1 hr. ago
'T20 players included for Tests': Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik slam Pakistan selectors over squad selection amid chaos in England tour originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Shahid Afridi criticised PCB for including T20 specialists in Pakistan's Test squad ahead of the Edgbaston decider.
Afridi also questioned the decision to sack head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed after just five Test matches in charge.
Seven players were released overall, with only two experienced additions among the new faces brought into the squad.
Shoaib Malik labelled PCB's decision 'ridiculous'.
#afridi #Cricket #players
Shahid Afridi criticised PCB for including T20 specialists in Pakistan's Test squad ahead of the Edgbaston decider.
Afridi also questioned the decision to sack head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed after just five Test matches in charge.
Seven players were released overall, with only two experienced additions among the new faces brought into the squad.
Shoaib Malik labelled PCB's decision 'ridiculous'.
#afridi #Cricket #players
17 days ago
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes he could have taken 400 Test wickets if he had played under Imran Khan's leadership earlier in his career.
Shoaib took 178 wickets in 46 Tests during his international career, which ended during the 2011 World Cup in India amid reported differences with then Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. He also took 247 wickets in 163 ODIs and 21 wickets in 15 T20Is.
Speaking on a Geo TV show, Shoaib pointed to his first-class record, where he took more than 400 wickets, and said playing under Imran could have helped him develop further as a Test bowler.
"If I had played earlier under the fiery leadership of Imran Khan I would have learnt a lot and I would have taken 400 wickets in Test cricket," said the 51-year-old, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Shoaib made his Test debut against the West Indies in Rawalpindi, his hometown. At the time, Pakistan captain Wasim Akram had reservations about giving the young fast bowler his debut, believing it was not the right time.
The relationship between Akram and Shoaib remained complicated during their careers, with both having moments of admiration and disagreements.
The two also formed part of Pakistan's bowling attack during some notable performances, including the 1999 tour of India and the 1999 World Cup in England. Pakistan finished runners-up to Australia in the final at Lord's.
Shoaib also spoke about the physical toll of his career, which lasted from 1997 to 2011.
He recalled the routine he followed to stay fit and recover from injuries, including problems with his knees.
"I had to wake up three hours before everyone else. I had to cycle first, then go to the gym. My knees would get jammed and lock up.
"I would have fluid drained from them, apply medication, and ice them," said the 51-year-old.
133249043
#Pakistan
Shoaib took 178 wickets in 46 Tests during his international career, which ended during the 2011 World Cup in India amid reported differences with then Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. He also took 247 wickets in 163 ODIs and 21 wickets in 15 T20Is.
Speaking on a Geo TV show, Shoaib pointed to his first-class record, where he took more than 400 wickets, and said playing under Imran could have helped him develop further as a Test bowler.
"If I had played earlier under the fiery leadership of Imran Khan I would have learnt a lot and I would have taken 400 wickets in Test cricket," said the 51-year-old, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Shoaib made his Test debut against the West Indies in Rawalpindi, his hometown. At the time, Pakistan captain Wasim Akram had reservations about giving the young fast bowler his debut, believing it was not the right time.
The relationship between Akram and Shoaib remained complicated during their careers, with both having moments of admiration and disagreements.
The two also formed part of Pakistan's bowling attack during some notable performances, including the 1999 tour of India and the 1999 World Cup in England. Pakistan finished runners-up to Australia in the final at Lord's.
Shoaib also spoke about the physical toll of his career, which lasted from 1997 to 2011.
He recalled the routine he followed to stay fit and recover from injuries, including problems with his knees.
"I had to wake up three hours before everyone else. I had to cycle first, then go to the gym. My knees would get jammed and lock up.
"I would have fluid drained from them, apply medication, and ice them," said the 51-year-old.
133249043
#Pakistan
1 month ago
NEW DELHI: India's teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again captured the spotlight on Thursday — not just for rewriting cricket history, but also for the heartfelt celebration that followed his record-breaking half-century.
The 15-year-old produced a breathtaking innings against Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Harare, smashing a 50 off just 18 ******* to become the youngest player ever to score a fifty in men's international cricket.
Moments after reaching the milestone, Sooryavanshi broke into his now-famous 'A' celebration, forming the letter with his fingers before acknowledging the dressing room. The emotional gesture, which first went viral during IPL 2026, has now become synonymous with the young opener.
The left-hander's explosive knock featured four boundaries and four sixes, giving India a flying start in their chase of 126 after Zimbabwe were restricted to 125/7.
WATCH:
While the celebration sparked widespread curiosity during the IPL, Sooryavanshi had initially played down its significance, insisting he simply enjoyed trying different celebrations after reaching milestones.
"I don't know. I just do something new every match. I don't really plan it. There's no meaning behind it," he had said after one of his IPL knocks.
