Cricket

Ahmed Shehzad's Street Cricket Humiliation: Former Pakistan Captain Clean Bowled ThriceFormer Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad, who has been critical of current captain Babar Azam, has faced a humiliating experience on the streets of Chitral. A viral video shows Shehzad batting in a street game, using a chair as a wicket.Despite boasting of hitting sixes, Shehzad was clean bowled three times out of four deliveries by a local bowler who was not even in proper cricket attire. The former Pakistan batsman only managed to play one ball, which was a mistimed shot.Shehzad's performance in the street game is a stark contrast to his international career, where he played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs, and 59 T20Is for Pakistan. He scored 982, 2605, and 1471 runs in these formats, respectively. However, his career has been marred by controversies and inconsistent form.Shehzad's recent criticism of Babar Azam has drawn attention to his own struggles. During the T20 World Cup, he had questioned Azam's captaincy and accused him of favoritism.The video of Shehzad's street cricket humiliation has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Some have criticized him for his poor performance, while others have defended him, saying that he is still a talented player.Despite his recent setbacks, Shehzad remains a popular figure in Pakistan. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to hit big shots. However, he will need to improve his consistency and discipline if he wants to regain his place in the national team.

Eoin Morgan, the former England white-ball captain, has vehemently denied rumors linking him to the England men's white-ball coaching position, which is currently held by Matthew Mott. Morgan's denial came amidst speculation that he could replace Mott following England's disappointing semi-final exit at the T20 World Cup."This news is actually news to me," Morgan said while commentating on the Hundred for Sky Sports. "It's obviously not nice when a coach comes under fire and there is a lot of speculation about his future, but only time will tell what will happen."Mott, who is halfway through a four-year contract, led England to a T20 World Cup title just six months after his appointment. However, his position has come under scrutiny after England's underwhelming performances in the last two global tournaments.At the 50-over World Cup last year, England won only three out of nine games, with two of those victories coming after their elimination. At the T20 World Cup, they reached the semi-finals but were comprehensively defeated by India.England's managing director, Rob Key, has stated that he will review the team's performance at the T20 World Cup "in the next few weeks." The Times reported that Mott is likely to leave his role and that Key is considering potential candidates, including Morgan.However, Morgan has made it clear that he has no interest in the coaching position at this time. "My answer has simply been that the timing for everything in my life at the moment is not right," Morgan said. "Yes, I want to coach down the line. But I have a young family, and I spend a lot more time at home and watching cricket doing this [commentary]. I'm absolutely loving what I'm doing."Meanwhile, England captain Jos Buttler is expected to miss the Hundred this year due to a calf injury. Manchester Originals, Buttler's team, are reportedly lining up potential replacements.

Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shocked the cricketing world by announcing their retirement from T20 internationals after India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024. The unexpected news left fans and experts alike stunned.While Kohli made the announcement during the post-match presentation ceremony, Sharma shared his decision in a press conference after the game. Many speculated that the retirements were pre-planned, but India's former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey revealed that neither Kohli, Sharma, nor Ravindra Jadeja had hinted at their intentions to quit the shortest format.In an interview with Hindustan Times, Mhambrey expressed surprise at the trio's sudden decision. "I think no one was expecting that," he said. "If you had any conversation earlier, we would have known this would be coming. But none of them had this conversation."Mhambrey believes that the retirements were a fitting end to the illustrious careers of Kohli, Sharma, and Jadeja. "If you look at it from the players' perspective, there can't be a better end to one format, right?" he said. "We are talking about people who have been part of the dressing room for maybe more than a decade, 12-13 years."Kohli, who was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team, had been desperate to add a T20 World Cup title to his resume. "Not to win a World Cup since 2011 must have been big," Mhambrey said. "He wanted that badly."Sharma, who led India to victory in the 2024 tournament, also felt that it was the right time to step away from T20 internationals. "After winning the T20 World Cup, especially the stage that their careers are in... they're no longer young," Mhambrey said. "You've got to sometimes choose. You have to decide what formats you're going to play and cut down the cricket to focus on a particular format because age is not on your side."The retirements of Kohli, Sharma, and Jadeja mark the end of an era for Indian cricket. However, Mhambrey believes that the team has a bright future ahead. "We have a lot of young players who are coming through," he said. "We have a lot of talent in the country. So, I think Indian cricket is in good hands."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed a three-member committee to investigate allegations of financial impropriety and poor oversight in the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The committee, comprising Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo, and Imran Khwaja, has been given a free hand to conduct a thorough forensic audit and probe the matter.The decision to launch an investigation follows the resignations of two high-ranking ICC officials, Chris Tetley and Claire Furlong. The committee will examine the roles of Tetley and Furlong during the World Cup and determine if any further action is necessary.Sources within the ICC indicate that the committee has the authority to recommend the resignation of both ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice if the investigation uncovers evidence of wrongdoing. The committee will also review the financial management of the tournament and identify any areas where improvements can be made.The ICC's Annual Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, concluded on Monday, with the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) and the Finance & Commercial Affairs Committee holding meetings. The conference discussed the ongoing investigation and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability.The ICC has a responsibility to its members and fans worldwide to ensure the integrity of its tournaments. The investigation into the T20 World Cup is a crucial step towards restoring confidence in the organization and ensuring that future events are conducted with the highest standards of financial oversight.

