Babar Azam's Test Captaincy Return Demanded by Fans Amidst Pakistan's Struggles

Babar Azam’s Test Captaincy Return Demanded by Fans Amidst Pakistan’s Struggles

Babar Azam’s Return to Test Captaincy Demanded by Fans Amidst Pakistan’s Struggles

Babar Azam, the star Pakistani batter, has emerged as the popular choice among fans to reclaim his former role as Test captain, despite not currently holding the position. During the third day of the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, a video captured the crowd’s fervent support for Babar’s return to leadership.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, showcases the spectators’ unwavering admiration for the talented batsman. The stump microphone clearly recorded the crowd’s chant, which reverberated through the stadium: “Humara Kaptaan Kaisa Ho? Babar Azam Jaisa Ho.”

Babar’s decision to step down as Pakistan’s captain across all formats came after a disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup held in India last year. Shaheen Afridi, who took over as the new skipper, faced challenges and was subsequently removed from the role. Babar was then reinstated as the leader of the Men in Green in the white-ball formats.

Meanwhile, Shan Masood remains the captain of Pakistan’s red-ball team but is yet to secure his maiden victory in the longest format of the game.

The match between Pakistan and Bangladesh witnessed a spirited fightback from the visitors, with four of their top seven batters scoring defiant fifties. Bangladesh reached 316-5 in response to Pakistan’s 448-6 declared.

Babar Azam’s potential return to Test captaincy has sparked discussions among fans and experts. Some believe that his experience and leadership qualities would benefit the team, while others argue that it may disrupt the current setup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet made any official announcement regarding Babar’s future as Test captain. However, the crowd’s enthusiastic support for his return is a clear indication of his popularity and the high regard in which he is held by Pakistani cricket fans.

Rizwan Scripts History, Ends Pakistan's 15-Year Wait for 150+ Test Score

Rizwan Scripts History, Ends Pakistan’s 15-Year Wait for 150+ Test Score

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history on Thursday, becoming the first wicketkeeper-batter from his nation to score 150 or more since Kamran Akmal in 2009. Rizwan’s unbeaten 171 against Sri Lanka in the ongoing first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium marked a significant milestone for Pakistan, ending a 15-year wait for such a feat.

Rizwan’s innings was a testament to his resilience and determination. After Pakistan lost three wickets for just 16 runs on Wednesday, Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steadied the ship with a 98-run partnership. Rizwan then went on to forge a mammoth 240-run stand with Shakeel, who also scored a brilliant 141.

Rizwan’s knock was a masterclass in batting. He played with patience and precision, accumulating runs steadily while also punishing loose deliveries. His innings included three towering sixes and 11 boundaries, showcasing his power and finesse.

Despite Rizwan’s heroics, Pakistan captain Shan Masood declared the innings at 448/6 late in the final session, denying Rizwan a double century. However, Rizwan’s contribution was pivotal in giving Pakistan a commanding position in the match.

Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan negotiated 12 overs of pace without any trouble, leaving Pakistan with work to do on Day 3. The Rawalpindi pitch has not provided much assistance to the bowlers so far, but Pakistan will hope that their bowlers can make inroads into the Bangladesh batting lineup.

Rizwan’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has established himself as one of the most consistent and reliable wicketkeeper-batters in the world, and his latest feat is a testament to his exceptional talent.

Pakistan Tightens Grip on Bangladesh in Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan Tightens Grip on Bangladesh in Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan’s dominance continued on Day 3 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, as the hosts tightened their grip on the match. Resuming at 27/0, Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan faced a relentless Pakistan bowling attack.

Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, kept the pressure on the Bangladesh batsmen. Islam fell for 23, caught behind off Afridi, while Hasan was dismissed for 30, trapped lbw by Shah.

With the openers back in the pavilion, Bangladesh’s middle order struggled to cope with Pakistan’s pace and spin. Mushfiqur Rahim (16) and Liton Das (14) were both dismissed cheaply, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 85/4.

Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a magnificent 171 in Pakistan’s first innings, continued to torment Bangladesh with his off-spin. He dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto (18) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (12), reducing Bangladesh to 123/6.

As the day progressed, Pakistan’s bowlers continued to chip away at Bangladesh’s batting lineup. Yasir Shah claimed the wickets of Nurul Hasan (16) and Khaled Ahmed (0), while Afridi returned to dismiss Taijul Islam (10).

