News for 'Babar'

Babar returns to domestic cricket after Test struggles

Babar returns to domestic cricket after Test struggles

Rediff.com6 days ago

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to play domestic first-class cricket for OGDCL in the President's Trophy to address his prolonged dip in Test form. Azam has struggled to score centuries since December 2022 and has faced criticism for his inability to convert starts, prompting him to seek PCB's help to participate in the longer format domestically.

'Were you there to sell chickpeas?' Akram slams Babar Azam's captaincy in England Tests

'Were you there to sell chickpeas?' Akram slams Babar Azam's captaincy in England Tests

Rediff.com1 days ago

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has strongly criticised current skipper Babar Azam following Pakistan's disastrous Test series against England. Akram questioned Babar's awareness of team changes and suggested he should not have taken on the captaincy again, especially after the team's poor performance and subsequent sanctions.

Shoaib Akhtar criticises Babar Azam's 'weak' leadership during England Test tour

Shoaib Akhtar criticises Babar Azam's 'weak' leadership during England Test tour

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has heavily criticised captain Babar Azam for his 'weak' leadership during the ongoing Test series against England, where Pakistan is trailing 0-2, stating that Azam's personality is reflected in his struggling captaincy and decision-making.

Paksitan Captain Babar Azam Returns To First-Class Cricket After England Tour Debacle

Paksitan Captain Babar Azam Returns To First-Class Cricket After England Tour Debacle

Rediff.com5 days ago

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam is set to play his first domestic first-class match since 2019, a move that follows the Pakistan Cricket Board's controversial decision to send back seven players and sack coaches after the recent Test tour of England.

Babar Azam's Return Could Reshape Pakistan's Test Fortunes

Babar Azam's Return Could Reshape Pakistan's Test Fortunes

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is expected to return for the second Test against England at Lord's after recovering from a finger injury. His potential comeback offers a significant boost to the team, which suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test, as England leads the three-match series 1-0.

Babar Azam admits why Pakistan collapsed at Lord's

Babar Azam admits why Pakistan collapsed at Lord's

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam attributed his team's 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord's primarily to their batting failures in both innings, despite winning the toss and opting to bowl first.

'You'll see a different Pakistan side': Babar's warning to England

'You'll see a different Pakistan side': Babar's warning to England

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has declared himself 90 percent fit and available for the second Test against England at Lord's, aiming to lead a rejuvenated side after their innings defeat in the first match. He emphasised the need for senior players, including himself, to take responsibility and hinted at potential changes if performance doesn't improve.

Babar Azam defends selection calls as PCB shake-up sends Pakistan cricket into crisis

Babar Azam defends selection calls as PCB shake-up sends Pakistan cricket into crisis

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Babar Azam said Pakistan's sweeping squad changes came as a surprise, defended the team's selection decisions, urged a fearless approach at Edgbaston, while the PCB launched disciplinary inquiry.

Pakistan hit by fresh blow as Babar Azam battles fever amid major team shake-Up

Pakistan hit by fresh blow as Babar Azam battles fever amid major team shake-Up

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Babar Azam's fever adds to Pakistan's mounting troubles before the Edgbaston Test, with the PCB overhauling the squad and coaching staff after England secured an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Babar Azam suffers injury scare ahead of England Tests

Babar Azam suffers injury scare ahead of England Tests

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam sustained a hand injury during a warm-up match, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming three-match Test series against England, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.

Babar Azam's absence hits Pakistan ahead of England Test; Salman gets captaincy call

Babar Azam's absence hits Pakistan ahead of England Test; Salman gets captaincy call

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Pakistan captain Babar Azam will miss this week's first test in against England after injuring his right hand during a warm-up match and Salman Ali Agha will deputise, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said on Tuesday.

Muhammad Yousuf calls Pakistan coaches 'poison' as technical flaws haunt Babar and Co

Muhammad Yousuf calls Pakistan coaches 'poison' as technical flaws haunt Babar and Co

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Muhammad Yousuf branded Pakistan's coaches "poison for the game", blaming their lack of vision for neglected batting flaws that worsened over years and contributed to the team's decline.

'They photoshopped my face': Pathan on fake Babar story

'They photoshopped my face': Pathan on fake Babar story

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan shared his experiences with online trolling and fake news, recounting a specific incident where a photoshopped image led to a false story about him being refused an interview by Pakistani batter Babar Azam. Pathan emphasised his approach of not responding to such fabrications, stating that constant engagement would make life unmanageable.

