Cricket

Former Pakistan pacer Sikander Bakht has vehemently criticized Babar Azam's decision to step down as the captain of the white-ball team. Bakht believes that Babar should have resigned immediately after Pakistan's humiliating exit from the T20 World Cup in June.Pakistan's failure to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament, including a shocking loss to tournament debutants USA, was widely regarded as one of the most embarrassing moments in the country's cricketing history. Bakht believes that Babar should have taken responsibility for this debacle and stepped down as captain."He should have resigned on June 16th, as soon as our World Cup was over," Bakht told Geo News. "The whole nation was saying that he should have resigned. But he was stubborn. He thought he was king."Bakht also questioned Babar's performances as both a captain and a batter, suggesting that he has not been up to the mark in recent times. "His performance was not good, neither was theirs," Bakht said. "They should have realized that we were being removed in two ways."Bakht went on to claim that Babar did not resign voluntarily but was told to do so. He also alleged that the atmosphere in the dressing room is not conducive to success, with three players—Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, and Mohammad Rizwan—vying for the captaincy."He was told to resign," Bakht said. "We have three captains in our base. There are groups of three captains. One is Babar, another is Rizwan. They want to become captains. Shaheen wants to become captain again. And there is also Shan Masood."Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement acknowledging Babar's decision to step down. The PCB stated that it had backed Babar as the white-ball captain but respected his decision to focus on his batting."This decision is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to Pakistan cricket," the PCB said. "He believes that dedicating himself fully to his batting will enable him to play a more decisive role in the team's success in the shorter formats."

Pakistan cricket has been plunged into further turmoil after Babar Azam announced his resignation as captain of the limited-overs format. The decision comes after a string of disappointing performances, including an embarrassing defeat to the USA in the T20 World Cup.Azam's resignation has been met with mixed reactions. Some, like former captain Rashid Latif, believe it is a sign of a leadership crisis in Pakistan cricket. Others, like Basit Ali, believe it is a sensible decision that will allow Azam to focus on his batting.Azam's decision to step down as captain is the latest in a series of setbacks for Pakistan cricket. The Test team was recently swept aside by Bangladesh at home, and the morale of the international side remains low.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to announce a replacement for Azam. However, it is clear that the team is in need of a new direction.

The Indian women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, is poised to make history in October as they aim to become the first Indian side to lift a senior World Cup title in women's international cricket. The team will participate in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, where they will face formidable opponents in their quest for glory.India has a strong unit that will hope to go the distance this time around, having finished runners-up once in the T20 World Cup (in 2020). However, they have their work cut out, with six-time T20 World Cup champions Australia and recently-crowned Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka in their group. India will also continue their rivalry with Pakistan in the group stage, as well as face two-time runners up New Zealand.In the history of the Women's T20 World Cup, only three nations have been crowned champions. Apart from Australia's six titles, England and the West Indies have one each.India's Fixtures at ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024:* October 4: India vs New Zealand [7:30 PM]* October 6: India vs Pakistan [3:30 PM]* October 9: India vs Sri Lanka [7:30 PM]* October 13: India vs Australia [7:30 PM]India's Squad for ICC Women's T20 Women's T20 World Cup 2024:* Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia (subject to fitness), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness), Sajana Sajeevan* Travelling reserves: Uma Chetry (wk), Tanuja Kanwer, Saima Thakor* Non-Travelling reserves: Raghvi Bist, Priya MishraTelecast and Streaming Information:* The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will be live telecast on the Star Sports Network.* The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

