Cricket

Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has been embroiled in a controversy after media reports alleged that he engaged in inappropriate behavior towards head coach Gary Kirsten and other coaching staff during the England tour and the T20 World Cup 2024.According to sources cited by Geo News, Afridi's alleged misbehavior included disrespectful language and confrontational behavior. The reports claimed that team managers were aware of the situation but failed to take any action against the pacer.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has remained silent on the matter, but Afridi took to social media to post a cryptic message. He shared a video of himself bowling at the nets with the caption "Rise Above."The allegations against Afridi have sparked widespread discussion and concern within the Pakistani cricket community. Some have questioned the PCB's handling of the situation, while others have defended Afridi, citing his exceptional talent and potential.Meanwhile, the PCB has confirmed that Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz have been removed from the national selection committee. Razzaq was a member of both the men's and women's selection committees, while Riaz was a selector for the men's team.Sources have alleged that Riaz and former team manager Rana Mansoor were involved in providing undue favors to certain players, leading to their removal. The PCB has not officially commented on these allegations.The recent controversy surrounding Afridi and the changes to the selection committee highlight the ongoing challenges facing Pakistani cricket. The PCB is under pressure to maintain discipline and professionalism within the team while also fostering a positive and supportive environment for players.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has granted head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie full authority to revamp the national team's fortunes following their disappointing T20 World Cup performance.In a meeting with the coaches, Naqvi expressed his unwavering confidence in their abilities and pledged the board's unwavering support. Kirsten, the white-ball coach, candidly shared his concerns about the team's performance at the World Cup.Both coaches emphasized the need for stringent fitness standards as a prerequisite for team selection. Naqvi empowered them to make any necessary changes to improve the team's performance, without compromising on player selection or fitness.Kirsten had previously warned senior players to adapt to new skills and enhance their game awareness or risk being left behind. Senior team manager Wahab Riaz's report to Naqvi highlighted personality clashes within the team during the World Cup.Naqvi granted both coaches carte blanche to implement their plans for both red-ball and white-ball formats. Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood also attended the meeting.Kirsten stressed the need to rebuild combinations and change the mindset of players in the white-ball format. He and Gillespie had agreed to become head coaches a few months before the World Cup, with Naqvi offering them long-term contracts and the assurance of ample time to implement their strategies.Kirsten, who previously worked with the Indian team, brings a wealth of experience to Pakistan. The PCB is optimistic that under his and Gillespie's guidance, the team can regain its former glory.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has summoned white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten to discuss the team's future in the wake of their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The meeting will review Kirsten's report on the team's performance, which includes assessments of player discipline, game awareness, and fitness.A key topic of discussion will be the future of Babar Azam as white-ball captain. Azam's leadership has come under scrutiny following Pakistan's early exit from the World Cup. Former players have criticized his decision-making and tactical acumen.Naqvi has previously stated that no decision has been made regarding Azam's captaincy. However, the PCB is expected to consider the feedback from Kirsten and other stakeholders before making a final determination.The meeting will also address the broader issue of Pakistan's domestic cricket structure. Around 30-35 international cricketers are scheduled to meet with Naqvi to provide their input on how to improve the system.Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign was a major disappointment. They lost their opening match to the USA in a Super Over and were then defeated by arch-rivals India in a low-scoring thriller. Despite victories over Canada and Ireland, Pakistan failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage.The PCB has a significant gap before Pakistan's next white-ball series against Australia in November. This provides ample time for the management to make necessary changes and address the team's weaknesses.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that no decision has been made regarding Babar Azam's future as captain. The board will consult with former players and head coach Gary Kirsten before determining the best course of action.Naqvi plans to meet with Kirsten and his assistant Azhar Mahmood to discuss the team's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup. He emphasized the need for a thorough analysis before making any hasty decisions.Following Pakistan's elimination from the Super 8 stage, Naqvi had criticized the team and called for a "major surgery." He believes that the team's recent losses, including humiliating defeats against India and the United States, necessitate a comprehensive overhaul."I have asked Kirsten and Mahmood to provide a detailed report on the World Cup," Naqvi said. "Their insights will be invaluable in shaping our future plans."Regarding Babar Azam's captaincy, Naqvi stated that no decision has been made. He has received a comprehensive report from a former player outlining areas for improvement in Pakistan cricket. However, he stressed that he will not make any decisions based on emotions or social media commentary."Decisions made in haste often lead to complications," Naqvi said. "I want to avoid that in our cricket."Naqvi has been consulting with former players and seeking their suggestions. He emphasized that he is only interested in working with those who genuinely care about the betterment of Pakistan cricket."I have been with the board for four months and have identified areas that need improvement," Naqvi said. "However, I will not rush into any conclusions or make hasty decisions."

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.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a dilemma as it grapples with the team's disappointing performance in the recent T20 World Cup. Sources within the board indicate that major changes to the national squad are unlikely, despite calls for a "major surgery" from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.The PCB governing board will convene on Saturday to review reports submitted by head coach Gary Kirsten and senior team manager Wahab Riaz. However, insiders suggest that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is wary of provoking a confrontation with senior players. As a result, only superficial adjustments are anticipated."The reports by Kirsten and Riaz will help the Governing Board and chairman Naqvi decide the next course of action, but all indications are there Naqvi doesn't want a confrontation with senior players," a source told PTI.The question of Babar Azam's captaincy in white-ball formats remains a contentious issue. While some former Test captains and a faction within the board favor Shaheen Afridi as a replacement, the names Shan Masood and Muhammad Rizwan have also emerged as potential candidates.Kirsten's report echoes his post-match discussions with players during the World Cup, emphasizing the need for players to adapt new skills and improve their game awareness. He warned that failure to do so would result in them being left behind.Wahab Riaz's report, on the other hand, outlines personality clashes within the team during the World Cup. His assessment aims to provide further context as the governing board and chairman Naqvi deliberate on the next steps.Pakistan's upcoming cricket commitments include a two-Test series against Bangladesh followed by three Tests against England. It is expected that senior players like Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan will not opt for breaks during these important fixtures.The PCB governing board meeting is expected to result in minor adjustments and a renewed focus on the overall structure of domestic cricket. However, the primary core of the team is expected to stay intact.The upcoming months appear critical for the PCB, as they navigate through internal and external pressures in hopes of improving team performance without unsettling senior members.

