Cricket

Ishan Kishan's rollercoaster year continues as he earns a spot in the Duleep Trophy squad, reigniting hopes of a national team return. Despite being omitted from the BCCI's central contracts, Kishan's impressive century in the Buchi Babu tournament has caught the attention of selectors.However, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Kishan's chances of a comeback are slim, advising him to focus on the IPL instead. Ali suggests that Kishan's return is unlikely until the Australia series or even the Champions Trophy.Meanwhile, Ali expresses concerns about India's upcoming Test series against Australia, highlighting the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara. He emphasizes Pujara's ability to tire bowlers and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.Pujara played a pivotal role in India's Test series triumph in Australia in 2021-22, but has since lost his place due to poor form. Ali believes that despite India's potential to win the series, Pujara's absence will be felt.Kishan's inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad indicates that the BCCI is willing to give him another chance to prove his worth. However, with the national team's focus on the upcoming Test series and the IPL, Kishan's path back to the Indian side remains uncertain.

Babar Azam's ODI Ranking Retention Draws Criticism from Former Pakistan Cricketer Basit AliFormer Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his disapproval of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to retain Babar Azam as the top-ranked ODI batter despite his prolonged absence from the format. Ali questioned the logic behind the ranking system and suggested that the ICC may be intentionally hindering Azam's performance.Ali's criticism stems from the fact that Azam has not played an ODI since November 2023. Despite this, he has maintained his position at the top of the rankings, ahead of Indian stars Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. Ali believes that this ranking is undeserved, especially considering the absence of other top-performing batters like Travis Head (Australia) and Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)."When I saw the ICC ranking (ODI batters), Babar Azam was at the top, number two was Rohit Sharma, number three was Shubman Gill, and then there was Virat Kohli at number four. I did not find it necessary to read the remaining names because I couldn't see Travis Head and Rachin Ravindra. I think the ICC wants that Babar doesn't perform. He would be happy with being the number one-ranked batter in ODIs. Who gives these rankings? On what basis are Babar Azam and Shubman Gill there?" Ali said on his YouTube channel.Ali further questioned the ranking system, highlighting the absence of star batters like Travis Head (Australia) and Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand). He pointed out that these players had performed exceptionally well in the recent ODI World Cup, scoring multiple centuries.Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma has made a significant jump in the rankings, climbing to the second spot after his impressive performance in the three-game ODI series against Sri Lanka. Sharma ended the series as the top scorer with 157 runs, including two half-centuries.

India vs. Australia Test Series: Basit Ali Downplays Hype, Emphasizes India-Pakistan RivalryFormer Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has dismissed the predictions of Indian and Australian experts that India will secure a hat-trick of Test series wins in Australia. Ali believes that such statements are merely attempts to generate hype around the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Ali emphasized the unparalleled rivalry between India and Pakistan, asserting that it eclipses even the historic Ashes series between England and Australia. "The whole world knows that India vs. Pakistan is on one side and everything else is on the other side," he remarked.Ali argued that the excitement surrounding an India-Pakistan sports rivalry extends beyond cricket. He cited the potential buzz around a javelin throw contest between India's Neeraj Chopra and Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, referencing the Paris Olympics where Arshad outperformed Neeraj."When Neeraj and Arshad compete in javelin, the whole world will be in front of the television, and the stadium will be full," Ali said.Ali suggested that a bilateral series of hockey, javelin, or kabaddi between India and Pakistan would generate more excitement than the India-Australia Test series. "Just conduct a bilateral series of hockey, javelin, or kabaddi between India and Pakistan in some other country, and you will know whether the India-Australia series is bigger or the India-Pakistan match is bigger," he said.Despite the significance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ali believes it cannot match the intensity of an India-Pakistan contest. "They are trying to create hype," he said. "But nothing matches the India-Pakistan clash."

