Cricket

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked widespread criticism, with former cricketer Ahmad Shahzad expressing his dismay. The 2009 champions were eliminated after their match against Ireland was abandoned, allowing the USA to advance to the Super Eights stage.Pakistan's elimination marks their earliest exit from the T20 World Cup, having previously reached the tournament's final four on all but two occasions. Their only victory in the tournament came against Canada, while they suffered a defeat to India.Shahzad took to social media to voice his disappointment, stating that Pakistan did not deserve to qualify for the Super Eights. He criticized the team's reliance on Ireland to defeat the USA, emphasizing that they should have taken their fate into their own hands.The USA's qualification for the Super Eights is a significant achievement for an associate team. It marks the seventh instance of an associate team progressing from the group stage to the Super stage in T20 World Cups.The Super Eights, which begins on Wednesday, will be divided into two groups. Each team will play three games to determine their chances of reaching the semifinals.Pakistan's elimination has raised questions about the team's performance and the future of Pakistani cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now under pressure to address the team's shortcomings and improve their performance in future tournaments.

Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has called for immediate changes to the national team following their disappointing loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. In a video posted on his social media account, Akram expressed his frustration with the team's performance and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take action."Enough is enough. We need changes now. Enough with you guys. Bring a new team, bring 6-7 new players. If we lose, we'll lose with them," said Akram.Akram criticized the team's lack of situational awareness and their inability to chase down a modest target on a pitch that was conducive to batting. He also questioned the role of captain Babar Azam and coach Saqlain Mushtaq in guiding the team."The captain and the coach cannot teach you situational awareness and how to chase! How long can they be spoon-fed?" blasted Akram.Akram's comments come after Pakistan's six-run defeat to India, which left them on the brink of elimination from the tournament. Despite a win against Canada, Pakistan's qualification hopes now rest on India or USA losing their remaining games.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also acknowledged the need for changes following the India loss. "The team requires major surgery," Naqvi said.Akram's call for new players and a fresh approach has been echoed by many fans and experts. Pakistan has struggled to find consistency in recent years, and their performance in the T20 World Cup has been particularly disappointing.With the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026, the PCB has a crucial opportunity to rebuild the team and address the issues that have plagued them in recent years. Akram's comments have sparked a much-needed debate about the future of Pakistan cricket, and it remains to be seen whether the PCB will heed his advice and make the necessary changes.

The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the 2025 Champions Trophy has sparked excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. According to reports, the two cricketing giants are scheduled to face off in Lahore, Pakistan, during the tournament.The draft schedule, submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), suggests that the 50-over event will take place from February 19 to March 9. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed Karachi and Rawalpindi as venues, while Lahore will host India's matches.However, India's participation in Pakistan remains uncertain. The PCB's proposal requires approval from the Indian government, which has historically been reluctant to allow its team to travel to Pakistan due to political tensions.The PCB has reportedly suggested that India play all its matches in Lahore, including a potential semi-final. The tournament will feature a total of 15 matches, with seven scheduled in Lahore, five in Rawalpindi, and three in Karachi.The opening match will be held in Karachi on February 19, while the semi-finals will take place in Karachi and Rawalpindi. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Lahore.The BCCI has yet to respond to the proposed venues. The board requires permission from the Indian government to travel to Pakistan, and the current political climate makes it unlikely that such approval will be granted.If India does not participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, it would be a major disappointment for fans and a setback for the PCB's efforts to host international cricket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has swiftly addressed concerns raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the team's accommodation for the upcoming T20 World Cup fixtures in New York. The PCB had expressed dissatisfaction with the initial hotel arrangements, which involved a lengthy 90-minute drive to the match venue.In response to the PCB's formal complaint, the ICC has relocated the Pakistan team to a hotel located just a five-minute drive from the purpose-built stadium on Long Island in Westbury, New York. This move significantly reduces travel time, allowing the team to optimize their preparation and minimize logistical challenges.The PCB's chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, played a pivotal role in lodging the complaint and securing the relocation. The new accommodation provides a more convenient and efficient base for the team as they prepare for their high-stakes match against arch-rivals India on Sunday.The Indian cricket team, also playing its group games in New York, is staying in a hotel that is just a 10-minute drive from the stadium. India has already secured a victory in their first match at this venue.The Sri Lankan team, which faced challenges in its first match against South Africa, has also raised concerns about the long drive to the stadium from their designated hotel, which exceeds an hour.The Pakistan team will travel to New York after their opening Group A game against co-hosts United States in Dallas on Thursday.The ICC's responsiveness to the PCB's concerns highlights its commitment to ensuring optimal conditions for participating teams during the T20 World Cup. By addressing logistical issues promptly, the ICC aims to minimize travel-related stress and enhance the overall experience for players and fans alike.

