Cricket

Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Wasim has shed light on the challenges he encountered as chief selector of the team, particularly in dealing with former all-format captain Babar Azam. Wasim, who served as head coach from December 2020 to December 2022, described Babar as "very stubborn" and prone to frustration when the selection committee made changes to the squad."It was a pain to make him accept changes. He was very stubborn and sometimes, I had to overstep my boundaries just to get him on board with certain decisions," Wasim said, as quoted by PakPassion.Wasim's comments come amidst Babar's recent struggles in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. After managing scores of 0 and 22 in the first Test, Babar scored 31 in the first innings of the second Test in Rawalpindi.Meanwhile, Wasim has taken on a new role as head coach of the Pakistan women's team. He is joined by former Pakistan bowlers Junaid Khan and Abdur Rehman as assistant coach and spin-bowling coach, respectively. Notably, no batting coach has been appointed, with Wasim expected to take on that role himself.Wasim's coaching credentials stem from his successful tenure with Northern, a team in Pakistan's domestic structure. Under his leadership, Northern achieved successive runners-up finishes in the revamped Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. His focus on nurturing young talent culminated in a National T20 Cup victory in the 2019-20 season.

Pakistan's women's cricket team, led by Nida Dar, has undergone a significant overhaul ahead of the Women's Asia Cup 2024. The squad, which will compete in Dambulla, Sri Lanka from July 19 to 28, features several notable changes from the team that struggled in England last month.Batters Ayesha Zafar and Sadaf Shamas have been omitted, while Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, and Syeda Aroob Shah have been recalled. Rising star Tasmia Rubab, a 22-year-old left-arm fast bowler, has also earned her maiden international call-up.The changes reflect Pakistan's recent struggles, which have seen them endure a string of poor results over the past 18 months. Despite series wins against South Africa and New Zealand, the team has consistently underperformed, including a winless tour of England in May.The team's new head coach, Mohammad Wasim, has been tasked with turning things around, but he has only been given a short-term contract for the Asia Cup. Assistant coach Junaid Khan and spin-bowling coach Abdur Rehman will also serve in temporary roles.Despite the team's struggles, the PCB has yet to deliver on its promise of a women's T20 league in Pakistan. The league was originally promised by former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja in late 2022, but administrative changes have stalled progress.Pakistan's squad for the Women's Asia Cup 2024:* Nida Dar (capt)* Aliya Riaz* Diana Baig* Fatima Sana* Gull Feroza* Iram Javed* Muneeba Ali* Najiha Alvi* Nashra Sandhu* Omaima Sohail* Sadia Iqbal* Sidra Amin* Syeda Aroob Shah* Tasmia Rubab* Tuba Hassan

Mohammad Wasim, the former Pakistan batter and men's chief selector, has been appointed head coach of the women's national team for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup. The tournament will be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from July 19 to 28.Wasim, who has extensive coaching experience with Northern in the Pakistan domestic structure, will be assisted by former Pakistan bowlers Junaid Khan and Abdur Rehman, who will serve as assistant coach and spin-bowling coach, respectively. No batting coach has been appointed, and it is understood that Wasim will act in that role himself.The PCB has confirmed that the appointments are only for the Asia Cup, and there has been no word on whether they could extend beyond the tournament.Wasim's appointment comes at a challenging time for the Pakistan women's team, which has struggled in recent tours to the West Indies and England. The team has won just one of eight T20Is in those tours and has gone winless in both ODI series.However, the team has also shown encouraging results in the past year, including a home T20I series whitewash of South Africa and becoming the first Asian women's side to win a T20I series in New Zealand.The T20 Asia Cup will be a crucial test for the Pakistan team, which will be looking to improve its recent form and prepare for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa in February 2023.

Quetta Gladiators secured a playoff berth in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after a thrilling six-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars on Sunday. The win marked the Gladiators' first playoff appearance in four years.Mohammad Wasim played the hero for Quetta, smashing a last-ball six off Shaheen Shah Afridi to seal the victory. The left-arm pacer had earlier bowled a superb spell, taking 2 for 30 and putting pressure on the Gladiators' chase.Saud Shakeel anchored the Gladiators' innings with an unbeaten 88 off 65 balls. The opener hit two boundaries off Afridi in the final over before Wasim's match-winning six. Khawaja Nafay also contributed with a valuable 26.Earlier, Lahore Qalandars chose to bat first and posted 166 for 4. Afridi, who promoted himself to No. 5, top-scored with 55 off 33 balls, including four sixes. Abdullah Shafique provided solid support with an unbeaten 59 off 39 deliveries.The Gladiators' victory leaves the Qalandars with only one win in ten league games, a disappointing end to their title defense. Quetta, meanwhile, has 11 points and could still finish among the top two if they beat Multan Sultans in their final league game on Tuesday.