Tag: Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi predicted his semi-finalists of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to run from June 1 to 29 in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies.

In a video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Afridi picked Pakistan, Australia, India and New Zealand as the four teams he thinks would go on to the knockout stage.

“I feel Pakistan should play the final. I’ll go with Australia, India and in those conditions, I will go with New Zealand,” stated Afridi.

 

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The star all-rounder, on Friday, was named the ambassador of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Afridi joined the elusive list of ambassadors for the mega-event, including the fastest man on Earth Usain Bolt, West Indies’ legend Chris Gayle and Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.

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The former all-rounder expressed his excitement about being the ambassador of the T20 World Cup and shared his best memories from the tournament, including lifting the coveted trophy in 2009.

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart,” said Afridi. “From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favourite career highlights have come from competing on this stage.

“T20 World Cups have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I’m thrilled to be part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches and even more drama than ever before.

“I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on 9 June. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter between two great teams.”

Shahid Afridi featured in six T20 World Cups for Pakistan and was player of the tournament in the inaugural edition.

He also played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2009 triumph the highlights of which were his all-round exploits in the semi-final and the final. Afridi was adjudged the Player of the Match in both matches.

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DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) named former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi as ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador on Friday.

Afridi joined the elusive list of ambassadors for the mega-event, including the fastest man on Earth Usain Bolt, West Indies’ legend Chris Gayle and Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.

The former all-rounder expressed his excitement about being the ambassador of the T20 World Cup and shared his best memories from the tournament, including lifting the coveted trophy in 2009.

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart,” said Afridi. “From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favourite career highlights have come from competing on this stage.

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“T20 World Cups have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I’m thrilled to be part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches and even more drama than ever before.

“I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on 9 June. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter between two great teams.”

Shahid Afridi featured in six T20 World Cups for Pakistan and was player of the tournament in the inaugural edition. He was also the man of the match in the final of 2009 edition, leading Pakistan to victory over Sri Lanka.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies from 1 June to 29 June.

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Saturday unequivocally praised Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli for his expressed willingness to visit Pakistan.

Afridi, at a tape-ball event in Karachi, confidently remarked that he was not surprised by Kohli’s gesture.

“I expected such a statement from Virat. I welcome Virat, whether he comes to the PSL or with the Indian team,” Afridi said.

For the unversed, Virat Kohli revealed his desire to visit Pakistan during a video call with Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif in 2022.

“Give my regards to your family and all your friends. Hopefully, we will visit Pakistan soon; everyone’s started visiting now,” Kohli said while talking to Kashif.

Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi also expressed support for young opening batter Saim Ayub and expressed confidence in his talent.

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“Saim has a lot of talent. I hope he performs well. Pakistan need a batter who can play well in the first six overs,” Afridi said.

Ayub is currently in England with the Pakistan squad, where they are scheduled to play a four-match T20I series against the host nation, starting on May 22.

The national men’s cricket team reached here on Wednesday, following their 2-1 series victory over Ireland in the three-match series.

After the conclusion of the England series, the Pakistan team will depart for the United States of America (USA) to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The 2009 champions will start their campaign against co-host USA on June 4 before taking on arch-rivals India on June 9.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan.

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Former captain Shahid Afridi appreciated Pakistan batters for their high strike rates during the second T20I against Ireland on Sunday.

Pakistan registered a solid seven-wicket victory over Ireland Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin and levelled the three-match series 1-1.

Afridi took to his official X account and appreciated Pakistan’s performance, especially Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman’s batting approach.

“We needed this win. Well done team, especially the way Rizwan and Fakhar played. We need the same mindset in the World Cup and similar strike-rates for most batsmen,” Afridi posted.

The former all-rounder also praised Shaheen Afridi for his landmark achievement of completing 300 international wickets.

“Congrats to Shaheen on 300 international wickets, well done,” he added.

