his bags and leave. His shot was the reason Pakistan lost the match. After hitting 37, you are giving away your wicket with such a shot. Shan Masood should punish Shafique. This is Pakistan’s team, not your local team,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.

Shafique was not the only batsman to give away his wicket cheaply. Naseem Shah also attempted a glory shot when holding the fort was crucial. “Look at the way Naseem Shah gave away his wicket. This is Pakistan cricket, not street cricket, this happens in England’s league cricket,” Basit added.

Apart from poor shot selection, Pakistan’s failure to read the pitch conditions was another factor in their defeat. The decision to field an all-out pace attack backfired as Bangladesh’s spin duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz combined to take nine wickets.

Basit believes Pakistan’s Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, misjudged the pitch. “Both Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie lost their opening matches. They both made mistakes. Kirsten made a mistake in the Super Over against the US, and Jason made a mistake in reading the pitch,” he noted.

Pakistan will aim to level the series in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 30.

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England Name Kemp, Heath in T20 World Cup Squad

England Name Kemp, Heath in T20 World Cup Squad

By August 27, 2024 0

England’s Women’s T20 World Cup squad has been announced, with Freya Kemp and Bess Heath earning their first call-ups. Danielle Gibson also makes her World Cup debut, while Lauren Filer misses out.

Kemp, an allrounder, and Heath, a backup wicketkeeper, will also join the team for their upcoming white-ball tour of Ireland. Kate Cross will captain the side in Ireland, which will feature several potential debutants.

England’s meticulous planning for the T20 World Cup has resulted in a squad with few surprises. Sophia Dunkley retains her spot ahead of Tammy Beaumont, who will join the team for the Ireland tour.

Linsey Smith provides backup spin support to Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, and Sarah Glenn. Kemp and Gibson’s versatility as seam-bowling allrounders means England opted against Filer’s extra pace. However, Filer will join the team for their training camp in Abu Dhabi.

Mahika Gaur, a teenage left-arm seamer, is included in the T20I squad for Ireland. The Women’s T20 World Cup was originally scheduled for Bangladesh but was moved to the UAE due to civil unrest.

“Selecting teams has become incredibly tough,” said England head coach Jon Lewis. “There are players who have been unfortunate to miss out, but they remain a part of our future plans.”

Captain Heather Knight expressed her excitement for the World Cup and the squad’s balance. “World Cups are special events, and I’m thrilled with the team we’ve selected,” she said.

Cross, who will captain England in Ireland, acknowledged her unlikely chances of making the World Cup squad. She will be joined by Beaumont, Issy Wong, and Mady Villiers, who last played for England in 2021.

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Lakshya Sen's Olympic Heartbreak: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic Heartbreak: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

By August 27, 2024 0

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic heartbreak continues to linger, as the Indian badminton star grapples with the disappointment of his back-to-back defeats in the men’s singles event at the Paris Olympics 2024.

After PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and HS Prannoy were eliminated, Lakshya emerged as India’s last hope for a badminton medal. However, his dreams were shattered in the semifinals against Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and the bronze-medal match against Malaysia’s Lee Zee Jia.

Recalling the agonizing defeats, Lakshya admits that he came up just short in crucial moments. Despite his impressive form leading up to the Olympics, he squandered three game points against Axelsen and a 7-point lead against Lee.

“After the match, I was devastated,” Lakshya said in an interview with Humans of Bombay. “It’s going to hurt for a while that I couldn’t give India the medal at this Olympics.”

Lakshya’s coach, Prakash Padukone, and Vimal Kumar, were critical of his performance, blaming him for ending India’s 12-year Olympic medal streak. However, Lakshya received unwavering support from Deepika Padukone, who reached out to him after the bronze medal match and offered words of comfort.

“They have been really supportive,” Lakshya said. “Even after the bronze medal match, she called me and said ‘It’s fine; don’t worry. You did good.'”

Despite the disappointment, Lakshya remains determined to improve and achieve his Olympic dream. He acknowledges that he could have been more clinical in crucial stages and is working on addressing those weaknesses.

“I know there are some things that I could have done better,” he said. “Everything was fine, but towards the end, I wasn’t able to get there.”

As Lakshya continues to process his Olympic experience, he is grateful for the support of his family, friends, and fans. He is confident that he will learn from his mistakes and return stronger in the future.

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James Anderson Hails Virat Kohli as “One of the Best” Chasers in Cricket History

By August 27, 2024 0

Virat Kohli, the enigmatic Indian batsman, has earned the admiration of legendary English pacer James Anderson for his exceptional skills in chasing down targets and closing out games, particularly in white-ball cricket.

