Cricket

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked widespread criticism and calls for action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Reports indicate that the board is considering drastic measures, including sacking up to nine players from the current squad.PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has hinted at a "major surgery" within the team, suggesting that the board may need to "look beyond" the current players. This follows Pakistan's humiliating defeat to India, which exposed glaring weaknesses in the team's performance.However, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has defended the players, arguing that the PCB shares equal responsibility for the debacle. He has called for the sacking of all PCB members and the governing body, accusing them of selecting the wrong players and failing to provide adequate training and support.Latif's comments echo concerns raised by many Pakistani cricket fans, who believe that the PCB has mismanaged the team and failed to address long-standing issues. Last year, the PCB announced significant increases in player earnings, but this has not translated into improved performances on the field.PCB chief Naqvi had also promised a bonus payment of USD 100,000 to each player if they won the tournament. However, this incentive has failed to motivate the team, which has struggled to find consistency and cohesion.The PCB is now facing pressure to take decisive action to address the team's poor performance. The board is expected to review the central contracts of the players and potentially reduce their salaries. It is also considering appointing a new selection committee and coaching staff.The future of Pakistan cricket hangs in the balance as the PCB grapples with the fallout from the T20 World Cup debacle. The board must now make tough decisions to rebuild the team and restore its former glory.

The Netherlands and Sri Lanka face off in a crucial Group B encounter at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Gros Islet, with both teams seeking a much-needed victory.For Sri Lanka, this tournament has been a disappointment, with a washout against Nepal and a heavy defeat to Bangladesh leaving them on the brink of elimination. The team's confidence has been shaken, and they face an uphill battle to qualify for the Super Eight.The Netherlands, on the other hand, still have a chance to advance, but they need a dominant win against Sri Lanka and a Nepal victory over Bangladesh. This scenario would be a testament to the growing strength of Associate members in T20 cricket.Sri Lanka has a perfect 9-0 record against the Netherlands in limited-overs cricket, but their recent encounters have been closer than the scorecards suggest. The Dutch have impressed with their spin bowling, and Aryan Dutt could be a key player in Gros Islet.Angelo Mathews, a veteran of Sri Lanka's 2009 T20 World Cup triumph, is under pressure to adapt to the modern game's aggressive approach. The team's power-hitters are currently limited to the top three, and Mathews needs to step up to provide support.The pitch at Gros Islet is expected to favor spin bowling, and both teams may consider fielding an extra spinner. The Netherlands could bring in Saqib Zulfiqar, while Sri Lanka may hand Dunith Wellalage a T20I debut.The weather forecast suggests a possibility of rain later in the night, which could impact the match.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has defended Virat Kohli's poor start to the 2024 T20 World Cup, attributing it to the challenging batting conditions at New York's Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. Kohli has managed only five runs in the tournament so far, raising concerns about his form.Harbhajan emphasized that it would be unfair to judge Kohli's performance on a pitch that was not conducive to batting. "I do not want to judge anyone on that pitch as batting was difficult on that pitch," he said. "Virat Kohli didn't score runs because the conditions were like that. You cannot judge a player in those conditions."Instead, Harbhajan highlighted the need for consistency from the Indian batting unit, particularly in the opening overs. "Runs are obviously expected from Virat Kohli," he said. "We also need to consistently see partnerships that we aren't getting in the first six overs. Then your middle order is set. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube have scored runs."Yadav and Dube played crucial roles in India's victory against the USA, guiding the team to a win after a shaky start. Kohli will have an opportunity to improve his form in the Super 8 stage, as India moves to Lauderhill, Florida.Despite Kohli's struggles, India has secured a spot in the Super 8, winning all three of their New York games. They are guaranteed to face Australia and Afghanistan in the next round, with Bangladesh likely to be the fourth team in the group.

