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Tag: Babar Azam

  • Virat Kohli, Babar Azam To Play For Same Team? Here’s What Top Official Says | cricket news

    In the mid-2000s, a series of charity matches was played called the Afro-Asia Cup. It was played between the Asian XI and African XI with the first cup being held in 2005 while the second was played in 2007. The likes of Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Zaheer Khan, Shoaib Akhtar, Anil Kumble, and Shahid Afridi got to play in the same team for Asia. On the other hand, for Africa big names like Shaun Pollock, Jacques Kallis, and Tatenda Taibu played for the same team.

    As per a report in Forbes, the Afro-Asia Cup is likely to be revived as “it is being looked at again”. “Personally, I am very hurt that it (Afro-Asia Cup) didn’t happen,” Damodar told me.

    “There was not adequate momentum through the ACA, but it is being looked at again. I think it was basically a lack of understanding and not buying into the concept,” ex-African Cricket Association chair Sumod Damodar told Forbes.

    “Our members are regretting it. It needed to be pushed by Africa.”

    If at all the tournament resumes, there’s a chance that Virat Kohli and Babar Azam can play together or Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah can partner in the middle while bowling. It was back in 2012-13 when India played a bilateral series against Pakistan. The two teams have not taken part in Tests against each other since 2007.

    “These matches could break down barriers that are there politically,” Damodar said.

    “Cricket can help build the bridges rather than burn it up. I don’t personally believe that players are antagonistic against each other, so I’m sure they would be up for it.”

    One of the reports that emerged in 2022 said that there was a proposal between Jay Shah, the Asian Cricket Council chair, and then African Cricket Association chair Sumod Damodar to resume the tournament.

    “With Mahinda now on the ICC board and Jay Shah running the ICC, that could bring a bit more momentum to this cause,” Damodar said.

    “Both of them have always been proactive in trying to make this happen.”

  • ‘World-Class Player’: Jason Gillespie Backs This Pakistan Player Amidst Series Against Bangladesh | cricket news

    Former Australia cricketer Jason Gillespie who is currently serving as red-ball coach of Pakistan cricket team said that star batsman Babar Azam is very close to getting his best form back. Pakistan’s star batsman has been going through a rough patch for a very long time now. The 29-year-old batsman has collected only 317 runs from eight Tests at an average of 21.13 with a top score of 41 since 2023.

    In the ongoing red ball series against Bangladesh, Babar has amassed only 64 runs at an average of 16. Babar made 31 runs on Day 4 of the second Test in Rawalpindi.

    “Babar is a quality player, and he’s got a couple of starts. A bit like quite a few of our players, he hasn’t been able to convert starts. But Babar is a world-class player he’s very close, I feel it. I am really confident that we are going to see Babar scoring big runs very soon. He’s too good a player and looking forward to seeing him doing well,” Gillespie said.

    As of now, Babar has gathered 3,962 runs across 54 Tests, averaging 44.51. He has clubbed nine hundreds and 26 fifties. According to ESPNcricinfo, Babar has managed to collect 1,555 runs at home at 62.20. Gillespie also pointed out why star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was rested from the second Test.

    “There are obviously a few things we were hoping Shaheen can work on. He’s obviously had a very eventful time in his personal life as well. So, all that are being considered, we want Shaheen Afridi to be at his very best for as much cricket as possible,” Gillespie said.

    Earlier, the Men in Green lost the first Test by 10 wickets and are in danger of losing the second Test as well. The Bangla Tigers need only 143 runs to win the game with all their 10 wickets in hand in their second innings.

  • Shaheen Afridi Should Go And Play First-Class Cricket: Former Pakistan Cricketer Basit Ali Blasts After Big Loss To Bangladesh | cricket news

    Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali feels Shaheen Afridi should be rested after he delivered yet another underwhelming performance in the 10-wicket loss against Bangladesh in the opening Test. In the opening Test against Bangladesh, Shaheen picked up two wickets in the first innings while giving away 88 runs.

