Cricket

Pakistan's T20 World Cup Woes Deepen Amidst Accusations and Internal DiscordPakistan's disappointing start to the ICC T20 World Cup continued with a six-run defeat to arch-rivals India, leaving their Super Eight hopes hanging in the balance. The loss has sparked a flurry of accusations and hints of internal discord within the team.Former captain Salim Malik has pointed the finger at all-rounder Imad Wasim, accusing him of deliberately wasting balls during Pakistan's chase of 120 runs. Wasim's slow-paced innings saw him take 23 deliveries to score just 15 runs, a move that Malik believes hindered Pakistan's run chase."You look at his (Wasim) innings and it appears as if he was wasting balls, not scoring runs, and making things difficult in the run-chase," Malik said on the 24 News channel.Adding to the controversy, another former captain, Shahid Afridi, hinted at internal discord within the team, suggesting that some players have issues with skipper Babar Azam. Afridi emphasized the crucial role of a captain in maintaining team unity and morale."A captain brings everyone together; either he spoils the team environment or he builds the team. Let this World Cup finish, and I will speak openly," Afridi said.Afridi also noted his close relationship with left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi, his son-in-law, who was removed as T20 captain just before the World Cup.Pakistan's team has come under fire following consecutive losses to the USA and India, putting their Super Eight chances in jeopardy. Pakistan's hopes now rely on winning convincingly against Canada and Ireland, while also hoping for losses by the USA to India and Ireland. Even if these conditions are met, the final qualification will likely depend on the net run rate.The team's poor performance has raised questions about the leadership of Babar Azam and the overall team chemistry. The accusations and hints of internal discord have further fueled the controversy surrounding Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has called for sweeping changes within the national team following their disappointing performance in the ICC T20 World Cup. The team's recent six-run defeat to arch-rivals India has prompted Naqvi to demand a thorough review and potential overhaul of the squad.Naqvi expressed deep concern over the team's inability to chase down a modest target of 120 runs against India, highlighting the need for significant improvements. He acknowledged that the team's performance has been below par, not only in the World Cup but also in recent matches against the USA.The PCB chairman emphasized the need to consider players who have been sidelined for some time, indicating that the current team composition may not be delivering the desired results. He stressed that the board has been supportive of the players but acknowledged that the team's underperformance requires a comprehensive review.Naqvi's comments come at a critical juncture for Pakistan, as their hopes of advancing to the Super Eight stage now hinge on winning convincingly against Canada and Ireland. However, even if these conditions are met, the final standings could come down to net run rate.The PCB chairman's remarks underscore the urgency of the situation as Pakistan faces a crucial test in the tournament. The team's management and selection strategies are expected to undergo scrutiny in the coming days, with potential changes aimed at revitalizing the squad and improving performance.

Nepal's controversial cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane has been cleared to join his national team in the West Indies for the ICC T20 World Cup. The 23-year-old spin bowler was initially denied a visa to enter the United States, where the tournament's opening matches were held. However, after his visa applications were denied twice, the Nepal Cricket Association (NCA) announced on Monday that Lamichhane would be joining the team for the remaining matches in the West Indies.Lamichhane's return to the national team is a significant boost for Nepal, who have struggled in his absence. The team lost their opening match of the tournament to the Netherlands by six wickets and will face Sri Lanka in Florida on Wednesday before heading to the West Indies for matches against South Africa and Bangladesh.Lamichhane's inclusion in the squad brings experience and skill to the team. He is one of Nepal's most successful cricketers, having played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL). His return is expected to provide a much-needed boost to Nepal's chances of progressing to the Super 12 stage of the tournament.However, Lamichhane's return to the team has also been met with some controversy. In 2022, he was convicted of raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel and sentenced to eight years in prison. His sentence was quashed on appeal last month, allowing him to rejoin the cricketing scene.Despite the controversy surrounding him, Lamichhane remains a popular figure in Nepal. His return to the national team has been welcomed by many fans, who believe that he can help Nepal achieve success in the T20 World Cup.

India-Pakistan Rivalry Ignites Passion in the United StatesThe historic India-Pakistan cricket match in the United States ignited an unprecedented passion among fans who traveled from far and wide to witness the spectacle. Ayush, a trucker from Toronto, drove eight hours to assist Indian journalists in need of transportation, exemplifying the unwavering support for the Indian team.Rizwan and Zeeshan, businessmen from London, spent $3,000 to attend the match, despite Pakistan's disappointing start to the World Cup. "It's the passion," Rizwan explained. "We couldn't stay away."The match was threatened by rain, but locals assured fans that it would pass by 11 am. Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu expressed his hope that the rain would not dampen the spirits of the fans.Sidhu and former Pakistani captain Rameez Raja shared a warm embrace, reminiscing about their playing days. Raja compared the Nassau County Ground to Toronto, where India and Pakistan played three Sahara Cups in the 1990s.Fans expressed their desire for more India-Pakistan matches, both on and off-shore. Haider, an IT professional from Maryland, said, "We love to see the two teams playing. It's sad to think that Virat Kohli and Babar Azam could retire without ever facing each other in a Test match."Despite being outnumbered, Pakistani fans displayed their unwavering support for their team. Sachin Tendulkar, a guest at the match, received equal adoration from both Indian and Pakistani fans.The match was a stop-start affair due to rain, but it showcased the growing popularity of cricket in the United States. Sanjay Parthasarathy, owner of the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket, said, "The game has made a mark. Cricket is here to stay."

Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten has defended the playing surface at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium following his team's narrow six-run defeat to India in a low-scoring T20 World Cup match.Despite India's modest total of 119, their lowest ever against Pakistan in a T20 game, Pakistan fell short in their chase, sparking discussions about the pitch conditions. The venue, featuring a 'drop in' square laid a month before the tournament, has seen all five games produce low scores, raising concerns about the pitch's quality.After India's previous win over Ireland, former Zimbabwe international and ex-England team director Andy Flower labeled the pitch "dangerous" due to its uneven bounce. However, Kirsten downplayed these criticisms, suggesting that the pitch, while challenging, was not hazardous."I think it wasn't dangerous, I mean the odd one rose up, but not many. Generally, it kept a little bit lower, it was difficult to score from both batting sides and also a fairly slow outfield so it was never going to be a big total," he stated.Kirsten acknowledged that a score of 140 would have been competitive, indicating that Pakistan had a strong chance to win after restricting India to 119. "I would have said 140 would have been a really good score on that pitch, so India didn't get that and so I thought we had the game," added the South African.He also emphasized that low-scoring games could be equally entertaining and offered a different kind of contest compared to the high-scoring encounters typical of T20 cricket. "We knew it was going to be tight, but you know sometimes it's fun seeing games like that as well, it's not always about sixes and hitting, getting 260 and 240's, you can actually have a really entertaining game on a 120 chase, so I don't think it's bad for the game," Kirsten explained.In response to the criticism, the International Cricket Council (ICC) admitted that the pitches at the venue had not met the expected standards and committed to improving them for the remaining matches. Three games remain at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, with the final match scheduled for Wednesday, when India will face co-hosts USA.

Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav faced intense criticism on social media following his underwhelming performance in India's T20 World Cup 2024 match against Pakistan in New York. Yadav's meager score of seven runs off eight balls contributed to India's dismal total of 119 at the Nassau County International Stadium. This lackluster display came on the heels of his equally disappointing two-run outing in India's tournament opener against Ireland.Yadav's failure against Pakistan sparked a torrent of criticism from fans, who took to social media to question his ability to perform in high-pressure matches. Many pointed to his impressive record in T20 cricket but argued that he consistently falters when it matters most."Suryakumar Yadav should only focus on Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Paytm series," tweeted one fan, highlighting Yadav's tendency to perform well against weaker opposition.Another fan drew comparisons between Yadav and South African batter Aiden Markram, known for his struggles under pressure. "Suryakumar Yadav is a carbon copy of Aiden Markram," the tweet read.The criticism extended to Yadav's batting technique, with some fans suggesting that he lacks the temperament and composure required to succeed at the international level."People judge you on your performances against your rivals," tweeted one fan. "Suryakumar Yadav, for all his greatness in T20 cricket, has not learned the art of performing under pressure."Despite the barrage of criticism, Yadav remains a key member of the Indian team. His ability to play unorthodox shots and score runs quickly makes him a valuable asset in the middle order. However, his recent performances have raised questions about his consistency and ability to handle the pressure of big matches.

India's Triumph Over Pakistan: A Tale of Joy and HeartbreakIn a gripping encounter at Nassau County Stadium in New York, India emerged victorious over Pakistan in their seventh T20 World Cup clash, igniting jubilation among Indian fans and leaving Pakistani supporters devastated. The narrow six-run win, powered by Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional three-wicket haul and Rishabh Pant's counter-attacking innings, kept India's World Cup hopes alive with two group stage matches remaining.The match witnessed a record attendance, with fans witnessing a tense battle that ended in a dramatic fashion. Following the match, scenes outside the stadium were a testament to the intense emotions the game evoked. A 'sea of Blue' celebrated with energetic dances to the beats of dhols and loud chants of "India India."Amidst the jubilant Indian fans, a heartbroken Pakistani supporter, who had sold his tractor to buy a $3,000 ticket, stood in disbelief. Speaking to ANI, he shared his disappointment: "I have sold my tractor to get a ticket worth 3000 USD. When we saw the score of India, we did not think that we were going to lose this game. We thought it was an achievable score. The game was in our hands but after Babar Azam got out, people were disheartened. I congratulate you all (Indian fans)."Bumrah's precise bowling applied pressure on the Pakistani batters, complemented by Pant's crucial innings that ensured India set a competitive total. Bumrah's post-match reflections highlighted his lifelong admiration for bowling and his strategic approach to maintain control during critical moments.Meanwhile, back in India, the streets of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, were alive with celebrations. Massive crowds gathered to celebrate the Men in Blue's triumph over their arch-rivals. The air was filled with cheers and the sounds of fireworks as fans thronged the streets to revel in the victory.India's win not only kept their World Cup journey on track but also reinforced the intense rivalry and passion that characterizes India-Pakistan cricket matches. The contrasting emotions among fans—from the ecstatic scenes in New York and Indore to the heartbroken Pakistani supporter—highlight the deep connection and impact of this storied cricket rivalry.