However, the real meaning behind the gesture later emerged in a behind-the-scenes Rajasthan Royals video.
Speaking to team manager Romi Bhinder, the youngster finally revealed that the 'A' is a tribute to his mother, Aarti.
"The celebration is for my mother. Her name starts with the letter 'A'," Sooryavanshi had revealed.
Since then, the celebration has become his trademark, and Thursday's emotional tribute carried even greater significance after he etched his name into the record books.
At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi eclipsed Nepal's Kushal Malla, who previously held the record after scoring his maiden international fifty at 15 years and 340 days.
The Indian opener also surpassed some of cricket's biggest names on the all-time list. Sachin Tendulkar scored his maiden international fifty at 16 years and 213 days in a Test against Pakistan in 1989, while Shahid Afridi reached the milestone at 16 years and 214 days during an ODI against Sri Lanka in 1996.
The innings also made Sooryavanshi the youngest player ever to register a 50-plus score in men's T20Is, comfortably bettering Gibraltar's Louis Bruce, who had held the previous T20I age record.
Already one of the biggest stories of IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has now carried that form onto the international stage.
#become
The 15-year-old produced a breathtaking innings against Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Harare, smashing a 50 off just 18 ******* to become the youngest player ever to score a fifty in men's international cricket.
Moments after reaching the milestone, Sooryavanshi broke into his now-famous 'A' celebration, forming the letter with his fingers before acknowledging the dressing room. The emotional gesture, which first went viral during IPL 2026, has now become synonymous with the young opener.
The left-hander's explosive knock featured four boundaries and four sixes, giving India a flying start in their chase of 126 after Zimbabwe were restricted to 125/7.
WATCH:
While the celebration sparked widespread curiosity during the IPL, Sooryavanshi had initially played down its significance, insisting he simply enjoyed trying different celebrations after reaching milestones.
"I don't know. I just do something new every match. I don't really plan it. There's no meaning behind it," he had said after one of his IPL knocks.
However, the real meaning behind the gesture later emerged in a behind-the-scenes Rajasthan Royals video.
Speaking to team manager Romi Bhinder, the youngster finally revealed that the 'A' is a tribute to his mother, Aarti.
"The celebration is for my mother. Her name starts with the letter 'A'," Sooryavanshi had revealed.
Since then, the celebration has become his trademark, and Thursday's emotional tribute carried even greater significance after he etched his name into the record books.
At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi eclipsed Nepal's Kushal Malla, who previously held the record after scoring his maiden international fifty at 15 years and 340 days.
The Indian opener also surpassed some of cricket's biggest names on the all-time list. Sachin Tendulkar scored his maiden international fifty at 16 years and 213 days in a Test against Pakistan in 1989, while Shahid Afridi reached the milestone at 16 years and 214 days during an ODI against Sri Lanka in 1996.
The innings also made Sooryavanshi the youngest player ever to register a 50-plus score in men's T20Is, comfortably bettering Gibraltar's Louis Bruce, who had held the previous T20I age record.
Already one of the biggest stories of IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has now carried that form onto the international stage.
#become
3 months ago
Pakistan overcame a stern challenge from Australia's spinners on a difficult surface to secure a four-wicket victory in the third and final ODI and seal the series 2-1 on Thursday, marking their third successive bilateral one-day series triumph over the world champions.
Chasing a modest target of 158 on a turning wicket in Lahore, Pakistan were made to work hard before reaching 161/6 in 41.5 overs. All-rounder Shadab Khan starred with an unbeaten 29 after earlier taking two wickets, while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 18 as the pair guided the hosts home with an unbroken stand after Pakistan had slipped to 112/6.
“It was a complete team effort throughout the series,” Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said after finishing with figures of 3-30. “The conditions were tough for the batters, but every run counted and all of our bowlers executed their plans well.”
Australia collapse despite Inglis resistance
Australia, who won the toss and opted to bat, were bowled out for 157 in 42 overs — their lowest ODI total in Pakistan. Josh Inglis fought a lone battle with a gritty 65 off 71 ******* and shared useful partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, but the visitors suffered another dramatic collapse.
After reaching a relatively comfortable position, Australia lost their last seven wickets for just 38 runs as Pakistan's pace and spin attack tightened the screws.
Haris Rauf triggered the slide by dismissing Carey before Afridi struck twice in one over with the old ball, removing Inglis and Cameron Green. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed claimed 2-19, while Shadab ended a run of five wicketless ODIs with figures of 2-28.
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Shadab and Samad finish the job
Pakistan's chase was also far from straightforward. Babar Azam top-scored with a patient 40 off 84 deliveries before left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who finished with 3-38, cleaned him up with a delivery that spun sharply to hit the off stump.
