Cricket

Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean all-rounder, has established himself as one of the most talented players in the country's cricketing history. Since his international debut in 2013, Raza has made significant contributions across all formats, including 17 Tests, 142 ODIs, and 91 T20Is.Beyond his international exploits, Raza has also showcased his skills in domestic leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). His versatility as a batsman and bowler has made him a valuable asset to any team.Recently, Raza's loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket was questioned on social media. A fan inquired if he had ever considered playing for Pakistan, his country of birth. However, Raza remained steadfast in his commitment to Zimbabwe, expressing his gratitude for the support and investment the board had made in his career."I will only and ever represent Zimbabwe," Raza stated. "They spent time and money on me, and I am only trying to repay their faith. Whatever I achieve will never even get close to repaying it. Zim is mine, and I am theirs fully."In a separate post, Raza revealed his admiration for several international players, including India's Jasprit Bumrah, Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi, and former West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine. He also named Abdullah Shafiq, Craig Ervine, and Rohit Sharma as his favorite batsmen.Raza's leadership qualities were evident during Zimbabwe's recent T20I series against India, where he captained the team. Despite taking an early lead, Zimbabwe ultimately lost the series 4-1.Statistically, Raza has amassed 1187 runs and 34 wickets in Tests, 4154 runs in ODIs, and 2037 runs in T20Is. In the IPL, he has represented Punjab Kings, scoring 182 runs and taking three wickets in nine matches.Raza's unwavering loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket, combined with his exceptional talent and leadership abilities, solidifies his status as one of the most respected and influential players in the country's cricketing history.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its domestic cricket structure, introducing three new competitions and significantly enhancing player contracts and match fees. The ambitious plan aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket and elevate Pakistan's standing in the global cricketing landscape.The centerpiece of the new structure is the Champions tournament, a five-team competition that will span across formats. The Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions, and Wolves will compete in the Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup, and Champions Pentagular (first-class cricket). The tournaments will run from September 2024 to August 2025, effectively extending the domestic season by almost a year.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need for innovation and strategic enhancements to restore Pakistan's cricketing prowess. He believes that the Champions tournaments will create an environment that mirrors the intensity of international cricket, fostering the development of top-tier players.The Champions tournaments will feature around 150 of Pakistan's most talented and consistent domestic performers, including centrally-contracted players. The selection process remains to be determined, but the plan has received the endorsement of Waqar Younis, the newly appointed advisor to the chair on cricket affairs.Each of the five teams will have a potential owner and mentor, in addition to a dedicated high-performance center and a full complement of coaching staff. The PCB has also raised domestic player contracts, with Category 1 players now earning PKR 550,000, Category 2 players earning PKR 400,000, and Category 3 players earning PKR 250,000.Match fees have also been increased significantly, with white-ball matches now paying PKR 125,000 (50-over cricket) and PKR 100,000 (T20 cricket), while red-ball matches will pay PKR 200,000.The PCB's bold initiative aims to create a more competitive and rewarding domestic cricket environment, fostering the development of world-class players and ultimately elevating Pakistan's standing in international cricket.

Waqar Younis, the legendary fast bowler, is poised to assume the newly created position of Chief Cricket Officer (CCO) at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This development marks a significant shift in the PCB's leadership structure, as Younis will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Pakistani cricket.Younis' appointment comes after he joined the PCB as an advisor to the chairman of cricket affairs on a temporary basis. However, sources close to the matter have revealed that he has now been offered a paid position as the CCO. This position is modeled after the role held by Rob Key in the English Cricket Board.As the CCO, Younis will be responsible for overseeing all cricket-related matters, including international and domestic schedules, player development, and the selection of national teams. He will also be involved in the negotiation of central contracts with players.Younis' extensive experience in international cricket, both as a player and a coach, makes him an ideal candidate for this role. He has represented Pakistan in 87 Tests and 262 One-Day Internationals, taking over 700 wickets across both formats. He has also served as the bowling coach and head coach of the Pakistan team on multiple occasions.Younis' appointment is expected to bring stability and direction to the PCB, which has faced criticism in recent years for its inconsistent performances and lack of long-term planning. His knowledge of the game and his ability to inspire players will be invaluable assets to the board.The PCB's Board of Governors is expected to approve Younis' appointment in the coming weeks. Once he assumes his new role, he will begin working on a comprehensive plan to revitalize Pakistani cricket and restore its former glory.

