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Home / Tagged "PakistanCricket" (Page 9)

Tag: PakistanCricket

Babar Azam Resigns as Pakistan White-Ball Captain for Second Time

Babar Azam Resigns as Pakistan White-Ball Captain for Second Time

By October 2, 2024 0

Babar Azam, the prolific Pakistani batsman, has relinquished his captaincy of the national white-ball teams for the second time in less than a year. In a heartfelt statement, Babar cited the need to prioritize his batting and reduce his workload as the primary reasons for his decision.

Babar’s first stint as captain, which began in 2019, was marked by several notable achievements. Under his leadership, Pakistan secured multi-format series victories over South Africa, an ODI series triumph against Australia, and reached the semi-finals and final of two consecutive T20 World Cups.

However, his second stint as captain, which commenced in April 2023, proved to be less successful. Pakistan managed to win only six out of 13 T20Is during this period, including a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign where they were eliminated in the first round after defeats to the USA and India.

In his resignation statement, Babar expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his tenure as captain. He emphasized that the decision to step down was made in the best interests of his personal growth and the team’s performance.

“It’s been an honor to lead this team, but it’s time for me to step down and focus on my playing role,” Babar said. “Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it’s added a significant workload. By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game and personal growth.”

Babar’s resignation has left a void in Pakistan’s white-ball leadership. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to announce a replacement, but the team’s next assignment is a tour of Australia in March, where they will play three T20Is and three ODIs.

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Pakistan Captain Masood Stresses Unity, Consistency Amidst Challenges

Pakistan Captain Masood Stresses Unity, Consistency Amidst Challenges

By October 1, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has emphasized the importance of unity and consistency within the team. Despite a challenging start to his tenure, Masood believes that the players are committed and deserve more time to prove their worth.

Masood has faced criticism for Pakistan’s recent performances, including a 3-0 series defeat in Australia and a home series loss to Bangladesh. However, he remains confident in the team’s ability to improve.

“I have never seen a lack of unity or effort by the boys,” Masood said. “There are some cricketing aspects to how we need to improve, but I have no complaints regarding unity.”

Masood has also backed Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter, to regain his form. “Babar Azam is among the world’s best batters,” Masood said. “You have to give your players time, not just Babar Azam.”

Masood believes that players in the longer formats deserve more opportunities to prove themselves. “We have to give players a consistent chance,” he said. “We want to consistently back our players, and whoever comes in shouldn’t feel their spot is under threat from the first day.”

Masood also defended Abdullah Shafique, who has struggled in recent matches. “When I was out of the team for two years, I averaged over 60 in List A cricket, but Imam [ul-Haq-] and Fakhar [Zaman] were consistently performing,” Masood said. “I didn’t complain that I wasn’t being selected, because I understood the level of competition was high.”

Masood highlighted the impressive form of Mohammad Hasnain in the One-Day Cup. “Hasnain was bowling really well and [was] a personal standout for me,” Masood said. “We should appreciate the skill of fast bowling in Test cricket. It’s the hardest skill and you need to be super fit to execute it.”

Masood emphasized the importance of managing fast bowlers’ workloads to prevent injuries. “Fast bowling exerts a huge amount of stress on the body,” Masood said. “So we’ve set certain standards and protocols so our fast bowlers are the fittest players in our team.”

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PCB Media Manager Defends Shan Masood from Disrespectful Question

PCB Media Manager Defends Shan Masood from Disrespectful Question

By October 1, 2024 0

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood faced an inappropriate question from a journalist during a press conference, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) media manager to intervene. The incident highlights the intense scrutiny and criticism faced by the Pakistan team, particularly after their recent 2-0 Test series loss at home to Bangladesh.

The journalist’s question, which called for “self-reflection” from Masood, was deemed disrespectful by PCB media manager Sami ul Hasan. Hasan firmly warned the journalist, stating, “One final request – in a humble manner – Pakistan’s captain is sitting here. You can definitely ask questions, but please show respect.”

Hasan singled out the journalist, Javed Iqbal, and added, “That’s not the appropriate way of asking a Pakistan captain the question that you asked.”

The incident occurred as Pakistan prepares for an upcoming home series against England. The team has been struggling for form, having not won a Test match at home since March 2022. They have lost home Test series to Australia, England, and Bangladesh during that period.

Masood took over the Test captaincy in November 2023 after Babar Azam’s resignation. Under his leadership, Pakistan has been whitewashed 3-0 in Australia and 2-0 at home by Bangladesh, winning only one series in Sri Lanka.

The PCB’s intervention in the press conference highlights the importance of respecting players and officials, even during challenging times. The incident also serves as a reminder of the intense pressure faced by the Pakistan team, who are eager to regain their winning ways.

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Match-Fixing Haunts Pakistan Cricket, Says Former Player

Match-Fixing Haunts Pakistan Cricket, Says Former Player

By October 1, 2024 0

Match-Fixing Haunts Pakistan Cricket, Says Former Player Mudassar Nazar

Former Pakistan cricketer Mudassar Nazar has shed light on the dark cloud of match-fixing that has plagued the team, particularly in the 1990s. Nazar believes that the fear of losing to India and the subsequent accusations of match-fixing created an immense pressure on the Pakistani players.