With Pakistan six down and the match finely balanced, Shadab and Samad showed remarkable composure on the abrasive surface. Australia failed to find another breakthrough and Shadab eventually sealed victory in style by smashing Adam Zampa to the long-on boundary.
“A bit like the first game, we were just too many runs short,” Australian captain Josh Inglis admitted after the defeat.
Chasing a modest target of 158 on a turning wicket in Lahore, Pakistan were made to work hard before reaching 161/6 in 41.5 overs. All-rounder Shadab Khan starred with an unbeaten 29 after earlier taking two wickets, while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 18 as the pair guided the hosts home with an unbroken stand after Pakistan had slipped to 112/6.
“It was a complete team effort throughout the series,” Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said after finishing with figures of 3-30. “The conditions were tough for the batters, but every run counted and all of our bowlers executed their plans well.”
Australia collapse despite Inglis resistance
Australia, who won the toss and opted to bat, were bowled out for 157 in 42 overs — their lowest ODI total in Pakistan. Josh Inglis fought a lone battle with a gritty 65 off 71 ******* and shared useful partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, but the visitors suffered another dramatic collapse.
After reaching a relatively comfortable position, Australia lost their last seven wickets for just 38 runs as Pakistan's pace and spin attack tightened the screws.
Haris Rauf triggered the slide by dismissing Carey before Afridi struck twice in one over with the old ball, removing Inglis and Cameron Green. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed claimed 2-19, while Shadab ended a run of five wicketless ODIs with figures of 2-28.
131524146
Shadab and Samad finish the job
Pakistan's chase was also far from straightforward. Babar Azam top-scored with a patient 40 off 84 deliveries before left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who finished with 3-38, cleaned him up with a delivery that spun sharply to hit the off stump.
With Pakistan six down and the match finely balanced, Shadab and Samad showed remarkable composure on the abrasive surface. Australia failed to find another breakthrough and Shadab eventually sealed victory in style by smashing Adam Zampa to the long-on boundary.
“A bit like the first game, we were just too many runs short,” Australian captain Josh Inglis admitted after the defeat.
3 months ago
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi added his name to a rare list on Tuesday after taking a wicket with the first ball of the second ODI against Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Opening the bowling for Pakistan, Shaheen dismissed Australia batter Alex Carey with the first delivery of the match. Carey was bowled, giving Pakistan an early breakthrough.
With that wicket, Shaheen became the third Pakistan captain to take a wicket with the first ball of an ODI, as per a News18 report.
The first Pakistan captain to achieve the feat was Wasim Akram, who dismissed Zimbabwe batter Andy Flower with the opening delivery of an ODI in Karachi on December 24, 1993.
Waqar Younis became the second Pakistan captain on the list when he removed England batter Marcus Trescothick with the first ball of an ODI at Headingley in Leeds on June 17, 2001.
Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan was the first player from the country to take a wicket with the opening ball of an ODI. He achieved the feat against India in Sharjah on March 22, 1985, when he dismissed Ravi Shastri with the first delivery of the match.
Imran went on to take five more wickets in that game and finished with figures of 6 for 14.
Shaheen is also now the third Pakistan bowler, after Wasim Akram and Mohammad Irfan, to take a wicket with the first ball of an ODI on more than one occasion.
He had previously achieved the milestone in April 2022 when he dismissed Australia's Travis Head with the opening delivery of an ODI.
Opening the bowling for Pakistan, Shaheen dismissed Australia batter Alex Carey with the first delivery of the match. Carey was bowled, giving Pakistan an early breakthrough.
With that wicket, Shaheen became the third Pakistan captain to take a wicket with the first ball of an ODI, as per a News18 report.
The first Pakistan captain to achieve the feat was Wasim Akram, who dismissed Zimbabwe batter Andy Flower with the opening delivery of an ODI in Karachi on December 24, 1993.
Waqar Younis became the second Pakistan captain on the list when he removed England batter Marcus Trescothick with the first ball of an ODI at Headingley in Leeds on June 17, 2001.
Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan was the first player from the country to take a wicket with the opening ball of an ODI. He achieved the feat against India in Sharjah on March 22, 1985, when he dismissed Ravi Shastri with the first delivery of the match.
Imran went on to take five more wickets in that game and finished with figures of 6 for 14.
Shaheen is also now the third Pakistan bowler, after Wasim Akram and Mohammad Irfan, to take a wicket with the first ball of an ODI on more than one occasion.
He had previously achieved the milestone in April 2022 when he dismissed Australia's Travis Head with the opening delivery of an ODI.
1 yr. ago
No country with any sense will allow this. Remember how US and EU banned all Russian business, blocked news outlets even confiscated Russians wealth. Here Afridi is not just a sportsman, he is a hate preacher against India. They are not us period.
