Cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has launched a scathing attack on Wasim Akram and other ex-Pakistan cricketers who have criticized the current Pakistan team. Kaneria believes that instead of criticizing from the outside, Akram and other cricketers should instead come and help the side.Pakistan were knocked out of the 2024 T20 World Cup at the group stage, after losses to India and the USA. Kaneria's reaction comes after Wasim Akram had put out a public rant on social media, demanding a new team be formed for Pakistan."Wasim Akram and other people can only preach from the outside. Why don't they come help the Pakistan side?" asked Kaneria. "Why did Wasim Akram not pose the question about Mohammad Amir's selection immediately?" Kaneria told Sports Now."Shoaib Malik is a better player than these guys (the current squad)," he added.The former leg-spinner said that Pakistan's preparations leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup had not been up to the mark. He raised special concern over the selections of Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan."They (Pakistan) should've picked 20-22 players in the camp, and then picked the best 15," said Kaneria. "Where were Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan six months ago?" blasted Kaneria.Kaneria slammed the Pakistan team's management of not being able to make firm decisions."They will wake up in the morning and say one thing, and then take a U-turn in the evening. They're the masters of the U-turn," said Kaneria."They're egoistic and think they cannot make mistakes," he added.Kaneria also criticized the decision to hand back captaincy to Babar Azam, and suggested that he should bat at no. 3 in T20Is, letting Fakhar Zaman open the innings with Mohammad Rizwan.Babar Azam scored 122 runs in four matches at the 2024 T20 World Cup, but at a strike rate of just 101.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup Exit: Gary Kirsten's Alleged Remarks Fuel ControversiesFormer Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the reported remarks made by Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten following the team's disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kirsten, who was recently appointed as the limited-overs head coach, has allegedly criticized the team's lack of unity and cohesion.According to Chopra, Kirsten's purported comments have further ignited the controversies surrounding the Pakistan team. "Allegedly Gary Kirsten has said the Pakistan team is not a team at all, that they are looking to pull each others' legs, there are groups created and everyone is divided, they play together but don't do anything like playing together, the five fingers don't combine to make a fist," Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign ended in the group stage with losses to co-hosts USA and India in Group A. Several former cricketers have voiced their concerns about the team's apparent fragmentation. Despite Kirsten denying making those remarks, Chopra believes that leaks are common in Pakistan cricket, especially after a poor performance."Gary Kirsten has probably said that he didn't say anything like that but Pakistan cricket is like a strainer. Whatever you put, it leaks from the other end. Since it's about Pakistan cricket and a bad campaign, you are reminded of one thing - success has many fathers and failure is an orphan. It worked like ghee on fire," Chopra elaborated.The alleged remarks by Kirsten have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the state of Pakistan cricket. The team's performance in the T20 World Cup has raised questions about their unity, leadership, and overall direction. It remains to be seen how the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will respond to these controversies and whether they will take any action to address the team's issues.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked a wave of criticism, with former captain Rashid Latif pointing the finger at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Latif believes that the constant changes in leadership and coaching staff have created an unstable environment within the team, leading to a lack of unity and poor performance.Latif highlighted that the team's attitude has changed since the previous World Cups, suggesting that the players are no longer as united as they once were. He attributed this to the lack of proper leadership and guidance from the PCB."The manner in which the dressing room feels and behaves is always the deciding factor," Latif said. "When there is a change in the higher authority/management, the coaching staff changes as well. It shouldn't be like that, the dressing room should remain stable."Latif's comments echo those of Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten, who recently stated that there is a lack of unity within the team. Kirsten described the situation as "unprecedented" and said that he had never seen anything like it in his coaching career.The PCB has been under fire for its handling of the team, with many critics calling for a complete overhaul of the organization. Latif believes that the PCB needs to take a more proactive approach in fostering a positive and supportive environment for the players."Education plays an important part that who is your chairman, who is he talking to," Latif said. "All the cricket boards, especially the Test playing nations have prepared well for the T20 World Cup, except Pakistan."Pakistan's early exit from the World Cup has raised serious questions about the future of the team. Latif believes that the PCB needs to address the underlying issues within the organization and create a stable environment for the players to thrive.

