Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi discussed his recent interaction with the current captain, Babar Azam. Afridi revealed that he didn’t let Babar get demotivated after defeating him in a pool match at his residence.
Both Shahid Afridi and Babar Azam are considered among Pakistan’s finest cricket players. While Afridi was known for winning matches single-handedly, Babar is currently one of the best batsmen in the world.
Recently, Shahid Afridi invited the entire team, including Babar Azam, to his home in Karachi for dinner. During the gathering, Afridi and Babar played a game of pool, which Afridi won. However, Afridi made sure that Babar didn’t feel upset or demotivated by his victory. He playfully mentioned that his encouragement after the game was the reason for Babar’s confidence in the subsequent press conference.
“I defeated him in the pool match, but I didn’t let him feel demotivated. I motivated him, which is why he appeared confident in today’s press conference,” Afridi explained during an interview with a Pakistani news channel.
Afridi also emphasized the significance of rest for the players and mentioned his conversation with Imam-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed, who will have to play continuously for eight months. He stressed that it is the responsibility of the selection committee to ensure players receive sufficient rest.
“I had a conversation with Imam-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed, discussing their continuous cricket schedule for the next eight months. It is important to have a backup plan in place for them, and players will also require adequate rest during that time,” Afridi elaborated.
Afridi further stated that it is the duty of the selection committee and coaching staff to manage the players’ workload effectively during the upcoming eight months of cricket.
The Pakistan team’s next assignment is a tour of Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. The first Test is scheduled to begin at the Galle International Stadium on July 16.
The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan will take place on October 15 during the ICC World Cup 2023, reigniting their historic cricket rivalry. Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, who will be playing his first international match in India, has downplayed the intensity surrounding the India-Pakistan fixture and emphasized the importance of focusing on the other eight teams as well.
Pakistan’s previous visit to India was during the 2016 T20 World Cup, and their last encounter with their arch-rivals was during the 2019 ODI World Cup, both held in India. Fans from both nations are eagerly awaiting the renewal of this fierce rivalry in the ODI World Cup in India, and the cricket community is already shining a bright spotlight on this particular match.
While speaking to the ICC, Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, downplayed the hype surrounding the India-Pakistan match and emphasized that his team will give equal focus to the other eight participating teams. He emphasized the need for his team to approach each match with the same level of importance and preparation, rather than solely focusing on the high-profile clash against India.
“We are going to play World Cup and not just going to play against India only,” Babar said. “There are eight other teams and it’s not only India and only if we beat them then we will make it into the final. We are not focused on only one team, we are focused on all other teams in the tournament. Our plan is that we have to play well against all of them and win against them.”
Pakistan is scheduled to play against India in Ahmedabad, while their matches against other teams will be held at various venues including Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Babar Azam emphasized the importance of adapting to different environments and conditions rather than solely fixating on the India-Pakistan game. He expressed the need for his team to focus on adjusting to the diverse challenges posed by playing in different venues, highlighting the importance of adaptability throughout the tournament.
“You prepare yourself for different conditions and in every environment and that is what we call a challenge and you take it to live up to it,” Babar added. “Me, as a player and captain, I aspire to score runs in every country, dominate and win Pakistan games. So this is all we have in mind and not only that we’re going to play against one team.”
Babar Azam, the current captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team, opened up about his captaincy in the wake of the team’s recent failures in several matches. The 28-year-old leader attributed the subpar performances to injuries that resulted in the absence of key players. Pakistan is set to embark on a tour to Sri Lanka, where they will compete in a two-match Test series commencing on Sunday, July 16.
During a press conference prior to Pakistan’s departure for Sri Lanka, Babar Azam addressed the team’s recent form. He acknowledged the team’s struggles to showcase their best cricket in recent times and identified injuries as a significant factor behind the underwhelming performances.
Babar stressed the importance of taking 20 wickets to secure victory in a Test match and expressed optimism for a successful series against Sri Lanka.