Waqar Younis, the legendary Pakistani fast bowler, is poised to return to the helm of Pakistan cricket in a pivotal role as the board's cricketing supremo. This appointment marks a significant shift in the PCB's leadership structure, with Younis assuming responsibility for all cricketing matters, including selection, high performance, and pathways.The appointment comes at a crucial time for Pakistan cricket, as the team embarks on a packed schedule in the coming months. They face Bangladesh in a two-Test series in August, followed by a three-Test tour of England in October. The year ends with a two-Test series in South Africa over Christmas and New Year's.In addition to these international commitments, Pakistan will host a triangular ODI series with South Africa and New Zealand, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and an eight-match white-ball series in New Zealand in March 2025. The domestic schedule has also been expanded, with three new tournaments added to the calendar.Younis's appointment is expected to bring stability and expertise to the PCB's cricketing operations. He has previously served as bowling or assistant coach across three stints with the Pakistan side, as well as head coach twice. His last assignment with the team was as bowling coach under Misbah-ul-Haq's coaching regime after the 2019 World Cup.However, this new role will be the first time Younis takes on such a broad remit. He will be tasked with balancing the demands of Pakistan's international schedule with the increasing popularity of T20 leagues worldwide, which has led to a growing demand for Pakistani players.The PCB has been without a chief executive officer since Wasim Khan left the board under Ramiz Raja's tenure as PCB chairman. Raja folded the executive role into the chairmanship, but PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is keen to appoint a former cricketer to take over cricketing matters, leaving him to focus on the running of the board.Younis's appointment is expected to be finalized soon, although a few issues still need to be resolved. The exact nature of his role may change once the appointment is made permanent, with the possibility of a title similar to that of Robert Key, managing director at the ECB.

Pakistan's star pace bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has declared that his unwavering priority lies in securing victories for his nation, rather than pursuing the coveted role of captaincy. During a recent media interaction in Karachi, Afridi emphasized that leadership positions are not within his control and do not align with his personal aspirations."Pakistan's success takes precedence over everything else, followed by the team's performance, and only then do I come into the picture," Afridi asserted. "Dwelling on the past serves no purpose. My focus remains firmly on the present, and I refrain from speculating about the future. By excelling in the present, we can lay a solid foundation for the future. Captaincy is not something I can control, and it has never been a driving force in my cricketing journey. My sole motivation is to represent Pakistan with honor and dignity."Afridi's appointment as Pakistan's T20I captain came in the wake of the team's disappointing exit from the group stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. He led the side in a five-match series against New Zealand, which Pakistan lost 1-4. Despite the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership abilities, Afridi's tenure as T20I captain was short-lived, as Babar Azam was reinstated as Pakistan's white-ball captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.Afridi's candid remarks underscore his unwavering commitment to his role as a player, with an unwavering focus on contributing to the team's success rather than seeking personal accolades. His primary objective remains to help Pakistan achieve victories on the cricket field, regardless of his position or responsibilities.

Pakistan's dismal performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Babar Azam-led side crashed out of the competition in the group stages, suffering humiliating defeats against the United States and India. Despite victories against Canada and Ireland, it was too little too late for Pakistan.The result has sparked a massive backlash from fans and prompted significant changes within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq have been sacked as selectors, while Babar Azam's future as captain remains uncertain.Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has criticized the PCB's constant changes, arguing that they have negatively impacted the team's performance. Afridi emphasized the need for stability and consistency, stating that teams require time to adapt to new systems."When you change or bring in any new structure, you must give the system time. Every year, a new chairman comes, and a new system is introduced. Things don't work this way," Afridi told Sports24.Afridi called for a collaborative approach, involving senior board members and players, to develop a long-term plan for the team. He believes that frequent changes create confusion and hinder progress.Meanwhile, the PCB has denied No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi to participate in the Global T20 League. The board cited Pakistan's busy international schedule as the reason for the decision.The PCB's decision has raised concerns about the availability of key players for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The PSL is a major domestic tournament that attracts top players from around the world.Pakistan's poor performance at the T20 World Cup and the subsequent changes within the PCB have raised questions about the team's future. The PCB must address the concerns raised by Afridi and other former players to ensure that Pakistan regains its status as a cricketing powerhouse.

