Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is on a collision course with some of the country's top cricketers after refusing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Naseem Shah for the Hundred tournament. The PCB is also expected to reject NOCs for several other all-format players for upcoming franchise tournaments.The decision means that Birmingham Phoenix will lose out on Naseem's services for the Hundred, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam will not be allowed to play in the Global T20 League Canada. The PCB's reasoning is that it wants to manage the workload of its all-format players ahead of Pakistan's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.However, the decision has raised questions about the PCB's commitment to allowing players to participate in overseas franchise leagues. The three-year central contracts signed last year allowed for two overseas franchise leagues per year, as long as those tournaments did not clash with the player's international commitments.The PCB's decision to withdraw players from leagues that do not directly clash with international cricket is likely to cause discontent among the affected players. It also raises questions about whether the allowance made in central contracts is being respected in spirit.The past month has seen an uneasy quiet take hold after Pakistan's disastrous T20 World Cup campaign. However, there have been signs that events are beginning to gather speed, with Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq sacked from the PCB selection committee.The PCB's decision to refuse NOCs to all-format players for upcoming franchise tournaments is a significant development. It remains to be seen how the players will react and whether the PCB will be able to maintain its hardline stance.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has ignited a firestorm of controversy by leveling serious allegations against the current management of the Pakistan cricket team. Ali accuses the management of favoritism towards captain Babar Azam and a sinister plan to scapegoat star players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan for the team's dismal performance in the recent T20 World Cup.In a video that has gone viral on social media, Ali claims that the management is preparing a report to pin the blame on Afridi and Rizwan for the team's failures. He warns that such actions could have disastrous consequences for Pakistan cricket."The report that is being prepared is against Shaheen Shah Afridi and Rizwan. They have formed a group, which is wrong. Those who are making this report, who have the intention of shifting their blame onto them, should not do so. Pakistan's cricket will be destroyed," Ali said.Ali emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating that if Afridi and Rizwan are not on the same page with Babar, all three should be removed from the team instead of making two scapegoats and one a hero."I am saying this now because God forbid, if this happens, it will be your fault. If you believe that Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Babar Azam are not on the same page, then remove all three of them. Don't make two of them scapegoats and make the third one a hero," he added.Ali also criticizes Babar Azam's captaincy, not only in the recent T20 World Cup but also in previous matches. He highlights a controversial decision where Babar chose to bowl Nawaz in the final over in Melbourne."Babar's captaincy has been wrong. Not just in this tournament, but in the World Cup as well. The way he made Nawaz bowl the last over in Melbourne, didn't he have eyes then?" Ali remarked.Ali expresses empathy for Afridi, who was removed from the captaincy after just five matches, acknowledging the natural frustration such a decision would cause."Tell me, when a boy is removed from the captaincy after just five matches, won't he feel bad? Even if we are sitting on TV and our chairs are changed, we feel bad - 'why did you change my chair, am I not speaking correctly?' This is a natural thing," he said.These allegations come in the wake of Pakistan's early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where they failed to progress beyond the Group Stage, suffering losses to the USA and India.

Pakistan's star cricketers Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are still awaiting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to participate in the Global T20 Canada league. The PCB has issued NOCs to 12 other players for various leagues, but the trio, who are among the highest-paid players in Pakistan, remain in limbo.The PCB has expressed concerns about the status of the Global T20 Canada league and has sought clarification from the organizers and the International Cricket Council (ICC). This has led to the delay in issuing NOCs to Azam, Rizwan, and Afridi.The Global T20 Canada League is scheduled to take place from July 25 to August 11, while Pakistan's Test series against Bangladesh at home is set to begin around August 19. The PCB is reportedly reluctant to grant NOCs to its top players for a league that overlaps with the national team's commitments.Among the players who have received NOCs are Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan for the USA Major League, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hasnain, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan for the Lanka Premier League, Fakhar Zaman for the Caribbean Premier League, Usama Mir for the Hundred, and Mohammad Amir for county cricket.Notably, the PCB has not granted NOCs to young players Saim Ayub and Azam Khan for the CPL. Shadab, Salman, and Hasnain are already in Sri Lanka for the Lanka Premier League.The PCB's decision to withhold NOCs for Azam, Rizwan, and Afridi has raised questions about the board's priorities. Some critics argue that the PCB should prioritize the development of young players by allowing them to participate in overseas leagues, while others believe that the board is right to protect its top players from potential injuries or burnout.

