Cricket

The Pakistan cricket team's tour of Ireland has been marked by a series of controversies and incidents. In a historic upset, Pakistan lost to Ireland in a T20I match for the first time. This was followed by an incident where fast bowler Shaheen Afridi was verbally abused by a fan.Now, another incident has emerged from the tour that has sparked reactions on social media. In a video that has gone viral, Pakistan's star wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is seen signing an autograph on a photo of former Prime Minister Imran Khan with the caption "Release Imran Khan."Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, was ousted from power in 2022 and sentenced to prison in January. The photo signed by Rizwan has become a symbol of support for Khan, who remains a popular figure in Pakistan.The incident has drawn mixed reactions. Some fans have praised Rizwan for his support of Khan, while others have criticized him for using his platform to promote political views.Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has advised current skipper Babar Azam and other senior players like Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman to adapt to the demands of modern cricket. Speaking at an event in Karachi, Younis emphasized the need for batters to improve their strike rates and bowlers to perform under pressure.Former national team colleague Rashid Latif believes that frequent changes in captaincy have created a negative atmosphere in the Pakistan dressing room. He criticized the decision to remove Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain after just one series.The Pakistan cricket team's tour of Ireland has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with unexpected results, controversies, and now a political statement. It remains to be seen how these incidents will impact the team's performance in the remaining matches of the series.

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja has expressed his concerns about the inconsistent performances of opener Saim Ayub, questioning the decision to break the established opening duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.Ayub, who struggled in the recent T20I series against New Zealand, showed signs of improvement in the first T20I against Ireland with a quick-paced knock of 45(29). However, he failed to maintain consistency in the second T20I, falling for a score of 6.Raja believes that Ayub's inconsistent performances do not justify breaking the successful opening partnership of Rizwan and Azam. "I don't think Saim Ayub gives you security, he shows flashes of brilliance. If you don't score 50 off 30 balls then breaking Rizwan and Babar's opening duo doesn't make any sense," Raja said on his YouTube channel.In four matches against New Zealand, Ayub scored 52 runs at an average of 14.25, with 32 as his highest score. Before Ayub's inclusion, Babar and Rizwan were the designated openers for Pakistan and were one of the most prolific opening pairs in white-ball cricket.The duo forged a record-breaking 105-run stand in the 2022 Men's T20I World Cup, setting a new record for the most century partnerships as an opening duo in the tournament's history.Raja's comments highlight the importance of consistency and reliability in opening partnerships. While Ayub has shown glimpses of his potential, his inconsistent performances have raised questions about his ability to provide a solid foundation for Pakistan's batting lineup.The third and final T20I between Pakistan and Ireland will be played on Tuesday, with the series currently tied at 1-1. The match will be a crucial test for Ayub and the Pakistan team as they look to secure a series victory and build momentum ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Pakistan's Babar Azam has etched his name in the annals of T20I cricket history by becoming the most successful captain in the format. With a remarkable 45 wins under his leadership, Azam has surpassed all others, including Aaron Finch of Australia and Brian Masaba of Uganda.Azam's record-breaking achievement came after Pakistan's emphatic victory over Ireland in the second T20I of their three-match series. Chasing a challenging target of 193/7, Pakistan showcased their batting prowess, with Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman leading the charge.Rizwan, who remained unbeaten on 75, and Zaman, who contributed a blistering 78, forged a formidable partnership of 140 runs, laying the foundation for Pakistan's triumph. Despite Azam's early dismissal, Rizwan and Zaman's dominance ensured that Ireland's hopes of victory quickly faded.Fakhar Zaman's six towering sixes were a testament to his power-hitting abilities, while Rizwan played a steady hand, anchoring the innings. Azam Khan's explosive unbeaten 30 from just 10 deliveries sealed the deal for Pakistan, ensuring their victory with more than three overs to spare.Azam's 45th T20I win as captain places him ahead of Aaron Finch, who has 40 victories, and Brian Masaba, who has 44 wins in all men's T20Is. Other notable captains on the list include Eoin Morgan (42 wins), MS Dhoni (41 wins), Rohit Sharma (41 wins), and Asghar Afghan (42 wins).Pakistan's victory over Ireland was a testament to their team's resilience and determination. Despite Azam's early departure, Rizwan, Zaman, and Khan stepped up to the plate, showcasing their exceptional talent and ensuring Pakistan's dominance in the series.

