Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has urged Babar Azam to up his game and play in top gear at the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. Babar starred in the final T20I against Ireland in Dublin, scoring 75 off 42 balls, including four sixes in an over to see his side home.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has urged Babar Azam to up his game and play in top gear at the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. Babar starred in the final T20I against Ireland in Dublin, scoring 75 off 42 balls, including four sixes in an over to see his side home. With that, Pakistan won the series, gaining momentum heading into the four-match T20Is against England starting May 22 in Leeds. Babar top-scored in the series with 132 runs in three contested matches, striking at 148.31, bettering his numbers against New Zealand at home, wherein he scored 138. However, with the 2024 T20 World Cup on the horizon, Babar’s form at an improved strike rate could benefit Pakistan, who are looking to win the coveted tournament for the second time. Speaking during a special Star Sports Press Room, previewing the India vs Pakistan tie at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, Misbah said outside noise should not affect the professionals; however, those top-class players take the positives out of the criticism and make most of the chances. Pointing towards Babar, Misbah said if the situation arises, Babar must bat at a strike rate of 160-170 during the marquee tournament starting June 1. ALSO READ: Stephen Fleming remains frontrunner for Indian men's cricket team head coach job "Outside noise does affect a player, but good players, who are mentally strong, top cricketers in the world, they take motivation from criticism. They write down those noises, that yes, I have to answer them on the ground. Somehow, they take motivation from those voices and criticism. And we saw he improved his strike rate against Ireland," Misbah-ul-Haq said. "Hopefully, he will bat like that and when the team requires that sort of an innings from him. If an anchor role is required, then anchor it is. But you have to be potentially ready to play at 160-170 or even a strike rate of 200 if the team needs it. It will be an important thing for Babar Azam to not bat at 130-140 strike rate if the team is chasing 200," the former captain continued. Pakistan ready for T20 World Cup Of all the top teams, Pakistan’s schedule in the lead-up to the tournament is the best, given they are playing 12 T20Is, concluding with the England series. Meanwhile, Pakistan is placed in Group A with co-hosts USA, arch-rivals India, Canada and Ireland. While Pakistan open their account on June 6 against the USA, they face the Men in Blue on June 9 in New York in the marquee clash. (With inputs from agencies)

Mishab-ul-Haq urges Babar Azam to up his game and play in top gear at T20 World Cup

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is now the most successful T20I skipper, with 45 wins to his name – the most by any captain in men’s T20I cricket. He achieved this feat with Pakistan’s seven-wicket series-levelling win against Ireland in the second T20I in Dublin.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is now the most successful T20I skipper, with 45 wins to his name – the most by any captain in men’s T20I cricket. He achieved this feat with Pakistan’s seven-wicket series-levelling win against Ireland in the second T20I in Dublin. Although among the top playing nations, Babar is ahead of second-placed Eoin Morgan (42) by five more wins, he surpassed Uganda’s captain Brian Masaba (44) for the most wins for a captain across all men’s T20Is. While Babar holds the top spot, the legendary Indian duo of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are tied at 41 wins each besides their names, sitting on the fifth and sixth spot, respectively. Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan is also tied with Morgan with 42 wins as captain in this format, placed ahead of Dhoni and Rohit. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: WATCH - Ravindra Jadeja dismissed for obstructing the field against Rajasthan Royals Meanwhile, Pakistan returned to winning ways with a thumping victory over the spirited Irish side to level the three-match series 1-1. Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan dismissed both openers inside four overs. Keeper-batter Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector revived Ireland's inning with a 62-run stand for the third wicket. Curtis Campher and Gareth Delany contributed with handy knocks later as Ireland posted a fighting total of 193 for seven in 20 overs. For the touring Pakistan side, ace seamer Shaheen Afridi picked three wickets, while seamer Abbas Afridi returned with two wickets. While Mohammad Amir, who made a comeback in the team also picked up one wicket. Rizwan, Fakhar see Pakistan through After losing Saim Ayub and Babar Azam early inside the Powerplay, Pakistan’s back was against the wall, for the second time in the series. However, the seasoned pair of Mohammad Rizwan and leftie Fakhar Zaman bailed the side out of trouble with blistering strokes. While Rizwan continued with his signature T20I style of play, Zaman pressed the accelerator early on to put his team in a commanding position. Hitting six sixes and as many fours, Fakhar scored 79 off 40 balls before getting caught in the deep. The wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan made his presence felt right away, striking four massive sixes and a four in his brief stay (30* off ten balls) at the crease, as Pakistan completed the run chase inside 17 overs with seven wickets remaining. Rizwan also remained unbeaten on 75 off 46 balls. The final T20I will take place at the same venue on Tuesday (May 14).

Babar Azam bags massive record in Pakistan’s series-levelling win against Ireland in 2nd T20I

Pakistan men's cricket team captain in limited overs, Babar Azam has revealed that he attempts to learn from Indian batting stalwart, Virat Kohli, whenever they meet on the field. Babar and Kohli are regarded as two of the best batters in the white-ball format of their generation, with the latter having the record for the most ODI centuries.&nbsp;

Speaking ahead of the T20 World Cup where India will square off against Pakistan, Babar said he was happy with the comparison.&nbsp;

“When you are being compared to someone, it gives you happiness. I have tried to learn from him whenever I met him,” Babar said on the show ‘Showtime with Ramiz Raja’.

<h2>Will have plans against Virat: Babar</h2>

Kohli has an exceptional record against Pakistan, having scored&nbsp;488 runs in 10 games with an excellent average of 81.33. The two teams will meet on June 9 in&nbsp;New York&nbsp;with Babar revealing that the Men-in-Green will have plans against the former Indian captain.&nbsp;

"As a team, you always plan against different teams according to their strengths. We don't plan anything against only one player," said Babar.&nbsp;

"We plan for all 11 players. We don't know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well," he added.

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In the 2022 T20 WC, both India and Pakistan were in the same group in the Super 10. The two Asian giants locked horns at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne where Kohli's unbeaten 82 off 49 balls, propelled Rohit Sharma-led Indian team to a memorable four-wicket win, on the last ball of the contest.&nbsp;

The Indian team will be arriving at the World Cup, straight after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) while the Pakistan outfit will have played a match T20I series against Ireland.&nbsp;

India T20 WC squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashashvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav,&nbsp;Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal,&nbsp;Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Reserves:&nbsp;Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan

Pakistan T20 WC squad:&nbsp;To be announced&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan men's cricket team captain in limited overs, Babar Azam has revealed that he attempts to learn from Indian batting stalwart, Virat Kohli, whenever they meet on the field.

Pakistan men's cricket team captain in limited overs, Babar Azam has revealed that he attempts to learn from Indian batting stalwart, Virat Kohli, whenever they meet on the field. Babar and Kohli are regarded as two of the best batters in the white-ball format of their generation, with the latter having the record for the most ODI centuries. Speaking ahead of the T20 World Cup where India will square off against Pakistan, Babar said he was happy with the comparison. “When you are being compared to someone, it gives you happiness. I have tried to learn from him whenever I met him,” Babar said on the show ‘Showtime with Ramiz Raja’. Will have plans against Virat: Babar Kohli has an exceptional record against Pakistan, having scored 488 runs in 10 games with an excellent average of 81.33. The two teams will meet on June 9 in New York with Babar revealing that the Men-in-Green will have plans against the former Indian captain. "As a team, you always plan against different teams according to their strengths. We don't plan anything against only one player," said Babar. "We plan for all 11 players. We don't know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well," he added. Also read: Cricket West Indies tightens security after T20 World Cup receive terror threat from North Pakistan In the 2022 T20 WC, both India and Pakistan were in the same group in the Super 10. The two Asian giants locked horns at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne where Kohli's unbeaten 82 off 49 balls, propelled Rohit Sharma-led Indian team to a memorable four-wicket win, on the last ball of the contest. The Indian team will be arriving at the World Cup, straight after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) while the Pakistan outfit will have played a match T20I series against Ireland. India T20 WC squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashashvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan Pakistan T20 WC squad: To be announced (With inputs from agencies)

Babar Azam reveals what he looks forward to when meeting Virat Kohli

Pakistan captain Babar Azam completed a fifty (57 off 43 balls) against Ireland in the first T20I on Friday (May 10), equalling batting great Virat Kohli’s tally of most fifty-plus scores (38).

Pakistan captain Babar Azam completed a fifty (57 off 43 balls) against Ireland in the first T20I on Friday (May 10), equalling batting great Virat Kohli’s tally of most fifty-plus scores (38). That, however, failed to get them the win as the hosts registered their maiden T20I victory over Pakistan by five wickets in the first of the three-match series. Watch Video - IRELAND BEAT PAKISTAN!!! What an incredible series opener we've just witnessed! A historic victory for @cricketireland 🇮🇪👏👏👏 . .#IREvPAKonFanCode #IREvPAK #FanCode pic.twitter.com/prvSBt37L5 — FanCode (@FanCode) May 10, 2024 × While the former India skipper has scored 37 fifties and one hundred in this format, Babar has 35 half-centuries and three tons to his name. Current India captain Rohit Sharma (34), Pakistan keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan (27) and Australia legend David Warner (27) are the following players on the list. Incidentally, Virat and Babar’s highest score in T20Is is 122. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Shubman Gill-Sai Sudharsan run riot for GT with record 210-run opening stand against CSK Meanwhile, the Babar-led Pakistan side is currently on the UK Tour, where they will play seven T20Is – three against Ireland and four against England (starting May 22 in Leeds), while Kohli is busy plying his trade for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2024. Ireland stunned Pakistan in Dublin Having beaten the Asian giants in the ODIs before – during the infamous 2007 World Cup match in the Caribbean, Ireland scripted history again by thrashing Pakistan in the T20Is for the first time in Dublin the other night. Winning the toss and sending the visitors to bat first, the hosts got the big wicket of Rizwan run out inside the powerplay. Saim Ayub and Babar stitched an 85-run stand for the second wicket before Gareth Delany removed the rookie opener on 45 off 29 balls. Babar departed soon after, while three wickets fell quickly, pushing Pakistan's back against the wall. However, Iftikhar Ahmed’s late cameo helped them score 182 for six in 20 overs. The experienced Irish openers, Andrew Balbirnie and captain Paul Stirling showed intent early on, but Pakistan stayed on the top with two early wickets. Harry Tector brought some stability as he, alongside Balbirnie, added 77 for the third wicket, keeping the home side alive in the chase. Late cameos from George Dockrell, Delany and Curtis Campher helped Ireland stay ahead during the fag end of the innings, but Balbirnie’s 77 was the highlight of the innings. With over ten needed off the final over, two fours off Campher’s bat helped Ireland script history as they went 1-0 up in the series. The second T20I will take place on Sunday (May 12) at the same venue.

Babar Azam equals Kohli’s record but Pakistan falter against Ireland in 1st T20I

Ahead of Pakistan's tour of Ireland and England, white-ball captain Babar Azam opened up on the forthcoming T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA in June. The Men in Green are placed in Group A along with arch-rivals India, Canada, USA and Ireland. They will lock horns with India on June 9 in New York and Babar revealed that the one-time winners will have plans against Virat Kohli, who has an exceptional T20I record versus Pakistan. The right-hander has 488 runs in 10 games versus Babar &amp; Co., averaging a splendid 81.33.

Prior to Pakistan's departure for Ireland and England, Babar was asked on how will they tackle Kohli. He told the reporters in a press conference, "As a team, you always plan against different teams according to their strengths. We don't plan anything against only one player. We plan for all 11 players. We don't know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well."

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In the 2022 T20 WC, both India and Pakistan were in the same group in the Super 10. The two Asian giants locked horns at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne where Kohli's 82 not out, off 49 balls, propelled Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue to a memorable four-wicket win, on the last ball of the contest, in chase of 160. Opting to bowl first, the 2007 winners India restricted Pakistan to 159 for 7 with Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh accounting for three wickets each. In reply, India were on the mat and reeling at 31 for 4 before Hardik-Kohli's 113-run fifth-wicket stand turned things around and Kohli ended proceedings in style in a thrilling last over.&nbsp;

India T20 WC squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashashvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav,&nbsp;Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal,&nbsp;Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Reserves:&nbsp;Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan

Pakistan T20 WC squad: To be announced&nbsp;

Pakistan will tour Ireland and play three T20Is, in Dublin, from May 10-14 before facing Jos Buttler-led England in four T20Is from May 22-30. Their final T20 WC squad is expected to be out during the England series.

Ahead of Pakistan's tour of Ireland and England, white-ball captain Babar Azam opened up on the forthcoming T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA in June. The Men in Green are placed in Group A along with arch-rivals India, Canada, USA and Ireland.

Ahead of Pakistan's tour of Ireland and England, white-ball captain Babar Azam opened up on the forthcoming T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA in June. The Men in Green are placed in Group A along with arch-rivals India, Canada, USA and Ireland. They will lock horns with India on June 9 in New York and Babar revealed that the one-time winners will have plans against Virat Kohli, who has an exceptional T20I record versus Pakistan. The right-hander has 488 runs in 10 games versus Babar & Co., averaging a splendid 81.33. Prior to Pakistan's departure for Ireland and England, Babar was asked on how will they tackle Kohli. He told the reporters in a press conference, "As a team, you always plan against different teams according to their strengths. We don't plan anything against only one player. We plan for all 11 players. We don't know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well." Also read: Cricket West Indies tightens security after T20 World Cup receive terror threat from North Pakistan In the 2022 T20 WC, both India and Pakistan were in the same group in the Super 10. The two Asian giants locked horns at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne where Kohli's 82 not out, off 49 balls, propelled Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue to a memorable four-wicket win, on the last ball of the contest, in chase of 160. Opting to bowl first, the 2007 winners India restricted Pakistan to 159 for 7 with Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh accounting for three wickets each. In reply, India were on the mat and reeling at 31 for 4 before Hardik-Kohli's 113-run fifth-wicket stand turned things around and Kohli ended proceedings in style in a thrilling last over. India T20 WC squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashashvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan Pakistan T20 WC squad: To be announced Pakistan will tour Ireland and play three T20Is, in Dublin, from May 10-14 before facing Jos Buttler-led England in four T20Is from May 22-30. Their final T20 WC squad is expected to be out during the England series.

‘We will....’ - Babar Azam on plan vs Virat Kohli ahead of marquee India-Pakistan T20 WC clash

Pakistan has named seamers Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali in the 18-man squad for the Ireland and England T20Is starting May 10. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they will announce the final 15 for the 2024 T20 World Cup among these chosen 18 players before May 24 (the deadline).

