Tag: Batsman

  • Babar Azam accused of allegedly ‘sexting’ teammate’s girlfriend

    Babar Azam accused of allegedly ‘sexting’ teammate’s girlfriend

    Pakistan star-cricketer Babar Azam has landed in a controversy as his alleged personal videos and photos went viral on social media.

    According to Fox Cricket, Azam is being accused of allegedly sexting a teammate’s girlfriend after videos and voice recordings went viral online.

    While the authenticity of the material remains unclear, it allegedly shows a topless Babar in intimate chats with a woman.

    One of the accusations is that Babar promised the woman that her boyfriend’s spot in Pakistan’s XI was safe if she kept sexting him.

    Aur isko Kohli banna hai…” Twitterati roast Babar Azam after his private videos, intimate chats allegedly surface online

    The accusation was first posted by verified Twitter account Dr Nimo Yadav, saying: “Babar Azam sexting with GF of another Pakistan cricketer and promising her that her bf won’t be out of the team if she keeps sexting with him is just.”

    Babar posted a happy snap while appearing to be on holiday in Sydney on Monday.

    “Doesn’t take too much to be happy,” he captioned the photo with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.

    Pakistani cricket fans took to their social media and started supporting Babar Azam after the video and photos went viral on social media. The alleged viral video of Babar caused a stir among the netizens. Some of his fans claimed that this is a conspiracy against Babar to spoil his image while others said the video has been morphed and urged not to spread lies against the star batter.

    Babar has been trending on Twitter since under the hashtag #StayStrongBabarAzam.

  • Babar Azam breaks Mohammad Yousuf’s 16 years old record

    Babar Azam breaks Mohammad Yousuf’s 16 years old record

    Pakistan captain Babar Azam has broken a 16 year old record held by master batsman Mohammad Yousuf, scoring the most runs by a Pakistani player in a calender year.

    Babar, made the new record during the first innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Karachi.

    After surpassing Mohammad Yousuf’s total of 2435 runs in 2006, Babar Azam currently owns the record for the most runs scored by a Pakistani batter in a single year. Babar is currently batting on 54* and has 2477 runs across all formats in 2022.

    He now owns the record of being the highest Pakistan run scorer in one calendar year. Previously, Mohammad Yousaf made the record in 2006 with 2435 runs.

    Babar Azam has made 120 runs in the first test against NZ till the time of filling this story.

  • Shan Masood sustains head injury during practice session in Australia

    Shan Masood sustains head injury during practice session in Australia

    During a practice session for the T20 World Cup in Australia, Pakistani batsman Shan Masood hit his head, following which he was reportedly taken for scans.

    A shot from his fellow team member Mohammad Nawaz struck Masood on the head and left him lying flat on the ground.

    In the picture posted on social media, it can be seen that Pakistani players and team staff surround Masood after the ball hit him on the head.

    https://twitter.com/AvinashArya09/status/1583385034475507712?s=20&t=Ej07viUSpI65lxg0wxXn8g

    The team’s Vice Captain Shadab Khan told reporters that he passed the tests taken by the physio. He has gone to the hospital for scans. Shadab hoped that Masood will stay fully fit.

    The 33-year-old batsman is regarded as a technically sound top-order batsman and has hit two half-centuries for Pakistan in 12 T20s since his debut in September.

    On Sunday, Pakistan will face its arch-rivals India in Melbourne.

  • ‘Become an example for others’: Afridi congratulates Ahmad Shahzad for being appointed as captain of a KPL team

    ‘Become an example for others’: Afridi congratulates Ahmad Shahzad for being appointed as captain of a KPL team

    Ahmad Shahzad has been appointed captain of defending champions Rawalakot Hawks for Season 2 of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL).

    Ahmad took to Twitter to thank the management of Rawalakot Hawks for selecting him.

    “I am very thankful to the management of Rawalakot Hawks & especially Mr Jan Wali for trusting in me Looking forward to LeadDefending Champions of KPL,” wrote the right-handed opening batter.

    Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi congratulated him.

    “Yes, for sure you can lead, work hard and become an example for others. All the best Ahmad,” tweeted Afridi.

    Recently in a TV programme, Shahzad complained about not being selected for domestic and national squads.

    Opener batter Ahmad Shahzad in July made an appearance on Samaa News along with Shahid Afridi. During the show, Afridi advised Shahzad to enjoy his life.

    “Ahmad was targeted because of me because I supported him a lot. I gave him a lot of chances, which turned out to be a negative thing for him when I left captaincy. I think people thought he was my favourite,” Afridi said while extending his support for Ahmad.

    “I supported him a lot because I wasn’t able to find an opener of his ability in Pakistan. He was performing as well. Obviously, he couldn’t perform in all games but he was targeted because of me as well.” he added.

    “I want you to score runs, and enjoy your life with your wife and kids. Allah has made life beautiful for you,” Afridi added.
    Shahzad while replying to Afridi said, “I keep saying that. I want to score runs, but at least don’t deny me the platforms where I can score. I will ask you when sides in PSL want to pick me, who comes in and says no? “
    “You tell me, where do I score runs? At my home?” he questioned Afridi.

