Cricket

Pakistan's recent Test series defeat against Bangladesh has sparked widespread criticism, with former players and fans alike blaming the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its leadership for the team's decline. Ex-wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has singled out former PCB chairmen for their role in the team's struggles.Latif criticized the frequent changes in leadership, questioning the decisions to remove Babar Azam as captain and appoint Shan Masood in his place. He also questioned the appointment of Zaka Ashraf as PCB chairman, accusing him of dividing the team and making poor decisions.Ashraf, in his defense, claimed that the team's unity improved after Babar's removal as captain. However, Latif dismissed this, stating that the team began to disintegrate after Babar's resignation. He also criticized Ashraf for appointing Masood as captain, alleging that it was done to break the team.Latif further criticized the role of former captain and coach Misbah-ul-Haq, who returned to the PCB as an advisor and headed a cricket committee. He questioned Misbah's influence on team selection and captaincy decisions.The victory for Bangladesh, which came after they recovered from a precarious position in the second Test, highlighted the weaknesses in the Pakistani team. Rookie pacers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana combined to take nine wickets and bowl out Pakistan for 172, setting up an easy victory for the visitors.Latif called for accountability and transparency in the PCB, suggesting that the chairman's role should be limited and that they should not have the power to appoint captains or form selection committees. He also criticized the lack of cricket knowledge among PCB officials.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed five mentors for the upcoming Champions Cup, a series of domestic tournaments aimed at bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket. The mentors, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Malik, will provide guidance and support to the players, helping them develop their skills and prepare for the rigors of international cricket.Misbah-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain and coach, believes that the key to success lies in maximizing a player's potential. He emphasizes the importance of assessing a player's fitness, technical abilities, and potential without preconceived notions. By doing so, the mentors can identify the specific roles that each player can fulfill within the team.The mentors' vision is to reduce the gap between domestic and international cricket. They aim to prepare players to adjust to the higher level of competition and performance required at the international stage. This requires hard work and dedication from both the mentors and the players.The mentor roles have come under scrutiny due to the high salaries involved. Each mentor is reportedly earning around PKR 5 million (approx. USD 18,000) per month on three-year contracts. These salaries have raised eyebrows, as they exceed the earnings of all but the most elite Pakistani cricketers.The PCB has not yet announced a tangible commercial inflow for the Champions Cup or a broadcaster. It has advertised for team partners/sponsors but has not disclosed any agreements. The total cost of the mentor salaries alone is estimated to be half of the PCB's entire broadcast deal for bilateral international cricket at home over the next 30 months.Despite the concerns, the PCB maintains that the investment in mentors is necessary to improve Pakistan cricket. The organization believes that the mentors' expertise and guidance will help develop a stronger and more competitive national team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed five legendary cricketers as mentors for teams participating in the Champions Cup domestic tournament. Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Waqar Younis will guide the teams for the next three years.The appointment of these mentors is part of the PCB's efforts to enhance the quality of domestic cricket and provide guidance to young players. The mentors will share their vast experience and expertise with the teams, helping them develop their skills and strategies.Waqar Younis, a former Pakistan captain and coach, recently served as the PCB's advisor on cricket affairs. Saqlain Mushtaq, a former head coach of the national team, is renowned for his innovative bowling techniques. Misbah-ul-Haq, another former Pakistan captain, has also had coaching stints with the national team.The mentors' first assignment will be the Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to be held in Faisalabad from September 12-29. The PCB has made it mandatory for all top players to participate in this 50-overs competition.The PCB believes that the appointment of these mentors will significantly contribute to the development of domestic cricket in Pakistan. The mentors will provide valuable insights and guidance to the players, helping them reach their full potential.

In the thrilling finale of the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham, a heartwarming display of sportsmanship unfolded between former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and India Champions wicket-keeper Robin Uthappa.Misbah, who had scored 18 runs off 15 balls, was forced to retire hurt due to an injury. As he struggled to leave the field, Uthappa stepped forward and offered his shoulder as support. This act of camaraderie, amidst the intense rivalry, touched the hearts of fans worldwide.The broadcaster captured the moment on video, sharing it with the caption: "Spirit of Cricket moment in Birmingham." The video highlights the essence of sportsmanship that transcends competition.The match itself was a testament to the enduring spirit of cricket. Pakistan Champions, led by Shoaib Malik's 41 runs, posted a competitive total of 156 for 6. India Champions' bowlers, particularly Anureet Singh with three wickets, kept Pakistan in check.In response, India Champions chased down the target with ease, thanks to a solid batting performance. The match showcased the skills of legendary players like Misbah, Malik, and Irfan Pathan.Beyond the cricketing action, the final served as a reminder of the values that make cricket a beloved sport. The sportsmanship displayed by Uthappa and the camaraderie between the players enriched the experience for fans.This match not only provided entertainment but also underscored the enduring spirit of cricket, where competition and sportsmanship coexist harmoniously.

