Cricket

USA Pacer Ali Khan: Pakistan Win Was No Fluke, We Planned to Beat ThemUSA pacer Ali Khan has asserted that their stunning victory over Pakistan in the group stage of the T20 World Cup was not a mere coincidence. The Pakistan-born Khan revealed that the USA team had specifically targeted Pakistan for a win due to their history.Khan explained that the USA team had gained immense confidence from their series win over Bangladesh prior to the World Cup. "That gave us a lot of confidence going forward," he said. "We knew we could easily beat Canada and Ireland. Then it was about picking one team between India and Pakistan that we could beat. We had confidence that we could beat Pakistan."The USA team executed their plan to perfection, dominating Pakistan from the outset. "We had planned accordingly and were all over them from the first ball," Khan said. "I think they had a good phase when Babar and Shadab were batting, other than that we dominated Pakistan."Khan acknowledged Pakistan's unpredictable nature, stating that they are capable of both brilliant and disastrous performances. "If you look at Pakistan's history, they will either destroy you or themselves," he said. "Thankfully, the latter happened. It was a lucky day for us and the win was important."The USA team finished second in Group A behind India, qualifying for the Super 8 stage. Khan's comments highlight the growing confidence and ambition of the USA cricket team, which is aiming to make a mark on the international stage.

Former Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has vehemently criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its inconsistent and unstable leadership decisions, particularly the recent removal of Shaheen Afridi as captain after just one series.Akram, in a viral video, expressed his disappointment with the PCB's lack of clarity and stability in leadership roles. He highlighted the abrupt replacement of Babar Azam with Afridi as captain, followed by Afridi's removal after a single series loss."They replaced Babar with Shaheen as Pakistan captain. The latter lost one series and the chairman got changed during that phase. The newcomer asked to change the captain and got it done. This is just not on. People make fun of us in world cricket. They don't get it. If you have made (Shaheen) Afridi the captain, give him a year," Akram said.Akram further lamented that he and other former cricketers are fortunate to be away from Pakistan cricket, as it has become a source of constant criticism and politics. "They don't ask us. It's good that we are away from Pakistan cricket. It is a blessing in disguise because it is just criticism, politics," he added.Akram's comments come in the wake of Pakistan's disappointing performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated after losses to the USA and India. Babar Azam had stepped down as captain following Pakistan's poor showing in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup last year.Afridi was appointed as the T20I captain, while Shan Masood took over the red-ball leadership after the ODI World Cup campaign in November. However, Afridi's tenure as captain was short-lived, as Pakistan managed to win only one game in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand.With the appointment of Mohsin Naqvi as the new PCB chairman, Babar Azam was reinstated as the white-ball captain. Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar also questioned the decision to appoint Babar Azam as captain in the first place."Who made Babar Azam captain at first place? Who was the Einstein by the way? I need to know that guy. Did he actually qualify for the job or not? Did he even know a thing or two about captaincy?" remarked Akhtar.

Pakistan's assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has expressed outrage over false allegations circulating about his family following the team's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup. Mahmood has vowed to take legal action against those responsible for spreading these baseless claims.In a statement released on social media, Mahmood condemned the "false allegations and narratives" that have been circulating. He emphasized that these claims are "entirely baseless and false" and urged people to refrain from engaging with them.Mahmood criticized the culture of spreading false accusations to gain media attention. He warned that speaking without evidence and misconstruing facts is a criminal offense and that those engaging in such behavior will face legal consequences."Pursuing an increase in followers and media attention by spreading falsehoods is downright unacceptable," Mahmood wrote. "I will be pursuing legal advice against those responsible for making these false allegations towards me and my family, and strict action will be taken accordingly."Mahmood's announcement comes after reports emerged that Pakistan captain Babar Azam is also considering legal action against YouTubers and former cricketers who accused him of misconduct during the T20 World Cup campaign. The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly collecting evidence related to these statements.The allegations against Mahmood and Azam have sparked outrage among Pakistani fans and cricket enthusiasts. Many have condemned the spread of false information and called for accountability.Mahmood's decision to take legal action sends a strong message that false accusations will not be tolerated. It is hoped that this will deter others from engaging in such behavior and help to create a more responsible and ethical media culture.

Pakistan's dismal performance at the T20 World Cup has sparked widespread criticism, with captain Babar Azam facing the brunt of the backlash. Questions have been raised about his leadership and batting form, while the team's overall unity has been called into question.In the National Assembly, Abdul Qadir Patel roasted Babar, suggesting he follow in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Imran Khan by waving a document and claiming a conspiracy against him. Patel urged the team to unite for the sake of Pakistan and its people.Pakistan's early exit from the tournament was particularly disappointing given their status as runners-up in the previous edition. Head coach Gary Kirsten has expressed his dismay at the team's lack of unity, stating that he has never witnessed such a situation in his coaching career.Kirsten reportedly told the players that their fitness levels and skill levels were below par, and that they lacked a clear understanding of their roles. He emphasized the importance of unity and support within the team, which he believes was a major factor in their poor performance.Despite the criticism, Babar has maintained his position as captain. However, the team's future remains uncertain, with calls for changes in leadership and a renewed focus on unity and performance.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked a debate about the captaincy of Babar Azam. Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar believes that Azam's future as captain is in jeopardy unless he takes on a more aggressive role in the batting order and starts finishing matches for the team.Akhtar questioned the decision to appoint Azam as captain in the first place, suggesting that he lacked the necessary experience and qualifications. He emphasized that Azam must now prove his worth by coming down the order and delivering in crucial situations."He has to finish the games. He has to win the games. If he doesn't, he will not be able to keep his place in T20s. I am telling you right now. He will not be able to keep his place in ODIs because he has to finish the games," Akhtar asserted.Azam has faced criticism from fans and former players alike following Pakistan's early exit. However, he has stated that he has not considered stepping down as captain and that the decision is ultimately up to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).The PCB is reportedly set to revert to its old selection committee system after the experiment of having no chief selector proved unsuccessful. Former Test fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who was part of the selection committee for the T20 World Cup, is expected to retain his position and may be appointed as the new chief selector.

