Cricket

Pakistan's star cricketers Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are still awaiting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to participate in the Global T20 Canada league. The PCB has issued NOCs to 12 other players for various leagues, but the trio, who are among the highest-paid players in Pakistan, remain in limbo.The PCB has expressed concerns about the status of the Global T20 Canada league and has sought clarification from the organizers and the International Cricket Council (ICC). This has led to the delay in issuing NOCs to Azam, Rizwan, and Afridi.The Global T20 Canada League is scheduled to take place from July 25 to August 11, while Pakistan's Test series against Bangladesh at home is set to begin around August 19. The PCB is reportedly reluctant to grant NOCs to its top players for a league that overlaps with the national team's commitments.Among the players who have received NOCs are Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan for the USA Major League, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hasnain, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan for the Lanka Premier League, Fakhar Zaman for the Caribbean Premier League, Usama Mir for the Hundred, and Mohammad Amir for county cricket.Notably, the PCB has not granted NOCs to young players Saim Ayub and Azam Khan for the CPL. Shadab, Salman, and Hasnain are already in Sri Lanka for the Lanka Premier League.The PCB's decision to withhold NOCs for Azam, Rizwan, and Afridi has raised questions about the board's priorities. Some critics argue that the PCB should prioritize the development of young players by allowing them to participate in overseas leagues, while others believe that the board is right to protect its top players from potential injuries or burnout.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a crucial decision regarding the future of white-ball captain Babar Azam and the selection committee following Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. Head coach Gary Kirsten and selector Wahab Riaz have submitted their tour reports to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, outlining their assessments of the team's performance.Pakistan's early exit from the tournament, with defeats to the USA and India, sparked widespread criticism in the country. The selection committee, led by Wahab, faced scrutiny for its decisions, particularly the non-selection of specialist legspinner Abrar Ahmed despite Shadab Khan's poor form.The PCB has opted to take its time before making any major decisions. Pakistan does not have any white-ball engagements until November, allowing the board to carefully consider the reports submitted by Kirsten and Wahab.Sources indicate that the PCB is open to changing the captaincy, but Babar remains a strong contender. The lack of obvious candidates to replace him has been a factor in the board's hesitation.The reports submitted by Kirsten and Wahab will provide valuable insights into the team's performance and areas for improvement. The PCB is expected to make a decision on the future of Babar and the selection committee in the coming weeks.However, the board has emphasized that it will not rush into any decisions and will prioritize making well-informed choices that will benefit the team in the long run.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup in the group stage has sparked widespread criticism and rumors of internal strife within the team. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has addressed these concerns, acknowledging the justified criticism but dismissing allegations of politics and groupism.Rizwan emphasized that the team's performance fell short of expectations and that they deserve the criticism they have received. He acknowledged that multiple factors contributed to their losses, including both bowling and batting deficiencies.However, Rizwan strongly refuted rumors of internal divisions, labeling them as "outside chatter." He pointed out that the same team had previously reached finals and semi-finals, indicating that the current struggles are not solely due to internal issues.According to reports, Babar Azam faced the challenge of uniting the team upon his return as captain, but was unable to do so due to alleged groupings. Shaheen Afridi was reportedly upset at losing the captaincy and not receiving support from Babar, while Rizwan was unhappy at not being considered for the role.Despite these rumors, reliable sources have confirmed that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will not make an immediate decision on Babar Azam's captaincy. Pakistan's next white-ball series is scheduled for November, giving the team time to address the issues that led to their World Cup exit.

Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup has drawn widespread criticism, with captain Babar Azam facing the brunt of the backlash. Former cricketer Shoaib Malik has added to the chorus of disapproval, questioning Azam's place in the top international teams.Malik, speaking on a talk show after the India-England semifinal, asserted that Azam's current form and leadership do not meet the standards of elite teams. "Who is our best player? Our best player is Babar Azam," Malik said. "I am just talking about the top 4-5 teams. Can Babar fit in the playing XI of those teams? Of Australia, of India, or of England in just this particular format? The answer is NO!"Azam's performance in the tournament has been underwhelming. In four matches, he scored 122 runs with a highest score of 44, averaging 40.66 and striking at 101.66. His captaincy has also been criticized, particularly for his handling of the match against India, where Pakistan collapsed after a promising start.Malik's comments have sparked a debate about Azam's suitability as captain and his place in the team. Some have defended Azam, citing his past achievements and the challenges he faced in the tournament. Others have argued that his recent form and leadership have not been up to par and that he needs to improve or risk losing his position.The criticism of Azam reflects the frustration of Pakistani fans and experts with the team's performance. Pakistan has struggled in recent years to maintain its status as a top cricketing nation, and the T20 World Cup debacle has only added to the concerns.Whether Azam can turn things around and lead Pakistan to success remains to be seen. However, the criticism he has faced serves as a reminder that he and the team have a lot of work to do to regain the respect and admiration of their supporters.