The 2007 T20 World Cup final remains a haunting memory for Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan's captain at the time. Despite leading his team to the brink of victory, Misbah's mistimed scoop shot handed India a famous five-run win.Played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on September 24, 2007, the short boundaries gave Pakistan confidence in chasing down India's 157 for 5. Gautam Gambhir (75 off 54 balls) and Rohit Sharma (30 off 16 balls) had set the platform for India, while Umra Gul's 3 for 28 led Pakistan's bowling effort."We were very confident because of the pitch and the short boundaries," Misbah said on a Star Sports show. "It was tough for India because they relied on their spin bowling, and it's difficult for spinners at the Wanderers."Pakistan's run-chase started poorly, with RP Singh dismissing both openers early. However, Imran Nazir's run-out proved to be a turning point. "Losing quick wickets and Nazir's run-out put pressure on us," Misbah analyzed.Despite partnerships between Misbah and Yasir Arafat, and Misbah and Sohail Tanvir, Pakistan found themselves needing 13 runs to win with one wicket remaining. India captain MS Dhoni handed the ball to Joginder Sharma."I was confident we could get the runs," Misbah recalled. "The four off Asif's edge gave us hope, and I hit a six at the start of the last over."However, Misbah's high-risk scoop shot off the third ball of the over landed in S Sreesanth's hands, sealing India's victory. "Cricket is like that," Misbah concluded. "When you have one wicket left, the bowling side has the advantage."

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has launched a scathing critique of the team's management following their narrow six-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup match on Sunday. Despite a strong bowling performance that restricted India to just 119 runs, Pakistan's batting lineup failed to capitalize, jeopardizing their chances of progressing in the tournament.Misbah pointed out critical errors in Pakistan's approach during the run chase, particularly the underutilization of middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed. Ahmed, the lone specialist batter in the middle order, came in to bat at No. 7, despite his proven ability to anchor the innings."There is no confidence in the middle order," Misbah said on Hum Sport. "We don't use them properly. Iftikhar is there, and whoever else plays in the middle order, we don't send them in when their number comes up, even if they're scoring at a run-a-ball. They only get a chance once or twice a year, and even then, we put them in difficult situations."Misbah questioned the rationale behind sending all-rounders ahead of Iftikhar on a challenging pitch in New York. He stressed that on such surfaces, where power hitting is less effective, situational assessment is crucial."Iftikhar is a batsman," Misbah said. "Imad [Wasim] went in before him, then Shadab [Khan] went in before him, and he was the last. You're sending him in at No. 7, and this has been going on throughout. On a pitch where you know power hitting is not needed, you need to assess the situation."Misbah also criticized Pakistan's inability to learn from India's innings, where their power hitters struggled to score."You saw India's innings," Misbah said. "Once you have to score over a run-a-ball in the last 10 overs, it's very difficult. We should have kept Iftikhar back. He wouldn't have been able to hit at the end. If you're not going to send him in when you're scoring at 6 or 7 an over, what's the point of sending him in when you're scoring at 9 or 10? If you had to send him in, okay, fine, Shadab was scoring at a run-a-ball, he performed well in the last match, so send him up. Then Iftikhar comes in."Misbah further questioned the decision to send Imad Wasim ahead of Iftikhar and criticized the team for playing fewer batters on a bowling-friendly pitch."You're sending in Imad, okay, that's fine, but this is not a pitch where you can hit at the end," Misbah said. "You sent in a left-hander, and he played a whole over of dot balls. Basically, you're building pressure and not giving your batsman any confidence. Then it's simple, you're playing with only three specialist batsmen on a bowling pitch. India played with six batsmen and two all-rounders. On a difficult pitch, who's going to be under pressure? The batting. We have fewer batting resources."Misbah's critique underscores the need for better tactical decisions and confidence in the batting order to optimize performance in crucial matches.

