Cricket

Pakistan's disappointing performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup has sparked outrage among fans, experts, and former players. The team's narrow defeat to archrivals India has raised questions about captain Babar Azam's leadership and the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision-making.Chasing India's modest total of 119, Pakistan appeared to be cruising towards victory, needing just 47 runs with eight wickets in hand. However, India's bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah (3 for 14) led a remarkable comeback, restricting Pakistan to 113 for 7 and securing a six-run victory.The defeat has intensified the scrutiny on Babar Azam, who has been criticized for his conservative approach and lack of aggression. Former Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad has accused Babar of bias and questioned his ability to lead the team to success."Ever since Babar became captain, we have been losing to mediocre teams," Shehzad said. "The kind of progress that was going on, these things were on the cards and bound to happen someday."Shehzad also criticized the team's performance against weaker opponents, accusing them of "fooling the people" with their victories. He pointed to Babar's poor record in big tournaments, highlighting his average of 27 and strike rate of 112."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, which is at No. 3 in the world in that list. So these stats are of which king, tell me that?" Shehzad said.The former batsman also accused Babar of favoritism, claiming that he selects players based on personal relationships rather than merit."You have fooled the entire public. You are making a team with your friends, keeping your friends in the team," Shehzad said.Pakistan's hopes of advancing to the next round now rest on their upcoming match against Canada on June 11. The team will need to secure a convincing victory to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 hopes hang in the balance as they face Canada in a crucial clash on Tuesday. After suffering defeats to the United States of America and India, Pakistan desperately need a victory to keep their Super 8 qualification hopes alive. However, the looming threat of rain casts a shadow over the match, raising concerns about its potential impact on Pakistan's fate.The weather forecast for New York on June 12 indicates a 25% chance of rain in the morning, increasing to 7% in the afternoon. While the chances of a complete washout are relatively low, even a brief interruption could have significant consequences.If the match is abandoned due to rain, both Pakistan and Canada will receive one point each. This would effectively eliminate Pakistan from Super 8 contention, as they would be unable to surpass the United States' tally of four points.Pakistan's qualification scenario is precarious. They must defeat Canada and Ireland by substantial margins to improve their net run rate, which currently stands at -0.150. The United States, on the other hand, boasts a healthy net run rate of +0.626, while India's is an impressive +1.455.Pakistan's hopes rest on India defeating the United States and Canada in their remaining matches, while the United States loses their remaining matches. Even if the United States lose to India, they can still qualify for the Super 8s with a victory against Ireland.The absence of a reserve day for group-stage matches in the T20 World Cup 2024 adds to the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan's fate. If rain does intervene, it could spell the end of their tournament aspirations.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has hinted at revealing the internal conflicts and mismanagement within the national cricket team after the conclusion of the ongoing T20 World Cup. Afridi's comments come amidst growing criticism over Pakistan's selection process and team unity.During an interview on a local TV channel, Afridi expressed his frustration with the current state of affairs within the team. "He knows many things, and so do I, but we cannot talk openly. I will speak openly after the World Cup, our people themselves have spoiled this unit," Afridi said.Afridi's remarks echo the concerns raised by other former cricketers, including ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja and wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal. They have questioned the team's selection criteria and the lack of transparency in decision-making.Afridi also addressed the recent struggles of his son-in-law, Shaheen Afridi, who has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances. "If I talk about something, people will say that I am supporting my son-in-law, although I am not. If my daughter, son, or son-in-law are wrong, I will also call them wrong," Afridi stated.Shaheen's position in the team has been under scrutiny since he was removed from the T20I captaincy in April this year. He had initially been appointed as the white-ball captain after the 2023 ODI World Cup but was replaced by Babar Azam after just one series.Pakistan's performance in the T20 World Cup has further fueled the criticism. They suffered a shock defeat to the United States in their opening match and then lost to arch-rivals India in their second game. Their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals now hang in the balance.Afridi's comments have raised expectations that he will shed light on the internal issues plaguing the Pakistan cricket team. His revelations could have significant implications for the future of the team and the management responsible for its performance.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed February 19, 2023, as the start date for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The tournament is scheduled to run until March 9, with matches taking place in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore.Karachi will host three games, including the tournament opener and a semi-final, while Lahore will host seven, including the final. The other semi-final will be one of five contests to take place at Pindi Cricket Ground.Several ICC officials have visited Pakistan to inspect arrangements for the first ICC tournament in the country since the 1996 World Cup. They have provided positive feedback on logistics and arrangements, allowing the PCB to proceed with its plans.However, the proposed dates mean that the last third of the tournament will be held during Ramadan, which could impact attendance. The PCB has previously tried to accommodate for this by moving start times to 9pm, but this will not be possible for the Champions Trophy, which is an ODI tournament.As previously reported, every game involving India at the tournament is slated to take place in Lahore. This means one semi-final will be moved from Karachi or Rawalpindi to Lahore should India qualify for the last four. Basing India in one city is thought to have been proposed to avoid logistical and security complications around their travel. Additionally, Lahore's proximity to the Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan makes it easier for Indian fans to attend.The main question surrounding the event remains India's participation. The Indian team has not played in Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008, and there has been no bilateral series between the two since 2012-13. The BCCI has stated that the decision to travel to Pakistan rests with the Indian government.Every other side involved in the upcoming Champions Trophy has travelled to Pakistan since cricket returned to the country in 2015. Pakistan will also host an ODI tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand before the tournament.Pakistan are the defending champions, having won the last Champions Trophy in 2017.

