Cricket

Shahid Afridi, the legendary Pakistani cricketer, has been appointed as a tournament ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, which will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA. Afridi joins an illustrious group of ambassadors that includes Yuvraj Singh of India, Chris Gayle of the West Indies, and Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man.Afridi is a towering figure in T20 World Cup history, having played a pivotal role in Pakistan's journey to the final of the inaugural tournament in 2007 and their triumph in the 2009 edition. He was named Player of the Tournament in 2007 despite Pakistan's loss to India in the final and was instrumental in Pakistan's victory in 2009, earning Player of the Match honors in both the semi-final against South Africa and the final against Sri Lanka.Reflecting on his appointment, Afridi expressed his excitement about being part of the upcoming edition. "The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart. From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favorite career highlights have come from competing on this stage," said Afridi. "T20 World Cups have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I'm thrilled to be part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches, and even more drama than ever before."Afridi also highlighted the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan fixture on June 9, calling it "one of the great rivalries in sport" and expressing his excitement for the match taking place in New York.Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager of Marketing and Communications, welcomed Afridi to the ambassador team. "Shahid competed in six ICC Men's T20 World Cups, two of which as captain, and delivered a Player of the Match performance when winning the trophy in 2009. So, who better to join our all-star Ambassador team?" said Furlong. "He's a fan favorite around the world and, alongside Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and eight-time Olympic gold-medallist Usain Bolt, will bring fans closer to the event ahead of what is set to be the biggest T20 World Cup ever."The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 1, with co-hosts USA taking on Canada at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

England's captain, Heather Knight, has emphasized the team's commitment to their aggressive batting approach, which proved successful in their recent T20I series sweep against Pakistan. However, she acknowledges the need for adaptation to the different rhythms of the 50-over format as they prepare for the first ODI against the same opponents on Friday.Knight's crucial innings of 49 from 44 balls in the first T20I at Edgbaston helped rescue England from a precarious position. She expressed confidence in the team's ability to post competitive totals, as demonstrated by their varied performances in each match."We posted pretty good totals each time, which was really pleasing," Knight said. "Knowing different ways to punch out a score is really important. That's a good sign, and I think it's a real strength of ours, that depth we have in our batting."Knight praised the team's response to the slower pace of Pakistan's bowlers, highlighting the importance of learning how to approach such conditions. She believes this experience will be valuable for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh."The response from the top-order from that first game was really good," she said. "I feel like it's a really good learning for us about how we're going to approach those bowlers on potentially slower wickets."While maintaining their aggressive mindset, Knight recognizes the need for a more calculated approach in ODI cricket. "In ODI cricket, you have a little bit more time to read situations and cope with the ebbs and flows of the games," she explained. "There's obviously a lot of space to be aggressive, but you've got to do it for longer and be a bit more calculated."Tammy Beaumont, who missed the T20Is, is expected to return to the ODI squad, alongside Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt. Kate Cross will also play a key role as a senior seamer, especially with Nat Sciver-Brunt's limited availability as a bowler.Knight acknowledged the intense competition within England's batting lineup, with Sophia Dunkley also pushing for a recall. She believes this competition will drive individual improvement.However, Knight recognizes the challenges that the switch to the ODI format may pose, particularly for younger players who are more accustomed to T20 cricket. She cited Alice Capsey as an example, who has played significantly more T20 matches than List A games."Alice is still working out the tempo that she wants to go at," Knight said. "She's had success in dominating the powerplay, but it's about expanding her game and learning to adapt to different situations."Knight also faces a dilemma in balancing her spin attack, with Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, and Sarah Glenn all vying for selection. "It's something that we haven't really done, but it's so hard to leave one of them out there," she said.While the T20 World Cup remains England's primary focus, Knight is mindful of the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2025. "For me, it's about improving as a team, be it in the T20 format or the one-day format," she said. "I want us to focus on what we're doing now, which is trying to win the series against Pakistan."