Australia's Mitchell Marsh: Super Eights to Test Team Against World's BestAustralian captain Mitchell Marsh expressed his team's eagerness to face the world's top teams in the Super Eights of the ICC T20 World Cup. After their dominant five-wicket victory over Scotland, Marsh emphasized the importance of playing in a challenging environment to bring out the best in his squad."We spoke about sticking to our game and staying consistent in how we wanted to play," Marsh said after the match. "Having already qualified, there was less pressure on us, but whenever our team is challenged, it brings the best out of us."Marsh praised Scotland's progress, acknowledging their highest-ever finish in an ICC tournament. "Scotland are a good team, they have improved a lot, and we certainly wanted to respect them," he said.The Australian skipper also acknowledged the hectic schedule ahead in the Super Eights. "It's going to be a busy schedule. T20 is a hard format, but we are excited for what is to come," Marsh said.Australia's victory secured their top spot in Group B with eight points from four wins. Scotland finished third with five points, but failed to advance to the Super Eights. England also qualified, sharing the same points and win-loss record as Scotland but with a superior net run rate.

Australia emerged victorious over Scotland in a thrilling Group B encounter of the T20 World Cup in St Lucia, securing a five-wicket triumph. The victory propelled Australia into the Super Eight stage of the tournament, while Scotland's defeat paved the way for England's qualification as the second team from the group.Chasing a challenging target of 181, Australia faced early setbacks but found their footing through the heroics of Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis. Head played a pivotal role, scoring a crucial 68 runs, while Stoinis contributed a valuable 59. Their partnership laid the foundation for Australia's recovery, and the finishing touches were applied by Matthew Wade (4*) and Tim David (24*). Australia reached the winning total of 186/5 in 19.4 overs.Earlier, Scotland had set a competitive target, thanks to a blistering knock from Brandon McMullen. McMullen's 60 runs off just 34 deliveries, including six towering sixes and two boundaries, provided the impetus for Scotland's innings. He forged a formidable 89-run partnership with George Munsey (35).Scotland captain Richie Berrington also played a significant role, contributing an unbeaten 42 runs. His crucial innings and partnerships in the latter stages of the innings helped Scotland post a respectable total of 180 for five.Australia's victory was a testament to their resilience and the match-winning performances of Head and Stoinis. Scotland, despite their valiant effort, fell short of securing a berth in the Super Eight stage.

Namibia's David Wiese, a seasoned all-rounder, has announced his retirement from international cricket after the conclusion of their T20 World Cup 2024 group stage match against England. The decision marks the end of a remarkable career for the 39-year-old, who has played a pivotal role in Namibia's rise in international cricket.Wiese's retirement announcement came after he was dismissed by Jofra Archer in the final over of Namibia's chase in a rain-curtailed match in North Sound. As he walked off the field, he received a warm ovation from the crowd and handshakes from the England players."I'm 39 years old now, so in terms of international cricket, I don't know if there's much left in me," Wiese said in the post-match press conference. "I've had a lot of good times with Namibia, and to play my last game for them possibly at a World Cup against a world-class team like England, it just seemed like the right time."Wiese, who typically bats in the middle order, was promoted to No. 3 for Namibia's chase of 126 in 10 overs. He smashed 27 off 12 with two fours and two sixes before holing out at long-on.Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus praised Wiese's impact on the team. "He's a great guy on the field in terms of performance, but off the field, he is someone we have really learned a lot from and he's inspired us to new heights and greater heights," Erasmus said.England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow also commended Wiese's career. "I think it's a huge credit to him the career that he's had in international cricket and he's going to be a big miss for those guys," Bairstow said.Originally from South Africa, Wiese became eligible to play for Namibia five years after his decision to go Kolpak in 2016. He made his debut for Namibia in the first round of the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he played a key role in getting them to the Super 12 stage.He has played in three consecutive T20 World Cups for Namibia now. Wiese was the standout performer in Namibia's only win in the 2024 campaign, returning figures of 3 for 28 against Oman before starring with both bat and ball in the Super Over.In total, Wiese has played 34 T20Is for Namibia, scoring 532 runs and returning 35 wickets. He has also played nine ODIs for them, scoring 228 runs and taking six wickets. In all, he has played 54 T20Is and 15 ODIs.While Wiese is retiring from international cricket, he could continue playing franchise cricket. In the last 12 months, he has played in various leagues around the world, including the CSA T20 Challenge, the PSL, SA20, Hundred, and the Blast.

