Cricket

England's highly anticipated Test tour of Pakistan next month will unfold in a revised format, with back-to-back fixtures in Multan and a series finale in Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally approved the updated schedule after weeks of uncertainty.Initially, the three-Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship, was set to feature a second Test in Karachi, where England had triumphed in a historic 3-0 clean sweep during their previous visit in December 2022. However, ongoing renovations at the National Stadium in Karachi for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and a major international conference in Islamabad from October 15-16 rendered Rawalpindi unavailable for the second Test.Amidst speculation that the series might be relocated to the UAE, an agreement has been reached to retain the original venues of Multan and Rawalpindi. However, the teams will now remain in Multan for the second Test as well.England's arrival in Multan is scheduled for October 2, with Pakistan's squad assembling on the same date. The first Test will commence from October 7-11, followed by the second Test from October 15-19. The teams will then move to Rawalpindi for the third Test from October 24-28."PCB is thrilled to welcome the England men's cricket team back to Pakistan," said Usman Wahla, PCB Director, International. "Despite minor adjustments, we are committed to supporting fans and ensuring a memorable tour. We look forward to a fiercely competitive Test series and showcasing Pakistan's renowned hospitality."The announcement brings an end to the uncertainty surrounding the series, which had prompted England to name an unusually large touring squad of 17 players. England head coach Brendon McCullum had previously emphasized the need for advance knowledge of the venues to select a squad suited to the conditions.The delay in finalizing the schedule had caused frustration among England's fans, with several tour operators canceling their arrangements due to logistical uncertainties.

Babar Azam Silences Sarfaraz Ahmed's Taunts with Century in Champions CupIn a thrilling Champions Cup encounter in Faisalabad, Pakistan's batting maestro Babar Azam silenced his detractors with a magnificent century, proving that he remains a force to be reckoned with.The match took an unexpected turn when Dolphins wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed attempted to unsettle Babar with sarcastic remarks. "No hurry, tell spectators to chant Babar, Babar. Let Babar play 40 overs and we will get others out," Sarfaraz was heard saying on the stump microphone.However, Babar responded in the best possible way, showcasing his class and composure. Coming in to bat at No. 3 for the Stallions, he played a masterful innings, scoring 104 not out off 100 balls. His knock included seven boundaries and three towering sixes, guiding the Stallions to a competitive 271 for 7 in 50 overs.In response, the Dolphins' batting lineup crumbled under pressure, crashing to a dismal 97 all out in just 25 overs. Sarfaraz, who had tried to provoke Babar, managed only five runs before being dismissed.Jahandad Khan and Mehran Mumtaz were the stars with the ball for the Stallions, claiming three wickets each. Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed also chipped in with two wickets apiece, ensuring a comprehensive 174-run victory for their team.Babar's century was a timely reminder of his exceptional talent and resilience. Despite facing criticism for his recent form, he proved that he is still capable of dominating the game. His innings not only silenced his critics but also inspired his team to a resounding victory.

Pakistan cricket has been in a state of disarray in recent times, with the team suffering a string of disappointing performances. The Babar Azam-led side crashed out of the T20 World Cup 2024 following losses against USA and India. Things took a turn for the worse when they slumped to a humiliating Test series loss against Bangladesh, losing both matches.Former Pakistan cricket team skipper Rashid Latif has delivered a brutal verdict on the condition of Pakistan cricket, stating that it is "currently in the ICU." In a video circulating on social media, Latif said, "Pakistan cricket is currently in the ICU. They will need a professional doctor. They need technically sound professionals to run things, both physically and financially. Trainers and many other things are required. You can see there are many problems, whether it's on the field or off the field."Latif also advised Babar Azam to move away from captaincy for the betterment of his game. Babar has not performed well in the past few international matches and has faced criticism from both fans and experts. Latif cited the example of India legend Sachin Tendulkar and advised Babar to concentrate more on his game."We need to remember that he was removed forcefully as captain. When the mind is not functioning correctly, it affects the nerves as well. You try to play hard on every ball. He should let go of the idea of being a captain and focus on freeing himself from mental pressure. The issue seems to be more about mental stress than technical performance, and it's apparent that he is struggling to cope with a significant amount of mental pressure," said Latif.Pakistan cricket has been facing a number of challenges in recent years, including a lack of investment in grassroots cricket, poor coaching, and a lack of discipline among players. The team has also been plagued by injuries to key players, which has further hampered their performance.If Pakistan cricket is to improve, it will need to address these challenges and make some fundamental changes. The team needs to invest more in grassroots cricket, improve coaching standards, and instill a greater sense of discipline among players. It will also need to find a way to manage the workload of key players and prevent injuries.

