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Shaheen Afridi Namedrops Two Pakistan Greats In Response To Gary Kirsten’s ‘Workload’ Verdict

admin — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 15:54:48 +0000

File photo of Shaheen Afridi© AFP

Pakistan cricket team fast bowler Shaheen Afridi completely brushed aside any workload concerns following comments from head coach Gary Kirsten. Earlier, Kirsten said that workload can be a big issue for Shaheen as he bowls a lot of overs across formats and as a result, he needs to be rested properly. In response, Shaheen said that there were no concerns and even namedropped the legendary Pakistan pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis to point out that they bowled way more during their time.

“First of all, if you are saying that I have bowled the most in the world (among bowlers in Test cricket) that is three times more but if you look in the past, all our legends bowlers Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, at that time there was no workload issue. I don’t know why have we made it such a big issue in the past one year that we have workload and players are getting injured,” said Shaheen on a Pakistan news channel.

Shaheen added that it depends on cricketers to stay mentally and physically fit.

“I think it all depends on the individual how he treats each format. You will have to get mentally fit and strong that how will you react. If you react lazily then you will never be able to perform. If you ever go through a phase where you’re unable to perform then your body also gives you message. At that time you need the support of your management and the closed ones. I don’t know there’s nothing like workload. There isn’t much workload. I feel one should enjoy every format,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has claimed that the reports about Babar Azam leading Pakistan in white-ball cricket until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are false.

In September, the change in Pakistan’s captaincy has been the talk of the town since reports started to suggest the end of Babar’s reign as white-ball skipper.

Mohammad Rizwan was tipped as Babar’s successor in the limited-overs format. But, recently, the tides started to shift in Babar’s favour after the latest developments suggested that Babar will retain the white-ball captaincy.

(With ANI inputs)

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Not Zaheer Khan, Kapil Dev Or Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami Picks These Two As “Favourite Bowlers Of All Time”

admin — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 02:31:37 +0000

The likes of Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan have etched their names in the history books for the kind of performances they put for India. While Kapil, an all-rounder in true sense, is among the legendary players of the nation, Zaheer, a left-arm pacer, was also superb with his skill set during his playing days. Come 2024 and Jasprit Bumrah has established himself as a modern day great in bowling. However, these three are not the only names, who have produced scintillating bowling performances for India. Former spinners Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh alongside off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin are find their names in the list of India’s top performing bowlers.

However, when India pacer Mohammed Shami was asked to pick his “favourite bowler of all-time”, he named two greats, who are not from India.

“There are a lot of them. But if you are asking for names, then I like Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn more,” said Shami in a rapid-fire Question and Answer session on Star Sports.

What is #MohammedShami‘s nickname? Who does he enjoy bowling to?

Watch the star answer these Qs and more, on his birthday today!

Don’t forget to wish the Indian speedster a #happybirthday in the comments#Cricket #HappyBirthdayMohammedShami pic.twitter.com/NWjjyqyDWb

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 3, 2024

Indian all-format pace veteran Shami has stood up as the match-winner across all three formats by delivering numerous memorable performances and has been the national team’s go-to man in the ODI World Cups.

Ever since his memorable debut in international cricket back in 2013 — where he picked up nine scalps in Eden Gardens — Shami has made a name for himself with his pace, toe-crushing yorkers and ability to step up his game in big games.

Delivering match-winning performances through major ICC tournaments for India, particularly, the 50-over World Cups, despite battling injuries, the pacer has gained a massive following for himself.

He forms a formidable pace duo with Bumrah in all formats of the game.

With 448 international scalps in 188 games including 229 in Tests, 195 in ODIs and 24 in T20Is, Shami is one of the best modern-era pacers to have graced the sport.

(With ANI Inputs)

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PCB Appoint 5 Pakistan Greats As Mentors After Bangladesh Defeat

admin — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:03:08 +0000

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed five former stalwarts of Pakistan cricket to mentor their domestic and international cricketers, in preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Champions One-Day Cup will be held in Pakistan between five domestic teams, with the intention of featuring not only the best domestic performers in Pakistan but also senior team players who are centrally contracted. In light of this, the PCB has named Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saqlain Mushtaq as mentors for the teams during the Champions One-Day Cup.

Following a loss to Bangladesh in the first Test – their first-ever Test defeat to them – the PCB seems to be in no mood to take preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy lightly, even more so as it is being held on home soil.

“These five mentors will play a pivotal role in the development and progression of our emerging cricketers. They will guide strategic planning and team-building processes, while also providing support in leadership and personal development,” said PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in a press release.

