India, for all their internal debates and external expectations, look like the one side that has clarity of purpose. And clarity, in high-pressure tournaments, often counts for more than raw talent.
The 61-year-old former first-class cricketer on Tuesday said his son's journey to become the No. 1 T20I batter began when a young Abhishek would insist on batting with his father's kit, trouble his mother, and rope in his two sisters for late-night practice sessions.
'Pakistan can beat any team on any given day'
'It is typical of China's strategic deception of making virtue out of necessity,' observes Rup Narayan Das.
Shaheen Afridi also missed the last two Tests against England in October.
The Pakistan cricket team left for Dubai for the marquee Champions Trophy clash against arch-rivals India without opener Fakhar Zaman, who suffered an injury during the opening match against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. The left-handed batter has been replaced by Imam-ul-Haq in Pakistan's squad.
Reports about homes of some senior players being attacked by mobs have also deepened the crisis
Pakistan and Bangladesh will face off in a dead rubber match in the Champions Trophy on Thursday, both teams looking to salvage some pride after disappointing tournament performances. Both teams have suffered heavy defeats to New Zealand.
'As players, you need to stay calm, try and block that noise out, and just play with the same intensity as you would play Australia or any other team.'
While India are on a high after a measured six-wicket win over a sprightly Bangladesh, Pakistan are evidently tense after the 60-run loss in the tournament-opener to New Zealand.
Seniors Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are set to make a comeback to Pakistan's ODI team for the tour of South Africa.
According to sources aware of developments in the Board, a few players are contemplating if they should travel to New Zealand.
Shoaib Akhtar didn't pull any punches as he blasted Pakistan's 'brainless and clueless' team management following the six-wicket loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Indian captain Virat Kohli arrived two hours early for practice ahead of the crucial Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan, focusing on his struggles against spin bowling.
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has criticized Babar Azam for focusing on personal milestones over team success, expressing concerns about Pakistan's preparations ahead of their crucial Champions Trophy clash against India. He believes Pakistan's recent struggles, including a disappointing Tri-Nation Series campaign and a 1-1 draw against the West Indies in a home Test series, point to a lack of readiness for the India encounter.
Legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara has picked his 'GOATs' (Greatest Of All Time) in cricket, placing Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah among three other legends of the sport.
Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi wants PCB to adopt a firm stance on cricketing ties with India.
On Tuesday, the 6' 6" Pakistan fast bowlers was bowled over yet again by Ansha Afridi, whose dad Shahid played some cricket in his day :)
Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has come out in defence of his son-in-law Shaheen Shah Afridi following speculation that the tall pace bowler was going to be removed as the national T20 captain.
New Zealand clinched the tri-nation title by beating hosts Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Karachi on Friday to give them a major boost ahead of next week's Champions Trophy.
Babar Azam provided 73 in 95 deliveries with the visitors profiting from some sloppy South African fielding as they dropped numerous catches and were not accurate enough with the ball.
The leggie and the tearaway have both taken 10 wickets and could bring Pakistan their first World Cup title in 30 years.
Shaheen Afridi lauded Haris Rauf not only for his impressive bowling but also for his significant contribution to enhancing Pakistan's fielding performance.
A look at some of India's best victories over Pakistan in ICC tournaments.
India vice-captain Shubman Gill dethroned Pakistan's Babar Azam from the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI Rankings for batters on the back of his strong showing against England in the recent home series.
'The ruling elite are supporting those attacking the people of Gaza.' 'As a nation we should not cooperate with the oppressor regime that is allowing mass starvation as a weapon of war.'
White-ball specialist Rauf will return to Pakistan colours after incurring the wrath of the nation's cricket board for opting out of the ongoing three-Test series against Australia.
Mark Waugh names his top-five for T20 World Cup.
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Pakistan coach Mohammad Hafeez revealed that Shaheen Shah Afridi approached him with a request to take a break from the recently-concluded third and final Test against Australia.
Pakistan have made four changes to the side for the second Test against England after resting senior cricketers including former captain Babar Azam from the rest of the series.
Lahore Qalandars took to Twitter and shared the pictures from Shaheen's wedding ceremony.
Shaheen and fellow quick Naseem Shah led the way, picking up three wickets apiece during a showcase of swing and pace, which accounted for Jake Fraser-McGurk (seven) and Aaron Hardie (12) in the first powerplay.
However, it is his superb deliveries to Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul that are being talked about after Pakistan's victory and he was deservingly awarded the Player of the Match.
The Bangladesh series will be the first stint for former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie as Pakistan's red-ball head coach.
Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam have been dropped from the T20 squad for the upcoming five-match series in New Zealand.
Fast bowler Gus Atkinson and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith will make their red-ball debuts for England in the first of the three-match home series
The world No 1 Pakistan will take on India as the two arch rivals meet at Pallekele in a Group A encounter.
They are afraid of grass pitches: Basit Ali's surprising take on Pakistan batters ahead of England Test series
Australia clinched a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Pakistan in Hobart, powered by a blistering unbeaten 61 off 27 balls from Marcus Stoinis on Monday.
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