Pakistan's former captain, Salman Butt, has expressed his disappointment over the team's recent 6-run loss to India in the Asia Cup 2022. Butt criticized the team's performance, calling it a "tragic loss."Butt praised India's performance, particularly their ability to hold their nerves under pressure. He also pointed out that India could have reached a higher score of 150 runs, given the pitch conditions.Butt highlighted the standout performance of Naseem Shah, who took three wickets and scored an unbeaten 10 runs in the final over. However, he criticized the team's overall approach, saying they "found a way to create excitement and then lose it."Butt also praised Rohit Sharma's leadership, noting that the Indian team remained relaxed and composed throughout the match. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.Butt's comments reflect the frustration and disappointment felt by many Pakistani fans after the team's loss. Pakistan had a strong chance of winning the match, but they ultimately fell short due to poor execution and decision-making.The loss has raised questions about Pakistan's team selection and tactics. Butt's criticism is likely to spark further debate and analysis as the team prepares for their upcoming matches in the Asia Cup.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign has hit a major roadblock after two consecutive losses, prompting head coach Gary Kirsten to issue a stern warning to his players. Kirsten emphasized the need for improvement, stating that players risk being left behind if they fail to adapt to the evolving demands of the game.The team's struggles were evident in their recent defeat to India, where they failed to chase a modest target of 120. Kirsten acknowledged the pressure on the players but stressed that they must take responsibility for their performances. He pointed out that many of the players have extensive T20 experience and need to find ways to enhance their game.Kirsten's concerns extend to the team's batting approach, particularly the lack of intent and strike rate from openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. He expressed concerns about the team's ability to construct and structure their innings effectively.The bowling unit, while generally performing well, has been affected by the decline in Shadab Khan's legspin. Kirsten acknowledged the need for time to assess the situation but emphasized that players must continue to develop and adapt to the changing demands of the format.Former captain Wasim Akram called for a clear-out of the current team, suggesting that six to seven players be replaced. He criticized the team's performance and questioned their ability to progress to the Super 8s. Shahid Afridi also expressed disappointment, calling for changes to the batting lineup and the inclusion of Salman Ali Agha and Abrar Ahmed.Despite the setbacks, Kirsten and Afridi both emphasized that Pakistan is not out of the tournament yet. They urged the team to make tough decisions and find ways to improve their performances.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has urged the team to make significant changes following their disappointing loss to India in the T20 World Cup. Afridi believes that Pakistan's batting lineup needs a shakeup, suggesting that Fakhar Zaman should open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with skipper Babar Azam dropping down to No. 3.Afridi also called for the inclusion of Salman Ali Agha and Abrar Ahmed in the playing eleven, replacing Usman Khan and Shadab Khan respectively. He emphasized the need for consistency, self-belief, and discipline, qualities that he believes Pakistan lacked in their defeat to India.Pakistan's batting has been a major concern, with the team failing to click as a unit. Afridi criticized their weak display of power hitting, arguing that they lacked the strategy and smart cricket required to chase down India's modest total of 119.Afridi pointed to India's dominant record against Pakistan in world events, highlighting the pressure that the team faces in such high-stakes matches. He believes that Pakistan's inability to handle the pressure contributed to their defeat."On the big days, you have to have nerves of steel until you make it through," Afridi said. "India stayed positive and calm until the last ball, while Pakistan failed to handle the pressure of the run chase."Afridi's suggestions aim to address Pakistan's weaknesses and turn their fortunes around in the tournament. With a crucial must-win game against Canada on Tuesday, the team will need to make some tough decisions and find a way to regain their composure and confidence.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has launched a scathing attack on the national team following their dismal performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 clash against India. Pakistan suffered a humiliating six-run defeat in a low-scoring encounter, leaving them with zero points after two matches.Akram expressed his frustration with the team's lack of fight and poor decision-making. He criticized the batsmen for failing to chase down a modest target of 120, despite having experienced players like Mohammad Rizwan in the lineup."Pakistan doesn't need an enemy, they have plenty themselves," Akram said. "Now should we put a pacifier in their mouths? Now we have to explain to them what situation awareness is? Babar will explain, the coach will explain."Akram pointed out that the batsmen have been playing for several years and should have the experience to handle pressure situations. He questioned their lack of effort and inability to hit boundaries, even after 10 overs."These batsmen have been playing for the last 8-10 years," Akram said. "Now should I tell Rizwan that the main bowler has come for one over, to take a wicket? You didn't hit a boundary after 10 overs. Didn't even try. So even 120 couldn't be chased."Akram's criticism reflects the growing frustration among Pakistani fans and experts. The team's performance has been below par in recent months, and the defeat to India has raised serious questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.Pakistan now face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages. They need to beat Canada and Ireland by a big margin to improve their net run rate. Their qualification hopes also depend on India winning their remaining matches and the USA losing their remaining matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed Lahore as India's home base during the ICC Champions Trophy next year, prioritizing security measures for the neighboring team. This recommendation was included in the draft itinerary submitted to the ICC in April.The PCB's decision stems from India's reluctance to play in Pakistan due to security concerns, as evidenced by their withdrawal from the Asia Cup last year. The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19-March 9, 2023, will mark Pakistan's first major ICC event since 1996.Karachi and Rawalpindi have also been retained as additional venues for the tournament, subject to approval by the ICC executive board. The PCB has emphasized the importance of providing the Indian team with the best possible security arrangements, minimizing their travel time.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted at significant changes for the Pakistan team following their defeat by India in the T20 World Cup. He has also announced plans to renovate the stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi before the Champions Trophy.To further prepare for the tournament, the PCB intends to host the Pakistan Super League in April 2023 and a tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand. These events will provide valuable experience and match practice for the Pakistan team.The BCCI has yet to officially confirm whether it will send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, the PCB's proactive approach in addressing security concerns and providing a suitable home base for India demonstrates its commitment to hosting a successful and memorable event.