The fourth T20I encounter between England and Pakistan ended in a disappointing loss for Pakistan, as they were defeated by 7 wickets. Fans are expressing outrage towards the team and in particular, Azam Khan, who has been performing poorly in recent matches. As England secured a comfortable win, Azam Khan's subpar performance has once again sparked discussions on nepotism in the selection process for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Azam Khan's Subpar Performance Sparks Outrage and Nepotism Concerns
Azam Khan, the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan, has been the subject of intense criticism following a string of poor performances in recent matches for the national team.
In the fourth T20I encounter between England and Pakistan, Khan's lackluster performance contributed to Pakistan's disappointing loss by 7 wickets. Fans have expressed their outrage on social media, questioning the selection process and alleging nepotism.
Background
Azam Khan made his international debut in 2021, and his inclusion in the squad raised eyebrows due to his familial connections. Despite his impressive domestic record, his performances at the international level have fallen short of expectations.
In the ongoing series against England, Khan has scored just 30 runs in three innings, with an average of 10.00 and a strike rate of 88.24. His fielding has also been criticized, with several dropped catches and poor throws.
Fan Outrage
Fans have taken to social media to voice their frustration with Khan's inclusion in the team, arguing that he has not earned his place based on merit. They point to his recent poor performances and question the fairness of the selection process.
Some fans have accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of nepotism, claiming that Khan is being favored due to his father's influence. They argue that other more deserving players have been overlooked in favor of Khan.
PCB Response
The PCB has defended Khan's inclusion in the squad, citing his domestic record and potential. However, PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has acknowledged that Khan's performances have not met expectations.
Raja stated that the selectors have a difficult task in balancing meritocracy and giving chances to young players. He emphasized that Khan is still a developing player and needs more time to adjust to the international stage.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is Azam Khan facing criticism? Khan has been criticized for his poor recent performances, including dropped catches and low scores with the bat.
2. Is there any evidence of nepotism? Some fans have alleged that Khan's inclusion in the team is due to his father's influence as a former Pakistan captain. However, the PCB denies these allegations.
3. What does the PCB say about Khan's inclusion? The PCB has defended Khan's inclusion, citing his domestic record and potential. They acknowledge that his recent performances have been below par but believe he needs more time to develop.
4. How is Khan responding to the criticism? Khan has admitted that his recent performances have been disappointing and has promised to work harder to improve.
5. What is the future of Azam Khan in the Pakistan team? Khan's future in the team is uncertain. He will need to improve his performances to keep his place in the squad, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching.
The second day of the first Test between South Africa and Bangladesh saw a dominant performance by the Proteas, led by Kyle Verreynne's century. Despite a few hiccups, South Africa ended the day with the first-innings advantage, thanks to Verreynne and Dane Piedt's strong stand. Bangladeshi batsmen struggled against the South African bowlers, but Mahmudul Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim's partnership brought stability to their team before the close of the day.
Mumbai's selection panel has dropped Prithvi Shaw from their team for the Ranji Trophy game against Tripura due to his lack of attendance at practice sessions and being overweight. The 24-year-old, who scored a hundred in his debut Test against West Indies, has faced off-field issues and injuries that have hindered his career progress. Former Australia player Ricky Ponting, who worked with Shaw at Delhi Capitals, also spoke about the batter's problems. Shaw's attitude and weight issues seem to have cost him potential spots in both domestic and national teams.
The eleventh season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 11) is underway and the excitement is palpable. With all the teams playing their opening games and no draws yet, the competition is fiercer than ever. After securing a hard-fought win against Bengal Warriors, the Jaipur Pink Panthers will face off against Telugu Titans, who have a mixed record so far. The Pink Panthers will look to continue their momentum, while the Titans will aim for a comeback after a loss to Tamil Thalaivas. With a history of close matches between the two teams, this is definitely not one to miss.
The former Australian opener, who announced his retirement earlier this year, has expressed his willingness to return to the national team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. With Australia needing a strong start in the series, Warner's availability could prove to be a game changer. The 37-year-old pointed out that he has had a similar preparation as the other players and will use his time in the Sheffield Shield to regain his form and fitness.
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is set to face his former coach, Hansi Flick, when his current team takes on FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. With his contract expiring soon, Kimmich has been linked to the Catalan giants for over a year. The player himself has admitted that this match will be special for him, not only because of his potential transfer, but also due to the reunion with Flick, who played a pivotal role in his growth as a versatile player. Kimmich also compared his former teammate, Robert Lewandowski, with his current teammate, Harry Kane, highlighting the different styles they bring to their respective teams.
After suffering their first defeat of the season to Bournemouth, Arsenal are gearing up to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the newly revamped Champions League League Phase. The Gunners may be without Bukayo Saka due to a hamstring injury, while captain Martin Ødegaard is also currently unfit. As both teams fight for a top spot in the league, fans can catch the match for free.
Bangladesh is fighting to save the first Test against South Africa as they reached 101-3 at stumps, still needing 101 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (38) and Mushfiqur Rahim (31) showed resilience and remained unbeaten at the end of play, with their 42-run stand for the fourth wicket. Additionally, Mushfiqur became the first Bangladeshi to cross 6,000 career Test runs. South Africa's Kyle Verreynne's century helped the visitors secure a 202-run lead with a total of 308 in their first innings.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) in England has proposed a non-contact version of rugby to be introduced in schools as a way to tackle declining youth participation and concerns over head injuries. An independent review found that many schools with strong rugby traditions are no longer playing the sport due to safety concerns. This move aims to make the game more accessible and inclusive, while still retaining traditional elements such as line-outs and scrums. The RFU also plans to continue offering full-contact rugby for older players.
Glasgow, Scotland has been selected to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing the multi-sport event back to their city after a successful 2014 run. With a focus on accessibility and showcasing top athletes, Glasgow 2026 will feature a compact programme of 10 sports across four venues. The event is expected to bring in over £100 million in investment and is set to have a unique branding that highlights the Commonwealth Games' role in the larger Commonwealth Sport Movement.
Central Coast Mariners are looking to turn around their underwhelming start in the AFC Champions League as they face off against Shanghai Port, managed by former A-League title winner, Kevin Muscat. With both teams desperate for a win, the stakes are high as Mariners coach, Mark Jackson, remains confident after their recent A-League draw against Melbourne Victory. However, Port will be looking to bounce back after a costly defeat in the Chinese Super League, slipping to second place in the standings.