Once touted as the ‘Asian Bradman’, Pakistan’s batting great Zaheer Abbas is the latest to throw his weight behind his counterparts from India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to play at the next ODI World Cup in 2027 in Africa. The two have often been called out for age and fitness, particularly in Rohit Sharma's case, as they continue to march towards their last dance at the One-Day World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.&nbsp;Rohit and Virat featured in the recently concluded ODI series against England, which India lost (2-1); the two contributed with the bat, as Rohit slammed his maiden ODI hundred in the final ODI at Lord's, while Kohli struck twin fifties.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ryan-ten-doeschate-resigns-india-assistant-coach-rejoins-kkr-ipl-2027-india-tour-of-uk-2026-1785240737087">Indian coach Ryan ten Doeschate resigns after dismal UK tour, set to rejoin KKR in IPL</a> &nbsp;Abbas, a giant of Pakistan cricket, believes that despite their age, Rohit and Virat’s skills, experience, and continued ability to score runs make them the automatic choice for next year’s showpiece event. &nbsp;"Both are very, very good in terms of skill and, given their experience, I don't see any reason why they should not play the World Cup. Age should not be a factor as long as they are fit and continue scoring runs," Abbas said during a chat on a Pakistani TV channel, as also quoted by PTI. &nbsp;The two have tasted tremendous success at the top level, scoring thousands of runs and setting countless records across formats. While the selectors were reported to have communicated their stance on Rohit Sharma ahead of the England ODIs, his outstanding hundred at Lord’s stole the show, even taking Abbas’ breath away. &nbsp;"I watched Rohit score a hundred against England, and it is still a pleasure to watch him bat. He plays so effortlessly and with such sweet timing," Abbas continued. &nbsp;Although Abbas threw his weight behind them to deliver for India on the bigger stages, as they have often done, he feels fitness is one area where Rohit can work on to press his case for the ODI World Cup. He, however, complimented Kohli for maintaining exceptional physical standards. &nbsp;"Kohli is still supremely fit, while Rohit just needs to pay a little more attention to his fitness," Zaheer observed. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Rohit and Virat will next feature in the home ODI series against the West Indies starting in September.&nbsp;

Pakistan batting legend Zaheer Abbas backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play at the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting their unmatched skill and experience.

Once touted as the ‘Asian Bradman’, Pakistan’s batting great Zaheer Abbas is the latest to throw his weight behind his counterparts from India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to play at the next ODI World Cup in 2027 in Africa. The two have often been called out for age and fitness, particularly in Rohit Sharma's case, as they continue to march towards their last dance at the One-Day World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Rohit and Virat featured in the recently concluded ODI series against England, which India lost (2-1); the two contributed with the bat, as Rohit slammed his maiden ODI hundred in the final ODI at Lord's, while Kohli struck twin fifties. Also read| Indian coach Ryan ten Doeschate resigns after dismal UK tour, set to rejoin KKR in IPL Abbas, a giant of Pakistan cricket, believes that despite their age, Rohit and Virat’s skills, experience, and continued ability to score runs make them the automatic choice for next year’s showpiece event. "Both are very, very good in terms of skill and, given their experience, I don't see any reason why they should not play the World Cup. Age should not be a factor as long as they are fit and continue scoring runs," Abbas said during a chat on a Pakistani TV channel, as also quoted by PTI. The two have tasted tremendous success at the top level, scoring thousands of runs and setting countless records across formats. While the selectors were reported to have communicated their stance on Rohit Sharma ahead of the England ODIs, his outstanding hundred at Lord’s stole the show, even taking Abbas’ breath away. "I watched Rohit score a hundred against England, and it is still a pleasure to watch him bat. He plays so effortlessly and with such sweet timing," Abbas continued. Although Abbas threw his weight behind them to deliver for India on the bigger stages, as they have often done, he feels fitness is one area where Rohit can work on to press his case for the ODI World Cup. He, however, complimented Kohli for maintaining exceptional physical standards. "Kohli is still supremely fit, while Rohit just needs to pay a little more attention to his fitness," Zaheer observed. Meanwhile, Rohit and Virat will next feature in the home ODI series against the West Indies starting in September.

Pakistan batting legend Zaheer Abbas backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play at the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting their unmatched skill and experience.

