Cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has ignited a firestorm of controversy by leveling serious allegations against the current management of the Pakistan cricket team. Ali accuses the management of favoritism towards captain Babar Azam and a sinister plan to scapegoat star players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan for the team's dismal performance in the recent T20 World Cup.In a video that has gone viral on social media, Ali claims that the management is preparing a report to pin the blame on Afridi and Rizwan for the team's failures. He warns that such actions could have disastrous consequences for Pakistan cricket."The report that is being prepared is against Shaheen Shah Afridi and Rizwan. They have formed a group, which is wrong. Those who are making this report, who have the intention of shifting their blame onto them, should not do so. Pakistan's cricket will be destroyed," Ali said.Ali emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating that if Afridi and Rizwan are not on the same page with Babar, all three should be removed from the team instead of making two scapegoats and one a hero."I am saying this now because God forbid, if this happens, it will be your fault. If you believe that Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Babar Azam are not on the same page, then remove all three of them. Don't make two of them scapegoats and make the third one a hero," he added.Ali also criticizes Babar Azam's captaincy, not only in the recent T20 World Cup but also in previous matches. He highlights a controversial decision where Babar chose to bowl Nawaz in the final over in Melbourne."Babar's captaincy has been wrong. Not just in this tournament, but in the World Cup as well. The way he made Nawaz bowl the last over in Melbourne, didn't he have eyes then?" Ali remarked.Ali expresses empathy for Afridi, who was removed from the captaincy after just five matches, acknowledging the natural frustration such a decision would cause."Tell me, when a boy is removed from the captaincy after just five matches, won't he feel bad? Even if we are sitting on TV and our chairs are changed, we feel bad - 'why did you change my chair, am I not speaking correctly?' This is a natural thing," he said.These allegations come in the wake of Pakistan's early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where they failed to progress beyond the Group Stage, suffering losses to the USA and India.

Pakistan's cricket team has been embroiled in a controversy involving star seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is facing allegations of misconduct during the 2024 T20 World Cup. According to reports, Afridi's inappropriate behavior towards the national team's coaches and management has come under scrutiny, prompting an investigation into why no action was taken at the time.The incident was brought to light by former cricketer Wahab Riaz, who was recently removed from the national selection committee by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Riaz alleged that Afridi's behavior was unacceptable and that it had gone unpunished.The PCB has confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the facts surrounding the allegations. The board has also announced plans to restructure the selection committee, with new details about its composition to be revealed soon.Riaz's removal from the selection committee has sparked further controversy. The former fast bowler expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that he had served Pakistan cricket with dedication and sincerity. He also praised the coaching staff, led by head coach Gary Kirsten, for their vision for the team.The PCB's decision to remove Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee follows Pakistan's disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup. The team was eliminated in the Group Stage after defeats to the USA and India.The allegations against Afridi and the subsequent investigation have cast a shadow over Pakistan cricket. The PCB is under pressure to take swift and decisive action to address the issue and restore confidence in the team.

Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan all-rounder, has called for the removal of Babar Azam as Pakistan's captain following the team's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup. Afridi, who is currently playing for Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends, believes that Babar has been given ample opportunities to prove himself as a captain but has failed to deliver."As far as Babar's captaincy is concerned, I have also captained, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, all have captained. No other captain has been given such an open chance. As soon as the World Cup ends, the captain is blamed. He has had 2-3 World Cups, 2-3 Asia Cups, T20 World Cup, he has had enough chances. Babar has been given enough chances. In our times the captain was under the knife. Now whatever surgery needs to be done, it needs to be done once, and whoever is coming new should be given full time," Afridi told Geo News.Babar had previously stepped down as Pakistan's captain following the team's poor performance in the ODI World Cup in India last year. However, he was reinstated by the Pakistan Cricket Board after his replacement, Shaheen Shah Afridi, was removed from captaincy after just one series against New Zealand.Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup was a significant disappointment for the team and its fans. They suffered an upset defeat against the USA and lost to their archrivals, India, in the initial group stage of the tournament. Since Pakistan's exit, several former Pakistani cricketers, including Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar, have questioned Babar's credibility as the captain of the team.India went on to win the tournament undefeated, securing a seven-run victory over South Africa in the final and ending the nation's 17-year drought for the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign has led to the dismissal of Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq as selectors for the national team. The departures, expected to be officially announced later this week, mark the first casualties in the fallout from the team's early exit from the tournament.Wahab's position as a selector had been under scrutiny following Pakistan's group stage elimination. Despite being removed as chief selector earlier this year, he was widely seen as the de facto head of the seven-member committee. This perception reportedly caused internal frustrations for Wahab, who bore the brunt of criticism for the committee's decisions.The nature of the selection committee is also likely to be revised, with the appointment of a chief selector expected. The number of selectors may also be reduced, making it unlikely that Wahab and Razzaq will be replaced.Wahab's departure is a significant setback for a man who was once considered close to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Wahab had served as caretaker sports minister in Naqvi's cabinet and followed him to the PCB, where he was initially appointed chief selector. He also traveled with the Pakistan team to the T20 World Cup as senior team manager.Naqvi is believed to have been keen to demonstrate that no one is immune from consequences. The decision to dismiss Wahab and Razzaq represents another U-turn in the PCB's selection process. The seven-member committee was only announced four months ago, with Wahab demoted from chief selector. At the time, Naqvi stated that the committee would make decisions based on debate and argument.The instability within the selection committee has been a persistent issue for the PCB in recent years. Six chief selectors have been appointed in the past four years, including Wahab, Haroon Rashid, Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim, and Misbah-ul-Haq.The remaining five members of the selection committee include the head coach and captain of the respective formats, Mohammad Yousaf, Asad Shafiq, and data analyst Bilal Afzal.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has granted head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie full authority to revamp the national team's fortunes following their disappointing T20 World Cup performance.In a meeting with the coaches, Naqvi expressed his unwavering confidence in their abilities and pledged the board's unwavering support. Kirsten, the white-ball coach, candidly shared his concerns about the team's performance at the World Cup.Both coaches emphasized the need for stringent fitness standards as a prerequisite for team selection. Naqvi empowered them to make any necessary changes to improve the team's performance, without compromising on player selection or fitness.Kirsten had previously warned senior players to adapt to new skills and enhance their game awareness or risk being left behind. Senior team manager Wahab Riaz's report to Naqvi highlighted personality clashes within the team during the World Cup.Naqvi granted both coaches carte blanche to implement their plans for both red-ball and white-ball formats. Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood also attended the meeting.Kirsten stressed the need to rebuild combinations and change the mindset of players in the white-ball format. He and Gillespie had agreed to become head coaches a few months before the World Cup, with Naqvi offering them long-term contracts and the assurance of ample time to implement their strategies.Kirsten, who previously worked with the Indian team, brings a wealth of experience to Pakistan. The PCB is optimistic that under his and Gillespie's guidance, the team can regain its former glory.

Pakistan's Cricket Woes: A Tale of Missed OpportunitiesFormer Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has lamented the stark contrast between the cricketing landscapes of India and Pakistan, highlighting the missed opportunities that have hindered Pakistan's progress.Latif's comments stem from India's recent dominance in white-ball cricket, including their undefeated triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. In contrast, Pakistan suffered an early exit in the group stages, exposing the deep-rooted issues plaguing their cricket system.Latif attributed India's success to their strategic approach, which has transformed cricket into a lucrative industry. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a global powerhouse, attracting top players and generating immense revenue. In comparison, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has struggled to evolve, with a limited salary cap and a lack of international appeal."India, just like their film industry, developed a cricket industry. We treat cricket as a hobby that's why we couldn't turn it into a business," Latif said. "PSL is still there from where it had started. The highest salary cap is $1.40 lakh. Why can't they push it further? Why can't we have players like Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins? Because we don't have the money so there's no business."Latif also emphasized the importance of learning from foreign coaches and investing in grassroots development. India has benefited from the expertise of renowned coaches like John Wright and Gary Kirsten, while Pakistan has often relied on homegrown coaches with limited international experience."It's not that India became a reckoning force in world cricket recently, after the World Cup. Go back to 2007, 2011, 2015. They have gained so much knowledge from the foreign coaches and at the same time, they are working at the grassroots level without being noticed. And then IPL came into play. And now, they have all the best minds with them. They have Ponting with DC, Hussey, and Bravo. But hum kya kar rahe hain," Latif added.Pakistan's recent struggles in major cricket tournaments underscore the need for a comprehensive overhaul of their cricketing infrastructure. Latif's remarks serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the challenges that Pakistan cricket faces in creating a sustainable business model and achieving international success.