We needed this win. Well done team, sp the way Rizwan and Fakhar played. We need the same mindset in the World Cup and similar strike rates for most batsmen. Congrats to Shaheen on 300 intl wickets, well done #PakvsIre

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 13, 2024

Notably, Pakistan opted to bowl first in the second T20I and Afridi removed both openers in the fourth over to reduce Ireland to 34-2.

However, Lorcan Tucker played brilliant innings of 51 runs from 34 balls, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, while Gareth Delany scored a quick 28 off 10 to propel Ireland to 193 in their allocated 20 overs.

Pakistan successfully chased the 194-run target with 19 balls to spare, courtesy of Mohammad Rizwan and Fakkhar Zaman’s half-centuries.

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They constructed a 140-run partnership in 78 balls to tilt the game in Pakistan’s favour after Saim Ayub (6) and Babar Azam (0) fell early.

Rizwan scored an unbeaten 75 off 46, featuring six boundaries and four sixes, while Zaman was dismissed after scoring 78 runs from 40 balls.

Azam Khan was another notable contributor with an unbeaten 30 off 10 with four sixes. He hit Mark Adair for three sixes in the 17th over to finish the match in style.

The third and decisive T20I between Pakistan and Ireland will be played on 14 May (tomorrow).

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Former captain Shahid Afridi has advised young opening batter Saim Ayub to shoulder more responsibility and fulfil the trust placed in him.

The left-handed batter has scored a meagre 219 runs in 15 innings at a strike-rate of 125.86 since making his T20I debut against Afghanistan last year.

Afridi criticized Ayub and stated that the youngster has failed to deliver despite getting consistent chances.

“Saim [Ayub] is the issue, not Babar [Azam] and [Mohammad] Rizwan. Saim has been given many opportunities but he has failed to deliver,” said Afridi while speaking to a local news channel.

“A lot of people are a fan of his talent but we need runs from Saim since the opening stand is a crucial part of the game. I think he has played 15 T20I innings but is yet to score a fifty,” he added.

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The former captain also advocated for Fakhar Zaman to open the innings in the upcoming T20 World Cup, if Ayub could not perform in the Ireland and England tours.

“Saim needs to show more responsibility during matches and score game-changing runs in at least two out of every five innings,” stated the former all-rounder.

“We have not seen this from Saim so far but he might get more chances. If this doesn’t work out, Pakistan could give chance to Fakhar Zaman as an opener during the World Cup.”

The national team is set to play a three-match T20I series against Ireland from 10 May, followed by a four-match series against England.

Pakistan will announce the squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 after the first T20I against England, scheduled on 22 May.

READ: Schedule revealed for Pakistan’s tour of South Africa

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has reacted to Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s statement regarding the resumption of bilateral Test series between the arch-rivals.

Rohit Sharma recently commented on the potency of the Test series with Pakistan during an appearance on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, saying that he would ‘love’ to play against the arch-rivals on a regular basis.

His statement was welcomed by Afridi, stating that bilateral series between Pakistan and India can play a significant role in the relationship between the neighbouring countries.

“Great reply. The series needs to be scheduled. An encouraging word from the Indian captain,” Afridi said while talking to a local channel.

“It is also the case that he represents India. As we have always stated, sports, particularly cricket, have had a significant influence on the relationship between Pakistan and India.

“In the past, we toured India to play cricket. These activities build relationships, and it is the right of neighbours to get along.”

The Indian captain regarded the Pakistan bowling attack as a formidable force in world cricket while responding to a question in the Club Prairie Fire podcast, co-hosted by former England captain Michael Vaughan and former Australian prolific opener Adam Gilchrist.

He said that it would be a good contest if the two teams faced each other at a neutral venue.

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“Do you think Test between Pakistan and India could benefit the longest format of the game hugely and it would be fantastic for Test cricket?” asked Michael Vaughan.

Rohit Sharma did not hesitate to answer and said, “I totally believe that, they (Pakistan) are a good team. They have got superb bowling line-up. I think I will be a good contest especially if you play in overseas conditions, it will be awesome,”

He said that Pakistan and India last played Test cricket against each other way back in 2007.