Pakistan has named seamers Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali in the 18-man squad for the Ireland and England T20Is starting May 10. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they will announce the final 15 for the 2024 T20 World Cup among these chosen 18 players before May 24 (the deadline). Besides these two pacers, keeper-batter Azam Khan and all-rounder Salman Agha also got picked. Pakistan will play seven T20Is in the UK, three against Ireland and four against England, before leaving for the Caribbean and the USA for the 20-team tournament. While returnees Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim retained their places for the UK tour, Pakistan dropped spinner Usama Mir and seamer Zaman Khan. ALSO READ: BCCI to offer Mayank Yadav a pace-bowling contract as LSG seamer set to miss IPL 2024 with injury Meanwhile, Hasan Ali, who last played a T20I two years ago in 2022, has been recalled for his star performances in PSL 2024, where he picked 14 wickets, at par with Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi. Rauf, dropped for the home T20I series against New Zealand, returns as PCB seeks to name the best 15 for the marquee event. Maintaing balance is key Considering the slow nature of the pitches in the West Indies and the USA, Pakistan wishes to keep its hands full in the spin-bowling department, with the inclusion of Salman Agha. The 30-year-old will pair up with Abrar Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan in the squad, fighting for a spot in the final 15 for the T20 World Cup. "Crafting this squad was a challenging task due to the outstanding talent available. After thorough deliberation and considering various cricketing aspects, we have finalised these 18 players," the PCB said in a statement. "The squad encompasses a robust top-order featuring Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan; an effective middle-order with Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Muhammad Irfan Khan; versatile all-rounders in Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha; a pace battery led by Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi; and the spin prowess of Abrar Ahmed. "We understand Usama and Zaman will be disappointed, and they should be as they must be looking ahead to the tours of Ireland and England. They are quality cricketers and have long careers ahead of them. They need to continue to focus on their cricket so that they are available if required,” it concluded. Here is Pakistan’s 18-man squad for Ireland and England T20Is – Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan

Pakistan recall Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali for UK tour as T20 WC squad announcement looms

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and head coach Azhar Mahmood defended the team’s tactics following a seven-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the 3rd T20I on Sunday while admitting that the home team was below par in Rawalpindi. Batting first, Pakistan scored 178 for four in 20 overs, with the new-look Kiwi team chasing the total inside 19 overs. Both, however, lauded Shadab Khan’s late cameo in the end for propelling the hosts&nbsp;past 170.

Despite turning a blind eye to the dipping scoring rate during the middle overs, where Pakistan managed 51 runs for the next seven overs right after the Powerplay, Babar admitted it was a good toss to win and put runs on the board; he, however, noted that his team scored at least 10 runs less than what they should have on this batting paradise.

While Babar said Pakistan caught up with the scoring rate at the death with some out-of-the-world smashing from Shadab, he pointed out Mohammad Rizwan’s injury as the reason behind the break in the momentum in the first innings.

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“We did well with the bat,” Babar said at the post-match presentation.&nbsp;

“I don't think it [the slowdown] made much of a difference because we had caught up in the end. You can say we were ten runs short. Unfortunately, we had a bit of a setback with [Mohammad] Rizwan's injury because it wasn't easy for new batters.”&nbsp;

“But Shadab recovered well and had an outstanding partnership with Irfan [Khan]. In Pindi (Rawalpindi), 180-190 is a par score,” Pakistan's captain added.

<h2>Pakistan’s game to lose in Pindi</h2>

Pakistan got off to a flyer, with Saim Ayub and Babar completing a 50-plus run stand inside the Powerplay. However, after Ayub’s dismissal on 32 off 22, Pakistan saw a dip in the scoring rate. Later, Shadab Khan walked in and smashed 41 runs in 20 balls, including&nbsp;four fours and two sixes.&nbsp;

But New Zealand, without their 15 first-team players, had different plans, with attacking batter Mark Chapman delivering with his match-winning unbeaten 87 off 42 balls, whacking four biggies and nine boundaries.

Speaking on what went wrong, head coach Mahmood admitted his team was at least 20 runs short. Though he credited Chapman for his knock, Mahmood admitted his team needs to work on the flaws to avoid repeating the same mistakes.&nbsp;

"We were 15 to 20 runs short," he said. "We started very well, our score in the first six overs was 54, which is very good. In the end, Shadab's innings was excellent. In the middle period, we were slow. Between overs seven to ten, and then 11 to 15, the ball was gripping and we slowed down."

"These are the things we have to learn to improve. But you have to pay credit to the way Chapman played. In T20 cricket, if one man stands up, he can take the game away from you,” the head coach noted.

Meanwhile, the five-match series is tied at 1-1, with the fourth T20I scheduled on Thursday (April 25) in Lahore.&nbsp;

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and head coach Azhar Mahmood defended the team’s tactics following a seven-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the 3rd T20I on Sunday while admitting that the home team was below par in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and head coach Azhar Mahmood defended the team’s tactics following a seven-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the 3rd T20I on Sunday while admitting that the home team was below par in Rawalpindi. Batting first, Pakistan scored 178 for four in 20 overs, with the new-look Kiwi team chasing the total inside 19 overs. Both, however, lauded Shadab Khan’s late cameo in the end for propelling the hosts past 170. Despite turning a blind eye to the dipping scoring rate during the middle overs, where Pakistan managed 51 runs for the next seven overs right after the Powerplay, Babar admitted it was a good toss to win and put runs on the board; he, however, noted that his team scored at least 10 runs less than what they should have on this batting paradise. While Babar said Pakistan caught up with the scoring rate at the death with some out-of-the-world smashing from Shadab, he pointed out Mohammad Rizwan’s injury as the reason behind the break in the momentum in the first innings. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Sam Curran, Faf du Plessis fined for Code of Conduct breaches “We did well with the bat,” Babar said at the post-match presentation. “I don't think it [the slowdown] made much of a difference because we had caught up in the end. You can say we were ten runs short. Unfortunately, we had a bit of a setback with [Mohammad] Rizwan's injury because it wasn't easy for new batters.” “But Shadab recovered well and had an outstanding partnership with Irfan [Khan]. In Pindi (Rawalpindi), 180-190 is a par score,” Pakistan's captain added. Pakistan’s game to lose in Pindi Pakistan got off to a flyer, with Saim Ayub and Babar completing a 50-plus run stand inside the Powerplay. However, after Ayub’s dismissal on 32 off 22, Pakistan saw a dip in the scoring rate. Later, Shadab Khan walked in and smashed 41 runs in 20 balls, including four fours and two sixes. But New Zealand, without their 15 first-team players, had different plans, with attacking batter Mark Chapman delivering with his match-winning unbeaten 87 off 42 balls, whacking four biggies and nine boundaries. Speaking on what went wrong, head coach Mahmood admitted his team was at least 20 runs short. Though he credited Chapman for his knock, Mahmood admitted his team needs to work on the flaws to avoid repeating the same mistakes. "We were 15 to 20 runs short," he said. "We started very well, our score in the first six overs was 54, which is very good. In the end, Shadab's innings was excellent. In the middle period, we were slow. Between overs seven to ten, and then 11 to 15, the ball was gripping and we slowed down." "These are the things we have to learn to improve. But you have to pay credit to the way Chapman played. In T20 cricket, if one man stands up, he can take the game away from you,” the head coach noted. Meanwhile, the five-match series is tied at 1-1, with the fourth T20I scheduled on Thursday (April 25) in Lahore.

PAK vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Babar, Mahmood laud Shadab’s cameo but admit Pakistan was below-par in Rawalpindi defeat

Reappointed Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Babar Azam made a bold claim on who he thinks can defend 10 runs off a final over between his compatriot Naseem Shah and ace India seamer Jasprit Bumrah. While cricket fans worldwide know what cloth Bumrah is cut from, mainly considering death bowling, fans are also aware of Naseem’s exploits across formats and what he brings to the table.

Chatting on a podcast, Babar, who recently replaced Shaheen Shah Afridi as Pakistan’s new ODI and T20I captain, was asked a hypothetical question surrounding the two best bowlers – Naseem and Bumrah. With the question being, if given a choice, who would he pick to bowl the final over if his team is defending 10 runs in the last over, Babar said he would pick Naseem over death-over specialist Bumrah.

"One over, T20 match, you have to win the match, you have two options to defend 10 runs, whom will you give the last over, Naseem Shah or Jasprit Bumrah? The hosts asked the Pakistan skipper, to which Babar replied, “Naseem Shah.”

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Without discounting or even mentioning Bumrah’s name, Babar praised Naseem, who recently returned from the shoulder injury he sustained during the Asia Cup last year.

"Firstly, I felt so happy for Naseem, for the way he returned to cricket after injury, the way he recovered," said Babar.&nbsp;

Welcoming Naseem back into the scheme of things, Babar acknowledged his all-round skills, adding Naseem is on the right path, citing Shaheen’s example.

"The number of skills he has, you don’t get a talent like this very often in Pakistan. There are others too, like Shaheen, he has his own class, he is experienced and Naseem is on Shaheen’s path," Azam added.

<h2>Bumrah shines in IPL; Naseem trains for NZ series</h2>

Bumrah has been making headlines since his emergence on the IPL stage around a decade ago, bowling toe-crushing Yorkers. His recent exploits against SunRisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals kept everyone talking.&nbsp;

The right-arm seamer has been an ace bowler for every team he’s played for and holds strong credentials of being a top-notch bowler at any stage in the game.

On the other&nbsp;side, Pakistan’s Naseem Shah is training in Kakul with the rest of the squad, preparing for the home five-match T20Is against New Zealand, starting April 18.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India and Pakistan will face off at this year’s T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, with their game scheduled for June 9 in New York.&nbsp;

Reappointed Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Babar Azam made a bold claim on who he thinks can defend 10 runs off a final over between his compatriot Naseem Shah and ace India seamer Jasprit Bumrah.

Reappointed Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Babar Azam made a bold claim on who he thinks can defend 10 runs off a final over between his compatriot Naseem Shah and ace India seamer Jasprit Bumrah. While cricket fans worldwide know what cloth Bumrah is cut from, mainly considering death bowling, fans are also aware of Naseem’s exploits across formats and what he brings to the table. Chatting on a podcast, Babar, who recently replaced Shaheen Shah Afridi as Pakistan’s new ODI and T20I captain, was asked a hypothetical question surrounding the two best bowlers – Naseem and Bumrah. With the question being, if given a choice, who would he pick to bowl the final over if his team is defending 10 runs in the last over, Babar said he would pick Naseem over death-over specialist Bumrah. "One over, T20 match, you have to win the match, you have two options to defend 10 runs, whom will you give the last over, Naseem Shah or Jasprit Bumrah? The hosts asked the Pakistan skipper, to which Babar replied, “Naseem Shah.” ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals’ form worries coach Ricky Ponting, addresses it as ‘9-game tournament’ after MI loss Without discounting or even mentioning Bumrah’s name, Babar praised Naseem, who recently returned from the shoulder injury he sustained during the Asia Cup last year. "Firstly, I felt so happy for Naseem, for the way he returned to cricket after injury, the way he recovered," said Babar. Welcoming Naseem back into the scheme of things, Babar acknowledged his all-round skills, adding Naseem is on the right path, citing Shaheen’s example. "The number of skills he has, you don’t get a talent like this very often in Pakistan. There are others too, like Shaheen, he has his own class, he is experienced and Naseem is on Shaheen’s path," Azam added. Bumrah shines in IPL; Naseem trains for NZ series Bumrah has been making headlines since his emergence on the IPL stage around a decade ago, bowling toe-crushing Yorkers. His recent exploits against SunRisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals kept everyone talking. The right-arm seamer has been an ace bowler for every team he’s played for and holds strong credentials of being a top-notch bowler at any stage in the game. On the other side, Pakistan’s Naseem Shah is training in Kakul with the rest of the squad, preparing for the home five-match T20Is against New Zealand, starting April 18. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan will face off at this year’s T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, with their game scheduled for June 9 in New York.

Naseem Shah over Jasprit Bumrah – Babar Azam makes bold claim on best death bowler

Newly re-appointed Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam has reflected on his first trip to India during the ODI World Cup. Babar expressed surprise at the support he received from the Indian crowd during the tournament whilst adding that the crowd was mostly 'blue' whenever they played.&nbsp;

India locked horns with Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad where the hosts once again came out on top, maintaining their flawless winning record in the ODI World Cups.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"That was a different moment. Whenever we looked around the stadium, it was all blue. If you are playing in India then it makes sense that the crowds will be with the home team," Babar said on Zalmi TV podcast.

The Pakistan skipper added that despite the massive support for India, his team also received a 'lot of love' from the crowd.&nbsp;

“But even we got good support in different places. We received a lot of love from the crowds and they appreciated us. India vs Pakistan games are highly rated and many people look forward to this. It was a different experience for us,” Babar added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-reappoints-babar-azam-as-pakistans-white-ball-captain-confirms-chairman-706149">Also read | PCB reappoints Babar Azam as Pakistan’s white-ball captain</a>

<h2>Pakistan captaincy saga</h2>

Notably, it was after the disastrous World Cup campaign where the Pakistan team failed to progress further from the group stage&nbsp;that PCB took the call to sack Babar from his position as the captain in all three formats of the game. Babar's captaincy attracted widespread criticism as he&nbsp;failed to galvanise his troops to put up strong performances.&nbsp;

However, a little more than four months later, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed Babar was replacing Shaheen Afridi as the T20I captain. The decision was set in motion after Pakistan lost the T20I series 1-4 to New Zealand and fast-tracked following Afridi's poor handling of his PSL team which won only one out of the 10 matches.&nbsp;

The decision though, may not have gone down well with Afridi who recently posted an Instagram story&nbsp;seemingly taking a swipe at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other high-ranking officials who sabotaged his captaincy tenure.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/don-test-my-patience-shaheen-afridi-shares-cryptic-story-amid-ongoing-pakistan-captaincy-saga-708028">Also read |&nbsp;'Don't test my patience': Shaheen Afridi shares cryptic Insta Story amid ongoing Pakistan captaincy saga</a>

Afridi's rather cryptic statement came&nbsp;days after he denied reports that claimed he had backed Babar as the new captain.&nbsp;

The PCB statement following Babar's reinstatement as the captain stated that Afridi was prepared to help the batter "on and off the field" and that the team was playing as "one".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Newly re-appointed Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam has reflected on his first trip to India during the ODI World Cup. Babar expressed surprise at the support he received from the Indian crowd during the tournament whilst adding that the crowd was mostly 'blue' whenever they played.