Pakistan's disastrous T20 World Cup campaign has sparked outrage among fans and experts, with former batter Ahmed Shehzad calling for strict action against the underperforming players. Pakistan's failure to qualify for the Super 8 stage, after losses to India and the USA, has raised serious questions about the team's unity and fitness.Head coach Gary Kirsten's scathing assessment of the team, alleging a lack of unity and poor fitness levels, has further fueled the controversy. Sources close to the team have revealed Kirsten's dissatisfaction with the players' skill level, which he believes lags behind the rest of the world.Shehzad, who has been vocal in his criticism of the team, has echoed Kirsten's concerns. He has accused the team of being plagued by groupism and has demanded a crackdown from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "It's time for accountability," Shehzad wrote on social media. "The players involved must be punished and an example should be set for the next generation of cricketers."Shehzad's call for action comes after he previously urged the PCB to remove senior players, including captain Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan. He believes these players have been given ample time to improve but have failed to deliver.The PCB has yet to respond to Shehzad's demands, but the pressure is mounting on the board to take decisive action. The team's poor performance has not only disappointed fans but has also raised concerns about the future of Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan's qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup has been confirmed despite their disappointing performance in the ongoing edition. Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar's suggestion that Pakistan might have to play qualifiers proved incorrect.According to ICC rules, 12 teams automatically qualify for the 2026 tournament. Co-hosts India and Sri Lanka received direct entry, while the top eight teams from the Super 8 stage of the current edition also secured their berths. These teams include India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh.The remaining three automatic slots were allocated based on the ICC Men's T20I rankings as of June 30, 2024. As a result, New Zealand, Ireland, and Pakistan qualified.Pakistan's qualification is a relief after their early exit from the ongoing tournament. They were stunned by USA in the group stage and failed to beat India, which would have guaranteed their progression.The Super 8 stage of the current edition begins on June 19, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The groups are as follows:* Group 1: India, Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh* Group 2: England, USA, West Indies, South AfricaThe remaining eight slots for the 2026 T20 World Cup will be determined through regional qualifiers.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked outrage among fans, former players, and critics alike. The team's defeats against the United States and India sealed their fate, with a washed-out game against the USA adding insult to injury.Despite avoiding another embarrassing loss against Ireland in their final match, the team's performance has been met with widespread criticism. Former players and experts have expressed their frustration on television and talk shows, while videos of Pakistani fans destroying their TV sets have gone viral on social media.Amidst the backlash, a video has emerged online showing pacer Haris Rauf being taunted by a fan for the team's poor performance. The video shows Rauf walking with his wife when the fan allegedly taunts him. A furious Rauf jumps over a line of street shrub as his wife tries to stop him.Though the video is not clearly audible, Rauf appears to accuse the fan of being Indian, to which the fan responds that he is Pakistani. To his credit, the fan stands his ground against a furious Rauf, who is eventually stopped by other passersby.The incident highlights the intense emotions surrounding Pakistan's T20 World Cup exit. The team's performance has not only disappointed fans but has also raised questions about the future of Pakistani cricket.Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Pakistan's skipper Babar Azam and five other players have chosen to spend their holidays in London before returning home. This decision has further angered fans, who believe that the players should be held accountable for their poor performance.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has raised concerns over star batter Babar Azam's performance in ICC events, questioning whether the burden of captaincy is affecting his game. Hafeez's remarks come after Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup, where Babar failed to lead the team to the Super 8 stage.Despite Pakistan's victory in their final group match against Ireland, Babar's cautious approach during the chase raised eyebrows. Chasing a modest target of 107, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, but Babar remained at the crease, scoring a slow 32 not out off 34 balls.Hafeez expressed his disappointment over Babar's form in ICC events, suggesting that the captaincy may be weighing him down. "I feel sorry for Babar Azam. For a quality player like him, to have a major dip during ICC events is a big concern. And only Babar Azam can answer this. Is it because of his captaincy?" Hafeez said on PTV Sports.Hafeez emphasized that only Babar can explain his struggles at ICC events. "I want him to be the highest run-getter for Pakistan and he has that capacity. But when it comes to bilateral series, Babar is on top but in ICC event he is so low down. So this big dip in form is cause for concern and only Babar can answer it or maybe someone else," he added.Hafeez praised Babar's knock against Ireland, acknowledging his responsibility as a senior player to guide the team to victory. However, he also highlighted the need for a major shake-up in the team and management following Pakistan's dismal performance at the World Cup.Fans and analysts have criticized the team management for selecting the wrong players for the tournament. Pakistan's fall from grace is particularly striking considering their impressive run to the final in the previous World Cup two years ago.As Pakistan prepares to host the Champions Trophy next year, there are calls for a thorough review of the team's strategy and personnel. Hafeez's comments have added fuel to the debate, raising questions about Babar Azam's suitability as captain and the need for a fresh approach to ICC events.

Pakistan's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has raised questions about the team's leadership and tactics. After unimpressive displays against Ireland and England in the lead-up to the tournament, Pakistan's form was far from ideal.Despite their history of surprising performances, Pakistan's campaign began with a shock defeat to debutants USA. They then lost to India despite being in a commanding position. In their third match, they managed to beat Canada, but their fourth match against Ireland was a close call, with Pakistan nearly losing after being seven wickets down in pursuit of a modest target.Babar Azam's captaincy and batting have come under scrutiny. Indian cricket legend Virender Sehwag believes that Azam should step down as captain and even be dropped from the T20I team. Sehwag criticized Azam's lack of six-hitting ability and his conservative approach."Babar Azam is not a player who will hit sixes. He only hits sixes when he is set and spinners are operating," Sehwag said. "I have never seen him using his feet to fast bowlers or hitting sixes over the covers; it's not his game as he plays safe cricket by hitting down the ground."Sehwag believes that Pakistan needs a captain who can provide more firepower in the powerplay overs. "As a leader, you have to think whether this game is useful for his team. If not, then demote yourself and send someone who can play big shots in the six overs and get the team 50-60 runs," he said.Pakistan's struggles have also been attributed to their lack of depth in the batting lineup. The team has relied heavily on Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, but they have not received enough support from the middle order.With the T20 World Cup 2024 now over, Pakistan must reassess their approach and make changes if they want to be competitive in future tournaments.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has taken a dig at Pakistan's disastrous T20 World Cup campaign, rating it a mere "2 out of 10." Pakistan, the runners-up in the previous edition, crashed out of the tournament after losing their opening match to tournament debutants USA and suffering a defeat against arch-rivals India. They managed to register wins against Canada and Ireland, but it was too little too late.Pakistan's batting woes were evident throughout the tournament, with the team failing to chase down modest targets and struggling to post competitive totals. Captain Babar Azam acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating, "We couldn't finish off close games, as a team we weren't good as a team."Despite the batting struggles, Pakistan's bowling unit performed admirably, taking early wickets and restricting opposition batters. However, their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by the team's inability to score runs.Vaughan's scathing assessment of Pakistan's performance reflects the team's disappointing showing in the tournament. Pakistan's early exit has raised questions about the team's preparation and strategy, and it remains to be seen how they will address these issues ahead of future competitions.