News Analysis India

Tag: Shaheen Afridi

  • ‘Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli should be considered our friend’: Fans engage in fun banter with Shaheen Afridi ahead of India vs Pakistan clash | Cricket News

    The Indian fans have sent a fun message to Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi ahead of the high-voltage clash between both sides in the ongoing T20 World Cup in New York on Sunday. Nerves are a constant factor when two of the oldest cricket rivals appear on the same field. Emotions run high, adrenalin rush kicks in, and tension starts to escalate through the roof are some of the things that are easily visible during the India-Pakistan clash.

    Fans usually spend time debating about the better side and better players. But in a video that recently went viral on social media, India fans had a fun banter with Pakistan ace Shaheen. They joked that Shaheen should consider India’s stalwart duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as his friends.

    “Consider Rohit and Virat as your good friends,” a fan was heard saying. (Big Boost For Babar Azam’s Pakistan Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2024 Game Against Team India, THIS All-Rounder Set To Make Comeback)

    Check out the video here…

    Indian fans to Shaheen Afridi :

    “I don’t want to bowl well tomorrow”

    “Consider Rohit and Virat as your good friends”

    pic.twitter.com/20jG1zL3ip

    aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) June 8, 2024

    In the past, Shaheen has caused trouble for India batters with his left-arm inswinging deliveries. A fan wanted Shaheen to bowl below his standards and jokingly said, “Kal acchi bowling nahi karni hai.”

    India and Pakistan will step into New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium to add a new chapter to their historic rivalry. In the previous edition of the tournament, India needed magic from Kohli’s bat to seal a thrilling win at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2022. This time Pakistan will look to take revenge for their slump and clinch their first win of the tournament.

    The video looks the day before the India vs Pakistan match is scheduled to play as fan is heard telling to not bowl well tomorrow in the game. Afridi is a key player for his team just like Kohli and Rohit, he will surely look to trouble the Indian duo this time as well.

    India T20 WC squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. (With ANI inputs)

  • Pakistan Cricket Team Players Host $25 ‘Meet and Greet’ Dinner, Face Backlash From Ex-Pakistani Captain Ahead Of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

    The Pakistan cricket team and its players continue to spark controversies. Just before the start of their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, they reportedly hosted a ‘private dinner’ in the USA, inviting fans for a ‘meet and greet.’ However, this event wasn’t free or for charity; it had an entry fee of $25, which upset many in the Pakistani cricket community. Rashid Latif, a legendary Pakistan cricketer, took to social media to criticise this event organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board and the players.

    In a video shared by Latif, fans could meet Pakistan players during the private dinner if they paid $25. Latif and others in the video were shocked by this concept.

    “There are official dinners, but this is a private dinner. Who can do this? It’s terrible. That means you met our players for $25. God forbid, if something went wrong, people would say the boys are just making money,” Latif said in the video.

    Let’s Save The Star & Be Stars Unofficial Private Dinner During WC24#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BXEgPyA2p2 — Rashid Latif | (@iRashidLatif68) June 4, 2024

    Presenter Nauman Niaz condemned the ‘sad state of affairs’ in the Pakistan team, while a fan suggested the price should have been higher if they proceeded with the idea. Latif acknowledged the concept of charity dinners but found a private dinner with a fee unacceptable.

    “People tell me that whoever calls the Pakistani players, they just ask, ‘how much money will you give?’ This has become common. Things were different at our time, we had 2-3 dinners but they were official. But this is highlighted because it’s the World Cup. So the players should be careful. The amount of 25 dollars shouldn’t be blatantly used like this. You attend 2-3 dinners, but without the commercial angle. You can go for charity dinners and fundraisers, but this is neither fundraising nor a charity dinner. This is a private function with the name of Pakistan and Pakistan cricket associated with it. Don’t make this mistake,” he added.

    T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan’s WC campaign to begin from tomorrow against USA

    The Pakistan team will start their World Cup campaign against the USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday, June 6. The Men in Green aim to begin their campaign with a win against the USA. In the last edition of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan reached the final but lost to England. Tomorrow Against USA.

  • Sachin Tendulkar Set To Boost Team India’s Spirits At T20 World Cup 2024 Clash Against Pakistan In New York | Cricket News

    The anticipation for the T20 World Cup 2024 is reaching fever pitch, and Indian cricket fans have another reason to celebrate. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is expected to be present at India’s highly anticipated match against arch-rivals Pakistan. This epic showdown is scheduled for June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

    Sachin Tendulkar is likely to attend the India vs Pakistan match at New York in the T20I World Cup. [PTI] pic.twitter.com/ihjcVVvLeK — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 28, 2024

    Also Read: Kevin Pietersen Calls Ambati Rayudu A ‘Joker’ After IPL 2024 Final, Video Goes Viral – Watch

    The Master Blaster’s Presence: A Morale Booster

    The confirmation of Tendulkar’s attendance comes from a reliable source close to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The source revealed, “Yes, if all goes well, Sachin will be watching the match in New York and cheering the Indian team.” While it’s still uncertain whether Tendulkar will interact with the players before the match, his presence alone is expected to significantly boost the morale of the Indian team.