Newly re-appointed Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam has reflected on his first trip to India during the ODI World Cup. Babar expressed surprise at the support he received from the Indian crowd during the tournament whilst adding that the crowd was mostly 'blue' whenever they played. India locked horns with Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad where the hosts once again came out on top, maintaining their flawless winning record in the ODI World Cups. "That was a different moment. Whenever we looked around the stadium, it was all blue. If you are playing in India then it makes sense that the crowds will be with the home team," Babar said on Zalmi TV podcast. The Pakistan skipper added that despite the massive support for India, his team also received a 'lot of love' from the crowd. “But even we got good support in different places. We received a lot of love from the crowds and they appreciated us. India vs Pakistan games are highly rated and many people look forward to this. It was a different experience for us,” Babar added. Also read | PCB reappoints Babar Azam as Pakistan’s white-ball captain Pakistan captaincy saga Notably, it was after the disastrous World Cup campaign where the Pakistan team failed to progress further from the group stage that PCB took the call to sack Babar from his position as the captain in all three formats of the game. Babar's captaincy attracted widespread criticism as he failed to galvanise his troops to put up strong performances. However, a little more than four months later, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed Babar was replacing Shaheen Afridi as the T20I captain. The decision was set in motion after Pakistan lost the T20I series 1-4 to New Zealand and fast-tracked following Afridi's poor handling of his PSL team which won only one out of the 10 matches. The decision though, may not have gone down well with Afridi who recently posted an Instagram story seemingly taking a swipe at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other high-ranking officials who sabotaged his captaincy tenure. Also read | 'Don't test my patience': Shaheen Afridi shares cryptic Insta Story amid ongoing Pakistan captaincy saga Afridi's rather cryptic statement came days after he denied reports that claimed he had backed Babar as the new captain. The PCB statement following Babar's reinstatement as the captain stated that Afridi was prepared to help the batter "on and off the field" and that the team was playing as "one". (With inputs from agencies)

‘It was all blue’: Babar Azam on playing in front of Indian crowd during ODI World Cup 2023

Star Pakistan seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi is unhappy and dissatisfied with the lack of communication and clarity over his recent sacking as the T20I captain. Afridi met PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday (April 1) in Kakul, where the Pakistan team is undergoing a fitness-related training camp, with reports suggesting that no constructive talks took place. The PCB, however, posted a photo of Shaheen shaking Naqvi’s hands following the meeting.

Although PCB’s statement had no mention of Afridi or his catch-up with the board’s chairman, it read that Naqvi interacted with all the 29 players, commending them for their dedication and active participation in the camp. Naqvi also pressed on his satisfaction over players attaining top fitness levels.

"The chairman also took the opportunity to interact with the players, personally commending them for their dedication and active participation in the camp. He expressed satisfaction over the players' enthusiasm and commitment towards enhancing their fitness levels," the PCB statement read.

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Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi visited Army School of Physical Training (ASPT), Kakul today and interacted with the players participating in the fitness camp. 
 
More details: <a href="https://t.co/oWSNkQ86F4">https://t.co/oWSNkQ86F4</a> <a href="https://t.co/HU9Owdb249">pic.twitter.com/HU9Owdb249</a>
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1774806620398104705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Besides, the relations between the two parties further deteriorated when PCB released a statement, attributed to Shaheen, upon reappointing Babar Azan as the white-ball captain, something neither Shaheen contributed to nor approved of. It led to chaos within the team and among the board and the players.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/otd-in-2011-india-lifts-world-cup-after-28-years-when-ms-dhoni-led-men-in-blue-claimed-ultimate-glory-706826">OTD in 2011: ‘India lifts World Cup’ – Relive the moment when MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue claimed ultimate glory</a>

The board, however, accepted the&nbsp;mistake, admitting an internal error led to this. Despite their claim on the same, Afridi believes his queries were not addressed or answered well, leaving everything hanging by a thin thread.&nbsp;

The left-arm seamer is said to have put this entire saga behind and move&nbsp;ahead with his previous role as the leading bowler in the team.

Meanwhile, despite tensions surrounding the captaincy saga within the dressing room, Shaheen’s position as a marquee player for the 2024 T20 World Cup remains the same, as he is expected to be Babar’s go-to-man in the 20-team-tournament.&nbsp;

<h2>Pakistan’s Road for T20 WC</h2>

The Men in Green are currently in Kakul for the training camp, which ends on April 8.&nbsp;

They will then get involved in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home, scheduled from April 18 to 27. Babar Azam-led T20I side will then travel to the UK for the bilateral series against Ireland and England, before playing in the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, with both scheduled to face off on June 9 in New York.&nbsp;

Star Pakistan seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi is unhappy and dissatisfied with the lack of communication and clarity over his recent sacking as the T20I captain. Afridi met PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday (April 1) in Kakul, where the Pakistan team is undergoing a fitness-related training camp, with reports suggesting that no constructive talks took place.

Star Pakistan seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi is unhappy and dissatisfied with the lack of communication and clarity over his recent sacking as the T20I captain. Afridi met PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday (April 1) in Kakul, where the Pakistan team is undergoing a fitness-related training camp, with reports suggesting that no constructive talks took place. The PCB, however, posted a photo of Shaheen shaking Naqvi’s hands following the meeting. Although PCB’s statement had no mention of Afridi or his catch-up with the board’s chairman, it read that Naqvi interacted with all the 29 players, commending them for their dedication and active participation in the camp. Naqvi also pressed on his satisfaction over players attaining top fitness levels. "The chairman also took the opportunity to interact with the players, personally commending them for their dedication and active participation in the camp. He expressed satisfaction over the players' enthusiasm and commitment towards enhancing their fitness levels," the PCB statement read. Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi visited Army School of Physical Training (ASPT), Kakul today and interacted with the players participating in the fitness camp. More details: https://t.co/oWSNkQ86F4 pic.twitter.com/HU9Owdb249 — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 1, 2024 × Besides, the relations between the two parties further deteriorated when PCB released a statement, attributed to Shaheen, upon reappointing Babar Azan as the white-ball captain, something neither Shaheen contributed to nor approved of. It led to chaos within the team and among the board and the players. ALSO READ: OTD in 2011: ‘India lifts World Cup’ – Relive the moment when MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue claimed ultimate glory The board, however, accepted the mistake, admitting an internal error led to this. Despite their claim on the same, Afridi believes his queries were not addressed or answered well, leaving everything hanging by a thin thread. The left-arm seamer is said to have put this entire saga behind and move ahead with his previous role as the leading bowler in the team. Meanwhile, despite tensions surrounding the captaincy saga within the dressing room, Shaheen’s position as a marquee player for the 2024 T20 World Cup remains the same, as he is expected to be Babar’s go-to-man in the 20-team-tournament. Pakistan’s Road for T20 WC The Men in Green are currently in Kakul for the training camp, which ends on April 8. They will then get involved in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home, scheduled from April 18 to 27. Babar Azam-led T20I side will then travel to the UK for the bilateral series against Ireland and England, before playing in the T20 World Cup. Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, with both scheduled to face off on June 9 in New York.

Drama grows within PCB surrounding captaincy saga as Shaheen Afridi’s concerns not addressed

Former Pakistan T20I captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is upset with PCB for putting out his fake quotes on Babar Azam’s reappointment as the new white-ball captain, something he never contributed to in the first place. As per the latest reports, Afridi, who was named Pakistan’s new T20I captain following Babar’s departure as all-format skipper in November last year, is said to be meeting PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding this matter on Monday (April 1).

A&nbsp;statement released by the PCB, attributing to Shaheen, reads,&nbsp;"I will always cherish the memories and the opportunity. As a team player, it is my duty to back our captain, Babar Azam. I have played under his captaincy and have nothing but respect for him. I will try to help him on and off the field. We are all one. Our aim is the same, to help Pakistan become the best team in the world."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-ipl-teams-owners-to-meet-in-ahmedabad-to-discuss-ipls-future-706525">BCCI, IPL team owners to meet in Ahmedabad to discuss ‘league’s future’</a>

Shaheen claims to be contributing nothing in regards to Babar becoming Pakistan’s white-ball captain once again.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, change in the leadership has caused quite a stir in Pakistan cricket. After PCB asked Babar to step aside from the captaincy following a dismal 2023 World Cup show in India, they appointed Shaheen (T20Is) and Shan Masood (Test captain) as new leaders in their respective formats.&nbsp;

However, after just one failed international assignment and PSL 2024, Shaheen was removed as the captain in the shortest format.

Shahid Afridi, a former Pakistan legend and Shaheen’s father-in-law, also commented on the matter, saying he was surprised to see a sudden change in the leadership group, considering the T20 World Cup is just around the corner. Although he sounded miffed with PCB’s call, he congratulated Babar on his reappointment as the captain.

“I am surprised by the decision by very experienced cricketers in the selection committee. I still believe that if change was necessary then Rizwan was the best choice! But since now the decision has been made I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar Azam,” Afridi wrote on X.&nbsp;

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I am surprised by the decision by very experienced cricketers in the selection committee. I still believe that if change was necessary than Rizwan was the best choice! But since now the decision has been made I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar…
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1774426968877842553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Wayward calls create chaos</h2>

Earlier during a presser in Lahore, the PCB chairman denied commenting on Shaheen’s status as T20I captain, saying he is unsure how things will pan out in the coming days.&nbsp;

Soon after that, a lot happened within their cricket, with two former players – Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, announcing unretirement to remain available for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The board also reappointed Babar as the new captain for ODIs and T20Is.

Babar will lead Pakistan against New Zealand in home T20Is in April before flying to the UK for the T20 series against Ireland and England just ahead of the 20-team tournament.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan T20I captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is upset with PCB for putting out his fake quotes on Babar Azam’s reappointment as the new white-ball captain, something he never contributed to in the first place.

Former Pakistan T20I captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is upset with PCB for putting out his fake quotes on Babar Azam’s reappointment as the new white-ball captain, something he never contributed to in the first place. As per the latest reports, Afridi, who was named Pakistan’s new T20I captain following Babar’s departure as all-format skipper in November last year, is said to be meeting PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi regarding this matter on Monday (April 1). A statement released by the PCB, attributing to Shaheen, reads, "I will always cherish the memories and the opportunity. As a team player, it is my duty to back our captain, Babar Azam. I have played under his captaincy and have nothing but respect for him. I will try to help him on and off the field. We are all one. Our aim is the same, to help Pakistan become the best team in the world." ALSO READ: BCCI, IPL team owners to meet in Ahmedabad to discuss ‘league’s future’ Shaheen claims to be contributing nothing in regards to Babar becoming Pakistan’s white-ball captain once again. Meanwhile, change in the leadership has caused quite a stir in Pakistan cricket. After PCB asked Babar to step aside from the captaincy following a dismal 2023 World Cup show in India, they appointed Shaheen (T20Is) and Shan Masood (Test captain) as new leaders in their respective formats. However, after just one failed international assignment and PSL 2024, Shaheen was removed as the captain in the shortest format. Shahid Afridi, a former Pakistan legend and Shaheen’s father-in-law, also commented on the matter, saying he was surprised to see a sudden change in the leadership group, considering the T20 World Cup is just around the corner. Although he sounded miffed with PCB’s call, he congratulated Babar on his reappointment as the captain. “I am surprised by the decision by very experienced cricketers in the selection committee. I still believe that if change was necessary then Rizwan was the best choice! But since now the decision has been made I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar Azam,” Afridi wrote on X. I am surprised by the decision by very experienced cricketers in the selection committee. I still believe that if change was necessary than Rizwan was the best choice! But since now the decision has been made I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar… — Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 31, 2024 × Wayward calls create chaos Earlier during a presser in Lahore, the PCB chairman denied commenting on Shaheen’s status as T20I captain, saying he is unsure how things will pan out in the coming days. Soon after that, a lot happened within their cricket, with two former players – Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, announcing unretirement to remain available for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The board also reappointed Babar as the new captain for ODIs and T20Is. Babar will lead Pakistan against New Zealand in home T20Is in April before flying to the UK for the T20 series against Ireland and England just ahead of the 20-team tournament.

Shaheen Afridi to hold talks with PCB chairman over ‘fake quotes on Babar’s return’ as white-ball captain

In a major twist involving the leadership group in Pakistan Cricket, star batter Babar Azam has been&nbsp;re-appointed as the new white-ball captain, the board’s chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed in a statement. Babar has replaced ace seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20I captain, while the board is yet to announce&nbsp;an ODI skipper following Babar’s removal as all-format skipper post-2023 World Cup.

In a video posted on Pakistan Cricket’s social media handles, the PCB chairman is seen speaking with Babar about taking over the ODI and T20I captaincy.

“Following unanimous recommendation from the PCB’s selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team,” a post read.

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Babar Azam appointed as white-ball captain 
 
Following unanimous recommendation from the PCB’s selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team. <a href="https://t.co/ad4KLJYRMK">pic.twitter.com/ad4KLJYRMK</a>
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1774299865817727120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, following the disastrous World Cup campaign last year, where despite having favourable conditions at their disposal, Pakistan failed to reach the semis, leading PCB to take some stern steps in their quest to revive cricket’s craze in the country . They removed&nbsp;the coaching staff and Babar Azam as an all-format captain. While seamer Shaheen replaced him as the T20I skipper, Shan Masood was named the new Test captain.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mayank-yadav-opens-up-on-sensational-ipl-debut-says-i-didnt-think-it-would-go-this-well-706136">Mayank Yadav opens up on sensational IPL debut, says 'I didn’t think it would go this well'</a>

Upon being appointed as the T20I captain, with credentials of helping his franchise, Lahore Qalandars, win back-to-back PSL titles, Shaheen failed to replicate his magic in Pakistan colours, losing 1-4 to New Zealand on an away tour in his first assignment. Moreover, a poor PSL 2024, in which his team won just one out of ten matches, led to the selectors looking beyond Shaheen for the shorter-format.

The recent reports indicate&nbsp;the change in the leadership group, with the PCB chairman commenting, saying he is unsure if Afridi remains the captain heading into the 2024 T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

<h2>Babar eyes T20 WC win</h2>

Having led Pakistan in several ICC tournaments, including two T20 World Cups and the 50-over tournament in India last year, Babar knows what the big stage demands and would be ready to prepare for the ultimate glory when Pakistan takes the field for the 20-team-tournament later in June.&nbsp;

With captaincy pressure released off Shaheen’s shoulders, the left-arm seamer can return to focusing on his bowling ahead of the tournament. Besides, with two former cricketers – Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, announcing their decisions to unretire, Babar will have to make a tough choice in picking the best 15 for the T20 World Cup.