'Asian Bradman' Zaheer Abbas backs Rohit, Virat for 2027 ODI World Cup

Here is a list of five batters with most runs in an ODI match innings without scoring a boundary. The list features the likes of Adam Parore, Zaheer Abbas, Kim Barnett, Desmond Haynes and Ashish Bagai. 

5 Highest individual scores in ODIs without hitting a boundary, no Indian on the list

Pakistan cricket team is in shambles. The Men in Green couldn't reach the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinals, in India, got whitewashed in the three Tests versus hosts Australia, lost five T20Is to New Zealand 4-1 in New Zealand, lost to USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup and failed to make it to the Super 8s. After that, they also got whitewashed by Bangladesh in a two-match Test series at home. They have not won a Test at home since early 2022.

Thus, former Pakistan cricketer Zaheer Abbas opined on the men's national team's downfall in recent times, especially in Tests. He slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and also made a big claim about the players.

<h2>'Players are only focused on making money'</h2>

Abbas was quoted as saying by news agency&nbsp;ANI, "There's too much T20 cricket being played in Pakistan, and because of that, our players have forgotten the essence of Test cricket. This is why we're not performing well in the longer format. So much money has come into cricket that the players today are only focused on making money, and their attention is diverted from the game itself."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/after-babar-azams-resignation-pakistan-set-to-name-3-separate-captains-reports-764047">After Babar Azam's resignation, Pakistan set to name 3 separate captains: Reports</a>

He added, "It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket. We took Pakistan cricket to great heights. The world admired our cricket. But today, those in charge are only concerned with their own interests, not with cricket or the players."

Recently, Babar Azam stepped down as the white-ball captain. While he was only appointed as the T20I captain, PCB was reportedly keen to reappoint him as the limited-overs skipper before his sudden resignation came on Wednesday (Oct 2).&nbsp;

At present, the Shan Masood-led Pakistan team is gearing up for their three-match Test series versus England at home, starting on Oct 7.

Pakistan cricket team is in shambles. The Men in Green couldn't reach the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinals, in India, got whitewashed in the three Tests versus hosts Australia, lost five T20Is to New Zealand 4-1 in New Zealand, lost to USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup and failed to make it to the Super 8s.

Pakistan cricket team is in shambles. The Men in Green couldn't reach the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinals, in India, got whitewashed in the three Tests versus hosts Australia, lost five T20Is to New Zealand 4-1 in New Zealand, lost to USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup and failed to make it to the Super 8s. After that, they also got whitewashed by Bangladesh in a two-match Test series at home. They have not won a Test at home since early 2022. Thus, former Pakistan cricketer Zaheer Abbas opined on the men's national team's downfall in recent times, especially in Tests. He slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and also made a big claim about the players. 'Players are only focused on making money' Abbas was quoted as saying by news agency ANI, "There's too much T20 cricket being played in Pakistan, and because of that, our players have forgotten the essence of Test cricket. This is why we're not performing well in the longer format. So much money has come into cricket that the players today are only focused on making money, and their attention is diverted from the game itself." Also read: After Babar Azam's resignation, Pakistan set to name 3 separate captains: Reports He added, "It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket. We took Pakistan cricket to great heights. The world admired our cricket. But today, those in charge are only concerned with their own interests, not with cricket or the players." Recently, Babar Azam stepped down as the white-ball captain. While he was only appointed as the T20I captain, PCB was reportedly keen to reappoint him as the limited-overs skipper before his sudden resignation came on Wednesday (Oct 2). At present, the Shan Masood-led Pakistan team is gearing up for their three-match Test series versus England at home, starting on Oct 7.

Players are only focused on making money: Zaheer Abbas on Pakistan's downfall, lashes out at PCB

The deadly Covid-19 virus has affected several star athletes since its advent in early 2000. Former Pakistan skipper Zaheer Abbas is the latest to have contracted&nbsp;the infection. The legendary cricketer has been admitted to the ICU in Saint Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, in the city of Westminster in London, after being&nbsp; Covid-19 positive&nbsp;a&nbsp;few days back.

As per a report on Pakistan news Channel Goe News, Abbas was on oxygen support and after a couple of days,&nbsp;the situation continued to go downhill as the&nbsp;former opener has been shifted to a private hospital.