“I would love to,” Rohit Sharma replied when asked by Michael Vaughan if he would like to play the Test series against Pakistan regularly.

“At the end of the day, we want to be in contest and I think it will be a great contest between the two sides. We anyway play them in ICC trophies, so it doesn’t really matter. It’s just pure cricket that I’m looking at.

“I’m not interested in anything else. It’s pure cricket game between bat and ball. It’ll be a great contest, so why not.”

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and India have not played a Test since 2007/08 and a bilateral series in any format since 2012/13 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

The fierce rivals, however, only came face to face in multi-national events like Asia Cup and ICC World Cups.

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From master blaster Shahid Afridi to wicket-knocking Shaheen Shah Afridi, many former and current cricketers from Pakistan have pledged their support for the touring London cricket team.

The theme of their tour is “Love for Club Cricket,” as they hope their tour will ignite more passion and competitiveness at the club level.

Cricket is the number one sport in Pakistan and to say this about the United Kingdom (Great Britain) must be an understatement.

The British were the pioneers of the game and they have made it pervasive to an extent that now more than 100 countries play the game globally.

The pace giant Waqar Younis led the good wishes for the London CC. “I wish London boys the best of luck. Pakistan is the best place for cricket, enjoy the visit,” was Waqar’s message for the tour.

Pakistan’s pace sensation Shaheen said he was praying for the best results on the tour. “My best wishes and prayers for London Cricketers CC.. play good cricket and enjoy the tour,” was what Shaheen had to say.

Former England batting great David Gower advised the London Club to enjoy the tour to the hilt.

“You are going to Pakistan for a tour, so that should be the most fantastic experience. I have been there a couple of times, in fact, a couple of times in the last few years as well, and I tell you straight away that this is the most welcoming county,” said Gower.

“They love their cricket and the hospitality is always outstanding. There is so much to enjoy when you go to Pakistan; the culture, the food, the people, everything is there to be experienced.

“All the venues are great. So the trick is this: play as well as you can, that’s always a given on a cricket tour but, look, enjoy the hospitality, the people and the country and it will be the most magnificent experience.”

The British High Commissioner in Pakistan Jane Marrotte has also pitched the tour as a “wonderful opportunity” for the London Club.

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“No doubt that you are going to have a wonderful trip in this peaceful and diverse country,” said Jane Marrotte in a message.

“The UK and Pakistan share a love for cricket that strengthens our friendship. Your visit is excellently timed ahead of Pakistan’s women and Men touring the UK for international matches in May.

“As you tour a country you will find Pakistan hospitality unmatched. I hope you will share these stories when you are back in the UK… wishing you the best of luck.”

The 22-man squad is led by an affable person in Irfan Akram. Those who have toured England with the Pakistan cricket team are familiar with Irfan.

He is the perennial liaison officer for the Pakistan team, showing an infectious smile all the time during his coordination and working out various matters for Team Green.

The squad played a match against Aleem Dar Academy at Aleem Dar Cricket Ground on April 14 while the next day’s opponents were the famous P&T Gymkhana on the next day (April 15).

The matches against Azhar Ali Academy and Abdul Qadir Cricket Academy are scheduled for April 17.

The visiting players will also go to Sialkot where a match will be played against the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry team.

A match against Hasan Raza Cricket Academy in Islamabad is also a part of the program. They will also play in Abbottabad and Murree on this tour.

The team that is visiting Pakistan includes Haris Usman, Abdullah Akbar, Zoraid Saeed, Herath Wajid, Sahar Akbar, Faheem Aziz, Stephen Ramidal, Zain Shehzad, Soha Iqbal, Jan Sher Akbar, Irfan Akram, Haris Raza, Hasan Ali Iqbal, Ehsan Shah, Anthony Smith, Scott Emmons, Shahid Akbar, Adnan Akram and Dave Ramidel.

