Tag: Babar Azam

Former India cricketer and renowned commentator Parthiv Patel took a massive dig at Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam, terming him “selfish”.

In an interview, Patel commented on the decline of the Pakistan men’s cricket team and questioned Babar’s leadership.

Former wicketkeeper batter Parthiv Patel backed his remarks by highlighting how opening batter Fakhar Zaman had to bat down the order in a bid to accommodate Babar Azam’s interests.

“Captain wanted to open, so he [Zaman] had to come down if the captain is a selfish player there’s no chance,” Parthiv said.

“There is nothing new in it. Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, everyone says that,” Parthiv added.

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Parthiv Patel then went on to term the current Pakistan side the “weakest” as he drew contrasts with the golden era of the side which featured legendary cricketers like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Mohammad Yousuf, and Saqlain Mushtaq.

“They don’t have players; they don’t have T20 kind of players. The way cricket is going right now, we are talking about a strike rate of 150-160 and these guys are still in the 120s. They are far behind than any other international side,” stated Patel.

It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan team including skipper Babar Azam has been in hot water following their dismal run in the T20 World Cup 2024.

The 2009 champions, in a first, were knocked out from the group stage of the tournament, majorly because of their upset defeat against the USA, followed by a gut-wrenching defeat against arch-rivals India.

The back-to-back defeats had put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit from the tournament while the abandonment of the crucial group-stage fixture between the USA and Ireland, officially marked the end of their campaign in T20 World Cup 2024.

ALSO READ: Shoaib Malik believes Babar Azam “can’t fit” in any top T20I side

Former Pakistan captain and seasoned all-rounder Shoaib Malik did not mince his words to criticise ace batter Babar Azam following the national team’s below-par performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

In a video, which went viral on social media, Shoaib Malik claimed that despite being labelled as Pakistan’s best batter, Babar Azam can not make a cut in the T20 International sides of top cricket-playing nations like Australia, India or England.

“Who is our best player? Our best player is Babar Azam. I am just talking about the top 4-5 teams. Can Babar fit in the playing XI of those teams? Of Australia, India or of England in just this particular format? The answer is NO!” he said while speaking at a talk show.

Although the video went viral and caught the attention of cricket fans today, it was recorded on June 27 when India thrashed England by 68 runs in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024.

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Earlier, former Indian cricketer and legendary opener Virender Sehwag made a similar claim regarding Babar Azam, stating if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decides to remove Babar Azam as white-ball captain then he should not be considered for selection in T20Is.

“But as a leader you have to think whether this game is useful for his team. If not, then demote yourself and send someone who can play big shots in the six overs and get the team 50-60 runs,” stated Sehwag.

“I may sound harsh, but if the captain changes, Babar doesn’t deserve a place in the T20 team. His performances are not as per the demands of today’s T20 cricket,” he added.

READ: Mohammad Amir among 12 players granted NOCs

Pakistan’s top-order batter Imam-ul-Haq named current white-ball captain and ace batter Babar Azam in his all-time Pakistan’s ODI XI.

Speaking at a private TV show, the left-handed opener shared his opinion on what should be Pakistan’s all-time ODI XI which features star all-rounder Shahid Afridi as the 12th man.

He named several legendary players in the lineup and picked Babar to open alongside Saeed Anwar.

“Since it was very difficult for me to set [him] in the middle order. So, I went for Babar Azam as the opener,” said Imam-ul-Haq.

“The way he has performed in ODI cricket for the last seven years so his performances for Pakistan are very good,” he added.

The middle-order of Imam-ul-Haq’s all-time Pakistan ODI XI features legendary batters Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf while he backed World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan to lead the team.

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Imam opted to go with Kamran Akmal as the specialist wicketkeeper batter, prioritizing the latter over the likes of Moin Khan, Rashid Latif and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

He backed his decision by emphasizing Akmal’s several match-winning performances in the format.

“I’ll go with Kamran Akmal as the wicketkeeper-batsman. It was a bit tricky for me. There were a lot of options like Moin bhai and Saifi bhai but I’ll go with Kamran Akmal because he has a lot of match-winning performances in ODIs,” Imam explained.

The bowling lineup of Imam-ul-Haq’s all-time Pakistan ODI XI included spin maestro Saqlain Mushtaq while Mohammad Asif was selected with the legendary duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.

Imam-ul-Haq’s all-time Pakistan ODI XI: Saeed Anwar, Babar Azam, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf, Imran Khan (c), Kamran Akmal (wk), Saqlain Mushtaq, Mohammad Asif, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.

READ: Shahid Afridi lambasts Babar Azam’s captaincy in T20 World Cup 2024

Former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi criticised national men’s team’s white-ball skipper Babar Azam for his leadership in the recently ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the United States of America and the West Indies.

Speaking at a press conference, Afridi highlighted the importance of the leader’s mindset in shaping the team’s demeanour, while citing the example of India captain Rohit Sharma, who led the nation to their second T20 Word Cup title.

“Look, the role of a leader is always very important. The body language of the leader becomes the body language of the team. The leader has to set an example,” said Afridi.

“Take Rohit Sharma as an example. Now, look at his game and his style of playing; the lower-order batsmen who come in are all confident because the captain likes to play aggressive and attacking cricket. So, I always believe that the role of the captain is very important,” he added.

Shahid Afridi also shared that he is open to serve Pakistan Cricket but only at the grassroots level, which according to him, is the core reason behind the team’s struggle at the international level.

“I am always available for Pakistan cricket, but at the grassroots level, there is no need for me with the Pakistan team. Whatever is needed is at the grassroots level,” stated Afridi.

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The legendary all-rounder also termed the national team’s performance in the mega event “unsatisfactory” before going on to express his eagerness regarding the “major changes” expected to be made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

“Overall, if the performance had been good, you wouldn’t be asking this question. Let’s see what the chairman has said about making major changes to the team. I am also waiting to see what these changes will be, and you are too,” stated Shahid Afridi.

“A positive decision needs to be made, and the changes shouldn’t just be superficial. The real issue lies at the grassroots level of our cricket, which many cricketers often talk about.

“Our product is weak at the grassroots level, and if we invest there, good players will emerge. The real changes needed are at the grassroots level.

“There is talent; it just needs a bit of grooming. Cricket has changed now, and you have to develop your skills. We need coaches who can change the mindset at the grassroots level.

“Why do players start learning everything only when they join the Pakistan team? These things should be taught at the Under-19 level, including what coaching should be, what to eat, and how to train. The Pakistan team is a place for performance.”

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan team including skipper Babar Azam has been under hot water following their dismal run in the T20 World Cup 2024.

The 2009 champions, in a first, were knocked out from the group stage of the tournament, majorly because of their upset defeat against the USA, followed by a gut-wrenching defeat against arch-rivals India.

The back-to-back defeats had put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit from the tournament while the abandonment of the crucial group-stage fixture between USA and Ireland, officially marked the end of their campaign in T20 World Cup 2024.

READ: Babar Azam to play under Rizwan’s captaincy in GT20 Canada 2024

Pakistan’s white-ball captain and ace batter Babar Azam will play under wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy at Vancouver Knights in the upcoming GT20 Canada 2024.

Rizwan, who led Multan Sultans to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) title in 2021, has been named Vancouver Knights captain for the upcoming fourth edition of the league, scheduled to run from July 25 until August 11.

“The Vancouver Knights have chosen their captain for GT20 Season 4: Sir Muhammad Rizwan. With his mighty batting skills and sharp wicketkeeping, he’s ready to lead our charge to victory. Prepare for battle, Knights!,” the Kings said in a statement.

For the unversed, a total of seven Pakistan players will partake in the upcoming edition of the league.

Inaugural champions Vancouver Knights feature four Pakistan players: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir and Asif Ali.

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Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz are roped in by Toronto Nationals whereas Iftikhar Ahmed will represent Bangla Tigers Mississauga.

The six-team tournament will be played at TD Cricket Arena in Brampton.

The inaugural edition was played in 2018, followed by the second edition in 2019. However, the third season, which was scheduled for 2020, was postponed due to COVID-19.

Ultimately, the GT20 Canada returned for the third season in 2023, where Montreal Tigers defeated Surrey Jaguars in the final to clinch their first title.

Vancouver Knights Squad for GT20 2024:Babar Azam, Asif Ali, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Jeremy Gordon, Rishiv Joshi, Sandeep Lamichhane, Dwaine Pretorius, Michael Rippon, Dipendra Singh Airee, Harsh Thaker, Ruben Trumpelmann, Paul van Meekeren, Sarmad Anwar, Mandeep Girdhar, Yuvraj Samra, Shubham Sharma, Ajayveer Singh.

READ: No Pakistani in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament

LAHORE: Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam has commenced training briefly after his return from the United States of America (USA) where he led the national team in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

According to the details, Babar started physical training at National Cricket Academy (NCA). The right-handed batter trained for two hours in the scorching heat in a bid to focus on his fitness.

Details further suggest that Babar Azam will start batting in the nets from Monday and is available for the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh.

The star batter, however, will partake in Global T20 Canada 2024 where he will represent Vancouver Knights, prior to the Bangladesh Tests.

The fourth season of the GT20 will run from July 25 until August 11. The six-team tournament will be played at TD Cricket Arena in Brampton.

For the unversed, Babar Azam and the team have been under severe criticism following the team’s dismal campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

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Pakistan had a disastrous start to their campaign as they endured a shock loss against the USA in the Super Over as they failed to chase down the 19-run target.

Following the defeat against the USA, Pakistan succumbed to a frustrating six-run defeat against arch-rivals India.

The back-to-back defeats put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit from the tournament. The former champions got on the winning track when they registered a hard-fought seven-wicket victory over Canada to keep Super Eights hopes alive.

However, the USA’s match against Ireland was abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain in Florida, resulting in Pakistan getting knocked out of the tournament as the USA progressed from Group A along with India.

Pakistan then edged past Ireland in another stiff challenge to bow out of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a win.

READ: India crush England to reach T20 World Cup 2024 final

Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan slipped down in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings while Australia’s Travis Head replaced India’s Suryakumar Yadav at the summit.