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.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran spinner, has heaped praise on Gautam Gambhir, describing him as a tenacious and exceptional motivator. Gambhir is the leading candidate to replace Rahul Dravid as India's head coach.Ashwin credits Gambhir with instilling confidence in him during the early stages of his Test career. The spinner reminisced about his conversations with Gambhir during his debut full series for India, which took place against New Zealand in 2012."Gambhir was a fighter," Ashwin stated, emphasizing the former opener's role in his development as a cricketer. "I was playing my first full series. I only carried drinks during the first two years before the World Cup (in 2011). He gave me a lot of confidence at the beginning (of his career). I was not used to someone beyond my state (Tamil Nadu) giving me that sort of confidence," Ashwin said while launching his book -- I Have the Streets - A Kutti Cricket Story -- in Chennai.Ashwin expressed his views on the former Indian opener, stating that the cricketer's frank and straightforward manner often led to misinterpretation of his character. "Gautam Gambhir is a very misunderstood person. It's all about perception. He is a fighter. The biggest issue with many of us is that we give hero status to someone in our mind and forget about everyone else. This is a sport, not a movie narrative. There are no heroes and villains. Gambhir is a competitor. His desire and hunger to win is unbelievable. I have massive respect (for him)," he added.Ashwin's rise to prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) occurred in 2010 when he was selected to play for the Chennai Super Kings, led by the iconic MS Dhoni. This opportunity proved to be a turning point in Ashwin's career, showcasing his skills on a grand stage.However, Ashwin's journey to the IPL spotlight can be traced back to a pivotal moment in the 2008 Challenger Trophy. It was during this tournament that Ashwin managed to catch the eye of Dhoni, who recognized the young spinner's potential."It's an evolving relationship. MS didn't even know someone like me existed in 2008," he remembered. "And because of that, I made it my life's goal -- from 2009, it was to get the wicket of MS Dhoni. When a person has a goal like this, he will go crazy when an opportunity to achieve it pops up."Ashwin went back to that final match held in Nagpur. "We were playing the Challenger Trophy, and I bowled an unbelievable spell. MS would struggle through that spell in Nagpur. Once, when he tried to play, the ball went through his gates. I got him out in the final. From then on, I think he saw somebody with skill, and the relationship matured."Ashwin revealed that once a player gained Dhoni's confidence, they would receive numerous opportunities to showcase their abilities. "One of MS' usual qualities is that, if he decides this horse (a player) is not ready to race, he will not use you. He needs to know you're a horse. But, once he knows you're a horse, only when you feel like giving up, he will look past you. That is MS Dhoni; he believes in you," he added.Ashwin's contribution to India's historic 2011 World Cup triumph was minimal. However, the Tamil Nadu spinner fondly remembered the inclusive atmosphere created by head coach Gary Kirsten and the entire team, ensuring he never felt left out or unappreciated."After winning (the WC), Gary called me over and said we have not done justice to your talent. You have waited two years, but make no mistake, take it from me -- you will achieve far greater things, and I am upset that I will not be a part of it," he reflected. "So, Gary actually resigned (as head coach) with me first before announcing it outside (laughs). It was surprising for me because in all these two years, Gary actually spoke, maybe, 100 lines to me. Gary was a man of few words and an outstanding human being," he added.In fact, Ashwin was used sparingly even in the run-up to that World Cup. He offered a reason for that. "One of the reasons why MS did not play me leading up to the World Cup (2011) was the novelty factor. But eventually, I figured out that they would play me. I was about to play the match against Pakistan (2nd semifinal in Mohali). But, they decided to opt for an extra fast bowler because there was heavy dew the previous day there," he concluded.

Pakistan's dismal performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup has sparked widespread criticism, but it was head coach Gary Kirsten's scathing assessment that became the focal point after their elimination. Kirsten's comments, which were reportedly made in a team meeting, have sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.Kirsten, who guided India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title, minced no words in his criticism of the Pakistan team. He lamented the lack of unity within the squad, stating that he had "never seen such a situation" in his coaching career. According to media reports, Kirsten also expressed concerns about the players' fitness and skill levels."There's no unity in Pakistan's team. They call it a team, but it isn't a team. They aren't supporting each other; everyone is separated, left and right," Kirsten was quoted as saying.Kirsten's comments have been corroborated by out-of-favor Pakistan player Ahmed Shehzad, who confirmed that the coach had indeed made those statements in a team meeting after their final T20 World Cup match against Ireland."I talked to some players from the team. They confirmed that Kirsten has said that in the final meeting," Shehzad told Geo TV.Kirsten's criticism has reignited the debate about the state of Pakistan cricket. The team's poor performance in recent years has raised questions about the coaching staff, player selection, and the overall direction of the sport in the country.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to respond to Kirsten's comments, but it is expected to face pressure to address the issues raised by the coach. The PCB has been under fire for its handling of the team, and Kirsten's criticism could further erode its credibility.As Pakistan cricket grapples with its current crisis, Kirsten's words serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the team. The lack of unity and the deficiencies in fitness and skill levels must be addressed if Pakistan is to regain its former glory on the international stage.