Cricket

Pakistan's cricket team faces a crucial test as they prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup, beginning on June 1. After a disappointing loss to England in the 2022 final, Pakistan has struggled to find consistency, winning only one of their six bilateral T20I series since then.Form and Talking Points:Pakistan's recent performances have raised concerns about their form and approach. The team's batting has been heavily reliant on captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who have often played with conservative strike rates. The team's middle order has also struggled to contribute consistently.On the bowling front, Pakistan's pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf has been impressive, but the team has lacked depth in their spin department. The return of Imad Wasim and pacer Mohammad Amir from retirement could provide some much-needed experience and variety.Key Performers:Despite their recent struggles, Pakistan boasts several talented players who could make a significant impact at the World Cup. Babar Azam remains one of the world's best batters, while Rizwan is a reliable wicketkeeper and opener. Fakhar Zaman has shown glimpses of his destructive potential, and Shaheen Afridi is a world-class fast bowler.Squad:Pakistan's squad for the World Cup includes:* Babar Azam (c)* 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* Usman KhanOutlook:Pakistan's chances at the World Cup will depend on their ability to find consistency and improve their strike rate in batting. The team's bowling attack is strong, but they will need to find a reliable spin option to complement their pace trio. With a talented squad and a history of success in major tournaments, Pakistan remains a contender for the title.

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.

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.

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 star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has vehemently denied any internal strife or discontent within the national team regarding the captaincy issue. In a recent interview on the PCB podcast, Afridi emphasized the paramount importance of unity and harmony for success in major tournaments.Afridi, who briefly captained Pakistan in one series before being replaced by Babar Azam, acknowledged that minor disagreements are inevitable in any team. However, he stressed that such issues should not be blown out of proportion. "Sometimes, small disagreements happen in every family, even among brothers. But there's nothing like that in our team," Afridi asserted.The left-arm pacer highlighted the importance of open communication and mutual respect among players. "Our players listen to each other, and we listen to them too. Our job is to play cricket and bring joy to our nation," he said.Afridi emphasized that every player understands their responsibility to perform with focus, determination, and unity, while avoiding internal conflicts that could hinder their performance. "We aim to play with unity, and this is not the time for arguments or disputes. It's the time for everyone to be on the same page," he added.Pakistan will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA on June 6. Afridi expressed confidence in the team's preparations and dismissed concerns about his workload, form, and fitness. He praised the team's resilience in rallying to win the series against Ireland after losing the opening match."I am bowling with rhythm and pace, and I am enjoying my spells. Unfortunately, nowadays in T20 cricket, every bowler ends up having a bad day in one match or another. That is the nature of the challenges bowlers face now," Afridi stated.

Pakistan's former cricket board chairman, Ramiz Raja, has expressed his disappointment with the performance of the team's bowlers in the second T20I against Ireland. Despite Pakistan's comprehensive victory, Raja criticized the bowlers for conceding 162 runs in the first innings.Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Abbas Afridi combined to give away runs at a hefty economy rate, with Shaheen and Amir proving particularly costly. Shaheen conceded 49 runs in his four-over spell, while Amir gave away 44 runs.Raja believes that Pakistan's bowlers have been struggling since last year's World Cup in India. He pointed out that the team's success has been built on the strength of its pacers, but they have been inconsistent in recent times."Pakistan's top bowlers giving away so many runs against Ireland, then it will become hard for the team in future," Raja said. "Pakistan's forte, and success are based on the bowlers, especially pacers, they have been struggling since last year's World Cup in India. Two balls are good and then three deliveries are bad, this makes the situation tough."Pakistan's decision to bowl first backfired as Ireland posted a competitive total of 193/7. Lorcan Tucker led the charge with 51 runs, while Harry Tector and Curtis Campher provided valuable support.In reply, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman laid the foundation for Pakistan's chase with half-centuries. Azam Khan then sealed the victory with three consecutive sixes.The series is now level at 1-1, with the third and deciding match scheduled for Tuesday at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.

