Cricket

Former New Zealand and Mumbai Indians fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has strongly refuted accusations from a Pakistani journalist that the New Zealand team prioritized money over national duty by choosing to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead of touring Pakistan.The accusations arose after New Zealand's disappointing performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where they suffered back-to-back losses against Afghanistan and hosts West Indies, putting them on the brink of elimination. Pakistani journalist Imran Siddiqui took to social media to criticize New Zealand's decision to send a weakened team to Pakistan, claiming that it had hindered their preparations for the World Cup.McClenaghan, known for his outspoken nature, responded with a scathing reply, highlighting Pakistan's own poor form in the tournament. He pointed out that Pakistan had lost to New Zealand's "C side," as well as Ireland and the USA, in recent matches."Very poor take. You (Pakistan) lost games to our C side, Ireland, and the USA," McClenaghan tweeted.Pakistan has indeed struggled in the T20 World Cup, losing to both the USA and India. In the lead-up to the tournament, they had drawn a T20I series against a New Zealand side without their key players. McClenaghan emphasized this fact, suggesting that Pakistan's own lack of preparation was a more significant factor in their poor performance.The former Kiwi pacer also agreed with a comment that Sherfane Rutherford, who has not played a single game for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, has performed well for the West Indies in the World Cup. This further supports the argument that IPL participation is not necessarily detrimental to international performance.Several New Zealand stars, including Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, and captain Kane Williamson, had played in IPL 2024. However, McClenaghan's response suggests that their absence from the Pakistan tour was not a major factor in New Zealand's struggles in the World Cup.The Black Caps have been disappointing in the tournament, failing to chase down 150 against West Indies and getting bowled out for 75 by Afghanistan. They are now virtually out of contention with two games still to play.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign has been thrown into disarray following consecutive defeats against USA and India. Despite a victory over Canada, their fate now rests on the outcome of other matches in Group A. Amidst the turmoil, Pakistan batsman Imam-ul-Haq has come to the defense of under-fire captain Babar Azam.Imam has questioned the criticism directed at Babar, particularly from former teammate Ahmed Shehzad. Shehzad had criticized Babar's record as captain and batter in ICC tournaments, as well as the selection of Azam Khan, who has faced body-shaming on social media.Imam argued that the same respect accorded to Azam Khan should be extended to Babar. He highlighted Babar's impressive international record, including an average of 50 across all three formats. "If he has an average of 50 in all three formats, who will answer (consider) that?" Imam said.Imam also emphasized the importance of respect for the national team captain. "You want to remove him from captaincy, do that, nobody has a problem with that. You don't want to consider him 'King', don't. His fans have made him, what you say doesn't matter," he added.Babar's reinstatement as captain after Pakistan's poor showing at the ODI World Cup last year has been met with mixed reactions. While his batting performances in this T20 World Cup have been respectable, his inability to lead the team to tournament victories remains a concern.Imam acknowledged that Babar should be held accountable for his failures as captain. "He hasn't won you tournaments as a captain, that's the problem, right? So he should be asked questions. If he isn't able to do that, then do change him...but the element of respect should be there," he said.As Pakistan faces the prospect of an early exit from the T20 World Cup, the team's unity and leadership will be crucial. Imam's defense of Babar suggests that the team remains behind their captain, despite the challenges they face.

Ahmed Shehzad, a former Pakistan international batsman, has once again launched a scathing attack on Pakistan captain Babar Azam, accusing him of poor leadership and hindering the growth of young players.Shehzad's criticism came on the heels of Pakistan's disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they are on the verge of elimination. During an appearance on the Pakistan talkshow "Haarna Mana Hai" (Losing Is Not An Option!), Shehzad mocked Babar's tag of "King" by calling him a "Fake King."Shehzad presented a humiliating comparison between his and Babar's T20 World Cup stats. Babar has scored 517 runs in 16 games at a poor strike rate of 112, while Shehzad has slammed 250 runs in 9 games at a strike rate of 126, including a century."I feel I could've done better than those stats. But your (Babar's) stats are worse than mine," said Shehzad. "You've faced 205 balls in powerplays in T20 World Cups, but you haven't managed to hit one six!"Shehzad also accused Babar of sacrificing good performers in domestic cricket to adjust his friends in the team. He specifically blamed Babar for mishandling 22-year-old batsman Saim Ayub's development."It was your responsibility to take care of Saim Ayub's development, but now his career is over at such a young age. People are criticising Ayub after just 25 games," said Shehzad.Shehzad urged Babar to take accountability for his and the team's poor performances. "The least you can do now is raise your hand, accept that you had the support and apologize for not being able to deliver a trophy for Pakistan," said Shehzad.

