Cricket

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has urged the team to make significant changes following their disappointing loss to India in the T20 World Cup. Afridi believes that Pakistan's batting lineup needs a shakeup, suggesting that Fakhar Zaman should open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with skipper Babar Azam dropping down to No. 3.Afridi also called for the inclusion of Salman Ali Agha and Abrar Ahmed in the playing eleven, replacing Usman Khan and Shadab Khan respectively. He emphasized the need for consistency, self-belief, and discipline, qualities that he believes Pakistan lacked in their defeat to India.Pakistan's batting has been a major concern, with the team failing to click as a unit. Afridi criticized their weak display of power hitting, arguing that they lacked the strategy and smart cricket required to chase down India's modest total of 119.Afridi pointed to India's dominant record against Pakistan in world events, highlighting the pressure that the team faces in such high-stakes matches. He believes that Pakistan's inability to handle the pressure contributed to their defeat."On the big days, you have to have nerves of steel until you make it through," Afridi said. "India stayed positive and calm until the last ball, while Pakistan failed to handle the pressure of the run chase."Afridi's suggestions aim to address Pakistan's weaknesses and turn their fortunes around in the tournament. With a crucial must-win game against Canada on Tuesday, the team will need to make some tough decisions and find a way to regain their composure and confidence.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup Woes Deepen Amidst Accusations and Internal DiscordPakistan's disappointing start to the ICC T20 World Cup continued with a six-run defeat to arch-rivals India, leaving their Super Eight hopes hanging in the balance. The loss has sparked a flurry of accusations and hints of internal discord within the team.Former captain Salim Malik has pointed the finger at all-rounder Imad Wasim, accusing him of deliberately wasting balls during Pakistan's chase of 120 runs. Wasim's slow-paced innings saw him take 23 deliveries to score just 15 runs, a move that Malik believes hindered Pakistan's run chase."You look at his (Wasim) innings and it appears as if he was wasting balls, not scoring runs, and making things difficult in the run-chase," Malik said on the 24 News channel.Adding to the controversy, another former captain, Shahid Afridi, hinted at internal discord within the team, suggesting that some players have issues with skipper Babar Azam. Afridi emphasized the crucial role of a captain in maintaining team unity and morale."A captain brings everyone together; either he spoils the team environment or he builds the team. Let this World Cup finish, and I will speak openly," Afridi said.Afridi also noted his close relationship with left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi, his son-in-law, who was removed as T20 captain just before the World Cup.Pakistan's team has come under fire following consecutive losses to the USA and India, putting their Super Eight chances in jeopardy. Pakistan's hopes now rely on winning convincingly against Canada and Ireland, while also hoping for losses by the USA to India and Ireland. Even if these conditions are met, the final qualification will likely depend on the net run rate.The team's poor performance has raised questions about the leadership of Babar Azam and the overall team chemistry. The accusations and hints of internal discord have further fueled the controversy surrounding Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign.

Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain and current T20 World Cup ambassador, has drawn a striking comparison between the India-Pakistan cricket match and the iconic Super Bowl in the United States. He believes that the upcoming T20 World Cup clash between the two arch-rivals on June 9 in New York will be a spectacle that will captivate American audiences and cricket enthusiasts alike.Afridi, who has experienced the intensity of India-Pakistan matches firsthand, emphasized the immense pressure and excitement that surround these encounters. He believes that the team that can handle the nerves and execute their game plan under pressure will emerge victorious."Against India, it is about handling the pressure of the occasion," Afridi said. "There is so much talent in both teams, they just need to put it together on the day. That will be the case in that game and in the tournament overall. The team that can hold its nerve will come out on top."Afridi also highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where even lower-order batters can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match. He believes that Pakistan has the potential to win the tournament, despite their recent inconsistent form."T20 cricket is so unpredictable, and teams can bat so deep now," Afridi said. "I hope that will be Pakistan this time around, but it is hard to pick a favorite."Afridi expressed confidence in Pakistan's bowling attack, which he believes will thrive in the Caribbean conditions. He also praised the American public's enthusiasm for sports and predicted that cricket will gain popularity in the United States in the coming years."This is also a huge tournament for American cricket," Afridi said. "People are going to love the support in the States. There is a great expat community over there which absolutely loves cricket. And the Americans absolutely love their sport, whether it is American football, basketball or baseball.""I really believe that cricket will hit the mainstream over there in the next few years, which is very exciting for up-and-coming cricketers," Afridi added.

