Waqar Younis Archives

Three Pakistan greats feature in Wayne Parnell’s all-time ODI XI

Former South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell has revealed his all-time ODI XI, with three legendary Pakistan cricketers making the cut.

Parnell’s dream team features all-rounder Shahid Afridi and the iconic pace duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, regarded among the most feared combinations in cricket history.

The 36-year-old, who recently won the World Championship of Legends (WCL) with South Africa Champions, named former India captain MS Dhoni as skipper and wicketkeeper of the side.

For the opening slots, Parnell went with Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and South Africa’s prolific run-scorer Hashim Amla.

Modern-day great Virat Kohli was slotted at No. 3, followed by South Africa’s AB de Villiers and Australia’s Michael Hussey in the middle order.

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Afridi was chosen as the lone all-rounder, providing explosive batting alongside his wicket-taking leg-spin, while Dhoni was tasked with leading the side both on and off the field.

The bowling attack is spearheaded by Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Australian speedster Brett Lee.

Spin duties are handled by Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, paired with Afridi for variety and threat in all conditions.

All-time ODI XI of Wayne Parnell: Sachin Tendulkar, Hashim Amla, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Michael Hussey, Shahid Afridi, MS Dhoni (C/WK), Wasim Akram, Brett Lee, Muttiah Muralitharan, Waqar Younis.

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Wasim, Waqar, or Shoaib? Salman Butt names the most complete Pakistani bowler

Former Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt recently shared his thoughts on the most complete fast bowler among the legendary trio of Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis.

Each of these bowlers is revered as one of the greatest in the history of cricket, having struck fear into the hearts of even the most accomplished batters around the world during their careers.

With their devastating speed, exceptional skill, and remarkable accuracy, they have left an indelible mark on the game, showcasing the art of fast bowling in its finest form.

During a recent appearance on a local podcast, Salman Butt, who has played alongside all three bowlers, was asked to name the most complete bowler among them. The former captain highlighted that each bowler possesses unique qualities, making direct comparisons difficult.

“Look, Shoaib Bhai wasn’t just fast; he was a wonderful bowler with exceptional mental sharpness. He was always threatening and had all the skills,” Salman remarked.

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“Wasim Bhai and Waqar Bhai were not only express fast bowlers, but they could swing the ball, seam it, and execute deadly reverse swing. They had the ability to shatter toes and split helmets, such complete bowlers are unmatched.”

Salman Butt emphasized that these bowlers possess exceptional skills and talents that set them apart, making it impossible to draw comparisons with any bowler who represented Pakistan after them.

“You cannot compare anyone who came later with the category these three fall into. Especially Wasim and Waqar, the way they sustained their performances over such a long period is remarkable. The era in which they played and carried themselves is without parallel,” he added.

The former captain also highlighted the fitness levels of Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis, sharing examples of how they maintained high bowling speeds even as they neared the end of their illustrious careers.

“Wasim Bhai played his last World Cup in 2003 in South Africa and was still bowling at speeds of 137-138 km/h at the age of 40, something today’s bowlers struggle with. Waqar was no different in terms of his enduring brilliance,” he stated.

“Shoaib Bhai, despite his injuries, was bowling over 150 km/h in the 2011 World Cup in India at the age of 38-39. Such feats are rarely seen these days.”

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Ahmed Shehzad compares THIS young fast bowler to Waqar Younis

Pakistan Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad recently discussed the abundant fast bowling talent in the country and commended the impressive bowling skills displayed by young pacer Akif Javed.

The 23-year-old pacer represented Markhors during the recently concluded Champions One-Day Cup. He played an instrumental role in Markhors’ runners-up campaign, taking seven wickets in five games at an average of 22.

During an appearance at a local news channel, Ahmed Shehzad appreciated the young fast bowler for his rhythm and pace.

“There was a time when Akif Javed was on the Pakistan team’s radar; he was very close, and his performances were strong, especially in red-ball cricket where his pace had improved significantly,” he said.