According to reports, Abbas contracted COVID-19 positive when he was enroute to England from Dubai. He firstly complained of kidney pain and was then diagnosed with pneumonia after arriving&nbsp;in London.

“He is currently on dialysis and the doctors have advised him to refrain from meeting people," the sources said as per quoted by Geo News.

For the unversed, the ex-Pakistani cricketer Abbas is on dialysis and is feeling weak so meeting him has been strictly prohibited, opined the source.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-to-join-indian-squad-in-england-in-next-couple-of-days-after-missing-flight-due-to-covid-19-490266">R Ashwin to join Indian squad in England in next couple of days after missing flight due to COVID-19</a>

Abbas, who amassed 5,062 runs in 72 Tests and 2,572 runs in ODIs, was one of the best batters of his generation. Post retirement, he served as an ICC match referee but didn't have a long stint, donning the role&nbsp;in only a solitary Test and three ODIs. In 2020, Abbas was&nbsp;inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame along with South Africa's all-rounder&nbsp;Jacques Kallis and Australia women's cricketer Lisa Sthalekar.

Wishes have been pouring in for the legendary 74-year-old cricketer on social media platforms. The likes of Mohammad Hafeez, Alan Wilkins, and many of Abbas' ardent fans have expressed their concerns and wished for his speedy recovery.

The deadly Covid-19 virus has affected several star athletes since its advent in early 2000. Former Pakistan skipper Zaheer Abbas is the latest to have contracted the infection.

The deadly Covid-19 virus has affected several star athletes since its advent in early 2000. Former Pakistan skipper Zaheer Abbas is the latest to have contracted the infection. The legendary cricketer has been admitted to the ICU in Saint Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, in the city of Westminster in London, after being Covid-19 positive a few days back. As per a report on Pakistan news Channel Goe News, Abbas was on oxygen support and after a couple of days, the situation continued to go downhill as the former opener has been shifted to a private hospital. According to reports, Abbas contracted COVID-19 positive when he was enroute to England from Dubai. He firstly complained of kidney pain and was then diagnosed with pneumonia after arriving in London. “He is currently on dialysis and the doctors have advised him to refrain from meeting people," the sources said as per quoted by Geo News. For the unversed, the ex-Pakistani cricketer Abbas is on dialysis and is feeling weak so meeting him has been strictly prohibited, opined the source. ALSO READ | R Ashwin to join Indian squad in England in next couple of days after missing flight due to COVID-19 Abbas, who amassed 5,062 runs in 72 Tests and 2,572 runs in ODIs, was one of the best batters of his generation. Post retirement, he served as an ICC match referee but didn't have a long stint, donning the role in only a solitary Test and three ODIs. In 2020, Abbas was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame along with South Africa's all-rounder Jacques Kallis and Australia women's cricketer Lisa Sthalekar. Wishes have been pouring in for the legendary 74-year-old cricketer on social media platforms. The likes of Mohammad Hafeez, Alan Wilkins, and many of Abbas' ardent fans have expressed their concerns and wished for his speedy recovery.

Former Pakistan skipper Zaheer Abbas tests Covid positive, admitted to ICU of private hospital in London

Lisa Sthalekar, Jacques Kallis and Zaheer Abbas became the latest names to be inducted in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame&nbsp;as the global cricket body honoured their stellar careers.

The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame&nbsp;show, hosted by commentator Alan Wilkins, featured retired greats Sunil Gavaskar, Melanie Jones and Shaun Pollock as the main guests and had Wasim Akram, Graeme Smith and Alyssa Healy join in to congratulate and appreciate the 2020 inductees.

