Cricket

Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has vehemently defended teammate Azam Khan's selection in the national T20I squad, following criticism from a journalist.During a press conference after Pakistan's 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I, a reporter questioned Azam's place in the team, suggesting he was chosen based on recommendations rather than merit.Zaman, visibly upset, strongly condemned the reporter's comments, emphasizing that Azam had earned his spot through impressive performances in various T20 leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL)."If you make a team then don't pick him. The team is picked by Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam. What you said is disrespectful towards a player. You've to see how he managed to find a spot for himself in the team. He has been selected due to his performances in the CPL," Zaman said.Zaman further clarified that the team selection process is based on merit and is carried out by the captain and coach. He advised the journalist to conduct proper research before attending press conferences and asking such questions."Please do some research on how a player like Azam Khan fought his way into the playing XI. Even I can say that you came here by recommendation. So, do some research before coming to the press conference," he added.Azam, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, has yet to establish himself on the international circuit, scoring just 88 runs in 12 matches at an average of 11.00. However, Zaman believes that Azam has the potential to succeed at the highest level."He is a young player and he is learning. He has a lot of talent and he will improve with time. We have to support him and give him confidence," Zaman said.Pakistan's next T20I against England is scheduled for Tuesday in Karachi.

Pakistan's recent 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I has sparked criticism from former all-rounder Shoaib Malik. Malik, who has played over 400 international matches for Pakistan, believes the team management needs to make significant changes to its batting order and strategy.Malik's primary concern is the team's batting order. He suggests that Fakhar Zaman should open the innings with Mohammad Rizwan, followed by Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan. This order, he believes, would provide a more balanced and experienced lineup.Malik also emphasizes the importance of giving finishers like Azam Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed adequate time in the middle. He argues that expecting them to start scoring at a high rate immediately is unrealistic and unfair. Instead, the captain should allow them to settle in and gradually increase their scoring rate.In addition to the batting order, Malik also believes the team needs to utilize its options on the bench more wisely. He suggests that players like Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali could provide valuable contributions if given the opportunity.Malik's comments highlight the need for strategic adjustments within the Pakistan team. As they prepare for the remaining matches in the series and the upcoming T20 World Cup, the team management must carefully consider his suggestions and make the necessary changes to improve their performance on the international stage.

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Babar Azam, has faced criticism from former players regarding his alleged influence on team selection. Basit Ali, a former Pakistan batter, raised concerns about Babar's dominance in the selection process, suggesting that he holds more sway than the selectors themselves.Ali questioned the transparency and accountability of the selection process, stating that Babar's influence has created a divide between him and the selection committee. He alleged that the recent squad announcement was delayed due to a rift within the committee, with some selectors not being consulted.Shahid Afridi, another former Pakistan captain, expressed frustration over the confusion surrounding the selection process. He criticized the late announcement of the squad and the lack of clarity in player selection. Afridi revealed that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had caused the delay due to his dissatisfaction with the absence of some selectors at a meeting.Naqvi reportedly demanded a proper process, ensuring that all selectors were present for the meeting. This incident highlights the ongoing issues within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the need for greater transparency and accountability in team selection.

The Pakistan cricket team's captaincy has been a topic of intense scrutiny in recent months. After a disappointing Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign, Babar Azam resigned as captain across all formats. Shan Masood was appointed as Test captain, while Shaheen Afridi took over the T20I leadership.However, Afridi's tenure as T20I captain was short-lived. After a 4-1 series loss to New Zealand, he was replaced by Babar Azam. Despite rumors of a rift between the two players, the Pakistan camp appeared to be in harmony.However, a recent report has reignited speculation about internal divisions. According to ESPNcricinfo, Afridi declined the offer to become Pakistan's T20I vice-captain ahead of the upcoming World Cup in the USA and West Indies.This development has raised eyebrows, especially considering that Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad, announced on May 24, does not include a designated vice-captain. The squad includes Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Usman Khan.The absence of a vice-captain has fueled speculation about the state of the Pakistan team's leadership. Some observers believe that Afridi's refusal to accept the role is a sign of dissatisfaction within the squad. Others suggest that it may simply be a matter of personal preference.Regardless of the reasons behind Afridi's decision, the captaincy issue has once again become a talking point for Pakistan cricket fans. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the team's leadership will be under intense scrutiny.

Pakistan's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup has been met with praise from former Australian batter Matthew Hayden, who believes the team has a solid lineup. However, he also highlighted fielding as a potential weakness for the team.Pakistan's fast-bowling attack is particularly impressive, with Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf all included in the squad. Hayden described the quartet as "amazing" talents, noting their ability to generate pace and swing.The batting lineup also boasts star power, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman all in the side. Azam, the captain, is a natural leader and a prolific run-scorer, while Rizwan is a reliable wicketkeeper-batter. Zaman, a left-handed opener, is known for his aggressive batting style.Hayden believes that Pakistan's fielding is an area that needs improvement. "Their defensive efforts in the field have and hopefully, in this case, won't diminish their performances," he said.Pakistan is currently playing a four-match T20I series against England as part of their preparations for the World Cup. They will open their World Cup campaign against the USA in Texas on June 6, before facing arch-rivals India in New York on June 9.

Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi has expressed optimism about the national team's chances of reaching the final of the upcoming 2024 Men's T20 World Cup. Afridi believes that the conditions in the West Indies and the USA, where the tournament will be held, will favor Pakistan's strengths.Pakistan has a strong track record in the T20 World Cup, having won the title in 2009 and finishing as runners-up in 2007 and 2022. They have also reached the semi-finals in 2010, 2012, and 2021.Afridi highlighted the team's exceptional bowling attack as a key factor in their success. "I think in any cricket team in the world, nobody has such a strong bowling line-up," he said. "All our four fast bowlers have a lot of skill and even the bowlers sitting on the bench like Abbas (Afridi)...has a lot of skill with a good slower ball."He also praised the team's batting lineup, but urged them to improve their strike rate in the middle overs. "The thing that bothers me is the strike rate of our batters, especially in between the seven to thirteen over phase," he said. "I hope that the strike rate improves in that phase. In terms of runs per over, eight or nine runs per over are needed."Afridi declined to single out any one player as the key to Pakistan's success, but he emphasized the importance of captain Babar Azam's leadership. "But if I had to pick one, I would pick the captain Babar Azam, because he is the leader," he said. "I want him to perform well, and make timely decisions which will take the team to victory."Overall, Afridi is confident in Pakistan's ability to make a deep run in the 2024 T20 World Cup. "I feel Pakistan should make the final," he said. "The reason is that the conditions (in the West Indies and the USA) suit our team. If we look at the spinners in our team, they are outstanding. They might not be in form but I know they will return in form. If we talk about fast bowling, it’s an incredible attack. In batting, we have great strength.”

Shaheen Afridi's rejection of the vice-captaincy offer for Pakistan's T20 side has cast a shadow over the team's preparations for the upcoming World Cup. ESPNcricinfo has revealed that the PCB selection committee approached Shaheen with the proposal, but the fast bowler declined.The decision stems from Shaheen's lingering resentment over being stripped of the T20 captaincy after just one series. He feels that the reasons for his dismissal were never adequately explained, and he is reluctant to accept another leadership role that could potentially be taken away from him.The PCB's handling of the situation has further strained the relationship between the board and Shaheen. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hinted at Shaheen's possible replacement, and the PCB released a statement attributed to Shaheen offering support to Babar Azam. However, Shaheen later denied making those statements, leading to a confrontation with Naqvi.Despite the PCB's attempts to mend the rift, Shaheen's rejection of the vice-captaincy indicates that the truce remains fragile. He is a key member of the T20 side's leadership group, but he believes that he does not need an official role to demonstrate his influence.The PCB selection committee considered other alternatives for the vice-captaincy, including Shadab Khan and Mohammad Rizwan. However, Shadab's inconsistent form and Pakistan's reluctance to use him as a top-order batsman raised concerns about his place in the XI. Rizwan was also considered, but the committee ultimately preferred a younger player for the role.Shaheen's decision has left the PCB with a dilemma. They must now find a suitable vice-captain who can support Babar Azam and provide leadership on the field. The team's performance in the upcoming World Cup could hinge on their ability to resolve this issue and create a harmonious environment within the squad.

Pakistan's recent loss to Ireland has prompted a shift in their batting strategy, with the team now aiming to adopt a more aggressive approach when batting first. This new mindset is expected to be showcased in the upcoming T20I series against England, the reigning T20I world champions.Pakistan's top order has come under scrutiny for their lack of intent when batting first, with the team struggling to post competitive totals. However, after the Ireland defeat, the team has resolved to target scores of 200 or more when batting first.Central to this new approach will be captain Babar Azam, who has been urged to play with greater freedom. Incoming coach Gary Kirsten has praised Azam's abilities but believes he can be even more effective if he is allowed to express himself more fully.Despite the team's recent struggles, Fakhar Zaman remains confident in their ability to turn things around. He believes that the team's new mindset and the arrival of Kirsten will help them improve their performances.Zaman has also highlighted the emergence of Saim Ayub at the top of the order, which has allowed him to move down to the No. 4 position. He believes that this new role will allow him to make a greater impact on the team's performance.With the T20 World Cup approaching, Pakistan is eager to find their best form. The upcoming series against England will provide a crucial test for the team's new approach and will give them an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the tournament.

Pakistan's cricket team has announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, with fast bowler Haris Rauf making a surprising inclusion despite fitness concerns. Rauf, who injured his shoulder during the Pakistan Super League in February, is expected to play in the second Twenty20 international against England on Saturday.The Pakistan Cricket Board's selection committee expressed confidence in Rauf's fitness, stating that he is "full fit and bowling well in the nets." The committee also noted that it would have been ideal for Rauf to have an outing in the first match at Headingley, but they remain optimistic about his progress.Pakistan is the 20th and final team to announce its squad for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States and West Indies from June 1 to June 29. The tournament will feature four groups of five teams, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Eight Stage.Pakistan's Group A includes arch-rivals India, as well as Canada and Ireland. Pakistan will face the United States in their first match in Dallas on June 6.Fast bowler Hasan Ali, as well as batters Agha Salman and Muhammad Irfan Khan, were left off the squad. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir, the only survivor of Pakistan's 2009 Twenty20 World Cup triumph, is making a comeback after coming out of retirement two months ago.Amir is part of a strong pace attack spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Abbas Afridi. Pakistan lost in the semi-final of the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and in the final in Australia in 2022.