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“However, he may have gotten injured, which caused him to fall a bit off the radar, and the management that wanted to bring him in also changed. Now he seems to be back in rhythm and looking fast,” he added.

Ahmed Shehzad further praised Akif and compared him to legendary pacer Waqar Younis and Australian pacer Jason Gillespie, who is currently serving as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach.

“He relies on sheer pace, similar to Jason Gillespie and Waqar Younis. If he gets the right opportunity, he can definitely contribute to the Pakistan team,” he concluded.

It’s worth noting that former Pakistan Salman Butt also demanded Akif’s inclusion in the national squad for the upcoming Test series against England.

“Akif Javed should have been considered for selection. He’s been bowling well, taking wickets, and showing good line and length,” Butt stated.

READ: Zaheer Abbas demands Babar Azam’s exclusion from Pakistan squad

Waqar Younis excited to boost player development

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis has been confirmed as mentor of the Lions side for this month’s Champions One-Day Cup, which will be played in Faisalabad from 12-29 September.

Additionally, the Lions have been allocated National Cricket Academy for training and practice during the 2024-25 domestic cricket season.

Last week, Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq were named as mentors of the Stallions and Wolves, respectively. Details of the player names and player support personnel will follow later this week.

The Champions One-Day Cup will feature the country’s 150 best of the best cricketers. This will be a 50-over tournament that will be played in a single-league format.

The Lions will open their campaign against Shoaib Malik’s Stallions on 13 September, followed by matches against Panthers (day match), Misbah’s Wolves on 20 September and Dolphins on 22 September.

Waqar Younis has led Pakistan to 17 Tests and 62 ODIs. He has featured in three ODI World Cups and holds the record for fastest to 400 ODI wickets.

The former fast bowler also leads the list of captains with the best ODI bowling figures and is one of the bowlers to dismiss all 11 batters in a Test match.

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He was named as one of Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1992. Later, he was inducted into the ICC and PCB Hall of Fames in 2013 and 2021, respectively.

He has also coached Pakistan in the 2010 and 2016 T20 World Cups as well as the 2011 and 2015 ODI World Cups. Moreover, he also served as Pakistan’s bowling coach from 2019-2021.

“I am excited about the opportunity to once again contribute to player development. This new role presents a fresh challenge that I embrace with great enthusiasm,” said Waqar.

“Beyond the chance to work with some of the most talented cricketers, there will be a fascinating dynamic among the mentors as each of us will strive to outmanoeuvre the others.

“With a series of high-profile 50-over international matches on the horizon, culminating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Champions One-Day Cup is an invaluable opportunity for players to showcase their skills and stake their claim for national selection.

“I have no doubt that this tournament will help us identify future stars who, with the right guidance and development, can serve our country for many years to come.

“As for my role, I am committed to sharing as much knowledge and insight as possible with both the coaching staff and the players. My goal is to help them grow into more effective and impactful players, ensuring a bright future for our Lions and the Pakistan cricket team.”

READ: Former Pakistan captain compares Babar’s technique to Tendulkar

Aakash Chopra picks two Pakistan pacers with best Yorkers

Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra picked legendary Pakistan Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis among the fast bowlers with best Yorkers.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra lauded the magnificent Yorker skills of current Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami while also showering praise on Pakistan greats Wasim and Waqar.

The former Indian cricketer also spoke highly of Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, terming him “an absolute beast”.

“You cannot go far from him in modern-day cricket. You cannot look at anyone else apart from him. He made practising yorkers by keeping shoes popular – Lasith Malinga. Lasith Malinga was an absolute beast” Chopra said.

“His yorkers were different because they came with a lower trajectory. He was a genius. He also had a slower yorker,” he added.

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Aakash Chopra then paid homage to the legendary Pakistan fast-bowling duo of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis before drawing comparisons between the two great pacers’ mastery in bowling the Yorkers.