Anderson, a guest on the Tailenders Podcast, hailed Kohli as “one of the best” players in history when it comes to batting second and pursuing scores. “His record at chasing is absolutely phenomenal,” Anderson remarked. “The number of hundreds he has scored in the second innings, chasing down scores is ridiculous.”

Anderson attributed Kohli’s remarkable chasing abilities to his unwavering self-belief. “It is no surprise that when he gets in that situation, with his mentality, it is just like it is meant to be. His self-belief is so high,” Anderson said.

When asked if Kohli is the greatest white-ball batter of all time, Anderson acknowledged the brilliance of Australia’s Michael Bevan, who was renowned for his impressive finishes in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, he emphasized that Kohli’s centuries during winning chases elevate him to the status of “greatest finisher” and among the greatest white-ball batters ever.

“I cannot say that [Kohli is the greatest white-ball batter ever],” Anderson clarified. “I was thinking more in terms of just chasing. [As for the best white-ball batter ever,] Michael Bevan from Australia comes to my mind, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s – he was just phenomenal coming in at number six and doing that job.”

“Kohli batting at number 3 gets those hundreds while Bevan was renowned for getting his 50s, 60s and being at the end, while Kohli gets the big score, to get his teams over the line. I honestly can’t think of a better finisher and greater white-ball players than him [Kohli],” Anderson concluded.

Kohli’s exceptional chasing skills have been instrumental in India’s success in limited-overs cricket. His ability to anchor the innings, control the tempo, and accelerate when necessary has made him a formidable force in the middle order. His composure under pressure and unwavering determination have earned him the respect and admiration of opponents and fans alike.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement, Dismisses Coaching Ambitions

Cristiano Ronaldo Hints at Retirement, Dismisses Coaching Ambitions

By August 27, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese footballer, has hinted at a potential retirement from international football and a future outside of coaching.

Ronaldo’s illustrious career has spanned over two decades, with stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr. He has scored an astonishing 820 goals in 1183 games for club and country, making him one of the most prolific strikers in history.

In a recent interview with Portuguese TV channel NOW, Ronaldo expressed his contentment with his current club and his desire to continue playing for Al-Nassr. However, he acknowledged that retirement may be on the horizon within the next two to three years.

“I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire at Al Nassr,” Ronaldo said. “I’m very happy at this club, and I feel good in this country too, I love playing in Saudi Arabia.”

Despite his age, Ronaldo remains a formidable force on the pitch. He has scored 61 goals in 67 games for Al-Nassr and is the all-time leading scorer for Portugal with 118 goals.

However, Ronaldo emphasized that he does not want a farewell tour with the national team. “When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone beforehand and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a well-thought-out one,” he said.

Ronaldo also dismissed any talk of him becoming a coach after retirement. “In my mind, at the moment, it is not about being a first team coach, or a coach of any team. I don’t see my future being that way,” he said.

Instead, Ronaldo hinted at pursuing other interests outside of football. “I see myself doing other things outside of football, but only God knows what the future holds,” he concluded.

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Armless Archer Sheetal Devi Aims for Paralympic Glory

Armless Archer Sheetal Devi Aims for Paralympic Glory

By August 27, 2024 0

Sheetal Devi: The Armless Archer Aiming for Paralympic Glory

Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old archer from Jammu, is making waves in the world of archery. Born with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that affects limb development, Sheetal has overcome adversity to become one of the only female archers in the world to compete internationally without the use of her arms.

Her journey began in 2022 when she met coaches Kuldeep Vedwan and Abhilasha Chaudhary. Inspired by her determination, they devised a customized device that allowed Sheetal to use her legs and upper body to shoot arrows.

Despite her family’s financial constraints, Coach Kuldeep sourced a bow that met Sheetal’s needs. The key challenge was strengthening her body to shoot arrows using her back and legs. “We had to balance the strength in her legs and modify it technically,” said Coach Abhilasha.

Through a rigorous training regimen, Sheetal progressed from hitting 5-meter targets to 50-meter targets within four months. In 2023, she made history by winning the gold medal in the women’s individual compound event at the Asian Para Games, becoming the first female armless archer to achieve this feat. She also won a medal at the Para World Championships.

Sheetal’s unwavering spirit and determination have earned her admiration from fellow archers. “She is a little stubborn and innocent, and she loves watching TV shows!” said Romica Sharma, a compound archer.

Despite her success, Sheetal remains focused on her ultimate goal: winning a medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. “I plan to return home only after the Games end, hopefully with a medal,” she said.

Sheetal Devi’s story is an inspiration to all who face challenges. Her determination and resilience prove that anything is possible with hard work and the support of those around you.