Azam Khan, the son of legendary Pakistani wicketkeeper Moin Khan, has faced intense criticism and trolling following his disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup and subsequent actions.Khan's inclusion in the Pakistan team raised eyebrows, with many questioning his fitness and weight. In his maiden T20 World Cup outing against the United States, he was dismissed for a first-ball duck. He was subsequently dropped for the crucial match against India, which Pakistan lost by a narrow margin.After the match, a video surfaced on social media showing Khan eating street food late at night in New York. This sparked further outrage among fans and critics, who accused him of unprofessionalism.Former Pakistan captain and Team Director Mohammad Hafeez has now revealed shocking details about Khan's behavior. Hafeez, who was sacked by the PCB after a disappointing tour of Australia and New Zealand, had supported Khan during his tenure. However, he was left disappointed by the young player's lack of commitment.Hafeez stated that he had given Khan a six-week fitness program, but the player failed to follow it. He also criticized Khan's running abilities, which were significantly below the rest of the team."I found that this guy is not ready to play international cricket," Hafeez said. "I told him again that if you want to play for Pakistan, you need to show more commitment. But I didn't see that commitment in him."Khan has played 14 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring just 88 runs at an average of 8.80. His poor form and unprofessional conduct have raised serious doubts about his future in the national team.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by both disappointment and heartwarming moments. After a shocking Super Over defeat to USA in their opener, Pakistan suffered another humiliating loss to arch-rivals India in a low-scoring thriller. However, they managed to keep their Super 8s hopes alive with a victory against Canada.Amidst the team's struggles, skipper Babar Azam's gesture of kindness towards a young fan has won hearts. After the victory against Canada, Babar revealed that he had met the same boy during the India match, where he was crying. This time, Babar gifted him his gloves, leaving the boy overjoyed."I met this kid during the India vs Pakistan match. After the anthem, he came to me and started crying. I got worried. I asked if anyone said anything to him. Then he said he is a fan," Babar told presenter Sanjana Ganesan."He did the same thing today (against Canada). He was standing in the line and crying. We all have experienced this. When you meet a star, the excitement is at a different level," he added.Babar explained that he was impressed by the boy's dedication and wanted to give him something memorable. "I thought if he is such a big fan then I should also have some responsibility to give him something as a gift. Something memorable. I had my gloves in my hands. I gave him that. He got very excited and started crying even more. I told him not to worry. Then, while crying, he requested me to sign it," said Babar.Pakistan's T20 World Cup journey will conclude with their last Group A match against Ireland on Sunday in Florida. Despite their setbacks, Babar Azam's gesture serves as a reminder that even in the midst of adversity, sportsmanship and kindness can prevail.

Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has called for immediate changes to the national team following their disappointing loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. In a video posted on his social media account, Akram expressed his frustration with the team's performance and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take action."Enough is enough. We need changes now. Enough with you guys. Bring a new team, bring 6-7 new players. If we lose, we'll lose with them," said Akram.Akram criticized the team's lack of situational awareness and their inability to chase down a modest target on a pitch that was conducive to batting. He also questioned the role of captain Babar Azam and coach Saqlain Mushtaq in guiding the team."The captain and the coach cannot teach you situational awareness and how to chase! How long can they be spoon-fed?" blasted Akram.Akram's comments come after Pakistan's six-run defeat to India, which left them on the brink of elimination from the tournament. Despite a win against Canada, Pakistan's qualification hopes now rest on India or USA losing their remaining games.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also acknowledged the need for changes following the India loss. "The team requires major surgery," Naqvi said.Akram's call for new players and a fresh approach has been echoed by many fans and experts. Pakistan has struggled to find consistency in recent years, and their performance in the T20 World Cup has been particularly disappointing.With the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026, the PCB has a crucial opportunity to rebuild the team and address the issues that have plagued them in recent years. Akram's comments have sparked a much-needed debate about the future of Pakistan cricket, and it remains to be seen whether the PCB will heed his advice and make the necessary changes.

