Cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has launched a scathing attack on Wasim Akram and other ex-Pakistan cricketers who have criticized the current Pakistan team. Kaneria believes that instead of criticizing from the outside, Akram and other cricketers should instead come and help the side.Pakistan were knocked out of the 2024 T20 World Cup at the group stage, after losses to India and the USA. Kaneria's reaction comes after Wasim Akram had put out a public rant on social media, demanding a new team be formed for Pakistan."Wasim Akram and other people can only preach from the outside. Why don't they come help the Pakistan side?" asked Kaneria. "Why did Wasim Akram not pose the question about Mohammad Amir's selection immediately?" Kaneria told Sports Now."Shoaib Malik is a better player than these guys (the current squad)," he added.The former leg-spinner said that Pakistan's preparations leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup had not been up to the mark. He raised special concern over the selections of Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan."They (Pakistan) should've picked 20-22 players in the camp, and then picked the best 15," said Kaneria. "Where were Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan six months ago?" blasted Kaneria.Kaneria slammed the Pakistan team's management of not being able to make firm decisions."They will wake up in the morning and say one thing, and then take a U-turn in the evening. They're the masters of the U-turn," said Kaneria."They're egoistic and think they cannot make mistakes," he added.Kaneria also criticized the decision to hand back captaincy to Babar Azam, and suggested that he should bat at no. 3 in T20Is, letting Fakhar Zaman open the innings with Mohammad Rizwan.Babar Azam scored 122 runs in four matches at the 2024 T20 World Cup, but at a strike rate of just 101.

Former Indian cricketer Laxmipathy Balaji has drawn comparisons between current Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and the legendary Wasim Akram, hailing Bumrah as Asia's next best pacer after Akram.Balaji highlighted the striking similarities between the two bowlers, emphasizing their exceptional accuracy, mastery of yorkers, deceptive pace, and ability to change angles. "Wasim bhai, the ultimate. They both have identical traits, they have changed the dynamics of fast bowling," Balaji remarked.He attributed their success to their strong upper bodies, minimal follow-through, and dominant bowling arms. "They do everything with the bowling arm alone -- the accuracy, the yorker, the pace and changes of pace, the changes in angle -- which is why they are able to take the pitch and the conditions out of the equation," Balaji explained.Balaji believes Bumrah is poised to achieve greatness, particularly if he can lead India to victory in the ongoing T20 World Cup. "Bumrah is the next best in our continent only after him. Akram sprang into consciousness with some unplayable balls and three wickets in the 1992 World Cup final. It was after that, until 2003, that he chased and courted greatness. I feel this is the right time for Bumrah to chase greatness over the next decade," he said.Balaji also lauded Bumrah's remarkable comeback from back surgery, noting that he has returned as a more formidable bowler. "I mean, guys lose pace, they lose a bit of confidence when they return from any surgery. But this man, he has become even better than before, which is saying quite a bit," Balaji observed.He pointed out Bumrah's addition of a late away-swinger to his repertoire, making him even more dangerous. "Earlier, his stock delivery was the one that came back in. But clearly, during the rehab process, he didn’t allow the grass to grow under his feet. He thought about his bowling, he thought about what he needed to do to become even more lethal," Balaji said.In Balaji's view, Bumrah is currently the most complete fast bowler in the game, excelling in all formats. "He is just the most complete fast bowler right now. Look at him -- Test cricket, white-ball cricket, doesn’t matter. New ball, he will get the job done. Old ball, he can reverse it phenomenally. Middle-overs in limited-overs games, his variations and his repertoire make him a wicket-taker, not someone who just contains the flow of runs," Balaji concluded.Balaji's insights underscore the high expectations placed on Bumrah as a pivotal player in Indian cricket, with his exceptional skills and versatility making him a formidable force in the world of fast bowling.