However, before that, Pakistan will host New Zealand for five T20Is in April and will travel&nbsp;to the UK for the T20 series against Ireland and England.&nbsp;

In a major twist involving the leadership group in Pakistan Cricket, star batter Babar Azam has been re-appointed as the new white-ball captain, the board’s chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed in a statement.

In a major twist involving the leadership group in Pakistan Cricket, star batter Babar Azam has been re-appointed as the new white-ball captain, the board’s chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed in a statement. Babar has replaced ace seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20I captain, while the board is yet to announce an ODI skipper following Babar’s removal as all-format skipper post-2023 World Cup. In a video posted on Pakistan Cricket’s social media handles, the PCB chairman is seen speaking with Babar about taking over the ODI and T20I captaincy. “Following unanimous recommendation from the PCB’s selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team,” a post read. Babar Azam appointed as white-ball captain Following unanimous recommendation from the PCB’s selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team. pic.twitter.com/ad4KLJYRMK — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 31, 2024 × Meanwhile, following the disastrous World Cup campaign last year, where despite having favourable conditions at their disposal, Pakistan failed to reach the semis, leading PCB to take some stern steps in their quest to revive cricket’s craze in the country . They removed the coaching staff and Babar Azam as an all-format captain. While seamer Shaheen replaced him as the T20I skipper, Shan Masood was named the new Test captain. ALSO READ: Mayank Yadav opens up on sensational IPL debut, says 'I didn’t think it would go this well' Upon being appointed as the T20I captain, with credentials of helping his franchise, Lahore Qalandars, win back-to-back PSL titles, Shaheen failed to replicate his magic in Pakistan colours, losing 1-4 to New Zealand on an away tour in his first assignment. Moreover, a poor PSL 2024, in which his team won just one out of ten matches, led to the selectors looking beyond Shaheen for the shorter-format. The recent reports indicate the change in the leadership group, with the PCB chairman commenting, saying he is unsure if Afridi remains the captain heading into the 2024 T20 World Cup. Babar eyes T20 WC win Having led Pakistan in several ICC tournaments, including two T20 World Cups and the 50-over tournament in India last year, Babar knows what the big stage demands and would be ready to prepare for the ultimate glory when Pakistan takes the field for the 20-team-tournament later in June. With captaincy pressure released off Shaheen’s shoulders, the left-arm seamer can return to focusing on his bowling ahead of the tournament. Besides, with two former cricketers – Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, announcing their decisions to unretire, Babar will have to make a tough choice in picking the best 15 for the T20 World Cup. However, before that, Pakistan will host New Zealand for five T20Is in April and will travel to the UK for the T20 series against Ireland and England.

PCB reappoints Babar Azam as Pakistan’s white-ball captain

Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi is all set to pay a big price for his poor leadership qualities as he is on the brink of being stripped of the role in the T20I format. Afridi was appointed captain of the T20I side after Pakistan’s poor ODI World Cup campaign with Babar Azam resigning. However, a poor run with the captain’s armband with the national side in New Zealand and then with Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) paved the way for his exit. It is reported that Afridi’s role in the T20I set-up is offered to former skipper Babar.

<h2>Shaheen to face axe</h2>

After losing the five-match T20I series against New Zealand 4-1 and then leading Lahore Qalandars to a bottom-place finish in the PSL 2024, Afridi’s leadership qualities were questioned. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Babar earlier this week to offer the role after overseeing Afridi’s inability to work wonders with the captain’s armband. According to Espncricinfo, the decision will be confirmed in the coming hours leaving Pakistan cricket in turmoil.

As things stand, Babar is likely to return as the new skipper of the T20I side while the national side is without a designated captain for the ODI side. Shan Massod led the side in the three-match Test series against Australia in December and January.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-i-am-interested-to-see-how-virat-tackles-starc-says-steve-smith-on-blockbuster-rcb-v-kkr-clash-705528">IPL 2024: ‘I am interested to see how Virat tackles Starc’, says Steve Smith on blockbuster RCB v KKR clash</a>

With the T20 World Cup just three months away, it will be another chaotic time for Pakistan cricket. The Men in Green have a good record in the T20 World Cup having been finalists in the 2022 edition in Australia. While they&nbsp;were the losing semifinalist in the 2021 edition in the UAE.

The writing was on the wall for Afridi since Naqvi refused to back him at a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, saying at the time a final decision would be made after Pakistan's training camp with the military ended. Interestingly, the change in guard has also put the position of Masood in jeopardy as he too had a poor time during the Test series in Australia and lost all three matches.

Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi is all set to pay a big price for his poor leadership qualities as he is on the brink of being stripped of the role in the T20I format.

Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi is all set to pay a big price for his poor leadership qualities as he is on the brink of being stripped of the role in the T20I format. Afridi was appointed captain of the T20I side after Pakistan’s poor ODI World Cup campaign with Babar Azam resigning. However, a poor run with the captain’s armband with the national side in New Zealand and then with Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) paved the way for his exit. It is reported that Afridi’s role in the T20I set-up is offered to former skipper Babar. Shaheen to face axe After losing the five-match T20I series against New Zealand 4-1 and then leading Lahore Qalandars to a bottom-place finish in the PSL 2024, Afridi’s leadership qualities were questioned. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Babar earlier this week to offer the role after overseeing Afridi’s inability to work wonders with the captain’s armband. According to Espncricinfo, the decision will be confirmed in the coming hours leaving Pakistan cricket in turmoil. As things stand, Babar is likely to return as the new skipper of the T20I side while the national side is without a designated captain for the ODI side. Shan Massod led the side in the three-match Test series against Australia in December and January. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: ‘I am interested to see how Virat tackles Starc’, says Steve Smith on blockbuster RCB v KKR clash With the T20 World Cup just three months away, it will be another chaotic time for Pakistan cricket. The Men in Green have a good record in the T20 World Cup having been finalists in the 2022 edition in Australia. While they were the losing semifinalist in the 2021 edition in the UAE. The writing was on the wall for Afridi since Naqvi refused to back him at a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, saying at the time a final decision would be made after Pakistan's training camp with the military ended. Interestingly, the change in guard has also put the position of Masood in jeopardy as he too had a poor time during the Test series in Australia and lost all three matches.

Shaheen Shah Afridi to be stripped of Pakistan's T20I captaincy; Babar Azam offered role

Former Pakistan men's cricket team captain Babr Azam has lamented that the decision taken by the team management to demote him from the opening slot was not right.

Babar was pushed down the batting order in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year. Prior to the demotion, it was Babar and Mohammad Rizwan pair that opened the innings for Pakistan.&nbsp;

"I didn't feel or take any pressure whenever I open the innings (in T20Is). The team was demanding me to come down to No. three, and I did it for the team. If asked from a personal perspective, I was not satisfied with the move, but I did it for Pakistan," Babar said after a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match.&nbsp;

Despite not liking the change, Babar performed adequately in the series, coming in to bat at no. 3. He scored three half-centuries (57, 66, and 58 runs) but it wasn't enough as New Zealand won the series 4-1.&nbsp;

Notably, the decision&nbsp;to change the batting spot of their star player was taken by&nbsp;captain Shaheen Afridi and former director of cricket, Mohammad Hafeez.

Hafeez revealed that it took him&nbsp;more than two months to convince Babar to bat at no. 3 as it was better for the team in the long run.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pakistan-skipper-shaheen-afridi-praises-babar-azam-despite-losing-t20i-series-against-new-zealand-680903">Also read | Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi praises Babar Azam despite losing T20I series against New Zealand</a>

<h2>Babar gives&nbsp;up captaincy</h2>

Babar's demotion came a few months after he stepped down as the team captain in all three formats post a&nbsp;disastrous World Cup campaign in India last year. Babar said it was a 'difficult decision' but the right time to make such a call.

The men-in-green lost five of their nine games, including a humbling defeat against arch-rivals India. The team also lost to neighbours Afghanistan and could not qualify for the knockouts, finishing in the fifth spot on the points table.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/babar-azam-steps-down-as-pakistan-captain-after-world-cup-debacle-658881">Also read |&nbsp;Babar Azam steps down as Pakistan captain in all formats after World Cup debacle</a>

Pakistan as a unit looked miles behind the pace when compared to other teams. The subcontinent team was found guilty of playing an archaic brand of cricket in ODIs which boils down to the personality of the captain, experts argued.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan men's cricket team captain Babr Azam has lamented that the decision taken by the team management to demote him from the opening slot was not right.

Former Pakistan men's cricket team captain Babr Azam has lamented that the decision taken by the team management to demote him from the opening slot was not right. Babar was pushed down the batting order in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year. Prior to the demotion, it was Babar and Mohammad Rizwan pair that opened the innings for Pakistan. "I didn't feel or take any pressure whenever I open the innings (in T20Is). The team was demanding me to come down to No. three, and I did it for the team. If asked from a personal perspective, I was not satisfied with the move, but I did it for Pakistan," Babar said after a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match. Despite not liking the change, Babar performed adequately in the series, coming in to bat at no. 3. He scored three half-centuries (57, 66, and 58 runs) but it wasn't enough as New Zealand won the series 4-1. Notably, the decision to change the batting spot of their star player was taken by captain Shaheen Afridi and former director of cricket, Mohammad Hafeez. Hafeez revealed that it took him more than two months to convince Babar to bat at no. 3 as it was better for the team in the long run. Also read | Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi praises Babar Azam despite losing T20I series against New Zealand Babar gives up captaincy Babar's demotion came a few months after he stepped down as the team captain in all three formats post a disastrous World Cup campaign in India last year. Babar said it was a 'difficult decision' but the right time to make such a call. The men-in-green lost five of their nine games, including a humbling defeat against arch-rivals India. The team also lost to neighbours Afghanistan and could not qualify for the knockouts, finishing in the fifth spot on the points table. Also read | Babar Azam steps down as Pakistan captain in all formats after World Cup debacle Pakistan as a unit looked miles behind the pace when compared to other teams. The subcontinent team was found guilty of playing an archaic brand of cricket in ODIs which boils down to the personality of the captain, experts argued. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Not satisfied with the move’: Babar Azam slams management’s decision to demote him to no. 3

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has instructed the senior men's team to train with the army in March-April&nbsp;after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 edition. Naqvi, who replaced Zaka Ashraf, had a word with a few Pakistani players in Islamabad&nbsp;on Tuesday (March 5)&nbsp;where he told them to undergo a 10-day training camp with the army to improve their strength and fitness.&nbsp;

It is reported that Naqvi&nbsp;was disappointed with the Pakistani&nbsp;batters’ six-hitting abilities and spoke&nbsp;about the need to focus on strength and fitness.

"When I was watching the matches in Lahore, I don't think a single one of you hit a six that went into the stands. Whenever a six like that was hit, I used to think a foreign player must have hit that. I have asked the board to make a plan that gets every player's fitness up to speed. You'll have to make a proper effort for that,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo when he addressed the players in a hotel in Islamabad.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neil-wagner-retirement-kane-williamson-takes-jibe-at-taylor-says-i-dont-think-anybody-is-forced-to-retire-697034">Neil Wagner Retirement: Kane Williamson takes jibe at Taylor, says 'I don't think anybody is forced to retire'</a>

<h2>'The Pakistan Army will be involved in your training'</h2>

"We have New Zealand coming up, then Ireland, England and the T20 World Cup. I wondered, 'When will we train?' but there was no time. However, we've found a window where we've organised a camp in Kakul (military academy) from March 25 to April 8. The Pakistan Army will be involved in your training, and hopefully, they'll help you out," Naqvi further opined.

The PCB chairman also pointed out that the players need to prioritise playing for the country&nbsp;over anything and everything. Recently, pacer Haris Rauf's central contract was revoked and he has been barred from participating in&nbsp;overseas franchise T20 leagues until June 30. The speedster had withdrawn from Pakistan's away Tests versus Australia and, thus, paid the price for it.

Talking about the Pakistan team's upcoming training camp, it will be interesting to see how it&nbsp;helps them going forward&nbsp;given they&nbsp;have a busy schedule in the run-up to the T20 World Cup, which will take place in the West Indies and USA in June.&nbsp;

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has instructed the senior men's team to train with the army in March-April after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 edition.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has instructed the senior men's team to train with the army in March-April after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 edition. Naqvi, who replaced Zaka Ashraf, had a word with a few Pakistani players in Islamabad on Tuesday (March 5) where he told them to undergo a 10-day training camp with the army to improve their strength and fitness. It is reported that Naqvi was disappointed with the Pakistani batters’ six-hitting abilities and spoke about the need to focus on strength and fitness. "When I was watching the matches in Lahore, I don't think a single one of you hit a six that went into the stands. Whenever a six like that was hit, I used to think a foreign player must have hit that. I have asked the board to make a plan that gets every player's fitness up to speed. You'll have to make a proper effort for that,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo when he addressed the players in a hotel in Islamabad. Also read: Neil Wagner Retirement: Kane Williamson takes jibe at Taylor, says 'I don't think anybody is forced to retire' 'The Pakistan Army will be involved in your training' "We have New Zealand coming up, then Ireland, England and the T20 World Cup. I wondered, 'When will we train?' but there was no time. However, we've found a window where we've organised a camp in Kakul (military academy) from March 25 to April 8. The Pakistan Army will be involved in your training, and hopefully, they'll help you out," Naqvi further opined. The PCB chairman also pointed out that the players need to prioritise playing for the country over anything and everything. Recently, pacer Haris Rauf's central contract was revoked and he has been barred from participating in overseas franchise T20 leagues until June 30. The speedster had withdrawn from Pakistan's away Tests versus Australia and, thus, paid the price for it. Talking about the Pakistan team's upcoming training camp, it will be interesting to see how it helps them going forward given they have a busy schedule in the run-up to the T20 World Cup, which will take place in the West Indies and USA in June.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi instructs Pakistan players to train with army to improve strength and fitness

Pakistan batter Babar Azam lost his cool after being trolled by the local fans in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 on Friday, February 23. Babar, who captains Peshawar Zalmi in PSL, was subjected to chants of 'Zimbabar' by Multan Sultans fans against whom Zalmi&nbsp;were playing. The chant was suggestive of Babar's great record against Zimbabwe - a relatively weak team in today's era - and failure in big matches.