Wahab Riaz's Dropped Catch Sparks Criticism as Pakistan Triumphs in WCLFormer Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz faced online backlash after dropping a straightforward catch during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) match against India at Edgbaston. Riaz, who currently serves as the chief selector of the Pakistan men's senior team, was visibly disappointed after failing to secure the catch.The incident occurred during the final over of India's innings, with Pakistan already assured of victory. Anureet Singh lofted Aamer Yamin's delivery high into the sky, giving Riaz ample time to settle and pouch the ball. However, the ball somehow slipped through his hands, leading to widespread criticism.Fans questioned Riaz's suitability as chief selector, citing his inability to execute a basic fielding task. Social media erupted with comments mocking Riaz's performance, with some suggesting that he should reconsider his role.Despite the dropped catch, Pakistan Champions secured a convincing 68-run victory over Yuvraj Singh-led India Champions. This marked their third consecutive win in the ongoing WCL 2024 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.Earlier, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 243/4, thanks to a 145-run opening partnership between Sharjeel Khan and Kamran Akmal. Khan scored a blistering 72 off 30 balls, while Akmal contributed 77 off 40 balls. Sohaib Maqsood also chipped in with a quickfire 51 off 26 balls.In reply, India started their chase aggressively but lost wickets at regular intervals. Suresh Raina top-scored with 52 off 40 balls, but his efforts were not enough to prevent Pakistan from securing a comfortable victory.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has summoned white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten to discuss the team's future in the wake of their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The meeting will review Kirsten's report on the team's performance, which includes assessments of player discipline, game awareness, and fitness.A key topic of discussion will be the future of Babar Azam as white-ball captain. Azam's leadership has come under scrutiny following Pakistan's early exit from the World Cup. Former players have criticized his decision-making and tactical acumen.Naqvi has previously stated that no decision has been made regarding Azam's captaincy. However, the PCB is expected to consider the feedback from Kirsten and other stakeholders before making a final determination.The meeting will also address the broader issue of Pakistan's domestic cricket structure. Around 30-35 international cricketers are scheduled to meet with Naqvi to provide their input on how to improve the system.Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign was a major disappointment. They lost their opening match to the USA in a Super Over and were then defeated by arch-rivals India in a low-scoring thriller. Despite victories over Canada and Ireland, Pakistan failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage.The PCB has a significant gap before Pakistan's next white-ball series against Australia in November. This provides ample time for the management to make necessary changes and address the team's weaknesses.

Jason Gillespie, the former Australian fast bowler, has taken charge as Pakistan's red-ball coach with a hectic six-month schedule ahead. Gillespie's two-year tenure begins with a two-match series against Bangladesh in August, followed by three Tests against England in October, both at home. Pakistan will then tour South Africa for two Tests in December before hosting the West Indies for two Tests in January 2024.Gillespie, who arrived in Pakistan on Sunday, acknowledged the team's talent but emphasized the need for consistency. "How can they be more consistent is one thing that I am hoping I can find some solutions for," he said. Pakistan currently ranks fifth in the World Test Championship cycle, and Gillespie aims to improve their position."Ultimately we want to win games of Test cricket," Gillespie stated. "There are skillful cricketers here, how can we play as a team and perform well against good quality international oppositions and that's going to be the key for us."Gillespie, who played 71 Tests for Australia, has a successful coaching record, having led Yorkshire to two English County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015. He was hired to improve Pakistan's Test side, which suffered a 1-0 loss to Australia in 2022 and a 3-0 home whitewash against England the same year.Gillespie believes Pakistan's recent struggles were not due to a lack of skill. "As an observer from outside, I think there were some moments in games where Pakistan were on top but could not finish well," he said. He highlighted the need for smart tactics to counter England's aggressive style of play, known as "Bazball."Pakistan's Test series against Bangladesh begins in Rawalpindi on August 21-25, followed by a second Test in Karachi from August 30 to September 3. They will face England in three Tests starting in Multan (October 7-11), Karachi (Oct 15-19), and Rawalpindi (October 24-28).