Pakistan's dismal performance in their T20 World Cup clash against India has drawn sharp criticism from former fast-bowler Waqar Younis. Pakistan, despite bowling out India for a mere 119, failed to chase down the target, losing by six runs.Younis expressed his frustration, stating that Pakistan had been handed a golden opportunity to win but squandered it. He attributed the defeat to the team's poor batting, particularly the dismissal of wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan against Jasprit Bumrah."The game was in their hands, it was run-a-ball," Younis said. "That shot from Mohammad Rizwan was very ordinary... I knew something special was going to happen because we know Bumrah and Siraj's capabilities."Legendary left-arm fast-bowler Wasim Akram echoed Younis's sentiments, criticizing Rizwan's lack of game awareness and the overall performance of batters Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed."They have been playing cricket for 10 years, and I can't teach them," Akram said. "Rizwan has no game awareness... Iftikhar Ahmed knows one shot on the leg side... Pakistani players think that if they don't perform well, the coaches will be sacked, and nothing will happen to them."Akram also revealed a rift between captain Babar Azam and left-arm fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, claiming that they are not on speaking terms since the change of captaincy earlier this year."There are players who don't want to talk to each other," Akram said. "This is international cricket, and you play for your country. Make these players sit at home."Pakistan's defeat has put them on the brink of an early exit from the tournament. The team's batting woes and lack of game awareness have been highlighted as major concerns, and it remains to be seen if they can turn things around in their remaining matches.

Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has called for immediate changes to the national team following their disappointing loss to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. In a video posted on his social media account, Akram expressed his frustration with the team's performance and urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take action."Enough is enough. We need changes now. Enough with you guys. Bring a new team, bring 6-7 new players. If we lose, we'll lose with them," said Akram.Akram criticized the team's lack of situational awareness and their inability to chase down a modest target on a pitch that was conducive to batting. He also questioned the role of captain Babar Azam and coach Saqlain Mushtaq in guiding the team."The captain and the coach cannot teach you situational awareness and how to chase! How long can they be spoon-fed?" blasted Akram.Akram's comments come after Pakistan's six-run defeat to India, which left them on the brink of elimination from the tournament. Despite a win against Canada, Pakistan's qualification hopes now rest on India or USA losing their remaining games.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also acknowledged the need for changes following the India loss. "The team requires major surgery," Naqvi said.Akram's call for new players and a fresh approach has been echoed by many fans and experts. Pakistan has struggled to find consistency in recent years, and their performance in the T20 World Cup has been particularly disappointing.With the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026, the PCB has a crucial opportunity to rebuild the team and address the issues that have plagued them in recent years. Akram's comments have sparked a much-needed debate about the future of Pakistan cricket, and it remains to be seen whether the PCB will heed his advice and make the necessary changes.

Pakistan Cricket Team: Allegations of Rift Between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi DismissedAmidst Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, rumors of a rift between captain Babar Azam and star pacer Shaheen Afridi have surfaced. However, Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has vehemently denied these claims.Following Pakistan's consecutive defeats against the United States and India, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram alleged that all was not well within the team, with Babar and Shaheen reportedly not speaking to each other. However, Mahmood has refuted these allegations, stating that the two players are "definitely talking" and remain close friends."Wasim (Akram) must have said that, but I don't know. I didn't see it. Shaheen and Babar are definitely talking, they are good friends. They are both part of the Pakistan team," Mahmood said during a pre-match press conference.Akram had been highly critical of the Babar Azam-led side after their defeat against India. "There are players who don't want to talk to each other. This is international cricket, and you play for your country. Make these players sit at home," Akram said on Star Sports.Mahmood acknowledged that Pakistan has not performed to its potential in the tournament thus far and took responsibility for the team's performances. "Now when you ask who will take responsibility – I think we all, as a team management will take responsibility. We have not lost because of anyone, it is our mistake too," he said."We are not hiding any players, everyone is there. Everything is there. I said earlier that we are a team. Obviously, we're sitting here, and it's our responsibility. We're not delivering. That's why I'm sitting here. Yesterday, Gary was sitting here. So definitely, it's not like we're hiding a player. They're part of us," he added.Pakistan will face Canada in their next Group A match, hoping to turn their fortunes around and qualify for the Super 12 stage.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has launched a scathing attack on the national team following their dismal performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 clash against India. Pakistan suffered a humiliating six-run defeat in a low-scoring encounter, leaving them with zero points after two matches.Akram expressed his frustration with the team's lack of fight and poor decision-making. He criticized the batsmen for failing to chase down a modest target of 120, despite having experienced players like Mohammad Rizwan in the lineup."Pakistan doesn't need an enemy, they have plenty themselves," Akram said. "Now should we put a pacifier in their mouths? Now we have to explain to them what situation awareness is? Babar will explain, the coach will explain."Akram pointed out that the batsmen have been playing for several years and should have the experience to handle pressure situations. He questioned their lack of effort and inability to hit boundaries, even after 10 overs."These batsmen have been playing for the last 8-10 years," Akram said. "Now should I tell Rizwan that the main bowler has come for one over, to take a wicket? You didn't hit a boundary after 10 overs. Didn't even try. So even 120 couldn't be chased."Akram's criticism reflects the growing frustration among Pakistani fans and experts. The team's performance has been below par in recent months, and the defeat to India has raised serious questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.Pakistan now face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages. They need to beat Canada and Ireland by a big margin to improve their net run rate. Their qualification hopes also depend on India winning their remaining matches and the USA losing their remaining matches.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluded with the Kolkata Knight Riders emerging victorious, claiming their third title after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. However, the absence of Team India players in the final has sparked commentary from Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who views it as a "blessing in disguise" for Indian cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup.Akram, speaking to Sportskeeda, emphasized that the lack of Indian players in the IPL final allows them to concentrate solely on their preparations for the World Cup, without the additional strain of a prolonged tournament. "Now, at least none of them will have to claim fatigue. They were thinking ahead, prioritizing India over reaching the final. It could be a blessing in disguise for India," Akram stated.Akram, who had previously expressed concerns about player fatigue due to the demanding IPL schedule, noted that the Indian contingent would benefit from the additional rest and preparation time. "We discussed in the previous show that I was worried about their potential fatigue, and they will be tired, no doubt. Even America is not their home ground. I think Pakistan's first match is in Dallas. Now they will go and play there, with one or two practice matches. It will be okay, I suppose. It is T20, the boys will recover, and nowadays fitness levels are very high," he added.The Indian squad has already arrived in New York to prepare for the T20 World Cup. They will play a warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1 at Nassau County, providing crucial practice time before the tournament begins. The early focus on preparation is expected to give India a better chance this time around.The T20 World Cup is set to start on June 2, with Rohit Sharma's Team India beginning their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York. The absence of Indian players in the IPL final ensures they are well-rested and focused, an advantage that Akram believes could be pivotal.