Pakistan's thrilling victory over Ireland in the second T20I leveled the three-match series at 1-1, but it was match-winner Mohammad Rizwan's heartfelt acknowledgment of Virat Kohli that stole the hearts of the Indian batting legend's fans.Rizwan, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan's comeback win, praised Kohli's influence on Pakistani batsmen. "We have learnt a lot of things from Virat Kohli; I respect him," said Rizwan, who is one of only two batters to average above 50 in T20Is.Pakistan's run-chase got off to a shaky start, but Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman launched a counter-attack, adding 140 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan's unbeaten 75 off 46 balls and Zaman's 78 off 40 balls powered Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory.Rizwan's admiration for Kohli highlights the respect and camaraderie that exists between the two cricketing nations. Kohli, who averages 51.75 in T20Is, has been a role model for many young batsmen, including Rizwan.The T20 World Cup is just around the corner, and both India and Pakistan are in the same group. Their highly anticipated clash on June 9 in New York is sure to be a thrilling encounter.Pakistan will play a decisive third T20I against Ireland on May 14 before heading to England for four T20Is. They will then fly to the US for the T20 World Cup, where they will face their arch-rivals India in a match that promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has sparked a debate by questioning the reliance on star openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to carry the entire team's batting burden. Hafeez, who served as Pakistan's team director in 2020, believes that the team needs a more balanced batting lineup.During his tenure, Hafeez made a controversial decision to break up the Azam-Rizwan opening partnership, replacing Rizwan with Saim Ayub and dropping Azam to the number three spot. He argued that this change was necessary to spread the responsibility and create a more dynamic batting order."Babar and Rizwan are great players, but they do not represent the whole Pakistan team," Hafeez said. "They cannot take the whole responsibility of the team upon their shoulders. I felt Saim Ayub as an opener was a solution for us."Hafeez explained that Azam has been batting at number three for several years and that moving him down the order would not significantly impact his performance. He also praised Ayub's potential as an opener, despite his early failures."Saim must play as an opener in the T20 World Cup 2024 despite early failures," Hafeez said. "He has the talent and the ability to succeed at the highest level."Hafeez's comments come as Pakistan struggles in their ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. After winning the second match, Pakistan has lost two consecutive games, giving New Zealand an unassailable 2-1 lead.The team's batting has been inconsistent, with Azam and Rizwan failing to replicate their usual dominance. Hafeez's suggestion to diversify the batting lineup could be a potential solution to Pakistan's current struggles.

Pakistan's T20I Series Against New Zealand Hit by Injuries to Rizwan and NiaziPakistan's T20I series against New Zealand has been dealt a significant blow with the news that Mohammad Rizwan and Irfan Khan Niazi have been ruled out due to injuries. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the news in a statement, stating that radiology reports had revealed the extent of their injuries.Rizwan, Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batter, is believed to have suffered a hamstring injury while batting in the third T20I. He received extensive on-field attention before retiring hurt. The PCB has downplayed the severity of his injury, indicating that he is expected to be sidelined for no more than a week to ten days. However, the injury does not pose any immediate threat to his availability for future tours.Niazi, on the other hand, is also believed to have sustained a hamstring niggle, despite showing no signs of discomfort during the third T20I. The PCB has decided to withdraw him from the series as a precautionary measure.The absence of Rizwan and Niazi is a major setback for Pakistan, especially with the series on the line in Lahore. New Zealand bounced back from a heavy defeat in the second T20I with a dominant performance in Pindi, leveling the series. The final two games will be played in Lahore, where Pakistan will be looking to secure a series victory.In Rizwan's absence, Pakistan has several wicketkeeping options. Haseebullah, who made his international debut in a T20 against New Zealand earlier this year, has been called up as cover. Usman Khan, who kept wicket for the Multan Sultans in the PSL earlier this year, is another potential option.The injuries to Rizwan and Niazi come at an inopportune time for Pakistan, who are looking to build momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year. The team will be hoping that the duo can recover quickly and be available for selection in the near future.