Shafique's century, Babar's fluent 85 put Pakistan in command

Shafique's century, Babar's fluent 85 put Pakistan in command

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Abdullah Shafique scored an unbeaten hundred and captain Babar Azam neared a century, forging a crucial 168-run partnership to put Pakistan in a commanding position against West Indies on Day 2 of the second Test.

Babar powers Pakistan to series-levelling win against Windies

Babar powers Pakistan to series-levelling win against Windies

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan successfully chased down a target of 75 runs on Day 4 to level their two-Test series against West Indies 1-1, with captain Babar Azam sealing the victory with two sixes despite an injury scare.

Babar reveals what went wrong for Pakistan vs West Indies

Babar reveals what went wrong for Pakistan vs West Indies

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Pakistan captain Babar Azam confirmed that Shan Masood fractured his finger during the first ICC World Test Championship match against the West Indies, contributing to Pakistan's 90-run defeat. The injury forced Masood to bat at No. 8, and Babar highlighted the team's top-order batting failures and lack of partnerships. West Indies' Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul.

Babar Azam Back As Pakistan's Test Captain!

Babar Azam Back As Pakistan's Test Captain!

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Babar Azam has returned to lead Pakistan's Test cricket team after Shan Masood was axed from the role.

Babar Azam reappointed as Test captain for long-term stability: PCB

Babar Azam reappointed as Test captain for long-term stability: PCB

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Senior PCB selector Aaqib Javed has revealed that Shan Masood's leadership and game management issues led to Babar Azam's reinstatement as Pakistan's Test captain. The PCB plans to give Babar a long-term run, backing him for two to three years to bring stability ahead of challenging tours to the West Indies and England.

Edgbaston Test: Debutant Razaullah blasts 81 to stretch England's wait

Edgbaston Test: Debutant Razaullah blasts 81 to stretch England's wait

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Pakistan's lower order staged a spirited late fightback, with debutant Razaullah smashing 81 and sharing a 121-run stand with Abbas to frustrate England before dismissal.

Babar hints at Pakistan captaincy comeback

Babar hints at Pakistan captaincy comeback

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Babar Azam has indicated he would consider accepting the Pakistan captaincy again if the opportunity arises, emphasising that his decisions are always driven by the best interests of Pakistan cricket. He is currently focused on the Pakistan Super League final.

Babar returns as Pakistan name ODI squad for Australia series

Babar returns as Pakistan name ODI squad for Australia series

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Babar Azam returns to Pakistan's ODI squad for the Australia series, while Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the side in the three-match contest beginning May 30.

Edgbaston Test: Pakistan get another Tongue lashing as England dominate

Edgbaston Test: Pakistan get another Tongue lashing as England dominate

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Pakistan were bowled out for 133 as England's bowlers tore through their batting lineup in the third Test at Edgbaston.

Axed Pakistan Players Summoned For Charles Meet

Axed Pakistan Players Summoned For Charles Meet

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Pakistan's axed players were summoned to attend a meeting with King Charles amid PCB fears over a low turnout.

Babar Azam to return to Pakistan squad for second Bangladesh Test

Babar Azam to return to Pakistan squad for second Bangladesh Test

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Babar Azam, Pakistan's key batter, is likely to play in the second Test against Bangladesh after missing the first match due to a knee injury. His return is anticipated to strengthen Pakistan's batting lineup after their loss in the first Test.

Babar Azam Likely To Replace Shan Masood As Pakistan's Test Captain

Babar Azam Likely To Replace Shan Masood As Pakistan's Test Captain

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Pakistan is reportedly considering replacing Shan Masood with Babar Azam as Test captain following a heavy defeat to Bangladesh. The Pakistan Cricket Board is under pressure to reinstate Azam.

'World Is Laughing At Pakistan'

'World Is Laughing At Pakistan'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'There is no harm in sending young players to show the world that Pakistan cricket still has talent.'

Quinton de Kock Equals Virat Kohli, David Warner's Record With 10th T20 Century

Quinton de Kock Equals Virat Kohli, David Warner's Record With 10th T20 Century

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

South African batter Quinton de Kock has reached a significant milestone in T20 cricket, scoring his 10th century and joining an elite group of players including Virat Kohli and David Warner. This achievement places him among the top century-getters in the format, further solidifying his status as a prolific T20 batter.

'This Pakistan Team Looks Dispirited'

'This Pakistan Team Looks Dispirited'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Former England cricketer Michael Atherton has sharply criticised Pakistan's batting performance in the final Test against England, highlighting their "woefully low confidence" and "dispirited" state. The team was skittled out for just 133 runs, failing to cross 200 even once in the series, with key players like Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique struggling. Atherton attributes this decline partly to the controversial decision to send home seven players and two coaches. Despite the batting struggles, young pacer Razaullah offered a glimmer of hope with an impressive bowling display.