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen's suggestion that Virat Kohli consider leaving Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to win an IPL trophy has sparked a debate among cricket pundits. Pietersen believes that Kohli, despite his individual brilliance, has been unable to lead RCB to an IPL title and may need to seek greener pastures to fulfill his dream.Pietersen cited examples of great athletes in other sports who have changed teams to achieve their goals. He argued that Kohli, who has won the Orange Cap for most runs in the IPL multiple times, deserves to play for a team that can provide him with the support and resources to win a championship.However, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram strongly disagreed with Pietersen's suggestion. Akram emphasized that the decision to continue playing with RCB is ultimately Kohli's own. He pointed out that if Kohli is determined to win with RCB, then leaving the team would not make sense.Akram also expressed his belief that foreign commentators should refrain from commenting on internal matters of Indian cricket. He argued that such discussions are not particularly relevant and that Kohli is capable of making his own decisions about his future.Kohli has been a loyal servant to RCB since joining the franchise in 2008. He has led the team to the IPL final three times but has yet to win the coveted trophy. Despite his individual success, RCB has often struggled to perform as a unit, failing to reach the playoffs in recent seasons.Pietersen's suggestion has reignited the debate about whether Kohli should consider leaving RCB. Some fans believe that he has outgrown the franchise and needs a fresh start, while others argue that he should remain loyal to the team that has supported him throughout his career.Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to leave RCB is a personal one for Kohli. He will need to weigh the pros and cons of staying with the franchise against the potential benefits of joining a team with a better chance of winning an IPL title.

The search for India's next cricket team head coach has intensified, with Rahul Dravid confirming his departure. Among the potential candidates, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a strong contender, garnering support from legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram.Akram believes Gambhir possesses the ideal qualities for the role, citing his intelligence, straightforwardness, and aggression. He emphasized that Gambhir's bluntness and willingness to speak his mind, while not always aligned with Indian cricket culture, would bring a much-needed edge to the team.Gambhir's track record as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) further strengthens his case. Under his guidance, KKR has secured a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs, showcasing his ability to lead and inspire a team.Gambhir's previous success as KKR captain, guiding them to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, further demonstrates his leadership capabilities. His ability to motivate and extract the best from his players would be invaluable to the Indian team.While Gambhir's appointment would undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of aggression to the team, it remains to be seen whether he will accept the role. The time-consuming nature of the job and his personal commitments may influence his decision.