Pakistan's Champions One-Day Cup Unveils Captains, Mentors

Pakistan’s Champions One-Day Cup Unveils Captains, Mentors

Pakistan’s domestic 50-over competition, the Champions One-Day Cup, has unveiled its captains and mentors, with each side led by a Pakistan international. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lions), Mohammad Rizwan (Wolves), Shadab Khan (Panthers), Saud Shakeel (Dolphins), and Mohammad Haris (Stallions) will lead their respective teams.

Haris’ appointment as Stallions captain, chosen by mentor Shoaib Malik, marks a significant return to favor with the PCB. After being left out of Pakistan’s World Cup squad and losing his place in the T20 side, Haris now captains a team that includes Babar Azam, Pakistan’s white-ball captain.

Unlike previous tournaments, the PCB has ensured maximum participation of its top players. With no international cricket coinciding with the competition, almost every fit centrally contracted player is taking part. Misbah-ul-Haq, mentor of the Wolves, emphasized that unfit players would be excluded.

All games will be played in Faisalabad from September 12-29, with playoffs instead of semi-finals. The tournament concludes eight days before the start of the first Test between Pakistan and England.

Each side has announced extended squad lists, which will be trimmed by September 10. The teams do not have affiliated city names but have historical links to previous domestic cup sides: Lahore for Lions, Karachi for Dolphins, Peshawar for Panthers, Faisalabad for Wolves, and Sialkot for Stallions.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is the only player-mentor, operating with the Dolphins. Misbah (Wolves), Malik (Stallions), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), and Waqar Younis (Lions) are the other mentors.

Former PCB Chairman Denies Player Groupings, Defends Captaincy Decisions

Former PCB Chairman Denies Player Groupings, Defends Captaincy Decisions

Zaka Ashraf, the former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, has vehemently denied allegations of player groupings and rifts within the national team during his tenure. Ashraf’s comments come amidst ongoing scrutiny of his decisions, particularly the appointment of Shaheen Shah Afridi as T20 captain and Shan Masood as Test captain after the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Ashraf maintains that there were no divisions between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi following his decision to appoint Afridi as T20 captain. “There were no differences between Babar Azam or Shaheen even after I decided to have the latter as the T20 captain,” Ashraf asserted.

He further claims that the team’s unity improved after Babar Azam was relieved of his captaincy duties. “No, the unity didn’t end (after removing Babar Azam as captain). In fact, the unity improved. When we told him to play as a player, which is his talent, but as a captain, his performance is not good, he agreed,” Ashraf explained.

However, Shaheen Afridi’s tenure as T20 captain was short-lived, as he was sacked after a single series in New Zealand. He was also dropped for the second Test against Bangladesh due to poor form. The PCB subsequently reinstated Babar Azam as T20 skipper.

Ashraf also defended his decision to appoint Shan Masood as Test captain and Muhammad Hafeez as team director. He described Hafeez as “a very honest man” and denied any player groupings. “The team was good. And, we brought Shan Masood as the captain. He was a very good captain. He is still a very good player. He is still a captain in England’s counties,” Ashraf said.

Regarding Shaheen Afridi’s appointment as T20 captain, Ashraf stated, “I made Shaheen Shah the captain of the T20I team. That was also a very good decision.”

Ashraf, who headed the interim cricket management committee from June to January, believes he made the right decision to bring in Hafeez as team director. “Mohammad Hafeez is an excellent cricketer and a very honest person, we brought him along. Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, and these players, we brought them along so that the coaching staff is with the team,” he added.

Pakistan Drops Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah for Second Test

Pakistan Drops Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah for Second Test

Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has defended the decision to bench star pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah for the second Test against Bangladesh. The move came after Pakistan suffered a series whitewash in Rawalpindi.

Masood acknowledged the need to explore other options and nurture young talent. “We’re trying to keep consistency with red-ball performances as well,” he said. “We can’t be harsh on [Shaheen and Naseem] because they’re playing all three formats.”

Head coach Jason Gillespie echoed Masood’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of developing a balanced team. “We want Shaheen Afridi to be at his very best for as much cricket as possible,” he said. “He’s an all-format player, and we have a pretty heavy schedule.”

Gillespie also highlighted Shaheen’s personal challenges, which may have affected his performance. “He had a pretty eventful time in his personal life as well,” he said.

Despite their disappointing T20 World Cup performances, Shaheen and Naseem have shown flashes of brilliance. However, their recent form has raised concerns. In the first Test against Bangladesh, they failed to make a significant impact.

Pakistan’s decision to drop the duo is a bold one, but it reflects the team’s commitment to building a sustainable future. By giving opportunities to younger players, Pakistan hopes to create a more well-rounded and resilient squad.

