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Toss Crucial, Babar Azam Emphasizes Captaincy Not Hinging on India Win Pakistan's cricket captain, Babar Azam, has highlighted the critical importance of the toss in the upcoming high-stakes encounter against India as part of the ICC World Cup 2023. In a pre-match press conference, he acknowledged that the toss has played a significant role in shaping the outcomes of matches thus far in the tournament. Babar Azam stressed the key impact of the toss, particularly in day-night matches where dew on the pitch can affect the game. He mentioned, "Considering all the matches that have taken place so far, toss has been vital. Under the lights, the pitch behaves really well. There was dew as well last night. We will also ask the umpires about whether they will spray the outfield for dew." This emphasis on the toss underlines its crucial role in the game's dynamics. Responding to questions about the immense pressure associated with captaining Pakistan against India, Babar ...

Mushtaq Ahmed Unveils Why Babar Azam May Leave Field in High-Stress Situations Former Pakistan cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed has offered insights into how Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, might approach high-stress situations during the upcoming World Cup matches. Mushtaq Ahmed drew from his experience with the England team, where they advised former captain Alastair Cook to temporarily leave the field and engage in discussions with the management when facing challenging phases of a game. Mushtaq explained, "When I was working with the England team, we told Alastair Cook that whenever he is in a tight spot he should come off the field and talk to the management about how he feels and the game plan. The discussion with the coaching staff helped change the course of matches on many occasions, both in Test and ODI cricket, when Cook again went back on the field." This tactic of seeking clarity and perspective has proven effective in critical moments. Expressing his opinion on how B...

Shaheen Afridi Promises Selfies Following Five-Wicket Haul Against India The Pakistan cricket team's rigorous training session in Ahmedabad has stirred up anticipation for their upcoming clash against arch-rivals India in the 2023 World Cup. Scheduled for October 14th at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this high-stakes match has drawn significant attention. As the team gears up for this intense showdown, a group of ten players, including prominent figures like Babar Azam and Shadab Khan, actively participated in fielding practice.  Of notable significance was an intensive bowling session led by the team's bowling coach, Morne Morkel. The focus was directed towards refining the skills of spinners such as Shadab Khan and Mohammed Nawaz. Specific lengths and spin challenges were meticulously addressed, with Morkel closely monitoring the spinners' deliveries behind the stumps, complemented by strategically placed mats. Amidst this spirited practice, left-arm pacer Shahe...

  Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's formidable left-arm pacer, has encountered a dip in his performance during the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023. Some former cricketers have raised concerns about his form, suspecting a possible injury that might be affecting his bowling speed. However, official team sources have provided clarity on the matter, affirming that Shaheen is indeed fully fit and prepared to deliver his signature, match-winning performances, especially in the much-anticipated match against India. During a fielding episode in an Asia Cup match against India in Colombo, Shaheen experienced pressure on his finger, resulting in some swelling. However, the good news is that there is no lingering pain or discomfort, and he is ready to take the field. Shaheen Afridi='s traditional strength lies in his ability to take wickets in the initial overs of the game. As he regains his form and the early wickets start coming, any concerns about his reduced speed are expected to dissi...

Dinesh Karthik Unveils Crucial Matchup Moment for India-Pakistan Clash  The much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup is a topic of keen interest, and former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has shed light on a pivotal matchup to watch out for in this high-stakes encounter. In a recent discussion with Cricbuzz, Karthik emphasized the significance of a specific duel that could set the tone for this highly awaited cricket battle. Karthik highlighted the marquee showdown between Shaheen Shah Afridi and the prolific centurion, Rohit Sharma. Describing this confrontation as "mouthwatering," he underlined its importance as the initial battle that could influence the overall game. Furthermore, Karthik delved into the technical aspects of the game, particularly focusing on Shaheen Afridi's performance. He noted that the Pakistan pacer has yet to find his desired rhythm and late swing, emphasizing the critical role of the release point in achieving the...

  ICC Content with Pakistan's Clarification of Rizwan's Tweet, No Further Action Taken Muhammad Rizwan's reference to Palestine in a recent tweet sparked controversy, particularly in the Indian media. Concerns were raised, with expectations that the International Cricket Council (ICC) might take action against Rizwan. However, the situation took a different turn as the team management stepped in to address these concerns. Sources revealed that the ICC engaged in discussions with the management regarding Rizwan's tweet, and during these discussions, it was clarified that the tweet did not carry any political connotations. Rizwan's tweet simply involved dedicating his Man of the Match award to the Palestinians, without making any additional political statements. The ICC found this explanation satisfactory, leading to the decision not to request the deletion of Rizwan's tweet. Sources further highlighted that there isn't a complete ban on social media use for t...

PCB Announces Team Management for Pakistan U19 Series Against Sri Lanka The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the team management for the Pakistan U19 squad, gearing up for a home series against Sri Lanka U19. This exciting cricket series is scheduled to take place in Karachi, commencing on the 15th of October. The series will feature a solitary four-day match, followed by a set of five 50-over matches, promising an action-packed cricketing spectacle. Heading the six-member team management is former international cricketer Shahid Anwar. With one international appearance in the national kit, Shahid brings valuable cricketing experience to the role. His solitary international appearance was in an ODI against England back in 1996. In the years that followed, Shahid Anwar has assumed various coaching roles at the domestic level, further enriching his cricketing expertise. The Pakistan U19 squad is set to gather at the team hotel, with training sessions scheduled to take...

  Potential Absence of Shubman Gill in Crucial Pakistan vs. India World Cup 2023 Match Indian cricketer Shubman Gill's participation in the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash in the 2023 World Cup hangs in the balance due to a concerning drop in his platelet count, falling below 1,00,000 per microliter. While not an alarming sign for dengue, it is below the normal range. Gill, a 24-year-old batter, was admitted to the hospital for observation but has since returned to his hotel for rest and recovery. Gill's absence became evident as he did not travel to Delhi for the upcoming match against Afghanistan. With just a two-day gap between that fixture and the high-profile clash against Pakistan in Ahmedabad, it is anticipated that he will be sidelined for an extended period. Gill has chosen to remain in Chennai for treatment, as advised by the medical team, to avoid unnecessary travel. Although it seems unlikely that Gill will feature in the game against Pakistan, he is res...

  September Nominees for ICC Men's Player of the Month Revealed In the race for the ICC Men's Player of the Month Award for September 2023, the shortlist features two standout India stars and a consistent England batter, each showcasing their exceptional skills on the cricketing stage. Shubman Gill (India)- The rising star of Indian cricket left a remarkable imprint in the month of September. Gill's stellar performance included amassing a total of 480 ODI runs at an impressive average of 80. His contributions were pivotal in India's Asia Cup victory, where he notched up two half-centuries and an impressive century against Bangladesh. This remarkable form continued into the ODI series against Australia, where the right-hander displayed his prowess by scoring an excellent 74 in the opening match and surpassing that with a stunning 104 in the next game in Indore. Mohammed Siraj (India)- Another Indian cricket sensation, Mohammed Siraj, delivered standout performances duri...

Cricket Set for Exciting Olympic Return in 2028 Los Angeles Games Cricket, a sport with immense global popularity, is on the cusp of making a triumphant return to the Olympic stage. It had made a brief appearance back in the 1900 Games, and now, organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are keen to include cricket, along with flag football, lacrosse, squash, and the duo of baseball and softball, in their Games program. This exciting development has garnered media attention, with reports indicating the organizers' strong recommendations for these additions. The final decision rests with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and a session set for Mumbai later this month will likely play a pivotal role in this decision-making process. The anticipation for cricket's return to the Olympics is palpable, especially considering the sport's enormous global appeal. While cricket had a brief stint in the 1900 Games, its resurgence is fueled by the remarkable success of women...

  Kohli and Rahul Shine as India Triumphs Over Australia at ICC Cricket World Cup India launched their home ICC Cricket World Cup campaign with an impressive six-wicket victory over Australia, guided by the stellar performances of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. This thrilling match showcased India's prowess as they successfully chased down a challenging target. India, known for their formidable spin-heavy attack, displayed their mettle as they restricted the five-time champion Australia to a modest 199 runs in the ODI match. However, their run chase got off to a rocky start, with three of their top four batters falling for ducks within the first two overs, an unprecedented occurrence in an ODI. Despite the early setbacks, Virat Kohli, who was dropped on 12 by Mitchell Marsh off Josh Hazlewood, showcased his class and determination by crafting a brilliant innings of 85 runs. He partnered with KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten with a stellar 97 not out, to form a game-changing 165-run fourt...

  BCCI Expands Ticket Availability for High-Stakes India vs. Pakistan Match Amid Terror Threat In light of the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup on October 14, concerns have arisen due to a recent terrorist threat. The BCCI has confirmed the release of 14,000 tickets to eager fans for this thrilling encounter. However, the security of Narendra Modi Stadium is now a top priority following a terrorist threat received by Indian police. The threat, communicated via email by a terrorist group, demanded an extortion of INR 5 billion and the release of incarcerated gangster Ravi Bishnoi. Traced back to Europe by the Mumbai police, authorities are taking this threat very seriously. Plans are underway to reassess and enhance security measures for the World Cup games, should it be deemed necessary. Pakistan's cricket team, led by Babar Azam, will be traveling to Ahmedabad from Hyderabad, where they are...

BCCI Addresses Reports of New Saffron Kit for India-Pakistan Match The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has responded to rumors surrounding the Indian cricket team's attire for their upcoming World Cup match against Pakistan on October 14. Speculations arose due to India's use of a Dutch Orange training kit, but any change in the match kit color would require approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC), typically only mandated in cases of color clashes. BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar dismissed these claims and confirmed that the team will continue to wear the blue kit they used in their match against Australia. "We categorically dismiss the media reports that Team India will be donning an alternative match kit against Pakistan. These reports are absolutely baseless and a work of someone’s imagination. The Men in Blue will sport India colours – Blue at ICC Cricket World Cup 2023,” Shelar said. In the 2019 World Cup, a home and away jersey concept was imp...

Babar Azam's Indian Fan Embarks on Epic Journey to Witness Him in Action A 15-year-old cricket enthusiast from Bhopal, India, gained significant attention for her unwavering support of the Pakistan cricket team, especially its captain, Babar Azam, during their World Cup opening match against the Netherlands in Hyderabad. Alisha, accompanied by her mother, embarked on a journey from Bhopal to Hyderabad to witness the Men in Green's performance. She expressed her deep admiration for Babar Azam, revealing that her fandom for the Pakistani skipper had spanned four years. The teenager shared her journey of creating a fan page dedicated to Babar Azam on social media, although she had to deactivate it temporarily to focus on her studies. Alisha clarified her feelings, stating that while she is an Indian and holds immense love for Indian cricketers like Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, she also harbors the same level of affection for Babar Azam. She hopes for improved relations between th...

World Cup 2023: Fakhar Zaman's Expected Inclusion in Pakistan's Lineup for Sri Lanka Match Former Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur is confident about Pakistan's chances against Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023 match in Hyderabad. Having previously coached Sri Lanka, Arthur is well aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and he mentioned that plans are in place to tackle them effectively. He acknowledged Sri Lanka as a dangerous side and emphasized the need for Pakistan to perform at their best to secure a victory. Pakistan started their World Cup campaign with a win over the Netherlands in Hyderabad. Despite a shaky start with the top-order batsmen struggling, Pakistan managed to post a challenging total of 286, thanks to impressive half-centuries by Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. They followed it up by bowling out the Netherlands for 205 in 41 overs. Arthur admitted that while it wasn't a flawless performance, they did enough to secure the win, with key players ...

  Dale Steyn Applauds Hassan Ali's Key Role in Pakistan's World Cup 2023 Opener In a thrilling match during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in Hyderabad, Pakistan secured a significant victory over the Netherlands, thanks in large part to the exceptional performance of Hassan Ali. Former South African fast bowler, Dale Steyn, showered praise on Hassan Ali for his remarkable contributions to Pakistan's success. Speaking in a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, Steyn emphasized the importance of Hassan Ali's role, especially considering his relatively infrequent use of the new ball in recent times. The change in the opening bowling unit presented a challenge, but Hassan Ali effectively showcased his cricketing prowess, focusing on his line and length. "Hassan Ali hasn't been in charge of the new ball for a while now. Losing your usual fast bowling unit at the start of the innings can be disruptive. However, he came in and executed a splendid job," S...

Celebrating History: Babar Azam and Pakistan Team Shine in ICC World Cup 2023 in India In a captivating showdown at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in India, Pakistan clinched a significant 81-run victory against the Netherlands in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. This remarkable win showcased Pakistan's formidable cricketing prowess as they defended their impressive total of 287, limiting the Netherlands to 205. What makes this victory even more special is that it signifies Pakistan's first-ever triumph on Indian soil during a World Cup tournament. Under the leadership of Babar Azam, the Pakistan team has etched their names into the annals of cricketing history with this remarkable achievement. It's worth noting that in the previous three World Cups held in India in 1987, 1996, and 2011, Pakistan had not managed to secure a victory. This latest win reflects a significant turning point for Pakistan in the World Cup 2023, setting the stage for what promises t...

  Bangladesh Clinches Thrilling Victory Over Pakistan in Asian Games Cricket Bronze Medal Match In a rain-shortened bronze medal match at the Asian Games, Bangladesh pulled off a dramatic victory against Pakistan on Saturday. The match took place at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field, where persistent rain initially delayed the start. Pakistan lost the toss and was sent in to bat when the drizzle eased, managing to score 48-1 off five overs before the weather halted play. Mirza Baig top-scored for Pakistan with an unbeaten 32. Following the rain interruption, the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method came into play, setting a revised target of 65 runs for Bangladesh to win off their five overs. The Bangladesh team faced a tense situation with four wickets down, needing 20 runs off the final over bowled by wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem. Yasir Ali played a crucial role with his aggressive batting, contributing 38 runs and smashing two big sixes. However, he was ...

  Hafeez Reveals Saud Shakeel's Unexpected Inclusion in Pakistan's World Cup Squad Pakistan kicked off their World Cup 2023 campaign with a significant 81-run victory over the Netherlands in a thrilling contest. The Men in Green showcased their cricketing prowess, posting a competitive total of 286 runs in 49 overs. Notable contributions came from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, both of whom displayed their batting skills with identical scores of 68 runs. While the win was characterized by some as "scratchy" rather than entirely convincing, it was Saud Shakeel's pivotal role that drew special praise. Hafeez, a seasoned cricketer and a key figure in the Pakistan team, commended Shakeel for his solid technique and gritty innings. He emphasized that Shakeel deserves significant credit for his composed performance under pressure, rescuing Pakistan's innings when they found themselves in a challenging position after losing three early wickets. Hafeez further high...

Sachin Tendulkar Reveals His Predictions for the Top Four Teams in ICC World Cup 2023 Former Indian cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, recently shared his insightful predictions for the semi-finalists in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Tendulkar, a cricketing icon, made his predictions during a special event where he ceremoniously brought the coveted World Cup trophy onto the pitch. In a surprising twist, Tendulkar's predictions did not include Pakistan in the list of expected semi-finalists, despite their rankings. Instead, he highlighted four formidable teams that he believes will make a significant impact in the tournament. Tendulkar expressed his optimism about the Indian cricket team's prospects, hoping to see them replicate their historic 2011 performance on home soil. He emphasized that if the team maintains its focus on the basics and continues to play consistent and smart cricket, they have the potential to go far in the competition. Additionally, Tendulkar placed his b...

Afghanistan Beats Pakistan, Advances to Cricket Final Against India at Asian Games In a historic turn of events, Afghanistan etched their name in the annals of the ongoing Asian Games cricket competition by advancing to the finals. They achieved this remarkable feat by defeating their neighboring rivals, Pakistan, with a four-wicket victory in the thrilling semi-final match held on Friday. The Afghan team, led by Naib and company, is now set to face India in the Gold Medal match scheduled for October 7 (Saturday). Opting to field first after winning the toss, Afghanistan's bowlers showcased their prowess by restricting Pakistan to a mere 115 runs in 18 overs. Fareed Ahmad emerged as the star performer with the ball, claiming an impressive 3/15. He was ably supported by Qais Ahmad (2/11), Zahir Khan (2/20), Karim Janat (1/12), and Gulbadin Naib (1/29), all of whom chipped in with crucial wickets. This brilliant bowling display saw Afghanistan bundle out Pakistan for the first time i...

Shubman Gill's World Cup Participation in Doubt for Clash Against Australia India's star batsman, Shubman Gill, may be sidelined for their crucial World Cup opener against five-time champions Australia due to an unspecified illness. Gill, who has been in sensational form in one-day internationals this year, amassing 1,230 runs from 20 matches at an impressive average of 72.35, is currently under close medical observation. A spokesperson from the India cricket board revealed that Gill is "under the weather," and the medical team is closely monitoring his condition. The exact nature of his illness was not disclosed, and further updates from the medical team are awaited. As India prepares to kickstart their World Cup campaign, the uncertainty surrounding Gill's availability for the match in Chennai against Australia looms large. Fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the press conference scheduled for later to gather more information about Gill's condition. G...

Razzaq's World Cup Semi-Final Predictions; Amir's Advice for Shaheen Afridi Renowned former England cricketer and commentator, Michael Atherton, has made a bold prediction for the upcoming World Cup 2023 clash between India and Pakistan. Despite India's unbeaten record against Pakistan in all seven previous World Cup encounters, Atherton anticipates a significant twist in this year's tournament. The high-stakes showdown between India and Pakistan is scheduled for October 14 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Atherton envisions a packed stadium and an electrifying atmosphere, setting the stage for what could be a historic match. Expressing his prediction on Sky Sports, Atherton stated, "As my bold prediction, I'm saying that for the first time in a 50-over World Cup, Pakistan will beat India. They have won zero out of seven over the years. It's going to be the biggest game of the tournament, unless they meet again in a semi-final or, could you...

Michael Atherton Predicts Pakistan's Victory Over India in World Cup Showdown Renowned former England cricketer and commentator, Michael Atherton, has made a bold prediction for the upcoming World Cup 2023 clash between India and Pakistan. Despite India's unbeaten record against Pakistan in all seven previous World Cup encounters, Atherton anticipates a significant twist in this year's tournament. The high-stakes showdown between India and Pakistan is scheduled for October 14 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Atherton envisions a packed stadium and an electrifying atmosphere, setting the stage for what could be a historic match. Expressing his prediction on Sky Sports, Atherton stated, "As my bold prediction, I'm saying that for the first time in a 50-over World Cup, Pakistan will beat India. They have won zero out of seven over the years. It's going to be the biggest game of the tournament, unless they meet again in a semi-final or, could you i...

  Netherlands Cautious of Shaheen Afridi's Bowling Threat in World Cup Clash Netherlands all-rounder Bas de Leede is well aware of the challenge they face in their opening World Cup match against Pakistan, primarily in dealing with star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. While the Dutch team has done their homework to counter Shaheen, they hope to perform better against him than they did against Australia's Mitchell Starc, who took a hat-trick in a rained-off warm-up match. De Leede expressed the team's focus on Shaheen's threat, emphasizing their preparation and analysis. Facing Shaheen, who missed Pakistan's ODI series against them last year due to injury, will be a new experience for the Dutch team. The left-arm swing of Shaheen Afridi and the pace of Haris Rauf pose a unique challenge for the Netherlands. De Leede acknowledged that Starc's performance made them cautious, and they aim to handle Shaheen better in their World Cup encounter. Naseem Shah, the third...

  New Zealand Dominates World Cup Opener, Defeats England by Nine Wickets In a sensational start to the World Cup 2023, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra displayed outstanding batting performances to lead New Zealand to an emphatic nine-wicket victory over defending champions England. The Kiwis, who opted to bowl first at Ahmedabad's massive cricket stadium, restricted England to 282-9, with Joe Root contributing 77. Conway (152) and Ravindra (123), both left-handed batsmen, then formed an unbeaten partnership of 273 for the second wicket, steering the Black Caps to a comfortable win with 13.4 overs to spare. This result stood in contrast to the thrilling World Cup final in 2019, when England clinched victory over New Zealand based on a boundary count-back. Conway's remarkable century came off just 83 balls, featuring 13 fours and two sixes. He not only outperformed his previous best of 138 but also reached 1,000 runs in 23 ODI matches. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Ravindra swiftl...

Wasim Akram Raises Concerns Regarding Fakhar Zaman's Performance Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has voiced concerns over the prolonged struggle with form faced by Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman over the past month and a half. Akram, speaking on a local news channel, noted that he closely observed Zaman's performance during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023, where the left-handed opener consistently faced difficulties. "Fakhar Zaman has been grappling with poor form for the past month and a half. He also faced challenges during his stint in the LPL," Akram commented. Akram emphasized the need for Fakhar Zaman to dedicate time to refining his cricketing technique and focusing on the fundamentals to regain his lost form. Furthermore, he stressed the significance of returning to the basics and spending quality time in the middle, middling the ball before attempting extravagant shots. "When you find yourself out of form, the path to improvement lies in working d...

Mohammad Amir Identifies Four Worthy Players Excluded from Pakistan's 15-Member World Cup Squad Pakistan is gearing up to start their World Cup 2023 campaign with a match against the Netherlands in Hyderabad, scheduled for October. Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this exciting tournament. Former cricketer Mohammad Amir has made his opinions clear about Pakistan's World Cup squad, identifying four notable players whom he believes should have been included. In an interview on a local TV channel, Amir expressed his belief that both all-rounder Imad Wasim and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed deserved spots in the squad. "Imad Wasim and Sarfaraz Ahmed should have been part of the squad," emphasized Amir, shedding light on the valuable skills they could bring to the team. Amir also voiced his opinion that fast bowler Zaman Khan and the mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed should have been part of the initial 15-member squad, rather than traveling as reserves. He explained the ...