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Noman Ali Named ICC Men's Player of the Month for October

Noman Ali Named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October

By November 12, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Noman Ali has been crowned the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for October, a testament to his exceptional performance in the recently concluded Test series against England. Ali’s stellar bowling displays played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s historic series victory, making him the first Pakistani male player to receive the honor since Babar Azam in August 2022.

Ali’s impact was undeniable in the two Test matches he featured in during October. In the first Test, he claimed impressive figures of 11/147, helping Pakistan bounce back from an early defeat. His exceptional bowling performance laid the foundation for Pakistan’s eventual series triumph.

The second Test witnessed Ali’s career-best Test figures of 8/46, a game-changing performance that propelled Pakistan to their first Test victory on home ground since 2021. His exceptional bowling display restricted England to a mere 112 runs, setting the stage for Pakistan’s dominant nine-wicket victory.

Ali’s contributions extended beyond his bowling prowess. In the final Test match, he played a crucial innings of 45 runs, helping Pakistan establish a crucial 77-run lead in the first innings. His resilient knock proved invaluable in Pakistan’s eventual victory.

Ali’s outstanding performance has earned him widespread recognition and praise. He expressed his gratitude to his teammates for their contributions to Pakistan’s series victory, acknowledging their collective effort in achieving this historic win on home soil.

“I am delighted to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month and deeply grateful to all my teammates who helped me put my best performances forward to help Pakistan win a historic home Test series against England,” Ali said. “It is always exciting to be a part of such memorable wins for your country.”

Ali’s performance has not only earned him individual accolades but has also contributed significantly to Pakistan’s resurgence in Test cricket. His exceptional bowling skills and unwavering determination have made him a vital cog in the team’s success, and his contributions will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s future endeavors.

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Pakistan Captain Shan Masood Prioritizes Team Success Over Individual Form

Pakistan Captain Shan Masood Prioritizes Team Success Over Individual Form

By October 27, 2024 0

Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, displayed remarkable leadership and team spirit after their impressive 9-wicket victory over England in the third Test. The triumph secured a 2-1 comeback series win for Pakistan, and Masood’s post-match comments highlighted the importance of collective success over individual achievements.

When questioned about his own form, Masood expressed frustration at the negative framing of the question. He emphasized that the team’s victory was paramount, and that individual statistics were secondary. “The team has won, yet you’re still seeing negatives,” Masood replied. “You haven’t found anything positive.”

Masood praised the selflessness of the batting unit, explaining how they adjusted their approach to suit the challenging conditions. “We made sacrifices to take 20 wickets,” he said. “Our focus on these pitches is to take 20 wickets, even if it affects our scores.”

Despite scoring a century in the series-opening loss, Masood’s scores in the subsequent Tests were lower. However, he remained focused on the team’s success. “Your batting unit sets up a good match, and some players might score low,” he said. “Rizwan and I adapted, even playing against our natural styles.”

Masood emphasized that individual performances should be valued from the team’s perspective, not individually. “This is a team game,” he said. “Individual performances are valued from the team’s perspective, not individually.”

Pakistan’s victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. Masood’s leadership and the team’s collective spirit played a crucial role in their success.

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Ramiz Raja's Insensitive Taunts Draw Criticism After Pakistan's Series Win

Ramiz Raja’s Insensitive Taunts Draw Criticism After Pakistan’s Series Win

By October 27, 2024 0

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has come under fire for his insensitive and unprofessional behavior towards Pakistan captain Shan Masood during a live television interview following the team’s series triumph over England.

In the post-match show, Raja, instead of celebrating the team’s hard-fought victory, chose to taunt Masood about Pakistan’s recent string of losses. He asked Masood, “How did you achieve six losses in a row?” This question was met with widespread criticism from former cricketers and fans alike.

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir was particularly vocal in his condemnation of Raja’s behavior. “You should celebrate the series win,” Amir said. “There is a series winning captain sitting next to you. You should have asked him about the win, next plans. But you are making fun of him. Have some respect.”

