"MS Dhoni Still Playing IPL, Are They Mad?" Ex-Pakistan Star Cites India Great's Example To Criticise PCB's Selection Policy

26.09.2022 - 15:27 sports.ndtv.com

The Pakistan cricket team had a disappointing night when they lost against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2022 final on September 11.

The Babar Azam-led side, who were one of the top contenders to lift the Asia Cup trophy, fell short of 23 runs. Following the Asia Cup, Pakistan in currently squaring off against England in a seven-match T20I series, at their home ground.

Apart from this, Pakistan Cricket Board also announced their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia, featuring big names like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem but it did not consist the name of veteran batter Shoaib Malik.

However, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal lashed out at PCB over their selection policy and slammed coaches for partiality while choosing the domestic teams. "I have been talking for the last four to five years about liking and disliking in the team.

cricket India Cricket Team 2022 Ramiz Raja Asia Cup Shaheen Shah Afridi Australia India Sri Lanka Pakistan

Pakistan ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is gearing up for the T20 World Cup in Australia. The pacer had sustained an injury and thus missed the 2022 Asia Cup before also missing out on the seven-match home T20I series against England that his side won 4-3. Afridi's last appearance for Pakistan came in July this year but his presence in the T20 mega event will definitely boost the morale of the team. Pakistan's former pacer Mohammad Sami feels that the team was lacking a "strike bowler" in the absence of Shaheen.

PCB Appoints Dedicated Physiotherapist For Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman: Report

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed a dedicated physiotherapist to look after fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and batter Fakhar Zaman during the T20 World Cup in Australia. A PCB source confirmed that due to the nature of the knee injuries suffered by Afridi and Fakhar, the board asked Dr Javed Akhtar Mughal, a London-based physiotherapist, to join the players.

Pakistan brings Fakhar Zaman into T20 World Cup squad

Pakistan included top-order batter Fakhar Zaman in their 15-man squad for the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia on Friday, replacing spinner Usman Qadir after he suffered a thumb injury.

"Pakistan Are Not Very Good...": Ex-India Star On How To Tackle Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are currently two of the best T20 batters in the world. The opening combine's performance is crucial to Pakistan's chances at the T20 World Cup. So, when Pakistan face India in their opening game of the marquee event in Melbourne, all eyes will be on the duo. Former India allrounder Irfan spoke on how the Indian bowlers should face the likes of Babar and Rizwan in the much-anticipated clash.

"Don't Look To Survive": Gautam Gambhir To Team India On Facing Shaheen Afridi

India start their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign against Pakistan in Melbourne on October 23. While India have been dented with injuries to top players, Pakistan have been bolstered by the return of Shaheen Afridi, who was out for a lengthy duration due to injury and subsequent rehabilitation. The left-arm pacer has often proved quite a handful for the Indian top-order in the past. While his match fitness will be assessed in the coming days, if he gets fit in time for the India game, he might prove to be a tricky customer.

"Plays Like MS Dhoni But...": Saeed Ajmal Criticises Pakistan Star Citing Ex-India Captain's Example

As the 2022 T20 World Cup approaches, there is a clear trend that is visible in the Pakistan cricket team's performance. The side is increasingly looking over-reliant on openers Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan. The same was visible in Tuesday's tri-nation series match against New Zealand in which Pakistan lost by nine wickets. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan fell on low scores and Pakistan could manage only 130/7 in 20 overs. The middle order could not leave an impact. Shan Masood (14), Shadab Khan (8), Iftikhar Ahmed (27) and Haider Ali (8) failed to strike big.