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KL Rahul Confronts the End of His Cricket Career, Plans for Life After Retirement

KL Rahul Confronts the End of His Cricket Career, Plans for Life After Retirement

By August 27, 2024 0

Indian cricket star KL Rahul has candidly shared his thoughts on the fleeting nature of an athlete’s career and his plans for life after retirement.

Rahul, who has faced challenges in recent times with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and the Indian cricket team, acknowledges the limited shelf life of an athlete. “There is a fear and realization that the shelf life is really small for an athlete,” he said.

At 30 years old, Rahul has begun to envision the end of his playing days. “I could see the end of the tunnel,” he said. “All I have done all my life is ‘Cricket, Cricket, Cricket,’ without imagining this comes to an end.”

Recognizing the financial implications of retirement, Rahul has started exploring business ventures and investments. “I know there will be a huge dip in the amount I earn after I retire,” he said. “I am trying to set up a few things before I retire so that when I retire that transition from an athlete to doing something in business will be smooth.”

Rahul’s introspection highlights the challenges faced by athletes as they approach the end of their careers. While the allure of the game remains strong, the realization of its finite nature can trigger anxiety and a sense of urgency to secure their future.

Rahul’s candidness serves as a reminder that even the most successful athletes must plan for life beyond their playing days. By embracing this reality and taking proactive steps, they can ensure a smooth transition into the next chapter of their lives.

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PCB Embraces AI for Player Selection, Aims to Revitalize National Team

PCB Embraces AI for Player Selection, Aims to Revitalize National Team

By August 27, 2024 0

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken an innovative approach to talent identification by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its player selection process. This move marks a significant shift in the way cricket boards approach player recruitment and development.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed that 80% of the 150 players selected for the upcoming Champions Cup will be chosen using AI, while the remaining 20% will be selected by the human selection committee. This decision stems from the board’s recognition of the need to address the underperformance of the national team, particularly in the wake of recent defeats.

Naqvi emphasized the importance of having a robust player pool to draw from, which has been lacking in the past. The Champions Cup will provide a platform for identifying and evaluating potential talent, creating a comprehensive database of player records.

The use of AI in player selection is expected to enhance transparency and objectivity in the process. By relying on data-driven insights, the board aims to minimize the influence of personal biases and ensure that players are selected based on their performance and potential.

Naqvi stressed that the selection committee will not hesitate to replace underperforming players with better options. The Champions Cup will provide a continuous stream of data, allowing the board to monitor player performance and make informed decisions.

This innovative approach to player selection is a testament to the PCB’s commitment to improving the performance of the national team. By embracing technology and data analytics, the board is setting a precedent for other cricket boards to follow.

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Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Criticized for Handling of Team After Bangladesh Defeat

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Criticized for Handling of Team After Bangladesh Defeat

By August 27, 2024 0

Pakistan’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi has sparked outrage among fans and former players alike. Ahmad Shahzad, a veteran Pakistani cricketer, has taken to social media to criticize Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his handling of the team.

Shahzad questioned Naqvi’s understanding of cricket and expressed disappointment with his leadership decisions. He highlighted Pakistan’s historic first-ever Test defeat to Bangladesh as a testament to Naqvi’s ineffectiveness.

“This is what happens if you don’t make changes in time. You got scared and you did not make decisions,” Shahzad tweeted.

Shahzad continued his criticism by questioning Naqvi’s effectiveness since assuming the role of PCB chairman earlier this year. “I was told that Mohsin Naqvi was a brave, resolute, and shrewd man with extreme power when he became the PCB chief. It was being said that if anyone could change the PCB, it would be Naqvi. But we have not seen it yet, and whatever he has done so far, this much is clear that Mohsin Naqvi has absolutely no idea about cricket,” Shahzad wrote.

Naqvi took over the PCB with promises of significant changes following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, especially after their loss to India. However, Shahzad pointed out that Naqvi’s promises of reform have not materialized.

“When you lost to India in the T20 World Cup 2024, to keep people quiet, you said that you will do a surgery on Pakistan cricket. But you failed to do it. You lied to people just like others in the past. What did you think? That you would buy time? That after you beat Bangladesh in the Test series, people will go a little quiet and then you will implement your changes, but that did not happen,” he said.

The defeat has increased scrutiny on Pakistan’s cricket setup, as they have now lost four consecutive Test matches, including a 3-0 series whitewash against Australia earlier this year. Their last home Test win was against South Africa in early 2021. These ongoing struggles have led to growing frustration among fans and commentators, questioning the direction of the team under current management.

Shahzad also criticized the enduring influence of certain individuals within Pakistan cricket, suggesting a stagnation in the sport’s governance. “The people that have been running Pakistan cricket for the last 12-15 years, they are still calling the shots. It has culminated in Bangladesh beating Pakistan for the first time in a Test match. I have never seen this in my life,” he remarked.

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