Cricket

Pakistan cricket has once again found itself embroiled in controversy, this time involving a private dinner hosted by the national team. Former captain Rashid Latif has expressed outrage over the event, which allowed fans to meet players for a fee of $25.Latif, speaking on a talk show, condemned the dinner as "terrible" and a violation of the team's professional conduct. He questioned the players' motives, suggesting that they were more interested in financial gain than representing their country."Who can do this? It's terrible. That means you met our players in 25 dollars," Latif said. "God forbid, had there been a mess, people would have said boys are earning money."The host of the show, Kamran Muzaffer, echoed Latif's sentiments, emphasizing that such events are inappropriate for players on national duty. Pakistani television personality Nauman Niaz also criticized the team, calling it a "sad state of affairs."Latif further alleged that Pakistan players have become accustomed to asking for money in exchange for appearances. "People tell me that whoever calls the Pakistan players, they just ask, 'how much money will you give?' This has become common," he said.The controversy comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, which is set to face archrivals India in the T20 World Cup on Sunday. Latif urged the players to exercise caution and avoid such distractions."The amount of 25 dollars shouldn't be blatantly used like this," he said. "You can go for charity dinners and fundraisers, but this is neither fundraising nor a charity dinner. This is a private function with the name of Pakistan and Pakistan cricket associated with it. Don't make this mistake."The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet commented on the controversy. However, the incident has raised questions about the team's professionalism and focus ahead of the high-stakes match against India.

Pakistan Cricketers Gear Up for T20 World Cup Opener Against United StatesPakistan's cricket team is preparing for their first match in the T20 World Cup, scheduled for Thursday against the United States. Led by captain Babar Azam and coach Gary Kirsten, the team appears relaxed despite a challenging build-up to the tournament, including a 0-2 loss in a four-match T20I series against England.Despite the setbacks, Pakistan remains a formidable opponent, capable of defeating any team on their day. In a video shared by Usman Khan on his social media handle, the team is seen bonding over a meal in the United States. The video features Azam, Kirsten, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Wahab Riaz, Naseem Shah, and Azam Khan, among others.Khan humorously addresses his teammates, sharing his shopping experiences in the US and expressing his amusement at a teammate wearing an expensive shirt. The video highlights the team's camaraderie and positive spirit ahead of the tournament.After their opening match against the US in Dallas, Pakistan will face their arch-rivals India in New York on Sunday. The match is expected to be a highly anticipated clash between the two cricketing powerhouses.Pakistan's unpredictable nature makes them a dangerous opponent in the T20 World Cup. With a talented squad and a relaxed mindset, they have the potential to surprise their opponents and make a deep run in the tournament.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's star fast bowler, has withdrawn from the Hundred tournament to potentially join Canada's Global T20 league. This move comes as a significant blow to the Hundred, which is set to clash directly with the Global T20 in 2024.Afridi, who played for Welsh Fire in the Hundred last year, was retained on a £100,000 contract for the 2024 season. However, he has now pulled out, citing a desire to spend time with his family.The ECB confirmed Afridi's withdrawal on Monday, expressing disappointment but understanding his decision. Afridi stated, "I'm sad to miss out on playing for Welsh Fire this year. I enjoyed the Hundred a lot last season, and I was excited about being back in Cardiff."According to ESPNcricinfo, Afridi's official explanation to the ECB was his reluctance to commit to spending four weeks away from his family. The Hundred runs from July 23 to August 18, requiring players to report a few days before their opening match.Pakistan players are limited to two No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) per season for foreign leagues due to their central contracts with the PCB. Afridi has already committed to the Desert Vipers in the UAE's ILT20.Instead of using his second NOC on the Hundred, Afridi is considering the Global T20, which is set to return for a fourth season in 2024. The league is expected to run from July 25 to August 11, a slightly shorter window than the Hundred.The Global T20 has faced some challenges in the past, including reports of late or non-payment issues. FICA recommends that players request advanced payment before participating.Matt Henry, the New Zealand seamer, has been confirmed as Afridi's replacement at Welsh Fire. He may miss the start of the tournament if his MLC franchise reaches the play-offs.The ECB's decision to open the Hundred up to private investment is partly driven by the need to compete with salaries offered in other leagues. Four other Pakistan players are under contract in the men's Hundred for 2024: Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim, and Usama Mir.