Shaheen Afridi Hails Mohammad Rizwan as the "Bradman of T20 Cricket"Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has heaped praise on batter Mohammad Rizwan, calling him the "Bradman of T20 cricket" after he crossed the remarkable milestone of 3000 T20I runs.Rizwan achieved this feat during the third T20I match against New Zealand, where he scored 22 off 21 deliveries before an unfortunate hamstring injury cut short his innings. Afridi's heartfelt tribute to Rizwan on social media underscored the batsman's transformative influence on the sport and his ability to silence doubters."Cheers to Muhammad Rizwan - the Bradman of T20 cricket and Pakistan's SuperMan for hitting 3,000 T20I runs! Your impact has transformed the game and silenced the skeptics. Keep soaring, champion! You're an inspiration to many," Afridi's post read.Rizwan's milestone not only marked a significant personal achievement but also saw him surpassing Indian cricketing stalwart Virat Kohli in reaching 3000 T20I runs. Rizwan achieved this feat in 92 matches and 79 innings, outpacing Kohli's record of 87 matches and 81 innings.Since his T20I debut against Bangladesh in 2015, Rizwan has been a linchpin in Pakistan's batting lineup, featuring in 93 matches and 80 innings. With a strike rate of 127.42, he has amassed a total of 3048 runs, cementing his status as one of Pakistan's premier batters in the shortest format of the game.Rizwan's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. Despite facing criticism and skepticism early in his career, he has proven his mettle time and again, becoming one of the most consistent and reliable batters in T20 cricket.His ability to adapt to different conditions and situations, coupled with his exceptional shot-making skills, has made him a formidable force in the shortest format of the game. Rizwan's contributions have been instrumental in Pakistan's recent success in T20 cricket, including their triumph in the 2022 Asia Cup.As Rizwan continues to scale new heights, he is sure to inspire a generation of young cricketers and leave an indelible mark on the sport. His achievements serve as a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi sparked controversy on social media after labeling teammate Mohammad Rizwan as the "Don Bradman of T20 cricket." The comment came after Rizwan reached the milestone of 3000 runs in T20 international cricket, becoming the fastest player to achieve the feat in just 79 innings.Afridi's tweet, which read, "Cheers to Muhammad Rizwan - the Bradman of T20 cricket and Pakistan's SuperMan for hitting 3,000 T20I runs! Your impact has transformed the game and silenced the skeptics. Keep soaring, champion! You're an inspiration to many," drew criticism from fans who questioned the comparison to the legendary Australian batsman.Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, dominated Test cricket with an astonishing batting average of 99.94. His dominance in the longer format of the game stands in stark contrast to Rizwan's achievements in T20 cricket, a shorter and more explosive format.Fans took to Twitter to express their disapproval of Afridi's comparison. "Is this a sarcastic post, or do you really mean it?" asked one user. Another commented, "Bradman hit a total of 6 sixes in his entire career and he played test matches only. Rizwan is definitely the Bradman of T20."Despite the controversy, Rizwan's achievement remains a significant milestone in his career. He has established himself as one of the most consistent and prolific batters in T20 cricket, with an impressive average of over 50 and a strike rate of over 130.While Pakistan celebrated Rizwan's achievement, they suffered a disappointing defeat in the third T20I against New Zealand. The Kiwis secured a comfortable 7-wicket victory, leaving Pakistan with a 1-2 deficit in the series.Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, saying, "We were 10 runs short unfortunately. I think Shadab recovered well and built a good partnership. I think 180-190 was a par score according to me. We tried to play according to the situation."Pakistan will look to bounce back in the fourth T20I on April 24th as they aim to level the series and avoid a series defeat.

Shaheen Shah Afridi's brief tenure as Pakistan's T20I captain is nearing its end, with Babar Azam set to reclaim the white-ball captaincy. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has offered the role to Babar, who has yet to accept.Babar's reluctance stems from his removal as captain across all formats following Pakistan's disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. He has requested the PCB to appoint him captain in all three formats if he is to return.Afridi's leadership has come under scrutiny after Pakistan's 4-1 T20I series loss to New Zealand and Lahore Qalandars' dismal performance in the PSL, where they finished bottom of the table. However, Afridi may feel aggrieved, given Naqvi's previous comments about Pakistan seeking a long-term captain.Babar's demand to be Test captain could put pressure on Shan Masood's position as red-ball skipper. Masood has also led Pakistan for just one series, with the team losing all three games in Australia.The captaincy saga highlights the PCB's instability over the past 18 months. Multiple chief selectors and selection committees have been appointed, with Zaka Ashraf's decision to sack Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn being the most high-profile.The current selection committee consists of four selectors, with no chief selector. Decisions are made by vote, with 4-3 majorities carrying the day.Pakistan's next series, against New Zealand in April, is expected to be led by Babar. The PCB is still searching for a head coach, with Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten among the candidates being considered.