Women's T20 Asia Cup: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan, set up final date with India

Women's T20 Asia Cup: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan, set up final date with India

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

India will play defending champions Sri Lanka in the Women's Asia Cup final on Sunday. Sri Lanka secured their spot by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling semifinal, chasing down 131 with a strong recovery after early wickets. India, having a dominant run, aims for a record eighth title, while Sri Lanka seeks to defend their maiden title won against India in the previous edition.

Dressing room leaks: Pakistan's Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq to miss domestic tournament

Dressing room leaks: Pakistan's Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq to miss domestic tournament

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Senior Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq will miss the upcoming domestic first-class tournament. While the official reason cites missed fitness tests, sources indicate they are under investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for alleged dressing-room leaks, leading to their exclusion from domestic matches.

Pakistan Cricket Board Faces Backlash Over Drastic Mid-Series Changes

Pakistan Cricket Board Faces Backlash Over Drastic Mid-Series Changes

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board has come under fire from former players after sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, and sending back seven players, including national T20 captain Salman Ali Agha, in the middle of their Test series against England. The drastic changes followed Pakistan's heavy defeats in the first two Tests, prompting widespread condemnation for the timing and impact on team morale and stability.

Pakistan star Muhammad Rizwan approaches ICC over corruption probe

Pakistan star Muhammad Rizwan approaches ICC over corruption probe

Rediff.com3 days ago

Former Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan has contacted the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit for clarification on procedures related to corruption investigations, as he faces questioning by Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over alleged links to illegal betting and gambling sites. This development follows the confiscation and forensic examination of his mobile phone, alongside Imam-ul-Haq's, during a recent tour, highlighting concerns about the PCB's compliance with ICC anti-corruption protocols and Pakistan cricket's history with such scandals.

PSL 2026: Angry Babar Azam slams Kohli comparison

PSL 2026: Angry Babar Azam slams Kohli comparison

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Babar Azam snapped at a reporter during a post-match press conference after Peshawar Zalmi's win, expressing his frustration with constant comparisons to Virat Kohli and defending his ability to finish matches.

Robinson achieves best bowling average since WWI, reaches 100 Test wickets

Robinson achieves best bowling average since WWI, reaches 100 Test wickets

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Ollie Robinson reached 100 Test wickets in just 24 matches and now boasts the best bowling average among 100-wicket bowlers since World War I.

'The world is laughing harder now': Khawaja mocks Aaqib Javed

'The world is laughing harder now': Khawaja mocks Aaqib Javed

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board's director of high performance, Aaqib Javed, over his comments regarding the team's major shake-up during the Test series against England.

Wasim Akram Says Pakistan Cricket Problems Are 'Deep Rooted'

Wasim Akram Says Pakistan Cricket Problems Are 'Deep Rooted'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Wasim Akram explains why Pakistan continues to struggle, highlighting problems in batting, bowling, fielding and the domestic first-class structure.

2nd Test: Abbas' four-fer puts Pakistan in command as England battle to 248-9 on Day 1

2nd Test: Abbas' four-fer puts Pakistan in command as England battle to 248-9 on Day 1

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Mohammad Abbas claimed four wickets as Pakistan controlled much of the opening day at Lord's, but England recovered through Cox, Smith and Atkinson to reach 248-9.

'Have We Produced One?': Akram's Sooryavanshi Dig

'Have We Produced One?': Akram's Sooryavanshi Dig

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Pakistan fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram has voiced his disappointment over the state of the country's cricket, particularly in Test matches. He attributes the team's struggles to a significant lack of quality batting talent emerging in recent years, despite the Pakistan Super League's existence. Akram also highlighted the need to revive club cricket and maintain consistency in team selections.

Pakistan end 8-match away losing streak, beat West Indies to draw series

Pakistan end 8-match away losing streak, beat West Indies to draw series

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Pakistan secured their first away Test win in three years, defeating West Indies by eight wickets in Port of Spain to level the series 1-1 and end an eight-match losing streak away from home.

England Whitewash Pakistan For First Series Win In 19 Months

England Whitewash Pakistan For First Series Win In 19 Months

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Joe Root's unbeaten 62 guided England to a dominant eight-wicket victory in the third Test against Pakistan, securing a 3-0 series whitewash despite early batting jitters. This marks England's first series win in 19 months.