Visibly frustrated by the chants, Babar was sitting on the sidelines along with the support staff when he gestured towards the chanting fan and tried to scare him by mimicking a bottle throw. Have a look at the video below:

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This is really unacceptable, Never expected this from Multan fans.. 🤦‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/MgZWQlO8oR">pic.twitter.com/MgZWQlO8oR</a>
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/nibraz88cricket/status/1761312465164329005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Babar has played 18 games across formats against Zimbabwe, scoring 693 runs at an average of 57.75 with two hundreds and five fifties. He has scored these runs at a strike-rate of 106 with a highest score of 125.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkars-kind-gesture-towards-jammu-kashmir-para-cricket-team-captain-wins-hearts-693441">Sachin Tendulkar’s nice gesture for Jammu and Kashmir para cricket team captain wins hearts</a>

The batter, however, who had a modest 2023 in terms of runs, was stripped of captaincy after Pakistan's horrendous performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.&nbsp;

In the ongoing PSL though, he has been in superb form, scoring a fifty each in the two games before facing Multan. Babar has 171 runs to his name in three matches played so far - second only to Rezza Hendricks' 174.

Recently, he created record by becoming the fastest to reach 10,000 T20 runs, going past former West Indies batter Chris Gayle and India's Virat Kohli. Babar achieved the feat in ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 on Wednesday (Feb 21) while playing for Peshawar Zalmi against Karachi Kings in Lahore. Babar has reached the 10K-run mark in his 271st innings while Gayle had done so in 285th innings and Kohli in 299th.

Babar also scored 68 runs in the first match this season and reached the 3,000 runs in the PSL - the first player to do so in the league.

Pakistan batter Babar Azam lost his cool after being trolled by the local fans in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 on Friday, February 23. Babar, who captains Peshawar Zalmi in PSL, was subjected to chants of 'Zimbabar' by Multan Sultans fans against whom Zalmi were playing.

Pakistan batter Babar Azam lost his cool after being trolled by the local fans in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 on Friday, February 23. Babar, who captains Peshawar Zalmi in PSL, was subjected to chants of 'Zimbabar' by Multan Sultans fans against whom Zalmi were playing. The chant was suggestive of Babar's great record against Zimbabwe - a relatively weak team in today's era - and failure in big matches. Visibly frustrated by the chants, Babar was sitting on the sidelines along with the support staff when he gestured towards the chanting fan and tried to scare him by mimicking a bottle throw. Have a look at the video below: This is really unacceptable, Never expected this from Multan fans.. 🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/MgZWQlO8oR — Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) February 24, 2024 × Babar has played 18 games across formats against Zimbabwe, scoring 693 runs at an average of 57.75 with two hundreds and five fifties. He has scored these runs at a strike-rate of 106 with a highest score of 125. Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar’s nice gesture for Jammu and Kashmir para cricket team captain wins hearts The batter, however, who had a modest 2023 in terms of runs, was stripped of captaincy after Pakistan's horrendous performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. In the ongoing PSL though, he has been in superb form, scoring a fifty each in the two games before facing Multan. Babar has 171 runs to his name in three matches played so far - second only to Rezza Hendricks' 174. Recently, he created record by becoming the fastest to reach 10,000 T20 runs, going past former West Indies batter Chris Gayle and India's Virat Kohli. Babar achieved the feat in ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 on Wednesday (Feb 21) while playing for Peshawar Zalmi against Karachi Kings in Lahore. Babar has reached the 10K-run mark in his 271st innings while Gayle had done so in 285th innings and Kohli in 299th. Babar also scored 68 runs in the first match this season and reached the 3,000 runs in the PSL - the first player to do so in the league.

PSL 2024: Pakistan batter Babar Azam loses cool, mimics 'bottle throw' after being trolled by fans - WATCH

Babar Azam became the fastest to reach 10,000 T20 runs, by innings, during the ongoing PSL 2024 edition on Wednesday (Feb 21). Here is a list of batters – including Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle -- who are the quickest to reach the 10k-run club in T20s, in terms of innings.

Batters Quickest to 10k T20 runs (by innings)

Pakistan batter Babar Azam has created by becoming the fastest to reach 10,000 T20 runs, going past former West Indies batter Chris Gayle and India's Virat Kohli in the list. Babar achieved the feat in ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 on Wednesday (Feb 21) while playing for Peshawar Zalmi against Karachi Kings in Lahore. Babar has reached the 10K-run mark in his 271st innings while Gayle had done so in 285th innings and Kohli in 299th.

Babar scored 72 off 51 balls during the match as his team set a target of 154 for Kings to chase. Karachi's Kieron Pollard led the way for his team with an unbeaten 21-ball 49 as Kings won the match by seven wickets. Babar is in prime form this season, scoring two fifties in two games and leads the run chart with 140 runs.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-vs-aus-1st-t20i-tim-davids-four-pulls-off-last-ball-heist-for-australia-in-pursuit-of-216-692314">NZ vs Aus, 1st T20I: Mitchell Marsh, Tim David seal last-ball win for Australia in pursuit of 216</a>

Babar scored 68 runs in the first match this season and reached the 3,000 runs in the PSL - the first player to do so in the league.

Babar now has 3,075 runs in PSL at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 125. Fakhar Zaman is distant second with 2,387 runs at a strike rate of 142. The next three batters in the list are veteran Shoaib Malik with 2,164 runs, Mohammad Rizwan with 2,050 runs and Kamran Akmal with 1,972 runs.

On the day Babar reached 3K-run mark, that is, February 18, Rizwan, who plays for Multan Sultans, also became the fourth batter in the PSL history to reach 2,000 runs. Rizwan reached the milestone in 61 innings.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez, who was recently sacked as Men in Green's director of cricket, has slammed the national side for poor fitness standards. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/babar-azam-mickey-arthur-put-fitness-in-backseat-pakistans-former-director-of-cricket-mohammad-hafeez-692308">Hafeez ripped apart Pakistan's fitness culture</a> and blamed former captain Babar Azam and ex-coach Mickey Arthur.

Pakistan batter Babar Azam has created by becoming the fastest to reach 10,000 T20 runs, going past former West Indies batter Chris Gayle and India's Virat Kohli in the list.

Pakistan batter Babar Azam has created by becoming the fastest to reach 10,000 T20 runs, going past former West Indies batter Chris Gayle and India's Virat Kohli in the list. Babar achieved the feat in ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 on Wednesday (Feb 21) while playing for Peshawar Zalmi against Karachi Kings in Lahore. Babar has reached the 10K-run mark in his 271st innings while Gayle had done so in 285th innings and Kohli in 299th. Babar scored 72 off 51 balls during the match as his team set a target of 154 for Kings to chase. Karachi's Kieron Pollard led the way for his team with an unbeaten 21-ball 49 as Kings won the match by seven wickets. Babar is in prime form this season, scoring two fifties in two games and leads the run chart with 140 runs. Also Read: NZ vs Aus, 1st T20I: Mitchell Marsh, Tim David seal last-ball win for Australia in pursuit of 216 Babar scored 68 runs in the first match this season and reached the 3,000 runs in the PSL - the first player to do so in the league. Babar now has 3,075 runs in PSL at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 125. Fakhar Zaman is distant second with 2,387 runs at a strike rate of 142. The next three batters in the list are veteran Shoaib Malik with 2,164 runs, Mohammad Rizwan with 2,050 runs and Kamran Akmal with 1,972 runs. On the day Babar reached 3K-run mark, that is, February 18, Rizwan, who plays for Multan Sultans, also became the fourth batter in the PSL history to reach 2,000 runs. Rizwan reached the milestone in 61 innings. Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez, who was recently sacked as Men in Green's director of cricket, has slammed the national side for poor fitness standards. Hafeez ripped apart Pakistan's fitness culture and blamed former captain Babar Azam and ex-coach Mickey Arthur.

Pakistan batter Babar Azam becomes fastest to score 10,000 T20 runs, goes past Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli

Former Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez, who was recently sacked as Men in Green's&nbsp;director of cricket, has slammed the national side for poor fitness standards. Hafeez, in a recent interaction,&nbsp;has stated that the current Pakistani players do not have the fitness to play international cricket.

Hafeez was recently removed as the director of cricket for Pakistan after the senior team's woeful run Down Under, where they lost three Tests to Australia (0-3) and five T20Is in New Zealand (going down 1-4). Soon after his contract was not extended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the former all-rounder revealed, on X (formerly Twitter), that he will disclose the reason for Men in Green's recent failures.

Now, talking on A Sports, Hafeez ripped apart Pakistan's fitness culture and blamed former captain Babar Azam and ex-coach Mickey Arthur. "When we went to Australia, I told the players to take care of their fitness levels. I also asked the trainer about the fitness of the players. He told me a shocking thing that six months ago captain (Babar Azam) and Director of Cricket (Mickey Arthur) told me to stop checking the players on the fitness parameters and let them play the way they want," Hafeez said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-pacer-akash-deep-likely-to-debut-in-ranchi-test-in-jasprit-bumrahs-absence-report-692243">Ind vs Eng: Pacer Akash Deep likely to debut in Ranchi Test in Jasprit Bumrah's absence - Report</a>

He added, "When the fat levels of the players were checked, the skin fold of all of them was high - for most players it was 1.5 times the limit. They were unfit and some of them couldn’t complete a 2 km trial run. The decision taken 6 months back overruled the set criteria for fitness. You will suffer defeats if the fitness is like that."

Hafeez also revealed that it took him two months to convince Babar&nbsp;to drop down to No. 3 spot in T20Is.&nbsp;

Hafeez said, "It took me about two months to convince Babar Azam that you have to do it for Pakistan and you are not the first one who's doing it. You are a great player, you are a wonderful player, and you play great cricket. However, you have to develop a Pakistan team. You and Rizwan are very good players, excellent players, but you are not the whole team."

"We need to develop a team and, for that, I want you to come, at number 3 because you have been playing this role in ODI cricket for the last six years, so it won't affect you. Technically, you are very solid. Thank you very much to him that he accepted this, and he played for Pakistan at No. 3 which obviously, I think is the best way to move," he further added.

In the recent past, nothing has clicked for Pakistan. They failed to enter the semifinals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, which led to Babar Azam's removal as captain. Following the ODI WC, Pakistan had a miserable tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez, who was recently sacked as Men in Green's director of cricket, has slammed the national side for poor fitness standards.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez, who was recently sacked as Men in Green's director of cricket, has slammed the national side for poor fitness standards. Hafeez, in a recent interaction, has stated that the current Pakistani players do not have the fitness to play international cricket. Hafeez was recently removed as the director of cricket for Pakistan after the senior team's woeful run Down Under, where they lost three Tests to Australia (0-3) and five T20Is in New Zealand (going down 1-4). Soon after his contract was not extended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the former all-rounder revealed, on X (formerly Twitter), that he will disclose the reason for Men in Green's recent failures. Now, talking on A Sports, Hafeez ripped apart Pakistan's fitness culture and blamed former captain Babar Azam and ex-coach Mickey Arthur. "When we went to Australia, I told the players to take care of their fitness levels. I also asked the trainer about the fitness of the players. He told me a shocking thing that six months ago captain (Babar Azam) and Director of Cricket (Mickey Arthur) told me to stop checking the players on the fitness parameters and let them play the way they want," Hafeez said. Also read: Ind vs Eng: Pacer Akash Deep likely to debut in Ranchi Test in Jasprit Bumrah's absence - Report He added, "When the fat levels of the players were checked, the skin fold of all of them was high - for most players it was 1.5 times the limit. They were unfit and some of them couldn’t complete a 2 km trial run. The decision taken 6 months back overruled the set criteria for fitness. You will suffer defeats if the fitness is like that." Hafeez also revealed that it took him two months to convince Babar to drop down to No. 3 spot in T20Is. Hafeez said, "It took me about two months to convince Babar Azam that you have to do it for Pakistan and you are not the first one who's doing it. You are a great player, you are a wonderful player, and you play great cricket. However, you have to develop a Pakistan team. You and Rizwan are very good players, excellent players, but you are not the whole team." "We need to develop a team and, for that, I want you to come, at number 3 because you have been playing this role in ODI cricket for the last six years, so it won't affect you. Technically, you are very solid. Thank you very much to him that he accepted this, and he played for Pakistan at No. 3 which obviously, I think is the best way to move," he further added. In the recent past, nothing has clicked for Pakistan. They failed to enter the semifinals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, in India, which led to Babar Azam's removal as captain. Following the ODI WC, Pakistan had a miserable tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Babar Azam, Mickey Arthur put fitness in backseat: Pakistan's former director of cricket Mohammad Hafeez

Pakistan's ace batter and former skipper Babar Azam has created history in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 by becoming first to reach 3,000 runs in the tournament history. Babar, who now plays for Peshawar Zalmi, scored 68 in the second match of the season against Quetta Gladiators to reach the milestone. He reached the 3K-run mark in 78 innings at a strike rate of 125.

Babar now has 3,003 runs with Fakhar Zaman being a distant second with 2,381 runs at a strike rate of 142. The next three batters in the list are veteran Shoaib Malik with 2,135 runs, Mohammad Rizwan with 2,007 runs and Kamran Akmal with 1,927 runs.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-hes-a-modern-t20-player-says-ex-england-skipper-michael-atherton-on-indias-yashasvi-jaiswal-691631">IND vs ENG: 'He's a modern T20 player,' says ex-England skipper Atherton about India's Yashasvi Jaiswal</a>

On the day Babar reached 3K-run mark, that is, February 18, Rizwan, who plays for Multan Sultans, also became the fourth batter in the PSL history to reach 2,000 runs. Rizwan reached the milestone in 61 innings.

Hafeez recalls tough conversation with Babar

Former Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez has revealed that it took him two months to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/you-have-to-do-it-sacked-pakistan-team-director-mohammad-hafeez-recalls-tough-conversation-with-babar-azam-691637">convince Babar Azam to bat at number three</a> in T20Is. Hafeez made the revelation after recently being sacked from his post of team director. Under Hafeez, Pakistan played three Tests in Australia and five T20Is in New Zealand. The Men in Green, however, lost both series but Babar flourished at number three in T20Is.

After buying into Hafeez's idea, Babar scored 57, 66, 58, 19 and 13 in the five T20Is, but Pakistan lost the series 1-4 to New Zealand after losing the Test series 0-3 to Australia.

