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Rashid Latif ‘Panga Mat Lena, Rang Neela Hi Rahega’ Ex-Pakistan Star Flaunts Indian His Indian Roots | WATCH

December 3, 2024, 12:43 pm

Ex-cricketer and renowned Pakistani wicketkeeper Rashid Latif recently shared his history. Deeply rooted in Indians and showing every trait of the Indian origins from whence they originated, Rashid Latif discussed very interesting details about their origins being with the people of Uttar Pradesh and this was through a viral social media video.

He is elaborating on his ancestry while emphasising his pride in hailing from that place. Latif said that although his father had moved to Pakistan in the 1950s, a majority of his family still lives in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. “About 90% of my family lives in Sultanpur,” he said with pride. In fact, his half-brother Shahid, too, stayed back in India and became a journalist in Kolkata.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Rashid latif is now Claiming he is Indian?? pic.twitter.com/YGbfuCDLmp

— The StatPadder (@The_statpadder) December 2, 2024

However, Rashid Latif asserted that in spite of moving to a new country, there is no weakening of attachment of his family to their heritage back in India.

“Leaving the country doesn’t mean forgetting our people. Our colour will always remain blue. One of my brothers lives in Sultanpur, and most of my family still resides there,” he said, speaking of the bond that would never fade with his Indian roots.

Appreciating Uttar Pradesh’s Legacy

Rashid Latif didn’t hesitate in praising Uttar Pradesh for its distinct contributions. “In politics, intelligence, and even at the time of delivering sharp repartees, no one can match Uttar Pradesh,” he quipped, adding a humorously affectionate touch. “We come from there so one should not mess with us,” he joked.

A Story of Collective Legacy

The video has struck a chord with audiences on both sides of the border, bringing to light the shared cultural heritage between India and Pakistan. Rashid Latif’s candid acknowledgment of his Indian lineage underlines the deep-rooted ties that transcend borders, showing the long-lasting connections between families separated by historical events.

This revelation adds another layer of intrigue to Latif’s already colourful personality, further endearing him to cricket fans worldwide.

Shoaib Akhtar ‘India Mein Khelo Aur Wahi Unhe Maarke Aao’ On Champions Trophy Chaos | WATCH

December 2, 2024, 4:01 pm

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has kicked up a storm by stating that the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was decided long before the recent controversies over the host for the event. This comes at a time when disagreements have been arising over the participation of the Indian team in the tournament, after the BCCI didn’t allow the squad to play in Pakistan reportedly due to security issues.

The Ongoing Champions Trophy Controversy

The last month has been all about the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and it is mainly because of the disagreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCCI. The row went a notch higher when the BCCI told the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian team would not be going to Pakistan due to security reasons, and now the hosting of the event remains uncertain.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Hybrid Model pehle decide ho gaya tha. Shoaib Akhtar
VC PTV sports official pic.twitter.com/6nZEthwHH3

— iffi Raza (@Rizzvi73) December 1, 2024

It has been reported that, in an emergency meeting held on November 29, 2024, in Dubai, the PCB delegation spent only 15 minutes on the issue of hosting the entire tournament at a venue in Pakistan, with the PCB agreeing on a hybrid model for this event. The compromise had apparently been made under a condition that all future events up to 2031 by the ICC would adopt the hybrid model.

Akhtar’s Revealing Claim

Shoaib Akhtar, speaking on a Pakistani media channel, provided a detailed perspective on the matter. While acknowledging Pakistan’s position on the Champions Trophy 2025, he also made a bombshell claim. Akhtar revealed that the hybrid model had already been pre-signed, even before the ongoing debate unfolded. He suggested that discussions surrounding the venue were more about formalising a decision that had already been made.

Akhtar further emphasised his belief in extending a “hand of friendship” toward India, suggesting that Pakistan should embrace the challenge of playing in India and beating the host nation on their own turf. His words hinted at a desire for mutual cooperation despite the current tensions surrounding the tournament’s venue.

PCB’s Stance on Hosting Rights

The former cricketer also expressed support for the PCB’s position on the issue. Akhtar acknowledged the importance of hosting rights and the revenue Pakistan stood to gain from holding the tournament. However, he also believed that Pakistan had the right to demand a fair share of the profits, especially if India chose to play their matches in a neutral venue like Dubai.

