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Five times Shaheen Afridi impressed cricket stars

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Pakistan’s ace speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi — who made his debut in 2018, and is already considered one of the most formidable bowlers in the world — celebrated his 23rd birthday on Thursday.

Shaheen has made giant strides in international cricket, since making his debut in all formats in 2018.

Over the course of his career so far, the lanky pacer has featured in 25 Tests, 32 ODIs and 47 T20Is, with over 200 wickets.

He has also made impressive progress in the captaincy department after leading Lahore Qalandars to back-to-back Pakistan Super League titles.

Here are five quotes that shed light on Shaheen’s outstanding skillset.

Wasim Akram – December 26, 2017

Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram was full of praise for Shaheen during the latter’s Under-19 days.

“He is a left arm bowler, he is tall and he reminds me of my youth, as his bowling action is also identical — coming in sideways, extract bounce,” said Akram.

Waqar Younis – November 1, 2020

Former Pakistan fast-bowler Waqar Younis stated that Shaheen is getting better with every passing day.

“Shaheen is a wonderful talent, he’s a great learner and a great listener. Since the tour of Australia, he’s learnt a lot, he has much better control and is getting better and better. I am really proud of him in the way he is bowling & improving,” said Younis.

Babar Azam – January 23, 2023

Pakistan captain and prolific batter Babar Azam named Shaheen as the best bowler in the world.

“Everyone knows he [Shaheen] is the best bowler in Pakistan and in the world,” said Azam.

Dale Steyn – February 27, 2023

South Africa’s fast-bowling great Dale Steyn is a fan of Shaheen’s wrist position.

“Shaheen’s wrist is amazing! The bend and flick he has is so special and an area where many young fast bowlers could look to find their extra yard of pace they searching for,” Steyn said.

“Few drills one could try, but if you’re over 25 I’m sorry but it may already be too late. Still worth a try,” he added.

Rashid Khan – February 28, 2023

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan heaped praise on Shaheen’s leadership skills.

“Shaheen is leading the team very well. With the way he is managing everything, as a bowler and a player you feel relaxed after having a captain like him. He guides players to perfection and doesn’t get angry whenever a player feels down,” said Rashid. 

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Sumair Ahmad is named the 2025 Champions Trophy Director by PCB.

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PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi commented on the appointment, saying, “Sumair is a highly organized professional with a wealth of administrative expertise.” He will undoubtedly give players, officials, and fans alike an amazing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, especially when combined with his unshakable love for cricket.

He continued, “The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events, welcoming players and fans from around the globe to experience the country’s renowned hospitality and passion for the game.”

The BCCI informed the ICC earlier this month that it will not be sending a side to the event, which is set for 2025 in Pakistan during the February–March season.

After the PCB asked for clarity in its letter regarding the BCCI’s unwillingness to tour Pakistan, the ICC requested India’s justifications for not inviting Pakistan to compete for the Champions Trophy.

The broadcasters, meanwhile, reportedly pushed the ICC to make the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule available right away.

Due to the Indian government’s refusal to send a delegation to Pakistan for the event, the schedule that was supposed to be issued on November 12 was postponed.

The broadcasting rights, which were given to broadcasters for a record $3 billion until 2027, are heavily dependent on the success of the main events, especially those involving India and Pakistan, which regularly attract the largest audiences.

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India withdraws from the World Cup of Blind T20 Cricket in Pakistan

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Adding to the issue surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian government refused to allow their squad to travel to Pakistan for the Blind Cricket T20 World Cup, which is set to start in Lahore on November 23.

According to Indian media, India, the reigning champion, would not go to Pakistan to play in the Blind T20 World Cup 2024 since the government has not given its approval.

Lahore and Multan are set to host the Blind T20 World Cup 2024 from November 23 to December 3.

The general secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), Sailendra Yadav, recently discussed the upsetting news about the blind cricket team’s upcoming trip to Pakistan in an interview with India Today.

The team was given a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Sports Ministry, but the Ministry of External Affairs finally refused to allow them to enter the border, Yadav revealed.

Yadav stated, “We have been waiting for the government to give us permission to travel to Pakistan for the past 25 days.”

“We will not be receiving any authorization to travel to Pakistan, and we can cancel your tournament,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed us over the phone.

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Aaqib Javed designated as interim head coach for white-ball formats of Pakistan

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On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the hiring of former fast bowler Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team till the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Throughout this period, Aaqib will maintain his role as a senior member of the men’s National Selection Committee and will be allocated more responsibilities upon the completion of the eight-team tournament.

The PCB will commence the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach, with the objective of finalising the appointment before the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to take place from 19 February to 9 March.

The white-ball coaching position became available with Gary Kirsten’s departure last month, prior to the current tour of Australia.

In Kirsten’s absence, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie led the team during the tour of Australia and will now return for the forthcoming two-Test series in South Africa.

The Pakistan men’s team is set to compete in three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe from November 24 to December 5, followed by an equal number of white-ball matches in South Africa from December 10 to 22.

Prior to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for an ODI triangular series from February 8 to 14.

Aaqib Javed had considerable coaching expertise, having formerly held the position of Pakistan’s bowling coach during their triumphant ICC T20 World Cup campaign in 2009. Earlier this year, he served as the bowling coach for the Sri Lanka men’s squad.

Before that, he managed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in achieving ODI status and qualifying for the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia during his term as head coach.

Additionally, the right-arm fast bowler served as the coach of Pakistan’s Under-19 squad during their victory in the U19 World Cup in 2004.

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