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.

Sachin Tendulkar: Pakistan's Kryptonite in the 1990s

Sachin Tendulkar: Pakistan’s Kryptonite in the 1990s

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, was a formidable force on the cricket field. His presence alone instilled fear in opposing teams, particularly Pakistan. During the 1990s, Pakistan’s strategy revolved around dismissing Tendulkar as the key to victory.

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali recalled the aura surrounding Tendulkar in the Pakistan dressing room. “Our captain, Wasim Akram, would emphasize everywhere that dismissing Sachin was paramount to winning the match,” Ali said. “As soon as Sachin got out, Pakistan would often emerge victorious.”

Tendulkar’s dominance against Pakistan was evident in both Test and ODI formats. In 18 Test matches, he amassed 1057 runs at an average of 42.28, including two centuries and a highest score of 194 not out. In 69 ODIs, he accumulated 2526 runs at an average of 40.09 and a strike rate of 87.49, with five centuries and a highest score of 141.

Tendulkar’s match-winning knock against Pakistan in the 2003 ODI World Cup clash at Centurion remains etched in the minds of cricket fans. His 98-run innings played a pivotal role in India’s victory.

The Indian batting team heavily relied on Tendulkar’s brilliance during the 1990s. His wicket often determined the outcome of matches. Pakistan’s fear of Tendulkar was a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he had on the game.

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.

PCB Prioritizes Exposure for Backup Players with International Matches

PCB Prioritizes Exposure for Backup Players with International Matches

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has embarked on a mission to enhance the exposure of its backup players through a series of international matches for its national A and junior teams. This initiative follows the lead of other leading cricket nations and aims to provide a pathway for talented players to gain valuable experience against international opposition.

The PCB has announced that the Pakistan Shaheens will engage in a return series of four-day and one-day matches against Bangladesh A in August. Additionally, Sri Lanka A will tour Pakistan in November for a five-match series.

“The objective is to revitalize pathway cricket projects so that our backup talent consistently receives exposure to international cricket against teams other than domestic opponents,” stated a PCB official.

The Pakistan Shaheens will face Bangladesh A in two four-day matches in August, followed by three 50-over fixtures. Notably, the Bangladesh national team will also be in Pakistan during August for two ICC World Test Championship matches.

In November, Sri Lanka A will visit Pakistan for five matches against the Pakistan Shaheens. The four-day matches will be played from November 11-14 and November 18-21, while the 50-over clashes will take place on November 25, 27, and 29. Venues will be announced in due course.

The Pakistan Emerging team will defend its ACC Cup title in October, while the Pakistan U-19 team will participate in a U-19 50-over Tri-Nation Tournament and ACC Asia Cup U-19 in November/December.

According to sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of arranging matches against other teams for the Pakistan A and junior outfits following the disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup.

“During meetings with Pakistan team coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillispie, as well as the national selectors, it was unanimously agreed that Pakistan’s backup talent requires regular games, similar to other teams like India, England, and Australia,” a source said.

The Pakistan Shaheens are currently in Darwin for two four-day games against Bangladesh A, having won the opening match on Monday. They will also play white-ball matches.

Afghanistan Pledges Participation in ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan

Afghanistan Pledges Participation in ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received a major boost in its bid to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, with Afghanistan pledging its participation in the tournament. This assurance was given by Mirwais Ashraf, the president of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), and Naseeb Khan, the CEO, during the ICC Annual Board Meeting in Colombo.

The PCB has been working tirelessly to secure the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, which will be the first major ICC event to be held in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. However, there were concerns that some countries might follow India’s lead if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided not to send its team to Pakistan.

Khalid Mehmood, a former PCB chairman, had recently stated that if India didn’t send its team to Pakistan, one could expect teams like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to follow suit and insist on shifting the tournament to an alternative location.

However, the ACB officials’ assurances to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi have allayed those fears. Afghanistan’s participation in the Champions Trophy is a significant development, as it shows that the country is willing to support Pakistan’s efforts to host the tournament.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan during February and March 2025. It will be the first time that the tournament has been held in Pakistan since 2008.

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.