“Their stance is reasonable,” said Shoaib Akhtar, referring to the PCB’s decision to push for more revenue if India decides not to travel to Pakistan. Akhtar suggested that if Pakistan was willing to host the entire event and India chose to play in Dubai, then the financial burden should be shared more equally.

What’s Next for the Hybrid Model?

If the hybrid model is implemented, India will play all of their matches in Dubai, while the remaining games will be held in Pakistan. While the arrangement appears to be a compromise, it has sparked concerns about the financial and logistical implications for both cricket boards involved.

As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see if this hybrid model will be the final resolution or if further disputes will arise between the ICC, PCB, and BCCI. For now, it remains clear that the 2025 Champions Trophy will take place under highly unusual and complex circumstances.

WATCH: Courageous Comeback Amid Grief: Fatima Sana’s Emotional Return in T20 World Cup

October 15, 2024, 9:48 am

A Courageous Comeback Amid Grief

Pakistan’s Women’s T20 World Cup journey ended in disappointment with a heavy loss to New Zealand, but their captain, Fatima Sana, captured hearts for her courageous performance while mourning the loss of her father. Sana had left the team after her father passed away in Karachi and missed the match against Australia, which Pakistan lost by nine wickets.

Despite her grief, the all-rounder made herself available for the crucial game against New Zealand, a must-win for Pakistan to stay in the tournament. She was visibly emotional during the playing of the national anthem, shedding tears as it resonated through the stadium.

FATIMA SANA CRYING AFTER FATHER DEATH ??? @TheRealPCBMedia @ICC @imfatimasana #wolrldcup2024 pic.twitter.com/SOsoYj8ydx

— Saqib Qazzafi ?? (@qazzafi_sa82216) October 14, 2024

Pakistan Falls Short, Misses Semi-Final Spot

On the field, Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals hinged on this match. Following India’s earlier loss to Australia, a convincing win by Pakistan would have kept their chances alive and helped India qualify as well. Pakistan managed to restrict New Zealand to a modest total of 110/6 in 20 overs, setting the stage for what could have been a thrilling chase.

However, the pressure proved too much for Pakistan’s batters. Needing to chase down the target in just 12 overs, the team struggled to find the big hits required. They collapsed under the weight of expectations and were bowled out for a mere 56 runs in 11.4 overs, dashing both their own and India’s chances of progressing.

A Struggling Batting Lineup

From the start, Pakistan’s batting lineup seemed incapable of meeting the aggressive pace required. By the end of the powerplay, they were reeling at 28/5. Fatima Sana, who displayed determination in the face of adversity, was the team’s top scorer with 21 runs off 23 balls. She formed a brief but crucial partnership with Nida Dar, adding 24 runs for the sixth wicket.

Unfortunately, Pakistan lost their remaining five wickets for just four runs, getting bowled out before the 12-over mark, the cut-off point to qualify for the semi-finals.

Though the result didn’t go their way, Fatima Sana’s bravery and commitment will be remembered as a powerful moment in the tournament, showing the strength of spirit in times of personal loss.

Fan’s ‘Dear 170-0, Thanks for Coming to 152-0’ Poster Takes Dig at India, Goes Viral

October 9, 2024, 8:46 am

During the first Test between Pakistan and England at the Multan Cricket Stadium, a fan was seen holding a poster that caught everyone’s attention. The poster, which quickly went viral, read, “Dear 170-0, thanks for coming to 152-0.” The image was shared by the popular Barmy Army, further amplifying its reach on social media.

Poster Refers to India’s Past Defeats

The numbers on the poster were a clear dig at the Indian cricket team. “170/0” referred to England’s score when they convincingly defeated India in the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup. On the other hand, “152/0” highlighted Pakistan’s victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Pakistan achieved their target without losing a single wicket.

Context of India’s World Cup Performances

Despite these past defeats, India claimed the T20 World Cup 2024 title, securing victories against both Pakistan in the group stage and England in the semifinals. While the poster mocked India’s previous losses, it was India who triumphed in the most recent tournament.

Viral Moment Amidst Pakistan vs England Test

As the Pakistan national cricket team faced off against England, this fan’s poster became a viral sensation, sparking conversation among cricket enthusiasts. The humorous jab not only referenced past games but also reflected the intense rivalry between these cricketing nations.