    After failing to make an impact with the new ball, Shaheen’s two scalps came towards the tail end. He opened his account by removing Mehidy Hasan Miraz and sent Hasan Mahmud back for an 18-ball duck.

    His dwindling form stretches back to the T20 World Cup earlier this year. The 24-year-old failed to deliver the goods and ended the campaign with five wickets in four matches, averaging 21.00.

    “Shaheen Afridi should be rested 100 per cent. He should go and play first-class cricket. He should be rested. Ali S put in a lot of effort. Pakistan failed in bowling, fielding and batting. They beat us in all departments. It is wrong to say that the team had a bad day,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.

    While Pakistan tried to figure out the various aspects that went wrong for them, Bangladesh celebrated a landmark moment in their history. Bangladesh’s win came after 14 encounters with Pakistan, where the Tigers had suffered 12 defeats and managed just one draw.

    India and South Africa are now the only teams that Bangladesh has yet to defeat in Test cricket.

    The match had a delayed beginning caused by a wet outfield, but by the fifth day, the entire affair had transformed into an enticing action-packed thriller.

    The emphatic 10-wicket triumph provided Bangladesh with a significant boost in the ICC World Test Championship standings. They leapfrogged Pakistan and South Africa to the sixth spot, tied on point percentage with Sri Lanka (40 per cent). As a result of the loss, Pakistan slipped down to eighth place with a 30.56 point percentage.

    After trailing 1-0, with an aim to go level in the series, Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 30.

  • Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Second Test In Karachi To Be Held Without Spectators- Here’s Why | cricket news

    The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to hold the second Test against Bangladesh at Karachi’s National Stadium behind closed doors due to ongoing construction work. Ticket sales are suspended, and refunds will be issued.

    |Last Updated: Aug 14, 2024, 05:44 PM IST|Source: PTI

  • Pakistan’s Test Captain Shan Masood’s Angry Response To Match-Fixing Allegations At Press Conference | cricket news

    Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has firmly denied any allegations of match-fixing within the team as they gear up for their two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Following Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup, rumors of discord and internal conflicts in the dressing room have fueled speculation about possible misconduct. However, Masood was quick to address these rumors, emphasizing the team’s unity and their focus on the upcoming series.

    During a press conference ahead of the Test series, a journalist inquired about Masood’s message to the team in light of Arshad Nadeem’s historic gold medal at the Paris Olympics. The journalist compared Nadeem’s remarkable achievement to the rewards of bringing national pride, suggesting that such honors are far more significant than any illicit gains from match-fixing.

    In his response, Masood stressed the importance of integrity and pride in representing Pakistan. He encouraged his players to draw inspiration from Nadeem’s success and to maintain their focus on excelling on the field.

    “I would never question anyone’s intentions. The term ‘match-fixing’ is completely out of place in our current cricket setup. There is nothing to suggest that such activities are taking place here, and I firmly reject these claims,” ​​Masood stated.

    He also addressed the need to separate different formats of the game, pointing out that the T20 World Cup is now in the past. “You have to look ahead. This is a Test team. Although we played good cricket in the last series, we were unable to secure victories. Now, with the upcoming home series, we have an excellent opportunity to showcase our style of cricket and win matches for Pakistan,” he added.

    Masood also praised Arshad Nadeem, who won the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics, setting a new record with a throw of 92.97 meters. Masood referred to Nadeem as a “national hero” and expressed pride in his achievement. “Nadeem’s success has elevated his status and brought immense pride to the nation. We will certainly draw inspiration from his remarkable accomplishment and aim to achieve similar glory for Pakistan,” Masood concluded.

  • Who Is Babar Azam’s Favorite Batsman That He Has Played Against? Pakistan Captain Answers | cricket news

    In a recent interview that has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam shared his admiration for South African legend AB De Villiers. During a conversation on De Villiers’ official YouTube channel, Babar was asked to name the best batsman he has played against. Without hesitation, he chose De Villiers, leaving the former Proteas star both flattered and amused.