Raja’s behavior was seen as particularly inappropriate given that Pakistan’s Test series win over England was their first on home soil since 2021. It was also their first series win over England since 2015.

Raja’s actions have raised questions about his suitability for his role as a commentator. Many have argued that his personal biases and lack of professionalism make him unfit to provide objective analysis of cricket matches.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of respecting players and their achievements. Masood and his team had just accomplished a significant victory, and Raja’s taunts were a disrespectful and unnecessary way to treat them.

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Pakistan's Test Triumph: Gillespie Downplays Role, Praises Players' Resilience

Pakistan’s Test Triumph: Gillespie Downplays Role, Praises Players’ Resilience

By October 23, 2024 0

Pakistan’s recent Test victory over England in the second Test was a testament to the team’s resilience and adaptability. However, head coach Jason Gillespie downplayed his role in the triumph, emphasizing that the decisions made after the first Test defeat were largely out of his hands.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed a new selection committee, including former umpire Aleem Dar and Aaqib Javed, and excluded Gillespie and captain Shan Masood from the selection process. Gillespie acknowledged that he was now solely responsible for match-day strategy and player preparation.

This shift in responsibilities contrasts with Gillespie’s initial mandate when he took over the role earlier this year. He had previously expressed a desire to make long-term decisions for the team’s development. However, the decision to field a spin-heavy attack and prepare a surface to assist them appears to contradict his earlier stance against short-termism.

Gillespie declined to comment on the team’s composition, stating that he was no longer involved in the selection process. He acknowledged the unusual nature of his situation, but emphasized his focus on protecting the players from external noise and fostering a positive environment.

Despite the limited scope of his current role, Gillespie praised the players’ resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure. He highlighted the team’s ability to recover from early setbacks and the collapse triggered by Sajid Khan’s bowling on Day 2.

Gillespie emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration within the support staff. He expressed pride in the relationships built with the players and the team’s ability to stay focused on the controllable aspects of the game.

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Pakistan Coach Gillespie Sets Example with Humble Gesture

Pakistan Coach Gillespie Sets Example with Humble Gesture

By October 22, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Test team coach, Jason Gillespie, has garnered praise for his humble gesture after a training session ahead of the series-deciding third Test against England in Rawalpindi. A video circulating on social media shows Gillespie diligently picking up empty bottles and disposing of them in a dustbin.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, as the team prepared for the crucial match. England had won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs, while Pakistan had fought back to clinch victory in the second by 152 runs.

Gillespie’s actions have been lauded by fans and observers alike, who have commended his “grace” and professionalism. Some have speculated that the empty bottles were left behind by the Pakistan players, who may have exited the training area without cleaning up.

Meanwhile, the ground staff at the Rawalpindi stadium are working tirelessly to dry up the wicket in order to assist Pakistan’s spinners. Three heaters and fans are being used on either side of the track to remove moisture from the 22-yard strip.

The second match of the series was played on the same track in Multan, which became worn-out and cracked after being used in the first Test. This assisted the Pakistan spinners, who took all 20 English wickets to fall in that match.

The third Test is set to begin on Thursday in Rawalpindi, with both teams eager to secure victory and claim the series. Pakistan will be hoping to continue their winning momentum, while England will be determined to bounce back and level the series.

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Pakistan's Test Victory Sparks Delight and Criticism

Pakistan’s Test Victory Sparks Delight and Criticism

By October 19, 2024 0

Pakistan’s recent victory over England in the second Test at Multan has sparked a mix of jubilation and controversy. The triumph ended a string of Test defeats, but it also reignited criticism of former captain Babar Azam and alleged favoritism during his tenure.

After Pakistan’s loss in the first Test, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) new selection panel, led by former pacer Aaqib Javed, dropped Babar from the Test squad. Other notable omissions included fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, as well as wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The move proved fruitful as debutant Kamran Ghulam scored a century, while the spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 152-run victory within four days. Noman and Sajid claimed all 20 English wickets, with Noman taking 11 and Sajid claiming nine.

