Cricket

Pakistan and Ireland will face off in their final match of the 2024 T20 World Cup, with both teams eliminated from contention for the Super 8 stage. Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to salvage some pride after a disappointing tournament.Pakistan has endured a dismal campaign, losing to India, South Africa, and New Zealand. Former players have called for changes to the team and captaincy, but Azam remains determined to finish on a high note. "As a professional, you need to prepare for every match. We'll look to play our best today," he said.Ireland, meanwhile, is seeking its first win of the tournament. They lost to India and Canada and had their match against the USA washed out due to rain. Captain Paul Stirling is eager to end the tournament on a positive note.The match is a dead rubber, but both teams will be keen to prove their worth. Pakistan will be looking to build momentum for future tournaments, while Ireland will be hoping to gain valuable experience.

Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 were dashed after the match between USA and Ireland was abandoned due to rain on Sunday. India and USA emerged as the two teams to advance from Group A.Pakistan's path to the Super 8 became arduous after defeats to USA and India. The team's performance has drawn widespread criticism, with former England captain Michael Vaughan expressing concerns about their lack of "swagger.""They can't blame the weather. They should have beaten US and India. If they did, they would have been through to the Super 8s," Vaughan said. "I just don't see Pakistan at the moment as a great white-ball team."Vaughan questioned the quality of Pakistan's T20 players, suggesting that captain Babar Azam may not be a guaranteed starter in the T20 teams of top nations like India and England."I don't think they have the skill set of what I've seen in the past from Pakistan cricket in T20 cricket," Vaughan said. "I honestly don't think they've got many great T20 players."Vaughan also highlighted Pakistan's mental fragility against India, noting their inability to chase down targets against their arch-rivals."Mentally, they have no clue how to beat India. That's true. I could see it in the chase. They should have absolutely strolled that game," Vaughan said. "There's only one winner because India knows how to win, and they have the mentality to get over the line. For whatever reason, Pakistan just doesn't seem to have that kind of swagger."Pakistan's failure to qualify for the Super 8 has raised questions about the team's direction and the leadership of Babar Azam. The team will need to regroup and address these concerns if they are to regain their status as one of the top T20 nations in the world.

Babar Azam's hopes of regaining the Test captaincy have suffered a significant setback following Pakistan's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup. Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have indicated that Shan Masood will retain the Test captaincy for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh in August.The decision to retain Masood as Test captain is reportedly based on the PCB's dissatisfaction with Babar's leadership abilities, particularly in the wake of Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup. The tournament saw Pakistan suffer consecutive defeats to the USA and India, effectively ending their chances of reaching the Super 8 stage.Masood was initially appointed as Test captain after Babar relinquished the captaincy in all formats following Pakistan's disappointing performance at last year's ODI World Cup. Shaheen Afridi was subsequently named as the T20I captain, but his brief tenure ended in April this year after Pakistan's 4-1 series defeat to New Zealand.Prior to the T20 World Cup, Babar was reinstated as the white-ball captain in a move described by the PCB as a "strategic decision." However, the move failed to yield the desired results, with Pakistan crashing out of the tournament in the group stage.The PCB's decision to retain Masood as Test captain is a clear indication of their lack of confidence in Babar's leadership abilities. The upcoming Bangladesh series will be the first assignment for former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie as Pakistan's red-ball head coach.

Pakistani cricket legend and commentator Ramiz Raja has staunchly defended the opening partnership of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, dismissing calls for their replacement. Raja's comments come in response to former captain Shahid Afridi's suggestion that Fakhar Zaman should open for Pakistan in T20Is instead of Babar.Raja argues that while Babar and Rizwan may not possess the blistering strike rate of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, they provide stability and solidity to the team. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a long-term opening partnership, which takes time to develop."They (Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan) may not give you a strike rate of a Rohit (Sharma) or a Virat (Kohli), but, you know, at least they give you solidity," Raja said. "And this Pakistan team, with the kind of batting lineup that they've got, they've got to play within what they have got."Raja points to Pakistan's success in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they reached the final with Babar and Rizwan as openers. He believes that breaking up this successful partnership would be a mistake."There's a reason why Pakistan made it to the final of the World Cup (in 2022)," Raja said. "Why break something that is working? This phobia of strike rate must end because Pakistan do not have the luxury of such skills and talent."Raja's comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding Pakistan's batting approach in T20 cricket. While some argue for a more aggressive style, Raja believes that Pakistan should focus on their strengths and play to their own style.

