Cricket

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.

Ali Khan, the fast bowler who played a pivotal role in USA's historic T20I series win against Bangladesh, has expressed confidence in his team's ability to cause upsets at the upcoming T20 World Cup."We [USA] are hungry, and are going to try to eat whoever comes in our way," Khan declared. "This is a time where we can make some changes and adjust. Team looks balanced, and all the guys are hungry. I am sure USA will do some upset [in the T20 World Cup]."Khan, who was named Player of the Match for his 3 for 25 in the second T20I, emphasized the importance of showcasing USA's talent on the world stage. "We need to put USA out there on the world cricket map," he said. "Sometimes when you win against a big side, they say oh it is a fluke. But beating them twice, back-to-back, winning the series is not a fluke. We have the talent, skills and the ability if given the opportunities."Khan's performance in the second T20I was particularly impressive, as he dismissed experienced Bangladesh batsman Shakib Al Hasan and Tanzim Hasan in the 18th over, effectively ending Bangladesh's hopes of victory."The captain (Monank Patel) asked me to stay ready, and I stayed warmed up," Khan explained. "I knew I would be coming on to bowl the 18th and 20th over or the 17th and 19th depending on the situation. Right before I came on, we got a breakthrough and that added pressure on Bangladesh. I just backed myself and tried to do what I do best at the death."Khan's success against Shakib was a result of careful planning and execution. "The wicket got slower, and they were expecting me to bowl with pace, and that's why they threw their bats and helped me to get the inside edge with Shakib," he said. "The plan was to make them hit against the wind, which was the off side for Shakib and tried to throw the first ball away from him. He tried to drag it on and helped me get that wicket."The series win against Bangladesh has boosted the confidence of the USA team and individual players, according to Khan. "It's massive," he said. "In a series like this, individual performances count as well. As a team, just shows the world what we can do if given the opportunities. If we keep playing at this associate level or lower level, you are just going to stay there. But if you have more opportunities to play against bigger sides, top ten teams, there's definitely ways of doing an upset. More opportunities against full members will help us showcase our talent."Khan, who had gone for 1 for 49 in the first game, admitted that he needed some time to adjust to the conditions and find his rhythm. "I was coming back from a major injury and you need time in the middle to get back into rhythm," he said. "It was for me to just go out and get used to the conditions. It didn't go the way I would have liked, usually I don't go for that many runs. But it was my first game back, no excuse. What I learnt from that game, I tried to implement in this game."With the T20 World Cup approaching, Khan believes that the USA team has the potential to surprise their opponents. "The World Cup is coming up, so we don't have much time," he said. "I still feel there's a lot of improvement to be done."

Glenn Maxwell's dismal IPL 2024 campaign ended with a disappointing duck, leaving him with a meager 52 runs from nine innings. This slump has raised concerns about his form ahead of the T20 World Cup, where he is expected to play a pivotal role for Australia.Maxwell's struggles have been attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of match practice due to off-field commitments and the ongoing management of a leg injury. Despite his poor batting performance, his bowling has remained a highlight, making him a valuable asset to Australia's white-ball plans.While some experts believe Maxwell's form will improve in the World Cup, others have expressed concern about his recent slump. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch suggested that Maxwell may have been nearing the end of his IPL career, while former batter Callum Ferguson expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back.Maxwell's future in the IPL is also uncertain, with a mega auction on the horizon. He has previously stated that the IPL will likely be his last tournament, but it remains to be seen whether he will continue with Royal Challengers Bengaluru or explore other options.Despite his recent struggles, Maxwell remains a highly skilled player capable of extraordinary performances. His ability to marshal the middle order and dominate the phase after the powerplay will be crucial for Australia's success in the T20 World Cup.

West Indies, co-hosts of the upcoming T20 World Cup, showcased their dominance with a commanding 28-run victory over South Africa in their final warm-up match. Despite fielding a depleted squad, West Indies displayed their resilience and home-ground advantage at Sabina Park.Brandon King, captaining in place of Rovman Powell, led the charge with a blistering 79 off 45 deliveries. His aggressive innings, coupled with a 79-run partnership with Kyle Mayers, laid the foundation for West Indies' strong start. However, a late batting collapse saw them lose six wickets for 40 runs, finishing on 175 for 8.South Africa's bowling attack, led by debutant Ottneil Baartman and Andile Phehlukwayo, staged a remarkable comeback. Baartman, despite an early injury scare, claimed three wickets for 26 runs, while Phehlukwayo also bagged three wickets in his four-over spell.South Africa's top order struggled to gain momentum, with Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton failing to reach double figures. Reeza Hendricks emerged as the lone bright spot, scoring a career-best 87 off 51 balls. However, his late surge proved insufficient as Gudakesh Motie and Obed McCoy restricted South Africa's chase, dismissing them for 147 in the final over.King's impressive performance on his home ground highlighted his leadership qualities and aggressive batting style. His ability to dominate the strike and score boundaries early on set the tone for West Indies' innings.Despite a strong start, West Indies' middle order failed to capitalize on King's efforts. Andre Fletcher, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein, and Matthew Forde all fell cheaply, leaving Motie to be run out in the final over.Forde, who had struggled in his previous T20I appearance, redeemed himself with the crucial wicket of de Kock. His wide delivery outside off stump forced de Kock to nick behind, giving West Indies an early breakthrough.Hendricks' half-century was a testament to his consistent form in T20 cricket. His ability to time the ball early on and switch to power hitting later in the innings showcased his versatility. However, his efforts came too late to prevent South Africa's defeat.

