Cricket

Suresh Raina, the former Indian cricketer, recently engaged in a witty exchange with a Pakistani journalist who attempted to troll him over his comments on Shahid Afridi. The journalist's post on social media, which referenced Afridi's appointment as an ICC ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup, prompted Raina to deliver a savage response.Raina, known for his quick wit, reminded the journalist of India's victory over Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semifinal, which was played in Mohali. "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," Raina tweeted.The exchange stemmed from Raina's commentary duties on Jio Cinema, where he was asked by Aakash Chopra if he had any plans to revoke his retirement. Raina's cheeky response, "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi," referencing Afridi's multiple retirements, left the commentary box in splits.Raina, who announced his retirement from international cricket alongside MS Dhoni in 2020, has since been active in commentary. He retired from the IPL after the 2021 season, when CSK won their fourth title.Raina's response to the Pakistani journalist's troll attempt has garnered praise from fans and fellow cricketers alike. It highlights his sharp wit and his unwavering pride in his achievements with the Indian cricket team.

Shahid Afridi, the legendary Pakistani cricketer, has been appointed as a tournament ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, which will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA. Afridi joins an illustrious group of ambassadors that includes Yuvraj Singh of India, Chris Gayle of the West Indies, and Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man.Afridi is a towering figure in T20 World Cup history, having played a pivotal role in Pakistan's journey to the final of the inaugural tournament in 2007 and their triumph in the 2009 edition. He was named Player of the Tournament in 2007 despite Pakistan's loss to India in the final and was instrumental in Pakistan's victory in 2009, earning Player of the Match honors in both the semi-final against South Africa and the final against Sri Lanka.Reflecting on his appointment, Afridi expressed his excitement about being part of the upcoming edition. "The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart. From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favorite career highlights have come from competing on this stage," said Afridi. "T20 World Cups have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I'm thrilled to be part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches, and even more drama than ever before."Afridi also highlighted the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan fixture on June 9, calling it "one of the great rivalries in sport" and expressing his excitement for the match taking place in New York.Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager of Marketing and Communications, welcomed Afridi to the ambassador team. "Shahid competed in six ICC Men's T20 World Cups, two of which as captain, and delivered a Player of the Match performance when winning the trophy in 2009. So, who better to join our all-star Ambassador team?" said Furlong. "He's a fan favorite around the world and, alongside Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and eight-time Olympic gold-medallist Usain Bolt, will bring fans closer to the event ahead of what is set to be the biggest T20 World Cup ever."The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 1, with co-hosts USA taking on Canada at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

The India-Pakistan rivalry extends beyond the cricket field, with off-field banter and mischief adding to the intensity. Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina recently took a playful jab at Pakistani great Shahid Afridi during the IPL commentary.When asked if he would consider coming out of retirement, Raina quipped, "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi." The comment drew laughter from fellow commentators, referring to Afridi's history of retiring and then making U-turns.Meanwhile, Pakistan is reportedly in talks with West Indies legend Viv Richards to serve as team mentor for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Richards' vast experience and knowledge of Caribbean conditions make him an attractive candidate.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keen to secure Richards' services, despite his existing media commitments. The move is inspired by Richards' successful stint as a mentor for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League.Pakistan has undergone a significant revamp of its white-ball setup since the departure of former director of cricket Mohammad Hafeez. Former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten was recently appointed as head coach for limited-overs cricket.Kirsten, who guided India to the 2011 World Cup victory, will aim to inspire Pakistan to similar success. The team's upcoming four-match T20I series against England will serve as preparation for the World Cup.