Pakistan Cricket Team: Allegations of Rift Between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi DismissedAmidst Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, rumors of a rift between captain Babar Azam and star pacer Shaheen Afridi have surfaced. However, Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has vehemently denied these claims.Following Pakistan's consecutive defeats against the United States and India, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram alleged that all was not well within the team, with Babar and Shaheen reportedly not speaking to each other. However, Mahmood has refuted these allegations, stating that the two players are "definitely talking" and remain close friends."Wasim (Akram) must have said that, but I don't know. I didn't see it. Shaheen and Babar are definitely talking, they are good friends. They are both part of the Pakistan team," Mahmood said during a pre-match press conference.Akram had been highly critical of the Babar Azam-led side after their defeat against India. "There are players who don't want to talk to each other. This is international cricket, and you play for your country. Make these players sit at home," Akram said on Star Sports.Mahmood acknowledged that Pakistan has not performed to its potential in the tournament thus far and took responsibility for the team's performances. "Now when you ask who will take responsibility – I think we all, as a team management will take responsibility. We have not lost because of anyone, it is our mistake too," he said."We are not hiding any players, everyone is there. Everything is there. I said earlier that we are a team. Obviously, we're sitting here, and it's our responsibility. We're not delivering. That's why I'm sitting here. Yesterday, Gary was sitting here. So definitely, it's not like we're hiding a player. They're part of us," he added.Pakistan will face Canada in their next Group A match, hoping to turn their fortunes around and qualify for the Super 12 stage.

Pakistan's hopes of advancing to the 'Super 8s' stage of the T20 World Cup received a boost after India's victory over USA on Wednesday. Pakistan's chances of progressing are now dependent on favorable results in the remaining matches of Group A.Currently, India leads the group with six points, followed by USA with four points and a net run rate (NRR) of +0.127. Pakistan sits in third place with two points and an NRR of +0.191, while Canada and Ireland have two and zero points, respectively.Pakistan's qualification hinges on the outcome of the following matches:* USA vs Ireland (June 14): If USA wins, they will qualify for the 'Super 8s' along with India.* Ireland vs USA (June 14): If Ireland wins, Pakistan's chances will improve as USA's NRR will worsen, making the Pakistan vs Ireland match a direct shootout for a spot in the 'Super 8s'.* India vs Canada (June 15): This match will become irrelevant if USA beats Ireland on June 14. However, if Ireland wins, Canada must upset India to tie with USA at four points.* Pakistan vs Ireland (June 16): This result will be crucial only if USA loses to Ireland on June 14. A Pakistan win will take them to second place on the points table, edging out USA on NRR.A washout in the USA vs Ireland match will give USA five points, securing their qualification. A washout in the Pakistan vs Ireland match will result in Pakistan finishing with three points, allowing USA to advance even if they lose their last match against Ireland.Pakistan's fate now rests on the performances of other teams in Group A. A win over Ireland on June 16 will be crucial, but they will need favorable results in the other matches to secure a spot in the 'Super 8s'.

Pakistan's dismal performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup has drawn severe criticism from former players, with Imran Nazir and Ahmed Shehzad lambasting the team for their lack of courage and poor statistics.After losing to co-hosts USA and arch-rivals India, Pakistan's hopes of advancing to the Super 12 stage are hanging by a thread. Nazir, a former Pakistan batter, has slammed the team for making excuses after their defeats."I am sorry but I am forced to say that cricket is a game of the fearless. I haven't seen anyone as coward as this team," Nazir said on a Pakistani TV show. "There are no excuses in cricket. No matter what pitch or conditions you are getting, you are bound to perform."Nazir also criticized the team's lack of a solid middle order, saying, "In a team, where there's no middle-order batter who can rotate the strike, how can you expect that team to win the World Cup?"Ahmed Shehzad, another former Pakistan batter, echoed Nazir's sentiments, highlighting Babar Azam's poor record in big competitions. "Your (Babar) scores in big competitions...your average is 27 and strike rate is 112. And 1400 of your runs have come in a losing cause," Shehzad said. "What should I do with this king who can't win us the match?"Pakistan's last hope of salvaging their World Cup campaign lies in their final Group A match against Ireland on Sunday. However, with their confidence shattered and their batting lineup struggling, the team faces an uphill battle to secure a victory.