Cricket

Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup has drawn widespread criticism, with captain Babar Azam facing the brunt of the backlash. Former cricketer Shoaib Malik has added to the chorus of disapproval, questioning Azam's place in the top international teams.Malik, speaking on a talk show after the India-England semifinal, asserted that Azam's current form and leadership do not meet the standards of elite teams. "Who is our best player? Our best player is Babar Azam," Malik said. "I am just talking about the top 4-5 teams. Can Babar fit in the playing XI of those teams? Of Australia, of India, or of England in just this particular format? The answer is NO!"Azam's performance in the tournament has been underwhelming. In four matches, he scored 122 runs with a highest score of 44, averaging 40.66 and striking at 101.66. His captaincy has also been criticized, particularly for his handling of the match against India, where Pakistan collapsed after a promising start.Malik's comments have sparked a debate about Azam's suitability as captain and his place in the team. Some have defended Azam, citing his past achievements and the challenges he faced in the tournament. Others have argued that his recent form and leadership have not been up to par and that he needs to improve or risk losing his position.The criticism of Azam reflects the frustration of Pakistani fans and experts with the team's performance. Pakistan has struggled in recent years to maintain its status as a top cricketing nation, and the T20 World Cup debacle has only added to the concerns.Whether Azam can turn things around and lead Pakistan to success remains to be seen. However, the criticism he has faced serves as a reminder that he and the team have a lot of work to do to regain the respect and admiration of their supporters.

Pakistan Cricket Legends Laud Kohli and Sharma's Retirement TimingFollowing India's triumph in the T20 World Cup, several Pakistani cricket greats have praised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their impeccable timing in announcing their retirement from the format.Zaheer Abbas, a batting stalwart of yesteryear, expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma's batting prowess and Kohli's exceptional records. He hailed Rohit's World Cup victory as a testament to his greatness.Javed Miandad, one of Pakistan's greatest batters, commended both players for retiring at the right time. He emphasized that their departure from T20 internationals in glory was a fitting end to their illustrious careers. Miandad also highlighted their role as role models for aspiring cricketers.Legendary pacer Waqar Younis lauded Rohit and Kohli for their ability to deliver in crucial situations and win matches for India. He also praised Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling throughout the World Cup, crediting him as a match-winner for India.Rashid Latif attributed India's success and their three ICC event finals appearances in the past year to the team management's alignment with the players. He praised Rahul Dravid and his support staff for providing clear direction to the team.Shahid Afridi acknowledged Rohit's exceptional leadership and Kohli's consistent performance in big matches. He commended their decision to retire on a high after leading India to the World Cup title.Mohsin Hasan Khan, a former Test batter and chief selector, emphasized the importance of retiring in glory. He expressed his admiration for Rohit's leadership and Kohli's hunger for success. Khan also noted that India had the talent to fill the void left by their retirements.Rohit Sharma's unmatched five centuries in T20Is and two T20 World Cup titles have solidified his status as a legend in the format.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has lauded the leadership of Indian captain Rohit Sharma, crediting his positive attitude for India's triumph in the T20 World Cup. Afridi believes that Rohit's aggressive style of play instills confidence in his team, leading to their success.In contrast, Afridi expressed concerns about Babar Azam's captaincy during Pakistan's disappointing performance in the tournament. He questioned the decision-making process and suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should empower the national selection committee to appoint the team captain.Afridi emphasized the importance of a strong foundation at the grassroots level for Pakistan cricket. He believes that investing in youth development will produce better players in the future.Afridi's comments come after India's thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final. Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in India's success, leading from the front with his aggressive batting and positive body language.Afridi's analysis highlights the importance of leadership in sports. A captain who sets a positive example and instills confidence in his team can make a significant difference in their performance.