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam: A Shared Admiration Transcending RivalryIn a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, a Pakistani fan held up a unique poster featuring Virat Kohli and Babar Azam side by side during a Pakistan One Day Cup 2024 match in Faisalabad. The poster, depicting a scene from the T20 World Cup 2021 where Kohli and Babar interacted on the field, captured the mutual respect between the two cricketing giants.The image of the fan holding up the poster quickly went viral, underscoring the shared admiration for both players despite their competitive rivalry. The poster was spotted during the Stallions' innings in the seventh match, where Babar Azam was representing the Stallions. The fan's enthusiastic exhibition not only drew attention but also underlined the capacity of cricket fans to appreciate and celebrate each other's favorite players across national boundaries.In a similar vein, another notable moment occurred earlier in the tournament when a Pakistani fan was spotted waving an Indian team jersey with Virat Kohli's name at Babar Azam's home ground. These gestures highlight the growing camaraderie between cricket fans from both countries, who recognize the exceptional talent and sportsmanship of both Kohli and Babar.As things stand, Virat Kohli might make his way to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, setting the stage for an electrifying clash between him and Babar Azam. Pakistani fans could then have the rare opportunity to see these two cricketing titans face off on their home grounds, rekindling their long-standing rivalry and displaying their exceptional skills on one of cricket's grandest stages.The mutual admiration between Kohli and Babar is a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship that transcends national boundaries. It is a reminder that even in the midst of intense competition, respect and appreciation for one's opponents can prevail.

Pakistan's women's cricket team displayed a remarkable performance in the second T20I against South Africa, leveling the series with a 13-run victory in Multan.Pakistan's batting lineup showcased a collective effort, with Muneeba Ali leading the charge with a blistering 45 off 34 deliveries. Her innings included six boundaries and two maximums, providing a solid foundation for the team. Sidra Amin contributed with a steady 37, while captain Fatima Sana and Nida Dar chipped in with valuable runs. Aliya Riyaz's late cameo of 16 off 3 balls propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 181 for 4.South Africa's chase got off to a promising start, with Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch forming a 50-run partnership. However, Pakistan's left-arm spinners, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal, proved to be a formidable force. Sandhu dismissed Wolvaardt for 36, while Iqbal accounted for Bosch and Nadine de Klerk in quick succession.With South Africa needing 94 runs off 42 balls, Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon stepped up with an impressive 80-run stand. Luus remained unbeaten on 53 off 29 deliveries, while Tryon contributed a quickfire 30 off 16 balls. Despite their valiant efforts, they were unable to guide South Africa to victory.Sandhu finished with impressive figures of 2 for 20, while Iqbal claimed 2 for 27. Their economical bowling and crucial wickets played a pivotal role in Pakistan's triumph.

New Zealand's Abrupt Withdrawal from Pakistan Series: A Blow to International CricketNew Zealand's sudden withdrawal from their limited-overs series in Pakistan in September 2021 sent shockwaves through the cricketing community. The decision, made just minutes before the start of the first ODI in Rawalpindi, was prompted by a security threat.The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) stated that concerns for their players' safety prompted the withdrawal. The highly anticipated tour, which would have been New Zealand's first visit to Pakistan in 18 years, included three ODIs and five T20Is.Just before the first match, NZC received information about a credible security threat. After consulting with security officials and the New Zealand government, the board decided to cancel the entire series and quickly arranged for the team to leave Pakistan."Player safety is paramount, and following an escalation in the threat level, we felt it was the only responsible course of action," said David White, the NZC Chief Executive.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed disappointment over the abrupt pullout, especially considering the extensive security measures they had implemented for the tour. Pakistan had made significant efforts to ensure a safe environment for the series, providing high-level security comparable to that offered to visiting heads of state.However, New Zealand's concerns about the threat took precedence over these precautions. The withdrawal dealt a significant blow to Pakistan's efforts to regain the trust of international cricket boards after years of being sidelined from hosting top teams due to security concerns.The PCB had worked diligently in recent years to bring international cricket back to Pakistan, making this sudden cancellation a setback for those efforts. The incident also sparked broader discussions about the future of international cricket tours in the country.The withdrawal highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan in hosting international cricket matches. Despite the PCB's efforts to improve security, the perception of risk remains a significant obstacle. The incident also raised questions about the role of intelligence agencies in providing timely and accurate information to cricket boards.

