Pakistan Drops Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah for Second Test

Pakistan Drops Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah for Second Test

Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has defended the decision to bench star pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah for the second Test against Bangladesh. The move came after Pakistan suffered a series whitewash in Rawalpindi.

Masood acknowledged the need to explore other options and nurture young talent. “We’re trying to keep consistency with red-ball performances as well,” he said. “We can’t be harsh on [Shaheen and Naseem] because they’re playing all three formats.”

Head coach Jason Gillespie echoed Masood’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of developing a balanced team. “We want Shaheen Afridi to be at his very best for as much cricket as possible,” he said. “He’s an all-format player, and we have a pretty heavy schedule.”

Gillespie also highlighted Shaheen’s personal challenges, which may have affected his performance. “He had a pretty eventful time in his personal life as well,” he said.

Despite their disappointing T20 World Cup performances, Shaheen and Naseem have shown flashes of brilliance. However, their recent form has raised concerns. In the first Test against Bangladesh, they failed to make a significant impact.

Pakistan’s decision to drop the duo is a bold one, but it reflects the team’s commitment to building a sustainable future. By giving opportunities to younger players, Pakistan hopes to create a more well-rounded and resilient squad.

Salman Ali Agha Defends Babar Azam Amidst Test Struggles

Salman Ali Agha Defends Babar Azam Amidst Test Struggles

Pakistan’s all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has come to the defense of star batter Babar Azam following another disappointing innings in the second Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Babar’s struggles in the series have raised concerns, but Agha remains confident in his teammate’s ability to bounce back.

Babar’s lean patch in Test cricket has seen his average dip below 45, with his last score over fifty coming in late 2022. In the ongoing series, he has been dismissed for a duck, 22, and 31, contributing to Pakistan’s struggles.

Despite Babar’s poor form, Agha believes it is only a temporary phase. “Babar Azam is a world-class player,” Agha said. “As a cricketer, you go through these phases. He has scored consistently throughout the last five years. Soon, we will see him scoring big runs for Pakistan again.”

Agha emphasized the importance of supporting Babar during this difficult period. “There are 10 other players in the team, you should focus on them,” he said. “It’s fine if he’s struggling. He will return to scoring big runs very soon.”

Babar’s struggles have coincided with Pakistan’s poor performance in the series. After losing the first Test by 10 wickets, Pakistan collapsed from 179/4 to 274 all out in the second Test, highlighting the team’s batting woes.

Despite the setbacks, the team management and Babar’s teammates remain confident in his abilities. Head coach Saqlain Mushtaq has backed Babar to regain his form, while captain Azhar Ali has praised his work ethic and determination.

Babar Azam is regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest batters, and his return to form is crucial for the team’s success. With the third and final Test of the series still to come, Babar will have an opportunity to prove his critics wrong and lead Pakistan to a series victory.

Pakistan's Pitch Surprise: Rawalpindi Surface Baffles Assistant Coach

Pakistan’s Pitch Surprise: Rawalpindi Surface Baffles Assistant Coach

Pakistan’s assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood, expressed surprise at the unexpected behavior of the Rawalpindi pitch during the third day of the Test match against Bangladesh. Pakistan had anticipated a seam-friendly surface, but the pitch proved to be slow and low, favoring the batters.

Mahmood revealed that Pakistan’s decision to field an all-pace attack was based on their belief that the pitch would aid seam bowling. However, the pitch dried out quickly, altering its characteristics. “We were hoping for pace and bounce, but the wicket dried out faster than we expected,” Mahmood said.

Pakistan’s frustration was evident as Bangladesh ground through the early sessions, accumulating runs at a slow pace. Despite regular wickets, an unbeaten 98-run partnership between Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim dashed Pakistan’s hopes of securing a substantial lead.

Mahmood acknowledged that the pitch was not the sole factor in Bangladesh’s success. Pakistan’s bowling discipline deteriorated in the final overs, allowing the batters to score freely. “We were not disciplined enough in the last 12 overs,” Mahmood admitted.

The assistant coach also expressed mild bemusement at the pitch’s unexpected behavior. “Anyone who looked at the wicket would have thought it would be a seaming track,” Mahmood said. “We didn’t make a mistake reading the pitch, it just didn’t play like we thought it should.”

Pakistan has been working with Australian curator Tony Hemmings to improve the pitches at Rawalpindi. Mahmood indicated that they will continue to seek Hemmings’ expertise to create surfaces that suit their plans.

PCB's Test Venue Shift Draws Criticism from Kamran Akmal

PCB’s Test Venue Shift Draws Criticism from Kamran Akmal

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to shift the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi has drawn criticism from former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal. The move was necessitated by ongoing renovations at the National Stadium in Karachi, which is being prepared for the Champions Trophy.

Akmal expressed his disappointment with the PCB’s handling of the situation, calling it an “international mockery.” He pointed out that Pakistan has world-class stadiums beyond the three major venues (Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi) and could have hosted one of the Tests in cities like Multan or Faisalabad.

“We don’t just have 2-3 stadiums; we also have Faisalabad Stadium and Multan Stadium,” Akmal said. “These are top-class stadiums where much cricket has been played. The crowd also comes there. It would have been good to host a Test match at one of these venues.”

Akmal’s criticism stems from the fact that international cricket in Pakistan has been restricted to only three venues since its resumption following the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team. He believes that the PCB should have explored alternative options to avoid the embarrassment of playing Test matches without spectators.

The PCB had initially announced that the second Test would be played behind closed doors in Karachi, but later reversed its decision and shifted the game to Rawalpindi. Construction experts had advised the PCB that the renovations at the National Stadium could continue during playing hours, but the noise and dust produced by the work could distract and disturb the players.