    Kashmir Premier League (KPL) Season 2 will take place from August 11 to 26 in Muzaffarabad, Jammu, and Azad Kashmir.
    Seven teams including Hawks, Janbaz, Mirpur Royals, Muzaffarabad Tigers, Kotli Lions, Overseas Warriors, and Bagh Stallions will compete against each other.

  • Cricket fraternity mourns the death of former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds

    Cricket fraternity mourns the death of former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds

    Former Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds died in a car crash in Queensland today (May 15) at the age of 46.

    “We are shocked and saddened by the loss of the loveable Queenslander, who has tragically passed away at the age of 46,” Cricket Australia announced his death in a poignant message.

    The all-rounder played 26 Tests, 198 One-Day internationals and 14 Twenty20s for Australia between 1998 and 2009.

    Cricketers expressed their shock and paid glowing tributes to Symonds.

    Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said he was devastated to hear the news. “We shared a great relationship on & off the field.”

    Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting said, “If Roy shook your hand you had his word, that’s the sort of bloke he was and that’s why I always wanted him on my team.”

    Former Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: “Not only was he a brilliant all-rounder, but also a live-wire on the field.”

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1525771814575677440

    Symonds’ death has shocked the cricketing world. His tragic demise follows the death of former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne, who died at the age of 52 earlier this year in March.

  • Babar vs Kohli: Who is the better player? Pak-Ind experts weigh in

    Babar vs Kohli: Who is the better player? Pak-Ind experts weigh in

    As cricket fever reaches its peak, fans around the world are looking forward to the upcoming Pakistan-India blockbuster T20 World Cup match.

    Geo News brought together cricketing legends from both countries for two high-octane exchanges on Saturday.

    Veterans like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed and Sohail Tanveer where Pakistani panelists and host was Shahzad Iqbal, while Indian side had Sunil Gavaskar, Harbhajan Singh and Madan Lal on the Geo News/Aaj Tak ‘taakra’.

    When the question was asked by Shahzad that who is the better player among both skippers Babar Azam and Virat Kohli in T20 cricket, all the panelists gave their opinions on it.

    Madan Lal said: “Virat is way ahead than Babar as we all have witnessed his performance in all three formats of cricket and it has always been better than Babar.”

    While Sunil said: “Virat has played a lot of cricket so he has a better record but the talenr Babar holds, gives him a better chance to him to get more runs in the future.”

    He also added that Virat used to score 60, 70 runs but after when he scored centuries, he was also counted in great players. Babar has the potential as he is a very good batsman and easily scores 60, 70 runs but then get out after that. When he will score hundreds in Tests and One Days, he will be counted among number one batsmen. He has that potential.

    “Virat Kohli is a great player and I think he is a legend in modern day cricket. Yes Babar need some time to get to that mark but but he has that game and definitely he can become one of cricketing greats of Pakistan like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saeed Anwar,” said former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh.

    Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said: “Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are both great players, but the way Babar is batting, I think he will break all records.”

    He further added: “Kohli has given a lot of performances for his country, but Babar’s record is better than Kohli’s in terms of the amount of cricket he has played, Babar has yet to reach the heights of his career, Babar’s best game is yet to come. Babar’s hunger for runs makes him better than others. I have never seen such hunger for runs in any other batsman. Virat has a lot of aggression. If I compare the technique, Babar’s technique looks better than Kohli’s.”

    “I agree with Inzi and Sunny (Inzamam and Sunil) that both are great players. Virat’s stats are very strong and Babar is still not there but I’ll agree with Inzi that Babar can be at number one forever,” said Pakistan’s great spinner Mushtaq Ahmed.

    While Tanveer said that it took a long time for Kohli to become what he is and if we take a look at current form and performances of last three-four years of Babar, “He has that guts and he has all the skills to become world number one player and has become the number one.”
    “By the time and experience he will become more confident and his abilities will also come to the fore,” he added.

    It’s pertinent to mention here that the arch-rivals will be facing each other on Sunday 7pm PST at the Dubai International Stadium.

  • MCC announces new gender-neutral cricket term ‘batter’ to replace ‘batsman’

    MCC announces new gender-neutral cricket term ‘batter’ to replace ‘batsman’

    International cricket laws have been amended to replace the term ‘batsman’ with the gender-neutral word ‘batter.’

    According to details, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) — the sole authority on the laws of cricket since it was founded in 1787 — announced the amendment to the laws of the game on Wednesday.

    The MCC said the use of the terminology would “help reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all”.

    The profile of women’s cricket has rocketed in recent years, with England’s victory over India in the 2017 World Cup final taking place in front of a capacity crowd at Lord’s, which is owned by the MCC.

    A crowd of 86,174 saw Australia defeat India in the T20 World Cup final in Melbourne in 2020 and in August Lord’s broke the record for a domestic women’s match as more than 17,000 fans watched the final of the inaugural Hundred competition.

