Cricket

Pakistan's dismal performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked a major shake-up within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to a report in the 'Jang' newspaper, some Pakistani players accepted appearance fees as low as USD 2500 per person to attend a meet-and-greet function in Dallas on the sidelines of the tournament. The report also revealed that another event, 'A Night with Stars,' was canceled due to payment discrepancies between captain Babar Azam and other players.These revelations have prompted PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to hold senior management officials responsible for the team's indiscipline and poor performance. Sources within the PCB have confirmed that Naqvi is considering dismissing senior officials and implementing stricter policies for players.One of the key issues identified is the presence of players' families at the World Cup. The PCB is expected to announce a policy prohibiting players from bringing their families to major events. The source said that some senior officials had allowed players to bring their families, which contributed to the team's lack of focus.Another issue is the alleged rift between Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi over captaincy. The source said that the team is divided, with some players supporting Azam and others backing Afridi.The PCB is also facing criticism for its handling of central contracts. Sources claim that some senior management officials have been patronizing players, leading to indiscipline and a lack of accountability.The PCB is now conducting a performance assessment of all senior management officials. The board is also considering enforcing a code of conduct for players to prevent future incidents of indiscipline and unprofessionalism.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised for a major overhaul following the team's dismal performance in the T20 World Cup. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly furious with the conduct of senior officials and players, and is set to implement sweeping changes to address the team's lack of discipline.According to a reliable PCB source, the board is expected to dismiss senior management officials and enforce strict policies for players. The source revealed that Naqvi is particularly incensed by the fact that players brought their families to the World Cup and engaged in paid promotional events during the tournament.The PCB is set to announce a new policy regarding players' families accompanying them to major events. The source stated that the chairman is unhappy with the large number of family members who stayed in the team hotel during the World Cup.It has also emerged that certain high-ranking PCB officials authorized the decision to allow players to bring their families on tour. The source criticized these officials as "fans of the players" who have given them excessive concessions.Naqvi has requested a performance evaluation from all senior management personnel, expressing dissatisfaction with the progress made in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year.Reports have also surfaced of Pakistani cricketers accepting appearance fees as low as USD 2500 for attending a meet-and-greet event in Dallas. Another event, titled 'A night with stars', was reportedly canceled due to discrepancies in payments made to captain Babar Azam and other players.These revelations are expected to be scrutinized during the postmortem analysis of the team's early exit from the tournament. Despite having four different chairmen since December 2022, the PCB has not made any changes to the senior management level officials.The source attributed the players' indiscipline to the patronage of senior management officials, including in the finalization of central contracts last year. Rumors of internal strife within the team have intensified, with reports suggesting a rift between Babar and leading fast bowler Shaheen Afridi over the captaincy role.

Former Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has vehemently criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its inconsistent and unstable leadership decisions, particularly the recent removal of Shaheen Afridi as captain after just one series.Akram, in a viral video, expressed his disappointment with the PCB's lack of clarity and stability in leadership roles. He highlighted the abrupt replacement of Babar Azam with Afridi as captain, followed by Afridi's removal after a single series loss."They replaced Babar with Shaheen as Pakistan captain. The latter lost one series and the chairman got changed during that phase. The newcomer asked to change the captain and got it done. This is just not on. People make fun of us in world cricket. They don't get it. If you have made (Shaheen) Afridi the captain, give him a year," Akram said.Akram further lamented that he and other former cricketers are fortunate to be away from Pakistan cricket, as it has become a source of constant criticism and politics. "They don't ask us. It's good that we are away from Pakistan cricket. It is a blessing in disguise because it is just criticism, politics," he added.Akram's comments come in the wake of Pakistan's disappointing performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated after losses to the USA and India. Babar Azam had stepped down as captain following Pakistan's poor showing in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup last year.Afridi was appointed as the T20I captain, while Shan Masood took over the red-ball leadership after the ODI World Cup campaign in November. However, Afridi's tenure as captain was short-lived, as Pakistan managed to win only one game in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand.With the appointment of Mohsin Naqvi as the new PCB chairman, Babar Azam was reinstated as the white-ball captain. Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar also questioned the decision to appoint Babar Azam as captain in the first place."Who made Babar Azam captain at first place? Who was the Einstein by the way? I need to know that guy. Did he actually qualify for the job or not? Did he even know a thing or two about captaincy?" remarked Akhtar.

Pakistan's cricket captain, Babar Azam, is reportedly considering legal action against YouTubers and former cricketers who have accused him of misconduct during the team's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. Sources close to Azam have revealed that he is disheartened by the social media campaign targeting him and is determined to hold those responsible accountable.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly assisting Azam in gathering evidence related to the allegations. The board's legal department is collecting statements and reviewing social media posts to build a case against the accused individuals.The criticism against Azam and the Pakistan team intensified after their early exit from the World Cup. Former players and fans expressed their disappointment with the team's performance, particularly their losses to the United States and India.Some of the players and officials have already returned to Pakistan, while others, including Azam, are expected to depart on Saturday. Former teammate Ahmed Shehzad has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Azam, accusing him of poor leadership and decision-making.Pakistan's next international assignment is a three-match ODI series against Australia in November. The team will be hoping to bounce back from their World Cup disappointment and regain their form ahead of the 2023 World Cup in India.

Legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its chaotic management and poor handling of the national cricket team. Akram's criticism stems from the PCB's recent history of frequent leadership changes and inconsistent decision-making, which he believes has hindered the team's performance.Akram highlighted the fact that the PCB has seen four chairmen in the past year, a period of unprecedented instability. He argued that such frequent changes create an environment of uncertainty and prevent the team from establishing a consistent approach. "How can the team be consistent when they have had four chairmen in one year?" Akram questioned.The former pace great also criticized the PCB's handling of the captaincy issue. After Pakistan's disappointing exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar Azam was replaced by Shaheen Afridi as captain in T20I cricket. However, Afridi's tenure was short-lived, as he lost a T20I series against New Zealand and was replaced by Azam once again.Akram believes that the PCB should have given Afridi more time to prove himself as captain. "If you have made Afridi the captain, give him a year," he said. "People make fun of us in world cricket. They don't get it."Akram expressed his relief at being disconnected from the PCB, stating that it is a "blessing in disguise" to be away from the "criticism and politics" that surround the organization.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked a flurry of speculation and conspiracy theories. Former captain Rashid Latif has pointed the finger at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), alleging that it has failed to address match-fixing allegations.Latif's comments come amid rumors of spot-fixing circulating on social media. He has criticized the PCB for its silence on the matter, despite its swift response to an incident involving pacer Haris Rauf.Rauf was confronted by a man on the streets of Miami, Florida, who allegedly made derogatory remarks. Rauf reacted angrily and chased the man, but was restrained by bystanders. The PCB has threatened legal action against the man if he does not apologize.Latif has questioned the PCB's priorities, suggesting that it is more concerned with protecting itself than investigating match-fixing allegations. He has also highlighted the financial losses incurred by broadcasters due to Pakistan's early elimination."Pakistan's exclusion from the World Cup has caused the biggest loss to our electronic media," Latif wrote. "Those who have the broadcast rights to show the match are expected to lose 30% to 35%. The ratings of the channels are also surprisingly low."Pakistan's poor performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 and the 2024 T20 World Cup has raised questions about the leadership of Babar Azam. The team's unexpected loss to debutants USA and subsequent defeat to India proved to be their undoing.Despite winning their last two encounters, Pakistan's fate was sealed by their earlier losses. The team's exit has sparked a wave of criticism and calls for accountability.

Pakistan cricket is set to undergo a major overhaul following a string of disappointing performances in recent international tournaments. The team's poor showing in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup has raised serious questions about the leadership of Babar Azam and the overall culture within the team.The latest criticism comes from former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, who has revealed an incident involving several players sleeping in the dressing room during a Test match. Hafeez expressed his shock and disappointment at the lack of professionalism and focus among the players."If a player is sleeping in a dressing room and we are playing Test cricket. If 4-5 players are sleeping in the dressing room, should I allow that as a selector?" Hafeez said in an online interaction with Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan.Hafeez's comments echo those of coach Gary Kirsten, who previously stated that there was a lack of unity within the Pakistan team. These revelations have raised concerns about the team's preparation, motivation, and overall approach to the game.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has acknowledged the need for change and has announced plans for a major restructuring of the team. This includes the appointment of a new selection committee and a review of the coaching staff.The PCB is also considering implementing stricter disciplinary measures to ensure that players maintain a high level of professionalism and commitment. The board is determined to create a winning culture within the team and restore Pakistan's status as a cricketing powerhouse.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to overhaul its seven-member selection committee following Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The board will conduct a thorough review to identify areas of improvement, with streamlining the selection process a top priority.Sources within ESPNcricinfo indicate that the number of selectors will be reduced, and the PCB is considering reinstating the position of a chief selector. The current committee, unveiled less than three months ago, has operated without an official head, with each member holding an equal vote.Wahab Riaz, who previously served as chair, is unlikely to regain that role if it is recreated. There is growing frustration within the PCB, including from Riaz himself, over the perception that he wields undue influence as the de facto head of the committee. His departure from the committee altogether remains a possibility.The review will also consider the future of Babar Azam as captain. Despite the emotional fallout from Pakistan's World Cup exit, the PCB is not expected to make an immediate decision. Pakistan's next white-ball match is not scheduled until November.Head coach Gary Kirsten's feedback will be crucial in the review process. Kirsten, appointed in April after an extensive search, has expressed concerns about the lack of unity within the team. His tour report to the PCB could shape the direction of future changes.If no public announcements are made by the time players' central contracts expire on June 30, revisions to the contracts could indicate further changes to the national setup. Players can be moved up or down in categories or even dropped altogether based on their performances. Currently, Babar, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are in the highest category.

Pakistan's dismal performance at the ongoing T20 World Cup has sparked a storm of criticism, with former wicketkeeper Atiq-uz-Zaman alleging rampant indiscipline within the team.Atiq, in a viral video, accused the team of excessive entourage and a lack of focus. He claimed that the traveling party included 17 officials and 17 players, with 60 rooms booked for their accommodation."You have gone there to play cricket or to holiday?" Atiq questioned.He also criticized the presence of families accompanying players during the tournament. "Why do you allow families in big events? They go out in the evening and focus shifts from cricket," he said.Atiq further alleged that players were not acting responsibly despite being well-paid by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "Such a culture has been created in Pakistan cricket that nobody knows what is discipline," he said.The former stumper's revelations have opened a can of worms, exposing the alleged groupism and administrative failures within the PCB. The team's early exit from the World Cup has led to scathing criticism and calls for accountability.Pakistan, the 2009 T20 World Cup winners, finished third in Group A, behind India and USA. The top two teams from each group progressed to the 'Super 8s'.