Amir Fumes at Wasim's Fielding, Gillespie Explains Afridi-Shah Exclusion

Amir Fumes at Wasim’s Fielding, Gillespie Explains Afridi-Shah Exclusion

Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir Fumes at Imad Wasim’s Lackluster Fielding in CPL

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir expressed his frustration during the Caribbean Super League after a lackluster fielding effort by his compatriot Imad Wasim. The incident occurred during a match between the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, where both Amir and Wasim play, and the Barbados Royals.

Amir bowled a short-pitched delivery to Quinton De Kock, who guided it towards the third-man boundary. Wasim, fielding at deep backward point, initially ran towards the ball but then eased up, allowing it to go for a four. Amir was visibly agitated and was heard shouting at Wasim to run. His fielding position was changed on the next ball.

The Royals ultimately emerged victorious, with De Kock scoring 87 runs off just 45 deliveries. The incident sparked criticism on social media, with many questioning Wasim’s commitment to the game.

Pakistan’s Test Coach Explains Exclusion of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Test head coach Jason Gillespie has revealed the reasons behind the exclusion of star pace duo Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is in a commanding position after Day 4, needing just 143 runs to complete a historic clean sweep. Despite a strong performance in the first innings, Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled against Bangladesh’s openers.

Gillespie explained that the team selection was based on an analysis of the pitch conditions. “We looked at conditions and what we thought was the best combination,” he said. “We had Bangladesh in a bit of trouble in the first innings, but we need to improve our line and length.”

Ahmed Shehzad Questions Pakistan's Decision to Drop Shaheen Afridi

Ahmed Shehzad Questions Pakistan’s Decision to Drop Shaheen Afridi

Pakistan’s decision to drop star pacer Shaheen Afridi for the second Test against Bangladesh has sparked controversy, with former batter Ahmed Shehzad questioning the team’s logic.

While acknowledging Afridi’s recent struggles, Shehzad argued that he cannot be solely blamed for Pakistan’s poor performances. He pointed out that the team has suffered defeats against Zimbabwe, Ireland, the USA, India, and now Bangladesh.

“Is Shaheen Afridi only responsible for all of this?” Shehzad asked in a video posted on social media. “Shaheen Afridi won’t be solely responsible for all of this. So, bring all those people who were involved in all of this. Tell this country.”

Shehzad also criticized the performances of other players, including Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, and Babar Azam. He emphasized that dropping Afridi alone will not solve Pakistan’s problems.

“There are some decisions that will have to be taken. And those people who are involved in all of this, whose performances are low, they will also have to be held accountable,” he said.

The first day of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh was washed out due to heavy rain. The toss could not even take place, leaving the match in limbo.

Pakistan’s decision to drop Afridi has raised questions about the team’s strategy and the future of its bowling attack. The team has struggled to find consistency in recent months, and the loss to Bangladesh has further highlighted their weaknesses.

Shaheen Afridi Released from Pakistan Test Squad for Family Reasons

Shaheen Afridi Released from Pakistan Test Squad for Family Reasons

Pakistan’s Test squad for the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh has undergone a significant change, with the release of left-arm fast-bowling spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. The decision was made to allow Afridi to spend time with his family following the birth of his son, Aliyaar, during the first Test.

Afridi’s absence from the 12-man squad is a blow to Pakistan’s hopes of leveling the two-match series. In the first Test, which Bangladesh won by ten wickets, Afridi claimed two wickets in the first innings but failed to take any in the second. His recent Test form has been inconsistent, with 16 wickets from five Tests at an average of 40.81 since the start of 2023.

To fill the void left by Afridi, Pakistan has included left-arm pacer Mir Hamza and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed in the squad. Hamza has played one Test for Pakistan, while Ahmed is yet to make his debut.

Pakistan must win the second Test to square the series and avoid a historic first Test series defeat to Bangladesh. However, rain is forecasted for days four and five, which could lead to a draw and hand Bangladesh the series victory.

Both teams are currently in the bottom half of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship standings, with Bangladesh at number seven and Pakistan at number eight. Pakistan has not won a home Test match since beating South Africa in December 2021.

Shaheen Afridi Dropped from Pakistan Test Team for Second Bangladesh Test

Shaheen Afridi Dropped from Pakistan Test Team for Second Bangladesh Test

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi has been omitted from the team for the second Test against Bangladesh, raising concerns about his form and effectiveness. Head coach Jason Gillespie confirmed that Afridi is “working on some things” to improve his bowling, hinting at a potential drop rather than a rest.

Afridi’s recent performances have been underwhelming, particularly in Test cricket. In Australia, he averaged over 41 in pace-friendly conditions, and in the first Test against Bangladesh, he took only two lower-order wickets for 96 runs. His pace, once consistently in the mid-140 kph range, has also declined since his injury last year.

Gillespie acknowledged that Afridi has been given feedback and is working with bowling coach Azhar Mahmood to address his technical issues. “We want to see Shaheen at his best because we’ve got a lot of cricket in all formats and Shaheen’s going to play a really big role in that,” Gillespie said.