Kallis is the fourth South African player inducted and Zaheer the sixth from Pakistan. Lisa is the 27th&nbsp;from Australia and the ninth woman player in the list, which includes five from Australia. In all, 93 players have been inducted so far under the system, which sees retired players become eligible five years after playing their last international match.&nbsp;

Former ICC Cricket Hall of Famers formed the majority of the adjudicating panel with representation from the media, ICC and Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA).&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cpl-2020-chemar-holds-his-nerve-as-chase-is-too-much-for-guyana-322701" hreflang="en">CPL 2020: Chemar holds his nerve as Chase is too much for Guyana</a>

ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney:&nbsp;“It is always a pleasure to announce the latest set of inductees into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. These are all players with a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations for years to come. I congratulate Zaheer, Jacques and Lisa on their inclusion in the pantheon of cricket greats.”&nbsp;

Jacques Kallis:&nbsp;“It’s a great honour to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. It is something that I never expected when I started playing. I certainly did not play the game for any accolades or anything like that, I only wanted to win the games for whoever I was playing for.&nbsp;

“But it is nice to be recognised when one has succeeded in the sport, it is nice to be recognised by people for something that you have achieved in the game, something that I am really proud of.”&nbsp;

Lisa Sthalekar:&nbsp;“I am deeply humbled to receive this honour. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I would ever get to join such an illustrious group of players.&nbsp;

“I was fortunate enough to learn from the best when I entered the Australia team – Belinda Clark, Karen Rolton and Cathryn Fitzpatrick, all of whom have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and rightly so.&nbsp;The guidance from them and other teammates along the way kept me focused but also ensured that it was a fun environment. Thanks to all my teammates.&nbsp;

“It goes without saying that if it wasn’t for the support of my family, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have.”&nbsp;

Zaheer Abbas:&nbsp;“I feel privileged and truly humbled to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame of the class of 2020. I am excited to be in the midst of other illustrious cricketers.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rizwan-adamant-pakistan-can-save-test-despite-following-on-310-runs-behind-england-322697" hreflang="en">Rizwan adamant Pakistan can save Test despite following-on 310 runs behind England</a>

“I would like to say a special thanks to my family, my country Pakistan, my county Gloucestershire and many fans worldwide who helped me achieve and fulfil my dreams by playing this great game at the highest level. Thank you, ICC, and the members of the jury, for this special honour. It is a final recognition for any cricketer.

“This great game has made me the person I am. Thank you cricket.”

Some career highlights of the latest inductees

Jacques Kallis

<ul>
	<li>The only player to score at least 10,000 runs and take at least 250 wickets in both Test and ODI cricket</li>
	<li>ICC Player of the Year and ICC Test Player of the year in 2005</li>
	<li>South Africa’s leading Test run-scorer, and currently third on the all-time list</li>
	<li>The most capped South African player in both Test and ODI cricket</li>
	<li>Scored 113 not out in the semi-final and took 5-30 in the final as South Africa won the first ICC Knockout Tournament (later the ICC Champions Trophy) in 1998</li>
	<li>Won 23 ‘Player of the Match’ awards in Test cricket, more than anyone else</li>
	<li>Spent 592 days as the No.1 ranked Test batsman (2005-2011)</li>
	<li>Spent 4028 days as the No.1 ranked Test all-rounder (2000-2013) and a record 493 matches ranked number 1</li>
</ul>

Lisa Sthalekar

<ul>
	<li>Over the course of her career, topped both ODI batting and bowling rankings</li>
	<li>The first woman to achieve the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in ODI cricket</li>
	<li>Spent 934 days as the No.1 ranked ODI all-rounder (2007-2010)</li>
	<li>Part of the Australia teams that won the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2005 and 2013 and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2010 and 2012</li>
	<li>She won 12 Women’s National Cricket League titles with New South Wales, and was captain for five victories in a row</li>
	<li>Short-listed for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in both 2007 and 2008 and for ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year in 2012</li>
</ul>

Zaheer Abbas

<ul>
	<li>The only player from Asia to have scored at least a 100 first-class hundreds</li>
	<li>Became just the second player to score his hundredth first-class century in a Test Match</li>
	<li>He scored two centuries in the same first-class match on a record eight occasions</li>
	<li>On a record four occasions he scored a double-century and a century in the same first-class match</li>
	<li>The first player to score three successive centuries in ODI cricket</li>
	<li>Spent 215 days as the No.1 ranked ODI batsman (1983-1984)</li>
	<li>Captained Pakistan in 14 Test Matches, and only lost one of them</li>
	<li>Later served as an ICC Match Referee and as ICC President</li>
</ul>

Lisa Sthalekar, Jacques Kallis and Zaheer Abbas became the latest names to be inducted in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame as the global cricket body honoured their stellar careers.