Suryakumar Yadav's sensational catch to dismiss David Miller in the T20 World Cup 2024 final proved to be a pivotal moment in India's triumph. The catch, which sparked controversy over whether Yadav's feet touched the boundary line, was hailed by teammate Axar Patel as "high-pressure" and "amazing."Patel, who was fielding at mid-wicket, initially believed the ball had cleared the boundary. However, Yadav's acrobatic effort left his teammates questioning whether he had stepped on the rope. "Even Surya bhai was not sure," Patel revealed. "First he said Yes I am confident and within a few seconds he said I am not sure. Thoda doubtful lag raha (I am not too sure)."Upon reviewing the replay, the Indian team erupted in jubilation, believing they had secured the World Cup. "It was a high-pressure catch and the way he maintained his balance was amazing," Patel said.Yadav's catch was not the only highlight of India's victory. Patel's own stunning catch at deep mid-wicket to dismiss Mitchell Marsh in the match against Australia also played a crucial role. However, Patel ranked Yadav's catch higher."That catch gave us the World Cup and I am happy with being the second-best," Patel said. "I was confident of taking it with both my hands. But it was flying and in the last second I had to time my jump, stretch my one hand and it stuck. But if I have to pick, any day I would keep Surya bhai's catch ahead of mine."Yadav's catch has been widely praised for its athleticism and precision. It is a testament to his exceptional fielding skills and his unwavering determination to contribute to India's success.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as India's head coach culminated in a triumphant note as he led the team to a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final on June 29. The victory marked India's first ICC title in 11 years, a moment that deeply moved veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, described the emotional moment when Dravid embraced the ICC T20 World Cup trophy and shed tears. "I saw him hug the cup and cry. Rahul Dravid screamed and cried. I saw him enjoy it. I felt that a lot," Ashwin said.Dravid, a batting legend, had never won an ICC title during his playing career. His tenure as coach was marked by both success and adversity, including the early elimination from the 2007 50-over World Cup.Despite the challenges, Ashwin praised Dravid's unwavering dedication and hard work. "I know what he has been doing with this team for the past two-three years. I know how balanced he has been. I know how hard he has worked to change this approach," Ashwin said.In the T20 World Cup final, India's batting duo of Virat Kohli and Axar Patel played crucial roles in setting a competitive target. Kohli's impressive knock of 76 runs, combined with Patel's quick-fire 47, helped India reach a total of 176 for 7.The Indian bowlers faced a challenging task in defending the total, but they held their nerves in a tense finish. The pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh proved instrumental in securing the victory. Bumrah's miserly spell of 2/18, Pandya's crucial 3/20, and Arshdeep's equally critical 2/20 in the death overs suffocated the opposition's chase, ultimately leading to a narrow seven-run win for India.The victory marked India's second T20 World Cup title, a fitting end to Dravid's tenure as coach. Gautam Gambhir will succeed Dravid as the new head coach, commencing his tenure with the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Annual Conference concluded in Colombo on Monday, bringing forth significant decisions and updates.Review of T20 World Cup 2024The ICC Board has initiated a review of the delivery of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. A three-member committee comprising Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo, and Imran Khwaja will oversee the review and report back to the Board later this year.Non-Compliance Warnings for USA Cricket and Cricket ChileThe ICC has issued official warnings to USA Cricket and Cricket Chile, granting them a 12-month period to address their non-compliance with membership criteria. Both members have been found to lack adequate governance and administrative structures. The ICC Americas office will assist Cricket Chile in addressing the issues, while a Normalisation Committee will be established to monitor USA Cricket's compliance roadmap.Regional Qualifying Spots for T20 World Cup 2026The Chief Executives' Committee has confirmed the allocation of eight regional qualifying spots for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Two teams will qualify from Africa and Europe, one from the Americas, and three from a combined Asia and EAP regional final.Commitment to Gender EqualityThe ICC has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equality between men's and women's cricket. As part of this strategy, the Women's T20 World Cup in 2030 will be expanded from 12 to 16 participating teams.Qualification Cut-Off Date for Women's T20 World Cup 2026The ICC has set the qualification cut-off date for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 qualifier as 31 October 2024. This aligns with the ICC's efforts to foster the growth and development of women's cricket globally.Appointment to Men's Cricket CommitteePaul Reiffel, a member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, has been appointed to the ICC Men's Cricket Committee.