    I interviewed Pakistan’s @babarazam258 before the T20 World Cup earlier this year, and l’d shared a bit of it back then. Don’t miss out on this chat, and show my friend some love. ,

    Here’s the full interview __

    _: https://t.co/nTA05h4nZY#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/iy02SXZvn2

    — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) July 20, 2024

    Also Read: What Is Hardik Pandya’s Ex-Wife Natasa Stankovic’s Net Worth? In Pics

    A Moment of Humble Admiration

    The interaction was nothing short of delightful. When De Villiers, a cricketer revered for his innovative batting and sportsmanship, posed the question to Babar, the Pakistani skipper’s answer was swift and clear. “It’s you, AB,” he said with a smile. De Villiers, known for his humility, tried to steer the conversation towards other active cricketers, but Babar stood firm in his admiration. “My answer remains AB De Villiers,” he reiterated, adding a touch of heartfelt respect to the dialogue.

    Facing the Toughest Bowler

    The interview delved deeper into Babar Azam’s cricketing experiences, revealing intriguing insights. When asked about the toughest bowler he has encountered, Babar named Australian pace sensation Pat Cummins. The recognition of Cummins’ prowess is a testament to the high regard in which he is held within the cricketing community.

    Celebrity Connections and Laughter

    In a lighter vein, De Villiers humorously inquired about the most famous person in Babar’s phonebook. The Pakistani captain’s first thought was, of course, De Villiers himself. However, amid laughter and playful banter, Babar revealed that renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam holds that spot in his contacts. This light-hearted exchange added a personal touch to the interview, showcasing the camaraderie between the two cricketing greats.

    PCB’s Decision on NOCs: A Strategic Move

    In related news, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently made headlines by refusing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 in Canada. This decision followed a similar refusal for Naseem Shah’s participation in The Hundred, where he had a contract with Birmingham Phoenix.

    Prioritizing National Commitments

    The PCB’s decision was based on Pakistan’s packed cricketing schedule from August 2024 to March 2025. This period includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. A PCB statement emphasized the necessity of keeping these all-format players in optimal. mental and physical condition for the demanding international calendar.

    “The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, amongst other players. After taking into consideration Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar… it has been decided to decline their requests,” read the statement released by the PCB on Friday night.

    Workload Management for Peak Performance

    Highlighting the PCB’s commitment to player welfare, the statement continued, “The three are all-format cricketers and their services are expected to be required in the upcoming eight months… it is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and the players that they skip the upcoming event in Canada so that they are in their best mental and physical shape for the season, which commences with the two-Test series against Bangladesh.”

  • Big news: PCB ‘played’ with Babar, Shaheen, Rizwan, this big wish remained unfulfilled…

    Global T20 Canada: Global T20 Canada League is going to start on 25th July. Star players of Pakistan cricket team will not be seen in this tournament which will run till 11th August. Pakistan Cricket Board has refused to give NOC to captain Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan. The reason behind this is the busy schedule of Pakistan cricket. The surprising thing is that during the time when Global T20 Canada League is to be held, Pakistan team will not have a single match. It will not play any series. Even after this, the board did not give permission to these players.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board is keeping in mind the fitness of the players. So that the preparation for the upcoming series and Champions Trophy 2025 can be better. This is the reason why the board had earlier not given NOC to fast bowler Naseem Shah to participate in England’s 100 ball tournament ‘The Hundred’. Since then it was believed that the players will not be allowed to play in the Global T20 Canada League as well, now this news has also been confirmed.

    PCB did not give NOC to these players

    Babar Azam Shaheen Shah Afridi Mohammad Rizwan Naseem Shah

    What did PCB say?

    PCB said in a press release that ‘Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi along with other players had sent NOC requests for the global T20 event. It has been decided to reject it keeping in mind Pakistan’s busy cricket calendar between August 2024 and March 2025. Discussions have been held with the three players as well as the National Selection Committee in this regard.

    This player plays all three formats

    Actually, Pakistan team captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and fast bowler Shaheen Shah, all three play all formats. Pakistan has to play 9 Tests, 14 ODIs and 9 T20 matches in the next 8 months. After this, Champions Trophy 2025 is also to be held. Therefore, the board wants the players to stay fit and play for the country.