India vs Pakistan: Virat Kohli Poised as Pakistan's Biggest Threat in T20 World CupAs the highly anticipated ninth edition of the Men's T20 World Cup approaches, the spotlight shines brightly on the marquee clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on June 9 in New York. This historic encounter will not only captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide but also serve as a grand introduction to the sport for the baseball and basketball-dominated American audience.In the lead-up to the tournament, Star Sports, the official broadcaster, hosted a panel discussion featuring World Cup winners Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Misbah-ul-Haq. When asked about Pakistan's biggest challenge, Misbah, who captained the team that lost to India in the 2007 T20 World Cup final, unequivocally stated, "Sabse badi rukawat toh Virat Kohli honge (Virat will be the biggest obstacle)."Kohli, India's talismanic captain and one of the greatest batsmen of all time, poses a formidable threat to Pakistan's hopes of victory. His exceptional batting skills, aggressive leadership, and ability to perform under pressure make him a formidable opponent.However, Pakistan will not be without its own weapons. Babar Azam, the current captain, is a world-class batsman who has consistently performed at the highest level. Shaheen Afridi, the young fast bowler, has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in the game, with his pace and swing posing a significant challenge to any batting lineup.The India vs Pakistan clash is not merely a sporting event; it is a cultural phenomenon that transcends borders. The two nations share a rich cricketing history, and their rivalry has produced some of the most memorable matches in the sport's annals. The upcoming encounter in New York promises to be another unforgettable chapter in this storied rivalry.

India's struggles in major ICC tournaments have been a persistent issue, and former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes the team lacks the ability to finish strong in the latter stages. Despite possessing a "skillful" team with a "powerful bowling lineup," India has failed to win an ICC title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.In the 2023 ODI World Cup, India remained undefeated until losing to Australia in the final. They also missed out on the World Test Championship title twice in three years. In the last T20 World Cup, they were defeated by England in the semifinals.Misbah praised India's current pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami, as well as the overall quality of Indian cricket. However, he highlighted that India's inability to handle pressure in ICC knockout matches has been a major factor in their recent failures."Teams like Pakistan, India, and other Asian teams face immense pressure from their huge populations and high expectations," Misbah said. "This pressure can affect performance significantly. It's something India has struggled with in the last few mega events, where they haven't been able to finish strong."Misbah believes that India needs to find ways to cope with pressure in ICC knockout matches. "For Australia, this isn't as big of an issue, but for Pakistan and India, playing under such intense pressure is a major challenge," he added. "It's interesting to see how these teams will manage it in the future. India, especially, will need to find ways to overcome this mounting pressure if they want to succeed in upcoming events."Regarding Mohammad Amir's inclusion in Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad, Misbah said, "We will definitely see a difference in Mohammad Amir from the one we witnessed previously. He may have less pace and swing, but he now has more experience."India will face Pakistan in their second T20 World Cup match in New York on June 9 after playing Ireland in the opening game on June 5.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has urged current skipper Babar Azam to adapt his batting approach to match situations and maintain an optimal strike rate in T20 cricket. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Misbah emphasized the need for Babar to adjust his batting style according to the team's requirements.Misbah praised Babar's recent innings of 75 off 42 balls against Ireland in the third T20I, showcasing his ability to play explosive knocks when needed. However, he stressed that Babar must be versatile and capable of shifting gears in modern-day T20 cricket."We saw, he [Babar] improved his strike rate against Ireland. Hopefully, he will bat like that when the team requires that sort of an innings from him. If an anchor role is required, then anchor it is. But you have to be potentially ready to play at 160-170 or even a strike rate of 200 if the team needs it. It will be an important thing for Babar to not bat at 130-140 strike rate if the team is chasing 200," Misbah stated.Misbah acknowledged the pressure faced by players, but emphasized the importance of mental strength and resilience in handling criticism and external expectations. He highlighted the ability of top cricketers to channel criticism into motivation and use it as fuel to perform better on the field."Outside noise does affect a player, but good players, who are mentally strong, top cricketers in the world, they take motivation from criticism. They write down those noises that yes, I have to answer them on the ground. Somehow, they take motivation from those voices and criticism," Misbah elaborated.As Pakistan prepare for the T20 World Cup, Misbah's insights underline the importance of Babar Azam's adaptability and mindset in leading the team's batting lineup effectively, with the aim of achieving success in the upcoming tournament.