Pakistan's women's cricket team, led by Nida Dar, has undergone a significant overhaul ahead of the Women's Asia Cup 2024. The squad, which will compete in Dambulla, Sri Lanka from July 19 to 28, features several notable changes from the team that struggled in England last month.Batters Ayesha Zafar and Sadaf Shamas have been omitted, while Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, and Syeda Aroob Shah have been recalled. Rising star Tasmia Rubab, a 22-year-old left-arm fast bowler, has also earned her maiden international call-up.The changes reflect Pakistan's recent struggles, which have seen them endure a string of poor results over the past 18 months. Despite series wins against South Africa and New Zealand, the team has consistently underperformed, including a winless tour of England in May.The team's new head coach, Mohammad Wasim, has been tasked with turning things around, but he has only been given a short-term contract for the Asia Cup. Assistant coach Junaid Khan and spin-bowling coach Abdur Rehman will also serve in temporary roles.Despite the team's struggles, the PCB has yet to deliver on its promise of a women's T20 league in Pakistan. The league was originally promised by former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja in late 2022, but administrative changes have stalled progress.Pakistan's squad for the Women's Asia Cup 2024:* Nida Dar (capt)* Aliya Riaz* Diana Baig* Fatima Sana* Gull Feroza* Iram Javed* Muneeba Ali* Najiha Alvi* Nashra Sandhu* Omaima Sohail* Sadia Iqbal* Sidra Amin* Syeda Aroob Shah* Tasmia Rubab* Tuba Hassan

The Pakistan cricket team, led by Babar Azam, has faced intense criticism following their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. The team's performance has sparked a barrage of social media attacks, with some former cricketers and fans issuing "defamation" statements against Babar and his team.Amidst this "targeted campaign," reports have emerged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering legal action against those who have made unwarranted attacks on the team. Several YouTubers and former cricketers, who accused Babar of "misconduct" during the World Cup, have been issued warnings.However, veteran Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shahzad has doubled down on his criticism of Babar and the team. In a recent interview, Shahzad questioned Babar's leadership and decision-making, which he believes have led to Pakistan's recent failures."The former players that he (Babar) is talking about, they should also file a case on him asking when you had a team for 5 years, where have you brought the team, to the 7th spot?" Shahzad said.Shahzad also criticized Babar for his handling of domestic cricketers, claiming that he has favored certain players over others. He also questioned the selection of players who have failed to perform consistently."The domestic cricketers whom you didn't select for the team, you went ahead with one group, kept on saying that this group will win you matches, but that didn't happen," Shahzad said.Shahzad's comments come as the PCB's legal team reportedly explores options to reprimand those who have defamed Babar and the team. However, Shahzad has dismissed these threats, arguing that criticism is a part of sports."After losing 3 World Cups, 2 Asia Cups, you (Babar) were made captain again after 2 months, you should have asked the question how you were made the captain? Is it only you whose sentiments are getting hurt, not of the fans?" Shahzad said.Shahzad's criticism has sparked a debate on social media, with some fans supporting his views while others have defended Babar and the team. The PCB has yet to comment on Shahzad's remarks.

Pakistan's dismal performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked a major shake-up within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to a report in the 'Jang' newspaper, some Pakistani players accepted appearance fees as low as USD 2500 per person to attend a meet-and-greet function in Dallas on the sidelines of the tournament. The report also revealed that another event, 'A Night with Stars,' was canceled due to payment discrepancies between captain Babar Azam and other players.These revelations have prompted PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to hold senior management officials responsible for the team's indiscipline and poor performance. Sources within the PCB have confirmed that Naqvi is considering dismissing senior officials and implementing stricter policies for players.One of the key issues identified is the presence of players' families at the World Cup. The PCB is expected to announce a policy prohibiting players from bringing their families to major events. The source said that some senior officials had allowed players to bring their families, which contributed to the team's lack of focus.Another issue is the alleged rift between Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi over captaincy. The source said that the team is divided, with some players supporting Azam and others backing Afridi.The PCB is also facing criticism for its handling of central contracts. Sources claim that some senior management officials have been patronizing players, leading to indiscipline and a lack of accountability.The PCB is now conducting a performance assessment of all senior management officials. The board is also considering enforcing a code of conduct for players to prevent future incidents of indiscipline and unprofessionalism.