“In the 90s, Pakistan’s team was as talented as Australia,” said Nazar. “But there was a fear factor of losing, and I’m going to be a little controversial here. The controversy is behind match-fixing.”

Nazar explained that the Pakistani public was unwilling to accept that their team could lose to a better opponent. This led to a culture of suspicion and accusations, which weighed heavily on the players.

“Nobody was prepared to accept that they actually lost to a better team,” said Nazar. “So, at some stage in the early 90s, I was part of that team which was fearful of losing the game, and that was entirely due to match-fixing or fear of people believing the match was fixed.”

The match-fixing saga has had a lasting impact on Pakistan cricket, according to Nazar. The team’s performances have declined across all formats in recent years, and Nazar believes that the pressure and suspicion created by match-fixing has played a role.

“Unfortunately, the match-fixing saga took its toll on Pakistan team,” said Nazar.

Nazar also discussed the intense rivalry between Pakistan and India, which added to the pressure on the players.

“No Pakistani, no Indian, would want to lose this game,” said Nazar. “That wasn’t the case with the cricket, but with the general public probably.”

Nazar believes that the use of psychologists to cope with the pressure of match-fixing has not been effective.

“I have never seen a psychologist win a cricket match,” said Nazar. “A lot of the teams have employed psychologists all over the world. But it has never worked.”

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Shan Masood Defends Pakistan Selection, Compares Shafique to Kohli

Shan Masood Defends Pakistan Selection, Compares Shafique to Kohli

By October 1, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has defended his team’s selection and performance, particularly in light of comparisons between Abdullah Shafique and Indian batting legend Virat Kohli.

Masood faced a barrage of questions at a press conference on Monday, where he was grilled about his captaincy and the selection of underperforming players. Despite retaining Masood as captain for the upcoming home series against England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and selectors have faced criticism, leading to the resignation of selector Mohammad Yousuf.

Addressing the media, Masood acknowledged Pakistan’s poor performance in 2024 but emphasized the need for objectivity in assessing the team. He pointed out that Shafique’s statistics in his first 19 Tests are superior to Kohli’s at the same stage of his career.

“I don’t think your question is accurate,” Masood said in response to a query about inconsistent players. “I agree that Pakistan hasn’t played good cricket in 2024, but we shouldn’t mix and compare Tests with T20Is.”

Masood’s comparison of Shafique’s record to Kohli’s drew attention, although Shafique has played four more innings than Kohli did in his first 19 Tests.

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Pakistan Test Captain Shan Masood Remains Optimistic Despite Home Defeats

Pakistan Test Captain Shan Masood Remains Optimistic Despite Home Defeats

By September 30, 2024 0

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has expressed his disappointment over the team’s recent home defeats to Bangladesh but remains optimistic about their upcoming three-match series against England in October. Masood emphasized the importance of the England series for both Pakistan cricket and the players themselves.

“The series is crucial for us to regain the confidence of our fans and supporters of Pakistan cricket,” Masood said. “It is frustrating the way we have performed in recent times, but our preparations for the England tests are on track.”

Pakistan suffered a shock 0-2 series loss to Bangladesh at home last month, a result that Masood described as “very disappointing.” However, he stressed the need for continuity and security for the players.

“We are at a critical juncture as a team and we have to remain optimistic,” Masood said. “The losses hurt, but it’s important to support the team, especially during tough times.”

Masood emphasized that building a strong Test team takes time and requires backing players. “It’s easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must support our players,” he said.

The Pakistan captain noted that the team has reflected on recent performances and recognized the need for top fitness and mental readiness, especially with the Champions Trophy approaching.

“We have to be mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead,” Masood said. “We have to be ready to fight and give our best on the field.”

Masood acknowledged that England would be a formidable opponent, having won in Pakistan two years ago and being familiar with the conditions.

“England is a strong team and they will be a tough challenge,” Masood said. “But we are confident in our abilities and we are determined to give them a good fight.”

Regarding his own form, Shan expressed frustration at leading the team through defeats, stating that as captain, he always wants to contribute on the field.

“Accountability is for everyone in the Pakistan team,” he added.

Masood also said that selectors had announced the squad only for the first Test, as some players were returning from injuries and would be assessed during the match in Multan, starting October 7.

“For now, we’ve built the squad for one Test, considering the players’ fitness levels,” he explained. “Meanwhile, If required, Zahid Mahmood would be brought into the squad.”

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PCB Issues Ultimatum to Players: Improve Fitness or Lose Contracts

PCB Issues Ultimatum to Players: Improve Fitness or Lose Contracts

By September 30, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a stern warning to several centrally contracted players, demanding significant improvements in their fitness levels. The ultimatum comes after a series of fitness tests conducted earlier this month, where some players failed to meet the required benchmarks.

The PCB’s fitness trainer and physiotherapist will conduct another round of fitness assessments on Monday in Lahore. Players who fail to meet the standards risk losing their central contracts. “The players with central and domestic contracts have been told in clear terms that there will be no compromise on fitness,” a board official stated.