Amidst the backlash following Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup exit, former captain Younis Khan has extended support to skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, hailing them as Pakistan's pride.Khan's words of encouragement come as the team faces criticism for their early elimination from the tournament. Pakistan's campaign began with a shocking defeat to debutants USA, followed by a loss to arch-rivals India. The team's hopes were dashed when the USA-Ireland match was abandoned due to rain, resulting in their earliest-ever exit from a T20 World Cup.Khan acknowledged the team's struggles but emphasized that the blame should not be solely placed on Babar Azam. "It is not just Babar Azam's fault, or the coach's. It is everyone's fault," he said. "We as a nation did not reach the semi-finals."However, Khan raised concerns about Babar's decision not to bat at the No. 3 position from the start of the tournament. He believes that both Babar and Rizwan have the ability to bat in the middle order. "If the team needs you, you should open or play at number 3," he said.Khan also highlighted the need for the team to address their batting concerns. "We speak about only 2 batters (Babar and Rizwan), can they not bat anywhere in the line-up? They can, right? They need to enhance only a little, evolve just a little (to improve their power game)," he added.Khan's comments provide a balanced perspective on Pakistan's performance, acknowledging the team's shortcomings while also recognizing the individual brilliance of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan's dismal performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup has drawn sharp criticism from former players, including Salman Butt. The team's hopes of reaching the 'Super 8' stage now hinge on favorable results from other matches.After a shocking defeat to USA in their opening match, Pakistan lost to India despite being in a commanding position for much of the game. They managed to beat Canada in their third match, but with only two points from three games, they need to win their remaining match against Ireland and hope for other results to go their way.Butt has slammed captain Babar Azam and his team for their lackluster performances. He questioned their self-proclaimed status as "king" and "world's best fast bowler," referring to Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, respectively."Are you able to win a match on your own? Is there a standing of our team?" Butt asked. "It's similar to those YouTube thumbnails that you are enticed to click and open once."Butt also criticized the influence of social media campaigns on decision-making in Pakistan cricket. "Besides its good things, one bad thing about social media is that you can get anything done by paid campaigns...your decisions are based on paid campaigns," he said.He urged the team to "stay who they are" and focus on winning matches before making grand proclamations. "First win a match, a big tournament, fight it out to win against a big team, finish a match single-handedly, then think what you want to proclaim," Butt added.Butt highlighted the mental toughness of the Indian team, which he believes Pakistan lacks. "India is very different from us...Their mental superiority is winning them matches...They don't feel the pressure now like they used to earlier," he said."But we haven't grown. There are changes in cricket every year, but we are not growing with that, so we are getting weaker. The other teams are growing, mentally as well."

Pakistan's assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood, has vehemently denied allegations of a rift between captain Babar Azam and star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. Mahmood dismissed former captain Wasim Akram's claims that the duo is not on speaking terms as "false."Mahmood criticized those who believe cricketers should be isolated and dwell on their losses. He emphasized that the team's recent six-run defeat to India was a collective failure, not the fault of any individual.Rumors of a divide within the Pakistan team, with one faction led by Babar and another by Shaheen, have been circulating. However, Mahmood refuted these claims, stating that Shaheen and Babar are close friends and integral members of the team.The team management has taken responsibility for the players' absence from press conferences after losses. Mahmood explained that the support staff is equally accountable for addressing the media and providing explanations for the team's performances."We are not hiding any players," Mahmood asserted. "We are a team, and we are not delivering. That's why I'm sitting here."Mahmood also addressed the controversy surrounding a video showing Babar, Wahab Riaz, and himself dining at a New York restaurant after Pakistan's defeat to India. He defended the players' actions, stating that they needed time to relax and de-stress after a disappointing loss."We are a very emotional nation," Mahmood said. "If you lose a match, your life is not over. Our players are not like that. They need time to relax their minds."Mahmood emphasized that the team is focused on improving their performance and preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024. He urged fans to support the team and avoid spreading rumors that could damage team morale.

Pakistan, the 2009 T20 World Cup champions, are poised to make a strong run in the upcoming tournament in the United States. Despite a recent 0-2 series loss to England, the unpredictable Pakistani squad, led by Babar Azam, remains a formidable force.In a video released by the official broadcaster, key players expressed their excitement and determination to rectify the mistakes made in the previous edition, where they finished as runners-up to England.Babar Azam, the skipper, emphasized the team's thorough preparation and the unique excitement of playing in a major event. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the pace spearhead, acknowledged the novelty of the tournament's location in the US, expressing hope for a successful campaign.Mohammad Rizwan, the keeper-batter, recalled the team's disappointment in the previous final and their resolve to learn from their past mistakes. Naseem Shah, another pacer, highlighted the team's excitement for the new conditions and their desire to hold the trophy aloft.Azam Khan, the keeper-batter, expressed his joy at participating in his first World Cup and the unexpected opportunity to play in the United States.Pakistan's opening match against the US in Dallas on Thursday will set the tone for their tournament. However, their highly anticipated clash against archrivals India in New York on Sunday looms large, promising a thrilling encounter between two cricketing powerhouses.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup hopes rest on the shoulders of skipper Babar Azam, who aims to break the team's semi-final and runner-up jinx. Despite a chaotic build-up, Azam remains optimistic, believing it's their turn to lift the trophy.Pakistan's preparations have been marred by captaincy changes and coaching staff overhauls. However, the appointment of Mohsin Naqvi as PCB chairman and the inclusion of Gary Kirsten as white-ball coach have brought stability.The team has also bolstered its bowling attack with the return of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah remain key figures, while Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan provide spin options.Pakistan's batting, however, remains a concern. Despite the world-record partnership between Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the team has struggled to post totals over 200. Saim Ayub is expected to break up the opening partnership, while Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Azam Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed form a formidable middle-order.Consistency has been a major issue for Pakistan, who have shown flashes of brilliance but also inexplicable collapses. If they are to challenge for the title, their batters must step up and match the performances of their bowlers.Pakistan faces a tough group stage, with India, the United States, Canada, and Ireland as their opponents. A potential clash with India in New York could be a pivotal moment, as Pakistan has only won one of seven T20 World Cup matches against their arch-rivals.Despite the challenges, Azam is confident in his team's ability to return with the trophy. With a balanced squad and a renewed sense of purpose, Pakistan will be determined to make the third time lucky at the T20 World Cup.

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.