Cricket

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked a debate about the captaincy of Babar Azam. Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar believes that Azam's future as captain is in jeopardy unless he takes on a more aggressive role in the batting order and starts finishing matches for the team.Akhtar questioned the decision to appoint Azam as captain in the first place, suggesting that he lacked the necessary experience and qualifications. He emphasized that Azam must now prove his worth by coming down the order and delivering in crucial situations."He has to finish the games. He has to win the games. If he doesn't, he will not be able to keep his place in T20s. I am telling you right now. He will not be able to keep his place in ODIs because he has to finish the games," Akhtar asserted.Azam has faced criticism from fans and former players alike following Pakistan's early exit. However, he has stated that he has not considered stepping down as captain and that the decision is ultimately up to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).The PCB is reportedly set to revert to its old selection committee system after the experiment of having no chief selector proved unsuccessful. Former Test fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who was part of the selection committee for the T20 World Cup, is expected to retain his position and may be appointed as the new chief selector.

Pakistan's cricket captain, Babar Azam, is reportedly considering legal action against YouTubers and former cricketers who have accused him of misconduct during the team's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. Sources close to Azam have revealed that he is disheartened by the social media campaign targeting him and is determined to hold those responsible accountable.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly assisting Azam in gathering evidence related to the allegations. The board's legal department is collecting statements and reviewing social media posts to build a case against the accused individuals.The criticism against Azam and the Pakistan team intensified after their early exit from the World Cup. Former players and fans expressed their disappointment with the team's performance, particularly their losses to the United States and India.Some of the players and officials have already returned to Pakistan, while others, including Azam, are expected to depart on Saturday. Former teammate Ahmed Shehzad has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Azam, accusing him of poor leadership and decision-making.Pakistan's next international assignment is a three-match ODI series against Australia in November. The team will be hoping to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment and regain their form ahead of the 2023 World Cup in India.

Pakistan's disastrous T20 World Cup campaign has sparked widespread criticism, not only for their on-field performances but also for their decision to bring family members along. The move has drawn backlash from fans and officials alike, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) considering legal action against unsubstantiated claims.According to reports, nearly 34 players, support staff, and officials were accompanied by around 26-28 family members during the tournament in the USA. The team hotel accommodated wives, children, parents, and even siblings of the players.The presence of family members has been cited as a distraction for the players, with reports suggesting that the team environment was more akin to a family vacation than a professional sporting event. The extra expenses incurred on family accommodations were reportedly borne by the players themselves.Muhammad Amir, in a peculiar move, brought his personal trainer to the World Cup at his own expense, despite the team already having a foreign trainer and other support staff. Amir trained separately from the rest of the team, with permission from the board.The PCB is considering legal action under a new defamation law passed by the Punjab government. The law targets digital media and defamation, allowing for hefty fines and jail time for unsubstantiated allegations or personal attacks on public figures.The decision follows accusations against skipper Babar Azam, who was alleged to have accepted an expensive car as a gift. The PCB's legal department is preparing notices under the new law to address such claims.The PCB's decision to bring family members to the World Cup has been met with mixed reactions. Some have defended the move, arguing that it provides emotional support for the players. However, others have criticized it as unprofessional and a distraction from the team's focus.

Pakistan cricket is set to undergo a major overhaul following a string of disappointing performances in recent international tournaments. The team's poor showing in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup has raised serious questions about the leadership of Babar Azam and the overall culture within the team.The latest criticism comes from former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, who has revealed an incident involving several players sleeping in the dressing room during a Test match. Hafeez expressed his shock and disappointment at the lack of professionalism and focus among the players."If a player is sleeping in a dressing room and we are playing Test cricket. If 4-5 players are sleeping in the dressing room, should I allow that as a selector?" Hafeez said in an online interaction with Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan.Hafeez's comments echo those of coach Gary Kirsten, who previously stated that there was a lack of unity within the Pakistan team. These revelations have raised concerns about the team's preparation, motivation, and overall approach to the game.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has acknowledged the need for change and has announced plans for a major restructuring of the team. This includes the appointment of a new selection committee and a review of the coaching staff.The PCB is also considering implementing stricter disciplinary measures to ensure that players maintain a high level of professionalism and commitment. The board is determined to create a winning culture within the team and restore Pakistan's status as a cricketing powerhouse.

Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider resting senior players for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in August. Captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan, and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi are among those who may be given a break.Sources within the PCB indicate that Test captain Shan Masood and new red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie are in discussions to finalize plans for the Bangladesh series. The board is also in touch with white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten to coordinate preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy next year.One proposal under consideration is to field a team of uncapped or less experienced players for the Bangladesh Tests. This would allow the senior players to rest and recover ahead of a busy schedule that includes tours of Australia, South Africa, and England.The PCB is also seeking to establish a workload management system for players, balancing their availability for the national team with their commitments to franchise-based leagues.Meanwhile, the board is awaiting a report from Kirsten on the team culture, player behavior, and skill levels. This report will inform decisions on potential changes to the ODI and T20 squads.The PCB is also considering reducing the number of national selectors and reverting to the previous selection process.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India's most prolific batters, are on the cusp of a significant milestone as the T20 World Cup enters the 'Super 8s' stage. Both players are just 104 runs away from surpassing Pakistan captain Babar Azam as the leading run-scorer in T20 internationals.Kohli, who has played 120 T20Is, has amassed 4042 runs in 112 innings. Sharma, on the other hand, has scored the same number of runs in 146 innings across 154 matches.India will resume their campaign with their opening 'Super 8s' game against Afghanistan in Barbados on Thursday. This will be their first match in the Caribbean after playing three group-stage matches in New York.The 'Men in Blue' qualified for the 'Super 8s' as Group A toppers, defeating Ireland, Pakistan, and USA. They will face Afghanistan on June 20, Bangladesh on June 22, and Australia on June 24 in the 'Super 8s'.Kohli and Sharma's pursuit of the T20I run-scoring record adds an extra layer of intrigue to India's quest for their second T20 World Cup title. The team last lifted an ICC trophy in 2013 when MS Dhoni's side won the Champions Trophy.India came close to ending their ICC trophy drought last year, reaching the final of both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. However, they fell short on both occasions.With Kohli and Sharma in prime form, India will be hoping to break their 11-year wait for another ICC trophy. The 'Super 8s' stage provides them with a perfect opportunity to showcase their skills and make a statement on the global stage.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has raised concerns over star batter Babar Azam's performance in ICC events, questioning whether the burden of captaincy is affecting his game. Hafeez's remarks come after Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup, where Babar failed to lead the team to the Super 8 stage.Despite Pakistan's victory in their final group match against Ireland, Babar's cautious approach during the chase raised eyebrows. Chasing a modest target of 107, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, but Babar remained at the crease, scoring a slow 32 not out off 34 balls.Hafeez expressed his disappointment over Babar's form in ICC events, suggesting that the captaincy may be weighing him down. "I feel sorry for Babar Azam. For a quality player like him, to have a major dip during ICC events is a big concern. And only Babar Azam can answer this. Is it because of his captaincy?" Hafeez said on PTV Sports.Hafeez emphasized that only Babar can explain his struggles at ICC events. "I want him to be the highest run-getter for Pakistan and he has that capacity. But when it comes to bilateral series, Babar is on top but in ICC event he is so low down. So this big dip in form is cause for concern and only Babar can answer it or maybe someone else," he added.Hafeez praised Babar's knock against Ireland, acknowledging his responsibility as a senior player to guide the team to victory. However, he also highlighted the need for a major shake-up in the team and management following Pakistan's dismal performance at the World Cup.Fans and analysts have criticized the team management for selecting the wrong players for the tournament. Pakistan's fall from grace is particularly striking considering their impressive run to the final in the previous World Cup two years ago.As Pakistan prepares to host the Champions Trophy next year, there are calls for a thorough review of the team's strategy and personnel. Hafeez's comments have added fuel to the debate, raising questions about Babar Azam's suitability as captain and the need for a fresh approach to ICC events.

Pakistan's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has raised questions about the team's leadership and tactics. After unimpressive displays against Ireland and England in the lead-up to the tournament, Pakistan's form was far from ideal.Despite their history of surprising performances, Pakistan's campaign began with a shock defeat to debutants USA. They then lost to India despite being in a commanding position. In their third match, they managed to beat Canada, but their fourth match against Ireland was a close call, with Pakistan nearly losing after being seven wickets down in pursuit of a modest target.Babar Azam's captaincy and batting have come under scrutiny. Indian cricket legend Virender Sehwag believes that Azam should step down as captain and even be dropped from the T20I team. Sehwag criticized Azam's lack of six-hitting ability and his conservative approach."Babar Azam is not a player who will hit sixes. He only hits sixes when he is set and spinners are operating," Sehwag said. "I have never seen him using his feet to fast bowlers or hitting sixes over the covers; it's not his game as he plays safe cricket by hitting down the ground."Sehwag believes that Pakistan needs a captain who can provide more firepower in the powerplay overs. "As a leader, you have to think whether this game is useful for his team. If not, then demote yourself and send someone who can play big shots in the six overs and get the team 50-60 runs," he said.Pakistan's struggles have also been attributed to their lack of depth in the batting lineup. The team has relied heavily on Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, but they have not received enough support from the middle order.With the T20 World Cup 2024 now over, Pakistan must reassess their approach and make changes if they want to be competitive in future tournaments.

Amidst the backlash following Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup exit, former captain Younis Khan has extended support to skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, hailing them as Pakistan's pride.Khan's words of encouragement come as the team faces criticism for their early elimination from the tournament. Pakistan's campaign began with a shocking defeat to debutants USA, followed by a loss to arch-rivals India. The team's hopes were dashed when the USA-Ireland match was abandoned due to rain, resulting in their earliest-ever exit from a T20 World Cup.Khan acknowledged the team's struggles but emphasized that the blame should not be solely placed on Babar Azam. "It is not just Babar Azam's fault, or the coach's. It is everyone's fault," he said. "We as a nation did not reach the semi-finals."However, Khan raised concerns about Babar's decision not to bat at the No. 3 position from the start of the tournament. He believes that both Babar and Rizwan have the ability to bat in the middle order. "If the team needs you, you should open or play at number 3," he said.Khan also highlighted the need for the team to address their batting concerns. "We speak about only 2 batters (Babar and Rizwan), can they not bat anywhere in the line-up? They can, right? They need to enhance only a little, evolve just a little (to improve their power game)," he added.Khan's comments provide a balanced perspective on Pakistan's performance, acknowledging the team's shortcomings while also recognizing the individual brilliance of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.