Tag: T20 World Cup

  • Shoaib Akhtar vs Nauman Niaz: Whose side is Twitter is on?

    Shoaib Akhtar vs Nauman Niaz: Whose side is Twitter is on?

    TV host Dr Nauman Niaz and former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar indulged in a tense and aggressive banter in a live show on Pakistan Television (PTV) soon after the Pakistan and New Zealand match.

    Akhtar was giving his opinion on Haris Rauf and mistakenly took Shaheen Shah Afridi’s name. Nauman corrected him and after a heated exchange, Nauman asked the former pacer to leave. Shoaib resigned from the show and later he explained the reason why he did that on social media.

    Soon after the live spat, Twitter was trending with reactions to the incident. We scouted Twitter to see whose side Pakistani Twitterati were on and it is clear that people think Shoaib handled the situation well and Nauman Niaz was in the wrong. While we tried to find tweets in favour of Nauman, we weren’t able to. Here are some of the reactions:

    https://twitter.com/KhurramDehwar/status/1453094739914416130?s=20

    https://twitter.com/zubersartajkhan/status/1453219404716646409?s=20

    This is the clip in which we can see how Nauman Niaz told the veteran cricketer to leave the show.

    https://twitter.com/RjShahbaz01/status/1453089307888136207?s=20
  • ‘I resign from PTV’: Shoaib Akhtar, Nauman Niaz exchange hot words on air

    ‘I resign from PTV’: Shoaib Akhtar, Nauman Niaz exchange hot words on air

    On Pakistan’s state-run sports channel PTV Sports, former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and host Dr Nauman Niaz had a hot exchange of words during the live transmission of the Pakistan and New Zealand match.

    After the nail-biting T20 World Cup match between Pakistan and New Zealand, Dr Nauman asked Shoaib a question, which turned into a fight when Dr Niaz asked Akhtar to leave the show.

    The clash started off when Nauman asked Shoaib Akhtar a question. Shoaib said Hassan Ali should not have bowled in the beginning as the ball was reversing later.

    Shoaib asked Nauman about Shaheen Shah Afridi’s ball reversing. “Did you see the game?”

    Nauman replied, “Yes, I saw the match.” In response, Shoaib Akhtar said again, “Were you lost?”

    During the same conversation, Shoaib went ahead and talked about giving credit to Lahore Qalandars while talking about Haris Rauf. However, Shoaib continued by mentioning Shaheen Shah Afridi.

    https://twitter.com/RjShahbaz01/status/1453089307888136207?t=mwvH9aVoAqImO7Uhluc2Dg&s=19

    “Aqib Javed brought Shaheen Shah Afridi and made him a part of the player development program,” said Shoaib. Here, Nauman said in the middle of Shoaib’s speech that “Shaheen Afridi had played under-19 for Pakistan.” On this Shoaib said, “I am talking about Haris Rauf. Nauman Niaz reiterated that Shaheen had played for Pakistan. Shoaib Akhtar responded rather seriously, “Sir please! Somebody came to work.”

    “You are becoming rude. I didn’t mean to say this … but if you’re getting over-smart then go. I’m saying this on-air,” responded Nauman.

    The host took a break from the show. After they returned on-air, Shoaib was once again asked a question by Nauman.

    “The way I was treated on national television, I don’t think I should be sitting here. I am resigning from PTV,” said Shoaib before walking out from the studio.

    After the squabble, there were speculations that the entire fight was pre-planned. Shoaib took to Twitter and wrote, “Multiple clips are circulating on social media so I thought I should clarify. Dr Nauman was obnoxious and rude when he asked me to leave the show, it was embarrassing especially when you have legends like sir Vivian Richards and David Gower sitting on the set.”

    “I tried to save everyone from embarrassment by saying I was pulling Dr Nauman’s leg with this mutual understanding that dr noman will also politely apologise and we will move on with the show, which he refused to do. Then I had no other choice,” added Shoaib.

  • ‘Good relations’: Williamson hopes there are no grudges between Pak-NZ

    ‘Good relations’: Williamson hopes there are no grudges between Pak-NZ

    The captain of the New Zealand Cricket team, Kane Williamson, on Monday said that he hopes Pakistan cricket team will keep no grudges against New Zealand.

    Read More – ‘A real shame’: NZ captain displeased with his team’s decision

    Addressing a press conference in Sharjah, he said that Pakistan and New Zealand enjoy good relations and that the upcoming T20 World Cup match between two teams “will be played in right spirits”.

    Kane Williamson’s comments came in response to the question asked if he expects any acrimony or grudges following the last-minute pullout of the New Zealand cricket team from their Pakistan tour.

    Replying to the question, the NZ skipper said that the situation was very disappointing. “I know the team members were very much looking forward to the occasion and playing cricket in Pakistan, and it was ‘a real shame’ that it wasn’t able to go ahead,” he said on the eve of the match.