However, the win has fueled further criticism of Babar, prompting veteran pacer Mohammad Amir to speak out. “Please end these petty talks that the team won because Babar or other players were not in the team,” Amir wrote on social media. “We played with better planning, took the home advantage, and won.”

Amir urged fans to focus on performance rather than personal attacks on players. The three-match series is now level at 1-1, with the deciding Test scheduled to begin on October 24 in Rawalpindi.

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Younis Khan Slams Pakistan Captaincy, Babar Azam Dropped for Tests

Younis Khan Slams Pakistan Captaincy, Babar Azam Dropped for Tests

By October 13, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Test woes continue to draw criticism from former players, with legendary batsman Younis Khan launching a scathing attack on the team’s captain, Shan Masood.

Younis, without naming Masood directly, questioned his leadership abilities, stating that he lacks the necessary qualities and was appointed primarily due to his communication skills. “There are no qualities to lead a team in an individual, neither he is a leader material… still he has been given the responsibilities,” Younis said.

He criticized the mindset of appointing captains based on their ability to communicate effectively rather than their leadership potential. “Just because the people feel that ye hamari sunta hai, achha padha likha hai, ye English, Urdu, Pashto achhi bolta hai toh isko kaptaan bana do (He may not be a good player but if he listens to us, and speaks good English, Urdu and Pashto, so let’s make him the captain). Please, get rid of this thinking,” he added.

Younis’s comments come after Pakistan’s heavy defeat to England in the first Test in Multan, which extended their losing streak to six consecutive Tests. The team’s performance has raised concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.

In a further blow to Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped former captain Babar Azam from the squad for the second and third Tests against England. Azam, who has been struggling for form, managed just 35 runs across both innings in the first Test.

The PCB has also rested frontline pace duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for the Tests. The selection committee’s decision to rest key players has raised questions about Pakistan’s strategy for the remaining matches of the series.

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Babar Azam's Test Woes Continue as Pakistan Dominates Day 1

Babar Azam’s Test Woes Continue as Pakistan Dominates Day 1

By October 7, 2024 0

Babar Azam’s struggles in Test cricket continued unabated as the former Pakistan captain once again failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity to silence his critics during the first Test against England in Multan on Monday.

Despite Pakistan’s strong showing on Day 1, with Shan Masood (151) and Abdullah Shafique (102) putting up a mammoth 253-run stand, Babar failed to capitalize on a comfortable position, scoring only 30 off 71 balls before being trapped lbw by England’s Chris Woakes in the final session of the day.

Woakes set him up brilliantly, beating him on both the outside and inside edges before delivering a full-length ball that nipped in just enough to hit Babar in front of the stumps. Babar reviewed the decision, hoping for a reprieve, but ball-tracking showed it was crashing into leg stump.

The dismissal extended Babar’s poor run in Test cricket, leaving fans disappointed once again. What added salt to the wound was the reaction of fans in the stadium. Several spectators were caught on camera sleeping during Babar’s innings, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.

Fans expressed their frustration online, trolling the Pakistan skipper for his continued lacklustre performances.

Despite Babar forging a 61-run partnership with Saud Shakeel, his inability to convert starts into big scores is becoming a pattern that has fueled criticism, especially given Pakistan’s dominance earlier in the day.

Pakistan still ended Day 1 in a commanding position at 328/4, thanks to Masood and Shafique’s heroics. But with every failure, the pressure mounts on Babar to regain his form and silence the growing voices of doubt.

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Shan Masood Backs Babar Azam to Regain Form in England Test Series

Shan Masood Backs Babar Azam to Regain Form in England Test Series

By October 2, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Test skipper, Shan Masood, has expressed confidence in star batter Babar Azam’s ability to regain form during the upcoming home Test series against England. Masood believes that Azam, despite recent struggles, remains the team’s premier batter.

Azam’s performances in his last eight Tests have been below par, with an average of 21.13 and no half-centuries. However, Masood emphasized that Azam is not out of form and is still getting starts. He attributed Azam’s struggles to the long gap between Tests and the pressure of being the team’s leading batter.

