Category: Sports

Former cricketers have come to the defence of Babar Azam amid growing criticism over his slow batting in the ongoing ongoing T20 World Cup.

Babar has struggled in the tournament so far, scoring just 66 runs in five matches at an average of 22 and a strike rate of 115.78. In the current era of high-tempo T20 cricket, these numbers have drawn sharp criticism from fans and critics. 

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has urged critics to take a longer view of Babar’s career and not judge him solely on his recent struggles. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Du Plessis said great players go through phases where they must adjust.

“Look, I think first of all, all great players evolve at different points in their careers. Someone like Babar, we’ve known him as one of the world’s best players for a very, very long time. I think T20I cricket has moved so far forward, especially in terms of strike rates, that he’s found himself a little bit behind in that area,” Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis suggested that Pakistan should find the right role for Babar rather than forcing him into a power-hitting role he is not comfortable with. 

“So, if you’re someone like Mike Hesson, what he’s trying to do is find the best way to reintroduce him into the game. So, they’ve found a role for him, particularly on slow pitches. When you come to flat wickets, those kinds of roles aren’t as important anymore,” Du Plessis explained.

He added, “So, I think at this venue, in these specific conditions where there’s going to be a lot of spin, there could be a lot of value in someone like him in the middle overs, making sure that he anchors the innings.”

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood also weighed in, questioning the logic behind Babar’s current batting position. 

While talking to a sports show on a private TV channel, he said, “You are forcing players into this team. For example, I’m talking about Babar. You’re playing Babar at number four, even though you say that his record in the World Cup isn’t good. If Babar bats at the top, at number one or number two, his strike rate is 134, 135. You [critics] always rant about his strike rate, but if you look at your top order their strike rate too is under 130. So if you want him to play at number four as a forced middle order you have, I don’t understand the thinking behind it,” Azhar said.

Another former Pakistan batting great, Azhar Ali, echoed similar concerns about Babar’s role. 

“See Babar as an opener. He was a wonderful top player in the world three years ago as an opener. And if you’re bringing him back now, saying that you made his charge sheet so long ago, that he can’t do this or that, then play him in his position. If his spot doesn’t fit, then just carry on with the players you had selected before. But now you’ve put him in a position where even we are confused, like, does Babar even have a spot here or not? So you’ve confused yourself too,” he said.

Babar was dropped from Pakistan’s T20I setup in late 2024 as part of a broader shift toward aggressive cricket under coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha, with young players given preference. However, during the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan felt the absence of Babar’s anchoring ability, which led to his recall for the subsequent South Africa series later that year. Since then, his batting position has shifted from opening to number four.

Rizwan Pathan, a national medalist in martial arts and gymnastics, now works as a daily wager at a marble factory in Nowshera due to severe financial hardship.

Pathan, who hails from Bajaur district, earned national recognition after winning a gold medal at the 2018 National Martial Arts Championships. He also secured several medals at district and provincial levels, building an impressive record in gymnastics and mixed martial arts.

Despite his achievements, Pathan now spends long hours doing physically demanding labor to support his family. He begins work after morning prayers and continues until 8 pm, lifting and cutting marble. 

After returning home, he tries to train whenever his body allows.

“When I work and look at my medals, I feel deep pain for my country,” he told a media outlet. “I am a national player in martial arts and gymnastics, but because of poverty, I had to leave sports and work in a marble factory.”

Pathan said he has won between 15 and 20 medals at district and provincial levels combined. In 2018, he won a silver medal in gymnastics at the provincial level and later claimed gold at the national level in mixed martial arts.

“Our family lives in extreme poverty,” he said. “That is why I work in a marble factory. The labor is very hard. After such exhausting work, it becomes difficult to train, but I still try.”

He added that many people around him fail to understand the value of sports achievements. “Some people say I became useless because medals do not put food on the table. Many in tribal areas do not recognize these achievements, but I never gave up and I will not give up,” he stressed. 

Pathan believes the lack of institutional support remains the biggest obstacle for athletes like him.

“No matter how big a player you become, there is no respect for athletes here,” he said. “Many players represent Pakistan internationally, yet the government does not support us, neither at the federal nor at the provincial level.”

His dream remains unchanged. “I want to fight for my country and raise Pakistan’s name at the international level. If the government supports us, I can compete internationally and also guide many young athletes.”