India's decision to include four spinners in their T20 World Cup squad has sparked debate among cricket enthusiasts. Former England spinner Graeme Swann has endorsed the move, while ex-India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed reservations.Swann believes that the Caribbean conditions favor spin bowling, making India's decision to select four spinners a wise one. He emphasizes that the slow and low pitches in the region provide an advantage to spinners, who can extract turn and variation.However, Harbhajan questions the need for four spinners, arguing that three would have sufficed. He suggests that India may not field all four spinners in a single match, with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal being the likely trio.India's squad includes Jadeja, Yadav, Axar Patel, and Chahal as their four spinners. Notably, they lack an off-spinner, with Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin being overlooked due to lack of recent game time.India's decision to prioritize spin bowling stems from their extensive experience playing in the Caribbean. Rohit Sharma, the team's captain, has hinted at a specific reason for the selection of four spinners, but has declined to reveal it at this stage.India's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland, followed by a high-profile clash with Pakistan on June 9. They will then face the USA and Canada on June 12 and 15, respectively.

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.

Canada's Men's T20 World Cup preparations have been thrown into disarray just days before their opening match against the United States. Head coach Pubudu Dassanayeke has been sacked after two years in the role, following a reported letter of dissatisfaction from players.Dassanayeke's dismissal comes amidst rumors of unrest within the team and surprising selection decisions. A new three-member selection panel, excluding the head coach, was appointed last month, leading to the exclusion of Nikhil Dutta and the dropping of Jeremy Gordon.Dassanayeke had been in his second stint as Canada's head coach since July 2022. He previously coached the United States and Nepal twice. Under his guidance, Canada qualified for the Men's T20 World Cup for the first time by winning the ICC Americas T20 Regional Final.The team also regained its ODI status at the 2023 World Cup Qualifier Playoff and gained promotion from the CWC Challenge League to CWC League 2, where they currently sit at the top of the table.However, reports suggest that dissatisfaction with Dassanayeke's coaching methods and selection decisions had been growing within the team. A board meeting is expected to be held to discuss the matter, but there is little expectation of a reversal.No replacement for Dassanayeke has been named yet. Canada, captained by Saad Bin Zafar, are drawn in Group A of the Men's T20 World Cup alongside co-hosts USA, India, Pakistan, and Ireland.

England's T20 World Cup preparations have taken a psychological turn as they seek to rediscover their winning ways. Head coach Matthew Mott has enlisted the services of Manchester City's psychologist, David Young, to help the team become more emotionally resilient under pressure.Young, who previously worked with England from 2016 to 2020, has been brought back as a consultant ahead of the World Cup in the Caribbean. His appointment was influenced by Jos Buttler, who credits Young for his performance in the 2019 World Cup final.Mott believes it is time for England to "get the mojo back" after a disappointing 50-over World Cup last year. He has encouraged the team to be more open and vulnerable with each other, recognizing that they were too insular in India."We've made a commitment to be a bit more open in and around our training sessions, to help each other out a bit more," Mott said. "In India, all of us were guilty of being a bit insular, and trying to problem-solve ourselves."Mott has been impressed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru's resurgence in the IPL, suggesting that England could learn from their aggressive approach. He also acknowledged the criticism from former captain Eoin Morgan, but emphasized that only those within the dressing room can fully understand the team's dynamics.Buttler has indicated that he needs to provide more clarity to certain players, and Mott believes the squad will drive this change. "My style of coaching has always been more of a cooperative approach - keep asking questions on what does their game look like at its best, and if they're veering away from that, to drag them back on track," Mott said.England will confirm their World Cup squad before Saturday's second T20I against Pakistan. Despite niggles for Liam Livingstone and Mark Wood, Mott expects them to be available for selection later in the series. Jofra Archer's return has been delayed by rain, but he is likely to play in at least two of the remaining three T20Is.

Rinku Singh's omission from India's T20 World Cup squad has raised eyebrows, given his impressive T20I record. In 15 matches, he has amassed 356 runs at an astonishing average of 89 and a strike rate of 176.24. However, his recent form in the IPL 2024 has been a cause for concern.In 13 games, Singh has managed only 168 runs at an average of 18.67 and a strike rate of 148.67. This dip in form has led to questions about his ability to perform at the highest level.Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Singh has not made the most of his opportunities in the IPL. "He's had opportunities and he came quite early on some occasions, but couldn't maximize that chance," Vaughan said.Vaughan, however, remains optimistic about Singh's long-term prospects. "He's a terrific player who can strike the ball. His level is so high now, because we expect. In T20s, you got to take so many risks, that every now and then, you have a run of games where it doesn't quite go your way.""You are talking about trying to hit it out of the ground on a regular basis, and every now and then you can get caught. As long as his mindset is purely to be aggressive - he's a better player that way - he will be absolutely fine."Vaughan believes that Singh's lean phase is temporary. "I have seen him in the last few years, where he will just explode. He averages 80 for India because he stays not out at the end, he's a quality player. He's not a flash in the pan, I don't think in two years, we are gonna be like 'Where's Rinku Singh gone! He's disappeared. He's not the player we thought he was'," Vaughan said."He just having one of those periods. The top order works, whereas in the previous year, it wasn't working and he was getting to bat earlier on a regular basis. He could knock around for a while and then explode. He's had some opportunities but primarily came further down at the backend. In t20 cricket, you may get out while trying to be aggressive."Despite his recent struggles, Singh remains a highly talented batsman with the potential to be a match-winner for India. His omission from the T20 World Cup squad is a setback, but it should not be seen as a reflection of his overall ability.