Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Afridi Slams PCB's Constant Changes

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Afridi Slams PCB’s Constant Changes

Pakistan’s dismal performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Babar Azam-led side crashed out of the competition in the group stages, suffering humiliating defeats against the United States and India. Despite victories against Canada and Ireland, it was too little too late for Pakistan.

The result has sparked a massive backlash from fans and prompted significant changes within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq have been sacked as selectors, while Babar Azam’s future as captain remains uncertain.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has criticized the PCB’s constant changes, arguing that they have negatively impacted the team’s performance. Afridi emphasized the need for stability and consistency, stating that teams require time to adapt to new systems.

“When you change or bring in any new structure, you must give the system time. Every year, a new chairman comes, and a new system is introduced. Things don’t work this way,” Afridi told Sports24.

Afridi called for a collaborative approach, involving senior board members and players, to develop a long-term plan for the team. He believes that frequent changes create confusion and hinder progress.

Meanwhile, the PCB has denied No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi to participate in the Global T20 League. The board cited Pakistan’s busy international schedule as the reason for the decision.

The PCB’s decision has raised concerns about the availability of key players for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The PSL is a major domestic tournament that attracts top players from around the world.

Pakistan’s poor performance at the T20 World Cup and the subsequent changes within the PCB have raised questions about the team’s future. The PCB must address the concerns raised by Afridi and other former players to ensure that Pakistan regains its status as a cricketing powerhouse.

Ahmed Shehzad Clean Bowled Thrice in Humiliating Street Cricket Game

Ahmed Shehzad Clean Bowled Thrice in Humiliating Street Cricket Game

Ahmed Shehzad’s Street Cricket Humiliation: Former Pakistan Captain Clean Bowled Thrice

Former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad, who has been critical of current captain Babar Azam, has faced a humiliating experience on the streets of Chitral. A viral video shows Shehzad batting in a street game, using a chair as a wicket.

Despite boasting of hitting sixes, Shehzad was clean bowled three times out of four deliveries by a local bowler who was not even in proper cricket attire. The former Pakistan batsman only managed to play one ball, which was a mistimed shot.

Shehzad’s performance in the street game is a stark contrast to his international career, where he played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs, and 59 T20Is for Pakistan. He scored 982, 2605, and 1471 runs in these formats, respectively. However, his career has been marred by controversies and inconsistent form.

Shehzad’s recent criticism of Babar Azam has drawn attention to his own struggles. During the T20 World Cup, he had questioned Azam’s captaincy and accused him of favoritism.

The video of Shehzad’s street cricket humiliation has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Some have criticized him for his poor performance, while others have defended him, saying that he is still a talented player.

Despite his recent setbacks, Shehzad remains a popular figure in Pakistan. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to hit big shots. However, he will need to improve his consistency and discipline if he wants to regain his place in the national team.

Ramiz Raja Questions Saim Ayub's Consistency, Defends Rizwan-Azam Opening Duo

Ramiz Raja Questions Saim Ayub’s Consistency, Defends Rizwan-Azam Opening Duo

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja has expressed his concerns about the inconsistent performances of opener Saim Ayub, questioning the decision to break the established opening duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.

Ayub, who struggled in the recent T20I series against New Zealand, showed signs of improvement in the first T20I against Ireland with a quick-paced knock of 45(29). However, he failed to maintain consistency in the second T20I, falling for a score of 6.

Raja believes that Ayub’s inconsistent performances do not justify breaking the successful opening partnership of Rizwan and Azam. “I don’t think Saim Ayub gives you security, he shows flashes of brilliance. If you don’t score 50 off 30 balls then breaking Rizwan and Babar’s opening duo doesn’t make any sense,” Raja said on his YouTube channel.

In four matches against New Zealand, Ayub scored 52 runs at an average of 14.25, with 32 as his highest score. Before Ayub’s inclusion, Babar and Rizwan were the designated openers for Pakistan and were one of the most prolific opening pairs in white-ball cricket.

The duo forged a record-breaking 105-run stand in the 2022 Men’s T20I World Cup, setting a new record for the most century partnerships as an opening duo in the tournament’s history.

Raja’s comments highlight the importance of consistency and reliability in opening partnerships. While Ayub has shown glimpses of his potential, his inconsistent performances have raised questions about his ability to provide a solid foundation for Pakistan’s batting lineup.

The third and final T20I between Pakistan and Ireland will be played on Tuesday, with the series currently tied at 1-1. The match will be a crucial test for Ayub and the Pakistan team as they look to secure a series victory and build momentum ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Babar Azam Becomes Most Successful T20I Captain with Record-Breaking 45th Win

Babar Azam Becomes Most Successful T20I Captain with Record-Breaking 45th Win

Pakistan’s Babar Azam has etched his name in the annals of T20I cricket history by becoming the most successful captain in the format. With a remarkable 45 wins under his leadership, Azam has surpassed all others, including Aaron Finch of Australia and Brian Masaba of Uganda.

Azam’s record-breaking achievement came after Pakistan’s emphatic victory over Ireland in the second T20I of their three-match series. Chasing a challenging target of 193/7, Pakistan showcased their batting prowess, with Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman leading the charge.

