Pakistan will take the field on Wednesday, hoping to get their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign off to a winning start. Pakistan, who are hosting the tournament barring India matches (to be played in Dubai), were beaten by the Kiwis last week in the final of a tri-nation series, at the same venue. Pakistan last hosted an ICC event in 1996, the ODI World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. However, the event holds big significance for Pakistan. If everything goes as planned, then it will be a big step towards convincing the world that Pakistan is a safe place to play cricket.

The 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lanka team’s bus in Lahore change the course of Pakistan’s cricketing history. For years, Pakistan played their home matches in the UAE as teams had refused to visit the country after what happened on that day in Lahore.

As the nation gets ready to host the Champions Trophy, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq opened up on the repercussions of the attack.

“Right now, everyone is talking about the Champions Trophy in schools, houses, markets, offices, everywhere. The events of 2009 feel like a bad dream. We were punished for 10 years. Our cricket went backwards,” Inzamam told Reuters.

“Seeing the stars playing live is a big deal for fans and young cricketers. Not having that meant the whole cricket machinery was jammed. A Pakistan-India match is not just a game of cricket, it’s a game of expectations, of emotions,” he added.

Eight persons were killed and over 20 others, including several Sri Lankan players, injured when over a dozen terrorists ambushed the Lankan team’s motorcade at the busy Liberty traffic roundabout near the Gaddafi Stadium on the third day of the second Test against Pakistan on March 3, 2009.

Lankan players Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera, Tharanga Paranavitana, Suranga Lakmal and Thilina Thushara were injured in the attack.

Despite all of this, the decision to play the next match in Lahore was made. The match began but the first two days saw action mainly on the ground with some political disturbance and Sri Lanka amassing a massive total of over 600 runs.

Though a debate over better players across eras remains a difficult one to justify, former India opening batter Virender Sehwag picked Virat Kohli as the No. 1 batter in ODI cricket history, ahead of his long-term teammate Sachin Tendulkar. Despite the fact that many reckon Tendulkar as the ‘God’ of cricket, a player who defined an era of cricket with his batting brilliance, Sehwag could only give him the No. 2 spot on his list. But, the former attacking opening batter did explain why he picked Virat over Sachin.

In a chat on Cricbuzz, Sehwag picked his top 5 batters in ODI cricket history. The list began with the legendary West Indies batter Chris Gayle, who was given the No. 5 spot. Gayle has a whopping 10480 runs to his name in the format in 304 appearances.

“Chris Gayle was a great batsman and opener. I remember India came to the West Indies in 2002-03, and Chris Gayle hit three centuries in a six-match series. He was the first player I saw at the international level who used to hit sixes from the back foot to fast bowlers,” he said.

The No. 4 spot was given to AB de Villiers, former South Africa captain, who aggregated 9577 runs in 228 ODIs over the course of his career. He was followed by ex Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq who scored 11739 runs in 350 innings.

“No. 4 is AB de Villiers. I really liked the way he used to play. He’s the only batsman who can hit sixes off-balance. No. 3 is Inzamam-ul-Haq. He’s one of the best ODI players from Asia. Inzamam used to come out to bat at No. 4 and used to control the match. So, I learned from him how to take the match to the end. How you can control the match. At that time, it was very difficult to chase seven or eight runs in an over. But Inzamam used to do it with a smile. Because he used to calculate when and who to hit sixes,” Sehwag added.

While there’s no denying the camaraderie that Sehwag has with Tendulkar, he still preferred to pick Kohli over the ‘God’ on the list.

“Everyone’s favourite and my role model, Sachin Tendulkar. You know how it feels to walk on the ground with him? You’re going to the jungle with a lion. Everyone’s eyes are on the lion. And I used to quietly make my runs,” said Sehwag on Tendulkar.

Sehwag firmly believes it is quite difficult that the cricket world will be able to see a player with as much consistency as Kohli in ODI cricket.

“Virat Kohli is at number one. Virat Kohli jaisa khiladi shayad he aane wale samay mein aisa consistent player aaye jisko ek tag diya gaya hai-Chasemaster. In the beginning, he wasn’t the Virat Kohli who he is today. He also took his time and learned a lot. And after 2011-12, he has changed a lot. In his fitness and in his consistency. He has played amazing innings,” Sehwag concluded.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Mohammad and Saeed Anwar have been named as new inductees into the Hall of Fame constituted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB said in a statement that the legendary quartet was voted into the select club by an 11-member independent panel that included fellow Hall of Famers, women international cricketers and journalists, adding that four inductions were made for 2024 after no one was included in for 2023. “The four stalwarts will be formally inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame during the course of the year when they will be presented with commemorative caps and specially designed plaques,” it further said.