    “MCC believes in cricket being a game for all and this move recognises the changing landscape of the game in modern times,” said assistant secretary with responsibility for cricket and operations, Jamie Cox. “Use of the term ‘batter’ is a natural evolution in our shared cricketing language and the terminology has already been adopted by many of those involved in the sport.

    “It is the right time for this adjustment to be recognised formally and we are delighted, as the guardians of the laws, to announce these changes today,” added MCC.

  • Babar Azam to reportedly marry cousin next year

    Babar Azam to reportedly marry cousin next year

    Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam will reportedly be marrying his cousin next year.

    Read more – VIDEO: Babar Azam trains in isolation

    As per details, it has been agreed between the families of Azam and his cousin that the two will get married next year.

    The skipper will be marrying his paternal uncle’s daughter.

    Interestingly, a day earlier, former Pakistan cricket captain Azhar Ali had advised Azam to tie the knot.

    Ali was hosting a question-answer session on Twitter.

    A fan asked Ali whether he had any advice for Babar to which he responded: “Shadi ker lay” (get married).

    Meanwhile, the skipper, who is recently in Abu Dhabi for the remaining matches of Pakistan super League’s (PSL) sixth edition, hasn’t officially announced the news yet.

  • Shoaib Akhtar says ‘Rizwan has proven to be an asset for Pakistan’

    Shoaib Akhtar says ‘Rizwan has proven to be an asset for Pakistan’

    Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has heaped praise on Mohammad Rizwan, saying the wicket-keeper batsman has proved that he is “an asset for Pakistan”.

    Pakistan were under the pump after being on the receiving end of a shocking 19-run loss in the second T20I, which was also Zimbabwe’s first-ever win over Pakistan in T20Is. Pakistan were given a paltry total of 119, but they collapsed to 99 all out to put series on the line.

    But on Sunday, the visiting side approached their batting with better intent and paced it better. Pakistan had added Sharjeel Khan in the side, which meant that Babar Azam was pushed to third spot while Rizwan and Sharjeel opened the batting.

    Sharjeel didn’t impress in his appearance but Rizwan stuck right till the end, notching up an extremely impressive 91 off 60 balls to get his side to 165.

    “Rizwan’s intent towards Pakistan is amazing. The way he is serving Pakistan, it’s fabulous to see that someone is playing for his side with this good intent,” said Akhtar on his YouTube Channel. “All of them play like this. 91 off 60, he’s proven that he is an asset for Pakistan.”

    Akhtar added that Pakistan needed to sort out its middle order, which has been under the radar for a while now. He said that Rizwan should contribute to Pakistan if the management requires him to bat in the middle order to sort out this crisis.

    “Rizwan should contribute for his side in the middle order if they require him in that role,” he continued. “Pakistan should improve their selection, they should sort out their middle order and the X-factor in the bowling should be brought back. Many congratulations to this side for winning.”

    Read more – Afridi wants PCB to review middle-order performances, suggests Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in T20Is

    There was a slight scare for Pakistan after Madhevere (59 off 47) and Marumani (35 off 26) were starting to find momentum in the run-chase. The 20-year-old Madhevere was impressive in his stroke-play but Pakistan bowlers, in particular Hasan Ali, did a good job to pull things back.

    For his career best four-wicket haul, Hassan received Player of the Match award.

    Shoaib said there was a slight doubt in his mind that Zimbabwe might win this and if that happened, the defeat would’ve been a hard pill to swallow. “There was a slight doubt in my mind that Zimbabwe might get away by chasing this total down, it would have been embarrassing. It wouldn’t have been easy to bear that.”

    Rizwan now holds the record for the most runs in 11 consecutive innings across T20Is. He has scored seven fifty plus scores in this period.

    The opener has also bagged his second consecutive Player of the Series award.

    Meanwhile, Azam has become the fastest batsman to reach 2000 T20I runs. He has taken only 52 innings to achieve the feat, beating Indian Cricket Team captain Virat Kohli. Babar reached to 2000 T20I runs four innings quicker than him.

    Pakistan and Zimbabwe will now go head-to-head in two-match Test series, which starts April 29.

  • Umar Akmal reportedly unable to pay fine in fixing case

    Umar Akmal has reportedly been unable to pay the fine imposed on him by the International Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in a spot-fixing case last month, Jang has reported.

    According to the publication, the 30-year-old’s rehab program is pending due to non-payment of the fine.

    Last month, the CAS had reduced Akmal’s ban from 18 months to 12 months but had imposed a fine of Rs 4.25 million for his involvement in the corruption scandal.

    Akmal was suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in February 2020 for not reporting fixing approaches made by corrupt elements.

    While Akmal had already served his one-year sentence on February 20, he is unable to start the rehabilitation program of PCB’s Security and Anti-Corruption Department due to the heavy monetary penalty.

    The batsman has, therefore, requested the board to allow him to pay the amount in installments.

    According to the publication, in response to Akmal’s requests, the PCB had demanded the batsman to provide proof of his inability to pay the lump sum fine.