    PCB gave NOC to these 4 players

    Haris Rauf Mohammad Aamir Mohammad Nawaz Asif Ali

    See Pakistan Cricket Board’s tweet:

  • Not Shaheen Afridi Or Babar Azam, This Cricketer Should Captain Pakistan In All Formats Says Salman Butt. cricket news

    Former Pakistan opener Salman Butt has voiced his opinion on the future leadership of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, advocating for Shan Masood to take over as captain across all formats, replacing Babar Azam. Butt’s recommendation follows Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where they failed to advance to the Super 8s.

    Butt bypassed other notable candidates, including star pacer and former T20I captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, and former T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan, placing his confidence in the 34-year-old Masood. Butt shared his views on his YouTube channel, expressing concerns about the current leadership’s attitude and lack of effective execution despite their evident skills.

    “There is some fuss because of which, despite having skill, players haven’t been able to execute. There is someone who doesn’t have any strategy for planning, but still has a lot of attitude. To silence that attitude, I would definitely make Shan Masood the captain,” Butt said.

    Shan Masood’s appointment as Pakistan’s Test captain came after Babar Azam decided to step down from the role following the team’s early exit in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, Babar was reinstated as the white-ball skipper ahead of the recently concluded 2024 T20 World Cup, a decision that did not yield the desired results.

    Currently leading Pakistan’s Test team, Shan Masood also captains Yorkshire in the County Championship and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Babar Azam resigned from Pakistan’s captaincy in all formats following a disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup. Shaheen Afridi briefly took charge of the T20I team but was removed after a series loss in New Zealand.

    Upon becoming the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi reinstated Babar as the white-ball captain. However, Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, with losses to the USA and India, has increased the pressure to replace him.

    Naqvi plans to consult white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten and former players before making a final decision on the leadership. Other captaincy candidates, such as Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, remain in consideration. Babar’s performance in the T20 World Cup also drew criticism; he scored 122 runs in 4 matches at an average of 40.66 but with a strike rate of 101.66, which was deemed insufficient by experts.

  • Shahid Afridi calls for PCB action on Babar Azam’s captaincy after T20 World Cup 2024 debate | Cricket News

    Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has come down heavily on embattled skipper Babar Azam for the team’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup, saying that he had been given enough opportunities to lead the side, and it was time for the PCB to take a call on his captaincy. Former champions Pakistan lost to newcomers USA and arch-rivals India to be eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup held in the USA and West Indies.

    “Babar has got a full open chance to lead Pakistan. He has been given enough time to show his worth as captain. Now whatever surgery the PCB wants to do, they should take their decision,” Afridi told the media in Birmingham where he is taking part in the World Legends Championship.

    “I have also captained Pakistan and so have Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq but whenever the team has performed badly in the World Cups, first thing the captain faces the knife (sic),” he said.

    Babar has led Pakistan in four World Cups and two Asia Cups. Afridi also said that if the PCB decides to appoint a new skipper, he and the two new foreign coaches — Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie — should be given enough time to prove themselves.

    “Whatever decision the PCB takes it should take but it should give time to the captain, coach and the system to work,” he added. The former skipper also disagreed with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to sack national selectors Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq.

    The two former Test players were removed from the selection committee in the wake of the team’s disastrous T20 World Cup campaign. “This surgery makes no sense to me… Sacking just two selectors,” said Afridi.

    Afridi’s son-in-law, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has come under the scanner after a television channel claimed that the fast bowler was not at his best behaviour during the World Cup.

    The channel claimed that white-ball coach Kirsten, in his report, had noted that Shaheen was not cooperative with the management and there was a general breakdown of discipline in the team. The channel also claimed that the PCB had been told that senior team manager, Wahab Riaz and manager Mansoor Rana ignored Shaheen’s behaviour and did not bother to talk to him about it.

    There have also been accusations that Wahab and Razzaq even tried to pressure other selectors to pick some players who were not in form at that time.