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, stands tall as the only player to have won the prestigious "Player of the Tournament" award twice in the history of the T20 World Cup, claiming the honor in both 2014 and 2016. His exceptional ability to deliver match-winning performances under immense pressure has cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.Kohli's hunger for success, coupled with his impeccable technique and mental fortitude, has earned him a place among the cricketing elite. His ability to adapt to different situations and his consistency at the top of the order have made him a vital cog in India's success.Other notable recipients of the "Player of the Tournament" award include Shahid Afridi (2007), Tillakaratne Dilshan (2009), Kevin Pietersen (2010), Shane Watson (2012), David Warner (2021), and Sam Curran (2022).Afridi, the flamboyant Pakistani all-rounder, etched his name in history with his explosive batting and crafty leg-spin bowling. His ability to single-handedly turn the tide of a match with his audacious strokeplay and clever variations was a sight to behold.Dilshan, the Sri Lankan batting maestro, was renowned for his innovative "Dilscoop" shot and aggressive batting approach. His ability to adapt to different situations and his consistency at the top of the order made him a vital cog in Sri Lanka's success.Pietersen, the swashbuckling English batsman, claimed the award in 2010. His ability to dominate any bowling attack with his array of audacious shots and sheer power made him a nightmare for opposition teams. Pietersen's fearless approach and ability to rise to the occasion in crunch situations set him apart from his contemporaries.Watson, the Australian all-rounder, was the deserving winner in 2012. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him an invaluable asset to his team. Watson's power-hitting and incisive bowling spells often turned the tide in Australia's favor, making him a true match-winner.Warner, the swashbuckling Australian opener, etched his name in the annals of T20 World Cup history by claiming the award in 2021. His blistering batting displays, coupled with his exceptional running between the wickets, made him a force to be reckoned with. Warner's ability to set the tone for his team with his aggressive intent was a sight to behold.Curran, the young English all-rounder, emerged as the surprise winner in 2022. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with his composure under pressure, made him a standout performer. Curran's versatility and maturity beyond his years bode well for his future in the game.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has revealed that he had a conversation with Suresh Raina regarding Raina's social media post that took a dig at Afridi. The post was made after Afridi was announced as an ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.In the post, a Twitter user wrote, "ICC has named Shahid Afridi as ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Hello Suresh Raina." Raina responded by saying, "I'm not an ICC ambassador, but I have the 2011 World Cup at my house. Remember the game at Mohali? Hope it brings back some unforgettable memories for you."Afridi addressed the post on his YouTube channel, stating that he had spoken to Raina about it and that everything was fine between them. "Suresh Raina and I have shared many cricketing moments, and he's a good person," Afridi said. "Sometimes, lighthearted banter happens. After seeing his post on social media, I spoke with him, and he understood the situation like a younger brother. He agreed to delete the tweet. It's all good; these things happen. Great individuals acknowledge and rectify their mistakes."Earlier, Raina had taken a humorous dig at Afridi during the IPL 2024 while answering a question from commentator Aakash Chopra. When asked if he had any plans to reverse his retirement decision, Raina joked, "I am Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi."Afridi's appointment as an ambassador for the T20 World Cup 2024 places him alongside other notable ambassadors such as Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Usain Bolt. Afridi has been a key figure in Pakistan's T20 World Cup history, playing a pivotal role in their journey to the final in the inaugural tournament in 2007 and their triumph in the 2009 edition.

The 2024 T20 World Cup is fast approaching, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the renewal of one of the sport's most intense rivalries: India vs. Pakistan. In a recent interview with the ICC, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi shared his thoughts on the iconic match between the two nations at the 2021 T20 World Cup.Afridi expressed his regret at not being present for Pakistan's historic 10-wicket victory over India in Dubai. "I achieved a lot, played a lot of cricket, and experienced a lot, but we hadn't beaten India in a World Cup before," he said. "That was an unfulfilled wish."Afridi, who is now an ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup, believes that the match was a defining moment for Pakistan cricket. "That was one of the moments I felt I should have been there on that occasion," he said. "That is one opportunity I missed."The 2021 T20 World Cup victory was a significant achievement for Pakistan, and it remains a cherished memory for fans. The team's dominant performance, led by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, showcased their potential and sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.As the 2024 T20 World Cup draws near, fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling encounter between India and Pakistan. The match, scheduled for June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, is sure to be a spectacle that will captivate audiences worldwide.

