The Chhattisgarh

Tag: Pakistan Cricket

  • ‘Babar Azam Should Be Dropped’: Ex-Pakistan Legend Calls For Star Batsman’s Exclusion From Test Squad | cricket news

    Former Pakistan cricket legend Zaheer Abbas, famously known as the “Asian Bradman,” has made a bold statement regarding Babar Azam’s place in the Pakistan Test team. Speaking at the Cricket Predicta Conclave in Ajman, UAE, during the 100th episode celebration of the international cricket talk show, Zaheer voiced his opinion on Babar’s recent struggles.

    “Babar Azam should be dropped from the team if he’s not scoring runs. He’s our main batsman, and if he’s out of form, he should be out of the team,” said Zaheer. His remarks come after Babar’s string of low scores in Pakistan’s recent Test series against Bangladesh, where he managed just 0, 22, 11, and 31, contributing to Pakistan’s defeat in the series.

    Adding to the pressure on Babar, his name was recently removed from the ICC top 10 Test batsmen rankings for the first time in years. This slump in form has ignited debates about Babar’s place in the team, especially after Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they suffered defeats to the USA and India, leading to their group-stage elimination.

    Zaheer also dismissed ongoing comparisons between Babar and Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, calling them “pointless” given their current form. “The comparisons are meaningless. Virat Kohli scores in every match; Babar doesn’t score in any match. So how can you compare? The one who scores is the bigger player,” Zaheer added.

    With Pakistan’s next assignment being the Test series against England as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, starting in Multan on October 7, all eyes will be on Babar’s performance.

    Babar Azam Steps Down As White Ball Captain

    In a surprising move that has once again shaken the Pakistan cricket world, star batsman Babar Azam has stepped down as the captain of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams for the second time in less than a year. Babar, who announced his resignation on social media on October 2, 2024, cited the increased workload of captaincy as the key reason behind his decision. His departure from the leadership role has ignited widespread discussions about his form, future, and the trajectory of Pakistan cricket.

    In his statement, Babar emphasized his desire to prioritize his performance, stating, “By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game.” For Pakistan cricket fans, the hope is that this move will allow Babar to once again rise to the top as one of the game’s premier players.

  • Babar Azam, Shan Masood Among Senior Players To Attend PCB Workshop On Pakistan Cricket’s Future | cricket news

    Captains Babar Azam and Shan Masood, along with other senior players, will attend a day-long workshop on Monday, convened by the PCB to outline the future vision for Pakistan cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board has named the day-long workshop the “Strategic Connection Camp,” to be held at a local hotel. Along with captains Babar Azam and Shan Masood, senior players Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi will be in attendance.

    The meeting will also be joined by national team head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, and High Performance specialist David Reid. (WTC Points Table 2023-25: India Tightens Grip On No. 1 Spot After 280 Run Victory, Bangladesh Slips To 6th Position)

    “We aim to identify key issues, foster open dialogue and collectively agree on a strategic path forward to successfully reshape Pakistan cricket.” PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement.

    “The Connection Camp is a critical step toward unifying our approach to restore Pakistan cricket to its former glory. Our aim is to identify key issues, foster open dialogue and collectively agree on a strategic path forward. The PCB remains optimistic that this session, which builds on prior discussions with former cricketers, will lead to a results-driven strategy that improves both player management and team performance.”

    Pakistan Test captain Masood said the session will focus on setting performance benchmarks, developing player development programs, and formulating strategies to enhance grassroots cricket.

    Red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie and white-ball coach Gary Kirsten have also expressed optimism that the meeting will be beneficial.

    “We’re all striving toward the same goal – raising the standard of Pakistan cricket and creating a culture of winning.” Gillispie said. (‘Pakistan Samjhe The Kya,’ Fans Can’t Keep Calm After Team India Crushes Bangladesh In 1st Test)

    Kirsten said the focus is on refining the approach to white-ball cricket, building a team that can consistently perform at the highest level and bringing joy to the fans who support them. The PCB leadership group will also attend the meeting besides the national selectors.

    This is not the first time the PCB is hosting such a meeting/workshop as in the past also previous Chairmanmen have followed the same path in a bid to identify key issues in Pakistan cricket and to reach a consensus on a strategic path forward. Unfortunately the success rate and outcome of such meetings has not been high.

  • World Test Championship 2025: Check WTC Updated Points Table, Final Date, Venue, And More | cricket news

    WTC 2025: The race for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final is heating up, with teams jostling for a spot in the prestigious match set to take place at the iconic Lord’s Stadium in England. The latest developments in the WTC standings and the announcement of the final’s details have set the stage for an exciting conclusion to this global Test cricket event.

    Bangladesh Stuns Pakistan with Historic Series Sweep

    Bangladesh made headlines by achieving a historic 2-0 series sweep against Pakistan in their own backyard. In the second Test of the series, Bangladesh secured a convincing six-wicket victory, marking their first-ever clean sweep against an Asian side away from home. Pakistan, who had hoped to bounce back after a crushing 10-wicket defeat in the first Test, failed to deliver in the second match, further complicating their World Test Championship campaign.

    Impact on the World Test Championship Standings

    Pakistan’s disappointing performance has left them languishing in the eighth position on the WTC points table, with just 16 points from seven matches. This loss significantly hampers their chances of making it to the final, as they remain stuck in the second-to-last position. In contrast, Bangladesh’s impressive showing has propelled them to sixth place with 33 points from six matches.

    India continues to lead the WTC standings with 68.52 points from nine games, closely followed by Australia, who have amassed 62.5 points from 12 matches. These two cricketing powerhouses are currently the frontrunners for a spot in the 2025 WTC final.