Inzamam, Misbah, Mushtaq and Anwar are joining Abdul Qadir, AH Kardar, Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Younis Khan and Zaheer Abbas in the illustrious group.

Inzamam played international cricket for Pakistan from 1991 to 2007 and was a member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team, apart from being their leading 50-over run-scorer and being their captain. Later, he also held the post of Pakistan’s chief selector twice and coached Afghanistan too.

Misbah, whose international career ran from 2001 to 2017, was part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 winning squad and guided the team to pole position in the ICC Test Team Rankings in 2016. Misbah served as head coach of Pakistan from 2019-2021, and was also chief selector in 2019-2020.

On the other hand, Mushtaq, one of the four Mohammed brothers to play Tests, played for Pakistan from 1959 to 1979 and captained the team to its first-ever Test win in Australia in 1977, as well as featured in the inaugural 1975 ODI World Cup in England before coaching the national side to 1999 ODI World Cup final in England.

Meanwhile, Anwar represented Pakistan from 1989 to 2003, and rose to being their batting mainstay by amassing a total of 31 centuries and 68 half-centuries, including three centuries and three half-centuries across the 1996, 1999 and 2003 ODI World Cups.

“This honour represents a tribute to their outstanding contributions to Pakistan cricket and to the global game. These four giants of the game hold a special place in Pakistan’s rich cricketing history. Their contributions not only elevated the sport within Pakistan but also inspired future generations to pursue excellence.”

“Their talent, charisma and unwavering commitment have made them true ambassadors of cricket and the PCB takes immense pride in honouring their accomplishments. Pakistan is fortunate to have produced such extraordinary players who have showcased their skill and sportsmanship on the global stage.

“I hope that our aspiring cricketers will look up to these icons and strive to follow in their footsteps, carrying forward their legacy and continuing to strengthen Pakistan’s position as a cricketing powerhouse,” said PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

File photo of Mohammed Shami© AFP

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag slammed a question asked by the media to Rohit Sharma, ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Guyana. After India’s win over Australia in the Super 8 stage, Pakistan legend Inzamam-ul-Haq had raised suspicion over possible ball tampering by India. The reason behind his doubt was that Arshdeep Singh was able to create reverse as early as the 15th over. While Rohit Sharma denied any wrongdoing, former India vice-captain Sehwag criticised such questions being asked to the players.

“It is not the job of a reporter to quote someone and ask others for their opinion,” said Sehwag, speaking on Cricbuzz.

“This is wrong. Do you not have a question of your own?” said Sehwag.

Sehwag said that such questions are of no help to the players, and are only useful in stirring controversies.

“You’re trying to create controversy. If I were there, I wouldn’t have replied at all,” said Sehwag.

Earlier, Rohit Sharma had completely denied any ball tampering from India, instead suggesting that it is important for critics to be “open-minded”.

“You are playing in the heat, the wicket is dry, the ball reverses automatically. It happens for all the teams. It’s important to open your mind,” said a disappointed Rohit, in response to the allegation by Inzamam.

India have been in tremendous form at the 2024 T20 World Cup, and are yet to lose a game. Supporters and fans would be hoping that the end result does not turn out like the 2023 ODI World Cup Final.

Rohit Sharma returned to his explosive best against Australia, smashing 92 off just 41 balls.

India take on England at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, where rain is expected to be 90%. In the case of a washed out match, India will qualify for the final on June 29, by virtue of finishing higher in the Super 8.

South Africa are awaiting the winner of the India-England clash.

Indian cricket team fast bowler Arshdeep Singh celebrates after taking a wicket© AFP

Ahead of the India vs England T20 World Cup semi-final, a very strong accusation from Pakistan great Inzamam ul Haq went viral. On his target was Indian cricket team pace bowler Arshdeep Singh and the former Pakistan captain claimed that Arshdeep Singh was getting reverse swing due to some ‘serious work’ on the ball. Indirectly, he meant that Arshdeep was unfairly tampering the ball, which is a punishable offence by the ICC.