Hafeez was appointed the team director after Pakistan's poor show in the ODI World Cup 2023. The former skipper's stint, however, was cut short from an initial tenure of four years to just two months after Pakistan's horrendous tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Pakistan's ace batter and former skipper Babar Azam has created history in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 by becoming first to reach 3,000 runs in the tournament history.

Pakistan's ace batter and former skipper Babar Azam has created history in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 by becoming first to reach 3,000 runs in the tournament history. Babar, who now plays for Peshawar Zalmi, scored 68 in the second match of the season against Quetta Gladiators to reach the milestone. He reached the 3K-run mark in 78 innings at a strike rate of 125. Babar now has 3,003 runs with Fakhar Zaman being a distant second with 2,381 runs at a strike rate of 142. The next three batters in the list are veteran Shoaib Malik with 2,135 runs, Mohammad Rizwan with 2,007 runs and Kamran Akmal with 1,927 runs. Also Read: IND vs ENG: 'He's a modern T20 player,' says ex-England skipper Atherton about India's Yashasvi Jaiswal On the day Babar reached 3K-run mark, that is, February 18, Rizwan, who plays for Multan Sultans, also became the fourth batter in the PSL history to reach 2,000 runs. Rizwan reached the milestone in 61 innings. Hafeez recalls tough conversation with Babar Former Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez has revealed that it took him two months to convince Babar Azam to bat at number three in T20Is. Hafeez made the revelation after recently being sacked from his post of team director. Under Hafeez, Pakistan played three Tests in Australia and five T20Is in New Zealand. The Men in Green, however, lost both series but Babar flourished at number three in T20Is. After buying into Hafeez's idea, Babar scored 57, 66, 58, 19 and 13 in the five T20Is, but Pakistan lost the series 1-4 to New Zealand after losing the Test series 0-3 to Australia. Hafeez was appointed the team director after Pakistan's poor show in the ODI World Cup 2023. The former skipper's stint, however, was cut short from an initial tenure of four years to just two months after Pakistan's horrendous tour of Australia and New Zealand.

PSL 2024: Babar Azam creates history, becomes first to reach 3,000-run mark in league history

Former Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez has revealed that it took him two months to convince&nbsp;Babar Azam to bat at number three in T20Is. Hafeez made the revelation after recently being sacked from his post of team director. Under Hafeez, Pakistan played&nbsp;three Tests in Australia and five T20Is in New Zealand. The Men in Green, however, lost both series but Babar flourished at number three in T20Is.

"It took me about two months to convince Babar Azam that you have to do it for Pakistan and you are not the first one who's doing it. You are a great player, you are a wonderful player and you are playing great cricket however you have to develop Pakistan team. You and Rizwan are very good players, excellent players but you are not the whole team. We need to develop a team and for that I want you to come at number 3 because you have been playing this role in the ODI cricket for last six years, so it won't affect you; technically you are very solid," Hafeez told a news channel in Pakistan.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-hes-a-modern-t20-player-says-ex-england-skipper-michael-atherton-on-indias-yashasvi-jaiswal-691631">IND vs ENG: 'He's a modern T20 player,' says ex-England skipper Atherton about India's Yashasvi Jaiswal</a>

After buying into Hafeez's idea, Babar scored 57, 66, 58, 19 and 13 in the five T20Is, but Pakistan lost the series 1-4 to New Zealand after losing the Test series 0-3 to Australia.

"Thank you very much to him that he accepted this and he played for Pakistan at number 3 which obviously I think is the best way to move," Hafeez said in acknowledgement to Babar.

Hafeez was appointed the team director after Pakistan's poor show in the ODI World Cup 2023. The former skipper's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/mohammad-hafeez-ex-pakistan-team-director-promises-to-reveal-facts-behind-his-sacking-691383">stint, however, was cut short</a> from an initial four years to just two months after Pakistan's horrendous tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Pakistan had sacked the entire coaching staff after the team's disappointing performance in the 50-over World Cup held last year. The PCB also removed Babar Azam from captaincy in all forms and appointed two new skippers - Shan Masood for Tests and Shaheen Shah Afridi for T20Is.

Former Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez has revealed that it took him two months to convince Babar Azam to bat at number three in T20Is. Hafeez made the revelation after recently being sacked from his post of team director.

Former Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez has revealed that it took him two months to convince Babar Azam to bat at number three in T20Is. Hafeez made the revelation after recently being sacked from his post of team director. Under Hafeez, Pakistan played three Tests in Australia and five T20Is in New Zealand. The Men in Green, however, lost both series but Babar flourished at number three in T20Is. "It took me about two months to convince Babar Azam that you have to do it for Pakistan and you are not the first one who's doing it. You are a great player, you are a wonderful player and you are playing great cricket however you have to develop Pakistan team. You and Rizwan are very good players, excellent players but you are not the whole team. We need to develop a team and for that I want you to come at number 3 because you have been playing this role in the ODI cricket for last six years, so it won't affect you; technically you are very solid," Hafeez told a news channel in Pakistan. Also Read: IND vs ENG: 'He's a modern T20 player,' says ex-England skipper Atherton about India's Yashasvi Jaiswal After buying into Hafeez's idea, Babar scored 57, 66, 58, 19 and 13 in the five T20Is, but Pakistan lost the series 1-4 to New Zealand after losing the Test series 0-3 to Australia. "Thank you very much to him that he accepted this and he played for Pakistan at number 3 which obviously I think is the best way to move," Hafeez said in acknowledgement to Babar. Hafeez was appointed the team director after Pakistan's poor show in the ODI World Cup 2023. The former skipper's stint, however, was cut short from an initial four years to just two months after Pakistan's horrendous tour of Australia and New Zealand. Pakistan had sacked the entire coaching staff after the team's disappointing performance in the 50-over World Cup held last year. The PCB also removed Babar Azam from captaincy in all forms and appointed two new skippers - Shan Masood for Tests and Shaheen Shah Afridi for T20Is.

You have to do it: Sacked Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez recalls tough conversation with Babar Azam

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) top brass is reported to be unhappy with star players, including former all-format captain Babar Azam and current T20I skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, for their involvement in a fan interaction session, organised by their agents, on X (previously known as Twitter) lately.

Although the Q&amp;A session attracted thousands of fans, further affirming Babar and Shaheen’s popularity worldwide, a source within the PCB revealed this decision to openly interact with fans on the social media platform without keeping the board informed hasn’t been received well by the decision makers in Pakistan cricket.

"The PCB will look to revisit some of the clauses that the centrally contracted players need to adhere to," the source said, as quoted by the Times of India.&nbsp;

"The clauses covering the social media activities of contracted players are now being reviewed again by the board because it is concerned such public Q and A sessions could result in unnecessary controversies," the source added.

<h2>New boss, new rules</h2>

Considering the consistent change at the head of the table at PCB since December 2022, with four new bosses taking charge for different tenures at different times, each has tried running Pakistan Cricket his way, with players and their agents, alongside the coaching staff facing the wrath of it.

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Although the bosses might have changed in the meantime, one common aspect of each ignoring some part of the clauses of the players’ contracts has made headlines somewhere.&nbsp;

"Every PCB chairman has tried to run the board in his own way and, in some cases, even ignored the written clauses of the central contracts and given special permissions to players in the past 12 months," the source added.

As per the source, the newly-elected PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has asked for every player's contract details and transcripts of their interviews and social media content in the past few months, pushing for an overhaul in their social media policies.

"Naqvi clearly wants a revised media policy for players, and for this, the PCB could revise some clauses of the central contracts," the source concluded.&nbsp;

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) top brass is reported to be unhappy with star players, including former all-format captain Babar Azam and current T20I skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, for their involvement in a fan interaction session, organised by their agents, on X (previously known as Twitter) lately.

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) top brass is reported to be unhappy with star players, including former all-format captain Babar Azam and current T20I skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, for their involvement in a fan interaction session, organised by their agents, on X (previously known as Twitter) lately. Although the Q&A session attracted thousands of fans, further affirming Babar and Shaheen’s popularity worldwide, a source within the PCB revealed this decision to openly interact with fans on the social media platform without keeping the board informed hasn’t been received well by the decision makers in Pakistan cricket. "The PCB will look to revisit some of the clauses that the centrally contracted players need to adhere to," the source said, as quoted by the Times of India. "The clauses covering the social media activities of contracted players are now being reviewed again by the board because it is concerned such public Q and A sessions could result in unnecessary controversies," the source added. New boss, new rules Considering the consistent change at the head of the table at PCB since December 2022, with four new bosses taking charge for different tenures at different times, each has tried running Pakistan Cricket his way, with players and their agents, alongside the coaching staff facing the wrath of it. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Gabba hero Shamar Joseph replaces Mark Wood at Lucknow Super Giants Although the bosses might have changed in the meantime, one common aspect of each ignoring some part of the clauses of the players’ contracts has made headlines somewhere. "Every PCB chairman has tried to run the board in his own way and, in some cases, even ignored the written clauses of the central contracts and given special permissions to players in the past 12 months," the source added. As per the source, the newly-elected PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has asked for every player's contract details and transcripts of their interviews and social media content in the past few months, pushing for an overhaul in their social media policies. "Naqvi clearly wants a revised media policy for players, and for this, the PCB could revise some clauses of the central contracts," the source concluded.

PCB unhappy with Babar, Shaheen’s latest interaction session with fans on X, to revisit social media policy

Former Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur, who was part of the side during their 2023 ODI World Cup debacle, has pointed out that instability in the team structure has resulted in players focusing on their performances and spots, rather than team performance. Arthur recently resigned from his post at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

In an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, Arthur stated, "When there's security within the environment, Pakistan is very good. When there's that insecurity, players start playing for themselves instead of the team because they're thinking of the next tour, and the next contract. That's a dangerous place to be in, and that's kind of where Pakistan cricket is now. And that's something that's very disappointing and sad for me."

He opined, "There's a massive amount of talent there, There are some world-class players, not just talented players. They're not given the support structure that they need to flourish."

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Arthur added, "I still follow Pakistan cricket and I'll always follow it. But the vigour and thirst and passion I have for Pakistan cricket waned a little bit after that. To be brutally honest, I think Pakistan cricket is in a very disappointing place."

Under Arthur's coaching, Pakistan won their last ICC title in the 2017 Champions Trophy. However, everything went downhill from thereon. He returned as the team director ahead of last year's ODI WC but the Men in Green continued to disappoint. Even after the World Cup, there have been wholesome changes in Pakistan cricket's setup. However, they went winless in their three Tests in Australia and lost the five T20Is&nbsp;1-4 to New Zealand in New Zealand.&nbsp;

Mohammed Hafeez, Pakistan cricket's new director, recently attributed the losses Down Under (in Australia and New Zealand) to the players' lack of focus. He cited&nbsp;their upcoming commitments in franchise T20 cricket as a major&nbsp;factor in the team's horrendous run.&nbsp;

It will be interesting to see how Pakistan cricket goes ahead. But for now, they are completely struggling across formats.

Former Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur, who was part of the side during their 2023 ODI World Cup debacle, has pointed out that instability in the team structure has resulted in players focusing on their performances and spots, rather than team performance.

Former Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur, who was part of the side during their 2023 ODI World Cup debacle, has pointed out that instability in the team structure has resulted in players focusing on their performances and spots, rather than team performance. Arthur recently resigned from his post at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. In an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, Arthur stated, "When there's security within the environment, Pakistan is very good. When there's that insecurity, players start playing for themselves instead of the team because they're thinking of the next tour, and the next contract. That's a dangerous place to be in, and that's kind of where Pakistan cricket is now. And that's something that's very disappointing and sad for me." He opined, "There's a massive amount of talent there, There are some world-class players, not just talented players. They're not given the support structure that they need to flourish." Also read: Ind vs Eng: Would be disappointing if England don't win the series, says Atherton after visitors' bright start Arthur added, "I still follow Pakistan cricket and I'll always follow it. But the vigour and thirst and passion I have for Pakistan cricket waned a little bit after that. To be brutally honest, I think Pakistan cricket is in a very disappointing place." Under Arthur's coaching, Pakistan won their last ICC title in the 2017 Champions Trophy. However, everything went downhill from thereon. He returned as the team director ahead of last year's ODI WC but the Men in Green continued to disappoint. Even after the World Cup, there have been wholesome changes in Pakistan cricket's setup. However, they went winless in their three Tests in Australia and lost the five T20Is 1-4 to New Zealand in New Zealand. Mohammed Hafeez, Pakistan cricket's new director, recently attributed the losses Down Under (in Australia and New Zealand) to the players' lack of focus. He cited their upcoming commitments in franchise T20 cricket as a major factor in the team's horrendous run. It will be interesting to see how Pakistan cricket goes ahead. But for now, they are completely struggling across formats.

It is in a very disappointing place: Mickey Arthur points out insecurity and instability in Pakistan cricket

Former Pakistan captain and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq lashed out at Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) former chief Zaka Ashraf and blamed him for the Men in Green's dismal run in the 2023 ODI World Cup&nbsp;held in India. Ashraf resigned as the PCB chief on Jan 19. Inzamam feels Ashraf's comments during the ODI WC had a bad impact on the Babar Azam-led team, who finished fifth and failed to enter the semi-finals.&nbsp;

Inzamam recalled the time Ashraf claimed that the World Cup team was selected by the captain and chief selector and not the board. He feels this affected the team morale adversely.&nbsp;

Speaking to a Pakistani news channel, as quoted by PTI, Inzamam said, "Can you imagine the mindset of the players when during an important event like the World Cup in India they hear that the PCB Chairman is saying the team selected was not done by the board but by the captain and chief selector only."

In addition, Inzamam further revealed that&nbsp;he is still waiting for the inquiry committee report on his alleged conflict of interest while serving as PCB&nbsp;chief selector. During the ODI WC, the former Pakistani captain resigned as the chief selector due to the said allegations.

He opined, "Just think what must be going through the players' minds when they hear that an inquiry committee has been formed against the chief selector and he has resigned. Where does this happen? I am still waiting for that report of the inquiry committee against me which was formed to probe whether I had committed a conflict of interest while being the chief selector."

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Inzamam mentioned that Babar-led Men in Green needed backing from all during such a high-profile tournament. However, that was not the case which resulted in their early ouster. He went on to say that there is no problem with the current Pakistan team but they need support from the board and management.

"These changes affected the performance of the team and just imagine when they can put pressure on a world-class performer like Babar Azam what would the other players be thinking. The team was struggling in the World Cup and they needed to be given full confidence but this didn't happen. There is no problem with the team, they just need confidence and backing," Inzamam added.

