Pakistan Drops Top Quartet for Remaining Tests Against England

Pakistan Drops Top Quartet for Remaining Tests Against England

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a bold decision to rest four of its top players for the remaining two Test matches against England. The move, which includes dropping captain Babar Azam, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, and pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, has raised eyebrows in the cricket world.

The PCB has defended the decision, stating that it is in the best interests of the team. A PCB spokesperson said that the players were “spared from the team to give them rest so that they can come back afresh.”

The decision comes after Pakistan suffered a humiliating innings and 47-run defeat in the first Test at Rawalpindi. The team’s performance was widely criticized, with many calling for changes to the playing XI.

The PCB has also announced a new selection committee, which will be responsible for selecting the team for the remaining two Tests. The new committee includes former players Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, Azhar Ali, and Hassan Cheema.

The four players who have been dropped have been replaced by younger players, including Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, and Kamran Ghulam. These players have limited experience at the international level, but the PCB believes that they have the potential to succeed.

The PCB’s decision to rest its top players is a gamble. However, it is a gamble that the board believes is necessary to ensure the long-term success of the team.

Sarfaraz Ahmed Sledges Babar Azam, Rizwan Emerges as Captaincy Contender

Sarfaraz Ahmed Sledges Babar Azam, Rizwan Emerges as Captaincy Contender

Babar Azam’s immense popularity among Pakistani cricket fans is undeniable. However, during a recent Champions Cup 2024 match between Stallions and Dolphins, former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed engaged in some light-hearted sledging directed at Babar.

As Babar walked out to bat after his team won the toss and elected to bat first, Sarfaraz, who was mentoring the Dolphins franchise, couldn’t resist a playful dig. “No hurry, no hurry. Tell them to keep chanting ‘Babar, Babar.’ Let Babar play 40 overs and we’ll get the others out,” Sarfaraz quipped, his comments captured by the stump microphone.

Despite the playful banter, Babar remained unfazed and went on to score his first century in the competition. The Pakistan T20I captain reached the triple-figure mark in 99 balls, finishing on 104 off 100 deliveries with seven boundaries and three sixes.

However, Babar’s tenure as white-ball captain may be nearing its end. Recent reports have suggested that Mohammad Rizwan is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Babar as skipper. This news has sparked mixed reactions from fans and former Pakistan cricketers.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his support for Rizwan to take over the captaincy. “The way Rizwan led the side, he proved there is no better skipper than him. He has shown it with his captaincy. He read the pitch; it is a big thing. Even Babar can’t do that,” Ali said on his YouTube channel.

Whether Babar will continue as captain or Rizwan will take over remains to be seen. However, one thing is for sure: the competition for the captaincy is heating up, and it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds in the coming months.

Babar Azam Silences Sarfaraz Ahmed's Taunts with Champions Cup Century

Babar Azam Silences Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Taunts with Champions Cup Century

Babar Azam Silences Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Taunts with Century in Champions Cup

In a thrilling Champions Cup encounter in Faisalabad, Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam silenced his detractors with a magnificent century, proving that he remains a force to be reckoned with.

The match took an unexpected turn when Dolphins wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed attempted to unsettle Babar with sarcastic remarks. “No hurry, tell spectators to chant Babar, Babar. Let Babar play 40 overs and we will get others out,” Sarfaraz was heard saying on the stump microphone.

However, Babar responded in the best possible way, showcasing his class and composure. Coming in to bat at No. 3 for the Stallions, he played a masterful innings, scoring 104 not out off 100 balls. His knock included seven boundaries and three towering sixes, guiding the Stallions to a competitive 271 for 7 in 50 overs.

In response, the Dolphins’ batting lineup crumbled under pressure, crashing to a dismal 97 all out in just 25 overs. Sarfaraz, who had tried to provoke Babar, managed only five runs before being dismissed.

Jahandad Khan and Mehran Mumtaz were the stars with the ball for the Stallions, claiming three wickets each. Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed also chipped in with two wickets apiece, ensuring a comprehensive 174-run victory for their team.

Babar’s century was a timely reminder of his exceptional talent and resilience. Despite facing criticism for his recent form, he proved that he is still capable of dominating the game. His innings not only silenced his critics but also inspired his team to a resounding victory.

PCB Appoints Mentors for Champions Cup, Aiming to Bridge Domestic-International Gap

PCB Appoints Mentors for Champions Cup, Aiming to Bridge Domestic-International Gap

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed five mentors for the upcoming Champions Cup, a series of domestic tournaments aimed at bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket. The mentors, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Malik, will provide guidance and support to the players, helping them develop their skills and prepare for the rigors of international cricket.

Misbah-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain and coach, believes that the key to success lies in maximizing a player’s potential. He emphasizes the importance of assessing a player’s fitness, technical abilities, and potential without preconceived notions. By doing so, the mentors can identify the specific roles that each player can fulfill within the team.

The mentors’ vision is to reduce the gap between domestic and international cricket. They aim to prepare players to adjust to the higher level of competition and performance required at the international stage. This requires hard work and dedication from both the mentors and the players.

The mentor roles have come under scrutiny due to the high salaries involved. Each mentor is reportedly earning around PKR 5 million (approx. USD 18,000) per month on three-year contracts. These salaries have raised eyebrows, as they exceed the earnings of all but the most elite Pakistani cricketers.

The PCB has not yet announced a tangible commercial inflow for the Champions Cup or a broadcaster. It has advertised for team partners/sponsors but has not disclosed any agreements. The total cost of the mentor salaries alone is estimated to be half of the PCB’s entire broadcast deal for bilateral international cricket at home over the next 30 months.

Despite the concerns, the PCB maintains that the investment in mentors is necessary to improve Pakistan cricket. The organization believes that the mentors’ expertise and guidance will help develop a stronger and more competitive national team.

PCB Appoints Legendary Mentors for Champions Cup Domestic Tournament

PCB Appoints Legendary Mentors for Champions Cup Domestic Tournament

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed five legendary cricketers as mentors for teams participating in the Champions Cup domestic tournament. Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Waqar Younis will guide the teams for the next three years.

The appointment of these mentors is part of the PCB’s efforts to enhance the quality of domestic cricket and provide guidance to young players. The mentors will share their vast experience and expertise with the teams, helping them develop their skills and strategies.

Waqar Younis, a former Pakistan captain and coach, recently served as the PCB’s advisor on cricket affairs. Saqlain Mushtaq, a former head coach of the national team, is renowned for his innovative bowling techniques. Misbah-ul-Haq, another former Pakistan captain, has also had coaching stints with the national team.

The mentors’ first assignment will be the Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to be held in Faisalabad from September 12-29. The PCB has made it mandatory for all top players to participate in this 50-overs competition.

The PCB believes that the appointment of these mentors will significantly contribute to the development of domestic cricket in Pakistan. The mentors will provide valuable insights and guidance to the players, helping them reach their full potential.

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