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  • Ramiz Raja, Shoaib Akhtar lash out at Pakistan’s performance after another loss to England

    Ramiz Raja, Shoaib Akhtar lash out at Pakistan’s performance after another loss to England

    The Pakistan cricket team lost the second One-Day International (ODI) to a ‘second string’ England team. It has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. Shoaib Akhtar and Ramiz Raja lashed out at the selectors after the loss.

    After a decent bowling performance, Pakistan still lost the second ODI against England by 47 runs. With this loss, Pakistan has also lost the three-match ODI series.

    Former players like Akhtar and Raja have come out in the open to express their disappointment with the team.

    After three players and four management team members from England’s ODI squad contracted coronavirus, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a completely new team to play ODI and T20I series against Pakistan. Nine out of the 18 team members are uncapped players, which means that they have never played an international game before. Thus, it was being speculated that Pakistan might have a good chance to win the series with newer players in the England team.

    The English youngsters have turned that speculation around by winning the first two ODIs with ease. Now a single ODI and a three-match T20I series remain for Pakistan to salvage something from the tour.

    “So on a Richter scale, this defeat would be 15,” wrote the former captain while sharing his thoughts on Twitter.

    England scored 247 runs in the first innings in the second ODI but the batsmen could not stand the bowling from English pacers. Raja said he was shocked to see Pakistan go on the way they did.

    “If you map this series defeat on the Richter scale, the value of shock will clock fifteen. It’s a massive blow and I don’t understand how one can defend it. It’s England’s No.2 team, in terms of talent,” Raja said in his latest YouTube video.

    “We are talking about a glorified county team that has beaten Pakistan. People underestimated them and hoped for an ODI series whitewash in England. But look how the tables have turned that now Pakistan are under the threat of a whitewash,” he continued.

    On the other hand, Shoaib said that Pakistan’s team is a T20I side and they play accordingly. “No one enjoys criticising anyone. But tell me, which kid will start playing cricket after watching this team? The PCB’s plan is that no one should watch or follow cricket and they don’t have to spend anything,” Akhtar explained. “What was there in the wicket, first tell me that. Pakistan is only a T20 team. They play like T20 and get out like that. They lose five wickets in twenty overs. In T20s also, they score 150-175 and exactly the same in ODIs.”

    While talking to Geo News, the former speedster said that at present, there is not a single player in the Pakistan team whom the spectators came to the stadium by spending money to watch.

    “Cricket is not just about sixes and fours, batsmen should also take singles. Except for Hassan Ali, no bowler knows how to take a wicket, looking at the Pakistan team, it looks like a club-level team is playing a match,” said Akhtar.

    Meanwhile, today Babar Azam-led Pakistan will face the Ben Stokes-captained team England at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham for the third and final ODI of the series.

  • Twitter removes tweets, suspends accounts after fans racially abuse England players post-Euro2020 final

    Twitter removes tweets, suspends accounts after fans racially abuse England players post-Euro2020 final

    Twitter has removed over 1,000 tweets and permanently suspended a number of accounts after they were found engaging in racial abuse of England players after England lost the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

    Italy ended England’s dream to win the Euro 2020 at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Azzurri defeated England 3-2 on penalties after the normal 90-minute action had finished at 1-1 and even extra time was not able to break the deadlock.

    Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka all missed the chance to net goals in the penalty shootouts. The English players were then abused on social media.

    “The abhorrent racist abuse directed at England players last night has absolutely no place on Twitter. In the past 24 hours, through a combination of machine learning-based automation and human review, we have swiftly removed over 1,000 tweets and permanently suspended a number of accounts for violating our rules — the vast majority of which we detected ourselves proactively using technology. We will continue to take action when we identify any Tweets or accounts that violate our policies,” reported Newsweek.

    “We have proactively engaged and continue to collaborate with our partners across the football community to identify ways to tackle this issue collectively and will continue to play our part in curbing this unacceptable behaviour — both online and offline,” said the statement.

    British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also condemned the “appalling” racial abuse of players on social media following the Three Lions’ loss in the Euro Cup final against Italy.

    The British Prime Minister said England players “deserve” to be lauded for their heroics and shouldn’t be “racially abused” on social media.

