Cricket

Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has dismissed concerns about his workload, stating that legendary bowlers like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis bowled significantly more in their time. Afridi's comments come after head coach Gary Kirsten expressed concerns about the potential impact of Afridi's heavy workload across formats."If I'm said to have bowled the most in the world, that's three times more, but in the past, our legends like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis bowled much more," Afridi said. "I don't understand why workload has become such a big issue in the past year."Afridi emphasized the importance of mental and physical fitness for cricketers. "It depends on the individual how they approach each format," he said. "You need to be mentally strong and fit. If you're lazy, you won't perform. Your body will tell you when you're not performing well. That's when you need support from management and loved ones."Meanwhile, Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has denied reports that Babar Azam will continue to lead the team in white-ball cricket until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. "The reports about Babar Azam leading Pakistan in white-ball cricket until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are false," Shehzad said.In September, speculation about a change in Pakistan's captaincy emerged, with Mohammad Rizwan tipped as Babar's successor in limited-overs formats. However, recent developments suggest that Babar may retain the white-ball captaincy.

The captaincy carousel in Pakistan cricket has been spinning rapidly in recent months, with Babar Azam relinquishing his leadership duties across formats after the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shaheen Afridi was initially appointed as T20I captain, while Shan Masood took over the reins in Test cricket. However, Pakistan's disappointing 4-1 T20I series loss to New Zealand ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup prompted a swift change, with Babar being reinstated as white-ball captain.Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan, a member of the 1992 ODI World Cup-winning team, has expressed his disapproval of Shaheen's removal as T20I captain, arguing that he should have been given more time."Shaheen Afridi has the ability to lead the team and is highly respected by the players," Moin told Cricket Pakistan. "He is an excellent choice for captaincy in T20s. In white-ball cricket, I don't see anyone else suitable for the role. Removing him from the captaincy was unjust. He is one of the best T20 players, and I've noticed his performance has slightly declined since he was removed from the captaincy. How can you expect good performance if you don't give players confidence? They should be given some time as captain."Moin also weighed in on the possibility of Mohammad Rizwan replacing Babar as white-ball captain."A single captain can be appointed for all formats of cricket, but it's crucial for any player to perform across all formats to achieve this," Moin said. "Whoever becomes captain should have the responsibility for a long term. There is no doubt about Mohammad Rizwan's abilities; any criticism against him might be due to his age. It's also important to consider how long he can represent the team if given leadership. Mohammad Rizwan could be a great short-term captain, but you would need to groom a young cricketer to take over in the future. We often appoint captains but fail to prepare a suitable deputy."The captaincy debate in Pakistan cricket is likely to continue in the lead-up to the 2024 T20 World Cup, with the team seeking stability and success under a consistent leadership structure.

Pakistan's domestic 50-over competition, the Champions One-Day Cup, has unveiled its captains and mentors, with each side led by a Pakistan international. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lions), Mohammad Rizwan (Wolves), Shadab Khan (Panthers), Saud Shakeel (Dolphins), and Mohammad Haris (Stallions) will lead their respective teams.Haris' appointment as Stallions captain, chosen by mentor Shoaib Malik, marks a significant return to favor with the PCB. After being left out of Pakistan's World Cup squad and losing his place in the T20 side, Haris now captains a team that includes Babar Azam, Pakistan's white-ball captain.Unlike previous tournaments, the PCB has ensured maximum participation of its top players. With no international cricket coinciding with the competition, almost every fit centrally contracted player is taking part. Misbah-ul-Haq, mentor of the Wolves, emphasized that unfit players would be excluded.All games will be played in Faisalabad from September 12-29, with playoffs instead of semi-finals. The tournament concludes eight days before the start of the first Test between Pakistan and England.Each side has announced extended squad lists, which will be trimmed by September 10. The teams do not have affiliated city names but have historical links to previous domestic cup sides: Lahore for Lions, Karachi for Dolphins, Peshawar for Panthers, Faisalabad for Wolves, and Sialkot for Stallions.Sarfaraz Ahmed is the only player-mentor, operating with the Dolphins. Misbah (Wolves), Malik (Stallions), Saqlain Mushtaq (Panthers), and Waqar Younis (Lions) are the other mentors.