Australia's dominance in women's T20 cricket has been unparalleled since their triumph in the 2018 T20 World Cup. They have since claimed three consecutive titles, establishing themselves as the undisputed champions. As they embark on their quest for a fourth straight crown in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE, questions linger about their invincibility.Despite their recent success, Australia has faced occasional setbacks. They lost a T20I series to England and suffered defeats against South Africa and West Indies on away tours. However, they have consistently bounced back, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.Captain Alyssa Healy acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains confident in her team's ability to overcome them. "We don't come here to defend the title, we come here to win it," she declared. "Our pool is quite tricky, but we're excited for the challenge."The UAE's unfamiliar conditions add an element of intrigue to the tournament. Healy emphasizes the importance of adaptability, both on and off the field. "The whole tournament is about adapting the quickest," she said. "We feel like we're well placed to do that."Healy's first T20 World Cup as full-time captain marks a significant milestone in her career. She took over the role after Meg Lanning's retirement last year. Despite initially feeling uncertain about her authority, Healy has embraced the opportunity to lead her team."I wouldn't say I still have full control," she joked. "But I've approached it like I do every day in life. You take each day as it comes."Healy is unfazed by the prospect of teams targeting Australia. "We're constantly being asked about that, and we're used to it now," she said. "We see it as a challenge and an opportunity to showcase a brand of cricket we like playing."Australia's campaign begins on October 6 against Sri Lanka in Sharjah. They will then face New Zealand and Pakistan before concluding their league engagements with a highly anticipated clash against India on October 13.

As the 2024 T20 Women's World Cup approaches, the spotlight shines on six exceptional players who embody the hopes and aspirations of their respective teams. These athletes possess a unique blend of skill, experience, and determination that could propel their nations to glory.Beth Mooney (Australia):The seasoned Australian opener, ranked number one in the ICC T20 batter rankings, is a cornerstone of the six-time champions' batting lineup. Her ability to anchor the innings and provide a solid foundation has been instrumental in Australia's past World Cup triumphs. Mooney's recent form, including a blistering 50 off 30 balls in a warm-up match against England, suggests she is primed to continue her dominance.Sophie Ecclestone (England):The 25-year-old left-arm spinner from Cheshire is the world's top-ranked bowler in both T20 and ODI cricket. Her accuracy, economy, and guile make her a formidable weapon for England captain Heather Knight. Ecclestone's ability to control the flow of runs and create wicket-taking opportunities will be crucial for England's title aspirations.Deepti Sharma (India):Known for her all-round prowess, Deepti Sharma is ranked second among T20 bowlers and third among all-rounders worldwide. Her left-handed batting and right-arm off-spin bowling provide India with a versatile option. Sharma believes that a World Cup victory could transform women's cricket in India, inspiring a new generation of players.Sune Luus (South Africa):The South African captain, who has transitioned from leg-spin to off-spin bowling, is a key batter and bowler for her team. Despite a recent dip in form, Luus has bounced back with impressive performances in a Test match against India and a T20I series against Pakistan. Her confidence and leadership will be vital for South Africa's chances of making a deep run in the tournament.Vishmi Gunaratne (Sri Lanka):At just 19 years old, Vishmi Gunaratne is a rising star in the Sri Lankan team. The young opener has shown glimpses of her potential, including an ODI century against Ireland. With the World Cup approaching, Gunaratne is eager to showcase her full range of abilities and help Sri Lanka make a mark on the global stage.Hayley Matthews (West Indies):The West Indies captain, who burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old in the 2016 T20 World Cup, is a versatile all-rounder. Matthews averages 25 with the bat and has taken 99 wickets with her off-spin. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable for the West Indies as they aim to upset the established powers and make a statement in the tournament.

The upcoming 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on October 3 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will witness a groundbreaking technological advancement with the introduction of the Smart Replay System. This innovative technology, previously utilized in the Hundred and IPL 2024, promises to revolutionize decision-making in cricket.The Smart Replay System will employ a minimum of 28 cameras at each match, providing a comprehensive view of the action. It will be complemented by analytical and visual enhancements, including the Decision Review System (DRS) available at all matches. The Hawk-eye Smart Replay System will empower the TV umpire with the ability to instantly review synchronized multi-angle footage, ensuring accurate and timely decisions.Under the Smart Replay System, the TV umpire will receive direct inputs from two Hawk-Eye operators located in the same room. These operators will provide the umpire with images captured by Hawk-Eye's eight high-speed cameras strategically positioned around the ground. The TV broadcast director, who previously served as an intermediary between the third umpire and Hawk-Eye operators, will no longer be involved in this process.This system grants the TV umpire access to a wider range of visuals, including split-screen images. For instance, in the case of a stumping referral, the TV umpire can request split-screen visuals from the Hawk-Eye operators. If a visible gap is detected between the ball and the bat, the TV umpire will proceed directly to check the side-on replay for the stumping, eliminating the need for UltraEdge (to determine if it was a caught behind).For stumpings, the new system will present the TV umpire with tri-vision, combining footage from side-on and front-on cameras in a single frame. The front-on camera angle provides a clear view of the bails being removed. Previously, broadcasters would display side-on angles from both sides along with footage from Stump Cam. However, Stump Cam records at a lower speed of approximately 50 frames per second, while Hawk-Eye cameras record at approximately 300 frames per second. This enhancement ensures more accurate footage for the umpires to make informed decisions.In addition to the Smart Replay System, the tournament will feature an all-female panel of umpires and match officials, continuing the ICC's commitment to promoting gender equality in cricket.