    “The focus now is here at the T20 World Cup and no doubt after last night’s performance, Pakistan have some momentum and are feeling pretty good about their cricket,” he said.

    “But there are also a lot of good relations within the two teams. Over the years, they have played a lot against each other, and several players have played with each other, as well. I am sure it will be played in the right spirit,” Williamson said.

    Williamson praised the spectacular performance of Pakistan against India. “It was a fantastic performance. I think Pakistan has come to the T20 World Cup full of confidence, having played in these conditions more than most.”

    “They certainly put it on the show last night and showed why they are one of the favorites in the competition,” he said shedding light on Pakistan’s performance against India.

    “Tomorrow, I am sure they’ll be very strong again, so, for us, it is focusing on the cricket that we want to play and trying to adjust to conditions,” he added.

    Pakistan is set to play New Zealand in their second match of Super 12s today (Tuesday).

  • Afghanistan demolishes Scotland at T20 World Cup, wins by 130 runs

    Afghanistan demolishes Scotland at T20 World Cup, wins by 130 runs

    Afghanistan cricket team has opened their World Cup campaign with a bang on Monday, beating Scotland by 130 runs.

    Batting first, the Afghans posted a gigantic total of 190 runs. The chasing team was limited to 60 runs with all wickets gone in just 10.2 overs.

    Mujeeb-ur-Rehman took five wickets and bagged Player of the Match award for his performance with the ball.

    Afghanistan’s next clash is with the Green Shirts. Pakistan will be playing its second match of the T20 world Cup with New Zealand today (Tuesday), while their encounter with the Afghans will be on Friday.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated the Afghanistan team for their “convincing win against Scotland.”

    He also said that despite all trials and tribulations in their country they showed great strength and and determination.

    Meanwhile, the Taliban have congratulated the Afghan cricket team after they defeated Scotland.

    Taking to Twitter, Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid felicitated the team and wished them good luck for the rest of the tournament.

    “Congratulations to all Afghans on the victory of the Afghan team in the ongoing World Twenty20, Mujahid wrote. “Wish them more success in the future.”

  • Indian actor apologises for comparing Pak team to street cricketers

    Indian film critic and actor Kamal Rashid Khan, also known as KRK, apologised for comparing the Pakistani team with street cricketers after Pakistan’s super win in T20 World Cup last night.

    KRK took to Twitter and wrote, “Today, I watched Pakistan team playing after 5-6 years, So I didn’t know that it’s so good. So I am really sorry for comparing it with the Juhu Gali team. #IndvsPak #ICCT20WorldCup2021”

    Read More: Pakistan crushes India: All the memes you cannot miss

    In another tweet, he praised Pakistani captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.

    “I never know that Pakistan’s captain #BabarAzam is 2nd rank ICC T20 player in the world. And 21 years only #ShaheenAfridi is so dangerous bowler. Matlab Babar Is bigger player than #viratkholi. Unbelievable!,” he tweeted.

  • ‘Selfishness, treachery of English cricket’, Peter Oborne schools ECB after Pak win

    ‘Selfishness, treachery of English cricket’, Peter Oborne schools ECB after Pak win

    English author and journalist Peter Oborne, who is very vocal about the mistreatment of Pakistan cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other cricket boards, has schooled the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after they made a joke on their Twitter account about India and Pakistan match.

    “Not your typical Monday morning! How are you feeling in one word,” ECB posted on Twitter with a smiling face.

    Replying to the English board, Peter wrote: “I am thinking Pakistan pulled off their great victory last night despite their preparation schedule being cruelly disrupted by the selfishness and treachery of English cricket.”

    Earlier, the English author had assailed the English Board for calling off their tour of Pakistan, terming the decision “a kick in the teeth” of Pakistan, to whom English cricket owed a great deal.

    New Zealand also abandoned their tour minutes before the opening fixture in Rawalpindi following a “security alert” from their government.

    The England men’s and women’s teams were each scheduled to play two Twenty20 international matches on October 13 and 14 in Rawalpindi, with the women’s side due to stay on for a three-match One-day International series from Oct 17-21.

    The historic trip would have been the first ever by an England women’s team and the first by their male counterparts since 2005.

  • ‘Never told to go to Pak’, Irfan Pathan lashes out at attacks on Shami for being Muslim

    ‘Never told to go to Pak’, Irfan Pathan lashes out at attacks on Shami for being Muslim

    Trigger Warning: This story contains abusive language

    Mohammad Shami, who is the only Muslim player in India’s playing XI has been on the receiving end of abuse on social media after India lost to Pakistan yesterday. The Indian player is being subjected to abuse on the basis of his religion, with people accusing him of being a traitor.

    The match finished in the 18th over, which was bowled by Shami. He gave 43 runs in 3.5 overs.

