The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has chosen to part ways amicably with its foreign coaching trio—Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick—following the national team’s recent struggles, notably in the disappointing World Cup campaign. A senior official from the board revealed on Tuesday that PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer would engage in negotiations for a final settlement with the departing coaches.

Upon their return to Lahore from India, where they were part of the Pakistan team management during the Asia Cup and World Cup, the three coaches were informed that their services were no longer required. Contrary to initial plans of assigning them to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the PCB discovered that the contracts lacked a clause allowing the board to permanently shift them to the NCA.

Subsequently, discussions ensued, considering the current commitments of Mickey Arthur and Derbyshire, as well as the new assignments secured by Puttick and Bradburn. In a mutually agreeable decision, it was concluded the matter amicably and release them from their contracts, with the board acknowledging the need to compensate the trio for several months’ salaries.

The official also confirmed that Puttick, serving as the batting coach, had transparently communicated his new assignment with Afghanistan before accepting the contract. Likewise, Bradburn had informed the PCB about an opportunity to work as the head coach for English county Glamorgan.

Despite the changes in coaching staff, the Pakistan team faced a 3-0 whitewash in Australia, highlighting the challenges even with a new team director and coaches. It’s worth noting that Arthur, Puttick, and Bradburn were all appointed by the PCB during the tenure of the last chairman of the cricket management committee, Najam Sethi, in April-May of the previous year.

In a strategic move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Mohammad Rizwan as the vice-captain of the men’s national T20I team. The appointment follows a series of changes in the team’s leadership structure and board dynamics since the conclusion of the ODI World Cup in 2023.

Rizwan, a proficient wicket-keeper batter, assumes the role of deputy under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took charge after Babar Azam’s resignation as captain across all three formats. The restructuring process within the team is evident, with Rizwan’s elevation to vice-captaincy in T20Is being a significant part of this transformation.

The official announcement was made by the PCB on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), solidifying Rizwan’s position as the vice-captain for the T20I team.

.@iMRizwanPak has been appointed vice-captain of Pakistan’s T20I team pic.twitter.com/0Zu6DcstML

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 8, 2024

This shift in leadership leaves Babar Azam entirely removed from any official capacity within the leadership structure. Babar had relinquished his captaincy after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC World Cup 2023 in India, where they finished fifth with eight points from nine matches.

Babar’s struggles at the World Cup included a personal contribution of 320 runs in nine matches, making him the third-highest run-scorer for Pakistan. His average stood at 40, accompanied by a strike rate of 82.90.

Notably, Shan Masood was appointed as the Test format skipper, while Shaheen Shah Afridi took on the captaincy role for the T20 format. The landscape of Pakistan’s cricket leadership continues to evolve, ushering in a new era under the guidance of a fresh set of leaders.

The clash between David Warner and Mitchell Johnson has captured the cricketing world’s attention, with Johnson openly criticizing the selection committee’s decision to include Warner in the Test squad for the Pakistan series. In what was slated to be Warner’s final Test assignment, Johnson’s comments questioned the deserving nature of the southpaw’s ‘hero’s sendoff,’ leaving the cricketing fraternity in uproar. After days of anticipation, Warner has finally broken his silence on his former teammate’s controversial remarks.

Quoted by Fox Sports, Warner nonchalantly remarked,

“It would not be a summer of cricket without a headline.”

He acknowledged everyone’s right to an opinion while expressing optimism about the upcoming Test in the west.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Warner shared,

“I resonate with where I grew up. It was a great upbringing with my parents, teaching me to work hard every day.”

Despite Johnson’s harsh comments, Warner maintained a mature stance, recognizing the challenges that come with global attention on the cricketing stage.

Warner emphasized the dual nature of being in the spotlight, acknowledging media scrutiny and criticism. However, he highlighted the positive aspects of strong support for cricket, Australian cricket, and the sport in general.

Warner saw backing from his captain, Pat Cummins, who had faced similar targeting by Johnson the previous year. Cummins spoke about the team’s tight-knit bond, stating,

“We protect each other a lot. Fiercely protective of each other, we’ve been through a lot over the years.”

While Johnson’s goal of making such remarks is not yet unknown, Cummins is concentrating on acknowledging Australian cricket’s accomplishments in the middle of the current crisis.

Amid the intense showdown between Virat Kohli and Naveen ul Haq during the IPL 2023, there was an unexpected twist. In a recent revelation on a podcast, Pakistan cricket team star Imam-ul-Haq shared that his teammate, Agha Ali Salman, took the initiative to ease tensions. Agha Ali Salman reached out to Virat Kohli on Instagram, urging him to take it easy after the viral spat, saying,

“Kohli, bacche easy ho ja. Kya ho gaya hai.”