After the ODI WC, Pakistan have had a torrid run in international cricket. They were whitewashed in the three Tests versus hosts Australia and lost the five T20Is (1-4) to New Zealand in the Kiwi land. They won the fifth and final T20I, on Sunday (Jan 21), to avoid another whitewash.

Former Pakistan captain and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq lashed out at Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) former chief Zaka Ashraf and blamed him for the Men in Green's dismal run in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India.

Former Pakistan captain and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq lashed out at Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) former chief Zaka Ashraf and blamed him for the Men in Green's dismal run in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. Ashraf resigned as the PCB chief on Jan 19. Inzamam feels Ashraf's comments during the ODI WC had a bad impact on the Babar Azam-led team, who finished fifth and failed to enter the semi-finals. Inzamam recalled the time Ashraf claimed that the World Cup team was selected by the captain and chief selector and not the board. He feels this affected the team morale adversely. Speaking to a Pakistani news channel, as quoted by PTI, Inzamam said, "Can you imagine the mindset of the players when during an important event like the World Cup in India they hear that the PCB Chairman is saying the team selected was not done by the board but by the captain and chief selector only." In addition, Inzamam further revealed that he is still waiting for the inquiry committee report on his alleged conflict of interest while serving as PCB chief selector. During the ODI WC, the former Pakistani captain resigned as the chief selector due to the said allegations. He opined, "Just think what must be going through the players' minds when they hear that an inquiry committee has been formed against the chief selector and he has resigned. Where does this happen? I am still waiting for that report of the inquiry committee against me which was formed to probe whether I had committed a conflict of interest while being the chief selector." Also read: HUGE FEAT! Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik becomes first Asian to enter 13K-run club in T20s × Inzamam mentioned that Babar-led Men in Green needed backing from all during such a high-profile tournament. However, that was not the case which resulted in their early ouster. He went on to say that there is no problem with the current Pakistan team but they need support from the board and management. "These changes affected the performance of the team and just imagine when they can put pressure on a world-class performer like Babar Azam what would the other players be thinking. The team was struggling in the World Cup and they needed to be given full confidence but this didn't happen. There is no problem with the team, they just need confidence and backing," Inzamam added. After the ODI WC, Pakistan have had a torrid run in international cricket. They were whitewashed in the three Tests versus hosts Australia and lost the five T20Is (1-4) to New Zealand in the Kiwi land. They won the fifth and final T20I, on Sunday (Jan 21), to avoid another whitewash.

Inzamam-ul-Haq blasts former PCB chief Zaka Ashraf for Pakistan's 2023 ODI World Cup debacle

Pakistan T20I skipper Shaheen Afridi has praised former skipper and batter Babar Azam for keeping the team hunt in all three T20Is despite the Men in Green ending up on the losing side. Babar scored a fifty in all three T20Is of the five-match series but couldn't get support at the other end. As a result, Pakistan now trail 0-3 in the series with two more T20Is to be played.

"I had also said earlier that Babar was not out of form. We cannot judge him based on a few innings. He has played three fine innings in three matches in the series. He could not finish the matches in our favour. He needed someone at the other end to take the innings deeper. If there was another batter at the other end with Babar, we could have finished the game in our favour," said Afridi in the post-match press conference after the loss in third T20I in Dunedin.

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Babar scored 57 in the first game in Auckland on January 12 but Pakistan lost the match by 46 runs while chasing 227 and could manage only 180. In the second match on January 14 in Hamilton, the batter hit 66 but his team again lost the game - this time by 21 runs while chasing 195.

In the third T20I on Wednesday (January 17), Babar scored 58 in a chase of 225 but the team lost by 45 runs, managing just 179/7 in 20 overs. No other Pakistan batter has been able to score a single fifty in all three games apart from Babar except Fakhar Zaman (50) in the second T20I.

Overall, Babar has 181 runs in the series so far - behind only New Zealand opener Finn Allen who has 245 runs in as many games. Allen, who scored 34 in the first T20I, went on to hit 74 in the second match before scoring a blistering 137 in the third match on January 17. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan T20I skipper Shaheen Afridi has praised former skipper and batter Babar Azam for keeping the team hunt in all three T20Is despite the Men in Green ending up on the losing side.

Pakistan T20I skipper Shaheen Afridi has praised former skipper and batter Babar Azam for keeping the team hunt in all three T20Is despite the Men in Green ending up on the losing side. Babar scored a fifty in all three T20Is of the five-match series but couldn't get support at the other end. As a result, Pakistan now trail 0-3 in the series with two more T20Is to be played. "I had also said earlier that Babar was not out of form. We cannot judge him based on a few innings. He has played three fine innings in three matches in the series. He could not finish the matches in our favour. He needed someone at the other end to take the innings deeper. If there was another batter at the other end with Babar, we could have finished the game in our favour," said Afridi in the post-match press conference after the loss in third T20I in Dunedin. Also Read: West Indies bowler Shamar Joseph sends back Australia opener Steve Smith on first ball in Test cricket - WATCH Babar scored 57 in the first game in Auckland on January 12 but Pakistan lost the match by 46 runs while chasing 227 and could manage only 180. In the second match on January 14 in Hamilton, the batter hit 66 but his team again lost the game - this time by 21 runs while chasing 195. In the third T20I on Wednesday (January 17), Babar scored 58 in a chase of 225 but the team lost by 45 runs, managing just 179/7 in 20 overs. No other Pakistan batter has been able to score a single fifty in all three games apart from Babar except Fakhar Zaman (50) in the second T20I. Overall, Babar has 181 runs in the series so far - behind only New Zealand opener Finn Allen who has 245 runs in as many games. Allen, who scored 34 in the first T20I, went on to hit 74 in the second match before scoring a blistering 137 in the third match on January 17.

Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi praises Babar Azam despite losing T20I series against New Zealand

Babar Azam has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings on Wednesday (Dec 20). Babar, the former Pakistan skipper, was replaced from the No. 1 spot by Indian opener Shubman Gill recently, however, the stylish batter has regained the spot in a flash. It is to be noted that&nbsp;the change in the rankings occurred following&nbsp;Gill's absence from India's ongoing three ODIs&nbsp;against hosts South Africa. Babar holds the top spot with an impressive 824 rating points, while Gill remains a close second with 810 points.

Babar-starrer Pakistan have not played an ODI since their World Cup campaign ended on Nov 11, when they faced England in their last league stage game at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. With the Men in Green not playing an ODI for over a month, Babar's rating point&nbsp;did not drop&nbsp;whereas Gill missing the SA ODIs led to him losing rating points.&nbsp; Meanwhile, India's veteran star duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain in the top four in the overall rankings.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-border-gavaskar-trophy-win-to-near-perfect-odi-world-cup-campaign-team-indias-run-in-2023-669970">From Border-Gavaskar Trophy win to near-perfect ODI World Cup campaign: Team India's run in 2023</a>

1. Babar Azam (Pakistan) - 824 rating points 
2. Shubman Gill (India) - 810 rating points 
3. Virat Kohli (India) - 775 rating points 
4. Rohit Sharma (India) - 754 rating points 
5. David Warner (Australia) - 745 rating points 
6. Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) - 743 rating points 
7. Harry Tector (Ireland) - 723 rating points 
8. Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa) - 717 rating points 
9. Dawid Malan (England) - 707 rating points 
10. Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa) - 705 rating points

Kane Williamson and Suryakumar Yadav remain the No. 1 batter in Tests and T20Is, respectively. Among the bowlers, R Ashwin tops the charts in Tests with South Africa's Keshav Maharaj being the No. 1 ODI bowler and Adil Rashid (England) topping the charts in T20Is.&nbsp;

Babar Azam has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings on Wednesday (Dec 20). Babar, the former Pakistan skipper, was replaced from the No. 1 spot by Indian opener Shubman Gill recently, however, the stylish batter has regained the spot in a flash.

Babar Azam has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC ODI Rankings on Wednesday (Dec 20). Babar, the former Pakistan skipper, was replaced from the No. 1 spot by Indian opener Shubman Gill recently, however, the stylish batter has regained the spot in a flash. It is to be noted that the change in the rankings occurred following Gill's absence from India's ongoing three ODIs against hosts South Africa. Babar holds the top spot with an impressive 824 rating points, while Gill remains a close second with 810 points. Babar-starrer Pakistan have not played an ODI since their World Cup campaign ended on Nov 11, when they faced England in their last league stage game at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. With the Men in Green not playing an ODI for over a month, Babar's rating point did not drop whereas Gill missing the SA ODIs led to him losing rating points. Meanwhile, India's veteran star duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain in the top four in the overall rankings. Also read: From Border-Gavaskar Trophy win to near-perfect ODI World Cup campaign: Team India's run in 2023 1. Babar Azam (Pakistan) - 824 rating points 2. Shubman Gill (India) - 810 rating points 3. Virat Kohli (India) - 775 rating points 4. Rohit Sharma (India) - 754 rating points 5. David Warner (Australia) - 745 rating points 6. Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand) - 743 rating points 7. Harry Tector (Ireland) - 723 rating points 8. Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa) - 717 rating points 9. Dawid Malan (England) - 707 rating points 10. Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa) - 705 rating points Kane Williamson and Suryakumar Yadav remain the No. 1 batter in Tests and T20Is, respectively. Among the bowlers, R Ashwin tops the charts in Tests with South Africa's Keshav Maharaj being the No. 1 ODI bowler and Adil Rashid (England) topping the charts in T20Is.

ICC ODI Rankings: Babar Azam reclaims No. 1 spot from Gill, Indian veterans Kohli and Rohit remain in top 4

An out-of-nowhere and freak massive electrical storm on Friday night in Australia’s capital city of Canberra, blowing with 55 kph, washed away the pitch at the Manuka Oval, abandoning the final day’s play between the Prime Minister’s XI against Pakistan.&nbsp;

Upon inspecting the playing area on Saturday morning (the final day of the four-day warm-up game), the umpires and two captains decided to call off the proceedings, ending Pakistan’s preparation for the first Test starting in Perth on December 14.

Though Pakistan skipper Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam looked in ominous touch, their middle order missed on spending more time in the middle ahead of Thursday's start to the three-match Test series.

However, their concern is Abrar Ahmed’s last-moment complaint of discomfort in his right leg, leading to speculations of him missing out on a place in the Perth Test. Considering Abrar remains unfit, Pakistan will likely play another specialist – the 37-year-old Noman Ali in his place, with three seamers – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Wasim locked in to start.

<h2>Australia ready for home summer</h2>

With plenty already being said about David Warner following his selection in the final 14 for the Perth Test in his farewell series, Australia is ready to come out and rock the home summer, with their XI almost certain.

Though questions would rise after Warner plays his final Test at home (at SCG early next year), several contenders – Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft are pushing in to press their case for replacing the veteran at the top in Tests.

While Bancroft and Harris were not among the runs in this game against Pakistan, the left-handed Renshaw impressed everyone with a stunning hundred.

"It was easy to get frustrated out there with some shots you thought should go for four, and you're getting two for it, so the mental strength for him to face as many balls as he did was impressive," PM's XI captain Nathan McSweeney told reporters. "That puts him in good stead I guess, along with the other guys, they've all batted well, so good luck to the selectors.

"They all have been [ready for Tests] for a while, they're all quality players who continue to churn out runs in Shield cricket, I don't think there's a bad decision to be made,” he added.

An out-of-nowhere and freak massive electrical storm on Friday night in Australia’s capital city of Canberra, blowing with 55 kph, washed away the pitch at the Manuka Oval, abandoning the final day’s play between the Prime Minister’s XI against Pakistan.

An out-of-nowhere and freak massive electrical storm on Friday night in Australia’s capital city of Canberra, blowing with 55 kph, washed away the pitch at the Manuka Oval, abandoning the final day’s play between the Prime Minister’s XI against Pakistan. Upon inspecting the playing area on Saturday morning (the final day of the four-day warm-up game), the umpires and two captains decided to call off the proceedings, ending Pakistan’s preparation for the first Test starting in Perth on December 14. Though Pakistan skipper Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam looked in ominous touch, their middle order missed on spending more time in the middle ahead of Thursday's start to the three-match Test series. However, their concern is Abrar Ahmed’s last-moment complaint of discomfort in his right leg, leading to speculations of him missing out on a place in the Perth Test. Considering Abrar remains unfit, Pakistan will likely play another specialist – the 37-year-old Noman Ali in his place, with three seamers – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Wasim locked in to start. Australia ready for home summer With plenty already being said about David Warner following his selection in the final 14 for the Perth Test in his farewell series, Australia is ready to come out and rock the home summer, with their XI almost certain. Though questions would rise after Warner plays his final Test at home (at SCG early next year), several contenders – Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft are pushing in to press their case for replacing the veteran at the top in Tests. While Bancroft and Harris were not among the runs in this game against Pakistan, the left-handed Renshaw impressed everyone with a stunning hundred. "It was easy to get frustrated out there with some shots you thought should go for four, and you're getting two for it, so the mental strength for him to face as many balls as he did was impressive," PM's XI captain Nathan McSweeney told reporters. "That puts him in good stead I guess, along with the other guys, they've all batted well, so good luck to the selectors. "They all have been [ready for Tests] for a while, they're all quality players who continue to churn out runs in Shield cricket, I don't think there's a bad decision to be made,” he added.

Freak Canberra storm ends Pakistan’s Perth Test build-up; Abrar doubtful with suspected leg injury

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam's lead at the head of the ODI Batting Rankings has been reduced to just six rating points as India's Shubman Gill and a host of stars in stunning form at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup close in on the Pakistan skipper. Babar has dropped a total of 829 rating points despite scoring 157 runs in five innings in the ongoing Cricket World Cup, his most recent effort saw him score a fighting 74 for the losing side against Afghanistan in Chennai.

On the other hand, Gill has 95 runs from just three matches for India, but the right-hander improved to 823 rating points on the back of his exceptional knock of 53 against Bangladesh in Pune. The India opener isn't the only player to close in on Babar's top ranking, the in-form South African opener Quinton de Kock is within the Pakistan skipper's reach as he sits in third place following an incredible start to the World Cup that has already seen him score three astounding centuries.

