Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has deemed the pitches prepared for Pakistan's recent Test series against England as "satisfactory," despite the surfaces drawing significant attention for their contrasting nature.In the first Test, Pakistan's flat pitch allowed both teams to amass massive totals, with England setting a record-breaking 827 for 7 declared. However, Pakistan's subsequent innings collapse led to a result that seemed improbable earlier in the match.Following this defeat, Pakistan drastically altered their pitch-making strategy. For the second Test in Multan, they reused the same surface and employed giant fans to dry it out. The third Test in Rawalpindi, a venue known for its lack of spin, also involved fans and heaters to break up the surface.These changes resulted in pitches that provided significant assistance to spinners, with all 40 of England's wickets in the last two Tests falling to spin. Pakistan won the second Test on the fourth day, while the third Test ended before lunch on day three.Despite the contrasting nature of the pitches, England raised no public objections, while Pakistan maintained their right to prepare surfaces that offered them home advantage. The ICC's "satisfactory" rating reflects this view, as it is the lowest rating that does not constitute a censure.The ICC rates pitches and outfields on a scale from "very good" to "unfit." An "unsatisfactory" rating results in one demerit point, while an "unfit" rating incurs three. Grounds that accumulate five or more demerit points within a five-year period are suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months.This was the third consecutive Test in Rawalpindi where the pitch came under scrutiny. In 2022, the surface was rated "below average" and docked a demerit point, which was later rescinded on appeal.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has urged Pakistan's Babar Azam to emulate Virat Kohli's strategy to regain his lost form. Babar, who was rested for the final two Tests against England due to poor form, has struggled to find his rhythm in recent times.Ponting believes that Babar should consider taking a break from cricket, similar to what Kohli did in 2022. Kohli's sabbatical helped him rediscover his form and return to his best."The biggest challenge is how they get Babar back into their side. They've got to find a way to get Babar back into form and back into their (Test) team," Ponting said in the ICC Review."You know, when you look at (Babar's) numbers, it's been a bit like the stuff that we were talking about with Virat Kohli earlier on. Sometimes - and I think Virat was on record saying this - that little bit of a break that he had, he took himself away from the game for a while to freshen up and sort out some things that he needed to sort out."Ponting added that Babar may need to "get away for a while and stop trying too hard.""Lock the kit bag away for a while, and think about something else and then hopefully come back recharged, because we know at his best he's as good as anyone going around. Hopefully, we get to see that in the back half of his career again," Ponting said.Babar has amassed 3,997 runs at an average of 43.92 in 55 Test matches. However, he has not scored a Test half-century in 18 innings since late 2022.Pakistan won the Test series against England 2-1 under the leadership of Shan Masood. Babar's return to form will be crucial for Pakistan's success in upcoming Test matches.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history as one of the most successful captains of all time. Known for his unwavering composure and astute tactical acumen, Dhoni led the Indian national cricket team to unprecedented heights, winning all three major ICC tournaments: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.Dhoni's leadership style is characterized by his ability to remain calm under pressure, his keen understanding of the game, and his unwavering belief in his players. His ability to make quick decisions and adapt to changing circumstances has been instrumental in India's success on the international stage.Beyond his cricketing prowess, Dhoni has also garnered immense respect from fans and opponents alike for his humble demeanor and sportsmanlike conduct. Despite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, Dhoni's calm demeanor and respectful attitude towards opponents have won over fans across borders.One such Pakistani cricketer who is a fervent admirer of Dhoni is Sajid Khan, the spinner who played a pivotal role in Pakistan's recent Test series victory against England. In a viral video, Khan expressed his admiration for Dhoni, stating, "The best captain is MS Dhoni, he is very cool and calm, and a successful captain too."Khan's admiration for Dhoni is a testament to the latter's enduring legacy as a cricketing icon. Dhoni's ability to inspire and motivate his players, coupled with his tactical brilliance, has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers around the world.

Former Pakistan cricket star Basit Ali has drawn parallels between the expectations placed on Babar Azam by Pakistani fans and the demands Indian supporters have for Virat Kohli. Ali believes that despite Babar's promising performance in the first ODI against Australia, where he scored 37 runs, Pakistani fans will always expect more from their star batsman."Babar Azam looked in good form today. His way of playing was top-class. Unfortunately, he played Adam Zampa off the back foot on a ball that he should have played on the front foot. His foot movement and how hungry he was for runs were good signs," Ali said in a YouTube analysis.However, Ali emphasized that Pakistani fans will not be satisfied with a mere 37-run knock from Babar. "Our people won't be happy with 37 runs, they want Babar to score 137. Similarly, the Indian fans aren't satisfied with Virat Kohli's 70-run knock, they want 170 from him. So, this is the case with a big player that there's no value if he scores a 50," Ali explained.Meanwhile, Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf acknowledged that his team made mistakes in their opening ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Despite a strong start from Australia, Pakistan fought back with wickets from Rauf and Shaheen Afridi. However, Australia ultimately secured a narrow 2-wicket victory."We were all trying our best, whether in the field or with the ball. We had a plan to bowl short from my end. We had success; we took a few wickets this way," Rauf said.Pakistan's loss marks Australia's 27th victory in 28 completed matches at home across all formats. The second ODI of the three-match series will be played on Thursday, January 12, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Kamran Ghulam's baptism by fire on Australian soil proved to be a baptism by fire indeed. The Pakistani batsman, playing only his second ODI, faced the daunting task of navigating the bouncy tracks of Melbourne against a formidable Australian bowling attack.Ghulam's debut innings began promisingly, with a crisp boundary off Adam Zampa's flighted delivery. However, the joy was short-lived as he soon found himself facing the wily Pat Cummins.Cummins, with his trademark precision, tested Ghulam's technique with a series of probing deliveries. Ghulam's mistimed pull shot and subsequent "wait on" drew a wry smile from the Australian captain.The decisive moment came when Cummins unleashed a venomous short ball that was aimed directly at Ghulam's head. The Pakistani batsman, caught off guard by the pace and trajectory, could only watch in horror as the ball took off his glove and flew straight into the waiting hands of Josh Inglis.Ghulam's dismissal was a testament to the relentless pressure applied by the Australian bowlers. Pakistan, struggling against the precision bowling, were eventually bundled out for a paltry 203, with Mitchell Starc and Cummins claiming three and two wickets respectively.Ghulam's experience in Melbourne highlights the challenges faced by young batsmen making the transition to international cricket. The flat pitches of Pakistan offer a stark contrast to the bouncy tracks of Australia, and the quality of bowling is second to none.Despite the setback, Ghulam's performance showed glimpses of his potential. His ability to hit the ball cleanly and his willingness to take on the short ball suggest that he has the makings of a top-class batsman. With time and experience, he could become a valuable asset to the Pakistani team.