    Have a look at some of the abusive comments:

    https://twitter.com/vaikivannavan/status/1452329026027151362

    Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan came to Shami’s defence.

    “Even I was part of IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP,” he wrote in a tweet.

    Some other Indian cricketers, politicians and journalists tweeted in support of Shami:

  • Video: Indian ‘Mauka Mauka’ ads you might have missed

    Video: Indian ‘Mauka Mauka’ ads you might have missed

    As Pakistan beat India by 10 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, cricket fans from all over the world, celebrated the victory of the Green Shirts. Indian ad agencies, who made demeaning advertisements about Pakistan and the Pakistan cricket team were thwarted in attaining their goals.

    These ads will make you laugh after Pakistan’s historic win against India and did not give them the ‘Mauqa’ they were expecting and so sure of.

    In one of the ads, they are trying to show that Pakistan takes help from the Afghan Talibans to fight for Kashmir while the Taliban demand money. Pakistan is shown as a beggar country which only works on loans. They are also trying to show that it is Pakistan’s dream to beat India in World Cup as they always lost every match in the mega event. Take a look:

    In another episode of the same ad series, they have pictured Pakistan as someone who shows off but is surviving on China’s money. They show a Pakistani exporting donkeys to China while India has exported donkeys to Pakistan 75 years ago, who lost five matches from India in the World Cup.

    A YouTuber, Adeel Abbas has also made a compilation of the reactions of Indian fans and media before and after the match.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan crushed India by its comprehensive win of 10 wickets and the highest opening stand in the history of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

    Indian bowlers were unable to take Babar Azam (68 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan’s (79 not out) wicket for their team.

    Shaheen Shah Afridi sent three Indian openers to the pavilion, taking KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s wickets. For his performance, Afridi bagged Player of the match award.

  • ‘This is for you’: Babar Azam dedicates the win to Pakistani fans

    ‘This is for you’: Babar Azam dedicates the win to Pakistani fans

    Pakistani captain Babar Azam has dedicated the historic win against India to his fans.

    Taking to Twitter, he shared pictures of the winning moments and wrote: “This is for you, Pakistan. History made. All eyes on the next game, In Sha Allah #PakistanZindabad.”

    Babar and Mohammad Rizwan’s 152-run partnership for Pakistan was not just a match-winning stand, but also the biggest opening partnership in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup and Pakistan’s second-biggest partnership in a T20I for any wicket.

    Azam and Rizwan’s combined efforts overtook Chris Gayle and Devon Smith’s 145 against South Africa in 2007 as the top opening stand in Men’s T20 World Cups.

    Speaking after the match, Azam explained how he and his partner approached the record run-chase.

    “The plan with Rizwan is always to keep it simple,” he said. “We tried to get deep in the crease and from about the eighth over the dew came in and the ball came on nicely.

    “This is just the start, we have confidence to build on now. It will remain match by match for us.

    “The pressure on us wasn’t that much – we weren’t thinking of the record against India at all. I only wanted to back all our players who’ve been preparing well.”

    Meanwhile, Azam and Rizwan’s 152 is the second biggest partnership for any wicket in Men’s T20 World Cup history, 14 runs shy of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene’s extraordinary 166 against West Indies in 2010.

    The partnership is also the biggest for any wicket in a T20I against India, and consigned India to their first-ever ten-wicket defeat in T20s.

    Shaheen Shah Afridi also bagged three big Indian wickets on a big night. For his performance with the ball, Afridi got Player of the Match award.

    Other team members also took to the social media to express their happiness:

    https://twitter.com/76Shadabkhan/status/1452333304997421057?s=20

    Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is in Saudi Arabia, was also watching the match and later took to Twitter to share the picture and congratulated Pakistan for this historic win.

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Qamar Javed Bajwa also congratulated the team for the “outstanding performance and comprehensive win against India.”

    Beating India by 10 wickets, Pakistan is eyeing its next victory in the match against New Zealand on Tuesday.

  • Maryam Nawaz criticises PM Khan for watching the Pak vs Ind T20 match

    Maryam Nawaz criticises PM Khan for watching the Pak vs Ind T20 match

    As the world celebrated the historic victory of the Men in Green, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz did not let go of a chance to criticise Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan for watching the Pakistan and India T20 World Cup match.

    PM Khan shared a picture on Twitter watching the match along with various other government figures and ministers, saying that the “entire nation was proud of the Pakistan team.”

    Maryam Nawaz, tweeting the photo PM Khan tweeted, wrote, “God! People in the country are dying of hunger, inflation, and incompetence, and look at them!”

    PM Khan is currently in Saudi Arabia for a three-day visit. The premier performed Umrah along with his accompanying delegation.

    The prime minister is visiting Saudi Arabia to attend the launch of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit being held in Riyadh, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.