The Champions One-Day Cup will start on September 12, just over a week after the end of Pakistan’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh. It will be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, which will see a return of One-Day cricket after more than two years.

Naqvi reiterated that the five mentors had been selected after a robust recruitment process, with the aim of reducing the quality gap between domestic and international cricketers.

“These individuals bring a wealth of cricketing experience, knowledge and expertise, which, combined with their passion for the game we all love, will help the Pakistan Cricket Board identify, develop and nurture the next generation of cricketers across all formats,” Naqvi emphasised.

The five share more than 32,000 runs and 1,500 wickets between them across all forms of international cricket.

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Ex-Pakistan Star Blasts Waqar Younis Over Selection Call, Says “Will Ruin…”

admin — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:42:45 +0000

Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the first Test match in the two-game series on Wednesday. Following the disappointing show at the T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan cricket team has come under a lot of criticism and the series against Bangladesh will be very important in their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign. However, the decision to drop spinner Abrar Ahmed and batter Kamran Ghulam has once again sparked a controversy. Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed took a huge dig at Waqar Younis, who was appointed as the advisor to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, and the Pakistan cricket team selection committee to exclude the two players from the squad for the first Test match.

Dekha ap logon ney ye waqar younis or selection commeette ki waja say Abrar Ahmed or kamran ghulam ko test matches say farigh kardiya against bangladesh rahi sahi jo pakistan ki cricket ha ye waqar younis barbad karey ga

— Tanveer Says (@ImTanveerA) August 17, 2024

Tanvir took to social media to be critical of the selection decision.

“Have you all seen? Waqar Younis and the selection committee have removed Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam from the Test matches against Bangladesh. Waqar Younis will ruin whatever that is left of Pakistan’s cricket,” Tanvir posted on X (formerly Twitter), as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

Sharam ani chahiye is selection third class commeette ko jis ney Abrar ko or kamaram ghulam ko team say drop kiya ha kahan ha ye waqar younis jo bara legend bana phirta ha kaise ye dono drop howey hain

— Tanveer Says (@ImTanveerA) August 17, 2024

“This third-class selection committee should be ashamed that has dropped Abrar and Kamran Ghulam from the team. Where is this Waqar Younis who keeps portraying himself as a big legend? How have these two been dropped?” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s pace attack has taken a major hit just before their two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home. Fast bowler Aamir Jamal has been released from the squad due to ongoing fitness issues, further impacting Pakistan’s lineup for the crucial series.

Jamal, who suffered a back injury while playing County cricket in England earlier this year, was initially included in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC World Test Championship series, pending a fitness clearance.

Pakistan Test Squad Against Bangladesh

Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel (VC), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

(With ANI inputs)

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Waqar Younis Likely To Become PCB’s Chief Cricket Officer

admin — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:35:05 +0000

File photo of Waqar Younis.© AFP

Fast-bowling great Waqar Younis is likely to become the new Chief Cricket Officer (CCO) of the Pakistan Cricket Board, having joined the PCB as an advisor to the chairman of cricket affairs temporarily. A source aware of the developments said that the former captain had joined the board in a paid position and not in any advisory position. “Presently, he has been given the title of advisor to the chairman on cricket affairs. But, a new position similar to the one that Rob Key has in the English cricket board is being created for him and would be approved by the Board of Governors,” the source said.

The source added that Waqar, once given his new position, would also be part of the national selection committee and involved in issues linked to central contracts.

He said that Waqar had agreed to join as an advisor but first wanted to get acclimatised to his new role on the board.

He recently worked with various departments to learn about all the cricket-related matters, including international and domestic schedules, preparations and strategies for the coming international games and tests etc.

The fast bowler, who has been the bowling coach and head coach of the Pakistan team several times, agreed to join the PCB after relocating from Australia to Lahore with his family.

“He relocated last year to Lahore,” the source said.

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PCB Contemplates Appointing Waqar Younis As Director Of Cricket

admin — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:42:56 +0000

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi is contemplating appointing former captain Waqar Younis as the director of cricket affairs. A well-placed source in the board has informed PTI that Naqvi has taken a cue from other national boards and wants a former player to handle all cricket-related matters. “Waqar Younis is a top candidate to be handed over complete responsibility of looking after men’s cricket, including liaising with the two foreign head coaches, national selectors and domestic cricket departments,” the source said.

The source informed that the PCB chief aims to give full power to the former fast bowler to manage men’s cricket affairs as the director while some of the matters can also be looked after by other former players.