Regarding his own captaincy, Babar Azam believed that he has given his utmost effort. He suggested that any decision to change him as captain should be determined by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In recent matches, Pakistan faced a 2-1 defeat in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. They later drew the T20I series 2-2 against New Zealand. In the ODI series, however, the Men in Green emerged victorious, triumphing over New Zealand with a 4-1 scoreline.
Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan national team, emphasized the team’s determination to win the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. He made it clear that their focus is not solely on one opponent, but rather on defeating all 10 teams they will face in the competition.
In October-November of this year, India and Pakistan will clash in the ICC World Cup 2023. India remains unbeaten against Pakistan in the 50-over mega tournament, boasting a 7-0 record. Rohit Sharma and his team will be eager to maintain this record when the two teams meet on October 15 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium.
While Pakistan has had success against India in other cricket formats, such as winning the Champions Trophy in 2017, they have struggled to defeat them in World Cups. Pakistan-India rivalry is intense, and their encounters are always filled with tension and expectations. Historically, India has dominated these matches, consistently outperforming Pakistan.
Babar Azam, the captain of the national team, emphasized that they are prepared to adapt to different venues, weather conditions, and playing surfaces. He highlighted the importance of performing at a high level against all opponents.
“We are going to play the World Cup not only against India. There are nine other teams that we have to face. To reach the finals, we need to defeat all of them. Our focus is not on one team but on all ten teams together. Our plan is to play equally well against all ten teams so that we can reach the finals,” said Babar Azam.
He further emphasized the team’s professionalism and readiness to face any challenge, stating, “Our stance is to play cricket regardless of the venues because, as professionals, we have to be ready for everything, including different conditions and environments. This is the true challenge. Our main aim is to dominate, represent Pakistan, and secure victory, rather than just winning against one particular team.”
With their sights set on success in the World Cup, Babar Azam and the Pakistan team are determined to perform at their best against all opponents, recognizing the importance of a comprehensive and consistent performance throughout the tournament.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform for cricketing stars from across the globe to showcase their skills and entertain fans. While Pakistani players are currently not allowed to participate in this prestigious tournament, one can’t help but imagine the impact they could have if given the chance. Pakistan boasts several cricketers who possess the potential to be sensational IPL performers.
The inclusion of Pakistani players would undoubtedly add a new dimension to the IPL, as many of them have already proved to be match-winners in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and possess the ability to excel in the IPL as well. In this article, we will explore top 10 Pakistani players who can do wonders in next IPL season.
1. Babar Azam:
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, is undeniably one of the best batters in cricket today. His presence in the IPL would have undoubtedly attracted bids from multiple franchises. Babar has already made a name for himself with some remarkable innings against India, showcasing his prowess and consistency.
2. Hassan Ali:
Hassan Ali, Pakistan’s ferocious fast bowler, is renowned for his ability to intimidate batsmen with his aggressive pace and lethal swing. His unique celebration style and infectious intensity on the field have already earned him recognition in international cricket. Given the opportunity, Hassan Ali could have been a superstar in the IPL, with his knack for taking crucial wickets at pivotal moments.
3. Mohammad Amir:
Mohammad Amir, Pakistan’s talented left-arm fast bowler, possesses the skills to light up the IPL. With his ability to swing the ball at pace and pick up early wickets, he would have been a nightmare for any batting lineup. Although Amir’s career was marred by controversy following a spot-fixing scandal, he has made a comeback to international cricket, although not reaching the same heights as before.
4. Sarfaraz Ahmed:
Former Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is a player who could have thrived in the IPL. Sarfaraz has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and sharp wicket-keeping abilities on numerous occasions. He is also a capable batsman, showcasing good technique and the ability to play big shots when needed. His calm demeanor under pressure would have made him a valuable addition to any IPL team.
5. Shadab Khan:
Shadab Khan, a brilliant Pakistani cricketer, has the potential to be a blockbuster in the IPL. He has established himself as a vital member of Pakistan’s cricket team through his outstanding performances at the international level. Shadab’s exceptional spin bowling skills, including variations and deceptive flight, have often left batsmen bewildered.
