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WATCH: Wasim Akram furious over Pakistan players’ fitness after embarrassing loss to Afghanistan in 2023 ODI World Cup

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Wasim Akram & Babar Azam

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram has lashed out at the fitness of Pakistan players who suffered a humiliating defeat against Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Arriving as underdogs, Afghanistan have produced two of the biggest upsets in the history of the World Cup, with Pakistan becoming the second victim after England.

Babar Azam and Co. were annihilated by 8 wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, October 23. It was Pakistan’s third consecutive loss in the tournament and their qualification for the semi-finals is now in jeopardy. Moreover, the Men in Green succumbed to their first-ever defeat to Afghanistan in ODI cricket, a record that was shattered in their eighth meeting.

After electing to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 282/7 on the back of half-centuries from opener Abdullah Shafiq and captain Babar Azam. In a difficult batting, the target looked good enough to defend, but surprisingly, Afghanistan made a mockery of all such facts and Pakistan’s ‘deadly pace attack’.

Pakistan’s fielding blunders aid Afghanistan to an easy win

Afghan openers – Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65) and Ibrahim Zadran (87) – once again provided a solid platform with a 130-run partnership. Rahmat Sah (77) and skipper Hashmatulah Shahidi (48) did not fail to capitalise on the start as they together steered Afghanistan past the finish line for a famous win. Notably, Afghanistan also received a helping hand from their opponents with some blunders on the field.

“It’s embarrassing. Just 2 wickets, 280-290 is a big score. The pitch is wet or not wet. Fielding was… you look at the fitness levels. We have been discussing on this show that there has been no fitness test for the last 2 years. If I take the players’ individual names, they won’t like it. Lagta hai roz 8 kg karahi khatay Hain (It looks like they are eating 8 kg of mutton every day),” Akram told A Sports after the match.

“There should be tests. Professionally, you are playing for your country, you are being paid. I am with Misbah. When he was coach, he had that criteria, players hated him. But, it worked for the team. Fielding is all about fitness, and it shows on the field. Now we have come to a stage, where we will pray, do ifs and buts, wait for other teams to lose, then we can reach the semi-finals,” the former Pakistan quick added.

With this defeat, Pakistan slipped to fifth place in the points table while Afghanistan climbed from the bottom to sixth place. Babar and his team will next face South Africa at the same venue on Friday, October 27.

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Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket

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The NPL marks a milestone for Nepali cricket, bringing new opportunities and excitement to the sport!

The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.

This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.

The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.

As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.

In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.

The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.

Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.

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Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team

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Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team

Simon Katich has sharply criticized George Bailey’s decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the Australian team. Simon Katich believes this call was a poor decision, especially after McSweeney’s consistent performance. Bailey’s choice has sparked discussions about the selection process and the reasoning behind it.

McSweeney’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why a player with such promise was dropped. Katich, in particular, feels that Bailey’s decision to axe McSweeney is questionable, especially when compared to the struggles of other top-order batters. Both teams in the recent series have faced challenges with their top-order batting, but the Australian selectors decided to make this change.

Katich’s comments reflect growing concerns about the selection strategy and the impact of dropping McSweeney. He pointed out that many players have struggled with their form, yet McSweeney was chosen to be left out. This, Katich argues, highlights the inconsistency in the decision-making process.

Top-order batters in both teams have faced difficulties, with neither side managing to produce consistent runs. Despite these struggles, the decision to remove McSweeney has left fans and experts questioning the rationale behind the move. Some believe that dropping McSweeney might have been premature, given the form of other players.

Katich’s criticism brings attention to the broader issue of player selections in international cricket. As teams prepare for future series, these decisions are likely to influence the direction of Australian cricket. The focus now shifts to how Bailey and the selectors will handle similar challenges in upcoming matches.

The debate continues, with many calling for more transparent and consistent decision-making regarding player selections in international cricket.

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Steve Smith and Travis Head Address BCCI’s Influence in Cricket

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Steve Smith and Travis Head discuss BCCI's influence in cricket, raising debates about power and fairness in the sport.

Steve Smith recently commented on BCCI’s influence in cricket, sparking debates about its significant role in global governance. During a media interaction, Smith remarked that the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears less powerful than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This statement drew attention, prompting Smith to clarify his intentions quickly.

Smith acknowledged that the BCCI holds a dominant position in cricket due to its financial and organizational contributions. He pointed out how the Indian board influences key decisions that shape the sport. However, Smith softened his tone, emphasizing that his comments were not meant as criticism of either the ICC or the BCCI.

Travis Head, Smith’s Australian teammate, also addressed BCCI’s influence in cricket. Head humorously referred to the Indian board as “rulers,” recognizing its ability to set global standards in cricket. He highlighted the board’s pivotal role in defining policies and establishing benchmarks for the sport.

These remarks have reignited discussions about power dynamics in international cricket. Critics argue that the BCCI’s financial clout often overshadows smaller cricketing nations. They believe this imbalance can hinder fair representation in decision-making. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the BCCI’s critical role in expanding cricket’s global reach and popularity.

As India hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup, the spotlight remains on the BCCI’s influence in cricket. The board’s central role in shaping schedules, policies, and trends continues to drive conversations about equity in the sport. Smith and Head’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about maintaining fairness and inclusivity in global cricket governance.

Their comments underscore the need for balanced representation to ensure a fair future for cricket.

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