Mohammad Rizwan is poised to succeed Babar Azam as Pakistan's white-ball captain, according to Geo News. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly set to hold meetings with Rizwan to discuss team selection.Azam's resignation as captain came after Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage. Despite being the tournament favorites, Pakistan suffered a shock defeat to co-hosts USA in their opening match.During Azam's tenure as captain, Pakistan failed to win a major tournament. They were eliminated from the Asia Cup in the Super 4 stage in 2022 and failed to reach the knockout stage of the ODI World Cup in India later that year.Azam's decision to step down as captain is seen as a move to prioritize his batting performance. He has been a prolific run-scorer for Pakistan, amassing over 5,000 runs in ODIs and 4,000 runs in T20Is.Rizwan, who has been Azam's deputy in the white-ball formats, is a natural leader and a respected figure within the team. He has been in excellent form with the bat, scoring over 1,000 runs in T20Is in 2023.Pakistan will face England in a three-match Test series on home soil in October. The first Test will begin on October 7 in Multan, followed by the second Test on October 15, also in Multan. The final Test will be held in Rawalpindi from October 24 to 28.

Shafali Verma, the prodigious Indian batter, is determined to lead her team to glory at the upcoming T20 World Cup. With a combination of consistency, power-hitting, and unwavering confidence, she aims to make a significant impact on the tournament.Verma's journey has been marked by a natural ability for power-hitting. However, she has recently developed a newfound consistency, exemplified by her maiden international century in June. This improvement stems from a shift in mindset, allowing her to block deliveries and play along the ground.The confidence gained from leading India to victory in the Under-19 T20 World Cup last year serves as a source of inspiration for Verma. She believes that the experience of lifting the trophy will fuel her team's determination to achieve similar success at the senior level.In preparation for the T20 World Cup, Verma has been working diligently on her fitness and mental strength. She has opted out of the Hundred and WBBL to focus on these aspects, recognizing their importance for playing long innings.Verma's power-hitting remains a key asset, something she has honed since her early days in the Women's T20 Challenge. She emphasizes the importance of working on both strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that her natural ability is complemented by consistent execution.As the T20 World Cup approaches, Verma is eager to combine her newfound consistency with her power-hitting and confidence. She believes that this combination will be instrumental in India's quest for glory.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has heaped praise on Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir, the former and current head coaches of the Indian cricket team, respectively. Ashwin, who has played under both Dravid and Gambhir, believes that their passion for Indian cricket is "palpable."Dravid, who took over as head coach in 2021, guided India to its maiden ICC T20 World Cup title earlier this year. Under his leadership, India also achieved notable victories in Test series against England, Australia, and Bangladesh.Gambhir, who succeeded Dravid as head coach in 2023, has had a mixed start to his tenure. India won the T20I series against Sri Lanka but suffered an unprecedented ODI series defeat to the same opposition. However, they bounced back to complete a Test series sweep over Bangladesh.Ashwin, who has witnessed the transition from Dravid to Gambhir, believes that there is no significant difference in their approach or passion for Indian cricket. "I don't see huge differences in how they approach the game or the passion they have for Indian cricket," Ashwin said. "Their passion is at the highest level."Ashwin also praised Dravid and Gambhir for their knowledge and love for the game. "They bring an incredible amount of love to that dressing room," he said. "To have them pass on their knowledge, it's like having two cricketing geeks to talk cricket with."The new era of Indian cricket under Gambhir has begun with a mixed bag of results. India will now shift its focus to the T20I format for the three-match series against Bangladesh, followed by a three-match Test series against New Zealand.