While Afridi’s absence from the team is a significant blow, Pakistan has named a 12-man squad for the second Test, including legspinner Abrar Ahmed and fast bowler Mir Hamza. The inclusion of Abrar is likely, as Pakistan’s decision to field an all-pace attack in the first Test backfired.

Gillespie emphasized that the team’s selection is based on weather conditions in Rawalpindi, which have been unfavorable for the past three days. “We’re looking at what our best combination is this game,” Gillespie said. “We’ll look at conditions and decide what the best makeup of our bowling attack looks like.”

Pakistan must win the second Test to draw the series, after suffering their first-ever Test defeat to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. The team will be hoping to bounce back with a strong performance, but Afridi’s absence will be a major challenge.

Shaheen Afridi Welcomes First Child, Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude

Shaheen Afridi Welcomes First Child, Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude

Pakistan’s star pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has expressed his immense joy and gratitude after welcoming his first child, Aliyaar, with his wife Ansha Afridi. The couple’s hearts are filled with love and happiness as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

Shaheen took to social media to share his heartfelt emotions, expressing his deep appreciation for his wife’s unwavering support and the sacrifices she made during pregnancy. He acknowledged her as the backbone of their family, providing constant love and care.

The cricketer also extended his gratitude to his fans and well-wishers for their outpouring of love and prayers. He urged them to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this special time.

Shaheen, who is currently part of the Pakistan squad for the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, joined his family in Karachi after the team’s defeat in Rawalpindi. Despite the setback, the pace spearhead remains focused on rejoining the squad before the start of the second Test on August 30.

Shaheen and Ansha, the daughter of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, got engaged in 2021 and tied the knot in a private ceremony in February 2022. Their wedding celebrations spanned a week, culminating in Ansha’s rukhsati in September 2023.

The couple’s journey to parenthood has been met with immense love and support from their families, friends, and fans. Shaheen’s heartfelt message on social media reflects the profound joy and gratitude he feels as he embraces his new role as a father.

Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi and Wife Welcome Baby Boy

Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi and Wife Welcome Baby Boy

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Ansha Afridi Welcome Their First Child, Ali Yar

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and his wife, Ansha Afridi, have welcomed their first child, a son named Ali Yar. The joyous news was shared by the Afridi family on social media, eliciting an outpouring of love and well wishes from fans and supporters worldwide.

Afridi, known for his exceptional bowling skills, couldn’t contain his excitement during the first Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. After taking the wicket of Hasan Mahmud on the fourth day of the game, he celebrated by mimicking cradling a newborn in his arms. This heartwarming gesture captured the attention of spectators and reflected the young father’s immense love and affection for his child.

The couple’s journey to parenthood began in 2021 when Afridi got engaged to Ansha, the second-eldest daughter of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. Their nikah took place in a private ceremony in February 2022, followed by a week of wedding celebrations and Ansha’s rukhsati in September 2023.

The arrival of Ali Yar has brought immense joy to the Afridi family and the Pakistani sports community. Arshad Nadeem, who recently won the gold medal in men’s javelin at the Paris Olympics 2024, took to social media to congratulate Shaheen and Ansha on their new role. Nadeem also wished Shahid Afridi on becoming a grandfather, showcasing the camaraderie and support within the Pakistani sports fraternity.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exceptional talent and dedication have made him one of the most promising young bowlers in the world. His wife, Ansha, has been a constant source of support throughout his career. The couple’s first child, Ali Yar, is sure to bring even more happiness and fulfillment to their lives.

Shaheen Afridi Prioritizes Pakistan's Success Over Captaincy Ambitions

Shaheen Afridi Prioritizes Pakistan’s Success Over Captaincy Ambitions

Pakistan’s star pace bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has declared that his unwavering priority lies in securing victories for his nation, rather than pursuing the coveted role of captaincy. During a recent media interaction in Karachi, Afridi emphasized that leadership positions are not within his control and do not align with his personal aspirations.

“Pakistan’s success takes precedence over everything else, followed by the team’s performance, and only then do I come into the picture,” Afridi asserted. “Dwelling on the past serves no purpose. My focus remains firmly on the present, and I refrain from speculating about the future. By excelling in the present, we can lay a solid foundation for the future. Captaincy is not something I can control, and it has never been a driving force in my cricketing journey. My sole motivation is to represent Pakistan with honor and dignity.”

Afridi’s appointment as Pakistan’s T20I captain came in the wake of the team’s disappointing exit from the group stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. He led the side in a five-match series against New Zealand, which Pakistan lost 1-4. Despite the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership abilities, Afridi’s tenure as T20I captain was short-lived, as Babar Azam was reinstated as Pakistan’s white-ball captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Afridi’s candid remarks underscore his unwavering commitment to his role as a player, with an unwavering focus on contributing to the team’s success rather than seeking personal accolades. His primary objective remains to help Pakistan achieve victories on the cricket field, regardless of his position or responsibilities.

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