Former Pakistan cricketer Aamir Sohail has come out in defence of Babar Azam, arguing that constant public criticism has confused the batter and is doing more harm than good during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking on a TV show, Sohail said that the relentless targeting of Babar’s strike rate and shot selection has created unnecessary pressure on a player of proven ability.

“We have targeted one individual, Babar Azam. If he has gone to the World Cup, you don’t want to drop him from the team, do you want to kill him?” he asked sarcastically. 

Sohail argued that critics need to first understand what Babar brings to the table and use him accordingly, rather than expecting him to be something he is not.

“First, understand what his ability is. His ability is at a certain level, and you must use him according to that ability. Even I was disappointed that after so much experience, the shot he played against India was because of that confusion, just to impress people, to show that he can do it too,” he opined. 

Amir Sohail then urged everyone to stop the noise and let Babar play his natural game. “If you want Babar Azam to play, then give him a role and accept him in that role. Talk about what best you can get from him. The World Cup is happening right now. Let them play,” Sohail said.

The show host also pushed back on a remark made by former cricketer Basit Ali, who had suggested Babar cannot hit straight sixes. 

“I have even heard people say that he should show it by hitting a straight six. If he can’t hit a six, then he won’t get runs from fours either. Is hitting a six a qualification to play cricket? Then tell me this: how was he world number one for three years?” the host asked. 

Babar has struggled to find his best form at the tournament despite being the format’s leading run-scorer in the world. 

He has managed 66 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 100.08.

Former English cricketer Michael Vaughan has questioned whether International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah can remain impartial in his role, after observing Shah’s celebrations during India’s matches.

Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast alongside David Lloyd, Phil Tufnell and Sir Alastair Cook, Vaughan said the sight of Shah celebrating always catches his attention.

“The chairman of the ICC is meant to be impartial across the game. He’s in charge of the whole game, and India get a wicket and the camera pans and he’s just up celebrating,” Vaughan said.

David Lloyd acknowledged the point but suggested it is a broader problem in cricket. “To be fair, you do get that in some commentary boxes as well. You’re meant to be impartial and suddenly there’s a wicket and people are up jumping and throwing their arms in the air. It’s hard. I definitely don’t get involved at all. I am absolutely neutral,” he said.

When Vaughan asked Cook about Pakistan and India not shaking hands on the field, Cook was dismissive of it. 

“Aren’t they talking behind closed doors? I read somewhere that everyone’s just chatting anyway. It’s like it’s only for show, isn’t it? On the actual field they’re not shaking hands, and then behind closed doors they’re all talking,” he said.

The handshake issue began after the military conflict between the two countries in May 2025, with India’s players refusing to shake hands with Pakistan at the Asia Cup later that year.

The gesture has been absent at every meeting since, including at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.

The conversation also turned to the long-standing absence of Pakistan-India bilateral cricket. Cook questioned, “If they played a T20, why can’t they then play a Test match?” he said.

Vaughan replied that it all comes down to money. “Do you know why it doesn’t happen? Because clearly there’s so much coin [money] involved with the World Cup. So they always play at an ICC event because of the coin. But can you imagine how much money would be made from a three-match series?” he said.

It is worth noting that the two sides have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has advised Shadab Khan to let his performances do the talking, while also delivering a pointed message about the 2021 T20 World Cup generation’s failure to live up to their historic victory over India.

Afridi was responding to Shadab’s recent jibe at ex-cricketers, in which the all-rounder said “they didn’t do what we’ve done.” 

Speaking on a local news channel, Afridi agreed with Shadab’s sentiment but argued that the praise that followed the 2021 win became too much to handle  for the players. 

“Shadab is absolutely right. We didn’t win against India, they won. They got respect, but they couldn’t handle the respect,” Afridi said.

He elaborated on what he meant. “The meaning of not being able to handle the respect is that after 2021, they couldn’t handle the problems between them, couldn’t handle them individually, couldn’t handle them as a team,” he added.

Afridi also reminded Shadab that former cricketers, including himself, stood by him publicly during his poor run of form and his periods out of the side.

“When he wasn’t able to perform well, when he was being excluded from the team, we used to sit on TV and say that Shadab is the backbone, Shadab’s overs are very important, he can bat as well. It was us who used to talk about Shadab,” he said.