Faheem Ashraf, a promising all-rounder from Pakistan, possesses the skills and potential to be an IPL sensation. His powerful hitting capabilities and accurate bowling would have made him a valuable asset to any team in the competition. Faheem has already shown glimpses of his ability to clear boundaries with ease, making him a dangerous middle-order player.
7. Imad Wasim:
Imad Wasim, Pakistan’s gifted all-rounder, has the potential to be a standout performer in the IPL. With his exceptional left-arm spin and impressive batting abilities, he could be a game-changer for any team. Imad’s ability to generate movement and control the ball makes him a challenging proposition for batsmen. His economical bowling and knack for capturing crucial wickets in the middle overs make him an invaluable asset in T20 cricket.
8. Shaheen Afridi:
Shaheen Afridi’s skill set makes him an exciting prospect for the IPL. His left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball provide a constant threat to batsmen, enabling him to create diverse angles and trouble opponents. Shaheen’s proficiency in taking wickets underlines his potential as a match-winner. His accuracy in line and length allows him to maintain pressure and restrict scoring opportunities.
9. Haris Rauf:
Haris Rauf, with his raw pace and exceptional ability to bowl yorkers, has the potential to be a devastating force in the IPL. His aggressive bowling style adds an element of unpredictability, making him a daunting prospect for batsmen. Even the most experienced players would struggle against his lightning-fast deliveries and ability to generate bounce.
10. Mohammad Rizwan:
Mohammad Rizwan is an exceptional Pakistani cricketer who could shine in the Indian Premier League. A skilled wicket-keeper-batsman, Rizwan has demonstrated his ability to build innings and finish matches in international cricket. His performances in the Big Bash League and other T20 tournaments have showcased his talent and potential to thrive in the IPL.
Although Pakistani players currently aren’t part of the IPL, imagining their presence brings excitement and anticipation for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. These ten players represent a glimpse of the incredible talent Pakistan has to offer.
With less than 100 days remaining for the ICC World Cup 2023, Imam-ul-Haq, a prominent player in Pakistan’s top-order, has expressed confidence in his team’s chances of success, particularly in the highly anticipated match against India in India. Imam revealed that he and Pakistan captain Babar Azam had discussed the idea of playing in India back in 2010.
Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to officially confirm Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming World Cup, recent developments indicate that the Men in Green will travel to India without any objections. The players have already commenced their preparations for the tournament.
Imam-ul-Haq, who is considered a key player for Pakistan, emphasized the significance of playing against India in India and the desire to achieve something extraordinary in that contest. He recalled the conversations he had with Babar Azam about their aspirations before 2010.
“We discussed the idea of playing against India in India and accomplishing something special back in 2010. We have a competitive and well-balanced side that has successfully chased down 350+ runs in Pakistan and South Africa. Winning the World Cup in India would be a great achievement,” Imam-ul-Haq stated.
The ICC World Cup 2023 schedule has already been released, with the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash set to take place on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this thrilling encounter between the two cricketing rivals.
Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram expressed his confidence in the Pakistan team’s ability to win the ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place in India during October and November. Akram believes that the Men in Green possess a high-quality squad capable of securing their second ODI World Cup title.
Pakistan currently holds the second position in the latest ODI team rankings, making them one of the favorites for the tournament, especially considering their familiarity with subcontinental conditions. Additionally, Babar Azam, the top-ranked ODI batsman, adds further strength to the team.
In a conversation with the ICC, Wasim Akram stated that Pakistan’s chances of winning the trophy would depend on the fitness and form of their key players. “We have a good side… a very good one-day side and are led by one of the modern-day greats in Babar Azam,” said Wasim.
“As long as they stay fit and execute the game plan, they will have a chance of performing well in the World Cup because it will be played in our type of conditions on the subcontinent,” he added.
Wasim Akram emphasized that Babar Azam has the potential to elevate his game to new heights during the World Cup. The left-arm pacer mentioned that Babar’s presence attracts crowds to the stadiums.