Another day, another Pakistan sign.#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/1yRSTCAkr4

— England's Barmy Army ???????? (@TheBarmyArmy) October 8, 2024

India Champions vs Pakistan Champions WCL 2024 Broadcast Today : Where and When to Watch?

July 6, 2024, 2:41 pm

India Champions will face Pakistan Champions in a highly anticipated World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024 match today, July 6, at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting at 9:00 PM IST.

Both teams enter this game undefeated. India Champions secured a three-wicket victory over England Champions in their first match and then defeated West Indies Champions by 27 runs in the second match. Similarly, Pakistan Champions overcame Australia Champions by five wickets in their opener and then won against West Indies Champions by 29 runs in their subsequent game.

For India, Gurkeerat Singh Mann is the top scorer with 119 runs in two matches, followed by Robin Uthappa with 93 runs. Harbhajan Singh and Dhawal Kulkarni are the leading bowlers for the team, each taking two wickets. On the Pakistan side, Shoaib Malik has scored the most runs with a total of 77, while Sohail Tanvir is the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with five wickets in two matches.

Live Streaming Details

The India Champions vs Pakistan Champions match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network, and live streaming will be available on the Fancode App and Website. Fans in Pakistan can watch the match on Geo Super.

Semifinal Qualification Scenarios

The top four teams in the points table will advance to the semifinals. The winner of the India vs Pakistan match will almost guarantee a spot in the semifinals, while the loser will need to win at least one of their remaining two games to qualify. Following this match, India Champions will face Australia Champions on July 8 and South Africa Champions on July 10. Pakistan Champions have matches left against England Champions and South Africa Champions on July 7 and 9, respectively.

Squads

India Champions Squad: Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Gurkeerat Mann, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Rahul Shukla, RP Singh, Vinay Kumar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Saurabh Tiwary, Anureet Singh, Pawan Negi

Pakistan Champions Squad: Sharjeel Khan, Umer Akmal, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Misbah Ul Haq, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan, Abdul Rehman, Aamir Yamin, Taufeeq Umar, Shoaib Maqsood, Yasir Arafat, Tanveer Ahmed.

Watch: Ex Pakistani Cricketer Inzamam-ul-Haq Accuses India Of Ball-Tampering, Some serious….

June 26, 2024, 1:31 pm

Ex-Pakistani cricketer and former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has recently accused Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh of consistently tampering with the ball in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup.

As per Inzamam, Indian pacers manipulated the ball to ensure, that ball reverse swings.

According to him, this has been extremely beneficial for Team India. During a show in Pakistan news channel 24 News HD, both Inzamam and former Pakistan skipper, Saleem Malik, recently talked about Arshdeep’s reverse swinging deliveries in India’s super 8 clash against Australia.

Both of them claimed, it was early for the Indian pacer to reverse swing the ball. Speaking at 24 News HD, he said,

‘Arshdeep Singh, when he was bowling the 15th over, the ball was reversing. is it too early (for reverse swing) with the new ball? This means the ball was ready for reverse swing by the 12th or the 13th over. Umpires should keep their eyes open (to spot) these things…If it was Pakistani bowlers (reverse swinging the ball) this would have been a big issue. We know reverse swing very well and if Arshdeep can come in the 15th over and start reversing the ball, it means some serious work had been done before.’

Later while backing Inzamam’s statement, malik alleged partiality, saying that for teams like India, eyes are shut.

‘Inzy, I always say this, eyes are kept shut when it comes to some teams, and India is one of those teams. I remember in Zimbabwe, when Wasim (Akram) was bowling, he made it wet, and we all were surprised at it; as in how come one side was wet, and when I went and complained I was fined quite heavily.’

Watch The Video

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

Earlier too, many Pakistani cricketers have made various claims against Indian Pacers. One of the notable allegations was made by Hasan Raza, who claimed that India used chips in the ball during 2023 ODI world cup. Thus, raising questions on Mohammad Shami’s exceptional bowling.

