Cricket

In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Pakistan's young fast bowler Naseem Shah stepped up to make a young fan's day by signing an autograph on behalf of his captain, Babar Azam. The incident occurred in England, where Pakistan is currently engaged in a four-match T20I series against the hosts.As the Pakistan team was leaving the field after a rain-affected match, a group of young fans eagerly approached Babar Azam for autographs. The Pakistan captain managed to sign for one of the kids before hurrying into a nearby lift, leaving another young fan visibly disappointed.Observing the situation, Naseem Shah, who was walking behind Babar Azam, noticed the child's disappointment. Without hesitation, he approached the child and asked if he wanted an autograph. The child nodded eagerly, and Naseem not only signed an autograph for him but also took it upon himself to sign on behalf of Babar Azam.The child, still processing the situation, asked Naseem, "Yeh Babar Azam ka hai?" (Is this Babar Azam's?). With a reassuring smile, Naseem responded, "Haan, yeh Babar Azam ka hi hai." (Yes, this is Babar Azam's).Naseem's thoughtful act ensured the child left happy and satisfied. The fast bowler didn't stop there; he also took the time to pose for pictures with other children and engaged with them, making the experience memorable for the young fans.Naseem Shah's gesture not only brightened the day of a young fan but also showcased the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie within the Pakistan team. It is a reminder that even in the midst of competition, kindness and compassion can prevail.

England and Pakistan's T20 World Cup preparations have been hampered by persistent rain, with their second match in Cardiff abandoned without a toss. The match was the second abandonment of the series, following the weather-ruined series opener in Leeds.England captain Jos Buttler, who left the squad on Saturday to be with his wife for the imminent birth of their third child, would have been replaced by Moeen Ali as captain. Mark Wood was set to make his first appearance for England since early March, while Sam Curran was also expected to feature. Jofra Archer was reportedly set to be rested as England manage his workload after a lengthy injury layoff.Buttler is expected to join the England squad in Barbados on Friday and could potentially return for the final match of the series at The Oval on Thursday. However, the weather forecast for south London is not promising, raising concerns about the possibility of a shortened match.Heavy rain throughout the day in Cardiff forced the umpires to repeatedly delay the toss. The rain eventually returned at around 5.15pm, leading to the abandonment of the match at 8.12pm.The lack of match practice is a concern for both England and Pakistan as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. England will hope to get some game time in the final match of the series, while Pakistan will have a warm-up match against Afghanistan on October 17 before the tournament begins.

England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I: Pakistan Faces Do-or-Die Battle in CardiffThe Pakistan cricket team, led by Babar Azam, faces a crucial encounter against England in the third T20I at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Tuesday. The match is a must-win for Pakistan after they suffered a 23-run defeat in the second T20I, while the first match was washed out.The two teams last met in the Final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022, where England emerged victorious. Pakistan enters the series on the back of a 2-1 T20I series win against Ireland.Pakistan's batting lineup will be led by Azam, who is in excellent form, having scored a century in the second T20I against Ireland. Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Shan Masood will provide support. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Nawaz.England, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their winning streak after their victory in the second T20I. Jos Buttler, the captain, will be the key batsman, along with Dawid Malan, Phil Salt, and Ben Duckett. The bowling attack will feature Mark Wood, Sam Curran, and Adil Rashid.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having a strong chance of victory. Pakistan will be desperate to level the series, while England will be aiming to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam's Frustration with Selfie-Seeking FansPakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam recently expressed his frustration with fans who persistently sought selfies and invaded his privacy. A video circulating online shows Azam being followed and surrounded by fans on the streets of Cardiff, England.Despite being accompanied by security personnel, Azam appeared visibly irritated by the constant requests for meet-ups and photo opportunities. He was heard telling the fans, "Do minutes doge? Sar par nahi chado," (Give me two minutes, don't get on my head) before asking the security to remove them.However, Azam later showed humility by taking pictures with the fans. The incident occurred during Pakistan's ongoing four-match T20I series against England in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Pakistan's preparations for the World Cup have been marked by turmoil, with Azam replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain just three months before the tournament. The team drew 2-2 against New Zealand in a T20I series at home and lost the opening match in Ireland before winning the series 2-1.In the T20 World Cup, Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside India, the United States, Canada, and Ireland. The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super Eight round, which will be held in the West Indies. The final will take place in Barbados on June 29.

The 2024 T20 World Cup is fast approaching, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the renewal of one of the sport's most intense rivalries: India vs. Pakistan. In a recent interview with the ICC, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi shared his thoughts on the iconic match between the two nations at the 2021 T20 World Cup.Afridi expressed his regret at not being present for Pakistan's historic 10-wicket victory over India in Dubai. "I achieved a lot, played a lot of cricket, and experienced a lot, but we hadn't beaten India in a World Cup before," he said. "That was an unfulfilled wish."Afridi, who is now an ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup, believes that the match was a defining moment for Pakistan cricket. "That was one of the moments I felt I should have been there on that occasion," he said. "That is one opportunity I missed."The 2021 T20 World Cup victory was a significant achievement for Pakistan, and it remains a cherished memory for fans. The team's dominant performance, led by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, showcased their potential and sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.As the 2024 T20 World Cup draws near, fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling encounter between India and Pakistan. The match, scheduled for June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, is sure to be a spectacle that will captivate audiences worldwide.