Shaheen Afridi Hails Mohammad Rizwan as the "Bradman of T20 Cricket"Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has heaped praise on batter Mohammad Rizwan, calling him the "Bradman of T20 cricket" after he crossed the remarkable milestone of 3000 T20I runs.Rizwan achieved this feat during the third T20I match against New Zealand, where he scored 22 off 21 deliveries before an unfortunate hamstring injury cut short his innings. Afridi's heartfelt tribute to Rizwan on social media underscored the batsman's transformative influence on the sport and his ability to silence doubters."Cheers to Muhammad Rizwan - the Bradman of T20 cricket and Pakistan's SuperMan for hitting 3,000 T20I runs! Your impact has transformed the game and silenced the skeptics. Keep soaring, champion! You're an inspiration to many," Afridi's post read.Rizwan's milestone not only marked a significant personal achievement but also saw him surpassing Indian cricketing stalwart Virat Kohli in reaching 3000 T20I runs. Rizwan achieved this feat in 92 matches and 79 innings, outpacing Kohli's record of 87 matches and 81 innings.Since his T20I debut against Bangladesh in 2015, Rizwan has been a linchpin in Pakistan's batting lineup, featuring in 93 matches and 80 innings. With a strike rate of 127.42, he has amassed a total of 3048 runs, cementing his status as one of Pakistan's premier batters in the shortest format of the game.Rizwan's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. Despite facing criticism and skepticism early in his career, he has proven his mettle time and again, becoming one of the most consistent and reliable batters in T20 cricket.His ability to adapt to different conditions and situations, coupled with his exceptional shot-making skills, has made him a formidable force in the shortest format of the game. Rizwan's contributions have been instrumental in Pakistan's recent success in T20 cricket, including their triumph in the 2022 Asia Cup.As Rizwan continues to scale new heights, he is sure to inspire a generation of young cricketers and leave an indelible mark on the sport. His achievements serve as a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi sparked controversy on social media after labeling teammate Mohammad Rizwan as the "Don Bradman of T20 cricket." The comment came after Rizwan reached the milestone of 3000 runs in T20 international cricket, becoming the fastest player to achieve the feat in just 79 innings.Afridi's tweet, which read, "Cheers to Muhammad Rizwan - the Bradman of T20 cricket and Pakistan's SuperMan for hitting 3,000 T20I runs! Your impact has transformed the game and silenced the skeptics. Keep soaring, champion! You're an inspiration to many," drew criticism from fans who questioned the comparison to the legendary Australian batsman.Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, dominated Test cricket with an astonishing batting average of 99.94. His dominance in the longer format of the game stands in stark contrast to Rizwan's achievements in T20 cricket, a shorter and more explosive format.Fans took to Twitter to express their disapproval of Afridi's comparison. "Is this a sarcastic post, or do you really mean it?" asked one user. Another commented, "Bradman hit a total of 6 sixes in his entire career and he played test matches only. Rizwan is definitely the Bradman of T20."Despite the controversy, Rizwan's achievement remains a significant milestone in his career. He has established himself as one of the most consistent and prolific batters in T20 cricket, with an impressive average of over 50 and a strike rate of over 130.While Pakistan celebrated Rizwan's achievement, they suffered a disappointing defeat in the third T20I against New Zealand. The Kiwis secured a comfortable 7-wicket victory, leaving Pakistan with a 1-2 deficit in the series.Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, saying, "We were 10 runs short unfortunately. I think Shadab recovered well and built a good partnership. I think 180-190 was a par score according to me. We tried to play according to the situation."Pakistan will look to bounce back in the fourth T20I on April 24th as they aim to level the series and avoid a series defeat.

Pakistan's skipper Babar Azam expressed satisfaction with his team's batting performance in the third T20I against New Zealand at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, despite their 7-wicket loss.Azam, who scored a 37-run knock off 29 balls, acknowledged that Mohammad Rizwan's injury in the first inning was a setback. Rizwan, who had scored 22 runs off 21 balls, was forced to retire hurt."We did well with the bat. I don't think it [the slowdown] made much of a difference because we had caught up in the end. You can say we were ten runs short. Unfortunately, we had a bit of a setback with [Mohammad] Rizwan's injury because it wasn't easy for new batters. But Shadab recovered well and had an outstanding partnership with Irfan [Khan]," Azam said at the post-match presentation.Azam praised the partnership between Shadab Khan and Irfan Khan, which helped Pakistan recover in the game. "In Pindi, 180-190 is a par score," he added.After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to field first. Saim Ayub (32) and Babar Azam opened the innings for Pakistan, putting on a 55-run partnership. Shadab Khan (41) was the standout batter for the hosts, while Irfan Khan (30) also contributed.Ish Sodhi led the Kiwi bowling attack with two wickets, while Bracewell and Jacob Duffy took one wicket each.In the run chase, Dean Foxcroft (31) and Mark Chapman (87) played a crucial 117-run partnership to guide New Zealand to a comfortable victory. Pakistan's bowling performance was lackluster, with only Afridi and Shah taking wickets.The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams having won one game each.