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to reinstate Babar Azam as captain has backfired spectacularly, leading to the team's premature exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. Babar's reappointment, following a brief stint by Shaheen Afridi, has drawn widespread criticism, with former players questioning his leadership abilities.Amidst the ongoing debate, former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has launched a scathing attack on Babar, accusing him of neglecting to inform Shaheen about PCB's offer to him. "If Babar Azam wanted to become captain again, he should've called Shaheen Afridi and said that I've got the offer," Basit said on ARY News.Basit also highlighted the example of Younis Khan, who declined the captaincy offer after Misbah-ul-Haq's removal. He believes Babar should have followed suit or at least consulted Shaheen, as his actions have strained their friendship.PCB is reportedly considering drastic measures in the wake of the T20 World Cup debacle, with reports suggesting that up to 9 players, including Babar and Shaheen, could be axed from the squad. The board's decision-making process has come under scrutiny, with many questioning the rationale behind Babar's reappointment and the subsequent sacking of Shaheen.As the dust settles on Pakistan's disappointing World Cup campaign, PCB faces a crucial task in rebuilding the team and restoring its former glory. The board's decisions in the coming months will shape the future of Pakistan cricket and determine whether they can regain their status as a cricketing powerhouse.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked widespread criticism and calls for a major overhaul. The team's performance has been marred by defeats to minnows USA and arch-rivals India, leading to questions about the leadership of captain Babar Azam.Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Pakistan should retain Babar as captain despite his shortcomings in the T20 format. Vaughan argues that the team needs consistency and cannot afford to keep changing leaders. He acknowledges that Babar is not among the top 15 T20 batters in the world, but emphasizes the importance of stability.Vaughan also highlights the need for a comprehensive review of Pakistan's cricket system. He believes that the coaches, selectors, and administrators must work together to create a pool of talented players for the captain and coaches to choose from.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has acknowledged the need for changes, stating that the team requires "major surgery." He has expressed disappointment with the team's performance and vowed to make improvements.The PCB is expected to announce changes in the team and management in the near future. Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy in 2025, and there is a sense of urgency to rebuild the team and restore its competitiveness.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked widespread speculation about the future of several key players, including captain Babar Azam. Former Pakistan captains Wasim Akram, Salman Butt, and Shahid Afridi have openly criticized Babar's leadership and form, leading to rumors that the selection committee is considering dropping him and other senior players.However, legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi has strongly opposed the idea of dropping Babar, arguing that Pakistan lacks a suitable replacement. "I don't know what's the reality, but this can't happen," Afridi said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel. "You can drop players when you have the next lot ready to take over. Do we have anyone to replace Babar? Do we have any performer like him?"Afridi also criticized the PCB's selection policy, which he believes favors players based on a few good knocks rather than consistent performances in domestic cricket. "If we continue to select players on the basis of 2-3 innings and ignore stars of domestic cricket, it's harsh on those who perform for years," he added.Pakistan's elimination from the T20 World Cup was confirmed after the match between USA and Ireland was washed out due to rain. Babar and his team will play their final group stage match against Ireland on Sunday.The PCB is expected to make a decision on the future of the team after the tournament. However, Afridi's comments suggest that Babar's position as captain is unlikely to be under immediate threat.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked a fiery outburst from former batsman Ahmed Shehzad, who has launched a scathing attack on the team's senior players. In a viral rant, Shehzad has called for the removal of captain Babar Azam, star pacer Shaheen Afridi, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, and others, accusing them of underperformance and groupism.Shehzad's tirade stems from Pakistan's failure to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament, despite being one of the favorites. He believes that the senior players have been given ample time to prove their worth but have consistently failed to deliver."For the past 4-5 years, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf have been playing regularly for Pakistan," Shehzad said. "They've been given ample time to perform. Because of the groupism in the team, they've been defending each other and saying 'we are learning from our mistakes.' What are you exactly learning?"Shehzad specifically targeted Babar Azam, accusing him of indulging in favoritism and protecting his close friends within the team. He also criticized Azam's leadership abilities and fitness levels."You speak about leadership, but you don't have any," Shehzad said. "You are just a social media generated king. You got 4-5 years to improve, but you didn't win us anything. Your fitness levels are also not up to the mark. You guys are playing politics in the team. Your cricket is declining."Shehzad also took aim at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing them of mishandling the situation and blaming young players for the team's failures. He urged the PCB to take strict action against the senior players and break up the alleged groupism within the team."You are only good at making friendships," Shehzad said to the PCB. "Since becoming the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi has made two big blunders. First, by re-appointing Babar as captain. Secondly, making Wahab Riaz as chief selector. He has been very unprofessional in his decision making and management."Shehzad's outburst has sparked a heated debate in Pakistan, with many fans and experts weighing in on the issue. Some have supported Shehzad's call for change, while others have defended the senior players and criticized Shehzad for his harsh words.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign has been thrown into disarray following consecutive defeats against USA and India. Despite a victory over Canada, their fate now rests on the outcome of other matches in Group A. Amidst the turmoil, Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-Haq has come to the defense of under-fire captain Babar Azam.Imam has questioned the criticism directed at Babar, particularly from former teammate Ahmed Shehzad. Shehzad had criticized Babar's record as captain and batter in ICC tournaments, as well as the selection of Azam Khan, who has faced body-shaming on social media.Imam argued that the same respect accorded to Azam Khan should be extended to Babar. He highlighted Babar's impressive international record, including an average of 50 across all three formats. "If he has an average of 50 in all three formats, who will answer (consider) that?" Imam said.Imam also emphasized the importance of respect for the national team captain. "You want to remove him from captaincy, do that, nobody has a problem with that. You don't want to consider him 'King', don't. His fans have made him, what you say doesn't matter," he added.Babar's reinstatement as captain after Pakistan's poor showing at the ODI World Cup last year has been met with mixed reactions. While his batting performances in this T20 World Cup have been respectable, his inability to lead the team to tournament victories remains a concern.Imam acknowledged that Babar should be held accountable for his failures as captain. "He hasn't won you tournaments as a captain, that's the problem, right? So he should be asked questions. If he isn't able to do that, then do change him...but the element of respect should be there," he said.As Pakistan faces the prospect of an early exit from the T20 World Cup, the team's unity and leadership will be crucial. Imam's defense of Babar suggests that the team remains behind their captain, despite the challenges they face.