Afghan Fan Misbehaves with Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi in Dublin

Afghan Fan Misbehaves with Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi in Dublin

Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi Faces Misbehavior from Afghan Fan in Dublin

During Pakistan’s second T20I match against Ireland in Dublin, an Afghan fan reportedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. The incident occurred as Afridi made his way from the dressing room to the field.

Initially, Afridi ignored the fan’s foul language. However, when the fan persisted, Afridi alerted security personnel. The security team swiftly intervened and removed the fan from the ground.

The incident marred an otherwise successful outing for Pakistan. Babar Azam’s team chased down Ireland’s competitive total of 193/7 with ease, thanks to a 140-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan (75*) and Fakhar Zaman (78). The victory marked a record-breaking 45th T20I triumph for Babar Azam as captain.

Afridi also achieved a significant milestone during the match, reaching 300 wickets in international cricket. He dismissed Ireland captain Paul Stirling to reach the landmark. Overall, he finished the game with figures of 3/40 in his four-over spell.

Despite Babar Azam’s early dismissal, Rizwan and Fakhar took control of the chase. Fakhar showcased his power-hitting abilities with six sixes, while Rizwan provided steady support. The pair put up 140 runs in quick succession, effectively ending Ireland’s hopes.

Fakhar’s dismissal in the 15th over gave Ireland a glimmer of hope, but Azam Khan’s unbeaten 30 from just 10 deliveries guided Pakistan home. The seven-wicket win leveled the series 1-1.

The series will be decided in the third and final game, which will be played in Dublin on Tuesday.

Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan Bowlers for Leaking Runs Against Ireland

Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan Bowlers for Leaking Runs Against Ireland

Pakistan’s former cricket board chairman, Ramiz Raja, has expressed his disappointment with the performance of the team’s bowlers in the second T20I against Ireland. Despite Pakistan’s comprehensive victory, Raja criticized the bowlers for conceding 162 runs in the first innings.

Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Abbas Afridi combined to give away runs at a hefty economy rate, with Shaheen and Amir proving particularly costly. Shaheen conceded 49 runs in his four-over spell, while Amir gave away 44 runs.

Raja believes that Pakistan’s bowlers have been struggling since last year’s World Cup in India. He pointed out that the team’s success has been built on the strength of its pacers, but they have been inconsistent in recent times.

“Pakistan’s top bowlers giving away so many runs against Ireland, then it will become hard for the team in future,” Raja said. “Pakistan’s forte, and success are based on the bowlers, especially pacers, they have been struggling since last year’s World Cup in India. Two balls are good and then three deliveries are bad, this makes the situation tough.”

Pakistan’s decision to bowl first backfired as Ireland posted a competitive total of 193/7. Lorcan Tucker led the charge with 51 runs, while Harry Tector and Curtis Campher provided valuable support.

In reply, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman laid the foundation for Pakistan’s chase with half-centuries. Azam Khan then sealed the victory with three consecutive sixes.

The series is now level at 1-1, with the third and deciding match scheduled for Tuesday at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.

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.

Rizwan's Kohli Admiration Warms Hearts After Pakistan's T20I Win

Rizwan’s Kohli Admiration Warms Hearts After Pakistan’s T20I Win

Pakistan’s thrilling victory over Ireland in the second T20I leveled the three-match series at 1-1, but it was match-winner Mohammad Rizwan’s heartfelt acknowledgment of Virat Kohli that stole the hearts of the Indian batting legend’s fans.

Rizwan, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s comeback win, praised Kohli’s influence on Pakistani batsmen. “We have learnt a lot of things from Virat Kohli; I respect him,” said Rizwan, who is one of only two batters to average above 50 in T20Is.

Pakistan’s run-chase got off to a shaky start, but Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman launched a counter-attack, adding 140 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan’s unbeaten 75 off 46 balls and Zaman’s 78 off 40 balls powered Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory.

Rizwan’s admiration for Kohli highlights the respect and camaraderie that exists between the two cricketing nations. Kohli, who averages 51.75 in T20Is, has been a role model for many young batsmen, including Rizwan.

The T20 World Cup is just around the corner, and both India and Pakistan are in the same group. Their highly anticipated clash on June 9 in New York is sure to be a thrilling encounter.

Pakistan will play a decisive third T20I against Ireland on May 14 before heading to England for four T20Is. They will then fly to the US for the T20 World Cup, where they will face their arch-rivals India in a match that promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.

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