    “This England team deserves to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media. Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves,” Boris Johnson tweeted.

    Prince William said he was “sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match”.

    England’s Football Association in the early hours of Monday morning also condemned racist abuse of players. “The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media,” an official statement read.

    “We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible,” it added.

    https://twitter.com/kylejglen/status/1414294866704617486?s=21

    Meanwhile, riot police broke through crowds outside the stadium when fans left the game, with some throwing bottles and chanting anti-Italian slogans after England lost on penalties.

  • Italy crowned European champions once again after defeating England

    Italy crowned European champions once again after defeating England

    Italy is champions of Europe again, for the first time since 1968, breaking English hearts in the process at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

    The 120 minutes had been nerve-shredding with England enjoying early elation when Luke Shaw scored his first-ever international goal, a magnificent half-volley with the game’s first move. And then came what felt like the slow and inexorable trudge towards defeat.

    Gareth Southgate’s team had been comfortable in the first half but the final slid away from them thereafter; Italy turning up the temperature, pinning England back.

    Italy got the equaliser that they deserved through Leonardo Bonucci and, during extra time, the specter of penalties hung heavy. When they came, England lost their nerve – missing three of their kicks.

    It was a night when sporting immortality had beckoned for England, a first trophy since the World Cup of 1966. In the end, it would be a depressingly familiar hard-luck story.

    For Italy, it was a second European Championship and glory for Roberto Mancini, whose work since taking over as the manager from Gian Piero Ventura after the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup has been a little short of sensational.

    Italy had the know-how; they have almost forgotten what defeat is. They are unbeaten in 34 matches, a run that spans nearly three years.

  • Tom Cruise, Priyanka Chopra and Royals spotted at the star-studded Wimbledon finals

    Tom Cruise, Priyanka Chopra and Royals spotted at the star-studded Wimbledon finals

    The women’s final of Wimbledon for the singles title saw a plethora of famous celebrities and socialites including the members of the royal family as witnesses of a historic win on Saturday. World’s No. 1 Ash Barty became the first Australian woman to win the Wimbledon singles title in 41 years by defeating Czech’s Karolina Pliskova.

    Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, Tom Cruise and Priyanka Chopra graced the biggest sporting event of tennis.

    The actress, who was dressed stylishly for the event, wore a white Fendi flowery dress with wide sleeves and a high bun.

    Pictures of Priyanka Chopra enjoying the game with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton and Prince William, sitting in the front seats have gone viral on social media.

    Hollywood star Tom Cruise was also spotted in the audience accompanied by Hayley Atwell.

    Famous footballer and heat-throb David Beckham was seen in a good mood as he was amongst the celebrities that flocked to the Centre Court.

    Wimbledon tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King were seen conversing with Kate Middleton throughout the match, along with a slew of other celebrities.

    Meanwhile, Kate and Tom also appeared at the Men’s Final on Sunday, played between Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini.

  • Umar Akmal gets fans arrested over request for autograph

    Umar Akmal gets fans arrested over request for autograph

    Four fans showed up at Umar Akmal’s residence for autographs late Thursday, only to get arrested later.

    As per reports, the middle-order batsman got into an argument with them, which turned into a brawl outside his house in Lahore’s Defence area, according to the police.

    Police arrived on the spot to arrest the four men on Akmal’s complaint.

    The arrested fans were drunk and alcohol bottles were found in their car, according to SP Cantt.

    Akmal’s fans, one of whom happens to be a British national, have filed a case against the cricketer as well.

    Akmal has represented Pakistan in 16 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 84 T20Is, wherein he managed to score 5,887 runs. These include three centuries and 34 fifties.

  • Nine uncapped players included in England’s revised squad for Pakistan ODIs

    Nine uncapped players included in England’s revised squad for Pakistan ODIs

    England’s revised squad announced to play Pakistan in a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series after a Covid-19 outbreak led to the formation of a new playing eleven. Nine uncapped players have been included in England’s squad.

    Squad: Ben Stokes (c), Jake Ball, Danny Briggs, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, David Payne, Phil Salt, John Simpson (wk), James Vince

    “It’s a great opportunity to play on the biggest stage, and for most of the players selected it’s not necessarily something they would have been expecting 24 hours ago,” managing director of England men’s cricket, Ashley Giles, said.