At the close of play, Bangladesh were struggling at 169/9, still trailing Pakistan by 279 runs. Ebadot Hossain (10*) and Shoriful Islam (0*) were the only batsmen left at the crease.

Pakistan will be confident of wrapping up the match on Day 4 and securing a crucial victory in their quest for a Test series win on home soil. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need a miraculous effort to avoid defeat.

Shakeel and Rizwan Complete Rare All-Run Four in Pakistan's Dominant Partnership

Shakeel and Rizwan Complete Rare All-Run Four in Pakistan’s Dominant Partnership

In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan etched their names in the annals of Test cricket by completing an all-run four during the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. This rare feat, a testament to their exceptional agility and understanding, highlighted a dominant partnership that propelled Pakistan to a commanding position.

The incident unfolded in the 49th over of Pakistan’s innings. Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana unleashed a fiery delivery at 147.6 km/h, which Shakeel drove straight towards mid-off. Fielder Shoriful Islam managed to slow down the ball, but it still threatened to reach the boundary. However, it fell short, giving the batsmen ample time to complete four runs without the ball crossing the fence.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto gave chase from mid-on, but Shakeel and Rizwan had already seized the opportunity to run all four. This rare all-run four showcased the sharp running between the wickets and the clear communication between the two batters.

Shakeel, who remained unbeaten on 86 from 169 balls, and Rizwan, not out on 89 from 129 deliveries, played pivotal roles in resurrecting Pakistan’s innings after a shaky start. The hosts had been in trouble on the first day, losing three wickets for just 16 runs. However, a solid 98-run stand between Shakeel and Saim Ayub (56 off 98) for the fourth wicket laid the foundation for Pakistan’s fightback.

Their ongoing partnership for the fifth wicket has now surpassed 100 runs, putting Pakistan in a strong position as they look to build a substantial lead against Bangladesh. The all-run four, a rare and exhilarating moment, further cemented the dominance of Shakeel and Rizwan, who have emerged as key figures in Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Pakistan Stumbles in Rain-Delayed Test Opener Against Bangladesh

Pakistan Stumbles in Rain-Delayed Test Opener Against Bangladesh

Pakistan Faces Early Setback in Rain-Delayed Test Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s hopes of a strong start in the first Test against Bangladesh were dashed as they lost three crucial wickets in quick succession after being sent to bat first in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam proved to be the tormentor-in-chief, claiming the prized scalps of Pakistan captain Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam for a duck. Masood’s dismissal sparked controversy as he engaged in a heated discussion with the umpires, adamant that he had not edged the ball to the keeper. However, replays confirmed the umpire’s decision, leaving Masood visibly upset.

Shoriful’s delivery, pitched on a back of a length, generated a steep bounce, causing Masood to attempt a defensive push towards mid-off. Bangladeshi players appealed, and the umpire initially ruled in Masood’s favor. However, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain opted for a review, which proved successful as the ultra-edge technology revealed a clear deflection.

Pakistan’s batting woes continued as Azam, the world’s top-ranked batter, was dismissed for a duck in the following over. Shoriful again struck, this time with a delivery that swung away from Azam and clipped the outside edge of his bat.

The early wickets put Pakistan in a precarious position, with the team’s hopes resting on the shoulders of middle-order batters Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their early success and will look to capitalize on Pakistan’s fragile batting lineup.

The two-match series is part of the nine-team World Test Championship, with Pakistan currently sixth in the standings and Bangladesh eighth. Pakistan opted for an all-pace attack with four fast bowlers, while Bangladesh included three pacers and two spinners.

PCB Refutes Claims of Champions Trophy Stadium Delays

PCB Refutes Claims of Champions Trophy Stadium Delays

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed media reports claiming that the three stadiums scheduled to host the Champions Trophy next year will not be completed on time. The PCB has clarified that only domestic and bilateral Test matches may be affected by ongoing renovations.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the National Stadium in Karachi, and the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium are undergoing upgrades for the tournament, which will be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday and acknowledged that significant work remains to be done, as none of the stadiums currently meet international standards. However, he emphasized that the renovations will be completed in time for the Champions Trophy.

“It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi’s comments,” the PCB said in a statement. “The PCB Chair clearly stated that the redevelopment and redesign of the three designated stadiums would be completed on schedule, ensuring readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”

The PCB has also appointed UK-based architecture firm BDP Pattern to upgrade the stadium infrastructure for cricket.