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, was a formidable force on the cricket field. His presence alone instilled fear in opposing teams, particularly Pakistan. During the 1990s, Pakistan's strategy revolved around dismissing Tendulkar as the key to victory.Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali recalled the aura surrounding Tendulkar in the Pakistan dressing room. "Our captain, Wasim Akram, would emphasize everywhere that dismissing Sachin was paramount to winning the match," Ali said. "As soon as Sachin got out, Pakistan would often emerge victorious."Tendulkar's dominance against Pakistan was evident in both Test and ODI formats. In 18 Test matches, he amassed 1057 runs at an average of 42.28, including two centuries and a highest score of 194 not out. In 69 ODIs, he accumulated 2526 runs at an average of 40.09 and a strike rate of 87.49, with five centuries and a highest score of 141.Tendulkar's match-winning knock against Pakistan in the 2003 ODI World Cup clash at Centurion remains etched in the minds of cricket fans. His 98-run innings played a pivotal role in India's victory.The Indian batting team heavily relied on Tendulkar's brilliance during the 1990s. His wicket often determined the outcome of matches. Pakistan's fear of Tendulkar was a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he had on the game.

Ahmed Shehzad's Street Cricket Humiliation: Former Pakistan Captain Clean Bowled ThriceFormer Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad, who has been critical of current captain Babar Azam, has faced a humiliating experience on the streets of Chitral. A viral video shows Shehzad batting in a street game, using a chair as a wicket.Despite boasting of hitting sixes, Shehzad was clean bowled three times out of four deliveries by a local bowler who was not even in proper cricket attire. The former Pakistan batsman only managed to play one ball, which was a mistimed shot.Shehzad's performance in the street game is a stark contrast to his international career, where he played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs, and 59 T20Is for Pakistan. He scored 982, 2605, and 1471 runs in these formats, respectively. However, his career has been marred by controversies and inconsistent form.Shehzad's recent criticism of Babar Azam has drawn attention to his own struggles. During the T20 World Cup, he had questioned Azam's captaincy and accused him of favoritism.The video of Shehzad's street cricket humiliation has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Some have criticized him for his poor performance, while others have defended him, saying that he is still a talented player.Despite his recent setbacks, Shehzad remains a popular figure in Pakistan. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to hit big shots. However, he will need to improve his consistency and discipline if he wants to regain his place in the national team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has embarked on a mission to enhance the exposure of its backup players through a series of international matches for its national A and junior teams. This initiative follows the lead of other leading cricket nations and aims to provide a pathway for talented players to gain valuable experience against international opposition.The PCB has announced that the Pakistan Shaheens will engage in a return series of four-day and one-day matches against Bangladesh A in August. Additionally, Sri Lanka A will tour Pakistan in November for a five-match series."The objective is to revitalize pathway cricket projects so that our backup talent consistently receives exposure to international cricket against teams other than domestic opponents," stated a PCB official.The Pakistan Shaheens will face Bangladesh A in two four-day matches in August, followed by three 50-over fixtures. Notably, the Bangladesh national team will also be in Pakistan during August for two ICC World Test Championship matches.In November, Sri Lanka A will visit Pakistan for five matches against the Pakistan Shaheens. The four-day matches will be played from November 11-14 and November 18-21, while the 50-over clashes will take place on November 25, 27, and 29. Venues will be announced in due course.The Pakistan Emerging team will defend its ACC Cup title in October, while the Pakistan U-19 team will participate in a U-19 50-over Tri-Nation Tournament and ACC Asia Cup U-19 in November/December.According to sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of arranging matches against other teams for the Pakistan A and junior outfits following the disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup."During meetings with Pakistan team coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillispie, as well as the national selectors, it was unanimously agreed that Pakistan's backup talent requires regular games, similar to other teams like India, England, and Australia," a source said.The Pakistan Shaheens are currently in Darwin for two four-day games against Bangladesh A, having won the opening match on Monday. They will also play white-ball matches.