Full-strength Pakistan's fiery pace attack take on depleted NZ in T20 series
Pakistan will be the overwhelming favourites when they host an understrength New Zealand for a 10-match white-ball series that begins this week.
Babar Azam Sport News
Suryakumar Yadav Continues To Lead ICC T20 Batter Rankings
He might be going through a lean patch in the ongoing Indian Premier League but Suryakumar Yadav continued to top the ICC Men's T20I Batter Rankings released on Wednesday. Suryakumar is leading the chart with 906 rating points ahead of Pakistan duo of Mohammed Rizwan (811 points) and skipper Babar Azam (755), South Africa's Aiden Markram (748) and Devon Conway of New Zealand (745). Virat Kohli remained static at the 15th spot.
Shahid Afridi-Led Panel Wanted Babar Azam "To Be Replaced As Captain": Najam Sethi
The chairman of PCB management committee, Najam Sethi, has revealed that Shahid Afridi-led interim selection panel initially wanted to replace Babar Azam as captain. However, he added that as soon as the panel members took their role, they changed their mind. PCB went through a series of changes in December last year. It included the sacking of the then chairman Ramiz Raja from his role with Najam Sethi taking over the duties later. Meanwhile, the PCB also appointed Shahid Afridi as the chaiman of the National Selection Committee for the home series against New Zealand.
"Keep Your Personal Agendas Aside": Fuming Kamran Akmal Tells Babar Azam
Veteran Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal isn't happy with the treatment his brother Umar Akmal has been getting from the Pakistan Cricket Board. Unhappy to see his brother being 'unfairly' snubbed, Akmal lashed out at Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, suggesting he should keep his 'personal agendas' aside and put the national team first. Akmal further accused Babar of putting his preferences on top priority when it comes to national selection especially with regards to the fact that Umar is being overlooked for the ODI team.
After Kane Williamson Gets Ruled Out Of ODI World Cup, Babar Azam's Heartwarming Post
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the upcoming ODI World Cup in India after rupturing a knee ligament during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 game betweem Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. Williamson, who was roped in by GT during the mini auction last year, needs surgery after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while fielding during the IPL 2023 opener. Reacting to the news of Williamson's injury, Pakistan captain Babar Azam put out a heartwarming post for his Kiwi counterpart.
Shubman Gill Attains Career-Best ODI Ranking, 2 Other Indian Greats In Top 10
India opener Shubman Gill has climbed a spot to career-best fourth position among batters in the latest ICC ODI Player Rankings released on Wednesday. Apart from Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma too features in the top 10. While Kohli also moved a spot to seventh, Rohit remained static at eighth in the list led by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. Pacer Mohammed Siraj continues to be the only Indian bowler in the top 10 as he held on to his number three spot, behind Australian quick Josh Hazlewood and New Zealand's Trent Boult.
Pacer Afridi returns to Pakistan squad for New Zealand white-ball series
Shaheen Afridi has been named in Pakistan's squad for their Twenty20 and one-day international series against New Zealand, the country's cricket board (PCB) said on Tuesday, with the fast bowler having recovered from a knee injury.
Watch: 6,6,6,6,4,6 - Pakistan Star Usama Mir Slams 34 Runs In One Over
Usama Mir is a young player who is slowly making his name for the Pakistan cricket team and as a part of the Multan Sultans franchise, the spinner had a decent season in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He has played three ODIs for Pakistan till now and he made a solid case for himself as he produced a brilliant effort with the bat. During the ongoing Ghani Ramzan Tourney 2023, Mir slammed 34 runs in an over with the help of one four and five massive sixes. It was pure carnage from the cricketer as he looked in form against the bowling and slammed 66 off just 20 deliveries in the yearly competition.