Salim Malik accuses Imad Wasim of deliberately wasting balls against India
Karachi (PTI): Former skipper Salim Malik has accused Imad Wasim of deliberately wasting balls in Pakistan's six-run loss to arch-rivals India in the T20 World Cup in New York.
Chasing an underwhelming 120-run target, Pakistani batters consumed 59 dot balls to be restricted to 113 for 7 on Sunday.
Wasim took 23 balls to score his 15 runs in the losing cause.
"You look at his (Wasim) innings and it appears as if he was wasting balls not scoring runs and making things difficult in the run-chase," Malik said on 24 News channel.
Another former captain Shahid Afridi feels all is not well in the Pakistan dressing room and some players have issues with skipper Babar Azam.
"A captain brings everyone together, either he spoils the team environment or he builds the team. Let this World Cup finish, and I will speak openly," said Afridi.
"I have such a relationship with Shaheen (Afridi) that if I talk about him, people will say I am favouring my son-in-law," he added.
Afridi's daughter is married to left-arm pacer Shaheen, who was removed as T20 captain just before the World Cup after just one series in New Zealand.
Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar minced no words in criticising Pakistan's below-par performance, saying the Babar Azam-led side doesn't deserve to be in the Super Eight stage.
"I think I should have a template text. Disappointed & hurt automatically set to be posted. The whole nation is down and out. Morale is down. Somehow you have to show intent to win. Do Pakistan deserve to be out of Super Eight? God knows," Akhtar said in a video message on 'X'.
Annoyed by Pakistan's ability to self destruct, legendary pacer Wasim Akram slammed the players' lack of match awareness.
"Pakistan cricket doesn't need enemies, they themselves are enough," Akram said on Star Sports.
"Do we need to tell them about situation awareness? These guys have been playing for the past 8-10 years."
On a tricky pitch, Mohammad Rizwan was playing the anchor role until Jasprit Bumrah returned for his second spell and the opener inexplicably decided to swing his bat only to be bowled throwing Pakistan under the bus.
"Should I tell Rizwan that the main bowlers has come for one over to take wicket, so handle him? You haven't scored a single boundary after 10 overs, they didn't even try. They couldn't chase 120 also?
"I feel ashamed. As a fan I want to back the Pakistan cricket team all the way but there is a limit to something," Akram said.
Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan feels Pakistan lacks self belief.
"Sometimes really poor pitches produce the best games .. this was one of them .. Pakistan just don't believe they can win .. Simple as that .. #INDvsPAK."
After back-to-back defeats against minnows USA and India, Pakistan's Super Eight chances now rests on winning big against Canada and Ireland, besides hoping that the Americans lose to India and Ireland.
Even in that scenario both the teams will end on four points each and it will come down to the net run rate.
I think I should have a template text "Disappointed & hurt" automatically set to be posted. pic.twitter.com/R9Z0PZTRLv
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 9, 2024
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India asks its nationals in Iran to leave by available means
New Delhi (PTI): India on Monday advised all its nationals residing in Iran to leave the country by all available means of transport, including commercial flights, in view of the evolving security situation.
The Indian embassy in Iran issued a fresh advisory to the Indian nationals amid fresh protests in Tehran and increasing fears of US military strikes on the Gulf nation. Students at several universities in Iran held anti-government demonstrations in a first such agitation since Tehran's brutal crackdown on the protesters last month.
According to official estimates in January, little over 10,000 Indians, including students, were living in Iran.
"In continuation of the advisory issued by the government of India on January 5 and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," the embassy said.
The mission also reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs (persons of Indian-origin) should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy.
"All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identity cards, readily available with them," the mission said in the advisory.
"They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard," it said.