The unexpected message adds a touch of camaraderie to the heated moment.

Contrary to expectations, the tension between Virat Kohli and Naveen Ul Haq took a heartwarming turn at the Cricket World Cup. The anticipated face-off during the India vs Afghanistan clash became a moment of beauty when Kohli and Naveen Ul Haq embraced each other, a scene that quickly went viral.

In an interview with Lucknow Super Giants, Naveen ul Haq shed light on how Kohli played a crucial role in settling their differences. Recounting the on-field spat, Naveen revealed,

“He said, ‘let’s finish it.’ I said, ‘Yes, let’s finish it.’ So we laughed about it, we hugged, and we moved on. He said, ‘Now after this, you won’t hear my name,’ and that, ‘You’ll only get support from the crowd.’ I said, ‘Yeah’ (smiles).”

Naveen’s account adds a touch of sportsmanship to the narrative, emphasizing the unity within the cricketing fraternity.

Naveen Ul Haq also acknowledged the unexpected support the Afghanistan cricket team received in India. Despite not getting support in one game against India in Delhi, he expressed gratitude for the home-like feeling received in every other match. The camaraderie extended beyond the players, as Indian cricket fans, following Kohli’s lead, cheered for Naveen during a Cricket World Cup match against England in New Delhi.

The unity and unexpected turn of events culminated in one of the most memorable Cricket World Cup shocks. Afghanistan’s remarkable 69-run victory against defending champions England was celebrated with resounding cheers from the crowd. This triumphant moment showcased the power of sports to transcend rivalries and unite fans in the spirit of the game.

In an unexpected turn of events, Pakistan’s highly anticipated white-ball tour of the Netherlands in 2024 was deferred, a decision reportedly initiated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). ESPNcricinfo brings to light that the tour encompassed three T20Is against the Netherlands in May 2024, forming part of a broader European tour that included additional T20Is against Ireland and England. All these fixtures were strategically placed ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2024 in the West Indies and the USA.

Roland Lefebvre, the high-performance manager at Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Board (KNCB), confirmed the tour’s cancellation to ESPNcricinfo, citing scheduling conflicts and concerns regarding player workload as reasons acknowledged by the PCB.

Expressing understanding of the PCB’s challenges, Lefebvre stated,

“The KNCB understands the predicament the PCB is in, given their busy playing schedules and at the same time keeping the well-being of players in mind. We value the good relationship we have with the PCB, and look forward to rescheduling this series to a later date.”

The PCB, in response to ESPNcricinfo, admitted that the Netherlands series had been postponed at their request, assuring active efforts to identify an alternate window for the series.

The postponement deal is a significant setback for the Dutch side, as the series against a Full Member side was deemed crucial preparation ahead of the World Cup.

As a result, the eagerly awaited bilateral T20I series between the two teams is now deferred, leaving the T20 World Cup as the only previous encounter between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Australia reaffirmed their cricket supremacy by securing their sixth Cricket World Cup title, defeating India by six wickets in the highly anticipated final. Travis Head’s stellar performance, coupled with disciplined bowling, brought an end to India’s unbeaten streak in the tournament.

As champions, Australia claimed a substantial prize of USD 4 million, leaving India with USD 2 million as the runners-up. The significance of reaching the semi-finals was reflected in the prize money, with South Africa and New Zealand each receiving USD 800,000. The remaining six teams, unable to progress to the semi-finals, were awarded USD 100,000 each.

Top 4 Teams’ Winnings in Cricket World Cup 2023

• Australia (7 wins in the group stage): USD 4.28 Million
• India (9 wins in the group stage): USD 2.36 Million
• South Africa (7 wins in the group stage): USD 1.08 Million
• New Zealand (5 wins in the group stage): USD 1 Million

Australia’s Precision and Ruthless Execution

Australia’s triumph showcased meticulous planning and ruthless execution as they successfully chased down 241 runs in just 43 overs. Travis Head’s outstanding innings of 137 runs off 120 balls once again proved to be a thorn in India’s side.

Pakistan’s cricket team’s showing in the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 fell short of expectations. Despite being ranked among the top teams in the ICC standings, the Babar Azam-led squad failed to deliver their best. The 1992 Cricket World Cup champions exited early, finishing fifth in the points table, and faced widespread criticism for their lackluster display.

Amidst the disappointment, calls for the removal of Babar Azam from captaincy have surfaced. A recent report suggested that coaching staff would be dismissed in the aftermath of the Cricket World Cup debacle.

According to sources quoted by Samaa TV, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to remove foreign coaching staff, including team director Mickey Arthur. PCB chief Zaka Ashraf is in discussions with top officials, and former players, including ex-Pakistan cricket team captain Younis Khan, are set to meet with Ashraf.