Zaka Ashraf, the former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, has vehemently denied allegations of player groupings and rifts within the national team during his tenure. Ashraf's comments come amidst ongoing scrutiny of his decisions, particularly the appointment of Shaheen Shah Afridi as T20 captain and Shan Masood as Test captain after the 2023 ODI World Cup.Ashraf maintains that there were no divisions between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi following his decision to appoint Afridi as T20 captain. "There were no differences between Babar Azam or Shaheen even after I decided to have the latter as the T20 captain," Ashraf asserted.He further claims that the team's unity improved after Babar Azam was relieved of his captaincy duties. "No, the unity didn't end (after removing Babar Azam as captain). In fact, the unity improved. When we told him to play as a player, which is his talent, but as a captain, his performance is not good, he agreed," Ashraf explained.However, Shaheen Afridi's tenure as T20 captain was short-lived, as he was sacked after a single series in New Zealand. He was also dropped for the second Test against Bangladesh due to poor form. The PCB subsequently reinstated Babar Azam as T20 skipper.Ashraf also defended his decision to appoint Shan Masood as Test captain and Muhammad Hafeez as team director. He described Hafeez as "a very honest man" and denied any player groupings. "The team was good. And, we brought Shan Masood as the captain. He was a very good captain. He is still a very good player. He is still a captain in England's counties," Ashraf said.Regarding Shaheen Afridi's appointment as T20 captain, Ashraf stated, "I made Shaheen Shah the captain of the T20I team. That was also a very good decision."Ashraf, who headed the interim cricket management committee from June to January, believes he made the right decision to bring in Hafeez as team director. "Mohammad Hafeez is an excellent cricketer and a very honest person, we brought him along. Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, and these players, we brought them along so that the coaching staff is with the team," he added.

Pakistan's Test captain, Shan Masood, has defended the decision to bench star pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah for the second Test against Bangladesh. The move came after Pakistan suffered a series whitewash in Rawalpindi.Masood acknowledged the need to explore other options and nurture young talent. "We're trying to keep consistency with red-ball performances as well," he said. "We can't be harsh on [Shaheen and Naseem] because they're playing all three formats."Head coach Jason Gillespie echoed Masood's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of developing a balanced team. "We want Shaheen Afridi to be at his very best for as much cricket as possible," he said. "He's an all-format player, and we have a pretty heavy schedule."Gillespie also highlighted Shaheen's personal challenges, which may have affected his performance. "He had a pretty eventful time in his personal life as well," he said.Despite their disappointing T20 World Cup performances, Shaheen and Naseem have shown flashes of brilliance. However, their recent form has raised concerns. In the first Test against Bangladesh, they failed to make a significant impact.Pakistan's decision to drop the duo is a bold one, but it reflects the team's commitment to building a sustainable future. By giving opportunities to younger players, Pakistan hopes to create a more well-rounded and resilient squad.

Pakistan's Mohammad Amir Fumes at Imad Wasim's Lackluster Fielding in CPLPakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir expressed his frustration during the Caribbean Super League after a lackluster fielding effort by his compatriot Imad Wasim. The incident occurred during a match between the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, where both Amir and Wasim play, and the Barbados Royals.Amir bowled a short-pitched delivery to Quinton De Kock, who guided it towards the third-man boundary. Wasim, fielding at deep backward point, initially ran towards the ball but then eased up, allowing it to go for a four. Amir was visibly agitated and was heard shouting at Wasim to run. His fielding position was changed on the next ball.The Royals ultimately emerged victorious, with De Kock scoring 87 runs off just 45 deliveries. The incident sparked criticism on social media, with many questioning Wasim's commitment to the game.Pakistan's Test Coach Explains Exclusion of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem ShahMeanwhile, Pakistan's Test head coach Jason Gillespie has revealed the reasons behind the exclusion of star pace duo Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh.Bangladesh is in a commanding position after Day 4, needing just 143 runs to complete a historic clean sweep. Despite a strong performance in the first innings, Pakistan's bowling attack struggled against Bangladesh's openers.Gillespie explained that the team selection was based on an analysis of the pitch conditions. "We looked at conditions and what we thought was the best combination," he said. "We had Bangladesh in a bit of trouble in the first innings, but we need to improve our line and length."