While praising Shadab’s character and respectful nature, Afridi drew on his own career to make his point, recalling that former cricketers “even cursed” players of his generation, yet they responded with performances rather than words.

“Shadab, you also performed well against Namibia. God willing, you will also perform against New Zealand. Son, perform.  In difficult times, we used to stand with you, we used to back you, we used to lift you up. You didn’t play domestic cricket. Despite that, you came into the Pakistan team, and yet we are sitting here to support you,” Afridi said.

He closed with a direct challenge. “Perform and then God willing, give us an answer. So that we also become silent, and when the World Cup ends, we will become silent,” he said.

It is worth noting that India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in the ongoing T20 World Cup on Sunday. Chasing 176, Pakistan could manage only 114 and were bowled out in 18 overs, marking their fourth T20 defeat to India in six months.

Indian politics is beginning to cast a shadow over England’s league The Hundred, with growing fears that Pakistani players could be sidelined by franchises with Indian Premier League (IPL) ownership links.

According to a British broadcaster, teams in The Hundred with IPL-affiliated ownership may avoid picking Pakistani cricketers altogether. Only franchises without IPL stakeholders are expected to consider Pakistani players for selection.

A senior official from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reportedly informed a player agent that IPL-owned teams within The Hundred could stay away from Pakistani players. 

One agent went further, telling the broadcaster that avoiding Pakistani players has effectively become an unwritten rule for franchises operating under Indian ownership.

Four of The Hundred’s eight teams, namely Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Sunrisers Leeds and Southern Brave, have IPL franchises holding 49 percent ownership stakes in them. That means half the tournament’s teams could potentially shut their doors to Pakistan’s cricketers before the auction even begins.

The broadcaster also noted that the same trend has already surfaced in South Africa’s SA20 and the UAE’s ILT20, suggesting this is not an isolated concern but a pattern emerging across franchise cricket.

The Hundred player auction takes place on March 11 and 12, with several Pakistani cricketers including Haris Rauf among those in the player pool.

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has predicted that India will fail to reach the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, pointing to their batting collapses as the reason.

He believes South Africa and West Indies will advance from Group 1 instead.

He made the prediction during a recent TV show when the host asked him to name his two qualifiers from Group 1, which features India, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Amir picked South Africa and West Indies, leaving India out entirely.

When the host pressed him, asking “So you’re saying India won’t qualify at all? Why?” Amir explained his reasoning.

“From all the matches I have seen so far, their [India’s] batting keeps collapsing except against Pakistan. The Super 8 has even more pressure games. I feel how South Africa and West Indies are playing, they can beat any team,” he said.

The numbers give Amir some ground to stand on. India lost six wickets for 76 runs in their opening match against USA before Suryakumar Yadav’s 84 off 49 balls rescued them to 161. USA were eventually bowled out for 132 in the chase.

Against Namibia, India were cruising at 204 for 4 in 18 overs but stumbled to 209 for 9 by the end of their innings.

India’s opener Abhishek Sharma has also been a particular concern, managing three ducks in three appearances at the tournament.

Earlier, Amir had flagged Sharma as a risk well before the tournament’s Super 8 stage. Speaking ahead of India’s group stage matches against Pakistan and Netherlands, he said, “He looks like a slogger to me. He just tries to hit every ball. If it connects, it connects. But most of the time, the chances of failure are higher.”

“The way he swings the bat, there doesn’t seem to be much technique. It’s more like, ‘Just give me the ball and I’ll swing.’ Technically, I haven’t found him very sound,” Amir added.

He did acknowledge Sharma’s destructive potential on a good day. “I’m giving an honest opinion. I’m also saying that on the day it comes off, it really comes off, and he can hurt any team. But his game is very high risk. Secondly, he even struggles against a good slower ball,” he said.

Sharma’s subsequent performances proved Amir right, as he fell for ducks against both Pakistan and Netherlands.

The Super 8 stage features India, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe in Group 1, with Pakistan, New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka in Group 2. 

Pakistan open their Super 8 campaign against New Zealand on Saturday.

Amid the ongoing fallout from the Pakistan hockey team’s troubled Australia tour, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stepped in on Thursday, meeting the players of the national hockey team in Lahore.

Naqvi expressed regret over the mistreatment the players faced during the tour and assured them of PCB’s full backing. 