Pakistan's cricket captain, Babar Azam, is reportedly considering legal action against YouTubers and former cricketers who have accused him of misconduct during the team's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. Sources close to Azam have revealed that he is disheartened by the social media campaign targeting him and is determined to hold those responsible accountable.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly assisting Azam in gathering evidence related to the allegations. The board's legal department is collecting statements and reviewing social media posts to build a case against the accused individuals.The criticism against Azam and the Pakistan team intensified after their early exit from the World Cup. Former players and fans expressed their disappointment with the team's performance, particularly their losses to the United States and India.Some of the players and officials have already returned to Pakistan, while others, including Azam, are expected to depart on Saturday. Former teammate Ahmed Shehzad has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Azam, accusing him of poor leadership and decision-making.Pakistan's next international assignment is a three-match ODI series against Australia in November. The team will be hoping to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment and regain their form ahead of the 2023 World Cup in India.

Legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its chaotic management and poor handling of the national cricket team. Akram's criticism stems from the PCB's recent history of frequent leadership changes and inconsistent decision-making, which he believes has hindered the team's performance.Akram highlighted the fact that the PCB has seen four chairmen in the past year, a period of unprecedented instability. He argued that such frequent changes create an environment of uncertainty and prevent the team from establishing a consistent approach. "How can the team be consistent when they have had four chairmen in one year?" Akram questioned.The former pace great also criticized the PCB's handling of the captaincy issue. After Pakistan's disappointing exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar Azam was replaced by Shaheen Afridi as captain in T20I cricket. However, Afridi's tenure was short-lived, as he lost a T20I series against New Zealand and was replaced by Azam once again.Akram believes that the PCB should have given Afridi more time to prove himself as captain. "If you have made Afridi the captain, give him a year," he said. "People make fun of us in world cricket. They don't get it."Akram expressed his relief at being disconnected from the PCB, stating that it is a "blessing in disguise" to be away from the "criticism and politics" that surround the organization.

Pakistan's disastrous T20 World Cup campaign has sparked widespread criticism, not only for their on-field performances but also for their decision to bring family members along. The move has drawn backlash from fans and officials alike, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) considering legal action against unsubstantiated claims.According to reports, nearly 34 players, support staff, and officials were accompanied by around 26-28 family members during the tournament in the USA. The team hotel accommodated wives, children, parents, and even siblings of the players.The presence of family members has been cited as a distraction for the players, with reports suggesting that the team environment was more akin to a family vacation than a professional sporting event. The extra expenses incurred on family accommodations were reportedly borne by the players themselves.Muhammad Amir, in a peculiar move, brought his personal trainer to the World Cup at his own expense, despite the team already having a foreign trainer and other support staff. Amir trained separately from the rest of the team, with permission from the board.The PCB is considering legal action under a new defamation law passed by the Punjab government. The law targets digital media and defamation, allowing for hefty fines and jail time for unsubstantiated allegations or personal attacks on public figures.The decision follows accusations against skipper Babar Azam, who was alleged to have accepted an expensive car as a gift. The PCB's legal department is preparing notices under the new law to address such claims.The PCB's decision to bring family members to the World Cup has been met with mixed reactions. Some have defended the move, arguing that it provides emotional support for the players. However, others have criticized it as unprofessional and a distraction from the team's focus.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked a flurry of speculation and conspiracy theories. Former captain Rashid Latif has pointed the finger at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), alleging that it has failed to address match-fixing allegations.Latif's comments come amid rumors of spot-fixing circulating on social media. He has criticized the PCB for its silence on the matter, despite its swift response to an incident involving pacer Haris Rauf.Rauf was confronted by a man on the streets of Miami, Florida, who allegedly made derogatory remarks. Rauf reacted angrily and chased the man, but was restrained by bystanders. The PCB has threatened legal action against the man if he does not apologize.Latif has questioned the PCB's priorities, suggesting that it is more concerned with protecting itself than investigating match-fixing allegations. He has also highlighted the financial losses incurred by broadcasters due to Pakistan's early elimination."Pakistan's exclusion from the World Cup has caused the biggest loss to our electronic media," Latif wrote. "Those who have the broadcast rights to show the match are expected to lose 30% to 35%. The ratings of the channels are also surprisingly low."Pakistan's poor performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 and the 2024 T20 World Cup has raised questions about the leadership of Babar Azam. The team's unexpected loss to debutants USA and subsequent defeat to India proved to be their undoing.Despite winning their last two encounters, Pakistan's fate was sealed by their earlier losses. The team's exit has sparked a wave of criticism and calls for accountability.