Head enjoyed a stunning run since cementing his spot at the top of the order for his national side in the shortest format.

The left-handed opener was exceptional in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 for Australia. He accumulated 255 runs in seven innings at a brilliant average of 42.50.

Travis Head also smashed two half-centuries, out of which one came against India in a losing cause.

He kept Australia in the hunt with his 43-ball 76, peppered with nine fours and four sixes. However, his departure in the 17th over eventually resulted in the 2021 champions succumbing to a 24-run defeat.

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The Australian opener jumped four places to claim the top spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings, with Suryakumar, Phil Salt, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan all dropping down a place to make up the remainder of the top five.

On the other hand, Australia’s Marcus Stoinis has been knocked off the top spot in the All-rounders rankings after his short stay as No. 1.

Stoinis slipped to fourth, with India’s Hardik Pandya up to third, Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan in second, and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga back to top spot.

England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid remained at the T20I Bowling Rankings summit but Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan moved up to second after his T20 World Cup 2024 heroics, with Josh Hazlewood moving up three places into fourth, behind Hasaranga.

READ: Babar Azam returns to Pakistan from USA

Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam returned to Pakistan earlier this morning after a disastrous ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in the United States of America (USA).

He reached Lahore from New York after a brief layover in Dubai.

The star batter did not return to the country with the team after getting knocked out from the mega-event in order to spend time with his family in the USA.

He is expected to meet the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi and discuss the reasons for the team’s dismal performance in the tournament.

It is worth mentioning here that Babar Azam has been under hot water following the national men’s team’s early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

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Pakistan had a disastrous start to their campaign as they suffered a shock loss against the co-host United States of America (USA) after a Super Over.

The 2009 champions then succumbed to a gut-wrenching defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India at a jam-packed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.

The back-to-back defeats put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit and despite their victories over Canada and Ireland, they failed to reach the Super Eights stage.

READ: Rohit Sharma achieves major milestone in T20I cricket

Australia’s left-handed opener Usman Khawaja shared his opinion on Babar Azam’s future as Pakistan’s white-ball captain after the former champions’ dismal run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Khawaja, while addressing the media, at an event in Melbourne on Monday, threw his weight behind Babar to continue leading the Green Shirts in white-ball cricket.

“It’s Babar Azam’s decision to captain, if he can, he should,” stated Usman Khawaja.

The Pakistan-born Australian cricketer also pointed out the lack of stability in Pakistan Cricket, stating such uncertainty makes it difficult for the players to perform.

“When I look from the outside, changes are constant in the Pakistan cricket. Selection committee, staff and players keep changing,” said Khawaja.

“Such a situation is difficult because stability is very important. When there is no stability, it is difficult for players to perform. Pakistan cricket team never sees stability,” he added.

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It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam has been under hot water following the national men’s team’s early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan had a disastrous start to their campaign as they suffered a shock loss against the co-host United States of America (USA) after a Super Over.

The 2009 champions then succumbed to a gut-wrenching defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India at a jam-packed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9.

The back-to-back defeats put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit and despite their victories over Canada and Ireland, they failed to reach the Super Eights stage.

READ: PCB makes major decision to prioritize domestic cricket

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar heavily criticised the decision of Babar Azam’s reappointment as the white-ball captain following the national team’s early exit from the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan, in a first, were knocked out of the T20 World Cup in the group stage after a crucial Group A fixture between the co-host United States of America (USA) and Ireland was abandoned here without a ball bowled.

The Green Shirts had a disastrous start to their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign as they suffered a shock loss against the USA in the Super Over.

Pakistan then succumbed to a frustrating six-run defeat against arch-rivals India at a jam-packed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on June 9.

The back-to-back defeats put Pakistan on the verge of an early exit from the tournament.

The former champions then finally got on the winning track when they registered a hard-fought seven-wicket victory over Canada.

Pakistan then edged past Ireland in another stiff challenge to bow out of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a win.

The 2009 champions finished third in Group A standings with four points in four matches.

Questions have been asked about continuing with Babar Azam as the T201 captain after Pakistan’s embarrassing ouster.

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Speaking on national television, Shoaib Akhtar questioned the decision to reinstate Babar Azam as the captain and claimed that the former top-ranked batter is not fit for the role.

“Who made Babar Azam the captain in the first place? Who was the Einstein? I need to know that guy. Does he qualify for this job? Does he even know anything about captaincy? I’ve been saying that Babar Azam is not a captain material,” Akhtar said.

Akhtar then claimed that Babar needs to finish games for Pakistan in order to retain his place in the T20I and ODI sides.

“What’s going to happen to Babar now? He is now going to come down at number 4. He has to finish the games. He has to win the games, if he doesn’t, he won’t be able to keep his place in T20I. I am telling you right now. He won’t be able to find his place in ODIs if he can’t finish,” stated Akhtar.

“The finisher Babar has to come out again. That’s when the character comes out. He needs to get in that kind of a position. I am bluntly telling this to Babar, you need to remain a superstar. Get to know how to finish games,” he concluded.

READ: Vancouver Knights sign Babar Azam, Amir, Rizwan for GT20 2024