“Babar is among the world’s best batters,” Masood said. “You have to give your players time, not just Babar. He is getting starts. There was a 10-month gap between the Australia and Bangladesh Tests, which does not help us.”

Masood pointed to Azam’s impressive performances in the recent Champions Cup, where he scored 230 runs at an average of 76.66 and a strike rate of almost 99. He believes that Azam’s ability to absorb pressure and change gears in that tournament will benefit him in Tests.

Masood also dismissed any concerns about a lack of unity within the team. He stated that the players are putting in effort and that he has no complaints.

“Every captain has their own style,” Masood said. “I focus on keeping the environment in the dressing room well; that is my primary concern. I have never seen a lack of unity or effort by the boys.”

Pakistan’s Test record at home has been poor in recent times, with their last win dating back to February 2021. They are under pressure to perform well against England, especially after their series loss to Bangladesh.

The Pakistan squad for the first Test against England includes:

* Shan Masood (c)
* Saud Shakeel (vc)
* Aamir Jamal
* Abdullah Shafique
* Abrar Ahmed
* Babar Azam
* Mir Hamza
* Mohammad Huraira
* Mohammad Rizwan
* Naseem Shah
* Noman Ali
* Saim Ayub
* Salman Ali Agha
* Sarfaraz Ahmed
* Shaheen Shah Afridi

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Pakistan Test Coach Gillespie Focuses on Fair Chances, but Warns of Changes

Pakistan Test Coach Gillespie Focuses on Fair Chances, but Warns of Changes

By September 28, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Test team head coach, Jason Gillespie, has emphasized his commitment to providing players with ample opportunities to prove their worth in the traditional format. However, he has also made it clear that this support will not be indefinite.

“If performances are not at the required level over a prolonged period, we may consider making changes,” Gillespie stated in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

For the upcoming first Test against England, Pakistan has retained the same squad that suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh at home. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali has been added as a second specialist spinner, joining leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.

Gillespie expressed confidence in his players’ understanding of his selection philosophy. “We want to back and support players,” he said.

Pakistan enters the three-Test series against England with a dismal home record, having lost six of their last ten matches and drawn the remaining four. Their poor performance includes a 3-0 whitewash by England in 2022, with one of those defeats occurring in Multan, which will host back-to-back Test matches starting on October 7.

Gillespie’s tenure as head coach began with a disappointing series against Bangladesh, who dominated Pakistan in both Tests held in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan’s batting lineup has been struggling, particularly star batter Babar Azam, who has only managed a top score of 41 in his last 16 Test innings. Despite this, Shan Masood has been retained as captain for the first Test against England, even though he has lost five straight Test matches since his elevation to captain last year.

“A lot of people are writing us off (against England), and that’s OK, that’s fine,” Gillespie said. “It will only motivate our boys a little bit more. We’ll go out and do our jobs as best we can, and hopefully, the results will take care of themselves.”

Gillespie acknowledged England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, which has seen them scoring runs at a rapid pace against various bowling attacks. “We’ve seen them evolve their game … (but) we will play our way, striving to be a consistent and disciplined team that hangs in there and strikes at the right moment to drive the game forward and exploit gaps,” he said.

In the second Test against Bangladesh, Pakistan failed to capitalize on an advantageous position when they allowed the visitors to recover from a precarious 26 for 6 and eventually lost the match by seven wickets. Gillespie emphasized the need for Pakistan to maintain their advantage once they gain it.

“Once you gain the advantage, you have to find a way to maintain it and not let the opposition back into the game,” he said. “We must shut that door and stay well ahead.”

Kamran Ghulam, top scorer in Pakistan’s domestic cricket, was not picked for the first Test, and fast bowler Mohammad Ali was dropped from the squad. “Look, all players are disappointed when they miss out. I’d be surprised if they weren’t,” Gillespie said. “I’m relatively new to this role and I’ve only been involved in two Test matches. That’s not a big enough sample size to make long-term decisions on players. I’d rather show my support and backing for them at this stage.”

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