Arshdeep Singh, India's rising star pacer, has hailed the recent T20 World Cup triumph as the most memorable match of his career. The 25-year-old played a pivotal role in India's victory, claiming 2-20 in his four overs against South Africa in the thrilling final.Despite not being part of India's ODI World Cup final team last year or the IPL final, Arshdeep displayed remarkable composure under pressure. His impressive performance in the T20 World Cup, where he emerged as India's leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps, showcased his exceptional talent."For cricketers, every match is crucial, but the World Cup final holds a special place in my heart," Arshdeep told IANS. "Winning the trophy was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere, the intensity, and the joy of lifting the cup with my teammates made it incredibly special. It's a moment I'll cherish forever, knowing we made our country proud on such a grand stage."Arshdeep's impressive T20I record, with 79 wickets in 52 matches at an average of 18.40, further highlights his prowess. He will now travel with the Indian team to Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I and ODI series, starting on July 27.Arshdeep's journey to the top has been marked by hard work and determination. He made his international debut in 2022 and has quickly established himself as a key member of India's bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a formidable opponent.As India gears up for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, Arshdeep will be looking to continue his impressive form. His performances will be crucial as India aims to maintain its dominance in the shortest format of the game.

Arshdeep Singh, the young Indian left-arm fast bowler, has emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His stellar performance in the recent T20 World Cup, where he emerged as India's highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, has silenced his critics and cemented his place as a vital cog in the team's future.Arshdeep's journey to success has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. He faced significant backlash on social media after dropping a crucial catch against Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. However, he refused to let the criticism derail his focus, instead using it as fuel to prove his worth.In an exclusive interview with IANS, Arshdeep reflected on his experiences, highlighting the importance of learning from each match and focusing on refining his skills for future opportunities. He also acknowledged the challenges of dealing with criticism and maintaining focus during tough times."Facing criticism and tough times is part of a cricketer's journey," he stated. "You have to learn how to be level-headed when you are playing for your country at such a level regardless of the situation."Arshdeep credited his support system, including family, coaches, and teammates, for helping him stay grounded and motivated during difficult phases. He spoke highly of Rohit Sharma's captaincy, highlighting his calm demeanor and strategic thinking."Playing under Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been an incredible experience," Arshdeep remarked. "He allows every bowler full freedom to execute what they want to do on the field. His calm demeanor on the field and his strategic thinking are truly inspiring."Arshdeep also reflected on the immense contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to T20I cricket. He praised Rohit's explosive batting and sharp captaincy, as well as Virat's consistent performances and relentless pursuit of excellence."Their passion, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure have inspired many young cricketers, including myself," he said.Arshdeep emphasized the invaluable support of his family during tough times. "Family support during tough times is invaluable," he shared. "My family has always been my pillar of strength, providing unwavering support and encouragement through all the ups and downs."When asked about his favorite match, Arshdeep chose the recent World Cup final. "Winning the trophy was an unforgettable experience," he concluded. "The atmosphere, the intensity, and the sheer joy of lifting the cup with my teammates made it incredibly special. It is a moment I'll cherish forever, knowing we made our country proud on such a grand stage."Arshdeep Singh's journey exemplifies the power of resilience and determination. It showcases how perseverance and support can lead to triumph in the face of adversity, inspiring young cricketers to embrace challenges and strive for greatness.