Month: September 2023

Pakistan cricket team landed in India on Wednesday to take part in the 2023 World Cup, recieving a grand welcome in Hyderabad. Led by Babar Azam, the team spent a significant amount of time in Hyderabad after departing from Dubai, where they had a lengthy nine-hour layover. Flying from Lahore in the early hours of Wednesday, they arrived in Hyderabad during the night. Pakistan is scheduled to play their initial warm-up match against New Zealand on September 29, followed by a clash with Australia on October 3.
Pakistan’s Naseem Shah, left, gestures as he unsuccessfully appeals for the wicket of India’s Rohit Sharma(AP)
Their tournament opener will take place against the Netherlands in Hyderabad (October 6), with a subsequent match against Sri Lanka scheduled for October 10. Pakistan were among the last of the teams participating in the World Cup to announce their 15-member squad, partly due to a major injury right before the tournament in star pacer Naseem Shah. The right-armer, part of the star fast bowling trio including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, faced a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup and was subsequently ruled out of the marquee tournament in India.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan has now opened up on Naseem’s injury, revealing that the star pacer had been constantly complaining about the problem but the medical team continued to ignore it.
Naseem’s injury is a disaster of Pakistan’s team medical panel and physiotherapist. Because he has been constantly complaining that he is having problem since three to four months yet they were continuously playing him. A player would always wish to not get dropped but when he is telling you about his injury, you have to take it very seriously. The medical panel didn’t take it seriously. This was a recipe for disaster, Moin told Cricket Pakistan.
Moin did, however, state that Hasan Ali was the best option for Pakistan following Naseem’s injury-forced absence.
The authorities in PCB should task them [medical panel] because we suffered a great loss ahead of World Cup when Naseem was in form and was bowling extraordinarily. And which is why now we have to take Hasan Ali. Hasan Ali is an experienced bowler, who has been through similar circumstances. From that point of view, this decision is suitable and Hasan Ali’s selection is justified.
No pressure, says Babar
Ahead of the team’s departure, Babar had spoken about his excitement over playing in India especially Ahmedabad where the arch-rivals lock horns in front of a one lakh plus crowd.
“Although we have not played in India before, we are not taking too much pressure. We have done our research and we have heard the conditions are similar to how they play out in other Asian countries,” said Babar in the pre-departure media conference.

In the conclusive match of the Australia Tour of India‘s three-match ODI series, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli showcased remarkable batting performances.
Smith exhibited his masterclass with the bat by amassing 74 runs from 61 deliveries. His innings was highlighted by a splendid display of cricketing shots, which included a towering six and eight perfectly timed boundaries. Notably, during this innings, the Australian vice-captain also reached a significant milestone in his ODI career, as he crossed the 5,000-run mark in the 50-over format.
Meanwhile, Virat, the right-handed maestro, demonstrated his consistent excellence by achieving his 66th half-century in ODI cricket. The 34-year-old batter compiled a well-crafted 56 runs from 61 balls, showcasing his trademark control and precision. His innings featured a remarkable six and five boundaries executed with finesse.
Kohli’s funny dance
In the opening innings of the game, a funny moment unfolded as Virat was seen engaged in an amusing conversation with Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne. In a jovial exchange, the former Indian skipper was observed dancing and sharing laughter while the team physio tended to Smith, who was undergoing treatment with glucose and an ice pack on his head due to the intense heat, all while seated in a chair placed near the pitch.
Here is the video:
When GOATs take a break #IndiaCricketKaNayaGhar#TeamIndia#IDFCFirstBankODITrophy#ViratKohlipic.twitter.com/yQ8V0jvrj2
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) September 27, 2023
Steve Smith’s reaction
On Thursday, Smith shared a small clip on his Instagram featuring Kohli’s antique dance during the game and adored his moves.
“Nice moves,” Smith captioned the story while mentioning Virat.
Steve Smith Steve Smith’s story on Virat Kohli (Image source: Instagram)
India and Australia are on the brink of another thrilling showdown as they prepare to face each other in their opening match of the highly anticipated ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. This high-voltage encounter is set to take place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8.