    WTC Final Dates And Venue Announced

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the dates for the much-anticipated 2025 World Test Championship final. The match is scheduled to take place at Lord’s Stadium in London from June 11 to June 15, 2025, with June 16 reserved as a backup day in case of any disruptions.

    Past Champions Set the Bar High

    The WTC final has already produced memorable moments in its brief history. New Zealand emerged as the inaugural champions in 2021, defeating India by eight wickets. In the second edition, Australia claimed the title by beating India by 209 runs at The Oval in London. These thrilling finals have set high expectations for the 2025 edition, promising another exciting chapter in the championship’s history.

    India And Australia Lead The Charge

    India and Australia are currently the top contenders for reaching the WTC final once again. India’s consistent performance has placed them at the top of the table, while Australia is not far behind, making both teams the favorites for a rematch at Lord’s. With both teams showcasing exceptional form, the anticipation for the final is already building.

    Lord’s To Host Another Historic Final

    The decision to host the 2025 WTC final at Lord’s underscores the ICC’s commitment to celebrating Test cricket at historic venues. Known as the “Home of Cricket,” Lord’s has a rich history of hosting iconic matches, and the upcoming WTC final promises to be another landmark event. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting what could be an unforgettable showdown between the sport’s giants.

    As teams continue to battle it out in the ongoing WTC cycle, all eyes will be on Lord’s in June 2025, where the world’s best Test teams will compete for the ultimate prize in the longest format of the game.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Suryakumar Yadav-Like Catch by Young Pakistani Cricketer On Hill Goes Viral- WATCH | cricket news

    Local cricket matches worldwide often produce exciting moments that thrill fans. Recently, a video of a young boy imitating Jasprit Bumrah’s unique bowling action went viral. Now, another video is gaining attention, reminding fans of Suryakumar Yadav’s incredible catch during the T20 World Cup final last month. After a young Pakistani boy impressed Wasim Akram with his Bumrah-like action, another young cricketer from Pakistan is now in the spotlight for his amazing catch.

    The video shows a local cricket match in Pakistan, with children playing on a hilly terrain. A batsman hits a high shot, and the wicketkeeper runs uphill, keeping his eyes on the ball. He makes a stunning one-handed catch with his left hand, leaving social media in awe.

    What a catch! #cricketonmountain pic.twitter.com/nOkGv1H480 — Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) July 16, 2024

    Earlier, a young boy copying Bumrah’s bowling action received praise from Pakistan legend Akram. Akram expressed his delight on social media, admiring the boy’s control and perfect imitation of Bumrah’s style. Bumrah was a key player in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign and was named ‘Player of the Tournament’ for his outstanding bowling.

    Suryakumar Yadav’s Catch Controversy

    The pivotal moment came in the final over when David Miller launched a shot over the bowler, seemingly destined for the boundary. Suryakumar Yadav intervened with a spectacular catch at long-off, initially juggling the ball dangerously close to the boundary cushion. Third umpire Richard Kettleborough scrutinized the catch, confirming its legality despite social media chatter suggesting Yadav’s foot might have grazed the boundary rope during the catch.

    Suryakumar Yadav Or Hardik Pandya To Be The Next T20I Captain For India

    Hardik Pandya has been a significant figure in Indian cricket, especially in the T20 format. His contributions to India’s World Cup victory in the West Indies were invaluable. Despite this, recent discussions between Gambhir, Agarkar, and Pandya suggest a shift in strategy. The selectors appear to favor stability and long-term planning, making Yadav the preferred choice.

    Pandya’s recent performances, particularly his stint as captain of the Mumbai Indians, have not been as impressive as expected. Coupled with selectors’ concerns over his participation and availability, this has led to a reassessment of his role within the team. While Pandya remains a key player, his break from the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka due to personal reasons further complicates the situation.

  • “They lost even to America” ​​- Pakistan team and Babar Azam heavily beaten in Pakistan Parliament | Cricket News

    The runners-up of the 2022 T20 World Cup, Pakistan had a shocking tournament this year that could go no further than the group stage for them. Pakistan’s World Cup performance has raised questions on the captaincy of Babar Azam. Pakistan saw a group stage exit after they lost two games against the USA and India. Even Babar’s poor batting did not go unannounced and this whole situation has now reached the Pakistan Parliament.

    “He lost to America as well”

    Abdul Qadir Patel, a Member of Parliament in Pakistan criticised the Pakistani team and its captain for losing against the likes of the USA and for also losing against arch-rivals India. He took a dig at Babar Azam saying that he too should follow in Imran Khan’s steps and wave documents aound in public citing he has been conspired against.

    “What has happened to this cricket team? They lost to America as well. They lost to India as well, so Babar Azam should take a lesson from one of his senior cricketers after losing, he should hold a torch, he should put papers in it and say, look, this is a conspiracy against me, no one will ask him anything. After that, that matter will be over (What’s wrong with our cricket team? They lost to America, they lost to India. Babar Azam should take a lesson from one of his senior cricketers [Hinting at Imran Khan] and throw a party after losing where he should wave some documents in public stating, ‘There’s been a conspiracy against me.’ No one will question him after that, and the matter will be over.)”.

    Babar Azam trolled very badly in Pakistan’s Parliament. A sad moment for Pakistan’s captain. #Babarazam

    pic.twitter.com/sSN0vf5LBz — Darshit Trivedi (@Darshit1109) June 22, 2024

    Allegations Of Spot Fixing And Match Fixing

    After Pakistan crashed out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, several allegations of match fixing and spot fixing surfaced. The Pakistan Cricket Board found these allegations to be baseless and has promised to take action against those who were implying these baseless allegations. As per the report of Cricket Pakistan-“We are fully aware of these negative comments. Criticism within the bounds of the game is acceptable and there is no objection to it. However, baseless allegations like match-fixing cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. “