Rizwan, who remained unbeaten on 75, and Zaman, who contributed a blistering 78, forged a formidable partnership of 140 runs, laying the foundation for Pakistan’s triumph. Despite Azam’s early dismissal, Rizwan and Zaman’s dominance ensured that Ireland’s hopes of victory quickly faded.

Fakhar Zaman’s six towering sixes were a testament to his power-hitting abilities, while Rizwan played a steady hand, anchoring the innings. Azam Khan’s explosive unbeaten 30 from just 10 deliveries sealed the deal for Pakistan, ensuring their victory with more than three overs to spare.

Azam’s 45th T20I win as captain places him ahead of Aaron Finch, who has 40 victories, and Brian Masaba, who has 44 wins in all men’s T20Is. Other notable captains on the list include Eoin Morgan (42 wins), MS Dhoni (41 wins), Rohit Sharma (41 wins), and Asghar Afghan (42 wins).

Pakistan’s victory over Ireland was a testament to their team’s resilience and determination. Despite Azam’s early departure, Rizwan, Zaman, and Khan stepped up to the plate, showcasing their exceptional talent and ensuring Pakistan’s dominance in the series.

Younis Khan Urges Pakistan to Adapt to Modern Cricket Demands

Younis Khan Urges Pakistan to Adapt to Modern Cricket Demands

Pakistan’s former captain Younis Khan has urged the current team, led by Babar Azam, to adapt to the demands of modern cricket. Speaking at an event in Karachi, Khan emphasized the need for top-order batters like Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman to improve their strike rates and make better use of the power play. He also stressed the importance of bowlers being prepared to perform under pressure.

Khan’s comments come amidst concerns about Pakistan’s recent performances, including a shock defeat to Ireland in a T20 International. Former national team colleague Rashid Latif believes that frequent captaincy changes have disrupted the team’s environment. He criticized the decision to remove Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain after just one series, arguing that it undermined Babar Azam’s authority.

Pakistan’s new head coach, Gary Kirsten, faces the challenge of restoring stability to the dressing room. His experience working with players from the subcontinent, both with the Indian team and in the Indian Premier League, could prove valuable.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is expected to meet with the players in Dublin to address their concerns. The team is yet to announce its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Kirsten’s appointment is seen as an attempt to bring about a change in Pakistan’s fortunes. His task will be to instill a winning mentality and create a cohesive team environment. With his experience and knowledge, Kirsten is expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s preparations for the T20 World Cup.

Ireland Stuns Pakistan, Babar Azam Equals Kohli's T20I Record

Ireland Stuns Pakistan, Babar Azam Equals Kohli’s T20I Record

Babar Azam Equals Virat Kohli’s Record in Ireland’s Victory Over Pakistan

In a thrilling Twenty20 International (T20I) encounter in Dublin, Ireland secured a historic five-wicket victory over Pakistan, marking their first triumph against the visitors in 17 years. However, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, found solace in a personal milestone.

Azam’s scintillating 43-ball 57 propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 182/6. His knock not only guided his team to a respectable score but also etched his name alongside Indian batting legend Virat Kohli in the record books.

With this fifty, Azam equaled Kohli’s remarkable feat of most fifty-plus scores in men’s T20Is. Both players now boast an impressive tally of 38 such scores. While Kohli has amassed 37 fifties and a century, Azam has registered 35 half-centuries and three centuries.

Despite their shared record, Kohli and Azam possess distinct batting styles. Kohli is renowned for his unwavering consistency across all formats, with an exceptional record in both Test and limited-overs cricket. His ability to chase down targets and adapt to diverse situations makes him a formidable batsman.

On the other hand, Azam has garnered acclaim for his elegant stroke play and solid technique. He has excelled in limited-overs cricket, consistently delivering impressive performances for Pakistan. His proficiency in handling both pace and spin bowling has made him a pivotal player for his team.

Statistically, Kohli holds an edge over Azam in terms of average and centuries across formats. However, both players have carved their own unique paths and contributed significantly to their respective teams’ successes.

While Kohli has established himself as a global icon with a proven track record, Azam has showcased immense potential and continues to impress with his batting prowess. The highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan on June 9 promises to be a captivating spectacle.

Ireland’s victory in Dublin has given them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Pakistan. The two teams will also face off in the group stage of next month’s T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.

Babar Azam Faces Challenge to Hit Three Consecutive Sixes in T20 World Cup

Babar Azam Faces Challenge to Hit Three Consecutive Sixes in T20 World Cup

Pakistan’s T20I captain Babar Azam is gearing up for the team’s upcoming tours of Ireland and England, which will serve as preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pakistan has been placed in a group alongside India, USA, Ireland, and Canada for the marquee event.

Azam was reinstated as captain after Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has placed its faith in Azam to lead the team to glory at the T20 World Cup.

However, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has issued a peculiar challenge to Azam. Ali, likely referring to Azam’s low strike rate in T20Is (129.41), stated that if Azam hits three consecutive sixes against top teams (excluding USA and Thailand), he will shut down his YouTube channel. Ali also suggested that if Azam cannot accept this challenge, he should not open the batting at the T20 World Cup.

