Cricket

Young Pakistani Cricketer Stuns with Suryakumar Yadav-Esque CatchIn the realm of local cricket, captivating moments often emerge, leaving fans in awe. Following the viral video of a young boy imitating Jasprit Bumrah's unorthodox bowling action, another clip has surfaced on social media, showcasing a remarkable catch reminiscent of Suryakumar Yadav's breathtaking grab in the T20 World Cup final.This time, a young Pakistani cricketer has taken the internet by storm with a video of his stunning catch. The footage captures a local cricket match in Pakistan, where children are playing on a hilly terrain. As a batsman lofts a shot high into the air, the wicketkeeper charges uphill, his eyes fixed on the ball. With lightning-fast reflexes, he extends his left hand and completes a stunning one-handed grab, dismissing the batsman.The video has left social media users in disbelief, marveling at the young cricketer's athleticism and skill. The catch bears an uncanny resemblance to Suryakumar Yadav's iconic catch in the T20 World Cup final against England. Yadav's acrobatic effort, where he ran backwards and dived to his left, was hailed as one of the greatest catches in cricket history.The young Pakistani cricketer's catch has drawn comparisons to Yadav's brilliance, highlighting the growing talent and passion for cricket in Pakistan. The video has garnered widespread attention, with many praising the young player's exceptional fielding abilities.Earlier, a young boy's imitation of Bumrah's bowling action had impressed Pakistan legend Wasim Akram. Akram took to social media to express his delight, marveling at the youngster's control and perfect replication of Bumrah's renowned style.Bumrah played a pivotal role in India's victorious T20 World Cup campaign, earning the coveted 'Player of the Tournament' award for his exceptional bowling. His unique bowling action, characterized by a high-arm release and a slinging motion, has become a trademark of his bowling style.The emergence of these young cricketers in Pakistan is a testament to the country's rich cricketing tradition and the passion for the sport among its youth. As these young players continue to hone their skills, they have the potential to become future stars of the game and inspire generations to come.

New Zealand's 2024-25 home season promises an exciting array of international cricket, with tours from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Australia confirmed. The schedule features six ODIs and eight T20Is for the men's team, while the women will play six ODIs and six T20Is.The highlight of the season will be the three-Test series against England, which will conclude a busy summer of nine Tests for New Zealand. The Tests will be followed by a T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka in late December and mid-January.After the Sri Lanka tour, the men's team will head to Pakistan for an ODI tri-series in preparation for the Champions Trophy. They will then host Pakistan for five T20Is and three ODIs in late March and early April, which may overlap with the IPL.The women's team will host Australia for three ODIs in December, followed by three T20Is in March. Sri Lanka's women will also tour New Zealand in March for a six-match series.Five of the women's T20Is will be played as double-headers with the men's T20I series against Pakistan.

England's dominance over New Zealand and Pakistan this summer can be traced back to a pivotal T20I loss in New Zealand in March, according to captain Heather Knight. That defeat sparked a conscious effort to address mental barriers in T20 chases, leading to a ruthless streak that has characterized England's recent performances.Knight praised the team's improved skill level and relentless pressure, which has kept New Zealand's key players quiet. Despite the opposition's struggles, Knight emphasized the quality of England's bowling attack, led by spinners Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Charlie Dean.The hosts have also showcased their batting depth, with Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt securing the opening berth and Sophia Dunkley rediscovering her form. Dunkley's versatility and ability to bat up and down the order could earn her a place in the T20 World Cup squad as the spare batter.However, England faces a selection conundrum with teenage left-arm seamer Mahika Gaur, who has missed games due to injury. Knight acknowledged the need to manage young fast bowlers carefully, but Gaur remains in contention for the World Cup squad.England's spin-heavy attack is likely to travel to Bangladesh, with Lauren Filer providing raw pace and Nat Sciver-Brunt increasing her bowling load. Freya Kemp is also returning to her allrounder role after a back injury.Knight emphasized that England's recent success is not solely due to the opposition's performances, but also reflects the team's ongoing improvement. She highlighted the team's ability to beat anyone on their day, as demonstrated in the Ashes series and the T20I series win in India.As England prepares for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, Knight expressed confidence in the team's ability to continue their winning ways in a major tournament.