Pakistan's Bowling Line-Up: A Force to Reckon With at T20 World CupFormer Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has hailed Pakistan's bowling attack as the most formidable in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on June 1. Afridi's assertion stems from Pakistan's impressive performance in the previous edition, where they emerged as runners-up.In a video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Afridi lauded the exceptional talent and depth of Pakistan's pace battery, which boasts the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. "No other cricket team in the world possesses such a potent bowling line-up," Afridi declared. "Our four fast bowlers are highly skilled, and even those on the bench, like Abbas Afridi, have exceptional abilities, including a deceptive slower ball."Afridi expressed unwavering confidence in the bowlers' ability to outclass world-class batters. However, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has raised concerns about the team's bowling strategy. Raja emphasized that while Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a standout performer, he needs to diversify his bowling tactics, particularly when the ball is not swinging."Shaheen Shah Afridi's bowling is a concern," Raja remarked on his YouTube channel after Pakistan's recent 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I. "If the ball isn't swinging and he bowls at full length, he becomes vulnerable. He must develop a shorter length and vary his pace, especially when the pitch offers little assistance."Pakistan will face England in the third T20I in Cardiff on Tuesday, a crucial encounter for the team to address these concerns and refine their strategies ahead of the World Cup.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina and Pakistani legend Shahid Afridi have engaged in a playful banter over Raina's retirement and Afridi's appointment as an ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup.During an IPL commentary stint, Raina had quipped, "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi," when asked about a potential comeback. Afridi remained silent, but a Pakistani fan recently reminded Raina of his remarks."ICC has named Shahid Afridi as ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Hello Suresh Raina?" the fan posted on Twitter.Raina responded with a cheeky reminder of India's victory over Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup final. "I'm not an ICC ambassador, but I have the 2011 World Cup at my house. Remember the game at Mohali? Hope it brings back some unforgettable memories for you," he tweeted.Afridi, who played a crucial role in Pakistan's T20 World Cup triumph in 2009, joins an illustrious group of ambassadors for the tournament, including Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Usain Bolt."The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart," said Afridi. "I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on 9 June. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter."Raina's witty response and Afridi's enthusiasm for the T20 World Cup have sparked a friendly rivalry between the two former cricketers. Their banter has also highlighted the enduring passion for the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, which remains one of the most intense and captivating in the world.

Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi has expressed optimism about the national team's chances of reaching the final of the upcoming 2024 Men's T20 World Cup. Afridi believes that the conditions in the West Indies and the USA, where the tournament will be held, will favor Pakistan's strengths.Pakistan has a strong track record in the T20 World Cup, having won the title in 2009 and finishing as runners-up in 2007 and 2022. They have also reached the semi-finals in 2010, 2012, and 2021.Afridi highlighted the team's exceptional bowling attack as a key factor in their success. "I think in any cricket team in the world, nobody has such a strong bowling line-up," he said. "All our four fast bowlers have a lot of skill and even the bowlers sitting on the bench like Abbas (Afridi)...has a lot of skill with a good slower ball."He also praised the team's batting lineup, but urged them to improve their strike rate in the middle overs. "The thing that bothers me is the strike rate of our batters, especially in between the seven to thirteen over phase," he said. "I hope that the strike rate improves in that phase. In terms of runs per over, eight or nine runs per over are needed."Afridi declined to single out any one player as the key to Pakistan's success, but he emphasized the importance of captain Babar Azam's leadership. "But if I had to pick one, I would pick the captain Babar Azam, because he is the leader," he said. "I want him to perform well, and make timely decisions which will take the team to victory."Overall, Afridi is confident in Pakistan's ability to make a deep run in the 2024 T20 World Cup. "I feel Pakistan should make the final," he said. "The reason is that the conditions (in the West Indies and the USA) suit our team. If we look at the spinners in our team, they are outstanding. They might not be in form but I know they will return in form. If we talk about fast bowling, it’s an incredible attack. In batting, we have great strength.”