Azam has recently expressed that the team will be devising specific tactics to counter India’s star batter Virat Kohli in their high-profile clash at the T20 World Cup. During their previous T20 Cup encounter in 2022, Kohli played a pivotal role in India’s victory, scoring an iconic 82* off 53 balls.

Speaking at a media conference, Azam acknowledged that while the team does not plan specifically against individual players, they will be preparing for Kohli, whom he described as “one of the best players.”

“We do not plan anything against one player. We plan for all 11 players. We do not know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well,” Azam said.

Babar Azam Eyes T20I Run-Scoring Record on Ireland-England Tour

Babar Azam Eyes T20I Run-Scoring Record on Ireland-England Tour

Pakistan’s upcoming tour of Ireland and England presents a golden opportunity for captain Babar Azam to surpass Indian batting legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the leading run-scorer in T20 internationals.

With 3823 runs in 114 matches, Babar currently trails Rohit Sharma (3974 runs in 151 matches) by 151 runs and Virat Kohli (4037 runs in 117 matches) by 214 runs. Pakistan’s seven-match T20I schedule provides ample scope for Babar to bridge this gap.

The tour begins with three T20Is in Ireland from May 10, followed by four T20Is in England. These matches will serve as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US and West Indies from June 2 to 29.

Pakistan is placed in the same group as India, and the highly anticipated clash between the archrivals is scheduled for June 9 in New York. Babar’s performance in the lead-up to this marquee match will be closely scrutinized.

The Pakistan squad currently comprises 18 players, but it will be trimmed to 15 for the T20 World Cup as per ICC regulations. Babar’s leadership and batting prowess will be vital for Pakistan’s success in the tournament.

Pakistan Captain Babar Azam, Allrounder Imad Wasim Involved in Heated Confrontation

Pakistan Captain Babar Azam, Allrounder Imad Wasim Involved in Heated Confrontation

Amidst reports of a rift between Pakistan captain Babar Azam and allrounder Imad Wasim, a video has emerged from the team’s training session in Ireland that has fueled speculation. The footage shows Wasim confronting Azam on the sidelines of the net session at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.

The incident has raised concerns about the team’s unity ahead of a crucial T20I series against Ireland and England. Wasim has previously denied any disagreement with Azam, who was reappointed as captain after stepping down following Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the ODI World Cup last year.

“We have no issues with Babar. He is the captain of the team and we are all supporting him. Maybe Babar has become captain again because he will lead us to the (T20) World Cup trophy,” Wasim was quoted as saying in a report on ‘geosuper.tv’.

However, the video suggests otherwise. Wasim appears animated and confrontational as he engages in a heated discussion with Azam. The incident has raised questions about the team’s leadership and the potential impact on their performance in the upcoming matches.

Pakistan will play three T20Is in Ireland, followed by a four-match T20I series in England. After that, the team will travel to the US for the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the West Indies from June 2 to 29.

India and Pakistan are clubbed in Group A and will face each other on June 9 in New York. The outcome of the match could have significant implications for both teams’ chances of advancing to the knockout stages.

The video of the confrontation between Azam and Wasim has cast a shadow over Pakistan’s preparations for the T20 World Cup. The team’s unity and leadership will be crucial factors in their quest for success in the tournament.

Babar Azam Confident of Pakistan's T20 World Cup Chances, Addresses Squad Selection

Babar Azam Confident of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Chances, Addresses Squad Selection

Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, recently addressed the media ahead of the team’s departure for Ireland and the UK, their final preparatory stop before the T20 World Cup. As usual, Babar faced questions about Pakistan’s chances, squad selection, and top-order concerns.

Regarding Pakistan’s trophy aspirations, Babar reiterated his belief in his team’s ability to bring home the title. He emphasized that their aim has always been to win the World Cup, and they remain confident in their chances.

One of the key talking points was the inclusion of Haris Rauf and the absence of Mohammad Haris. Babar praised Rauf’s fitness and determination, expressing confidence that he will make a strong comeback. However, he acknowledged that Mohammad Haris has not received the opportunities he may have expected after the last T20 World Cup.

Babar explained that the top order already includes Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and himself. While Haris belongs in the top order, he has not been able to execute his plans effectively in recent times. The team has opted for the best possible combination, which does not currently include Haris.

Another controversial selection was the recall of Hasan Ali, who last played a T20I in 2022. Babar clarified that Hasan is primarily there as backup and is not guaranteed a spot in the World Cup squad. His experience was a factor in his selection.

Babar also addressed questions about his own place in the top order. While acknowledging the potential of dynamic players like Saim Ayub, he defended his own track record, highlighting Pakistan’s consistent high scores in the Powerplay.

The captain emphasized that team goals will take precedence over individual preferences. He is in constant communication with the newly appointed white-ball coach, Gary Kirsten, who is working towards the same objective.

Babar concluded by expressing his hope that the team will continue to inspire the nation. He acknowledged the responsibility they carry and promised to give their best at the World Cup.

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