Pakistan won the last Champions Trophy tournament, held in England in 2017, before it was discontinued due to a crowded schedule. The ICC has revived the tournament to ensure a major event is held every year.

The PCB’s commitment to hosting a successful Champions Trophy is evident in its efforts to ensure that the stadiums meet international standards. While some domestic matches may be relocated to facilitate construction work, the PCB has assured that the Champions Trophy remains a top priority.

Naseem Shah's Personal Struggle: Balancing Cricket and Father's Health

Naseem Shah’s Personal Struggle: Balancing Cricket and Father’s Health

Naseem Shah, the 21-year-old Pakistani speedster, has emerged as a rising star in the cricketing world. With 17 Tests, 14 ODIs, and 28 T20Is under his belt, Shah is widely regarded as the next big thing in Pakistan cricket. However, behind the scenes, Shah faces a personal challenge that weighs heavily on his mind.

Shah’s father, his biggest supporter, suffers from health issues. The pressure of playing cricket while knowing his father’s well-being is at stake takes a toll on Shah. Before every major match, he instructs his brothers to ensure that his father does not watch the game, fearing it could lead to further health complications.

“It’s like I’m playing two matches at once,” Shah said. “The pressure is immense.”

The India vs Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup 2024 proved to be a particularly difficult moment for Shah. Pakistan failed to chase down a modest target of 120, losing by six runs despite being in a strong position.

“There are a lot of emotions attached to such matches,” Shah said. “I didn’t expect the result to turn out the way it did. A lot of things flashed in front of me at that point… I felt the need to have someone who could talk positively to me.”

Despite not being targeted by fans or media, Shah was deeply disappointed by the loss. “I’m a person who wants to win,” he said. “I get disappointed even when I lose while playing at home or in my street. I play to win, and the World Cup exit pained me a lot.”

Shah is determined to win back the hearts of Pakistani fans with strong performances on the field. “People come up to me in restaurants and ask me why we lost,” he said. “I understand their sentiments. As a player, all I can do is listen to them.”

“There are times when you feel that you cannot put up with it anymore,” Shah added. “But, it also burns a desire for a comeback. We have an opportunity to win the hearts again by playing good cricket.”

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: A Test of Character and Resilience

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: A Test of Character and Resilience

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: A Test of Character and Resilience

Since their disappointing performance at the Asia Cup last year, Pakistan’s cricket team has faced a barrage of criticism. Reports of dressing room conflicts, questionable leadership decisions, and poor on-field results have left fans disillusioned.

As Pakistan prepares to face Bangladesh in the first of two Tests starting on Wednesday, the team is determined to turn the tide. This busy season, which includes nine Tests, provides an opportunity for Pakistan to put their recent struggles behind them.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood has emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive dressing room environment, believing it can have a significant impact on on-field performances. “The dressing room is a sacred place,” Masood said. “It’s where we come together as a team, share our thoughts and ideas, and support each other. When the dressing room is healthy, it shows on the field.”

Pakistan’s recent struggles have been well-documented. They lost the Asia Cup final to Sri Lanka, were whitewashed 3-0 in a Test series against England, and suffered a humiliating defeat to Zimbabwe in a T20I match.

However, Masood remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. “We have a talented group of players,” he said. “We just need to find our rhythm and start playing to our potential. I believe we can turn things around.”

Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their recent success. They defeated India in a Test series last year and drew a Test series against Sri Lanka.

The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams eager to prove their worth.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test Series: Babar Azam to Bat at No. 4

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test Series: Babar Azam to Bat at No. 4

Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to face off in a two-match Test series, with the first Test scheduled to begin on August 21, 2024, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The series marks Pakistan’s resumption of their World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, where they currently sit sixth in the standings.

For Pakistan, two wins in this series are crucial to improve their position in the WTC rankings. Star batter Babar Azam, who has been in exceptional form, will bat at number four in the series. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will enter the game after experiencing political turmoil in their country. They currently occupy eighth place in the WTC standings, having won only one match out of four so far.

The first Test match will commence at 10:30 AM IST on August 21st. Unfortunately, the match will not be live telecast in India. However, fans can follow the live streaming of the match on the official website of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Pakistan will be eager to start their WTC campaign on a positive note, while Bangladesh will be determined to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent. The series promises to be an exciting contest between two talented teams.

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.

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