Harbhajan Singh's Hilarious Reaction to Babar Azam vs. Brian Lara ComparisonFormer Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has sparked laughter on social media with his reaction to a question comparing Pakistan batter Babar Azam to West Indies legend Brian Lara. In a video clip from Star Sports' Caught & Bold show, Harbhajan was asked to choose between Lara and Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara. He promptly picked Lara.However, when asked to compare Lara to Babar, Harbhajan erupted into laughter, along with other panelists. The clip has gone viral, with fans sharing it widely.Babar Azam's Pakistan team recently suffered a disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup, losing to debutants USA and India. After the tournament, Babar admitted that the team had made mistakes in batting and failed to execute their plans."We made few mistakes in the matches against the USA and India. When you lose wickets, the pressure is on you," Babar said.He also acknowledged that the team had not played as a unit. "We didn't play as a team. This is not because of an individual as we lost as a team. It's not just the captain. I cannot play for every player as there are 11 players," Babar added.Harbhajan's laughter at the comparison between Babar and Lara highlights the vast gap in their respective achievements. Lara is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, with a Test average of over 52 and a record 400 not out in a single innings. Babar, while a talented player, is still relatively young and has yet to establish himself as a legend of the game.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has lauded the leadership of Indian captain Rohit Sharma, crediting his positive attitude for India's triumph in the T20 World Cup. Afridi believes that Rohit's aggressive style of play instills confidence in his team, leading to their success.In contrast, Afridi expressed concerns about Babar Azam's captaincy during Pakistan's disappointing performance in the tournament. He questioned the decision-making process and suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should empower the national selection committee to appoint the team captain.Afridi emphasized the importance of a strong foundation at the grassroots level for Pakistan cricket. He believes that investing in youth development will produce better players in the future.Afridi's comments come after India's thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final. Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in India's success, leading from the front with his aggressive batting and positive body language.Afridi's analysis highlights the importance of leadership in sports. A captain who sets a positive example and instills confidence in his team can make a significant difference in their performance.

The Pakistan cricket team, led by Babar Azam, has faced intense criticism following their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. The team's performance has sparked a barrage of social media attacks, with some former cricketers and fans issuing "defamation" statements against Babar and his team.Amidst this "targeted campaign," reports have emerged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering legal action against those who have made unwarranted attacks on the team. Several YouTubers and former cricketers, who accused Babar of "misconduct" during the World Cup, have been issued warnings.However, veteran Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shahzad has doubled down on his criticism of Babar and the team. In a recent interview, Shahzad questioned Babar's leadership and decision-making, which he believes have led to Pakistan's recent failures."The former players that he (Babar) is talking about, they should also file a case on him asking when you had a team for 5 years, where have you brought the team, to the 7th spot?" Shahzad said.Shahzad also criticized Babar for his handling of domestic cricketers, claiming that he has favored certain players over others. He also questioned the selection of players who have failed to perform consistently."The domestic cricketers whom you didn't select for the team, you went ahead with one group, kept on saying that this group will win you matches, but that didn't happen," Shahzad said.Shahzad's comments come as the PCB's legal team reportedly explores options to reprimand those who have defamed Babar and the team. However, Shahzad has dismissed these threats, arguing that criticism is a part of sports."After losing 3 World Cups, 2 Asia Cups, you (Babar) were made captain again after 2 months, you should have asked the question how you were made the captain? Is it only you whose sentiments are getting hurt, not of the fans?" Shahzad said.Shahzad's criticism has sparked a debate on social media, with some fans supporting his views while others have defended Babar and the team. The PCB has yet to comment on Shahzad's remarks.

Former Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has vehemently criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its inconsistent and unstable leadership decisions, particularly the recent removal of Shaheen Afridi as captain after just one series.Akram, in a viral video, expressed his disappointment with the PCB's lack of clarity and stability in leadership roles. He highlighted the abrupt replacement of Babar Azam with Afridi as captain, followed by Afridi's removal after a single series loss."They replaced Babar with Shaheen as Pakistan captain. The latter lost one series and the chairman got changed during that phase. The newcomer asked to change the captain and got it done. This is just not on. People make fun of us in world cricket. They don't get it. If you have made (Shaheen) Afridi the captain, give him a year," Akram said.Akram further lamented that he and other former cricketers are fortunate to be away from Pakistan cricket, as it has become a source of constant criticism and politics. "They don't ask us. It's good that we are away from Pakistan cricket. It is a blessing in disguise because it is just criticism, politics," he added.Akram's comments come in the wake of Pakistan's disappointing performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated after losses to the USA and India. Babar Azam had stepped down as captain following Pakistan's poor showing in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup last year.Afridi was appointed as the T20I captain, while Shan Masood took over the red-ball leadership after the ODI World Cup campaign in November. However, Afridi's tenure as captain was short-lived, as Pakistan managed to win only one game in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand.With the appointment of Mohsin Naqvi as the new PCB chairman, Babar Azam was reinstated as the white-ball captain. Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar also questioned the decision to appoint Babar Azam as captain in the first place."Who made Babar Azam captain at first place? Who was the Einstein by the way? I need to know that guy. Did he actually qualify for the job or not? Did he even know a thing or two about captaincy?" remarked Akhtar.

Pakistan's dismal performance at the T20 World Cup has sparked widespread criticism, with captain Babar Azam facing the brunt of the backlash. Questions have been raised about his leadership and batting form, while the team's overall unity has been called into question.In the National Assembly, Abdul Qadir Patel roasted Babar, suggesting he follow in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Imran Khan by waving a document and claiming a conspiracy against him. Patel urged the team to unite for the sake of Pakistan and its people.Pakistan's early exit from the tournament was particularly disappointing given their status as runners-up in the previous edition. Head coach Gary Kirsten has expressed his dismay at the team's lack of unity, stating that he has never witnessed such a situation in his coaching career.Kirsten reportedly told the players that their fitness levels and skill levels were below par, and that they lacked a clear understanding of their roles. He emphasized the importance of unity and support within the team, which he believes was a major factor in their poor performance.Despite the criticism, Babar has maintained his position as captain. However, the team's future remains uncertain, with calls for changes in leadership and a renewed focus on unity and performance.