Watch: Fans React Hilariously To Pakistan Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan’s Slow Batting

June 19, 2024, 8:19 pm

The Pakistan cricket team endured a disappointing campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024, sparking outrage among fans on social media. The team’s journey began with back-to-back losses against co-hosts USA and arch-rivals India. Their only win came against Canada, but it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the Super Eight, leading to their early exit from the tournament.

Fans have been particularly critical of Pakistan’s batting lineup, which failed to impress throughout the competition. The team’s fielding and bowling were also seen as lackluster. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan has been singled out for his performance, especially after recording the slowest half-century in T20 World Cup history with a sluggish strike rate.

These people are supremely creative. Deserves an Oscar.

More original than our original Rizwan. ?

pic.twitter.com/mCKvaRal1T

— M (@anngrypakiistan) June 17, 2024

Adding to the online buzz, a spoof video of Rizwan’s slow half-century has gone viral, capturing the internet’s attention. The humorous clip shows a man dressed as the Pakistani cricketer, consistently taking singles and reaching the 50-run mark after 69 balls. Even with four runs needed off the final delivery to win, the man opts for a single to complete his half-century, much to the amusement of viewers.

totally agree @iMRizwanPak

— Halal Memes (@HalalMmz) June 18, 2024

Social media users have had a field day with the video, with comments ranging from “Totally agree” to “Accurate.” One user humorously remarked on Rizwan’s tendency to take a single while making it look like a diving effort, while another noted the exaggerated way he removes one hand from the bat.

??? accurate!

— नीkunj वेed (@kool_nikunj) June 17, 2024

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign was effectively over after their defeats to the USA and India, with their elimination confirmed when the match between the USA and Ireland was washed out. This disappointing run has left fans and analysts alike questioning the team’s strategy and performance, as the squad now faces the fallout from an underwhelming tournament showing.

T20 World Cup 2024: India Defeats USA to Secure Super 8 Spot, Impacting Pakistan’s Qualification Hopes

June 13, 2024, 9:52 am

India secured a seven-wicket victory over the United States at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, on Wednesday.

This win guarantees India a spot in the Super Eight, as they now have 6 points with one game remaining in Group A. With India’s win, Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the next stage now hinge on the outcome of the United States vs. Ireland game on June 14.

If the USA loses, Pakistan can qualify for the Super Eight by defeating Ireland and accumulating four points. However, if the USA wins, they will advance with 6 points, and Pakistan will be eliminated from the tournament, as they can only reach a maximum of four points.

In Wednesday’s game, Arshdeep Singh’s impressive bowling figures of 4 for 9, the best by an Indian bowler in the T20 World Cup, helped Rohit Sharma’s team restrict the USA to 110 for 8. In response, Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten fifty guided India to victory in 18.2 overs.

Australia’s second Test against Pakistan gets off to a good start thanks to Khawaja and Warner (Tea, Day 1)

December 26, 2023, 11:05 am

Day 1 of the second Test match at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday saw Australia leading Pakistan at tea time thanks to Usman Khawaja and David Warner’s opening combination.

Australia was at 114/2 in 42.4 overs at the time of tea, with Steve Smith (2) and Marnus Labuschagne (14) still undefeated at the bat.

In the second Test, Pakistani captain Shan Masood chose to bowl after winning the toss.

Usman Khawaja and David Warner, who batted together in ideal batting conditions, were determined in their approach and made the Pakistani bowlers work very hard.

Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza bowled in tandem to start Pakistan’s innings off quickly, but they were unable to get much traction behind the wicket.

Warner and Khawaja survived the first ten overs without being hit by the new ball, while Afridi and Mir Hamza got it swinging.

Warner was squared up by a stunning delivery from Afridi in the channel that angled in and then nibbled away on the last ball of the third over. The Australian opener, batting on two, nicked the ball, and Abdullah Shafique, at first slip, dropped the easiest of chances as the edge soared at a comfortable height and velocity.

Afridi was overcome with misfortune and spent a few seconds walking back to his bowling run-up with his hands on his head. Australia’s openers scored 90 runs for the first wicket, but Pakistan paid a heavy price for the reprieve.

At the start of lunch, Agha Salman of Pakistan scored a 38-run strike by dismissing Warner. Warner was removed from the game after hitting three fours in the inning.

On the first day of the MCG Test, Australia had lunch at 90/1.

Following the first break, Pakistan’s bowlers remained unrelenting, giving up just 22 runs immediately following lunch.