The warning stems from concerns raised by foreign head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, who have emphasized the importance of fitness in international cricket. The tests assess stamina, endurance, muscle strength, and other crucial factors.

The PCB has delayed the announcement of the list of players eligible for central contracts for the 2024/2025 period, which typically runs from July to July. Last year, the announcement was postponed until September due to changes in board leadership.

This year, the board is expected to reduce the number of players receiving central contracts from the current 27. The new coaches are also placing a strong emphasis on performance and behavioral evaluations.

The official revealed that players who struggled in the previous fitness tests have been given two months to improve. The upcoming tests on Monday will determine their progress.

The Pakistan team has faced criticism in the past for its fitness standards compared to other international teams. After the World Cup in India last year, team director Muhammad Hafeez and former captain Misbah ul Haq alleged that former head coach Mickey Arthur and captain Babar Azam had instructed the trainer to ease up on fitness demands, allowing players to focus on performance.

The PCB’s latest move signals a shift in approach, prioritizing fitness as a non-negotiable requirement for players representing Pakistan.

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Iftikhar Ahmed Blasts Media for Hyping Young Talent

Iftikhar Ahmed Blasts Media for Hyping Young Talent

By September 30, 2024 0

Pakistan cricket has been embroiled in turmoil following the resignation of national selector Mohammad Yousuf. The team’s dismal performance in the T20 World Cup and the PCB’s alleged neglect of domestic performers have sparked widespread criticism.

The fallout from these issues was evident in the press conference of Iftikhar Ahmed, captain of the Markhors team in the Champions Cup. Visibly upset after his team’s defeat, Iftikhar lashed out at a reporter’s question about emerging young talent.

“What has the media observed?” he retorted. “Don’t hype someone after just one innings. Let them perform in domestic cricket for 2-3 seasons before talking about their prospects for Pakistan.”

Iftikhar’s outburst highlights the growing frustration among players and fans over the PCB’s handling of young talent. Former players like Ahmed Shehzad have repeatedly criticized the board for favoring inconsistent performers over promising youngsters.

However, Iftikhar emphasized that youngsters should earn their place in the national team through consistent performances in domestic cricket. “Let a player succeed in all formats in domestic cricket before talking about him,” he said.

Iftikhar also blamed the media for contributing to the negative atmosphere surrounding Pakistan cricket. “You guys hype someone after one innings and then bring them down to earth,” he said.

The PCB’s decision to overlook domestic performers has raised questions about its commitment to developing the next generation of cricketers. The resignation of Yousuf, a respected former player, further underscores the challenges facing Pakistan cricket.

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Shaheen Afridi Dismisses Workload Concerns, Cites Legendary Bowlers

Shaheen Afridi Dismisses Workload Concerns, Cites Legendary Bowlers

By September 29, 2024 0

Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has dismissed concerns about his workload, stating that legendary bowlers like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis bowled significantly more in their time. Afridi’s comments come after head coach Gary Kirsten expressed concerns about the potential impact of Afridi’s heavy workload across formats.

“If I’m said to have bowled the most in the world, that’s three times more, but in the past, our legends like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis bowled much more,” Afridi said. “I don’t understand why workload has become such a big issue in the past year.”

Afridi emphasized the importance of mental and physical fitness for cricketers. “It depends on the individual how they approach each format,” he said. “You need to be mentally strong and fit. If you’re lazy, you won’t perform. Your body will tell you when you’re not performing well. That’s when you need support from management and loved ones.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has denied reports that Babar Azam will continue to lead the team in white-ball cricket until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. “The reports about Babar Azam leading Pakistan in white-ball cricket until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are false,” Shehzad said.

In September, speculation about a change in Pakistan’s captaincy emerged, with Mohammad Rizwan tipped as Babar’s successor in limited-overs formats. However, recent developments suggest that Babar may retain the white-ball captaincy.

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Mohammad Yousuf Resigns from Pakistan Selection Committee

Mohammad Yousuf Resigns from Pakistan Selection Committee

By September 29, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Selection Committee Undergoes Further Restructuring as Mohammad Yousuf Resigns

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the resignation of Mohammad Yousuf from its restructured selection committee. Yousuf, a former Pakistan captain and batting legend, was one of the five remaining voting members on the committee.

In a statement on social media, Yousuf cited “personal reasons” for his decision to step down. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Pakistan team and wished them well in their future endeavors.

The PCB thanked Yousuf for his contributions and stated that he had “voluntarily stepped down…to focus on other key responsibilities within the cricket board.” Yousuf remains a batting coach at the PCB’s National High Performance Centre.

Yousuf’s departure follows a period of volatility within Pakistan’s selection setup. Wahab Riaz was appointed chief selector late last year but was sacked along with Abdul Razzaq after Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup in June.

The current selection committee, which has no chief selector, now consists of the captains and coaches of the national team, as well as Asad Shafiq and Yousuf. With Yousuf’s resignation, Shafiq is the only voting member outside of the captains and coaches remaining on the committee.

The committee’s next task will be to announce the squad for the remainder of Pakistan’s Test series against England. The first Test of the series will begin on October 7 in Multan.

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