“Then I remember someone who used to come running from far. He too had a slight round-arm action. Just watching him run was a delight. Sometimes with the new ball as well but he was absolutely lethal with the old ball. The bowler’s name is Waqar Younis. His rhythm was worth watching,” Chopra explained.

“After that, I am thinking Wasim bhai. He is among the two Ws – Waqar and Wasim, and Wasim was different. He firstly used to change the angles a lot, bowl over and around the stumps, with a slight round-arm action or high-action as per his wish. Wasim Akram was that complete bowler who used to behold,” he concluded.

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PCB introduces three Champions tournaments for 2024-25 domestic season

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the addition of three Champions tournaments as part of the Men’s Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25 on Monday.

These tournaments have been announced to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket, provide a tougher, more competitive and high-pressure cricket playing environment, and create better and enhanced earning opportunities for its future stars.

The Champions One-Day Cup, Champions T20 Cup and Champions First-Class Cup will join the National T20 Cup, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (regional first-class tournament), President’s Trophy (departmental first-class tournament), President’s Cup (departmental 50-over event), and HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 in the 2024-25 domestic cricket season, expected to run from 1 September 2024 to 5 August 2025.

With the addition of three Champions tournaments, the PCB will now organise a total of 261 matches across eight men’s senior tournaments.

This includes 131 first-class matches in three events, 40 50-over matches in two events and 97 T20 matches in three events.

In the 2023-24 season, the PCB had organised 203 matches in the six men’s senior tournaments, including 51 first-class matches in two tournaments, 55 50-over matches in two events and 97 T20 matches.

Salient features of the newly-introduced Champions tournaments are:

Five sides – Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions and Wolves – will compete in each Champions Cup event

Each Champions Cup event will be played in a double-league format

Around 150 of the country’s highest-performing domestic players from the past three years and centrally contracted players will be available for selection (more details to be shared in due course)

Each side will have a former Pakistan superstar as a mentor and potentially as an owner (mentor and owner names/details to be announced in due course)

Player support personnel of each side are expected to include: Head Coach (at least Level 3, minimum five years with a first-class side), batting/bowling/fielding coaches (minimum Level 3, three-year experience), Strength and Conditioning Coach, Physiotherapist, Analyst, Operations Manager, and Media/Digital Media Manager

Each side will be allocated a dedicated Regional High-Performance Centre in Faisalabad (High-Performance Centre Faisalabad), Karachi (Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre), Lahore (National Cricket Academy), Multan (Inzamam-ul-Haq High-Performance Centre), and Sialkot (High-Performance Centre, Sialkot) for training and practice

Enhanced domestic contracts will be offered to 150 cricketers as Category 1: 40 players, PKR550,000 per month; Category 2: 50 players, PKR400,000 per month; Category 3: 60 players, PKR250,000 per month.
In the 2023-24 season, domestic contracts were offered as PKR300,000 for A+ Category, PKR200,000 for A Category, PKR185,000 for B Category, PKR170,000 for C Category, PKR150,000 for D Category, PKR100,000 for E Category, and PKR50,000 for F Category

In addition to the monthly retainers, players will receive improved match fees as follows: PKR200,000 for red-ball cricket, PKR125,000 for 50-over matches and PKR100,000 for T20 matches.
In the 2023-24 season, match fees were PKR80,000 and PKR40,000 for red and white-ball cricket, respectively

Each side will have a Corporate Sponsor and Media Partner. Other revenue streams will include broadcast and live-streaming rights, event title sponsorship, ground branding rights and ticket sales/merchandise

The Champions One-Day Cup will serve as the season opener of the PCB Men’s Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25 when the 21-match tournament is played from 1-29 September.

Curtains will fall on the PCB Men’s Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25 with the Champions First-Class Cup, which will be held from 28 May to 5 August.

In addition to the eight men’s senior tournaments in the period from August 2024 to September 2025, the PCB will also organise 11 development/pathway tournaments which will be separate from the three Pakistan Shaheens and one Pakistan U19 away series.