    “It’s an exciting group of players, with some young talent and some players who have impressed at a domestic level over a long period of time. We’re in unprecedented territory, in terms of replacing an entire squad and management team, and I’m very proud of how everyone has come together in order to get it done – both those within the ECB and from the county game.

    “Ben hasn’t captained our ODI side before so it’s a huge honour for him. We all wish him well and it’s a role I’m sure he’ll thrive in. I’d like to also put on record the thanks of the ECB to the PCB for their support and understanding during this time,” Giles added.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday expressed satisfaction in a press release over the “assurances and guarantees” given by the England Cricket Board (ECB) over existing protocols in place for the Pakistan cricket team and support staff’s safety.

    The PCB responded to seven members of the England cricket team testing positive for coronavirus. Three players and four members of the support staff tested positive for the infection.

    “Pakistan Cricket Board has been in close contact with the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding concerns about the health and safety of its players since the news of Covid-19 outbreak in the England camp,” said the board in a statement.

    “The PCB is satisfied by the assurances and guarantees provided by the ECB on behalf of its medical panel,” said the PCB.

  • England ODI squad forced to self-isolate after seven positive Covid-19 cases

    England ODI squad forced to self-isolate after seven positive Covid-19 cases

    England’s white-ball squads have been forced to self-isolate two days before the start of their One-Day Internationals (ODI) series against Pakistan following seven positive Covid-19 tests among the team’s players and management.

    Taking to Twitter, senior sports journalist Faizan Lakhani also shared the news about the positive cases in the white-ball squads of the hosts.

    As per details, three players and four members of management have tested positive for Covid. “In collaboration with Public Health England, Public Health Wales and Bristol Local Health Authority, those impacted will now observe a period of self-isolation from July 4 following the UK Government’s protocol on quarantine,” an English Cricket Board (ECB) statement said.

    “The remaining members of the party have been deemed close contacts and will also isolate.”

    The ECB confirmed that the limited-overs series against Pakistan will go ahead as planned, with Ben Stokes due to return to international duty ahead of schedule and captain the squad.

    ECB’s chief executive Tom Harrison, said: ”We have been mindful that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of biosecure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak. We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall wellbeing of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in very restricted conditions.”

    “Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to captain. We also recognise the impact this news will have on our first-class counties and their men’s playing squads and thank them, along with our partners Sky and Royal London, for their ongoing support in dealing with this pandemic.”

    A lot of players taking part in the ongoing County Championship have already been informed to report for national duty. They will be allowed to join the squad and the bio-secure bubble after negative Covid-19 Tests.

    The official announcement of the new squad is expected to be made at 3pm Pakistan Standard Time.

  • ‘This shouldn’t have happened’: Waqar Younis on Younis Khan’s resignation

    ‘This shouldn’t have happened’: Waqar Younis on Younis Khan’s resignation

    Pakistan men’s cricket team bowling coach Waqar Younis regretted on Monday that former captain Younis Khan had stepped down as the batting coach of the team just days before the England tour.

    Read More – Younis Khan’s shocking revelations

    Addressing a virtual presser from the United Kingdom (UK), where Pakistan will be playing three One-day Internationals (ODI) and as many Twenty20 International (T20I) against England, Waqar said, “It’s unfortunate [Younis Khan stepping down as the batting coach] at the stroke of [a] big tour. It has happened, but this shouldn’t have happened.”

    Last month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had issued a statement announcing that the board and Younis had mutually agreed to part ways.
    Commenting on the development, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan had said it was sad to lose an expert of Younis’ stature and experience.

    “Following a series of discussions, we both have reluctantly but mutually and amicably agreed that it was time to move in different directions.

    “I want to thank Younis for his contributions during his short stint as the men’s national cricket team’s batting coach and hope he will remain available to assist the PCB by sharing his vast knowledge with the emerging cricketers,” he had said.

    Commenting on the matter, Waqar said the PCB and Younis had both given explanations about their differences.

    The bowling coach added: “Younis was a great help… [and] his work ethic has always been good.”