Jason Gillespie, the newly appointed Test coach of Pakistan, will lead the Pakistan Shaheens (Pakistan A) on a tour to Darwin, Australia, next month. The tour will feature two four-day matches against Bangladesh A, as well as participation in the Top End T20 series.Gillespie, who recently resigned as coach of South Australia and the Adelaide Strikers, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to coach Pakistan's Test side. "It's an honour," he said. "I've been coaching for quite a while now in various roles around the world, but one thing I haven't done is coach an international Test side. When this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at it."The Shaheens will play two four-day games against Bangladesh A from July 19-22 and 26-29. Gillespie will serve as head coach for these matches before returning to Pakistan to prepare for a two-Test series against Bangladesh.During the tour, the Shaheens will also play 50-over matches against Northern Territory and Bangladesh A. They will then participate in the Top End T20 series, which will feature nine teams, including Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Strikers, and Tasmania.The PCB has announced a Shaheens' squad for the tour, which includes fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, who made his Test debut against Australia in Perth last year.The Top End T20 series will provide pre-season opportunities for Australian domestic cricketers who are not involved in overseas competitions. "The competition adds another layer to what our pre-season would typically be, exposing players to tournament conditions ahead of the Australian domestic season," said Kade Harvey, Perth Scorchers' general manager.The PCB expressed gratitude to Northern Territory for inviting the Pakistan Shaheens for the second consecutive year. "Last year, the players had a memorable experience and enjoyed playing and performing in excellent playing conditions, in front of enthusiastic cricket fans," said Usman Wahla, PCB director of international cricket.

Amidst the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the fate of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy remains uncertain. Legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram has expressed his hopes that India will participate in the tournament, emphasizing its significance for Pakistan's cricketing future.The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Alongside the hosts, India, Australia, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Afghanistan are expected to compete. However, India's participation is contingent upon the political climate between the two nations.Akram believes that hosting the tournament would be a major boost for cricket in Pakistan. "We have great facilities and are working on new stadiums," he said. "The chairman has started work on the new stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. I believe it will be a great tournament and Pakistan needs that tournament for the betterment of cricket."India has not toured Pakistan for a bilateral series since 2006. The two teams have only faced each other in ICC tournaments since 2013 due to political tensions. According to reports, India is still hesitant to travel to Pakistan, which could result in the tournament being played in a hybrid format.Akram expressed his disappointment over India's reluctance to tour Pakistan. "The whole country is looking forward to receiving all the teams," he said. "The cricket will be great and we will welcome them in splendid fashion."The 2023 Asia Cup, which was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan, was partially relocated to Sri Lanka after the BCCI refused to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. India and Pakistan have not had bilateral tours in cricket since 2012.The BCCI has maintained that the Indian team will only travel to Pakistan if permitted by the central government. The decision ultimately rests with the Indian government, which will consider the political and security implications of the tour.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised for a major overhaul following the team's dismal performance in the T20 World Cup. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly furious with the conduct of senior officials and players, and is set to implement sweeping changes to address the team's lack of discipline.According to a reliable PCB source, the board is expected to dismiss senior management officials and enforce strict policies for players. The source revealed that Naqvi is particularly incensed by the fact that players brought their families to the World Cup and engaged in paid promotional events during the tournament.The PCB is set to announce a new policy regarding players' families accompanying them to major events. The source stated that the chairman is unhappy with the large number of family members who stayed in the team hotel during the World Cup.It has also emerged that certain high-ranking PCB officials authorized the decision to allow players to bring their families on tour. The source criticized these officials as "fans of the players" who have given them excessive concessions.Naqvi has requested a performance evaluation from all senior management personnel, expressing dissatisfaction with the progress made in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year.Reports have also surfaced of Pakistani cricketers accepting appearance fees as low as USD 2500 for attending a meet-and-greet event in Dallas. Another event, titled 'A night with stars', was reportedly canceled due to discrepancies in payments made to captain Babar Azam and other players.These revelations are expected to be scrutinized during the postmortem analysis of the team's early exit from the tournament. Despite having four different chairmen since December 2022, the PCB has not made any changes to the senior management level officials.The source attributed the players' indiscipline to the patronage of senior management officials, including in the finalization of central contracts last year. Rumors of internal strife within the team have intensified, with reports suggesting a rift between Babar and leading fast bowler Shaheen Afridi over the captaincy role.