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam, facing a challenging period in his career, has sought solace in faith amidst mounting pressure. On the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, Babar shared a message on social media, referencing Prophet Muhammad's teachings of compassion.Babar's post comes during a period of poor form with the bat, following Pakistan's recent struggles on the international stage. Since the ICC World Cup in India last year, Babar has endured a series of disappointing outings, including scores of 0, 22, 11, and 31 in the recent two-Test series against Bangladesh.Pakistan's loss in the series, coupled with Babar's exclusion from the ICC top 10 rankings for batters for the first time in years, has intensified scrutiny around his leadership and form. This slump follows Pakistan's exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, where the team failed to make it past the group stages after consecutive defeats to the USA and India, raising questions about Babar's captaincy in white-ball cricket.Amid this turbulence, former Pakistan skipper Younis Khan has offered advice to Babar, urging him to take inspiration from Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. Younis emphasized that while social media can offer a platform to connect with fans, a cricketer's real answers come through performance on the field."Players should use social media wisely, but their real answers should come through their performances with the bat and ball," Younis remarked.Younis encouraged Babar to focus on his fitness and work ethic, noting that these moments of challenge are rare opportunities for growth. Drawing parallels with Kohli, Younis added, "Look at Virat Kohli. He chose to step down from captaincy on his own terms and now he's breaking records worldwide."Babar's recent struggles have sparked concerns among Pakistan cricket fans and experts. However, the captain remains determined to overcome this challenging phase and regain his form. With the support of his team and the guidance of experienced mentors like Younis Khan, Babar aims to lead Pakistan to future success on the international stage.

Pakistan's Champions One-Day Cup: Stallions Captain's Unusual Reaction to LossIn a surprising turn of events, Mohammad Haris, captain of the Stallions in Pakistan's Champions One-Day Cup, expressed satisfaction after his team's heavy defeat to the Mohammad Rizwan-led Markhors. The Stallions conceded a staggering 231 runs in just 20 overs, with Iftikhar Ahmed and Salman Agha scoring half-centuries for the Markhors. In response, the Stallions were bowled out for a meager 105, with Zahid Mahmood taking five wickets.During the post-match presentation, Haris's comments raised eyebrows. "There was no mistake. We did what we wanted to do. We were checking the team's strength," he said. "In the first match, we won the toss and chose to bat. Today, we chased, so that we could understand our strength. That's exactly what happened. We're happy that we lost."Haris's remarks, as a senior Pakistan player, drew criticism from fans on social media. Many questioned his attitude and suggested that he was not taking the tournament seriously.The Stallions' defeat was their second in the tournament, having lost their opening match to the Dolphins. They will face the Dolphins again on Thursday in their next match.

Imam-ul-Haq's Outburst Highlights Frustration in Pakistan's Champions One Day CupImam-ul-Haq's dismissal in Match 5 of Pakistan's Champions One Day Cup 2024 sparked a display of anger and disappointment from the left-handed batter. Playing for Lions, Imam had scored an impressive 62-ball 60, including five fours and two sixes, against Panthers.However, his innings came to an abrupt end when he was caught behind off the bowling of spinner Shadab Khan. The dismissal visibly upset Imam, who was recently a consistent presence in Pakistan's ODI and Test squads.In a moment of frustration, Imam hurled his helmet and bat before taking a seat. The incident occurred following the first delivery of the 23rd over during the Lions' batting stint. Shadab, who captains the Panthers, decided to bring himself on to bowl and made an instant impact.Imam edged the ball, which carried through to Usman Khan behind the stumps. Upon claiming the wicket, Shadab erupted in passionate celebration, clearly overjoyed with his immediate success.The Panthers managed to put up a formidable total of 283 runs on the scoreboard. In response, the Lions struggled to find their footing and were ultimately dismissed for a mere 199 runs, falling short of their target by a significant margin of 84 runs.Imam's outburst highlights the frustration and disappointment that can accompany a dismissal in a high-stakes match. As a key member of Pakistan's national team, Imam is expected to perform at a high level, and his dismissal in this match may have been a source of frustration for both himself and his team.