Following Pakistan’s disappointing campaign, Morne Morkel resigned as bowling coach. The former South African fast bowler, on a six-month contract since June, made the decision after the team’s defeat against England. His replacement will be announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board in due course.

The PCB, in an official statement, stated that the replacement for Morne Morkel will be announced soon. Pakistan’s upcoming challenge is a three-match Test series against Australia scheduled from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024, in Australia.

Morne Morkel coached Pakistan in the successful Test series against Sri Lanka and an ODI series against Afghanistan, both resulting in victories for Pakistan. He also guided the team through the Asia Cup and the World Cup.

Pakistan concluded their disastrous World Cup campaign with a significant loss to England by 93 runs. Under Babar Azam’s leadership, the team suffered five defeats in nine matches, including a loss to arch-rival India by seven wickets.

In their final league match, the Men in Green aimed for an improbable victory to secure a spot in the semifinals but fell short. The 2019 champions England built towards a substantial first-innings score, securing a decisive 93-run win.

Pakistan find themselves in a familiar situation, reminiscent of their 1992 World Cup glory, as they battle to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Babar Azam’s squad entered the 2023 World Cup with high hopes, boasting top-tier batsmen and a formidable pace attack. They kicked off with impressive victories against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka but then stumbled, suffering four consecutive defeats, an unprecedented streak for the Pakistani team in World Cup history. Now, the burning question on every fan’s mind is whether Pakistan can still clinch a semi-final spot.

In all honesty, Pakistan face an uphill struggle to turn their fortunes around, even if they secure wins against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, New Zealand on November 4, or England on November 11 in their final group match. Even if they win all three remaining games, Pakistan can only accumulate a maximum of 10 points, a tally unlikely to secure a semi-final berth. Their fate hinges on how the remaining group stage matches unfold.

If Pakistan manages to win all three remaining games and amass 10 points, they must also rely on Australia, currently sitting fourth with eight points from six matches, to lose all three of their games against Afghanistan, England and Bangladesh. Pakistan would need Sri Lanka to lose at least two of their remaining three matches, against India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. This would keep Australia on eight points and restrict Sri Lanka to no more than six. Another route to the semi-finals is if New Zealand stumbles significantly, as they also have eight points and cannot surpass ten if they lose two of their remaining three matches.

However, Afghanistan’s impressive victory over the 1996 champions in Pune has complicated Pakistan’s path even further. In addition to the scenarios mentioned, Pakistan desperately requires Afghanistan to lose two matches, against the Netherlands and South Africa, while defeating Australia by a margin that doesn’t surpass Pakistan’s net run rate. Therefore, Pakistan must not only win but also ensure that their margins of victory are substantial enough to maintain a positive net run rate by the end of the group stage.

The Pakistani cricket team are getting ready for their sixth encounter at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against their neighbours in Afghanistan. With two victories and two losses in their previous four matches, the Pakistan vs. Afghanistan rivalry has a history of intense battles. Cricket icon Shoaib Akhtar anticipates another fiercely contested game, one that may ignite tempers on the field. Yet he believes this match transcends the cricket pitch, shaping up to be a contest for Pakistan against not only Afghanistan but also the fervent crowd and the playing conditions.

In a Twitter video, Akhtar issued a stern warning to Babar Azam’s squad, cautioning against underestimating Afghanistan. This will not be a one-sided competition, he claims.

“It’s more than just #PAKvsAFG. It’s Pakistan against the crowd. It’s Pakistan against the groundsmen. We are faced with a challenging battle that lies ahead. Afghanistan is not a pushover; they are a formidable team,” Akhtar emphasized in the video caption.

He describes this as a pivotal and high-stakes match, known for its potential to stir emotions and ignite rivalries. Akhtar is emphatic that Afghanistan is far from being an underdog in this encounter. He dispels the notion of “upset” and underscores that Afghanistan is a team on par with Pakistan. With their formidable spin-bowling arsenal, they pose a genuine threat to the Pakistani side. Akhtar emphasizes that Pakistan cannot afford to lose to Afghanistan or any other team in this competition.

Akhtar’s analysis suggests that the Chepauk pitches are likely to favor Afghanistan’s spinners significantly. Furthermore, the passionate crowd is expected to rally behind Afghanistan.

“Factors that favor Afghanistan include enthusiastic crowd support and favorable pitch conditions, particularly for spinners. Whether it’s day or night, the spinning track will work in their favor,” Akhtar opines.

The context of the World Cup journey adds to the intrigue. Pakistan secured victories in their first two matches but faced defeats against India and Australia in subsequent games. Meanwhile, Afghanistan managed to upset the defending champions, England, but encountered losses against India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh.

Fans can expect a hotly contested duel that will have them on the tip of their seats as both sides fight for their lives in the tournament.