India played their final ODI match ahead of the World Cup 2023 on Wednesday, 27 September. India lost to Australia by 66 runs at Rajkot, while chasing a record 353-run total. India head coach Rahul Dravid attended the press conference after the series and said that India might not make any changes to their 15 going into the World Cup 2023.
India have one injury concern in their squad going into the tournament. Axar Patel was not able to play a single game in the 3-match Australia series and Dravid said that he was yet to receive a confirmation about the player from the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s selection hangs in balance over this decision. Ashwin impressed during India’s ODI series vs Australia and was touted to make a late entry into the squad.
“We have to wait for an official confirmation or a decision on that. The NCA is in touch with the selectors and Ajit (Agarkar) so I will not make any comments on that. If there is any change you will get to hear about it officially, as of now there are no changes,” Rahul Dravid said.
It is possible that the Indian team carries the 15 players that were announced ahead of the Australia series. Given that Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are unlikely to play in the same XI, Axar might be carried into the tournament even if his injury persists.
Sharma has already said that back-up players need to be ready because they could be called up at any moment in the tournament.
The Indian head coach also said that it was important for the players to get some game time ahead of the World Cup and that he was happy with the performances.
“For all those guys game-time was important. The fact that they have been able to get that is I think something that we are much better off for it,” Dravid said.
“Jassi has been able to play a couple of games and bowl his quota of 10 overs, Siraj (was) suffering from a little bit of bug but he got back and was able to bowl,” he concluded.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will play a warm-up match in Guwahati on Friday, September 27, ahead of the highly-anticipated ODI World Cup.
The ‘Bangla Tigers’ are going through a tumultuous time off the field as two of their star players, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan have been involved in a cold war. Apparently, captain Shakib didn’t want Tamim in his team as the opening batter is yet to fully recover from a back injury. However, this opens up an opportunity for young talent to impress on the global stage.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have had their own share of struggles with injuries. They lost their premier allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga due to a hamstring injury. Experienced pacer Dushmantha Chameera also missed the bus after suffering an injury during the Lanka Premier League in August.
These two sides met twice in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023. Sri Lanka emerged victorious in both encounters with relative ease. The two Asian teams have formed quite a rivalry in recent years and fans of both countries will hope that their team bags a win and builds momentum ahead of the World Cup.
BAN vs SL Match Details:
Match: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI Match, ODI World Cup warm-up game
Venue:  Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Date & Time: Friday, September 29, 2:00 PM IST
Live Streaming Details: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar app and website
Barsapara Cricket Stadium Pitch Report:
The batters have had a great time in the two men’s ODI matches played at this venue. India chased down a target of 323 in just 42.1 overs against the West Indies in 2018. In the other game played at this venue, earlier this year, India scored 373/7 in the first innings while Sri Lanka replied with 306/8. Therefore, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka batters could expect to have a field day out in the middle, while the bowlers might be kept on their toes. The captain who wins the toss could bat first and look to put on a big score.
BAN vs SL Head-to-Head Record:
Matches – 53, Bangladesh- 9, Sri Lanka – 42, N/R- 2
BAN vs SL Probable Playing XI
Bangladesh (BAN):
Shakib Al Hasan (C), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riad, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Sri Lanka (SL):
Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Matheesha Pathirana
Probable Best Performers:
Probable Best Batter:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh): 
The southpaw has been in fine form this year, scoring 698 runs in 14 innings at an average of 49.85 and a strike rate of 86.92. Shanto has scored two centuries and five half-centuries during this period. Dismissing him early will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s chances.
Probable Best Bowler:
Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka):
The Sri Lankan spinner suffered a terrible injury during the Asia Cup 2023 and his participation in the World Cup was under speculation. However, much to the happiness of the Lankan management, Theeskhana has returned and he will play a vital role in the absence of Hasaranga.
                               Today’s Match Prediction: Sri Lanka to win the match
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

ICC World Cup 2023: The Pakistan cricket team landed in India on Wednesday and will play its first warmup match on Friday. Ahead of the crucial World Cup, Team Pakistan received a big jolt as in-form pacer Naseem Shah was ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023 due to injuries. The injury was exacerbated during the Asia Cup 2023 and kept him out of the crucial matches during the tournament. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan slammed the Pakistan cricket administration over Naseem Shah’s injury. Moin Khan revealed that Naseem Shah was constantly complaining” about his injuries with the medical panel of the Pakistan team, but he was not taken seriously.
Naseem’s injury is a disaster for Pakistan’s team medical panel and physiotherapist. Because he has been constantly complaining that he is having problems for three to four months they were continuously playing him. A player would always wish to not get dropped but when he is telling you about his injury, you have to take it very seriously. The medical panel didn’t take it seriously. This was a recipe for disaster,” Moin Khan said.
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Hasan Ali good alternate 
The former Pakistan player also revealed that Hasan Ali is the best option after Naseem Shah’s injury as he has ample experience.
The authorities in PCB should task them [medical panel] because we suffered a great loss ahead of World Cup when Naseem was in form and was bowling extraordinarily. And which is why now we have to take Hasan Ali. Hasan Ali is an experienced bowler, who has been through similar circumstances. From that point of view, this decision is suitable and Hasan Ali’s selection is justified,” Moin Khan explained.
Pakistan’s World Cup squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.
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Hyderabad: Security officials in the city are literally working overtime to ensure a smooth stay for the Pakistan cricket team, which is visiting India after seven years.
The team got a roaring welcome at the Hyderabad airport on Wednesday before it was taken to the team hotel in the heart of the city amid tight security. The team will be here for almost two weeks.
Police officials are having to stretch themselves due to the festivities around the Ganesh idol immersion that coincides with warm-up games of the World Cup.
For the same reason, Pakistan’s opening warming-up game on Friday will be played without spectators as the police cannot provide adequate security.
The squad arrived at the stadium on Thursday with six police vans as part of the cavalcade. The team buses of Pakistan and New Zealand exited the stadium together.
Nothing is being left to chance even in the team hotel.
“The team is fully satisfied with security whether it is at the stadium or at the hotel,” said a PCB source.
While the warm-up game on Friday will require around 200 Police personnel at the stadium, the number will go up to 800, when spectators return for the next warm-up game on October 3.
“There is no threat to any team in the competition including Pakistan but you have to take due security measures. Yes, since Pakistan are here after a long time, extra precaution is being taken. Having said that, security of all the teams is of equal importance,” said a security official on conditions of anonymity.
As part of the BCCI’s last-minute schedule change, Hyderabad is forced to host back-to-back games on October 9 and 10, pushing more pressure on the stretched resources of police.
“Majority of our staff will get very little time to sleep today and tomorrow, same goes for back-to-back games in October,” added the official.
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