India's Test cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, has expressed his desire to resume bilateral series with Pakistan, citing the potential benefits for the format. This statement has garnered a positive response from former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who believes sports can bridge the gap between the two nations.Rohit's comments came during a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, where he acknowledged Pakistan's strong bowling lineup and the competitive nature of their matches. He emphasized that playing Pakistan overseas would be a "great contest" and would benefit Test cricket.Afridi praised Rohit's "positive statement," stating that it aligns with his belief that sports can foster better relations between India and Pakistan. He highlighted the historical role of cricket in building bridges between the two countries and expressed his hope that bilateral series would resume.The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in 2007-08. Since then, political tensions have prevented the resumption of regular matches. However, both teams have faced each other in ICC tournaments, including the ODI World Cup last year, where India emerged victorious.The two sides are scheduled to meet again during the T20 World Cup later this year, with their match set to take place in New York on June 9. This encounter is highly anticipated by fans of both countries and could serve as a catalyst for further dialogue and cooperation.Rohit's statement and Afridi's response have reignited hopes for the resumption of bilateral series between India and Pakistan. While political factors remain a challenge, the desire for sporting competition and the potential benefits for Test cricket could provide a compelling case for overcoming these obstacles.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has vehemently defended his son-in-law, Shaheen Shah Afridi, amidst rumors of his potential removal as the national T20 captain. Afridi emphasized the importance of providing Shaheen with ample time to prove his worth."If you appoint someone as captain and entrust them with responsibility, you must also grant them time," Afridi asserted. He criticized the tendency in Pakistani cricket to overhaul the system with every change in leadership. "Whoever takes charge believes their approach is the best for Pakistan cricket," he lamented.Afridi believes Shaheen deserves a fair chance to demonstrate his capabilities. "If you change the captain, it implies either the initial decision to appoint him was flawed or the current decision to replace him is misguided," he reasoned.Afridi played a pivotal role in Shaheen's appointment as T20 captain after Pakistan's disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup. Babar Azam was subsequently removed as white-ball captain, and he later resigned from the red-ball captaincy.Afridi also advocated for the appointment of a high-profile foreign coach, such as Andy Flower, who possesses a proven track record. However, he stressed the importance of having a Pakistani support staff to foster the development of local talent.Regarding the inclusion of Imad Wasim and Muhammad Amir in the national training camp, Afridi expressed reservations about their fitness. "It would have been prudent to assess their fitness first," he said. However, he acknowledged that if they can endure the rigorous two-week camp in Kakul, they will emerge as exceptional players.Amir, who recently returned from retirement, has also voiced his support for Shaheen as T20 captain. "Shaheen is not lacking in ability, and I believe he should be given time to prove himself," he tweeted.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed concern over the recent struggles of fast bowler Haris Rauf, urging him to seek proper guidance to regain his form. Rauf's poor run of form began during last year's World Cup, where he claimed 16 wickets in 9 matches but leaked runs throughout the campaign. He then missed Pakistan's Test tour of Australia to participate in the Big Bash League.Upon his return to the squad during Pakistan's recent 4-1 T20I series loss against New Zealand, Rauf managed to take seven wickets in four matches but conceded 162 runs. Afridi, speaking to a local news channel, expressed his bewilderment at Rauf's struggles and emphasized the need for guidance from senior players."Right now, Haris Rauf seems to be struggling with his bowling, and I'm not quite understanding it. He needs honest help at this moment, the guidance of seniors is necessary because we shouldn't sideline him completely," Afridi said.Afridi acknowledged Rauf's potential and his past contributions that resulted in 'great success' for the Pakistan team. He believes that Rauf will improve further by playing longer-format cricket, which will help him develop his bowling skills."He has given some fantastic performances for Pakistan. That boy will improve even more when he plays longer-format cricket. When he plays four-day cricket, his bowling will automatically improve, but right now, he needs our support," Afridi added.Rauf's struggles have led to his central contract being terminated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week. The PCB stated that Rauf's contract was terminated on December 1, 2023, and he will not be granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) to play in any foreign league until June 30, 2024.The PCB's decision came after Rauf refused to feature in the Test series against Australia. The board provided Rauf with a chance for a personal hearing on January 30, but his response was found unsatisfactory.Rauf has played one Test, 37 ODIs, and 66 T20Is for Pakistan, taking 160 international wickets.