The renovations at the National Stadium are part of a larger effort to prepare the venue for the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is scheduled to host in 2025. The PCB is keen to ensure that the stadium meets international standards and provides a world-class experience for players and fans alike.

Pakistan's Champions Trophy Hopes Hinge on Stringent Security

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Hopes Hinge on Stringent Security

Pakistan’s hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 hinges on stringent security measures, emphasized former cricketer Basit Ali. The upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, and West Indies serve as crucial tests for Pakistan’s ability to provide a secure environment for visiting teams.

Ali, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted the importance of heightened security during these tours. “Any security lapses could jeopardize our chances of hosting the Champions Trophy,” he said. “We must ensure that there is not even a small breach.”

Pakistan’s recent history of security concerns has raised eyebrows. In 2021, New Zealand and England abruptly canceled their tours due to fears of terrorism. Ali stressed the need to address these concerns head-on.

“The foreign teams should get the same level of security as our Prime Minister and President,” he said. “We must eliminate any possibility of security breaches.”

The upcoming home cricket season, beginning with the Test series against Bangladesh on August 21, will be a litmus test for Pakistan’s security arrangements. The country aims to showcase its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for visiting teams.

Ali emphasized the importance of maintaining security throughout the season. “Any negative developments during these series could derail our ambitions of hosting the Champions Trophy,” he said. “We must ensure that Pakistan remains a safe destination for international cricket.”

The cricketer-turned-analyst’s comments underscore the critical role security plays in Pakistan’s bid to host the prestigious ICC event. By implementing stringent measures and addressing past concerns, Pakistan can pave the way for a successful Champions Trophy in 2025.

Jonathan Campbell Set for Zimbabwe Debut in Bangladesh T20I Series

Jonathan Campbell Set for Zimbabwe Debut in Bangladesh T20I Series

Jonathan Campbell, the son of former Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell, is poised to make his international debut in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, commencing on May 3. The 26-year-old all-rounder, who bowls legspin, was a key member of Zimbabwe’s emerging team that triumphed at the 13th African Games in March 2024.

Campbell’s impressive performance at the African Games included 115 runs from four innings at a strike rate of 126.37. While he was not required to bowl extensively, he did claim a wicket in his two overs. Two of Campbell’s teammates from the African Games, Clive Madande and Brian Bennett, have already represented Zimbabwe at the senior level and have retained their places for this tour.

Sikandar Raza will continue to lead the Zimbabwean squad, which boasts experienced players such as Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Richard Ngarava, and Blessing Muzarabani. Top-order batter Tadiwanashe Marumani and all-rounder Faraz Akram have been recalled to the side after missing the T20Is in Sri Lanka, which Zimbabwe lost 1-2.

The series against Bangladesh will commence in Chattogram, which will host the first three games on May 3, 5, and 7. The final two matches will be played in Dhaka on May 10 and 12.

Sri Lanka Recall Kumara, Include Mendis for Bangladesh ODIs

Sri Lanka Recall Kumara, Include Mendis for Bangladesh ODIs

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for their upcoming series against Bangladesh features the return of fast bowler Lahiru Kumara and the inclusion of batting allrounder Kamindu Mendis. The team aims to continue its rebuilding process after a disappointing World Cup performance.

Kumara, who has been in good form in domestic cricket, has been recalled to the ODI XI. He has taken nine wickets in his last four List A matches. Mendis, who impressed in the T20Is, has also earned a spot in the squad.

Opening batter Pathum Nissanka, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, and offspin-bowling allrounder Sahan Arachchige, who has been in good form with the bat domestically, are also included in the squad.

Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva remains omitted from the ODI squad, while Shevon Daniel, who was part of Sri Lanka’s last two ODI squads, has been left out in favor of Mendis.

Sri Lanka has a variety of seam options, including Kumara, Pramod Madushan, left-armer Dilshan Madushanka, and all-rounders Chamika Karunaratne and Janth Liyanage. However, they do not have the slingers Matheesha Pathirana or Nuwan Thushara, despite Thushara’s outstanding performance in the third T20I against Bangladesh.

On the spin front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are expected to be the main bowlers, but Akila Dananjaya and left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage are also in the mix.

Sri Lanka has won both their ODI series this year, at home against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. This is their first overseas series in 2024. The first of three ODIs will be played in Chattogram on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's Pathirana Ruled Out of Final T20I with Hamstring Injury

Sri Lanka’s Pathirana Ruled Out of Final T20I with Hamstring Injury

Sri Lanka’s express pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the third and final T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday due to a grade one hamstring injury. The setback comes as a blow to the Sri Lankan team, who are looking to clinch the series after the teams shared the first two matches.

Pathirana, known for his lightning-fast deliveries, sustained the injury during the second T20I on Thursday. He was seen clutching his left hamstring while attempting to complete his fourth over, forcing Angelo Mathews to bowl the final two deliveries.

The 19-year-old has been a key figure for Sri Lanka in the series, showcasing his raw pace and ability to generate steep bounce. In the first T20I, he conceded 56 runs in four overs, but bounced back in the second match with figures of 2 for 28 from 3.4 overs.

Sri Lanka’s team management will now have to find a suitable replacement for Pathirana in the final match. Nuwan Thushara, who also bowls with a round-arm action, is the closest like-for-like option in the squad, although he lacks the same blistering pace. Other seamers in contention include left-armers Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

The injury to Pathirana is a concern for Sri Lanka, especially considering his importance to the team’s plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathirana is the designated death bowler for Chennai Super Kings, who begin their IPL campaign on March 22.

With the series tied 1-1, the third T20I in Sylhet on Saturday promises to be a thrilling encounter. Sri Lanka will be eager to secure a series victory, while Bangladesh will be determined to end the series on a high.

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