Cricket

Legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its chaotic management and poor handling of the national cricket team. Akram's criticism stems from the PCB's recent history of frequent leadership changes and inconsistent decision-making, which he believes has hindered the team's performance.Akram highlighted the fact that the PCB has seen four chairmen in the past year, a period of unprecedented instability. He argued that such frequent changes create an environment of uncertainty and prevent the team from establishing a consistent approach. "How can the team be consistent when they have had four chairmen in one year?" Akram questioned.The former pace great also criticized the PCB's handling of the captaincy issue. After Pakistan's disappointing exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar Azam was replaced by Shaheen Afridi as captain in T20I cricket. However, Afridi's tenure was short-lived, as he lost a T20I series against New Zealand and was replaced by Azam once again.Akram believes that the PCB should have given Afridi more time to prove himself as captain. "If you have made Afridi the captain, give him a year," he said. "People make fun of us in world cricket. They don't get it."Akram expressed his relief at being disconnected from the PCB, stating that it is a "blessing in disguise" to be away from the "criticism and politics" that surround the organization.

Virat Kohli's recent performance in the IPL 2024 has sparked discussions about his strike rate. However, renowned commentator and former national team coach Ravi Shastri has come out in support of Kohli, emphasizing the importance of performance within the broader team context.Shastri highlighted that Kohli's strike rate may drop when wickets fall around him, as was the case in his match-winning knock against Gujarat Titans. Kohli's gritty 70 off 44 balls, coupled with a stellar century from Will Jacks, steered RCB to a commanding nine-wicket triumph.Shastri also acknowledged RCB's mixed fortunes, noting that there are only 1 or 2 consistent performers. Despite this, Kohli's statistical prowess in IPL 2024 further accentuates his cricketing legacy. With over 7,700 runs, Kohli stands tall as the all-time leading run-getter in IPL history. His ability to consistently deliver, evident in achieving the 500-run milestone for the seventh time, places him in elite company alongside David Warner.Kohli's unwavering focus amidst criticism and Shastri's astute observations underscore the nuanced interplay between individual performance and team dynamics in cricket. Kohli's ability to adapt to different situations and contribute to team success, even when his strike rate may not be as high as some would like, highlights his value as a player.