Then, in the 33.1 over, pacer Hasan Ali dismissed Khawaja for 42 runs. The Australian squad then attempted to be led by Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. Play on Day 1 was halted by rain after 42.4 over, and a shorter second session was held at the MCG to have tea.

Pakistan was penalized for its slow overrate during the first Test in Perth

December 19, 2023, 10:29 am

Pakistan, led by Shan Massod, has been penalized for continuing to overrate slowly in the first Test match against Australia, which took place in Perth on December 14.

In addition to two ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points being deducted from their total, they were fined 10% of their match fee.

Prior to Australia’s first Test match, Pakistan was leading the WTC 2025 points standings. Nevertheless, they have fallen to second position with the 360-run defeat to the Australians, and the penalty has caused their percentage points to decrease from 66.67 to 61.11.

As per the provisions of Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, cricket players who fail to bowl in the specified time for an over will be penalized five percent of their match fee.

Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship stipulates that a side loses one point for every over in which Pakistan is short, with two points being subtracted from their total score. After taking time allowances into account, the ICC Elite Panel Match Referee Javagal Srinath assessed the fines after concluding that Pakistan was two overs short.

The Pakistani captain Shan Masood entered a guilty plea and accepted the penalties after the allegations were brought by on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Richard Illingworth, third umpire Michael Gough, and fourth umpire Donovan Koch.

The women’s team from New Zealand wins the first ODI while Pakistan loses two key players to injury

December 12, 2023, 2:45 pm

In the opening One-Day International on Tuesday, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 131 runs due to injuries to two of the team’s more seasoned players. Diana Baig, a crucial speedster, had a finger injury during a practise session prior to the first ODI match, which rendered her out of the game. When the match progressed, Pakistan’s problems grew when captain Nida Dar was hit in the face while bowling, forcing her to miss the rest of the match.

Pakistan was reduced to a score of 234 when chasing 366, mostly due to the loss of the star pair.

The crowd was spellbound by Suzie Bates’s 108 from 104 balls, which she accomplished with plenty of help from middle-order batsmen Bernadine Bezuidenhout (86), Amelia Kerr (83) and Sophie Devine (70 from 36 balls). In a women’s ODI in New Zealand, the hosts scored 365/4, their second-highest total thanks to their combined efforts at the batting.

Sidra Ameen responded by matching Bates’s effort with a faultless 105 in 116 deliveries. Pakistan’s middle-order batsman did not provide the right-handed batter the much-needed assistance that the white ferns did.

Amelia Kerr, the captain, took three wickets and Lea Tahuhu took two to engineer the middle-order collapse that moved the Kiwis closer to victory. With one ball remaining, Jess Kerr, Fran Jonas, Hannah Rowe, and Sophie Devine each grabbed a wicket to bring Pakistan’s innings to a close on 234 runs.

Pakistan will want to recover and continue to build on their historic victory in the Twenty20 International Series. Baig has been ruled out of the whole series, although skipper Dar is anticipated to be healthy for the next two ODI matches.

Hagley Oval will host the second and third ODIs, which are scheduled for December 15 and December 18, respectively.

Mohammad Hafeez to serve as Pakistan head coach for Australia, NZ tours

November 17, 2023, 1:42 pm

ESPNcricinfo reports that Mohammad Hafeez, a former cricket player, has been named Pakistan’s head coach for the upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand.
The director of the Pakistan team was named Hafeez. Mickey Arthur had previously held the position until a reorganization and captain Babar Azam’s resignation.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will now combine the roles of head coach and team director, according to ESPNcricinfo. Hafeez will currently have a dual role in their next three Test matches, which are scheduled for December and January in Australia, and their five Twenty20 Internationals, which are scheduled for January in New Zealand.

Hafeez was a member of the PCB Cricket Technical Committee until recently. In 2017, the Pakistan Men’s team won the ICC Champions Trophy in England with the help of the former all-rounder.
The coaching staff of Pakistan has had their portfolios altered by the PCB. While the PCB will reveal the new coaching staff in due course for the forthcoming series in Australia and New Zealand, all coaches will remain employed by the National Cricket Academy.
Famous batsman Babar Azam of Pakistan on Wednesday declared his decision to resign from captaincy in all forms of the game following his team’s disastrous performance in the 2023 ICC World Cup in India.