“Naqvi doesn’t want to centralise all powers as he wants to decentralise things, especially where cricket issues are concerned. In future, even international cricket schedules and issues would be looked over by the director of cricket,” he added.

The source added that at the moment, Naqvi is focussed on preparations for hosting the Champions Trophy and matters related to the tournament along with other administrative decisions in the board.

“Being the federal interior minister, Naqvi believes that it is only fair that all cricket matters are handled by specialists and not only people in administration,” he added.

According to the source, the director of cricket would have powers to appoint other former players for assistance.

The 52-year-old Younis, who is settled in Australia with his family, has served as Pakistan’s head coach as well as bowling coach in separate stints in the past and remains available to provide his services to the national side.

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“India Too Hot To Handle”: Pakistan Great’s Ultimate Praise For Rohit Sharma And Co After Win vs England

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:08:05 +0000

Team India defeated England by 100 runs to register their sixth victory on the trot at the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. The hosts posted a total of 229/9 in 50 overs with skipper Rohit Sharma playing a crucial knock of 87 runs. Later, pacers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah scalped four and three wickets respectively as England got bundled out for 129. This was England’s fifth defeat out of six matches, which brought them down at the bottom of the points table.

Team India has been receiving praises from all over the world for their exemplary performance in the ongoing event. Former Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis also did not shy away from praising the 2011 champions.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Waqar wrote, “Batters Win you matches but bowlers Win you Trophies. India too Hot to handle. Rohit Sharma excellent Leader.”

Batters Win you matches but bowlers Win you Trophies. India too Hot to handle. Rohit Sharma excellent Leader. #CompletePackage #CricketWorldCup23 pic.twitter.com/M8dl5FQUEO

— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) October 29, 2023

Chasing a tricky 230 for victory in Lucknow, England collapsed to 129 all out in 34.5 overs to suffer their fifth defeat in six matches and leave their title defence at the mercy of a mathematical miracle.

The hosts have six wins in as many games and are virtually assured of a semi-final place.

Skipper Rohit Sharma led the charge with 87 as India posted 229-9, a total that looked below par but proved enough for a struggling England side on a sluggish pitch.

“It was a great performance and we would take that win any day,” said man-of-the-match Rohit.

Shami returned figures of 4-22 while fellow quick Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets to wrap up the match as fireworks lit up the sky.

(With AFP inputs)

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“This Is Pathetic”: Waqar Younis Fumes As Alleged Babar Azam Chat Is Leaked On TV, Social Media

admin — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 08:49:23 +0000

Pakistan cricket team skipper Babar Azam has been in the line of fire, owing to his team’s poor show in the Cricket World Cup 2023. As Pakistan’s semi-finals qualifcation chances hang in balance, certain reports have suggested that the relationship between Babar and Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Zaka Ashraf have gone sour. There are rumours that Ashraf isn’t even answering Babar’s phonecalls. As a Pakistan tv channel shared an alleged WhatsApp chat with Babar on a show, legendary cricketer Waqar Younis took to social media to slam those leaking personal chats on TV.

There are suggestions that Babar’s captaincy is under the line of fire, with the PCB contemplating if the skipper needs to be replaced at the end of Pakistan’s World cup campaign. As speculations on social media continue to spread, Waqar wasn’t happy seeing an alleged ‘personal chat’ being made public.

The text, as displayed by the Pakistani channel, read:

“Babar, there’s also been this news circulating on TV and social media that you have been calling Chairman and he’s not answering. Have you called him recently?”, the sender by the name of Salman wrote.

The receiver by the name, whose name was saved as ‘Babar Azam New’ responded saying,”Salam Salman bhai, ma ny to sir ko koi call nai ke (Hello brother, I did not call sir).”

“Ya kya Karna ki koshish kar raha ho aap loog??? This is pathetic !!! Khush ho gaya aap loog. Please leave @babarazam258 alone He’s an asset of Pakistan Cricket @TheRealPCB @ARYNEWSOFFICIAL @Salman_ARY,” Waqar wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

they just showed babar azam’s priv whatsapp convo with someone on live tv without his consent. this is pakistan’s captain. how can you stoop so low @Shoaib_Jatt and how can you approve to show this on your show @WaseemBadami, expected better from you. ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC. LANAT. pic.twitter.com/N1uuqMeLZh

— عثمان (@usmssss) October 29, 2023

Having already lost 4 of their 6 matches, Pakistan only have an outside chance when it comes to World Cup 2023 semi-final qualification. Babar Azam and his players have received plenty of criticism over the last couple of weeks, with some of their former players also asking for the skipper to be sacked.