Lisa Sthalekar, Jacques Kallis and Zaheer Abbas became the latest names to be inducted in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame as the global cricket body honoured their stellar careers. The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame show, hosted by commentator Alan Wilkins, featured retired greats Sunil Gavaskar, Melanie Jones and Shaun Pollock as the main guests and had Wasim Akram, Graeme Smith and Alyssa Healy join in to congratulate and appreciate the 2020 inductees. Kallis is the fourth South African player inducted and Zaheer the sixth from Pakistan. Lisa is the 27th from Australia and the ninth woman player in the list, which includes five from Australia. In all, 93 players have been inducted so far under the system, which sees retired players become eligible five years after playing their last international match. Former ICC Cricket Hall of Famers formed the majority of the adjudicating panel with representation from the media, ICC and Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA). ALSO READ: CPL 2020: Chemar holds his nerve as Chase is too much for Guyana ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney: “It is always a pleasure to announce the latest set of inductees into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. These are all players with a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations for years to come. I congratulate Zaheer, Jacques and Lisa on their inclusion in the pantheon of cricket greats.” Jacques Kallis: “It’s a great honour to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. It is something that I never expected when I started playing. I certainly did not play the game for any accolades or anything like that, I only wanted to win the games for whoever I was playing for. “But it is nice to be recognised when one has succeeded in the sport, it is nice to be recognised by people for something that you have achieved in the game, something that I am really proud of.” Lisa Sthalekar: “I am deeply humbled to receive this honour. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I would ever get to join such an illustrious group of players. “I was fortunate enough to learn from the best when I entered the Australia team – Belinda Clark, Karen Rolton and Cathryn Fitzpatrick, all of whom have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and rightly so. The guidance from them and other teammates along the way kept me focused but also ensured that it was a fun environment. Thanks to all my teammates. “It goes without saying that if it wasn’t for the support of my family, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have.” Zaheer Abbas: “I feel privileged and truly humbled to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame of the class of 2020. I am excited to be in the midst of other illustrious cricketers. ALSO READ: Rizwan adamant Pakistan can save Test despite following-on 310 runs behind England “I would like to say a special thanks to my family, my country Pakistan, my county Gloucestershire and many fans worldwide who helped me achieve and fulfil my dreams by playing this great game at the highest level. Thank you, ICC, and the members of the jury, for this special honour. It is a final recognition for any cricketer. “This great game has made me the person I am. Thank you cricket.” Some career highlights of the latest inductees Jacques Kallis The only player to score at least 10,000 runs and take at least 250 wickets in both Test and ODI cricket ICC Player of the Year and ICC Test Player of the year in 2005 South Africa’s leading Test run-scorer, and currently third on the all-time list The most capped South African player in both Test and ODI cricket Scored 113 not out in the semi-final and took 5-30 in the final as South Africa won the first ICC Knockout Tournament (later the ICC Champions Trophy) in 1998 Won 23 ‘Player of the Match’ awards in Test cricket, more than anyone else Spent 592 days as the No.1 ranked Test batsman (2005-2011) Spent 4028 days as the No.1 ranked Test all-rounder (2000-2013) and a record 493 matches ranked number 1 Lisa Sthalekar Over the course of her career, topped both ODI batting and bowling rankings The first woman to achieve the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in ODI cricket Spent 934 days as the No.1 ranked ODI all-rounder (2007-2010) Part of the Australia teams that won the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2005 and 2013 and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2010 and 2012 She won 12 Women’s National Cricket League titles with New South Wales, and was captain for five victories in a row Short-listed for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in both 2007 and 2008 and for ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year in 2012 Zaheer Abbas The only player from Asia to have scored at least a 100 first-class hundreds Became just the second player to score his hundredth first-class century in a Test Match He scored two centuries in the same first-class match on a record eight occasions On a record four occasions he scored a double-century and a century in the same first-class match The first player to score three successive centuries in ODI cricket Spent 215 days as the No.1 ranked ODI batsman (1983-1984) Captained Pakistan in 14 Test Matches, and only lost one of them Later served as an ICC Match Referee and as ICC President

Kallis, Sthalekar and Zaheer Abbas inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame

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Kallis, Sthalekar and Zaheer Abbas inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame