General Cricket thread

[fatman17]

Resignations, Sackings And Surprise Appointments – Pakistan Cricket's Chaotic Week Explained

A string of PCB announcements over the last few days have completely overhauled the Pakistan men's team. Here's what it all means.

wisden.com

 

[Asian.Century]

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan to announce new coaches by end of April: report​

PCB has kept April 20 as the deadline for candidates applying for assistant coach positions.

 

[AbdulQadir7]

In today's thrilling encounter at the Adelaide Oval, Pakistan decisively defeated Australia by 9 wickets in the second ODI of their three-match series. This victory levels the series at 1-1, following Australia's narrow win in the first ODI. The match was marked by outstanding performances from both the bowlers and batsmen, showcasing Pakistan's resilience and skill.

Match Summary​

Australia Innings​

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first but struggled against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. They were bowled out for a mere 163 runs in just 35 overs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their batting performance:

Player	Runs	Balls	Fours	Sixes	Dismissal Method
Matthew Short	38	42	4	0	Bowled
Steven Smith	28	40	2	0	Caught
Josh Inglis (wk)	14	25	1	0	Caught
Marnus Labuschagne	15	22	1	0	Caught
Glenn Maxwell	11	18	1	0	Bowled
Aaron Hardie	10	12	1	0	Caught
Pat Cummins (c)	5	8	0	0	Bowled
Mitchell Starc	3	5	0	0	Caught
Josh Hazlewood	3	4	0	0	Bowled
Jake Fraser-McGurk	13	22	1	0	Caught

• Total: 163 all out in 35 overs
• Top Scorer: Matthew Short (38 runs)

Pakistan Bowling Performance​

The Pakistani bowlers were exceptional, with Haris Rauf leading the charge. Here are the key bowling figures:

Bowler	Overs	Runs Conceded	Wickets
Haris Rauf	8	29	5
Shaheen Afridi	7	34	3
Naseem Shah	7	26	2
Mohammad Hasnain	6	49	0

Haris Rauf’s impressive performance included taking crucial wickets that dismantled the Australian middle order, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Pakistan Innings​

Chasing a target of 164 runs, Pakistan made quick work of the Australian total, finishing at **169 for the loss of just one wicket in 26.3 overs. Here’s how their batting unfolded:

Player	Runs	Balls	Fours	Sixes
Saim Ayub	82	70	5	6
Abdullah Shafique	64	69	7	1
Babar Azam (c)	12 (not out)	10	2	1

• Total: 169/1 in 26.3 overs
• Top Scorer: Saim Ayub (82 runs)

Conclusion​

This match not only highlights Pakistan's ability to bounce back after their defeat in the first ODI but also marks an important milestone as they secured their first ODI victory against Australia at the Adelaide Oval since 1996. The emphatic win by nine wickets showcases their potential and sets up an exciting decider in Perth for the final ODI of the series. As both teams prepare for this crucial match, fans can expect another thrilling contest between these two cricketing nations.

 

[sidkhan2]

In today's thrilling encounter at the Adelaide Oval, Pakistan decisively defeated Australia by 9 wickets in the second ODI of their three-match series. This victory levels the series at 1-1, following Australia's narrow win in the first ODI. The match was marked by outstanding performances from both the bowlers and batsmen, showcasing Pakistan's resilience and skill.

Match Summary​

Australia Innings​

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first but struggled against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. They were bowled out for a mere 163 runs in just 35 overs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their batting performance:

Player	Runs	Balls	Fours	Sixes	Dismissal Method
Matthew Short	38	42	4	0	Bowled
Steven Smith	28	40	2	0	Caught
Josh Inglis (wk)	14	25	1	0	Caught
Marnus Labuschagne	15	22	1	0	Caught
Glenn Maxwell	11	18	1	0	Bowled
Aaron Hardie	10	12	1	0	Caught
Pat Cummins (c)	5	8	0	0	Bowled
Mitchell Starc	3	5	0	0	Caught
Josh Hazlewood	3	4	0	0	Bowled
Jake Fraser-McGurk	13	22	1	0	Caught

• Total: 163 all out in 35 overs
• Top Scorer: Matthew Short (38 runs)

Pakistan Bowling Performance​

The Pakistani bowlers were exceptional, with Haris Rauf leading the charge. Here are the key bowling figures:

Bowler	Overs	Runs Conceded	Wickets
Haris Rauf	8	29	5
Shaheen Afridi	7	34	3
Naseem Shah	7	26	2
Mohammad Hasnain	6	49	0

Haris Rauf’s impressive performance included taking crucial wickets that dismantled the Australian middle order, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Pakistan Innings​

Chasing a target of 164 runs, Pakistan made quick work of the Australian total, finishing at **169 for the loss of just one wicket in 26.3 overs. Here’s how their batting unfolded:

Player	Runs	Balls	Fours	Sixes
Saim Ayub	82	70	5	6
Abdullah Shafique	64	69	7	1
Babar Azam (c)	12 (not out)	10	2	1

• Total: 169/1 in 26.3 overs
• Top Scorer: Saim Ayub (82 runs)

Conclusion​

This match not only highlights Pakistan's ability to bounce back after their defeat in the first ODI but also marks an important milestone as they secured their first ODI victory against Australia at the Adelaide Oval since 1996. The emphatic win by nine wickets showcases their potential and sets up an exciting decider in Perth for the final ODI of the series. As both teams prepare for this crucial match, fans can expect another thrilling contest between these two cricketing nations.

View attachment 1033976

Pakistan hit 10 sixes in the 2nd ODI in Australia - no ODI team
has hit more sixes in an ODI in Australia against Australia.

 

[sidkhan2]

The recent visit of Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)summit has sparked discussions about the contrasting treatment of diplomatic and sporting relations between India and Pakistan. While Jaishankar's visit signifies a cautious step towards engagement, the Indian cricket team's absence from Pakistan highlights ongoing tensions and perceived safety concerns.

Key Points:​

• Jaishankar's Visit: S. Jaishankar made headlines as the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade, attending the SCO summit in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024. His presence at this multilateral event was described as a significant moment in regional diplomacy, especially considering the historically strained relations between the two countries since their independence in 1947.
• Diplomatic Engagement vs. Cricketing Relations: The visit underscores a willingness to engage diplomatically, yet it contrasts sharply with the reluctance to resume cricketing ties. The Indian cricket team has not toured Pakistan for matches in several years due to security concerns and political tensions, leading to frustration among fans and players alike.
• Safety Concerns: The Indian government has often cited security risks as a primary reason for not sending its cricket team to Pakistan. In contrast, Jaishankar's visit was conducted under heightened security measures, indicating that diplomatic engagements can occur even in tense environments.
• Public Sentiment: The disparity between diplomatic visits and sporting ties has led to accusations of hypocrisy. Critics argue that if it is safe enough for high-ranking officials like Jaishankar to visit Pakistan, then it should also be safe for the Indian cricket team to play there.
• Future of Relations: Observers have noted that while Jaishankar's visit may pave the way for improved dialogue, significant hurdles remain. The lack of formal bilateral discussions during the SCO summit suggests that substantial progress on contentious issues such as Kashmir and cross-border terrorism is still a long way off.

Conclusion​

The juxtaposition of Jaishankar's diplomatic engagement with the ongoing suspension of cricketing ties reflects the complexities of India-Pakistan relations. While there are signs of potential thawing in diplomatic interactions, the reluctance to resume sporting ties indicates that deep-rooted issues continue to hinder comprehensive normalization. As both nations navigate these challenges, the hope remains that increased dialogue could eventually lead to a more stable and cooperative relationship, both on and off the field.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1854840407026286636

 

[Akbar26]

The recent visit of Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)summit has sparked discussions about the contrasting treatment of diplomatic and sporting relations between India and Pakistan. While Jaishankar's visit signifies a cautious step towards engagement, the Indian cricket team's absence from Pakistan highlights ongoing tensions and perceived safety concerns.

Key Points:​

• Jaishankar's Visit: S. Jaishankar made headlines as the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade, attending the SCO summit in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024. His presence at this multilateral event was described as a significant moment in regional diplomacy, especially considering the historically strained relations between the two countries since their independence in 1947.
• Diplomatic Engagement vs. Cricketing Relations: The visit underscores a willingness to engage diplomatically, yet it contrasts sharply with the reluctance to resume cricketing ties. The Indian cricket team has not toured Pakistan for matches in several years due to security concerns and political tensions, leading to frustration among fans and players alike.
• Safety Concerns: The Indian government has often cited security risks as a primary reason for not sending its cricket team to Pakistan. In contrast, Jaishankar's visit was conducted under heightened security measures, indicating that diplomatic engagements can occur even in tense environments.
• Public Sentiment: The disparity between diplomatic visits and sporting ties has led to accusations of hypocrisy. Critics argue that if it is safe enough for high-ranking officials like Jaishankar to visit Pakistan, then it should also be safe for the Indian cricket team to play there.
• Future of Relations: Observers have noted that while Jaishankar's visit may pave the way for improved dialogue, significant hurdles remain. The lack of formal bilateral discussions during the SCO summit suggests that substantial progress on contentious issues such as Kashmir and cross-border terrorism is still a long way off.

Conclusion​

The juxtaposition of Jaishankar's diplomatic engagement with the ongoing suspension of cricketing ties reflects the complexities of India-Pakistan relations. While there are signs of potential thawing in diplomatic interactions, the reluctance to resume sporting ties indicates that deep-rooted issues continue to hinder comprehensive normalization. As both nations navigate these challenges, the hope remains that increased dialogue could eventually lead to a more stable and cooperative relationship, both on and off the field.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1854840407026286636

View attachment 1034006

The Pakistani government is considering a strong response after the ICC informed the
PCB that India may not participate in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy if hosted in Pakistan.

 

[AbdulQadir7]

The recent visit of Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)summit has sparked discussions about the contrasting treatment of diplomatic and sporting relations between India and Pakistan. While Jaishankar's visit signifies a cautious step towards engagement, the Indian cricket team's absence from Pakistan highlights ongoing tensions and perceived safety concerns.

Key Points:​

• Jaishankar's Visit: S. Jaishankar made headlines as the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade, attending the SCO summit in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024. His presence at this multilateral event was described as a significant moment in regional diplomacy, especially considering the historically strained relations between the two countries since their independence in 1947.
• Diplomatic Engagement vs. Cricketing Relations: The visit underscores a willingness to engage diplomatically, yet it contrasts sharply with the reluctance to resume cricketing ties. The Indian cricket team has not toured Pakistan for matches in several years due to security concerns and political tensions, leading to frustration among fans and players alike.
• Safety Concerns: The Indian government has often cited security risks as a primary reason for not sending its cricket team to Pakistan. In contrast, Jaishankar's visit was conducted under heightened security measures, indicating that diplomatic engagements can occur even in tense environments.
• Public Sentiment: The disparity between diplomatic visits and sporting ties has led to accusations of hypocrisy. Critics argue that if it is safe enough for high-ranking officials like Jaishankar to visit Pakistan, then it should also be safe for the Indian cricket team to play there.
• Future of Relations: Observers have noted that while Jaishankar's visit may pave the way for improved dialogue, significant hurdles remain. The lack of formal bilateral discussions during the SCO summit suggests that substantial progress on contentious issues such as Kashmir and cross-border terrorism is still a long way off.

Conclusion​

The juxtaposition of Jaishankar's diplomatic engagement with the ongoing suspension of cricketing ties reflects the complexities of India-Pakistan relations. While there are signs of potential thawing in diplomatic interactions, the reluctance to resume sporting ties indicates that deep-rooted issues continue to hinder comprehensive normalization. As both nations navigate these challenges, the hope remains that increased dialogue could eventually lead to a more stable and cooperative relationship, both on and off the field.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1854840407026286636

View attachment 1034006

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly stated that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be hosted entirely in Pakistan, regardless of whether India participates. This declaration comes in the wake of India's refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan due to ongoing security concerns and political tensions.

Background​

The ICC Champions Trophy is a prestigious tournament that features top cricketing nations, and its upcoming edition is particularly significant as it marks the first major ICC event hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. However, relations between India and Pakistan have been strained since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, leading to a cessation of bilateral series and limiting encounters to ICC tournaments.

Current Situation​

On November 10, 2024, the PCB confirmed that it received an email from the International Cricket Council (ICC) indicating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had officially communicated its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan would not entertain a hybrid model, which would involve hosting some matches in a neutral venue, such as Dubai, while others take place in Pakistan. Instead, he reiterated that all matches should occur within Pakistan's borders.

PCB's Position​

The PCB is actively seeking guidance from the Pakistani government regarding how to proceed in light of India's refusal. Reports suggest that the PCB is considering alternative formats for the tournament, including a "minus-India" model, which would allow them to host the event without India's participation. The board is reportedly in discussions with other cricket boards to garner support for this approach.A source from the PCB indicated that they are prepared to put pressure on the ICC to ensure that the tournament remains in Pakistan. The PCB aims to uphold its hosting rights and showcase its ability to organize international events despite the absence of India.

Implications for International Cricket​

The refusal of India to participate poses significant challenges for the tournament's viability. Historically, matches between India and Pakistan draw massive viewership and generate substantial revenue. The absence of India could diminish the overall appeal of the Champions Trophy and impact financial returns for both the PCB and the ICC.As tensions continue between the two cricketing nations, it remains uncertain how this standoff will resolve. The ICC may need to consider relocating the tournament if an agreement cannot be reached, potentially moving it to a neutral venue where all teams can compete without travel restrictions.

 

[Akbar26]

The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and India has historically been intense, with Pakistan often holding an edge in international matches. Here’s a breakdown of their head-to-head records in various formats:

• Total Internationals: Pakistan leads with 88 wins to India’s 75.
• One Day Internationals (ODIs): Pakistan has won 73 times, compared to India’s 57.
• Test Matches: Pakistan also leads with 12 wins to India’s 9.

When looking at matches hosted in Pakistan:

• Total Internationals in Pakistan: Pakistan has won 21 games, while India has won 13.
• ODIs in Pakistan: Pakistan leads 14 to India’s 11.
• Tests in Pakistan: Pakistan has won 7 matches, and India 2.

In matches hosted in India:

• Total Internationals in India: Pakistan leads with 25 wins to India’s 21.
• ODIs in India: Pakistan has a significant advantage with 19 wins compared to India’s 12.

These statistics highlight Pakistan’s competitive edge across different formats and venues, reinforcing why the rivalry remains so intense.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1855986336462733467

 

[AbdulQadir7]

The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and India has historically been intense, with Pakistan often holding an edge in international matches. Here’s a breakdown of their head-to-head records in various formats:

• Total Internationals: Pakistan leads with 88 wins to India’s 75.
• One Day Internationals (ODIs): Pakistan has won 73 times, compared to India’s 57.
• Test Matches: Pakistan also leads with 12 wins to India’s 9.

When looking at matches hosted in Pakistan:

• Total Internationals in Pakistan: Pakistan has won 21 games, while India has won 13.
• ODIs in Pakistan: Pakistan leads 14 to India’s 11.
• Tests in Pakistan: Pakistan has won 7 matches, and India 2.

In matches hosted in India:

• Total Internationals in India: Pakistan leads with 25 wins to India’s 21.
• ODIs in India: Pakistan has a significant advantage with 19 wins compared to India’s 12.

These statistics highlight Pakistan’s competitive edge across different formats and venues, reinforcing why the rivalry remains so intense.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1855986336462733467

Vikrant Gupta, a prominent Indian sports journalist, recently addressed the ongoing debate regarding India's reluctance to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Gupta challenged the claims of security concerns, urging that if the Indian authorities believe there is a genuine threat, they should prove the allegations with clear evidence. He argued that these concerns have been used as a justification for avoiding Pakistan as a host for international events, but without concrete proof, such accusations remain unsubstantiated.

Gupta’s statement calls for transparency and accountability from both the Indian cricket board and the government, demanding proof of security threats rather than relying on vague assertions. This is part of the broader conversation surrounding India’s participation in international cricket tournaments hosted in Pakistan, a matter that has been contentious for years due to political tensions between the two countries.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1855937025326936070

 

[sidkhan2]

The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and India has historically been intense, with Pakistan often holding an edge in international matches. Here’s a breakdown of their head-to-head records in various formats:

• Total Internationals: Pakistan leads with 88 wins to India’s 75.
• One Day Internationals (ODIs): Pakistan has won 73 times, compared to India’s 57.
• Test Matches: Pakistan also leads with 12 wins to India’s 9.

When looking at matches hosted in Pakistan:

• Total Internationals in Pakistan: Pakistan has won 21 games, while India has won 13.
• ODIs in Pakistan: Pakistan leads 14 to India’s 11.
• Tests in Pakistan: Pakistan has won 7 matches, and India 2.

In matches hosted in India:

• Total Internationals in India: Pakistan leads with 25 wins to India’s 21.
• ODIs in India: Pakistan has a significant advantage with 19 wins compared to India’s 12.

These statistics highlight Pakistan’s competitive edge across different formats and venues, reinforcing why the rivalry remains so intense.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1855986336462733467

This video highlights one of the reasons speculated by fans for India's reluctance to play against Pakistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Intense rivalries and pressure surrounding Indo-Pak cricket matches have historically led to high-stakes games with passionate fan engagement. The video suggests that past encounters and Pakistan’s competitive performances contribute to this dynamic, adding to the ongoing debate among fans about the challenges and excitement these matches bring.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1856708546500452582

 

[AbdulQadir7]

Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the No. 1 ODI bowler in the world, as announced by the ICC on November 13, 2024. This ranking comes after his outstanding performances during the recent ODI series against Australia, where he took eight wickets at an impressive average of 12.62.

Highlights of Shaheen Afridi's Achievement:​

• Dominant Performance: Afridi's exceptional bowling in the series helped Pakistan secure a historic triumph over Australia, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
• Ranking Details: He jumped three places to reclaim the top position, overtaking South Africa's Keshav Maharaj, who dropped to third. Afghanistan's Rashid Khan holds the second spot in the rankings.
• Previous Rankings: This is not the first time Afridi has held the No. 1 position; he previously achieved this ranking during last year's ICC Men's ODI World Cup in India.

Impact on Pakistan Cricket:​

• Top Rankings: With Afridi at the top of the bowling rankings and former captain Babar Azam leading the batting charts, Pakistan currently boasts the top-ranked players in both categories.
• Team Momentum: This achievement adds to Pakistan's momentum as they prepare for upcoming international competitions, including the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025.

Fans and cricket enthusiasts are celebrating this achievement, recognizing it as a significant milestone in Afridi's career and a testament to his talent and hard work on the field. His rise to the top reflects not only his individual skill but also contributes to Pakistan's growing reputation in international cricket.