During the ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan lost five of their nine matches, including one to their bitter rival India by seven wickets. The ‘Men in Green’ knew going into their final league game of the tournament that their chances of making it to the playoffs were extremely slim. They needed to win by a huge margin in order to force an enormous swing in net run rate. But the chance of that happening quickly vanished as England, the 2019 champions, amassed a sizable first-inning lead and won by 93 runs.
Morne Morkel stepped down as the Pakistan Men’s team’s bowling coach earlier this week. In June of this year, the former fast bowler from South Africa signed a six-month contract to play for Pakistan.

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India will win the World Cup says Former cricketer Syed Kirmani

November 9, 2023, 5:15 pm

In a testament to India’s stellar performance in the ongoing cricket World Cup, former cricketer Syed Kirmani, a pivotal figure in India’s victorious 1983 World Cup campaign, has voiced his confidence in India’s ability to clinch the coveted title. Kirmani, who traveled alongside South African cricket legend Jonty Rhodes on the Vande Bharat Express from Bhopal to Delhi, praised India’s exceptional displays throughout the tournament.

Upon reaching Delhi, Kirmani expressed optimism about India’s World Cup prospects, citing their outstanding performance as a key factor. Both South Africa and India have exhibited top-notch cricket, securing berths in the semi-final stage. However, a single defeat in the semi-finals could negate all their previous efforts.

Jonty Rhodes echoed Kirmani’s sentiments, acknowledging the outstanding individual and team performances that have characterized the tournament. He emphasized that, despite the tournament’s excellence so far, the challenges escalate in the knockout stages as the stakes become higher.

As the group stage nears its conclusion, India, South Africa, and Australia have secured their spots in the semi-finals. The fourth spot remains up for grabs, with New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan competing for the final berth. India’s last group-stage match is against the Netherlands on Sunday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, while South Africa faces Afghanistan on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Australia will contend with Bangladesh in their final group-stage game on Saturday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

ICC World Cup 2023: Shubman Gill Tops ICC ODI Rankings, Ousts Pakistan’s Babar Azam

November 8, 2023, 3:28 pm

ICC World Cup 2023: India batter Shubman Gill’s whirlwind form in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 ended Babar Azam’s reign as the world’s No. 1 ODI batter, as the Men in Blue opener took over the top spot from Pakistan captain in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings on Wednesday.

Gill’s stellar start to India’s campaign in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup led to his ascent to the top spot, making him only the fourth player from India to hold the No. 1 ODI batter position. He joins the elite company of cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli in this regard.

During the ongoing tournament, the right-handed opener showcased his incredible batting prowess by scoring 92 runs against Sri Lanka and 23 runs against South Africa, accumulating a total of 219 runs from six innings.

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, had held the top spot for more than two years but fell behind Gill into the second position, amassing 282 runs from eight knocks in the World Cup. Virat Kohli, India’s former captain, secured the fourth spot in the rankings and is within one rating point of third-placed South African opener Quinton de Kock, thanks to his impressive 543 World Cup runs.

In addition to Gill’s achievement, his teammate Shreyas Iyer leapt 17 ranks to reach the 18th position in the list of ODI batters. Pakistan’s opener Fakhar Zaman climbed three places to 11th, while Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran moved up six spots to 12th, signifying significant progress and making a mark in the rankings.

Shubman Gill’s ascendancy to the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings is a testament to his remarkable skills and an exciting development in his promising career.

ICC World Cup: New Zealand Posts Formidable 402-Run Target for Pakistan

November 4, 2023, 4:17 pm

Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra pushed New Zealand to an incredible total of 401/6 against Pakistan in the thrilling 35th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

After winning the toss, Babar Azam chose New Zealand to bat first. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra opened for the Kiwis, scoring 66 runs without losing a wicket in the first powerplay. With New Zealand on 68-1, Hasan Ali made the first breakthrough for Pakistan, dismissing Conway for 35 runs in the 11th over.

Williamson and Ravindra then propelled New Zealand to the 100-run mark in 15.4 overs and reached 200 runs by the 28.6 overs, taking advantage of 17 conceded extras by Pakistan. Iftikhar claimed Williamson’s wicket in the 35th over, ending the skipper’s impressive innings. Ravindra followed suit, falling to Mohammad Wasim Jr in the same over at 261-3.