Pakistan's remarkable comeback series victory against England was marred by a post-match controversy involving legendary commentator Ramiz Raja and skipper Shan Masood. Raja's interview with Masood drew criticism on social media, prompting a strong reaction from pacer Mohammad Amir.After Pakistan's opening Test defeat to England, they rallied to win the next two matches and secure a 2-1 series triumph. However, Raja's post-match interview with Masood raised eyebrows."There are two things that you will see. One is how to play on seaming conditions and the other thing is if it is a one-off. How did you achieve this, six losses in a row?" Raja asked Masood.Masood responded: "Ramiz bhai, we needed this win. The nation needed this win and I am really happy for Pakistan."The interview sparked outrage on social media, with many fans criticizing Raja's tone and questioning his motives. Amir also took to Twitter to express his displeasure, calling Raja's comments "unprofessional."Raja later issued a clarification, stating that his intention was not to belittle Masood but to highlight the team's struggles in recent months.Masood, breaking his silence on the matter, said he holds no grudges against Raja. "There are no hard feelings from my side," he told BBC Stumped. "I've always been an open book in front of the media and tried to conduct myself in the best possible way."Masood also addressed the absence of Babar Azam from the second and third Tests against England. He expressed hope that the break would benefit Azam in the upcoming white-ball series against Australia.

Pakistan's spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan wreaked havoc on England's batting lineup, leading Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory in the third and decisive Test in Karachi. The triumph secured a memorable 2-1 series win for the hosts.Pakistan seized the initiative early on, establishing a crucial 77-run first-innings lead on a pitch that favored spinners from both sides. Noman and Sajid then turned the screws in England's second innings, bowling them out for a paltry 112.Noman claimed six wickets for 42 runs, while Sajid chipped in with four for 69. The duo accounted for 19 of England's 20 wickets in the match, with Pakistan's lone seamer, Aamer Jamal, remaining unused.Since being drafted into the team mid-series, Noman and Sajid have taken 39 of England's 40 wickets in the last two Tests. Their dominance has highlighted the spin-friendly conditions in Pakistan and exposed England's vulnerability against turning tracks."If you give England players even a slightly spinning track, they get nervous," Sajid remarked in a viral video. "Because the conditions they usually dominate make us nervous, but here it's they who get nervous."Pakistan's victory in the Test series is a significant boost ahead of their upcoming tour of Australia, where they will play three ODIs and three T20Is. The limited-overs series begins on Monday in Melbourne.

Pakistan's Test captain Shan Masood believes that Babar Azam's temporary absence from the Test squad will ultimately benefit the star batsman. Babar was omitted from the Pakistan squad for the last two Tests against England, which Pakistan won to claim the series 2-1, after a prolonged lean patch.Masood, in an interview with BBC Stumped, expressed his confidence in Babar's abilities, stating that he is "one of the best batsmen in the world" and has the potential to be "one of the greatest batsmen in Test cricket." He emphasized that sometimes players need a break to regain their form.Pakistan has indicated that Babar's absence from the Test side is temporary, as he has been called up for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. Masood expects Babar to "come back a stronger player" after his break.Masood also discussed his role as captain and the changes in the selection process. He emphasized the importance of collective decision-making and praised the new selectors for their collaboration. He stated that the team's focus is on taking 20 wickets and that they believe playing on used pitches with three spinners will benefit them.Regarding the controversial post-match interview with commentator Ramiz Raja, Masood expressed no hard feelings. He stated that he is open to constructive criticism and is focused on reflecting his character in a positive way.

PCB Assures Swift Visa Issuance for Indian Fans for ICC Champions TrophyLAHORE, Pakistan - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Interior Minister, has pledged a streamlined visa issuance process for Indian fans eager to attend the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.During a meeting with a group of Sikh pilgrims from the United States, Naqvi expressed optimism about a positive response from Indian fans. "We will reserve a special quota of tickets for Indian fans and endeavor to expedite the visa issuance process," he stated.Naqvi emphasized the PCB's desire to welcome Indian fans and witness the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in Lahore. Pakistan is set to host the ICC mega event from February to March 2025, but the tournament schedule remains pending until the ICC receives confirmation from the Indian government regarding its team's participation.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reiterated its adherence to government policy when it comes to visiting Pakistan. No Indian team has toured Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and there has been no Test series between the two nations since 2007.Despite these challenges, Naqvi remains hopeful that Indian fans will be able to experience the thrill of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. "We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all spectators," he said.The PCB's efforts to facilitate Indian fan attendance are a testament to the importance of cricket as a bridge between the two countries. The sport has the power to unite people and foster goodwill, and the Champions Trophy provides an opportunity to showcase the passion and camaraderie that exists between cricket enthusiasts on both sides of the border.