England and Pakistan Set for T20I Series Ahead of World CupEngland and Pakistan will face off in a three-match T20I series at Headingley on Wednesday, marking their first encounter since the thrilling 2022 T20 World Cup final. While the stakes may not be as high this time, both teams are eager to prove their credentials as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup in Australia.Despite their World Cup success, both England and Pakistan have struggled in T20I cricket since then. England has won only two of their nine T20I series, while Pakistan has a similar record. Both teams were also eliminated from the ODI World Cup in the first round.However, this series serves as a crucial warm-up for the T20 World Cup, and both teams are taking it seriously. England has recalled Jofra Archer, who is making his first T20I appearance in over a year, while Pakistan is expected to field a strong bowling attack led by Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.England captain Jos Buttler is keen to avoid a repeat of their disappointing ODI World Cup performance. "We're presented with a new opportunity, a different format," he said. "We want to give a better account of ourselves."Pakistan captain Babar Azam is also looking forward to the series. "We're excited to play against [Archer]," he said. "We have that pace of bowlers in Haris Rauf and Shaheen, so I wouldn't say we're fearful, but we are excited."The weather forecast for Headingley is overcast, which could impact the game. However, both teams are determined to put on a good show and prepare for the World Cup.

Lauren Bell, England's pace spearhead, has vowed to maintain an aggressive approach with the ball, aiming to "attack the stumps" as a default strategy. This approach will be crucial for England's success in the remaining T20I series against Pakistan and in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, where slow, low wickets are expected.Bell's determination stems from a rusty first spell in the opening T20I against Pakistan, where she conceded 12 runs in her first over. However, she bounced back strongly, dismissing three batters and helping England secure a 53-run victory.Despite acknowledging flaws in England's performance, Bell emphasized that their execution, rather than intent, was the issue. She believes that the team's depth and character allowed them to overcome a shaky start and ultimately prevail.With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Bell is adamant that England will not abandon their aggressive approach, which has been instilled by head coach Jon Lewis. She recognizes that failures may occur, but the team remains committed to their attacking style of play.Under Lewis' guidance, Bell has emerged as England's attack leader, a role she embraced during last summer's Ashes. Despite a challenging moment in the series, she has gained confidence from the support of her captain and coach.Bell's decision to prioritize international cricket over a lucrative WPL deal reflects her commitment to leading England's bowling attack. While acknowledging the potential benefits of playing on subcontinental pitches in the WPL, she believes that her focus must remain on international success.As England prepares for the Bangladesh World Cup, Bell recognizes the importance of adapting to the slow, low conditions. She emphasizes the need to keep the stumps in play and bowl with pace-off.Bell's determination to attack the stumps and maintain consistency will be key for England's success in the remaining Pakistan series and the upcoming T20 World Cup. Her aggressive approach and leadership will be crucial as the team aims to overcome the challenges of subcontinental wickets and emerge victorious.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Saeed Anwar has sparked controversy with his remarks on women entering the workforce, claiming that it has led to a rise in divorce rates. In a viral video, Anwar asserts that divorces have increased by 30% in Pakistan over the past three years, attributing this to women's increased financial independence.Anwar's comments have drawn widespread criticism on social media, with many users condemning his sexist views. In the video, he states, "Since women have started working in Pakistan, divorce rates have climbed by 30 per cent in the last three years. The wives say, 'to hell with you, I can earn myself. I can run a household on my own.' This is a whole game plan."Anwar further claims to have observed a similar pattern worldwide, alleging that families are suffering due to women's entry into the workforce. He cites conversations with New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson and an Australian mayor who allegedly expressed concerns about the impact of women's employment on society and culture.Anwar's remarks have been met with outrage from women's rights activists and social commentators. They argue that his views are outdated and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women. They emphasize that women's financial independence empowers them and allows them to make choices that are in their best interests.The controversy surrounding Anwar's comments highlights the ongoing debate about gender roles and women's empowerment in Pakistan. While some conservative voices continue to resist women's progress, a growing number of Pakistanis are embracing gender equality and recognizing the importance of women's contributions to society.

Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, opted to field first after winning the toss in the second T20 international against Ireland at Clontarf. This crucial match holds significance for Pakistan, as a victory is essential to force a series decider.Pakistan made a strategic change to their lineup, replacing Shadab Khan with Mohammad Amir. Ireland also implemented a change, with Graham Hume stepping in for Barry McCarthy, who experienced back spasms.The toss was delayed by 45 minutes due to a sudden downpour, followed by intermittent drizzle that further postponed the start of play.Ireland's Batting Lineup:1. Paul Stirling (captain)2. Andrew Balbirnie3. Lorcan Tucker (wicket-keeper)4. Harry Tector5. George Dockrell6. Gareth Delany7. Curtis Campher8. Mark Adair9. Graham Hume10. Craig Young11. Ben WhitePakistan's Batting Lineup:1. Babar Azam (captain)2. Saim Ayub3. Mohammad Rizwan4. Fakhar Zaman5. Azam Khan6. Iftikhar Ahmed7. Imad Wasim8. Shaheen Afridi9. Naseem Shah10. Abbas Afridi11. Mohammad AmirWith the series on the line, both teams will be eager to secure a victory. Pakistan will look to their experienced bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir, to restrict Ireland's batting. Ireland, on the other hand, will rely on their top-order batsmen, such as Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie, to provide a solid foundation.