    Waqar was also asked to share his views on reports of PCB chief executive Wasim Khan visiting fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who retired from international cricket last year.
    He said he was not aware of the development until the media reported it, adding that it was the PCB head’s prerogative whether to visit Amir or not.

    “But if Amir doesn’t want to play or take back his retirement … or impress the selectors, then it’s hard. You have to do the right things to play for your country,” remarked Waqar.

  • PM Khan announces Pakistan’s biggest cricket stadium in Islamabad

    PM Khan announces Pakistan’s biggest cricket stadium in Islamabad

    Prime Minister Imran Khan directed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani to lead the plan to build the country’s biggest cricket stadium in Islamabad.

    As per reports, Mani met Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Amir Ali Ahmed in this regard on Thursday to discuss the roadmap for building the biggest stadium in Pakistan.

    The stadium will have state-of-the-art High-Performance Centre.

    CDA’s land, planning, and development department have completed the survey for the stadium. A complete report will be presented to PM Khan by next month. After PM’s approval, the stadium will be built in partnership with the public and private sectors.

    According to PCB’s director of High-Performance, Nadeem Khan, this stadium will be the biggest stadium in Asia with high-class facilities.

    “This is a great initiative by PM and we are looking forward to contributing our role in it. PCB is in touch with CDA for planning the establishment of Islamabad International Cricket Stadium,” he said.

    Nadeem also shared that there is a plan to increase sitting capacity inside the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in the near future.

    PM Khan visited the Korang Cricket Ground and reviewed the pace of work there as he promised other stadiums for young blood.

  • Younis Khan’s shocking revelations

    Younis Khan’s shocking revelations

    Former captain of Pakistan Men’s cricket team Younis Khan has said that if he had to resign from his batting coach position over the incident with Hassan Ali, he would have done so four or five months ago. “My resignation does not match with the rhythm of the incident with Ali.”

    Read more – Younis Khan breaks silence on feud with Hassan Ali

    “I was told that Hassan Ali was sorry, so I went to him myself,” Khan said in 11th Hour.

    Explaining the reasons for his resignation as batting coach, the former captain said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not tell him about the bio-secure bubble for England tour. He had a surgery but he was informed later that his flight has been booked.

    Khan said the doctor’s call came on June 22 that you have not joined the bio-secure bubble, I told him I have surgery I can’t come in the bio-secure bubble.

    “I got another call. I can’t tell you his name yet. I told him I have surgery. I can’t join. I am exhausted. He said if you don’t come, there could be a situation like Muhammad Hafeez. The caller said that just like what happened to Hafeez, it can also happen to you,” shared the 2009 T20 World Cup captain.

    “I told him that I am not Hafeez but Younis Khan and I have no other option, if I will not be respected then how will a player be respected,” he questioned.

    The former captain further said: “I complained to the MD PCB about the NHPC coaches, telling Wasim Khan how outsiders were giving tips when we were there. I was the batting coach of the national team and I was being ignored. If I’ll go to the PCB again, I will write everything on a contract.”

    Host Wasim Badami asked if it was Zakir Khan who called him from PCB. Khan said that he resigned because of the call but will not reveal that person’s name.

    2009 uprising: “Shahid Afridi may be the mastermind if he has said that”

    Younis shared about the 2009 uprising that anyone could have been the mastermind of the incident. “I don’t know, it seems that the whole matter was about the captaincy.”

    The former captain said that the one who spoke in front of the PCB Chairman would be the mastermind of the incident, and if Shahid Afridi spoke, then maybe he was the mastermind.

    He said that Afridi came to Lahore from Karachi to meet the PCB Chairman. A player also took the Holy Quran from me to take an oath against me. A player was sent to me to bring the Holy Quran. He told me that he wants to recite the Quran before the match.

    Badami asked if the player who came to get the Holy Quran was Umar Akmal. On this, Younis Khan said that there are big leaks in the PCB and news has always been leaking.

    Khan said that if a player makes a mistake in the match, you cannot ask him, otherwise, problems will arise. Doubts will arise. And next time, if the player gets out by hitting a short, then what should be done, if the player does not ask for guidance, then there will be suspicions of spot-fixing.

    In response to a question, Khan said that for the last five years he used to stay locked in his room and play his cricket.