This potentially means the budding and upcoming youngsters are expected to get around 13,000 matches at the schools, colleges, universities, clubs, U15, U17, U19, Regional Inter-District Senior and Challenge League Senior levels across all formats to test their skills, impress their coaches and selectors with their performances, make themselves available for selection in the regional, departmental, franchise and Champions sides and, in the meantime, continue to walk up the ladder in pursuit of their dreams.

While announcing the new domestic structure, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi referred to the introduction of the Champions Tournament as a bold move to guide Pakistan cricket in the right direction.

“Our current standings – sixth in Tests, fourth in ODIs and seventh in T20Is – do not reflect the true potential and legacy of Pakistan cricket,” said Naqvi.

“To restore our rightful place at the top of world cricket, we must innovate and strategically enhance, expand and strengthen our domestic structure. The introduction of the three Champions tournaments is a bold step in this direction.

He also shared that international players would also participate in these tournaments, which will help transfer their extensive experience and knowledge to young players.

“The Champions tournaments will bring together our most talented and consistent performers from domestic cricket with our centrally contracted players, creating an environment that mirrors the intensity of international cricket,” he added.

“With broadcast matches, legendary mentors, elite coaching staff and extensive media coverage, these tournaments will provide our players with the exposure and experience they need.

“These tournaments are not just about bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket, they are about revolutionising and rejuvenating our entire cricketing ecosystem.

“By establishing a clear and progressive pathway from clubs, schools and universities to intra-district, inter-district, to regional/department competitions, we are nurturing the next generation of cricketing stars.

“The Champions tournaments will offer our players a platform to experience the rigours and pressures of international cricket right here at home. This is crucial for building a robust and highly competitive domestic structure that consistently produces world-class talent.

“I am incredibly optimistic about the future of Pakistan cricket. The investments we are making through the Champions tournaments will pay immense dividends. We are dedicated to identifying, nurturing and preparing our best talent to represent Pakistan on the global stage.”

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Former captain opens up about Waqar Younis’ new role in PCB

Former Test captain Salman Butt has opened up about Waqar Younis returning to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a major role.

Waqar has recently taken charge as Adviser for Cricket Affairs to the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, according to reports.

The former head coach will oversee all the decisions regarding international and domestic selection committees, players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other important cricket matters in his new role.

Meanwhile, Naqvi’s responsibilities are limited to overseeing administrative affairs, with a current emphasis on addressing the organizational issues related to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

During an interview with a local sports outlet, Salman Butt wished Waqar well for his new role, while acknowledging his legendary status in Pakistan cricket.

“Waqar bhai has been my coach and is a legendary cricketer, there is no doubt about that. I am not in a position to advise him, I wish him all the very best for this role,” Butt said.

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Butt also emphasized that Waqar’s new role is distinct from his previous position as a coach and requires a positive vision and decisive decision-making. He encouraged the former captain to take the necessary steps to steer Pakistan cricket in the right direction.

“I really hope this time around he makes some decisions. He should do what is necessary and get it done. I think he should make correct decisions; if he has the vision, implement it,” he further added.

“Don’t go after people who have been there for ages and have done nothing. I think it’s a huge opportunity for him, not an easy one certainly. If he is able to make correct decisions, something better might come up.”

Previously, another former captain Younis Khan, during an interaction with the media on Wednesday, backed PCB Chairman Naqvi’s decision to hand the reigns of the cricket affairs to Waqar Younis.

“I’ve played under Waqar Younis and I think it’s a good sign that he’s coming back to the cricket board,” said Younis. “He has the opportunity to solve the [cricketing] issues.”

Younis further commented on the recent dip in the Pakistan men’s cricket team’s performance and emphasized the need to improve the infrastructure.

“Pakistan’s performance used to be on the top in the past. I think we need to work on our infrastructure,” Younis said.

READ: Sri Lanka head coach reveals reason behind series loss against India

Waqar Younis takes charge of his new role in PCB

Former captain Waqar Younis has taken charge as Adviser for Cricket Affairs to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday, according to reports.