Babar Azam Equals Virat Kohli's Record in Ireland's Victory Over PakistanIn a thrilling Twenty20 International (T20I) encounter in Dublin, Ireland secured a historic five-wicket victory over Pakistan, marking their first triumph against the visitors in 17 years. However, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, found solace in a personal milestone.Azam's scintillating 43-ball 57 propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 182/6. His knock not only guided his team to a respectable score but also etched his name alongside Indian batting legend Virat Kohli in the record books.With this fifty, Azam equaled Kohli's remarkable feat of most fifty-plus scores in men's T20Is. Both players now boast an impressive tally of 38 such scores. While Kohli has amassed 37 fifties and a century, Azam has registered 35 half-centuries and three centuries.Despite their shared record, Kohli and Azam possess distinct batting styles. Kohli is renowned for his unwavering consistency across all formats, with an exceptional record in both Test and limited-overs cricket. His ability to chase down targets and adapt to diverse situations makes him a formidable batsman.On the other hand, Azam has garnered acclaim for his elegant stroke play and solid technique. He has excelled in limited-overs cricket, consistently delivering impressive performances for Pakistan. His proficiency in handling both pace and spin bowling has made him a pivotal player for his team.Statistically, Kohli holds an edge over Azam in terms of average and centuries across formats. However, both players have carved their own unique paths and contributed significantly to their respective teams' successes.While Kohli has established himself as a global icon with a proven track record, Azam has showcased immense potential and continues to impress with his batting prowess. The highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan on June 9 promises to be a captivating spectacle.Ireland's victory in Dublin has given them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Pakistan. The two teams will also face off in the group stage of next month's T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.

Pakistan's limited-overs skipper, Babar Azam, expressed optimism about the appointment of Gary Kirsten as the head coach of the white-ball side, believing it will significantly enhance the team's performance. Kirsten, a seasoned coach with experience guiding India and South Africa, has been contracted for two years.Azam highlighted Kirsten's extensive experience and his proactive approach in planning for the upcoming World Cup. He revealed that Kirsten is actively involved in strategy discussions with the team management and is providing valuable insights. The skipper emphasized that Kirsten's daily communication with the team ensures constant feedback and support.Addressing concerns over team selection, Azam dismissed any internal rifts and stated that the squad for the Ireland tour will be finalized based on form and fitness. He clarified that the top-order batting positions are not set in stone and decisions will be made in the best interests of the team.Azam also acknowledged the need to provide opportunities for young players like Ayub, Azam, Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan. He emphasized that these players require time to settle into international cricket and the management will fully support them in the lead-up to the World Cup.Regarding Pakistan's strategy against India's star batter, Virat Kohli, Azam emphasized that the team plans against all eleven players and does not focus solely on one individual. He acknowledged Kohli's exceptional abilities but stressed that Pakistan will devise a comprehensive plan to counter his threat.Azam expressed confidence in the team's unity and his own leadership abilities. He attributed his previous success as captain to the support of his teammates and expressed gratitude for the board's backing.

MS Dhoni's Global Fanbase: Pakistan's Shahnawaz Dahani Recalls Memorable EncounterFormer Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni's immense popularity extends beyond national boundaries, captivating fans worldwide, including those in neighboring Pakistan. One such ardent admirer is fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani, who recently shared a heartwarming recollection of his meeting with the Indian legend.During the 2021 T20 World Cup, Dhoni served as the Indian team's mentor, providing guidance and support to the players. It was during this time that Dahani had the opportunity to meet his idol. In a video that has resurfaced on social media, Dahani recalls the encounter with great fondness."He is a personality that people all over the world admire," Dahani said. "I am one of his many fans. When I knew we were playing India the following week, I couldn't resist telling him, 'Aap Dhoni hain, mai Dahani hu.'"Dhoni's response was met with laughter, and the two shared a brief but memorable moment. After the match, Dahani approached Dhoni again, this time for a photograph. Dhoni obliged, and the image quickly went viral on social media."It was a dream come true for me," Dahani said. "Meeting Mahendra Singh Dhoni was an unforgettable experience."Dahani's admiration for Dhoni is a testament to the Indian legend's enduring legacy. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to inspire and captivate fans around the globe.