Florida's unpredictable weather has cast a shadow over the T20 World Cup, leading to a series of washouts and frustration among teams and fans alike. The continuous rain has resulted in numerous ground inspections and the cancellation of several crucial matches, including the highly anticipated India vs. Canada encounter.The inclement weather has particularly affected Pakistan, who have seen their hopes of advancing in the tournament dwindle due to the washouts. After losing their opening matches to the USA and India, Pakistan's chances of progressing rested on a win against Canada. However, the rain-abandoned match between the USA and Ireland effectively ended their campaign.Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu has expressed his disappointment with the ICC's handling of the situation, emphasizing that the outcomes of matches should be determined by the teams' skills rather than weather conditions. He pointed out the lack of adequate facilities at venues in the US and the unpreparedness to tackle inclement weather, especially in flood-prone Florida.Sidhu highlighted the disparity between cricket and other sports, where stadiums are fully covered to ensure that matches can proceed even in adverse weather conditions. He urged the ICC to invest in better infrastructure and resources to ensure that teams' abilities are fairly assessed.The washout of the USA vs. Ireland match was particularly frustrating, as it was a crucial Group A fixture that ended without a ball being bowled due to the wet outfield. The India vs. Canada match at the same venue the following day met the same fate.Pakistan's inconsequential last group match against Ireland is also scheduled to be held in Lauderhill, Florida, as the city continues to experience flood-like conditions. The team's hopes of salvaging some pride from the tournament now rest on a positive result in this match.

Hardik Pandya's resurgence in the T20 World Cup has been a testament to his resilience and determination. After a tumultuous period marked by injuries, controversies, and poor performances, the all-rounder has rediscovered his form on the grandest stage.In the three World Cup games so far, Pandya has showcased his bowling prowess, registering impressive figures of 2-24, 3-27, and 2-14. Notably, he has excelled in bowling the crucial overs, such as the 17th over against Pakistan.Team India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey attributed Pandya's resurgence to his unwavering confidence and hard work. Despite facing setbacks in the IPL, Pandya remained committed to improving his rhythm and bowling difficult overs.Captain Rohit Sharma's support has also played a significant role in Pandya's revival. Despite alleged personal differences, Rohit recognized the importance of Pandya's all-round abilities and included him in the team.Pandya's determination to prove his worth has been evident in his training sessions. Mhambrey praised his work ethic, noting that he kept bowling despite facing challenges.While Pandya has impressed with the ball, he still needs to contribute with the bat. As India moves to the West Indies, where conditions favor batters, Pandya's ability to score runs will be crucial.With India topping Group A, they will face Afghanistan in the Super-8 stage. If Pandya can continue his impressive bowling form and make some valuable contributions with the bat, he could emerge as one of the heroes of this World Cup.

Pakistan's dismal performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has prompted all-rounder Imad Wasim to call for a fundamental reset in the team's approach to white-ball cricket. Wasim, who came out of retirement for the tournament, believes that Pakistan's mindset and approach have fallen behind the rest of the world."We used to rule T20 cricket," Wasim said. "But I think we have moved back a little now. Maybe our mindset needs a change - in all three areas: batting, bowling, and fielding."Wasim emphasized the importance of shedding the fear of failure, which he believes has hindered Pakistan's progress. "We have to get rid of the fear of failure," he said. "Personnel change doesn't change anything, just changing the mindset can change a lot of things."The all-rounder also pointed to the personal attacks that players face after poor performances as a potential factor contributing to the fear of failure. "We are human beings, we can make mistakes and we also get affected by these things," he said.Wasim suggested that a dispassionate analysis of Pakistan's performance, similar to the type he provided as a TV analyst before his retirement, could be beneficial. "Cricketers have to do their job and analyze the cricket," he said. "They have to tell you what is right and what is wrong without getting personal."Despite the disappointment of the World Cup exit, Wasim expressed hope that it could serve as a catalyst for positive change. "This is bad but who knows this could be big for Pakistan?" he said. "We could revamp, revisit and start playing white-ball cricket the way it should be played."