Pakistan's historic victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup marked a significant turning point for the team. Prior to that triumph, Pakistan had never defeated India in a World Cup match, either in the 50-over or T20 format.Mohammad Rizwan, a key member of the victorious Pakistan squad, recently shared his insights into the impact of that win. He recalled how former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Ramiz Raja instilled a belief in the team that they could overcome their Indian rivals."He had started developing this thought in the team from right then," Rizwan said. "As we got closer to the World Cup, he said, regardless of whether you win the trophy or not, just don't lose to India."Rizwan also revealed the message from then-coach Matthew Hayden ahead of the high-profile clash. "He put his arms around me and the captain and asked how we are feeling. The captain said that we have worked hard and now we leave it all in the hands of God."The victory had a profound impact on the Pakistani players and the nation as a whole. Rizwan described how people refused to let him and his teammates pay for goods and services, expressing their gratitude for the team's achievement."In Pakistan, say I go for shopping somewhere, people won't take money. Then I stopped going out for shopping because they just weren't taking money from us, they were all commending us for beating India. Everyone I met was commending us for the win."The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most intense in world cricket, and the 2021 T20 World Cup match was no exception. Rizwan acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing in such a high-stakes encounter."India vs Pakistan always comes with pressure. People may not watch all matches in a tournament but this is a game everyone sits down to watch, regardless of which country they belong to."Pakistan and India are set to face off again in the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 9. The match promises to be another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between these two cricketing giants.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign is set to commence on June 6 against the co-hosts United States at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The Green Shirts, led by Babar Azam, are currently engaged in rigorous practice sessions to fine-tune their skills ahead of their tournament opener.During a recent training session, Babar Azam was seen using nicknames to maintain a light-hearted atmosphere. He playfully referred to Azam Khan, the son of legendary wicketkeeper Moin Khan, as "Gainda" (Rhino) due to his heavyset physique.Despite a recent dip in form, Babar Azam has urged his team to remain upbeat as they embark on their World Cup journey. Pakistan, the 2009 T20 World Cup champions, have consistently performed well in recent editions, reaching the semi-finals in 2021 and losing to England in the final in 2022.Pakistan is placed in Group A of the World Cup. Following their match against the US, they will face arch-rivals India in a highly-anticipated clash on June 9 in New York. Pakistan and India have faced each other seven times in the T20 World Cup, with Pakistan emerging victorious only once.The Green Shirts will be determined to improve their record against India and make a strong statement in the tournament. With a talented squad and a proven track record in the T20 format, Pakistan will be among the favorites to lift the trophy.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign has been met with mixed reactions, particularly regarding the squad selection. One player who has faced significant criticism is Azam Khan, with former captain Shahid Afridi expressing concerns about his fitness.Amidst the controversy, a viral video has emerged showing the Pakistan team engaged in a training session. In the video, Babar Azam can be heard addressing Azam Khan with a term that has sparked debate among fans. Some believe he called him "Gainda," a slang for overweight people, while others suggest he used a different term.The incident has drawn criticism from some quarters, with fans and experts expressing concerns about the use of such language within the team. They argue that it reflects poorly on the team's culture and undermines the captain's authority.Despite the criticism, Babar Azam has defended Azam Khan, urging fans to support the team's selections. He emphasized the need to back the players who have been chosen and expressed confidence in their abilities.However, Azam Khan's recent performances have raised questions about his form and fitness. In the recently concluded T20I series against England, he scored only 11 runs in two matches and made several fielding errors.Former selectors and fans have questioned his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, suggesting that he may not be in optimal shape to compete at the highest level. They have called for a more rigorous selection process and a focus on players who are both talented and physically fit.As the T20 World Cup approaches, the debate over Azam Khan's inclusion and the team's overall fitness is likely to continue. The Pakistan team will need to address these concerns and find a way to unite and perform at their best if they want to challenge for the title.

Pakistan's cricket team has faced intense scrutiny from critics at home, particularly in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. After losing the T20I series against England 0-2, former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja criticized the team management.Now, a video of a talk show in Pakistan has gone viral, featuring former cricketer Ahmed Shehzad challenging current skipper Babar Azam to win the 2024 T20 World Cup. Shehzad questioned the team's discipline and urged Azam to prove his worth by winning a major tournament.Imam-ul-Haq, another former Pakistan cricketer, was also present on the panel. Pakistan, led by Azam and coached by Gary Kirsten, will begin their World Cup campaign against USA on Thursday. Their highly anticipated clash with India is scheduled for Sunday.Despite the criticism, Pakistan remains a formidable team. Azam is one of the world's top batsmen, and the team boasts a talented squad. However, they will need to overcome their recent struggles and prove their mettle on the biggest stage.The pressure is mounting on Azam and his team to deliver a strong performance at the T20 World Cup. With critics baying for their blood, Pakistan's cricketers will need to rise to the occasion and silence their detractors.

Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam Meets Indian Legend Sunil Gavaskar in DallasIn a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam recently met with legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar in Dallas, USA. The encounter took place as the Pakistan team arrived in Dallas to begin preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Gavaskar was also present in Dallas as a commentator for the tournament's broadcast team.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared a video on its official Twitter handle, providing fans with a glimpse of the meeting between the two cricketing icons. The video shows Babar and Gavaskar shaking hands and engaging in a friendly conversation, demonstrating the mutual respect and sportsmanship between players from the two rival nations.The interaction between Babar and Gavaskar is seen as a positive moment for the Pakistan team as they gear up for the World Cup. Despite a disappointing T20I series against England, the meeting with Gavaskar has provided a boost to the team's morale.Pakistan will open their T20 World Cup campaign against co-hosts USA on June 6 in Dallas. This will be followed by a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India in New York on June 9, a match that promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament. The Pakistan team and their fans are hopeful for a strong performance, looking to make a significant impact in the global cricketing event.

Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam, has acknowledged the immense pressure and hype surrounding the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash against India on Sunday. He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and adhering to the basics amidst the heightened expectations.India holds a dominant record in T20 World Cup encounters against Pakistan, having won six out of seven matches. However, Pakistan emerged victorious in the 2021 edition, defeating India by 10 wickets in the 'Super 12' stage.Babar acknowledged the unique atmosphere surrounding the India-Pakistan fixture, stating, "There is a different vibe altogether for this fixture, and there's a lot of excitement too not just among players but also among the fans." He advised his team to manage the pressure by focusing on the fundamentals.Reflecting on the 2022 edition, Babar expressed regret over missed opportunities, particularly the defeat against Zimbabwe. He stressed the need for consistent performance against all opponents, regardless of the outcome."Effort is in our hands, but results, we do not know," Babar said. "How we present ourselves on the ground, our body language and how we communicate with each other will matter. We must be positive, so results will come."Pakistan has been a formidable force in the T20 World Cup, reaching six semi-finals in eight editions. They were runners-up in 2007 and 2022, losing to England in the final of the most recent tournament.Babar highlighted the team's collective aspiration to win an ICC tournament. "Lifting the ICC trophy is a different motivation," he said. "You go to a different level and get a lot of praise. So, the motivation, aspiration and dream remains to lift an ICC trophy and present it to Pakistan."