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has expressed his long-held admiration for bowling and his disinterest in high-scoring run-fests following India's nail-biting six-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC T20 World Cup clash. Bumrah's stellar performance, featuring a miserly three-wicket haul, played a crucial role in India's defense of their modest total, keeping their World Cup hopes alive with two group stage games remaining.In a packed Nassau County Stadium, Bumrah's precise bowling applied relentless pressure on the Pakistani batters, while Rishabh Pant's counter-attacking knock bolstered India's position. The match, witnessed by a record crowd, highlighted Bumrah's skill and strategic approach to bowling.During the post-match press conference, Bumrah expressed his satisfaction with the recognition the bowlers received for their efforts. He highlighted India's preference for batting and how the recent Indian Premier League season was heavily tilted towards the batters."We are very happy that we did not come here with that baggage (of IPL being batter friendly) and when we are getting help here, we were trying to use it. I have played a lot of cricket in my young years—when the bat and ball challenge is good it is more interesting to watch the match. When it is bat vs bat, I switch off the TV. I have been a fan of bowling since childhood. When there is a challenge between bat and ball, that is the game I like. No complaints. I am very happy," Bumrah said.Reflecting on the victory, Bumrah emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach between controlling the run flow and taking wickets, especially in conditions where seam and swing had diminished. He discussed the need to avoid desperation for a "magic ball" and instead focus on accuracy and utilizing the large boundaries to their advantage."Even when there is help, you can be desperate, and you can try to go fuller and try to pull that magic delivery. I tried not to do that but when we came, the swing and seam had reduced. So, we had to be accurate because if we go for magic deliveries and try to be too desperate, run-making becomes easy and they know the target. So, we had to be very mindful of not overdoing it and yes add up the pressure, use the big boundaries, try to use things to our advantage. That is what we were doing. So, in that we created pressure and everybody got wickets," he explained.Bumrah also opened up about his recovery from injuries last year and his journey back to top form, delivering remarkable performances in the 50-over World Cup, IPL, and now the T20 World Cup. He emphasized his focus on controlling the controllable and staying present, despite external pressures and noise."I try to stay in the present and focus on what I have to do. Because if I look at the outside noise, if I look at people and pressure and emotion take over, then things do not really work for me. So, I was trying to do that, trying to create my own bubble, and trying to focus on that and try to put my best foot forward," Bumrah added.He appreciated the support from the largely Indian and Asian crowd at the Nassau County Stadium, which made the team feel at home and boosted their energy levels."A lot of emotion does come in and it does not feel like we are not playing in India because the support that we get, wherever we go, we get a lot of support and fans come in large numbers. So that does help with the energy part of the setup that we have. So yeah, very happy with the support and we were happy that we were able to give them a win as well," he said.

India's historic victory over Pakistan in the Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday was a testament to their resilience and tactical brilliance. Defending a modest target of 120, India became the first team to successfully defend such a low score in a 20-over game at the tournament.The target of 120 was also the lowest India had ever successfully defended in a full 20-over game in men's T20Is. The previous lowest was 139 against Zimbabwe in 2016.Pakistan's inability to chase down the target was particularly surprising given that they had eight wickets in hand with eight overs remaining. However, India's bowlers executed their plans flawlessly, conceding only 48 runs in those final overs.This victory marked India's seventh win against Pakistan in the Men's T20 World Cup, the most by any team against an opponent. It also extended India's unbeaten streak against Pakistan in the tournament to eight matches.India's victory was particularly impressive considering that they were bowled out for 120 in 19 overs. It was only the sixth time a team had won a T20I match after being bowled out while batting first.Despite their low score, India's bowlers kept Pakistan under pressure throughout the chase. The average runs scored per wicket in the last ten overs by both teams was just 7.23, the second-worst in a men's T20I between Full Members.India's victory was a testament to their ability to adapt to challenging circumstances and execute their plans under pressure. It was a historic moment for Indian cricket and a significant boost to their hopes of winning the Men's T20 World Cup.