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Waqar Younis Shell-Shocked As Pakistan’s Poor Start In Cricket World Cup Gets Worse. Watch

admin — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 14:05:43 +0000

Afghanistan put on a superb batting and bowling display to hand Pakistan a stunning eight-wicket defeat in the Cricket World Cup 2023 on Monday. Chasing a 283-run target at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Afghanistan were lifted by Ibrahim Zadran (87), Rahmat Shah (77 not out) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) as they scored 286 for 2 in 49 overs. Pakistan had made 282-7 in their 50 overs with 74 from skipper Babar Azam and 58 from opener Abdullah Shafique but the total did not prove tough enough for a clinical Afghanistan.

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi hit the winning run that was followed by a heartfelt celebration from the side. Meanwhile, Pakistan legend Waqar Younis, who was commentating for the game, was shell-shocked over the result.

With former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa describing the final scenes from the commentary box, Younis, who was sitting next to him, stayed tightlipped for a fair amount of time.

Watch the viral reaction here:

With the win, Afghanistan improved upon their highest ODI chase of 274 against the UAE in Dubai in 2014.

The win is Afghanistan’s first-ever over Pakistan in eight ODIs and came eight days after their shock victory over defending champions England in Delhi.

“This win tastes nice,” said Shahidi. “The way we chased was very professional and the way we did that will help us going into our other games now.

“We are playing quality cricket. We have always had belief and at the start of the tournament I told my team I wanted to make it a historic one for our country and our people. We did that against England and now today against Pakistan.”

The defeat leaves Pakistan’s World Cup campaign in disarray with three defeats in five games and a formidable South Africa to face at the same venue on Friday.

In contrast, Afghanistan’s campaign is slightly revived with two wins in five matches and struggling Sri Lanka as their next opponents in Pune on Sunday.

The win was greeted with celebratory gunfire, cheers and fireworks across the Afghan capital Kabul for at least 15 minutes after the match concluded.

(With AFP Inputs)

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Pakistan Legend Tells Shaheen Afridi To Copy Jasprit Bumrah Cricket World Cup 2023 Blueprint

admin — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:16:36 +0000

Pakistan legend Waqar Younis on Monday advised misfiring strike bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi to learn from India seamer Jasprit Bumrah if he wants to make an impact at the Cricket World Cup 2023. Shaheen is struggling with his pace and fitness and has been unimpressive in all three games at the World Cup where his four wickets have come at a cost of 139 runs. “I don’t know if there is a problem with his fitness,” Waqar, who is India as a commentator, told AFP. “The missing link in his bowling is discipline and he is over trying to get wickets. “When you do the same thing again and again, like Shaheen is bowling to get his yorker going, then batsmen know that and they are ready for it.”

Waqar suggested Shaheen should follow the example set by Bumrah who he described as a “top bowler.”

The Indian spearhead is joint top wicket-taker in the World Cup with eight wickets at just 11.52.

New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner and fast bowler Matt Henry also have eight victims each.

India thumped Pakistan by seven wickets in Ahmedabad on Saturday, with Shaheen unable to help Pakistan defend a meagre 192-run target.

In contrast, Bumrah dismissed Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan with two well executed deliveries to finish with 2-19 in seven overs.

“Bumrah is creating pressure and his line is top of the off stump. He bowled so well against Pakistan and created pressure to get wickets,” said Waqar.

Shaheen, 23, has been leading Pakistan’s new-ball attack since taking 16 wickets in five World Cup games in the United Kingdom four years ago.

He has been likened to former great Wasim Akram who with 414 Test and 502 ODI wickets was regarded as one of the best left-arm pacers to have played cricket.

But former India allrounder Ravi Shastri blasted the comparison during the Pakistan-India match, saying: “Shaheen is no Wasim Akram”, claiming that the Pakistan star is “not special.”

Waqar believes that the absence of regular new-ball partner Naseem Shah — ruled out of the World Cup with a shoulder injury — may have had a detrimental effect on Shaheen’s performances so far.

“Naseem is a good bowler and doesn’t give many runs away,” said Waqar of the 20-year-old.

“When Naseem creates pressure, batsmen take chances with other bowlers and they get wickets.”

Waqar said Pakistan’s bowling was “lacking discipline” at the World Cup where three games have yielded two wins and one loss.

“I don’t think it’s because of missing just one bowler, but it’s because they are not keeping it simple.”

Pakistan, who beat the Netherlands and Sri Lanka before losing to India, next face Australia in Bengaluru on Friday.

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