“Pakistan’s honour comes first. We will not let the dignity of this nation be compromised under any circumstances,” he said, adding that the PCB would accommodate the players in every possible way and help streamline hockey affairs.

He ordered the players’ training camp to begin the following day, directing that all logistics be completed by the same night. 

Naqvi also instructed that injured player Hannan Shahid receive immediate medical treatment at PCB’s expense and ordered tickets, kits, and hotel accommodation for the upcoming World Cup Qualifier tournament in Egypt.

The players received cheques of one million rupees each, which Naqvi had previously announced as prize money for their runner-up finish at the Nations Hockey Cup. 

“I am not becoming Hockey Federation President but we will assist players till this turmoil ends,” Naqvi wrote on X after meeting the players.

The meeting came hours after Pakistan Hockey Federation president Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti resigned and announced a two-year ban on national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt after Australia tour mismanagement.

However, Butt himself dismissed the ban after the meeting. Speaking to media following his meeting with Naqvi, he said no ban of any kind had been imposed on him and that the same team that toured Australia would play in the upcoming qualifying round. 

He also confirmed that the training camp would begin in Lahore the following day.

Reports had already indicated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to sack the PHF’s team management, including Bugti and Secretary General Rana Mujahid, following a Pakistan Sports Board inquiry.

A young girl from Shewa, a remote tehsil in North Waziristan, has caught the attention of Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi after videos of her fast bowling went viral on social media.

As per the details, internet is flooded with videos of Aina Wazir after she was first spotted bowling in a street cricket match. With her rapid and impressive spell going viral, numerous other videos across different social media platforms showed her puzzling batters.

واو: ماشاءاللہ اس بچی کی باولنگ چیک کرے۔

آئینہ وزیر کا تعلق تحصیل شیواہ شگہ زالول خیل سے ہے اور شہید #عمرگل کی بیٹی ہے ، یہ بچوں کا ایک ٹورنامنٹ ہے جس میں آئینہ کی اپنی ٹیم ہے، افسوس مواقع نہیں ہے ورنہ ہمارے بچوں میں بہت ٹیلنٹ ہے، pic.twitter.com/cPzVBJ9ulk

— Badshah Pashteen (@badshahpashten) February 18, 2026

This was followed by Afridi announcing in a post on X that Aina would join the upcoming Zalmi Women League, pledging to provide her with all necessary cricket equipment and training facilities.

“MashAllah, what an outstanding young talent Aina Wazir is! Talent like this deserves a right platform,” Afridi wrote. 

“This is why I am pleased to share that she will be part of our upcoming Zalmi Women League. A platform we’ve created for our girls to play, inspire and express their talent. We will ensure she is provided with all necessary cricket equipment and proper facilities so she gets the opportunity she truly deserves to grow and shine and become the next Saira Jabeen.”

Afridi also called on social media users to share Aina’s contact details so his team could reach out to her directly.

Javed Afridi is the chairman of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi. He also serves as CEO of Haier Pakistan, owner of MG Motors Pakistan, and co-founder and CEO of JoChaho.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti resigned on Thursday and announced a two-year ban on national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, as fallout from the mismanagement of the team’s Australia tour continues. 

Bugti addressed a press conference, confirming that he had forwarded his resignation to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif. The ban on Butt covers both domestic and international hockey.

The developments follow reports that PM Sharif had already decided to sack PHF’s team management, including Bugti and Secretary General Rana Mujahid, after a Pakistan Sports Board inquiry into the Australia tour.

The PSB inquiry committee, comprising CFO Hasnat Ahmed as chairman and members Saeed Ahmed Chaudhry and Rana Nasrullah, completed its investigation in a single day and submitted its report to PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada on Wednesday.

The inquiry centered on the team’s troubled stay in Hobart, where the PHF arranged lodging for only seven days and housed players more than an hour and a half outside the city. 

Initial hotel bookings collapsed after the PHF failed to make payments, forcing management to scramble for last-minute rooms through an online platform, with four to five players sharing each room.

The bookings did not even cover the full duration of the tour, and members of the local Pakistani community eventually stepped in to arrange alternative accommodation and meals for the squad.

Upon returning to Lahore on Tuesday, Butt directed his anger squarely at the management when speaking to media at the airport.