Pakistani Boy's Flawless Imitation of Jasprit Bumrah's Bowling Action Captivates the InternetIn a heartwarming display of passion and talent, a young Pakistani fan has become an internet sensation with his flawless imitation of Indian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah's distinctive bowling action.Bumrah, known for his unique and highly effective bowling style, has been an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers around the globe. However, this young boy's imitation has struck a particular chord with fans and cricketing communities alike.The viral video showcases the young boy replicating every detail of Bumrah's action with astonishing accuracy. From the quirky run-up to the precise delivery stride, his imitation is near-perfect. The boy's dedication and hours of practice are evident as he mirrors Bumrah's style, down to the minutest nuances.The young prodigy's performance not only highlights his own talent but also underscores Bumrah's influence on the next generation of cricketers. Bumrah, aged 30, played a pivotal role in India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. He was awarded the prestigious Player of the Tournament title for his exceptional performance throughout the event.Bumrah showcased his bowling prowess by claiming 15 wickets in just eight matches. His bowling statistics were nothing short of remarkable, maintaining an impressive average of 8.26 runs per wicket. Moreover, Bumrah's economy rate, which measures the average number of runs conceded per over, was an astounding 4.17.This viral sensation serves as a beautiful reminder of how sports can bridge gaps and bring people together, regardless of nationality. It's a testament to the inspiring power of cricket, and how heroes like Bumrah can influence and nurture the dreams of young fans everywhere.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded written confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the Indian government's stance on the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2023 in Pakistan. The PCB insists that the BCCI provide this documentation in case India refuses to participate due to security concerns.The PCB has emphasized the need for a prompt resolution, considering the tournament's proximity. While the ICC annual conference in Colombo on July 19 will not address the "Hybrid Model" (India playing matches in the UAE), the global body has allocated additional funds for a potential two-country tournament."If the Indian government declines permission, it must be in writing, and the BCCI is obligated to submit that letter to the ICC immediately," said a PCB source involved in the organizing committee. "We insist that the BCCI inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan in writing at least 5-6 months before the tournament."The BCCI has consistently maintained that playing in Pakistan is a government decision. In the 2023 ODI Asia Cup hosted by Pakistan, India played all its matches in Sri Lanka under the "Hybrid Model."The PCB has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with all of India's matches, including a potential semi-final and final, scheduled in Lahore. The India-Pakistan match is set for March 1. The tournament begins in Karachi on February 19 and concludes in Lahore on March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Rawalpindi will also host some matches.BCCI sources indicate that traveling to Pakistan is unlikely at this stage, and the ICC has allocated additional funds for contingency plans. "The ICC Management is recommending additional costs in case it becomes necessary to play matches outside Pakistan," a source confirmed.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his concerns over the safety of Indian players in Pakistan, casting doubt on India's participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in the country.During an appearance on a Pakistani TV show, Harbhajan stated, "If our players are not safe in Pakistan, we won't send the team. If you want to play, play; if not, then don't. Indian cricket can still survive without Pakistan. If you guys can survive without Indian cricket, do it."Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9 next year, marking the first major cricket event in the country since the 1996 World Cup. However, India's participation has been thrown into question due to security concerns.Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly indicated that it would request the ICC to adopt a hybrid model for the tournament, with matches potentially being played in Dubai or Sri Lanka.Pakistan has reportedly designated Lahore as the venue for all of India's matches for logistical convenience. However, Harbhajan's comments suggest that the safety of Indian players remains a paramount concern.India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and the two nations have only faced each other in multi-team events since then. The last time India played a match in Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup.The Champions Trophy is an eight-nation tournament that will feature some of the world's top cricket teams. Pakistan emerged as champions in the 2017 edition, defeating India in the final at The Oval in London.The ICC is expected to make a decision on the venue and format of the 2025 Champions Trophy in the coming months.

India and Pakistan to Clash in World Championship of Legends FinalArchrivals India and Pakistan will face off in the highly anticipated final of the World Championship of Legends on Saturday at Birmingham. The two teams emerged victorious in their respective semi-finals on Friday, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.In the first semi-final, Pakistan displayed their dominance by defeating West Indies by 20 runs. The Pakistani bowlers led the charge, restricting West Indies to a modest total of 150 runs. In response, Pakistan's batters chased down the target with relative ease, securing their place in the final.The second semi-final witnessed an emphatic performance by India, who crushed Australia by a massive 86 runs. India's bowlers were in top form, dismissing Australia for a mere 114 runs. The Indian batters then showcased their prowess, amassing a formidable total of 200 runs.The final promises to be a captivating encounter between two of the world's top cricket teams. India and Pakistan have a long-standing rivalry, and their matches always generate immense excitement and passion. The stakes will be even higher in this championship final, as both teams will be eager to claim the coveted title.The match will be played at Birmingham's Edgbaston Stadium, starting at 9:30 pm IST on Saturday. Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating this epic clash, which is sure to produce thrilling moments and unforgettable memories.

India Unlikely to Tour Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy, BCCI to Request ICC for Alternative VenueThe Indian cricket team is highly unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, according to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI is expected to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a request to host the matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka instead.India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and the two nations have only faced each other in multi-team tournaments since then. Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in 2022, but India was allowed to play all their matches in Sri Lanka under a "hybrid model" arrangement. India cited a lack of government clearance for their decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.The eight-nation Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. It will be the first major cricket event hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup, which it co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.The BCCI's decision is based on security concerns and the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. The two countries have a long history of conflict, and there have been several terrorist attacks in Pakistan in recent years.The ICC is yet to make a decision on the BCCI's request, but it is likely to consider the security concerns and the precedent set by the Asia Cup. If the ICC agrees to the BCCI's request, it will be a major blow to Pakistan's hopes of hosting a successful Champions Trophy.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has heaped praise on India's young pace sensation Arshdeep Singh, who emerged as a key figure in India's T20 World Cup triumph. Arshdeep's impressive performance, which saw him finish as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, has earned him plaudits from the legendary left-arm pacer.Akram believes that Arshdeep has the potential to become a world-class bowler, but he urged the youngster to focus on playing Test cricket to cement his legacy. "If you have to leave a legacy, you have to think about long-format cricket," Akram said. "People should be talking about you even 10-20 years after your retirement that no such bowler came in cricket history."Akram rated Arshdeep's performance in the T20 World Cup as an "8," highlighting his swing, pace, and ability to move the ball both ways. However, he emphasized the importance of Test cricket for Arshdeep's long-term success. "He should be focusing on four-day cricket too because he has swing and pace," Akram added. "I think he has got the potential to be a regular bowler for India. I hope he has Test cricket on his mind."Arshdeep's impressive showing in the T20 World Cup has seen him rise to a career-best No. 13 in the latest T20I rankings. He was also named in the ICC's team of the tournament, alongside fellow Indian players Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.