“The entire country follows him and everything he does. He brings people to the stadiums, be it T20s, ODIs, or Test cricket. In my opinion, he possesses the most beautiful cover drive in the world,” he concluded.
Babar Azam was part of the Pakistan squad in the 2019 edition of the World Cup, where they failed to progress to the knockout stages. However, the right-handed batsman has exhibited consistency in his batting since then, scoring eight of his 18 ODI centuries in matches following the 2019 tournament.
Former Pakistan captain Saeed Ajmal has lavished praise on current captain Babar Azam. He stated that he wished for a batter like him in the team during his playing days because he could score runs patiently and give bowlers a slight advantage in defending the target.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam is regarded as one of the best cricketers in his country. The batter has accomplished a lot in his career, and with the way he’s going, some major records will be in jeopardy.
Babar Azam has excelled for Pakistan in all three formats, breaking numerous records in the process. The right-hander is widely regarded as Pakistan’s best batter, consistently scoring runs across all formats.
Babar is currently Pakistan’s backbone, inspiring many of the country’s young talents. His ability to withstand extreme pressure and smash runs for fun distinguishes him from other Pakistani batters. He recently broke Hashim Amla’s record for fastest to 5000 runs in one-day internationals, reaching the milestone in 97 runs.
Saeed Ajmal, one of Pakistan’s greatest players, stated that the team lacked a player like Babar Azam during his playing days and now requires 2-3 more batters like him to strengthen the team. In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, he stated:
“For as long as I played cricket, I always wished to have a batter like Babar Azam in the team that could stay on the crease and score runs patiently, so that bowlers can get a slight edge or at least something to defend, let alone bowl aggressively. However, at that time, our bowlers were pretty weak.
“Now when the batting is strong, bowling has been feeble lately. That is why earlier I mentioned that we need two or three more players like Babar Azam, which wasn’t meant to criticize anyone but only to imply that it will only strengthen the team.”
These days nothing is going well for Team India batsman Suryakumar Yadav. Surya was the victim of a golden duck in three consecutive innings in the three-match ODI International series against Australia just before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. His poor form continues in IPL 2023 as well. Surya is the number-1 batsman in the ICC T20 International batting rankings, but now his crown is also under threat. The gap between him and Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam has narrowed in the latest rankings.
Surya is the only Indian who is a part of the top-10 in the ICC T20 International Batting Rankings. The second best rank is of Virat Kohli, who is at number 15 with 612 rating points. Virat has not played any T20 International match since the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
Surya has 906 rating points, while Rizwan has 811 and Babar has 755 rating points.
While Surya is taking part in the IPL these days, Pakistan has to play a five-match T20 International series against New Zealand from April 14.
On the home ground, both Rizwan and Babar will have a chance to snatch Surya’s crown as the No.1 T20 batsman.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Nazam Sethi has made a shocking revelation. Sethi revealed that the interim selection committee, led by Shahid Afridi, wanted to strip Babar Azam from captaincy.
Afridi was appointed as the interim head of the Men’s National Selection Committee for the home series against New Zealand.
“We made an interim selection committee when we took charge. Before the selectors came on board, they told us that there will need to be some changes and Babar needs to be replaced as captain as well,” Sethi said on a YouTube channel.
PCB chairman Najam Sethi on Babar Azam's captaincy, about criticism on his captaincy from the likes of Waheed Khan, Abdul Majid Bhatti, Yahya Hussaini and Mirza Iqbal Baig. #PAKvNZ
“However, as soon as they were appointed, they said there is no need to replace Babar. I told them that you are entitled to change your mind,” he added.
Sethi said that Babar will remain captain as long as keeps winning games for Pakistan.
“As long as Babar is a successful batsman and a successful captain, he will remain captain. If you continue to lose series, people will start questioning your captaincy and other qualities,” he said.
Babar Azam came to see me today. I told him he will lead the ODI and T20I national team against New Zealand. And then @TheRealPCB announced the squads. So all those who were spreading fake fears are out of jobs today.