Pakistan's Bowling Line-Up: A Force to Reckon With at T20 World CupFormer Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has hailed Pakistan's bowling attack as the most formidable in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on June 1. Afridi's assertion stems from Pakistan's impressive performance in the previous edition, where they emerged as runners-up.In a video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Afridi lauded the exceptional talent and depth of Pakistan's pace battery, which boasts the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. "No other cricket team in the world possesses such a potent bowling line-up," Afridi declared. "Our four fast bowlers are highly skilled, and even those on the bench, like Abbas Afridi, have exceptional abilities, including a deceptive slower ball."Afridi expressed unwavering confidence in the bowlers' ability to outclass world-class batters. However, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has raised concerns about the team's bowling strategy. Raja emphasized that while Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a standout performer, he needs to diversify his bowling tactics, particularly when the ball is not swinging."Shaheen Shah Afridi's bowling is a concern," Raja remarked on his YouTube channel after Pakistan's recent 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I. "If the ball isn't swinging and he bowls at full length, he becomes vulnerable. He must develop a shorter length and vary his pace, especially when the pitch offers little assistance."Pakistan will face England in the third T20I in Cardiff on Tuesday, a crucial encounter for the team to address these concerns and refine their strategies ahead of the World Cup.

Elite athletes often face demanding schedules, leaving little time for personal pursuits. However, Pakistan's Haris Rauf has experienced the unexpected benefits of an enforced break from cricket due to a shoulder injury.After opting out of Pakistan's Test series in Australia to play in the Big Bash, Rauf faced the consequences of his decision with the loss of his central contract. However, fate intervened when an untimely dive during the PSL final resulted in a dislocated shoulder, sidelining him for three months.The extended layoff provided Rauf with an opportunity to reassess his game and recover physically. "I was injured the last few months, but if you believe in yourself, then the layoff can be a blessing in disguise," he said. "Because you have time to recover and reassess your gameplans."Upon his return to competitive cricket in Birmingham, Rauf showcased his resilience, taking two wickets for 34 in his allocated spell. While his Powerplay over proved costly, he maintained consistent pace and accuracy throughout the rest of his spell.Despite Pakistan's loss in the match, Rauf remained optimistic. "When you lose a game it hurts, but as a team, we are confident," he said. "We feel we can beat any opposition on any day. We've done it in the past, too. When you make mistakes you learn and try not to repeat those mistakes."Rauf acknowledged the challenges of returning from a long-term injury, particularly for a fast bowler. "It's hard," he said. "It's a struggle during your rehab, and it's difficult when you come back to maintain that pace and accuracy. But if you believe in yourself, it makes things easier."Pakistan's preparations for the upcoming World Cup include extensive match practice, with 17 T20Is scheduled by the end of this series. Rauf believes that winning the remaining two games against England would boost their confidence, but emphasizes the importance of learning from both victories and defeats."Before the World Cup, if you win a series it gives you confidence, but even if you lose you understand where you made mistakes and you learn from them," he said. "This series is difficult, but we'll try to win it. The focus is of course on the World Cup, which we aim to win to make our country proud."

Jos Buttler, England's talismanic wicketkeeper-batter, will miss the third T20I against Pakistan due to paternity leave. Buttler, who captained England to a 23-run victory in the second T20I at Edgbaston, has traveled home to London to be with his wife Louise, who is expecting their third child imminently.Buttler's absence is a blow to England, but it ensures that he will be available for the entire T20 World Cup campaign, which begins next Tuesday in Barbados. The 31-year-old had previously confirmed that he would be at the birth regardless, raising the prospect that he could miss a group-stage match.Moeen Ali, England's vice-captain, is expected to lead the team in Buttler's absence. Ali played down the significance of the leadership change, saying, "Nothing will change too much: it's just taking over from what he's doing and then when he comes back, he takes over."In Buttler's absence, England are likely to make a few changes to their side. Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow could move up a spot each in the batting order, with Ben Duckett coming in at No. 4. England could also add another bowling allrounder to their side in Sam Curran.Mark Wood, who bowled with a heavily strapped knee before Saturday's T20I, could also come into contention in Cardiff if England opt to take a cautious approach to Jofra Archer's fitness following his international comeback.However, Tuesday night's match is under threat from the weather. If the match is washed out, England will have a 1-0 lead in the four-match series heading into the final match at The Oval on Thursday night.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has expressed concerns over Shaheen Shah Afridi's bowling, particularly when the ball doesn't swing. In the second T20I against England at Edgbaston, Pakistan suffered a 23-run defeat, with Afridi's bowling coming under scrutiny.Despite taking three wickets in his four-over spell, Afridi struggled to make an impact in the early stages of the game. Raja believes that the pacer needs to develop more variations to become more effective in the T20 format."Shaheen Shah Afridi's bowling... if the ball isn't swinging and he bowls at full length, then he gets bashed," Raja said on his YouTube channel. "He needs to develop length ball and change of pace especially when he is not getting much from the pitch."With the pitch offering little swing, Afridi found it difficult to trouble England's opening pair in the powerplay. He picked up most of his wickets in the middle and death overs when England were looking to accelerate their innings.Afridi's struggles were evident in his two overs of the powerplay, where he conceded 21 runs. England's Jos Buttler then took charge with an 84-run blitz off 51 deliveries, helping England post a competitive total of 183/7.In reply, Pakistan's batters struggled to build partnerships and lost wickets while attempting to clear the boundary rope. England's bowlers executed their plans effectively to secure a 23-run victory.Raja's concerns highlight the need for Afridi to adapt his bowling to different conditions and situations. As one of Pakistan's key bowlers, he will be crucial to their success in upcoming matches and tournaments.