Pakistan cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Ahmed Shehzad engaged in a heated debate on live television, sparking controversy over the leadership of Babar Azam and the selection policies of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).Shehzad, who has represented Pakistan in 13 Tests and 81 ODIs, accused Azam of favoritism and questioned the decision to reinstate him as captain after the team's disappointing performance at the 2023 Cricket World Cup. He argued that senior players should be rested against weaker opponents to provide opportunities for younger talent, citing the example of Team India's Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.Imam, on the other hand, defended Azam's captaincy, stating that the board had made the decision to remove and reinstate him without his consent. He emphasized Azam's strong performances in the past, including reaching the semifinals in 2021 and the final in 2022.Shehzad countered by expressing frustration over the lack of opportunities for young players, claiming that some players are given preferential treatment despite poor form. He also questioned the fairness of Shaheen Afridi's removal as captain.Imam responded by asserting that his stance on these issues would remain consistent regardless of his age or contract status. He promised to continue advocating for transparency and fairness in the selection process.The debate has raised concerns among Pakistan supporters, who fear that it could impact the team's performance at the upcoming T20 World Cup. The men in green will face hosts USA in their opening game on June 6, followed by a highly anticipated clash against India on June 9.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to introduce three new domestic tournaments, one for each format of the game, starting next season. The aim is to bridge the gap between the standard of domestic cricket and international cricket.The tournaments, called Pentangular, will feature the top 150 players in the country, divided into five teams. Each tournament will be played in addition to the existing tournament in the format, creating an elite layer of competition.The PCB's research has shown a significant gap between the quality of domestic and international cricket in Pakistan. The new tournaments are designed to address this issue by providing more opportunities for the country's best players to compete against each other.The tournaments will not be franchised out but will be owned and operated by the PCB. The five teams will be newly created entities with their own management and coaching set-ups. The tournaments are likely to be played on a double league basis.Selection for the teams will be done in part by the PCB's selection committee, who will distribute a set number of players across the teams, while the rest of the roster will be picked by the team's managements.Pentangular tournaments are not new to Pakistan domestic cricket, but they are being pitched with a new purpose. The PCB believes that they will create a bridge between domestic and international cricket, reducing the quality gap.One of the benefits of the new tournaments is that they will provide more first-class games for the best players. In recent years, players have finished the first-class season by December, leaving a significant gap before Pakistan's next Test series. The Pentangular tournaments will offer the opportunity for players to continue playing first-class cricket during this period.However, the PCB faces challenges in scheduling the new tournaments. Pakistan's domestic season is already packed with two first-class tournaments, a one-day cup, a T20 tournament, and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Next season is particularly busy with international commitments, including Tests against Bangladesh and England, an ODI tri-series, and the Champions Trophy.The PCB may need to expand the domestic season into May to accommodate the new tournaments. It will also need to upgrade stadium facilities around the country to host more matches.Despite the challenges, the PCB is determined to introduce the new tournaments. It believes that they will significantly improve the quality of domestic cricket in Pakistan and help to produce better players for the international team.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has urged fans to rally behind the national team throughout the upcoming T20 World Cup, regardless of the outcome. With the tournament set to commence in two days, Naqvi emphasized the importance of unwavering support for the players."Support the team and assure them that we [the fans] are with you [the team] whether you win or lose," Naqvi told the media in London. "I just want to request one thing which we really need for the next four weeks. Let us all support our players."Pakistan's preparations for the World Cup have been hampered by rain-affected matches in their ongoing T20I series against England. However, Naqvi expressed confidence in the team's strategy and urged the players to perform to their potential."Overall, a strategy is in place that they don't have to panic and give their best [on the field]," Naqvi said.Pakistan's squad for the World Cup features a pace-laden attack, a departure from the trend of other teams opting for more spinners. Naqvi defended this decision, stating that the team has a plan in place."We have a strategy in place. We have a plan. We have a combination. We have a team. We have a captain. We have a coach. We have a management. We have everything in place," Naqvi said.Pakistan is placed in Group A and will face co-hosts USA in their opening match on June 6. The team will be looking to make a strong start to their World Cup campaign and secure a place in the Super 12 stage.

Pakistan legspinner Usama Mir has been denied a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), preventing him from participating in the upcoming T20 Blast with Worcestershire Rapids. Mir was expected to be available for the entire tournament after being omitted from Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad.According to ESPNcricinfo, Mir's NOC application was rejected due to a clause in his three-year central contract with the PCB, which permits players to participate in only two franchise T20 leagues outside of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) per season. Mir had already played in the Hundred and the Big Bash League (BBL) during the current contractual cycle, which runs from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.Despite Mir's limited involvement in the BBL, he and Worcestershire believed there was a chance of an NOC being granted for the Blast. However, the PCB maintains that its "PSL +2" policy is non-negotiable.Mir was a standout performer for Worcestershire in the Blast last season, taking 19 wickets and scoring 132 runs. He has been replaced by West Indian legspinner Hayden Walsh, who was recommended by former Worcestershire player Jason Holder.Walsh expressed his excitement about joining Worcestershire, saying, "I am thrilled to join Worcestershire and be part of such a prestigious club. Both Jason and Alzarri [Joseph] have said a lot of good things about the club and the group of players, and I look forward to contributing to the team's success."Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles praised Walsh's versatility and talent, saying, "Hayden is a versatile and talented cricketer whose skills will be a great asset to our squad."Worcestershire will begin their T20 Blast campaign against Yorkshire on Thursday night, with Mir's absence a significant blow to their hopes of success.

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.