In the final over of the inning, Shaheen Afridi conceded 12 runs. Star Pakistani pacer Afridi, however, remained wicketless, yielding 90 runs in his 10-over spell. Pakistan is tasked with chasing a challenging target of 402 runs for victory.

Brief Score: New Zealand – Rachin Ravindra (108 runs from 94 balls), Kane Williamson (95 runs from 79 balls), Glenn Phillips (41 runs from 25 balls) vs Pakistan – Mohammad Wasim Jr (3/60), Iftikhar Ahmed (1/55), Hasan Ali (1/82).

PCB Chief Zaka Ashraf Faces Accusations of Misdoings; alleged by PCB committee

November 3, 2023, 1:22 pm

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf has been accused of “flagrant misdoings and unconstitutional decisions” as his tenure comes to an end, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. A report by ESPNcricinfo revealed that these allegations came from Zulfiqar Malik, a management committee member of the PCB, who addressed Zaka Ashraf and the management committee through an email. Additionally, copies of this email were forwarded to Pakistan’s Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and the Prime Minister’s Office.

In his email, Malik pointed out that various wrongdoings had taken place over time without consulting or obtaining approval from most members of the PCB. “I have noted some flagrant misdoings and unconstitutional decisions by management that I wish to bring on record to absolve myself from the unconstitutional decisions and wrongdoings that have taken place over the period of time without consultation or approval of most members,” Malik wrote, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. Malik argued that the PCB chief made many long-term decisions that violated the committee’s mandate.

Some of these decisions included the appointment of former chief selector Inzamam ul Haq, as well as the appointments of several directors, consultants, and officials without the consultation or approval of most members. He also raised concerns about budget approvals, legal counsel hiring, and the sidelining of key officials.

In response, the PCB defended its decision-making processes, stating that every decision adheres to the constitution and is intended to ensure the day-to-day operations of the PCB continue without obstacles. In reply, the PCB stated that every decision is made in accordance with the constitution and defended the nature of decision-making, as confirmed by ESPNcricinfo.

The email from Malik was sent on October 3, and a week later, the IPC requested a comprehensive report from the PCB regarding its operations, including updates on election progress. However, the PCB has yet to provide the requested report. Zaka Ashraf’s four-month tenure as the PCB chief is set to conclude on November 5.

Ahead of WC 2023, Pakistan cricket team arrives in India

September 28, 2023, 1:19 pm

The Pakistan cricket team made their way to India on Wednesday, marking their first visit to the country in seven years, as they prepare to compete in the ODI World Cup, which is set to kick off on October 5.

Led by Babar Azam, the team had a lengthy layover in Dubai before reaching Hyderabad. They departed from Lahore in the early hours of Wednesday and arrived in Hyderabad during the night.

Prior to the World Cup matches, Pakistan is scheduled to play a warm-up game against New Zealand on September 29 and then face Australia on October 3. Their tournament officially commences with a match against the Netherlands, followed by a clash with Sri Lanka on October 10.

Notably, the Pakistani players received their Indian visas less than 48 hours before their planned departure. Due to strained relations between India and Pakistan, encounters between the two teams are limited to events like the Asia Cup and ICC tournaments.

It’s worth mentioning that only Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha have previously visited India for cricket purposes. Additionally, Babar Azam missed the T20 World Cup in India in 2016 due to an injury.

“The BCCI has assured the ICC that all teams will be provided the best security and will be well looked after so I don’t expect anything different for our team. I don’t think our team will face any issues in India,” head of PCB management committee Zaka Ashraf told reporters before team’s departure.

Before the team’s departure, Babar expressed his excitement about playing in India, particularly in Ahmedabad, where the intense rivalry draws crowds of over one lakh spectators.

“Although we have not played in India before, we are not taking too much pressure. We have done our research and we have heard the conditions are similar to how they play out in other Asian countries,” said Babar in the pre-departure media conference.

“I am excited to play in Ahmedabad as it will be jam-packed. I will try my best to perform up to my potential. I am not worried about my individual accolades, I want to make sure whatever I do helps the result for the team,” he said.