Pakistan's hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 hinges on stringent security measures, emphasized former cricketer Basit Ali. The upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, and West Indies serve as crucial tests for Pakistan's ability to provide a secure environment for visiting teams.Ali, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted the importance of heightened security during these tours. "Any security lapses could jeopardize our chances of hosting the Champions Trophy," he said. "We must ensure that there is not even a small breach."Pakistan's recent history of security concerns has raised eyebrows. In 2021, New Zealand and England abruptly canceled their tours due to fears of terrorism. Ali stressed the need to address these concerns head-on."The foreign teams should get the same level of security as our Prime Minister and President," he said. "We must eliminate any possibility of security breaches."The upcoming home cricket season, beginning with the Test series against Bangladesh on August 21, will be a litmus test for Pakistan's security arrangements. The country aims to showcase its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for visiting teams.Ali emphasized the importance of maintaining security throughout the season. "Any negative developments during these series could derail our ambitions of hosting the Champions Trophy," he said. "We must ensure that Pakistan remains a safe destination for international cricket."The cricketer-turned-analyst's comments underscore the critical role security plays in Pakistan's bid to host the prestigious ICC event. By implementing stringent measures and addressing past concerns, Pakistan can pave the way for a successful Champions Trophy in 2025.

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and captivating in the world of sports. The two nations have faced off in numerous iconic matches over the years, with each encounter carrying immense significance and passion. While India has produced some of the greatest batters the game has ever seen, Pakistan's strength has traditionally been in their bowling attack, particularly their pace bowlers.Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali recently shared some fascinating insights into the dynamics of the Pakistan dressing room during his playing days. In a video on his YouTube channel, Ali revealed that the Pakistan players held a deep respect and fear for Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar."He (Tendulkar) was a top-order batter, and I was a middle-order batter, so we used to see his batting closely," Ali said. "In our team meetings, our captain at that time, Wasim Akram, used to emphasize everywhere, even during practice and meals, 'Dismiss Sachin, and we'll win the match.'"Ali went on to explain that as soon as Tendulkar was dismissed, Pakistan would often go on to win the match. "Even though the great Azharuddin was there, we were not scared of him, but definitely scared of Sachin Tendulkar," he added.Tendulkar's dominance in the India-Pakistan rivalry is evident in the statistics. He leads the ODI run-scoring charts with 2526 runs in 67 innings across 69 matches. In Test cricket, he scored 1057 runs against Pakistan, averaging over 42.Known as the "Master Blaster" for his ability to effortlessly dispatch any bowling attack, Tendulkar mesmerized the world with his batting from 1989 to 2013. The Maharashtra-born player made his Test debut at the tender age of 16 in 1989 and played his first ODI match later that year.With 34,357 runs in 664 international appearances, Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer in international cricket. He has scored an astonishing 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries, the most in international cricket history. He remains the only player to have scored a century of centuries.

The fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), remains uncertain due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) reluctance to travel to Pakistan. The PCB has submitted its plans for the tournament to the International Cricket Council (ICC), but the possibility of a hybrid model remains.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has criticized the BCCI and its secretary, Jay Shah, for their stance. Ali believes that other cricket boards will follow the BCCI's lead when the issue is discussed at the ICC meeting. He has urged the PCB to adopt a tit-for-tat approach and refuse to play matches outside of Pakistan if India refuses to travel for the Champions Trophy.The PCB has reportedly left the decision in the hands of the ICC. The budget for the tournament has been approved, but the schedule and format have not yet been finalized. The PCB has proposed hosting all of India's matches in Lahore, including a semi-final and the final if India qualifies.The BCCI's refusal to travel to Pakistan stems from security concerns. India has not played a bilateral series in Pakistan since 2007 due to tensions between the two countries. The PCB has assured the ICC that it will provide adequate security for the tournament, but the BCCI remains unconvinced.The ICC is expected to make a decision on the venue and format of the Champions Trophy in the coming months. If the tournament is held in a hybrid model, it would be the first time that the Champions Trophy has been played in multiple countries.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has vehemently criticized the reported reluctance of India to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Ali accused several international cricket boards of blindly following the dictates of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).Ali alleged that these boards, including the English, New Zealand, West Indies, and Australian boards, are swayed by the financial incentives offered by the BCCI when their players participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He claimed that these boards would readily agree to any proposal put forward by BCCI President Jay Shah, including the relocation of the Champions Trophy to a neutral venue.Ali also commented on the recent developments involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He suggested that Naqvi had been given false hope by other boards that Pakistan would be granted a bilateral series against India after the Champions Trophy, potentially in a third country.However, Ali strongly advocated against Pakistan agreeing to play the bilateral series in a neutral venue if India refused to play in Pakistan. He argued that the PCB should maintain its stance and refuse to compromise on the principle of home advantage.Ali's comments come amidst reports that the Indian cricket team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in 2025. The BCCI is reportedly planning to request the ICC to adopt a hybrid model, with India's matches potentially being played in Sri Lanka or Dubai.The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March 2025. Due to tense political relations, Team India has not played in Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008. The last bilateral series between the two nations occurred in 2012-13, with India hosting Pakistan for two T20Is and three ODIs.A similar situation arose during last year's Asia Cup, which was initially planned for Pakistan. However, all of India's matches, including those against Pakistan, were held in Sri Lanka, with the final taking place in Colombo, where India emerged victorious.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has ignited a firestorm of controversy by leveling serious allegations against the current management of the Pakistan cricket team. Ali accuses the management of favoritism towards captain Babar Azam and a sinister plan to scapegoat star players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan for the team's dismal performance in the recent T20 World Cup.In a video that has gone viral on social media, Ali claims that the management is preparing a report to pin the blame on Afridi and Rizwan for the team's failures. He warns that such actions could have disastrous consequences for Pakistan cricket."The report that is being prepared is against Shaheen Shah Afridi and Rizwan. They have formed a group, which is wrong. Those who are making this report, who have the intention of shifting their blame onto them, should not do so. Pakistan's cricket will be destroyed," Ali said.Ali emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating that if Afridi and Rizwan are not on the same page with Babar, all three should be removed from the team instead of making two scapegoats and one a hero."I am saying this now because God forbid, if this happens, it will be your fault. If you believe that Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Babar Azam are not on the same page, then remove all three of them. Don't make two of them scapegoats and make the third one a hero," he added.Ali also criticizes Babar Azam's captaincy, not only in the recent T20 World Cup but also in previous matches. He highlights a controversial decision where Babar chose to bowl Nawaz in the final over in Melbourne."Babar's captaincy has been wrong. Not just in this tournament, but in the World Cup as well. The way he made Nawaz bowl the last over in Melbourne, didn't he have eyes then?" Ali remarked.Ali expresses empathy for Afridi, who was removed from the captaincy after just five matches, acknowledging the natural frustration such a decision would cause."Tell me, when a boy is removed from the captaincy after just five matches, won't he feel bad? Even if we are sitting on TV and our chairs are changed, we feel bad - 'why did you change my chair, am I not speaking correctly?' This is a natural thing," he said.These allegations come in the wake of Pakistan's early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where they failed to progress beyond the Group Stage, suffering losses to the USA and India.

India-Pakistan Clash at T20 World Cup 2024: ICC Plans for Double EncounterThe highly anticipated India-Pakistan rivalry is set to ignite once again at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for June 9 in New York. However, former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has made a bold claim that the ICC is orchestrating a potential double encounter between the two arch-rivals.According to Ali, the ICC has strategically crafted the tournament schedule to allow for a second India-Pakistan clash in either the semi-final or final. This would mark the first time since 2019 that the two teams would face off twice in a single ICC event."The ICC wants India and Pakistan to have two matches in the World Cup," Ali stated on his YouTube channel. "They have made the schedule so the two teams can meet again either in the semi-final or final."The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most intense in world cricket, with matches between the two nations consistently drawing massive viewership and generating immense excitement. The last bilateral series between the two teams was held in 2012-13, and since then, they have only met at ICC and ACC events.India and Pakistan are both placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024, alongside Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. India will begin their campaign on June 5 against Ireland, while Pakistan will face the USA on June 6.The Indian squad for the tournament includes star players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be led by Babar Azam and will feature the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf.Ali believes that Pakistan's performance in the tournament will hinge on the form of Babar Azam, who he suggests should open the batting. "For Pakistan to perform well, Babar must open," Ali emphasized.The prospect of a double India-Pakistan encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024 has sent shockwaves through the cricket world. If Ali's claims prove true, it would undoubtedly be a major highlight of the tournament and a spectacle that would captivate cricket fans globally.