T20 World Cup 2024 Archives

Shaheen Afridi reacts to national team’s “surgery” reports

Pakistan ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi on Monday, reacted to the reports regarding a “major surgery” of the national men’s team following their dismal run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The left-arm pacer interacted with the media in London and was asked to opine on a “major surgery” expected in the national team’s setup.

“Whose surgery, Is somebody ill?” asked Shaheen.

“Keep me out of politics. Please ask questions related to cricket,” he insisted.

The pacer then claimed that he did not know about any potential change in the team.

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Shaheen Afridi also commented on India winning the recently-concluded T20 World Cup 2024 after beating South Africa in a nerve-testing final and termed them a deserved winner.

“I watched the match and enjoyed it and both the teams played well. On the day whichever team handles the pressure wins. India played a good brand of cricket and deserved to win,” Shaheen Afridi told reporters.

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The left-arm pacer then acknowledged the need to address the shortcomings of the team following their early exit from the mega event.

“Strong teams compete in the World Cup and they come after going through a process. I think we need to correct few things and if we work hard, results will be with us,” Afridi said.

It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan team is 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 USA and Ireland officially marked the end of their campaign in T20 World Cup 2024.

READ: All-round Shanaka propels Falcons to sink Sixers in LPL 2024 opener

“Bowlers saved Virat Kohli in T20 World Cup final”

Former cricketer and renowned presenter Sanjay Manjrekar asserted that bowlers saved India’s star batter Virat Kohli’s knock in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa.

Kohli scored 76 runs off 59 deliveries with the help of six fours and two sixes. At the back of his gutsy half-century, India managed to register 176/7 on the board, setting a stiff challenge for South Africa.

However, Kohli’s knock was trumped by Heinrich Klaasen’s quickfire half-century, which at one point, had put South Africa in a comfortable position to win their first-ever cricket World Cup before the pacers returned and snatched an astounding victory for the Men in Blue.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar while talking to ESPN Cricinfo, stated that Virat Kohli’s knock had put India in trouble but the bowlers saved the day for the team with exceptional death bowling.

“By playing that innings, Hardik Pandya, one of their most devastating batters, had just two balls to face. So I thought India’s batting was good, but Virat Kohli had potentially played an innings that would’ve put India in a tight corner. And it almost proved to be that, before these guys’ bowlers came in the end,” Manjrekar said.

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Manjrekar then went on to claim that a bowler should have been adjudged the Player of the Match instead of Kohli as he played with a strike rate of 128.

“India were in a losing position, 90 per cent winning chances [for South Africa]. The complete turnaround actually saved Virat Kohli’s innings because he played virtually half the innings with a strike-rate of 128,” said Manjrekar.

“My Player of the Match would’ve been a bowler because they actually took the game from the jaws of defeat and won it for India,” he concluded.

READ: James Anderson set for new role with England after Test retirement

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 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

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

No Pakistan player could make a cut in the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament, which features six players from the title-winning Indian squad.

The apex cricketing body acknowledged the top-performers of the 20-team tournament, which concluded Saturday when India came from behind to snatch a narrow victory over South Africa.

India captain Rohit Sharma, who decided to hang up his boots after leading his side to their second world title was named the captain of the side.

He will be accompanied by five of his compatriots Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah.

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Afghanistan scripted history in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024 by qualifying in their first-ever semi-final.

The Asian side was backed by some exceptional performances by their skipper Rashid Khan, explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi and thus all three of them were named in the Team of the Tournament.

West Indies opener Nicholas Pooran and Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis round up the Playing XI while South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje was named the 12th man.

T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament

Rohit Sharma (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Suryakumar Yadav, Marcus Stoinis, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Anrich Nortje (12th man).

It is worth mentioning here that the T20 World Cup 2024 marked the end of India’s 11-year ICC title drought. The Asian giants last won an ICC trophy in 2013 when they downed England under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s leadership to win the Champions Trophy.