Speaking to a Pakistani news channel, Inzamam accused Arshdeep and the Indian side of working on the ball, which helped the lanky pacer generate a reverse swing in his second spell.

“When Arshdeep was bowling the 15th over, it was reverse swinging. Is that too early with the new ball? This means the ball was ready by the 12th-13th over, it was capable of reversing. It was reverse-swinging in the 15th. Umpires need to keep their eyes open,” Inzamam told the news channel.

Inzamam further stated that, “If Pakistan bowlers did this, there would have been hue and cry. We know how to reverse it really well. If Arshdeep can reverse it in the 15th, there’s been some serious work done on the ball.

“If Bumrah does it (you can understand), his action is like that. When others with a specific action or speed do it, it means the ball has been prepared in a special way,” added Inzamam.

Rohit was asked about Inzamam’s comment in the pre-match media interaction here and he dismissed it, advising the former batter to have an open mind.

“Abhi kya jawab du iska mein bhai (what answer should I give, brother). Wickets are so dry (here) as you are playing in a sunny weather. All teams are getting reverse (swing). Sometimes dimaag ko kholna zaroori hai (Need to open your mind). You need to understand what the conditions are. This is not Australia or England. That’s what I will say,” Rohit said, when asked to respond to Inzamam’s observation.

Inzamam ul haq “Dimag ko kholo Bhikhari”

ROHIT SHARMA

“IND vs ENG”#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/ZM2K1EVCVo

— Areeba Khan (@Areebakhan1325) June 26, 2024

India defeated 2021 T20 World Cup champions Australia by 24 runs in Gros Islet on Monday to set up a semifinal clash against England with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh grabbing three wickets to halt the Kangaroos’ charge in the chase of 205.

India scored 205 batting first and then restricted Australia to 181/7.

Australia were in the game and required 81 runs in eight overs with eight wickets in hand. But they lost the plot during Arshdeep’s second spell, which fetched him two wickets in the 16th and 18th overs.

With PTI inputs

Former Pakistan captains Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saleem Malik have accused India pacer Arshdeep Singh and the team of altering the conditions of the ball during their T20 World Cup Super 9 match against Australia. Inzamam said that India must have tampered the ball in the middle overs to help Arshdeep in getting reverse swing from the new ball. Inzamam and Malik also slammed the umpires for not staying alert to the situation, with the latter even suggesting that the officials do favour certain teams, adding that India are one of them.

Inzamam pointed out that getting reverse swing with the new ball is difficult, unless the condition is altered.

“When Arshdeep Singh was bowling the 15th over, there was reverse swing. With the new ball, it is too early. This means that the ball was tampered around the 12th or 13th over to get reverse swing. So, the umpires should keep their eyes open,” Inzamam said during a discussion on 24 News.

“There is a saying that the umpires keep their eyes closed for some teams, and India are one of them. I remeber getting fined for reporting a similar situation during a game against Pakistan,” Malik pointed out.

Inzamam also suggested that the umpires would have taken extremeif there was a Pakistan player in that situation.

“If this was the case with the Pakistan bowlers, there would have been a lot of discussion on the same. If Arshdeep’s ball is reversing in the 15th over, it is evident that something was done to the ball,” Inzamam added.

Two former Pakistan captain Saleem Malik and Inzmam ul haq accused Arshdeep Singha nd India of ball Tempering.

2023: @MdShami11 ke ball me Chip thi: Hasan Raza

2024: Arshdeep ke ball reverse ho raha hai mtlb ball pe serious kism ka kaam hua hai: Inzmam ul haq pic.twitter.com/YXmIuPatrd

— Varun Giri (@Varungiri0) June 25, 2024

Meanwhile, Arshdeep leads the wicket-taking charts for India in the ongoing tournament. With figures of 3 for 37, Arshdeep also climbed to the second spot in the tournament’s wicket-takers chart with 15 wickets in six games with Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi sitting on top with 16 wickets in seven games.

After the match, Arshdeep gave credit to Jasprit Bumrah for his brilliant bowling throughout the tournament.

“I guess a lot of credit goes to Jassi bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) because he puts a lot of pressure on the batters – he gives, what, three or four runs in an over – so batters are coming hard against me, and I just have to try and bowl my best ball and there are a lot of chances of getting wickets there,” he said.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq admitted that the team is on a decline.© AFP

Shaheen Afridi criticises by Inzamam-ul-Haq© X (Twitter)