Cricket

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Afridi is facing a potential absence from the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh due to the impending birth of his first child. Afridi and his wife Ansha, who tied the knot last year, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their bundle of joy.Pakistan's red-ball coach, Jason Gillespie, has indicated that Afridi may miss the Test series to be with his wife during this special time. "Shaheen can miss Bangladesh Test matches due to childbirth. We can give him [some] rest if he wants to stay with his wife till then," Gillespie said, as quoted by Geo News.Afridi's absence would be a significant blow to Pakistan's Test team, as he is one of their most potent bowlers. The left-arm pacer has been in impressive form lately, taking 18 wickets in the recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka.However, Afridi's personal life has also been in the spotlight recently, with reports surfacing about his alleged misbehavior with Pakistan coaches. During Pakistan's T20I tour of England, Afridi reportedly had heated arguments with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf.Sources informed Geo News that Afridi and Yousuf exchanged heated words, but the pacer later apologized to him. Multiple sources within the Pakistan cricket team management confirmed that the issue was resolved quickly.A source recalled the incident, stating that the heated exchange occurred during a training session when Yousuf pointed out Afridi's no-balls. Afridi reportedly became furious after being repeatedly called out for his no-balls."Shaheen said to Mohammad Yousuf to let him do what he was doing, and he [Yousuf] should mind his own business," a source told Geo News, adding that Yousuf responded that he was a coach and doing his job.Despite these off-field distractions, Afridi remains a key player for Pakistan. His absence from the Bangladesh Test series would be a major setback for the team, but it is understandable that he would want to be present for the birth of his first child.Pakistan's next white-ball series will begin in November against Australia. Before that, they will engage in red-ball cricket in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which will kick off on August 21.

The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for Pakistan in 2025, faces uncertainty as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly declines to travel to the country for the tournament. Pakistan had designated Lahore as the sole venue for India's matches, hoping to alleviate security concerns. However, the BCCI has proposed a hybrid model, suggesting Dubai or Sri Lanka as alternative venues.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may be compelled to accept India's demands, as the Indian team could withdraw from the tournament if all matches are held in Pakistan. The Indian government's approval for travel to Pakistan is highly unlikely. If India withdraws, Sri Lanka, ranked ninth in the 2023 ODI World Cup standings, will replace them.Last year, Pakistan's hosting of the Asia Cup 2023 was thwarted by the Indian government's refusal to allow the team to travel. The matches were subsequently shifted to Sri Lanka. India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and the two teams only face each other at ICC or ACC events.In their most recent encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, India emerged victorious by six runs in the group stage, eventually claiming their second title. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will mark Pakistan's first time hosting a major international cricket tournament independently. Previously, Pakistan co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, and the Reliance Cup with India in 1987.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a revamped selection committee for the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh, retaining former players Muhammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq. The decision follows a recent reorganization within the PCB's selection panel.Yousuf and Shafiq were part of the previous selection committee that picked the T20 World Cup squad. Despite the team's disappointing performance in the tournament, the PCB has opted to retain their services. Yousuf, who also served as the batting coach, and Shafiq will continue to play key roles in the selection process.The new selection committee will include the captains and head coaches of the red and white-ball teams, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the team's needs. All members, including Yousuf and Shafiq, will have voting rights and decision-making authority.To enhance the committee's expertise, the PCB has also included non-voting members such as assistant team coach Azhar Mahmood and four PCB board members/employees. These individuals will provide valuable insights and support the selection process.The restructured committee is tasked with selecting the squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh, which is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. The matches are scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi from August 21-25 and in Karachi from August 30-September 3.The PCB's decision to retain Yousuf and Shafiq in the selection committee reflects their experience and knowledge of the game. The committee's diverse composition, with both voting and non-voting members, is expected to foster a collaborative and informed selection process.

Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq, former Pakistan Test cricketers, have vehemently denied allegations of favoritism and coercion in the selection process for the T20 World Cup. The duo was dismissed as selectors by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday, sparking controversy.Wahab, who was perceived to be close to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, had held various roles within the board, including chief selector and senior team manager. However, allegations emerged that he had overlooked misconduct by pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi during the World Cup.In a statement, Wahab refuted these claims, emphasizing that decisions were made collectively by the seven-member selection panel. "Everyone's vote carries equal weight," he said. "We made selection decisions as a team and shared the responsibility equally."Razzaq echoed Wahab's sentiments, stating that the selectors reached consensus through majority votes. "How can I sway the other selectors while selecting the team?" he questioned.The PCB had appointed the selection committee in March without a designated chief selector. It comprised former cricketers Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, along with Wahab, Razzaq, the head coach, captain, and data analyst Bilal Afzal.The board's analyst Hasan Cheema and director of international cricket operations Usman Wahla also attended selection committee meetings.The allegations against Wahab and Razzaq have raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the selection process. The PCB has not yet commented on the matter, but it is expected to investigate the claims.

India's Women's Asia Cup campaign begins on July 19 with a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has emphasized the team's unwavering determination to secure victory in every match, regardless of the opponent.India's recent 3-0 ODI series sweep against South Africa and emphatic 10-wicket Test win have boosted their confidence. Despite a 1-1 draw in the subsequent T20I series, the team remains focused on their goal of winning the Asia Cup.Harmanpreet acknowledges the heightened atmosphere surrounding matches against Pakistan but stresses the importance of maintaining composure. "As a leader, it's my responsibility to make my team feel light in that environment," she said. "We have to focus on the main things and not think about the things we can't control."The team's positive mindset and unwavering belief in their abilities have been instrumental in their recent success. "We are giving equal importance to all matches," Harmanpreet added. "We all are very greedy to win every game."Batter Jemimah Rodrigues echoed her captain's sentiments, highlighting the team's unity and determination. "The enthusiasm is really high," she said. "We know we have the support of every single person backing us."All-rounder Deepti Sharma expressed her excitement for the tournament, emphasizing the team's collective goal of performing well. "Our only goal is to perform well as a team," she said. "We will back each other so that we perform well on the field for the further matches."India's Women's Asia Cup campaign promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the team determined to showcase their skills and emerge victorious.

Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has been embroiled in a controversy after media reports alleged that he engaged in inappropriate behavior towards head coach Gary Kirsten and other coaching staff during the England tour and the T20 World Cup 2024.According to sources cited by Geo News, Afridi's alleged misbehavior included disrespectful language and confrontational behavior. The reports claimed that team managers were aware of the situation but failed to take any action against the pacer.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has remained silent on the matter, but Afridi took to social media to post a cryptic message. He shared a video of himself bowling at the nets with the caption "Rise Above."The allegations against Afridi have sparked widespread discussion and concern within the Pakistani cricket community. Some have questioned the PCB's handling of the situation, while others have defended Afridi, citing his exceptional talent and potential.Meanwhile, the PCB has confirmed that Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz have been removed from the national selection committee. Razzaq was a member of both the men's and women's selection committees, while Riaz was a selector for the men's team.Sources have alleged that Riaz and former team manager Rana Mansoor were involved in providing undue favors to certain players, leading to their removal. The PCB has not officially commented on these allegations.The recent controversy surrounding Afridi and the changes to the selection committee highlight the ongoing challenges facing Pakistani cricket. The PCB is under pressure to maintain discipline and professionalism within the team while also fostering a positive and supportive environment for players.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reaffirmed its trust in Shan Masood as the Test captain for the upcoming international season. The decision was made during a meeting attended by senior board officials, national selectors, and coaches Jason Gillespie, Gary Kirsten, and Azhar Mahmood.Masood, who took over the Test captaincy ahead of the tour to Australia earlier this year, has received a complete vote of confidence. He will lead Pakistan in Test series against Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and the West Indies between August and January.However, the decision on Babar Azam's white-ball captaincy has been put on hold. Babar's performance as captain and batsman came under scrutiny during the recent T20 World Cup, where Pakistan suffered a disappointing exit.Sources indicate that Babar faced criticism for his lack of leadership skills and strength under pressure. The PCB is considering options and will make a decision on his white-ball captaincy in the future.Meanwhile, former Pakistan pacer Sarfraz Nawaz has called for the sacking of the entire selection committee, citing their collective incompetence in the T20 World Cup and the build-up to it. Nawaz specifically criticized the appointment of Wahab Riaz, who held various roles within the selection committee and management.The PCB is expected to announce a comprehensive blueprint for the national team in both red and white-ball formats in the coming days. The focus will be on improving performance and rebuilding the team's confidence after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam has faced intense scrutiny following the team's dismal performances at the ODI and T20 World Cups. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Pakistan failed to reach the semifinals, while in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, they failed to advance beyond the group stage.Despite his struggles, Babar Azam remains a highly respected figure in Pakistan cricket. All-rounder Hassan Ali has come to his defense, expressing unwavering support for the embattled batsman. In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Ali hailed Azam as "the King of Pakistan.""He is my king, he is the king of Pakistan cricket, and he will always remain so because of the kind of batsman he is," Ali said. "I know maybe people will abuse me again and speak ill of me. But he is the best batsman of Pakistan, and he has proved it."Ali acknowledged that Azam has yet to lead Pakistan to a major trophy, but he emphasized that the batsman's talent is undeniable. "He should win trophies and series for Pakistan. But he is the best," Ali added.Ali also pointed out that Azam's emergence has elevated the "Fab Four" of Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root to the "Fab Five." "He is the king of Pakistan's batting lineup. He has performed everywhere, except in India where we went once last year and he didn't score a hundred there (in the World Cup)," Ali said. "You must have heard of the 'Fab Four', and now because of Babar Azam, it's the 'Fab Five'. Babar Azam is that fifth player."Despite Azam's poor form in the T20 World Cup, Ali believes that he will bounce back. "I still stand by that statement," Ali said. "He is the best."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has overhauled its selection committee following the team's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup. The new committee will include coaches of white-ball and red-ball formats, along with the captain of the relevant format. Former cricketers Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq will also join the panel.The decision comes after the Babar Azam-led side crashed out of the group stage of the T20 World Cup. The team's woeful performance prompted PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to make changes in the team management.On Wednesday, the PCB confirmed that Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz would no longer be part of the national selection committee. Razzaq was a member of both the men's and women's selection committees, while Riaz was a selector for the men's team.Riaz was also removed from his position as senior team manager along with team manager Rana Mansoor due to a lack of discipline.Sources have informed Geo News that Wahab and Mansoor were involved in providing undue favors to certain players. These players, who were included in the team based on their support, failed to perform. Other selection committee members reportedly opposed their inclusion.Following his removal from the committee, Riaz took to Twitter to express his disappointment. "There is a lot I can say, but I don't want to be part of the blame games," he wrote.The PCB has had six top selectors in the last four years, including Wahab, Mohammad Wasim, Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Haroon Rashid, and Misbah-ul-Haq. All of them had brief tenures.The new selection committee is expected to bring stability and consistency to the team selection process. The inclusion of coaches and the captain will provide valuable insights into the team's performance and needs.