READ: Mohammad Ali added to Pakistan Shaheens squad for Darwin tour

Ravindra Jadeja bids farewell to T20I cricket after World Cup glory

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja announced his retirement from T20I cricket on Sunday after his team defeated South Africa to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Prior to Jadeja, India’s captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli also announced their retirement from T20Is immediately after the T20 World Cup final.

The all-rounder took to his official Instagram account and shared his picture while holding the T20 World Cup trophy. In the caption, he expressed his gratitude and bid an emotional farewell to the T20 cricket.

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“With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 internationals. Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride, I’ve always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats. Winning the T20 World Cup was a dream come true, a pinnacle of my T20 International career. Thank you for the memories, the cheers, and the unwavering support.

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The 35-year-old has represented India in 74 T20I matches since making his debut in 2009 against Sri Lanka. He scored 515 runs at a strike rate of 127.16 and claimed 54 wickets at an average of 29.85.

READ: ‘My heart rate was up’: MS Dhoni applauds India’s T20 World Cup victory

‘My heart rate was up’: MS Dhoni applauds India’s T20 World Cup victory

Former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has congratulated Team India for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 after ending past South Africa in the final.

The Rohit Sharma-led side, who lost in the finals of the World Test Championship and the 50-overs home World Cup last year, managed to curtail South Africa at 169/8, defeating the Proteas by seven runs.

The former captain took to his official Instagram account after the match and penned down an emotional message for the Indian cricket team, thanking them for ‘bringing the World Cup home.’

“World Cup Champions 2024. My heart rate was up, well done on being calm, having the self belief and doing what you guys did. From all the Indians back home and everywhere in the world a big thank you for bringing the World Cup home. Thanks for the priceless birthday gift,” Dhoni wrote with the picture of the team lifting the trophy.

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Notably, this was India’s second T20 World Cup victory after winning the inaugural edition in 2007 under MS Dhoni. Moreover, this was also the first ICC trophy for India since the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, that too under Dhoni.

READ: Hardik Pandya opens up about ‘unfair’ treatment after T20 World Cup win

Emotional Hardik Pandya opens up about ‘unfair’ treatment after T20 World Cup win

All-rounder Hardik Pandya could not hold on to his emotions after he helped India end their trophy drought by defeating South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final.

Pandya picked the key wicket of South Africa’s batting mainstay Heinrich Klaasen, followed by a brilliant last over. Defending 15 runs in the last over, he removed the pinch hitter David Miller on the first ball to seal the game for India.

The all-rounder faced massive criticism over the past few months after he replaced Rohit Sharma as the captain of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians.

Speaking after the match, Pandya expressed his emotions and reflected on the treatment he received during the last six months, which he termed ‘unfair.’

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“It means a lot. Very emotional, we’ve been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. Special for me after my six months, I haven’t spoken a word, things have been unfair, but I knew there’d be a time I could shine,” Hardik Pandya shared.

“An opportunity like this makes it all the more special. We always believed, stayed calm, and let the pressure come to them [South Africa]. I have been in this situation, I enjoy the pressure situation.”

The star player also talked about Indian head coach Rahul Dravid, who announced before the tournament that this would be his last assignment.

“Very happy for him (Dravid), he’s been a wonderful man, really enjoyed working with him, to give him a farewell like this is wonderful, have had a very good relationship with him and became friends. Very happy for all the support staff,” he added.

READ: Rohit Sharma calls time on T20I career after World Cup win

Rohit Sharma calls time on T20I career after World Cup win

BARBADOS: India’s all-format captain Rohit Sharma followed in Virat Kohli’s footsteps and announced his retirement from T20 Internationals after leading India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 glory.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after India edged past South Africa by seven runs in the T20 World Cup 2024 final to end their 11-year ICC title drought, Rohit revealed it was his last appearance for India in the shortest format but will continue in ODIs and Tests.

“No better time to say goodbye,” Rohit said.

“This was my last game as well. I’ve enjoyed since the time I started playing this format. I’ve loved every moment of this. This is what I wanted – I wanted to win the cup,” added Rohit.

Rohit, who made his T20I debut for India in 2007, represented the nation in 159 matches and accumulated 4231 runs at an average of 32.05 with the help of five centuries and 32 fifties.