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KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi once again opened up on Shaheen Shah Afridi’s removal as T20I captain, stating that he always tried to keep the pacer away from the role.

“I want Shaheen to focus on his own cricket,” stated Afridi, adding that the pacer did not need his advice against accepting captaincy of Lahore Qalandars.

“I always tried to keep Shaheen away from captaincy,” Afridi added.

The former captain then backed his statement with a claim that many former captains, including himself had a dismal end to their reigns.

Earlier this week, Shahid Afridi revealed that he was surprised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decision to change a captain ahead of the T20 World Cup.

He also backed wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan to be the best choice for the role.

“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!,” said Afridi in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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However, he said, that he extended full support to Babar Azam after his reappointment as the white-ball captain.

“Since now the decision has been made I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar Azam,” Shahid Afridi added.

Notably, Babar Azam’s first assignment during his second tenure as Pakistan captain will be a five-match home T20I series against New Zealand, commencing on April 18 in Rawalpindi.

The star batter had previously led Pakistan in white-ball cricket from 2019 to 2023 before stepping down following the team’s dismal performance in the ICC World Cup 2023.

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Former captain Shahid Afridi has reacted to PCB’s decision to reappoint Babar Azam as the white-ball captain of Pakistan.

The former allrounder called for appointing batter Muhammad Rizwan as the captain of the national side following the sacking of Shaheen Afridi.

“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!,” said Afridi in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

However, he said, that he extended full support to Babar Azam after his reappointment as the white-ball captain.

“Since now the decision has been made I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar Azam,” Shahid Afridi added.

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

PCB on Sunday reinstated Babar Azam as the white-ball captain of the national team ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA).

PCB officially announced Babar Azam’s appointment as captain on their social media accounts. “Babar Azam appointed as white-ball captain,” the PCB posted.

“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.”

His first assignment during his second tenure will be a five-match home T20I series against New Zealand, commencing on April 18 in Rawalpindi.

The star batter had previously led Pakistan in white-ball cricket from 2019 to 2023 before stepping down following the team’s dismal performance in the ICC World Cup 2023.

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KARACHI: Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has come out in support of Shaheen Shah Afridi amid uncertainty surrounding his future as the T20I captain of the national cricket team.

Shaheen succeeded Babar Azam as the T20I captain of the national team, following their dismal campaign at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

But the left-arm pacer had an unwanted start to his captaincy reign, which started with a five-match away series against New Zealand in January this year.

Pakistan succumbed to a 4-1 series defeat and Shaheen’s future as a captain straightaway came under scrutiny.

Things worsened for the 23-year-old in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine as two-time champions Lahore Qalandars, under his captaincy, managed to win only one out of 10 matches and finished at the bottom of the table.

The Qalandars’ disastrous PSL 9 campaign ignited speculations that Shaheen Afridi may get replaced as the T20I skipper.

Meanwhile, the newly-appointed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the ongoing captaincy saga and revealed that the new selection committee would decide regarding the national team’s leadership.

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On the contrary, former chief selector Shahid Afridi threw his weight behind Shaheen and stated that a captain should be given ample time to prove his mettle.

“I think that if you have appointed someone as captain (Shaheen) and given him the responsibility then give him time as well,” Afridi told the media on Tuesday.

“If you change the captain then either the decision to appoint him was wrong or the decision to change him now is wrong,” he added.

Commenting on the retirement reversals by Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, Shahid Afridi advised the duo to prove their fitness in the ongoing camp at Kakul, Abbottabad and also to prioritize domestic cricket.

“In my opinion, their decision to retire was not right. They had enough cricket left in them and obviously, the thrill to play for Pakistan is nowhere else,” said Afridi.

“They both are talented but firstly, they have to show their fitness and then become a part of the domestic circuit because Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir are such senior and experienced players that their presence in the dressing room would benefit our youngsters,” he added.

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