    Rohit Sharma and his squad will undoubtedly draw inspiration from seeing one of cricket’s greatest icons in the stands. Tendulkar, who remains the highest run-scorer in both Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODIs), has always been a beacon of excellence and motivation for Indian cricketers. His illustrious career, spanning over two decades, set the benchmark for the sport, and his support could be a pivotal factor in such a crucial game.

    Historic Rivalry Rekindled in a New Arena

    The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is legendary, often transcending the sport to become a cultural phenomenon. Matches between these two teams are always high-stakes affairs, laden with pressure and excitement. This year, the T20 World Cup has added a unique twist by hosting the marquee clash in New York, marking the first time these two teams will face off on American soil in a World Cup match.

    The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, situated on the outskirts of New York, is expected to be filled to capacity. Fans from both nations, along with a vibrant diaspora, will converge to witness this historic match. The electric atmosphere, combined with Tendulkar’s presence, promises an unforgettable experience.

    Standout Performances to Watch

    While Tendulkar’s presence is a major highlight, the players on the field will be the ultimate focus. Captain Rohit Sharma, known for his explosive batting and strategic acumen, will lead the Indian team. Jasprit Bumrah, returning from injury, will spearhead the bowling attack with his lethal pace and precision. Suryakumar Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are also key players expected to make significant contributions.

    Pakistan, on the other hand, will rely on their own stars to counter India’s challenge. Babar Azam, one of the world’s top batsmen, will be crucial in anchoring his innings. Shaheen Afridi, with his fiery pace and ability to swing the ball, will aim to unsettle the Indian batsmen early on. The match is poised to be a thrilling contest of skill and nerve.

    Tendulkar’s Enduring Legacy

    Sachin Tendulkar’s involvement in cricket extends beyond his playing days. He has frequently been associated with the ICC and other cricketing bodies, often serving as a brand ambassador. His presence at key matches, such as the 2015 and 2023 World Cups, underscores his enduring influence in the sport. Even in retirement, Tendulkar continues to inspire millions. His journey from a young prodigy to a cricketing legend is a testament to his dedication, talent, and passion for the game. His upcoming appearance in New York is not just about watching a cricket match; it symbolizes the connection and respect he maintains with the sport and its global fanbase.

  • PAK vs NZ 1st T20I: Babar Azam Breaks Silence On Reports Of ‘FIGHTS’ With Shaheen Shah Afridi, Says, ‘I Want To Make Clear…’ | cricket news

    Pakistan’s reinstated captain, Babar Azam, has addressed the recent captaincy controversy involving Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was replaced by Azam after Pakistan’s 1-4 loss to New Zealand under Afridi’s leadership. Reports surfaced suggesting Afridi was dissatisfied with how he was removed from captaincy, fueled further by his cryptic social media posts. Despite this turmoil, Azam emphasized the enduring bond between him and Afridi, stating their support for each other remains unwavering.

    “I want to make clear that Shaheen [Afridi] and my bond is not recent, it goes back a long way. We support each other in every situation. Our aim is to put Pakistan first, and how to put Pakistan’s name up in lights. We don’t think of individual glory, and thankfully, those elements are not present in my team,” Babar said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

    Speaking ahead of the first T20I match against New Zealand, Azam reiterated the team’s unity and commitment to prioritizing Pakistan’s success over individual accolades. He hinted at experimentation throughout the five-game series, with an eye on optimizing the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

    “Our line-up is flexible. We’re trying to give opportunities to our young players and bench strength. You’ll see different combinations in this series and check what works for us. You’ll see that in the bowling as well as batting, and in every spot, by the time we get to the Ireland and England series, we’ll have a clearer picture,” he said.

    Azam expressed satisfaction with the squad’s blend of youth and experience, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent and providing support to newcomers adjusting to international cricket. The series begins in Rawalpindi on April 18, featuring both Pakistan and New Zealand squads.

    “I am very happy when I see a new player getting selected for the Pakistan Cricket Team on the basis of domestic performance. So all the youngsters that come, we try to keep them in our wings. Because in international, whenever you come, you struggle a little. It helps to have a senior player who can give you a little backing.

  • ‘Babar Azam could not finish’; Blame Game In Pakistan Camp As Shaheen Afridi Reacts After Loss In 3rd T20I Vs New Zealand

    Babar Azam shone for Pakistan for the third consecutive time but failed to close the game for visitors. Shaheen Afridi has now reacted to the losses vs New Zealand.