Notably, Rohit’s tally of 4231 runs is the highest by any player in Men’s T20Is to date. He also has the most number of centuries to his name in the shortest international format.

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For the unversed, Rohit Sharma’s retirement came briefly after India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli hung up his boots from the T20Is.

“This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.

“One day you feel you can’t get a run, and then things happen. God is great, and I got the job done for the team on the day it mattered. Now or never, the last T20 for India wanted to make the most of it.

“Wanted to lift the cup, and respect the situation rather than force it. This was an open secret, it’s time for the next generation to take over, some amazing players will take the team forward and keep the flag waving high.”

READ: Virat Kohli retires from T20Is after India win T20 World Cup 2024

T20 World Cup 2024: Jasprit Bumrah adjudged Player of the Tournament

India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was adjudged the Player of the Tournament at the back of consistently brilliant performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

India, on Saturday, ended their 11-year ICC title drought when they came from behind to snatch a nerve-wracking seven-run victory over South Africa, who played their first-ever Men’s World Cup final.

Meanwhile, Bumrah was instrumental in India’s road to glory as he took 15 wickets at an average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17, backed up by the best bowling figures of 3/7.

Jasprit Bumrah also finished the T20 World Cup 2024 as the second-highest wicket-taker.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Bumrah shared he usually keeps his emotions in check and does not usually cry after matches but the emotions were taking over him.

“Usually, I am the one who tries to keep my emotions in check and get the job done but today I do not have many words, I do not usually cry after a game but the emotions are taking over.

“We were in trouble but we are really over the moon to win from that stage. My family is here, we came close last time and we got the job done, there is no better feeling than to get your team through in a game like this.

“It just felt good, tried to keep myself in a bubble and tried not to think too far ahead.

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“When the big day comes, you have to do it, throughout the tournament I felt very clear. I always think about one ball and one over at a time, do not think too far ahead. Emotions can take over, it was taking over but you have to keep it in check but now that the game is over, it can come out and you can scream and shout. (When he was asked to bowl the 16th over) I saw the ball was a bit scuffed up and it would reverse a bit, thought which would be the most difficult shot for the batter and was able to execute it,” he concluded.

Jasprit Bumrah played a pivotal role in scripting India’s comeback in the T20 World Cup 2024 final with his last two overs in which he conceded only six runs and took an important wicket. His match figures read 4-0-18-2.

READ: Virat Kohli retires from T20Is after India win T20 World Cup 2024

Virat Kohli retires from T20Is after India win T20 World Cup 2024

BARBADOS: India star batter Virat Kohli on Saturday announced his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) after his team ended an 11-year global title drought by defeating South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final.

Kohli, who was adjudged the Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2024 final at the back of a gutsy half-century, shared it was his last match for India in the shortest format of the game.

“This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve,” the right-handed batter said in the post-match presentation.

In response to a question regarding whether Virat Kohli foresees himself being carried on his teammates’ shoulders in his final T20I appearance, just like batting great Sachin Tendulkar ended his glittering ODI career, the star batter asserted that Rohit Sharma deserves more.

“After winning the 2011 World Cup the team carried Sachin Tendulkar on their shoulders. Is it time to carry you now?” presenter Harsha Bhogle asked.

“Rohit has played nine T20 World Cups, this is my sixth. He deserves it. I wasn’t confident in the last few games, but grateful and humble right now, and I bow my head. It’s been difficult, and the emotions of the game it’s difficult to hold things back. The emotions will come later”, Kohli responded.

It was India’s second T20 World Cup victory after they had won it in 2007 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in South Africa, and first since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013.

Virat Kohli made his first fifty of this tournament in the T20 World Cup 2024 final – a classy 76 off 59 balls with six fours and two sixes that carried India to a competitive 176 for seven.

It is pertinent to mention that Virat Kohli represented India in 125 T20Is and accumulated 4188 runs at a brilliant average of 48.69 with the help of one century and 38 fifties.

READ: India end title drought with T20 World Cup 2024 win