Pakistan's decision to drop star pacer Shaheen Afridi for the second Test against Bangladesh has sparked controversy, with former batter Ahmed Shehzad questioning the team's logic.While acknowledging Afridi's recent struggles, Shehzad argued that he cannot be solely blamed for Pakistan's poor performances. He pointed out that the team has suffered defeats against Zimbabwe, Ireland, the USA, India, and now Bangladesh."Is Shaheen Afridi only responsible for all of this?" Shehzad asked in a video posted on social media. "Shaheen Afridi won't be solely responsible for all of this. So, bring all those people who were involved in all of this. Tell this country."Shehzad also criticized the performances of other players, including Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, and Babar Azam. He emphasized that dropping Afridi alone will not solve Pakistan's problems."There are some decisions that will have to be taken. And those people who are involved in all of this, whose performances are low, they will also have to be held accountable," he said.The first day of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh was washed out due to heavy rain. The toss could not even take place, leaving the match in limbo.Pakistan's decision to drop Afridi has raised questions about the team's strategy and the future of its bowling attack. The team has struggled to find consistency in recent months, and the loss to Bangladesh has further highlighted their weaknesses.

Pakistan's Test squad for the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh has undergone a significant change, with the release of left-arm fast-bowling spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. The decision was made to allow Afridi to spend time with his family following the birth of his son, Aliyaar, during the first Test.Afridi's absence from the 12-man squad is a blow to Pakistan's hopes of leveling the two-match series. In the first Test, which Bangladesh won by ten wickets, Afridi claimed two wickets in the first innings but failed to take any in the second. His recent Test form has been inconsistent, with 16 wickets from five Tests at an average of 40.81 since the start of 2023.To fill the void left by Afridi, Pakistan has included left-arm pacer Mir Hamza and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed in the squad. Hamza has played one Test for Pakistan, while Ahmed is yet to make his debut.Pakistan must win the second Test to square the series and avoid a historic first Test series defeat to Bangladesh. However, rain is forecasted for days four and five, which could lead to a draw and hand Bangladesh the series victory.Both teams are currently in the bottom half of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship standings, with Bangladesh at number seven and Pakistan at number eight. Pakistan has not won a home Test match since beating South Africa in December 2021.

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Afridi has been omitted from the team for the second Test against Bangladesh, raising concerns about his form and effectiveness. Head coach Jason Gillespie confirmed that Afridi is "working on some things" to improve his bowling, hinting at a potential drop rather than a rest.Afridi's recent performances have been underwhelming, particularly in Test cricket. In Australia, he averaged over 41 in pace-friendly conditions, and in the first Test against Bangladesh, he took only two lower-order wickets for 96 runs. His pace, once consistently in the mid-140 kph range, has also declined since his injury last year.Gillespie acknowledged that Afridi has been given feedback and is working with bowling coach Azhar Mahmood to address his technical issues. "We want to see Shaheen at his best because we've got a lot of cricket in all formats and Shaheen's going to play a really big role in that," Gillespie said.While Afridi's absence from the team is a significant blow, Pakistan has named a 12-man squad for the second Test, including legspinner Abrar Ahmed and fast bowler Mir Hamza. The inclusion of Abrar is likely, as Pakistan's decision to field an all-pace attack in the first Test backfired.Gillespie emphasized that the team's selection is based on weather conditions in Rawalpindi, which have been unfavorable for the past three days. "We're looking at what our best combination is this game," Gillespie said. "We'll look at conditions and decide what the best makeup of our bowling attack looks like."Pakistan must win the second Test to draw the series, after suffering their first-ever Test defeat to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. The team will be hoping to bounce back with a strong performance, but Afridi's absence will be a major challenge.