His teammate Heinrich Klaasen (moved up seven places to fourth — a new career-high rating), while experienced duo Virat Kohli (improved three spots) and David Warner (up two spots) share fifth place on the rankings after pulling off some good performances. Ever-reliable middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell is another player on the rise, with the Kiwi power hitter jumping 16 places to 13th overall after 268 runs from four innings at the World Cup.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/india-tour-of-south-africa-mohammed-shami-to-receive-medical-attention-on-ankle-in-mumbai-665326">India tour of South Africa: Mohammed Shami to receive medical attention on ankle in Mumbai</a>

Coming to ODI bowler rankings, Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood maintains a narrow lead at the top, but a number of key challengers are in contention to overtake him with India quick Mohammed Siraj (up one place to second) his nearest rival after picking up six wickets from five appearances at the World Cup.

South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj rose two places to third and a new career-high rating following his seven wickets at the tournament. Afghanistan's experienced cricketer Mohammad Nabi (up four places to sixth) and Australia spinner Adam Zampa (up four places to seventh) also made ground inside the top 10.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan remained in front of the ODI rankings for all-rounders, with South Africa's Marco Jansen the biggest beneficiary with the in-form No.7 jumping 23 places on this list to share 11th place alongside Scotland's Michael Leask.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam's lead at the head of the ODI Batting Rankings has been reduced to just six rating points as India's Shubman Gill and a host of stars in stunning form at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup close in on the Pakistan skipper.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam's lead at the head of the ODI Batting Rankings has been reduced to just six rating points as India's Shubman Gill and a host of stars in stunning form at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup close in on the Pakistan skipper. Babar has dropped a total of 829 rating points despite scoring 157 runs in five innings in the ongoing Cricket World Cup, his most recent effort saw him score a fighting 74 for the losing side against Afghanistan in Chennai. On the other hand, Gill has 95 runs from just three matches for India, but the right-hander improved to 823 rating points on the back of his exceptional knock of 53 against Bangladesh in Pune. The India opener isn't the only player to close in on Babar's top ranking, the in-form South African opener Quinton de Kock is within the Pakistan skipper's reach as he sits in third place following an incredible start to the World Cup that has already seen him score three astounding centuries. His teammate Heinrich Klaasen (moved up seven places to fourth — a new career-high rating), while experienced duo Virat Kohli (improved three spots) and David Warner (up two spots) share fifth place on the rankings after pulling off some good performances. Ever-reliable middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell is another player on the rise, with the Kiwi power hitter jumping 16 places to 13th overall after 268 runs from four innings at the World Cup. Also Read: India tour of South Africa: Mohammed Shami to receive medical attention on ankle in Mumbai Coming to ODI bowler rankings, Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood maintains a narrow lead at the top, but a number of key challengers are in contention to overtake him with India quick Mohammed Siraj (up one place to second) his nearest rival after picking up six wickets from five appearances at the World Cup. South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj rose two places to third and a new career-high rating following his seven wickets at the tournament. Afghanistan's experienced cricketer Mohammad Nabi (up four places to sixth) and Australia spinner Adam Zampa (up four places to seventh) also made ground inside the top 10. Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan remained in front of the ODI rankings for all-rounders, with South Africa's Marco Jansen the biggest beneficiary with the in-form No.7 jumping 23 places on this list to share 11th place alongside Scotland's Michael Leask.

ICC Rankings: Shubman Gill inches closer to dethrone Babar Azam from summit of ODI batters

Pakistan’s newest Test captain, Shan Masood, is confident that his team will bury the ghost of the past with stellar performances this time against the Australians. The left-handed batter revealed Pakistan prepared intensively for the challenge Down Under and hopes to continue a good run in the latest World Test Championship cycle. Masood also lauded the former captain, Babar Azam, calling him a valuable part of the team's leadership group.

Babar Azam’s shock decision to step aside from all-format captaincy came following Pakistan’s below-par show in the recently-concluded World Cup, wherein they failed to reach the semis.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/glenn-phillips-under-scanner-for-breaching-icc-rule-during-day-three-of-1st-test-against-bangladesh-664789">Glenn Phillips under scanner for breaching ICC rule during day three of 1st Test against Bangladesh</a>

Backing his team’s best batter to come good against Australia in Australia, Masood said, “I have a really good relationship with Babar Azam, on and off the field. We have a long working history as we have played together for a very long time." 
 
"We have batted together in both in domestic and national-level cricket. Babar is a valuable part of the team’s leadership group, and his insight to the team is immeasurable, as is his batting,” Masood told reporters.

<h2>Preparation on point</h2>

In the latest WTC cycle, Pakistan won both Tests against Sri Lanka earlier this year, and Masood hopes for the momentum to carry forward.&nbsp;

“The opportunity presented to us is exciting and challenging for us as a team. We have started the World Test Championship on a good note so far, and our goal is to continue that and hopefully play the final. We have prepared intensively,” Masood added.

Masood revealed Pakistan’s preparation is on point, with the team scheduled to face Prime Minister’s XI ahead of the three-match series starting December 14 in Perth.

“Other than the 18 players travelling to Australia, we added other players in the camp too, and we got help from specialised coaches to hone our skills. We will be practising in Canberra after we arrive in Australia, and then we have a match against Prime Minister’s XI, which is a solid side as well, so we are hoping that it will help us prepare for the three Test matches well,” Shan Masood concluded.

Pakistan’s 18-man Test squad for three Tests Down Under –

Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan’s newest Test captain, Shan Masood, is confident that his team will bury the ghost of the past with stellar performances this time against the Australians.

Pakistan’s newest Test captain, Shan Masood, is confident that his team will bury the ghost of the past with stellar performances this time against the Australians. The left-handed batter revealed Pakistan prepared intensively for the challenge Down Under and hopes to continue a good run in the latest World Test Championship cycle. Masood also lauded the former captain, Babar Azam, calling him a valuable part of the team's leadership group. Babar Azam’s shock decision to step aside from all-format captaincy came following Pakistan’s below-par show in the recently-concluded World Cup, wherein they failed to reach the semis. ALSO READ: Glenn Phillips under scanner for breaching ICC rule during day three of 1st Test against Bangladesh Backing his team’s best batter to come good against Australia in Australia, Masood said, “I have a really good relationship with Babar Azam, on and off the field. We have a long working history as we have played together for a very long time." "We have batted together in both in domestic and national-level cricket. Babar is a valuable part of the team’s leadership group, and his insight to the team is immeasurable, as is his batting,” Masood told reporters. Preparation on point In the latest WTC cycle, Pakistan won both Tests against Sri Lanka earlier this year, and Masood hopes for the momentum to carry forward. “The opportunity presented to us is exciting and challenging for us as a team. We have started the World Test Championship on a good note so far, and our goal is to continue that and hopefully play the final. We have prepared intensively,” Masood added. Masood revealed Pakistan’s preparation is on point, with the team scheduled to face Prime Minister’s XI ahead of the three-match series starting December 14 in Perth. “Other than the 18 players travelling to Australia, we added other players in the camp too, and we got help from specialised coaches to hone our skills. We will be practising in Canberra after we arrive in Australia, and then we have a match against Prime Minister’s XI, which is a solid side as well, so we are hoping that it will help us prepare for the three Test matches well,” Shan Masood concluded. Pakistan’s 18-man Test squad for three Tests Down Under – Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Test skipper Shan Masood lauds ex-captain Babar Azam; insists team is ready for challenge Down Under

Pakistan cricket team's new director Mohammad Hafeez will serve as the head coach for the upcoming tours of Australia and New Zealand as well. Pakistan travel to Australia for three Tests in December before heading to New Zealand for five T20Is in January.

This is a huge step up for 43-year-old Hafeez who was named the team director just a day prior in the aftermath of Pakistan's horrible World Cup 2023 campaign. The developments were reported by ESPNCricinfo which also says that the two roles - head and team director - have been merged by the PCB.

The status of current team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn, however, remains unknown. While they have not been relieved of their duties yet, it could only be because the interim committee which is currently heading the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lacks the authority for the same.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/odi-world-cup-2023-we-havent-seen-such-spin-potm-travis-head-reflects-after-tense-win-over-sa-in-kolkata-659455">We haven't seen such spin - POTM Travis Head reflects after tense win over SA in Kolkata</a>

The appointment of Hafeez as the head coach for the time being concluded the tumultuous 24-hour period in Pakistan cricket which saw their all-format captain Babar Azam stepping down. Babar was told that he could continue as the Test skipper but would be relieved of the job in the white-ball format. The former skipper decided to let go of it all.

Shan Masood replaced Babar Azam as the Test skipper while pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was named the T20 skipper. With no ODIs to be played in the near future, the PCB hasn't named an ODI captain yet.&nbsp;

With all positions filled, only the chief selector job remains vacant after former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq resigned from the post amid scrutiny of the team's poor performance by the board.&nbsp;

Pakistan play three Tests in Australia starting December 14 in Perth before heading to New Zealand for the five T20Is. The team will depart on November 30 and will also play a warm-up game from December 6-9 in Manuka Oval.

Pakistan cricket team's new director Mohammad Hafeez will serve as the head coach for the upcoming tours of Australia and New Zealand as well. Pakistan travel to Australia for three Tests in December before heading to New Zealand for five T20Is in January.

Pakistan cricket team's new director Mohammad Hafeez will serve as the head coach for the upcoming tours of Australia and New Zealand as well. Pakistan travel to Australia for three Tests in December before heading to New Zealand for five T20Is in January. This is a huge step up for 43-year-old Hafeez who was named the team director just a day prior in the aftermath of Pakistan's horrible World Cup 2023 campaign. The developments were reported by ESPNCricinfo which also says that the two roles - head and team director - have been merged by the PCB. The status of current team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn, however, remains unknown. While they have not been relieved of their duties yet, it could only be because the interim committee which is currently heading the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lacks the authority for the same. Also Read: We haven't seen such spin - POTM Travis Head reflects after tense win over SA in Kolkata The appointment of Hafeez as the head coach for the time being concluded the tumultuous 24-hour period in Pakistan cricket which saw their all-format captain Babar Azam stepping down. Babar was told that he could continue as the Test skipper but would be relieved of the job in the white-ball format. The former skipper decided to let go of it all. Shan Masood replaced Babar Azam as the Test skipper while pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was named the T20 skipper. With no ODIs to be played in the near future, the PCB hasn't named an ODI captain yet. With all positions filled, only the chief selector job remains vacant after former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq resigned from the post amid scrutiny of the team's poor performance by the board. Pakistan play three Tests in Australia starting December 14 in Perth before heading to New Zealand for the five T20Is. The team will depart on November 30 and will also play a warm-up game from December 6-9 in Manuka Oval.

Pakistan name team director Mohammed Hafeez as coach for tours of Australia and New Zealand

Virat Kohli scripted history when he slammed his 50th ODI ton during Rohit Sharma-led India's 70-run win over New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ODI World Cup, on Wednesday (Nov 15) in Mumbai. Batting first, India rode on captain Rohit's electrifying start (29-ball 47), Shubman Gill's 80*, Kohli's 117 and Shreyas Iyer's 105 to post 397/4 and dismissed the Kiwis for 327 in 48.5&nbsp;overs.

Kohli's historic ton headlined India's win, despite Mohammed Shami walking away with the Player-of-the-Match for his stunning 7 for 57, as he went past Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's ODI ton tally (49 -- which was most by any player). The former Indian captain, thus, achieved a massive feat in front of a packed Wankhede stadium, comprising Tendulkar as well. After this, former Pakistan stumper Kamran Akmal made a big claim that Babar Azam can break Kohli's historic record.

<h2>'We have Babar Azam, who bats at No 3 and he has a chance'</h2>

Akmal said on ARY News, "Anyone who bats in the top three can break that record. It is very challenging for middle-order batsmen to get to such a number. We have Babar Azam, who bats at No 3 and he has a chance. India have Shubman Gill, who opens the batting, and he can also go for the record."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/odi-world-cup-2023-australia-enter-record-8th-final-after-nail-biting-win-over-sa-face-india-in-summit-clash-659433">ODI World Cup 2023: Australia enter record 8th final after nail-biting win over SA; face India in summit clash</a>

Babar has 5,729 runs in 117 ODIs, including 19 tons at an average of 56.72. Talking about his run in the ODI WC, the right-hander scored 320 runs with four half-centuries. Under Babar, Pakistan ended with four wins out of nine league games and failed to enter the semi-finals. The 1992 winners ended at the fifth spot with a Net Run Rate of&nbsp;-0.199. Soon after Pakistan's exit, Babar resigned as the all-format captain with Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi succeeding him in Tests and T20Is,&nbsp;respectively.

Virat Kohli scripted history when he slammed his 50th ODI ton during Rohit Sharma-led India's 70-run win over New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ODI World Cup, on Wednesday (Nov 15) in Mumbai.

Virat Kohli scripted history when he slammed his 50th ODI ton during Rohit Sharma-led India's 70-run win over New Zealand in the first semi-final of the ODI World Cup, on Wednesday (Nov 15) in Mumbai. Batting first, India rode on captain Rohit's electrifying start (29-ball 47), Shubman Gill's 80*, Kohli's 117 and Shreyas Iyer's 105 to post 397/4 and dismissed the Kiwis for 327 in 48.5 overs. Kohli's historic ton headlined India's win, despite Mohammed Shami walking away with the Player-of-the-Match for his stunning 7 for 57, as he went past Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar's ODI ton tally (49 -- which was most by any player). The former Indian captain, thus, achieved a massive feat in front of a packed Wankhede stadium, comprising Tendulkar as well. After this, former Pakistan stumper Kamran Akmal made a big claim that Babar Azam can break Kohli's historic record. 'We have Babar Azam, who bats at No 3 and he has a chance' Akmal said on ARY News, "Anyone who bats in the top three can break that record. It is very challenging for middle-order batsmen to get to such a number. We have Babar Azam, who bats at No 3 and he has a chance. India have Shubman Gill, who opens the batting, and he can also go for the record." Also read: ODI World Cup 2023: Australia enter record 8th final after nail-biting win over SA; face India in summit clash Babar has 5,729 runs in 117 ODIs, including 19 tons at an average of 56.72. Talking about his run in the ODI WC, the right-hander scored 320 runs with four half-centuries. Under Babar, Pakistan ended with four wins out of nine league games and failed to enter the semi-finals. The 1992 winners ended at the fifth spot with a Net Run Rate of -0.199. Soon after Pakistan's exit, Babar resigned as the all-format captain with Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi succeeding him in Tests and T20Is, respectively.

CWC '23: BIG CLAIM! Ex-Pak stumper backs Babar Azam to break Virat Kohli's 50 ODI centuries record

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