Waqar has been appointed by the chairman to oversee all cricket-related affairs. The upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh will be his first assignment.

The former head coach will collaborate with the selectors and coaches in the preparation for the Test series, which is scheduled to commence on August 21.

For the unversed, reports emerged on Tuesday that PCB Mohsin Naqvi has decided to hand over the power to make cricket decisions to Waqar Younis.

The sources further claimed that Naqvi would oversee the administrative affairs only, while Waqar would be responsible for all the decisions regarding international and domestic selection committees, players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other important cricket matters.

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Naqvi himself is currently focused on the administrative issues of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.

According to the PCB Constitution 2014, the chairman has the authority to delegate his power to someone, thereby enabling the transfer of powers to Waqar.

Waqar previously served as the head coach and bowling coach of the Pakistan cricket team after retiring in 2003.

On the other hand, Mohsin Naqvi is set to become the new president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a two-year tenure, according to sources.

READ: Younis Khan reacts to Waqar Younis getting major position in PCB

Younis Khan reacts to Waqar Younis getting major position in PCB

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan reacted to the reports of Waqar Younis getting a major role in the ranks of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Reports emerged on Tuesday that PCB Mohsin Naqvi has decided to hand over the power to make cricket decisions to Waqar.

According to the PCB Constitution 2014, the chairman has the authority to delegate his power to someone, thereby enabling the transfer of powers to Waqar.

Meanwhile, Younis Khan, during an interaction with the media here on Wednesday, backed PCB Chairman Naqvi’s decision to hand the reigns of the cricket affairs to Waqar Younis.

“I’ve played under Waqar Younis and I think it’s a good sign that he’s coming back to the cricket board,” said Younis.

“Waqar Younis has the opportunity to solve the [cricketing] issues,” he added.

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Younis further commented on the recent dip in the Pakistan men’s cricket team’s performance and emphasized the need to improve the infrastructure.

“Pakistan’s performance used to be on the top in the past. I think we need to work on our infrastructure,” Younis said.

The former captain, who led Pakistan to their maiden T20 World Cup title in 2009, also called for the resumption of the bilateral cricketing ties between fierce rivals Pakistan and India.

“Pakistan-India cricket should go ahead. I wish someone like Pervez Musharraf would come and restore Pak-India cricket,” said Younis.

Younis Khan also expressed his desire for India to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

He also highlighted that the Pakistan team was always treated with respect whenever they visited India.

“I wish to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing in Pakistan [in Champions Trophy 2025]. Whenever we toured India, we were treated with utmost respect,” he concluded.

READ: Former Pakistan cricketer calls for relocation of Asia Cup 2025 from India

Waqar Younis set to get a major position in PCB: sources

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi has decided to hand over the power to make cricket decisions to the former captain Waqar Younis, according to sources.

The sources revealed that Naqvi would oversee the administrative affairs only, while Waqar would be responsible for all the decisions regarding international and domestic selection committees, players’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other important cricket matters.

According to the PCB Constitution 2014, the chairman has the authority to delegate his power to someone, thereby enabling the transfer of powers to Waqar Younis.

Meanwhile, Naqvi himself is currently focused on the administrative affairs of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan.

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“Waqar Younis will be in charge of all matters related to the national team. He will oversee the national selection committee, white ball and red ball coaches,” sources claimed.

Waqar has previously served as the head coach and bowling coach of Pakistan cricket team after retiring in 2003.

On the other hand, Mohsin Naqvi is set to become the new president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a two-year tenure, according to sources.

The reports indicate that Pakistan has been authorized to chair the ACC and Mohsin Naqvi is set to assume the role in January 2025. The decision was made during the ACC meeting held in Bali in January 2024.

For the unversed, Mohsin Naqvi currently holds two key positions in Pakistan as he is not only PCB chairman but the Interior Minister as well.

READ: Mohsin Naqvi set to replace Jay Shah as ACC president